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Hey, nobody said the music business was going to be easy. It truly is a jungle out there filled with: snakes, rats, rabid carnivores, sharks?well, you get the picture. In the course of your musical journey, there will be confrontations, arguments, misunderstandings, and miscommunications. You?ll get jerked around, screwed over, ripped off and disrespected. So, you want to be a rock star? Welcome to your nightmare.

But this is also a business of good people, who?ll give you opportunities and chances and help you out when you least expect it. That?s why it?s so important that you, as musicians and as a band, act professionally and respectfully regardless of the behavior of those you encounter. You don?t have to be a pushover and of course, you have a right to defend yourself against the questionable actions of others, but the music community can be a very small town and the behavior you exhibit will follow you throughout your musical career.

On the flipside of that, there are musicians out there who, either knowingly or unknowingly bring negativity on themselves through their own actions. Short temperedness, egocentricism, brazen entitlement, compulsive lying and just plain old psychotic behavior can brand your band as troublemakers and deprive you of important opportunities that you need to move forward in this business.

So, how can you make sure that you?re doing onto others as you wish they would do onto you? What can you, as musicians do, to eliminate aspects of your personality that may be causing bad blood between you and the people you run across on your way to superstardom?

The following are a few tips that may help you to make sure you?re exhibiting professional behavior at all times:

1.)Be Timely And Courteous—Whether you?re playing out live or emailing booking inquiries from home, there is never a substitute for courteously or timeliness. At gigs, show up when you?re supposed to, be friendly, treat others with respect, set up quickly, end your set on time, break down quickly, be mindful of other bands on stage, compliment those around you and don?t forget simple things like, ?please? and ?thank you.? When you leave a positive impression in people?s minds, you?ll be high on their list when it comes time to fill an open booking slot, recommend a band for a review, etc.

2.)Make Sure Your Actions Match Your Words—It?s such a simple thing but you?d be surprised how many musicians seem incapable to doing what they say they?re going to. If you book a gig, show up and play. If you say you?re going to bring twenty friends and fans to your gig, do it. If you reserve an ad in a local music magazine, pay for it. If you write a check, make sure that it doesn?t bounce. If you say you?re going to send out a press package or a CD, mail it. It is true that many people in the music business are distrustful of bands that they don?t know, and with good reason in many instances. Build your good reputation in the industry by proving that you will do what you?ve promised. Start small. Once you?ve gain people?s trust, you?ll see more and more doors opening up for your band.

3.)Take The High Road—It may be tough but there?s nothing to be gained from returning someone?s improper behavior with a heap-load of your own. That doesn?t mean that you need to let every industry slime-bag from New York to LA ride roughshod all over your music project but there are ways to deal with the negative behavior in this business without branding yourself with a label equally as negative. Sending firm yet professional letters, making intelligent and informed phone inquiries and, if need be, taking legal action against those who have acted inappropriately are ways to handle unpleasant situations without drawing negative attention to yourself. Public scenes, yelling and screaming, long-winded and ranting emails, threats and accusations and spiteful actions may make you feel vindicated but it may chase away the good people as well as the bad and that just sets your band back.

4.)You Can?t Undo What You?ve Already Done—It?s much harder to undo past bad behaviors, or reverse negative reputations than it is to foster positive ones. It?s best when starting out to avoid acting rash as a rule. If you have a band member that is incapable of keeping his or her cool, perhaps it?s time to rethink his or her place in your group. The entertainment industry has a long memory and a spiteful tongue. Make sure when people speak of you, they?re speaking well.

This may all seem like such common sense that it isn?t even worth mentioning but you?d be surprised how many shows, interviews, tours, and record deals have never materialized because of burned bridges. You may have talent and great tunes, but if your attitude sucks you?ll get passed over time and again. No one wants to work with rage-aholics, egomaniacs or crazies. Don?t let anyone think that?s what your band is about. Sure it?s important to be creative geniuses but if no one likes you, you?ll be performing your masterpieces in the garage for grandma and her Pomeranian. Get smart and treat people right and you may find yourself rockin? all the way to the bank.

Sheena Metal is a radio host, producer, promoter, music supervisor, consultant, columnist, journalist and musician. Her syndicated radio program, Music Highway Radio, airs on over 700 affiliates to more than 126 million listeners. Her musicians? assistance program, Music Highway, boasts over 10,000 members. She currently promotes numerous live shows weekly in the Los Angeles Area, where she resides. For more info: http://www.sheena-metal.com.

I was talking to my dear Mother the other day and she was telling me how grand the famed psychic, communicator with the dead and most viewed Montel Williams guest, Sylvia Brown is.

Dear Mother was having such a good time that I couldn’t spoil it for her, but c’mon … do the dead really talk?

If the dead talk then why did they pick out such an ugly woman with a big nose to talk to? How come the dead don’t talk to supermodels or important people like the Pope or the President?

It’s not that I would believe them anymore than I believe Sylvia Brown but that’s who I would talk to if I was dead and could talk to somebody!

And if the dead can talk, how come they don’t talk about where they are?

I can’t possibly imagine that there’s not one dead person that wouldn’t complain about something. Isn’t it hot in hell? Are things maybe a bit too great in heaven? And what’s up with purgatory? What about a few other spots on the other side that we may not know about?

When the dead talk to Sylvia Brown they talk about things here on earth and memories. Who cares about where old car keys are or smelly gym sneakers from yesteryear? I want to know about the next major catastrophe, the next child abduction or about a terrorist plan.

Don’t the dead care about national security or child safety?

I can’t imagine having a conversation with the dead but I’m going to try real hard to imagine what my conversation with a dead person would be like and here it is:

Me: “Hi, how are you today?”
The Dead: “I’m dead.”
Me: “I can’t find a life insurance policy, did you leave me one?”
The Dead: “How the hell should I know, I’m dead.”
Me: “Alrighty then, so what’s it like over there on the other side?”
The Dead: “Uh, didn’t you hear me? I’m dead!”

This month (January ’07) my Dad has been dead for ten years and I can assure anyone that if there was ever anybody who could die and send a message, he would.

Well, I haven’t heard a thing from him for ten years! And I know that he likes me better than Sylvia Brown and if he knew that Sylvia would charge me an arm and a leg to talk to her about him, he wouldn’t talk to her anyway.

I think all these so called ‘psychics’ are full of it and they rip people out of their money so they can be rich. I’ll admit it, watching Sylvia is some great entertainment. I enjoy watching her, but she should wear a t-shirt that says ‘for entertainment purposes only please’ if she’s gonna charge.

On the other hand if Sylvia calls me up tonight because she’s gotten a message from the other side to let her know I’m talking trash about her skills and she can prove it … I’ll take back all that I’ve said.

I’ll even spend the rest of my life spreading the word that she is the real deal and to sweeten the deal, I’ll wash her pantyhose too.

(Five minutes later!) My phone hasn’t rang yet so I’m confident that I’m right. So the next time you see a fortuneteller, save your money for something more important like a Big Mac.

This girl is a trip! To read more just visit zonemom.com zonemom.com

I had to play a joke on the maid at a hotel where I was staying. You know that little paper wrapper they place over the toilet seat, that thin paper band that is supposed to convince you that the facility is clean. You normally take the paper band off and throw it away when you go to use the john. Instead, I saved mine and each morning before leaving the room slipped it back on the toilet seat, giving the impression I never used it.

After day five of this I could only imagine the maid’s reaction.

Staring, she said, “What are you, some kind of a lizard?”

To me, bathrooms are like Greek temples, made of stone and cool marble, reassuring, serene, little worlds of their own, a place of refuge, shut away from the world and its problems.

Such places thus earn the more dignified name of “rest room.”

For example, if you hate your dead-end job, and you share a communal bathroom down the hall with the employees of other companies in the building, chances are you’ll spend more time here than you should, away from a threatening, dishonest boss, ringing phones and mountains of paperwork.

I admit I’m selfish. When I use the communal john, I want it all to myself—alone.

I also don’t want my imitation Greek temple sullied. Therefore, I never perform major bodily functions here (the only time I ever did I was sick).

There’s this guy. Every morning at 8:45 a.m. he’s seated on the throne. Now, I fully know this is not a common subject for a column, and I don’t want you to think I’m strange. But I’m truly curious about this guy, perplexed, baffled, whatever.

Since it’s only 8:45 in the morning, he can’t have been at work very long, not much more than an hour. Why can’t he hold it longer? Why can’t he do his disgusting business at home before he comes to work?

What does he do, process food like a goose?

Now, we all drink coffee, which I admit goes through you pretty fast. So I’m not against use of the john for small calls of nature. But I’m thinking of posting a sign, which reads, “This Facility Used for Minimal Body Functions Only.”

Don’t foul my Greek temple with your digesting bowels.

More bathroom palacial.

Bathrooms like restaurants should be rated in travel books as to how good they are. For instance, we’ve all seen gas station bathrooms in truck stops on Labor Day where the unflushed facility hasn’t been cleaned and the globs of stuff in there are so putrid you think they may reach out and grab you.

Such places assign us lower on the scale of evolution.

Disgusting!

Then there are bathrooms like the one I saw at Pebble Beach Resort. The heart soars. You could eat off the floor. Little, moist cloth towels hanging from silver trays for cleaning your hands. Embossed toilet paper. Gleaming brass and silver fixtures.

A dream come true.

I was in tears.

© Copyright 2004 by SammonSays.com SammonSays.com

John Sammon is the author of two books and writes a weekly humor column you may access at SammonSays.com Sammonsays.com

Today, an increasing amount of people is discovering the art of taking pictures through the advanced technology of digital photography. This approach, which is often used when capturing the images of graduations, parties, weddings, and family outings, has elevated the possibilities a camera may provide. Over the years, digital photography continues to make strides with the public, as manufactures are producing more equipment geared towards both commercial and professional use.

Digital photography involves an electronic device that records and translates images as binary data. A digital camera is able to store images, which are later edited and printed with the use of a personal computer and specialized software. At the time of picture-taking, the camera possesses the capacity to reveal poor photos and allows a user to immediately delete unsuccessful takes, which helps one better preserve their special moments in time.

Today, digital cameras outsell the traditional film camera, mostly because of the features a film camera is unable to deliver. With the ability to shoot live video and record audio, the digital camera is becoming much similar to a mini-camcorder. This type of technology has also taken hold of the cell phone industry, as an increasing amount of newer models allows users to enjoy digital photography features.

Commercial Digital Camera Advantages

The digital cameras geared towards the commercial consumer carries a great deal of advantages over traditional film selections. The ease of not having to wait for film development in order to review photos you may or may not have taken well is one of the best benefits associated with a digital camera. When problems with photos arise, they are easily correctable, which is very important regarding once-in-a-lifetime events. No more out-of-focus pictures, “cut-off” heads, finger blocking the lens, closed eyes, or awkward expressions. The instant review of photos is a lifesaver for the non-professional picture taker.

The cost of digital photography is also less, as you are in charge of producing the prints you want and photo storage is easily met through your computer. There is also no need to pay for reprints because you will always have the ability to make duplicates on your own. The freedom of picture taking with a digital camera is never-ending, as you select the types of paper, images, and other options. You may also make custom photo CDs and crop out unwanted distractions in photos using software.

Professional Digital Camera Advantages

Since immediate image review and deletion is available through the use of digital cameras, professional photographers are able to adjust the lighting regarding their subjects. This especially comes in handy when one is trying to gain the trust of clients and build a portfolio that attracts more business. A professional photographer is also able to work at a faster pace because of the advanced editing and printing possibilities associated with digital photography. Photo manipulation is a great way to change the hue and saturation of pictures, as well as allow the cropping of photo blunders and blemishes, including red eye.

In the end, digital photography produces a wealth of enhanced outcomes, as specialized software and advanced features are used to improve overall picture taking and tweak original photos into works of art.

For great tips on the best quality of digital photo shots see: digitalphotographyfacts.org digitalphotographyfacts.org

digitalphotographyfacts.org Digital Photography

The Mughal School of Painting is taken as a style par excellence in the history of illustrated manuscripts within subcontinent. Two great patrons of art were the two gorgeous emperors, happened to be the father and son in relationship; Akbar the Great and Jahangir. Akbar considered artists as god-like figures who, through their creations, could embark on a stage where they could make others happy or sad. It is enough to understand that why the great King had managed to have Navratana (the nine jewels), a group of nine outstanding people comprised of geniuses of diverse art-forms, skills and branches of knowledge.Tansen, Abu al-Fazal, Birbal, Faizy are well known figures of the group of nine other than those who are not much famous but are equal in status. The Mughals are considered to be “the torch bearer” of colossal architecture with ornate and floral motives, attributed to the basic concept of paradise with only sacred fauna and flora to be found there. Contrary to the rock-cut narrow style of architecture which, Hindus were obsessed with in erecting temples of monstrous height and abundance of figurative sculptures, in and around these sanctuaries; showing great level of devotion and fervor towards iconographic nature of religious doctrine, the Mughals introduced wide, fortified, ventilated and naturally illumine structures with special cooling system accomplished by virtue of water.

The home-grown attitude of figurative representation, accredited to Hindus, was also voguish in painting in this part of the world. The Jains in compassionate relation with Tirthankaras, of which Mahavira was the last one, painted their figures in order to elaborate the religious texts like Kalpasutra. This sort of painting was famous in Gujarat and Karnataka, but the main issue was to publish the scripture as the intention was to elaborate the writings; pictures of religious figures were crafted at the border of the page which, with the passage of time strengthened its place at the center, after receiving popularity and acceptance from elites and commons. This tradition was later adopted by the Hindus in rendering of their pictorial scriptures like, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Gita Govinda and Bhagvatgita Purana.

Other than religious librettos, some secular stories also got proper place in this illustrative convention, Ragmalas, royal love-stories and adventurous lives of travelers and knights were also in fashion by the time when the great Mughals occupied this terra firma.The Mughals were already possessing, the ritual of recording sacred characters and events owing to the great Persian tradition of miniature painting which in Safvid period, got its zenith. The south Asians never stopped anyone to come to this land for taking it up and rule. The Aryans, Greeks, Persians, Muslims and Britons, all enjoyed the fertility of this soil that lately became their eternal shroud.Babur, the first of the Mughals, entered from the western side and after defeating Ibrahim Lodhi, captured Delhi to make this area a crucible of diverse influences. In painting, already existing miniature tradition got blended with the influences, the Mughals brought with them from the rich lands of Persia. The dynasty was known for their liberal and secular approach especially during and after the regime of Akbar till Shahjahan.

Akbar was a great admirer of indigenous music, dance, cuisine and costumes. He even honored a Rajput lady Jodha Bai as his queen, although this act had its unique place in history as diplomatic ploy by the great emperor. During the epoch of the Mughals ; Ragmalas, Mythologies and anecdotes of Rama and Sita and Krishna were painted in an approach which, was persuaded by the Persian style of painting, introduced to this part of the world by Bihzad and Abd al-Samad, two mammoth icons of the art of illustration who accompanied Humayun when he recaptured South Asia on his return from exile in Persia. Other than indigenous stories, the royal patrons also commissioned the illustrations depicting their own court-life, battle scenes and hunt-expeditions. Babur Nama, Akbar Nama, Tuzk-e Jahangiri and Padshanama are few of this series which were painted repeatedly.

On the other hand, famous fables like Kalila-o Dimna and Anwar-e Sahili were also illustrated time and again in different periods; Hamza Nama, Tuti Nama, Razm Nama and Bustan-i Sa’di were also amongst the popular collection, commissioned by the dynasty.Critically speaking, what the Mughals brought to the South Asia was not just the Persian influence, but there could be found traces of Chinese and Japanese technique and sway the Mughals were acquainted with. These influences are obvious in Hamzanama, furnished under the Mughals, where one could find very colorful rendering of Dragons, an imaginary character of Chinese Mythology.

The making of rocks in the back or foregrounds also reminds the Japanese style adopted years ago in their woodcuts. In addition to rocks, the depiction of whirling waves of river or sea also takes one back to those woodcuts which, even inspired Vincent Van Gogh at Netherlands, especially in his whirling-brush technique. The Mughals were successors of the Mongols; the Chinese influence could be ascribed to them as an indispensable disposition of their genetics. But the interesting thing was that the local schools of painting, that were on hype in Rajasthan and Gujarat got enriched by the Mughal style when the detail of the green flora and grass was put against the blazing reds of Gujarat and soothing blues of Rajasthan. Akbar, who was in close relations with the Rajputs of Vijaynagar, condescended this blend in order to promote his doctrine of secular ideology.

The Mughal court was rich and stable in terms of economic condition during Akbar’s era after acquiring most of the land, that was available to rule over, so the royal activity regarding music, dance, literature and painting was on full swing; an atelier including renowned painters and craftsmen was always found accompanying the emperor through thick and thin to perform artistic duties. That atelier worked as a team even on one painting, causing the reason that we could not find the name or signature of one artist on most of the paintings, what you may discover is only anonymity. During the Mughal period, the aim of art, besides traditional and religious epics, was basically to record events of political, social and royal nature, therefore, the Mughal art was often called of photographic nature.

The lavish royal life was to be portrayed and the already existing art of illustrative manuscripts suited this longing of the Persian blue blood of the Mughal Royals resulting into profusion at a large scale of that style of art. When Britons discovered the golden land of India, western style of painting was one of the effects, what they delivered at the Mughal court. The crucible got more enriched with court-scenes composed in triangular compositions with raised eye level. Although the cut-out and perspective techniques were already there in the aboriginal style but it was not as precise as the western world was, in their approach towards paining. So we could have a profound look into the tradition of Mughal Painting getting evolved from the early illustrated manuscripts, carrying the influence of the Persian Safvid tradition, to the modern techniques of composition, especially with reference to perspective and outlook, which allowed the Mughal painting to accomplish a native style by giving a picture of the Indian flora and fauna like the Mango, Banyan, and Pipal trees and the portrayal of the black bear found only in Kashmir, pictures of birds, cows and monkeys rather than portraying blossoming plums, peaches and amber foliage of Persia.

Mansur, a distinguished painter of Jahangir’s court, put the art of illustrating animal, birds and flowers at cloud nine owing to his detailed and meticulous exposé of natural world, a rare, perhaps the first wildlife venture in the south Asia in terms of record and depiction of plant and animal kingdoms. No doubt that the Mughal painting style is seen absorbing local and far-off influences, but this phenomenon applies on each and every style around the globe and is considered as the essential part of any great evolution. The Mughal painting is one example of alteration and evolution, especially in the field of illustrated manuscripts, this part of the world would be remembered for.

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Amazon.com Review

Amazon Best of the Month, September 2008: Michael Greenberg’s spare, unflinching memoir begins with a bang: On July 5, 1996, my daughter was struck mad. Hurry Down Sunshine chronicles the summer when fifteen-year-old Sally experienced her first full-blown manic episodean event that in a single stroke changed her identity and, by extension, that of her entire family. Simply told and beautifully written, Greenberg’s memoir shines a stark light on mental illness, painting a vivid picture of a brain and body under siegemania as a separate living thing squatting within the patient. As a writer who lives so much in his head, Greenberg is particularly anguished by his daughter’s fractured psyche, and his honesty about being both sickened and fascinated by his daughter’s condition is breathtaking: During the worst moments, I think of her as my diseasethe disease I must bear…I am intoxicated with Sally’s madness in both senses of the word: inebriated and poisoned. So desperate is he to understand her, that he relentlessly researches mental illness (the book is peppered with fascinating insights into drug therapy and anecdotes about writers who struggled with madness), and even goes so far as to sample a full dose of his daughter’s medication. Startling, heart-wrenching, and yet unwaveringly unsentimental, Hurry Down Sunshine is an unforgettable story of a young girl’s descent into madness, told through the eyes of a harried and helpless father trying desperately to bring her back. –Daphne Durham

Customer Reviews

Review date : 2008-09-19
Hurry Down Sunshine is a beautiful, lyrical story that reads like a dance, a waltz… The words are lilting and honest and keep the pace quick and kept me thoroughly absorbed…

Greenberg captured the experience and emotions in such a way that one could feel both his parental experience as well as relate to his daughter even at her initial break…

A wonderful and beautiful read… The honesty and cadence are breathtaking.

Thank you for this.

Review date : 2008-09-18
As the mother of a daughter who is the same age as Sally Greenberg, but who wasn’t diagnosed as bipolar until three years after Sally, I could certainly relate to this book. My daughter’s first bipolar psychosis was triggered when we were thousands of miles from home, in London, England of all places. It was a terrifying experience for us all. Thankfully she was eventually properly diagnosed (after having to cut her vacation short) and is a productive, lovely 27-year-old today. I could certainl relate to Greenberg’s experiences with his daughter. And the love he has for her. This is recommended not only for parents of bipolar children, who should certainly read it, but for those who enjoy mesmerizing, well-written memoirs. Even though this brought back some of the darkest days of my life, I am very thankful to have read it.

Review date : 2008-09-17
"Hurry Down Sunshine" is a carefully wrought medical Affliction Drama perfect for today. The formula, designed to appeal to the Oprah audience, can be described: 1) the affliction must be a mystery for medical science, this so that any interpretation or diagnosis, especially New Age nonsense, can be equally credited; 2) the affliction must be dire and sufficiently personal so that any impugning of the dramatist’s motives seems heartless if not horribly insensitive; 3) female characters in any and all scenes must be estimable in some or other way that lingers after the scene, their superiority dramatized usually by favorable comparison to male characters who are wanting if not downright less than admirable, including here the confessor of this memoir (who is a saint of patience and viscerally quick to self-criticism as the Hapless Nice Guy kicked around verbally almost everywhere in the narrative by ascendent females); 4) ergo male characters do not meet the mark in any and all scenes in some or other way, including "nuanced" and "subtle" ways skilled writers know how to manage, and again usually by some or other unfavorable comparison to superior female characters (usually rendered in goddess-like imagery not blatant but intended for the subliminal imprint); 5) there being but a thin drama in this skillful addition to the thriving Affliction Lit of these days since at the very beginning of "Hurry Down Sunshine" we learn there can be no medical explanation, no authentic resolution, we are given only the most vague statements of the Why of the book–what we can expect to learn from it, that is, the News it promises us– e.g., maybe the book will serve as a "guidepost" for others (that’s always a reliable one) or perhaps it will allow readers to experience the human condition (also very servicable as promo gibberish for calculated pseudo literature) or perhaps it takes us back and forth between, as the front dust jacket flap says, the "mundane" and the (if I recall accurately) "transcendent", whatever that might mean.

We get the literature we deserve.

Review date : 2008-09-16
The most defenseless moment a parent will ever experience is when they are absolutely helpless in the protection or healing of their child. How many times has a parent caressed the feverish brow of their child and attempted to rock their child to sleep. From the placing of a band aid on a knee… to removing a splinter… a parent has the magical gift of comfort… to their beloved flesh and blood. Even in the more serious case of rushing your child to the emergency room to have a bleeding wound stitched up… you are involved in the security and well being of your bundle of heavenly love (even if he is six-foot-three) that you as a parent have been blessed with.

But how deep would the bottomless abyss of your very soul fall to… if your child’s entire persona… including their temperament… and mental acuity… was snatched away… like a thief in the night… in a blink of an eye? What type of inner fortitude would it take for the parent to not only have the strength to climb out of the abyss… but what kind of faith would be necessary to see the light at the end of the pitch black tunnel?

On July 5, 1996 author Michael Greenberg’s fifteen-year-old daughter Sally "was struck mad". There was now a chasm between Sally and the rest of the world. How bad was this sudden psychotic crack in the mental health of Michael’s teenage daughter? How bad do the "new" mental mannerisms have to be for a Father to continually hope that his daughter has a drug problem? The author writes powerfully in the style of a street poet that is writing words with the pain of his guts. In describing his daughter’s outbursts he says: "AND SHE IS TALKING, OR RATHER PUSHING WORDS FROM HER MOUTH THE WAY A SHOPKEEPER PUSHES DUST OUT THE DOOR OF HER SHOP WITH A BROOM." Imagine the anguish for a Father to describe his daughter: "SHE THINKS SHE’S ELOQUENT, WHEN SHE CAN’T PUT TOGETHER A COHERENT SENTENCE." Michael leads the reader on a trip that starts off at the hospital emergency room… and that leads to Sally being admitted to a government mental institution… complete with bullet proof windows and a "quiet-room" with padded walls and a mattress on the floor. "THEY USHER SALLY INTO A TINY SHOEBOX OF A ROOM. A GATED WINDOW, DISPROPORTIONATELY LARGE, LOOMS OVER A NARROW BED A SURREALIST PAINTING IN WHICH THE DREAM IS ENORMOUS, THE DREAMER INCONSEQUENTIALLY SMALL."

The reader will be introduced to a cast of characters ranging from bizarre to pitiful to cruel. And that includes both patients and mental health staff. You will also get a detailed education in the purpose and side effects of drugs used in the treatment of mental disease. The author… in a desperate attempt to understand his daughters plight… actually takes her powerful medicine (un-prescribed and without permission) to try to comprehend her mental prison cell… that is locked with a key of drugs and madness.

The telling of this story from the Father’s point of view is so visceral that you feel yourself acting and reacting as if each pulse of the story is beating in your veins. Sally’s psychosis appears as if the GPS unit in her brain made a wrong turn and got stuck in a dark alley dead end.

When you finish this book, your emotions will have definitely been touched. And just when you lean back to contemplate what you have been through… there is a short powerful postscript.

Review date : 2008-09-14
Here’s a father’s beautifully written account of his teenage daughter’s first "bipolar" episode, as well has his ongoing role as his (literal) brother’s keeper. Everyone in Greenberg’s orbit–his son, his ex-wife and her husband, his mother, his other brothers–all become involved in his daughter Sally’s psychotic episode, but he shoulder’s the primary responsibility and feels the keenest estrangement from her. His brother Steve also impacts his life deeply, unable to deal with the reality of the social world. Greenberg hits exactly the right tone throughout, compassionate, yet burdened, forgiving, yet sometimes angry, frustrated, and occasionally even violent. The book pulls no punches and takes us inside the world of the mentally ill and shows how a disjointed mind topples the minds around it like dominos. Highly recommended.

If you want to be happier and you also love movies, this article will teach you how to use their lessons to change your life. To achieve this, you must look for three things in every movie you watch. If the movie has all three, it can be a rich, meaningful experience that can change your life while you?re also having fun. Here?s what to look for:

1. Does this movie inspire you? Great mentors must be able to bring out the best in us. A good movie must have the power to inspire you through the characters it brings to life. If you love a movie, you can use it as your inspirational force by answering these questions:

?How did this film inspire you to go after what?s important in you life?

?What did the characters teach you about success and what will you do to follow their examples?

?What did the characters teach you about mistakes and what harmful actions will you avoid in your life?

2. Does this movie stir in you powerful emotions? In watching a movie, it?s safe to feel emotions you usually hide in real life, from sadness and pain to joy and bliss. Life is full of emotion. If a movie can not stir powerful emotions in you, it?s not a story about real life but a lifeless illustration in motion. To make the most out of a good film?s ability to stir powerful emotions, answer these questions:

?What powerful feelings did this movie stir in you?

?How have you been handling those feelings in real life (such as avoiding, suppressing, or letting out of control) and what results are you getting?

?Can you make any improvements in the way you are handling those feelings?

3. Does this movie show you how to handle the unknown? Like a great teacher, a good movie must have lessons that prepare you for the unknown and warn you about the dangers of the future. The characters must be honest examples of real people and their ways of dealing with life?s curveballs must teach meaningful lessons for your life. To make the most out of those lessons, answer these questions:

?What did this character (or characters) do to face that unexpected challenge?

?What happened as a result?

?What am I learning from the example of this character (or characters) that I must use (or avoid) in my own life, when I face a similar challenge?

When a movie does not meet the three criteria, it can still influence you through other, equally important elements, such as special effects, cinematography, great action sequences, or the soundtrack. In such a case, ask yourself: ?What do I like about this movie that I want to have more of in my life?? If it?s the music, then put more music in your life. If it?s the cinematography, then add in your schedule some art-related activities. If it?s the action sequences, then pick an area of your life that lacks action and do something about it.

How to Apply the 3 Criteria

Get together with two or three friends who love movies. Pick a movie from the following list and watch using the three criteria above. Keep in mind the questions listed within each criterion. Then, answer the questions that follow below. For more tips on how to change your life in 12 weeks using lessons from popular movies, visit www.reelfulfilment.com.

1. ?The Aviator? is a biopic about Howard Hughes, who became a magnet following his passion for aviation as he fought the debilitating effects of mental illness.

2. ?Ray? is a biopic about singer Ray Charles who achieved world fame as he fought blindness, poverty, racism, and heroin addiction.

3. ?The Notebook? is the story of two people who grow old together letting nothing stand in the way of their love for each other.

4. ?Million Dollar Baby? is the story of a determined female boxer who achieves her dream just before life throws her a punch that she?s not prepared to return.

Questions to answer:

- How did the film inspire you?

- What powerful feelings did it stir in you?

- What did it teach you about handling the unknown?

Now make a list of:

1. Something you have a desire to achieve.

2. An obstacle you think is blocking you from achieving it.

3. Three strengths you gained from watching the recommended movies.

Put your learning to practice with concrete actions. Enjoy the results.

Maria Grace, Ph.D., is an expert at teaching people how to learn lessons from popular movies to find the job, home, relationship, and healthy body and mind they want. She is the author of ?Reel Fulfillment: A 12-Step Plan for Transforming Your Life through Movies?. For more information visit: http://www.mariagrace.com and http://www.reelfulfillment.com

Blank CD labels are the CD labels available without any designs on them. Blank CD labels offer an opportunity to personalize the CD labels. You can print your own images and logos on blank CD labels.

Blank CD labels are available in a wide variety of materials and finishes. They are also available in different sizes. High quality non-ooze adhesives are used in the CD labels. Paper is the common material for the labels. Advanced protection can be ensured using weather shield materials. Vinyl coated polymers also used for blank CD labels. The common finishes include clear matte and high gloss. High quality labels offer photo quality finish. Acryl polish is also used for a wonderful finish. Some have silver and gold foils for elegance. Blank CD labels are available in different colors such as true, pastel, fluorescent, clear and white colors. Some companies offer custom color option for blank CD labels. In some blank labels, the space for the text will be marked separately.

Blank CD labels are printed with laser or inkjet printers. Most blank CD labels will accept laser as well as inkjet printing. Use the correct printing technique to avoid errors. The printing must be done paying special attention to eliminate any air bubble between the label and the CD surface. The designs for printing can be opted from clip art galleries. Downloads can also be used as designs in blank CDs. Software is available for custom design and printing, and the alignment tools in the software ensure the printing quality.

Blank CD labels are user friendly custom designable labels. Apart from protection, these offer a unique opportunity to use the creativity of the customer. Compared to printed labels, blank labels are economical as well.

e-CDLabels.com CD Labels provides detailed information on CD Labels, CD Label Printers, CD Label Makers, Free CD Labels and more. CD Labels is affiliated with e-CDCases.com CD Carrying Cases.

Although the majority of gamblers would appreciate a trip to Vegas, we don’t all have the time or money in which to do it. However, that doesn’t mean that we can’t have the same fun as those who have hopped on the next flight. Online Casinos give us just as many gambling games and opportunities as the very finest casinos in Nevada.

Online casinos give you the opportunity to enjoy the entertainment and excitement that comes with gambling, without ever leaving the comfort of your own home. You’ll get the poker, blackjack, roulette, slots, and other great games, without the noise, distracting lights, and other hassles that comes with “live” casinos. Online casinos have it all: comfort, privacy, and fun! What more could you ask for in online entertainment?

Online casinos also allow you the great chance to play against only the casino, or with other people that you never have to see. This is especially great for people who aren’t “serious” gamblers, since many more practiced players know how to watch and memorize your expressions, and can use your own face against you.

When you play at a virtual casino, however, the playing field has been somewhat leveled, and you need to depend more on your skill at the game, instead of little tricks. You see exactly what your opponents will see, and you’re free to behave as you please. Get excited over great hands. Jump for joy. Yell at opponents when they frustrate you. They’ll never know! Virtual gambling means that you can gamble as you please and be yourself as you do.

All this is available at any given online casino, with the added advantage that you never had to spend the money or take the time off to fly – or drive – all the way to the nearest – or not so nearest – casino. You’ll never feel drained from having to get to an online casino. Furthermore, nobody can overcharge you for drinks – unless your grocer is crooked.

Take off for online casinos and enjoy all the fun, without all the hassle!

Dave Gonzalez

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In order to play in tune for the entire length of the scale, you need to set your intonation properly. It’s not difficult to check to see if your guitar is set up for correct intonation.

Using a tuner to fine tune your intonation, start on the low E and check the 12th fret harmonic and the actual twelve fret E note. If they are not the same, you’ll need to either move the saddle forward towards the neck or backward towards the other end to tune your intonation.

You need to move the saddle back towards the tailpiece if the twelfth fret tone is higher than natural octave overtone. The trick here is to move the saddle only about 1/32” or less at a time.

The screws that adjust the movement of the saddles are usually mounted at the far end of you hard-tail bridge or tremolo.

Shorten the string length by moving the saddle forward towards the neck of the guitar if the 12th fret tone is lower than the octave overtone.

Other factors that can potentially cause your intonation to be off are string height and change of string gauge.

If the strings are set too high from the fret board then you have to literally push them further to make contact with the frets. Additional stretching of the strings will result in the pitch being too sharp.

Another factor is the gauge of the strings. As the bow of the neck changes with the use of different gauge strings, If this is the case then you need to adjust the neck first before adjusting the intonation.

Lastly, defective saddles will move back and forth on the bridge causing your intonation to be off. In that case replacing your old bridge saddles will be the cure.

Guitar Jones USA ( GuitarJonesUSA.com GuitarJonesUSA.com ) carries all types of replacement saddles for many makes and models. In some cases, their price on a whole set of guitar bridge is cheaper than what other companies charge only for saddles.