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Force Majeure

My flight to Dublin, Ireland was booked months in advance.

The screenplay was coming along and the cast and crew, including locations, were all locked for a May 22, 2020 start date. So what happened? COVID-19 happened. I know that in the grander scheme of things, such an artistic endeavor cannot compete with the death, sickness, economical mess, and the psychological toll this pandemic has affected the world. But it affected my world and those connected to the project.

Usually, a production is halted or postponed because of budgetary concerns, actor’s availability, even the sudden loss of a location, but how do you prepare for a film shoot that involves ten countries around the world? My first concern was the health and well being of my friends in the countries I have already shot in, Germany and Australia, as well as the two countries, Ireland and the Czech Republic, I was scheduled to shoot in this spring and summer. As far as my mission of accomplishing this monumental task of filmmaking, I am surprised to say, I’m okay about the delay. If anything, it has afforded me the chance to tighten the scripts, outlines, characters and overall storyline because of the delay. It would be wonderful to imagine that the delay will help with raising money for this project, but the reality is that the last thing any potential investor is thinking about is funding a crazy idea like this. I am prepared to fund this in any manner I can devise and that includes breaking that old song, “Never use your money to make a movie.”

            So what happens now. As of this writing, I am still holding out hope for a delay of a few months. I realize that I may be a bit too optimistic, but isn’t making any film, a leap of faith?  Another unexpected aspect to this quarantine is the fact that I may very well reconsider some road bumps I have stumbled on to in the pursuit of writing the scripts as well as the whole outline for the ten films. I am afforded the commodity of time. My biggest complaint in the before times was, I didn’t have enough time to work on these scripts. A deadline was looming and I didn’t feel I had large chunks of time to devote myself to writing the story. Now I have time, so what’s my excuse? The thing is that when I was working here and there, making money, that seemed to take precedent over my writing and filmmaking. I was a full-time earner and a part-time writer and director. The truth is now, I can’t work or even leave the house. I am a full-time writer who can no longer work. I do have the time. I have always had the time. For me, it is a mindset. My art is first and foremost and then I do whatever I need to do to buy food and keep a roof over my head. The best lesson I have learned from this pandemic is to be present and be and do what you love.

Las Kellies “Closer”

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We’re listening to Las Kellies “Closer” from their new album “Suck This Tangerine” via Firerecords. The title is befitting for these insane times. Yes, we want to get closer but we just can’t. We were hooked on the song’s 1985 throwback feel and infectious bass line. (Pun fully and unapologetically intended.)

“Closer” is a pop song with funk by post-punk Argentine duo Cecilia Kelly and Silvina Costa. It’s like a melodic combo of grit and sparkle. It gives you 80s vibes, with the hip-popping percussion blended with ornamental guitar trills and jabs. That’s the grit, the dance beat that grabs us from the first note. Las Kellies’ light, effervescent voices play over the deep bass and poking guitar riffs, and that’s the song’s sparkle.

“Closer” simply makes us move. Thanks for giving us a slice of 80s nostalgia and some melodic joy, Las Kellies. 

Follow Las Kellies on all their socials:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

Keep making music that moves us… even if it’s in our pajamas.

Save NoHo Theatres from COVID19

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Final Bow for NoHo Theatre?

The NoHo Arts District Launches “Save NoHo Theatres from COVID19” Go Fund Me Campaign

Eighteen of the 22 live, professional theatres in the NoHo Arts District will close within two months because of Covid19. It will not only harm the theatres but the NoHo Arts District as a whole. To avoid closure of 18 theatres in Los Angeles’ performing arts district, www.nohoartsdistrict.com has created a “Save NoHo Theatres from COVID19” Go Fund Me campaign to help pay for 60 days of 18 theatres’ rent. (www.gofundme.com/savenohotheatres) The NoHo Arts District is just one-square mile and it has the second largest concentration of theatres in the United States. 

 https://www.instagram.com/p/B_DZED8JYPH/

All the NoHo theatres survive month to month in order to create their shows because they’re not government supported and cannot sustain even a short-term shut down.  Without shows, classes, rentals and ticket sales theatres can’t survive. This has an effect on the entire community because without the theatre patrons, actors and crew, restaurants, bars, apartments and other local businesses lose revenue. Without NoHo theatres, there will be no NoHo Arts District. “Why did residents and businesses move into the area? Because it’s an arts district,” says Nancy Bianconi, publisher of www.nohoartsdisrict.com. “If 18 out of 22 theatres close, this area will have to be called North Hollywood again. Theatres have a huge economic impact on restaurants, bars, apartments, hotels, other creative industries, local businesses, etc.”

Did you know? 

  1. NoHo has 22 theatres in one square mile.
  2. NoHo had the highest concentration of theatres outside of New York City.
  3. NoHo theatres present more than 500 shows per year, including world premieres.
  4. NoHo has 35 acting classes held any given night.
  5. More than 20,000 people enjoy NoHo’s shows throughout the year.
  6. NoHo theatres are an economic multiplier for local restaurants, bars, local businesses, etc.  Theatre goers spend on average of extra $32 above the theatre ticket price for dinner, drinks and retail purchases. 

In the 90s, it was the theatres who helped rebuild the blighted and crime-ridden North Hollywood neighborhood that we now call NoHo. Theatres were the impetus for the creation of the NoHo Arts District and attracted other theatres and creative industry folks as well as new developments, restaurants, bars, apartments and hotels. 

“As one of the founders of the NoHo Theatre District, I have witnessed the most incredible blossoming of the entire neighborhood,” said Ed Gaynes, owner of three NoHo theatres. “When a few of us began opening theatres in the many empty storefronts, the area was a wasteland. No foot traffic, no shops, practically no restaurants even. The theatres attracted the people, the crowds flowing into our theatres attracted the restaurants, art galleries and shops. Ultimately, it all attracted the flood of new residents who poured into the district.”

THE BOTTOM LINE 
The goal of raising $108,194 will pay 60 days of theatre rent for participating theatres. This will allow theatres to survive into the summer when the productions and audiences return, and NoHo’s entertainment and nightlife scene will be booming again.

WHERE CONTRIBUTIONS GO:

  1. ACME Comedy Theatre
  2. ACME Comedy Club
  3. Actors Workout Studio
  4. Actors Workout Theater B
  5. Avery Schreiber Playhouse
  6. Brick House Theatre
  7. Group Rep Theatre Main Stage
  8. Group Rep Theatre Upstairs
  9. Loft Ensemble Mainstage
  10. Loft Ensemble Sawyer’s Playhouse
  11. Secret Rose Theatre
  12. Theatre 68 Flex
  13. Theatre 68 Main Stage
  14. The Sherry
  15. TU Studio
  16. Whitmore Lindley Theater Center Theatre #1
  17. Whitmore Lindley Theater Center Theatre #2
  18. ZJU Theater

ABOUT THE NOHO ARTS DISTRICT
The NoHo Arts District is one of Los Angeles’ eclectic and walkable neighborhoods – an enclave of all things artistic. This one-square-mile performing arts community is filled with 20+ live, professional theaters, which is the highest concentration outside of New York City. NoHo is also the hip hop dance capital with studios and choreographers that create the moves we see on TV and in film and all over Instagram.  NoHo makes a lot of music and boasts the largest amount of recording studios west of the Mississippi with musicians from all genres having recorded in the district.  NoHo was the first neighborhood in the Valley, it has become a METRO hub, and attracts new talent, creative businesses and visitors alike. Visit to www.nohoartsdistrict.com.

A Little Levity Please

In this crazy, topsy-turvy world of Covid-19, it is good to remember some lighter points to it all.

In fact, here are 10 good reasons to smile:

1. Happy Hour on your porch or balcony with neighbors. Don’t forget to keep that distance.

2. If you have a dog(like I do), then you are welcome to walk outside and feel the sunshine and smile as you cross the street to avoid that other dog walker in the neighborhood.

3. It’s time to catch up on all the books piled somewhere that you forgot about, or just stopped reading.

4. Time to call, email, or video-chat people that you just didn’t have time for in the past. Hint: They now have time for you also.

5. Ordering take-out now comes with free delivery. Check out all the great restaurants in NoHo.

6. If you’re a senior, then some stores allow you in early for that much needed toilet paper.

7. No excuses not to clean out the closets, cupboards or garages. Hold on to Goodwill donations until later.

8. Fans of the hit show “Walking Dead” aren’t feeling as much anxiety as the rest of us. They saw this’ coming several seasons ago.

9. Virtual exercise classes are free on You Tube. But its ok for now to sit and binge Netflix, Amazon Prime or other streaming services.

10. If your inside with a close friend, lover, or mate; now is the time to catch up on some great intimate moments.

What are you doing to stay motivated during COVID19?

Finally, remember that this will also pass in time. Keep safe, enjoy the downtime and don’t forget to appreciate the good all around.

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.

Here’s the NoHo News for April 9

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NoHo News: Theatres. Restaurants. Easter Online.

Here’s your NoHo arts community update!  We look forward to sharing lots of fun and unique news, events, profiles and updates on what’s happening in the NoHo Arts District.

Every Thursday we send out our NoHo e-News. Do you get it? It takes 30 seconds. Make sure you sign up, it’s FREE. Sign up HERE>>

This issue of NoHo e-News is about what’s going on in North Hollywood and a selection of some theatre shows. But we have a ton of them. Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theatres outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theatre Guide>>

Here’s a glimpse at what’s going on in North Hollywood.

Click on the image and to see the online version of our NoHo News…ENJOY NOHO!

NoHo News -Save NoHo Theatre  

Follow NoHo News with Bloglovin

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.

 

Student Loans and COVID-19

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Join Student Debt Crisis for their free Tele-Town Hall: COVID-19 Student Loan Relief and Policy Updates on Saturday, April  11, 2020 at 11AM PT.

In addition to the fear of COVID-19 itself, virtually all of us are living with tremendous economic uncertainty. This is particularly true for the millions of Americans already burdened by student loan debt.  

In the weeks since this extraordinary crisis began, we have heard from thousands of borrowers who are confused and anxious about their student loan payments. We hear you, and we want to help

Sign up for the Tele-Town Hall here.

On March 27, President Trump signed into law the CARES Act. The $2 trillion stimulus package includes at least some relief for people with federally-held student loans. We want to help you understand these recent changes.

One of the provisions of the CARES Act requires student loan servicers to update borrowers about their accounts no later than Friday, April 10. We will be ready to address your resulting questions at our Tele-Town Hall the very next day.

Sign up for the discussion here. Then, join “Tele-Town Hall: COVID-19 Student Loan Relief and Policy Updates” on Saturday at 11AM PST.

Experienced and trusted experts and consumer advocates will explain the relief that is available to those struggling to afford their student loans. Save your seat here.

Important topics that will be covered:

  • Automatic suspension of payments on some federally-held student loans for 6 months

  • Automatic waiving of interest on federally-held student loans for 6 months

  • Stoppage of wage garnishments and tax and social security withholding

  • How this affects borrowers applying for Public Service Loan Forgiveness

RSVP here to save your spot >>

At Student Debt Crisis, we understand the overwhelming burden of student loans and we promise to remain vigilant in this fight. We are dedicated to helping families who are burdened every day with the weight of student loan debt – we won’t stop until this crisis ends.

We sincerely look forward to your attendance.

Be well,

Cody Hounanian

Program Director, Student Debt Crisis

A Letter from Our NoHo Library

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Dear North Hollywood Library patrons, 

First off, we hope you are all well and staying safe.  We miss you and look forward to seeing all of you back in our branch when the time comes.  In the meantime, our website has been converted into “The Library at Home,” where there’s something for everyone! Here are some highlights:

Spring Into Reading: “Ready, Set, Bloom!” Join our spring reading challenge today at lapl.beanstack.org. Log any books you’ve been reading while staying safe at home, complete some fun at-home activities, and earn digital badges.  Read books that you already own, or download an e-book or e-audiobook through a few different apps, which can be found at lapl.org/collections-resources/e-media. The challenge ends May 31st. 

Just for Kids and Teens: Kids Path lapl.org/kids and Teen Web lapl.org/teens, are both open for business! All LAUSD students are automatically signed up for a ‘Student Success Card’, which allows kids and teens access to our online resources.  Can’t find your card? Click on this link to request your SSC number lapl.org/webform/student-success-card-verification-form.  For little ones, the library is offering online storytimes viewable on LAPL’s YouTube page Storytime at Los Angeles Public Library, and is constantly being updated. Our own children’s librarian Ms Meredith has been posting some amazing storytimes on our social media pages, including at facebook.com/noholibrary.  Join our teen librarian Ms Emily in virtual teen council meetings, and some upcoming DnD; email her at EAppleton@lapl.org today to sign up. 

Online Materials: All you need is a library card to access a myriad of resources on our website. Don’t have one? Apply for an e-card at lapl.org/about-lapl/contact-us/e-card/e-card-registration. Access free books, movies, music, newspapers, graphic novels, and magazines on our online platforms like Overdrive, PressReader, Hoopla, and The New York Times. Learn a new language on Mango Languages, or a new skill on LinkedIn Learning/Lynda.com. Research your ancestry at Ancestry Library Edition, now available from home.  Explore it all on our “Library at Home” temporary website at lapl.org.  

Online Calendar: Everything the NoHoLibrary offers and other virtual events hosted at the 72 branches and Central Library, can all be found on our online calendar at Calendar of Events You’ll find some great programs like adult virtual art classes, mindfulness awareness sessions, and book chats on demand.  

Ask a Librarian: Questions about our online resources, your library card account, COVID-19, or why does jello jiggle? Ask a Librarian today at lapl.org/ask-a-librarian.

As always dear NoHoLibrary readers, stay safe & healthy,

Your NoHoLibrary Librarians


The contribution of science to modern humanity life

What is science? What is it for humanity? Everyone at least once in a lifetime asks these questions.

Alexander Herzen said: “Science is power, it reveals the relationships of things, their laws, and interactions.” However, how powerful is modern science? What are its features? The experts from Pro-Papers will ask all these questions and more in this article.

Nowadays it can be said that science plays a fundamental role in many areas and branches of everyday life. The high stage of scientific engagement is one of the main indicators of social development, and it is also an indicator of the contemporary development of any state.

Contemporary science has amazing capabilities. Back in 1904, Nikola Tesla claimed that once a person would be able to send his thoughts to the farthest distances. In a century, it became possible. Society has reached such a high level of information access that now almost anything can be found on the Internet. There are hundreds of essays and articles on “Internet merits and drawbacks” so there is no need to pay so much attention to this endless topic. To be more aware of Internet contribution to modern life you can browse any paper writing service and look up to more relevant information out there.

Thanks to the evolution of medicine, biology, genetics, embryology, humanity was able to find an “antidote” for many diseases. Our ancestors did not have a clue that in the XXI century it will be possible to grow new human organs in order to replace non-functioning ones in the body of patients. Chemistry and physics are of crucial development as well. These sciences progress in two directions – as fundamental sciences (creation and study of the theoretical foundations of physical and chemical knowledge) and as applied sciences (solution of practical problems of application in various spheres of people’s lives).

In the XXI century, humanity has taken up almost the entire space of the globe. People live in different countries, at different latitudes, in different locations, and consequently, each country has its own peculiarities of natural conditions and climate. Many countries are constantly in danger of natural disasters. However, the natural recourses are still limited so such science as International Economics basically deals with the right way of recourses allocation. It is very important and one should pay great attention to this field because scientists believe that if humanity fails to find alternative sources of natural recourses, the whole planet will be in danger.

Therefore, such sciences as geography, geology, energy are of particular importance. They are from different branches of knowledge and strive to warn society of natural disasters. They also try to find out the alternative sources of energy and minerals, which humanity needs on a daily basis.

The management of modern society without science is impossible. At the present stage of development, science changes the social structure of society. There is a tendency of growth in the number of people who occupy the so-called “white collar” professions and a decrease in the number of people employed in the area of unskilled manual labor.

Science influences humanity directly through education. The study of scientific works and achievements contributes to the development of children, their formation as educated human beings. Science, carrying out a directional impact on the educational process and on changing the structure of education, can be applied to all its components: goals, objectives, principles, forms, methods, means, results. The formation of a scientific worldview is also due to the education system, which plays a significant role in the formation of personality. The modern policy in the field of education and science is aimed at preparing and using the huge potential of specialists and bachelors with higher education. This is evidenced by the fact that the volume of scientific activity, the growth of scientific information, discoveries, the number of scientific workers, graduate students, associate professors’ doubles on average about every 5-10 years.

The XX century was outstanding in technical development. Without any doubt, it can be said that humanity did more in the last 100 years than for the whole period of planet existence. The contribution that science made in the XX century to the development of mankind is enormous. Without science and technology development, the progress of humanity is impossible that is a proven fact already. Science progress is also an indispensable condition for the progress of culture.

It should be also noted that as the power of science and technology increases, both the prosperity of people and the danger to their existence increase. That is why humanity should bear in mind all the responsibility it has in front of the next generations and the planet itself.

Thus, science is vital for humanity in terms of evolution, and its development is the most crucial aspect in the renewal of all spheres of human activity. Science and technology form a person’s worldview that is closely connected with technical progress. It helps to create forecasts for the development of society, invent new technologies and solve problems that humanity faces every single day.

Everything You’ll Need to Know About Wild Camping

 

Being young and adventurous has its perks, it can bring you to explore the least-explored places and gives you new perspectives on the world.

That includes camping, and specifically, wild camping. Camping helps you appreciate what’s outside of your four walls and can also give you a feeling like no other, and wild camping takes it a step further. However, while taking a camping trip in a place without any set regulations sounds like good fun, there are many rules and regulations all around the world you’ll need to take note of before heading off. You’ll also have to take responsibility for protecting our Mother Earth. To save you the trouble of doing extensive research, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions that campers usually ask: 

Q: Where is Wild Camping Allowed? 

  1. Scotland

Want to head off the beaten track? Exploring Scotland is a good way to discover hidden gems and landscapes and to get close to nature. Before you go, make sure you familiarise yourself with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and apply the rules of ‘leave no trace’. Essentially that means leaving only with good memories and your footsteps – nothing else. In Scotland, you’re allowed to camp on almost all unenclosed land other than the East Loch Lomond, which is subject to wild camping bylaws.

  1. England and Wales

While there is plenty of land in the English countryside, most land you see is privately owned. Be sure to check out the Forestry Commission or the National Trust before heading down. Only those in there are for public use. If you would really like to pitch on private land, do first check with the owner.

  1. Scandinavia

In Norway, Sweden and Denmark, visitors have the right of way. What that means is that the general public has access to public or privately owned land for recreation or exercise. As long as you pick a spot that is more that is 150m from homes, you are given the green light to camp there. Camping has become such a big part of the Scandinavian culture but caring for the environment and not leaving any trash is something that they stress a lot on. Follow the rule of thumb to be ‘considerate and thoughtful’ and you should be fine. Similar to the rules in England and Wales, if you’re planning on camping out on private land, remember to ask permission first.

  1. Europe

The rest of Europe allows camping in many public areas, there are many land areas that are owned privately. Camping there requires permission from the owner and wildlife is a big part of their conservation efforts. Take note that although most countries in Europe encourage the public to camp, countries such as Italy and Germany aren’t too big on the camping culture and thus you’ll have to be more cautious when it comes to camping in those places in order to not get in trouble.

  1. USA & Canada

USA and Canada are home to many beautiful outdoor parks and camping is an activity widely accepted and embraced by many. However, the land in these two countries is often owned by many different people. Before you set foot on any park, make sure to do your research on who owns the land just so you don’t get accused of trespassing. In many national parks, camping is common but you might need a permit for it.

  1. Australia & New Zealand

Camping in Australia & New Zealand is a household pastime. However, choosing the wrong place to pitch your tent might land you a hefty fine. At national parks, you would need a permit for overnight camping. In Australia, there are many designated overnight camping spots that are regulated and managed. You’re not allowed to find a random beach and pitch a tent. As Australia experiences extreme weather changes (especially in Melbourne), you might want to check the fire safety warning before heading off on a hot day. In each Australian state, different rules apply so be sure to be clear of each regulation.

Q: What are the rules?

  1. Don’t take the car along

In some countries, having a car isn’t necessarily very welcomed when it comes to wild camping. If you’re camping on private land, it’s more likely that landowners will let hikers or cyclists the permit to stay.

  1. Take proper care of human waste

No one likes human waste, and more so for the environment. If you need to go in the wilderness, find a spot near a water source and dig a hole. Be sure not to bury your toilet paper along with it (it is very damaging to the environment), especially since it takes a long time to finally biodegrade.

  1. Keep out of sight

It is not advisable to camp with a group consisting of more than 5 people. Keeping your group small is the best way to keep tabs and look out for each other. Respecting the land that you’re on is important in order to stay away from trouble.

  1. Understand your environment

Wildlife is a big part of camping and it’s almost 100% certain that you’ll come face to face with wildlife. Respect their space and know that you’re the outsider here on their land. Storing food irresponsibly can attract unwanted wildlife. You certainly don’t want to have to deal with a grizzly bear while asleep at night! USA and Canadian authorities suggest hanging your food on a tree to prevent these animals from reaching it. If you’re planning on camping out on a beach, make sure that your tent is waterproof and set up a good distance from the shore. Take note of the tide levels as well.

  1. Be aware of fire safety

In warmer and drier climates, there might be fire restrictions that you’ll have to abide by. In Victoria, there can be a total fire ban on hot days as there were instances of forest fires due to campers. We recommend always bringing along a gas stove to prevent scorching the ground.

Camping is fun when you don’t get into trouble. Make sure that you make a checklist of what you need and what you don’t. Try not to overpack or under pack. If you’re interested in wild camping, here is more information about wild camping what is it all about. With that, happy camping!

Call for Playwrights for SPF11

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Call for Play Submissions for the Road Theatre’s 11th annual Summer Playwrights Festival.

12 Days! 30+ plays!
Food, Drinks, and Live Music Nightly!

Submission Information for The Road Theatre Company’s Summer Playwrights’ Festival 2020 (SPF11)

The Road Theatre Company’s annual Summer Playwrights Festival has been held every summer since its inception in 2010. This year marks our 11th anniversary, and SPF11 will take place from Thursday through Sunday, starting from July 16th to August 2, 2020. SPF mounts 20-40 staged readings of new plays in 12 exciting days. The festival is now the largest staged reading festival in the nation, with playwrights from across the country and around the world participating. Each reading is followed by a talkback with the playwright, director, and cast, as well as a reception featuring food, drink, and live music. All readings will be held at The Road on Magnolia. Although we receive hundreds of submissions for our festival, new and established playwrights are encouraged to submit.

The Road Theatre Company is dedicated to producing new plays. From Founding Festival Director Scott Alan Smith:

“The Road Theatre has produced 24 plays from the Summer Playwrights Festival on our main stages including our current season selection, “The Spanish Prayer Book” by Angela J. Davis (SPF8), and last season’s “The Rescued” by Julie Marie Myatt (SPF8) and “Death House” by Jason Karasev (SPF8). We are very proud to bring these new plays straight from the festival to our audiences.”

Past playwrights have included D.L. Coburn, Lisa Loomer, Sharr White, Marisa Wegrzyn, Craig Wright, Wendy Macleod, Lucy Thurber, Mo Gaffney, Keith Huff, Brett Neveu, Scooter Pietsch, Craig Pospisil, Julie Marie Myatt, and Martyna Majok. Guest artists have included Bryan Cranston, Laurie Metcalf, Jason Alexander, Zachary Quinto, Ann Cusack, Kathy Baker, Jennifer Tilly, Perry King, Rondi Reed, Tom Irwin, Nancy Travis, Gregory Harrison, Gale Harold, Robert Pine, Michael O’Neill, Harold Gould, Jon Polito, James Eckhouse, Lila Crawford, Zoe Perry, and many, many others.

Submission Information:
-Each submission is read and evaluated by our artistic staff with recommendations made to the festival producers, who evaluate the plays and narrow the field to the final 20-40. Each play receives a minimum of two reads. The SPF11 staff regrets that we do not provide feedback on any submitted materials.
-Plays of any length or genre are eligible; however, to be included in SPF11, the work must remain unproduced on the west coast and unpublished through August 2, 2020.
-Early submissions are strongly encouraged.
-No agent is required.
-ONLY electronic copy applications are accepted. No hard copies, please.

Play Format Guidelines:
-All scripts must be in a PDF file format. Name your file with the title of the play first. No hard copy submissions will be accepted.
-Please put your direct contact information on your play (your name and email address).
-Plays must be paginated and include a list of characters.
-Please do not send a synopsis or playwright resume.

Submission Window:
-We will accept submissions for SPF11 between 12:01 am on January 2, 2020, and 11:59 pm on April 20, 2020. We cannot accept any plays past this deadline, so please plan accordingly.
-Plays of all lengths (ten-minute, one-act, full-length, and solo performance) are eligible for submission during this time
-Official SPF11 selections will be made on June 15, 2020.

Fee:
-$15 for scripts over 30 pages (full length) and $10 for scripts under 30 pages (short form).
-The fee can be submitted via this link. Upon payment, you will receive an automatic reply to your email inbox with script submission instructions.

PAY SUBMISSION FEE HERE>> 

Scott Alan Smith, Founding Festival Director and SPF 11 Consultant
Tracey Silver, SPF 11 Executive Director
Elizabeth Sampson, SPF 11 Festival Director
Mallory Erwin, SPF 11 Associate Festival Director
Carlyle King, Executive Producer
Darryl Johnson, Producer
Patrick Reiger, Producer
Brian Cole, Producer
Justin Okin, Producer
Avery Clyde, Producer
Brian Majestic, Producer
Rachel Majestic, Producer

Thank you for supporting new plays and The Road Theatre Company for SPF11! Check out this short feature on SPF9 below!

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict. 

 

Artist Spotlight | John Osgood

In light of the current health crisis, many art shows are shifting to online exhibitions.

However, NoHo Arts District wanted to take a moment in this disconnected period to connect directly with visual artist John Osgood.

John Osgood is a lifelong artist with a unique style, scope, and hunger. Drawing inspiration from Picasso but with a desire to be grounded like Bob Ross, Osgood has championed beautiful murals with a signature style.

John Osgood was kind enough to share not only his own journey as an artist, but where he came from and where he draws inspiration from. Osgood has a keen understanding of an artist’s experience, and likewise for where inspiration is channeled juxtaposed with what sells art. John’s multiple mentions of his wife shares his deep connection with not only his own family, but the world at large.

How long have you been an artist? What has been your professional trajectory/arc?

I have been creating drawings and artwork since I can remember. Having parents that were supportive of my passion for art and desire to create was key. I can remember having drawing competitions with buddies as early as 3rd or 4th grade. I am still good friends with one of those buddies and he also has had the good fortune to create artwork as a career. In high school a teacher of mine could see that I had an ability and helped me understand color, composition, and the skill of drawing. Then in college I began to draw religiously and began to experiment with a variety of mediums. I sold my first painting in 1997 to a college friend and that is when the light bulb went off… I can create a career out of this! Sometime after college, I met the future Mrs. Osgood and she saw what I was trying to do. With her background in marketing she offered to help, and I said yes. It was the best decision I have ever made. We started a clothing company, that turned into an art gallery, that turned into a mural business. Now I am creating artwork for gallery exhibitions, commercial projects and private commissions. I also regularly show artwork at the Voss Gallery in the Mission District in San Francisco and create murals up and down the west coast.

How has your practice changed over time?

In college, I was really just dipping my toe in the water, testing things out and experimenting. During this time I started learning about Pollock, Picasso and Basquiat, whose work really inspired me. It was also in college where I found artistic inspiration in the pain of a break up. While I found out quick that people weren’t too keen to buy “break up” artwork, it didn’t matter because I found the therapeutic side to creating. I think this is what continues to drive me to this day (not the break up, but the ability to get everything off my chest and into my paintings). After college I was really drawn to skateboard graphics and the artwork of Jeremy Fish and Dave Kinsey, and in general with graffiti and mural work.

Between finishing college and meeting my future wife (Michele), I was working full time and carving out creative time as much as I could. Things really started to change after I met Michele. She saw my passion and together we opened up new doors in the local art community. We found a storefront that could act as my studio and as an art gallery for emerging artists. There were not a lot of opportunities outside of coffee shops for up and coming artists. Every month we exhibited a new group of artists which in turn helped us build a new supportive community of artists. From there I met a couple of muralists from a group called Matamuros. Zach “VATE” Bohnenkamp and Kevin “Sensei 23” Sullivan and we formed a new collaboration called Seattle Mural Art. We started creating murals all over Seattle which made me realize how amazing it felt to create on a large scale and how this creative process connects you to the community where you are working. Since moving from Seattle to the Bay Area, I continue to create artwork gallery exhibitions while still creating murals up and down the west coast.

What media do you use to create your art? What process do you use to create your art?

I mainly use acrylic and aerosol on canvas or wood panel. However, oil has been working its way back into my line up as well. It really comes down to the process. Most of the time my artwork starts off with strokes and swaths of acrylic paint to build a color field and composition. I usually work with 10 to 20 different pieces at a time. I also do a lot of layering and I add little phrases and symbols that have personal meaning to me. When things dry and I can paint over, I begin to select what looks good and what doesn’t. If I don’t like it, I paint over it. My wife says she doesn’t become attached to any of my pieces anymore because she knows there is always a chance that the piece will be painted over at any time.

What is your inspiration? Who has been an inspiration to you (professionally and personally)?

For inspiration I draw from so many areas including life, music, movies, my family, nature, watching other artists work, etc. For example, there was this painting I was working on which was taking the shape of a statue of Adonis. While I was taking a break I asked my wife what she thought of it. She didn’t see the statue, but saw a mamma bird trying to show a baby bird how to fly. She was out in the backyard a few months before and saw this happening and called me out. We sat there for a bit and watched how the mama bird sat up on the fence and would fly down to encourage the baby bird as it tested its wings. After I thought about that, I went back to the painting and connected that moment to how my wife and I have journeyed through this very thing with our own son. And with that, the painting of Adonis was reworked and a new piece called ”Fledgling” was born.  I guess my paintings have paths similar to the human journey… they don’t come out pre-planned, I let experiences guide me and inspire me.

What message do you hope your audience imparts from your work?

I think that this is the question that I dread the most. To explain my work and message, is to ask me to hand over my personal journal. What I hope comes from my work is not to find my message, but to find your own message — to find commonality in the human experience and what connects us all.

What is life like as an artist?

It’s a trip. I get to do what I love, my passion, for a living and for that I am so grateful. However, that part is also mixed in with the normal day to day living that most people can relate to including getting my son ready and off to school, throwing laundry around and desperately picking up the mess in the kitchen before Michele comes home and for that I am so grateful because it keeps me grounded.

What has been an artistic challenge you have faced and how did you overcome this?

I would say that time is the biggest challenge that I face. I have the personality type that wants to do “It ALL”. I want to do that big mural project, I want to do that commission and yes, I can do that exhibition in March. Oh, wow… all in March! If art was a food, my eyes would be bigger than my stomach. While I do meet the deadlines, my body takes a toll. As you may be figuring out, I am still working my way through finding the balance. I think it is hard to say no as an artist, as you don’t know where and when the next opportunity is coming.

What project or piece of work have you been most proud of to date?

My most important creation to date is a collaboration between me and my wife, which is our son. Oh, I can hear the groans already. But, hell ya… I’m a proud papa. There just isn’t any piece of artwork that I have created that can out-weigh the amazing feeling behind the creation of life.

What is your dream project?

My dream is to create a residency for up and coming artists.

What 3 artists would you like to be compared to?

That’s a hard one… I don’t really feel comfortable comparing myself to other artists. However, I strive to be as prolific as Picasso, as timeless as David Bowie and as grounded & happy as Bob Ross.

John’s understanding of art and life can be an example to us this uncertain time: the way we pattern our lives in the throes of comfort may not be serving us. Life as a full-time artist is dynamic and uncertain, but gives Osgood time to connect with his family in ways other partnerships don’t permit.

This unsure time will pass too, and we can all take a page out of Osgood’s professional trajectory: do what fulfils you and open spaces which permit pursuance of happiness.

*Artwork in this piece provided by John Osgood, and projected to be in Osgood’s next show “In Plain Sight” in the Mission District of SF at the Voss Gallery. The show is projected to open online late April, though slated to have an opening on May 2nd, pending certain county lockdowns. 

“And Now We’re Our Own Festival Programmers: Fun with Netflix”

Normally I would be making the journey to my local (or not-so-local) cinema to see a new film that I feel reasonably sure (or at least hopeful) that I would like (at this moment, life is too short to do otherwise).

However, since that option is no longer open to me (or anyone, for that matter), then like you, I’ve become the programmer of my own little Arts Festival.

Every day might be a little different, depending on whether I’m in the midst of “binge watching” an old (or new) television series or enjoying some cinematic comfort food, or even taking any number of virtual tours available to the home-bound traveler. So for the next few weeks, or longer, with your indulgence, I’ll share some options that might make your leisure time pass more agreeably—and since I am a film reviewer for NoHo, I will likely focus on films, but I won’t shy away from good television. Keep in mind this is a very subjective grouping of entertainment options, so though your tastes may not coincide with mine, I do feel confident that the choices are worth some of your time.

Today I choose to focus on Netflix, a streaming service that can be rewarding or infuriating, as new content appears and disappears without notice. (I’m still mourning the loss of the long-running British mystery series Midsomer Murders, but I have comfort in knowing you can find episodes on Acorn TV and even YouTube.) Of course, there are any number of fairly new releases—many of them Netflix films. I’ve already sung the praises of The Irishman and now the so-called excessive running time (which I did not feel was the case) should be even less of a deterrent to the prospective viewer. I would also recommend Marriage Story and The Two Popes from last year’s Oscar nominees, as both have fine performances and intelligent writing in abundance. In terms of a very recent release, you might give Spenser Confidential a chance, as Mark Wahlberg reunites with director Peter Berg to provide dogged private eye Spenser with an entertaining back story marked by plenty of irreverent humor and some good supporting turns by Winston Duke as Spenser’s intimidating sidekick Hawk, and Alan Arkin as Spenser’s old pal. It’s only loosely based on a Spenser novel, so try not to have any preconceived notions, and I’m pretty sure you’ll have a good time.

As for television series, there is something for practically everyone—if you need to revisit Mad Men or Breaking Bad, no need to worry, they’re both on Netflix. If you’ve been yearning for uncut Twilight Zone episodes (apart from the seasonal marathons), the entire series is here for your perusal. However, if you’d like a more modern twist—and one that is almost consistently downbeat (albeit with dark humor), you may want to try Black Mirror. Here technology, irony and emotions go hand in hand in providing generally compelling viewing.

If you’re in the mood for murder, Netflix is a virtual repository of intriguing crime dramas that are both plot-driven and anchored by well-drawn characters. Among British imports Broadchurch (co-starring a pre-Oscar Olivia Colman) is a consistently good police procedural while the gentle Father Brown investigates murders in and around his parish (which, together with Midsomer Murders’ fictional county of Midsomer, has almost as high a mortality rate as Murder She Wrote’s Cabot Cove) while butting heads with the ineffectual police constables. Peaky Blinders is far grittier, starring Gillian Murphy as a gang leader in Britain in the aftermath of World War One. My current favorites are Ozark, now in its third season and starring Jason Bateman and Laura Linney (both excellent) as a couple engaging in keeping their family afloat amid some very dangerous criminal activities in the title region;  Bloodline is also superb (at least in its first season—the other two are pretty good also), with its setting of the Florida keys submerged in noir-ish atmosphere with its depiction of troubled family relationships that come to the forefront when a black sheep brother returns. Kyle Chandler’s sheriff with secrets heads a fine cast including Ben Mendelesohn, Norbert Leo Butz, Sam Shepard, and Sissy Spacek.

Then again, you may just be looking for some skillful and amusing (even heartfelt) comedies (albeit with serious undertones). Here are some recommendations. First and foremost, check out The Kaminsky Method starring Michael Douglas as an occasionally self-important acting coach and Alan Arkin as his long-time, long-suffering friend. Much of the charm is in the byplay between two actors giving career performances, but there are several guest stars of note (Ann-Margret) and a consistently high level of writing. Plus, it’s only sixteen episodes in total, so what are you waiting for? Grace and Frankie stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin as long-time “friends” who become closer after their spouses (Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston) leave them…for each other. The result is far from a one-joke show and is quite funny and poignant in its depiction of both family and mortality. It is also beautifully acted by everyone involved—and there are six seasons worth of episodes. On a slightly more mordant note (but still with considerable comic vitality), there is After Life starring Ricky Gervais as a widower trying to find meaning after the loss of his wife (as only Ricky Gervais can—with cutting humor), as well as Dead to Me starring Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini as women who meet at a grief-counseling center—and who share a not entirely unexpected connection.

Finally, my current favorite Netflix show—and one that is currently shooting its final season is the French comedy-drama Call My Agent about a high-profile, high-price talent agency that is scrambling to hold on to financial security after the untimely death of its founder. All the major characters are scheming, unscrupulous, ambitious—and strangely sympathetic and likable. There is also the benefit of real-life stars (Isabelle Huppert, Monica Bellucci) appearing as exaggerated version of themselves. Strongly recommended. Until next time, be entertained…and stay safe.

Handling Market Volatility

Conventional wisdom says that what goes up, must come down.

But even if you view market volatility as a normal occurrence, it can be tough to handle when it’s your money at stake.

Though there’s no foolproof way to handle the ups and downs of the stock market, the following common sense tips can help.

Don’t put your eggs all in one basket

Diversifying your investment portfolio is one of the key ways you can handle market volatility. Because asset classes often perform differently under different market conditions, spreading your assets across a variety of different investments such as stocks, bonds, and cash alternatives (e.g., money market funds and other short-term instruments), has the potential to help manage your overall risk. Ideally, a decline in one type of asset will be balanced out by a gain in another, though diversification can’t guarantee a profit or eliminate the possibility of market loss.

One way to diversify your portfolio is through asset allocation. Asset allocation involves identifying the asset classes that are appropriate for you and allocating a certain percentage of your investment dollars to each class (e.g., 70 percent to stocks, 20 percent to bonds, 10 percent to cash alternatives). A worksheet or an interactive tool can suggest a model or sample allocation based on your investment objectives, risk tolerance level, and investment time horizon, but your strategy should be tailored to your unique circumstances.

Focus on the forest, not on the trees

As the markets go up and down, it’s easy to become too focused on day-to-day returns. Instead, keep your eyes on your long-term investing goals and your overall portfolio. Although only you can decide how much investment risk you can handle, if you still have years to invest, don’t overestimate the effect of short-term price fluctuations on your portfolio.

Look before you leap

When the market goes down and investment losses pile up, you may be tempted to pull out of the stock market altogether and look for less volatile investments. The small returns that typically accompany low-risk investments may seem downright attractive when more risky investments are posting negative returns.

But before you leap into a different investment strategy, make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. How you choose to invest your money should be consistent with your goals and time horizon.

For instance, putting a larger percentage of your investment dollars into vehicles that offer safety of principal and liquidity (the opportunity to easily access your funds) may be the right strategy for you if your investment goals are short-term or if a long-term goal such as retirement has now become an immediate goal. But if you still have years to invest, keep in mind that although past performance is no guarantee of future results, stocks have historically outperformed stable value investments over time. If you move most or all of your investment dollars into conservative investments, you’ve not only locked in any losses you might have, but you’ve also sacrificed the potential for higher returns.

Look for the silver lining

A down market, like every cloud, has a silver lining. The silver lining of a down market is the opportunity you have to buy shares of stock at lower prices.

One of the ways you can do this is by using dollar cost averaging. With dollar cost averaging, you don’t try to “time the market” by buying shares at the moment when the price is lowest. In fact, you don’t worry about price at all. Instead, you invest the same amount of money at regular intervals over time. When the price is higher, your investment dollars buy fewer shares of stock, but when the price is lower, the same dollar amount will buy you more shares. Although dollar cost averaging can’t guarantee you a profit or protect against a loss, over time a regular fixed dollar investment may result in an average price per share that’s lower than the average market price, assuming you invest through all types of markets. A workplace savings plan, such as a 401(k) plan in which the same amount is deducted from each paycheck and invested through the plan, is one of the most well-known examples of dollar cost averaging in action. Please remember that since dollar cost averaging involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuating price levels of such securities, you should consider your financial ability to make ongoing purchases.

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch

As the market recovers from a down cycle, elation quickly sets in. If the upswing lasts long enough, it’s easy to believe that investing in the stock market is a sure thing. But, of course, it never is. As many investors have learned the hard way, becoming overly optimistic about investing during the good times can be as detrimental as worrying too much during the bad times. The right approach during all kinds of markets is to be realistic. Have a plan, stick with it, and strike a comfortable balance between risk and return.

Don’t stick your head in the sand

While focusing too much on short-term gains or losses is unwise, so is ignoring your investments. You should check up on your portfolio at least once a year, more frequently if the market is particularly volatile or when there have been significant changes in your life. You may need to rebalance your portfolio to bring it back in line with your investment goals and risk tolerance, or redesign it so that it better suits your current needs. Don’t hesitate to get expert help if you need it when deciding which investment options are right for you.

The information in this newsletter is not intended as tax, legal, investment, or retirement advice or recommendations, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions. © 2018 Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc.

Why is Student & Staff ID So Important in Colleges?

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Colleges are busy places that are used by often thousands of students as well as hundreds of support staff and teachers.

The administration duties for a college are considerable. Time-saving and admin-saving measures are therefore critical to the overall success of an educational establishment. The implementation of a student ID card scheme is one vital component, adding to the security and efficiency of the building and its inhabitants.

Here are the reasons why a student ID scheme is important in a college or university.

Duty of Care to the Students

Students depend on a college to operate with high standards and to take care of their well-being, pastoral care, learning, and attendance. Smart card systems for student ID help with this. Colleges can easily monitor student attendance by installing smart card readers outside lecture halls and classrooms. The college can monitor trends in attendance and identify any potential problems that the student may be having. ID cards also help ensure security around campus and colleges can set up smart cards to store student details so it is easier to access academic records and medical information.

Enhanced Efficiency

ID cards for students and staff reduce time waiting in line for lunch or for taking out books at the library. They streamline processes and introduce more efficiency into the college, which is essential when you are running an educational business. Fewer hours are required for staff, and students can benefit from more time on their research or study.

Extra Automation

Automation is probably the most popular benefit of using smart ID cards for students. ID cards can facilitate automation for diverse processes, from borrowing library books to lending laptops, signing up to classes and sending in assignments. When checkout and booking systems are automated, it takes less time and this, in turn, saves money.

More Security for Students and Staff

And the most critical reason for using ID cards, and smart ID cards, in particular, is security. Enhanced security is paramount in colleges and universities. Students and staff must be protected when they are working inside and outside of the building, socializing, and living in halls of residence. ID cards are used effectively for access control. They allow educational administrators to restrict access to certain areas depending on student type and status. They can prevent students or staff from accessing areas outside of teaching hours. They can be used as door keys to enter individual dorm rooms. Access control can be used to streamline serving times in a canteen. The key to maintaining an effective and efficient access control system is to have high levels of security embedded into the card. These measures mean the cards cannot be easily cloned or information stolen from them. Robust security relies on high-quality ID cards as well as comprehensive systems to allow students full access to the places they should be, and no access to those that are off-limits. 

For L A Music Scene the “Scene” Started to Go Down Like a Row of Dominoes.

While just about everyone in the world is suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic, the creatives in the music industry have been working on finding creative solutions to fill in the time and keep themselves in the public’s view since their foreign and domestic/local tours have been cancelled and/or postponed until later on in the year.

For L A Music Scene the “scene” started to go down like a row of dominoes right after attending a LOVE concert at The Echo in Echo Park on Sunset Blvd on March 8, 2020. At that point, it was hard to relax and enjoy the show while worrying about everyone keeping their distance. The show featured their “Forever Changes” album with strings and horns to compliment their sound as it is on the album.

Then the Road Mangler himself Phil Kaufman cancelled his “Last Philgramage” in Joshua Tree, CA where he goes over the various points of interest for the founder of the Cosmic American Music movement Gram Parsons. We had hoped to get quite a smashing story from this adventure.

Then Peter Noone from Herman’s Hermits backed out of an interview and his tour had been cancelled. I was looking forward to this interview since I had snuck into a house he and the Hermits were staying in back in the day. Also going down on our agenda was The Renaissance Pleasure Faire which is a favorite haunt for us as well many of our friends.

Bass player extraordinaire Leland Sklar had all of his gigs cancelled for the indefinite future. David Crosby had his tour cancelled and was very worried at the prospect of losing his Santa Ynez home due to loss of his touring income. British Metal band SAXON postponed their much anticipated tour which would have brought them to the Hammersmith Odeon in London where good friend and assistant to Adam Parsons at Siren Artist Management Michelle Coombe had tickets to attend.

Then Dark Spark Music’s planned show at The Cutting Room in New York had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This show was to feature the super talented line-up of label mates Lovely World, Tender Beats and Australian Rockers High. In addition, new music releases by Damian Sage and Deborah Hanan and Ministers Of Culture were slated to be premiered at Molly Malones which also had to be cancelled. “Union Town” by Sage and “The Deadening” by Hanan and Ministers Of Culture were the featured songs set to be played live.

It was around this time that people began thinking about ways to get around this pandemic’s sequestering and promote themselves and their wares.

For super manager and Dark Spark Music CEO Vicky Hamilton it meant having the time now to write another book. While L A Music Scene isn’t going to blab about the content, rest assured it will be a real page turner just like her “Appetite For Dysfunction” was for this reader.

Sklar also announced that now he had time to finally write a bio about all of his work over the decades with just about every musician you can name. Now that would be an interesting read and is mostly photos.

SAXON decided to create an internet broadcast of their new “show” that had to be postponed to reach out to their fans worldwide and other bands have followed suit including local talent Julian Shah-Taylor who put on a solo acoustic show of his David Bowie stylings. For those of you that have not seen Shah-Taylor do David Bowie this is an act not to be missed with his The Band That Fell To Earth. FYI Shah-Taylor has recently been signed to Dark Spark Music.

Local up and coming band The Jacks have been using Instagram as a way to engage their fans and keep them interested and involved by allowing them to ask questions and chat as well as listen to their music.

The most inventive band to use the pandemic respite is Dirty Honey. They had originally planned on being in Australia to record new music and make their down-under debut at the Byron Bay Bluesfest in April. Instead, they found themselves hunkered down in their homes in LA. On Instagram, Dirty Honey shares with fans what they are doing while in COVID-19 self-isolation. As they now like to say to their many fans “Keep your hands clean and your minds dirty.” In addition, they appear to have their very own Dirty Honey brand of hand sanitizer which has their motto on the bottle. LOL. Keep an eye out for their “Suitcase Sessions.”

Just when L A Music Scene thought it couldn’t get any weirder along comes Bob Dylan with “Murder Most Foul.” This vetern folk singer and purveyor of rocked and edgy tunes hasn’t put out original new music since 2012’s “Tempest.” This song is a long, 17-minute, almost narrative about the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963 with strings gently playing in the background. It moves on to other events that happen in the time from then to now but then goes back to JFK’s murder at the hands of people that are still in power now. The mind-blowing weaving of this pivotal time in our history with the events of each century is something that takes a bit of time to process into our psyches. For myself and others that know music, it seems as if he’s also talking about the “murder” of our nation which began with JFK’s assassination.

And why not Dylan to usher in a new “protest” song of sorts after all he did craft “The Times They Are A -Changin” which came out in 1964. This new song is evidence as to why universities teach classes on Dylan’s music and why Dylan won a Nobel Prize for Literature 2016 which friend Patti Smith accepted for him. Very powerful song and a very powerful message.

P.S. thank you, Slim Shady, for giving me “Lose Yourself” and thanks to my favorite drummer ever Travis Barker for “4 A.M. Quarrenetine Sessions…”What Went Wrong?” Gotta keep it real with Them’s “Baby Please Don’t Go” and “Gloria” all blasting away on my BOSE driven iPod.

My people have a saying that goes “Never show all of your spears until you HAVE to!” For those that are wondering who my people are, they are the Miwok from Yosemite. Start sharpening those spears friends as it’s going to be a bumpy ride and Stay Home! Go Underground! Use the internet!

Movies Every Student Should Watch

Are you looking for a great movie to relax after a hard day in college? Check out the selection of the best films for students that will blow your mind!

Who doesn’t love films? Almost every student watch at least three movies per week. It is a great way to relax after a hard day. Furthermore, for some people, films are an essential part of their life. And don’t forget about fans who are ready to spend the entire day to see a famous film star just for a few seconds.

In this article, I am going to tell you about the best movies for students. I am sure that the films from this selection will impress you and will start browsing the Internet to find more similar films. 

Motivation Movies 

Motivation is a sense that is hard to evaluate. Hoverer, this feeling brings more energy and desire to do something. I think that motivation movies should always be in a to-watch list of every student. 

Jobs 

It is the real story of the man who changed the world. Steve Jobs is a founder of the Apple company that produces the world’s best gadgets and software products. The movie shows that his life wasn’t a piece of cake. However, he has passed all the problems and create products that make life easier multiple times. I am sure that all the Apple company fans have already seen this film. Anyway, it still one of the best motivational movies for students. 

Social Network 

How many notifications from Facebook did you receive today? However, do you know the story of this company, and it’s the founder? If no, you should watch this movie. It shows the true story of Mark Zuckerberg. He is the guy who created Facebook and wrote the first lines of code in a dormitory. Nowadays, the company worth billions. 

I do advise you to watch this film. However, if you don’t have even an hour of free time because of a large amount of homework, visit the Homeworkfor.me website. These guys provide assignment writing help to students. 

Mind-Blowing Films 

Do you want to watch a film that will explode your mind? This chapter is for you! Here are the best movies that will keep you excited every second. Moreover, it is impossible to predict the ending of these films.

Murder on the Orient Express

If you like detectives, you will highly appreciate this one! Briefly, the best investigator in the world meets a problem that he cannot resolve with the help of his deduction methods. Everything is unclear from the very beginning to the last minute of the movie. I hope that a sequel will be as great as this first film.

Catch Me If You Can

It is an astonishing movie that always supplements different film selections on the Internet. It tells the story of a guy who wants to become rich. Unfortunately, he is a pro in cheating. Consequently, all of the police agents wanted to arrest him. But in fact, it is not so easy to catch a boy with a very high IQ. This movie is worth your attention. 

I am sure that you will want to write a film analysis essay at college after wanting it. In case you don’t know how to write this type of paper, you can request some help with assignment writing on the Internet. There are a lot of platforms that assist students online. So, you can browse the web and find the most suitable site. 

Final Shot

At the end of the post, I want to ensure that none of the movies above won’t disappoint you. All these films are masterpieces of cinematography. You should allocate a few hours and watch at least one of them today.

Arts Emergency Relief Fund

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The City of L.A. Department of Cultural Affairs COVID-19 – Round One, for performing artists and ensembles in dance, music or theatre.

Background

In order to help slow the impact of COVID-19, the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health issued an order on March 16, 2020, to halt all indoor public and private gatherings and all outdoor public and private events within a confined space, where at least 50 people are expected to be in attendance at the same time. This had an unanticipated impact on Los Angeles artists and small arts groups, who had rehearsed and prepared for performances, only to have those events cancelled. Through Round One this , the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) aims to provide relief to a spectrum of LA-based performing artists who were financially affected by the unanticipated disruption caused by COVID-19.

Overview

This program provides emergency relief grants to City of Los Angeles-based dance, music, and theatre artists, as well as small ensembles who have had their public performances, shows, or concerts cancelled. Solo artists are eligible for up to $400 and ensembles up to $1,200 to cover losses in time and/or materials that were committed toward events, which were to have taken place at a venue within the City of Los Angeles and were to be open to the general public. Eligible events should have been publicly advertised and scheduled to take between March 16, 2020 and May 16, 2020, AND must have been cancelled (or postponed to after August 30, 2020).

Given the modest amount of monies available in Round One of this Fund, artists who were scheduled to perform pieces within a festival, teach private solo or group lessons, or perform at a private function for an invite-only audience are not eligible; instead, Round One focuses on artists and groups who were headlining an entire public event/evening.

Eligibility

Professional dance, music, and theatre solo artists may apply directly. Small ensembles should designate a single individual to represent the group. Only one application is allowable per eligible individual or group, and Individuals may apply only once, as either a solo performing artist or as a member of a small ensemble.

All applicants must:

• Reside within the City of Los Angeles
o (Please visit http://neighborhoodinfo.lacity.org/ to verify your home address is within the boundaries of the City of Los Angeles. Addresses falling outside of the City of Los Angeles would yield a ‘Nothing Found’ result via this online tool.)
• Demonstrate professional presenting experience over at least the past 3 years on an attached resume for the applying performing artist or group
Applicants cannot be high school or college students performing projects for school accreditation.

Please note this arts-community relief program is working in tandem with other local relief programs who are collectively sharing lists of beneficiaries. Therefore, please do not apply if you have been approved to receive funds from any of the following Funds: The Actors Fund, Behind the Scenes, Dance Resource Center, Los Angeles County Federation of Labor Community Services AFL-CIO, Motion Picture & Television Fund, SAG/AFTRA, or the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation.

To verify that each applicant had a public presentation that has been cancelled due to COVID-19, two additional attachments are required:

• A letter of cancellation signed by the venue (this attachment shall provide the same address, date and time as written in the application, and be signed by the venue owner or manager of the event-site). Body of the letter should indicate two brief facts: (A) Event was scheduled to take place between March 16, 2020 and May 16, 2020; and (B) event was cancelled (or postponed to take place after August 30, 2020), and
• Sample of marketing material that was released to market the cancelled event, showing the same location, date, and time the applying artist or group was due on stage.

Assets Available for Round One

In Round One of this Relief Fund, DCA anticipates having a total of approximately $160,000 to award an estimated 250-300 individual grants of up to $400 (solo performing artists) and/or or $1,200 (small ensembles). Depending on the number of eligible Round One requests received, DCA may choose to fund more applicants at lesser grant amounts. Should additional funding become available, DCA anticipates opening additional funding rounds in the near future.

Application Process & Timeline

Please access and submit your one-page application via the following link:

DCA will accept applications until approximately 450 eligible applications are received or until 11:59 PM, Friday, May 1, 2020, whichever comes first.

Applicants who are found to fulfill all program eligibility requirements will be placed in an eligible pool, from which proposed grantees will be selected by lottery until Round One funding is exhausted. Any eligible applicants not selected for funding in Round One would automatically be rolled-over for consideration in additional rounds of this relief program. All applications received after the first 450 eligible proposals will also be rolled-over into any future rounds.

A list of the names and allocated amount will be presented to the City of LA’s Cultural Affairs Commission for review and final approval in early May 2020. All applicants will be notified of their funding status before May 31, 2020. These processes of consideration and approval will continue monthly based upon the ability to replenish the Relief Fund.

Applicants selected for funding will be connected with DCA’s collaborating agency, Community Partners that will collect W-9 forms and process payments in approximately 30 days. Thank you in advance for timely submission of W-9 forms with the same address listed in your proposal.

Application Requirements

If you are eligible for this relief, please proceed to submit a one-page application including three attachments (resume, venue letter, event marketing) via the weblink indicated above. For reference, completed applications will include the following:

• Applicant & Event Information:
o Name and contact information
o Physical mailing address (must be within the City of Los Angeles)
o Indication of whether applicant is a solo performer or representing a group
o Date, time, and location of cancelled event (must be between 3/16-5/16/2020, within the City of Los Angeles)
o Name, title, and contact information of venue manager who is providing a letter of cancellation
• Attachments:
o Resume/CV for demonstrating solo artist’s or ensemble’s three or more years professional presenting history
o Signed letter from the original scheduled venue that confirms, date, time, location of the cancelled event
o Sample of marketing material that was released demonstrating the event was advertised to the general public. Sample marketing should clearly indicate the exact date, time, and location applying solo performer or ensemble was due on stage. Acceptable examples include press releases, social media posts, website screenshots, and flyers.
• Digitally signed applicant statement:
o Statement from applicant confirming accuracy of submitted details under penalty of perjury, including confirmation applicant has suffered a loss in time and/or materials of approximately $400 (solo artists) or $1,200 (ensembles) as a result of the cancelled event, and assurance applicant is not receiving assistance from the Actors Fund, Behind the Scenes, Dance Resource Center, Los Angeles County Federation of Labor Community Services AFL-CIO, Motion Picture & Television Fund, SAG/AFTRA, or the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation. Resources/Links

CONTACT

Please contact the DCA Grants Staff via email at dca.grants@lacity.org with questions.


**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.

Holiday like James Bond

Renowned for its iconic opening titles, scantily clad women (not to mention Daniel Craig in those blue shorts) and rousing theme tunes, James Bond has been an icon on our screens since the sixties.

And with the release of the latest film, No Time To Die, fast approaching, we’ve been getting itchy feet to travel to some of the film’s locations. From exotic beaches to regal palaces, cityscapes to Alpine views, the Bond films offer no shortage of wanderlust.

You want to make sure your trip leaves you stirred, but not shaken, so if you don’t quite have the same financial means as Bond, work out your finances before you book anything. A fee-free credit card to use abroad is a good place to start.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

It’s no secret that Ian Fleming loved the Caribbean. GoldenEye, his villa in Jamaica, eventually lent its name to the resort where you can now enjoy your own slice of luxury, complete with outdoor showers, butler service and private outdoor dining. And it was his love of the glorious beaches, sunny days, and laidback atmosphere that provided the perfect setting for Dr No.

While the film is the first time we get to see 007 in the flesh, it’s the image of Ursula Andress wading out of the ocean onto the deserted beach that lingers in most peoples’ memories.

Cote d’Azur, France

James Bond has long been associated with the Cote d’Azur, heading to Juan-Les-Pins to recuperate after a particularly difficult mission. Situated between Nice and Cannes, the sleepy Juan-Les-Pins is the chicest place to stay. As the sun sets, take the winding coastal roads to Monte Carlo for a night at the decadent Casino.

Make like Bond in GoldenEye and play a game of baccarat, or take turn around the dancefloor à la Never Say Never Again. If a trip to the casino isn’t your thing, you can wander around the harbour of Villefranche-sur-Mer and follow in Sean Connery’s footsteps.

Bernese Oberland, Switzerland

Containing perhaps one of the most iconic backdrops in the series of spy films, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service sees James Bond come face-to-face with his arch nemesis, Ernst Blofeld. And in one of cinema’s most memorable chase scenes, Bond escapes the clutches of Blofeld and his henchmen by skiing through the stunning Swiss Alps.

With so many ski resorts to choose from, you’re sure the find the perfect one that inspires you to ski like Bond.

Khao Phing Kan, Thailand

If you’re looking for the ultimate exotic escape that encapsulates all the Bond vibes, look no further than James Bond Island, also known as Khao Phing Kan. The view from the beach, where the rock formation Koh Tapu pierces the water, is one of Thailand’s most iconic images. It’s also the setting for one of the most legendary scenes in the film’s franchise − the nail-biting pistol dual between Bond and Scaramanga takes place in The Man With The Golden Gun.

Located to the northeast of Phuket, you can catch a boat and enjoy a day trip to the island from either Phuket or Krabi – but choose an early tour to avoid the crowds.

London, England

A list about iconic Bond locations wouldn’t be complete without London. If you’re a real Bond fan but you’re on a budget (or perhaps you’re saving for a DB7), and you still want to follow in the spies footsteps, then a trip to the city Bond calls home is a must.

Head to Somerset House along the Thames, and discover the scene from GoldenEye or take the tube to St Pancras Station, another location from the GoldenEye film. And of course, the real MI6 HQ can be seen in many of the later James Bond films, situated on the south bank next to the Vauxhall Bridge.

Livestream Your Show!

***

Los Angeles is a theatre town. Really. In just NoHo alone there are 20 theatres in one square mile. NoHo would NOT be an arts district without its theatres – the highest concentration of theatres outside of New York City, by the way. But we work with so many theatres all over L.A., including our beloved Valley. Theatre is everywhere in Los Angeles. Now, more than ever, we need to show our support for this art form because it branches into so many parts of our lives.  The Whitefire Theatre is taking advantage of technology to bring shows to a wider audience with their livestreams. And you too can be a part of it, as a performer and a patron.

“We are now booking slots to livestream your show from the Whitefire Theatre with no audience,” says Whitefire Theatre artistic director Bryan Rasmussen. “If you have a non-equity solo event (stand up, music, performance art, and of course solo theatre shows), please contact me ASAP and I’ll give you more information.”

This is a great opportunity to  keep performing through this quarantine (safely) to a worldwide audience!

Why are you streaming shows?

We actually have been streaming for quite a while at the Whitefire. I’ve always believed that live streaming is an important part of a live theatre experience. We have recently streamed over 40 of the Solofest solo shows that we just finished at the Whitefire. Our festival is now the second largest in the United States having over 80 shows done in 90 days.

What are the benefits to shows?

The biggest benefit is getting a wider audience for the shows which in turn supplies a chance for the soloist to spread their story and actually have a stream of income for that. The challenge has been to shoot it well and have the sound and picture quality be high enough and has taken some adjustments. Certainly, the technology in the last few years has really enabled our situation to work extremely well. Our perspective of a front row center one is of the upmost importance for the viewer experience.

What’s the loss if we don’t all participate in the arts?

The loss of the arts is beyond comprehension. It is a devastating one to even think about. So instead of worrying about that possibility I’m trying to avoid it by seeing the positive aspect of this kind of technology in the creation of art.

How do performers/producers get in touch with you?

bryan@whitefiretheatre.com or 818-687-8559

How does the audience log in to see a show?

By going to whitefiretheatre.com/live half hour before showtime buying a ticket and viewing the show live on whitefiretheatre.com!


**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.

Write My Research Paper as Quickly as Possible

The research paper is the work of a scientific nature aimed at expanding existing and obtaining new knowledge, testing scientific hypotheses, establishing patterns that manifest in nature and in society, creating scientific generalizations, as well as substantiating projects.

This work of scientific content should have internal unity and reflect the course and results of the development of the chosen topic. On the one hand, it has a generalizing character, since it is a peculiar result of the preparation of the master. On the other hand, this is an independent original scientific research. So, writing a research paper involves:

  • Systematization, consolidation, and expansion of theoretical and practical knowledge in the direction of master’s training, their application in solving specific research problems;
  • Development of independent work skills and mastery of research and experimentation techniques in solving scientific problems and issues;
  • Clarification of the readiness of the undergraduate to work independently in an educational or research institution.

Writing such a scholarly work is a very responsible step. Therefore, college and university students often decide to entrust the implementation of research work to specialists who have extensive experience and have recommended themselves from the best side. They enter the request “Who can write my research paper?” in the search line of the Internet and contact the reliable online service — Domypapers.com. Peculiarities of its work are described below.

Is There Any Risk to Pay Someone to Write My Research Paper?

The service Domypapers.com is really one of the best today, as evidenced by the many positive customer reviews left on the site. There you can order any paper, including research work. The prices are cheap!

The Basic Advantages

The main advantages of the website Domypapers.com compared to other providers of similar services are the following:

  • A large team of specialists who have undergone special training;
  • The readiness of writers to carry out the assignment of various difficulty levels;
  • Fast fulfillment of orders. These smart guys work very quickly and, at the same time, efficiently. You can turn to them even if you need to write a research paper in just a few days;
  • Acceptable prices. In addition, the service offers a number of discounts and promotions for customers;
  • High-quality fulfillment of all orders;
  • High uniqueness of completed papers;
  • Delivery of work to customers within the previously specified term;
  • The possibility of free improvements;
  • 24/7 manager support, etc.

In fact, this is not a complete list of benefits, they can be listed for a long time.

Cooperation without Risk

As it is known, every young person who wants to turn to specialists for help is excited about whether it is safe to pay someone to complete an order. Of course, if you turn to professionals, who work in the company Domypapers.com, then there is no risk. But if you turn to an unreliable company that works illegally, then the risk is present. Therefore, it is recommended to make an informed and correct choice.

If you want to place a request on the site Domypapers.com for order fulfillment, then you can write one the following messages to the manager:

  • “Please, write my research paper as quickly as possible”;
  • “I want to pay someone to write my research paper. Can you help me?”;
  • “I need to find someone to do my research paper. Please, help me”.

The company manager will contact you to discuss the details and tell you how much money you need to pay for the work.

Summing up, we want to note that no matter what writer of the company will write your research work, it will be performed at the highest level since each specialist takes into account the basic requirements of writing. Contact the professionals and you will not regret it!

The Whitefire Theatre Solofest Presents: “Deconstructing Holly”

Written and Performed by Holly Sidell.  Directed by Jonathan Fahn

Part of the 2020 Solofest

Whitefire Theatre 13500 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks

“Deconstructing Holly” is a play about loosing everything that we think makes us women. 

Holly Sidell had breast cancer and a double mastectomy and she also had Ovarian cancer and a hysterectomy…so isn’t that everything?  Fortunately, it is not…but Holly finds this out the hardest way possible.  And this is the center of this beautifully written and gorgeously performed show.

You might imagine that this is a dark subject for a solos piece…there are places of sadness and introspection, but somehow her life-changing experiences and her loss are transformed into something far from sorrow.  She survived…and more than that she became someone stronger and braver and just more ‘Holly’ and that battle hard won is what inspires her and through this play, us.

This journey is described with candor and a tremendous amount of absolutely brilliant humor, but it’s not played for laughs.  The funny is in the real.  It’s in the truth and the characters and the unabashed playfulness of Holly herself.  She takes on this role of survivor, victor even and acts the pants off it.  A gifted storyteller, Holly befriends us, she invites us into this world of goofy yet earnest boyfriends and friends and family far more freaked out than she and connects us to it directly.  She weaves the play around us almost, we are beside her on stage as she takes us through surgeries and diagnostics and recoveries and feelings and regrets and reconstructions and deconstructions.

“Deconstructing Holly” is a masterpiece of fervent and deeply honest autobiographical solo work.  Holly is mesmerizing on stage, she is measured and bold and artful and wise.  Her heart wrenching story is played straight, her fears unfolded and her humor unbridled. 

This is tough stuff to talk about.  Tougher still to go through. But to talk about it is important, necessary, vital.  Holly is the perfect person to show us how it really is.  She not only survived she made it into something triumphant, mythical, cerebral and ultimately very entertaining.

We all have stories to tell, some darker than others. Holly’s story is dark but also brilliantly iridescent. Women need to hear stories like this…so do men.  What is it that makes us female?  Who are we without our lady parts?  Can we be ourselves again when we lose them or are we just evolving onto our next true selves?

Becoming ourselves is an everyday metamorphosis isn’t it?  Holly Sidell has taken a few more steps than most of us in a shorter amount of time…I am grateful that she wrote about it and gave us this precious glimpse of it and made it as wonderful and hilarious as she did.  Bravo!!!

Patrick Ames “Liveness” EP Release

Patrick Ames is creating his own kind of musical space.

Acoustic guitar, soft drums, bold, live sound, humming backing vocals…it all feels a bit like the best kind of late night jamming session…after a few glasses of wine.

He lives in a vineyard, so maybe thats where the vibe begins.  The songs are narrative, autobiographical, anecdotal, poetic.  The songs playful, lyrical, like vivid memories of a life.

The EP is six tracks, moody, enigmatic, clearly written with no one but himself in mind, which I actually prefer.  Music should aways be made for an audience of one I think, at its best when it’s that intimate.

It’s sweetly produced. Honest and simple and pure. It really feels like it’s right out of his mind, captured as it becomes, almost demos, almost improvised, evolving as he creates.  It’s a really nice collection of songs, all fitting together neatly, all bouncing off each other with ease.

YouTube Video “Bang Bang Bang” = https://youtu.be/-muS1MuW5cI

YouTube Video “Want to Believe” = https://youtu.be/WZeBQ4oIpEA

Websites:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Soundcloud

Youtube Channel

Spotify

Musicians:

Patrick Ames: Guitars, midi-guitar synth, vocals

Agustin Rzeszut : solo guitars

Chana Matthews: vocals

Mikaela Matthews: vocals

Jon Ireson: bass on ‘Want to Believe’

Producer Name(s): Mixed and mastered by Jon Ireson

Food Access in L.A. Map

***

From L.A. City Controller Ron Galperin’s office:

In the wake of local school and business closures and the recent “Safer at Home” order aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus, L.A. Controller Ron Galperin released an online map detailing critical food resources for Los Angeles residents. “Food Access in L.A.,” accessible at lacontroller.org/foodaccess, maps local food pantries, LAUSD’s Grab and Go centers and farmers’ markets across the City to help Angelenos locate food and meals to stay healthy and meet nutrition needs during this pandemic. 

“The coronavirus outbreak is impacting the lives and livelihoods of everyone in Los Angeles, especially working and low-income families,” said Controller Ron Galperin. “But even with schools and businesses shuttered, families can still access healthy and nutritious meals. This map connects people in need with neighborhood food resources that will help them get through this extremely difficult time.”

L.A. City Controller Ron Galperin food access map via www.nohoartsdistrict.com

“Food Access in L.A.” is part of Galperin’s mission to use data, technology and innovation to connect people with public resources and services that will improve their lives. In addition to mapping food distribution locations, users can also take a look at how accessible grocery stores are to residents in different Los Angeles neighborhoods.

Check out Galperin’s Food Access in L.A. Map.

Galperin has previously mapped resources for emergency preparedness, LGBTQ homeless youth, tax preparation, homeless housing, domestic violence services, youth programs, summer fun activities and more.

View all of Galperin’s maps: lacontroller.org/resourcemaps.

Follow L.A. Controller Ron Galperin at @LAController on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Better Investment

What Are the Benefits of Using Commercial-Grade Furniture?

Have you ever heard of commercial-grade furniture before? If you have, then you might be wondering how it’s any different from typical retail furniture found in most stores.

Commercial-grade furniture is similar to regular furniture but has multiple key differences that make it a superior choice. If you need to furnish a commercial space, then you need high-quality furniture that will last for several years.

This requires the purchase of commercial-grade furniture that is specifically manufactured for business use. It does come at a more expensive cost, but this often translates to better value in the long run.

There are several benefits to purchasing and using commercial-grade furniture, a few of which we’ll take a look at below!

Higher Quality Materials

The first major difference is that commercial-grade furniture is made of higher quality materials.

Something you likely understand well is that not all products are made the same. There’s nothing more frustrating than buying something cheap and dealing with an ineffective product.

A great example of this is an office chair. These certainly vary in price, with the cheapest options coming in at less than $100 with choices ranging up to multiple thousands.

Often, a greater price comes with greater quality. This is not always true but is typically the case to justify the price difference.

When comparing a cheap office chair to a high-quality one, the materials used will be a major difference. A cheap chair may be filled with inexpensive foam and made with a leather substitute.

Over time, the cheap chair’s filling will get beaten down and the fake leather will begin to peel. A commercial-grade chair will be made of better materials meaning that filling will stay bouncy and it won’t be made with any materials that peel or disintegrate with use.

The expression of “you get what you pay for” works perfectly here because skimping on furniture means cheap products that don’t work well or last.

Easy Maintenance

Another great benefit of commercial furniture is easy maintenance.

Commercial-grade furniture is designed to be used frequently, meaning that it will need cleaning often. If you have a chair or table that’s difficult to clean, then it isn’t very practical for consistent use.

On the other hand, something that’s easy to clean makes a lot of sense. This eliminates any fuss associated with it and makes it a piece of furniture that serves its purpose well.

Commercial-grade furniture prioritizes practicality and this means being easy to take care of. You won’t need to replace parts or learn a complicated cleaning process to keep commercial furniture in good shape.

Longevity

One of the best advantages of commercial-grade furniture is its longevity.

Because commercial furniture is made of higher-quality material, it results in a more durable product. This means that it can sustain more use and abuse without breaking down.

Commercial furniture is designed to be used for several years. Picture a decade or longer.

Something that falls apart in just a few years is not very useful because it will require you to replace it shortly after buying it. Alternatively, commercial-grade furniture will last.

One thing you might be concerned about is that furniture might not be stylish anymore after a decade of use. However, this is taken into account during manufacturing and most commercial-grade furniture is subtly stylish enough to last for decades.

This means that it won’t ever feel outdated and will provide the same level of comfort and enjoyment that it does from the moment you buy it until the day that you retire it.

With the longevity of commercial-grade furniture comes the final benefit of being a better investment.

Say that you’re considering the purchase of a reclining sofa for a lounging area. A commercial-grade model is surely going to be more expensive, but the fact that it lasts longer means it’s a better value.

For example, say that a standard sofa is $1,000 while a commercial-grade one is $1,500. The standard sofa will last you 5 years while the commercial sofa lasts 10 years.

In this scenario, the standard sofa costs $200 per year while the commercial model costs just $150. This shows that you get more bang for your buck over time and the longer you own a piece of furniture, the more value you get for it.

Commercial-grade furniture is a much better investment because it lasts longer and this negates the higher price point.

Closing Thoughts

If you need to furnish a commercial space, then you’ll want to seek out commercial-grade furniture. This means furniture manufactured specifically for business use, which is made differently than most furniture used for personal purposes.

There are several advantages to using commercial-grade furniture that make it a necessity. This includes being made of higher-quality materials, easy maintenance, longevity, and being a better investment.

Commercial-grade furniture is more expensive, but this comes with plenty of benefits that make it a great addition. Don’t skimp out on the furniture that you buy because you’ll certainly regret it down the road when it falls apart on you and you’re back in the same situation that you’re in now!

*THE CALIFORNIA ONLINE LIBRARY, BIBLIOBOARD, AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT FOR WRITERS*

So, you’re a writer and you want to find the ultimate platform to get your titles front and center for the public to see.

Let’s start from the beginning… Turning back the hands of time… When my journey began and I was a little boy attending Spring Shadows Elementary School in Houston, Texas in the late 1960s…

There, my teachers and educators noticed that I had a strong talent for writing poetry and stories. I excelled in Spelling and I had a vivid imagination.

In 1977, the Spring Branch Independent School District awarded me my first writing award: Outstanding Journalism.

I was attending Northbrook Junior High and I wrote movie reviews for the school paper.

I had a blast writing those reviews!

In 1980, and in Northbrook High School, my teachers urged me and my parents to consider ‘Majoring’ in Writing and being an Author. They believed that’s where my talent was.

All along, I resisted, fought, and insisted that I wanted to move to Hollywood and be an actor…  Looking back, such an unwise decision with no Plan A or B. Some might even call it simple stupidity.

To appease my parents, I chose Cosmetology. But, that’s a different book & chapter, all to itself.

My regret today is I’m sorry I didn’t listen to my teachers, educators & parents. They were right: My strength was in my writing. I know that now, and, I should have followed through with it.

On the flip side of the coin, I also see that all the events in my life have inspired all of my writing: Then, now and tomorrow.

That’s important for me to own and understand as an Author/Writer.

In fact, every Author/Writer should Own & Understand that simple fact. Take every experience, good or bad, absorb it, and expand on it.

Once you, as the Author/Writer, have finished/perfected/edited your poem, story, essay, play, screenplay, you are now ready to present it to the WORLD!

Sounds horrifying, doesn’t it!

On the contrary, it’s just the opposite. It feels great, empowering and encouraging.

Before presenting your masterpiece to the WORLD, there’s two mandatory responsibilities every Author/Writer must do: PROTECT IT!

No matter what, always Copyright and Register your work with the Library of Congress and the Writers’ Guild of America-West. Both have minimal fees to do so, and it is your duty to invest in your work and make sure you follow through and protect your ‘intellectual property.’ I cannot stress how important it is to COPYRIGHT & REGISTER!!!!!!!

As a Writer/Author, you will gain a track record with your publishings, awards & achievements. Notice, I am already making you a star with your written word.

Amazon. It can be your best and worst friend. I happen to be a proud Author/Writer on Amazon. For me, it’s become a good friend.

Its platforms are designed to get the Artist’s work out on the world stage as cheaply as possible.

Remember, Amazon is also a business. It is designed to make Amazon money. As long as you understand that, you’ll be in good shape. I’ve known several authors who become angry and give up because their book doesn’t set the Universe on fire!

NEWSFLASH! Not everyone can be Stephen King or J.K. Rowling.

The rest of us, however, must do the best we can to get sales, get noticed & create ways to get our names out there.

Is there a rule book or formula for doing this? NO.

As an Author/Writer, you’re pretty much on your own in that area.

Once you’ve been proactive and put your work on the Amazon platforms, congratulate yourself! You’re making strides and you should be proud. This includes making sure you have Cover Art for all of your titles. Outside of Copyrighting/Registering, having art work is paramount to the success of your title. NO MATTER WHAT.

Like an album cover for a singer: It’s important!

For me personally, I have been using graphic designer Jorge Velasquez for the last 25 years for my cover needs. I’m never disappointed, and his rates never leave me in a panic.

Jorge is a former resident of North Hollywood, now living in Salt Lake City. He still maintains his L.A. clients.

Now, that you have your cover art and title complete, and finished to your liking, it’s time to take your work a step further; Submitting it to the extraordinary world of YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY.

In 2019, while researching my story, Drag Queen Storytelling Hour, my research took me to the West Hollywood Public Library web site, which accidentally took me to Biblioboard.com.

Understand, I have always wanted to find a way to introduce my titles to the library, but, as fate would have it, I was always rejected. So, when I came across Biblioboard.com, I was very apprehensive and suspicious as first. Biblioboard.com is the Center, the heartbeat, for Libraries to go to to have instant access to local Authors & Writers, and connect them to the public. It’s a win-win for community, authors, writers, libraries and the state!

What did I do? I followed the prompts, filled out the application for each of my books and poems, attached the cover art and pressed submit. All along, assuming I would be rejected by a kind Dear John email within 4-6 weeks.

After my submissions, I did as I always do: I Forgot about it.

It would take a full 5 weeks till I received my first email informing me that the Online Indie California Library, also known as Biblioboard.com, had APPROVED all of my titles & applications! I confess I was happy & proud! I was officially in the State of California’s libraries system.

I urge all of my fellow writers to not only market your words in print (Kindle, NOOK, etc.), but also audio. Audiobooks sell and the Amazon arm for audio, known as ACX, makes it simple and user friendly. Trust me, if I can figure it out, anyone can.

I also urge you to make sure you have art work for each of your titles. Even if it’s a one-page poem, HAVE A VISUAL.

These five book covers are my favorites and created by Jorge Velasquez.

Do your research thoroughly before making decisions. These helpful web sites should start you off in a good direction and establish a track record for your work that even you’ll be proud of. I wish you only Good Luck & Success!

http://www.copyright.gov

http://www.wgawregistry.org

http://www.acx.com

http://www.biblioboard.com

http://www.kdp.amazon.com

http://www.authorcentral.amazon.com

Graphic Artist & Cover Designer:

Jorge Velasquez

323-240-5353

jorge@jivdesign.com

COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources

***

 Instagram can be a very useful, helpful and calming place. Thank you Dancers Alliance for posting the link to this COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources. Thanks, to the Howlround Theatre Commons team for the energy and effort to put this list together.

What this list IS: an aggregated list of FREE resources, opportunities, and financial relief options available to artists of all disciplines.

The list is specifically designed to serve freelance artists, and those interested in supporting the independent artist community. This includes, but is not limited to, actors, designers, producers, technicians, stage managers, musicians, composers, choreographers, visual artists, filmmakers, craft artists, teaching artists, dancers, writers and playwrights, photographers, etc. Basically, this list is for the fabulous folks in the NoHo Arts District who are affected by the Corona Virus.

A word of encouragement.  Things might be postponed but they’re not cancelled.  NoHo will survive. We just need to be kind to one another, helpful to one another and patient with one another. The show will go on. Really? YES! We are the NoHo Arts DIstrict. We haven’t fought to maintain North Hollywood an arts district for the last 20 years without having resilience. 

SHARE THE RESOURCE LIST>>

Check out the recoriding to the Howlround Theatre Commons’ Webinar: Artists In a Time of Global Pandemic
For US-Based Freelance Artists and Cultural Workers in All Disciplines

Webinar  Artists In a Time of Global Pandemic   HowlRound Theatre Commons

Why Casino is a Popular Movie Theme

Many celebrities and wealthy individuals gamble at high-end casinos in Las Vegas and Monaco.

Over the years, movie producers have added casino as a theme in their movies. Gambling films capture the attention of punters and movie enthusiasts. They are less forgotten compared to other movies. The following are five reasons why casino is a popular movie theme.

1. Excitement

Films with gambling scenes excite many viewers compared to other types of movies. Many people like watching exciting films. Besides, some gambling scenes keep us in suspense as the main characters delay to show their cards. In such scenarios, we often sympathize with protagonists. We often try to understand their seriousness and emotions. Normally, movie fans get disappointed when their crush loses a game. Gambling scenes evoke particular emotions in viewers thus offering a memorable experience.

2. A Sure Win

Casinos and gambling films have a huge fan base. Some fans spend huge sums of money buying films from certain directors. Also, others are diehard supporters of gambling actors. Thus, it is recommended to take advantage of the audience. Experienced gamblers create potential gaming strategies to win more games. Fans of gambling films get disheartened when a television show ends or a movie franchise closes down. For example, the Marvel Cinematic Universe recently launched a film that moves millions of movie fans worldwide.

3. Location

Location is a crucial factor in movie production. Some movies feature different casino settings. Las Vegas is renowned for its luxury casinos. Other top gambling destinations include Europe, the American Old West, Monaco, New York, and Macau. Several gambling films show the simplicity of gambling. Hollywood is consistently delivering interesting gambling films that can compete with other types of movies.

4. Extended Popularity

Most cinemas show new movies for less than two weeks. But television shows can last up to a year. Studios that allow game developers to build casino games that are inspired by their TV shows or movies extend their popularity and life.

People often remember titles that are emblazoned on slot machines in online or brick-and- mortar casinos. The machines must show characters as feature symbols or backdrops. Also, they need to play particular soundtracks and theme songs for people to reminisce about the experience they had watching the movies and television shows. The display of characters enlightens people who aren’t aware that some gambling movies exist.

5. Familiar Stories

Game developers create engaging storylines when they build themed slot machines. It helps them catch the interest of gamers. Even so, developing new storylines isn’t a walk in the park if you have several themed slots. A developer can partner with a TV and movie studio to translate their storylines into exciting slot games.

You will reach a wide audience if you choose popular movies. Classic movies are appropriate for slot machine themes. For example, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Wheel of Fortune are still popular even though they were released several decades ago.

Many people gamble for leisure. Also, several movies have featured it in the past. Some popular gambling-related movie themes include underground poker rings and mob-operated casinos. Some people associate gambling with danger in the United States. It is normal to see mafias operating casinos in gambling movies as many directors establish casinos as shady businesses.

COVID-19 Resources for the NoHo Stakeholders

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COVID-19 resources for our North Hollywood community stakeholders.

Thank you to the NoHo Business Improvement District for compiling this list to help our community and business stakeholders. Please check back often, sign up for our NoHo News, follow us on Instagram and Facebook for new information we will share during this #CoronaVirus #staysafestayhome time.

Do You Know the NoHo BID?

The NoHo Arts District is an arts district because of the 20+ theatres, dance studios, recording studios and the many folks who create art. It stays an arts district because of these performing and visual artists. But there is one group that has helped to #KeepNoHoArtsy (and clean) for more than 10 years – the NoHo Business Improvement District.

Stakeholder Assistance

City of LA Small Business Emergency Micro Loan Program
http://ewddlacity.com/index.php/microloan-program

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance/coronavirus-covid-19

State Employment Development Department, important information for employer’s and worker’s related to COVID-1
https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm

LA Small Business Development Center has a downloadable pdf COVID-19 response guide for businesses and eEmployers.
https://smallbizla.org/covid19-response-guide/

California Bank has low-interest and state-guaranteed business loans and microloans for small business borrowers who have been impacted by regional disasters and who need term loans or lines of credit for working capital. https://www.ibank.ca.gov/small-business-finance-center/

The California Capital Access Program (CalCAP) for Small Business encourages banks and other financial institutions to make loans to small businesses that have difficulty obtaining financing. If you own a small business and need a loan for start-up, expansion or working capital, you may eligible for this program. CalCAP is a loan loss reserve program which may provide up to 100% coverage on losses as a result of certain loan defaults. Loans are available up to $5 million.
https://www.treasurer.ca.gov/cpcfa/calcap/sb/index.asp

Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
https://www.usbgfoundation.org/beap

LAUSD Grab & Go Food Centers
https://achieve.lausd.net/resources

Other City/County Resources

Office of the Mayor
https://corona-virus.la/

City of LA Emergency Notification System
https://emergency.lacity.org/notifyla/

LA County Health Department.
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/

LA Parks
https://www.laparks.org/

Centers for Disease Control
https://www.cdc.gov/

World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict. 

 

Thank You, Actors.

I know this column is supposed to be about advice for actors.

I’d like to take this time to say thank you, actors. Thank you for being who you are and for what you bring to the human experience.

I recently had a class where the assignment was to prepare a Personal Monologue. The way we do it at The Actors Workout Studio is that we encourage actors to share a personal, emotional experience that has had a huge effect on their life.  The purpose is to connect to deep feelings so they can access them to use in creative character preparations.  It’s not easy. Most people like to forget and get over past drama and experiences.  The actors in this class blew me away and reminded me of what it takes to be an actor.

You need to access deep feelings to play characters that affect the audience. So actors do what many other people don’t like to do, go into the pain, anger, fear, and rage of past experiences. Actors need to make friends with these emotions, so they can use them to serve audiences, not be victims of those feelings.

The recent class was astounding. The experiences and places these actors went and were willing to share was staggering.  It’s not easy to do. It takes a certain commitment and passion for the work.

When actors go to these emotional places, audiences can live through them and have their own experiences. They are touched, and then maybe healed or better understood, or most importantly, it helps audiences to know that they are not alone. Other people have these feelings also.

I believe actors are healers. Through their work, they help heal their audiences by inspiring, making them feel, and making them think outside of their usual life.

It takes a certain breed of human to do this work. After seeing the mighty performances in this class, I am reminded of how grateful I am to these souls, that are healing us by sharing the human condition. So, I say to all you actors, thank you, and keep up the good work, our species needs you.

Internet Security Software for Home: Choose Your Fighter

bitefender.jpg

Image from Shutterstock

Today, when we work much on the Internet, it is very important to protect personal data. The two most significant threats to any network are trojans and zero-day attacks that exploit all the vulnerabilities in the operating system. Both are often delivered via the Internet and infect the operating system with malicious files.

So, having powerful protection is now a must. The malware can destroy the entire system and puts your data at serious risk. That’s why you should think about getting a reliable Internet security software. We analyzed several popular solutions available on the market and provided a brief review. If you need more details, read our full Internet security software for home guide.

Bitdefender Internet Security

Bitdefender IS is a comprehensive antivirus with Firewall and enhanced security level, which provides reliable protection against malware and encryptors. New adaptive scanning technology increases the speed and performance of your antivirus solution.

Key features

Protection

  • Comprehensive data protection against all modern threats: viruses, Internet worms, trojans, encryptors, zero-day exploits, rootkits, and spyware.
  • Active Threat Control. An innovative behavioral detection technology monitors applications and immediately blocks any suspicions activity.
  • Webcam security components will warn you when the application tries to access the camera and allows you to block this attempt.
  • Multi-layer protection from encryptors.
  • Strong phishing protection finds and blocks websites that are masked as safe to steal personal payment information, account passwords, and credit card numbers.
  • An effective fraud protection system notifies you when you try to visit fraudulent sites, such as online casinos, pornographic sites, financial pyramid sites, etc.
  • Safe Files component prevents unwanted changes to important files and protects them from encryptors and other types of threats.
  • Secure surfing.
  • Rescue Mode. When the app detects any threats, it reboots your computer into the recovery environment to clean up and delete the malicious changes.

Performance

  • Autopilot Mode. The software will implement all security solutions without interrupting the user with annoying alerts and dialog boxes. You do not have to set up or confirm anything.
  • Bitdefender Photon adapts to computer hardware and software to save resources and accelerate performance.
  • Cloud integration.
  • Bitdefender Profiles
  • Battery mode will optimize the display system settings, cooling system, updates, and Bluetooth connection.

Privacy

  • Bitdefender Anti-Tracker blocks the malware that collects data and allows you to view and manage this information on every site you visit.
  • Safe and fast surfing.
  • Parental control will track your children’s network activity to make sure they are safe.
  • Two-way firewall.
  • Social networks protection against malicious links and threats on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and other social media.
  • Password manager.
  • File shredder.

McAfee Internet Security

The software protects your computer and critical information with real-time antivirus and antispyware, a two-way firewall, web protection, and other powerful tools. McAfee Internet Security will detect and remove suspicious applications and various malware that affect your computer. Here are some test results.

Key features

  • Fast, complete, or custom scans to detect and delete viruses, spyware, and other threats.
  • Vulnerability Scanner searches for and installs the latest software updates for Windows and installed programs. It allows you to secure your computer and keep programs up to date.
  • Personal Firewall protects against intruders who could hack your computer or steal personal information and controls the information your computer sends and receives.
  • McAfee QuickClean helps to increase computer performance by allowing to delete unnecessary and temporary files.
  • McAfee Shredder permanently deletes files without the ability to restore them.
  • Automatic real-time updates to get the latest protection against the latest threats.
  • Real-time check instantly protects your computer in real-time from software viruses and other security threats by checking your files each time you use them.
  • Anti-Spam.
  • My Home Network allows viewing computers and devices connected to your network and troubleshoot security issues on computers that have McAfee software installed.
  • Scheduled scanning.
  • Quarantined and secure elements.
  • McAfee Web Advisor generates ratings and reports, informing you about the security of the sites you are going to visit.
  • Traffic Monitor.

Avira Internet Security Suite

It is an advanced antivirus solution that uses reliable and efficient cloud-based protection against all types of malware and Internet threats.

Key features

Computer Security

  • Award-winning protection against viruses, Internet worms, trojans, etc.
  • Cloud protection technology. Scanning of unknown files in real-time and detection of malware and exploits.
  • Artificial intelligence technologies. Unique machine learning algorithms help protect against even the latest threats.
  • Protection against encryptors. Detects and blocks trojans before they can encrypt files.
  • Protects your email. Protects unsecured and unencrypted email traffic.
  • Intelligent recovery system. Best-in-class technology to recover the damages caused by malware.
  • Self-protection. Prevent malware from modifying or disabling antivirus protection.
  • Protects your devices. Blocks malware interference on portable media when it is connected to your computer.
  • Enables management of the standard Windows Firewall.

Web protection

  • Web protection. Proactively blocks malicious and fraudulent sites.
  • Protects networks. Proactively scans network traffic and stops threats.
  • Protected online banking and online shopping.
  • Botnet protection technology. Prevention of hidden computer control by hackers.
  • Control of programs. Blocking suspicious behavior and controlling Windows system firewall activity.

Ease of use

  • Advanced protection with Software Updater for software and driver updates.
  • No ads. Work in the background.
  • Technical support via phone or email.
  • Device control. Device security management in the online control panel.
  • The Price Comparison module allows comparing prices while shopping online and save money when shopping.
  • Play mode. Disable optional alerts while watching movies or playing games.
  • Block tracking in your browser. Preventing online ad tracking.

These are one of the most popular and best Internet security software products. They are fast, secure, and do not need a lot of system resources. So, do not ignore the necessity to protect your computers and personal data and consider getting Internet security software for your devices.