Richard asks…
Hi does anyone here blog?
Hi everyone,
i’ve just started a new blog http://redebony.blogspot.com
I’m looking for new writers to discuss topics such as fashion, design, sports, dating, business and finance, film and book reviews, run daily commentary, music and hotspots both on and offline. You will be put on the page as a guest writer and will have a link under your article for your blog. You can also email me redebony08@yahoo.co.uk so i can add you to my blogroll. I think a blog is one of the most powerful social networking tools, and i don’t know about you guys but i’m tired of celebrities who have done absolutely nothing really being the only ones getting airtime. There are perfectly great writers, artists, film producers and directors not getting an opportunity to share their work because their not celebrities or are not swimming in money. If there’s anyone here interested in sharing their talents, please email me at redebony08@yahoo.co.uk/ publishersgirl@yahoo.co.uk
Justin answers:
I do.
Chris asks…
Why do most Americans appear a lot older than people from the UK?
Having grown up during the 80s and 90s I would watch many teen shows and films including Sweet Valley High, Clueless, Save by the Bell, Boy Meets World etc. and later on films like American Pie.
What I have always found puzzling is how Americans appear a lot older than most Britons. Not only in their physique and build but their lifestyle and the way society treats them and enables them to be more independant. Here’s what I mean:
American 17 year old:
Expected to live on their own or desire to, drive a proper car, be career driven and successful, have many friends, adult physique by 18-20 (broader chest, bigger jaws, muscular, penis growth), stops getting acne by 18-19, broader understanding of ethics, morality, justice, love, guilt due to more exposure to experiences.
British 18-21 year old:
Still living off parents but It’s ok, has few close friends that are prob. all unemployed or broke, society considers them “young adults” which still aquates to a boy, learning to drive and drives by 18 but a second hand Ford Fiesta, VW or Peugeot if they are lucky, attends 6th formth college but is not the same as college in America which has more of a University atmosphere, you are not expected to be career driven and be enteprenerial doing things like acting, creative director, CEO, CTO but instead just another robot in an office someplace licking your managers a** doing admin, managurial stuff, marketing, finance, physique is still of a boy and not a man including size of penis and voice pitch, has acne and doesn’t go away till they are >25.
This is obviously a generalised example but is actually an observation I have made of my experiences over the past decade and most of it is very much true in terms of the difference between being a 21 year old in America (independant man) and a 21 year old in the UK. (Kevin played by Harry Enfield)
Has the difference got to do with the economy during WW2? America was wealthy and prosperous with industry while Britons were still suffering the hardships of the aftermath. Or does this difference something to do with genetics which is linked to our ancestory?
@LaAn, I am not basing my observations from films. I have been to America several times and have noticed the difference in the way society treats “young adults”. I also know many Americans who live in the UK so can make an assessment on the differences.
Even though it’s true shows and films do not represent the real age of the actor, the reality of how a 21 year old is treated in society in the US is quite different from the British mentality.
@Your Guardian Angel, what I meant was that 6th form college is quite different from American colleges in a middle income area. The atmosphere is more like University here in the UK where the teachers treat you like an adult and you can graduate. Psychologically the system in America builds you up to be more mature, while in the UK you leave school by 17, go to a college have fun, go off to university have more fun, graduate and then end up in a 9-5 job with no sence of real purpose to your life feeling like you want to persue a career doing something extrodinary.
My question is in relation to REAL people and why American teens look more mature than British teens.
For example: I watch a YouTube video of an ordinary girl and it says she is 19 yet she looks like a 26 year old women with matured breasts, body, face etc.. That is her REAL age yet she looks older. Why is this?
Justin answers:
The WWII example is probably a pretty big factor. I had never thought of that, but I can definitely see it holding some value.
I always thought it was older than that though- the way the countries were brought up.
I live in America, and while this may sound pessimistic, I always sort-of viewed the culture as if each circle of people was inclusive and against the rest. We make friends easily, but keeping them is a challenge to us. Constant bickering (“drama” is an everyday word) between everyone makes it harder to trust society 100%, and that “made us grow up”, or rather, it made us separate ourselves from childhood in vain attempts at calming down.
It’s always a rush for American teens to “be adults” “make adult decisions”. We’re brought up with what we consider a fact that we can be anything we want to be, should we put our minds to it. That means by the time higher schooling rolls around, many of us still want to be spacemen or princesses or whatever it was we wanted to be when we were five. Our parents know better though- they’ve been through it. So they tell us to grow up.
And we do. But I’m not sure we’re happy about it.
Steven asks…
When Barack Obama Was Born in 1961 Can you Relate?
1961 The cold war continued to worsen with the USSR exploding some very large bombs during testing and then masterminding the building of the Berlin Wall separating East from West Berlin, America sent a battle group to Germany and Americans and Russians Glared at each other across the border, due to this uncertainty many Americans built backyard fallout shelters incase of nuclear war. To make matters worse the Americans financed anti-Castro Cubans for an invasion at the bay of pigs which was an unmitigated disaster. The Soviets put the first man in space in April Yuri Gagarin followed by the US in May with Alan Shepard. popular music included Chubby Checkers “The Twist” and top movies included “West Side Story” and “The Parent Trap” .
Cost Of Living 1961
How Much things cost in 1961
Yearly Inflation Rate USA 1.07%
Yearly Inflation Rate UK 2.9%
Average Cost of new house $12,500.00
Average Income per year $5,315.00
Cost of a gallon of Gas 27 cents
Average Cost of a new car $2,850.00
Bacon for 1LB 67 cents
Eggs per dozen 30 cents
Below are some Prices for UK guides in Pounds Stirling
Average House Price 2,770
What Events Happened In 1961
Fidel Castro declares Cuba is to adopt Communism and bans free elections
US Cuban Exiles and CIA mount unsuccessful attempt to overthrow Castro known as the ( Bay of Pigs )
John F. Kennedy inaugurated as President of the United States
President John F. Kennedy advises American families to build bomb shelters
The Peace Corps is established by John F. Kennedy
President Kennedy asks Congress for $531 million to put a man on the moon
Race Riots in Cities throughout the United States
The Xingu National Park is created in Brazil
Britain applies for membership of the EEC
Segregation on railways in the south ends
Texas Sales Tax Introduced
Construction of the Berlin Wall begins.
East German Authorities close the border between east and west Berlin
UN General Assembly condemns Apartheid
Estimate of the Worlds Population reaches 4 billion
Farthings no longer legal tender in Britain
South Africa becomes an independent republic.
Last Journey of The Orient Express Paris – Bucharest
The first six flags theme parks opens “Six Flags Over Texas” at Arlington, Texas
Amnesty International Started in United Kingdom
The Antarctic Treaty System comes into force to regulate international relations with respect to Antarctica to ensure in the interests of all mankind that Antarctica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes
Pampers the first disposable diaper are introduced
Members of the Portuguese leftist movement hijack The luxury cruise liner “Santa Maria”.
Members of The UK Portland Spy Ring are found guilty of selling plans of the HMS Dreadnought, Britain’s first nuclear submarine to the Russians
During the Monza Italian Grand Prix Race Baron Wolfgang von Trips Ferrari crashes off the track onto embankment filled with spectators killing 14 plus the driver.
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) started
“Freedom Riders” test the United States Supreme Court decision Boynton v. Virginia on May 20th , over local segregation ordinances
Popular Culture
The farthing coin, used since the 13th century, ceases to be legal tender in the United Kingdom.
British satirical magazine Private Eyeis published for first time
The Jerk , the Frug , the Pony become popular dances
Black and white 5 pound notes cease to be a legal tender in the UK
Popular Films
The Guns of Navarone
The Parent Trap
The Absent-Minded Professor
The Alamo
Swiss Family Robinson
101 Dalmatians
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
El Cid
West Side Story
Popular TV
Mister Ed
The Avengers
Technology 1961
Yuri Gagarin is the first human in space.
The First inflight movie is shown on TWA
The First electric toothbrush is produced Squibb Co.
Alan Shepard makes first US Space Flight
Niagra Falls starts producing hydroelectric power
The first quasar is discovered by Allan Sandage at Mt Palomar, California
IBM introduces the Selectric typewriterGolfball
Inventions Invented by Inventors and Country ( or attributed to First Use )
Human Space Travel Russia Yuri Gagarin – the first human in space
Justin answers:
Just got a new almanac I see.
William asks…
What do you think is an average amount to spend on the funds for university? What did you-or are you-spending?
Please, this is a desperate question!
Here’s my situation : I’m 15, from the UK, and looking about going to film school in Paris-which is the Eicar International. I want to do two courses-but that would be too expensive. I’ve already looked at the New-York Film Academy-which is $50,000.
I was wondering, is £8,101pa (3-year course) really expensive? I don’t know too much about finance… I’d love to speak with my parents about, but i won’t ask if it’s too expensive..
So, i’d just like others’ experiences-financially..
How much did you leave in debt with , too? Is it reasonable to ask my parents?
—-this is about the future , too Haha, i’m aware i’m too young , for now.
Thank you , so much
Justin answers:
At the moment if you were to go to uni in the UK you could expect to pay £3250 a year. Although you can get that paid by the government and then you pay the government back over a few years when you start working so it is better than just having to pay that money upfront.
Robert asks…
Did any Americans change their minds about Universal Healthcare?
after watching “Sicko”?
I’m in the UK and was fascinated by that film, it seems that life can be very tough in the US if you’re not either extremely rich or poor enough to qualify for Government assistance. The NHS has its faults but I for one couldn’t live without it, having to worry about finances or insurance before I could take my sick child to the Doctors would just be awful!
Do any of you resent your lives hanging in the hands of money-making Insurance corporations who see paying out for your treatment as a “financial loss”?
What do you think of this article:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A9447-2005Feb8.html
“bush family member” – (lol the name says it all!)
How is American healthcare “the best” when you can’t get the treatment ytou need because you can’t afford it or your insurance won’t pay out?
And the Canadians who are “sent” to America – are they poor people? How do they pay for the treatment? I take it they were poor they wouldn’t get any help?
LOL @ your link!
In the UK noone is refused healthcare because of insurance problems/lack of money. Private treatment is also there for those who can afford it but everyone is entitled to use the NHS free of charge and there are NO waiting lists for urgent operations! If you have cancer you are operated on straight away (my mum was, this year!). If you are waitng its because your condition is non-urgent and then you can always go private if you want to.
Whats worse, “poor” healthcare or NO healthcare?
Justin answers:
Yes, but that movie is not an accurate representation of healthcare in America. America actually has the best healthcare system in the world. That is why Canada and other countries send their sickest cancer patients to America. America also continues to invent the most advanced diagnostic equipment in the world (Canada sends their patients to American hospitals to use American machines)
Healthcare in the England is far from perfect.
Http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/southendnews/display.var.2368718.0.access_for_all_should_not_be_about_money.php
Also, the numbers in the movie are not correct. There are 32 million illegal immigrants in America (most accurate number). They are included in the total number of uninsured.
Canada is increasingly sending patients to the U.S. For treatment. (Canadian government website)
“”MW suffered from Stage 3C ovarian cancer with a complication of an impending bowel obstruction. The Appeal Board found that the waiting time in Ontario for the ovarian cancer surgery received in New York was between six to eight weeks. ”
http://www.hsarb.on.ca/english/reports/HSARB_Annual_report_2006.htm
Canadians travel to America when the Canadian government won’t agree to pay for U.S. Medical care:
Canadian cancer survivor: “There’s no question that going to the United States saved my life”
Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada – CCAC
http://www.ccac-accc.ca/news.php?id=53
“In Canada the average wait for procedures such as neurosurgery is more than four months; for cancer radiation treatment, over two months. The average wait for treatment after consulting a specialist for coronary bypass clocks in at up to 52 weeks, with four to 12 weeks for angioplasty. That’s the reality in our backlogged public health system, according to a recent survey by The Fraser Institute, a think tank based in Vancouver. In the United States, you can often be on an operating table within a week or two of referral to a surgeon.”
Canadian government:
“Four years ago when Suzanne Aucoin was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, she had to travel every week to the United States to buy life-saving cancer drugs ” Medical Tourism Boosted by Long Wait Times – Embassy – Newspaper
http://www.embassymag.ca/html/index.php?display=story&full_path=/2007/march/28/tourism/
David asks…
Are EKA (Euro Kids Agency) genuine?
Im 13 years old, and i recently applied to Euro Kids/teens casting agency. Within three days of applying, I received an email saying I had been accepted for free representation. Here is the email i received, and I was wondering If It is genuine and if I should go forward with it. My mum is a bit concerned about the finances, so we just want to make sure were not making a mistake.
here it is:
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
You have been selected to join
“UK’sTOP Teen Model Agency”
Dear ******,
Thank you for your application, I have tried contacting you today as I am delighted to be writing withconfirmation that the Agency would love to offer you free representation!!
EuroTeens has a superb reputationfor providing quality models and actors for photographic assignments, films,television programmes and commercials. Take a look atEuroTeens in their latest modelling and acting campaigns:
http://www.eka-agency.co.uk/category/euroteens-modelling-acting/
http://www.eka-agency.co.uk/category/euroteens-acting/
As you know our models, actors andextras need a range of professional profile images to feature in our ClientDirectory so that all our clients can see them at their full potential whenbooking Photographic and TV/Film work. We invite you to have the requiredimages taken at EuroTeens very own FAB Photographic Studios where ourexperienced and friendly team will ensure they get the perfect shots torepresent you with!
Take a look at what happens at yourphoto shoot:
http://www.eka-agency.co.uk/photo-studios/
You’ll have a wonderful time in our professionalstudio – we take up to 100 colour and black & white images so we know wewill have the right shots for both modelling and TV work! At the end of thephoto shoot you will have plenty of time to choose your top ten fabulous imagesbefore our Image Consultant loads them onto a disc for you to take home! Thecost of your studio session is just £179+vat!* This fab price includes an hoursstudio time with one of our experienced photographers, the help and advise ofan Image Consultant who knows exactly the type of image the Agency needs topromote you with, all related admin fees AND the image copyright (ownership)too so you can print them as many times as you like or use them on yourfavourite social network site! Fabulous!
So, let’s get started with the nextstep……………
To confirm your acceptance of our offerof free representation, reserve your place on our Client Directory and book a photo shoot please give me a quick call on mydirect line, 01925 761211. I will send you a confirmation of your exclusivestudio time and lots of FAB info as to what happens on the day of yourshoot! You will have plenty of time to organise your favourite outfitsand accessories and, once you are booked in, we will get to work creating anexclusive, personal profile on our Client Directory. We will send you a personal profile login, so that you canhelp us complete the personal profile, and licence documentation to completeand return to the Agency so that we can start the licensing process that allowsyou to do modelling and television work as soon as possible!
Congratulations once again on being selected to joinEuroTeens, I look forward to speaking to you!
Best regards,
Rebecca Whitfield
Model & Casting Team
PS: I’m here Monday to Friday 9am till 5:30pm, I look forward to speaking toyou soon!!
* Full balance of the fee only needs tobe paid to EuroKids Ltd on/by the day of your photo shoot. In compliance withcurrent legislation no fee is payable for 30 days from the above date.
Justin answers:
There are numerous reviews online for this agency and many are negative.
3 out of 4 agencies are scams. Proper research can save you financially, may save your dignity & reputation, & if the scam agent is a sexual predator – it will save you. An easy (but not exclusive) search is to Google the model agency name followed by the word ‘scam’ and/or ‘review’ & read the results. Be aware, some scammers will write positive feedback on their negative reviews.
Genuine agents make money by taking a percentage of a model`s fees. They do not have handling fees, signing fees, agency fees (outside of their cut – as noted above) or any other kind of up front ‘before-you-can-be-signed’ fee. Bogus agencies may insist you pay fees (often extortionate) for a shoot with them to be accepted.
Genuine agencies do not ask you to pay for test shoots or for the development of portfolios but may arrange specific photoshoots with a reputable or in-house photographer.
Genuine agencies do not expect payment up front for your Z card or website profile. Some may deduct costs from the proceeds of the first paid assignment. Some do not charge fees for these.
Legitimate modelling agencies give a 30 day cooling off period for photographic and audio visual services when these are provided as an additional service.
Legitimate modelling agencies are, by law, registered as employment agencies.
No legitimate modelling agency will ask you for nude or suggestive photographs so that they can assess your suitability as a model. No legitimate agency will ask you to audition via webcam.
Legimitate modelling agencies do not hold mass casting calls / auditions in hotels or shopping centres. Any attending ‘scouts’ are part of the scam team.
Legitimate agencies do not entice you to join with an immediate offer of work nor do they guarantee you paid work at any time.
Legitimate model agencies have bona fide offices & employ staff who you can talk to on the telephone. Beware, anyone can set up an agency website with a telephone number so further research will also be needed.
Genuine agencies DO NOT ADVERTISE ON GUMTREE, GOOGLE ADS, YAHOO ADS, FACEBOOK OR ANY SOCIAL NETWORK SITE (other than casting calls on bona fide model networking sites) Agencies receive hundreds of applications direct to their offices and have no need to waste valuable time trawling the internet for potential models.
Genuine agencies may have Facebook profiles where people can view information and news on the agency. This does not constitute scouting or advertising.
Hope this helps you and your mum sort them out.
Ken asks…
What can you buy with 100 euros?
Now i have a finance research for my thesis. it’s about consuming ability. I wonder what can people buy or use with 100 euros in western countries(UK,ITALY,FRANCE, GERMANY,IRELAND,ETC). In my city,using my country currency with the same amount money,I can buy a brand T-shirt and a jean; 4.3kgs pork, 3.3 kgs beef, a ticket of national level aquarium, 2 Film Transformers tickets,100 tomatoes, taking bus 50 times,5 bottles shampoo,a nice watch, a discount Adidas, haircut 5 times,5 pizzas, phone call to your friends 33 minutes,etc. I need friends from these places give me some advice, thank you in advance! Please tell me more about it, no matter which field,it sounds interesting.
Justin answers:
I what you cant buy for 100 euros – a car.
Repost to the proper forum
Charles asks…
Language exchange (chinese-english)?
Hi?
I am a native Chinese speaker with a Beijing accent, and currently studying in UK (Reading), I wanna find someone who speak english to help for my English. I will teach you chinese.
About me: I am 24, female and a postgraduate student in finance. And I was working as an intern for IBD of Deutsche Bank last year. I think we can share some experience. I love music and also films, especially world cinema.
Feel free to mail me alicezzwy@hotmail.com
Justin answers:
I congratulate you for your initiative and would have liked to help you. However, I am your neighbourer but far off in India(Are not we neighbourers?) I sincerely hope you receive a positive response. Good luck.
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