I finally got around to responding to this one:
POSTED BY SQUISHY_HO Do you think you could give out tips to people who just started painting? Cause it's my case, i try stuff but i feel it doesn't work out right. Could you give out "where to start" tips and like do's and don'ts? Or a book recommendation, cause you seem good in that, too :p thanks a lot =)
Here are some basic notes about starting a piece in acrylics.
As we saw in artist Sarah Baker's video "In the Spirit of Glorious Excess, 9/13/08", you don't have to be a celebrity to be treated like one. In fact, I've found that it's pretty easy to get hotel staff to treat you like you're "someone" even if they have absolutely no idea who you are. Here are a couple ways you can get the people at the hotel to give you more love than usual:
1) Have your manager make your reservation. You or a friend can pretend to be the manager, and call the hotel to book your room. Pick an occupation, and run with it. Example: "My client, a high profile actor/comedian/musician, has asked me to book a room at your hotel." Don't tell them you're performing in town, though--they'll ask for tickets.
2) Stay under a fake name. When you make the reservation, let the people at the front desk know that you "can't possibly give them your real name, for reasons or personal safety and privacy." Make up a fake name for yourself, and be that person during your entire stay. Be as ridiculous as you like. It could be a lot of fun to have room service address you as "Mr. Robert DeNiro" for a week. Or "Mr. Snuffelupagus."
3.) Dress the part. Go incognito. Come in with a hood up, sunglasses on. Especially if it's night time. The more you try to hide your face, the more they will assume you do it because you have to.
4.) Be consistent. A big-time celeb would probably have their "people" make all their reservations, right? Again, have your "manager" character call for any spa, golf, or restaurant reservations. And when getting a reservation at a restaurant, especially one with a view, make sure to ask for "a nice, quiet table where your client won't be bothered." That will definitely get them to give you one of the best seats in the house.
Although I definitely don't recommend you do this all the time, it's definitely fun to try out once and a while, just to keep life interesting. Definitely don't do it to be mean or to trick people in a bad way, but if they're excited because you're a celebrity, and you're excited because you're getting the star treatment, everybody wins! Let me know if anyone asks for your autograph.
mike
EDIT: Yes, I'm moving this post up in date, and re-posting it...I wanted to make sure it didn't get lost behind the HT b-day post.
Firstly, I just wanted to note that I intend my responses to always be a nod of respect for the people posting. Even if I respond to one of your comments in disagreement, I still respect your thoughtfulness and opinion enough to re-post and reply to your comment! Thanks for visiting.
As previously noted, mikeshinoda.com has an RSS feed. I wanted to take a second to talk about how to use it. If you're already an RSS user, ignore this post, and feel free to pitch in with your "expert" RSS suggestions in the comments section. I'll paraphrase a few key notes by Tim Ferris and Ryan Holiday. For an in-depth look at what Ryan had to say, go HERE
In a nutshell, RSS is like TiVo for your web browsing--you pick what you like, and it retrieves it. You just subscribe to the sites that you visit regularly, and they show up when something is new. You can do it via GOOGLE READER, or something similar.
Important note: a lot of web mail readers will allow you to subscribe to an RSS feed as well. if you're on a Mac, like me, you can simply add it to your Mac Mail RSS tab; you just go under File / Add RSS Feeds, and paste in the RSS feed weblink. When new posts show up on mikeshinoda.com, they'll simply (and immediately) show up in your email inbox. Very handy.
For everyone that wants to subscribe to my RSS feed, this is the link feed://www.mikeshinoda.com/feeds/blog.xml
Enjoy, mike
EDIT: weird that the RSS link isn't working for some of you. try copying and pasting?
I was going to post a few responses to fan comments / questions, but this post caught my eye.
http://displaymannequin.nl/wigs-moustaches-beards-c-41_59.html
Fake moustaches and beards for people who want to go incognito. Now you can hit the streets Sabotage style or belt out a sinister laugh while twirling your 'stache with your fingers.
My personal favorite:
-SECRET ASIAN MAN