The Publishers League

October 16, 2010

Book Review: The Know It All

Filed under: Art/Culture — Tags: , , — damon @ 12:37 pm

A.J. Jacobs, editor of Esquire magazine, has made a name for himself by experimenting…on himself. His first book was the memoir The Know It All: One Man’s Humble Quest To Become The Smartest Person In The World. How does he do this? By reading all 32 volumes of the venerable Encyclopedia Brittanica in one year.

I don’t know how long it has been since you have looked at an entire set of Encyclopedias, but the task he sets for himself in The Know It All is an obscene amount of reading. And frequently, the reading is not that fun to do, which results in some of the book’s funniest scenes.

It is both a book of trivia, a memoir, and a work of humor. Much of the humor comes from the book’s overarching storylines: Jacobs trying to perform his job, wrestling with the struggle of infertility as he and his wife try to conceive, figuring out the best way to comfortably hold a massive volume from the encyclopedia, and so on.

But the real highlights for me are the actual entries from the Brittanica. The book contains passages that Jacobs found especially bizarre, noteworthy, funny, sad, etc. My favorite was the abalone, but I won’t tell you why, you’ll have to read it.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves trivia, anyone who is a fan of a good memoir, anyone who is a fan of AJ Jacobs or the Brittanica, and of course, anyone who is crazy enough to wonder if they might like to try the experiment themselves. It is a essentially a love letter to anyone who wants to know how to be more curious.

I’m not going to be reading the Encyclopedia in a year, or in 80 years, but I do read a lot of books. The Know It All is a lot of fun, and if anything in this review even made you smile, I know you’ll love it. Jacobs has also written two other books in a similar vein–ludicrous experiments on himself–and if you like this one, you’ll love those as well.

October 15, 2010

Honey Colored Votive Candles

Filed under: Art/Culture — Tags: , , — damon @ 3:50 pm
Glow-iiiieee~ ♥
Creative Commons License photo credit: Debs (ò‿ó)♪

Beeswax candles are very nice candles and beeswax votive candles can be quite interesting to watch burn. If the votive candle is 100% all natural beeswax the candle will probably be a honey tan color and this is a natural occurrence as the natural wax takes on the color of the honey that was made at the same time. Some of the candles will be darker and some lighter, it all depends on what the bees were pollinating at the time that the wax was made. When these votive candles burn they will also have a slight sweet smell as they burn and this too will reflect the pollen that was involved in making the wax.

Now not all candles that are called “all natural” are indeed all natural as only a majority of the wax needs to be natural to qualify the candle for that label. This can be somewhat misleading and if there is an individual in the home that has any breathing or lung issues it is important to read the labels while purchasing candles so that there are no health issues involved from trying to enjoy candles. Natural beeswax candles should give off no or only a slight odor and the odor will be pleasing to smell and a non-irritating odor for both noses and lungs.

These candles are nice to have and in the votive candle size they are very handy for placing almost anywhere in a room as they take up virtually no room, yet give off a nice clean light. Natural beeswax votive candles matched with a quality clear votive candles holder will make a handsome set and can be entertaining as it burns. The honey-colored will wax will slowly melt and turn to liquid and the flame will continue it slowly consume the entire candle. Try them out for yourself and be sure and get the best quality for the best experience.

October 11, 2010

A New Generation Of Sewing Machines

Filed under: Art/Culture — Tags: , , — PublishersLeagueAdmin @ 4:39 pm
Oradour Sur Glane
Creative Commons License photo credit: jez.atkinson

A computerized sewing machine can take the pain of your shoulders and easy the workload. It makes work smoother and interesting. It not only just saves your efforts and time but gives you smooth finish with professional looks and even stitches. There are many patterns of stitches to choose from and you can repeat embroidery pattern which you like the most with the machine.

Computerized sewing machines are equipped with features that let you do free motion quilting with ease. The machine makes sure that the length of each stitch is the same irrespective of the speed of the cloth movement beneath the needle. These are the reasons why the machined is priced high but is worth considering the comfort with which you can work at it.

On the display screen you can see the preview of the type of the stitches you can use for the purpose. Making button holes on the fabric is also made easy with these machines. Does not matter if it is a blouse or a jacket, you can make button holes in a few simple steps and in various designs as per your choice.

Care and maintenance of these machines is necessary like any other machine or equipment. This includes but is not limited to keeping them in a dry, humidity controlled place. You should also avoid dropping them and prevent them from excessive heat or cold.

Additionally, these machines should be kept away from any magnetic substance. Check for the accessories like pin cushions and needle holders for hidden magnets. This is because a magnet can interfere with the successful functioning of the machine, ultimately resulting in you spending your valuable money and time on the repair station.

The development of computerized sewing machines is a huge advantage over the traditional mechanical ones and if proper care and maintenance is carried out then you can reap the benefits of these machines for many years to come. Find out more about sewing machines at Singer Futura embroidery machine or bernina embroidery machines.

September 27, 2010

Finding A Space For Scrapbooking

Filed under: Art/Culture — Tags: , , , — damon @ 4:21 pm

Creative Commons License photo credit: cooljinny

If you are an avid scrapbooker, chances are that you have found working on the kitchen table quite distracting when things such as TVs playing, stereos sounding loudly, telephones ringing and dishwashers working are happening in the background. To work on your scrapbooking layouts without being distracted, it is a good idea to find a special space in your house just for scrapbooking. If you have a large house, this will be easy, although if you live in an apartment or condo, setting up a dedicated space might be a little more difficult.

One way of establishing your own special place for scrapbooking is by designating one room as a dedicated scrapbook room. Setting up a room for scrapbooking is probably not that difficult for those that live in large homes, however a scrapbooking room in a smaller living space or home can be much more of a challenge. Try to find a space in your home that can be used for multiple uses such as an office or storage room or maybe a spare bedroom.

Another way you can find a special place for scrapbooking is by converting or buying a garden shed to designate as a scrapbook room. This is a great option, as many families have sheds that are sitting unused in the back of the garden. If you do not already have a shed, it is possible to purchase one for about $2000, although this might be unrealistic if you do not have the money.

No matter where you scrapbook, it is important that you are organized and have everything you need to participate in your hobby on hand, as creativity can be crushed if you spend all your time looking for supplies instead of dreaming and creating your layouts. Many people already have scrapbook rooms, so check with other scrapbookers (if you know any) to see how they manage their scrapbooking space and rooms.

September 5, 2010

Graphic Design Resume – How To Improve Your Chances

Filed under: Art/Culture — Tags: , — damon @ 7:29 am

This is a very important aspect when it comes to getting picked up for a job.

Tons and tons of resumes pass daily trough the hands of the companies, but very few catch the eye of a prospective employer, so it is therefore important that your resume to be one of them.

First aspect that you must have in mind except the right portfolio and the shortest but most relevant resume is the paper in which you write it on. This can say a lot about the owner of the C.V. so this is why it’s important. A simple white paper can suggest monotony and will not raise a great interest.

This has to be the best quality paper and not necessary white but a very light bej as so it will look as white but the difference is noticeable next to another white piece of paper. Why? Because white is a cold non-color that does not give much energy. But bej has a sense of warmth even though it’s not rationally noticeable it dose count at the subconscious level.

The other think important about your resume is to be precisely short and to say as many as possible about your education and experience. If you don’t know how to do this there are many internet tutorials willing to help you.

Another important thing is layout. The writing has to look good even if it’s printed. The paces must be correct, comas placed right and others things important for the aspect of the layout.

Also there must be no grammatical or punctuation errors because this will make you one of the left outs most certainly.

Another important think is to place it at the most visible pat of the portfolio, meaning in front.

So if you want to be one of the elected workers, the best thing that you can do is allow your resume to stand out trough simplicity, consistence and also elegance.

Related articles:

-graphic design resume

- graphic design brochures

August 16, 2010

The Contra Bass Clarinet

Filed under: Art/Culture,Music — Tags: , , — damon @ 9:42 am
Bardentreffen_2010_ 1020
Creative Commons License photo credit: rs-foto

The symphonic instrument contra-bass clarinet, made for concert listening ears, is pitched in Bb, 2 octaves beneath the Bb soprano clarinet (that is one octave beneath the bass clarinet having a selection regularly extended downward to lower D or C.)

More aged instruments will often possess a range extended all the way down to low D or Eb. One will discover contra-basses in the loop shape also known as paperclip, looped, curved or in the straight shape pattern, that appears like a bigger bass clarinet having a lengthy neck. The actual looped contras are all metal, even though the straight contras can be wood or metal. Straight contras are generally produced by Leblanc Vito or Selmer. So far as I am aware, the looped contra is made only by Leblanc. Almost all Leblanc contras possess a bore diameter of 1.182″, even though the Selmer contra has a bore of 1.333″. Modern day Leblanc contras as well as Selmer contra-basses possess an extended range to low C.

Both the actual Eb as well as the Bb contra are most frequently associated with bands as well as wind ensembles, and also clarinet choirs. Significantly less frequently, one runs into them in orchestral music, pit orchestras, as well as the occasional jazz solo.

Accept is as true or otherwise, there are actual stands for these types of instruments, too. Leblanc can make a durable stand especially for the coiled contras (adaptable also for Bb or Eb instruments), which may be purchased from the Woodwind & Brass-wind. The actual stand includes a weighty but retractable tripod base, having a removable cradle which supports the underside of the instrument, along with a brace having a snap-on leather-based strap which helps support the horn at one of several cross-braces The actual stand can be adjusted, to ensure that one can possibly utilize it instead of the peg, and may actually play the musical instrument while standing. Regrettably, it appears that Leblanc has concluded manufacturing this particular instrument. You might nevertheless still be able to do it. Try with Leblanc vito clarinet or noblet bass clarinet.

June 4, 2010

Thinking About Poetry – Good Poetry – Bad Poetry – Limericks – Haikus

Filed under: Art/Culture — Tags: , , , , , , — damon @ 1:20 am
teatro piccolo [small theatre] 3.14.10 -
Creative Commons License photo credit: laura padgett

Many things affect the way we think about and write poetry. Good poetry may be written when we feel good and are happy with our lot in life. Bad poetry can be written at all times unfortunately. Bad poetry rarely makes it to the printers because the author will most likely bin it in disgust.

Does your mood affect the way you write? Some people are more creative early in the day whilst others are night owls. Whether you are an early bird or a night owl you should utilize the times when you feel creative to maximise your creative ability and output, thus avoiding the awful ‘writers block’ which affects many poets. Can you write limericks when you are sad?

If you have a good sense of humour does it mean that you will be good at writing ‘limericks’ which are a type of nonsense verse. Limericks are rhythmical and usually funny but can contain meaningless words, which often come into existence by virtue of author. Lewis Carroll’s Jabberwocky and Edward Lear’s ‘The Owl and the Pussycat’ are prime examples of nonsense poetry.

Limericks are short, five line, poems but shorter still are haikus which are the world’s shortest poems consisting of only 17 syllables (sometimes even fewer syllables are used). Many were written in Japan where they originated and because they were so short, the translation to English proved to be very cumbersome. Despite being so short they are extremely difficult to write. So much must be conveyed in so few words. With haikus you need to imagine what is not being said in the poem and the great exponents of haiku are able to convey thoughts and ideas without the words being written. The best way to write haikus is just to write as much as possible on your topic and only then try to adapt what you wish to convey into the ting haiku format.

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