Veronica Kole: Heart and Soul

Welcome back to The Expressionist Magazine

Back when I was fifteen-years-old, I wasn’t doing too much to be perfectly honest.  Sure, I was going to school and hanging out with my friends, but there really wasn’t much more.  Okay, so maybe I had some dreams of what I wanted to be one day, and I tried not to be late for class or skip school.  I was friendly, made good grades and respected my elders.  In retrospect though, I was pretty boring. Then there’s Veronica Kole, who at fifteen, is a singer, actress and youth ambassador.  Geez, I didn’t even belong to a school club when I was this age.

Kole didn’t just recently stumble upon her talents.  She has been performing since she was just a toddler.  Kole started with dancing, and then gymnastics by the age of five.  While in elementary school, she discovered singing.  ”I found my way to music through dance,” states the young performer.  Kole began developing her voice through school and church choirs.  In 2004, Kole’s dance group got her to perform at Disney World.  It wasn’t long after that that this talented singer and dancer began touring. Kole has been performing since at numerous festivals, music venues and amusement parks.  Kole has graced the stage at the famous Apollo Theater, and has made her mark at Carnegie Hall.  She also has performed at The New York Comedy Club  and several times has wowed audiences at the well known New Jersey venue, The Stone Pony.  Kole even has appeared on The Today Show with the St. Bart’s Choir.  Kole’s amazing vocal ability has even taken her outside of the United States.  The fifteen-year-old got to travel to Italy to take part in the 2005 Italian Tour, which covered six cities and consisted of eight concerts.

As a pop singer, Kole describes her target audience to be mostly pre-teen and up.  Many of her songs are similar to those sung by Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and even Lady Gaga.  Kole further goes on to say her music has something of a fun, uplifting beat; something you could dance to.  Kole’s young, hip and fresh sound translates well into her exciting stage presence.  ”I like to involve my audience with my music and be interactive,” explains the performer.

Having listened to Kole, I must say I am quite impressed with her vocals.  Strong, mature and soulful are three words to describe Kole’s impressive talent.  It’s almost hard to believe that after hearing Kole sing, that she is only a sophomore in high school. And everyone knows that behind every good singer there is an amazing vocal coach.  Kole’s coach is Don Lawrence, who also has worked with Christina Aguilera.  There is no doubt that Kole is following closely behind in the famous singer’s footsteps.

In addition to singing, the New Jersey resident, who was originally born in Brooklyn, New York, is also an actress.  Kole has starred as an extra in the movie The Clique, and has appeared in various theater productions and on several television shows including Teen Nickelodeon.

It is quite obvious that this talented, young woman has met some famous faces, and has performed in many famous places, but there is one place that Kole has never gotten to try out.  ”I would love to perform at Madison Square Garden.  It would be the greatest honor ever,” states Kole.

With all of Kole’s singing, dancing and acting, it’s hard to imagine the teenager still must turn in homework and go to class. Kole, who is half Ecuadorian and half Italian, says it’s important to have a very loving and supportive family.  In addition, she admits her school has been accommodating and understanding when it comes to her busy schedule.  Even though Kole is very passionate about her performances, she realizes the extreme importance of a good education.  Well spoken and mature, Kole seems way beyond her teenage years in her ideals and what she wishes to achieve.

With all of Kole’s hardwork and passion, it’s no surprise she may have an album out as soon as November.  To be an accomplished recording artist and performer is a dream come true for Kole.  And if she didn’t go down the record contract road, Kole says that she would continue to stay with music and perhaps become a vocal teacher.  In addtion to her amazing singing ability, Kole writes her own music and has even composed some of her songs by guitar and piano.  She is also bilingual and sings some of her songs in Spanish.  It seems as though this young lady’s talent is never ending!

Kole doesn’t just have skills, she has lots of heart.  Fundraisers are most important to the performer. “I love helping people.  I love being inspired,” states Kole.  She has worked on several fundraisers as a performer, including one for Haiti and also for The American Cancer Society.  Not only that, but she is the Youth Ambassador of the American Diabetes Association.  Quite an impressive honor and Kole is very proud of her title.

With all of Kole’s incredible talent, heart and soul, it is certain we will be hearing and seeing a lot more of this performer in the future.  Veronica Kole is definitely making her mark in the music world, and we couldn’t be more excited.

To visit Veronica Kole’s website, please go to:  www.veronicakole.com

You can also find more on Kole at:  www.myspace.com/veronicakole1, www.myspace.com/veronicakole013

To listen to the singer’s amazing voice, go to:  www.youtube.com/verok01

If you are interested in booking Kole, contact:  jkoleshnick@yahoo.com

Want to become a Veronica Kole fan?  Join the club at:  Veronica Kole Fan Club, P.O. Box 6814,

Freehold, NJ, 07728

Best All Time Love Songs

There is nothing better than candlelight, a love song playing on the radio and your significant other sitting next to you in the dark.  You can feel the passion and the song will forever become a monument to that moment; it may even be “your song.”  You will never forget that moment when you hear that song play, and it may help you relive the moment, each taste and smell.  It could possibly even bring a tear to your eye (a good tear).

At the beginning of August we asked our readers what their favorite love song of all time is?  We had some responses, rated them against some of the proven love songs, and then we made our list based on research.  So here they are:

1. Unchained Melody – Righteous Brothers
Recorded in 1965 by the Righteous Brothers, and produced by Phil Spector, the group took the song to a whole new level.  Their version is probably the most notable version out there, and by far, the most played and noted as the most recorded song today.  It was originaly written in 1955 by Alex North (Melody) and Hy Zaret (Lyrics).  North originally wrote the melody for the movie “Unchained.”  In  1990, this song was played in the movie Ghost in the steamy scene where Demi Moore (Molly) sat at her clay wheel and had a passionate moment with Patrick Swayze (Sam).  Everyone remembers that timeless scene which helped bring this song back into our homes and hearts.

2. Take My Breath Away – Berlin
Debuted in the movie Top Gun, this song was played at the scene where Tom Cruise (Maverick) makes love with Kellie McGillis (Charlie).  The song is sultry. I think every man dreams Berlin is singing directly to them when it comes on.  The power and passion Berlin puts into the song clearly makes it #2 on our list.

3. Endless Love – Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey
There aren’t too many voices as soothing and sexy as Luther Vandross’ to make women melt, and then to team up with powerhouse vocalist and pop diva Mariah Carey, this song was bound to be a hit and timeless love song.  This song has been portayed in many a love scene in the movies, and easily helps it get into the top three spot on our “Ultimate Love Songs.”  Originally sung by Lionel Ritchie and Diana Ross, that version is by far the most recognized but give props to Luther and Mariah reviving the song with their powerful duet.

4.  Every Woman In The World – Air Supply
Air Supply is so crisp, so powerful and so moving; their songs are timeless.  It’s hard to chose just one of their songs for this list because so many of their songs could rank here.  Air Supply exhaults their love for every woman and makes her feel like an angel.  The vocals, the melody, everything about this song can touch even the most hardened heart and is loved by men and women everywhere.

5.  Glory Of Love – Peter Cetera
The lead singer of Chicago and also solo artist, Peter Cetera, came up with a love song for the 1986 movie Karate Kid II.  The song was the theme for the movie, and played right after Daniel beat the crazed and dishonored nephew of the Japanese village.  He vowed a fight to the death, and took Daniel’s girlfriend hostage.  This was no tournament, and when Daniel defeated his foe and released his girlfriend from his grasp, there is no song more fitting than “Glory Of Love.”  The powerful lyrics combined with Peter Cetera’s timeless voice, make it a great choice for #5 on our list.  It portrays the feeling most men have for their women, and we couldn’t say it better.

6.  Rush Rush – Paula Abdul
Just listen to this song on Paula’s Spellbound album.  Her amazing vocals on this song could seduce any man, and any man wishes he was that man.  The song is very seductive and sensual and Paula easily shows why she is a diva and sex icon with this song.

7.  Donna – Ritchie Valens
The sock hops in the 1950s and the last dance at the senior prom wouldn’t be complete if it wasn’t for Valen’s “Donna.”  This song expresses his love for this goddess named Donna, who stole his heart.  It’s a legendary song that landed him in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and will forever remind the baby boomer era of their first love.  Unfortunately, we lost Valen too early as he perished in a plane crash on “The American Pie” in 1958 that also claimed the life of The Big Bopper and Buddy Holly.  This song will forever remind us of innocent love and the timeless 50s!

8.  From This Moment On – Shania Twain
This country girl from Canada woke up the world to her sexual persona and came out with an instant chart topper, “From This Moment On.”  Just listen to the words; it’s a song about two people who the world said together wouldn’t last.  However, they showed everyone that love will conquer all, and the power a couple has when together.  Add in Shania’s amazing voice and you have one unforgettable love song.

9.  All My Life – K-Ci & JOJO
This song came around in the late 90s by two amazing R&B artists.  Their strong and soulful voices portray one of the hottest love songs of the 20th century.  This song is played at many receptions as “the first dance.”  It’s about a love this man found, someone he prayed for, and wished for and finally found, an answer to his prayers and hopes she feels the same.

10.  Always On My Mind – Elvis
Originally written and performed by Elvis, the song was more popular with Willie Nelson.  However, there is nobody or no voice like Elvis, and that is why his version is here and not Willie Nelson’s.  The two versions are like night and day, but who is more sensual than “The King.”  Elvis had many more great love songs like “Kentucky Rain.” Well, not a love song per say, but it’s about a man chasing down his love and how he portrays his love for her.

Also in the list, not ranked but good enough to be mentioned:

Saving Forever For You – Shanice (Debuted on Beverly Hills 90210)
Forever – John Stamos & The Beach Boys (Debuted on Full House)
How Sweet It Is – Marvin Gaye
Air That I Breathe – Hollies
Valentine – Martina McBride
Love Will Tear Us Apart – Joy Divison
Love Is Strange  – Mikey & Sylvia

All songs were sent to us by readers, and we ranked them based upon the list mentioned.

Internet DJ Sets Sights High

“Internet is becoming more and more utilized by people, especially in the workforce; you can use it for so many different things. That’s why I chose the Internet, because workers can listen to the radio from their computers (and now iPhones),” according to Tammy Martina who is taking up the cyber airwaves as opposed to more traditional means.

Tammy hit the “bull’s eye” on the Internet radio market, and she enters at ground zero as this market starts to reach new heights. She will be one of the forerunners that others will have to set the bar to as Internet radio rises.

Originally a marketer with the record label Cannon Music Group, Tammy ran social networks for the bands they’d sign.  Working for artists Mista Freezy and Lance, she stumbled across blogtalkradio.com, where she currently DJs, in her pursuit to gain exposure for the bands.  Realizing how powerful this can be, and how much fun it is, she jumped right in without looking back.

One year later, she has managed to expand the station which required taking on another DJ.  Tammy states she was talking with Lindsay Paige one day, and mentioned what she did.  Linsday grew very interested and excited about her career.  Tammy clicked right then and there and knew it would be unreckoned with force.  This month, Lindsay got her chance to DJ for the first time and now adds her own charisma and style to the radio station for her listeners.

When Tammy started the radio, she wasn’t concerned about any specific genre of music she was going to play.  Instead, she wanted to play it all; to please everyone’s tastes.  However, the station started out with country and rap/hip-hop.  Now, as it grows and evolves, you will find more rock and alternative sounds coming across the station.

Another great feature for the radio station is Tammy’s ability and willingness to interview rising stars and professionals in the music industry.  She will interview local and national celebrities, comedians, and whoever else wants a chance to talk on her station.  The ability to talk on any radio station, regardless of your field, gives you the ability to gain exposure and let people get to know you and who you are.  There is nothing more valuable than exposure for any of the arts.

Today, her line-up of interviews have been quite impressive.  She has spoken with Kaotik, Freddie Way, Kevin M. Thomas, Mike West, Mista Freezy, Tammy Bryant (song writer) and more, just to name a few.  Her goal is to start incorporating more platinum and Grammy winning artists from the different genres in the year ahead.

Forever searching for great artists to interview and promote, Tammy is always willing to play new songs and take interview requests.  She asks that if you are a band and want some exposure, to send her your music for consideration.  Who knows, you may be chosen and put on rotation, and since Tammy’s station is on the Internet, it can be heard worldwide.

Tammy doesn’t charge to be on her radio station or request compensation to listen, it’s 100% free.  Although, she would love for businesses to sponsor her station; another aspect she is focusing on for the remainder of the year and years to come.

We think you’ll find this Alabama native’s radio refeshing, and we feel that you will love her amazing personality and her chemistry with the radio.  One listen and you will see why she was destined to be on the air (cyber air) waves.

To listen to her station, including her interviews, simply go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/TammyMartina and click on the little microphone with waves coming off to listen to it live.

Museum Of Mourning Photography

Photography started off as a very popular means to capture a moment when it was introduced in the early 1800s.  Because of photography, we have a plethora of documentation regarding our greatest struggle- the Civil War, plus the western movement. This would encompass all the railroads and monuments as they looked before modifications.  We have photos of past ancestors,  and pictures of our current families.  Photography played a big part in capturing the moments.

Photography, however, was a trade and wasn’t cheap so photos, though abundant, were still scarce for portraiture.  Being a photographer myself, I am fascinated with the skills these tradesmen had to learn such as taking photos without flash, on archiac equipment.  I often browse the Internet looking for great old shots, and I study these old portraits and appreciate the beauty and time it took to capture the images.  In doing so, I ran across something that intrigued me.  In Google Images, stood a picture of a man laying erect on a wall in his coffin.  How could I not click on that and view it?

What I came across was a website for mourning photography, but there was more.  There is an actual museum in the Illinois area owned by Anthony Vizzari.  His museum is absoulutely fascinating.  It opens up a concept photography was used for that many wouldn’t even consider.

Anthony stumbled across these mourning photos when visiting a flea market.  He told me he found a box of old photos which had many variety of subjects inside.  He purchased the box of photos for $30.00, which today is a steal.  When he got home, he took a good look at the box and found it had a mourning photo inside.  Like me, he was intrigued and started a collection of these photos.

Today, the museum has around 1200 pieces portraying a variety of mourning concepts.  In addition, there are about 300 non- photographic mourning pieces such as lockets and cards, making the collection diverse and interesting.  The museum is open for the public, but remains at a private residence so you must make an appointment to see the collection.

MoMP’s Digital Archive Project was created to help educate the public on the practice of memorial photography, both past and present. This free archive is intended to aid collectors, historians and anthropologists with their research on the subject. Included in the archive are images from public and private collections throughout the world.  At this time no such free public database dedicated to memorial photography exists.

The collection is definitely worth seeing. It will give you a new appreciation for the generally unknown, and make you realize it’s not morbid at all; in fact, it’s quite peaceful.  When I see these pictures, I see people resting… knowing they don’t hurt anymore, they aren’t hungry anymore, and they are free!

One of the prominent pieces you’ll see in the collection is a book from a pre-teen, who passed away in the early 1900s.  The book contains records of her life, and her death photo.  It also includes a sympathy card to the parents and a lock of her hair from the funeral home.

The reason behind mourning photos is quite abundant.  People have their reasoning for it; my family did it too with the death of their first daughter in 1920.  Despite the various reasons, two seem to come to mind more often than others.  One reason is to help soothe the soul over their loss.  These photos were a form of closure for the departed’s loved ones.  Also, like I said before, photos back in the day were very expensive; many people didn’t get a photo of their loved one in life and this was their last chance.  This was particularly true for children.  I have seen more children photos than adults.  Some are posed with their other sisters and brothers for a group shot, the only one that will ever be.

This practice goes back before photography came about, and still goes on today.  It just made it more real with the invention of the camera.  Mourning photography comes in different expressions too, says Anthony.  Some don’t contain a body at all, instead the widow of the loved one would photograph herself in a black dress, showing her loss.  Some are quaint expressions showing nothing more than a wreath of flowers, maybe with an empty coffin or no coffin at all, giving the impression someone died.

If you never have seen these type of photos, don’t feel bad.  They are out there but not plentiful in the marketplace.  Anthony says that like anything there needs to be a market for something.  Many of the photos you see are older because the family is gone, and nobody wants the photos so they end up in estate sales.  Some exist but the family hands them down through generations, and still keeps them dear to their hearts, even if they never met them in person.  Some of the newer photos are still with the family, because many still know the relative depicted in the photo so it means more.  As the years go on you may see the photos from the 1940s to today start to emerge in the marketplace.  However, if someone knows what they have with mourning photos, the price is almost doubled.

For now, just enjoy Anthony’s collection online or visit him in his studio.  There is no charge to view the pieces, and he is glad to give insight to his collection.  Right now, only a few photos are online from his collection, however, he tries to get it updated as much as possible.

Mourning photography is definitely misunderstood, and I guarantee you will see why when you view his amazing collection at The Museum of Mourning Photography.  Also, check out his main web site that gives you access to his other wonderful photography collection.

Kissin’ Cuzzins: Cookin’ With Love

Kissin’ Cuzzins neighborhood restaurant has been a tradition for many since 1961.  St. Petersburg locals and old timers have been eating at this establishment for years and insist it’s still the best breakfast in town.  Kissin’ Cuzzins was once a chain, featuring two other restaurants in Pinellas County- one on 4th Street in St. Petersburg, and the other in neighboring Clearwater.  However, both restaurants fell victim to soaring land prices and had to shut their doors.  The original Kissin’ Cuzzins still sits comfortably at its 34th Street and 9th Avenue location in St. Petersburg.

Diners rave about the quality food, generous portions and low prices.  Inside the atmosphere is simple and quaint, almost reminiscent of a small town cafe or diner.  The wait staff is friendly and efficient; most have been working at the restaurant for years.  The food tastes comforting, much like something mom would’ve made.  Many customers have their personal favorites, but I have found that just about everything on the Kissin’ Cuzzins menu is superb.  

Start with a hearty breakfast and you’ll hardly be disappointed by the selection of omelettes, pancakes or their three varieties of Eggs Benedict, including the Blackstone, which is served with bacon and tomato.  The coffee is always perfectly blended- potent, but never bitter.  The hash brown casserole is delightful.  I have ordered this as a side to my traditional version of Eggs Benedict. The hash browns are well seasoned and flavorful, with a nice crispiness on top.  The half order Benedict is always enough for me, along with a large serving of hash browns.  The egg, flawlessly prepared, is covered with a lemony smooth hollandaise sauce, and sits beautifully upon a slice of thick ham and muffin.  This breakfast dish is always a personal favorite of mine at this restaurant, but while I claim this to be the best, other diners may feel differently.  Pancakes, especially the chocolate chip variety, are quite popular at Kissin’ Cuzzins and so are the omelettes and scrumptious waffles.  If you prefer something lighter, order the fruit cup or pair it with a heavy meal.  It’s a refreshingly sweet addition to something salty, such as bacon or ham.  The cut up honeydew and cantaloupe are divine- sweet, ripe and soft.  

Be sure to come back later for lunch and order up some of Kissin’ Cuzzins pasta, chicken, steak and fish dishes, which include their famous amberjack.  The lunch menu offers a little of everything such as soups, sandwiches and salads.  A restaurant favorite is the Southern fried chicken salad.

If you are more of a dinner eater-outer, this is where Kissin’ Cuzzins disappoints.  Not because dinner is poor, but simply because the restaurant doesn’t even offer dinner.  So if you plan on eating here, come early or you’ll miss out.

My visits to Kissin’ Cuzzins have always been good ones.  Even my two-year-old son enjoys this place.  It typically takes an army to keep him sitting quiet at a restaurant, but at Kissin’ Cuzzins, he sits like a perfect angel.  I’m not sure which he enjoys more- nibbling on the food, or rearranging sugar packets, but whatever the case may be, this restaurant works for him and that makes this momma happy!

So next time you’re in St. Petersburg and your stomach is rumbling, be sure to check out the neighborhood staple, Kissin’ Cuzzins. Time after time, this eatery gets five star customer ratings, excellent reviews in the media and almost always has a filled up parking lot (in fact, there is usually a car overflow from the lot on the weekends).

Whether it’s breakfast or lunch, Kissin’ Cuzzins’ food is simply delicious and without a doubt, cooked with plenty of love.

 

Kissin’ Cuzzins:  951 34th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33713

727-323-3915

Hells Kitchen Season 6 Week 5

After the men slaughtered the women last week, they really needed to come out this week and do one bang up job.  Ramsay’s challenge this week was to make two entrees and one appetizer that did not exceed 700 calories combined.  The women came together and put together an impressive menu, and destroyed the men on this challenge.  They won all three plates, and those plates would be on the menu that night.

The punishment for the men was to prep each kitchen with the ingredients of the winning plates, then go to the store to get some fresh ingredients.  While the women were out on the beach learning volleyball from a US Olympic volleyball medalist, the men got on a crazy looking bike and had to peddle their way to the local market.  When they returned, Robert about collapsed.  He was white and light headed and thought he was going to vomit.  The medical staff for the show immediately rushed him to the hospital for treatment, especially with his heart condition.  The men were now down one team member.

Dinner started off good for the women as they pounded out the appetizers, while the men couldn’t get the risotto right leaving them in the red team’s dust.  However, the red team had troubles of their own.  Tennille couldn’t get the portions right making Ramasy irate.  He asked her to hit the road, when she lashed back at him.  Ramsay got in her face and offered her the chance to leave or get back in the kitchen.  She wisely chose choice number two.

The women also ran into a problem- the pork chops they cooked were raw, and so were the lamb chops.  It was not looking good for the ladies.  While on the blue side, Jim couldn’t cook the meat at all; it was mess up after mess up.  Finally, Ramsay threw in the towel, shutting the kitchens down.

He was disgusted with both performances and said both teams lost.  The streak for the ladies is not looking good as they only won one time so far.  Each team was to chose one person for elimination.  The red team chose Sabrina because of her meltdown on the meat station, although she has been one of the most steady performers.  Tennille was another candidate because of her insubordinance towards Ramsay.  The men thought they would get a reprieve and nominate Robert who missed the dinner service.

When the red team told Gordon Ramsay who they chose, there was no rebuttal from the chef, however, he was not too pleased when the blue team nominated Robert.  He said that if Robert misses another dinner service he will be eliminated, but he will deal with that if and when the time comes, instead it’s not fair to place him up for elimination based on a performance that couldn’t be judged.  So, they chose to put Andy up who also had a ghastly night in the kitchen.

Ramsay said the one going home was an easy choice, so both Sabrina and Andy bowed their heads awaiting their fate. However, Ramsay said the one going home would be Jim and pulled him out of the safe line.  He told Jim there was no fire, no passion, and it’s just wasn’t going to happen.  Jim was okay with that, stating he is a pacifist and if that didn’t stand to Ramsay’s standard then that was okay because he didn’t falter from who he was in the end.

Social Network Your Art

In today’s economy getting the word out about your work and music can be tough.  Television, radio and newspaper ads can be extremely expensive, and to tell the truth with the abundance of ads in a paper, it can be easily over looked.  Television and radio ads can go under the radar just as easily.  Most people, when a commercial comes on during a TV show, get up to find a snack or use the restroom, and with the radio, the listener tends to surf for another song.  So what do you do?  If you’re an artist or musician it’s kind of funny to see an ad on the television, although it makes more sense for a musician when a CD is released. The best form of advertising is by word of mouth, but if nobody knows about you, the point is mute.

Instead, musicians and artists are finding the 21st century technology very handy in marketing and advertising their merchandise and the best part, most of it’s free.  With the creation of the Internet, social networking sites have seen a boom in online networking and marketing that costs no more than a few hours of your time a day- a price tag many artists and musicians will gladly pay for a good fan.  These networks allow the musician or artist to actually communicate, network and socialize with fans, businesses and other prominent people across the world without ever leaving their humble abode.  Literally you could be talking with the CEO of a major corporation in your underwear. Imagine slamming that deal of a lifetime while sipping coffee, with teeth and hair unbrushed in your bathrobe!

Social network sites like MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn have played a major part of the “modern” artists success. MySpace and Facebook allow the artist another “web presence” so to say, giving them powerful tools like a blog, and friend capability and really another website to market themselves.  The cost is free, the only downfall to that is the occasional spam e- mail.  MySpace is a little bit more liberal, allowing you to create a specific design to give you that signature style, whereas Facebook is more contemporary and conservative, with each site looking the same.  Then Twitter comes in allowing you to make direct to the point statements about your work, or whatever you have to say.  It teaches you how to get to the point so you don’t beat around the bush.  Facebook also allows Twitter to update your “friend status,” which is helpful for the busy artist; you update it once on Twitter and it updates Facebook as well.

These sites have literally millions of subscribers to the network, so the possibility of exposure is limitless, although it does depend on the time and energy you spend making it happen.  We all know results vary on the effort you put into something; little effort gets little results.  These sites are also great because they are indexed in Google, so it allows searchers a possibility to find you in another place if your personal website doesn’t have high rankings (which may not be any fault of your own).  In short, if they find your MySpace before they find your website, the MySpace should have a link back to your website, and vice versa.

Social networking sites are also a great way to target the younger generation.  Have you ever seen a teenager not glued to their phone or computer chatting away on these sites?  It’s amazing they get their homework done at all.  If you are looking to target a younger generation, then this is the place to search.  The average age group on these type of sites is 13 to 27.  That age group makes up the majority of consumer spending on music and many types of art and clothing. From experience, I have noticed people actually ask me if I have a site on MySpace or Facebook because they want another friend; they didn’t care if I had a website or not.

The absolute best part about these sites… they are free!  They also allow you to advertise on them, giving you even more chances for exposure to your profile or website.  This magazine actually used MySpaces ad site, with great results.  We had 800 hits for $35.00, and managed to get three new artists out of it for a story.  That isn’t bad at all if you ask me.

The key, when using these sites successfully, is to: 1. Make sure there are links to all your sites on each of these sites (excluding Twitter because it allows only one URL).  2. Update them frequently.  3. Be honest.  4. Make sure you have the same information on each of these sites as you would on your .com as best as you can.

If you follow those simple steps, you can network with ease and maybe find your next client at the click of a button!  Though we must stress, this may not work for everyone, and it’s not an overnight guarantee for success, it does take a lot of time and effort. However, if you are committed, then it will pay off in the end.

Hell’s Kitchen Season 6 Week 4

After a close finish the week before, the women lost the dinner service and were forced to lose a team member; however in doing so you would have thought it would be a blessing, especially since they sent Lovely home.  They now had to come out and prove themselves, work as a team and show Gordon Ramsay that they mean business.

This week’s challenge was a unique one.  They were planning a welcome home party for a soldier returning home from Iraq after 13 months.  The chefs met his wife, who was planning the surprise party, to discuss her husbands likes and dislikes.  Gordon chose two chefs, one from each team, to sit down in private with his wife and himself to discuss his likes and dislikes; Ramsay chose Robert and Suzanne.

In Gordon’s office they discussed the plan of action.  She told them he loved Lobster and that had to be on the menu.  Robert piped up and said “does he like southern homestyle cooking?”  She said absolutely, that’s what they were all about.  Robert’s specialty is just that, southern homestyle cooking.  Finally they wrapped up, Robert and Suzanne would now have to convey what they learned to their teams.  This was to test their ability to work together as a team and communicate.  They had 45 minuets to prepare 2 entrees and 1 appetizer that would fit the war hero’s fancy and the likings of his wife.

Robert got together told them what they liked, and that they like homestyle southern cooking, spicy and surf and turf.  Suzanne made up her own menu and told her team what she wanted to prepare.  Tennille asked to do some kind of gumbo type dish, but Suzanne absolutely denied her.  On the blue side, Robert let the guys all have input and agreed upon it if he thought it fit in the realm of what the family wanted.

The 45 mins were up, the first dish to be tried was the appetizer.  The red team won this dish, being a shrimp salad, with a Caesar style salad.  The men won the second dish, the first entree.  A surf and turf lobster tail and NY Strip steak.  It came down to the last dish, both were very appealing to his wife, but she fell in love with the blue team’s second entree; giving the blue team the win.  Angered and frustrated the women went back to the dorms to prepare to redecorate the dining room for the celebration.  They were very upset that Suzanne didn’t listen and decided to do her own thing, because what she saw win on the blue side, they also suggested to Suzanne.

For the dinner service, the men completely ate up the women.  Before the women had their last appetizer out, the men were already half way into their entrees, and none came back.  By the time the women were getting out their first entree, the men were done and the women still couldn’t get one entree served.  Ramsay asked the men to go and get the entrees out for the women to satisfy the rest of the party.

Disgusted in the women’s performance, and citing how Tek completely destroyed the service, and how the women could not work together as a team, he chose them as the clear cut losers.  Each one, had to come to a consensus on who would be put up for elimination.  Tennille got the opportunity to announce who was to be put up on the line, the team chose Tek and Tennille.  Tennille was very upset with the decision and told Ramsay so.  He asked her to step forward with Tek, then asked who she would put up for elimination; without hesitation she nominated Amanda.  Gordon asked Amanda to come up, and asked Tennille to do the team a favor and step back into the line.

Tek pleaded for her chance to stay, and so did Amanda.  Gordon kept grilling into Amanda that he saw no more passion.  ”I look into your eyes and I see the fire is gone.  Your done madam.”  Amanda started to break down but fought back that was not the case.  It looked like Amanda was going home, but Ramsay decided to give Amanda another chance and eliminated Tek.

We also learned why the season came so fast after the last season just ended.  Normally the show starts in January, but Ramsay’s new restaurant will be in Vancouver, and will be one of the prime spots for the 2010 Olympic athletes and bigwigs.  If the show started in January, they wouldn’t have a chef in time for the Olympics.

Hell’s Kitchen Season 6 Week 3

After an explosive first show that spanned over two weeks, Ramsay realized that the team really doesn’t trust each other still despite the teamwork exercise he gave them last week.  This week he decided to test the team work of each team and wanted to observe how they put their differences aside to come up with a solution.  This week’s challenge Ramsay split the team up into three groups of two to make sausage from scratch.

Each team had to make the sausage six links to the specified width.  The women got off to a blasting start. Tennille actually got her act together (for this week at least) and managed to bang out the first sausage for either team.  The women took a commanding lead; three of the six sausages needed to win the challenge to one of the men.  The men were not going down without a fight.  They managed to get within one before the women brought it up to five.  The men jumped on it and tied it up, but Robert and Jim couldn’t seem to get even one sausage made.  Robert was doing his part, but Jim couldn’t manage to get his end together.  The women brought up their sixth sausage but Ramsay rejected it.  Never fear, another woman team brought up the sixth sausage that had six perfect links to win.  Ramsay was very upset with Robert and Jim.  The punishment was to clean the entire dorm.

In the dorm, Robert was insulted with Andy’s comments about master chefs who can’t make sausage.  Robert got right into his face, which almost came to blows but he managed to constrain his emotions and got back to work.  Meanwhile, Dave’s wrist ended up breaking and he needed a cast.  He didn’t want to give up, so Ramsay let him go get it fixed and return.

The night’s dinner was demanding because they were feeding some of Hollywood’s elite.  The teams were strong throughout the whole service and there wasn’t much that went wrong.  However, for the women, the weakest link was Tek who screwed up the first order and slowed the women down.  While for the men, it was Andy who screwed up the meat sending his team down to a stand still.

At the end of the night, the men were starting to struggle because of the meat mess ups, but then comes Dave who gets them back on track and the morale they needed to catch back up to the women.  The competition was tight; whoever got all the entrees out, would win.  The women were one dish away with the men from winning, but Lovely messed up the garnish which allowed the men to run to the pass and get the last entree out to win.

What we saw tonight was Robert taking the lead for the men.  He showed the same spirit and quality that got him to the top three for the men last year.  We saw another break down by Lovely and the women, who can’t seem to get anything going this year. Ramsay was highly impressed with Sabrina and said she was the best of the worst, so had her choose two chefs to go home. Before he dismissed the teams back to the dorms, Suzanne got the largest balls ever and asked Ramsay for a play-by-play of how the women lost.  Ramsay was not impressed, making Suzanne think she would be put up for elimination.

Sabrina didn’t need to talk to anyone, she knew exactly who she was putting up tonight.  Her choices were Lovely and Tek. Ramsay asked Lovely why she should be kept in Hell’s Kitchen, being the third straight night she’s been put up for elimination (this is the third night meaning she has been in the bottom two each night).  Ramsay said he made his decision, then called for Suzanne.  Suzanne turned pale white expecting Ramsay was going to override Sabrina’s choices.  Instead, the head chef surprises everyone when he says, “Sabrina, who would you send home?”  Sabrina replied, “Lovely.” Ramsay said he couldn’t agree more and sent Lovely home.

One Life To Live 8-5-09

Rex, Gigi and Stacy

This has been by far the most climatic plot of the whole show and really the main point of interest today.  Gigi told Rex she asked Stacy to get an abortion because she can’t live with the fact Stacy is possibly having his child, which would be Shane’s brother and cousin.  Rex was upset, but said that he had to be apart of this child’s life should it be his which would keep Stacy in their lives; but he swore he would never “be” with Stacy.  They fixed things but Gigi said “God help her, but she wished the baby ceased to exist.”

Back at Rex’s loft the paramedics run to Stacy’s aid as she lay on the floor in pain.  She begs them to save her baby, knowing it was the only leverage she had to keep Rex or be apart of his life.  The paramedics had some grim news to tell her, the baby was gone.  Stacy planned to use that baby to keep Rex, which really isn’t a good situation to put a child in, using a baby for your own personal gain.  She knows without that baby, she will not have Rex.  Stacy is so distraught she refuses to go to the hospital, and remains in the loft.  She’s looking at Rex’s picture and I’m pretty sure she will be conjuring up some way to lie about the pregnancy for a while.  She may even go get artificially inseminated to keep the pregnancy going, but upon a DNA paternity test it would prove to be not his.  Looks like Gigi got her wish, but I don’t think Stacy is done yet.  I think she will try to use Schuyler to break the two up, by pressuring him about his feeling for Gigi and making him act on it.  Though that could only get Schuyler hurt, Gigi and Rex really were meant to be together and anyone that steps in their way will fall.

Matthew

With the wedding over, Matthew will be meeting his parents in a preliminary hearing to determine his fate (to get the surgery or not).  Nora however is in some big trouble already, she loves Clint and Bo, but with this trial I feel she will get distracted.  I don’t see this marriage lasting because she will turn to Bo and show her true feelings for him with this trial.  I give this marriage a month tops!

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