Juried Art Shows; Nothing Personal Girl

"Why even enter juried art shows?" a lot of fellow artists have said. I have often agreed, especially while walking away with one of my paintings or sculptures in hand, after being rejected from a show I wrote out a $50.-100. check for. It is humiliating and expensive!
"Why didn't they like me?" I pout close to tears as I lean towards my car.
It is difficult to 'not' take it all personally. What is a girl to do? Every artist I have met, successful or not, has taken the rejection of their work personally at one time or another. It is hard not to. I am an artist though, not a girl trying to be noted in society like Paris Hilton or Britney Spears. Although I must admit that I have contemplated what a good diet would do for me and possible a face lift! I am an artist who is trying to get my work out there in the .com world of galleries that go on forever, to improve my search engine and get noticed by Google and Yahoo. I don't find myself saying to the .com world or to Google or Yahoo, "Why don't you like me?" Of course not! I get on my computer and research about how to get my work noticed and how to compete. I ask myself the hard questions. "Is my work appealing to the buyers out there in cyberspace? Is it marketable, while still being true to myself and my own personal idea of creativity? Have I learned all there is to know?" Never! Who would ever say or think that'?
I don't look at myself that objectively when I enter juried art shows though... or at least I didn't use to. I used to think that it was all connected, my like-ability and my talent. The juror would not only accept me in the show but would honor me with an award because they would view my art and see my heart and glistening smile. They would understand beyond the laziness and excuse the limitations of my painting or sculpture before it was polished off enough to truly call it finished. They would magically understand my true hope for the end result and accept it 'as is'. They would ignore all other competition and choose me because I felt so strongly about what I was trying to say to project the passion inside my heart. Or maybe deep down I felt I should be accepted because I had worked so hard on the last show by setting up the table with flowers and linen table clothes for horderves and wine. Surely I had been noticed!
I am trying to learn to stand back and really look at my work objectively. What else is an easel for huh? I am taking the same approach to juried shows as I have been with the .com world and Google and yahoo, with a realistic consideration and an acceptance that there will 'always' be people who are more fit than me... look at Paris Hilton and Britney Spears! Yet, because of my acceptance of the uphill struggle I see myself in the art world with an upward posture and a confidence that if I understand the journey and have my mapquest available to me. I am set. It doesn't take a tsunami to knock me over to accept my fate of being just like everyone else. I now enter juried art shows knowing I have done everything that 'I can' to present the best possible work that 'I' am personally capable of before it leaves my studio. Look out eminem there is a new rapper in town!

Kathy Ostman-Magnusen
Hawaii, United States
Aloha! I am a figurative artist and Illustrator. If you check out my website you will see that I am very prolific in oils. My paintings are collected worldwide. I also do sculpture; images available upon request. I have illustrated for Hay House Inc. , Neil Davidson, who was considered for the Pulitzer Prize in feature writing, and several other publications. I also enjoy story writing and poetry. All of the paintings,stories and poemson my blogs and website are written by me.

Even Courts Rely on Mapquest

On January 25, 2007 the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit granted a habeas corpus petition relying, in part, upon calculations performed by popular driving direction website Mapquest to determine that the petitioner's trial counsel had not properly explored petitioner's alibi before or during his trial on charges of murder and attempted murder. Raygoza v. Hulick, ___ F.3d ___, 2007 WL 184635 (7th Cir. 2007). The Court used Mapquest to determine the distance and travel time between the crime scene and a party petitioner had attended near the time of the crime.
It's not the first time that Mapquest has been cited as authority in a case. A number of state and federal courts have relied upon Mapquest to determine the distance or travel time between two points. Mapquest has been cited in dozens of reported decisions, including rulings on:

• motions to change venue in civil cases, where the convenience of the forum to parties and potential witnesses was an issue. Smith v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 169 Md. App. 286, 292, 900 A.2d 301, 305 (2006); Hoskin v. Un. Pacific Railroad Co., 365 Ill. App.3d 1021, 1025, 851 N.E.2d 646, 650 (2006)
• motions to transfer a federal criminal case to another district. United States v. Anderson, 2000 WL 34237505, *7 (W.D. Wis. 2000); United States v. Ferguson, 432 F.Supp.2d 559, 563 n. 5 (E.D. Va. 2006)
• a motion to dismiss, in which the court took judicial notice of the driving distance calculated by Mapquest. Untracht v. Fikri, 454 F.Supp.2d 289, 302 (W.D. Pa. 2006) (citing Gordon v. Lewistown, 272 F.Supp.2d 393, 429 n. 34 (M.D. Pa. 2003))

However, at least one court has held that courts should not take judicial notice of Mapquest results because the website is not sufficiently accurate. Commonwealth v. Brown, 839 A.2d 433, 436-37 (Pa. Super. 2003) ("An internet site determining distances does not have the same inherent accuracy as do professionally accepted medical dictionaries, or encyclopedias, or other matters of common knowledge within the community. The, we hold that the trial court abused its discretion in taking judicial notice of a MapQuest distance determination . . . .")
Though trial counsel may not be able to count on Mapquest to produce admissible evidence where a timely objection is raised, unchallenged Mapquest results are routinely considered by courts in determining distance or travel time between two points.

Jonathan D. Frieden is a principal of Odin, Feldman & Pittleman, P.C., a law firm in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. His practice includes the litigation of intellectual property matters and other complex commercial disputes and the counseling of e-commerce businesses in a variety of industries. He is admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia and runs the E-Commerce Law blog, a regularly updated discussion of news, trends, and legal issues affecting e-commerce businesses.

No MapQuest Needed to Find Addiction Treatment Centers

Addiction treatment centers are sprouting up like weeds, except they are much more helpful.
Not all centers are alike though. Different treatment programs offer different services and courses. Some deal strictly with the physical symptoms of addiction and focus on a safe withdr`wal while others focus on the 12 Step Program.
Substance abuse, rehabilitation centers are advertised on television, on the radio, in newspapers, and on the Internet. There are so many to choose from that even a person who is not suffering from an addiction would have a difficult time choosing the right place to seek help. It is hard enough for an addict to make the decision to quit using harmful substances. Can you imagine the pressure of having to choose one facility out of thousands of addiction treatment centers? It could be overwhelming.
How to Find the Best of the Addiction Treatment Centers
As you or your loved one looks for a recovery center, there are a few things which must be taken into account. Always remember that beating an alcohol or drug addiction is not easy and that it takes time and determination. Short term recovery programs do not offer the greatest chance for success.
You do not become an addict overnight, and you will not recover overnight. In order to heal, you need the constant, long-lasting support of an addiction treatment program. The best, addiction course is one that nurtures the whole person and takes into account both the physical and emotional facets of the addiction while maintaining the goal of long-term sobriety.
In order for a treatment facility to be effective, it must be capable of providing an environment in which an addict can eliminate abusive substances from his or her body. This process is called detoxification and can be most difficult to experience and observe. Once the person can handle the physical cravings related to drugs and alcohol, then the emotional healing (through counseling) begins.
Even though many addicts think they can cure themselves, it is not possible. That is why there are so many addicts today because every addict believes he can help himself or does not need help at all. Addiction treatment centers are not flights of whimsy; they exist because of the huge need for them.
These treatment programs know the ins and outs of addiction recovery, and they have the medical resources, both physical and emotional, to help people maintain healthy lifestyles, free of abusive substances.
http://www.stopaddiction.com/index.php/Rehab/Alcoholism/

One of the largest and most successful rehabilitation centers in the world.

Mapquest Driving Directions is the Best For Getting to the Places You Want to Go

When you want to go anywhere, Mapquest driving directions can get you there without needing more than a couple sheets of paper. This is one of the finest web sites to find directions on the Internet making a quick and simple to plan your trip.

From the main page of the site, you need to find the tab for driving directions which will allow you to enter in your starting addresses well as rending address. You can induce much information in these fields as you want from a full address to even just a zip code. This is the information that mapquest uses to plan your trip.

After you has all of your trip of information and, a new page pops up with a map in detail driving instructions. You can see the route that you'll be driving as well as the actual mileage between each member to step. If you look at the map, you'll notice on the right side there are a series of icons that will allow you to find entertainment, gas, lodgings and food places for you to stop while traveling and include them on the map. You may have too soon into an area to find this information, but it will really help you better plan your trip.

It can also customize your trip. You can choose to omit having tree type the information in with reverse directions, which will get you back home from the ending location. You can also choose to find the shortest route for the shortest time as well as be able to avoid highways, toll roads or those that seasonally close with these options.

If you can also add a new destination went to an error in your start in many locations. This is entered on the map page and allows you to not have to alter the original trip and still be able to include any other side trip you want to make. This can make and convenient to go to more than one place. You can also use the search function to find businesses by name that you would like to visit or use the drop down menu to select from categories.

This site allows you to create a log and information so that you can keep your starting destination without having to type it in for every visit. You can also use it to quickly find maps that you have used before making logging and a much more convenient and user process to get the directions you want.

The gas price feature shows the gas prices across the different states that you may be traveling in as well as your home state. You can see the price differences from the highest to lowest which can help you bet your trip planning better since you can see the average price of the gas or you might need to stop.

Mapquest driving directions Gives you the best director and to make any trip. You have many options to choose from to give you the best information for your trips.

Universal Laws and How to Use Them

Universal Laws are the laws that govern life and when we learn to work with them and not against them life just happens to work out better.
There are many fabulous writers on this topic. These writers inspire and educate others to make positive changes in their lives. The changes are often very profound and can change lives for better or worse depending on how you learn to make these laws work for you. Esther and Jerry Hicks, Sonia Choquette, Jack Canfield and Rhonda Byrne are excellent teachers on this subject.
Universal Laws are not a new concept. These laws have been around since the beginning of time. There is reference to it in the bible ( however Universal Law is non-denominational) and many great men such as Wallace Wattles and Andrew Carnegie and Napoleon Hill wrote about it years before it became popular in this century.
So what actually is Universal Law? Universal law in simple terms preaches that what you focus and dwell on, what you think about and talk about you create and bring into your reality. When used effectively it helps you to live a life with passion and purpose.
This is why I stated before that it can be used for positive or negative change. The choice is up to you.
The results you receive depend solely on your actions and your thoughts. This is why it is a must to follow a plan that will manifest in your life the results that you are seeking. You are the creator so you need to draw up the blueprints for creation.
Expect what you desire and never ever expect that which you do not desire. To gain the full force of Universal Laws in your life you need to desire and then expect. Focus on your desires and expect without doubt that it is yours. Focus only on the positive and you will begin to see elements of that which you desire popping up in your life.
When working with Universal Laws including the Law of Attraction it is imperative that you put yourself in the mindset of giving. For it is when you give that you open the gates to receiving. If you are inclined to hold back on the giving you are sending out signals of scarcity which will come back to you. The more you give the more you receive. The law states that if you do not give you cannot receive.
Put yourself in the best possible position by opening up and giving with an open heart. Desire and expect and watch your life be transformed.

Universal Law works for everyone there are no exclusions. To put yourself in the mindset [http://www.totalserenity.info] for creating miracles Click here [http://www.learntomanifest.info]

Franchisee Compliance With Law and Government Licensing Issues

A franchising company must always be a Stickler for details when it comes to government licensing and compliance with Law of their franchises and franchised outlets. If a franchisee fails to comply with Law or secure the proper government licenses to operate their business it could become a public relations nightmare.
Not only must franchising companies monitor their franchises, they should also address this issue prior to the commencement of the franchise in the franchising company's franchise disclosure documents and franchise agreements. It is for this reason that I added a clause into all of my franchising companies franchise agreements. Below you'll find a clause;
3.24 Compliance with Law
3.24.1 Government Licensing
Franchisee will comply with all national, federal, state, regional and local laws and regulations pertaining to the operation of the Franchised Business and will timely obtain and maintain any and all permits, certificates, registrations, insurance or licenses necessary for the full and proper conduct of the Franchised Business. Franchisee will pay promptly, as they become due, all national, state, city and county licensing, registration and permit fees and charges in connection with the operation of the Franchised Business.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Now then, you must consult your own franchise attorney to determine how best to address this issue for your company and to make sure that you are protected as a franchisor to insure the integrity of your brand-name. I hope you will consider this in 2006.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.

Credit Debt Relief - Understanding New Laws and Regulations on Credit Card Companies in 2010

Credit card debt relief has been one of the main areas of focus for the federal government in the past couple of years. Out of the many laws and regulations on credit card companies introduced by the government the 'Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 is of considerable importance. This act has taken effect from end week of February 2010.
The malpractices adopted by the credit card companies to increase their returns are not unknown to the people in general. These practices tend to increase the total outstanding amount of the debtor. The new law attempts to provide debt relief to the consumers by restricting retroactive rate increases and issuing a ban on double cycle billing.
The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act is supposed to amend the Truth in Lending Act and also attempts to do away with the unfair and deceptive practices of the credit card companies. This brings down the debt burden of the consumers and prevents them from further defaulting.
There are many who are very happy with the new laws and regulations on the credit card companies. But there are many who believe that it will do more harm than good. Because of the restriction of retroactive rate increases the credit card companies will have to give up on a chunk of their profits. Being used to making as much as they do, the company will in turn find other avenues for rate increases to make up their losses. This involves a major bending of the law.
Under the new law the issuers are supposed to give a 45 days notice for rate increases to the consumers and in the first 12 months of issuing the card there should be no increases made. This may come as good news to new card holders but the ones who have been paying their dues regularly for years will find their charges going up (e.g. annual fee increase).
Other increases that the company charges to make up their loss are by increasing various fees (e.g. late payment fees). For example, for simple defaulting where the consumer used to pay (say) $35 will have to shell out $50.
There are other ways by which, the losses incurred because of the new laws and regulations on credit card companies are made up at the cost of the consumer. The annual fees and the transaction fees of the consumers can be increased very easily by providing a 45 days prior notice. Drastic changes have been made by the companies in the calculation of minimum amount payable by the consumers. In certain companies it has been increased by more than 50%.
For example if a consumer has $10000 as balance, he had been paying a minimum amount due of 2% i.e. $200. The companies are now in a position to increase this 2% to 5% which will result in the consumer paying $500. Therefore, the consumer ends up paying $300 more every month that he could otherwise have saved. This sudden increase may cause the consumer to default.
So, it can be seen that while the new law attempts to provide debt relief to a section of consumers, it increases the debt burden on the others. This too can be controlled if the credit card companies for the time being settle for lesser profit for greater good.

Debt settlement is a legitimate alternative to filing bankruptcy. Consumers must be experiencing a legitimate financial hardship and have at least $10k in unsecured debt to qualify for most programs. Check out the link below to locate legitimate debt settlement companies in your area for a free consultation.