Video Marketing Is The Perfect Networking And Marketing Tool For Corporations

Video marketing is the next big step in company promotion. A video can go a long way in promoting any products or services offered by the corporation. New video marketing campaigns can be created either by employees or by professionals through a corporate video production company.
Before jumping into creating and releasing a video, there are few steps a corporation should take to ensure the video best represents what is being marketed. Review the company's overall marketing strategy, down to the message they want to send and the lead generation strategy.
Video market campaigns that are developed need to fall in line with the general corporations' strategy, and should extend that way naturally. The primary goal of the video marketing campaign should be determined and then quantified.
Common marketing goals include getting new customers, winning back lost customers, and identifying new revenue opportunities with existing customers. Once the goal is discovered, the amount needs to be set. For example, if the goal is to win back lost customers, define a goal number to win back.
Relevant, targeted, and concise campaign messaging is the primary foundation for the video. The target audience needs to be identified along with the main idea to convey, key details to support the case, and the campaign call to action.
Sixty seconds is the maximum amount of initial attention a person will give a video. If a video does not grab attention within that time, audiences will check out and move onto a new product. Sixty seconds in a video means only 145 words need to be spoken.
There are many production options when creating a marketing video. If using actors or actual people in the video, then an on-site shoot needs to be scheduled. There are other options that do not require a site and that could end up as a more affordable option.
Motion graphics, animation, and repurposing existing marketing assets into videos are highly effective and less expensive than on-site video shoots. Before choosing a production option, consider all risks, costs, and flexibility of various methods. Different production approaches will work for certain marketing projects.
Streaming on the internet, mobile phones, and social media outlets needs to be reliable. Making a video, then finding out audiences cannot view it, will only waste time and money. An online video platform is the best way to deliver the marketing video with assurance viewability will be consistent no matter what device it is viewed on.
The success of the video marketing campaign must be analyzed and measured. Analytics are vital to any type of marketing campaign, and video marketing is no different. Important aspects to monitor include plays, time viewed, viewer engagement, traffic sources, and geographic location. This information will tell a corporation if they achieved their stated campaign goals.
The results of the marketing campaign can be directly influenced by the corporation. Viewership for the video can be created using email, PPC, and other social campaigns to drive traffic to the landing page of the video. Existing marketing channels should be leveraged to drive potential leads and customers to the video.
Stand alone marketing videos will not produce great marketing results. A landing page for all video marketing campaigns is where potential and current customers must be directed to in order to ensure information about the corporation is absorbed.
Video marketing has potential to increase leads and conversions for corporations dramatically. Understanding the goal of the video, choosing a wise production option, and keeping tabs on analytics will ensure a highly effective marketing tool that will reach full potential.

Flimp Media is a video and multimedia marketing and communications technology company with offices in Massachusetts, New York, and the United Kingdom. The Flimp 5 video-multimedia solutions platform allows users to create, distribute, and track interactive video postcards and microsites without programming or IT resources for online communications and direct marketing. Flimp Agency division can provide creative video production and web or graphic design services for clients as well. Visit their website at http://www.flimp.net/ to learn more. http://www.flimp.net

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How To Create a Promotional Video

With the help of the internet companies managed to increase their audience by trading on a global scale using a website, online marketing, social media and blogs to create online brand awareness.
In recent years this has been taken one step further after the introduction of YouTube in 2005, which saw millions of people and companies using this video blog channel to promote themselves.
Companies turned to promotional videos as an effort to increase their brand visibility using a different avenue. With video production costs being affordable with the right budget, video can not only promote businesses but increase sales turnover, by reaching a larger audience that wouldn't normally read blogs or visit the company website.
There are steps that need to be taken to create a good promotional video that will stand out and draw the followers that you want. As a company, you don't want to waste your efforts promotion to the wrong audience, you want your target audience to watch the video, want the product or services and buy the items.
The first step to any promotional video is to determine the video production costs and set up a budget for the entire production. With most companies setting a marketing budget each month, the production may take more than one month, depending on the size of budget available.
Once the video production costs have been determined, the video will need to be planned. Planning a video isn't only a vision on how the video should look once uploaded and visible to viewers, it should include the cast, the venue and the storyline.
Of course when doing a promotional video, the storyline will be a promotion on the company, what is offered, products and services and contact information. Many companies choose animation to add some fun to the production, while others stay with people to make their statement.
Equipment plays an important role in the production and your overall budget. Purchasing camera equipment can increase the overall video production costs dramatically. Many companies choose to hire a camera technician, someone to film the entire video for them.
The filming process can be a tedious one. In many cases each segment of video is filmed a number of times until it is perfect. With many takes, filming can take a week or more before editing is done.
Editing should be carried out by a video professional, a person that is able to stitch the video together to create a spectacular and professional promotional video that can be uploaded to the internet and increase brand visibility and improve sales.
Editing does take time and should be included in the video production costs. An editor will work their way through the many stages of the video, pour through the takes and then put them together to create a seamless video your company can be proud of.
Once your company is ready to upload the video, marketing needs to be taken into consideration. You want to draw people to your video, you want to increase awareness, improve sales and generate more leads.
Social media, blogs and the company website are all ways to create awareness. The more people that visit the video, the more leads you generate. Using video production software, companies are able to track the number of visitors to their video. Often this software includes reports, enabling managers and directors to determine if the video production costs were well spent and whether their company will benefit from video blogs moving forward.
Online video is in demand, more people are watching video blogs than ever before, which means it's essential for companies to include this in their online marketing campaigns.

Flimp, based in Boston, New York and the UK, is a video multimedia communications and marketing technology company. The platform offered makes it possible to create, distribute and trace flimps, which are video postcards and microsites. The advantage is that there is no IT resources or programming needed. The founders Richard DiBona and Wayne Wall are dedicated to ensuring that everyone can take advantage of turning video files into traceable multimedia which can then be downloaded by the audience with ease with the use of video landing pages, emails and more. http://www.flimp.net/

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How To Safely Buy Art Online?

You might have come across the old saying 'buyer beware', but this term is taking a new meaning in the current internet driven shopping world. Purchasing anything irrespective of whether it is made in person from physical stores, via mail or over the internet is always risky. When it comes to art for sale online, it will be more scary for some people, who do not actually have any idea about it. So, it is better to understand how to buy art online in a safe manner so that you can protect your hard-earned money. You will have the wish that your money should reach the artist and his creation should reach you safely. So, here are some tips for making sure that you can get benefited from online art galleries offering paintings for sale:
*It is better to purchase from a website that acts as a link between the creators and the purchasers. There are some websites, wherein artists can register themselves and can upload their creations. This type of website would be safe as the creators themselves would have updated their profiles and their creations in such a way that they can get the payment directly to their PayPal account and they can send their creations to the buyers.
*The reliable online galleries, just act as the link between these two people and so they do not charge any fee from the customers. The customers can directly pay to the PayPal account of the artist and can receive their creations directly from the artists. So, things are open.
*In addition, it would be wise to ensure whether the online stores dealing with paintings for sale have collection under different categories like sculpture, printmaking, photography, painting, mixed media, drawing, digital and collage.
*Check whether the website has a privacy policy page and generally reliable website will have this type of page.
*It is better to make sure whether the website has clear instructions not only for the purchasers, but also for the creators as well. There should be a set of rules for them too for making sure that the goods will be rightly delivered to the purchasers.
*Ensure whether the professional will be making use of a reliable shipping service like FedEx, TNT, UPS or DHL. This will ensure the safety of the art for sale ordered by you.
*When these things are ensured, you can enjoy a convenient purchase from a reliable online gallery.

Discover vast collection of prints, sculptures, photography and Paintings For Sale at http://www.Artorca.com. It is the best place which connects artists and art collectors to sell or buy awesome collections of paintings. For more details about Sell Art Online, visit us

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Berlin Clubs - The Options

Berlin, being the entertainment hub of Germany boosts of many buzzing clubs. The clubs are the center of nightlife in Berlin as they are limitless in what they have to offer revelers. Many partygoers are assured of partying to their thrill when in these clubs and as a result, they remain top in the options for many in Berlin. Both tourists and locals alike are always seen in the clubs. Tourists and visitors in particular like these clubs because they provide them with a platform to socialize with locals and other urbanites in the city. As a result, they throng the major Berlin Clubs. Unlike other cities in the world where clubs have to operate within some limited times, there are no restrictions as to how long parties can go on in Berlin. Thus, you can party as long as you like in Berlin.
In Berlin, you have a wide range of options when it comes to clubs that you can go to. The first option is Berghain. Berghain, known for its hip hop culture is one of the most popular clubs in Berlin. Being located in the Friedrichshain neighborhood of Berlin, the club is easily reachable by most revelers in the city. It is sometimes considered as the most exotic club in Berlin as it plays the best electro and techno music you can find. However, the club has stringent rules at the entrance, but when you manage to get inside; you are assured of a night full of fun. The club normally opens from midnight to when people decide to end the party.
Another option that you have when it comes to Berlin Clubs is Havanna. Those interested in Latino music and styles should consider Havanna as their destination. There, you will find Latin, salsa, soul music and reggae. When you decide that this is the club to party in, you should consider wearing your most fashionable clothes. The club is considered one of the trendiest in Berlin and you should be prepared to look the part. If you are wondering where this club is located, you should not worry about its accessibility. The club is located in the Tempelhof-Schoeneberg area of Berlin. The best thing with this club is that it offers dance lessons one hour before the party starts. At 10 pm, Havanna is usually open.
Lastly, you have the option of going to Kit Kat club. Kit Kat club is one of the most popular Berlin Clubs and is considered to be the fastest growing. Everyday, you will find both locals and tourists thronging this club. The reason why many people like this club is because it plays a wide range of music. You will find music such as trance, house music, techno and electro.

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The Difference Between Creative Writing and Review Writing

Introducing Creative Writing
One of the major notions attached to the Supernatural Being, who is associated with making the world, is the ability to produce something out of nothingness. Literarily, creative writing is regarded as a unique world of its own, which is created by an author out of nothing else but imagination. And this is where creative writers are likened to God, the Creator. This 'world' created by an author may only exist in three forms: drama, poetry, story (both the long and the short genres). On that note, the other name for creative writing becomes fiction. Strictly speaking, creative writing is purely that writing which is produced only from imagination. And it is created without a template, so to say. The creative creation has no referential object outside of itself. It is an autonomous entity, existing and acting all by itself. Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, for example, is a world of its own where the people of umuofia attend to their daily activities as they think best. Nobody can charge Chinua Achebe with the offence of lying for creating Umuofia that does not exist in reality. On the other hand, review writing is quite unique in its own way and this article shall be explaining that shortly.
What is Review Writing?
The word 'review' says it all. Literally, review means to view again. Going further into the meaning and essence of review shows that reviewers try to explain something; something they have already viewed. They give their own reading of a product, an object, or a material. Giving their own reading entails presenting their own opinion of the object of interest. Most important to this article is the fact that a review cannot be done without a reference to the object or product being reviewed. More appropriately, review belongs to the critical writing family, as against the creative writing genre. Review is not a creative work. It is a critical exercise where an object undergoes a critique. Review is a kind of non-fiction because it presents factual and verifiable information about the product being described. Whether the product is a fictional material such as a short story, or a manufactured product, the information contained in the review should and must be traced back to the object of review. If not, the review becomes baseless and faulty. For example, a review of Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart should try to explain the people of Umuofia, the actions of Okonkwo and his attitude towards life, and any other action contained in the world of the book. And the explanations given should be authenticated by the book itself. If not, that wouldn't be a review of Things Fall Apart.
Conclusion
Writing a review creatively does not change the status of review writing from critical to creative writing, because writing creatively only has to do with the show of expertise displayed in the writing. A review is a critical work which exists solely because it contains verifiable information about and refers adequately to the product being reviewed. But creative writing involves creating an autonomous world which exists on its own without reference to anything outside of itself. On a final note, creative writing is produced out of imagination while review writing is a critical exercise, a critique of a reviewable object.

At http://www.bestgoldenstories.blogspot.com, and http://www.bestgoldenstories.com, I publish on constant basis interesting and captivating stories, plays, and poems.

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7 Reasons Why Rocks Make Great Pets

Have you been feeling lonely lately? Feeling like something is missing from your life? Do you want to adopt a pet, but can't decide what kind? Look no further because I have found the answer to your dilemma!
Enter the Pet Rock.
Why a pet rock, you ask? Well, let me break it down for you.
I have listed the seven reasons below (there may be more) why rocks make amazing pets:
7. You don't need to feed them.
This one is pretty self-explanatory. But if you feel a moral obligation to feed them, you can just grab some leaves or twigs from the yard and your pet rock ( I will call him Larry ) can just munch on them as he pleases.
6. You don't have to clean up after them.
Rocks really don't produce much waste. I say "don't produce much"because depending on the type of rock you choose as a pet, it may erode over time, especially if left outdoors. For example, if you choose a very hard type of rock such as quartz, you should see no waste. Shale, on the other hand, will produce large amounts of waste due to the fact that it can split in layers, thus creating a messy area. Do your research and you should be fine.
5. Rocks are generally quiet.
Rocks usually keep to themselves and don't make any noise. Unless they are with about a million of their friends and they decide to roll down some mountain all willy-nilly. I think the odds of that happening are pretty slim though.
4. You don't need to worry about hiring a pet-sitter when going on vacation.
While your friends are busy trying to find someone to take care of their beloved dog Scruffles and their cat Mr. Tibbles, you can rest easy knowing that your pet rock will be safe and sound at the bottom of your sock drawer. Better yet, just stick him in your pocket and he can come along with you! No special pet carrier or extra carry-on fees.
3. They never get in fights with the other neighborhood pet rocks.
You will be pretty amazed at how docile rocks can be. If your pet rock happens to come into contact with a neighbor's pet rock, DO NOT PANIC! Rocks, when placed in a situation where they feel threatened, will "play dead" to ensure their survival. This is where the owner (you) picks up their rock and takes it out of any perceived harm's way.
2. They won't get jealous when you bring a new baby into the family.
Unlike cats or dogs, rocks won't sulk, pout, or urinate on your favorite pair of Manolo Blahniks when you introduce the newest member of your family. No, they will behave like little angels, watching over your little angel.
And the number ONE reason why rocks make great pets:
They are FREE!!
You don't need to spend money on food, vitamins, supplements, shots, deworming, delousing, treats or toys. No doggie day care bills, no $7.99 monthly payments to Fingerhut for Fluffy's kitty condo. You won't spend a dime on shampoo, flea treatments, grooming or that sparkly pink (real) diamond studded collar for your miniature labradoodle named Princess.
There.
Ready to go out and find your new pet rock? No?
You are gonna get that iguana instead?
I give up.

http://www.squishingsquashes.com

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The Impact of Paul Cezanne's Work on Impressionist Art

The bridge from Impressionism to Cubism goes squarely through the work of the French painter Paul Cezanne. His works transformed the entire conception of the practice of art as painters saw it in the 1800's to its twentieth century form. Both Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse referred to Cezanne as "the father of us all." With his hallmark use of repetitive brushstrokes that are small in size and combine to create complex fields that feature planes of colour, his works show the intensity of the study of his subjects.
Cezanne himself dabbled in Impressionism while he was in Provence and Paris, from 1870 to 1878. The painter Camille Pissarro lived in Pontoise, and he would paint landscapes with Cezanne, who referred to Pissarro as "God the Father." Pissarro influenced Cezanne to move away from dark colours, and his canvases brightened significantly. Cezanne exhibited works in the first and third Impressionist shows, in 1874 and 1877 respectively. However, the reviews his works received contained outrage, sarcasm and levity instead of serious regard. As a result, Cezanne would refuse to enter a show for more than a decade after.
One example is from Louis Leroy's review of Cezanne's portrait of art collector Victor Chocquet: "This peculiar looking head, the colour of an old boot might give [a pregnant woman] a shock and cause yellow fever in the fruit of her womb before its entry into the world."
In 1882 and 1883, he painted with Impressionist titans Renoir and Monet. One point of departure between Cezanne and the mainstream Impressionists was that he felt they had wandered away from one of the grand traditions of art: a composition with structure in which the artist refines and balances the visual factors so that they work harmoniously with one another. Because the Impressionists had to paint so quickly to grab the ephemeral effects of conditions of the atmosphere.
Instead, Cezanne sought to create paintings with compositions featuring tight organization, so that Impressionist paintings could become "solid and durable, like the art of the museums."
He referred to his own works as "constructions after nature" that translated elements from the real world into colours and shapes appearing on a two-dimensional canvas. By abstracting and structuring his paintings with a careful colour, he pushed art away form representation and toward the insurrection that would become Cubism.
Works like "The Chateau at Medan," an oil work that Cezanne finished in 1880, show the coming transition. The brushstrokes on the one hand reflect the demands of Impressionism, showing the view that comes through a quick look at a particular time of day than a more permanent image. However, the brushstrokes look more solid than those of Monet, Renoir and Cezanne's other Impressionist peers. The solid colour panes that appear behind the brushstrokes are what give his paintings their solidity.
Because he insisted on maintaining that solidity, shifting the modes of representation meant that the images would have to find a way to enter the third dimension, which is why Cezanne's paintings served as a premonition of the more overtly Cubist visions of Braque and Picasso. Watching the transitions in Cezanne's own work prefigures the shifts in the art world at large.

Gavin Mann
http://www.artworldexhibits.com/
At Art World Exhibits we bring you only the finest collection of oils, watercolours, prints, digital, mixed media art and sculptures. We have some amazing artists with more joining soon! Feel free to visit us at the above link whether you're looking for great art to purchase or you wish to come on board and display your own artwork to sell.

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Not All Soulmates Are Human

Soulmates come in many different shapes and sizes. We have soulmate relationships with romantic partners, as well as friends, family, work mates and at times, even our enemies. Not all soulmates are human. Anyone who has ever truly loved a pet will confirm that these special animals are one of their soulmates. When someone has that special intimate soulmate connection to their pet, they very often believe they have touched the hand of the Divine, personally within their lives.
The one thing that can be said about these special pets is that their love is constant.

Constant: not changing or varying; continuing without pause or letup; unceasing; faithful; unswerving in love, devotion; resolute - something that does not or cannot change or vary.

There are countless stories about people who find the ultimate soulmate connection with the animals they love and nurture. The pets they tend and care for love them without any condition attached to that love. They know that no matter what, Mommy or Daddy will feed them, soothe them, care for them, play with them and love them. Our pets look at us with a complete knowing that we are there for them. They love us and they trust us... even when we have failed them. They provide so much joy, laughter and pleasure in our lives and they do it simply because they love us. They make us happy because they love to see us happy. Pet soulmates bring us joy because they want us to be joyful. And when we are sad and out of tune with life, they know, and they try to heal us and lift us up back into the balance of contentment. When you suffer, they suffer with you, as they try to remove the suffering, or even illness, from your life and take it upon themselves.
There are many pets who get separated from their owners for one reason or another or who simply get lost. There are stories of cats and dogs who have found their way home, to their people. How do they do that? How can they find their way, at times, across hundreds or thousands of miles, to the place where they belong. The soulmate connection between people and their pets works the same way as it does with human connections. Animals find their way home through their etheric connection to their person, who may very well be calling out to them telepathically, or crying out to them in grief and despair at the thought of losing them.
There are some who may argue this because they say that animals don't have souls. We disagree with that. There is no way you can look into the eyes of your dog or cat and not sense the infinite dimension of the soul that most assuredly resides behind those wise and loving eyes. In some ways they are all-seeing, in some ways they seem all-knowing. And no matter what you do, they forgive you time and time again when you may be irritated with them, forget to feed or water them or not have time to stroke and pet them. Even when we let them down, as we can get wrapped up in the demands of our physical world, they never seem to let us down when we call out to them for comfort. Furthermore, if Heaven is to be a place without pets, or any type of animal, we sure as hell would not want to be there!
When we lose a pet soulmate, it can be one of the most devastating experiences we have to endure, and truly one of the dark nights of the soul that we must experience on the earthly plane. When we love and cherish something so much, it reasons to say that we will be devastated when it is no longer in our lives. We very often have to make tough decisions for them, allowing them to be released from earthbound pain, disease and suffering they experience as they get older, and even when they are still young. When we do this for them it is part of our soulmate contract and agreement with them, that we will not allow them to hurt or suffer as long as they are in our care, and they very often communicate that to us through their eyes, which for them as well, is the window to their soul.
Nothing can replace a lost pet soulmate. We can run out and find other animals to bring home and form close bonds with, but the loss of a true pet soulmate, can be heart-breaking, even many years after they cross the rainbow bridge. You still see them out of the corner of your eye, sitting in their favorite spot, walking through the room or down the stairs. You still call out to them expecting them to come running when they hear your voice. You still miss them. You still yearn for them. You still love them. And when it is your turn to transition from this world to the next, they will be there, eagerly waiting for you, wagging tails or purring. And as they leap into your arms you feel joy and your heart again bursts with love.

Perhaps they are not the stars,But rather openings in heaven
Where the love of our lost ones
Pours through and shines down
Upon us to let us knowThey are happy.
Inspired by an Eskimo legend

About the Author
Sophia Elise is a relationship life coach and transformational psychic specializing in soulmate and twinflame relationships. Known for her accuracy, integrity and easy flowing delivery she will direct you to the right path for the evolution of your life and your relationships. Visit her at http://www.soulmatereading.com

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Sub-Contractor or Employee - Can You Tell the Difference?

In recent months, several clients have asked me to draft agreements between them and their sub-contractors - and this got me thinking about the fine line that can sometimes exist between being a sub-contractor and being an employee.
Background
As most people know, even when a sub-contractor acts through a limited company or is clearly described in the contract as a 'self-employed contractor', there's still a danger that HMRC will see them as an employee. This means that the fees paid to the 'sub-contractor' could be regarded as net salary, in which case the 'employer' would be required to gross this up and pay HMRC the income tax and National Insurance due on the net sum.
On top of the salary issue, there's also the matter of protected rights for the 'employee', which could potentially lead to their entitlement to redundancy payments or compensation for unfair dismissal, should their services be dispensed with in the future. They may even be entitled to other benefits which are available to the organisation's actual employees - such as holiday and sickness pay.
So how can you tell if your sub-contractor is, in fact, an employee in the eyes of HMRC? Here are some of my thoughts on the issues to consider if you're to avoid the risk of your sub-contractors being deemed employees.
How do you and your sub-contractor work together?
If you're asking them to work set hours, giving them the tools and equipment they need to do the job, providing an office for them and controlling their activities, then they're starting to look very much like an employee.
On the other hand, if you've sub-contracted a specific piece of work to a third party for a set fee and then simply let them get on with it, then it looks like you're genuinely working with a sub-contractor.
Of course, the work they do will still be subject to the confines of a brief and they'll be bound by contractual obligations such as completion deadlines and quality standards. But the crux of the matter is that they'll be working independently - under their own banner as it were, rather than that of your company.
How many clients do they have?
Consider the difference between someone who provides an organisation with their services on a retained basis for a few days a month, but who works for several other clients as well, with someone who only works for one client.
It's easy to see how, in the latter case, a sub-contractor could be viewed as an employee by HMRC.
Does the agreement sound like a contract of employment?
When drafting an agreement with a sub-contractor, it's important to avoid using terms that are associated with employees, such as 'salary', 'holiday', and 'gross misconduct'.
Whilst it's OK to specify the name of the individual you wish to do the work, the contract should make it clear that the sub-contractor can send a suitable substitute employee to do the work if necessary. It should also make it clear that the sub-contractor is free to work for other clients, provided there's no conflict of interest with your firm.
Are they responsible for their own actions?
As an employer, you're responsible for the actions of your staff, who would be covered by your company's insurance policies for public and professional liability and so on. You would also have certain rights over the intellectual property (IP) created during the course of their employment.
However, in a genuine sub-contracting situation, whilst you will almost certainly still be liable to your client for your sub-contractor's inadequacies, your sub-contractor would have its own insurance arrangements in place. The ownership of any IP produced by the sub-contractor would need to be clarified within the contract, as would the treatment of any confidential information.
Other things to consider
The sub-contractor/employee issue isn't the only thing to consider when drafting agreements with third parties. You'll also need to cover all the usual things, such as quality of work and how this will be controlled; your right to cancellation/non-payment in the event of substandard work; and the sub-contractor's obligations to you after termination.

Margaret Burrell of Contract Clarity is a Commercial Contracts Specialist who has 30 years' experience within blue-chip companies and Private Practice.
Margaret has a pragmatic approach to drafting legal documentation. She combines this with a thorough understanding of business and a passion for structuring and simplifying sometimes complex commercial agreements.
Whilst she can speak 'legal-ese', she knows you'd rather have agreements in English. Accordingly, she drafts effective contracts/terms of sale/terms and conditions in plain English, making them shorter and easier to understand. From experience, she knows that understandable agreements are more likely to be used.
Margaret also believes that contract negotiation does not have to be an exercise in 'one-upmanship' - and has worked collaboratively with several organisations to create documents which are fair and reasonable to all the parties concerned.
For more information, please refer to http://www.contractclarity.co.uk, where you can also find further articles and testimonials from recent clients.

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Sub-Contractor or Employee - Can You Tell the Difference?

In recent months, several clients have asked me to draft agreements between them and their sub-contractors - and this got me thinking about the fine line that can sometimes exist between being a sub-contractor and being an employee.
Background
As most people know, even when a sub-contractor acts through a limited company or is clearly described in the contract as a 'self-employed contractor', there's still a danger that HMRC will see them as an employee. This means that the fees paid to the 'sub-contractor' could be regarded as net salary, in which case the 'employer' would be required to gross this up and pay HMRC the income tax and National Insurance due on the net sum.
On top of the salary issue, there's also the matter of protected rights for the 'employee', which could potentially lead to their entitlement to redundancy payments or compensation for unfair dismissal, should their services be dispensed with in the future. They may even be entitled to other benefits which are available to the organisation's actual employees - such as holiday and sickness pay.
So how can you tell if your sub-contractor is, in fact, an employee in the eyes of HMRC? Here are some of my thoughts on the issues to consider if you're to avoid the risk of your sub-contractors being deemed employees.
How do you and your sub-contractor work together?
If you're asking them to work set hours, giving them the tools and equipment they need to do the job, providing an office for them and controlling their activities, then they're starting to look very much like an employee.
On the other hand, if you've sub-contracted a specific piece of work to a third party for a set fee and then simply let them get on with it, then it looks like you're genuinely working with a sub-contractor.
Of course, the work they do will still be subject to the confines of a brief and they'll be bound by contractual obligations such as completion deadlines and quality standards. But the crux of the matter is that they'll be working independently - under their own banner as it were, rather than that of your company.
How many clients do they have?
Consider the difference between someone who provides an organisation with their services on a retained basis for a few days a month, but who works for several other clients as well, with someone who only works for one client.
It's easy to see how, in the latter case, a sub-contractor could be viewed as an employee by HMRC.
Does the agreement sound like a contract of employment?
When drafting an agreement with a sub-contractor, it's important to avoid using terms that are associated with employees, such as 'salary', 'holiday', and 'gross misconduct'.
Whilst it's OK to specify the name of the individual you wish to do the work, the contract should make it clear that the sub-contractor can send a suitable substitute employee to do the work if necessary. It should also make it clear that the sub-contractor is free to work for other clients, provided there's no conflict of interest with your firm.
Are they responsible for their own actions?
As an employer, you're responsible for the actions of your staff, who would be covered by your company's insurance policies for public and professional liability and so on. You would also have certain rights over the intellectual property (IP) created during the course of their employment.
However, in a genuine sub-contracting situation, whilst you will almost certainly still be liable to your client for your sub-contractor's inadequacies, your sub-contractor would have its own insurance arrangements in place. The ownership of any IP produced by the sub-contractor would need to be clarified within the contract, as would the treatment of any confidential information.
Other things to consider
The sub-contractor/employee issue isn't the only thing to consider when drafting agreements with third parties. You'll also need to cover all the usual things, such as quality of work and how this will be controlled; your right to cancellation/non-payment in the event of substandard work; and the sub-contractor's obligations to you after termination.

Margaret Burrell of Contract Clarity is a Commercial Contracts Specialist who has 30 years' experience within blue-chip companies and Private Practice.
Margaret has a pragmatic approach to drafting legal documentation. She combines this with a thorough understanding of business and a passion for structuring and simplifying sometimes complex commercial agreements.
Whilst she can speak 'legal-ese', she knows you'd rather have agreements in English. Accordingly, she drafts effective contracts/terms of sale/terms and conditions in plain English, making them shorter and easier to understand. From experience, she knows that understandable agreements are more likely to be used.
Margaret also believes that contract negotiation does not have to be an exercise in 'one-upmanship' - and has worked collaboratively with several organisations to create documents which are fair and reasonable to all the parties concerned.
For more information, please refer to http://www.contractclarity.co.uk, where you can also find further articles and testimonials from recent clients.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Margaret_Burrell

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8081727

How To Safely Buy Art Online?

You might have come across the old saying 'buyer beware', but this term is taking a new meaning in the current internet driven shopping world. Purchasing anything irrespective of whether it is made in person from physical stores, via mail or over the internet is always risky. When it comes to art for sale online, it will be more scary for some people, who do not actually have any idea about it. So, it is better to understand how to buy art online in a safe manner so that you can protect your hard-earned money. You will have the wish that your money should reach the artist and his creation should reach you safely. So, here are some tips for making sure that you can get benefited from online art galleries offering paintings for sale:
*It is better to purchase from a website that acts as a link between the creators and the purchasers. There are some websites, wherein artists can register themselves and can upload their creations. This type of website would be safe as the creators themselves would have updated their profiles and their creations in such a way that they can get the payment directly to their PayPal account and they can send their creations to the buyers.
*The reliable online galleries, just act as the link between these two people and so they do not charge any fee from the customers. The customers can directly pay to the PayPal account of the artist and can receive their creations directly from the artists. So, things are open.
*In addition, it would be wise to ensure whether the online stores dealing with paintings for sale have collection under different categories like sculpture, printmaking, photography, painting, mixed media, drawing, digital and collage.
*Check whether the website has a privacy policy page and generally reliable website will have this type of page.
*It is better to make sure whether the website has clear instructions not only for the purchasers, but also for the creators as well. There should be a set of rules for them too for making sure that the goods will be rightly delivered to the purchasers.
*Ensure whether the professional will be making use of a reliable shipping service like FedEx, TNT, UPS or DHL. This will ensure the safety of the art for sale ordered by you.
*When these things are ensured, you can enjoy a convenient purchase from a reliable online gallery.

Discover vast collection of prints, sculptures, photography and Paintings For Sale at http://www.Artorca.com. It is the best place which connects artists and art collectors to sell or buy awesome collections of paintings. For more details about Sell Art Online, visit us

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fred_Mintt

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8076047

The Depiction of the Black Woman

Saturday Night Live is a perfect example of how the world perceives African-American women. African-American women never played a prominent role in society. Yes, of course, some of us are moving forward and being accepted, yet, many of us are still moving backwards.
African-American women have been expurgated from television, films, magazines and many other places. They have been degraded, stereotyped, restricted and used as sex objects viewed through the lens of slavery. Saturday Night Live has had only four black women cast members in the 38-year history of the show. Instead, they rather have a black man portray a black woman as we have seen with Flip Wilson and now Tyler Perry. In defending their choices, Kenan Thompson's stated, "Saturday Night Live has no black female cast members because qualified black female comedians just aren't out there." That is a sad excuse. Yes, we do have qualified black comediennes, but as always, our abilities are measured on the white man's standards. To quench the rage about lack of diversity, they bring in Kerry Washington, which sends the wrong message and still does not solve the problem. This move will never cover up the truth. They need to write and create roles for African- Americans and other people of color. Their definition of qualify takes me back to the Civil Rights Movement. The ugly head of racial segregation and discrimination is recurring again.
What qualify means in the white world is not same in the black world. In our world qualification means educated, gifted and ready to take a giant step ahead to make it. It is good that black women have alternative routes from cable to internet; however, we have to stand up, voice our concerns and show that we are black and proud. It is time to change the tone in this country, especially for African-American children who are confused and troubled from listening and seeing mix messages about their identity.
There are still prevailing questions to be answered. Are African-American women unattractive? Is our skin too black and rough and not like milk and honey? Is it because the texture of our hair that we have camouflaged for so many years with hair weaves and wigs to emulate the white woman in order to be accepted? Too long we have worn the mask. I am not trying to be derogatory but real. I no longer see a reflection in the mirror, I see the true me, free from within myself.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandra_M_Reed

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8075519

Why US iTunes Store Is Better Than International iTunes Stores

We have received a number of inquiries on iTunes stores and their offers, the differences between US store and international stores. Hoping to share our knowledge/ thoughts and answer some of your questions, we have decided to create this entry. It contains our current understanding and, by no means, completely explains the differences among US and international stores. Therefore, we welcome and would encourage you to share your thoughts!
Why iTunes?
iTunes store is known as the largest online store for entertainment content. It has everything you need to be entertained. Here you can find millions of songs and music videos, thousands of movies to buy or rent, thousands of TV shows, hundreds of thousands of apps and games, and thousands of bestselling books, and audio-books. Lastly, iTunes U contains many lectures and videos from top universities, museums and other cultural institutions. Many of these items are sold on iTunes before they are released elsewhere. This makes the store a perfect place to listen, watch, read, play, explore and shop.
Why US iTunes store is better than international iTunes stores
Through our research, we are aware that the content of international iTunes stores is not similar to that of US store. Depending on policy of each country, certain categories which are sold in US iTunes store are not available. Even if the song/music video/movie/TV show is available, its content may not be the same. For example, one of our customers from Singapore has told us that songs, music videos, and movies in Singapore store are not as original as the one from US store (i.e. the content is censored).
Pricing is another point of difference, depending on current exchange and Apple's pricing policy in a certain country. In the below charts, you can see that apps and music are cheaper in US iTunes store compared to those in other international iTunes stores.
Indeed, many of our customers from Australia told us that they shop in US store because price here is lower than that in Australian store. We would love to hear from you if you find different prices in your country.
Additionally, US iTunes store is usually the place where new songs/movies/TV shows/apps/games/books are released first. You can easily find movies that are sold in US store even before they are shown in US movie theaters. You can also now pre-order single/albums, which means that they are not released in the US yet. TV shows in US iTunes store are often sold one day after they are aired on US television. Many apps and games are also released firstly in US store before they are in international stores. In general, if you want the get access to the latest digital content before everyone else, US store is the place!
How to access US iTunes store?
To access US store, you need to own a US iTunes account and have enough credit balance in your account to buy digital content that is not free. iTunes gift cards are means to increase the credit balance in your iTunes account.

To create a US iTunes account, please follow the instructions in this blog entry: Create a US iTunes account
To redeem a US iTunes gift card, please follow the instructions in this blog entry: Redeem US iTunes gift card
For many of you who do not reside in the US and do not own a US credit card, while it is easy to create a US iTunes account, it is not possible to buy US iTunes gift cards. In case you need US iTunes credit and don't reside in the US, check out our collection of US iTunes Gift Cards.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leah_Tripodi

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8078785

Adults Can Play Dress-Up At Costume Shops

You probably remember how much fun you had pretending and playing dress-up as a child. It doesn't matter if you used to don a Darth Vader helmet or a princess dress. There is always something exhilarating about stepping outside of yourself and pretending to be a magical character. Have you ever spent an afternoon at one of your local costume shops? It is just as fun as an adult to spend hours trying on outfits and assuming different roles.
Everyone should have at least one silly outfit hanging the back of their closet. It doesn't have to be something completely outrageous, either. It is just good to have a mask or some distinct accessories that you can pair with other clothing items to make a great getup for a party or a street festival. If you don't have the things for such an outfit, it is time to visit one of the local costume shops.
Hopefully, you have a store nearby that is open all year-round. As you may expect, some costume shops are only open seasonally. They pull in most of their revenue in the fall around Halloween. Then, there are some stores that open up around holidays like St. Patrick's Day and Mardi Gras. People definitely like to dress festively for these occasions. If you have a college or a burgeoning film industry in your area, it is likely that there are at least a few costume shops that stay open all the time. Besides catering to random folks needing outfits for parties and holidays, these businesses help production companies dress the actors and actresses that stay in town to be part of different television shows and movies.
As you are exploring one of these stores, think about your favorite characters past and present. You will have a lot of different outfits to choose from, and you can probably find a way to dress like just about anyone or anything. If you can't find exactly what you want, ask the costume shop's owner to help you. This person will know just what kind of wig or prop that will really put the finishing touches on your look.
Choose your outfit wisely. You will probably end up wearing for this same outfit for several Halloweens down the road. Make sure you are fully committed to this character. More importantly though, have fun with this alternative look. This is your chance to play dress-up and act as silly as you want. Take advantage of these chances to escape from reality.

Be who you want to be. Read more about New Orleans costume shops at: http://sccnola.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anders_Abadie

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8082529

Great Amenities in Pet Friendly Hotels

Many travelers don't want to leave home without their beloved pets, so they will make sure they stay in pet friendly hotels. More and more, companies are realizing the increased popularity of allowing dogs and cats, and are even offering special amenities to attract new guests. Here are some of the more common ones that you may find on your next trip with your four-legged family member.
There are several pet friendly hotels that will provide a special welcome gift for not only you, but your companion as well. This makes a great first impression, showing how committed they are to the comfort of all their guests, whether they are human or otherwise. These gifts can include packaged treats presented in a bag with a personalized tag and a bow, portable water bowls, and chew toys. Guests appreciate these types of gestures and will be much more likely to stay there again on a future trip.
When you are choosing pet friendly hotels, you may find one that offers a bed for your dog or cat. Traveling is not only tough on humans, but on animals as well. Everybody is going to be tuckered out once they get off the road. Even animals that are used to traveling are always affected by the change in routine, as well as the new sights and sounds. It can also be a hassle packing a bed, especially when room is already tight in your vehicle. Try to find accommodations that include not only a comfortable bed for you, but one for your beloved companion as well.
All pet friendly hotels should have some sort of designated area for your dog to walk and go to the bathroom. They should also have bags and ample garbage receptacles so that you can pick up after them. This area needs to be clearly marked and located away from any busy streets or highway off-ramps nearby. Some places will also have fenced-off areas where your dog can get some exercise without you having to worry about them running away.
You will even find some establishments that offer special concierge services for cats and dogs. These establishments want to make sure that humans and non-humans alike have a five-star experience. In the same vein, many pet friendly hotels also offer several on-site services. While you won't be able to keep yours in the room unattended, you may be able to find someone who will dog- or cat-sit while you're gone. They can walk dogs, make sure food and water bowls are filled, change litter boxes, and much more.

Searching for pet friendly hotels? Oregon coast visitors can stay with their furry friends at McMenamins. For more information, visit: http://www.mcmenamins.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anders_Abadie

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8084775

The Depiction of the Black Woman

Saturday Night Live is a perfect example of how the world perceives African-American women. African-American women never played a prominent role in society. Yes, of course, some of us are moving forward and being accepted, yet, many of us are still moving backwards.
African-American women have been expurgated from television, films, magazines and many other places. They have been degraded, stereotyped, restricted and used as sex objects viewed through the lens of slavery. Saturday Night Live has had only four black women cast members in the 38-year history of the show. Instead, they rather have a black man portray a black woman as we have seen with Flip Wilson and now Tyler Perry. In defending their choices, Kenan Thompson's stated, "Saturday Night Live has no black female cast members because qualified black female comedians just aren't out there." That is a sad excuse. Yes, we do have qualified black comediennes, but as always, our abilities are measured on the white man's standards. To quench the rage about lack of diversity, they bring in Kerry Washington, which sends the wrong message and still does not solve the problem. This move will never cover up the truth. They need to write and create roles for African- Americans and other people of color. Their definition of qualify takes me back to the Civil Rights Movement. The ugly head of racial segregation and discrimination is recurring again.
What qualify means in the white world is not same in the black world. In our world qualification means educated, gifted and ready to take a giant step ahead to make it. It is good that black women have alternative routes from cable to internet; however, we have to stand up, voice our concerns and show that we are black and proud. It is time to change the tone in this country, especially for African-American children who are confused and troubled from listening and seeing mix messages about their identity.
There are still prevailing questions to be answered. Are African-American women unattractive? Is our skin too black and rough and not like milk and honey? Is it because the texture of our hair that we have camouflaged for so many years with hair weaves and wigs to emulate the white woman in order to be accepted? Too long we have worn the mask. I am not trying to be derogatory but real. I no longer see a reflection in the mirror, I see the true me, free from within myself.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandra_M_Reed

How To Safely Buy Art Online?

You might have come across the old saying 'buyer beware', but this term is taking a new meaning in the current internet driven shopping world. Purchasing anything irrespective of whether it is made in person from physical stores, via mail or over the internet is always risky. When it comes to art for sale online, it will be more scary for some people, who do not actually have any idea about it. So, it is better to understand how to buy art online in a safe manner so that you can protect your hard-earned money. You will have the wish that your money should reach the artist and his creation should reach you safely. So, here are some tips for making sure that you can get benefited from online art galleries offering paintings for sale:
*It is better to purchase from a website that acts as a link between the creators and the purchasers. There are some websites, wherein artists can register themselves and can upload their creations. This type of website would be safe as the creators themselves would have updated their profiles and their creations in such a way that they can get the payment directly to their PayPal account and they can send their creations to the buyers.
*The reliable online galleries, just act as the link between these two people and so they do not charge any fee from the customers. The customers can directly pay to the PayPal account of the artist and can receive their creations directly from the artists. So, things are open.
*In addition, it would be wise to ensure whether the online stores dealing with paintings for sale have collection under different categories like sculpture, printmaking, photography, painting, mixed media, drawing, digital and collage.
*Check whether the website has a privacy policy page and generally reliable website will have this type of page.
*It is better to make sure whether the website has clear instructions not only for the purchasers, but also for the creators as well. There should be a set of rules for them too for making sure that the goods will be rightly delivered to the purchasers.
*Ensure whether the professional will be making use of a reliable shipping service like FedEx, TNT, UPS or DHL. This will ensure the safety of the art for sale ordered by you.
*When these things are ensured, you can enjoy a convenient purchase from a reliable online gallery.

Discover vast collection of prints, sculptures, photography and Paintings For Sale at http://www.Artorca.com. It is the best place which connects artists and art collectors to sell or buy awesome collections of paintings. For more details about Sell Art Online, visit us

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fred_Mintt

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8076047

How To Create a Promotional Video

With the help of the internet companies managed to increase their audience by trading on a global scale using a website, online marketing, social media and blogs to create online brand awareness.
In recent years this has been taken one step further after the introduction of YouTube in 2005, which saw millions of people and companies using this video blog channel to promote themselves.
Companies turned to promotional videos as an effort to increase their brand visibility using a different avenue. With video production costs being affordable with the right budget, video can not only promote businesses but increase sales turnover, by reaching a larger audience that wouldn't normally read blogs or visit the company website.
There are steps that need to be taken to create a good promotional video that will stand out and draw the followers that you want. As a company, you don't want to waste your efforts promotion to the wrong audience, you want your target audience to watch the video, want the product or services and buy the items.
The first step to any promotional video is to determine the video production costs and set up a budget for the entire production. With most companies setting a marketing budget each month, the production may take more than one month, depending on the size of budget available.
Once the video production costs have been determined, the video will need to be planned. Planning a video isn't only a vision on how the video should look once uploaded and visible to viewers, it should include the cast, the venue and the storyline.
Of course when doing a promotional video, the storyline will be a promotion on the company, what is offered, products and services and contact information. Many companies choose animation to add some fun to the production, while others stay with people to make their statement.
Equipment plays an important role in the production and your overall budget. Purchasing camera equipment can increase the overall video production costs dramatically. Many companies choose to hire a camera technician, someone to film the entire video for them.
The filming process can be a tedious one. In many cases each segment of video is filmed a number of times until it is perfect. With many takes, filming can take a week or more before editing is done.
Editing should be carried out by a video professional, a person that is able to stitch the video together to create a spectacular and professional promotional video that can be uploaded to the internet and increase brand visibility and improve sales.
Editing does take time and should be included in the video production costs. An editor will work their way through the many stages of the video, pour through the takes and then put them together to create a seamless video your company can be proud of.
Once your company is ready to upload the video, marketing needs to be taken into consideration. You want to draw people to your video, you want to increase awareness, improve sales and generate more leads.
Social media, blogs and the company website are all ways to create awareness. The more people that visit the video, the more leads you generate. Using video production software, companies are able to track the number of visitors to their video. Often this software includes reports, enabling managers and directors to determine if the video production costs were well spent and whether their company will benefit from video blogs moving forward.
Online video is in demand, more people are watching video blogs than ever before, which means it's essential for companies to include this in their online marketing campaigns.

Flimp, based in Boston, New York and the UK, is a video multimedia communications and marketing technology company. The platform offered makes it possible to create, distribute and trace flimps, which are video postcards and microsites. The advantage is that there is no IT resources or programming needed. The founders Richard DiBona and Wayne Wall are dedicated to ensuring that everyone can take advantage of turning video files into traceable multimedia which can then be downloaded by the audience with ease with the use of video landing pages, emails and more. http://www.flimp.net/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayn_Wall

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8078742

The Best Place to Exchange Currency

When you are travelling outside your home country you are going to have to exchange your currency for the one that is used in your destination country. It is always a sensible idea to check the exchange rate before you start your trip. This will then give you a general idea of the rate that you should expect to be offered whilst you are away from home.
Be aware that some places that offer currency exchange will quote considerably higher rates than their competitors. This is done to attract the unsuspecting tourist to exchange their money at this particular place. The company will advertise the "buy rate" for your home currency rather than the "sell rate". The "buy rate" is always higher than the "sell rate".
Another tactic that is often used is an advertised rate is higher than those of the local competitors. This rate will only be available for the exchange of large amounts of money. The amount of money to which this rate is applicable will be in the thousands rather than the average amount required by a tourist.
The Best Place to Exchange Currency | Carrying Cash
The simplest form of exchanging currency is to take cash with you on your trip. The main drawback to this is that you will be offered a lower exchange rate then if using "plastic" for your transactions. Many banks will charge the institution that has purchased your foreign currency a variable rate of exchange. The institution is not going to lose money on this type of transaction and will therefore offer you a lower exchange rate. Carrying large amounts of cash has its own dangers, namely that of theft.
Using Travellers Cheques
Traveller's cheques are a convenient way to carry currency. You will be charged a commission for the use of traveller's cheques so it makes sense to compare this commission to any other forms of charges levied on alternative methods of currency exchange when seeking the best place to exchange currency.
Banks do offer the service of being able to buy traveller's cheques in the currency of your destination. There is a drawback to this because you are pre-purchasing the currency at the rate that is offered at the time you buy them. Should the currency rate rise during your trip, you have already purchased and cannot take advantage of the increased rate. It is wise to seek financial advice, when searching for the best place to exchange currency.
Credit Cards and Debit Cards
Without a doubt the best place to exchange currency is by using a credit or debit card whilst on a trip. It is the safest way to withdraw local currency by using a cash machine. The rate that is offered through a cash machine (ATM) will usually be between two percent and seven percent higher than when you exchange cash or traveller's cheques. The ATM will advise you of the exchange rate that is being offered and any other charges that are applicable before you complete the transaction. This gives you the choice of whether or not to accept the rate that is being offered.
It is more advantageous to use a credit or debit card to pay for large purchases such as hotel bills or car hire. You must remember that almost all credit card companies will make a conversion charge for payments made in a foreign currency.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Berco

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8072975

The Impact of Paul Cezanne's Work on Impressionist Art

The bridge from Impressionism to Cubism goes squarely through the work of the French painter Paul Cezanne. His works transformed the entire conception of the practice of art as painters saw it in the 1800's to its twentieth century form. Both Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse referred to Cezanne as "the father of us all." With his hallmark use of repetitive brushstrokes that are small in size and combine to create complex fields that feature planes of colour, his works show the intensity of the study of his subjects.
Cezanne himself dabbled in Impressionism while he was in Provence and Paris, from 1870 to 1878. The painter Camille Pissarro lived in Pontoise, and he would paint landscapes with Cezanne, who referred to Pissarro as "God the Father." Pissarro influenced Cezanne to move away from dark colours, and his canvases brightened significantly. Cezanne exhibited works in the first and third Impressionist shows, in 1874 and 1877 respectively. However, the reviews his works received contained outrage, sarcasm and levity instead of serious regard. As a result, Cezanne would refuse to enter a show for more than a decade after.
One example is from Louis Leroy's review of Cezanne's portrait of art collector Victor Chocquet: "This peculiar looking head, the colour of an old boot might give [a pregnant woman] a shock and cause yellow fever in the fruit of her womb before its entry into the world."
In 1882 and 1883, he painted with Impressionist titans Renoir and Monet. One point of departure between Cezanne and the mainstream Impressionists was that he felt they had wandered away from one of the grand traditions of art: a composition with structure in which the artist refines and balances the visual factors so that they work harmoniously with one another. Because the Impressionists had to paint so quickly to grab the ephemeral effects of conditions of the atmosphere.
Instead, Cezanne sought to create paintings with compositions featuring tight organization, so that Impressionist paintings could become "solid and durable, like the art of the museums."
He referred to his own works as "constructions after nature" that translated elements from the real world into colours and shapes appearing on a two-dimensional canvas. By abstracting and structuring his paintings with a careful colour, he pushed art away form representation and toward the insurrection that would become Cubism.
Works like "The Chateau at Medan," an oil work that Cezanne finished in 1880, show the coming transition. The brushstrokes on the one hand reflect the demands of Impressionism, showing the view that comes through a quick look at a particular time of day than a more permanent image. However, the brushstrokes look more solid than those of Monet, Renoir and Cezanne's other Impressionist peers. The solid colour panes that appear behind the brushstrokes are what give his paintings their solidity.
Because he insisted on maintaining that solidity, shifting the modes of representation meant that the images would have to find a way to enter the third dimension, which is why Cezanne's paintings served as a premonition of the more overtly Cubist visions of Braque and Picasso. Watching the transitions in Cezanne's own work prefigures the shifts in the art world at large.

Gavin Mann
http://www.artworldexhibits.com/
At Art World Exhibits we bring you only the finest collection of oils, watercolours, prints, digital, mixed media art and sculptures. We have some amazing artists with more joining soon! Feel free to visit us at the above link whether you're looking for great art to purchase or you wish to come on board and display your own artwork to sell.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gavin_H_Mann

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Not All Soulmates Are Human

Soulmates come in many different shapes and sizes. We have soulmate relationships with romantic partners, as well as friends, family, work mates and at times, even our enemies. Not all soulmates are human. Anyone who has ever truly loved a pet will confirm that these special animals are one of their soulmates. When someone has that special intimate soulmate connection to their pet, they very often believe they have touched the hand of the Divine, personally within their lives.
The one thing that can be said about these special pets is that their love is constant.

Constant: not changing or varying; continuing without pause or letup; unceasing; faithful; unswerving in love, devotion; resolute - something that does not or cannot change or vary.

There are countless stories about people who find the ultimate soulmate connection with the animals they love and nurture. The pets they tend and care for love them without any condition attached to that love. They know that no matter what, Mommy or Daddy will feed them, soothe them, care for them, play with them and love them. Our pets look at us with a complete knowing that we are there for them. They love us and they trust us... even when we have failed them. They provide so much joy, laughter and pleasure in our lives and they do it simply because they love us. They make us happy because they love to see us happy. Pet soulmates bring us joy because they want us to be joyful. And when we are sad and out of tune with life, they know, and they try to heal us and lift us up back into the balance of contentment. When you suffer, they suffer with you, as they try to remove the suffering, or even illness, from your life and take it upon themselves.
There are many pets who get separated from their owners for one reason or another or who simply get lost. There are stories of cats and dogs who have found their way home, to their people. How do they do that? How can they find their way, at times, across hundreds or thousands of miles, to the place where they belong. The soulmate connection between people and their pets works the same way as it does with human connections. Animals find their way home through their etheric connection to their person, who may very well be calling out to them telepathically, or crying out to them in grief and despair at the thought of losing them.
There are some who may argue this because they say that animals don't have souls. We disagree with that. There is no way you can look into the eyes of your dog or cat and not sense the infinite dimension of the soul that most assuredly resides behind those wise and loving eyes. In some ways they are all-seeing, in some ways they seem all-knowing. And no matter what you do, they forgive you time and time again when you may be irritated with them, forget to feed or water them or not have time to stroke and pet them. Even when we let them down, as we can get wrapped up in the demands of our physical world, they never seem to let us down when we call out to them for comfort. Furthermore, if Heaven is to be a place without pets, or any type of animal, we sure as hell would not want to be there!
When we lose a pet soulmate, it can be one of the most devastating experiences we have to endure, and truly one of the dark nights of the soul that we must experience on the earthly plane. When we love and cherish something so much, it reasons to say that we will be devastated when it is no longer in our lives. We very often have to make tough decisions for them, allowing them to be released from earthbound pain, disease and suffering they experience as they get older, and even when they are still young. When we do this for them it is part of our soulmate contract and agreement with them, that we will not allow them to hurt or suffer as long as they are in our care, and they very often communicate that to us through their eyes, which for them as well, is the window to their soul.
Nothing can replace a lost pet soulmate. We can run out and find other animals to bring home and form close bonds with, but the loss of a true pet soulmate, can be heart-breaking, even many years after they cross the rainbow bridge. You still see them out of the corner of your eye, sitting in their favorite spot, walking through the room or down the stairs. You still call out to them expecting them to come running when they hear your voice. You still miss them. You still yearn for them. You still love them. And when it is your turn to transition from this world to the next, they will be there, eagerly waiting for you, wagging tails or purring. And as they leap into your arms you feel joy and your heart again bursts with love.

Perhaps they are not the stars,But rather openings in heaven
Where the love of our lost ones
Pours through and shines down
Upon us to let us knowThey are happy.
Inspired by an Eskimo legend

About the Author
Sophia Elise is a relationship life coach and transformational psychic specializing in soulmate and twinflame relationships. Known for her accuracy, integrity and easy flowing delivery she will direct you to the right path for the evolution of your life and your relationships. Visit her at http://www.soulmatereading.com

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