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October 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you want to incorporate the color blue into a room there are many easy home décor projects that you can do it with no matter what the color scheme of your living room. This article will provide you with several home décor crafts to help you add the color blue to your living room.

Sponge Paint Wall Border

A fun and easy home décor craft that will help you incorporate the color blue into your living room is a sponge paint wall border. Blue is a calming color, and this is important when thinking of an image to sponge paint. For this project you can use precut sponges, or you can cut your own shapes. You may want to use a simple pattern of triangles and circles or you may want to use a more complex image like fish or clouds. Remember to keep the color blue in mind when you pick the shape you are going to use.

For this home décor craft you will need blue paint, sponges, a paper plate, and paper towels; it also helps to have a ruler and a pencil on hand. Start by measuring how far down on the wall you would like to place your border, and draw a small dot in intervals equal lengths apart along the line of your border. This will help you place your sponge in an even pattern.

Next pour some paint on a plate, and dip your sponge in the paint. Lightly blot the sponge on the paper towel, and gently press it to the wall. Remove the sponge and your image will stay. This home décor craft is a great way to add the color blue to your living room.

Decoupage Lamps

Lamps are a great medium for home décor crafts, and you can decoupage your lamp with a blue theme to add blue to your living room. For this craft you will need a lamp, glue, paintbrush, and blue paper or fabric. Start this project by collecting several blue pieces of paper or fabric; if you are feeling crafty feel free to use papers found around your home or images from magazines.

Next apply a thin layer of glue to the lamp, and press the paper to it. Smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles using the paintbrush. Cover the entire lamp, and don’t be afraid to overlap images. Allow the entire project to dry, and your blue home décor craft is ready for your living room.

Ribbon Curtain Accents

A simple and inexpensive home décor craft that will easily add blue to your living room is a ribbon curtain accent. For this craft you will need blue ribbons, scissors, fabric glue, chalk, and a ruler. Start by taking your curtains down and laying them out flat. Measure a few inches up from the bottom of the curtain, and place small dots along the line to ensure that your ribbon accent comes out straight.

Next cut the ribbon 2 inches longer than the width of the curtain, and run a line of fabric glue along the back of it. You can do this a little at a time to make it easier. Place the glue side down onto the curtain, and allow it to dry. You can add a couple of different ribbons for more detail if you like as well. This easy home décor craft is a unique way to add blue to your living room.

The color blue is loved by many people, but not everyone has the liberty of painting their walls whatever color they like. These easy home décor craft projects will allow you to incorporate the color blue into your living room; so try them today!

Written by SarahGanly
Freelance writer and artist

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Sports memorabilia: A wonderful hobby!

October 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There is a huge variety of collectibles that one can invest in. In fact the sports memorabilia ranges from the latest releases to past and antique collectibles as well. Undoubtedly the hobby takes immense time and a considerable amount of investment as well. The latter holds good especially when you are aiming to get a specific memorabilia autographed by a specific player and also verified from a reliable and reputable distributor. Thus it essential that you need to determine the amount you might want to spend on the sports collectibles. You must remember one thing that the collection can grow over a period of time, thus starting with a small investment is also not a bad idea.

 

With the starting of your hobby as a sports memorabilia collector, your spark in relation to the know-how and interest for the sports industry would possible increase.

However it is essential that you constantly research in order to enhance your knowledge about the industry. The latter is a very essential task since this would increase you confidence in recognizing the vintage memorabilia that is authentic. In fact this will also help you avoid any purchase of fraudulent items. This is a very common mistake which several collectors end up making.

Another important step which you would need to do is sign up for forums that has collectors who are passionate about the hobby as well. This would prove to be helpful in getting to know local sports dealers as well sports enthusiast who are in the filed as well. These forums and people would actually prove to be helpful sources for you to get sports memorabilia which are rare and difficult to find. An added advantage is that these sources would know where you find genuine stuff and recognize the same too.

You must remember that buying sports memorabilia does not end there. Taking good care and preserving the same in order to maintain their value is extremely essential. Firstly be sure that you have a good storage place at your house or any other place to keep these collectibles. A good idea would be to buy cases for the collectible items such that they would be in perfect condition. Another option would be plastic sealable containers. The latter would prevent mice, spiders, bugs to spoil the valuables. In fact one should keep in mind that the collectibles be kept in a place that is at room temperature and thus would be away from direct sun exposure or moisture. This is an important criterion and would prove to be extremely useful if one were to sell a part of their collection at a later date. If you keep these factors in mind, it would keep the items in the best condition.

On a last note, collection of sports memorabilia that is pursued as a hobby is a precious investment too especially when you have authentic items, the value of which usually increases with time. 

Resource Box: Collection of sports memorabilia is a fun and exciting hobby that several engage in. What are you waiting for, get started now!

Just a small sample of my memorabilia collection. These are in my office. They include a Golf Digest signed by Gary Player, a Masters Flag signed by Zach Johnson, Mark O’Meara,Fuzzy Zoeller, Sandy Lyle,Ben Crenshaw, & Fred Couples, & a Sports Illustrated Signed by Nick Saban. Also included are ticket, programs, & other items from the 2011 US Open, & 2008 NHL All Star Game. A video of my larger collection is coming soon.
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Halloween Craft Ideas for Children

October 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There are so many different Halloween craft ideas that can be done at Halloween and many can be created out of simple materials like paper, egg cartons and paper plates. The kids enjoy making them and best of all you can also use them as decorations for the classroom or at home. Here are a few different Halloween crafts that won’t cost you a fortune.

Spider Webs

These webs can be used in the window where they will look great catching the sunlight during the day or indoor lights during the night. Start with a large sheet of wax paper or thin white paper. With a pencil draw a spider’s web on the paper. Use curving lines to make a pleasant design. Next go over the lines of the web with white glue then sprinkle with glitter. When the glue is dry it should be invisible and only the glitter will be seen. Hang in the window or in a corner somewhere.

They also look good hanging in a doorway.

Egg Carton Bats

There are also some great Halloween craft ideas the only require egg cartons. Bats are easy to make and will look effective especially when several are hang together. Use three egg cups still attached in a row. Cut out the fronts and backs of the two end cups to simulate wings. Paint the bat black and add some googly eyes. Then hang your bat from the ceiling or in a doorway. Add a few friends for him and you’ll have an effective display.

Halloween Masks

Here are a few Halloween craft ideas for using paper plates. Of course Halloween isn’t Halloween without a few pumpkins and with a paper plate you can make a great pumpkin mask. Draw the pumpkin shape on the plate and trim it up. Cut out the eyes, nose and mouth to resemble a Jack O’ Lantern.

Paint your pumpkin orange and add tie string to either side to hold it on as a mask.

There are also many different animal masks that can be made with a paper plate. Add ears and paint in black and orange stripes and you have a tiger. Add long ears and paint with grey and white and you have a rabbit. Be creative and there are many different animal masks that can be made with a paper plate.

If you are looking for Halloween craft ideas the main rule is to keep it simple. With simple crafts the kids will be sure to succeed and you’ll have happy kids and effective decorations all in one. There is no need to go to a lot of expense as you can often use household items for your Halloween crafts. Use your imagination, and almost anything can be used for Halloween crafts.

 

Teresa Evans is a parent and teacher who has created a collection of Easy Halloween Crafts for Kids. For more Halloween craft ideas visit www.easy-kids-halloween-crafts.com.

 

 

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Crafting Ideas For Sporty Kids This Summer!

October 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Kids Sports – Craft Ideas for baseball

Sense memory is a very powerful thing.  The wafting of a nearby hot-dog stand on a hazy, hot day; the murmurs and cheers of an excited crowd; the taste of sweet, cooling soda sloshing down your yelled out, perched throat; the sight of adjacent colours of your favourite team and suddenly you can close your eyes and envisage a whole stadium full of enraptured baseball supporters and the thwacks and raucous of star hits.

Many people enjoy a healthy passion for sports and live vicariously through their favourite teams and players.  This passion, like a Roman nose or a useless tongue rolling ability is often inherited by your kids who love the quality time and days out at games with their folks.

Bedrooms are plastered with posters of sports personalities and team memorabilia.  Novelty items, cards and autographs are collected and prized possessions by devoted young fans, living the ‘American Dream’.  In season this interest grows exponentially and your kid’s mind tunnels to the odour of a soft glove and feel of a wooden bat. 

Why not encourage your children to expand their mind and creativity by playing the trump card of including baseball in your activities that can be fun and exclusive of all the family?

Here are just a few crafting ideas to capture their wide imaginations and tempt them from their computer games and televisions!

Every fan worth his salt has trading card souvenirs so how about making a personalised baseball card album to keep your collection safe and together?

The best method is to buy some 3 inch by 4 inch premium toploader plastic sleeves for trading cards. 

Use a hole punch to create holes in the open top corner of the sleeves.

Be creative!  Cut out some coloured card to 3 inches by 4 inches and design a cover.  You could use glitter glue, paint, maybe some white foam to cut out a circle and draw on baseball threads to make a ball.

Slid your cards and cover into their holders but you can also add all sorts of personalised pages like gluing photos from magazines or newspapers onto some card and including them or even adding some written pages with your favourite memories or make out a table to keep track of scores.

Stack up all your inserts and line up the holes.

Bind them together – you can do this by using wool, cord, twine, wire or even a metal ring from a keychain and feel free to add ribbons or material to your ring and now you have your own personal baseball memory book.

Trying to think of ways to accomplish this without purchasing toploader holders; you could use stapled or glued acetate or make card sleeves cutting out a frame for the visible side and gluing tracing paper, fine stocking material or gauze to form a window or even just squares cut from clear plastic bags or pockets of photograph albums.

Make your own baseball cap.

Take a small kitchen bowl that will fit snugly over your child’s head and place it face down on a table.

Dig out some old newspapers and place three or four sheets over the bowl.

Press down to the paper to mould it around the bowl and use some masking tape to tightly circle the base of your paper covered bowl.

Cut away the excess newspaper around the masking tape leaving the paper at the front of your bowl to cut out a sun visor, bill flap.

Once you have your basic hat shaped mould strengthen the flap and back of the hat using strips of masking tape.

You can now paint and decorate your hat and be creative.  It can sport your team colours, have photos of your favourite players, glue on foam made baseballs and bats, you could even use a straw with a pipe cleaner inside and mask it upright onto the centre of your hat and add a flag.

Once you’re done and everything’s dried you may want to paint over your design with clear drying glue to give it strength and durability.

Make your own baseball t-shirt

What you will need:

Colourful crayons

A light coloured t-shirt

Wax paper (or sandpaper)

A towel

An Iron and ironing board

It is a good idea to wash your t-shirt if you have bought it new as a lot of colour often comes out in the first wash.

Design your t-shirt.  Lean heavily on the crayons and draw your baseball images onto the wax paper.  Remember if you are writing the name of your favourite team or a slogan you have to write the mirror image of the word or it will appear backwards on your finished t-shirt.  A good way of doing this is practicing first on a sheet of plan paper.  Write the words you want in your design normally onto the paper and then hold a mirror vertical beside the words on your page.  When you look in the mirror your words are backwards and if you copy what they look like backwards in the mirror onto your t-shirt they will come out forwards!

Get an adult to set up the ironing board and heat up the iron.

Place a towel inside the t-shirt between the front and the back.

Lay your design face down on the t-shirt trying to get it in the centre.

Ask an adult to iron the back on the wax paper on a pretty high heat for a couple of minutes.

Gently ease up one corner of the paper and check if the colours are transferring.  If they are not you will have to iron it longer.

Switch off the iron.  Peel away the wax paper and voila, your own created image is now on your special baseball t-shirt.

Some people use sand paper for this technique and others use fabric crayons and normal plain paper.  Of course you can also get your kid to draw a design, scan it onto a computer, flip the image and print it onto proper t-shirt transfer paper that it then ironed and peeled away.

A few other ideas include:

Baseball baking – get your child to help you in the kitchen and bake some shortbread that can be iced to look like the ball from their favourite sport or bake some dough balls and ice on some threads.

Make your own baseball using old stockings and filling the feet with rice or dried peas.  Twist the material to make a tight ball and pull the material back over the ball inside out.  You can then cover the ball in white fabric or even a white plastic bag and felt tip on some red threads.

Create your own baseball scrapbook or picture frame cutting out designs from felt or foam and adding all your keepsakes like ticket stubs or photographs.

Paint a clean, smooth, round rock white and turn it into a baseball paper weight.

Use fimo or modelling clay and a safety pin to mould your own baseball themed badge.

Create a diorama of the field and cut out players gluing their photos onto card, cutting around them carefully and leaving a rectangle of card on the bottom that you can fold in on itself and glue together it form a stand.

There are literally hundreds of crafting ideas out there that can be tweaked to your baseball theme and distract bored kids while you work.  The crafts can be a cheap, as using whatever recycled materials and bits and bobs you find round the house, or as expensive as a proper craft shop retail trip as you like.  Ignite their imagination and passion this season and give them the satisfaction and accomplishment of creating something unique and wonderful that you will look back on and treasure for years to come.

Written by Skyeblux
Published poet and creative writer

www.ALLAuthentic.com Sports memorabilia, sports collectibles, autographed sports memorabilia, and more!

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Rent Collection

October 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Collecting Rent money

Lease income is the lifeblood of the business of the property manager. In the event the mechanisms are not put in place to produce in the right amount at the most desirable time period every single calendar month, the business venture will probably gradually wither and shut off. Once effectively implemented, this is what enables leading real-estate investors to attain a higher than median return on expenditure.

Receiving Rent money

Exactly how is rent handled?

It is a benefit if the actual management organization offers direct debit designed for renters. Accepting a lower number of checks enhances cash flow and therefore saves effort and money. This will allow you to realize as soon as possible in case funds are not now there and reduces lame excuses about checks damaged or lost in the mail.

Just how do they deal with bounced checks?

This is generally a warning symptom of difficulty down the track, just after the 1st bounced check tenants ought to be restricted from crafting personal checks for at least six months of good transaction history has been recognized. Moreover, there will need to be a paragraph within the rental contract that states that tenants are in agreement to pay back the maximum the law will allow with regard to all returned checks.

Precisely how do they put up with over due payouts?

Locate a property management business with a procedure that is firm yet realistic. Renters may begin paying more and more late if the rental management firm permits them, for that reason it is crucial they implement all aspects of the lease agreement. After they discover a renter with a tendency of late payments, they must keep a close observation making sure they will either step up or deal with the consequences. Bear in mind that a demanding collections method is only made even by the apartment manager quickly reacting to the desires of the renters with good quality service.

Precisely what is their current amount of delinquency?

Learn if they run a tight ship or let things to get unreasonably out of control.

When is rent due? Is there any leeway, if so how long?

Due on the first working day of the month (in hand not postmarked), late on the next day of the month is typical. A grace period that stretches to either the 3rd or the fifth is equally standard. Trying to keep it shorter helps prevent it from becoming substantially late in the occurrence of a holiday or long weekend break.

Precisely how much is the overdue charge?

While late fees can produce profit, their primary job is actually to get tenants back in line to timely monthly payments as quickly as possible. This property management charge is typically between five and 10 % of rent payments, sometimes a small daily charge is added to this as an motivation to catch up asap. In principle, the late charges are intended to mirror the charges the owner might encounter in the case of a past due mortgage payment.

Just how do they handle evictions?

Their course of action should be well documented, and even though the most effective course of action will vary based on the situations, they must be able to make clear to you the basic guidelines they go through each and every time. You need to work with a company that operates rapidly, records their activities, and is aware of your areas different laws for this procedure.

In the last year, approximately how many evictions did they encounter, out of how many properties being managed?

The greater the number, the less confidence you need to have in their testing process.

Just how quickly do they usually get repossession of the premises when an eviction takes place?

Time is money, and a intelligent tenant with bad intentions can drag this process out for a really extended time. Obtain a manager who performs exceptionally well at containing and getting rid of the issue as quickly as possible.

Do they offer eviction insurance policy?

This is simply a modest regular monthly fee that insures that the property management company will pay for all lawyer and trial costs associated with evicting a renter they placed. It is not a widely offered service, but it is a useful service that speaks to the property management companies confidence in their screening process.

Cashflow might be robust now, but rent will inevitably lower over time if the property is not well preserved.

Good luck with collecting your rents in full and on time.

Stirling Gardner consults for EZ Landlord Forms – your best online resource for a state specific rental lease, including a free rental application.

www.zipweb.com Eclectic Collectibles 512 S Brea Blvd Brea, California 92821 Description: Tell potential customers about the wide variety of hobby supplies you have at your store with this general ad Script: “Crafting, tinkering, creating… Hobbies are a great way to occupy any day – rain or shine! But you need the right tools and material, and sometimes you need to be sure you know what youre doing. We provide everything you need for a wide variety of hobbies at great prices. And our experienced and friendly staff delivers tips and advice at no extra charge. So whether you’re a career hobbyist or a novice looking to pass the time, stop in today! ”

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How to run a SUCCESSFUL and PROFITABLE YOUTH SPORTS FUNDRAISER FUND RAISER

October 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

1During these difficult economic times everyone is feeling the pinch. Not only are the parents feeling the strain on their wallets as they shell out registration fees. But so are the leagues themselves, including your local Little League, Youth Football, Lacrosse Or Soccer leagues.

Here is something that I did this year for my local Little League to help ease the financial burden for both the parents as well as the league itself.

This is a great way to help parents that are a little light on the finances offset their registration fees.

What our Little League did this year was to institute a raffle that would allow the parents to get back half of the money they sold in raffle tickets.

For example, if a parent sold worth of raffle tickets they would be entitled to off of their child’s registration.

This was a terrific idea to start as the economy was definitely taking it’s toll on disposable income…including enrolling children in Youth Sports.

The first step is to run this idea by your organizations board of directors to see if this is something they will be interested in perusing.
Once the board of directors gives you the go ahead you will need to decided on what kind of raffle you want to hold. For example our Little League went ahead and solicited local restaurants and businesses to donate gift certificates for their goods and services. Another idea could be to raffle off sports tickets or sports memorabilia.

We were able to get our tickets donated by a local printer in exchange for a team sponsorship. This was a savings. You can also search the internet for online ticket printers that also will do a good job. I have used TICKETPRINTING.COM with great success.

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Now decide on how you are going to do this. We chose the following denominations: each or 5 for . We found out that the sale is a very easy one and the sale makes the buyer feel they are getting a great deal.

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Distribution of the tickets was easy. We did it as the children registered for the league. We gave each family a package of 10 tickets. We kept track of it on a spread sheet and told each family that they were not forced to sell the tickets but they were responsible for them.

If they sold them they would get half of the amount sold. They could also receive additional tickets if needed. The more they sold the more they could get back on their registration.

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Our Little League has roughly 500 children. If each family were to sell only 10 tickets it would mean the following to our little league:
500 x = ,000. Now we would return ,500 in the form of a discount to the registration price per seller. That would mean our Little League would make ,500 (before any expenses associated with the raffle).

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This is a WIN WIN for both our Little League and also for each and every family in the league. This is our first year trying this and the response has been great by the parents.
GOOD LUCK!!

http://www.ehow.com/how_4819152_youth-sports-fundraiser-fund-raiser.html

Written by monkabuda

www.OwnTheG.com.au – After the response to an earlier email to the people registered to buy a piece of Australia’s Melbourne Cricket Ground, I actually started looking around more Aussie memorabilia sites and found a tonne more overpriced (in my opinion) sports memorabilia. One piece – an Adam Gilchrist signed cricket bats for over 00.00. and the thing that blew my mind was that ITS NOT EVEN A BAT HES USED. Its not authentic at all, just another manufactured collectable and they are selling it over over two thousand dollars ouch. [Click here to check the piece out] Im actually finalising the price of the MCG frames with the framers tomorrow as well so keep an eye out for a full FAQ email in a day or two; which will announce the price BUT THE AUTHENTIC MCG CARPET FRAMES WILL BE A LOT LESS THAN HALF OF THAT PRICE !!! www.OwnTheG.com.au
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Kid’s Paper Crafts: Pirate Patterns

October 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Pirate patterns for kid’s paper crafts are fairly common on the internet, but not all are equal in quality or stature. Most all of the free paper craft pirate patterns are downloadable and can be printed out easily, but the problem seems to be in finding ones that children will enjoy. Remember as a parent or other adult, what looks cool to you is probably boring to a kid, so it’s a good idea to let the kid’s choose which patterns will spur the greatest interest. Pirate paper craft patterns are excellent for developing children’s imaginations, and may even lead to some questions about pirates in historical circumstances, so be prepared for a web search of pirate facts after your kids get into the buccaneer mindset.

One of the very best attributes of making pirate paper crafts from free patterns is that they cost next to nothing, and they will keep kids occupied for more than one occasion. In fact, because of the great number of pirate paper craft patterns available, children can obtain quite an extensive collection of pirate related items with which to play. These items made from pirate paper crafts can also be used to decorate a child’s bedroom, and can come in extremely handy in a pinch for school projects or stage props for school plays. Here are some wonderful free kid’s paper craft pirate patterns that are certain to be enjoyed:

Paper Bag Pirate Puppet – This is an easy and colorful pirate pattern made of a paper bag for ages 7 and up, available at http://crafts.kaboose.com/paper-bag-pirate-puppet.html

Pirate Spyglass Telescope – This is a simple paper craft made mostly of a paper tube, construction paper and tape. This free kid’s paper craft pirate pattern can be found at http://ezinearticles.com/?Pirate-crafts-Will-Make-Any-Kid-Feel-Like-A-Real-Life-Pirate&id=729269

Pirate Crew Members And Cannons – An easy paper craft that is just print and fold, this is available at http://familyfungo.com/printables/craft-templates/printable/pirate-ship-crew-cannons/pirate-ship-crew-cannons.html

Various Pirate Patterns – Here you can get free pirate paper craft patterns of a pirate kite, pirate map paper, a pirate flag and more, available at http://www.clipartandcrafts.com/clipart/themes/pirates/index.htm

Pirates Treasure Chest – This is a really neat kid’s paper craft of a pirate’s chest made of a tissue box, available at http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/pirates/mtreasure.html

Pirate Paper Craft – Here you can download a scary pirate complete with an eye patch. This free paper craft pirate pattern is available from http://superpunch.blogspot.com/2008/02/pirate-papercraft.html

Pirate Hat Graphic – This is a pirate hat with skull and crossed swords that can be used in many craft projects, available at http://www.leehansen.com/clipart/Themes/Pirates/pages/pirate-hat.htm

Various Pirate Patterns – Here you can get pirate paper crafts like shrunken heads,treasure maps, a pirate bandanna and many others. These free kid’s paper craft patterns are available at http://www.kidsturncentral.com/themes/piratecrafts.htm

Written by twconroy

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Gary Cooper and Teresa Wright in The Pride of the Yankees (1942)

October 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Paul Gallico’s Lou Gehrig: Pride of the Yankees

The Pride of the Yankees is based on the 1942 book Lou Gehrig: Pride of the Yankees by Paul Gallico (1897-1976). A graduate of Columbia University, Gallico had worked for the New York Daily News as a motion picture critic, sportswriter, editor and columnist. Known as a “hands-on” journalist, Gallico climbed into the ring with heavyweight boxer Jack Dempsey, caught Dizzy Dean’s fastball and hit the links with golfing legend Bobby Jones.

At the suggestion of Hollywood story editor Niven Busch, studio mogul Sam Goldwyn decided to make a biopic on the life of New York Yankee slugger Lou Gehrig using Gallico’s book as source material. Jo Swerling, Herman J. Mankiewicz, Casey Robinson, Vincent Lawrence and Gallico himself penned the screenplay. Sam Wood (Kings Row, For Whom the Bell Tolls, The Stratton Story) directed, with Leigh Harline creating the original music score and Rudolph Mate serving as cinematographer.

Gary Cooper Stars as Lou Gehrig

Gary Cooper (Lou Gehrig) and Teresa Wright (Eleanor Twitchell Gehrig) head the cast. Other players include Walter Brennan (Sam Blake), Dan Duryea (Hank Hanneman), Babe Ruth (Himself), Elsa Janssen (Christina “Mom” Gehrig), Ludwig Stossel (Henry “Pop” Gehrig), Virginia Gilmore (Myra Tinsley), Ernie Adams (Miller Huggins), Harry Harvey (Joe McCarthy), Douglas Croft (Lou Gehrig as a Boy), Dane Clark (Fraternity Boy), Frank Faylen (Yankee Third Base Coach) and George McDonald (Wally Pipp).

In addition to Babe Ruth, other Yankee ballplayers appearing in the film are Bill Dickey, Bob Meusel and Mark Koenig along with sportscaster Bill Stern.

The Pride of the Yankees Filmed in New York and California

The Pride of the Yankees was filmed from February to April 1942. Principal locations were Pelham Parkway in the Bronx, the University of Southern California (dubbing for Columbia University), Yankee Stadium and Wrigley Field in Los Angeles.

Ex-minor league ballplayer Pat Flaherty and former New York Yankee Lefty O’Doul worked with Gary Cooper, turning him into a passable baseball presence on the silver screen. One major obstacle: the real Lou Gehrig was a fearsome left-handed batter while Cooper was neither a good batter or left-handed. This problem was overcome through reverse film editing as formulated by production designer William Cameron Menzies and expertly carried out by film editor Daniel Mandell.

The Pride of the Yankees: Lou Gehrig and the Luckiest Man Alive

The Pride of the Yankees opens with a snappy rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” followed by a Damon Runyon-written eulogy to Lou Gehrig. The action then shifts to a sandlot baseball game where a young Gehrig sends a ball crashing through Colletti’s store window.

Fast forward to Columbia University where Lou Gehrig is a star athlete. When his mother becomes ill, Lou decides to quit school and signs a contract with Jacob Rupert and the New York Yankees in order pay her medical bills. He reports to the team’s minor league affiliate in Hartford, eventually earning the call to the major leagues.

Lou rides the bench for a while, finally getting his chance at Chicago’s Comiskey Park. A nervous Lou stumbles to the plate, eliciting a call of “tanglefoot” from a young woman in the stands. Lou later meets the girl at a restaurant. Her name is Eleanor Twitchell, the daughter of a wealthy Chicago businessman and a diehard baseball fan.

Lou quickly blossoms into one of the game’s biggest stars. He and Eleanor later marry, and while playfully wrestling with his wife one day Lou notes that his shoulder is a little stiff. Now in a terrible batting slump, Lou asks that manager Joe McCarthy take him out of the lineup as he is having trouble controlling his hands.

Following a complete medical checkup at Scripps Clinic, a doctor informs Lou that his playing days are over. Later, before, 62,000 people at Yankee Stadium on Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day, a tearful Lou delivers his famous “luckiest man on the face of the earth” speech.

The Pride of the Yankees Opens in New York City

The Pride of the Yankees opened at New York City’s Astor Theatre on July 15, 1942.

“As a baseball picture…The Pride of the Yankees is not anything to raise the blood pressure. But as a simple, moving story with an ironic heart-tug at the end, it serves as a fitting memorial to the real Lou, who called himself the ‘luckiest man alive,’” reported Bosley Crowther of The New York Times (7/16/42).

The Pride of the Yankees Oscar Nominations, Notes, Movie Memorabilia, DVD

Eleven Academy Award nominations: Best Picture, Best Actor (Cooper), Best Actress (Wright), Best Film Editing (won), Best B/W Cinematography, Best Music, Best Original Story, Best Screenplay, Best Sound, Best Special Effects, Best B/W Art Direction-Interior Decoration.
Lou Gehrig’s affliction – amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) – is never actually mentioned in the film. The 37-year-old Gehrig died of this incurable disease which now bears his name on June 2, 1941.
Fact check: Lou is seen pledging Sigma Alpha Psi. In reality, Lou was a member of Phi Delta Theta at Columbia University.
Gary Cooper’s “luckiest man” speech differs from the one actually given by Lou Gehrig.
Funniest scene: Rookie Lou is urged to take a bite out of Babe Ruth’s new straw hat. The naive Gehrig complies, with a livid Babe turning around just in time to see Lou holding his tattered hat.
Ray Noble and His Orchestra appear at the Moon Terrace nightclub in Chicago where Veloz and Yolanda perform a Latin dance. Bettye Avery then croons the Irving Berlin song “Always.”
Eleanor Gehrig loaned the production the special baseball bracelet given by Gary Cooper to Teresa Wright. It now resides in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
The Pride of the Yankees, starring Gary Cooper, Virginia Bruce and Edgar Buchanan, was broadcast as a 60-minute drama over Lux Radio Theatre on October 4, 1943.
Auction results for The Pride of the Yankees movie posters and memorabilia courtesy Heritage Auction Galleries: one sheet poster (,075.50), set of eight lobby cards (,195), 1949 reissued lobby card picturing Gary Cooper and Babe Ruth (6.50), Spanish handbill ().
On DVD: The Pride of the Yankees Collector’s Edition (MGM, 2008).

Written by William J. Felchner
Professional Writer

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China’s Own Aircraft Carrier Has Been in Building

October 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

China has started focus on its first aircraft company and most likely will build up several, together with dressing up an old Russian company that’s set to start ocean tests soon, Government authorities stated.

“We expect China to construct a minumum of one indigenous company, most likely several, however they haven’t revealed the number of they plan to build, exactly what the construction schedule will [be] or what their missions is going to be,Inch stated a defense official acquainted with intelligence checks.

Another defense official stated China regards aircraft service providers as key symbols of global energy projection and it is unlikely to construct just two.

Other defense authorities stated checks concerning the indigenous service providers derive from intelligence showing construction from the first indigenous company in the Changxing Island Shipyard in Shanghai.

The company seems in satellite photos to become similar in design towards the Varyag, a Soviet-era company bought by China that utilizes a sky-jump style takeoff ramp in front from the ship.

The company program is a facet of China’s military buildup that’s being carefully supervised by U.S. military intelligence.

“We’re conscious of Chinese military modernization programs and therefore are monitoring carefully this along with other military developments in China,” the official stated.

The authorities said in reaction to news recently that China intends to build two indigenous aircraft service providers. Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun first reported the company development on This summer 10.

The warships are contributing to concerns among other Asian nations that fear Beijing uses the energy projection platforms to seize control of huge regions of worldwide waters, like individuals within the South China Ocean, East China Ocean and Yellow Ocean ?a where China has stated maritime sovereignty.

China military is involved in a sizable-scale buildup which includes new proper and conventional missiles, aircraft, anti-satellite weaponry along with a new ballistic missile for focusing on ships at ocean.

Meanwhile, the U.S. military is facing an Federal government intend to trim between 0 billion and trillion in defense investing within the next decade.

“Two aircraft service providers are now being built in the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai,” a Chinese official with ties to China’s Communist Party leadership told Reuters a week ago.

China’s tightly controlled condition media formerly introduced no plans to have an aircraft company pressure. It absolutely was anticipated because the the nineteen nineties when U.S. intelligence agencies detected Chinese jets practicing company deck-style takeoffs and landings at inland airfield.

China’s Defense Ministry has confirmed that it’ll soon begin performing ocean tests about the former Kuznetsov-class company known as the Varyag, that was bought in the past underneath the guise of transforming it right into a floating casino.

Defense Ministry spokesperson Geng Yansheng told reporters in Beijing on Wednesday the company now has wrinkles and will also be employed for “scientific research, experiment and training.”

“The warship continues to be seaworthy, as it’s been docked at ocean for a while,” he stated, observing that “practicing aircraft aircraft pilots also happening.”

Mr. Geng stated aircraft service providers are now being developed due to China’s lengthy coastlines and enormous territorial waters.

Regarding future indigenous service providers, Mr. Geng stated: “Both overestimation and underestimation of China’s future aircraft aircraft happen to be wrong.”

Building and operating aircraft service providers is really a “sacred responsibility of China’s military,” Mr. Geng stated, observing the complexness of operating large ships that launch and recover aircraft.

“A plane company is really a weapons platform you can use it for offensive or defensive reasons. It is also accustomed to maintain global peace as well as for save and relief work,” he stated.

Reviews from China stated the company is anticipated to start performing ocean tests this month.

The ship likely is going to be used towards the south China Ocean island of Hainan, where China also intends to deploy its new nuclear-powered submarines.

China is building attack and ballistic missile submarines, and satellite photos have proven a dent for an underwater submarine base on Hainan.

Tensions remain full of the South China Ocean as Chinese ships has progressed to assert treatments for large regions of disputed waters within the ocean, also is stated by Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei.

Among individuals in the area worried about China’s military buildup is Japan. A government defense report released in December stated China’s growing missile and naval forces, and also the secrecy all around the development, “are of interest for that regional and global community.”

“China’s next moves need to be viewed carefully, or there eventually might be an adverse effect on maritime safety in Asia,” Yoshihiko Yamada, a professor at Japan’s Tokai College.

China’s curiosity about developing aircraft service providers elevated consequently from the 1996 crisis over Taiwan. In those days, China fired short-range missiles at Taiwan, and also the Government responded by delivering two aircraft company strike groups to waters close to the island.

Written by Fower Lee

Filed Under: China Tagged With: , , , ,

How to Build a Collection of Unique Earrings

October 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Earrings can be an inexpensive and effective way to add interest to your face and style to your wardrobe. If you have short hair, unique earring designs are essential since your ears are more exposed and need a bit of ornamentation. Unfortunately, the earrings you see at department stores are often mass produced and lack style and originality. Sometimes it pays to go off the beaten path to develop a truly interesting earring collection. Here are some suggestions for building an earring collection that’s strong on originality without spending a fortune:

Find unique earring design: Visit antique malls

If you haven’t visited antique malls for jewelry in the past, you’ll be overwhelmed by the selection. It would be easy to spend hours at some of the larger malls absorbing all of the interesting vintage earring designs from days gone by. You can find vintage earrings covering all price points from inexpensive selections to pricier ones made of precious metals. One thing you won’t find are mass produced, cookie cutter earrings commonly seen in local department stores.

Find unique earring designs: Visit a craft gallery

There’s something special about a pair of artisan designed earrings. To know they were handcrafted with care by an artist rather than created on an assembly line in a factory gives them character. Many artisan designs are produced in limited quantity which makes them special. Don’t be put off by the price points. If you truly love them and plan on wearing them frequently, they’re worth the investment. Plus, you’ll enjoy the compliments you receive as they dangle elegantly from your ears.

Find unique earring designs: Make your own

You may be surprised at how easy it is to make your own earrings. It can be as simple as adding an interesting bead or two to a special wire called a head pin. Make a loop and add an earring hook to create a truly one-of-kind jewelry creation. Warning! Making your own earrings can be addictive. Spend a day at your local bead store discovering the possibilities. Most bead stores offer classes where you learn the basics of making your own earrings.

Find unique earring designs: Look online

Visit craft galleries online to find unique earrings designs crafted by budding jewelry designers across the country. One of the best is http://www.beadiest.com. You can even sell your own creations here if you decide to turn the art of making your own earrings into a business.

As you can see, there’s no need to settle for common earring designs when you can have the artsy and unusual. Unique earring designs are a cost expedient way to give your wardrobe more style and flair.

Written by Kristie.Leong.M.D

Filed Under: Crafting Collectibles Tagged With: , , ,
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