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The Original.

by Gulkin Gazette

Living Single: How to Survive Strep Throat

Welcome, the ‘Living Single’ series. I’ve moved from the comfortable sleepy little beach town I called home to a big old city that is, while in the same state, completely foreign to me. While it’s great to remember the feeling of having my own apartment, with my own patio, plants and complete control of playlists, living single presents it’s own set of challenges.

Justy recently, I almost died.

The emergency room doctor wanted to do a spinal tap. My fever had raged on at something like 102.7 for five days.

Finally, the fever broke. Diagnosis: Strep Infection.

Now, don’t get it confused, I’m a self sufficient lady, but I’m talking awful fever, can’t move, throw me in a river, unimaginable sick.  I’m alone in a new town, no family nearby, so I had to get seriously resourceful. If you’re also living single, and are coming down with a sickness, here are some quick tips on getting through it.

Surviving Strep Throat: A Living Single How To

1. Family, Friends, Roommates or Neighbors

Family is an obvious here, but if you’re like me and far from family, find friends, neighbors, roommates, bell boys, whoever you can, to stock you up with gatorade, medicine and regular check ins if you’re symptoms are getting worse.

2. Jam Out

Music helps to constantly release healthy endorphins. This is at a low level, of course, but if you’re miserably sick, avoid silence. Put on something you love, and you’ll heal faster. (It’s science)

3. No Nyquil Fueled Text Messages

I know, you feel like you’ve been hit by a bus then thrown over the freeway underpass. You feel alone and start romanticizing the past. Stop it!

It’s just the Sudafed and sleep meds. Don’t text any exes in your miserable state.

You’ll feel better soon.

Thanks for tuning in to the first Living Single Series.

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Happy New Year 2014!

 

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by Gulkin Gazette

Authors And Alcohol: The Paris Years

These three authors are literary greats and they were all present in Paris at the same time,

enjoying a lifestyle of creative endeavor and alcohol…

The great and the good of historical literary figures seem more often than not to have had a fairly intimate relationship with alcohol. It appears to have just gone with the territory. What follows are a list of some of the most influential writers who were all present in post WW1 Paris and couldn’t say no to a drink.

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Author of the almost unsurpassable The Great Gatsby, Francis (that’s what the F stood for) was a heavy drinker from early in his college years. His work and he himself are seen as symbols of the Jazz Age and with good reason. Not only did he come up with the term, but his lifestyle and the people he surrounded himself with in 1920s Paris were absolutely indicative of the artistic revelry.

Unfortunately his drinking was epic and led him into seriously poor health during the 30s. He suffered from tuberculosis though biographers do argue over whether or not this was truly the case, with some speculating it was used as a cover for his drinking problems. Fitzgerald finally succumbed in 1940 to a second, and huge, heart attack. He was 44.

Ernest Hemmingway

Present in the revelry of Fitzgerald’s Jazz Age was his good friend Ernest Hemmingway. The two shared an intense and vivacious friendship. Becoming part of the ‘Lost Generation’ a term he popularized during his Paris years the abandon of which he and his cohorts’ lives were lived is no secret. And after being introduced to James Joyce the pair became well known for their ‘alcoholic sprees’.

Hemmingway’s love of a beverage turned to alcoholism in his later years and was compounded by other health and mental issues. The result in 1961 was after treatment for severe depression and release from hospital Hemmingway took his own life.

James Joyce

Renowned for his works that include Ulysses and Finnegans Wake Joyce is undoubtedly one of the most significant writers of the 20th century. Growing up in Dublin he was often found boozing and causing plenty of trouble, seemingly being quick to anger and always involved in an altercation of sorts. After two such instances, one involving a pistol being fired at him by the student he lived with Joyce headed to Europe.

He lived in Trieste and Zurich for the next period of his life and after 16 years was invited to Paris by Erza Pound, a friend of both Fitzgerald and Hemmingway. Joyce stayed for 20 years. During his time there his lifestyle continued as he’d become accustomed and he died after surgery for a perforated ulcer in 1941.

Attached Images:

When not trying to live like a Parisian author of the Jazz Age, Sam Michaels writes for Find Me A Gift, taking a particular interest in their exceptional range of wine gifts.

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by Gulkin Gazette

Pay Per Post, Babay!

BLOG IDEAS

BLOG IDEAS (Photo credit: owenwbrown)

 

The xenophobia ironed a pancake

 

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by Gulkin Gazette

Gravity

Planets are moving
To satisfy moons
Keeping gravity,
In check.
In tune.

The ocean is twirling
To nurture its’ sand
Hydrogen and oxygen
Secretly holding hands

Solar winds and satellites
Attracted in galactic tide
Cosmic carbon,
Constellations.
Elemental configurations.

As the sun brings a new day
To relieve a tired moon
I promise now and forever
To do the same for you

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by Gulkin Gazette

Igniting Your Creativity

A My Blog Guest Special Feature

Tips on Inspiration and Creativity

Igniting your creativity

Being creative is not just something that happens to people accidentally. You might start off with a spur of excitement concerning one idea or concept, but when it comes down to remaining creative over a longer period of time most people struggle. The term writer’s block is famous amongst all those working in a profession where creating text is key, but similar concepts apply to those in performing arts, visual artists and other creative professions. This article will provide a few tips on how you can maintain your creativity and potentially enhance it.

Listen to music

Music can set the mood for your day, but it can also help spark that creative light in you. If you feel stuck and don’t know how to move forward with a project, create a playlist that will push you forward. If you are writing, think about what your character would listen to or what genre your interview objects are interested in. If you are painting or creating visual art focus on the mood of the idea you already have and search online for artists reflecting that mood. Look at their lyrics and see where they take you. Maybe you find a story in them that compliments what you are working with, or maybe you are taken in an entirely new direction. Either or, it is sure to stir something up you can use.

Write it down

You never know when a great idea would come to mind. It can sneak up on you and take you completely by surprise. This is why so many artists and writers carry a notebook around with them. Take little bullet point notes of what you see, experience, feel and it can come in handy when you are trying to recall a memory or find inspiration later on. If you have a blank wall in your home hang up a large chalkboard. These won’t ruin the style of your home, and can be a valuable tool when you want to stay creative. Write down your bullet points on the board as soon as you come back home, then draw or expand on those bullet points. The chalk board will stop you from hanging post-its or having loose pieces of paper floating around, and it will allow you to gather all your ideas in one place.

Use the Internet

If you are stuck, there is nothing worse than just staring at your screen or your work. However, use the internet and get inspired. Use search engines to find images, music, text and so on about the topic you are working with. This might sound obvious but there is more to it than this. Look at the bullet points you made on your chalk board or notepad. Make a spider diagram by putting in words and phrases you find online. Soon you will start to see a red threat in you notes and this is the path you should follow when you feel ready to start work again.

Do not stop
Make sure you don’t let the block take over. If you feel stuck maybe you have gone down the wrong path. It is never too late to start over. The project you have developed can be picked back up at a later date when you might have had new experiences and challenges that will help you finish it. You are in charge of your creativity so don’t let the block control you, take charge.

Bio:
Ingunn is a creative personality writing about the arts and interior decorating, with a special love for chalkboards.

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by Gulkin Gazette

Your Photograph in a Jar

This handy and nifty infographic from JAF Gifts gives you a step by step guide on how to create an instant vintage-looking keepsake for your most treasured photographs! Forget about photo albums and frames…the Mason jar DIY project is bound to become a hit with family, friends, and guests once you place it in a prominent location in your home.

The Mason Photo Jar is a also great idea for rustic, country-style wedding centerpieces and other special occasions honoring a certain person or group of people. Simply pick out some favorite photographs (preferably in black and white or sepia) and a few mason jars (available at JAF Gifts). Make sure the pictures fit in the jars! When you’ve wrapped the picture (image side showing outside of the glass, of course) inside the jar, pour some vegetable oil (olive oil gives a nice, greenish tinge) until it covers the entire picture.This will ensure that the photograph is suspended in the oil without ruining it.

Place a dried flower stalk at the other side of the jar the picture does not cover. Cover the jar tightly with the lid, and place the jars strategically on shelves, book cases, bedside tables, and just about anywhere you want to look and smile at memories that have been given a creative, vintage-y boost!

Source: JAF Gifts

 

 

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by Gulkin Gazette

Lana Del Rey Sings a Little Ditty

Lana Del Rey Absolutely Fascinates

With Blue Jeans and Video Games

Video Games

Blue Jeans

Lana Del Rey caused quite the commotion early this year, with a shake up of a semi-suspicious ‘debut’ album, ‘Born to Die’.  On January 31, 2012, the 26 year old singer-songwriter released a largely debated in dub, ‘debut’ album with Stranger Records. Upon its’ release, ‘Born To Die’ topped the iTunes chart in 14 countries, including the U.S., U.K., Italy, France, Germany, Finland, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Greece, Belgium, Portugal, Mexico, and Luxemburg.

Fans (and more plentiful, and ruthless, critics) were all a stir as news began to surface that this sultry pouted, blues lounge bombshell had released previous recordings under her birth name ‘Lizzy Grant‘, as well as ‘May Jailer‘ prior to signing with Stranger Records, and that much of her discography can be easily uncovered.  Prior to the 2012 release of ‘Born to Die’, the now ‘Lana Del Rey’ had previously released a three-track EP titled ‘Kill Kill’ in October 2008, and a full-length album in 2010, titled Lana Del Ray a.k.a. Lizzy Grant with 5 Point Records. Critics haven’t taken it easy on the overnight sensation, who spent a great portion of her life working endlessly to get to the very bitter-sweet spotlight she currently stands in.

Unexpected and Sexy as Hell, Lana Del Rey seems to have been amped up by management to embody an unexpected, undiscovered model for Brigitte Bardot inspired ‘big and teased’ vintage hairstyles with an ever present element of hip-hop mod fashion, in a ‘Tokyo Rose of the Trailer Park’ appeal. Personally, I love the extra packaging done to help excel her into the mainstream acceptance she has so quickly found. Now, I can only hope they don’t eat her alive before a  few more epic albums are able to be enjoyed.

Lana Del Rey was born Elizabeth Woolridge Grant in New York City on June 21, 1986, and grew up in Lake Placid. She was sent away to a boarding school in Connecticut at 14 for alcohol dependence, and began her music career while testing the waters of college in NYC. The Winner of 2011’s Q Awards ‘Next Big Thing’ title grabbed the attention of Stranger Records with the self-created, nostalgia soaked music video she had uploaded to her YouTube Channel as a single.

The outdoor captures and romantic scenes, full of vintage fashion and romantic imagery landed her a  joint deal with Interscope Records and Polydor, signed less than one month after the release of ‘Video Games’. Keep a look out for this one, she has that special something, and I highly advice watching the video for ‘Video Games’, as it is absolutely awesome in tragic Americana glory!

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by Gulkin Gazette

Love Life

Sean Michael Daley of 'Atmosphere'

Atmosphere – ‘Love Life’

“Now, how many times must you prove you’re an angel

How many more demons do you have to strangle

How much longer must you remain in this dream

Before I finally figure out if you’re insane or a genius“

The signature sound of  Atmosphere is a momentarily paralyzing, in perfectly structured, ‘individually wrapped’ musical packages with potent lyrics expressed through a powerful mix of precise timing, commanding composition and discernible delivery.

Photo Copyright: John Brunner

Ant

‘Ant’ – Atmosphere

‘Slug’ and ‘Ant’ of Atmosphere

‘Slug’ of Amosphere

 
‘Love Life’ had me in tears within 40 seconds the first time I heard it.  The awe-inspiring rapidly ruthlesss and radically empowering lyrics of Atmosphere ignited a completely unexpected cry of contentment.  
There were no emotional extremes playing a catalyst in the background, though I do have a readily available daily assortment of choices in cheerful, phobic, panicked or lonely.
It was the strength in severity and sincerity within the lyrics and delivery of this impactful Little Ditty just hit that magic musical place, that I suspect lies within the solar plexus.  
An overwhelming appreciation was felt for this string of immaculately formed citings, simultaneously sewing the threads of life’s unavoidable tragedies through its unexpected joys.

Atmosphere on the Web:       http://rhymesayers.com/atmosphere/

Atmosphere on Facebook:    http://www.facebook.com/Atmosphere

Atmosphere on Twitter:         https://twitter.com/atmosphere

—————————————————————————————————–

Wondering what the solar plexus really refers to? 

The solar plexus chakra, the energetic vortex of dynamism and willpower (its animal association is the ram), is charged with assisting one in comprehending his or her emotional life, accepting one’s unique place in the life stream, clarifying the dynamics of ego, self-esteem and self-love.

On a psycho-spiritual level, this chakra is deeply involved in the mechanics of: self-sufficiency, self-image, personal power, issues of responsibility, sense of security and safety. Dysfunction of the third chakra manifests, in part, as an inability to fully acquire and adequately sustain personal power.Only when it is open and balanced can one have a deeply fulfilling emotional life wherein one can be expansive, outgoing, and sociable, have a sense of belonging and fitting in and be able to experience the sweetness of being alive.

The solar plexus chakra is also a seat of intuitive functioning – the nucleus of our sense of subtle knowing, intent of being and gut instincts. Of course, having confidence in one’s gut instincts is largely dependent upon a sufficient level of self-esteem. Self-confidence underlies effective decision-making and crisis management and the ability to take reasonable risks and so healthy operations within this chakra are crucial for the elaboration of leadership qualities and adventurousness.

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The Lovely Lassie Herself, with Moi!
by Gulkin Gazette

When Life Hands You Angels: A Dedication to My Foxy and Fabulous Aunt Lisa

For My Awe-Inspiring Aunt Lisa,

A Lovely Lassie with a Selfless Spirit and Majestic Charm 

The Lovely Lassie Herself, with Moi!

The Lovely Lassie Herself, with Moi!

*My incredible Aunt Lisa has an impressive fan club of hopeful suitors, and the reasons for which are clear to see within the very moment you meet her… If life should grant you such delight! 

~~~——————————————————————————–~~~

I Put a Spell on You

Songwriter: HAWKINS, JAY  (1956)

Performer: Nina Simone

Nearly as epic and admirable as the angel in which this particular Little Ditty has been inspired by and dedicated to, “I Put a Spell on You” is a classic American song that has continued to impact generations of musical enthusiasts from the time it was first written by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins in 1956.

“I Put a Spell on You” was selected as one of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.

Nina Simone

Nina Simone

Jay Hawkins’ original version was ranked at #313 on the Rolling Stone magazine’s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.  Nina Simone‘s version reached # 23 in the US Billboard R&B chart in 1965. Artists including Creedence Clearwater Revival, Joss Stone and  Bryan Ferry have created cover versions of this American classic throughout the years, and it continues to pop up in creative distortions from various artists in different music genres.

Timeless and transfixing in nature, this historic piece of music seems the perfect fit for today’s Little Ditty Dedication Post.

For my Aunt Lisa, thank you for being one of my life’s most inspiring and lovely angels.

I am beyond grateful and so lucky to have you!

Angels have no philosophy but love.   ~Terri Guillemets

All God’s angels come to us disguised.   ~ James Russell Lowell, 19th Century American Poet

 It is in rugged crises, in unbearable endurance, and in aims which put sympathy out of the question, that the angel is shown. 

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson, Philosopher and writer

 We are never so lost that our angels cannot find us. 

– Stefanie Powers, actress

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by Gulkin Gazette

Fallen for You

 

A Little Ditty

From our Memoirs of Movies that Shape the Soul

Sheila Nicholls ‘Fallen for You’

“Fallen for you
Did you ever see me,
Watching from periphery?
I was playing another game
I hoped you catch on all the same.

Fallen from view
Did you ever touch me,
Floating through your potpourri?
I thought I felt your fingers once
After waiting all these months

But I was wrong, so wrong
That was just another song you wrote, for another girl
And I hoped a day could be
When you’d write a song for me

But it never came,
I thank you all the same,
But I’ll go now, so you won’t know how much I’ve

Fallen for you,
Boy who’s trying to be a man
Boy, you don’t know if he can
I thought I knew you well enough
But your walls are still too tough

But I was wrong, so wrong
That was just another song you wrote, for another girl
And I hoped the day could be
When you’d write a song for me

But it never came,
I thank you all the same,
But I’ll go now, so you won’t know how much I

Thought about you all the time,
Walking round, the Guggenheim.
Like a rhyme, in my mind,
There you are, in my car,
But we don’t drive very far.
To the beach, out of reach
Next to me… my fantasy

Falling for you
Did you ever see me,
Watching from periphery?
I was playing another game
I hoped you catch on all the same.”

Album: Brief Strap (and Notably Featured on the High Fidelity Soundtrack)

Artist: Sheila Nicholls

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by Gulkin Gazette

Making the Leap from an Advanced Hobbyist to a Professional Photographer

 

 

If photography is your passion, there will eventually come a time when you’ll consider turning your hobby into a career. Nothing is more satisfying than making a living doing something that you love, but you must carefully consider all of the variables and also take certain steps to ensure that your career will be successful.

There is a lot of truth to the saying that a camera doesn’t make the photographer; even the most expensive equipment won’t help those who have no eye for photography. Therefore it is not necessary to run out and purchase all of the most expensive camera equipment. When you’re scouring your local ads for DSLR deals, it’s best to keep in mind that investing in quality glass is actually more important than the camera body. Any skilled photographer with at least a Digital Rebel will have the ability to turn out high quality, professional photographs.

Once you decide that you want to cultivate a photography career it will become imperative to choose a specialty. While it is important to diversify, you’ll do your best work, and therefore build the best reputation, by doing photography that appeals to you. The first major distinction to make is between fine art work and portrait work. If your passion lies with nature or architecture photography then your best bet will be to market your photography to genre specific magazines, at art fairs and via an online store. If photographing children is more your cup of tea, however, then you’ll need to invest in quality backgrounds, portrait lenses and a light kit. Again, there is no rule that states that you can’t do both portrait and fine art photography, but focusing more on one of the two options will yield the best results.

 

Six Important Things to Know about the Life of a Professional Photographer:

1.) If you work for yourself, then you’ll have to pay all of your taxes each year at tax time. Keep records on everything that you purchase for your business and be sure to track your mileage, too. You will not be able to fill out your taxes on an EZ form, so you may wish to consult with a professional tax preparer. Your state or county may also require you to maintain a sales tax license in order to sell your services, so be sure to check into your local guidelines.

2.) Marketing and word of mouth are everything. Invest in quality business cards and make sure to place ads in all applicable places. Vflyer.com offers free Craigslist templates, which will allow you to stand out from the crowd. You should also consider offering a referral discount for clients who send you new business.

3.) Model releases are critical for photographers who are interested in selling their work. If a person’s identity can be discerned in the photograph, then you need a signed model release before you attempt to sell the image.

4.) Professional photographers who photograph other people need to invest in liability insurance, along with insurance on their equipment. Without liability insurance, you could end up losing everything if someone gets hurt during a shoot.

5.) Never shoot without a contract. Sample contracts are available online, but make sure that the verbiage adheres to all of your local and state laws.

6.) Don’t give away your work for free. Doing so sets a bad precedent and will make it difficult to charge people in the future.

Are you considering making the leap or have you recently done so? Share your stories and tips below.

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by Gulkin Gazette

7 of the Best Musical Movies That Stand the Test of Time

Musical movies aren’t for everyone, but every once in a while a great one comes along to grab a large audience. While they have evolved over the years, many of the basic elements remain the same. It all boils down to musical numbers and an awesome soundtrack. And if you happen to love the characters and you’re engaged in the story, then it makes it even more powerful. Hollywood doesn’t produce musical movies at the rate it once did, but they will forever be an important part of our culture. Not all of them are remembered and universally loved, but there are a few that stand the test of time. Let’s take a look at some of the best that feature musical numbers you can probably sing right now.

Moulin Rouge – not everyone “got” this movie, but those who did absolutely fell in love with it. While it didn’t feature original songs, they were presented in a way that was truly unique. This movie revitalized old songs and made them new again. Throw in an attractive cast, beautiful choreography, and elaborate sets, and you have a formula for success. This is definitely one movie that you can plop into your DVD right now and enjoy all over again.

High School Musical – this might be the most controversial item on the list, and some might argue that the series popularity has long since faded. But you have to remember what an extreme phenomenon the High School Musical craze was. You can see its influence in musical artists, and especially in a show like Glee. It made singing and dancing cool again when things were starting to get cynical. And if you happen to watch the original right now, you’ll notice that everyone was at the top of their game. It’s definitely a flick that teenagers will grow up and remember in the future.

The Muppets – Jim Henson’s beloved creations have always had musical numbers in their movies. But who knew that Jason Segal would do such a stellar job with his rendition? He wrote the scripts, and had a hand in all of the songs. The overall package is a beautiful blend of traditional and new Muppet music. Let’s not forget all the laughs and smart writing contained in the movie. This is the Muppet comeback we’ve all been waiting for, and some might say it’s better than the original movies.

Beauty and the Beast – you can pick almost any movie of the Disney cartoon era, and it would stand the test of time. But this one in particular has some of the best songs of any generation. They are highly hummable and they make you feel just like you did when you were watching the movie. Speaking of the film itself, it reminds us of an age before CGI. It’s impressive to see what actual human beings can do with traditional animation and even more important, when combined with a beautiful soundtrack.

The Wizard of Oz – there is no doubt this classic will be remembered forever. You probably already seen it once, but it’s definitely worth revisiting. If you want to make it more interesting, take a look at some of the history behind the movie. Learning about how it was made reveals how impressive the challenges were. Without the benefit of special effects or high-tech makeup, the filmmakers were still able to create a classic with some of the most memorable songs around.

Grease – when it comes to fund and cheesy musicals, there really is nothing better. At the heart of the story is a tale of love, and that’s why this movie endures. No matter how silly you might think it is, everyone can relate thanks to a steller love story. And even a few decades later, it’s hard to deny the catchiness of the tunes. The cast has definitely gotten older in the real world, but they’ll forever remain young in this movie.

Rocky Horror Picture Show – the next time you’re looking for something fun to do on Halloween, make sure to revisit this movie. The new generation enjoys it with irony, while old fans love it for what it is. You can dress up and sing along, and any major urban area will undoubtedly have gatherings of fans. This is definitely a movie where you let go of your inhibitions to watch. And singing along makes it even more fun, especially when you’re surrounded by people who love this crazy film.

One of the best ways to experience these films is with karaoke in the privacy of your own home. You can pick out your favorite tracks and sing them with your friends. This article comes from the Karaoke Machine Guide where you can check out a list here of the best equipment that can turn your living room into a party palace where you can relive some of these classic movies.

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by Gulkin Gazette

Sleep the Clock Around

“In the morning you come to the ladies salon
To get all fitted out for The Paperback Throne
But the people are living far away from the place
Where you wanted to help, it’s a bit of a waste
And the puzzle will last until somebody will say
“There’s a lot to be done while your head is still young”
If you put down your pen, leave your worries behind
Then the moment will come, and the memory will shine

Now the trouble is over, everybody got paid
Everybody is happy, they are glad that they came
Then you go to the place where you’ve finally found
You can look at yourself, sleep the clock around”

Feature-Image-Dec-14

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by Gulkin Gazette

I Was Scared

A Stereogum Little Ditty with Rivers Cuomo

‘I Was Scared’

I was scared,

I was terrified

I was lost

And so I shied away 

…

I promise

That ill never ever do

That thing i did that day when acted like a fool

I might get my ass beat

My throat slit and my fingers hacked

But ill never miss another chance to watch my brothers back

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