Happy Birthday Laurie

Most of the ads in the NIE ad series featured local (or national) celebrities. One notable exception was the NIE ad featuring Laurie, who happens to be celebrating a birthday today.
Laurie was a vital player in the NIE ad series.
After I developed the concept, our graphics department did as little
as possible with the ad. Quite frankly, the first 3 ads looked horrible, embarrassing even. The series would have died if Laurie had not intervened.
Laurie was the Editor of the largest (and most successful) newspaper Lerner had. Knowing how important this project was to me, Laurie stepped in (unsolicited and unbeknownst to me) and somehow managed to get one of the ads redone in almost breathtaking fashion. From that point on (sometimes with more cajoling from Laurie), the ads looked very good, sometimes even awesome! Laurie truly saved the ad series.
After Laurie's intervention and after the series started gaining momentum, I really wanted to get Laurie to appear in an ad. I knew her readers would love it. I also wanted her in the ad because she really got it and supported it. Laurie loved the printed word, be it newspapers or books.
Laurie's NIE ad sparked a lot of conversation within the office. First, let me state that I love every aspect of the ad. Her quote was a great quote, but some staffers (small brains) did not understand it. Maybe that shows the effectiveness of her quote. It got people talking and thinking.
I think the actual quote was one of the best, even topping some literary professionals who appeared in the ad series (all of whom Laurie edited).
Laurie was the only Lerner staffer to appear in the NIE ad series. (Surprisingly, with my ego, I did not put myself in an ad.) I think that is fitting, as Laurie was so instrumental in breathing life into the series. She also had a loyal and rabid following.
Thank you, Laurie, for taking the underachieving NIE ad series and making it into a winner. Thank you for all of your input and work on it. Thank you, too, for agreeing to appear in the series.
Oh and Happy Birthday!

Giveaway : Win free Steampunk Jewelry

Thanks for Participating , The winners have been contacted .
Check out my current giveaway :
http://steampunkrings.blogspot.com/2009/05/steampunk-jewelry-twitter-giveaway.html

I'm proud to announce a new STEAMPUNK JEWELRY giveaway & contest.

I set up a mailing list for newsletter ( see at the top right corner of my blog ) .
Over the last few month the list has grown and as a way of Thank you I'm going to draw a ring in February , March & April. All you have to do to participate is subscribe to my newsletter .This will give you 1 entry into this giveaway . If you already entered you will not have to re-enter for other future giveaways.




To get additional entries into the contest you can leave a comment here :

# 1 : Tell me which of my Steampunk jewelry is your favorite one and why ? ( you get 1 more entry )

# 2 : Post a link to my shop or blog on your website/blog ( you get one more entry )
or you can add this one of the 125 x 125 Steampunk ring image to your blog with a link ( you get 3 more entries )


#3 : Write a article on your blog about my Steampunk Jewelry. ( you get 5 more entries ) + a chance to win an Amber steampunk bracelet in April .

So if you do all this you can get up to 10 entries ,
All you have to do is leave a comment here and tell me what you did.

For example : I have done # 1,2,3.

This time I'm giving away 1 STEAMPUNK RING at the end of February , March & April .
The winners will have the chance to pick any Steampunk rings of 45 $ .
I will also draw a steampunk bracelet in April ( value of 80$ ) .

You can see all my rings in my ETSY shop .


Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
CatherinetteRings.etsy.com

Some toe nail-art

My friend Lena have visited me today, and certainly i did some design on her toe nail, since her job require her not have anything on her finger nails.
This is what i came up with.
In the beginning idea was different, but she is a very picky "client" , she like things to be done her way, so i had to find a compromise. But in reward she broth me some dry flowers and other decoration stuff.


Polishes used for gradation.

Skräckinjagande Babianer

Skräckinjagande
Babianer


I just finished that scary azz baboon, so its pokemon time =__=

Stem Cells - The Future of Breast Augmentation?


Stem cells are now being used for Breast Augmentation overseas. Specifically, the procedure is gaining in popularity in Japan and is being introduced in Great Britain. The procedure involves removing fat from the abdomen (fat is rich in stem cells) and using a machine to concentrate the stem cells prior to injecting it into the breasts. It's estimated that women can achieve a cup size or greater enhancement to their breast size.

What are my thoughts on stem cell breast augmentation?

First of all, it's going to be a long time before the FDA approves any devices designed to concentrate stem cells for cosmetic breast augmentation. With 1 in 9 women developing breast cancer in their lifetime, it is extremely important for physicians to be sure that stem cell breast augmentation does not increase the risk of breast cancer, delay or interfere with the diagnosis of breast cancer, or worsen the prognosis of breast cancer if it is diagnosed.

Second, many physicians are performing fat grafting to the breast, which is the closest thing we currently have to stem cell breast enhancement. The big difference between the two is that generic fat grafting to the breast doesn't have as high a concentration of stem cells, but the stem cells are still present. One of the controversies surrounding fat grafting to the breast revolves around possible mammographic changes that can occur with the surgery. For this reason, I perform fat grafting to the breasts very sparingly, and only when breast implants are not possible. I have been happy with the results in the rare patients whom I perform this on, however.

For now, stem cell breast augmentation is only available for women who are willing to travel overseas. For the rest of Americans, it's Breast Implants or Bust! ;)

Story source: timesonline.uk
Photo credit: prphotos.com
For the ASPS cautionary statement regarding fat grafting to the breast, click here.

Thanks for reading,
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.
:

Keeping up with Trends




I have always kept up with trends and I guess my mom and grandmother always did as well. I do appreciate the new exciting designs that come out on the runways and in the magazines, but I do think there is something to be said for those who create there own style. These unique individual styles and the designer trends seem to always have a foot in the past. This is why I have always worn a vintage mix with contemporary fashions, together they create my own thang. The trends this season are lavender, rose, colorful flowers, flowered jewelry and plunging necklines(the dudes will be phyched). Pulling a few of these together with a vintage redesigned handbag and jewelry will set your outfit apart from the rest. I have always believed no matter what your style is if you have confidence and own the look, you'll look great! Mix it up for a look that is yours. del.ico.us.

Konad Revvvolution

Thanks to Brooke and her insanely detailed Konad tutorial last week, I pulled out the ol’ plates on Sunday, and gave it another try. Oddly enough, my left hand (I’m right-handed) is less than impressive, while my right hand managed to score much straighter stamps. Overall, it went better than it could have, so I’m not complaining. Please excuse the chip down by my cuticle on the left hand (below) – I got a little overzealous when cleaning up…

I’ve gotta say – I absolutely *adore* this black glitter-filled polish from Color Club. The formula is pretty thin, but it’s very easy to apply, goes on opaque in two coats, and dries quickly…*without tip shrinkage*! It’s just packed with micro-glitter in lots of different colors, so it’s very sparkly in the sunshine (or under a camera flash), but it looks more “gunmetal grey” in standard room lighting (so not as “harshly goth” as a straight black would be). It’s really a unique color that actually looks very classy.I used the Konad special polish for the white designs – I picked this ultra-simple one so I wouldn’t have to worry so much about details. As you can see, I have some smearing, a few lines that don’t quite close, and stamps that aren’t centered, but not too bad overall (like most nail art, it looks just fine from farther away).

I used the Sephora by OPI top coat this week - worked great, no tip pull, dried quickly with my Zoya half-time drops.

Stay tuned – Friday I’ll be announcing the very first contest here at Nail Art Tuesday…

Hacksaw Jim Connects with Laurie

In an earlier post, I wrote about Laurie meeting Hacksaw Jim Duggan. During that convention, Laurie and Duggan crossed paths several times. One of the most interesting times occurred during his match with Kamala the Ugandan Giant, but there were other Duggan-Laurie moments, too.
Previous to the actual match, during one of the autograph sessions, we approached Duggan. He signed my photo and looked up at Laurie and let out a big "Aaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyeee", followed by "now that's my kind of fan".
During his match, they had a couple more moments. An excellent photog, Laurie made it her mission to get great pictures for me all weekend. To my surprise (although I shouldn't have been surprised), this also included her walking to ringside during the actual matches and joining the professional photogs. Unlike the others, Laurie dug in and almost joined the action a few times. Once, she was in the middle of a skirmish between Sir Oliver Humperdink and Bobby Heenan.
Another time, she was positioned near the corner outside of the ring. Duggan (with the U.S. flag) was outside of the ring doing his trademark walk-stomp. In another surreal moment, their eyes met and Duggan gave her the big "thumb's up" to snap the great action shot below. Laurie was the only photog to nab this particular shot.Later in the match, Laurie returned to our seats, but her connection with Duggan remained intact. At one point, Duggan stood in the corner of the ring on the 2nd rope and looked into the audience. His eyes caught Laurie's and he gave her another thumb's up. If anyone else said this, I would say they were dreaming, but I saw it very clearly.
Hacksaw Jim Duggan and Laurie. Who would have thought? Yet, it all makes perfect sense. I still get a kick out of hearing her talk in glowing terms about Duggan.
After returning home, I scoured the online community and found some pictures others took of the Wrestling Reunion. Among the more interesting pictures was one that included Laurie. While Mike Rotunda grappled with Ron Bass in the ring, Laurie can be seen in the lower left corner capturing the moment.

A Bra That Prevents Breast Cancer?? No...


There's an interesting segment from Good Morning America which analyzes the Brassage. This is a bra manufactured by Intimate Health which claims (according to the program) to massage away toxins from the breast, thereby preventing and possibly treating disease and infection, and maybe even cancer.

Before you run out and buy this bra, I would caution that there is no science that supports that a bra prevents or treats any illnesses. "Removing toxins" is a pretty popular term nowadays as a catch-all for any whacky or off-the-wall treatment that claims to improve a person's health. Technically, I remove toxins every hour or two when I use the bathroom.

While the GMA broadcast completely discredits the Brassage, I wouldn't be so quick in dismissing it. In fact, I would put it on a pedestal with two other well-known and revolutionary bras: The Bro and The Manzier.

For the GMA broadcast, click here.

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.
:

Horus Heresy: Legion

This was a difficult one, halfway through we decided the angle of the shot wasn't working so I had to re-render the whole thing from scratch to revise it. I think we ended up with a moody and atmospheric piece. I had great fun working on the 'Imperial Guard' in the pic, they were really exotic compared to the Space Marines I'd been used to.

Artwork (c) Games Workshop 2009. All Rights Reserved. Used without permission

I like the sky and general moody atmosphere in this piece - I was going for a Lady Elizabeth Butler feel with this one - if you get a chance Google her, do it - she seems to be a forgotten and underrated artist.

Trivia:
The Imperial Guard were based on photos of me in a trench coat, kneeling on my living room floor holding a broomstick - Aah, the glamour of being an illustrator!

Friendly Encounters

This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.

In January of 2005, Laurie and I were in Tampa (FL) for the Wrestling Reunion. I was going down there to meet a bunch of wrestlers, but
especially Roddy Piper and Lanny Poffo. I knew going with Laurie would be a lot of fun. I even thought she would find some interest in the whole wrestling scene, despite not being a wrestling fan. However, even I did not imagine just how incredible this trip would be.
Laurie had read In the Pit with Piper (by Roddy Piper) and Tietam Brown (by Mick Foley). She had hoped to be able to talk to each about those books. In her usual unassuming way, Laurie doubted either would pay her much more attention than that given to the average fan. I predicted that she would stand out among the crowd and each would take notice.
When we met Foley, Laurie started to talk to him about her writing career and her take on Tietam Brown. Foley (who was probably surprised to see a female at this event, let alone one who had writing credentials and who read his book) immediately became engrossed in their conversation.
This wasn't the typical fan talk about his greatest match.
This was a real conversation which lasted several minutes, much to the dismay of several fans behind us who simply got a signed photo as Foley continued talking to Laurie.
For me, this was one of the more surreal moments I have ever witnessed. Laurie and I had discussed Foley and Tietam Brown several times. We had also theorized on how their potential conversation would go, but seeing it actually happen was just unreal.
They discussed themes and styles. They talked about the possibility of a movie based on the book (a chat that Laurie would continue with Terry Funk). All the while, I stood there just enjoying the scene.
Mick Foley and Laurie in Tampa, FL-January 2005.

New wool and a new project

I bought some new wool yesterday from a teacher who teaches rug hooking. She was having a big sale. She mostly uses wool from England. The wool was wonderful and there was a variety to chose from. I always pick the bright colors. It's really hard to tell on your computer screen how wonderful and colorful this wool is. Or, for that matter what it will look like once hooked.




Here is the start to my latest project. I used a fiesta serving plate for the oval shape of this piece. The kitty is my original design. Does it look familiar? I need to go to Joanne's and pick out a pillow form. The oval shape will be inside a square shape, which will be the standard size of a small throw pillow. I'm thinking either 14 x 14, or 16 x 16. I think they make those sizes....



progess...


xo...

Gradation nails ( by hands)

As i bet any of you i have quite a collection of polishes , with the bad level opacity.Those are type of polishes that takes more then 2 layers to get any solid color, but even fter hours of drying all those tons of layers you still can see what is going on under the polish .
Now here is a bright idea how to tern whose whose useless polishes into the powerful nail-art tool.Those polishes are just perfect to do the graduation on your nails, so i hope you didn't throw all of them away.
I played a little with this idea and here are some result.




You can easily create the graduation by following those steps:
1. Find the right polish, it must be very transparent, polishes without glitter or chips works the best.
2. Put the really thick layer of the transparent polish on the entire nail, and let it dry just a litle
3.Put the next layer on the 1/2 of nail, starting from the middle and going up, let it dry just a little again.
3. Put the 3 layer of polish on the 1/3 nail.
4. The best result you get if you use a glitter top coat, however you can use a regular one too.
As a top coat i used the one i have got from Brook "Colorama top coat" by maybelline

I Love My Coke

After my local White Hen eliminated Coke products from their fountain beverage selections, I was angry, not to mention thirsty. I had a nice routine of getting a turkey sandwich and a fountain Coke for lunch most of the time. I'd maybe get another fountain Coke later in the day.
Most of my friends question my (sanity and) allegiance to fountain Cokes. I staunchly maintain the Coke is the best beverage and fountain Coke is the best option. Most of my friends eventually agree that fountain beverages do taste better. Eventually, they realize that not all fountain Cokes are created equal.
I was espousing this theory to Laurie when she suggested I write a column about my search for the best fountain Coke in my area. Some people might say that was her way to get me to shut up (and they might be partially correct), but Laurie would never use her newspaper like that. She legitimately thought it would make an interesting column.

I was excited and I worked very hard to make it a good column. I was willing to drink as many fountain Cokes as necessary to ensure the column was credible.
Writing for Laurie was always interesting. She is a tough Editor and I loved the challenge and the synergy. Laurie has a knack for making any piece so much better without ever losing the voice and feel of the author. I have to say I was ecstatic with the outcome and a few of her readers even voiced their pleasure with it, too!
A copy of the Coke column now hangs in Rex's Italian Foods in Norridge (IL). I giggle silently every time I see it there and I know it wouldn't be there without Laurie (much like this blog). I had no writing career (just a long dormant interest in writing). Now, whatever writing I do really does stem back to those columns Laurie encouraged me to write.
My Coke Guest Column from the Lerner Times-January 1, 2003.

Simple mess

Oh yeah! i am almost back on the stamping marker.
As you may mentioned from the pictures here, i used to have a stamping kit, but left it in russia , because my friend wanted it so bad, so i decided that i may get another one here. But, you know all this economy stuff.. so haven't got one yet, but i was struggling so much without it. i mean no creativity can really replace good old stamping, especially when you ahve so little time for nails.
So yetoday my second excitement was gettign a new stmping kit.
I have got a chep one from e-bay, and i am not recomending it at all, plates are so poor, and polishes dont work at all, very transperent, you cant see it on any color. And moreover the colors i have got are not the colors i inteneted to have according to the sellers picture. But on the other hand it worth trying,m because it only was like 5 buks.




But where is another one comming. With more plates and polishes, so i will only keep stamp and scraper from this one.
I wanted to see if this cheap one will work, so i can tell my friends get it or not.
Since polishes wont work, i used regular polish and surprizingly it worked pretty good.
So here is my pink mess.

Thank you, Brook

Hi dear flowers!
Yesterday i have got a package from broke bacon , she sent me a lot of useful stuff and i am really really happy. You guys, seriousness cant even imaging how excited i was to open and try it all.
So i ahve got - 2 Wonderful top coats with glitter effect - i just love it!!! Mirrow shine 2 polishes kit - havent try it yet, but i am sure it is going to be a lot of fun, Evening base coat, ton of orange sticks, Beautiful dark polish with boobs :) , polar block and gorgeouse souvenir from VEGAS!!!
Broke - thank you so much!!!! You gave me so many positive emotions and i am sure that it all will comme back to you.
And thank you so much for you time to send it all, and that you like the nails, and for everything.




Brooke Shields, Latisse, and Make a Wish


Brooke Shields, famed eyebrow specialist Anastasia Soare, and Allergan (makers of eyelash enhancer Latisse) have teamed up to help the Make a Wish Foundation. The Latisse Wishes campaign was begun to help raise money for the Make a Wish Foundation, on the idea that people make a wish when they blow on an eyelash. The company has donated an initial amount of $500,000 to Make a Wish, and plan to donate another $5 for each person who signs up on www.Latisse.com up to a total of $1 million.

So far we are seeing very good results from Latisse. I am currently in the middle of filming a local TV segment where we follow a woman who's using it. So far, five weeks into her treatment, she's noticing a nice enhancement of her eyelashes.

I've never been one to make a wish on an eyelash that falls out. I just hate it when one falls out and sticks to my cheek for several hours.

photo credit: prphotos.com

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.
:

Johngy Meets the Maestro

Mark Metcalf gained his first big success as Neidermayer in Animal House. He reprised that persona in 2 Twisted Sister videos.
In more career symmetry, Metcalf played 'The Maestro' on Seinfeld and 'The Master' on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I don't know if his real name on Buffy was also Bob Cobb, though.
When I met Metcalf at the Hollywood Collectors Show, I asked him which of his 8x10's he liked. As he pointed to one, a child (his son Julius?) sitting with him mockingly asked me why I didn't ask for his opinion. He pointed to another and said I should get both. Now that is a pretty good salesman!
Mark Metcalf and me in Rosemont, IL-March 2009.

Forgotten photos





Rome (day 2)


I stumbled upon some photos I took during my trip to Europe with EF Tours (2006). Sooooo, im posting a few of them now.




Rome (day 3)


I really enjoyed Rome. It felt like a whole new world... but its super hard to find a underwear =__=








Our tour guide is holding the flag (Fabio)
Rome (day 3)


Our tour was pretty fun but it just seemed like we did nothing but shop and sweat.










Wine tasting
Rome (Day 3)








on the road
>somewhere<








Walking through the streets of Rome








=__= still walking

I dont even know where we were going at this point!?






When the day got interesting
optical-illusions






beyond this walkway is the gift shop...


superb keychains my friends ;)










I took this on the train
France (day 4)






AD Maiorem Dei Gloriam
speaks for itself








My girlfriend and our friend Susan






Streets of Paris
(day 4 or 5)












Kristine was pretty mad and very pretty ;)
Paris (day 5)








I really wasn't suppose to take this picture (the police told me to put away my camera)










(Mr. Norah sleeping)

I dont have any photos during our stay in england due to my camera being stolen... so here's one of our wait to go home.