casting for a new relationship reality show-are you interested?

Alana Michaels, a casting director in California, has asked me to help her find some couples for a relationship-oriented show that will appear on one of the four major network. There is money involved - $20,000+ for participants. Perhaps you will be interested or know a couple who fits this situation:

The show deals with women whose parents do not like the man they have chosen to marry, or be in a serious relationship with. The show wants to bring couples together and have everyone live "happily ever after."

Here is how Alana describes the show: Are you torn between the man (or woman) you love and the woman who raised you? Does your mother disapprove of the person you might spend the rest of your life with? Perhaps because of religious
backgrounds, political beliefs, or a large age difference?? A major
television network is casting a brand-new, dramatic, and emotionally
healing series that will put your real-life romantic adventure on
TV. If you don't want to disappoint your mother but do not want to
leave your partner, you may be right for this series. To bridge the
gap between your family and the love of your life, contact us
immediately.

Participating couples and their parents will receive a MINIMUM of $20,000 for the program. PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING LINK TO APPLY (or pass it along to a friend, sister, neighbor or coworker that you think would just be PERFECT!) www.EngagedCasting.com

IMPORTANT! Please don't forget to tell them you heard about the show through Alison Blackman Dunham of The Advice Sisters http://www.advicesisters.net

scammers are everywhere, metrocard limitless rides

This morning I turned on the television and heard about the MTA's problems with metrocard scammers. I immediately thought -- if these scammers are clever enough to figure out how to scam with dishonest activities, why can't they just use their brain power for honest and good works? My husband said "you can't make any money being honest."

That's so sad, and I hope, untrue.

But guess what? If you want to know how the scam works, a simple GOOGLE search will provide it:
A couple of small media sources have noted recently that the New York City MTA has been experiencing increasing trouble from what they refer to as "the metro card system exploit" in the subway system. According to the MTA, this exploit has been around for years, but there is nothing they can do to correct it. Apparently the exploit is a result of the system being unable to read bent or damaged cards. To compensate for that error there is a built in fail safe that if a card is swiped 3 times and the computer reads a certain code that tells them it was damaged, on the 4th swipe it lets the swiper through. I guess they figure if someone is using a empty card they they wouldn't swipe it 4 times. Guess again!

Here are the specifics:

1) Bend the bottom right corner of your metro card up to the f (f part of the word facing). It is a 45 degree angle. Close the bend hard

2) Swipe it 3 times and it says "please swipe again"

3) On the 3rd time it says "please swipe again at this turnstile"

4) Swipe one more time with the bend open and it says balance= $0.00, previous balance $2.00. GO

5) Go.


Unbelievable, isn't it?

This is the Enews I am sending to my subscriber list. If you like it and want to get your own version, scroll down to the bottom and read the instructions! Please sign my guest book and let me know what you think--your suggestions are appreciated!

ALISON



THE ADVICE SISTERS® E-NEWS, by Alison Blackman Dunham (aka. "Advice Sister Alison") May, 2005, ISSUE #2


What’s New? The Advice Sisters New about Town - Barna, Fame Show, International Beauty Show, wedding salon

Get the Look! "7 Steps to a Flawless Face" by Giorgio Armani makeup artist Tim Quinn

Advice Sisters® Relationship Advice Tip for Spring: Four ways to handle stress, fast!

Shopping Tip - The Best Time to Shop.

Advice Sisters® Book Club - - Matchbook by Samantha Daniels



1. WHAT'S NEW FROM THE ADVICE SISTERS® :

Our Spring What Works Beauty review is a whopping two pages full of "up-close-and-personal" reviews of hundreds of new products from more than 98 different companies. We've selected items for men, women, families and home to suit every budget, interest and personality. Page One http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html features hair products, a focus on feet, skincare & sun protection, fragrances, blushers, bronzers, foundations and little beauty helpers . Page Two http://www.advicesisters.net/wwwspring05pg2.html features great gift ideas, bath & body products, body bling, eye shadows and enhancers, lipsticks, glosses and our extensive Buying Guide. The Summer What Works column will focus on sun protection along with great gifts for weddings, weekend hosts, and every occasion, along with an extended "Little Helpers" section and hundreds of other beauty-related items, sneak peeks, and tips!  It will be up in a few weeks in early June at http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html so be sure to watch for it!!


Ask Alison - Managing Your Life & Career is a career-advice column about the "little things" that help or hurt your life & career. It has been published internationally, in various forms, for more than a dozen years years. Now, it's on the Advice Sisters Web Site at http://www.advicesisters.net/askalison/askalison.html There is also an extensive archives section that isn't complete yet, but you can access a portion at:  http://www.advicesisters.net/askalison/askaliarchives.html


It's almost wedding season again.  In an Advice Sisters® Classic Double-Take Q&A written by both Advice Sister Alison and Advice Sister Jessica, a reader asks us how to deal with this wedding situation: she asked a co-worker to her wedding,  but didn't invite the rest of the office. The word got out and she's getting a nasty vibe from her rest of her colleagues. What should she do?   Visit: http://www.advicesisters.net/Weddings/dt_coworkers.html to read our advice!


After resisting for over a year, I have also started a blog:  http://askalisonadvicesistersblog.blogspot.com/ Even with the The Advice Sisters Web Site http://www.advicesisters.net/   there is so much more that I would like to share, on a more personal basis. A blog seems like an appropriate place to talk about issues that are growing increasingly important for me and for my readers around the world: . These include: age discrimination, women’s issues, eldercare solutions, senior dating, lifestyle interests, human rights, love, pets, health & beauty, relationship issues, and what is going on with me, personally. I'll be posting as I have time and I hope it will give you a more personal view. Please visit, and leave your comments! 

 
2. NEWS ABOUT TOWN Spring, 2005

Love is in the air! When I arrived (early) at the Gotham Hall at 36th Street and 6th Avenue for The Wedding Salon, there was already an impressively long line of eager brides, and a few grooms, waiting to get inside this beautiful building (used to be a bank, I believe). The stellar, wedding showcase was touted as: "a "luxury bridal showcase for the sophisticated bride and groom," and indeed, it was! Dozens and dozens of caterers, photographers, hoteliers, florists, cake decorator, calligraphers, photographers, and other weddings products and services has booths. It was one-stop shopping for couples to access everything they might need, want, or never knew they needed and wanted. My wedding 13 years ago was a simple one. I had no idea how many wonderful things are available for brides and grooms, from  beautiful cakes and invitations, crystal-studded tiaras, gorgeous wedding gowns, and sophisticated table settings with mile-high centerpieces, to personalized favors!

One highlight was the sampling of G.H. Mumm’s "Joyesse," a light, fruity new dessert champagne touted as the perfect compliment to wedding cake, and (I assure you) on ordinary days, for spicy foods such as Indian or Thai.  Also notable was Sparty , a clever company that hosts spa parties for groups large and small (www.spa-party.com) providing everything from manicures to martinis!  I think this would be a killer way to celebrate a special birthday, a wedding, your daughter's sweet 16,  a new baby..or just because!  There was also an impressive collection of body-bling-ing jewelry from companies such as Carolee, Tacori Leslie Greene and a roomful of very opulent table settings. You could spend a fortune on a wedding these days, but most everything you envision can be scaled to suit any budget, so even the most economically-minded can still be a "Prince & Princess" for the day.


For those not getting married, the Spring brings a chance to update our wardrobes and renew our spirits with a few accessories. Bright colors such as turquoise, yellow, orange and hot pink were the prevailing favorites at the FAME show at the Jacob Javitts Center. Inexpensive (relatively speaking) bohemian and Indian cotton clothes were everywhere, along with large, jazzy jewels in semi-precious stones and crystals. At the International Beauty Show and the Spa Showcase a few weeks later, I was treated to the latest in mind, body, and spirit products as well as beauty. There were quite a few "airbrushed" makeup booths as well as lots of products such as ceramic curling irons and hair straighteners to fight summer frizz.


Spring in Spain might be one of the most romantic times of your life, but if your holiday in Barcelona isn't happening this year, Barna, a sizzling, new Spanish restaurant located at The Hotel Giraffe, 365 Park Avenue South, In New York City might be some good compensation. This new spot is already becoming popular with celebrities since it’s March 30th grand opening. It’s a real find for anyone who loves tapas, and Spanish influenced American cuisine (eg. Paella Barna with saffron risotto, shrimp, chicken, mussels, chorizo and baby green peas). There is also a large, active bar serving up fresh sangrias, fine Spanish wines and signature cocktails. You’ll definitely want reservations - call: 1-212-532-8300


3. GET THE LOOK – 7 STEPS TO A FLAWLESS FACE- BY Tim Quinn, Giorgio Armani makeup artist

When the weather heats up, your face makeup, especially foundation, is more likely to slide off or change color. Giorgio Armani makeup artist Tim Quinn is agreed to share his techniques to help you keep your face, flawless-- even when the mercury, rises!

After training in Milan and Hong Kong, Tim Quinn joined the Giorgio Armani Cosmetics team with the launch of the brand in August 2001. He works with Giorgio Armani backstage at the Armani shows in Milan, as well as backstage at award shows such as the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes and the ESPYs. Tim’s words of wisdom have been bestowed on the readers of W, Glamour, Lucky, InStyle, and Cosmopolitan. He has worked with celebrities such as Glenn Close, Debra Messing, Kim Cattrall, Tara Reid, Gwen Stefani, Jordana Brewster, Kate Bosworth & Brooke Shields; and has designed faces for Julia Roberts, Ashley Judd, Sarah Jessica Parker, Barbara Walters, Lucy Liu, and Drew Barrymore. The Advice Sisters are so fortunate to have Tim share the following 7 tips to a flawless face with us (and you).  My thanks to Giorgio Armani and his fantastic colleagues, for allowing me to share them with you!


7 Steps To A Flawless Face
Step I. Cleanse face

Step 2: Apply moisturizer w/appropriate spf

Step 3: Pump foundation(one or two pumps at most) to palm of your hand - if you would like to add a fluid sheer (Armani's liquid highlighters), now is the perfect time - usually a 2-1 ratio of foundation to fluid sheer.  I suggest adding Fluid Sheer #0,# 2 or #7 to add more luster, with 2 being the most universal. Fluid Sheer #3, #8, #10 or #11 will add a golden to bronze tint with #10, a golden bronze, being the most universal/ Try a touch of #4 (sheer blushy-red) for deeper complexions to ward off ashiness

Step 4: whichever combo you choose, blend with Blender Brush and apply to face, mainly covering areas of discoloration, redness- under-eye darkness, etc - There is no need to cover the skin completely. Just apply where needed and blend the foundation outwards to give a seamless, luminous complexion. Use skin retouch on the eyelid to balance tone and texture - and use the High Precision Skin Retouch to brighten along the inner eye - close to nose - and outer edges of eyes - I also like to sweep the (skin retouch) along like an s-shape from the forehead to the chin-- adds luminescence and depth to contours.

Step 5: A light dust of powder will help to set the makeup before applying powder bronzer and blush.

Step 6: Use bronzer along the temples, sweeping down under the cheekbones. Finish with a stroke along the jaw line. Blush is best used to add a subtle touch to the apples of cheeks - (slightly higher if one is prone to excessive darkness under the eye)

Step 7: If you have used too much makeup, one pump of Fluid Sheer #2 (pale, golden) applied with a large powder brush to the entire face will lighten and brighten!

* all of the suggested products are by Giorgio Armani cosmetics.

4. Advice Sisters® Relationship Advice Tip for Spring: Four ways to handle stress, fast!


PRIORITIZE: You may not be able to avoid all the responsibilities obligations you currently have, but you can learn how to complete them without resentment and consciously choose how you will handle them:

DON'T OVERWHELM YOURSELF: If you overwhelmed to the point of utter exhaustion, perhaps you are trying to handle too much. Learn how to delegate. Rid yourself of extra duties that aren't necessary or important. Most importantly, learn how to say "no" without feeling guilty.

ESCAPE: Sometimes a change, even a really small one, can do wonders for your spirit. Maybe you can't spend a month in the South of France, but most times, you can remove yourself from a situation when you feel like you’re about to spontaneously combust. Stop. Take a breather.  Give yourself time to calm down, even if it’s just for a few minutes or a few hours. Sometimes even a coffee break or a warm bath can renew your strength and clear your vision. Visit the WHAT WORKS ARCHIVES to learn about how to create an inexpensive and easy "spa experience" at home.


GIVE BACK: Make your own life better by focusing on someone else’s. Volunteering makes you feel positive, important, valued...and you are!   

*excerpted from : The Advice Sisters "11 Easy Ways to Handle Your Stress" http://www.advicesisters.net/WitWisdom/HandlingStress.html

*Would you like your own "Advice Sisters®" private, online assistance? Get information at: http://www.advicesisters.net/getpersonaladvice3.html


5. SHOPPING TIP - Shop When You’re Hot, Not When You’re Not!


Nothing looks right when you’re tired, not feeling well, are having a "fat" day, or are generally feeling down. The last thing you need is to get a look of yourself in those unflattering, dressing room mirrors! Shopping should be fun! If you can, delay going to the store until you are feeling better. One way to do this is not to wait until the last minute buy essential item. Visit your favorite stores regularly, and take the time to note what might be good for you before you’re forced to buy under pressure!


6. Advice Sisters® BOOK CLUB - Spring Reading Suggestion - Matchbook, The Diary of a Modern-Day Matchmaker by Samantha Daniels

Samantha Daniels is one of the most successful matchmakers to the rich and powerful in the Country! When Samantha sent me her new book Matchbook: The Diary of a Modern-Day Matchmaker (Simon & Schuster) I was so fascinated I just couldn't put it down! The book is written in a clever, "diary" format. it chronicles the author’s metamorphosis from divorce lawyer to matchmaker to a wealthy (and demanding) clientele, and takes the reader into the lives of some of her more colorful, clients. It is not only an amusing read, but for singles, there's a lot of good dating advice,  too. You will see your friends in these characters, and you may get some insights into your own relationships. The real-life characters are not always likeable, but I found myself rooting for them to find their heart’s desire (perhaps there's a sequel in the future?). Although this was an entertaining, easy read, My favorite part was the author's description of how she developed her successful matchmaking business. Whether you are male or female, single or in a couple, or somewhere "in-between," this honest, bold approach to a subject few really know much about will be a page-turner until the very end. Matchbook is available in bookstores and at Barnes & Noble.

*Have you read this book?  Join the Advicesisters Book Club and let others know your views. IT'S FREE! You will also be invited to discuss our book selection in a special, CHAT event. To join, simply email: askalisonb@advicesisters.net and put BOOK CLUB in the subject line. Your comments about Matchbook may also be listed in the next AdviceSisters Enews!


ADVERTISE: The Advice Sisters Relationship-oriented web site http://www.advicesisters.net/ and this Enews are favorites of intelligent, upscale women and women around the world. Both the great places to advertise your product or service. We are highly ranked in all of the major search engines -- with FIVE STAR reviews! On ALEXA We rank #1 out of 191,000 web sites for "Life & Career Advice," #1 out of 2,470,00 for "Great Relationship Advice," and #1 out of 200,000 for "Beauty Review Column" On Google: We rank # 1 out of 12,600,00 sites for "Life & Career Advice," #1 out of 10,800,000 for "Great Relationship Advice. and #1 out of 951,000 sites for "Beauty Review Column." For more information about advertising visit http://www.advicesisters.net/ or email: advicesisters@advicesisters.net


MAILING LIST/PRIVACY/SUBSCRIPTIONS: My subscribers list is maintained entirely by hand and by only one person --me (Alison Blackman Dunham aka. Advice Sister Alison). If you like this Enews and want to get your own, free enauk subscription go to: http://www.advicesisters.net/mailform.html and fill out the form, completely, or sending your request to: advicesisters@advicesisters.net. 


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