Thursday, March 29, 2012

Film making and Film Editing

Filmmaking

Filmmaking (often referred to in an academic context as film production) is the process of making a film, from an initial story, idea, or commission, through scriptwriting, casting, shooting, editing, and screening the finished product before an audience that may result in a theatrical release or television program. Filmmaking takes place all over the planet in a huge range of economic, social, and political contexts, and using a variety of technologies and cinematic techniques. Typically, it involves a large number of people, and takes from a few months to several years to complete, although it may take longer if there are production issues, and the record for the longest production time for a major film is The Thief and the Cobbler's 28 years development.

Development

In this stage, the project's producer finds a story, which may come from a book, play, another film, a true story, original idea, etc. After identifying a theme or underlying message, the producer works with writers to prepare a synopsis. Next they produce a step outline, which breaks the story down into one-paragraph scenes that concentrate on dramatic structure. Then, they prepare a treatment, a 25 to 30 page description of the story, its mood, and characters. This usually has little dialogue and stage direction, but often contains drawings that help visualize key points. Another way is to produce a scriptment once a synopsis is produced.

Next, a screenwriter writes a screenplay over a period of several months. The screenwriter may rewrite it several times to improve dramatization, clarity, structure, characters, dialogue, and overall style. However, producers often skip the previous steps and develop submitted screenplays which investors, studios, and other interested parties assess through a process called script coverage. A film distributor may be contacted at an early stage to assess the likely market and potential financial success of the film. Hollywood distributors adopt a hard-headed business approach and consider factors such as the film genre, the target audience, the historical success of similar films, the actors who might appear in the film, and potential directors. All these factors imply a certain appeal of the film to a possible audience and hence the number of "A.I.S." (or "Asses in Seats") during the theatrical release. Not all films make a profit from the theatrical release alone, so film companies take DVD sales and worldwide distribution rights into account.

The producer and screenwriter prepare a film pitch, or treatment, and present it to potential financiers. If the pitch is successful, the film receives a "green light", meaning someone offers financial backing: typically a major film studio, film council, or independent investor. The parties involved negotiate a deal and sign contracts. Once all parties have met and the deal has been set, the film may proceed into the pre-production period. By this stage, the film should have a clearly defined marketing strategy and target audience.

Video :




Casino Gambling

In modern English, a casino is a facility which houses and accommodates certain types of gambling activities. Casinos are most commonly built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping, cruise ships or other tourist attractions. There is much debate over whether or not the social and economic consequences of casino gambling outweigh the initial revenue that may be generated. In the United States, many states are grappling with high unemployment and budget deficits and are now turning to legalizing casinos, often in places that are not tourist destinations. Some casinos are also known for hosting live entertainment events, such as stand-up comedy, concerts, and sporting events. Use of the word in the past, and modern use in some countries, does not necessarily involve gambling.



Video :



See Article Categories

Champions League Outright Winner Market Analysis and Tips

I have been taking a look at the outright market for the Champions League since the draw for the quarter and semi finals was made last week more>>>>

How to Win the Lottery to Secure Your Retirement and Save on Taxes

Everyone dreams of becoming very rich at one go. But this is not possible without winning a lottery. Winning a lottery can change one's life drastically. Lottery can change a condition of a person from streets to owner of a palace. Everyone dreams to win a lottery and everyone thinks how to win a lottery? more>>>>

3 Reasons To Play Scratch Off Tickets

If you visit any major grocery store, convenience store, or even corner shop, you will notice that there are a lot of chances to win money available. Anyone over the age of 18 can purchase a lottery ticket and get their hands on some serious money. Of course, it seems like a gamble, but truth be told, it can be beaten. more>>>>

Win At Video Poker - 3 Tips To Remember

When it comes to playing poker, you either know what you're doing, or you try to pretend like you know what you're doing. When it comes to playing head to head with others, or even online, you often times get to learn as you go, but that doesn't ring true when it comes to trying to win at video poker. Unfortunately, most video poker machines that you find at major casinos aren't rigged the same way as your friendly neighborhood game or even tournament. more>>>>

Introduction to Blackjack

Casino games are extremely popular all around the world and one of the most popular games is Blackjack. Blackjack is a card game where players are competing with the score of the dealer-all players that beat the dealer win money. In order to win, the goal of playing blackjack is to obtain cards that add up to a score of 21; however, if you go over, it is called "busting" which automatically eliminates you from the game. more>>>>

Scratch Off Games For Fun and Profit

There are ridiculous amounts of games pushed out by the lottery systems around the country and even the world. Games of chance are one of the easiest and best forms of making some extra money. The average person going into a retailer to purchase scratch off games, doesn't know the secrets to the games that are being developed. more>>>>

How To Bet On Baseball - 3 Steps To Making Money

With baseball seasons coming up again, it's interesting to see how many people are trying to get in on the sports betting action that is available to the general public. The average fan might not know how to bet on baseball, but with a little bit of pre-planning, anyone can start making money with the game. Before we get into some easy steps to get started, it's important to understand that all gambling has risks. more>>>>

How To Bet On Baseball - 3 Steps To Making Money

With baseball seasons coming up again, it's interesting to see how many people are trying to get in on the sports betting action that is available to the general public. The average fan might not know how to bet on baseball, but with a little bit of pre-planning, anyone can start making money with the game. Before we get into some easy steps to get started, it's important to understand that all gambling has risks. Some are greater risks than others, which is why it's important to take a few moments to understand when to walk away. Once you've established that you are in control, and are an existing baseball fan, look at the following 3 steps to get you started.

Step 1 - Be A Fan

If you're not a sports fan, and more specifically a fan of the major leagues, you will not go far with betting. You can't learn to bet if you're not regularly watching games, or at least have a favorite team. If you're a novice, or a casual fan, this is the time to start changing into a diehard. If you have a hard time understanding how to do this, simply watch more games, subscribe to newsletters and start writing on forums and meet others. The more you engage others in conversation, the more you'll learn about the odds and ends of sports gambling. The game will also spark further interest for you when you're watching, because you'll have money on the line.

Step 2 - Read Betting Odds

The second step to take is to start reading betting odds. Make sure you're reading expert commentary from sports handicappers, as well as any experts that are involved with the major leagues. The more time you invest to learn about the game, the more evident certain storylines will play out. Read odds that are placed by sports books, and make sure that your research lines up with what others are thinking, and if they are polar opposites, consider rethinking your strategy. There's no guarantee that you'll make money using other people's opinion, but they will at least help you move towards a good betting strategy.

Step 3 - Place Your Bets

The last step is to find a location w here you can place legal bets. There are a lot of places that you can do this, including brick and mortar casinos. Outside of physical locations, there are some online websites that allow you to place certain bets. You will have to find the place that works for you best, playing on games that you've studied for, and watch the money start rolling in.

The above 3 steps are just basic ways to get into sports betting. Learning how to bet on baseball is best done when you are a fan; start reading about gambling, and then simply getting into the action. The more you bet, the more you'll learn, so get out there and give it a shot.

Scratch Off Games For Fun and Profit

There are ridiculous amounts of games pushed out by the lottery systems around the country and even the world. Games of chance are one of the easiest and best forms of making some extra money. The average person going into a retailer to purchase scratch off games, doesn't know the secrets to the games that are being developed. The development of the games aside, people can learn the tricks of the trade by following very specific strategies. Not everyone is going to see big money with scratching tickets, and that's because the average person doesn't take the time necessary to familiarize themselves with winning on a grand scale. In order to fully comprehend the patters, math, and more that is involved with winning the lottery on a regular basis, commitments have to be made that are more than just "fun", they are business.

If you haven't ventured forward and made money with any sort of lottery system, then you're not alone. Millions don't make any money at all, yet continue to try, and fail. If you have found yourself on the losing end of things more often then not, do not fret, simply take the advice that most people haven't realized yet and put it into use.

The first thing that you need to do is take some time off from the game. This might sound counterproductive, but you need to cool down, and you need to walk away for a short time. Taking a break from scratchers will let you come back with full force, but first it requires some patience and time away from purchasing scratchers.

The second thing that you'll need to do, and something that most people don't realize, is look at all the games available, before making a decision. This is something that the average person doesn't do, and something that is going to allow you to make an educated decision in terms of how to play the game, and what to buy to get the best results possible. If you can't find a retailer that will let you look at your options, then look for a vending machine that dispenses lottery scratchers. These are located in many large chain pharmacies, so look out for them. This will allow you to look at any given style game and make an educated decision moving forward.

Making serious money with the lotto is not hard, it's just a matter of learning the nuances that are placed on each card, and moving forward with your experience on the winning and losing side. Just like practice makes perfect, scratching and winning will become second nature.

Introduction to Blackjack

Casino games are extremely popular all around the world and one of the most popular games is Blackjack. Blackjack is a card game where players are competing with the score of the dealer-all players that beat the dealer win money. In order to win, the goal of playing blackjack is to obtain cards that add up to a score of 21; however, if you go over, it is called "busting" which automatically eliminates you from the game. Many people enjoy blackjack because it is a simple game to learn, and a lot of people have had success by playing it. With that being said, let's take a look at some of the rules and terminology of Blackjack.

Like I stated earlier, the goal of Blackjack is to have a higher card value than the dealer, and to get as close to 21 without going over. If both the player and the dealer score a 21, it is called a push where the player doesn't lose or gain any money. A Blackjack game starts by a player joining a table and putting a bet in for the next hand. When the dealer deals the cards out, each player is initially given two cards that are facing up; the dealer also get's two cards, one of which is facing down. When you get your cards, you need to choose from four actions to proceed in the game. A player's choices are to stand, hit, split, or double down. Let's take a look at what each action means.

Stand/Stay - When a player determines that they do not want to take on the risk of an additional card value and choose to remain with their current cards.

Hit - If a player is unsatisfied with the current value of cards they possess, they can choose to hit, which results in another card being handed to you by the dealer. At this point, you must add this value to your current card value and hope to get closer to 21, without going over.

Split - If you are initially dealt cards that are equal in value, you may choose to split them and play them as two separate hands.

Double Down - When you are initially dealt cards, you can choose to double down which means you will double your bet and take one last card to your hand. If you have a nine or eleven you might choose to double down, hoping that you receive a high card to put you at or near 21.

Ultimately, as a player, you must choose when to hit and when to stand according to your current value of cards. Some players take an approach to "never hitting on a busting hand," which means if they have a hand that totals between 12 and 21 they will stand because if they are dealt a high card they will bust and lose their bet. However, this is an amateur strategy for playing Blackjack and is not very successful. If you wish to be a more successful Blackjack player, you must at least learn basic blackjack strategy.

Win At Video Poker - 3 Tips To Remember

When it comes to playing poker, you either know what you're doing, or you try to pretend like you know what you're doing. When it comes to playing head to head with others, or even online, you often times get to learn as you go, but that doesn't ring true when it comes to trying to win at video poker. Unfortunately, most video poker machines that you find at major casinos aren't rigged the same way as your friendly neighborhood game or even tournament. If you want to win, you'll have to take what you've learned from playing in real games, and filter it through a few components. Consider the following 3 tips when trying to make your mark with modern technology and your growing poker skills.

Know Your Hands - The one thing that you're going to have to absolutely remember is the winning hand. Not every hand will get you a winning bet when it comes to video style gaming. Unfortunately, you're going to end up losing big if you don't recall what combination of cards gets you money. To make it easy, throw away the notion of a high card. You will not win anything with a high card. You will only win when you have pairs, triples, four of a kind, flushes, straights, and that's it. The average machine will not have you playing against the computer, but rather they are going to be trying to create an elaborate guessing game of sorts. Keep that in mind as you move forward.

Don't Chase Flushes - The second tip is going to find many people happy when confronted with what might look like an opportunity to get a flush. One of the repeat offenses that video poker throws at the average gambler is the opportunity to get a flush. You'll have to pay attention to how much you've bet, how many hands you've played and whether or not you've seen multiple cards of similar coat. Chasing a flush can seem fun, and once you have 3 out of the 5, you might want to draw 2 more cards, but more often than not, the computer will nail you and make you lose. Don't chase flushes unless you have a good idea of all the cards that have been played. Counting helps here, but is discouraged on a grand scale.

Something's Wild - If you are playing at a machine that allows deuces wild or jokers wild, take full advantage of these sets. If you have a hand that has five cards and one of them consists of a wild card, draw 3 cards and play with the odds a little to gain three of a kind. At the very least, you will have a pair, and you'll win a safe bet.

The above are just 3 quick tips that will help you move forward with figuring out the tricky machines that many people think are simple. Video poker is not the same as playing head to head with someone else, it's more of a "luck of the draw" type of component, but that doesn't mean you won't win. It just takes time to figure the machines out.

3 Reasons To Play Scratch Off Tickets

If you visit any major grocery store, convenience store, or even corner shop, you will notice that there are a lot of chances to win money available. Anyone over the age of 18 can purchase a lottery ticket and get their hands on some serious money. Of course, it seems like a gamble, but truth be told, it can be beaten. The idea of winning through the lottery is a dream that many people struggle with for a lifetime, but it doesn't have to be a losing process, it can truly be a rewarding and financially viable option for those that are willing to invest a little money in what some see as a game, and others see as an opportunity. With that in mind, consider the 3 reasons why you should be working with scratch off tickets today.

Ease of Use - The first thing that you'll realize about scratchers is that it's easy to play. You can play any other lotto system, and you will be scrambling to figure out the rules, and when you can check whether you've won or not. Face it, the lottery systems in most states are complicated, but that's not the case with scratcher options. Most options are not only easy to use, it can garner you serious money.

Cost Effective - Among all the games of chance and skill that you can invest in, lottery scratchers are easy on the wallet. The lowest priced options start at $1 and the higher cost options can run you $20 a game. However, there are many games that have 2 in 1 option and in some states upwards of 6 different games and chances to win per purchase.

Serious Money - Many people think that you can only win millions by playing the pick 3, or pick 5 lottery options, but that's not always true. Many games that you can find in a local convenience store can generate upwards of six figures and in some instances millions of dollars! Now that's a pretty penny for an investment as low as $1.

The above 3 reasons why you want to play scratch off tickets are going to lead you down the right path of making money. One last thing to remember, take the game seriously, and pay close attention to any patterns that you see. You will inevitably see patterns align; it's just a matter of time. Do not play games without keeping track of wins and losses.

Ready to learn the secret strategy to win scratch off tickets? Get your FREE eCourse packed with free tips, secrets, and methods on how to win the scratch off lottery at http://www.ScratchOffTicketWinner.com

How to Win the Lottery to Secure Your Retirement and Save on Taxes

Everyone dreams of becoming very rich at one go. But this is not possible without winning a lottery. Winning a lottery can change one's life drastically. Lottery can change a condition of a person from streets to owner of a palace. Everyone dreams to win a lottery and everyone thinks how to win a lottery?

There are only a few tips on how to acquire cash. This is real whether you are keeping for retirement existing, holiday or you can acquire greater knowledge. Some of the typical tips on how to win a lottery are discussed here.

In ancient times it was said that effort is the way most of us get cash. If you never generate it, then it is challenging to preserve it, so this collaboration is the most crucial factor you can do to put yourself in management of your retirement existing. But all income is not high quality and getting a good job can be like successful in the lotto. If you are going to perform for an existing, will not a job with the possibility of development up a pay range, sometimes even without schooling, be a good way to look? You can have a great retirement life after acquiring a good fortune.

While not as typical, or maybe as simple, as operating a government job to get cash, planning a wedding to someone who already has resources is another choice. Also known as successful the matrimonial lotto, this is more like a conventional lotto - a little less in your management and you still have to perform to win.

The comparative of successful the inherited lotto is to basically be blessed to the rich and delay for them to expire. There are a lot of elements that can go incorrect with this strategy. People often want to involve their "expected" monetary gift in their retirement existing strategy before the will has actually been study - or the individual has even approved away, for that issue. Until the resources are actually in your consideration, you may want to depart them off your stability piece and out of your retirement existing income strategy.

Another option is to win the money. It does not have to be the lotto. Depending on successful cash to buy your retirement existing strategy is just that - an activity title of opportunity. At first, it needs you to actually buy an admission, and then it needs a lot of fortune. More fortune than most individuals can collect.

So out of these four methods, which one do you think is more appropriate way to know how to win a lottery? You cannot management the household you are blessed into and you never have much management over who basically leaves you cash. You can manage who you get wed to and how many lotto passes you buy, but the chances are established by others. Which basically leaves us with successful the profession lotto.

Control your retirement money. It is too overdue to management when you begin your government assistance, but you identify when you are going to stop operating. The more time you perform, the greater your retirement existing. While incomes are basically freezing right now, unless you are in range for a phase increase, your premium still improves each season according to decades of assistance.

Utilize for special offers near the end of your profession. Keep in mind the first way to acquire cash. Improving your advantage, when you are near the end of your profession, can have an extraordinary good effect on your retirement existing income.

How you improve these advantages can help you pay less for protection and get more useful advantages for you and your household.

After finding solution of how to win a lottery, then the question arises how to preserve the cash. A lot of individuals have a record of what they are going to do if they win the lotto. As government personnel, you have won the profession lotto. What you do with the profits is up to you. There are few things that you can do after winning a lottery.

Secure your comfort and identification. The titles of most lotto victors are released by the press and you will have appointment needs from local information shops. You may be able to guard your comfort in by means you want to obtain the profits or use legal agencies to help cover up your identification.

You need to take care of taxation into account. All lotto profits are regarded taxed earnings, in spite of whether they are obtained as a mass sum or in several yearly expenses. Positioning the lotto profits in a believer in has some tax benefit because it prevents probate of the lotto profits upon loss of life of the victorious one and reduces taxation on the property.

You need to form an alliance if lottery were bought together. Consider the conditions of passes bought together or by a band of people. What were the spoken contracts to reveal the winnings? Is it under state law? An alliance may be a good enterprise to form to obtain the profits on part of all the lovers rather than one individual getting the assessments.

Look at conditions including lovers or considerable others. Lottery cash may be regarded a wedding property obtained during wedding, especially if the admission was bought with wedding resources. This means it may be topic to department among both events upon separation and divorce. Even if the events are not wed, there may be a joint-right to profits.

Look at giving cash to family. Lottery victors can make a present of their profits, up to the yearly different restrict, without taking on present tax obligation. This eventually alleviates the tax significance. Making presents to nonprofit organizations also have valuable tax significance for lotto victors.

Champions League Outright Winner Market Analysis and Tips

I have been taking a look at the outright market for the Champions League since the draw for the quarter and semi finals was made last week.

The draw produced little noticeable changes in price amongst the favourites, and all of the quarter finals have clear favourites to progress.

Real Madrid have the easiest tie of the round, and they will get past APOEL without too many problems. Bayern Munich will also expect to see off Marseille quite comfortably, the French side beat a shambolic Inter Milan in the last round, but they are only ninth in the Ligue 1 and have lost five in a row domestically.

Bayern are inconsistent themselves and it hard to know what form they will arrive in for the remaining games in the competition, but their last three games have produced wins of 7-0, 7-1 and 6-0.

Only a few weeks ago they were losing 1-0 at FC Basle though, and have won just one of four away ties in Europe this season, back in September at Villarreal.

Wins for those two sides will set up a semi-final between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Bayern have the incentive of the final being played at the Allianz Arena, but it is hard to see beyond Madrid doing enough to get through.

Jose Mourinho will be desperate to get Madrid to a Champions League final on his watch and his side should have the class to beat Bayern over two legs.

In this side of the draw it is Madrid's price of 3.4 that interests me. I am convinced they will reach the final, and even if they face Barcelona I don't see them starting at 3.4 in a two-team market for competition winner.

I actually fancy them to win the tournament this year and I would be keen to back them now and consider laying some off if they do indeed face Barcelona in the final.

The markets confidence in Barcelona is quite something, and I am very tempted to lay them at a price of 2.3.

To win the trophy they will have to beat AC Milan, Chelsea and probably Real Madrid. I know they are the greatest club side for many a year but I can't be having them at that price.

They have hit a magnificent run of form recently but that is a very tough draw for them to negotiate. They placed AC Milan twice in the group stage and won 5-4 over the two games. Milan showed their best and worst side over two legs against Arsenal, but they scored twice home and away against Barcelona in the groups, and with the attacking talent they have, they will have a go at Barca.

Chelsea should do enough to beat Benfica and set up a potential semi-final with Barcelona, if they get past Milan. I am still not convinced fully by Chelsea this season, even since Di Matteo took over, but there is a core of senior players at the club that are desperate to win this competition.

This season could be the final chance for players such as Terry, Lampard and Drogba. Chelsea have caused Barcelona problems before with their physicality and Barcelona would be in for two very tough matches if they did face Chelsea.

Barcelona's back four has been a weak spot this season, they have conceded at the Nou Camp to Granada (3), Gijon (1), Real Sociedad (1) and Real Betis (2) since mid January, so AC Milan and Chelsea will be confident they can score goals home and away against Barcelona.

Therefore I will be looking at two options for the outright market as things stand, a back of Real Madrid or a lay of Barcelona. Given Barca's difficult passage to the final, and probable final opponent, I think a lay of Barcelona, as crazy as it sounds, may offer the best value.

How To Know If Your Piercing Is Infected

You decided on a body piercing, found a reputable piercer, and survived your appointment. Now your piercing is doing something unexpected, and you're worried that it might be infected. Are these the normal signs of healing, or are you and your piercing headed for trouble? Read on to find out how to tell if your piercing is infected.

Any time your body is injured - including piercing - you might see the five signs of inflammation: redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function. These are normal and indicate that your immune system is at work, but they can also be signs of infection. The difference is a matter of degree and timing.

Symptoms

Your piercer should tell you what to expect during healing. If you know what is normal, you will be able to detect trouble early. Let's look at the possible symptoms of infection:

Redness - It is normal for a new piercing to be slightly reddened because blood flow to the area is naturally increased. Sure signs of trouble include redness that won't go away, an expanding area of redness, or red streaks that track away from the piercing.

Heat - Heat also occurs because of increased blood flow and indicates a problem if it increases over time, is hot and not just warm, or just will not go away.

Swelling - Swelling is caused by a build up of fluid. Oral piercings are especially prone to it - a tongue piercing can take a week to ten days to settle down. Swelling is problematic if it does not go down as quickly as expected or gets worse. Your jewelry must be long enough to accommodate swelling. Otherwise, it is very hard to clean, and there is a risk that the jewelry could pull through the piercing and be lost under the skin.

Pain - It is normal for a piercing to be tender for a few days, especially if it is subject to movement (e.g. tongue, lip), or aggravated by clothing or bumping. Pain that worsens with time or is extreme indicates a problem.

Loss of function - An eyebrow might not have a lot of work to do, but a tongue will be slowed down by a piercing, and an infection will make this worse. A pierced body part that will not move or is too painful to move is not normal - you may have an infection.

Two more symptoms

Fever/chills/nausea

- Fever, sometimes accompanied by chills and nausea, is a definite sign of trouble. You either have a localized infection at the piercing site or a more serious (potentially fatal) systemic infection. Consult a doctor if you have a high and/or persistent fever, chills, or nausea. These are not normal reactions to piercing and you may need antibiotics.

Pus/discharge - Not every discharge indicates infection. During the early stages of healing, a healthy piercing will discharge lymph, which is just blood plasma without the larger proteins. It is a clear or slightly yellowish fluid that dries to a crust and is easily removed with warm water.

Pus, on the other hand, is definitely a sign of infection. It is largely made up of dead white blood cells and bacteria. It may be whitish, yellow, green, or gray, and may have bloody streaks and an odor. Yellow, green, or foul-smelling pus indicate a serious infection. Seek medical attention.

What to do

If you think you have an infection, contact your body piercer immediately. Piercers are often more knowledgeable than doctors, who can be prejudiced against or unfamiliar with piercings. However, if you think you are in trouble or your condition worsens significantly, you must seek medical attention. If you lose a piercing, you can get it redone - it is not worth risking your life or serious tissue damage.

Mild infections can likely be treated at home. One time-tested remedy is the salt-water soak. Dissolve 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of sea salt in 1 cup (250 ml) of warm (not so hot that you scald yourself) water in a clean cup, ideally a disposable plastic one for each treatment. Soak the piercing or make a compress with a clean washcloth saturated with the salt water. Do this two or three times per day, fifteen minutes per session.

Avoid antibiotic creams or ointments as they trap dirt and debris and do not allow the piercing to breathe. Do not remove the jewelry from an infected piercing. This could allow the piercing to seal, trapping pus and causing an abscess. Pay special attention to infections in facial or oral piercings - their proximity to the brain makes them especially dangerous.

Prevention

The best strategy is prevention; follow the aftercare instructions from your piercer. He or she will recommend a mild cleanser and a cleaning schedule. Never touch a piercing with unclean hands. Never use alcohol, peroxide, iodine-based products or harsh antibacterial soaps. They are much too strong and will dry skin, kill cells, and impede the healing process.

Why Are Stretched Earlobes So Popular?

According to archaeological findings, earlobe stretching has been popular for many millennia, so why has it been such an enduring means of ear decoration?

Or have earlobes always been stretched just for decoration, or have there been other more occult reasons for this practice. It certainly appears that in regions of Africa, South America and Asia, earlobe stretching has been a tribal practice, and that stretched earlobes were not always just a sign of affiliation to a specific tribe or religion, but also of power or supremacy.

The practice may also have been associated with quasi-religious beliefs, and a necessity to stretch ones earlobes in order to conform to the social and religious practices of the day. In other words, it was expected of people, whatever the reason, and that might also be a driving force for those seeking ear stretching today.

The Influence of Tattooing

Another reason for the increase in the popularity of stretched earlobes is the way that tattooing has now become ubiquitous among young people today, with most having a tattoo somewhere, and many sporting half or full 'sleeves. Tattooing was something originally done by westerners who traveled the world - in other words, sailors, who were exposed to this form of bodily decoration.

However, it became popular among the aristocracy during the 19th and early 20 the centuries, and then commonplace with young people as a means of bodily adornment until everybody that wanted it was having a tattoo anywhere on their body. It is no longer a visible sign of being different or 'modern', and neither are ordinary piercings, even of the tragus, septum, eyebrow or lips which are also commonplace in the 21st century.

Stretched Earlobes - A Matter of Degree

Today, ear stretching can be used as a fashion statement more than any simple piercing or tattoo, and stretched earlobes are another step onwards from the traditional ear piercing that extended into multiple piercings and then piercings of other parts of the body. One aspect of earlobe stretching is that it can be carried out in degrees.

That means that while one person may have a 4 gauge stretching at around 5 mm, another can have a 00 gauge at just over 10 mm. So it is not just 'I have a pierced earlobe and so have you', but I have stretched ears and 'Mine is larger than yours'.

It is no longer being a 'dedicated follower of fashion' but by how much! Stretched earlobes are popular not only because they display a willingness to adopt this new fashion trend, but that it can be adopted to degrees. In fact, the highest gauge is 20 g at 0.81 mm while the lowest is 00g at 10.4 mm.

As the gauge number reduces, the size of the hole increase. After 00 gauge sizes increase in mm or inches, so theoretically there is no maximum although most gauge charts show up to 1 inch or even 30 mm.

Is It Safe?

Is ear gauging safe? The short answer is yes, if carried out under hygienic conditions and instructions are followed correctly. The safest way is have your stretched earlobes done by a professional, using hygienic tools and practices. However, you can do it yourself if you are aware of the dangers and understand the procedures to follow.

Some of the problems associated with ear stretching are:

There is a point after which the hole in your ear will not return to normal. That varies according to your own physiology and the way the stretching has been carried out.

You can suffer a 'blow-out' when the flesh of your ear will blow out and extend beyond skin level. This can be dangerous and disfiguring.

If you decide at a later date that you no longer want this large hole in your earlobe, maybe for work or some other reason, reconstructive cosmetic surgery is very expensive. Not all employers appreciate these adornments, particularly when dealing with certain sectors of the public. It may be small-minded of them, but that's irrelevant.

What Jewellery Can I Use?

Forget the small-minded people and get some fabulous jewellery for your stretched piercing. Among the jewellery available for stretched earlobes are some beautiful flesh tunnels and plugs that can be adorned with any precious or decorative stones of your choice. There seems to be a lack of genuine precious stones for ear stretchings, and diamond, emerald or ruby jewellery is not easy to find.

However, there are loads of glass, stainless steel and plastic plugs and flesh tunnels, including many decorated with genuine amber and this is one reason why stretched earlobes are so popular Most people tend to tolerate organic or glass ear jewellery in the early days of their stretching, after which they can go on to silver, and even specially made platinum or gold plugs and flesh tunnels.

Stretched earlobes are popular in the 21stcentury because they are a step onwards from normal piercings, and with tattoos so ubiquitous there are few ways for young people to express their individuality. Stretched piercings is one way, and stretched earlobes are currently considered one of the safer forms of gauged piercings.

History of Ear Gauging in Tribal Civilizations

A study of the history of ear gauging indicates the practice to be as old as recorded human history. For males, this form of ear piercing has been a symbol of status, while for women, in addition to being used as means of bodily decoration, it has also been employed to signify the attainment of womanhood.

Ear gauging, which is also referred to as ear stretching, is the stretching of ear lobe piercings to larger diameters than that of the original piercing. It is a form of body enhancement or beautification that many young western people adopt to look 'different' from the usual crowd. However, this is not a modern form of body piercing, since it has been around for as long as archaeological records exist.

In many cases, ear gauging has been used historically to indicate the standing of members of a specific tribe, and in many respects this is still the situation today. Stretched piercings have been, and still are, a reflection on the individual's sexual capability and also their superiority over other males in the tribe. The larger the stretching, the more important the individual.

Otzi the Iceman is a prime example of mummies known to have stretched ears. This is the earliest known example of ear gauging, Otzi having 7-11 mm ear piercings during 3300 BC. It has been suggested that the stretching of the ears noted in depictions of Siddhartha Gautama, better known as Buddha, may have been caused by the weight of the gold jewelry he wore, but this is mere supposition.

It is supported, however, by the fact that the Masai tribe of Kenya and the Lahu and Karen-Paduang people of Thailand use this 'gravity' technique to stretch their piercings. Let us have a look at the ear gauging practices used today by various cultures.

A. Mursi Tribal Women

The Mursi is an Ethiopian tribe where the women are obliged to wear plates in their gauged ears and on their bottom lip. About a year prior to her marriage, or at about 15 years of age, a Mursi girl's lip will be pierced by her mother and a wooden peg pushed through the incision.

Once healed, the peg is changed for a larger diameter one. Eventually, the peg is replaced by a plate of clay or wood, and this plate is successively changed for larger diameter ones until the required diameter is attained - from around 8 - 22 cm in diameter (3 - 9 inches). Once these plates have been secured, she receives a higher degree of respect than those without them, and is known as a 'Bhansanai'.

These lip and ear plates need not be worn permanently, but are an expected adornment during special occasions such as during weddings and other celebrations, and when they serve food to men. Today, young women can generally make their own decision as to whether or not they follow this tradition.

B. The Masai People of Kenya

The practice of ear gauging has been common among Masai men and women for thousands of years. In recent years, however, most young men have not been following this custom, although you will still find many Masai women wearing ear decorations made from stones, cross-cut elephant tusks, wood and animal bones.

The original piercing is carried out using a thorn, sharpened twig or a sharp knife point. Once healed, ear gauging is then carried out by wearing increasingly heavy jewellery that pulls the lobe down and stretches the piercing. This is the traditional way of gauging ears in the more primitive cultures, although many Masai today will use proper ear gauging techniques, such as their own versions of insertion tapers or taper spikes. Beads are a common form of ornamentation, although plugs made from bone, tusks and wood are also used.


C. The African Fulani Tribe

Fulani women from Nigeria and Central Africa tend to use smaller diameter ear gauges, and decorate them using large gold domes or hoops carrying earrings. A Fulani child will have her ears pierced at around 3 years old, although they may not be stretched until she is older. The gauges used by Fulani women are relatively small compared to the Masai and Mursi, although the jewellery can be larger.


D. Asian Hill Tribes

Of the various hill tribes, the only two known to practice ear gauging are the Lahu from Thailand, and the Karen-Padaung (Longnecks) from Myanmar (Burma) and also the Phrae province in Thailand. That latter tribe are best known for their neck rings, offering the appearance of long necks, but both cultures believe the ear to be sacred and the more jewellery they can wear on the better. By gauging their ears, they are able to wear the maximum amount of jewellery they believe possible.

E. Mexican and Central American Civilizations

In Mayan and Aztec society, ear gauging was regarded as desirable for males. There are many Mayan representations of men with flares and ear plugs (ear spools) in gauged ears, and the material used was indicative of the social standing of the wearer. Jade ear plugs were worn by the higher classes, while the rest would use bone, stone, wood and other materials. In central Mexico, the craftsmanship of the Aztecs is evident in the ear gauging plugs and ornaments of gold and silver, though the lower classes would adorn their stretches earlobes with shells, copper and wood among many other imaginative materials.

Ear gauging has been carried out worldwide, and among other notable areas involved in this practice are Japan, where the Ainu used ear jewellery made from shells, bone and a ball and ring known as Ninkari. There are many other cultures worldwide where ear gauging was a part of their life, and even today many people regard ear stretching as a fashion statement and a way of expressing their own personality and individuality.

Why people do the piercing, anyway?

To understand the “piercing psychology” you have to remember that it’s just - and foremost - is an adornment. That is, what motivates people to put this earring is the desire to beautify one’s body in order to produce certain impression or create an image. Yet, there are some other reasons, aside of those to make one’s body more appealing.

Primary, it’s the desire to go “nostril-to-nostril” with the fashion trends. With this in mind, people place earrings on most visible body parts. Secondly, folks strive for that exclusive distinguishing look. In this case, the desire to stay out of flock could gradually result in putting on yet more and more “frills”. That is, ones this special image among those without piercing is achieved, people start to pursue new heights in acquiring the fanciest look among the others who sport those earrings, too! This way, area- and regional champions appear in certain social groups or hangouts.

One of the hidden reasons is going for sexier look. Here we are not necessary talking about some complex sexual self-assurance issue. It’s just an extra attention among the potential partners, more chances for meeting someone which people are after. Some even rely on this as and aid in striking the conversation.

In general, an idea to overcome one of personal complexes by body piercing is fair reason to look for that piercing specialist and quite simple way to solve psychological issue. Though, it is simple only if the procedure would be gone with no bad consequences, the wound will heal smoothly and your body accepts new tuning without the rebellion.

Numerous cases show us that idolizing these poster-models or one’s cult figures could play as powerful reason for modifying someone’s own appearance. Piercing is not an exception here, and there is not only TV-stars to stay for a hero, but any other popular individuals who is a role-model in close social group.

People commonly possess a desire to be different, and not only on a personal level, but also with the way they create their own social groups, adopting one or the other significant outer attributes as a signs of belonging. Everyone can recall such groups like sport club fans, bikers, “metallists”, sexual minorities, etc. Now, if someone wants to feel belonged, accepted by certain social group, to be recognizable by those who sport, for an example, some distinctive piercing, here comes more than obvious motive for it!

There are some another cases, somewhat foreign for our environment, when specific punctures of even scars are a-must ritual for entering certain cult society or organization. At the end, it is not all that uncommon when the desire to have multiple perforations on the face and body is originated in psychic abnormalities, and they tend sometimes to an excessive abundance.

Sex takes its significant place in our life, so it’s no wonder to see a desire to use earrings for the self- and partner’s extra-stimulation. To achieve this, the piercing is done on body parts directly involved in sex play. These are, first of all, the tongue and immediate genitals. Such piercing is more often done by those of age over 35 and who is after sexual refreshment for themselves and their partners. When performed to women, intimate piercing is perfectly safe, but in men it could damage the physiological functions, including those resulted from the development of scar tissue.

Sometimes there is sheer professional need to have the nipples or belly buttons adorned – like in topless show artists or sport dancers, etc.

As soon as we accept that the decision to beautify one’s body is deeply personal issue, then it becomes clear that such decision can’t be a subject for anybody’s critical pressure.

And if we speculate that with this piercing he or she is probably overcoming deep inner psychological problems – for an instance, gets rid of some complex – then we look differently at this person with, say, an earring in the eyebrow, as we should be happy for such people.

The urge for the distinctive appearance, desire to show-off, be one-of-kind sits in deep sub-conscience of much many. However, among them are those who scare, hang-up, nurture their complexes: like, they want – and they don’t. Now, watching others, free of such hesitations and doubts, these people vent their envy and unrealized desires by sub-conscious critical coming on the folks with piercing done.

Piercing is the kind of medical service, so the Specialist have to be well trained and qualified. When it is so, your Specialist is comfortable with any kind of piercing. Regrettably, there are cases when the piercing is left to sophomores or someone with no special education. In this unfortunate event, not only can these people perform lousy procedure, but also, while feeling uncertain, they create this extra nervousness in the office. If piercing Specialist is nervous or just not feeling well, then his or her negative energy will affect the patient in bad way. Moreover, the consequences could not only be external. Entire organism could be damaged energetically. And to the opposite: self-assured, always well-wishing Master who loves his patients would stimulate better healing with his own positive energy. Speak of magic!

“Stranger’s eye”, dependently on watcher’s neurotic or psychic status, can specifically affect the patient’s organism. For the same reason, one should not turn the procedure of piercing into public exhibition show.

Some Health Risks

If all goes well, you should be fine after a body piercing except for some temporary symptoms, including some pain, swelling at the pierced area, and in the case of a tongue piercing, increased saliva. But be aware that several things, including the following, can go wrong in some cases:

* chronic infection
* uncontrollable or prolonged bleeding
* scarring
* hepatitis B and C
* tetanus
* skin allergies to the jewelry that's used
* abscesses or boils (collections of pus that can form under your skin at the site of the piercing)
* inflammation or nerve damage

Depending on the body part, healing times can take anywhere from a few weeks to more than a year. If you do get a piercing, make sure you take good care of it afterward — don't pick or tug at it, keep the area clean with soap (not alcohol), and don't touch it without washing your hands first. Never use hydrogen peroxide because it can break down newly formed tissue. If you have a mouth piercing, use an alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash after eating.

If you're thinking of donating blood, be aware that some organizations won't accept blood donations from anyone who has had a body piercing or tattoo within the last year because both procedures can transmit blood-borne diseases you may not realize were passed on to you at the time of the piercing.

If your piercing doesn't heal correctly or you feel something might be wrong, it's important to get medical attention. Most important, don't pierce yourself or have a friend do it — make sure it's done by a professional in a safe and clean environment.

Making Sure the Piercing Shop Is Safe and Sanitary

Body piercing is regulated in some states but not others. Although most piercing shops try to provide a clean and healthy environment, some might not take proper precautions against infections or other health hazards.

If you decide to get a body piercing, do a little investigative work about a shop's procedures and find out whether it provides a clean and safe environment for its customers. Every shop should have an autoclave (a sterilizing machine) and should keep instruments in sealed packets until they are used. Ask questions and make sure:

* the shop is clean
* the person doing the piercing washes his or her hands with a germicidal soap
* the person doing the piercing wears fresh disposable gloves (like those worn at a doctor's office)
* the person doing the piercing uses sterilized instruments or instruments that are thrown away after use
* the person doing the piercing does not use a piercing gun (they're not sterile)
* the needle being used is new and is being used for the first time
* the needle is disposed of in a special sealed container after the piercing
* there are procedures for the proper handling and disposal of waste (like needles or gauze with blood on them)

It's also a good idea to ask about the types of jewelry the shop offers because some people have allergic reactions to certain types of metals. Before you get a piercing, make sure you know if you're allergic to any metals. Only nontoxic metals should be used for body piercings, such as:

* surgical steel
* solid 14-karat or 18-karat gold
* niobium
* titanium
* platinum

If you think the shop isn't clean enough, if all your questions aren't answered, or if you feel in any way uncomfortable, go somewhere else to get your piercing.

Before You Pierce That Part

If you're thinking about getting pierced, do your research first. If you're under 18, some places won't allow you to get a piercing without a parent's consent. It's a good idea to find out what risks are involved and how best to protect yourself from infections and other complications.

Certain sites on the body can cause more problems than others — infection is a common complication of mouth and nose piercings because of the millions of bacteria that live in those areas. Tongue piercings can damage teeth over time. And tongue, cheek, and lip piercings can cause gum problems.

Studies have shown that people with certain types of heart disease might have a higher risk of developing a heart infection after body piercing. If you have a medical problem such as allergies, diabetes, skin disorders, a condition that affects your immune system, or infections — or if you are pregnant — ask your doctor if there are any special concerns you should have or precautions you should take beforehand. Also, it's not a good idea to get a body piercing if you're prone to getting keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue in the area of the wound).

If you decide to get a body piercing:

* Make sure you're up to date with your immunizations (especially hepatitis B and tetanus).
* Plan where you will get medical care if your piercing becomes infected (signs of infection include excessive redness/tenderness around the piercing site, prolonged bleeding, pus, and change in your skin color around the piercing area).

Also, if you plan to get a tongue or mouth piercing, make sure your teeth and gums are healthy.

What Is a Body Piercing and What Can You Expect?

A body piercing is exactly that — a piercing or puncture made in your body by a needle. After that, a piece of jewelry is inserted into the puncture. The most popular pierced body parts seem to be the ears, the nostrils, and the belly button.

If the person performing the piercing provides a safe, clean, and professional environment, this is what you should expect from getting a body part pierced:

* The area you've chosen to be pierced (except for the tongue) is cleaned with a germicidal soap (a soap that kills disease-causing bacteria and microorganisms).
* Your skin is then punctured with a very sharp, clean needle.
* The piece of jewelry, which has already been sterilized, is attached to the area.
* The person performing the piercing disposes of the needle in a special container so that there is no risk of the needle or blood touching someone else.
* The pierced area is cleaned.
* The person performing the piercing checks and adjusts the jewelry.
* The person performing the piercing gives you instructions on how to make sure your new piercing heals correctly and what to do if there is a problem.

Body piercing

Body piercing, a form of body modification, is the practice of puncturing or cutting a part of the human body, The reasons for piercing or not piercing are varied. Some people pierce for religious or spiritual reasons, while others pierce for self-expression, for aesthetic value, for sexual pleasure, to conform to their culture or to rebel against it. Some forms of piercing remain controversial, particularly when applied to youth. The display or placement of piercings have been restricted by schools, employers and religious groups. In spite of the controversy, some people have practiced extreme forms of body piercing, with Guinness bestowing World Records on individuals with hundreds and even thousands of permanent and temporary piercings.

Contemporary body piercing practices emphasize the use of safe body piercing materials, frequently utilizing specialized tools developed for the purpose. Body piercing is an invasive procedure with some risks, including allergic reaction, infection, excessive scarring and unanticipated physical injuries, but such precautions as sanitary piercing procedures and careful aftercare are emphasized to minimize the likelihood of encountering serious problems. The healing time required for a body piercing may vary widely according to placement, from as little as a month for some genital piercings to as much as two full years for the navel.



See Article Categories

What Is a Body Piercing and What Can You Expect?

A body piercing is exactly that — a piercing or puncture made in your body by a needle. After that, a piece of jewelry is inserted into the puncture. The most popular pierced body parts seem to be the ears, the nostrils, and the belly button. more>>>>

Before You Pierce That Part

If you're thinking about getting pierced, do your research first. If you're under 18, some places won't allow you to get a piercing without a parent's consent. It's a good idea to find out what risks are involved and how best to protect yourself from infections and other complications. more>>>>

Making Sure the Piercing Shop Is Safe and Sanitary

Body piercing is regulated in some states but not others. Although most piercing shops try to provide a clean and healthy environment, some might not take proper precautions against infections or other health hazards. more>>>>

Some Health Risks

If all goes well, you should be fine after a body piercing except for some temporary symptoms, including some pain, swelling at the pierced area, and in the case of a tongue piercing, increased saliva. But be aware that several things, including the following, can go wrong in some cases: more>>>>

Why people do the piercing, anyway?

To understand the “piercing psychology” you have to remember that it’s just - and foremost - is an adornment. That is, what motivates people to put this earring is the desire to beautify one’s body in order to produce certain impression or create an image. Yet, there are some other reasons, aside of those to make one’s body more appealing. more>>>>

History of Ear Gauging in Tribal Civilizations

A study of the history of ear gauging indicates the practice to be as old as recorded human history. For males, this form of ear piercing has been a symbol of status, while for women, in addition to being used as means of bodily decoration, it has also been employed to signify the attainment of womanhood. more>>>>

Why Are Stretched Earlobes So Popular?

According to archaeological findings, earlobe stretching has been popular for many millennia, so why has it been such an enduring means of ear decoration?
Or have earlobes always been stretched just for decoration, or have there been other more occult reasons for this practice. more>>>>

How To Know If Your Piercing Is Infected

You decided on a body piercing, found a reputable piercer, and survived your appointment. Now your piercing is doing something unexpected, and you're worried that it might be infected. Are these the normal signs of healing, or are you and your piercing headed for trouble? Read on to find out how to tell if your piercing is infected. more>>>>

7 Ways a Love Horoscope Can Change Your Life for the Better

What are the benefits of getting a love horoscope reading? Can a psychic reading influence what happens in your relationships going forward? Are they accurate for predicting love, marriage, cheating or even whether or not you'll have children? And what are the limitations of what a good horoscope can predict? In this article we are going to take a quick and easy look at some of the most common ways a horoscope can help you, and examine some of the things it WON'T do as well. Curious to know more? Continue reading as we take a closer look below!

Filed Under: Can a horoscope HELP your relationship recover from a crisis or rough patch?

Absolutely. As a matter of fact, one the of the best reasons to get a reading is to get clarity, and clarification when it comes to both what you need to do to help make things "right", as well as what you should expect your partner to do as well.

That said...

A love horoscope or astrological reading of any kind is NOT magic, and it's not going to force, coerce or convince your relationship to recover on it's own. There is no spell or hex that is going to magically HEAL or repair a fractured romance on it's own, and like anything else, it requires 2 people to work. (and whenever you see someone promise otherwise, I'd recommend running the other way)

Here are 7 things that a good reading should help you accomplish

1. Offer you intuitive influence over helping to heal a relationship recover
2. Help identify whether or not the partner you've picked is really RIGHT for you in the first place
3. Explore the "karma of connection", and help you recognize if there are patterns in your relationship that transcend the current lifetime you share together (controversial, YES...but very effective as well)
4. Help guide you to FIND your soulmate or spiritual partner if you are NOT in a relationship right now
5. Help you see the major life challenges that are in front of you, have been present in the past, and may be holding you back from getting what you want today as well
6. Help you intuitively identify your ideal mate - what he (or she) looks like, what traits are best for you, what qualities to avoid, and so forth
7. Help you better understand the actual "energy" or aura of amore. Every relationship has an emotional energetic component, and many love intuitives, astrologers and emotional empaths can help "unpack" this for you in a way that helps you understand how to love, and be loved more completely.

Remember...if you believe like I do, the Universe WANTS you to be happy, and to be both loved and IN love as well. Whether you are a true blue believer like me...or simply curious but NOT yet convinced, a genuine love horoscope or reading can change your life for the better, AND make it happen in a hurry!

Is Destiny Real? How to Live a Life of PASSION and Purpose (The Spiritual SECRET to HAPPINESS)

Are you happy? Do you feel truly fulfilled and authentically empowered by the life you are living right now? Do you believe in the power of purpose, and do you feel a KARMIC connection to the adventure of being alive?

The sad truth is...MOST people are not. As Henry David Thoreau once so famously said..."most men lives lives of quiet desperation.with the song still in them."

And what could be sadder than that?

I believe in the idea of destiny. That we come into this world to accomplish very specific things. That we are here to face, and overcome specific challenges. And that much of this is "written" before we set foot or forth in the amazing adventure of being alive.

As a gifted intuitive (and a big of a new age "nut" as well!) I believe that the KEY to being happy is simple:

To find something big to believe in. Something that transcends our sense of self. A powerful purpose that serves some greater good that influences all of the lives around us...and hopefully, EVERYONE we touch as well.

As Thoreau said...most people "die with the song still in them" simply because they never listened closely enough to the voice within.

I believe that your personal destiny is embedded deeply in your soul. That there is a spiritual component to each of our lives, and the unpacking that, and revealing what it is BEFORE it's too late is the key to being happy, fulfilled and complete.

Even more importantly on a selfish level?

NOT understanding or fulfilling your destiny is a recipe for having to repeat it again. According to many spiritual traditions, what the soul does NOT accomplish in this lifetime, he (or she) must come back and re-learn or re-try again next time. Some believe that THIS is the true definition of "karma" and the continuous wheel of suffering that so many people keep repeating, simply because they never awaken to the idea that their lives have a powerful purpose.

If that sounds like YOU, it's not your fault.

So many of us are so overwhelmed with obligations, responsibilities, commitments, distractions and disappointments that we never stop to listen to that small voice within.

That voice that believes in something BIG. (simply because we know deep down our destiny is to do great things. Maybe small things...but GREAT things nonetheless)

Within the seeds of understanding all of the above, true happiness lives! That much I can promise you from personal experience. It wasn't until I had the experience of embracing my own "big idea" did I truly feel like my own life had purpose. That karma was not a weird word used by new age nuts. Instead, that each of us is on a journey, with a very big prize at the finish line. (it's simply up to us to discover what it is, and where we're going...before it's too late!)

ASTROLOGY

The zodiac circle has twelve signs. The circle begins with Aries and concludes with Pisces. Each sign has traits that set it apart from the others. It's important to learn key words describing each of the signs. Here are some of key words and phrases that I like to use:

Aries

Aries is energetic, innovative, original, pioneering, assertive, quick-tempered, strong drive, leader, ambitious, extroverted, sometimes aggressive, competitive, enthusiastic, self-reliant, and self-assured.

Taurus

Taurus is determined, efficient, stubborn, cautious, placid, persistent, enduring, introverted, conservative, conventional, materialistic, security conscious, stable, industrious, dependable, and one generally having significant financial ability.

Gemini

Gemini is flexible, versatile, restless, a jack-of-all-trades, lively, alert, quick-witted, literary, communicative, a good conversationalist, changeable, sociable, logical, ingenious, agile, dexterous, intellectual, and mentally ambitious.

Cancer

Cancer is introverted, reserved, emotional, sensitive, moody, sympathetic, security-conscious, prudent, retentive, domestic, maternal, protective, quiet, calm, imaginative, conscientious, and quite the traditionalist.

Leo

Leo is ambitious, a lover of limelight, speculative, extroverted, optimistic, honorable, dignified, confident, proud, exuberant, sunny, flamboyant, charismatic, dramatic, competitive, a leader and an organizer.

Virgo

Virgo is practical, responsible, sensible, logical, analytical, highly discriminating, a careful planner, precise and punctual, dedicated, perfectionist, critical, health conscious, and somewhat introverted.

Libra

Libra is idealistic, a peacemaker, diplomatic, refined, poised, gracious, kind, courteous, fair-minded, sociable, charming, artistically creative, affable, cooperative, extroverted, and usually somewhat indecisive.

Scorpio

Scorpio is intense, determined, powerful, strong-willed, forceful, bold, courageous, enduring, competitive, resourceful, researcher, an investigator, secretive, mysterious, penetrating, psychic, self-reliant, and somewhat introverted or closed.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius is idealistic, optimistic, freedom-loving, casual, friendly, buoyant, gregarious, enthusiastic, philosophical, studious, farseeing, direct, outspoken, honest, loyal, restless and loves travel.

Capricorn

Capricorn is ambitious (power, position, money), organizational, self-disciplined, rigid, thrifty, prudent, security-conscious, conservative, responsible, practical, persistent, political, business oriented, methodical.

Aquarius

Aquarius is individualistic, unconventional, progressive, unique, independent, humanitarian, altruistic, visionary, perceptive, intellectual, logical, ingenious, inventive, unpredictable, detached, friendly, and scientific.

Pisces

Pisces is receptive, supersensitive, impressionable, peace-loving, serious, sympathetic, charitable, compassionate, artistic, creative, dreamer, dedicated, imaginative, psychic, shy, introverted, spiritual, and reclusive.

See Article Categories

Is Destiny Real? How to Live a Life of PASSION and Purpose (The Spiritual SECRET to HAPPINESS)

Are you happy? Do you feel truly fulfilled and authentically empowered by the life you are living right now? Do you believe in the power of purpose, and do you feel a KARMIC connection to the adventure of being alive? more>>>>

7 Ways a Love Horoscope Can Change Your Life for the Better

What are the benefits of getting a love horoscope reading? Can a psychic reading influence what happens in your relationships going forward? Are they accurate for predicting love, marriage, cheating or even whether or not you'll have children? And what are the limitations of what a good horoscope can predict? In this article we are going to take a quick and easy look at some of the most common ways a horoscope can help you, and examine some of the things it WON'T do as well. Curious to know more? Continue reading as we take a closer look below! more>>>>

Puppetry

Puppetry is a form of theatre or performance which involves the manipulation of puppets. It is very ancient, and is believed to have originated 3000 years BC. Puppetry takes many forms but they all share the process of animating inanimate performing objects. Puppetry is used in almost all human societies both as an entertainment – in performance – and ceremonially in rituals and celebrations such as carnivals.

Most puppetry involves storytelling. The impact of puppetry depends on the process of transformation of puppets, which has much in common with magic and with play.

Graphic arts

A type of fine art, graphic art covers a broad range of art forms. Graphic art is typically two-dimensional and includes calligraphy, photography, drawing, painting, printmaking, lithography, typography, serigraphy (silk-screen printing), and bindery. Graphic art also consists of drawn plans and layouts for interior and architectural designs. Today, graphic art is usually associated with commercial art that is used in marketing. In this case, the purpose of the graphic art is to capture the interest of the audience on the product or service in order to increase the volume of business.

Tools of the trade

Graphic artists applying for positions in today's job market are expected to be familiar with computers and a variety of software in order to create the most appealing, up to date designs.

Graphic art software includes applications such as:

* Adobe Illustrator – an application that allows artists to manipulate vector graphics
* CorelDRAW – similar to Adobe Illustrator, it is another vector graphic manipulation tool
* Adobe Photoshop – a bitmap graphics software including powerful graphics editing tools that provide a large variety of editing functionality
* Adobe Dreamweaver – a tool that facilitates the creation of webpages and dynamic internet content
* PhotoImpact – a digital photo editor
* Adobe InDesign – desktop publishing software used for layout and design manipulation
* QuarkXPress – similar to Adobe InDesign, it is another desktop publishing software tool

Graphics

Graphics are visual presentations on some surface, such as a wall, canvas, screen, paper, or stone to brand, inform, illustrate, or entertain. Examples are photographs, drawings, Line Art, graphs, diagrams, typography, numbers, symbols, geometric designs, maps, engineering drawings, or other images. Graphics often combine text, illustration, and color. Graphic design may consist of the deliberate selection, creation, or arrangement of typography alone, as in a brochure, flier, poster, web site, or book without any other element. Clarity or effective communication may be the objective, association with other cultural elements may be sought, or merely, the creation of a distinctive style.

Graphics can be functional or artistic. The latter can be a recorded version, such as a photograph, or an interpretation by a scientist to highlight essential features, or an artist, in which case the distinction with imaginary graphics may become blurred.

Voice acting

Voice acting is the art of providing voices for animated characters (including those in feature films, television programs, animated short films, and video games) and radio and audio dramas and comedy, as well as doing voice-overs in radio and television commercials, audio dramas, dubbed foreign language films, video games, puppet shows, and amusement rides.

Performers are called voice actors/actresses, voice artists or simply voice talent, and their roles may also involve singing, although a second voice actor is sometimes cast as the character's singing voice. Voice artists are also used to record the individual sample fragments played back by a computer in an automated announcement. At its simplest, this is just a short phrase which is played back as necessary, e.g. the Mind the gap announcement introduced by London Underground in 1969. In a more complicated system such as a speaking clock, the voice artist usually doesn't actually record 1440 different announcements, one for each minute of the day, or even 60 (one for each minute of the hour), instead the announcement is re-assembled from fragments such as "minutes past" "eighteen" and "pm." For example, the word "twelve" can be used for both "Twelve O'Clock" and "Six Twelve." For some automated applications, such as London Underground's Mind the gap announcement, the sound of a voice artist may be preferred over synthesized voices because the human voices sound more natural to the listener.

Film

A film, also called a movie or motion picture, is a series of still or moving images. It is produced by recording photographic images with cameras, or by creating images using animation techniques or visual effects. The process of filmmaking has developed into an art form and industry.

Films are cultural artifacts created by specific cultures, which reflect those cultures, and, in turn, affect them. Film is considered to be an important art form, a source of popular entertainment and a powerful method for educating – or indoctrinating – citizens. The visual elements of cinema give motion pictures a universal power of communication. Some films have become popular worldwide attractions by using dubbing or subtitles that translate the dialogue into the language of the viewer.

Films are made up of a series of individual images called frames. When these images are shown rapidly in succession, a viewer has the illusion that motion is occurring. The viewer cannot see the flickering between frames due to an effect known as persistence of vision, whereby the eye retains a visual image for a fraction of a second after the source has been removed. Viewers perceive motion due to a psychological effect called beta movement.

The origin of the name "film" comes from the fact that photographic film (also called film stock) has historically been the primary medium for recording and displaying motion pictures. Many other terms exist for an individual motion picture, including picture, picture show, moving picture, photo-play and flick. A common name for film in the United States is movie, while in Europe the term film is preferred. Additional terms for the field in general include the big screen, the silver screen, the cinema and the movies.