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1) Log into your Actiontec V1000H modem by clicking on this linkhttp://192.168.1.254
If that does not work, type those numbers into the Address Bar of your browser and hit ENTER.
2) Where it says “Login to make changes to your router settings”, enter the following:
- Username: admin
- Password: telus (lower case)
If this is the first time that you have accessed your modem, you may be prompted to change your username & password.
3) Once you do that, click on the “Wireless Setup” button towards the top centre of the page.
4) Ensure that “Wireless Radio” and “SSID Broadcast” are both set to “Enable”.
5) Your “SSID Name” is how you identify YOUR wireless signal from others.
Please change your “SSID Name” to something other than what it currently is now.
6) Click on the drop-down menu beside “Security” and select “WPA / WPA2″.
7) Click on the drop-down menu beside “WPA Type” and select “WPA or WPA2 – Personal”. Click on the drop-down menu beside “Encryption Type” and select “TKIP”.
9) If you want to use the modem generated default security key, leave “Security Key Type” set to “Use Default Key/Passphrase” and your WPA Key will be the green numbers & letters beside it.
If you want to create your own, select “Use Custom Key/Passphrase” and click enter whatever you want your security key to be long white box.
- Make sure to write down this WPA Key because you will need it to set up your wireless computer or device.
10) When you are finished, click on the green “Apply” button below and exit out of this window.

This concludes the first stage of setting up your wireless connection through your Actiontec Wireless Gateway Modem.

The show is nothing with no work behind the curtain. The confusing and apparent tangle mesh having to do with electrical wires, hooks, chains, as well as lighting make the platform come alive as well as the theatre morph into yet another environment. The rigging makes the whole dream reality. However, it is a quite difficult design, it ought to be faultless as well as genuine. Stage rigging tips and hints and Checks lists are all a lot more accepted to the designer as a result of this.

The actual lighting is arguably the most crucial impact in the display. This sets the atmosphere and leaves everyone in the suitable mood. And so, so that they are able to alter the stage towards the way you wish, be sure to obtain additional equipment and lighting than you might need. But if your source go short it will probably be much trickier to set-up the required atmosphere. Become thorough concerning the placing with the lighting fixtures. Look at be resourceful and you should not be happy with less than what you desire. The actual lighting is everything, one can’t devote to much time getting it proper.

In the back stage there is lots which could go wrong. Retrace the project which has been done, and then retrace again. A person can’t commit to enough time of this type. The actual riggings are likely to catch and loosen that can lead to accidents. Without doubt unchecked work will be obvious throughout the show.

It really is improbable that you will be responsible for every rigging around the theatre. Consequently you’ll likely ought to work in conjunction along with people in the group. This will make this very important that there’s a sensible comprehension relating to the stage. Comprehension may be made in a number of ways; off stage connection, effective communication, or simply lots and lots of practice. A good crew provides a great exhibit.

The second essential point is usually to be sure that your machinery isn’t sub par. If a chain breaches or possibly a link snaps the results can wreck your show, let alone end up being quite risky. Regularly replace light bulbs, take a look at weights, and continue to keep things moving. Whenever the situation is extremely static the gear may atrophy.

An organised and strict checklist not to mention hearkening to these hints will make the very difficult project involving stage rigging that little bit smoother. Paying attention to the small details can certainly make moving the top things together seamlessly.

Theater staging They might also explain to you on instruments, that is best suited to your specific wishes and systems. Allow me to recall the 1st stage lighting platform I messed around with back when I was extremely young. You can get their professional help and advice from some employee prior to getting equipment.

When evaluating a small business that will design, deliver and install customized lighting truss and staging components, be sure to ask to look at a few of their past concerts. A good agency worthy of it’s salt should have lots of pics and media involving past stage festivals to show you. Stage-Tech would certainly design and style your actual stage using specialized software and change areas about the way you like ahead of time letting you view the stage rendition before it’s built. This is the perfect way to layout the ideal creation with a bit of confidence.

Author: Frank Burns
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Rajasthan has always been known for its beautiful and mesmerizing handicrafts. There have been so many categories of handicrafts in Rajasthan alone that you can’t help but wonder how many you should buy.

The work done by artisans is really neat and sophisticated, by seeing our artisans you’ll think that they are some ordinary labor class but seeing their artistic abilities will melt your eyes through your brains (just kidding).

The kinds of handicrafts which are feathers in the cap of Rajasthani handicrafts are:

1. Rajasthani furniture – It is a term used for stuff like meenakari furniture and other similar stuff.
2. Rajasthani paintings – Rajasthani paintings have always been known for their beautiful and rich colors. They are made often on handmade paper while mixing some other stuff like vegetable and other minerals with regular colors.
3. Rajasthani bags – Rajasthani bags are bags made by cloth with some handmade designs and with some embroidery design. They looks really cool and solves the purpose of carrying some extra stuff.
4. Jootis – Rajasthani jootis are the pride of rajputs and are normally worn with traditional rajasthani costumes like sherwanis and kurta pajamas. Though nowhere day’s youngsters prefer wearing them with a shirt and pair of denims.
5. Gems – Our pink walled city Jaipur has always been famous for producing, cutting and polishing gems by using very simple machines. Due to this reason Jaipur has always been tourist’s memorable spot.
6. Meenakari – Meenakari art was introduced by maharaja man Singh (enamel work) during the late 17th century. Meenakri furniture or any other stuff looks very classy, beautiful and grabs eyeball every time.
7. Rajasthani jewelry – Rajasthan has been famous for its meenakari jewelry and lac earrings.
8. Textiles – Textiles like badhini fabrics block print and traditional sarees has always been known to add beauty to already beautiful ladies of Rajasthan.
9. Stone sculptures – Carving beautiful designs out of stones like marble are a specialty of rajasthani artisans. Wooden carving has not always been the strength of Rajasthanis because of the hot and tough climatic conditions. It is far more difficult to maintain wooden delicate stuff than the stone ones.

Apart from these handicrafts Rajasthan has also been known for its rich traditional stuff like kat putli (puppet shows) folk dances and delicious foods like laal maans and dal baati churma.

It won’t be wrong to say that Rajasthan is one of the most tradition and culture rich states, being to Rajasthan will be an unforgettable experience.

If you are a lover of Rajasthani paintings click here –> Rajasthani paintings

To see beautifully designed Indian ganesha statues and murtis click here –> Ganesh murti

Author: Kim K Jones
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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What’s in a name? For those of us living in the United States, our surnames are our history and a great source of pride. Americans’ backgrounds and ancestries are very diverse, and originate from many other countries. From the pilgrims at Plymouth Rock to the influx of immigrants in the late 1800′s and early 1900′s, we have the ability to trace our heritage and discover just who we are and where we came from.

Most of us descended from poor, working-class people who came to this country in search of a better life. They worked hard to make a living and were proud to be in America but at the same time the “old country” and customs remained an important part of their daily lives. We’ve all heard the stories about how some of the more complex surnames were shortened and “Americanized” as these immigrants passed through Ellis Island. You can be sure that even with their edited names, these people never forgot their given names, or their heritage.

There are those who have discovered that they are descended from foreign royalty or from a long line of great warriors. While this probably didn’t make their new life in America any easier, it surely must have added an even greater sense of pride in their family histories.

Whatever the case, tracking your family surname and discovering your family crest and coat of arms can be a rewarding endeavor. There are many web sites to assist in your search. Some have a stock of more common surnames and crests and some do all of the research individually. There is usually a charge for the research and to receive the actual printed literature of your surname origin, it’s meaning, and the family crest and coat of arms.

Once received, you have many options to display your family crest. In medieval times, the family’s crest was painted onto a wood or metal shield used in battle. This served not only as protective device, but also to delineate between the sides involved, so that the warriors on each side would be identifiable to each other. The heraldry, meaning the actual display of the crest, could also define the fighter’s rank, and his right to bear arms.

These customized medieval shields are still available today. There are a variety of options, from the Family Crest (just the shield-shaped portion) or the entire Coat of Arms with all of the flourishes surrounding the crest included. The family name can be added on a banner across the top or bottom and a family motto can also be included, either in the language of origin or in its English version. Each section of the Coat of Arms has been meaning, from the designs on the crests, to the type of flourishes, to the figure at the top. These specify the heritage of each particular surname.

What better way to show your pride in your family heritage than with a bold heraldry display on a medieval style shield? They are different, they make a great gift, and they add a unique touch to the decor of any room.

Art Allen is a Medieval Armor buff and design consultant for several online companies and an armor replica importing firm based in the US.

Resources: Medieval Shields and Crests – Wholesale Medieval Shields

Author: Art Allen
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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As an artist, and graphic designer by trade I’ve studied lots of different art movements. I was always drawn to the more modern movements including impressionism, surrealism, and cubism, but enjoyed renaissance art as well. Despite my best efforts though, there was always certain pieces I just couldn’t wrap my brain around. Often either a room full of simple geometric shapes, a series of repeated cubes or a simple curving arc. These pieces would be intimidating to me; I simply didn’t get it. It was as if these pieces were too “deep” intellectually for me and I was drowning in them, (not literally, I’m just being dramatic).

Minimalism in art often mystified me as I’m sure it has mystified other casual art enthusiasts. When I finally had to take a class in modern art for my major, I was both interested in learning more about minimalism, and terrified that I still wouldn’t get it. When we finally reached the topic of minimalism, suddenly everything clicked and made sense, not a lot of sense, but enough that I could appreciate this unique art movement.

I hope that by discussing minimal art and how I see it from an artistic viewpoint, I hope to eliminate some of the intimidation of these pieces and help others become interested in this movement. I don’t claim to be an art historian or expert, this is just my interpretation and opinion.

Minimalism Defined

So what exactly is minimalism as it applied to art? Basically it is based around the concept of “Less is More.” This concept can be applied to anything from paintings to sculpture and allows the artist to use only the most basic elements that are required to create the desired effect. Geometric shapes are the staple of the minimalist artist as even the most complex figure can be reduced down to simple geometric shapes. Minimalism often overlaps with other art movements depending on the artist but some of my favorites include Richard Serra, Donald Judd, and Dan Flavin.

The Art Object and Concept of Artwork

When looking at minimalist artwork, it is important to remain open to new ideas about what qualifies as art, and what the “art object” is for a particular piece. When looking at more traditional art, seeing the art object is easy; it is whatever you’re viewing aka the painting or the sculpture. For minimalist art the object has become detached from the actual piece. For example, lets think about a work by Richard Serra called “Tilted Arc,” which was originally installed across the Federal Plaza in New York NY. This arc was a massive tilted arc of steel at 120 feet long and 12 feet high, slightly tilted. The piece took up most of Federal Plaza and was eventually dismantled due to public controversy (people didn’t like walking around it I guess).

Serra said this about the piece:

“The viewer becomes aware of himself and of his movement through the plaza. As he moves, the sculpture changes. Contraction and expansion of the sculpture result from the viewer’s movement. Step by step the perception not only of the sculpture but of the entire environment changes.” Richard Serra – Found in Wikipedia

For this piece, the art object has been removed from the piece itself, and redefined as the interaction between the viewer and the piece. The way that the piece changes uniquely as each viewer passes it actually IS the art. This concept of interaction is found in many minimalist sculptures as it is typically not the simply shapes that are the piece, but the way it makes the viewer feel, or what the viewer sees at they interact with it. Sure, simple cubes, arcs and other geometric shapes are boring if you just view them from one angle, but when you move around them, get up close to them and interact with them, the pieces become quite dynamic and powerful in the way they influence our movements, our eye, our perceptions, and our feelings of space.

Minimalist sculpture has to be experienced in person, because although an image may give you a good representation of what the piece looks like, what it is made of and what it consists of, one really cannot know what the piece IS until you are there experiencing it. In fact this effect can be so extreme that depending on the work, it can almost be forceful and overpowering, as if you could not stand up close to the piece without being affected by its presence.

Not all minimalist art has the same type of effect but generally they all involve some sort of removal of the art, from the object. Lets look at Dan Flavin as another example. His works consist of simple fluorescent tube set up in a particular way and then lit with different colors. With these pieces, the art is not the tubes themselves, but the interaction between the light given off by them when they are lit and how the viewer perceives that light. When combined with other simple shapes and multiple lighted elements, dramatic effects can be created very simply. Those effects and how the viewer perceives them has become the artwork, as opposed to the physical piece itself.

Why Minimalism can be Intimidating

Looking back at how I felt about minimalism before I understood more about it, I find it easy to understand why these pieces can be so intimidating. Its easier to look at a painting or a typical sculpture because I can appreciate the work without doing anything at all. No matter what you interpret from the picture and what the artist was trying to say, you do not have to consider yourself as part of the work. Along with that, even if you do not want to consider the artist’s motive and reasoning, you can still appreciate the work for its technical skill. With minimalist art, its just a cube… or a geometric shape… or a splash of paint. It was difficult for me to accept that without having pure technical skill to fall back on, I might not be able to understand the “greatness” of the artwork. I think the reason I shied away from minimalist art is because the shapes tend to be so simple that I don’t want to feel stupid because I “simply don’t get it.” Instead of think about these works and risk being wrong, I would denounce them as “not real art” like it’s my decision to decide what is art or not.

After learning more about the methods behind minimalist art, I believe I can overcome this fear as I know more what to look for artistically from these pieces. I can appreciate these works more now that I understand what they are; not deep on the surface, with only the barest essentials, but deep artistically. Often times I still don’t understand exactly what is going on artistically, but I’m less likely to say: “but it’s just a cube…” or “I could have made that…” I understand that there is more to these pieces than just their form.

Conclusions About Minimalist Art

It took me a long time to overcome my intimidation of minimalist art, but after studying and reading about it more, I feel that these pieces are very good pieces of art and can have more to do with people, than more typical works of art. I hope that by reading this, you’ll be inspired to look more into minimal and other kinds of art that are not as “typical.” We might not understand these pieces at first, but through more interest and with an open mind, we might be able to appreciate some truly unique, creative and great pieces of work.

If the piece of art is the interaction between this large cube and me, then I guess even my response of “I could have made that…” is validation that that big cube is fulfilling its artistic purpose. Art that fulfills its artistic purpose is successful art.

References Include: Wikipedia for quotes and artist information, as well as my own classes in modern art.

For more information look up the works of Richard Serra, Donald Judd, and Dan Flavin. Or just do a search on Google for minimalism in art.

D.A.N (Dave Nuzzo). is the owner, editor and primary writer for an online magazine called The Sights and Sounds from the Fifth Column, is a cultural/society type of magazine dedicated to changing the world by encouraging creativity, free thinking, open mindedness, activism, and human rights. Designed to expand its readers’ minds through exposure to different forms of creativity, new ideas on politics and society, and new ideas on self improvement and philosophy. The goal is to help promote ideas about different facets of society ranging from music and art, to politics and world events, to philosophy and self improvement, based on merit, not money, mainstream culture or shock value.

Sights and Sounds of the Fifth Column, found at http://www.fifthcolumnmagazine.com

Author: Dave Nuzzo
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The formal structure of a class is the best way to learn things. While it is possible to be born with a talent formal learning is a great way of nurturing it. This is as true of the creative industries as it is with any other type of industry. Choosing the right film school can help you learn more about the process as well as helping you get the experience you need.

There are a number of factors to consider when applying. Affordability is one big issue and may restrict the ones that you can apply for. For example you may be able to go to one day or weekend seminars. These are ideal for specific specialities such as screenwriting or editing.

A seminar is a great introduction to the type of work that you want to do. If you do have something specific you want to study see if the film school offers the course that will help you. For example if you are specifically interested in screenwriting you should find a course that is designed with your personal needs in mind as opposed to going to one that offers a more general type of course.

Taking the example of screenwriting a bit further you should look for more information. You should ask if they offer advice on formatting and presentation as well as story construction. A good tutor should be able to give advice on the right formatting software that companies look at. They will also offer the best feedback on ensuring the scripts are well structured and help you tell your story.

Another thing to consider is whether it is better to be a specialist in a certain area or to have more all round ability. This is certainly the case if your ultimate ambition is to be a director. Few people go straight into directing after they graduate and it helps to be aware of how different facets of the industry work in order to get onto a set.

When considering a course look at the length of time. With the exception of one off seminars or workshops courses often last between two to four years. Two courses are a good way to learn more about film. However a longer course is likely to be more in depth.

Whatever the length of the course you should do a background check. The right feedback will help you decide what is right for you. Given that you will be investing time and money into it you need to make sure that it is worth putting effort into it. When checking feedback be wary of overly positive or negative reviews as these may well be spam reviews. It is generally advised to look at reviews that offer positive and negative points.

The right film school will also have effective careers advice and internship places. Experience is an important way of getting more credits and work. While there are no guarantees studying the form and getting work placements will help get more experience and build up more contacts. This will help you get the most out of your studies.

Ready to channel your inner creativity? Enroll in a fashion schools for fashion courses at one of the many fine fashion design schools. The career you dreamed of may be just around the corner.

Author: Adriana N.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Have you ever become inspired by one of those home improvement shows where they completely transform the look of a room in a day and for less than $2500? Believing that you, too, can change the entire look and feel of a space in record time using insufficient funds, it suddenly dawns on you a little too late into the project–those television shows are rigged! Using carpenters and slave labor, those shows are adding many thousands of dollars of hidden value to each and every renovation. But without breaking the bank, you can add class and sophistication to any space with the simple but stunning addition of a ceramic table lamp.

The lighting scheme is rarely addressed in most renovation shows because quality fixtures cost real money and cannot be “fabricated” by some carpenter or interior design guru. However, when it comes to adding true value to your home and unifying the décor, few things compare with light fixtures. Stained-glass windows, hardwood flooring, and perhaps the addition of a fireplace are about the only other major additions to existing rooms that will add true value to the space and completely redefine its character. However, unless you actually do have a house filled with carpenters and free labor, each of those projects can run into the thousands of dollars.

Ceramic table lamps, however, can be found for a fraction of this cost that will add class and sophistication to your décor. It is important, however, for the ceramic lamp to fit-in with your other furnishings. An ornate glass shade atop a ceramic table lamp will certainly add some class and sophistication to a traditional décor, but it will certainly clash with more modern furnishings. While there is undoubtedly a ceramic table lamp that will perfectly complement contemporary design style, some shades and styles will be inappropriate. Of course, the same is true with any light fixture.

It is important that your ceramic table lamp complements the end table, desk, or night stand on which it sits. This is generally accomplished with the ceramic base itself. Almost any shade or hue can be captured in a ceramic table lamp and you can be sure there is one out there in every single one of them. You may have to scroll through a few pages to find the ceramic base that is the perfect complement to your favorite end table–but rest assured that you can find it if you look hard enough.

The lamp shade should complement the furnishings and general color scheme of your design scheme. There is no need for a perfect match and it is perfectly fine for the shade to be a focal point of the décor. But, when the base and shade both complement their surroundings, ceramic table lamps add class and sophistication to the space and a warm source of lighting. When possible, also coordinate the ceramic table lamp with other light fixtures for a completely unified and stunning effect.

Pamela Tice is the owner of numerous lighting and home decor websites including http://www.simplytablelamps.com . Her store offers a complete selection of unique Table Lamps and faboulous Ceramic Table Lamps ranging in styles such a Mission, Contemporary, Traditional and Tiffany lamps.

Author: Pamela Tice
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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What is architecture? What do we mean by Post-Modernism? Does Postmodernism still exist in architectural design? As Jameson suggests, “Postmodernism, by definition resists definition”. If then postmodernism is difficult to be defined, on what principles can we judge if postmodernism in architecture is over?

Charles Jencks, among many architectural theorists, attempted to explain how postmodernism has shaped 21st Century’s architectural creations. The words, syntax, metaphor, and semantics of architecture are part of what make architecture postmodern. Regionalism, historicism, new urbanism, these are flavors of the postmodern. Whereas Moore, Hedjuk, Yamashita, Tigerman, and Graves (to mention a few) are categorized as postmodern, in which group do contemporary architects like Santiago Calatrava belong?

Satiago Calatrava, Valencia’s favorite son, a man who has merged architecture and engineering into designs and has occasionally transcended the limitations of both, uses an advanced postmodern vocabulary. But, are his manifestations considered postmodern, or something else? Graceful bridges, train stations, museums are mainly characterized by a white structure and the use of glass. Structures that often appear in motion and, as of late, often actually move.

The term “postmodernism” was first used in reference to architecture as early as 1947 spurring a fruitful debate among architects that has not yet disappeared. Postmodernism in its regional/vernacular forms reflects neighborhood culture. In this way, it can function as a tool in class struggle. Jameson argued that postmodernism is a reaction to the forces of “creative destruction.” But it can be a tool for those powers as well. “Creative destruction,” the wiping out of physical memory of a place is what probably causes the phenomenon Jameson refers to as the “accelerated rate of change”. The end of the assembly line, created by the instant flexibility of computer technology, means that in this post-Fordist world we can all have a unique, neighborhood specific thing, as well as having the same thing.

All of these arguments are original and all of them can be successfully applied for the analysis of different contemporary cultural phenomena; some of these theories are better for the explanations of particular architectural phenomena, some for others. However, it would be wise for one to examine them all together in all their different perspectives as they can become a helpful tool for understanding the social and cultural phenomena that emerged from the second half of the Twentieth century on and still affect contemporary architects and their designs.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Arts [http://loveofthearts.com/], Family [http://foracloserfamily.com/], and Gardening [http://letsdosomeyardwork.com/]

Author: Jonathon Hardcastle
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The Guest List

Mix this up, singles and marrieds, age mix. We learn more from those beyond our generation. I typically have both clients now friends, vendors now friends, and friends.

Involve your guests. Give them a chance to bring something, be specific it makes it easier. For example, you can ask everyone to bring a favorite wine, or bubbly, or perhaps at the holidays they can bring an ornament. You can always do potluck and have everyone bring a dish. (Keep up with this or you’ll wind up with too many chips and dips and no dessert or salad!)

You can do a game party and have everyone bring a favorite game, or a charitable donation and have everyone bring something for Goodwill. Everyone is more comfortable bringing something.

Be clear in expectations. Make the invitation clear with date, day, time, dress (give examples, this seems the biggest issue), occasion, what to bring, what to expect (a good time by all certainly), directions, parking and such. Don’t leave room for questions, it will streamline the RSVP process and reason to attend.

The Menu and Presentation

Bite-size makes a difference. This is important, all of us have been stuck at a buffet with a plate in hand and food requiring a knife and fork, and no tables to set the plate down and carve. There is nothing more uncomfortable than popping an oversize bite in your mouth and being immobilized while attempting to reduce its size before swallowing.

Finger food makes it easier. Pasta with sauce is clearly not finger food. Make it easy on guests and have mini-kebobs, skewered or tooth picked items, stuffed mushroom caps (button mushrooms, not jumbo!) salmon on toast points and such. Food that doesn’t require utensils is fun and simple.

Color is delicious. Make the food colorful, if not inherently so, then with garnish. Presentation matters and people eat color. All brown, even if a toasty color is boring, add green, red, and yellow with peppers, parsley (tried but true), herbs and spices, sliced veggies and fruits. If it looks appealing it will get eaten.

Tell them what it is. Rarely do I attend a party where anyone has taken the time to put signage on the food. This counts, not only does it remove the mystery but potential allergic reactions by unsuspecting party goers that don’t know what is inside. This can be done tastefully with place cards or even small ceramic markers.

The Decorations and Mood

Start at the front door. I make sure that you know I am having a party from my front door to the back door. Whether it is signage, balloons, props, a special entry, my guests feel the mood at the beginning. It adds excitement and anticipation and gives them something to talk about.

Leave room for guests. It is easy to overdo and forget that you do need room for guests, not just party props and decorations. You also need to make room for glasses to be set down, plates to be parked and such. Put out coasters as a hint, and be sure that you have places they can leave empty plates.

Be creative but consistent. Sometimes it is tempting to throw in everything but the kitchen sink, don’t. Consider using no more than three colors in any scheme and select one or two shapes to focus on. I do a lot with gold, silver and a third color each time, and use stars and diamonds as my preferred shapes. Repetition gives continuity and reinforces my theme. This works for holidays, Oscar night, a gambling affair, and more.

Give something away. I always like to leave a basket by the front door with a take away gift for my guests. This is my thank you for them being there. It can be as decadent as a mini-box of Godiva truffles or as silly as a bag of sand for a summer gathering with beach toys. It needs to relate to the event and be personal.

Real vs. Plastic. Well I have to say that for ease of party without full staff I go plastic on plates, but never on glasses. I don’t mind a load or two of glassware at the end of the night, and plates and cutlery can be tossed. Others will disagree and insist on those glass plates so popular, too often they look scratched up, overused and dull. Go with real china and make if fun with a party set, if you don’t want plastic.

Size counts. Please don’t be stingy and use those silly 6″ plates for food, give your guests a real 10″ plate and avoid the need for standing around the buffet table grazing because they can’t get enough on a plate to enjoy it. Use a separate plate for dessert items with fresh flatware.

The Art of Hosting

Get involved. If you don’t have a good time, then neither will your guests. You will need to ensure that all of your preparations are complete and you have time to mix and mingle. They are coming to see you, not watch you work.

Get outside help for food. You can hire a caterer, go pot luck if on a tight budget, or split the difference and do it with help from Whole Foods and Eatzi’s or any other gourmet prepared food source. Doing it all yourself is admirable, but not often feasible in time and effort.

Get outside help on service. Hire a bartender even if just to pour wine for the night. You can go pro or ask a neighborhood college student (of age of course). You may want to consider serving help too, or ask a couple of good friends to help you keep up with the food and empty plates.

© 2006 Melissa Galt

Melissa Galt, Lifestyle Designer, Speaker, & Author, is the owner of Melissa Galt, Inc., a full service interior design firm based in Atlanta. She has been decorating clients homes all over the Southeast for more than a decade, making their interior visions come true. She speaks to audiences nationally, on how to use design as the catalyst for creating the life youve always dreamed of.

Melissa is the creator of Design Destinations, a free monthly guide to designing your signature life. To sign up for her FREE monthly newsletter, visit http://www.melissagalt.com

Author: Melissa Galt
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Wirly is the product of the meeting of ex-model Ingrid Bjerge and a former Jesuit priest. They met at a casino in Las Vegas and engaged in a frantic love affair. Exotic drinks and other intoxicating substances not disclosed to others are rumoured to have been contributing factors. “Friends” of the couple have revealed that this was reportedly the first touch of love her father had. The intensity of the love affair drove him over the edge mentally and caused a rather abrupt departure from the Jesuits. He later started his own post apocalyptic cult and has taken the new name of Ildefons Shyam. The cult, and thus he, is doing quite well financially by collecting donations from thousands of believers to build a temple that will stand after the destruction of the world.

When Wirly’s mother realised that she was with child, she went to a rehab clinic in Switzerland to control her anorexia nervosa and withdrew from the jet set life she had lead. After Wirlys birth she left the baby with a nanny from Germany, named Helga, and moved to India and from thence to Tibet where she discovered Buddhism, yoga and new fascinating techniques of plastic surgery. She spends most of her time at the Samskaras Spa in Tibet trying to postpone the inevitable… aging.

Wirly’s personality is a highly explosive mix of her parents’, a perfect balance between arrogance and vanity. Her age is not known as she does not disclose it to anyone she is mischievous, self-centred and most of the time mean. Wirly loves to create a stir and will make good use of any opportunity to do so. She was born a gifted child with an exceptionally high IQ. She has transcendental powers and thus she is capable of entering other people. A Vatican council has concluded with that the only way to control her powers is by permanently putting boxing gloves and sunglasses on her.

Using her charisma and charm Wirly can be very sweet and loving, though this only applies to when it is in her personal interest. Her love for things and money are as clear as the day light. Her dream is to be a musician. She is currently single but intends to marry a rich and famous movie star that can afford to launch her training and career as a musician. Her two favourite books are The Divine Comedy and Fausto. Her nanny used to read those two books to her at bed time and they somehow bring about good memories from her childhood. Wirly has a very obscure sense of humour with a fascination for everything that is morbid and dark In fact it would seem that quite a lot about Wirly can be depicted as dark. This does not apply to her taste for colours however, as her favourites are shades of pink and orange.

Wirly has a half-brother named Tomasito. Some time ago Tomasito was found floating on a raft in the waters near the channel island Jersey. He is a very talkative and curious young boy, but his gibberish is incomprehensible to all. His favourite toy is by coincidence a small raft he carries where ever he goes. Attached to the raft was a note written in poor English asking for please to deliver him to his father, reverend Ildefons Shyam. Upon his reception the reverend quickly saw the potential in this situation and proclaimed for the cult that Tomasito is the sign that the End is near and turned Tomasito into a holly figure for the cult.

Tomasito follows Wirly almost all the time. The only time that he is not around his beloved half sister is when he is at the altar blessing the members of the cult Frequently after Tomasito having been in Wirlys care, the reverend has to recover his prophetic offspring from the arms of the law.

Willy is a penguin originating in the Antarctica. However Willy is not like most penguins in the sense that he does not thrive in the large numbers. For this reason he was trekking to Bouvet Island hoping to find a more secluded spot for himself. During the trek he made a navigational error and ended up in the UK where he met Wirly for the first time. Willy instantly fell in love with her and now follows her everywhere. He is very possessive and tries to keep people as far away from Wirly as possible by using all the martial training that he learned from a book while travelling to Bouvet Island.

Wirly has a blind fly pet. It is considered a scientific sensation as it has been with Wirly since it transformed from the larva stage 4 years ago. She took on the fly as a pet while learning about flies at school. She was taught that a fly would only live for 24 hours. Due to the clear discrepancy between school teaching and practical life, Wirly decided to drop out of school. She has currently launched a lawsuit against the educational institution she formerly attended for wrong teachings and manipulating the truth.

My name is Adriana and Im the creator and developer of Wirlyhome label. Im jewellery and clothing designer, Ive been working in the fashion industry for the last 9 years of my life, I went to fashion school in Canada, where I lived for 10 years, and 8 of those long years I worked as a fashion designer, illustrator and forecaster. I came back to Brazil last year to open my label Wirlyhome, and now after almost 1 year of hard work the label is finally picking up and we are getting some recognition.

if you are curious and want to see and read more abut this new world just go to http://www.wirlyhome.com/

adriana

Author: Adriana Zimbarg
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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