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A Blessing in Disguise
May 28th
A Blessing in Disguise
I’m tired of being the messenger of bad news, so this week I’m going to talk about something different… something positive!
Hey, it wasn’t me who burned the economy by allowing banks to leverage their assets by 30:1, I’m just the spectator trying to make my way through the aftermath. Politicians and economists are clowns in a circus- all I can do is watch and be entertained by them.
Right now, you’re hoping for the best. You’re hoping that everything will be okay soon and your lifestyle will return to normal. You’ll have income security, the value of your home and assets restored and life will get back to normal.
Great.
But what if life is trying to teach us something?
A wise man once told me that whenever you feel life pushing you around, don’t get upset; it’s trying to give you a lesson… to make you a better and happier person.
It’s one thing to learn from our mistakes, but there’s something even more special about seeing an inner message in those mistakes…
What I’m saying is: instead of stressing about your lifestyle being threatened, perhaps the greater lesson is that your lifestyle was flawed in the first place.
We as a people lost our way long ago. For many, hardship has become not being able to show off the latest Chanel purse, or not being able to trade up to a house with the same square footage as your buddy’s or not having the newest cell phone.
As a society, we got addicted to ’stuff’. Material possessions. The world grew to count on Americans as the chumps of last resort to sell crap to. China’s economy was built on the fact. All the time Americans use credit cards in shopping malls, the world continued to turn.
Life is teaching the brief inhabitants of the third rock from the sun a lesson. Maybe it’s to stop us blowing each other up. After all, if we’re prepared to fight an illegal war (i.e. a war that the U.N. did not sanction) to keep gas prices down so we can drive ludicrous gas-guzzlers, it’s fair to argue something needed to change. On a side note, I don’t care what car you drive, just don’t bitch about gas prices if you drive a Suburban! And no, I don’t drive a Prius.
Maybe you’ve lost your job. Maybe it’s threatened (and you usually won’t know it’s threatened until you’re actually fired).
What’s the worst that can happen? Will you starve?
Maybe in the last depression, but not this one. If you and your loved ones have shelter, food and water you’re in better shape than a lot of the world.
And did/do you actually enjoy that job anyway?!
Did you need a certain level of salary just so you could live in the good part of the town where your job was? Well guess what, now you don’t need to live in that town! In fact, you may not even want to live in a town at all. Now you can move somewhere you’ve always wanted to.
Life is giving us a chance to re-evaluate our lives. To take a step back.
Many are saying crime will now rise and I don’t doubt it will and the media will enjoy reporting this. What you won’t read is the GOOD that will come out of this; community spirit will strengthen…
A person’s true colors come out in a crisis. Some yes, will turn to the dark side, but you’ll also see the better side of human nature. Life is making us connect with each other once again; we’ve not only lost touch with what life’s all about, we’ve lost touch with each other.
A long period of prosperity as we had until recently can actually be very stressful. People feel pressured to get indebted just to keep up with everyone else.
I for one try to maintain a reasonably modest lifestyle, though towards the end of the boom I succumbed to certain pressures to keep up with the Jones’s. But the Jones’s lifestyle was a big façade…
As the saying goes, “When the tide goes out, you see who’s been swimming naked.”
Well, you’re about to see so many naked bodies you’ll think you’re in a nudist colony! As the savage process of de-leveraging goes on, the people who had the American Dream on revolving credit will be forced to give it all up.
The good news is we’re all on a level playing field again. No facades, the tide has gone out. No more BS.
In other words, peoples’ egos got ahead of them and now they’re being made to reel it back in. Again, life’s lesson. Interesting to note that Buddhists constantly teach a person to let go of the ego as it’s a path to destruction.
I know there’s all those toys, but take it from someone who’s been there and done it, toys don’t fill the soul. And they make you a lot poorer!
If you’ve been sucked too far in to the ‘game’, I don’t doubt your family missed you. Their Mom and/or Dad were gone for a while there, but now they’re back- physically and mentally… THAT IS, if you can let go and basically get off the merry go round and OPT OUT of the race with the Jones’s. Re-evaluate what you actually need and want from life.
As Jesse Jackson once said, “Your children need your presence, not your presents.”
Yes, this is an ugly recession that will get uglier. You may or may not lose your job or business. But this will pass, just like it always has and I’ll be guiding you every step of the way to not just survive, but also to prosper.
But just take a moment to wonder if this isn’t a blessing in disguise. Maybe life’s giving you a second chance or giving you time-out to regroup and reconnect. Maybe the thing you feel you’re clinging on to by the fingernails right now isn’t worth clinging to.
“Failing” is a subjective word. Until next time,
Mark Patricks
Mark Patricks is an author, publisher, and businessman. You can read his weekly writings in Freedom by Friday a newsletter published by the League of Power. To learn more about this newsletter or the exclusive secret society The League of Power please visit www.leagueofpower.com While there you can also claim a free gift.
Bmindful Premium Membership.
May 28th
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Sharing Your Christian Faith On A College Campus
May 28th
Sharing Your Christian Faith On A College Campus
It’s not always easy to be a Christian on a largely secular college campus. There are pressures from all around to agree to the politically correct secular world. From the posters other student hang up in their dorm rooms, to the clothes people wear and to the music they listen too, there are a lot osf messages out there.
Luckily, there are ways to express your faith and still be cool,
A great way to express your faith in your dorm or apartment is to hang some cool Christian art posters. Most of the dorms of friends have posters like John Belushi’s “College” poster, beer ads, posters of scantily clad women, to music posters. It’s great to be able to have a stylish Christian art poster up of my own to reflect your own faith and to have a positive influence in your life and hopefully the art will open the eyes of a non-Christian to the lord.
Music is another area where one’s faith can be tested. While some secular music is good and is made by talented musicians, much of the music on a college campus has a negative impact on the listener. Many students listen to gangster rap, death metal, or pop by such false idols as Christian Aguilera and others.
And this music is everywhere. You hear it blaring out of cars, dorm rooms, and increasingly on iPods and mp3 players on campus. There are some excellent Christian audiobooks that can be played on CD’s in you car or dorm. They can even be loaded to your iPod player. This is a great way to keep your focus on your Faith while being immersed in the secular world.
Fashion is another influence on the Christian student. On campus you see girls wearing immodest clothing and the guys wearing t-shirts with all kinds of messages on them. There are Christian t-shirts out there that are both fashionable and stylish. Many of the Christian t-shirts take their style from changing around other popular slogans and brands you see out there. Other shirts are great original pieces that help to reflect your Faith.
While it can be difficult for a Christian to go to college. There are plenty of good influences that you can put in your life to combat the social pressures to conform to secular living. Hopefully this article has given you some ideas to express your Faith or if you are a parent, gives you some ideas on some possible gift ideas for your kids.
Good Health and Vegetarianism
May 28th
Good Health and Vegetarianism
Many studies prove Illness is a consequence of wrong diet, and nervous and mental tensions caused by selfishness, pride and ever-spreading materialism; whereas vegetarianism is the solution to the world’s serious hunger problems. When Latin American countries – like Argentina – realise this, they will grow wheat, barley, millet and other cereals and soya in their vast territories not yet under cultivation.
In the United States , vegetarianism is usually synonymous with ovo-lacto vegetarianism; and will sometimes be assumed to tolerate some meat, for instance, chicken (or “at least” fish).
Vegetarianism is a major dietary therapy in the alternative treatment of cancer. Other conditions treated with a dietary therapy of vegetarianism include obesity, osteoporosis, arthritis, allergies, asthma, environmental illness, hypertension, gout, gallstones, hemorrhoids, kidney stones , ulcers, colitis, premenstrual syndrome , anxiety, and depression. Even stricter form of vegetarianism is fruitarianism. Fruitarianism excludes all food but the fallen botanic fruits of plants.
Vegetarianism is a good idea for anyone, whether young or old, healthy or sick. Reasons supporting vegetarianism are inarguable since becoming a vegetarian is scientifically proven to improve one’s lifestyle in several different ways. And there are interpretations of religious scriptures which support this, saying that vegetarianism is a very high ideal. Most of us have a pretty good idea of what vegetarianism is-no meat with or without also eschewing animal derivatives such as eggs or dairy products. Beyond this simple definition, vegetarianism is mostly a self-identified appellation that varies from person to person.
Current recommendations are that vegetarians eat a wide variety of foods during the course of a day. Eggs and dairy products are good sources of protein, but also try nuts, peanut butter, tofu, beans, seeds, soy milk, grains, cereals, and vegetables to get all the protein your body needs. Lacto-ovo-vegetarians will eat eggs and dairy products; lacto-vegetarians will eat dairy products but not eggs; and pesco-vegetarians will eat fish as well as dairy products. Vegans abstain from all foods of animal origin. In contrast, we believe that studies relating to the dietary patterns of vegetarian populations who enjoy optimal health are valuable and valid sources of information, and can be used in developing a model of healthful eating.
Although it is much disputed and not always popular, vegetarianism is a very positive and productive dietary plan. Eating vegetarian is considered by many to be very healthy.
Some studies, along with anecdotal evidence that has been gathered, indicate that a mostly raw food vegetarian diet is helpful in breaking the cycle of suffering of several maladies.
On the other hand, plant-based vegetarian diets can deliver excessive amounts of omega-6 fatty acids, another class of essential fatty acids found in vegetable oils made from corn, soybeans and grape seeds, whole-grain breads and cereals. Omega-3’s and omega-6’s are both “good” fats but a high omega-6/omega-3 ratio promotes inflammation and other imbalances that can lead to disease. People who follow vegetarian diets can get all the nutrients they need. However, they must be careful to eat a wide variety of foods to meet their nutritional needs.
Studies conclude that a vegetarian diet contains sufficient protein and is high in carbs and low in fat, making it ideal for athletic performance. One of the top considerations for any athlete that starts a vegetarian lifestyle is to be cognizant of vitamins and minerals, especially B12.
The most common types of vegetarian diets are vegan, lacto, ovo, and lacto-ovo. The vegan, the strictest type of vegetarian, does not eat any animal products. Obesity On average, people who follow vegetarian diets are leaner than meat eaters, and people who switch to a vegetarian diet commonly lose weight. Only 15 percent of vegetarian Seventh-day Adventists are overweight, as against 30 to 40 percent of meat-eating Adventists and 40 percent of the average American population. The influences of these aspects of vegetarian diets are the subject of the new field of nutritional ecology that is concerned with sustainable life styles and human development.
Vegetarian diets are also high in fiber. Fiber is the part of fruits, vegetables, and grains not broken down by your body. Vegetarian diets are lower in saturated fats, cholesterol, and animal protein. They’re also high in folate, anti-oxidant vitamins like C and E, carotenoids, and phytochemicals. Although vegetarian diets are higher in total iron content than nonvegetarian diets, iron stores are lower in vegetarians because the iron from plant foods is more poorly absorbed. The clinical importance of this, if any, is unclear because iron deficiency anemia rates are similar in vegetarians and nonvegetarians.
Semi-vegetarian diets are diets that primarily consist of vegetarian foods, but make exceptions for some non-vegetarian foods. These diets may be followed by those who choose to reduce the amount of animal flesh consumed, or sometimes as a way of transitioning to a vegetarian diet. Vegetarian diets are classified in various ways: The LACTO-OVO-VEGETARIAN avoids meat, poultry and fish. The lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, eggs and dairy products can be nutritionally adequate by following . Researchers have also suggested that the health benefits of vegetarian diets are due, at least in part, to other healthy lifestyle choices that often accompany vegatarianism, such as increased physical activity and not smoking.
If the lactovegetarian and the ovo-lactovegetarian diets are planned well, they will contain all the vitamins and minerals the body needs for good health. Vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in the vegan diet are vitamin B-12, vitamin D, riboflavin, calcium, zinc, and iron. On the other hand, vegetarian diets are much richer in vitamins C and E, both important antioxidants. They are also much richer in important minerals like magnesium and manganese, which are often lacking in Western diets. Persons consuming vegetarian and semivegetarian diets are found to have lower rates of chronic diseases such as cancers, heart disease, and diabetes.
This article continues here http://www.GoodHealthInfo.info
**Send a blank email and get a free, 4-Part weight loss course NOW: goodhealthinfo@sendfree.com
I am a proud, retired Air Force veteran and father of five. The days here in Kentucky are almost always nice, good for fishing.
I look forward to nice times with my family, and a little success with my internet business.
Our Branch Sabbath School held at Brgy. Ilayang Palina, Liliw, Laguna every Sabbath afternoon
Good Health and Vegetarianism
May 28th
Good Health and Vegetarianism
Many studies prove Illness is a consequence of wrong diet, and nervous and mental tensions caused by selfishness, pride and ever-spreading materialism; whereas vegetarianism is the solution to the world’s serious hunger problems. When Latin American countries – like Argentina – realise this, they will grow wheat, barley, millet and other cereals and soya in their vast territories not yet under cultivation.
In the United States , vegetarianism is usually synonymous with ovo-lacto vegetarianism; and will sometimes be assumed to tolerate some meat, for instance, chicken (or “at least” fish).
Vegetarianism is a major dietary therapy in the alternative treatment of cancer. Other conditions treated with a dietary therapy of vegetarianism include obesity, osteoporosis, arthritis, allergies, asthma, environmental illness, hypertension, gout, gallstones, hemorrhoids, kidney stones , ulcers, colitis, premenstrual syndrome , anxiety, and depression. Even stricter form of vegetarianism is fruitarianism. Fruitarianism excludes all food but the fallen botanic fruits of plants.
Vegetarianism is a good idea for anyone, whether young or old, healthy or sick. Reasons supporting vegetarianism are inarguable since becoming a vegetarian is scientifically proven to improve one’s lifestyle in several different ways. And there are interpretations of religious scriptures which support this, saying that vegetarianism is a very high ideal. Most of us have a pretty good idea of what vegetarianism is-no meat with or without also eschewing animal derivatives such as eggs or dairy products. Beyond this simple definition, vegetarianism is mostly a self-identified appellation that varies from person to person.
Current recommendations are that vegetarians eat a wide variety of foods during the course of a day. Eggs and dairy products are good sources of protein, but also try nuts, peanut butter, tofu, beans, seeds, soy milk, grains, cereals, and vegetables to get all the protein your body needs. Lacto-ovo-vegetarians will eat eggs and dairy products; lacto-vegetarians will eat dairy products but not eggs; and pesco-vegetarians will eat fish as well as dairy products. Vegans abstain from all foods of animal origin. In contrast, we believe that studies relating to the dietary patterns of vegetarian populations who enjoy optimal health are valuable and valid sources of information, and can be used in developing a model of healthful eating.
Although it is much disputed and not always popular, vegetarianism is a very positive and productive dietary plan. Eating vegetarian is considered by many to be very healthy.
Some studies, along with anecdotal evidence that has been gathered, indicate that a mostly raw food vegetarian diet is helpful in breaking the cycle of suffering of several maladies.
On the other hand, plant-based vegetarian diets can deliver excessive amounts of omega-6 fatty acids, another class of essential fatty acids found in vegetable oils made from corn, soybeans and grape seeds, whole-grain breads and cereals. Omega-3’s and omega-6’s are both “good” fats but a high omega-6/omega-3 ratio promotes inflammation and other imbalances that can lead to disease. People who follow vegetarian diets can get all the nutrients they need. However, they must be careful to eat a wide variety of foods to meet their nutritional needs.
Studies conclude that a vegetarian diet contains sufficient protein and is high in carbs and low in fat, making it ideal for athletic performance. One of the top considerations for any athlete that starts a vegetarian lifestyle is to be cognizant of vitamins and minerals, especially B12.
The most common types of vegetarian diets are vegan, lacto, ovo, and lacto-ovo. The vegan, the strictest type of vegetarian, does not eat any animal products. Obesity On average, people who follow vegetarian diets are leaner than meat eaters, and people who switch to a vegetarian diet commonly lose weight. Only 15 percent of vegetarian Seventh-day Adventists are overweight, as against 30 to 40 percent of meat-eating Adventists and 40 percent of the average American population. The influences of these aspects of vegetarian diets are the subject of the new field of nutritional ecology that is concerned with sustainable life styles and human development.
Vegetarian diets are also high in fiber. Fiber is the part of fruits, vegetables, and grains not broken down by your body. Vegetarian diets are lower in saturated fats, cholesterol, and animal protein. They’re also high in folate, anti-oxidant vitamins like C and E, carotenoids, and phytochemicals. Although vegetarian diets are higher in total iron content than nonvegetarian diets, iron stores are lower in vegetarians because the iron from plant foods is more poorly absorbed. The clinical importance of this, if any, is unclear because iron deficiency anemia rates are similar in vegetarians and nonvegetarians.
Semi-vegetarian diets are diets that primarily consist of vegetarian foods, but make exceptions for some non-vegetarian foods. These diets may be followed by those who choose to reduce the amount of animal flesh consumed, or sometimes as a way of transitioning to a vegetarian diet. Vegetarian diets are classified in various ways: The LACTO-OVO-VEGETARIAN avoids meat, poultry and fish. The lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, eggs and dairy products can be nutritionally adequate by following . Researchers have also suggested that the health benefits of vegetarian diets are due, at least in part, to other healthy lifestyle choices that often accompany vegatarianism, such as increased physical activity and not smoking.
If the lactovegetarian and the ovo-lactovegetarian diets are planned well, they will contain all the vitamins and minerals the body needs for good health. Vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in the vegan diet are vitamin B-12, vitamin D, riboflavin, calcium, zinc, and iron. On the other hand, vegetarian diets are much richer in vitamins C and E, both important antioxidants. They are also much richer in important minerals like magnesium and manganese, which are often lacking in Western diets. Persons consuming vegetarian and semivegetarian diets are found to have lower rates of chronic diseases such as cancers, heart disease, and diabetes.
This article continues here http://www.GoodHealthInfo.info
**Send a blank email and get a free, 4-Part weight loss course NOW: goodhealthinfo@sendfree.com
I am a proud, retired Air Force veteran and father of five. The days here in Kentucky are almost always nice, good for fishing.
I look forward to nice times with my family, and a little success with my internet business.
Guide to Booking Entertainment
May 28th
Guide to Booking Entertainment
“Initial fears that people have with planning the music and entertainment for their event are reasonable, as it is an integral part of the event and can even be part of the main focus. There are many factors to consider when planning your entertainment, not only whether the act you are booking for your event will suitably entertain your guests, or fit within your budget or them;, but you also need to consider whether they will be reliable and professional. In the worst case scenario we have heard of cases where artists have failed to turn up on time or cancelled without giving enough time to book another act in their place. Even if they do arrive, how do you know that they are going to be as good as their demo or showreel? And this is all on top of the rest of the event planning process of organizing catering, a venue or conference facility, florists, guest invitations, transportation, accommodation… need I go on? It can be a very daunting task.”
With this in mind, here are the key elements to think about to help get you started:
The Venue
When booking the venue it is important to check that they have the appropriate entertainment licence and the conditions of their licence including the type of entertainment they are allowed (some venues are not permitted to have amplified music), finishing/get out times, performance area size/space restrictions, if they have any noise restrictions (such as sound limiters), access times for the band/artist, power supply etc.
If you are considering a speciality act that uses fire or pyrotechnics, you also need to make sure that this is permitted in the venue.
These points are always good to know early on as this may dictate the kind of entertainment you can look for. For example, some venues have sound limiters that cut out sound automatically when it goes over a certain volume, so if you have booked a band, this can damage their equipment and most importantly can disrupt the whole evening.
However, all is not lost, even with a limitation on sound, there are still many acts that can be employed such as acoustic artists, but knowing this in advance will help you narrrow your search or review your venue.
Band Hunting
So you know have an idea of the kind of act your venue will accommodate, lets go and look for your entertainment.
Armed with the information acquired from the venue you can now approach the artists, but where do you look? Well, there are a few options available to you:
Option 1 – Search the internet. You can do a search for a certain type of artist/ band, listen to their website demos or watch their showreel and contact the artist directly. Although many artists have their own website, a great website does not necessarily mean a great artist. So not only can this method be quite simply mind numbing and time consuming, it is also a bit of a lottery if you are booking an artist you have never heard of.
Option 2 – Go on recommendation. This can narrow down your search quite fast, but do remember that colleagues may not have the same tastes and what one person may think is great might not be ideal for the guests attending your event.
Option 3 – Go to an agent. There are lots of agencies out there, (I should know, I am own one of them.) Obviously there is going to be a fee increase for this service, (normally between 15- 20 % ) but, if the agency is a reputable one they should be able to earn their commission by verifying the acts and their ability, negotiating their fee to meet your budget, contracting the artist (more on that later) and communicating to the artist exactly what you need.
A note on professionalism. Many people place an importance on the performance but it is important not to overlook the other elements involved with booking an act/band for example, the way they conduct themselves both on and off stage, their dress code and also making sure they turn up in plenty of time etc.
Things to ask the band/act
Whether you are going through an agent or directly to the artist, the questions are still the same.
Here is important information you need to know about the artist:
Availability:
You must first check that the artist is available on the date of your event and that they are happy to travel to the event location.
How long will the artist perform for:
Performance times will vary depending on the kind of act you are booking and the event you are holding.
There are so many different possibilities depending on your requirements, but to give you an example, a typical live performance by a function band would be something like the following:
2 x 1 hour live sets (I like to include CD music in between and up to 45 mins after the performance)
Or
3 x 45 mins live sets (again with the bands would be quite happy to provide CD music in the price)
Act/Band styles
Some artists are available as a ‘walkabout’ act as well as a stage act and some bands can perform as an acoustic duo or trio, as well as a full party band.
If you have a larger event then you may wish to have a reception performer when the guests arrive or are eating lunch/dinner. This could be a walkabout act, close-up magician or acoustic duo or trio band.
We have supplied many events with walkabout Mexican Mariachi bands, acoustic Hawaiian trio band, close-up magicians, human statues and Gypsy jazz musicians. It’s an upbeat and fun start to the evening before the main act, as well as a brilliant ice-breaker if your guests don’t know each other.
The latter part of the event can then incorporate a stage show or band for dancing, either using an artist from earlier or a different artist altogether.
Repertoire:
If you are booking a band, you should be able to get a sample set list from the band. I generally advise my clients to let the artist gauge the event as to what songs are played but within your initial enquiries it gives you a great idea of what they can do.
Fees:
Once the artist has all your requirements, they will then be able to quote you formally.
The fee you are quoted will be dependent on the location of the event, the performance you require, what day of the week your event is being held and the time of year your event is being held.
Barter!!
Don’t be afraid to barter, most artists/agents are happy to negotiate their fee, as every event is different.
The Booking
Let us assume you have narrowed down a selection of acts, what next?
If you have decided on the artist you wish to book, but you need to get the go ahead from your MD or person paying for the event, it would be recommended to ask the band to hold that date for you.
Most artists will be happy to pencil in a date for you if you require time to make a firm decision about booking. This ensures that they won’t take another booking while you’re in the decision making process.
Deposits and contracts
Any reputable band or artist will insist on a contract to be signed by all parties once you confirm your booking. This should include all of the information that both sides have agreed to.
More often than not, the contract will also include a requirement for you, as the client, to provide refreshments and lockable changing facilities/dressing room for the artist during their time spent at your event.
You may also be sent an artist rider with the contract which is a list of artist requirements that you will be expected to provide as a courtesy.
Things to confirm within the contract:
Artist Name (making sure that the performers are the same ones as the demo/showreel!)
Location for the artist to appear
Date of performance
Time for arrival and set up of the artist
Performance times
Fee and payment terms (i.e deposits and payment due dates)
Artist contact number
Cancellation terms
Any special requirements regarding the performance/venue/guests or artist rider
As soon as you have signed and returned the contract and paid your deposit, your booking is confirmed.
The artist should be able to contact you a week before the performance to confirm any changes that you might have and you can rest assured that you have done all you can to make your event a night to remember.
A word on the author
Daniel Morris owns and runs The Morris Agency Ltd, one the UK’s leading music and entertainment specialists. Previous clients include the BBC, Citi Group, NHS to name but a few. They are also the booking agents for Pizza Express, English Heritage and many more. You can contact them on 0871 890 1015 and info@themorrisagency.co.uk or visit their website at www.themorrisagency.co.uk
Find More Book Of Acts Articles
Get Booking From Talent Agencies
May 28th
Get Booking From Talent Agencies
If you want to get gigs from talent agencies and managers, there are a few steps to follow. Agents do not work with acts that book themselves on jobs the agent got for you. Here are a few techniques that will make you attractive to talent agents and managers.
Wholesale/Retail Pricing
Let’s say you want 0.00 for a performance. If you tell people who call you or ask you that your fee is 0.00, how can the agent make anything from booking you? Agents do NOT take 10% like in the movies. They want a price from you and they mark it up. If you ask for 0.00, they make book you for ,200.00 or even ,500.00. If they do, that means when you talk directly to people who may want to book you, you need to quote your “retail price”. That is the price an agent will charge for your act. If you don’t, there is no way an agent will make money and they won’t book you. When you talk to agents speak in terms of your retail price and your agency price. As soon as you do, you will move way up the pile past your competitors who don’t get this important concept.
Be Happy With Your Share
If you tell an agent you want ,000.00 for a gig and you find out they sold it for ,000.00, be happy. You got what you wanted and you weren’t ripped off. The more they make on you, the more they will book you. If you get your price, be satisfied and happy.
Do Not Put Contact Info On Promo Materials
When you create promo materials, do not print your contact information on it. This is a sign to agents that you book directly. Agents do not like working with acts that book jobs and compete with the agency. Have a spot for contact information on brochures, DVDs etc but leave it blank so the agent can fill in their contact info.
Get Work For Them
The best way to get repeat business from an agent or manager is to get them work! If you are on a job they got you and someone comes up to ask if they can book you, avoid the temptation to book the job directly. When you are on a job, all contacts belong to the person who got you the gig. Do not give out cards, take the name and number of the person who is interested. Then, call your agent and give them the lead. You will shoot to the top of people booked by any honest agent if you do this.
Be Easy To Contact
When work comes in, agents have to know immediately if you are available. Be sure you give mobile numbers that work and get right back to them to confirm availability. They won’t accept any excuse. Be sure you have permanent numbers that won’t be changed and check you messages often.
Try Custom Packages
If you are sending a demo DVD of your band or your act, try going to the agency web site, lifting their name and logo and putting it on the DVD. Open with a graphic with their name and contact info at the beginning and at the end of your DVD. The Graphic might say “Acme Entertainment is Proud To Present” It may be too ballzy for them but some agents will be impressed and will send out your DVD immediately to clients or put the video on their site.
If you want to book directly only, you can ignore these techniques. If you want to work with agents try these techniques and you will see a big difference in how agents treat you.
This article discusses how to get talent agents and talent managers to book you. If you want gigs for your band or if you want work as a comic or entertainer, here are some simple techniques that will get work for you. More free tips on our blog http://www.make-money-in-showbiz.com
Basketball Coaching Book Review: “destination Basketball”
May 28th
Basketball Coaching Book Review: “destination Basketball”
Basketball Coaching Book Review: “Destination Basketball” by Andrew Hemminger and Dave Bensch
I had some time over Christmas break to do a little bit of reading when I wasn’t watching “Dora” or the “Backyardigans” with my little girl. I have to admit that I have been swamped with book reviews and dvd reviews so I finally caught up on the break.
I was sent a book named “Destination Basketball” and it isn’t a basketball coaching book, but just a book for college basketball fans. It was a really interesting read and I couldn’t put it down. It is about two college student who on a shoe-string budget decided to meet 29 of the best basketball coaches in the country. It took 23 road trips, 421 days, 1,134 phone calls, 2,314 emails, 27, 125 miles driven to compile this book.
Here is why I wasn’t a basketball coach and just a college basketball fan that I would want to read this book. The concept was to not ask about a single play, player, game or season, but their methods, their influences, their experiences, and their time within basketball. I love reading books on coaches whether it is basketball or football. I couldn’t put this book down, because it was really funny to see how Andew Hemminger and Dave Bensch went on this path to talk with the best 29 basketball coaches in america. They spoke to all 29 basketball coaches in person and there were no interviews given on the phone, letters, emails, or faxes. In these times, where college basketball coaches have non-stop schedules that is amazing.
They took pictures of themselves with each coach except for Jamie Dixon. They forgot the camera and the SID department sent them a picture. Each interview gives background on the basketball coach and then they go through a series of questions. They didn’t use the same questions on each coach. I thought that it was a tremendous idea and wish that I could have went on the trips. The book reads like you are on the trip.
One of the interviews was John Chaney, formerly of Temple University and he said this of the interview. “It is more of a human kind of interview where the question touches you a little bit more, and it gives you a relaxing feeling when you are able to talk about some of your experiences”.
I can’t say enough on how I thought that Andrew and Dave did a tremendous job on their book and I really appeciate them sending me a copy to read. I would give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. It is a tremendous book for college basketball fans who want some insight on 29 of the best basketball coaches in the country.
Coach Peterman
PS: Here are some excerpts and at the bottom of the article is where you can find the book.
from the JOHN WOODEN STORY…
We spotted a nearby elevator and figured it was where he would
appear. With time to assess the situation before the doors opened
and despite being so close, we still could not believe that Coach
Wooden was on his way down to greet us. With a ding, the metal
doors swung open and there he stood with the assistance of a
wooden cane, dressed in a button down shirt, slacks and a
UCLA-blue vest. We shook his hand and introduced ourselves as
the doors closed behind us.
_______________________________________________________
from the DEAN SMITH STORY…
Trying to thwart off any mishaps in transit, we left the hotel
more than 90 minutes ahead of our scheduled time and
headed toward the Dean E. Smith Center to meet Dean E. Smith,
which was less than six miles from our hotel.
_______________________________________________________
from the THAD MATTA INTERVIEW…
Who have been the biggest influences on you, in and
out of hoops?
Matta: Obviously my mom and dad. My dad was a coach
and an athletic director, and all I ever wanted in life was to be
him. I wanted to coach in a little town in Illinois because we had
such a great life.
_______________________________________________________
from the BILLY DONOVAN STORY…
Honestly, it took us 373 days to land an interview with him, which
when you think about it is a great sign for the state of college
basketball. It would not be good if he were relatively non-busy
and his time was easily accessible.
_______________________________________________________
from the BILL SELF INTERVIEW…
This job is described as your dream job, as it would be for a
lot of people. Can you sum up the job as the head coach at KU?
Self: Definitely it is everything I thought it would be, maybe
even better than I thought it would be, and I thought it would be
great. If I could sum up anything, the right word would be
caretaker, because it is such an honor and great responsibility to
be a caretaker of a program with such great names such as Naismith,
Dean Smith and Chamberlain. It is an awesome responsibility to sit
in that chair.
_______________________________________________________
from the MIKE KRZYZEWSKI STORY…
When the transition time came, we followed Jon and Coach K out
into the lobby area and waited as Coach K spoke momentarily with
several other people. As he turned around, Jon introduced us, which
was followed by the extension of a right hand and
“Hi guys. Mike Krzyzewski.”
_______________________________________________________
from the RICK BARNES STORY…
With a 100 guesses I bet you couldn’t come up with where we were
able to secure some time with Coach Barnes. I’m pretty confident
that if you have bothered to take 100 cracks at it you would not
have put the Cracker Barrel restaurant off I-40’s Exit 125 in Hickory,
North Carolina, on your list.
_______________________________________________________
from the JIM CALHOUN INTERVIEW…
What do you hope your players take away from their
experience with you?
Calhoun: I hope that they understand that to be good at
anything you have to accept working hard. That we set a precedent
and standard basketball-wise, academically, socially, etc. You are
going to have to work and no one is just going to hand anything
over to you.
_______________________________________________________
from the ROY WILLIAMS STORY…
Sometimes in meeting coaches, we were thrown right into the fire
and didn’t have that nervous period of anticipation time. In this
case, things worked out beautifully. We waited for about 10 minutes
in the office alone before a nearby door opened and Coach Williams
emerged.
_______________________________________________________
from the GENE KEADY STORY…
Informing us that we were the first strangers that he had ever
invited into his home, he also let us know that his wife was in the
back bedroom with a .38 revolver under her pillow just in case.
We think he was kidding, but we weren’t completely certain at that
moment. Remembering his intimidating demeanor on the sidelines,
Coach Keady was the exact opposite, nothing short of extremely
kind for the entire two-hour conversation.
_______________________________________________________
from the TOM IZZO INTERVIEW…
Izzo: I am not sure that I want to be patient because
I have a small window with my players. I have at most four years
with them, and a lot of times it determines the girl they marry and
the life they will live, by what you do in college and the image you
portray, and that is all in that little window. I always hear about
having patience, but patience is something I don’t know if I want
to have, I would rather have understanding. Everybody is going to
move at a different speed. But the venue I am in, with how long
you get to graduate, how long you get to become an NBA player,
how long you get to win a national championship, how long you
get to set your footprint in the sand here, that doesn’t have any
patience, so how can I?
Kelley Blue Book Selects Ford Flex as One of the Top Best Vehicles Built for Road Trips
May 28th
Kelley Blue Book Selects Ford Flex as One of the Top Best Vehicles Built for Road Trips
The selection for this year’s Kelley Blue Book’s (kbb.com) “Top Ten Best New Road Trip Vehicles†has been announced yesterday. Automotive specialists and a panel of editors from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com named the 2009 Ford Flex one of its “Top Ten Best New Road Trip Vehicles.â€
“The functionality, cargo capacity and interior space of the Ford Flex coupled with its high feature set make it a pretty ideal cross-country commuting vehicle. It’s the kind of vehicle that you could put lots and lots of miles on in a day and then not feel fatigued in at the end,†says Micah Muzio, road test editor, Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.
According to Muzio, the kbb.com editors assessed all substantial and insubstantial characteristics that would improve any long drive experience such as driving satisfaction, passenger convenience, cargo room and fuel economy. These were the grounds in selecting this year’s group of “Best New Road Trip Vehicles.â€
“We tried to cover the range from the highly aspirational ‘money is no object’ vehicles to the more realistic options, which may involve a family or a couple heading out for a vacation,†he said.
Whether it’s a group of people or a person traveling alone, Flex Marketing Manager Catherine Pearce says Ford’s newest crossover will provide an enjoyable trip.
“Flex offers unparalleled space, an expansive view and amenities not available anywhere else, and we’re delighted that the editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com chose to recognize Flex in their exclusive list,†she said.
The all-new 2009 Flex with its dazzling auto parts which is set to hit Ford dealerships this summer, has already earned a bunch of awareness for its distinctive box-like design with signature side grooves, all-black greenhouse and distinctive multi-panel Vista Roofâ„¢. Flex offers astonishing cargo space and comfort for up to seven passengers inside. It also provides wide, capacious seats and high-quality head room and leg room in all three rows along with several striking auto parts. According to Flex Chief Designer Richard Gresens, the Flex generates an environment on parity with the best modes of transportation.
Furthermore, one of the best features that impressed the kbb.com editors was Flex’s Vista Roof™ according to Muzio.
“Everything about the new Ford Flex renews my faith in transportation,†he said. “Flex reclaims our right as passengers to move in style and comfort.â€
“The sunroof makes the vehicle seem even roomier,†he said. “Also, each of the roof panels as its own sun visor, so that if a person on the right side wants sun and a person on the left side doesn’t, that’s something that the passengers can control themselves.â€
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Holsbybrunn 2010 Plastic Family group presents the book of Micah
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Some Arab-Muslim Intolerance in America and Europe
May 28th
Some Arab-Muslim Intolerance in America and Europe
Hasan A. Yahya, Professor of Philosophy
Some Arab-Muslim Intolerance in America and Europe
Hasan A. Yahya, Professor of Philosophy
I heard this from an Arab Muslim friend. He says: I am an Arab, so what? Loving is a glue of life among Arabs. Love for family, for wife or wives, for children, for wealth, and of course for loving sex and women. I am a human like any body else on this planet earth. I carry the same amount of love to my country like any body else, I have the same feeling and emotions running in my blood and nerves like any body else. I have a great history no one can deny. I have a great religion enlightened the whole world with morality and self esteem. Space, time, and circumstances do not differ from American or any other society. But, unfortunately in recent years, Arabs and Muslims are squeezed by faraway land of ours we originally came from for various reasons. As a Muslim, my wife have to check every damn serial for doubting any ingredient of pork or lard, or animal oil. She goes to Meyers supermarket to bring two or three things, and she will never come back on expected time, and finally when she arrives, and before asking her, why the delay that long? She began to say, you know I have to be sure about what we eat. Almost all food contains some pork or lard products. I have to look for Kosher products, because Jews in terms of food, are like us. Do not like pork. They are selective in their choice of meat. Then why you took so long? I said: because the Kosher section is empty. I have to look to other products, and read the ingredient list on each product. She said. I said that Omar bin al-Khattab (RD) once said to a person after he ate Pork meat one time, “I wish you did not tell us about it, you spoiled our meal. If you say Bismilla (Just mention the name of God) on it, it will be legal.” But Omar is not existing nowadays, and our belief become more and more rigid. I thanked God, because my wife was spending fun time reading instead of making illegal things in my behind. Such a habit almost all Muslims keep track of. Unfortunately, in my early life in the United States, I have seen and heard some students who came to oursue their studies like me, when we were invited in American parties, The American friend said: You Muslims don’t eat pork, so I made you a pork free section. We appreciate his concern, but one Arab-Muslim student who come from a rigid and fundamental society said: I don’t care what type of meat I eat. And he ate pork. Well! I think he’s free to do whatever he likes, it is his choice. And as a civilized person with Islamic morality, I have to respect his wish. Unfortunately, some Arabs and Muslims disagree with me, But religion is a choice made by anyone. And he or she is responsible for their choice. This action from those who cross the lines of legality have the same God, and God according to Islamic teachings will punish them, it His job, not the human job to punish other people on their decision, good or bad. Muslims have to understand that illegal actions or sayings or drawings should not enrage fundamentals to act in the name of God and slay the person, because repentance door is always open in Islam, like the idea of born again in Christianity. It is the work of God to reward or punish humans for their sins. After all, whose the perfect? Whose without sin? As Jesus said. I think in my humble opinion, that some theologians act as if they are Gods in their Fatawa. They determine in their Fatawa sending people to Heaven or Hell, while they know that no one decide human fate in this life and the Other life as well except God.
Decaying dogmas should have passed away, as Bertrand Russell, the British American philosopher puts it: “I do not believe that a decay of dogmatic belief can do anything but good”. Unfortunately dogmatic unlearned (illiterate mostly), reflect their belief in these theologian culturally rather than religiously. Which in my belief gives the idea of defending religion according to their mentality and ability to accept other people in the same time and place. I admit at once that new shapes of dogma, such as those of various faiths (especially, the Muslim faith in recent years is similar to superiority ideologies of Nazis and Communists, (Zionism may be included) are even worse than the old shapes of dogma, but they could never have acquired a hold over men’s minds if orthodox dogmatic habits had not been instilled in youth. Bin Laden’s language is full of reminiscences of the theological seminary in which he received his training. We need no dogmas, but an attitude of scientific inquiry, a more acquiring knowledge combined with a belief that the reaction of dogmatic persons is not desirable, whether inflicted by bin Laden or by any other theologian imagined in the likeness of the believer.
In conclusion, for my wife, I say if she likes what she’s doing concerning pork, it’s good. But the belief that the Name of Allah, before eating, makes everything legal for Muslims, and we should follow what Omar suggested in the early years. I also recommend Muslims to be tolerant with others, and understand that God Himself, when He created Adam and Eve on this earth, He wrote all the names of those destined to go to Heaven, equally with other list of those who are destined to go Hell. And it’s out of the question, that all people will get into Heaven, for simple reason, it’s the Well of God, no Muslim denies this fact. So dogmatism to defend Islam, is against the Well of God, otherwise, God interfered to destroy Muhammad’s enemies who were worshiping idols made from dates and stones. And finally, Islam finds its way, like Judaism and Christianity, but cultures sometime and ways of life are rigid especially among isolated people from the world. But what excuse can be given to a person to kill an Holland film director, or book writer, or ex-Muslim if they are different in their opinions? Abu Lahab and his wife’s story is well known in Islamic history, Nothing in Qur’an gives orders to kill Abu Lahab or his wife, despite their actions against the Prophet (PBUH). In Salman Rushdie’s case, and other imagined hurting Islam persons are far less than Abu Lahab and his wife. Muhammad (PBUH) was tolerant in old days, why some Muslims are not tolerant in modern days? And why they react offensively against others without due process of law? Doesn’t Islam say in Qur’an: “No compulsion in Islam”? Which means understanding others no matter their belief was. These questions need more study to be understood and answered, in an era of conflicting ideas, politically, socially and culturally.( 1110 words) www.hasanyahya.com
Hasan A. Yahya is an American writer, scholar, and professor of sociology. Has a 2 Ph.d degrees from MSU. He published 22 Arabic and 8 English books, and 200 plus articles on sociology, religion, psychology, politics, poetry, and short stories. Philosophically, his writings concern logic, justice and human rights worldwide. Dr. Yahya also, is an expert on Conflict Management in the Arab and Islamic cultures, and was invited to several TV shows and international conferences on religion and future strategic planning.
www.dryahyatv.com
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