Archive for August, 2010
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How to keep your baby and toddler safe and entertained whilst travelling in your car!
As a Mum of (almost) three and frequent traveller to visit family and friends all over the country I have a fair amount of experience in this. I remember our first long-distance car journey with my eldest. Snugly sitting in her rear-facing car seat, she quickly got bored looking at the rear seat, hearing her parents but not being able to see us. I had brought some soft baby toys for her to play with but these were quickly discarded and irretrievably lost – to me strapped in at the front but also to her strapped into the back.
What particularly bothered me was that because my daughters’ seat was rear-facing I could not make eye contact with her to try and entertain or calm her down as she became more and more frustrated and bored with sitting in the car. After I had given her a bottle or snack during one of our frequent stops along the way I was also worried about her choking and bringing up the food whilst I could not monitor this from the front of the car.
Like most parents, I learnt to adapt our car journeys to the needs of our kids much better over time. One of the great inventions I came across was the LUCA car mirror. This straps around the head rest of the back seat and the angled mirror allows your baby to look at herself as well as keep eye-contact with yourself in the driver seat.
Now I have always been someone who is very careful at spending money on things that may only be useful for a short period of time. What I really like about the mirror is that you can also attach it to your babys’ play pen as a stimulating toy to explore her environment with.
And as my daughter started using a front-facing car seat, we still were able to use the mirror as she enjoyed making funny faces at herself and watch the world around her. I have used the mirror since on my second child and will certainly use it for number three (due within a month).
One of the reasons for writing this review is that I recently started up an internet shop selling all sorts of practical, personalisable and organic products. I have selected the products based on my personal experience and what I appreciate most as a Mum. If you are anything like me, you have probably also found the road to parenthood very experimental, to say the least! The media tells you about all these products that you really have to buy to give your child the very best start – but are they really necessary and is everything really as practical as it is made out to be? This is why I am sharing my experiences with you!
You can find out more about LUCA car mirrors and see the different designs under www.international-baby-shop.com.
Julia Heidstra
Mother of Joanne (4), William (2) and baby (due within 1 month)
http://www.international-baby-shop.com
Canadian celebs meet at Sky Yard during the Toronto International …
The Toronto International Film Festival is not only an opportunity for film fans to see the latest Indie films and paparazzi to snap shots of hot celebs, but also a chance for fabulous Toronto natives, like Essy and McKellar, …
Rani Harman And Ashutosh Gowariker Seek Goddess Durgas Blessings …
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Girl Fight – Turkish News-Columnist Arman Takes The Gloves Off Against Entertainment Queen Avsar
We mentioned back in May that Turkish beauty and entertainment queen Hülya Avsar has had her detractors. But it wasn’t until recently that they began lining up against her in such numbers. And they don’t mind playing rough either.
For instance, the well-respected (and usually liberal-minded) female newspaper columnist Ayse Arman led off her anti-Avsar attack in late September saying, “I don’t descend to Hülya Avsar’s low class!”
That remark came after a series of exchanges between columnist Arman and the loose-lipped entertainer that began when Avsar made the politically charged statement that, “Turks who want to create a separate state should go ahead and do so. Let them live the way they want to live. For example, if Kurds want to establish a Kurdish state… it’s similar to Turkey’s desire to join the European Union.”
When she heard Avsar’s remark, Arman riposted, “There are some people in show-business whose mouth-zipper is broken!”
Arman added, “Avsar should stick to what she’s good at…beauty, acting, singing, entertaining — and being cute. But when it comes to political subjects, especially heavy political issues…then I say, ‘Hülya… Keep away, woman!’”
These words naturally upset Ms. Avsar, and she came back with a salvo of her own. “Ayse Arman writes too much about sex in her newspaper column. She’s got lovemaking, and such, on the brain. Well, she also practices what she preaches. She enticed the husband of a woman-friend of mine — and broke up the couple’s marriage. If I enter politics, I’ll appoint Arman as the ‘Minister Responsible for Breaking Up Happy Marriages’.”
And in Arman’s news-column the next day entitled, “Look At This Nasty Talk” Ms. Arman retorted, “I’ve learned moral lessons from almost everyone I know — at one time or another. The one exception is Hülya Avsar…who, with a personal history like hers, has nothing to teach me or anyone else — in the morals department.”
Arman concluded…”I suppose dear readers, that you’re expecting me to fire back at Ms. Avsar, aren’t you…? Well, I’m afraid I’m going to disappoint…and leave her talking to herself in the gutter where she belongs!”
And it’s not just Newspaper Columnists who’ve been having a field day with Ms. Avsar lately. Her peers in the entertainment-business too are joining ranks against her…
Part 3 — Hülya Avsar Becomes Gossip-Fodder For TV Talks Shows
Click following to access a fully illustrated HTML version of Girl Fight !!
Jim and (co-author) Perihan Masters are a husband and wife team, living on the Aegean Coast of Turkey just 50 miles south of Izmir. Jim was born in Shanghai, China — of American military parentage. Peri was born on the Black Sea coast of Turkey near Trabzon, of Turkish military parentage…Enticed by a Financial Times advertisement, Jim joined a NATO sponsored enterprise in Ankara in 1974 where he met the beautiful and brainy Perihan, a rising young Turkish banking executive. Settled now in the heart of what was once the ancient Ionian Empire — the couple live an idyllic life by the sea.. writing, drawing and painting, teaching English, and providing computing service support to local businesses. They also sponsor the MSNBC award-winning Learning Practical Turkish Website which has built an enthusiastic international following of devoted Turkophiles and inquisitive language students of all ages.
Uma Thurman Happy to Portray a 'Real Mother' | Celebrity Gossip …
Posted in Children of Celebrities. Love This Post Subscribe Feed | Leave a Comment | Bookmark & Share. « ADAM LAMBERT HEARTS THE TWILIGHT SAGA · WILL REGINA LASKO STAY WITH DAVID LETTERMAN? » …
Celebs Help as Frank Caliendo Opens New Show at Monte Carlo …
On Friday, Frank Caliendo celebrated the grand opening of his new show at the Monte Carlo in Las Vegas (Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com).
Pioneer in entertainment industry – Bhutan Observer – Bhutan News
Pioneer in entertainment industry A recipient of a gold medal, a composer, singer, performer, and film director, Tashi Norbu, 50, is a pioneer in …
Princess Party Kit From Stampin' Up - part 2
Summer Block Party 2009
Today is the world of entertainment. People have busy and stressful lives to lead. So the ultimate stress buster is the home entertainment. Until recently, people went for a movie to a nearby theater for entertainment. But with the introduction of VCR’s, it became convenient for them to watch movies at home. But the TV was not as good as the theater screen, which were huge. The quality of the sound was also not as good as theater. But with the introduction of more and more improved versions of TVs, people are now getting more technically advanced home entertainment TVs.
Home theater is one of them. People have welcomed into their homes the big home theater, which is a huge entertainer. To set up a home entertainer, you will have to consider a few things before going ahead. First, it depends on the kind of entertainment you want, that is if you want to watch movies, TV or music or play video. The system can also record TV programs while you are away.
Another home entertainment is the DTH or the Dish TV, which is getting more and more popular among the people. The benefits of the DTH are that, viewers can view all the channels and is not necessary to depend on the local cable operator who can telecast only a limited number of channels. The DTH can inform you about the movie schedules with complete program list of all channels with their timings.
There are many varieties in the home entertainment; one of them is the LCD TV (Liquid-crystal display television), which is now getting popular among the people. This television is lighter and thinner as compared to the CRTs of same display size. Therefore the LCDs are more practical in many ways. With the prices getting lower and lower, it now can be owned by many. The plasma TVs are also the most advanced home entertainer. The plasma TV performs exceedingly well even in low ambient light. You can watch the TV from any corner of the room. The flat screens have a 160 degree viewing angle.
On one hand you will find huge TV screen that are in demand, yet on the other hand the portable TVs also have increased the demand. The portable TVs can be taken anywhere and are now quite advanced in the picture as well as sound quality. The most high-end definition television is the LED TV, which is going to emerge as the most sought after TV today.
Devika Rajpali is a well known author and has written articles on Electronic Appliances and Tcl Split AC, Hard Disk Drives, KENSTAR Window AC, Orthopedic Equipments, online shop and many other subjects.
Why Direct Tv Is The Popular Choice For Satellite Tv Entertainment …
Satellite TV is one of the latest tools for TV entertainment. At present over a few millions TV viewers across the United States are opting.
Entertainment Rundown » Mya's Photo Shoot For Beauty Entertainment …
Daily Black Entertainment News, Gossip, Music and more.
My Pocket Mistress – Sexy, Hot iPhone Entertainment App – iPhone …
App Name: My Pocket Mistress (All 21 Videos) Category: Entertainment Version: 1.0 Size: 9.0 MB Release Date: 01/15/2010 Price: $ 0.99 Developer:
Wanted Movie Review – Wanted is the Best Masala Entertainer
Wanted, the Pokhiri remake, starring Salman Khan and Ayesha Takia is an excellent masala entertainer, the sort of full-on entertainer, that we Bollywood fans have been thirsting for, since Ghajini. The movie will go down as one of Salman Khan’s biggest hits and that is a commitment for sure. As Salman Khan says, “EK baar jo maine commitment ki toh main apne aap ki bhi nahin sunta”
Story of Wanted: Radhe (Salman Khan) is a hardcore gangster and a sharpshooter with a quick razor sharp brain. He works for Gani Bhai (Prakash Raj), the dreaded gangster, but on his own terms. He does not fancy working for any boss, but for money. He changaes loyalties only if the money is right. Radhe works his way into Gani Bhai’s gang. Gani bhai’s brother dies in the gangwar and the don is forced to take matters in his hands and returns to India. . At the same time, there is a lecherous police officer who lusts for Jhanvi(Ayesha Takia) who falls in love with Radhe inspite of knowing that he is from a criminal background. Matters reach to such a proportion that Gani Bhai asks Radhe to bomb a minister while addressing a meeting on children’s day. But his dream is foiled, when he is arrested. However the gangsters get even with the police commissioner by kidnapping and raping his young daughter. But they soon find themselves in soup when the gangsters realize the reality of Salman Khan.
Plus points of Wanted: Wanted is Salman Khan’s comeback vehicle, and this movie will spiral him into top spot. The action in the movie is amazing and full credit to Vijayan Master, the man who was also the stunt director for the Telegu and Tamil Pokhiris, for coming up with stunning stunts. The comic track is also good enough and so is the cute romantic track. After a long time, we have a full on masala entertainer film, a respite from the boring, candifloss movies and inane comedies that dominated 2009. Wanted is the best example of a formula film that works.
Minus points of Wanted: Music is a big disappointment in Wanted. Unlike the Telegu Pokiri and Tamil Pokkiri, the Hindi version Wanted falls short in the music department. We had high expectations from music that really perked up the South Indian versions. In Wanted, some songs look like distractions in the plot, while in the South Indian versions, the songs were really melodious and foot-thumping. Wanted really needed better music directors than Sajid -Wajid who have given very monotonous, predictable scores.
Performances in Wanted: Salman Khan is definitely ‘Wanted’ after this film. He is to Wanted, what Aamir Khan was to Ghajini. Mahesh Manjrekar suits the role of the lecherous inspector to the hilt, he is perfect. The voluptuous Ayesha Takia looks amazing and acts her role very well. Prakash Raj, as Gani Bhai is very effective, which is why he has been the undisputed choice for all the three versions of the film. Govind Namdeo, Manoj Pahwa, Inder Kumar and Vinod Khan render good support as well.
Best scenes in Wanted: The movie is packed with impactful scenes especially the opening scene of Salman Khan, the lift scene between Ayesha Takia and Salman Khan, the couple of fight scenes in the train and the market are very good. The scene where Prakash Raj tries to escape from the prison in vain, is simply superb.
Did you know?: Ayesha Takia was approached for the original Telegu Pokiri, but the role actually went to Ileana D’Cruz. Ayesha then got to act in the Bollywood version, Wanted.
To sum it up: Go watch Wanted if you are a fan of Salman Khan. If you do not like him as much, you will still like him after watching the film. The film is sure to attract the masses for its paise-vasool value.
V.S.Arunraj gives 360 degree information on Bollywood. Also read about why Wanted really rocks
Craft Celebs and other cuties « Labfive
Craft Celebs and other cuties. By labfive. A few other CHA shots I have to post. The first few are shots from a pen booth. A dress made from pen caps
Tooth fairy_FBO.
Is Paris Hilton too hot for TV? (2010)
Every business, companies, organizations, and the like hold events that aim to gather the employees, or members. Although events like these do have goals to be achieved, the fun factor should not be left out. As many would say, one would prefer learning or working on a fun environment, right? Convention entertainment is the way to keep your participants active and enthusiastic throughout the event.
Convention entertainment is a good way to bring people together, maybe it is a convention of professionals, volunteers, students, or even of prospect clients and consumers. How can you hire great convention entertainment? If you are thinking about that, do not worry. People are out there waiting to be approached. These people are experts in providing world class entertainment to events such as conventions.
You could choose from a variety of performers to provide the entertainment for your convention. Are you looking for humorous speakers that will keep the flow of your convention running without allowing boredom creep on your participants’ minds? A long list of the most effective funny speakers are available. Your job is to pick who is most appropriate for your event.
Or do you feel that comedians will probably be most effective for your audience? If yes, then you have quite a list of possible performers to choose from. However, you must remember that choosing the right comedian for your convention is not as simple as picking out a name. There are several types of comedians that are available: emcee comedians, improv comedians, musical comedians, and more. In order to have that convention entertainment you want, factors such as the type of audience you are having are very important when looking for the most appropriate comedian.
If you are more into making your audience fill the convention with amazement, then you would want to consider hiring variety act performers. Magicians, hypnotists, and mentalists will surely astonish your participants. They will be able to witness demonstrations, and may even be chosen to experience the act itself. That would surely be a unique memory for your audience.
Otherwise, you might want to have convention entertainment through game shows? Friendly competitions like these would surely promote interaction between your participants, or may be an avenue for team building of your employees. If you do want game shows for your convention, then so be it. Do not worry about anything. You just have to pick what game show/s you want, and the hosts and tools and equipments such as microphone, scoreboard, buzzers, etc.
As you can see, convention entertainment is not at all difficult to achieve. There are a lot of options you could choose from. Just remember to always keep in mind the kind of audience you are having. Being able to choose the act or performer who is most appropriate for them will give that fun and enjoyable atmosphere for your convention.
For 25 year, Funny Business Agency has been a top resource for companies and event planners looking for expertise in the corporate entertainment market. With over 3,000 entertainers and events nationwide, Funny Business has provided entertainment for such companies as Legos, General Foods, Kelloggs, Pfizer, Honda Transmissions, Frito Lay, Iams, Proctor & Gamble, Perrigo and more. You can check out more at: http://www.funny-business.com/corporate-entertainment.
National Geographic acquires Sundance doc | Hot Wild Celebs
Variety reports that National Geographic Entertainment has acquired the domestic rights to Restrepo, the documentary about a platoon in Afghanistan that won the.
Recorded 2009 music sales fell around 10 percent: IFPI
Spice Celebs Celebrities around the world! Home · Pictures · About · Links. Categories. Featured (6); News (2646). Calendar. January 2010. M, T, W, T, F, S, S. « Dec …
Is Paris Hilton too hot for TV? (2010)
Entertainment in Panama is top notch, and you can find it around every corner, down every alley, and at the bottom of every pint. For a good time, you’ve come to the right country. Weather you are being scraped from the bottom of a Chivas Bus at 4am, screaming madly for one of the 12 teams in the country’s professional soccer league, or stumbling into El Café Azul at sunrise; entertainment in Panama is in no short supply and can be had at a bargain. This country is quickly becoming a hot destination for travel, kind of like the next Costa Rica and you can find a ton of options for going out and enjoying yourself.
Panama is very rich in culture, and finding entertainment in Panama is never very difficult. Because of the influence of the United States in the last century, many locals speak good English and therefore exhibits, menus, and performances are often in English. Over 10 museums are open in the Panama City area, most of which are centered in the Casco Viejo area. There is absolutely no shortage of bars, restaurants or great live music venues. On any given weekend, at least four or five locations will be featuring a live band, so your search for entertainment in Panama shouldn’t be too difficult, especially if you are into live music. Panama City is by far the most cosmopolitan city in the Central America, and in fact for entertainment and nightlife even rivals Rio or Cancun. Wander down Calle Uruguay and you will be lured into any number of places, or stumble home through El Cangrejo and the same will hold true. Regardless of the hour, this city alive, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are looking for entertainment in Panama City, and want to go check out the “strip” of bars, your best bet would be to head to the Calle Uruguay area. Home to such famous bars as the Londoner, People, Sahara, and Habibi’s, this district truly has something for everyone. If you are just looking to grab a drink and hang out on the patio, make sure to check out Habibi’s. If you are trying to rage all night, then do not miss Mystic or Moods. Unplugged is a good spot for live music, or if you time it right then check out S6is for an album release party-very plush. Starlight is a great spot for Karaoke, and their English/Spanish song book has something for everyone. Other hot spots include Moods, TGIF, and El Bambero.
Amador Causeway is another great area for nightlife and entertainment in Panama. Perhaps the most famous strip in the country, Amador causeway has a lot to offer. Play is more of a club environment, and Paya more of a down tempo and chill lounge. Two great spots not to be missed on the causeway. And if you are staying in the El Cangrejo area, then make a pit stop in La Taverna 21 for a down home Spanish style area, or La Terraza-the original gringo bar.
Entertainment in Panama is not limited to bars, however. The city’s rich culture brings many famous musical acts to town, including Kenny G, Sean Paul, Don Omar, and many others. The Figali center, Teatro Nacional, Atlapa Convention Center, and Anayansi are some of the many great venues for events. Live theatrical performances are another way one can find entertainment in panama, including The Theatre Guild of Ancon and Teatro La Quadra. Plays and performances are often presented in English, so if you don’t speak much Spanish then you still wont have any problem.
Kent Preiss-Davis has been dreaming about Panama since he was a boy, and finally made it out to the beautiful country which he now calls home. He has taken on the arduous task of reviewing every bar, club, and brothel in Panama City, Panama. A weekend wasted is never a wasted weekend. Busca Panama
John and Edward X-factor 2009: Nation Divided : In Entertainment
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Follow these 7 rules to entertaining success:
1. Never let them see you sweat –
We never let our guests see us tense. If they see or feel any tension between us they are sure to become tense themselves. This is human nature. So if you are fighting and have people coming over put it on the shelf for a couple of hours and take it up after if it is still important. And whatever you do don’t worry about the bread that you forgot to serve, or the beans that are still on the stove after dinner or the special dip that you made that is still in the fridge after the guests are gone. This happens to the best and it is usually because you are enjoying your guests too much. It is normal and forgivable.
2. It does not have to match –
Use what you have for service ware and place settings. We usually do buffet style meals. Remember all the serving bowls, platters, serving spoons etc. need not be the same pattern! Keep that casual laid back feel to it all. With large groups we ALWAYS use paper or plastic plates and cups. For smaller groups (maybe one or two families) or special holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving etc.) we will use real plates for the adults and paper or plastic for the children. You don’t want the parents fretting over your fine china plate that Little Johnny is threatening to throw at Little Lulu. Paper and plastic clean up much faster as well giving you more time to sit and enjoy your guests after the meal!
3. Keep it casual –
Save the dress and ties for work functions. You want people to be comfortable in your home and how can they be comfortable if they are not comfortably dressed? As long as they are wearing a smile and are clothed all is good!
4. Keep it simple –
Sometimes the easiest meal is the most spectacular when served to a crowd. Think fried chicken. Any one can go to KFC (and who really wants KFC?) and get a bucket but who makes it for themselves at home? Everyone loves it but no one does it. That can make it really special served with all the fixings. Roasts done on a smoker or a grill are always huge hits! Hand made burgers, high quality hot dogs or sausage have wowed our guests before and always will! (Hint: very inexpensive)
5. Always, always, always include the children –
We are a close family and when we entertain we want everyone to be involved and included. Even when we know it is going to be a late night we set up places for the youngest ones to fall asleep. During the meal we make the children feel special (and give the parents a break) by setting up a separate area with kiddy tables and chairs. They love to eat with all of their friends and it helps give us all some adult time! We are lucky enough to have a large pool and it is a great diversion for the kids. You may also consider renting a bounce house or water slide. Tons of fun!!!
6. Avoid a theme at all costs –
I know it sounds harsh but we have all been to a Luau and do we really need to go there again? Remember that we want to keep it casual and easy. Going all over town to find tiki torches is not what I call easy and who really wants to wear a grass skirt and a coconut bra??? Skip the theme and concentrate on your food and beverages. Now I am not saying to do nothing. A few nicely and safely placed candles always help but don’t go over board. No cardboard cutouts, piñatas, streamers, balloons etc. Concentrate on spending the bulk of your budget on the food and beverages. Now Holidays are a true exception to this rule. The 4th of July (my oldest daughter’s birthday) just comes to mind! It is always fun to have a bit of decoration for the holidays. Another thing that needs to be remembered is that you will probably want to keep all those decorations that you just bought so now you will need to find storage for everything.
7. Be conscientious of your guests diet and religious restrictions –
They will truly appreciate being considered. We regularly have a vegetarian join us and it really isn’t anymore work to make a hearty vegetarian side dish that she can eat as her main course.
For more helpful hints and ideas see our website at http://www.nofearentertaining.com and visit my blog at http://www.nofearentertaining.blogspot.com
Comic Book Collector Questions | Art & Entertainment | Only Skin Comix
Many of us collected comic books as kids. As adults, we think back to a simpler time when our biggest worry was the release of the latest edition of our favorite comic. At the time, we collected comics simply because we loved them.
Mother: Singer died doing something she loved
Those who knew Canadian folk musician Taylor Mitchell say her passion for her craft was matched by her affinity for nature. Both comments and pings are currently closed. Comments are closed. Copyright © Spice Celebs | Powered by …
Waiter fired for twittering about celebs | Northloop Neighborhoods
Courtesy CNET Tech blog Tue, 10/06/2009 – 3:24pm. A Beverly Hills waiter is shown the door after he tweets about comings and goings of various celebs. The last straw: he accuses “Hung” star Jane Adams of not paying her check. …
Super Mario Birthday party
Scarcity of space is a problem prevalent in most urban homes. The problem becomes all the more compounded when you realize that you don’t have enough space to organize your media and entertainment equipment such as the TV and VCR.
Look around and you will find that the every room in your home has some unused corner. Simply stated, corner entertainment centers are the ideal solution to dealing with your space problem providing storage areas for today’s typical mega media equipment.
There are many variants of corner entertainment centers available. You have the option of choosing between existing centers and custom made centers. Custom made entertainment centers have the advantage of fitting your requirement to enhance your audiovisual needs.
When deciding on an entertainment center, consider features such as the size of your TV and DVD player. The size of the TV is especially important because if it is too big and heavy and the center’s size is not in proportion, it will become a safety hazard.
Entertainment centers are designed to hold everything from gaming systems to CD/DVD players and books. Also, if you work from home, you can choose an entertainment center that has additional space to hold your computer.
Also, keep in mind that though it might take you some time to search for the perfect corner entertainment center, do remember there is a furniture style and size to match every television on the market- from trim corner stands to room-spanning home theater units. Before buying a corner entertainment center, select a design that fits in with your home décor.
All said, corner entertainment centers can solve your space problems on one hand and provide the perfect storage space for your TV, CD/DVD player, computer system, books, and other knick-knacks.
Entertainment Centers provides detailed information about entertainment centers, corner entertainment centers, entertainment center furniture, and more. Entertainment Centers is affiliated with Flag Display Cases.
Herschend Family Entertainment
Latest Updates Gsi Commerce, Undercover Boss Tv Show, Gsi, Undercover Boss, Michael rubin Gsi, Joel Manby, President and CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment, a leader in the world of family theme parks and attractions, goes undercover …
HeadsUp Entertainment Successfully Launches Beta Test of Canadian …
HeadsUp Entertainment Successfully Launches Beta Test of Canadian Poker Player Television Network CALGARY, ALBERTA–(Marketwire – March 5, 2010) – HeadsUp.
What forms of entertainment do ALIENS have?, page 1
Discusion about What forms of entertainment do ALIENS have? in the AboveTopSecret.com website alternative topics discussion forum ATS Skunk Works.
TV 2.0 – The Future Of Television And The Genesis Of A New Entertainment Form – Part 2
Though still in its infancy, the World Wide Web has already become a significant feature in all of our lives. The majority of us now access the Web throughout the day, both at work and at home. It’s profoundly altered the way we conduct business, and how we communicate with family and friends. It’s also changed how we entertain ourselves, but this paradigm shift has only just begun. As I wrote in the conclusion of Part 1 of this article, the Web has the potential to become its own entertainment medium, sharing content with movies and television, but also providing its own unique programming. So where will this new content come from?
Like no other distribution outlet before it, the Web offers the independent, semi-professional or niche video producer an ideal venue for reaching an audience. This is great news for young filmmakers, new talent, and artists who want to concentrate on reaching viewers beyond the film festival circuit. With distribution access on the Web, screening in a theater is no longer necessary. The economics of this are a potential boon for independent producers because, even though digital technology has made filmmaking cheaper, it is still by no means cheap if you want production values that rival what audiences are used to seeing in a theater or on their TV screens.
The same is true of music on the Web: more artists now have the chance to be heard, but the business is becoming more fragmented as a result. Apart from the purely manufactured and heavily produced acts that the major labels distribute, it will be harder to achieve the kind of recognition and fame that was possible in the past. The critical and financial successes bands like U2 or Coldplay eventually achieved will be harder for new acts without the support of an industry marketing machine behind them. Likewise, though young filmmakers don’t need to worry about finding distribution, it’s doubtful that most will ever get the kind of budgets and recognition most Hollywood filmmakers take for granted.
With the Balkanization of entertainment comes a problem in terms of content visibility. Right now, there are so many independent Web sites around, that it’s easy to miss great work. Most independent, producer-driven sites have relatively low traffic, certainly not enough to generate interest from significant advertisers which is the only way such producers can see revenue from their efforts. Getting quality content out of the niches and into the mainstream will be the domain of a new breed of entertainment provider: the Web video network. Like MySpace and sites like it have done for music, the successful Web video network will find, aggregate, and distribute a wide variety of fresh content to both niche and general audiences. As they serve various demographics, these new networks will have the ability to connect programming and advertising in a way that isn’t practical for an individual producer.
True, this system exists to some extent already, and has for quite some time (Atom Films and iFilms come to mind), but these currently function more like magazine racks than dynamic media companies. The new Web video network will have to be more than just a library if it intends to enable the future of Web entertainment. It needs to provide a branding experience similar to television, but with all of the choice, flexibility and scale that I talked about in Part 1. It also needs to actively pursue great, original programming. In order to make Web video profitable for the network and content producer alike, it also needs to connect content, viewers and advertisers with precision.
One of the great features of the Web, and what has been so refreshing about it, is that we have less interaction with traditional advertising than in other formats such as newspapers, magazines and television. Having been bombarded with an ever-increasing number of ads for decades, the public is becoming resistant to them. This is especially true of younger audiences who, studies show, are distrustful of advertising and therefore harder to reach. Traditional commercial advertising is an area of concern for broadcasters because of this, and no doubt the way in which television programming is paid for will undergo radical changes in the coming years.
TiVo has allowed people the option to skip advertisements that in the past they’d be forced to sit through. Watching programs through video on demand allows the same bypass, as almost all VOD programs are either commercial free, or very nearly so. However, as video sharing sites have proven, good commercials can be as engaging as the best programs, and be as frequently watched if the content is compelling enough. What we may see happen with TV 2.0 is that commercials will be fewer but better, and more expensive for the advertisers to buy time for. Product placement will also become more ubiquitous, with name brands liberally spread throughout a given program.
On the Web, commercials need to be more targeted, more precise and for an advertiser to try to do this would require more time and resources than they would be willing to allocate to the task. Likewise, for an independent content producer to attract the attention of advertising that might actually generate revenue, they’d have to be able to attract significant traffic beyond the reach of most stand-alone websites. Enter the Web video network. By aggregating content from various producers, and creatively approaching advertising in a method unique to the Web environment, these content providers can make entertainment advertising profitable without losing the consumer-driven focus that’s so crucial to captivating an audience.
By its nature, the Web will continue to be a democratic entertainment medium, but this doesn’t mean the major media companies can’t have a significant role to play. Though it’s hard to envision now, given the structure and economics of the entertainment giants, the short form, which is ideal for the Web,has potential even for them. Few realize it today, but daytime soap operas such as “The Guiding Light”, began as fifteen-minute daily installments (the soap opera format coming originally from radio). It wasn’t until 1956 that the first half-hour soap opera debuted, later expanding to the hour-long format we’re now familiar with. The short form has continued to be common overseas, where networks such as the BBC routinely schedule short-forms like “Story Makers”, a fifteen-minute per episode children’s program. “Creature Comforts”, which many Americans are familiar with as a half-hour program on BBC America, originally aired on the British network ITV in ten-minute episodes.
Just as iTunes changed the focus of music from the album back to the singles of yesteryear, I would say that original Web content is and will continue to be about the short and not the feature.
Short programs can be both entertaining and profitable, and offer new creative avenues for writers, directors and talent. Imagine a series like “Creature Comforts” being produced specifically for the Web, or a soap opera or drama made compact. The idea of quality episodic programming is realistic, and presents new creative and financial possibilities for everyone involved. The programs can be self-contained stories, known in television as anthologies (think “The Twilight Zone”), or episodic programs with a stable cast of recurrent characters. Soap operas, reality and lifestyle programs are an ideal place to begin and are already appearing on the Web. The short form opens up great opportunities for motion pictures as well. Prior to the changes brought about by TV in the 1950s, movie theaters screened feature films, cartoons, newsreels, comedic shorts and serials. It was only after television borrowed many of these formats and made them more profitable on the smaller screen that the motion picture studios stopped making them for theatrical release.
Obviously, redefining entertainment to include the short form as a stable product would require a significant shift in the way the major entertainment companies do business. As with most innovation these days, the early pioneers of original Web programming will most likely come from independent producers. Over time, as these shows prove themselves to be profitable, the networks and studios will come on board, operating cooperatively in much the same way as the motion picture studios, television networks, and indie production companies do today. Far fetched? It is not at all. It required the same imagination to take film out of the Nickelodeons and into the theaters. And what about television?
On September 7, 1927, Philo Farnsworth transmitted the first television image a simple straight line few could have realized how much this new technology would change our lives. Even when the first regular broadcasts began in the United States in 1928, with W3XK in Wheaton, Maryland, only the most visionary people could have envisioned the medium’s possibilities. Soon, however, television appropriated the news, soap opera, and game show formats from radio. Dramas came from live theater, and comedies initially followed the variety format laid out by Vaudeville. Over time, television refined these and it’s programming developed its own unique style. TV is now such a fixture in popular culture, that most of us can’t imagine living without it.
The Web as an entertainment medium has equally enormous potential, and can become something very different from the TV of today. It can provide a forum for amateurs and semi-professionals to share their work, and can also allow professional producers the chance to create profitable content. Just as television can take advantage of the computer screen and cell phone to make its content more portable, Web-originated content can flow in the opposite direction from your computer to your TV. Web networks, functioning much like cable providers, can aggregate and monetize Web programming unlike individual producers. Where and how we view a program will be up to us, and the Web’s potential as an entertainment medium of the future will only be limited by our imaginations.
Michael Collins is BiggyTV’s Manager of Content Programming and Digital Media Operations. Michael received his BA from the University of California, Santa Cruz and his MFA in film production from UCLA. Before joining BiggyTV, Michael worked in the motion division of Getty Images, and in the marketing division of Universal Pictures. He has co-produced two independent feature films, and taught film production at the University of Southern California.
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Choices abound when looking for books and resources about cooking and easy entertaining. The Food Network has fueled renewed interest in cooking and home entertaining to an astonishing level. Television shows present celebrity cooks/chefs who give weekly creative ideas and know-how to viewers. Internet cooking sites and blogs are bursting at the seams with creative ideas for entertaining.
How does someone new to cooking and entertaining assimilate all of the information? Is it possible for a beginner to wade through the phenomenal amount of information without being completely overwhelmed? Does the landslide of knowledge on invitations, decorations, menus, tablescapes, theme parties, wine lists and party planning tend to discourage some rather than encourage?
While all of this information is a virtual cornucopia of lovely, fresh ideas, those new to entertaining and cooking need to concentrate on doing a few important things well rather than to make the mistake of thinking they need to master all of the above at the outset in order to be successful. In other words, beginners need to concentrate on the basics. They will gain skills and confidence and will be able to pull off enjoyable entertaining from the very beginning. So what are the basics?
While there is nothing wrong with using intricate invitations, complicated menus and fussy decorations, they are not necessary to have a memorable dinner party for family and friends. There are 3 main areas that beginners should concentrate on when hosting casual entertaining.
The food
The table
The fun and relaxed tone set by the host
If you concentrate your efforts on these 3 main areas you will pull off your first entertaining with style and efficiency. In Part 2 of this article, we will concentrate on specific easy and helpful tips in the three main areas.
Patricia Mendez, copyright 2008
Patricia is the author of the book, Easy Entertaining for Beginners. Sign up for her free monthly newsletter with entertaining recipes and tips, all designed for beginners. Receive a free bonus downloadable e-booklet, Party Etiquette 101 when you sign up.
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