The Debate Over Altered Used Books (arts and crafts activities)

By Victor Epand

  There has been some serious debate over the issue of individuals who use books, whether they are used books or not, to create altered books, which several feel is actually defacing books. However, the majority of the used books that these individuals are using would be ultimately destroyed or wide up in piles of rubbish in some dump site some where.

The fact of the matter is that several publishers actually destroy thousands of books within a single year, which is not including all of the textbooks that our children use that are only meant to be used for a particular set number years and then are also destroyed. These facts are not considered into this debate simply because all individuals are seeing is that the books are being defaced. Not do not take the time to look at the over all picture, due to only seeing what they wish to see. They do not realize that these individuals are actually bringing these used books back to life, which would more than likely never be used again due to the condition they were in before they began their project. Several of these used books are purchased from either garage sales, thrift stores, or from bargain tables at used book stores.

Individuals that become involved with altering books have a passion for paper crafts such as collaging, while others are painters, sculptors, and book artists. The pages contained in these used books, which have been altered, will reflect the personality of the individual through their ability, tastes, and styles. This is the most simplest form of art for individuals to express their feelings using collages, painting, rubber stamps, fabrics, and a variety of pastel chalks, pens, and markers. Many of these individuals will display their new form of art work to showcase them to others, which some have been exhibited in art galleries all over the world.

Several artists will take the used books that they are able to find in used book stores and cut the bindings. Then through the many pages within the book itself the artist will create poems by obliterating words and phrases. Once this process has been completed, then these poem pages are sent around the world to other artists. Altered books are any book whether old, new, or used that has been recycled by any creative means in a new form of art work.

Once individuals take the time to open their minds to this new type of art form, then they soon discover that they no longer feel anxiety over the books being defaced, especially when they realize that these books need to be recycled anyway. They soon come to realize that by saving these books these artists are able to create new pieces of art. The used books are have started becoming their new canvas for them so that they can express themselves. Anyone is capable of creating altered books as long as they have the will power and are creative enough, because there are no rules and the individuals have no limitations as to what they are able to create either.

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Victor Epand is an expert consultant about used books, autographed books, and Vedic books. When shopping for books, we recommend only the best bookstores for altered books, autographed books, and Vedic books.

Fertility And Dieting
By Jackie Serta

  Obesity has many negative health consequences. Some are better known and documented than others. Recent studies have shown that yet another potential consequence of obesity is difficulty when it comes to conceiving a baby. Fertility troubles are a growing problem in this country and around the world. One reason that is being hailed as a very viable culprit is obesity.

While most people look immediately to the female in the relationship for this particular problem the facts indicate that male obesity can also lead to a low sperm count, which can also hamper fertility efforts and progress.

Our bodies were designed for specific purposes. It is utterly amazing how well each part of the human body works to support the others. There are very few machines that can compete with the genius of the design of the human body. After thousands of years to study the human body there are still many mysteries hidden within. The truth comes down to this however, we put things into our bodies, and abuse our bodies in ways that our bodies were simply not designed to take and yet we still manage to adapt and survive many of these things.

It’s amazing when you think about that the human body endures the many things it does without permanent and irrevocable damage. The good news for those attempting to conceive is that the human body also has the remarkable ability to heal itself. This means that those who find their efforts to conceive have been hampered by obesity have also seen positive changes by losing as little as five to ten percent of your ability to conceive.

If both partners are overweight then it might be a good idea to work together to shed those unwanted pounds and adopt a healthier, more active lifestyle. Being active when trying to conceive and throughout the pregnancy is a good idea for the female in the relationship at any rate as this can help in the process of labor and delivery.

If you are trying to conceive without success and have been doing so for more than a year it is probably in your best interest to seek the services of a fertility specialist in order to rule out other possible considerations. Though it is rarely a bad idea to adopt a healthier lifestyle you should also consult your doctor before beginning a strict diet or weight loss regimen in order to make sure there aren’t other factors that may be causing your weight issues. This is particularly true if you have gained a good deal of weight in a rather short amount of time.

In addition to conception difficulty obesity can also lead to a greater risk of miscarriage once conception has occurred. Obesity also leads to a greater risk of conditions such as gestational diabetes during the pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, and in some cases still birth and birth defects. It is no small hindrance to a healthy pregnancy and should be carefully considered before attempting to conceive.

Another consideration when it comes to obesity and fertility is that being overweight can also hamper the affects of fertility treatments. This means that the process is typically lengthier and will cost significantly more over time than if obesity were not a factor. When coupled with the risks to the baby this is something that should not be taken lightly when making plans for fertility treatments.

If your BMI is greater than 30 there are many fertility clinics that simply will not offer their services. Some limit it to greater than 35 and others 40. If you feel that fertility treatments are the only course of action available to you and your BMI is greater than 30, the first suggestion you are likely to hear is the suggestion that you make serious weight loss efforts and lifestyle changes before proceeding. You may find that once you begin to shed the pounds, fertility intervention is no longer necessary.

Find tips about teenage obesity and obesity causes at the Obesity Facts site.

The Secret Meanings of Praying Hands Tattoo
By Wincent Loh

  The praying hands tattoo is a very expressive religious tattoo. There are many religious tattoos to choose from in today’s market, but it is one of the most popular. Of course, your religious beliefs are a personal choice. The decision to get a religious tattoo is also. Body art is often a sign of religious expression. Before you get a praying hands tattoo, consider it carefully, though. Be sure that your faith is that important to you. Consider whether or not a praying hands tattoo is an appropriate expression of it. That way, won’t regret it later on.

The history behind the praying hands tattoo symbol begins with Albrecht Daurer, who was a German artist. He painted the praying hands as a gift for the Mayor of Frankfort, in the 15th century.

The story goes that the hands were meant to represent Daurer’s brother’s hands. You see, their family couldn’t afford to support two artists. So, even though Daurer’s brother was an artist too, one night a coin was flipped and Daurer’s brother lost.

Therefore, he had to go work in the mines, in order to support the family. Daurer painted “The Praying hands” in tribute to his brother and people who get a praying hands tattoo today are expressing the same sentiments of religion and family.

Actually, a praying hands tattoo can have many meanings today. Sometimes it is done as a prayer to remember a family member or friend who has died. It can also represent a trial or hardship that a person has come through. Sometimes parents get the praying hands tattoo themselves and have it inked onto their children, too. They do that to represent their parental bond and guidance. Some people get a praying hands tattoo because they feel that it will help them to rise up out of a deep depression. Some get one as part of the grieving process when someone they know dies. No matter what the specific reason for getting one is, the general reason is religious belief and comfort.

While the painting of the praying hands is used as a model, there are variations. Each religious tattoo artist is different, too. They all have unique characteristics. So, be sure to find a praying hands tattoo design and an artist that both suit your wants. It may take some time, but it will be worth it to you, in the long run.

When it comes to religious tattoos, it is especially important that they be accurate. To select the proper artist to ink on your praying hands tattoo, there are a few things you can do. First, talk to others with religious tattoos. Also, get references. Talk to artists in several tattoo parlors. Make sure the artist is licensed, too. That can help you get the best possible praying hands tattoo, one which you can be proud of for life.

Find out more about all the creative praying hand tattoos at Chopper Tattoo Gallery.

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