When machines can write, paint, compose, and even code — what’s left for us?

The answer, surprisingly, is not less creativity. It is more.

Machines Can Imitate. Humans Can Imagine.

AI is impressive, but it does not create in the human sense. It recombines. It mimics. It samples patterns based on what it’s already seen.

You, on the other hand, can imagine something that’s never existed. You can mix emotion, memory, experience, and desire — and turn it into something real.

Why creativity is important in the age of AI is not about competing with machines. It is about doubling down on what machines cannot do — being human, unpredictable, weird, and honest.

The World Is Flooded with Content. Creativity Cuts Through.

In a world where everyone can generate a hundred blog posts in five minutes, what stands out is not speed. It is voice. It is perspective. It is a sentence that makes you pause because no machine would have written it that way.

Creative thinking is not just for artists. It is for:

• Problem solvers

• Entrepreneurs

• Teachers

• Parents

• Coders

• Designers

• Anyone who wants to matter in a noisy world

If your thinking is original, it will carry weight even if AI writes faster than you. If your ideas are flat, it does not matter who types them out.

Creativity Is Thinking for Yourself

At its core, creativity is not just about making stuff. It is about seeing differently. It is about asking questions no one else is asking. It is about not outsourcing your thought process.

In the age of AI, being passive is easy. Let the tool do the work. Let the algorithm think. But if you give that up, you lose your edge. You become predictable — and the machine wins.

To survive and thrive, you need to protect the part of you that still thinks for itself.

Why It Matters More Than Ever

The more the world becomes automated, the more valuable the un-automatable becomes. That includes:

• Creative taste

• Emotional depth

• Intuition

• Judgment

• Point of view

These are hard to copy, and impossible to fully replicate. That’s why creativity is important in the age of AI — because it cannot be mass-produced.

So yes, the AI wave is real. It will change how we work, create, and communicate. But that is not a reason to panic — it is a reason to sharpen what makes you irreplaceable.

Why creativity is important in the age of AI comes down to this: you are not valuable because you can do what the machine does. You are valuable because you can do what it cannot.

That will always matter.

Read more – Tips for Creating a Home Study Room

The post Why Creativity Is Important in the Age of AI appeared first on Weekly Living.

Zines Are Back—and They’re More Important Than Ever

If you’re feeling creatively blocked, burnt out, or just invisible in the chaos of online life, here’s a simple idea with a surprising amount of power: start a zine.

No, you don’t need to be an artist. You don’t need to be a writer. You don’t even need readers.

But if you’ve been searching for real creative outlets for burnout, this is one of the best places to begin.

Starting a zine in 2025 is less about being seen and more about reclaiming your ability to create without permission.

What Even Is a Zine?

A zine (short for “magazine”) is a small, self-published booklet or digital PDF created and distributed by individuals—usually outside traditional publishing. Think of it as a creative sandbox. It can be:

• Collages of things you love

• Essays, rants, lists, or sketches

• Short stories, poems, comics

• Photography, recipes, manifestos

• Literally anything

There are no rules. That’s the point.

Why Start One (Even If No One Reads It)

Zines are a powerful response to burnout. When everything online is driven by likes, shares, algorithms, and monetization, zines give you total freedom. You create for you, not for engagement.

Benefits of starting a zine:

• No gatekeepers — you publish it, you own it

• No pressure to be perfect

• A way to reconnect with your creativity in a low-stakes format

• Physical or digital — both formats work

• Builds discipline and vision without burnout

Most importantly, it’s a private space in a hyper-public world. A zine doesn’t demand constant performance. It’s your pace, your terms.

How to Start a Zine (Step-by-Step)

1. Pick Your Format

• Print: Stapled pages, folded booklets, handmade

• Digital: PDF, email download, Gumroad, or even a Tumblr/Notion zine

Start small: 8–12 pages is more than enough.

2. Choose a Theme or Focus

Zines can be about anything. Pick what feels true to you.
Ideas include:

• “What I Wish I Knew at 22”

• “Photos I Took While Sad”

• “My Recipes for Living Alone”

• “Letters I’ll Never Send”

Keep it real. Keep it specific. You’re not writing for everyone—just for anyone who gets it.

3. Gather or Create Your Content

Use what you already have:

• Old journal entries

• Notes app thoughts

• Doodles, receipts, playlists

• Photos, quotes, rants

You don’t need to generate from scratch. Curate your life like it matters—because it does.

4. Design It Simply

No need for Adobe InDesign. Free tools like Canva, Figma, or even Google Docs can help you format pages, add images, and export as PDF.

Keep the layout consistent but loose. You’re not making a glossy magazine. You’re building a little world.

5. Distribute It (If You Want)

• Print a few copies and leave them at cafes, bookshops, or art spaces

• Share a free PDF download on Instagram or your website

• Email it to friends or strangers who might care

Or don’t share it at all. That’s allowed too.

 How Much Does It Cost?

• Digital: Free to $10 depending on tools used

• Printed: $1–$3 per copy with local printing, depending on size

• Time: 1–5 hours per issue (depending on how deep you go)

It’s affordable, low-risk, and satisfying.

When Not to Start a Zine

If you’re looking for instant fame, virality, or profit — don’t. A zine is not a shortcut to influence. It’s a way to build your creative stamina and express what mainstream platforms don’t allow.

That’s the beauty of it.

Zines are more than cute throwbacks. They’re one of the few remaining creative outlets for burnout that are completely yours. No feed. No likes. No metrics.

Just intention, expression, and maybe a few pages that make someone else feel a little less alone.

If you’re wondering how to start a zine in 2025, the best advice is: stop wondering. Just start. And let the process be enough.

Read more – How to Build Your Child’s College Fund Without Loans

The post How to Start a Zine in 2025 (Even If No One Reads It) appeared first on Weekly Living.

Besides the fact that it is just all around really cool to watch Rodney shred it up on the street, their is truly an artistic approach.  For Example:

360-degree Video

The 360 degrees of visuals really make this performance come to live and gives the viewer the perspective that they were right there with Rodney Mullen.  The short film titled “Liminal” was filmed in Steven Sebring’s revolutionary 360 studio.  According to the description on the Vogue Youtube Video, this is “his first major release of footage in 12 years, including several never seen before moves.”

Black and White Video

Vogue and Rodeny Mullen keep it classy and super sophisticated with the elegant touch (or lack there of) with the super throwback B&W effect.

It’s Rodney Mullen’s New Video!!!

there really isn’t anything that he could do, after a brief public hiatus, that wouldn’t grab our attention.  This video will keep you coming back for more, and you will definitely want to copy the link and share it with your friends!  Stunning!  Classic!  Epic!

Watch Rodney Mullen’s New Video Below:

Signed,

Rick Jeffries

The post Rodney Mullen’s New Skateboarding 360 Video With Vogue appeared first on Weekly Living.

One concept that will be a show-stopper for sure is IKEA’s HACKA, a concept that combines existing IKEA pieces to create a completely awesome and 100% unique kitchen for some lucky owners.

Here are some of the live tweets from the space in #Milan:

Tweets by @IKEAtemporary
cebook and Twitter at @IKEAtemporary

Site:  ikeatemporary.com

“Even more brainpower can only be a good thing. We want your thoughts, opinions and feedback on what we could improve. We believe it’s much better when you tell us how you want to live – and not the other way around. You could say that IKEA has the ingredients – but you have the recipes.”
– Marcus Engman, Design manager, IKEA of Sweden.

The post For The Modern Kitchen: IKEA HACKA appeared first on Weekly Living.

I recently received my Gladiator® GarageWorks locker with my favorite team’s logo and colors (Alabama is my favorite)!  It is so handy and useful to be able to store items in, but is also a great piece for the college fan’s garage or home.

Gladiator GarageWorks has shared an exclusive offer for readers who want to showcase the ultimate team pride! You can get 20% off the new storage systems and free shipping at checkout by entering code PRIMEFAN (valid through 6/30/15).

Here are some ideas of how you can use the locker for yourself:

Ultimately, I chose to put my Alabama locker in my “Man-cave” and will definitely get the thumbs up from all of my friends and family that are college sports fans.

WHAT’S your favorite team and which will you choose?  Find your favorite collegiate team and go ahead and check out PrimeTime™ Lockers for yourself!  It is an amazing gift or centerpiece for any die hard collegiate sports fan, so don’t let this opportunity pass you by!

There are many other popular collegiate teams that Gladiator® GarageWorks offers including: University of Arkansas, Auburn University, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, Michigan State University, University of Notre Dame, University of Oklahoma, Pennsylvania State University, University of South Carolina, University of Texas, Texas A&M University and University of Wisconsin.

For more information and to stay up to date with everything they have going on, be sure to like the official Gladiator® GarageWorks Facebook page!

The post Gladiator® GarageWorks Collegiate Lockers Are Epic! appeared first on Weekly Living.

The restaurant is owned and operated by NY’s very own Salvatore Barretta, who has a great reputation for making some great dishes and happy stomachs!  Initially turned down over a decade ago, due to issues with a liquor license, Barreta didn’t let anything get in his way when establishing this new staple in Downtown Brooklyn.  With its doors open now, and some great food always cooking, don’t be that person under the rock that doesn’t check out one of NY’s newest gems in the food biz!

According to a recent review on the restaurant, on the village voice:

“Every Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m., the restaurant’s happy hour features $2 off all draft beer plus $5 house drinks and $5 house wines. And brunch is available on both Saturdays and Sundays.”

So the next time you are in Brook;yn or New York in general, be sure to stop by this amazing new spot in the most happening city in the world.

For more information and a full menu be sure to visit the official website for Brownstone Bar & Restaurant –brownstoneny.com.

Their Facebook Page and their Twitter @BrownstoneBKNY   are also great places to get new updates!

For inquiries, email us at: info@brownstoneny.com
or call: 917-909-1810
277 Gold Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

The post Brownstone Bar and Restaurant Opens in Downtown Brooklyn, NY appeared first on Weekly Living.

Try to imagine if you were transported into a whole different environment all of a sudden such as a bedroom or a living room with professional actors who were telling you something that you were just suggested by the hypno was real! It would totally be crazy and random if you believed everything they said but hey that is how it goes! It essentially is showing how different people react to all sorts of potential situations from marriage to dealing with their young kids and old kids, and were talking about couples that don’t even have kids or are expecting them! Quite a far stretch for them to suddenly believe all of this stuff but hey it is funny and it is true comedy!

Viral as it may be, we hope this goes even further and truly gets people to question their future and where they want to take it and take it into their own hands! Imagine where you want to be in your future and the situations that you want to deal with and maybe you will find yourself in your own situation, just not under hypno! So as said earlier in this post, check out the below video to get an exact idea of what we are talking about which is a little hard to describe and also check out some of the earlier episodes. Let us know what you think about these funny videos and the whole series at large by interacting with us either in the comments below or through Twitter. I love to talk about some philosophical topics and looking towards the future is always fun to!
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below about this video or tweet me! @JoshBois

Visit the Ikea Time Travel Experiement video directly to watch it: Here

Watch The Official Video Below

The post The Ikea Time Travel Experiment Packs Some Fun appeared first on Weekly Living.

Hmm, how can I spice up my boring office? A fresh coat of color, of course! I took a peek online, searched Pinterest, and finally decided on a chocolate hue for the walls. Only thing that worried me was painting on a textured surface. I’ve always found it difficult to get painter’s tape to stick, even on flat walls.

When hunting for inspiration, I discovered that FrogTape® (the makers of Shape Tape™) has a Textured Surface™ board on Pinterest. You should definitely follow the FrogTape Textured Surface board on Pinterest to get ideas! I headed out to Walmart to pick up supplies. I started to tape off the walls, and realized that this stuff is great! The tape didn’t rip when I went from ceiling to floor, stayed stuck to the wall, and didn’t crease like other tape I’ve used.

I started the first coat, and saw that the paint didn’t leak or bleed under the tape. FrogTape® is treated with patented PaintBlock® Technology, a super absorbent polymer that reacts with the water in latex paint and instantly gels to form a micro-barrier that seals the edges of the tape, which helps prevent paint bleed. It was by far the best tape ever! The project went so quickly, and even with the textured surface, the paint never left the wall.

Here is how I painted the office:

• Removed all switch plates and taped off outlets.
• Cleaned any stains or residue off the walls.
• Taped off the bottom molding around the carpet and the top of the wall near the ceiling so that there would be a clean line.
• I made sure all the tape was completely stuck to the wall (And it was…on the first try. Impressive!)
• Painted 2 coats of the chocolate colored paint as an accent wall, going around the door frame and closet.
• When painting was finished but still wet, pulled off the tape.

The lines at ceiling and floor stayed perfectly straight and clean. No paint bleed, no goopy spots where paint saturated or ran under the tape. The FrogTape® Textured Surface Tape wasn’t so sticky that it stuck to clean parts of walls; the door jambs, frame and trim all stayed clean. Even when I pulled up from the bottom, the tape didn’t rip, it came off the wall in a clean swoop. I didn’t have to climb around on the ladder to remove tiny remnants.

I love how the accent walls turned out the office, just perfect. I’ll definitely use this tape for all my painting projects. Aside from Walmart, Textured Surface by FrogTape is also available at Lowes, and Menards. What room will you use FrogTape® Textured Surface Tape for?

The post Fun With FrogTape® Textured Surface appeared first on Weekly Living.

Leave it up to a great place like Singapore to turn something so basic like having coffee into a wonderful experience where you can connect with like minded business individuals as they embark on their journeys around the world. Recently they built a very custom coffee machine that also asks for your name and told you how many people had just been connected over coffee. You have to see this coffee machine to believe it, there is quite a bit of pizaz and it is quite sizable. No boring little hotel room coffee markers here, this thing is taller than you and has some items that look like it is straight from a science fair.

So how did this whole thing work? Basically it made you find a friend and both enter your names before it would give you a coffee. You even had to put in some of your interests and other items which made it become very social and it was fun to watch. They merged “technology, marketing, and engineering” as one fellow says int he video. I really enjoy watching this thing in action and I think that you will like it too so you definitely have to check it out. They were able to connect hundreds of travelers at this one conference and keep some good vibes going on! Where was our invite is all I ask!

The post Singapore Thinks Up Way To Connect Travelers appeared first on Weekly Living.

In April 2013, the Met in NYC received seventy eight new cubist paintings, including this Picasso painting. This Picasso painting in particular is attractive because of its ability to convey a distortion of reality, with hints of our world entangled among its composition.

One can make a guess as to what this painting is portraying, or what representational elements appear, but essentially, this is a painting of tones and lines. There is slight text, implying the newspaper, and there seems to be breasts in the middle of the painting. Perhaps this is a woman holding a newspaper, but that is speculative. The color scheme has nothing too vibrant, as there are no directly primary colors.

One can easily see the paint strokes within the Picasso painting. Picasso employs the obligatory “foreground, middleground, background” element in this painting, with obvious differentiation of lights, midtones, and dark areas that successfully create a dynamic composition.

It has a colossal feeling to it, as there are elements within the painting that are piled on top of another, creating a conglomeration of shapes and shadows that resembles an amorphic and androgynous figure.

Written by Andrew Kaminski

The post Met acquires a Picasso appeared first on Weekly Living.

Think Emotions

What emotion do you want to convey from your business or evoke from your customers? Are you trustworthy, reliable, or dependable? According to some research, you might want to choose shades of blue in your company logo. Do you want people to get excited when they see your name? Red or yellow might be the color for your branding ideals. Want to show peacefulness or health? Green could be the way to go for your health-conscious business.

Readability is Key

Think of your favorite logos and what makes you like them. Are the designs simple or sophisticated? Do they use several colors or just one or two? One key factor when using color is also readability. You want your audience to be able to instantly recognize and read your logo/name of your business without much effort.

If your logo is confusing or hard to decipher, then potential customers will not remember it. Some of the most famous logos are simple, uncluttered and easily identifiable (think of the Nike swoosh). For those that are too busy running their business to learn the intricacies of creating a brand logo, consult with a professional firm such as brandfeverinc.com to build it for you.

Choose Colors Wisely

Recent research shows that people make subconscious judgments about other people, the environment, or a product and its packaging in the first 90 seconds of making a visual connection. Surprisingly, 62 to 90 percent of that judgment is based solely on color. Who thought color could have such a profound impact on our interpretations of the world around us?

Counter the Competition

In some cases, when you have a product or service that is in direct competition with a host of other suppliers, you may want to make an assessment of the colors in their logos and do the opposite. Why? So you can stand out in the crowd. If everyone in your industry (say, the medical field) is using blue, try using orange – the complement of blue. This will make your business look and feel different. It tells your consumer that you have something unique to offer, rather than just being part of the crowd.

Colors really do make a difference in how your potential clients will see you. First impressions are everything, especially in a world of competitors. Make the right color choices and you could rise above your competition early in the game. Back up your product or service with above average standards, and your business will thrive.

After researching color meanings, Teresa Stewart created her own business logo. If value-added time is better spent on company operations, experts at brandfeverinc.com offer a full complement of marketing and branding services. Their designers and strategists leverage the latest innovation to create engaging and effective solutions.

The post The Psychology of Color for Your Brand’s Logo appeared first on Weekly Living.

1) A Creative Newspaper and Magazine Stand

For this project, you will need:

A small number of single wall plastic jars (however many you have spare at home)
A long thin piece of wood as wide as your jars, at least 1″ thick and at least 3″ longer than the combined width of the jars
1″ thick nails
(Alternatively, to wall mount your stand, choose a bracket and screws instead of wood and nails)

This craft project is simple. First, decide if you want to decorate the jars or leave them plain. If you choose to decorate them, leave them to dry before mounting them to the board. Next, tack the jars to the base using nails (if creating a wood stand) or screws (if making a wall mount). Roll your newspapers and magazines up and you’ve got a nice way to keep those periodicals out of the way.

2) A Fun and Functional Bird House

For this project you will need:

A plastic jar of your choice (with lid)
Dowel (3″ x ¼”)
Paint
Glue
String (for hanging birdhouse)
Straw or dry grass (for inside birdhouse)

First up, draw a circle or square near the bottom of your plastic jar and cut it out using scissors or a knife. Secondly, slice a small X shape just below the opening and push the dowel through. Once the dowel is through the hole, add a few drops of glue to the end and push to the back wall of the jar. Next, drill a hole in the lid of the jar, push the string through and knot it. Close the jar and decorate. Add the straw to the bottom of the birdhouse and hang outdoors!

3) Plastic Halloween Lights

For this project you will need:

Plastic jars
A tealight candle for each jar
Scissors or a craft knife
Paint

This simple project requires very little. All you have to do is draw an outline of the design you want on your plastic jar, cut it out, paint it and secure a tealight candle inside. Less mess than pumpkins and just as fun to make!

4) Bottle Piggy Bank

For this project you will need:

One round plastic jar (with lid)
Four soda bottle caps
Scissors or a craft knife
Glue (hot glue preferred)
Decorations of your choice – paint, paper or fabric
Money!

To create this cute piggy bank, first you need to stop it from rolling around. The lid to the jar will serve as the “snout” so turn it on its side, then position the bottle caps (the “feet”) evenly around one side of the bottle and glue on. Next, carefully slice a rectangular slit in the top for coins. Decorate your piggy bank however you desire, but don’t forget to draw the snout on the lid. Finally, fill that little oinker with money!

5) The Perfect Mini-Greenhouse

For this project you will need:

One plastic jar of your choice (with lid)
A small flowerpot that will fit easily inside the jar
Potting soil
Seeds
Marker

Fill the flowerpot with soil and plant your seeds. Take the lid off your plastic jar and put the flowerpot on top of the upturned lid. Screw the plastic jar onto the lid and label the outside of the jar with what is inside. Put your planter in a sunny place and don’t forget to water it!

6) A Bird Feeder

For this project you will need:

One plastic jar of your choice (with lid)
Birdseed mix
1 packet of gelatin
Rope
Scissors or craft knife

Carefully cut the bottom off your plastic jar. Drill or punch a hole in the lid of your jar, large enough for the rope to come through. Next, spray the inside of the bottle with cooking oil, then slide the rope through the hole in the lid and screw the lid back on the jar. Pull the rope through the plastic jar, making sure there is at least 5″ coming out of the lid and 12″ free on the other side. Make the gelatin according to the instructions and then mix the gelatin and birdseed together bit-by-bit so the seed is coated and it starts to bind together, but don’t use too much because the birds won’t eat it. Make sure the rope is in the center of the jar and fill the mold with the seed/gelatin mix. Leave to set in the fridge for three hours and then leave out to dry for another two hours. Finally, carefully remove the jar and jar lid, knot the rope at the end of the seed and hang!

7) An Easy Garden Sprinkler

For this project you will need:

One plastic jar of your choice (preferably square)
Scissors or a craft knife
Garden hose
Hot glue gun and glue

First, cut or punch holes along the bottom edge of one side of the bottle. Next, cut a hole in the lid that is big enough for the hose to poke through but not too big that water will spill out. Finally, put the hose through the hole in the lid and glue into place with hot glue until it seals. Leave to dry and then turn on for summer sprinkler fun!

There you have it—seven amazing ways to reuse your plastic jars at home. Don’t be wasteful; get creative. It’s barrels of fun and it’s good for the environment!

The post Seven of the Best Home Uses for Custom Plastic Jars That You’ve Ever Seen appeared first on Weekly Living.

Having a new house built or renovating a current home you own can be among the best memories for a home owner. It is exciting to take a home and transform it into the home of your dreams with the touch of extravagance and personal tastes for each individual that will be living there. However, it is very important to remember that many headaches and issues can arise during a large project like building or renovating an existing home. Below are some suggestions and tips on some considerations that should be made and handled before diving into such a large construction project.

How can I Avoid Issues During a Home Renovation Project?

Whether you are hiring a construction crew or doing the work yourself, it is imperative to take several steps to ensure that no one will be injured by your home renovation project. For example, you should look into your homeowner’s insurance and the insurance of any contractors that you decide to work with. After all, if neither of you have the proper policy, you could end up facing serious financial consequences if someone is injured or kill on your property.

Two Important Steps to Take to Keep the Project Safe:

1. Call the Local Gas Company 

Even if the construction manager tells you that they have checked everything out, it is still a good idea to make a quick phone call to make sure that the work will not impact any buried gas lines. In most areas, you can call 811 to get a representative to place flags on your property over the location of any buried lines.

2. Verify the Insurance

As previously mentioned, you will need to verify that the proper insurance policies are in place. Although this does mean that the contractor will need to be insured, that does not necessarily mean that they will be responsible for any injuries that occur. Because of this, you will need to have a firm understanding of what their policy says, and you will also need to know exactly what your homeowner’s policy will cover. If neither policy is designed to protect you from personally paying for someone else’s injuries, you should not move forward with that contractor until the issue has been resolved.

How to Handle an Injury if One Occurs while On the Job

If you are employed by a contractor and are injured on the job, you will need to seek medical attention immediately, and it will be imperative to retain a copy of all of the applicable paperwork. You can also file a claim against your employer’s insurance to help you take care of your medical expenses. However, if the proper insurance is not in place or they deny your claim, you will need to contact a personal injury attorney local to the area of construction.

For example, if you were working on the job and got injured while renovating a home in the Bronx, then a New York injury attorney would be ideal. They would know all the local and state laws in regards to construction and employment law. Even if your employer tried to persuade you against taking this action, you would have the legal right to work with a lawyer. Therefore, you should always protect yourself by utilizing the services of an experienced attorney when injured on the job.

It is important as a home owner to be sure anyone who will be working on your property has the proper insurance requirements, or you can be held liable for any injuries. Also, it is important to find out if your homeowner’s insurance will cover an injury sustained on your property, whether due to negligence or accidental. If a worker is injured during the renovation process, it is important for that person to seek legal assistance to obtain counseling in regards to his injury on private property.

Lisa Coleman writes to encourage a home owner that is having any kind of construction done on their private property to check into insurance coverage by themselves and by the professional company that will be performing the work to prevent a lawsuit due to injury. The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C. is a New York injury attorney group that can represent an injured-on-the-job worker who is seeking benefits through their employer, and is equipped to handle all the legal proceedings that ensue.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/54942109@N00/3672582280/, http://www.flickr.com/photos/71401718@N00/5432675084/

The post Home Renovations: Considerations To Be Made Before You Begin appeared first on Weekly Living.

When you live that time in New Orleans, you’re probably some of the happiest students around. Starting with Mardi Gras, NOLA, as it’s known, caters to the festival crowd year long. With jazz after crawfish after art, there’s something to celebrate all the time – and students at Tulane are right in the middle of it.

So it was quite fitting that the guest speaker at Tulane’s May, 2013 graduation, the Dali Lama himself, gave a kind and inspired talk to the new graduates, and spoke of the value of having friends, being happy, and making the world a better place. “The very purpose of our life is happiness,” he pointed out, “We are social animals, we need friends…think how to build a happy Century.” In the spirit of the Big Easy, His Holiness also joined in for a little friendly dancing to the tunes of fellow honorary degree recipient, Dr. John.

Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/96495071@N05/8851046983/

The post Graduation, Hope and Happiness: The Dali Lama in New Orleans appeared first on Weekly Living.

Many stores have the disadvantage of being hidden back from the street view. Air Dancers can help draw attention to a store that might otherwise go unnoticed. Business alongside highways can greatly benefit from Air Dancers as well. Drivers will notice these kooky inflatables right away from a very long distance. Car lots, car washes, diners and business of all kinds can greatly benefit from the added visibility brought by these wacky tube dudes.

Almost any type of business big or small can benefit from the use of an Air Dancers. They are a much more blatant form of advertising compared to more traditional forms of advertising. If your business that needs more visibility, then you can’t go wrong using outdoor advertising products like these wacky tube men. With multiple styles and characters to choose from, you can select the one that fits your business and clientele best. You can bring your customers in with a smile by putting an Air Dancer in front of your business today!

There are many styles of Air Dancers available. They average is 20ft tall and are offered in numerous bright colors. You can also get Air Dancers with prewritten or custom slogans on them, and are a great way to let a customer know what you are selling or if you have a special offering. If branding is important to then air dancers are perfect for this task as well, you can have a company logo put on them.  You can also get wacky character shaped Air Dancers to truly grab customer’s attention. Some of the most popular are Chefs, Uncle Sam and Clowns.

Air Dancers are the perfect way to bring attention to your stores big sale or special event without breaking the bank? It is a perfect low cost way to get your business noticed, bring in more customers, and increase sales. If you would like to get more information about these awesome advertising product visit Super Sign Factory. They are America’s #1 supplier of Air Dancer inflatables. They stock the largest selection of the most popular Air Dancers and offer only the highest quality at the lowest prices

The post Wacky Tube Men – They get the job done! appeared first on Weekly Living.

For those endowed with substantial cash flow, not all such works are unattainable.
Although the world as a whole has experienced an economic decline in recent
years, the fine art market has held steadfastly. Auction houses such as Christie’s and
Sotheby’s have experienced record-breaking sales as of late, and it’s not difficult to
understand why.

Below is a list of the ten most expensive paintings sold to date to private buyers.
Please note, the list is ordered by inflation-adjusted values*, though the original sale
prices are listed as well.

10. 

Painting: “Portrait of Joseph Roulin”
Artist: Vincent Van Gogh
Year Created: 1889
Original Sale Price: $58 million + exchange of works
Adjusted*: $110+ million
Date: August 1, 1989
Location: Private Sale via Thomas Ammann, Fine Art Zurich

9. 

Painting: “Nude, Green Leaves and Bust”
Artist: Pablo Picasso
Year Created: 1932
Original Sale Price: $106.5 million
Adjusted*: $118.2 million
Date: May 4, 2012
Location: Christie’s, New York

8. 

Painting: “The Scream”
Artist: Edvard Munch
Year Created: 1895
Original Sale Price: $119.9 million
Adjusted*: $120.7 million
Date: May 2, 2012
Location: Sotheby’s, New York

7. 

Painting: “Garcon a la pipe”
Artist: Pablo Picasso
Year Created: 1905
Original Sale Price: $104.2 million
Adjusted*: $127.5 million
Date: May 4, 2004
Location: Sotheby’s, New York

6. 

Painting: “Bal du moulin de la Galette”
Artist: Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Year Created: 1876
Original Sale Price: $78.1 million
Adjusted*: $139.9 million
Date: May 17, 1990
Location: Sotheby’s, New York

5. 

Painting: “Portrait of Dr. Gachet”
Artist: Vincent Van Gogh
Year Created: 1890
Original Sale Price: $82.5 million
Adjusted*: $147.8 million
Date: May 15, 1990
Location: Christie’s, New York

4. 

Painting: “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I”
Artist: Gustav Klimt
Year Created: 1907
Original Sale Price: $135.0 million
Adjusted*: $154.0 million
Date: June 18, 2006
Location: Private Sale via Christie’s

3. 

Painting: “Woman III”
Artist: Willem de Kooning
Year Created: 1953
Original Sale Price: $137.5 million
Adjusted*: $157.9 million
Date: November 18, 2006
Location: Private Sale via Larry Gagosian

2. 

Painting: “No. 5, 1948”
Artist: Jackson Pollock
Year Created: 1948
Original Sale Price: $140 million
Adjusted*: $160.8 million
Date: November 2, 2006
Location: Private Sale via Sotheby’s

1. 

Painting: “The Card Players”
Artist: Paul Cezanne
Year Created: 1892/93
Original Sale Price: $259 million
Adjusted*: $267 million
Date: April 2011
Location: Private Sale

About the author: Rebecca Lindegren is the community manager for the Master of International Relations program at American University. She is also the news editor for The Word is Bond, an underground hip hop blog. In addition to higher education and art, she is also passionate about cooking, cycling and sustainable development. 

The post 10 Most Expensive Paintings in the World appeared first on Weekly Living.

If you’ve decided that it’s time to invest in a new acoustic guitar there are several things you need to keep in mind if you are going to find that instrument that is a perfect fit for you. Not all guitars are made equally; they vary greatly in sound, material and quality so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with some basic info before making a commitment.

Determine your needs and budget

Before you turn on your computer or head to your local music store, sit down for a few minutes and think about what your guitar needs are. Are you a professional musician or just starting your first guitar lessons? Do you need an instrument for recording purposes or for live performances? How much are you ready to invest in a new instrument? These questions will help narrow down your selection so that is doesn’t become overwhelming.

Choose a body type

Acoustics guitars traditionally come in three body types; dreadnought, jumbo and classic. These styles tend to vary from one manufacturer to the next but some characteristics remain consistent. The classic body style tends to give a well-balanced sound between frequencies and a medium sound projection. Popular with fingerpick style players, the classic body works just as well for strummers. Light gauge strings work best for this model.

For those who like a little more bass in their sound, the dreadnought style is the way to go. This style has an overall bigger sound, which carries the base and has almost a booming effect. Medium gauge strings have the best sound on these guitars but beginners can start with light gauge to good effect.

The jumbo style combines the best of both worlds. The jumbo has a similar body shape to the classic style but creates big sound like the dreadnought. Popular with performing artists, the jumbo also sounds its best with medium gauge strings.

Judging in-store models

You’ve made it to the store, you know your needs and budget, now what? As you make it through the store’s selection of merchandise here are the things you will want to examine on every guitar that you consider.

1. Check for any cracks or dents. This goes extra is you are considering a used instrument but even new instruments incur some wear and tear before they are purchased.
2. Examine the neck of the guitar carefully to make sure is not bent or warped in anyway.
3. The action, or the space between the fret board and the strings should be checked. An action that is too high can make an instrument hard to play. Too low and it can create an unpleasant buzzing sound. If you love the guitar but the action is off it can be adjusted by any guitar repairman for a small fee.
4. The fret board should be smooth and not extend over the neck of the guitar.
5. Neck widths vary on acoustic guitars; make sure the model you pick is a comfortable fit for the size of your hands.

Justin Miller is a professional blogger that writes on a variety of topics including learning to play the guitar. He writes for JamPlay.com, a leading online music educator offering 2,000+ guitar chord songs in HD.

The post Buying an acoustic guitar: what you need to know appeared first on Weekly Living.

With that in mind, it’s time to focus on 2013 in order to see what changes the coming year will bring to the world of photography. It looks like there are a handful of trends that will have a major impact on photographers throughout the world.

STATE-OF-THE-ART LENSES

Lens makers everywhere have jumped on the video bandwagon and are now producing versions with the silent electronic zooms found in video cameras. Still photographers needn’t worry, as these new lenses also come equipped with manual zoom controls. And of course new technology allows manufacturers to produce lenses that are smaller, lighter and much more versatile than past models.

While the quality of the glass elements of a lens can’t be understated, mechanics and electronics play a crucial role as well. This is particularly true with zoom lenses. The fundamentals of  a lens’ relationship to the camera may never change, but new technology – such as contrast-based autofocus – have heightened the way lenses communicate with the body of the camera.

NEW SENSORS

Look out for not only new sensor models, but new sensor designs and formats as well. All of these elements will conspire to produce an item that offers higher resolution and less noise. And improvements in manufacturing mean these next-gen sensors can be had at a comparable price to today’s models.

It’s generally understood that the bigger the imaging sensor, the better the resolution and less noise. These new sensors provide all of the hallmarks of larger sensors – less noise, more resolving power, quicker data readout – but it can do so on a smaller scale. It’s advances in the manufacturing that allows for more quality sensors to be applied to compact cameras.

WIRELESS COMPATIBILITY

This isn’t exactly a new idea. Ever since the introduction of Kodak’s EasyShare One in 2005, cameras have steadily moved in the direction of wireless connectivity. But 2013 will see a huge surge in point-and-shoot cameras with a wireless option in order to meet public demand. The key for manufacturers was in making it as easy as possible for camera owners to share their photos with friends and family. That’s why manufacturers began focusing on smartphones and tablets. Because it’s through these mediums that the majority of people today share their pictures.

The idea is straightforward: use a Wi-Fi connection to allow the user to transfer images from the camera to the smartphone. From there the user can upload those same photos to social networking sites like Facebook or Twitter. Of course this process has been facilitated with the advent of certain apps like CameraWindow for the iPhone. Samsung even has a remote viewfinder app that lets users control their cameras remotely. The smartphone or tablet controlling the procedure then acts as a finder and image frame. The user can then back up the photos on a cloud-based service.

These are just a few of the major trends taking the photography world by storm. What they all have in common is that advances in technology and manufacturing inform them. Bringing the photographer the products of the future at the prices of today is the major trend to expect in 2013.

Ken McDonald is a photography enthusiast who loves everything about digital cameras. Self confessed camera addict who has way too many camera lenses and photography accessories.

The post Major Photography Trends in 2013 appeared first on Weekly Living.

After the success of the Beatle’s “A Hard Day’s Night,” Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham requested that director Peter Whitehead capture footage of the band during a two day, four show appearance in Ireland in the fall of 1965, the result was the film “Charlie is My Darling” which was never officially released.

The film captures the band at a pivotal moment in their career; “Satisfaction” had just reached #1 on the charts but major superstardom still lies in the future for the young musicians. The film features the bands original lineup of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts and Brian Jones, who left the band 4 years later in 1969 and drowned just a few months later.

The plans to restore “Charlie is My Darling” have been the project of filmmakers Mick Gochanour and Robin Klein since the 90’s  but it was only recently, with the discovery of previously unknown concert footage and improved technology that their dream became a reality. Much of the surviving footage was in tatters and required labor and time intensive efforts to restore. Several months were required just to repair the many tears, stains and scratches on the 35 reels of film. By the time Gochanour and Klein were finished, some 90,000 individual frames were restored by hand. Even after the film was restored the filmmakers had to tackle the audio portion of the film. Gochanour told CNN that: “There were many issues and challenges we were dealing with, not the least of which was the audio. Since it was not shot as a concert film, there were no logs or documentation.”

The film also features rare and candid interviews with the band right before they were overwhelmed with the burden of fame and notoriety making this a special glimpse into the bands formative years and a historically important addition to their 50 year anniversary festivities.

The post Rolling Stones Documentary restored for 50th anniversary appeared first on Weekly Living.

Production and Marketing for your music career made cost effective for independent talent

1. Don’t reinvent the wheel

These days there are so many great tools, samples, instrumentals, and software programs to make or mix music you should be able to find the right resources to build upon without having to worry or waste time.

2. Find a unique way to differentiate yourself online as well as your content

These days just having an online presence is not always enough. It really can come down to finding unique places to position yourself that may be less saturated than your average Youtube or Vimeo site. For example, live performances and content on sites like LiveStream can make all of the difference between making a life long fan or just being a passing advertisement. Sites like X101Jamz showcase the producers and artists coming through major New York studios online and live so that fans can enjoy and they can experience the studio setting.

3. Utilize Social Networks to engage and organically grow your following

More than likely you are already utilizing Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube for your personal ends, ensure that you have a distinct profile dedicated to your craft to showcase your work and talent. We recommend spending a lot of time promoting your music and reaching out to individuals on a deeper level than just blanket marketing everybody with the same content. Understand what types of music and related bands your following enjoys and try to find some good places to find new fans and engage your existing fan base.

4. Hold an intimate learning date with your technology

These days high quality tools such as the iPhone 5 and iPads allow the lifestyle of the on-the-go music professional to record HD video, photo and audio at events or recording sessions. The ability to further splice it up in apps such as Garage Band or iMovie help  make low budget production possible with a minimal learning curve. Sure, there are more advanced platforms and software choices you will need to utilize in the future but this is about bringing you some easy ways to start.

5. Stay in tune with the market and resources available

Find a great cultural music site to follow and keep track of to discover potential connections and outlets for your music. Websites such as SoulTrain have Q&A sessions with International industry professionals that can help take your music to a larger audience as well as provide great resources.

The post Launch a music career in just five steps appeared first on Weekly Living.