The Intrigue of the Cannes Film Festival

August 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Cannes Film Festival is the most popular festival in the world. The Cannes Film Festival began in 1946 and is the oldest film festival. The festival is not only the most influential in the world of films, its red carpet is the most popular attraction of star struck celebrity fans. In the month of May, thousands invade the small town of Cannes. Celebrities, filmmakers and press converge on this quiet small town. It is the ultimate film festival, much like your ultimate movie collection in www.direct.tv. This festival is also the most exclusive and you must meet one of six criteria to gain entrance.

The average person does not have the credentials to attend this exclusive film festival. In addition, there are costly fees, which few people can afford. Thousands of people line the streets to get a glimpse of their favorite celebrity. You can squeeze your way into the town of Cannes and spend hours in the crowds on the streets. This is as close as you can get to the festival. You may be able to crash a few parties during the evening hours or get a few photos of your favorite celebrities. Many people visit Cannes during the week of the film festival just for the excitement.

While it is the most popular festival, it is best to watch clips on TV to catch glimpses of the activities and celebrities. If you have direct.tv at home, you won’t really have to go all the way to Cannes anymore. Film Festival fans would love to have the chance to attend the Cannes Film Festival just once in their lifetime. However, for all these fans, this remains a dream that has yet to come true. If you are lucky enough to have connections, you should not miss the opportunity to attend this event. If you are not connected, you may want to scour other film festivals for possible connections. You never know whom you will meet and you may discover an opportunity of fulfilling a lifelong dream to attend the Cannes Film Festival.

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Forgotten Women and Their Impact

July 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Eleanor Roosevelt statue

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Throughout history there have been women that have changed the way we think, the way we dress, and what we consider acceptable behavior. While some of these women, like Cleopatra, Susan B. Anthony, and Harriet Beecher Stowe are household names, and we relegated some of the most inspirational women from history to the dusty pages of old books. Bringing some of their stories to light can help create another generation of young girls and women with the drive to change the future.

Some of these all but forgotten women have influenced history and politics. Eleanor of Aquitaine, France’s first Queen, was mother to two Kings of England. Her thoughts and political ideals helped form the basis of their reigns. Eleanor Roosevelt was more than just the wife of president. Consider one of his political aides, she went on to make human rights contributions and head the UN Human Rights Commission which drafted the Declaration of Human Rights 1947. These women, and others like them, changed history.

Other women have had an impact on the way we dress, take care of ourselves, and how the world views women. A great example of an influential woman who is all but forgotten is Helena Rubinstein, founder of one of the first cosmetic companies in the world. Thanks to women like Helena, the way we look and feel about ourselves has changed.

Taking the time to investigate the women of our past offers us an excellent opportunity to begin to change our future. Sometimes the smallest of contributions has the greatest impact.

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Battling Hollywood: Dorothy Arzner

June 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The days were once defined to censorship. Celluloid was intended to capture easy virtues; cinema was meant to celebrate mediocrity. Hollywood was a tangle of high production values and strict ethics — all of which were charted in the infamous Hays Code, a collection of taboos and societal concerns. It was an age of studio control… and feminine oppression.

In 1929 female directors were rare within the United States. While the early formats of silent films had offered a wealth of women (such as Alice Guy-Blaché, who created the first fully narrative piece: La Fée aux Choux), the introduction of sound — and its subsequent rules — created a quick decline. Hollywood was demanding much from its production teams, and the back-lots were pervaded by sexism.

There was still hope to find among the casting chairs, however: Dorothy Arzner.

Arzner — who began her career in 1927 — developed her unique style during the Silent Era, boasting independent characters and bold cinematography. Her films received wide praise, with Blood and Sand and The Wild Party considered to be among the best of the decade. The introduction of the Hays Code, however, caused many to assume that Arzner would lose her career.

She didn’t.

Instead she discovered ways to conform to the conditions of Hollywood, while subsequently injecting her projects with a feministic sensibility. Her characters were reflections of herself: consumed by struggles and the need for personal validation. Efforts like Christopher Strong and The Last of Mrs. Cheyney showcased brave women and unique photography. They were financial and critical successes.

And they, like Arzner herself, helped to usher in the progress that was to come.

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4 Popular Casino Games for Women

May 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

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When playing games in an online casino, women become just as engaged as men. As a woman, you might have different game favorites, but spending hours online mastering the casino games can be a common pastime. Here are four of the most popular games played by women.

Blackjack

A common favorite for both men and women when playing games in an online casino is blackjack. This game is played all over the world and although rules may differ from casino to casino, the basic premise is the same. Your goal is to have a hand of cards that is nearer to 21 than the dealer’s hand without exceeding 21.

Poker

Poker is another commonly played game in which you must learn the poker hand rankings. Knowing the difference between a straight, four of a kind, and a royal flush is essential in this game. Playing poker online will give you plenty of practice.

Video Slots

With video slots, you will come across many options. The general premise, however, is the same. You decide how many lines to bet on and how much to bet. It’s important to take a few moments to read the online rules in the beginning since video slot machines vary from one another.

Fruit Machines

A fruit machine is also known as a slot machine. You will find many varieties, ranging from the single-line options seen classically in casinos to the more complicated multiple-spin varieties allowable by sophisticated computer programming.

Whether you are playing blackjack, poker or the slot machines, playing these games online can give you the feeling that you are in a real-live casino.

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Companies Who are Giving Moms More Options and Benefits

May 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Cricket Communications logo

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In many parts of society, women who have a husband and children are regarded as little more than glorified housekeepers. They hang around the house, ferry their kids around, and the last time they worked was in college, during their husband hunt. If that gets you to roll your eyes and clench your fists, then you aren’t alone. Cricket Communications has also had it up to their necks in the passive discrimination against the bearers of our children.

If you have ever used an Android Zio, you have participated in Cricket’s network. While sitting in the bushes and chirping at people might be a personal lifestyle choice, Cricket is dedicated to providing high quality, affordable networks. They are also equally committed to providing women with options above and beyond staying home and providing taxi services to their offspring. Many moms simply have too many responsibilities to take on for a full-time job and its responsibilities. But in this day and age, very few families can live well on only one income, and it’s even worse if the husband is unable to work.

One of the ways Cricket makes their jobs great for working moms is that every employee who works 30 or more hours per week receives health insurance. Above and beyond that, they even offer tuition assistance and paid educational opportunities during work time. So a mom who wants to learn a new profession can make an income, receive health benefits, and even have a significant portion of her tuition takes care of by the company. This is a pretty good deal for everyone involved.

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Turning a Hobby Into a Career With Online Casinos

April 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Is it really possible to make a living with an online casino? Many people are familiar with online gaming and use it as a hobby or a way to make some extra cash when things get tight, but not many realize that an online casino can open doors to a new career. Behind those popular casino games are a lot of support jobs available for those who qualify and have the right experience.

What Sort of Jobs Are Offered in Online Casinos?

One important job is in the customer service field. Many casinos need customer service representatives to answer telephone calls from customers who may have questions or concerns while playing games in an online casino. Another job opportunity is in web design; all online businesses have to have a great website to attract and keep customers. Potential players are drawn to a professional, fun looking website that works well. Online casinos are in need of experienced web designers as well as software developers. Customer service agents, who are always available to answer billing questions, are also in demand.

Can I Earn a Living By Just Playing Games in an Online Casino?

Some people actually earn a living by playing online casino games. While it’s not very common, there are some people who dedicate their time and attention to learning the strategies that they hope will improve their chances of winning. Other people do very well by simply relying on lady luck. There are many tutorials and a lot of information about using on-line casinos available on the Internet. Serious players study hard to increase their chances of winning as often as possible.

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The Acheivements of Shirley Temple: Onstage and Off

April 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment
movie star Shirley Temple

Image via Wikipedia

Shirley Temple 1944

While many people know Shirley Temple as the child star who always sang and smiled, few recognize her as the influential ambassador she was for the United States.

Born in California, Shirley Temple began acting around age three, appearing in eleven films when she was only five. By the time she had reached high school, she had been in over fifty films and was even recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for her achievements. Not only was she the highest-earning Hollywood star during parts of the Great Depression, but Shirley Temple Black spent her adult years serving others and making a difference in politics.

She began by helping found the International Federation of Multiple Sclerosis Societies, an organization devoted to helping comfort and cure those with multiple sclerosis. She was motivated to begin this federation because of her brother, who suffered from the disease.

Shirley Temple Black also began to work behind the scenes of several organizations, working on the board for organizations like Walt Disney Company and the National Wildlife Federation. At age 39, she ran for United States Congress.

This began her career in politics. She served as United States representative to the United Nations, and was then appointed ambassador to Ghana in 1974, and then as ambassador to Czechoslovakia in 1989 during the Cold War. She also served as Chief of Protocol at the White House under President Ford, and as a Foreign Affairs officer under President Reagan.

With such grand achievements, Shirley Temple Black proves just how much a woman can accomplish in tumultuous times.

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Best Movie Star Lip Tricks (without surgery)

March 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Want your lips to look fuller? Your lipstick to last longer? Want to look like a movie star before heading out the door?

These movie star lip solutions should do the trick.

  • Purchase some super glossy lip gloss. Gloss can be used at any time; even if you don’t have a mirror handy.
  • Be aware that creamier lipsticks should be used as we age. Avoid matte and gloss color types in lipsticks.
  • Outline lips before using lipstick. Smudge the lipstick into the liner to get rid of stark lines. Apply the liner just outside your lip line. Keep the liner the same shade as your lipstick. If you already have full lips, avoid lipsticks in strong colors. Use soft sheer hues and don’t line your lips.
  • Keep your lipstick away from the heat. Lipstick can get warm in purses too, so make sure you keep your purse away from direct sunlight. Never leave lipstick in the car.
  • If you play up your eyes, don’t play up your mouth.
  • Use a lip liner to keep your lipstick lasting longer.
  • If you get lipstick in the wrong shade, keep it. There is probably another lipstick you don’t like that you can blend with it.
  • Red lipstick is great; but not everyone can wear every shade. Just make sure you line your lips with a lip liner if you do. Check out totalbeauty.com to discover the best shade of red for your skin tone.
  • Use foundation on your lips. Your lipstick will stay on longer. Or powder your lips before adding lipstick.
  • Darker lipstick colors make your lips look smaller; light colors give your lips a fuller look.

Though trial and error is part of every total beauty plan, when it comes to making good lips look great, a little know-how can take even a non-star a long way.

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New York Horror Film Festival Celebrates its 10th Aniniversary

March 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

This year the New York Horror Film Festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary. This year’s festival promises to be an event to remember. The New York Horror Film Festival is the largest and most recognized horror and science fiction festival in the country. This festival has a massive cult following and all events are open to the public. The festival is as much about films as it is about the party. This is truly a festival that celebrates films. Thousands will descend on New York to participate in the 10th anniversary celebration.

This year’s festival will feature a kick-off celebration with numerous celebrity guests. This kick-off party is open to the public and will set the stage for a fantastic festival. If you are a science fiction or horror filmmaker, you can obtain a submission application online. The festival is currently accepting submissions and will screen only 50 to 60 submissions. It is a highly competitive festival, so get your submission in as soon as possible.

For the public, this festival is about enjoying great movies and having a fantastic time. The festival will have special screenings and discussion opportunities with the filmmakers. For added fun, there will be several parties and forum participation events during the evening hours. You will have ample opportunity to socialize and discuss your favorite films. You will enjoy the company of thousands of horror film fans. You will also have an opportunity to win prizes and meet many of the celebrity guests.

You may attend several film festivals throughout the year, but this is a festival you will want to place on the top of your to do list. This year’s festival promises to be full of surprises and promises to be a wonderful experience. If you enjoy horror films and science fiction, this is definitely the festival for you.

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Best in Broadway

February 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Broadway with all of its glitz and glory will never get, well, old. There is something to the glamour, the lights, and the dance that keeps our toes moving even if we’re only watching our favorite flick while sitting on the living room couch.

Here’s a best Broadway list to get you started or keep you going:

  • Chicago. How do two murderesses try for the fame they need in the 1920s to save them from the gallows?
  • Fiddler on the Roof. “If I were a Rich man”? Tevye is a Jewish man and his living conditions are not up to code—among other things.
  • Guys and Dolls. What happens when a bet = romance for a gambler and a female missionary?
  • The King and I. Place a school teacher and the King of Siam and his many children in the same room, and what happens?
  • The Music Man. What happens to a boy who sells band instruments and uniforms and rakes in the cash before they can be delivered?
  • The Sound of Music. Julie Andrews sings and dances and keeps the von Trapp family fun-filled and hopeful despite their father and the early tricks of the children who do not want a governess.
  • My Fair Lady. Can a “flower girl” be changed into a “lady,” and by an all-knowing professor, no less?
  • Oklahoma! Get ready to dance and feel some romance in this 1955 flick in the Oklahoma territory.
  • Oliver! A poor orphan boy, through multiple and varied feats of courage, must decide whether to continue his life as a pickpocket or to straighten out his life.

And the list doesn’t stop here. If you’re a fan of Cats, Godspell or Bye Bye Birdie, DVDS are available to wet your broadway lips. Check out cduniverse for your next Broadway flick.

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