By KC   Wed, Feb 18, 2009

KC –

HI, IT’S BEEN A BATTLE TRYING TO GET OUR SCHEDULES SYNC’D TO DO THIS INTERVIEW. SO FINALLY, HERE WE ARE! THANKS FOR MAKING THE TIME TO DO THIS. AND I GOTTA SAY YOU ARE SMOKIN’ HOT! 

PAMELA-

Thanks, Yes, my schedule has been extremely busy but I wouldn’t want it any other way.  I feel good when I am accomplishing something every day!  Thanks for your patience!

KC-

BORAT IS FOREVER IN LOVE WITH   PA—MELA,  WE ALL ASSUME THAT IT’S PAM ANDERSON, ANY CHANCE WE ARE MISTAKEN?

PAMELA-

I saw that movie and that scene was hilarious but poor Pammy…. My god, she looked so frightened!  I am so surprised Borat came out of it unscathed… he was so “politically incorrect” on so many levels in that movie!  (Laughs)

KC-

SO I NEED TO KNOW, ON YOUR CD, STORIES FROM A BLUE ROOM, THE SONG “DIVE INTO ME” HAS REALLY LUSTY VOCALS AND RECALLS, AT LEAST TO ME AN ANN WILSON OVERTONE. ANY INFLUENCE THERE?

PAMELA-

Oh yes, I have been a big fan of Ann Wilson and her sister Nancy.  They were a big influence on me growing up, as well as other artists.  I can’t say that I intentionally set out to make my voice sound like Ann’s nor do I think the song sounds like Heart. “Stories From A Blue Room” is definitely a CD unique in sound.  I do have my own vocal style but I am sure their (Heart) influences, as well as others, are deeply set in the make-up of who I am now as a singer and performer.  I believe artists tend to inspire other artists and in turn we weave those influences into our own personal style, sometimes. 

KC-

WHICH BRINGS ME TO MY NEXT QUESTION. WHO ARE YOUR INFLUENCES? AND WHY?

PAMELA-

I have so many artists who I am drawn to for one reason or another.   I have to say that I really don’t like to answer this question because I am afraid it pigeon holes me into a certain “Style” and I am open to so many kinds of music.  I feel that staying open minded gives me a little more depth as an artist.  It also depends on the mood I am in on a particular day.  I think I am more influenced by actual songs.  If a song has a lot of sincerity, passion and truth to it, I am hooked!

Having said that I love U2, because of the lyrical content, the messages and stories Bono comes up with and how it ties into the music.  Chris Cornell is a major influence as far as his voice! Back in the day, I listened to a lot of Journey; they were the ultimate “anthem-ballad” songwriters.   I am very fond of heavy, bass driven music, Industrial music with harder edged guitars.  This is the current direction I am writing towards for the new record. 

KC-

YOU HAVE GREAT RANGE, YOUR VOICE IS OUTSTANDING. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SINGING? WHERE DID IT ALL START?

PAMELA-

Thank you!

Well, it all started with my mother dragging me to casting calls for her little theatre group she was involved in, when I was very young.  I was so mesmerized by the whole process, lights, staging, costumes; my interest took off from there!  I wanted to learn how to play an instrument but we were very poor and couldn’t afford lessons.  Somehow I got a hold of a very inexpensive guitar  (I think it was given to me) and I started learning how to play on my own.  My parents thought I showed enough tenacity that they would take a chance and purchase a better guitar, one with a little nicer action to it so my fingers wouldn’t bleed! (Laughs) Later, we got an upright piano and I started writing more songs.  I was also blessed with some amazing music teachers at my elementary and high school.  They really saw my interest in music and songwriting and gave me the encouragement I needed to keep going.   I think I wrote my first song at the tender age of 7.  Too bad public schools no longer have art programs as they once had.  Our kids today are really missing out and it’s sad. 

KC-

YOU’VE BEEN PERFORMING WITH QUEENSRYCHE FOR A LONG TIME, TELL US ABOUT THAT AND ANY FUTURE PLANS WITH THEM? WHAT OTHER COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS ARE IN THE WORKS. 

PAMELA-

This year, there are no plans to work for Queensryche however, my alliance with all the members is strong and I anticipate we will join forces again at some point, either with the band as a whole or individually.  It’s truly been a blessing to work with them. 

Lately, I have had the good fortune to be asked to be a featured guest singer on various releases. One is with a band called Eden’s Curse and the song is Angel’s And Demons. A duet shared with their lead vocalist Michael Eden. Word is the song is getting very favorable response in Japan and across Europe. 

I also am featured on a brand new EP called Solna “Sent From Heaven”.  Produced by Zane Peterson.  The music direction takes me “back to my roots” of melodic rock and features a killer ballad called “Feel Alive”.   I proudly share my vocals with the very talented Mr. Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear). The Full length CD Solna “Eurameric” will be released sometime Spring 2009. 

Currently, I plan to perform live shows with my solo band and continue writing material for my next record.

KC-

TELL US WHAT’S IN STORE FOR PAMELA MOORE?

PAMELA-

As I mentioned, I am currently writing material for a new solo record and bookings are underway for the summer.   I have also been asked to guest sing on a few other CD’s with different bands.  I think those projects will start this summer as well.   It’s going to be a fun year! 

KC-

WE HAVE A LOT OF UP AND COMERS AND INDIE NEWBIES IN THE BIZ, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM TO FIND SUCCESS IN THIS BUSINESS. 

PAMELA-

Honestly, to be in this business you must LOVE what you do!  It’s a very different ball game now then it was a few years back, so your head must realize that it’s more about the journey then the prize of greatness!  Don’t get me wrong, being able to “make it” in the business and live comfortably is a dream come true but most importantly you need to enjoy the journey, because if you don’t, you will find yourself miserable, and that’s not a way to live.  Be grateful for everything you have.  Surround yourself with people who really care about you and that you can trust… and most of all… be true to yourself as an artist.

KC-

ANY BIG TOUR DATES WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

PAMELA-

Not yet, but as soon as we have bookings we will have it posted to my websites!   

KC-

AS ALWAYS, EVERYONE WANTS TO KNOW WHERE TO CHECK OUT MORE ABOUT YOU, SO WHAT ARE YOUR LINKS TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PAMELA.

PAMELA-

www.pamelamoore.net  

www.myspace.com/pamelamoore 

We also started a fan page on facebook too!  Check it out!

KC-

PAMELA, IT’S BEEN GREAT SPENDING THIS TIME WITH YOU. YOU’RE A FANTASTIC TALENT, I HOPE WE CAN HAVE YOU BACK.

PAMELA- That would be an honor to come back!  Yes, lets do it!

Good luck to you too and I wish you much success!  Have a great summer… it’s almost here!

By Imran Anwar   Mon, May 03, 2010

By Costas Koulis   Thu, Jan 07, 2010

Karen David is the hottest person in show business! The exotic beauty, the extreme talent, the extravaganza! She sings, she acts, she can make the difference! Theatre, stage, movies, lights, camera, action... Karen is so busy working on her debut album, making movies and being around the world. We got to talk to her about her future plans, her studies, her hopes and dreams. It was, with no doubt, a magic carpet ride for us...

Interview by Costas Koulis. Sincere thanks to Simon Long for the arrangement.

Your debut album is highly anticipated. Is the title going to be “Me vs. Me”, as we read about? When should we expect its release?

I’ve been in the studio writing new material for my album, so I have a feeling that a new title track may take the place of “Me vs Me” (laughs). The new songs coming in are getting better and better, so watch this space! I am prepping to shoot my new music video in a few weeks time, for my new single, “Hypnotize”. We’re aiming for a release in the early part of 2010, so it’s very busy at the moment!  
 
Is the music style going to be close to the one we’ve heard on “Magic carpet ride”? Do you have any surprises for us? 

My next single, “Hypnotize”, is a little bit different for me… More R’n’B, with an exotic kick to it, but I think the fans will be happy with the end results. We’ve got some great mixes to go with it, so there should be something to tick off the boxes for all my fans. My album is more of an extension of “Magic Carpet Ride”, and a bit of “Hypnotize”... kind of like a recipe! A bit              of      mainstream pop, mixed in with a bit of exotic flavours.
 
You have found the perfect way to mix Indian music elements with the “pop hybrid”. Would you say it’s your own style? How would you characterize it?

I call my music, “exotic pop”. It’s very much an extension of who I am, East meets West. Add some exotic sounds and some kicking beats, and you have Karen David music.
 

Movies, recording sessions, award presentations, song-writing... I guess there is time for everything, after all?

Ha ha! Well, I think it’s more of a balancing act. My acting and music careers keep me very busy, and productive, and they both feed me creatively, so to be able to do both, is really a wonderful gift that I am so grateful for!
 
You are starring in “Waterloo Road”. Would you like to give us a few details about it? And your part, of course.

I’ve started filming a lead role for a BBC1 primetime drama called “Waterloo Road”. I play the new Spanish teacher, Francesca Montoya. I’m really excited about it. I love my character. She is very relatable to the kids and dresses like Posh Spice or Cheryl Cole everyday. Lots of pencil skirts, and high heels! (laughs) There is never a dull moment playing Miss Montoya, that’s for sure!
 
Since you have done both theatre and cinema, which one is more intriguing? Or even, more demanding?

I think both genres can be very demanding. They are both different. With theatre, it’s live and present, and anything can happen from moment to moment, which can be very exciting. It keeps you on your toes, so to speak, and I think it’s always great to do some theatre in between. It keeps your acting skills fresh and it can be very challenging! :) With filming for TV or film, it can be challenging at how fast a pace everything is, your lines can change by the minute with revisions, and most of the time, your scenes are shot out of storyline sequence, so you really have to be on top of everything, and throw yourself into one scene from the next.
 
I read that you studied at Berklee. How did these studies affect the whole concept, regarding the way you feel music, the way you respond to it, the way you create music?

It was truly a gift to study at Berklee. Some of the best times of my life were my days as a Berklee student. I met so many talented musicians from all over the world, with different musical tastes, influences and inspirations, and to be a part of that energy and that creative community was incredible. It played a huge part in my development as a musician, and a creative person. The teachers were relatable to, talented and inspiring and they often brought in guest artists and musicians to the school, so you were constantly surrounded by inspiration. It was addictive – literally, you ate, slept and breathed music, 24/7. Bliss. (laughs)
 
What is the driving force behind you? What is the one thing which keeps you going and doing all these things? What’s your motto?

I affectionately call “the drive”, my chemical imbalance. (laughs) I’ve had it since I was a little girl. I just always wanted to sing and act. I think when a dream is that pure and genuine from such a young age, it sticks with you, and you can’t let go of that dream. Sure, there have been challenging times along the way, but it’s all part of the journey, and it’s those tests and trying times, which really define the kind of person you really are. And at the end of the day, I am just a girl who is determined to make her childhood dreams come true. I’m very lucky to have the support and encouragement of my family, friends, and my fans. They feed my energy and constantly give me strength to face anything. I’m so lucky for that!
 
You are such an influence to all the young girls out there, who are trying to make it happen in the show business. A piece of advice to them?

I think it goes for anything in life...you really have to want something, to make it happen. The music and acting industries are constantly changing, and tough to break in, but nothing is impossible. It’s having undying faith and humility within yourself, which will see you through anything. I am always learning from others, always challenging myself, and passionate about the craft of acting... the craft of writing great songs and performing my music. Don’t do it for the fame or money... It’s not worth it. Do it because you love it. I think that can be applied to anything in life. If your passions come from the heart and soul, then you will make those dreams come true. 
 

How hard is it, for a beautiful woman, such as you, to show her talents and prove herself? Is it the “first impression” that counts?

I used to think I knew the answers to some of those questions. But there are no set rules. In Hollywood, presentation, and the way you look, counts for everything, but there are times when talent and hard work does mean something too! (laughs) It’s also a bit of luck on your side, and being at the right place, at the right time, and knowing some good people, having some advocates, and fans in the right places, and that all takes time to genuinely build up. I’m sure there are a lot of “nay sayers”, but I don’t pay attention to negativity. I only see what’s possible. For some people, it’s easy to pass judgement, and yes, everyone is entitled to their opinions, but we don’t always have to agree with them. I see beauty in everyone… inside and out... and we are all capable of greatness...it’s just up to us on what we want to make of ourselves, and what we want to stand for...the proof is in the pudding, right? 

Karen thank you so much for your time, we hope we have the chance to work with you again.

You’re very welcome and absolutely!

By KC   Thu, Sep 10, 2009

By Costas Koulis   Fri, Jun 04, 2010

Paul Di’Anno

Convixion

Friday May 21, 2010

Rodeo Club, Athens Greece

Okay, boyz and gals... How about some pure excitement based on the original Iron Maiden singer? Paul has been cruising the world for almost three decades now, playing some of our fav Maiden tunes (based on the first two albums he recorded with the Metal Emperors) and some cool stuff from his solo projects. The place is almost packed and I must say I have seen this artist performing live quite a few times. It’s always been a treat...

Greek Speed/Power/Thrash-ish Metal band Convixion is opening tonite. Fearsome riffing whilst rhythm section is tearing down dozens of towers. The boys totally own it and they nail it to the ground. They almost kill the stage and the peeps demand more and more. Featuring their own tracks and a fine cover, the gand is off and we are ready to see Paul.

The band enters twenty min before midnight and “The Ides of March” is the intro for an hour of Metal... well, not Metal really. The boys are playing awesomic music and they are very close, almost identical, to the original versions, however, Paul – who has declared in the past that he’s a Punk singer – is Punking over the mic and consequently bombards from a different point of view. Songs are being played two clicks faster and the voice is a sum of yelling, singing and growling. Very interesting, I must add...

Paul dedicated “Remember tomorrow” to huge Ronnie James Dio and the crowd bursts into applauds. A cover on Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg Bop” is up and it’s a total warzone. Paul is talking to the crowd, is playing to the crowd, is totally embraced by the pos aura of the audience. Must say it was live and loud and lots of congrats go to Alterground for the fab organizing. Well-done, mates, you made it happen!

Setlist : The Ides Of March, Wrathchild, Prowler, Marshall Lockjaw, Murders In The Rue Morgue, The Beast Arises, Children Of Madness, Remember Tomorrow, Faith Healer, A Song For You, Killers, Phantom Of The Opera, Running Free

Encore: Transylvania, Blitzkrieg Bop (Ramones), Iron Maiden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ48hWyOBow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOXeD_nCzwA

By KC   Mon, Mar 16, 2009

By KC   Mon, Mar 16, 2009

By Margo Drgos   Fri, Feb 13, 2009

1. Have a band agreement established before you record or release any material.  What I mean by that is that you have to decide if you are going to split the writers’ share of your publishing equally between all members of the band or if IP ownership and other such earnings will be divided in other ways.  In the big picture, it’s better to have this figured out sooner than later.

2. Write great songs.  Seems like an obvious statement but I’d be remis to not mention it straight away. Have a work ethic that consistently provides a product that your audience enjoys listening to and will purchase.  Be committed to the craft of creating innovative and honest art.  That means you got to put out more than 1 EP every 4 years while still being true to yourself.  I’m a firm believer that the overall success of any musician resides in their ability to write a substantial catalogue of memorable songs.

3. Expensive hobby or a career? Understanding that your band is a BUSINESS and that the recording industry is a BUSINESS – and treating it as such - will provide proper perspective as you develop and build your bands’ career.  Otherwise, you’re just investing in an expensive hobby. 

4. So you got talent but do you have tenacity?  Tenacity is what keeps artists in the game and growing.  I wish it were more of the former.  Be willing to play for very little pay for a long time.  It can take up to a decade to build a viable career that pays well.  That’s a serious financial and time investment for anyone.

5. Play out as much as possible, wherever you can get a gig.  Any stage is a stage worth building your business on.  I find it funny when bands think they are too good to play certain places when they can’t even get a guarantee in that city to begin with.  I once encountered a band touring through Wilmington, NC a few years ago that is actually fronted by a respected Hollywood actor.  I was putting on a show down there at the time that they wanted to be on the bill at the last minute.  I was so inspired by the band’s humility and willingness to play 2 shows that night for no money and shared backlines.  That kind of attitude is what gets you in the better venues.

Part 2, NEXT MONTH

For more information on Organic Entertainment, please contact Kim Venturo,

Talent Scout for Organic Entertainment at kventuro@gmail.com or through www.organicentertanment.net and say you heard of OE through International

Model and Musician magazine.  “It’s good for you.”

By Ashley Almon   Sun, Feb 15, 2009

I needed cash and I needed a good idea...

I started thinking about sponsorship. That seemed to be the best way to get down to Toronto. But how and who? I wondered. I decided to take a bit of a breather and head out to a club where my good friend Deejay's every so often. After getting there I was in my usual spot in the deejay's booth and I decided to throw out the whole UMM thing and the situation to Mike to get his feedback. "Ashley. I can sponsor your flight. Yeah I can totally do that to help you." Mike excitedly said as he scratched his vinyl. I almost dropped on the spot. Flights were expensive and extreme weight lifted off my shoulders instantly.

The next day I was a little more motivated and as I looked at some of my friends stuff on facebook, I noticed a friend who joined a group called 'Empire Clothing'. I had seen this name before and I realized that it had just re-opened in a new and bigger location in the city. I decided to talk to them about sponsorship for Toronto so I sent them a message via facebook saying I was a local model and I was looking for sponsors.

"Dammit, who's calling me now?" I fumbled about trying to get my laptop, coffee and papers off my lap and onto the table. It was Jamie and I suddenly became very nervous.

It was basically a call to see if I had come up with the cash. The call dragged on as usual about how great he was and some girl who wanted to date him, again. The persona he was giving off irked me which made my skin crawl in utter agitation. Click. Ah, thank god I thought to myself.

I pondered and surfed the internet aimlessly when I came across that clothing shop again on my facebook that had just opened up. I decided to go for the kill. I contacted them again and asked when the owner would be in, 'this afternoon? Great! I'll see you then' was my message. I quickly started writing information on what I was planning to do and my pitch. If they gave me their products, I would model them and have them shot by a professional photographer and graphics for advertising was their choice after they received the prints. They would have all access to the pictures and a dual copyright.  I had emailed Jamie just as I was printing out the sponsorship package and let him know what I had planned. Immediately my phone rang, I picked it up and he wanted to know all about what I was doing. He insisted he call them before I go down there to meet them and he would help seal the deal. So he dialed the owner right while I was on the line and told me not to say a word. To my astonishment he started taking over what was my business and turned it into his, as if he was running the whole thing. I was fuming but that wasn't all. As he started to talk about Toronto he kindly mentioned "Well, all the models in Toronto are the hottest in Canada, no other models can compare to what we have here. I would love to offer you some of our Toronto models as well. I mean once Ashley gets down here we can transform her. I mean, she's cute, but let's face it, she's not a Toronto girl..."

...

"Ok, nice talking to you, take care. That went pretty well hey Ashley? Look what I did for you; I got you a sponsorship of $1,300.00. So you'll be left with $200 after my fee's ok? Ashley, are you there?"

SLAM!-Click.

I hung up as hard as I could, but not before they finished their conversation. After that my phone flew threw the air better than a pitcher throwing a ball at a Yankee's game. I was literally seething. In my life I have never experienced someone so blunt, so manipulative and so stupid.

I ignored every electronic beep, ring and electronics in general, for three days. I regained my professionalism back and I talked to the store owner myself. I decided I needed to be back in control, and I wasn't going to let this loser ruin my career. So everything was still in place, my contract still set and the $1,300.00 and product ready to go. Meanwhile I was being harassed by Jamie. Every half an hour for those three days. Making $1,100.00 off me, by me, and still I had no money for a hotel, food or again even to wipe my ass. He did offer me to stay at his house in a nice email he sent me after that phone call.

No way in hell.

I emailed him and let the owner know, I had fired Jamie. He was supposed to be working for me, representing me in a professional manner and working with me. After that phone call I didn't care if he was god's modeling booker, he was a piece of...well, you know.

Twas' the night before my departure. I had the money and I was able to book a room at the Soho among everything else I needed. No I didn't have spending money. Everything I spent the money on was hotel, food and transportation. It was a little depressing.

As I was saying, it was the night before my departure and I was in trouble. I had no photographer, I had product I needed to get prints of, and I had no reason to go to Toronto.

What was I going to do?

I cannot tell you how stressed out I was. I hunted all over the internet for jobs in Toronto and photographers. I finally pulled through when I got an email in regards to a casting call I applied for, for an editorial job to be featured in a magazine. I ended up hiring the photographer after our editorial shoot, for the products that I had, and he shot me in everything I had. Fortunately I ended up saving myself and everything went smoothly. I didn't get to meet Kenny Hotz as I hoped because he was in L.A. but we still chatted back and forth about la la land. Unfortunately, the photographer I shot with never gave me any of the pictures for the editorial and instead publishes them to a paying-membership website online every six months or so, without telling me anything. So another industry loser crossed my path in the end. But that's another story!

Here are some of my tips on how to spot an industry loser:

• They ask you to do very secretive porno or pictures for overseas websites and/or private buyers.
• They have a arrogant ego
• If you don't want to work with them your nothing or nobody
• They misrepresent you in a non professional way
• They promise to make you a star
• They brag about knowing celebrities
• A lot of the time they contact you via email, saying they have seen your profile and they have a all expenses paid job
• They 'scout' out talent
• Why would they send you an email about hiring you overseas when they have beautiful models right in there own back yard? It would cost them money? Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?

I hope you haven't experienced what I have, but most likely you have or will at some point being in this industry. Remember, get yourself a good agent and you can send all those people their way and if they don't want to talk to your agent, their not real!

Why not comment and tell us your experience with an industry loser?

Like I always say: There's a reason big wigs can afford their Gucci suits!

Stay safe!

By   Thu, Nov 05, 2009

By Kim Ashdown   Mon, Jan 04, 2010

Sea Lions are adorable, right? They have the reputation of being cute and funny but what most people don't realize is they can be very aggressive especially towards each other and especially during mating season. Lucky for other Sea Lions, it is easy to tell how aggressive your competition is just by looking at him- you see, size matters- the size of their forehead to be exact. The forehead size indicates how dominant they are prone to be. It is called their Sagital crest and it correlates to the testosterone levels in their body and how they fit into the social hierarchy. That being said, I have always thought it would be great if men came with a sagittal crest of sorts to warn us of testosterone levels or ego's we would want to avoid. Wouldn't it be great if guys had a sign that warned us of trouble- If anyone for that matter visually indicated how dishonest, unfaithful, selfish or egotistical they are. It would be easier to avoid a lot of disappointment.

By Kim Ashdown   Sun, Dec 13, 2009

Okay, even I am sick of hearing about Tiger Woods, as I am sure most of us are, but I must admit to being a little happy about the fact that cheating is still looked at as an immoral act for most of us. I am sure most of us have an opinion one way or the other, and I am sure we don't know the whole story, but there are certain social norms that we adhere to, and those "norms" are the very thread of sanity we all can hold on to. 

Being judgmental is not what I am talking about, but I'd like to challenge you to consider having an opinion and knowing why you believe that way. If we go through life not believing in right and wrong and not caring about having some baseline of what that is, we risk losing identity to role models and who we are as an individual and eventually who we are as a society. Apathy can be our biggest downfall.

While I was living in Tokyo, I saw how social norm dictated a society and its effect on their culture. It is one of the greatest places I had ever experienced. It was a amazing place to live and learn. The Japanese have a strong sense of unity and culture. No one talks on their cell phone behind you in line, no one is eating on the subway getting crumbs in your lap, no-one pushes you out of the way to get ahead of you on the escalator. Heck, it is one of the most populated cities in the world as well as one of the safest! How is that possible? Are these "rules" inhibiting the Japanese from freedom- the freedom that we have to do whatever the hell we want whenever we want? I don't think so. Of course we have laws, but I am talking about beyond that. Doing what is right because it is right and not because some politician passed a law saying there will be consequences if we don't. The difference is the very thing we try to capture... respect. 

We are so focused on encouraging everyone to do, say or act any way they please that we have lost our empathy for the elderly woman who needs a seat, or the person next to us in line who is hearing our whole conversation about last night, or how we can order food at Chipotle and sell stock at the same time without even making eye contact with our cashier once.  Yes, I believe we are one of the greatest nations and I am proud to be an American. I am proud to be part of a culture where I am free to write this, free to say what is on my mind, free to eat next to you and free to talk on my phone right behind you in line...  But, I am also saying that if it wasn’t always all about me and was instead more often about you, we would prosper even more.

Thank God for social norms and reactions to the complete disregard of it. In my job, we have a key term we use called desensitization. We have to slowly take steps to acclimate an animal into a new environment so he doesn't notice the change. Kinda like the frog who doesn't jump out of the pot of water that heats up slowly, but he would if the temperature was too hot immediately. I am glad we are jumping out of the pot. I am glad we are not desensitized to immorality... at least not yet.

By KC   Fri, Feb 20, 2009

By Susie Wilson   Fri, Feb 20, 2009

By Jose (Joey)   Sat, Feb 06, 2010

So You Think YOU Got It BAD L

By: Joey M

So you think you got it bad, and you stupid schmucks probably do. If you want to make it better I'll show you how. If you don't wanna learn, then piss off you're on your own.

I am directing this particularly at models, but it can apply to all of you other low life no talent f*#k-heads as well. I’ve been in this business a long, long time; and I worked with more A Lister’s than you will ever get close too. So F*#kin’ pay attention, this is for your own good.

Over the past few years, when we are searching for a particular look, from time to time, we checked out modeling web sites. We found a few that may have had what we are looking for and offered to do an interview and test shoot. 99.9% of the f*#kin’ time the model asks how much are they getting paid. Do you know what we tell them? NOT A F*#KIN’ DIME! YOU LOUSY WHORE! AND WE DON’T WANNA TALK TO YOUR STINKIN’ WANNA BE EGO MANIAC MANAGER WHO’S TRYIN’ TO PIMP YOU OUT ALONG WITH THE REST OF HIS STABLE OF NO TALENT IDIOT WHORES!

When a client calls Ford or Elite and the agent calls the models for a casting, do you think the models ask how much they are getting paid? No you know-nothings. They are going to a casting, probably a test shoot and callbacks. Then one of the lucky ones will get the job and get paid.

When you watch popular talk shows or popular interviews with popular people, DO YOU HONESTLY THINK THEY GET PAID FOR THEIR APPEARANCES! WELL DO YA! HELL NO! The popular people on popular shows or publications for that matter do it for the press, the exposure; that means more people will see them, for you idiots. The popular people’s name is their business. This exposure is advertising. It’s even more important to get exposure now with the economy suckin’ the way it does and even more important because of the internet. Why the internet you silly little empty-heads ask? Now listen closely or you will miss it, which won’t be hard for you wannabes. EVERYTIME and I mean every time your name is used in an article, a video, a title, anywhere online, it improves search rankings for you name, your brand, and you move up in rank. What does that mean for you, greater exposure! So your brand (You) have a bigger chance of being seen, being discovered or selling your skills and talent, if you have any. Tyra Banks is the name of the model, but it is also her brand.

If any good photographer asks you to do a shoot and you ask him how much he’s gonna pay you, don’t expect a callback. Good photographers DON’T pay models. If a photographers tells you he is going to pay you for nudie shots, to build his or her port; RUN! They just want to get in your pants or for some other perverted reason. How many of you have been flown from PoDunk, Iowa to Miami or L.A. for a nudie shoot, you end up going out partying, getting’ laid or worse and never get any work from the wannabe schmuck photographer again? He just paid you to be a whore and he got some pics to show to his buddies and beat his pud to. There are lots of you. Now of course there are exceptions to this. A student photographer may have to pay talent to do specific shoots, but this is extremely rare, there are plenty of models to go around, and a student is never gonna fly you anywhere. Or a GOOD to GREAT photographer, may offer to do a revenue share or pay a minimal amount for a personal project, such as calendar, gallery project or stock photos. Or a GOOD to GREAT photographer may have a budget from a client that allows for talent, but usually the client has their own talent, and if you are good and follow good guidance that talent could be you. Also, a GOOD to GREAT photographer is not gonna fly little ol’ you across the country for a shoot and pay you for it. Unless your name is Kate, Adriana or Gisele, the only person that’s gonna fly you anywhere is a perv or a porn photographer or porn producer.

So stop pimpin’ yourselves out. Stop blaming the modeling sites for lack of work. You have to learn how to properly network with people who can make a difference. You have to learn that building connections, and I mean F*#kin’ GOOD professional connections can make a tremendous difference in your lousy careers’.

A Good photographer has connections. A Good photographer or for that matter producer, publisher, manager or agent is basically in the same business you are, which is, the talent/entertainment industry. These people make their living from clients who pay big bucks for their knowledge, skills, connections, which is their talent, and access to talent (YOU). Do you honestly believe that they are going to pay you, unless it is something they are going to make a lot of money from? Get your head outta your ASS and smell the f*#kin’ coffee.

Getting good at what you do, understanding the business and knowing people who know the right people are, knowing how to work with multiple people, knowing how to market you, is where it’s at. How many of you have multiple talents? Are you getting exposure in a broad range of categories? How many of you stupid wannabe models have a photographer/manager who forbids you to shoot with someone else unless they pay you? DON”T BE F*#KIN’ IDIOTS! You have to INVEST in yourself. That investment can be time or money or both. But don’t expect to get paid until you are someone and have paid the dues and are working for a client. Don’t expect to get paid just for showing up. Don’t expect to get paid by someone who can help you advance your career. You are a business, your name as a talent is the brand. You have to market that brand just like McDonalds advertises hamburgers, they pay for the advertising to sell the hamburgers. GET IT?

If you still like the partying and attention from all the pervs, and gettin’ paid like a whore, get in the PORN business, because you are part of the worlds oldest profession, so stay away from me. You’ll die by the time you’re 35 from STD’s or a Crack induced heart attack. Good Luck with your short lousy life.

Hope you learned something.

Joey

By Imran Anwar   Wed, Jan 06, 2010

There are fewer topics that can get people riled up more than religion. I generally avoid getting into religious discussions, as I am hardly the image of a religious scholar. But, when I see something totally stupid or retarded or bigoted, against my better judgement, I will comment on it.

A FaceBook connection of mine, Leroy Hite (a right-wing Bush-loving Bible-thumping conservative but still overall nice guy) posted a comment which I had to respond to.

That there is a "Minister" and others posting as if in the throes of some orgasmic rapture while typing their bigoted responses dooming others to hell or worse, made this even more entertaining.

It may also be mildly disconcerting for you to see that supposedly educated people can look upon other faiths with such intolerance. They appear to be no different than Taliban In Trousers.

Since FaceBook is not open to non-members, I am posting here the recent (ongoing) "discussion". It has been a while since I posted something like the good old newsgroup "debates" of 2 decades ago. If you're Christian, especially Catholic, or Muslim, or Jew, etc. surely something will amuse and surely something will aggravate you. What better way to enjoy religion in the new year? :-)

Happy New Year, 2010.

Imran

---

Leroy Hite * Muslims can proclaim their hatred for Jews & Chrisians which is a standard teaching in the Middle East, in all mosques, yet most in the West believe that we all pray to the same God? The Muslims themselves state that Allah is only applicable to them.
Tue at 8:30am

1 Comments:

 Jeff said...

Now how come the things your interlocutors say about Islam are "bigotry" but the things you say about Christianity aren't?

Don't get me wrong: I am a Christian but I have no objection to your saying them. I think you honestly believe them. God bless you.

But I don't myself believe they are accurate. There are many brilliant Christians who are deeply versed in history, for example, who are not at all persuaded that a simple study of history shows that Christian teaching was "invented" centuries after the fact.

After a great deal of historical and theological reading *I* am not persuaded of that.

And I don't have any difficulty believing in the Trinity, which is not a question of "three entities", but of the single fount of all existence in the form of three persons. That's odd and mysterious, but not any more odd and mysterious than flat things being round (the earth) or straight lines in space being curved or many other things modern science proposes for our belief.

My point is just this:

Muslims often see Christianity and Christians too often see Islam in ways that believers in those religions find baffling. And sometimes offensive or hurtful. That's not "bigoted", it's just a difference in opinion.

7:58 AM  

© IMRAN 2010
Web: www.imran.com
Blog: www.imran.com/media/blog/
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Labels: Christianity, Christians, Facebook, Imran, ImranAnwar, Islam, Jews, Muslims, Religion

posted by IMRAN at 6:03 PM

By Sonia Souza   Tue, Dec 01, 2009

ASPIRING!

Don't you know who I am? Wouldn't that be fun to say? I've always thought that
was a funny line!
Don't worry I would never really say that to anyone.

Well hello!!! I'm Sonia. Acting, Modeling,Hosting and gaining more experience
in all aspects of the business....
These are the things I've always aspired to do. But how does a small town girl
who growing up was so shy and not too confident follow her dream? I always
wanted to work in this business but was way too scared! Scared? Scared of what? I
guess rejection which is a huge part of this crazy world. As I got older I got
more confident to finally get off my scaredy cat butt and get started. I
realized this is what I want to do. No one was going to knock on the front door
and hand it to me. I was going to have to work and continue to work.
I decided to take an Acting class at a reputable school. This helped me
practice in front of the camera to get out there and audition. Beware though I
found out the hard way school is not an agency or one of those cheesy places
that claims to be a Agent/Photographer/Casting Company/School that promises
"you'll become a star" when your done spending thousands of dollars. You may
know the place? I suggest you get your fancy sneakers on and run the other way!
Trust me I have been a sucker and it got me no where. Pick a school that will
give you the skills and tools to start your business. A business it is and that
is how you should treat it. Its not easy.... you have to market yourself. Make
calls, Email, Snail mail, search the web, and travel to castings to be
successful. Remember it should not cost you to audition. Do your homework.
Research Talent Agencies before you commit to one. Real agents do not take your
money. Their should be no sign up fee. When you book a job your agent will take
a percentage that's how they get paid. Don't worry as you start working you will
experience the good, the bad, and the ugly. If you make it through and don't
give up it will all be worth it.
I have found my passion! I am actively a Virtual Webhost and starting to
work with FDTV and International Model and Musician as a talent as well as a Creative Producer. It is so exciting
when your able to do what you love. If this is what you love and your aspiring
like me quick tips are get a good Headshot, an Agent you trust, and Network like
their is no tomorrow!
Stay positive and keep on truckin'!!!

By Howard Livingston   Thu, Feb 19, 2009

Terry Cassidy, Hooked On The Easy Life In The Florida Keys
Howard Livingston

Writing an article about the music scene in The Florida Keys is like shooting fish in a barrel because of the enormous group of talented musicians here. I felt it only fitting that my first article focus on someone who has weathered the storm so to speak and has been a mainstay in the Keys music scene for 30 years. The talented singer songwriter I am talking about is Terry Cassidy.

Terry first visited the Keys in 1979 while on a 2-week vacation here. Being 21 years old he looked around and said why the heck am I going back to Cleveland? So, I think you get the drift, he never went back. Already being a musician, he decided what better place to perform than in the Keys. Fishing, diving, music and girls!!! What could be better? He became part of one of the big bands at that time aptly called The Key Lime Pie Band. Terry admits his early years in Key West are a bit of a blur. “I played with so many great performers and we all were pretty crazy at that time. Some are dead, some are in jail and some are doing just great.”

These days you will find Terry a family man and one of the most giving people you will ever meet. He has become one of the premier solo performers in the Keys and has spent the last 23 years playing at just about every watering hole on Duval Street in Key West along with just about every venue from the end of US1 to Marco Island. His island folk music is a blend of bluegrass, folk and island. His original tunes are a musical history tour through the Keys. Songs about Henry Flager’s railroad that first connected Key West to the mainland to tunes about the infamous bat towers constructed to rid the Keys of mosquitoes. As Terry’s song humorously explains, the towers were built; the bats were shipped down and placed in their new expensive, elaborate homes and the next morning all the bats were all gone never to be seen again. However, the towers still stand as a memorial to the staying power of those slender airborne villains that continue to flourish to this day. 

Terry is also known for his involvement in many benefits including his annual Pickin’ Party. What started out in his back yard 20 years ago, now attracts musicians from all over the country and attendees in the thousands. All to benefit Habit For Humanity. This tells you about the kind of guy he is.

Terry has recorded and released 2 albums (Fishin’ And A-Pickin’ and Seagrass) and his writing is heartfelt and genuine. He is accomplished on guitar as well as banjo and keeps the bottom beat going with foot bass pedals. If you are in the Keys his show is one you don’t want to miss and you can catch him at Sloppy Joe’s every Wednesday and Thursday from noon until 5:00 PM (streams live online) as well as a dozen or so venues stretching up and down the Keys. He is also at the Snook Inn on Marco Island every other month.

His music is available on Picklehead.com

Photo By Terri Brentnall

By Ashley Almon   Tue, Feb 24, 2009

"We cannot promise to make you a star, but if we didn't get you work we wouldn't still have this business running." Quoted a confident Paul Ritchie of Talent Inc;

Sounds like a permittable fact right?

Wrong.

In many years on my modeling and recently acting side, have I seen and heard a lot about dupes. So today we are going to discuss more 'Industry Losers'.

One year ago I signed up with my first agent. I was looking for an acting agent and I was extremely excited after coming across a list of agencies on the ACTRA website. "Ooo! Talent Inc; I'm going to check out their website, they seem good." I thought to myself optimistically. So I contacted Talent Inc. by the email they had listed on their website. It began great as me and the Executive Director Paul Ritchie began messaging back and forth about work and the industry in general. A few months later I met with him in Calgary, AB Canada, at a quaint little Starbucks on the North West side of town. We sat down and when I was expecting to give him my pitch of worth and allegiance, he threw a pitch to me about how he has been established for 10 years and what kind of work he gets.  It sounds good, but he omitted details. He omitted the fact that this was a hobby agency, it was manned by only him and he works full time in advertising.  I was an optimistic fool at that time so I believed him; after all it was a pretty good catch.

He slipped me a contract and left me to look it over while he dabbled with his blackberry. Another false idol of credibility, a blackberry.

I checked it over thoroughly and I was happy to know I wasn't going to be locked in for a period of time and I was still able to actively seek out my own work without any fee's.

Without a doubt in my mind I signed the contract and that was that, I went home.

A few weeks later after taking a acting class I scored a back round role in 'Confessions of a go-go girl' and I was psyched. I was to be paid in the middle of June, $400. To this day I am still waiting for that money. Sometimes it is common for an agency to take up to three months after the booking or after the production finishes but I have been waiting for 9 months and I'm still empty handed. I had sent emails dating back to July and I was always friendly and never pushy. Bad move. You have to be pushy from the start as that will establish how serious you are. Don't be aggressive, just assertive in a friendly way.

No replies to emails, not answering his office phone, I have finally had enough. I had sent him an email saying "P- If I don't receive my check in two weeks unfortunately I am going to have to go to the media" Well look out because I am the media!

Here's another interesting scam you may just have been almost victimized by.

"Hello,
My name is Donald Clark. I am a freelance modeling agent working for Kowope Ventures which is based in the US and has branches also in Europe. I saw your profile and pictures while surfing the internet, I appreciate them and I would like us to do some works together. I presently have a good offer for you. I want to know if you are interested in modeling because I need pictures of a good looking person who will be on the magazine cover of one of my clients. Please let me know if you are interested in the deal. You stand a chance of making reasonable $750 from this deal to start, and even a noticeable fame. Let me know if you are interested in my offer and I would give you further details.

God Bless
Donald Clark"

To my response that I might be interested I received the following mail:

"Hi,

     Thanks for the quick response and interest. The taken pictures will be used for the magazine cover of my client and the web site which is under construction. The name of the company is KRISHO natural world wellness, it has just been established in Denmark and they produce creams such as Face, Eye & Neck revitalizing serum, Soothing Eye Ointment, Intense rejuvenating Face cream, Moisturizing firming hand, body lotion, Neck & Eye ANTI-AGING firming cream, Rich Eye strengthening cream, FLASH Treatment - Skin balance, pore tone mask, REJUVENATORY - Hydrating, Reviving Anti-aging mask, Natural Cleansing Gel, Hydrating & Indulging Passion Body Oil, re constructive hands, feet Ointment, Free radicals anti wrinkle cream. Presently the company needs a model to advertise their products and am giving you the offer. Your pictures will be exhibited on their website and also after the first set of picture sent, their products and magazines will be sent to you in order for you to know about the company. Subsequently depending on you, you could be invited over to the company to sign a contract with you.

As written in my previous mail, you will get $750 to start which will be sent to you immediately. After payment has been received, the photo shoots will be taken and sent to the company. There will be a pre-arranged photographer and hair/ make up artist that will be coming over to you for the shoots. They will be contacting you for proper arrangement of time and location after payments has been made. Guess the arrangement is understood.

In order for payment to be made to you, provide me with the following details:

NAME:
ADDRESS:
PHONE NUMBER:
I await your response."

Ashley's blast:

Oh my god you cannot be serious. First, tell me, what in the hell is a 'Freelance Modeling Agent' you either work for an agency or you don't.

There is no such thing as OUT OF COUNTRY RECRUITING!

Why would they do that when they have a million amazing models right at home?

"I appreciate them and I would like us to do some works together"

Such a high powered business person but such bad grammar!

You may notice that their email addresses are always yahoo, gmail or other various free email accounts.

Why would they, at their own expense send someone how far away to shoot one model?

Ok, Ok, basically what they want is your contact information and they may sell it to junk email websites for cash and or they will actually send you a check. It's a fraudulent check where when you cash it, the 'Agent' wants you to western union him a percentage. Well great but he runs off and gets his cash and your account is negative that $750 because it was fraudulent. So just be careful and remember, tell them you'll forward their email to your agent, and that will tell the truth.

Have a scam story you want to expose? We'd love to hear it on Ashley Almon's blog!

By Susie Wilson   Wed, Feb 11, 2009

 By: Susie Wilson

"Do you know within the first three seconds of a new encounter, you are being evaluated even if it is just a glance?"

"You never get a second chance to make a "First Impression" Nowhere is this more applicable than in business situations, whatever the industry, because how you communicate with people the first time is key to your overall success.

This is the case, today more than ever before? People are increasingly demanding of good customer service

People appraise your visual and behavioural appearance from the top of your head to your toes. They observe your demeanour, mannerisms, and body language and even assess your grooming and accessories-Watch- Handbag, Brief case and shoes.

“Within only 3 seconds, you make an indelible impression. You my Intrigue some and “Disenchant”,

The “First Impression” process occurs in every new situation. With in the first few seconds, people pass judgement on you.

Once the “First Impression” is made on you, it is virtually irreversible.

It is human nature to constantly make these appraisals, in business and social environments. You may hardly have said a word, however once this three-second evaluation is over, the content of your speech will not change it. When you make the best possible first impression, you have your audience in the palm of your hand. When you make a poor’ first impression”, you lose your audience’s attention, no matter how hard you scramble to recover it.

You can learn to make a positive and lasting first impression, modify it to suit any situation, and come out a winner. Doing so requires you to assess and identify your personality, physical appearance, lifestyle and goals. Those who do will have the advantage.

Success comes to those with integrity, those that are resourceful, and those that make a fabulous impression!

 Whether they are in your career or social life, it’s important to know how to create a good “first impression”. This article provides some useful tips to help you do this.

Be on Time

The person you are meeting for the first time is not interested in your “excuse” for running late. Plan to arrive a few minutes early. And allow flexibility for possible delays in traffic or taking a wrong turn. Arriving early is much better that arriving late, hands down, and is the first step in creating a great first impression.

Be Yourself, Be at Ease

If you are feeling uncomfortable and on edge, this can make the other person ill at ease that’s a sure way to create the wrong impression. If you are calm and confident, the other person will feel more at ease, and so then you will have a solid foundation for making that first impression a good one.

Be Yourself, Be at Ease

 Your physical appearance matters the person you are meeting for the first time does not know you and your appearance is usually the first clue he or she has to go on.

But it certainly does not mean you need to look like a model to create a strong and positive “first impression.” (Unless you are interviewing with your local model agency, of course!)

No. The key to a good impression is to present yourself appropriately.

Create the right professional and personal visual image for yourself, it is important to project a positive and lasting “first Impression” Come across with self confidant through feeling good about the way you look.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so the “picture” you first present says much about you to the person you are meeting. Is your appearance saying the right things to help create the right first impression?

Start with the way you dress. What is the appropriate dress for the meeting or occasion? In a business setting, what is the appropriate business attire?  

 And ask yourself what the person you'll be meeting is likely to wear - if your contact is in advertising or the music industry, a corporate business suit may not strike the right note!

For business and social meetings, appropriate dress also varies between countries and cultures, so it’s something that you should pay particular attention to when you are in an unfamiliar setting or country. Make sure you know the traditions.

What about your personal grooming? Clean and tidy appearance is expected for business and social occasions. Make sure your hair has a great style, with a great colour,

Make up should look natural.  Long fingernails and chipped polish are distracting. If you wear nail lacquer, make sure to use a subtle colour, Avoid stiletto high heels and don’t wear any thing sexy.

Appropriate dressing and grooming help make a good “First Impression"

A Word about Individuality

The good news is you can usually create a good impression without total conformity or losing your individuality. Yes, to make a good first impression you do need to “fit in” to some degree. But it all goes back to being appropriate for the situation. If in a business setting, wear appropriate business attire. If at a formal evening social event, wear appropriate evening attire. And express your individuality appropriately within that context.

A Winning Smile!

“Smile and the world smiles too.”* So there’s nothing like a smile to create a good first impression. A warm and confident smile will put both you and the other person at ease. Smiling is a winner when it comes to great first impressions. But don't go overboard with this - people who take this too far can seem insincere, or can be seen to be "lightweights".

Be Open and Confident

When it comes to making the first impression, body language as well as appearance speaks much louder than words.

Use your body language to project appropriate confidence and self-assurance. Stand tall, smile, make eye contact, but be careful not to stare. Greetings express your gratitude when meeting someone for the first time, step forward, maintain eye contact, smile, and extend your hand. Be sure your handshake is firm and positive all of this will help you project confidence and encourage both you and the other person feel better at ease.

Body language and facial expressions are important aspects of your professional Image, research shows that the body language, including voice, account for 38 percent of an over all first impression. Therefore, your nonverbal communication imparts your presentation.

Be Positive

Your attitude shows through in everything you do. Project a positive attitude, even in the face of criticism or in the case of nervousness. Strive to learn from your meeting and to contribute appropriately, maintaining an upbeat manner and a smile.

It goes without saying that good manners and polite, attentive and courteous behavior help make a good first impression. In fact, anything less can ruin the one chance you have at making that first impression.

One modern manner worth mentioning is “turn off your mobile phone”. What first impression will you create if you are already speaking to someone other than the person you are meeting for the first time? Your new acquaintance deserves 100% of your attention. Anything less and you’ll create a less than good “First Impression.”

"In The Business World, First Impressions Matter"

Research concludes that well presented and well groomed people

*Have more favourable Social relationship Interactions

* Are considered to be “More Pleasant”

*Are offered more opportunities

*Are perceived as more like able, Trustworthy and Honest.

My final word, a "First Impression" should create a human connection that includes all parties and puts everyone on the same playing field. So make those first 3 seconds count!

Next months issue   “Discovering your Image & Style”

By Imran Anwar   Wed, Feb 11, 2009

By Imran Anwar

In last week's article I mentioned how I came into photography, thanks to my father inspiring me in every way a father can inspire his son.

He loved photography, and got me a camera at age 6. I mentioned how I progressed from a small, simple 35mm camera in the late 1960'sto one of my favorite film cameras in the late 1980's.

The 1990's brought along a new revolution. Along with the 35mm film Minolta Maxxum 7000i, I became one of the earliest users of digital cameras when the first Apple QuickTakedigital camera came out. I even have some of its pictures on my web site, at IMRAN.COM .

I later upgraded to the next Apple model and I still have it as a memento. It seems so ancient now! It's part of my Apple collection of Mac IIfx, ColorOne scanner, StyleWriter and LaserWriter printing equipment that still reminds me of my love affair with Apple and its technologies. Maybe I will give it to a museum some day (if I don't end up having to sell everything to survive this economic downturn, that is!!).

Not much later 2 Megapixel cameras were coming out so I invested in, and loved, a Minolta DimageX 2MP. My flickr photo-sharing page ( flickr.com/imrananwar) has some taken with that camera. That camera was unfortunately lost but it was impressive both technologically (a marvel in how it "double-turned" light rays to provide an actual optical zoom lens without having a lens protrude from the camera body!) and color quality.

During the next few years I got the 5MP NikonCoolpix E5700, which took some of the amazing Palm Beach and Singer Island, Florida, photos you see on my flickr pages. You should take a look, too. Some of these have been enjoyed by more than three thousand people!

I still use it with an amazing panorama EyeSee 360 lens.

(Ooops, typed too soon, that beautiful camera and specialized lens were shattered a shortly after my writing these lines, when the Nikon strap slipped out of the hook, sending the camera and the lens sliding to hit the road and smash into little pieces! Note to readers, never assume that cameras and other things connected by straps will not slide off. Always check the straps regularly).

Hundreds of panoramic images of Europe, United States and other places are still to be processed and put online. I hope to do soon, so my family and friends can view them and feel like they were right there in the room or city or museum right beside me. It helps me bring the joy of going to the most remote places in the world and knowing I can share the experience with my father, and my loving family and friends.

For portability, and to get back to taking "slice of life" photographs as I used to take in Pakistan for MAG Weekly, I had also added another Nikon to the mix. I replaced the lost Minolta Dimage X with a Nikon S6 (slightly larger than the S1/S5 but WiFi built-in for ease of transferring to the Apple MacBook Pro laptop).

But for real SLR photography with changeable lenses I was in a quandary.

I did not know whether to move from Minolta (my Maxxum 7000i film and Dimage X digital) to another Minolta, their newest DSLR, or complete the migration to Nikon by adding another Nikon like the D60, to accompany the E5700. (As my photographer readers will know, it is not as simple as just picking up a Sony or Panasonic DVD player. Selecting cameras is almost as much a matter of taste and preference as wanting to be a Mac user).

Minolta made it easier by selling out their camera business to Sony. For a while I even found the Sony AlphaA700 a better deal than Nikon (you may have seen an old review I wrote) but I did not make the jump to Sony. I refused to indulge Sony's choice of forcing us to buy expensive Memory Stick and not regular SD Secure Digital cards that are so great and cheaply available

Anyway, on the photography front, though I did not get the Sony Alpha DSLR, nor did I move to the Nikon DSLR ship right away. I found the Nikon D40 and D60 not enough of an advance to make the jump.

And, then, on my return from my recent trip to visit my father, I finally did. I had decided on the Nikon DSLR D30012.3 MP camera when it came out and I got it as one of the best birthday gifts I have ever received from a loved one.

I invested in some additional lenses and flash, etc. and I love it. Sheer magic and take a look at flickr.com/imrananwar. That page has just some of the photos to prove the magic. Some have already won awards, been used in calendars and traveling road shows by companies here and 2 will be used as "INSPIRATION" posters by another company.

Check them out and leave comments. I hope to be back in Pakistan soon and put it to use on photos of my family and beloved homeland of Pakistan. I have also selected some photographs to make a printed coffee table book for my father to see and show his friends the amazing magic I was able to capture from a gift he gave his son 40 years ago.

So, there you have it.

My 40 years journey in photography so far. It was started by my father's gift of a camera. It developed from my mother's gift of telling us never to miss any moment of the beauty in the world around us - before it is too late.

I try to do that, every day, in my own way, by living and capturing that incredible journey, for myself, and, I hope, online, for you and others. The photographs of that journey are online and on my computers, now and in my mind for as long as I live.

Forever? I hope so. The Internet and my "Live, Forever" project (at neternity.org ) give us a chance to leave coming generations a permanent record of our having seen the amazing world I saw, we saw, with our eyes. I hope our visions are seen, for an Eternity, if you do the same.

I emailed the first draft of this tribute and article to my father by email. He had just arrived back in Lahore from a trip. I spoke to him late on the afternoon of December 20, 2008, and had a wonderful conversation with him on the phone.

A few hours after my salute, Mr. Anwar-ud-Din, beloved father to my siblings and me, passed away from unexpected cardiac arrest early on December 21, 2008. ILWIR.

His smile, his love, his words, his sacrifices for us, his very presence in the lives of all that he touched - they are all etched in our hearts and memories for far longer than an eternity, far deeper than any photograph can capture.

May Allah bless him and my mother with a great place close to Him in Heaven.

I thank you, dear reader, for saying a prayer for my parents, and all the great people who have left us and now live forever in our memories. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

(The End)

By Jose (Joey)   Tue, Feb 10, 2009

Hi, I’m Joey. I’ve been in this business since god was young. Casting? That’s what I do. I didn’t want to do this writing thing, but the guy that owns this rag I’ve known for years, in fact I cast him first in a commercial when he was just little. I’ve seen this guy grow in the business and was disappointed when he left for so many years. Now he’s back, and you’ve heard the saying, “make a silk purse out of a sows ear”, this is the guy that does it. When he got out on his own, he made things happen and most of the time on a shoestring, he had the cars, the house, the girls, shit, he had it all. You’ve seen the lines to get into popular clubs, he never waited. And you know why, because he listened, and he read the fine print and he worked hard. He never let anyone pull the F**kin’ wool over his eyes. But he was also humble and would give you the shirt off his back. So if you got a chance to work with him, DO IT. Not only cause I like the little f**ker, but because he usually wins.

Okay, so enough about this prick. Let’s talk about me. I’ve been in the casting business for about 50 years. I agreed to write this if I could stay an enigma, a ghost, the spectral image in your f**kin’ nightmares. I might be a man or I might be a woman, just think of me as Pat, you know, the non-gender specific character on Saturday Night Live, that’s SNL for you idiots, only I got f**kin’ attitude and intelligence. And I’ve seen everything, so my writings will be about my life experiences and opines so if you are not completely stupid you will learn something.

So, here’s a short piece about KC the publisher and a model. He tells me about all of the emails he gets from people who want to be featured in this magazine. Just the other day he sends me an email about a model who wanted to be featured, she replied to a casting call he put out. He sent her an email back, saying where a link was and how to submit for the casting along with a sheet with guidelines. Then she sent him a note back asking if this was a magazine, could she and friends and family see the images. HELLO?!? Lady are you just f**kin’ stupid or what? Can you not f**kin’ read or are you tweaker HO? I read these emails, mostly one liners, not rocket science. This woman had the looks, but the brains of a godd**n T-Rex.

People, read the shit that’s given to you, there is nothing more f**kin’ annoying than people who want a part, are given instructions and DO NOT read them or do then don’t follow through, and use the excuse, “I forgot, or I didn’t know I was supposed too”. This is why you don’t make it, cause most of you are idiots, lazy and don’t listen. For every one of you, there are at a minimum 100 more who want what you want. If you aren’t on top of your game, you lose. Get a f**kin’ clue.

If I decide to do this again next month, it will be on, Working with Agents or Arrogant Pricks in the Business.

By KC   Mon, May 03, 2010

Thanks for you interest in being featured in International Model and Musician!

International Model and Musician is a new online magazine that is By, For and About Models and Musicians, and the entertainment business in general. It’s your intention to make this a career and it’s our intention to help you accomplish this.

Inside International Model and Musician you will find, columns, articles, interviews and blogs about many areas of the business that you are experiencing right now, and how to possibly overcome some of those obstacles and advance your career. You will meet industry insiders, everyday people and experts who are involved in the fields of modeling, fashion, beauty, deportment, music executives, journalists and many others. Just like your career, IMM is and will be continuing to evolve, always striving to bring you the very best information and entertainment. As a featured talent you will be part of this evolution.

We want to bring the indy performing artist and aspiring model to the forefront of their given field. By providing YOU additional exposure, you gain, for models and photographers, a tear sheet and real published photos and bio, you will gain information on who to contact and interested clients may contact you. For the indy artist, you will gain media exposure, and we will put you and your music and the ideas behind your music in front of an entirely new audience.

If you are not a member of One Model Place we encourage you to join, as this is the only site we will use for online submission consideration.

TO BE CONSIDERED:

Models and Photographers, please submit your link to your One Model Place page, along with a brief (50 words or less) bio and one photo (150kb or smaller) to our OMP email. Our intention is to select most submissions. We will contact you when you have been selected for more info.

Performing Artists, please submit your link to your One Model Place page, if you do not have one, you may join under the OTHERS category. Also, please include a recent photo, and bio, link to your music and other pertinent info. We will contact you when you have been selected for more info.

Other Talent, Actors, Actresses, please submit your link to One Model Place, along with a brief bio and headshot (150kb or smaller) to our OMP email. Again as with models and photographers we intend to select most submissions. We will contact you when you have been selected for more information, which will be very soon.

Thanks for your interest in International Model and Musician,

Kevin

Publisher

If you would like to contribute as a guest author or learn how to make extra money with IMM, drop us a note.