***Dreams in Digital***

Happy Hump Day!

Canon Printer/Copier/Scanner

Thank goodness the week is half over.  Does anybody else feel like time is just flying right by?  I was thinking about what I wanted to write today, and I really want to focus on items that are going to help those of us that work from home and will save us money.  In my home office, I have what I think are the top of the line printers, copiers, fax machines, and so forth.  Some of us still need to be able to make money, and I'm thankful I have the flexibility to do it from home and look after my daughter.  I know many of you are in the same position whether you be mothers or fathers.  The items I am including are again FREE.  You will need to probably do some surveys, but it's nothing that will kill you.  I use these things all the time and, as I have said before, this is what helps me survive in our economy.  My absolute favorite item is my Bluetooth Mobile Printer which allows me to print hard copies of documents while I'm out if necessary. 

If I want to incorporate these products into my arts hobby, I absolutely can.  I use one of these printers to develop photos that I have taken, and they turn out wonderfully.  My goal in doing this is just to assist those who are still trying to make something of themselves during these times.  I hope you all find these items helpful.

Wireless Photo All-in-One Printer

Anyone who is involved in art/photo knows how much technology is playing a part in the 21st century.  Let me know if you have any other suggestions.

This Isn't It...

Hey guys,

So yesterday they released the new posthumous single from Michael Jackson, "This is it."  Come to find out that the song was actually written 18 years ago with a Puerto Rican singer who is now threatening to sue unless he gets paid royalties and gets credit, and so on.  I swear Michael's probably turning in his grave right now because of how his "friends and loved ones" are handling all of his business.  So sad!  Only several months after he passed away there's a movie and new albums coming out.  I understand that the world should acknowledge a great artist.  However, this is to the point where financial greed is overshadowing the intentions. 

Michael Jackson 32 DVD Collection Box Set

Michael Jackson Compact Disc Collection

If you haven't listened to the song yet, you may want to hold off.  It is kind of disappointing compared to some of the other songs Michael has given us over the years, "Jon Pareles, the chief pop critic of The New York Times, said in a blog it "won't be on anyone's list of best Michael Jackson songs, even if it's a long list" and hoped there was something better in the Michael Jackson vaults of album outtakes."

Another article that included the orginal writer of the song, Paul Anka, claims Jackson "stole" the tapes from his recording studio way back when.  OK people, the man is dead already.  He went through enough torture when he was alive!  I think he got the point already. 

Michael Jackson- The Ultimate Collection Box Set

Gaga for Lady Gaga!

Welcome to a new week everyone!  For those of you who had to work, take today off. Haha.  I was luckily able to find a sitter for my little girl and head to downtown Ft. Lauderdale.  My head and liver are still hurting.  Anyhow, over the weekend the Human Rights Campaign dinner took place in Washington D.C.  For those of you who have ever had a chance to speak to me, you know this is an important issue.  I do not put up with ignorance from anyone and feel these issues need to be addressed by someone. 

One of the most noted performances of the evening was Lady Gaga with her rendition of the classic John Lennon song "Imagine."  According to OMG!, "Gaga's version changed John's lyrics to reference Matthew Shepard, the 21-year-old college student whose tragic 1998 murder in Wyoming inspired government legislation against hate crimes which passed earlier this year."  Gaga herself has been surrounded by much controversy with people questioning her sexual orientation. Check out her performance in the video posted here.

Tascam All in one Recording Package




Blue Microphones Snowball Microphone


 As you can tell from all of my blogs, I focus on controversy.  The world is boring without it, isn't it? ;-)    The National Equality March was set to take place the next day, to which OMG! added, "Gaga also addressed the crowds in a speech at the march's rally on Sunday, as did 'Sex and the City' star Cynthia Nixon, the cast of Broadway's 'Hair,' and Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black. The rally was carried live on C-Span and cable channel Logo went dark in honor of the march."

To me, Lady Gaga is an amazing talent despite her eccentricities which can overshadow her abilities at times.  For anyone wanting to be a singer, take notes and realize that's what it takes.  Leadsinger Karaoke System

~~Make Sure you get my Good Side~~

It's Friday! Who else is excited???  To finish out the week, I decided I should focus on photography since it is still a big part of this blog.  To me, photography is very underappreciated considering how vital it is in our everyday lives.  It makes memories, shows us what's going on in the world, and entertains us in our favorite magazines.  I used to work with photographers and know that it's a whole other world being behind the camera.  At one point, I had my own tabletop photo studio, which is not as expensive. It's actually a lot more liberating than being in the photo. 

For today's star of the day, I did not have to think.  My favorite photographer ever is...

Annie Leibovitz

For those of you who have no clue who that is, let me just show you some of her work that I'm sure you'll recognize instantly.  COOL Lite Portrait Studio Kit

             She does not only photograph celebrities, but this is some of her most famous work.  Controversial? Absolutely.  At least that's what a lot of people thought.  This is art people!

   Other celebrities Ms. Leibovitz has photographed are: Michael Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg, Gwyneth Paltrow, Iggy Pop, John and Yoko, and the list goes on...She's responsible for many of the "Got Milk" ads that everyone loves so much as well.

The most recent news about her revolves around financial troubles and lawsuits, but you can read about that on other sites.  She's still a wonderful photographer!  Everyone agree?

Professional Darkroom Accessories

                                      

I hope everyone has a safe, wonderful weekend!

Make me Swoon!

Happy Thursday!  Today, I will be discussing the part of the band that brings in all the money.  For those of you who have ever been to a concert, at some point during the show you will find yourself zeroing in on these people and watching them play in awe.  Well, if it's a good band you will.  I'm talking about the guitar players.  As I said previously, I go after the drummers; but I have witnessed women countless times fawning over the guitarists.  I get it, these guys are talented.  If I ever did pick up a guitar, I'd be a bass player.  One string less to worry about! haha. 

Yamaha TRB1005 Bass Guitar               

RKS Wave Guitar

In terms of guitarists that I think are amazing, I'm torn between two...

Joe Perry of Aerosmith                                                                        

                                                          

                                                         

                                                                      Richie Sambora of
                                                                                     Bon Jovi

                                                              

These guys have been holding guitars for decades, and I think they've proven themselves in the music world.  If I thought anyone younger had as much talent, they would've been up here.  Actually, let me be fair and give Slash of Guns n Roses/ Velvet Revolver a special mention.  :-)  He's paid his dues too!

Washburn Signature Series Guitar

Who's the guitarist that inspires you?  See you tomorrow!

Pay it Forward!

Happy Hump Day!

The week is now half over, and I can't wait for the weekend to get here.  I'm in the process of looking for a new place, which is hell in South Florida.  Shoot me!  Anyhow, I hope yesterday's post was able to help someone out.  I'm hoping to find some more stuff to link you guys to for free.  Anything free is like gold these days.  By a show of hands, how many artists/photographers/ musicians out there have no money to buy your supplies?  Quite a few?  Ok. 

I'm a gift cardaholic and have a few to be able to show you guys where to get them.  I'm planning on using my $1,000 Sam Ash Gift card within the next two weeks to get my new drums online.  Thank you to everyone who made some great suggestions.  I'll be rocking out shortly! Haha. 


So I have chosen an artist of the day.  This came out of nowhere, but I saw his version of art.  If you've never heard of Stelarc, he's an artist that uses his own body as a canvas.  The piece that I found so strange was that he had an "Internet-enabled" ear implanted on his arm.  I don't know.  I just don't know.  The article in the Seattle Times was talking about him and I thought, "why not?"  You never know what strange things people are going to do.  Take a look.

$500 Utrecht Art Supplies

$500 Michael's Gift Card

Give me a break man!

Now what does everbody think of this bad boy? I wonder what has to be going through a person's head to be able to do this.  See everyone tomorrow!

Living like a Starving Artist!

Hey all,

There's something important that needs to be addressed today, so I'm interrupting the star of the day theme I had going.  I don't know if anyone has noticed, but this country is going downhill financially and we're all going with it.  People are not able to find jobs, feed their families, or keep it together emotionally.  I myself am feeling the effects also.  I don't usually self disclose this much, but I have a 16 month old little girl at home.  She's my little angel, and I'd love to give her more in life which isn't possible lately.  Does it hurt? Absolutely!  One of the ways I've been able to spoil her somewhat without spending a lot of money is making some new clothes for her.  Yes, I said MAKING!  Let's not get lazy.  I know a lot of people don't have time, but it's not time consuming.  If you're a parent who's not able to give a lot to their child/children right now, this may be an option. 

Here's an attached link for a clothes making kit and some other items to save you guys some $$$. 
Clothes Making Kit

Sewing Machine Package

Singer 9920 Quantum Sewing Machine

Just a note on these links.  I add them all the time because they work.  These items do have offers that need to be completed, but it's not a lengthy process and you do get the item.  I wouldn't be surviving otherwise.  These items have allowed me to fix up some of my daughter's current clothes, instead of being forced to buy new ones. 

My goal was not to put a damper on the mood of this blog, but this has been a big issue lately.  I hope this advice is able to help someone out there.  For you dads who think sewing is a female thing...get over it.  I don't forecast times getting better any time soon.   I want everybody to let me know some other ways they have been able to make things work in their current state with the economy.  Have a great day everyone!