2 new deodorants have arrived thanks to customer requests :)
Keep those requests coming because you never know when your request will be "whipped up" in the studio :)
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Don't believe the hype! Trust the Facts: Opposing the SCA
Have you seen the video called "The Story of Cosmetics"? If so, you may be one of the many who are running around scared now about how "unsafe" all your bath & beauty products are. When I watched this video I couldn't believe all the lies in it! Not only does Annie not include any actually science to back up what she says, she lies about the labeling requirements of companies. She completely fails to mention that it's actually illegal to not comply with labeling requirements AND it's also illegal to create unsafe products. Why would she leave that information out? She makes the industry (and by industry I include ALL makers of B&B products - commercial & handmade), sounds like there's an intention to hurt people - which is totally untrue, not to mention unfair. Please watch the video below! It points out some of the major flaws with Annie's video and also makes the motives (more on this below) behind the video very clear!
If you read blogs or websites like mine about bath & beauty, you may have already heard about the "Safe Cosmetics Act". The name in and of itself sounds like something we'd all like to support right? Unfortunately the name of the bill is very miss leading. Thankfully they are people stepping up to the plate against it such as Lee Doren (who made the video above), The Indie Beauty Network, The Handcrafted SoapMakers Guild, and OpposeSCA.com. More good news is that the bill hasn't been voted on yet and there's still time to have changes made. If you live in the US please find out who your representative is and let them know that you don't agree with how the bill is currently drafted. Check out the OpposeSCA.com website for templates of letters.
So if the good news is that the bill can still be changed, what's the bad news? The bad news is that if this bill is passed it will wipe out every small, indie, and handmade bath & beauty company currently operating in the US! And if us Canadians have learned anything from the past, it's that Canada often follows suit with the US. What does that mean? That means that every Canadian small, indie, and handmade bath & beauty company will eventually be effected if Canada also passes similar legislation. Even if it only passes in the US, my business will be substantially effected as most of my online sales are to the US, and if the FDA will have to crack down on national products, don't you think they will be also closely monitoring imports?
If you want to read the full draft of the bill you can do so here.
If you read blogs or websites like mine about bath & beauty, you may have already heard about the "Safe Cosmetics Act". The name in and of itself sounds like something we'd all like to support right? Unfortunately the name of the bill is very miss leading. Thankfully they are people stepping up to the plate against it such as Lee Doren (who made the video above), The Indie Beauty Network, The Handcrafted SoapMakers Guild, and OpposeSCA.com. More good news is that the bill hasn't been voted on yet and there's still time to have changes made. If you live in the US please find out who your representative is and let them know that you don't agree with how the bill is currently drafted. Check out the OpposeSCA.com website for templates of letters.
So if the good news is that the bill can still be changed, what's the bad news? The bad news is that if this bill is passed it will wipe out every small, indie, and handmade bath & beauty company currently operating in the US! And if us Canadians have learned anything from the past, it's that Canada often follows suit with the US. What does that mean? That means that every Canadian small, indie, and handmade bath & beauty company will eventually be effected if Canada also passes similar legislation. Even if it only passes in the US, my business will be substantially effected as most of my online sales are to the US, and if the FDA will have to crack down on national products, don't you think they will be also closely monitoring imports?
If you want to read the full draft of the bill you can do so here.
Some of the particular views we share about the harm that the "Safe Cosmetics Act" will result in are listed below. Hal has talked about these points below in great detail in this post and I urge you to read it for more information.
If the bill passes we can all expect:
Less Natural Ingredients
Less Product Choice
Less Clear Ingredient Listings
Less Affordable Products
Less Money For Your Local Community
(i.e. the end of local indie & handmade companies)
Below you'll find reasons WHY many are opposed to this bill. First you'll find the simple, summarized version first stated by Bramble Berry & The Soap Guild, and secondly, you'll find the more in depth version that can also be found on the petition site.
Bramble Berry is opposed to the bill for the following reasons:
1. It is unnecessary. The cosmetic industry is a safe industry with a wide variety of choice on the marketplace for consumers.It is already illegal to manufacture unsafe cosmetics and is already illegal to not fully label ingredients or contact information on products.
2. This bill would, handicap small manufacturing business. In a time of economic uncertainty and distress for millions of Americans, this is untenable. For some families, the income from the Farmer's Market may be what they are living on now.
3. The reporting requirements are 'big brother.' They ask for your annual sales, number of employees and even the names and addresses of your vendors.
4. 'Detectable' trace elements must be included on labels. Since almost everything is detectable, labeling will be confusing to end consumers (even more than it is already). So, "Water" on a label would look like "Aqua, Arsenic, Cadmium, Copper, Lead, Nickel, Silver, Zinc" (and if you live in my town, you'd also have to include caffeine, oral contraceptives and antibiotics in your water labeling requirement).
5. Ingredients that are considered carcinogenic when ingested (eaten) will be unable to be used in skin care products. Ingredients that are 'found to induce birth defect's when ingested or inhaled will be banned as well. You will be able to eat apples but not put them in skin care products. That's because apples contain small amounts of cyanide. Lucky for us our body can detoxify cyanide in small amounts. But under this law, you still wouldn't be able to put apples into your products even though you can safely eat apples.
6. Safety Statements, ingredient listing and registration information must be listed for each and every cosmetic, soap, lotion and potion must be made up. With a small scale manufacturer who is making a few of this and a few of that, this is a paperwork nightmare. It does not allow for easy changing of recipes when formulating and trying new recipes.
7. There is no full exemption for small businesses. Small businesses often launched because of the notion that cosmetics could be made with a larger proportion of more desirable ingredients than have typically been used by traditional cosmetics manufacturers
I fully believe that the backers of the bill are well-meaning and trust that this bill will have more changes before it is voted on. But it's up to us to explain what changes need to be made to protect small business. Don't just take my word and interpretation of the bill as gospel, read the bill for yourself here and start the education and change process today.
While we are unquestionably in favor of safe cosmetics, this bill contains a number of unnecessary provisions that would decimate our nation's small scale cosmetics manufacturers without any benefit at all to consumers.
This bill treats a company making 100 bottles of lotion each year the same way it treats a multi-billion dollar, multi-national company making 100 bottles of lotion each second. It is grossly unfair, unduly burdensome, intrusive and unnecessary in a number of aways, among them the following:
Point 1.
HR 5786 is unnecessary. Small cosmetics companies have a history of producing safe cosmetics pursuant to current laws that require companies to clearly identify the products they sell, provide all manufacturer contact information and truthfully label products with ingredients.
Point 2.
HR 5786 contains onerous registration requirements. HR 5786 contains intrusive and unnecessary requirements that would force small companies to disclose to the federal government information that the government does not need, which is unduly burdensome for small companies to provide and which does nothing to protect consumers from unsafe cosmetics. Specifically, in addition to having to register their company name and location, small companies would also have to file with the federal government product descriptions, product ingredients, trace ingredient in products, gross sales numbers, the name and contact information of the suppliers of the ingredients used in their cosmetics and their number of employees.
Point 3.
HR 5786 contains unnecessary labeling requirements. Current cosmetics laws already require small companies to list ingredients on labels. HR 5786 expands labeling requirements to include trace elements found inside those ingredients. For example, a product containing water (or any other natural ingredient), would have to contain a label listing the water and also every other trace element inside that water. (Water contains a number of chemicals, including nickel, lead, copper, silver and dozens more -- depending on the water source.) Requiring small companies to include such a list on each label is onerous and unnecessary.
Point 4.
HR 5786 requires small companies to conduct unnecessary scientific testing. Under the bill as drafted, small companies would be required to test all of the products they make, and be in a position to produce data to the federal government about the ingredients, components of ingredients, and also, components that may be produced when known ingredients are combined. Those are impossible (and unnecessary) standards.
Point 5.
HR 5786 is anti-American. At a time when our Congressional representatives should be seeking to revitalize the American economy, especially where manufacturing is concerned, HR 5786 would eliminate it in cites and towns in every state across this nation.
Point 6.
HR 5786 specifically allows all 50 states to pass stricter requirements. Even with the sweeping nature of HR 5786, it specifically states that each state can pass additional laws as it sees fit. This provision is Congressional permission for each state to pass whatever laws it wants, creating a patchwork quilt of laws that no small company can comply with. If Texas adds labeling or manufacturing requirements that are different from HR 5786, and also different from other states, then no company will be able to sell so much as a quarter-ounce tube of lip balm without first checking to make sure they are not in violation of 51 separate cosmetics laws. No small company can do that (and most large ones can't either).
Point 7.
HR 5786 does not contain an exemption for small business owners. Many laws in this country exempt small companies because compliance would put them out of business without any real benefit to society. The same is true in this case. HR 5786 treats the smallest company making 50 products a day the same way it treats our nation's multi-million dollar companies. While there is an exemption from the annual payment of fees, the testing and paperwork requirements in this bill place burdens on very small businesses that are unfair, overreaching, unnecessary, offensive and intrusive.
America's Small Businesses
Our nation's small cosmetics companies are in large part launched by men and women who want to create alternatives to products that can be purchased at "Big Box" stores. They use a high proportion of naturally occurring ingredients when compared to larger companies, and they are not producing cosmetics on a large scale at all. And that's why their customers love their products, and that's why Congress must make sure that it passes no law that puts them out of business without any benefit to consumers. This is one such law.
Summary
Small companies are the backbone of our nation's economy. In fact, today, they are sustaining it almost single-handedly. As unemployment figures continue to rise, small companies are hiring employees, contractors, vendors and other small scale service providers to help their businesses grow.
Consumer Choice
At farmer's markets, locally owned spas and boutiques and in the retail stores that small cosmetics manufacturers are opening everywhere, consumers are able to choose to buy a wide and appealing variety of cosmetics to suit their personal needs. They can choose from products made by big companies and they can choose from products made by smaller companies. That choice will be removed if HR 5786 becomes law. if that happens, consumers will be left with a small selection of products sold only by our nation's largest retail chains.
America is filled with talented innovators and entrepreneurs who don't need a big bank loan or a huge line of credit to manage a profitable business.
Small cosmetics companies can continue to do their share to carry this nation, but not if HR 5786 passes.
It is the duty of our Congressional representatives to pass laws that are carefully tailored to deal with specific problems that need to be addressed on a national scale. HR 5786 is not carefully tailored to help anyone.
If HR 5786 as drafted becomes law, it will close multiple thousands of small companies immediately and in one fell swoop.
It is the position of the HSMG that H.R. 5786, The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010
*Is poorly written and confusing.
*Places too much of a financial burden on small business.
*Over regulates an already safe industry.
*Destroys the creativity and flexibility of small handcrafted soap manufacturers.
*Creates further job loss and loss of local revenue in already tough economic times.
Therefore, the HSMG is against H.R. 5786 The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 as written.
Bramble Berry is opposed to the bill for the following reasons:
1. It is unnecessary. The cosmetic industry is a safe industry with a wide variety of choice on the marketplace for consumers.It is already illegal to manufacture unsafe cosmetics and is already illegal to not fully label ingredients or contact information on products.
2. This bill would, handicap small manufacturing business. In a time of economic uncertainty and distress for millions of Americans, this is untenable. For some families, the income from the Farmer's Market may be what they are living on now.
3. The reporting requirements are 'big brother.' They ask for your annual sales, number of employees and even the names and addresses of your vendors.
4. 'Detectable' trace elements must be included on labels. Since almost everything is detectable, labeling will be confusing to end consumers (even more than it is already). So, "Water" on a label would look like "Aqua, Arsenic, Cadmium, Copper, Lead, Nickel, Silver, Zinc" (and if you live in my town, you'd also have to include caffeine, oral contraceptives and antibiotics in your water labeling requirement).
5. Ingredients that are considered carcinogenic when ingested (eaten) will be unable to be used in skin care products. Ingredients that are 'found to induce birth defect's when ingested or inhaled will be banned as well. You will be able to eat apples but not put them in skin care products. That's because apples contain small amounts of cyanide. Lucky for us our body can detoxify cyanide in small amounts. But under this law, you still wouldn't be able to put apples into your products even though you can safely eat apples.
6. Safety Statements, ingredient listing and registration information must be listed for each and every cosmetic, soap, lotion and potion must be made up. With a small scale manufacturer who is making a few of this and a few of that, this is a paperwork nightmare. It does not allow for easy changing of recipes when formulating and trying new recipes.
7. There is no full exemption for small businesses. Small businesses often launched because of the notion that cosmetics could be made with a larger proportion of more desirable ingredients than have typically been used by traditional cosmetics manufacturers
I fully believe that the backers of the bill are well-meaning and trust that this bill will have more changes before it is voted on. But it's up to us to explain what changes need to be made to protect small business. Don't just take my word and interpretation of the bill as gospel, read the bill for yourself here and start the education and change process today.
While we are unquestionably in favor of safe cosmetics, this bill contains a number of unnecessary provisions that would decimate our nation's small scale cosmetics manufacturers without any benefit at all to consumers.
This bill treats a company making 100 bottles of lotion each year the same way it treats a multi-billion dollar, multi-national company making 100 bottles of lotion each second. It is grossly unfair, unduly burdensome, intrusive and unnecessary in a number of aways, among them the following:
Point 1.
HR 5786 is unnecessary. Small cosmetics companies have a history of producing safe cosmetics pursuant to current laws that require companies to clearly identify the products they sell, provide all manufacturer contact information and truthfully label products with ingredients.
Point 2.
HR 5786 contains onerous registration requirements. HR 5786 contains intrusive and unnecessary requirements that would force small companies to disclose to the federal government information that the government does not need, which is unduly burdensome for small companies to provide and which does nothing to protect consumers from unsafe cosmetics. Specifically, in addition to having to register their company name and location, small companies would also have to file with the federal government product descriptions, product ingredients, trace ingredient in products, gross sales numbers, the name and contact information of the suppliers of the ingredients used in their cosmetics and their number of employees.
Point 3.
HR 5786 contains unnecessary labeling requirements. Current cosmetics laws already require small companies to list ingredients on labels. HR 5786 expands labeling requirements to include trace elements found inside those ingredients. For example, a product containing water (or any other natural ingredient), would have to contain a label listing the water and also every other trace element inside that water. (Water contains a number of chemicals, including nickel, lead, copper, silver and dozens more -- depending on the water source.) Requiring small companies to include such a list on each label is onerous and unnecessary.
Point 4.
HR 5786 requires small companies to conduct unnecessary scientific testing. Under the bill as drafted, small companies would be required to test all of the products they make, and be in a position to produce data to the federal government about the ingredients, components of ingredients, and also, components that may be produced when known ingredients are combined. Those are impossible (and unnecessary) standards.
Point 5.
HR 5786 is anti-American. At a time when our Congressional representatives should be seeking to revitalize the American economy, especially where manufacturing is concerned, HR 5786 would eliminate it in cites and towns in every state across this nation.
Point 6.
HR 5786 specifically allows all 50 states to pass stricter requirements. Even with the sweeping nature of HR 5786, it specifically states that each state can pass additional laws as it sees fit. This provision is Congressional permission for each state to pass whatever laws it wants, creating a patchwork quilt of laws that no small company can comply with. If Texas adds labeling or manufacturing requirements that are different from HR 5786, and also different from other states, then no company will be able to sell so much as a quarter-ounce tube of lip balm without first checking to make sure they are not in violation of 51 separate cosmetics laws. No small company can do that (and most large ones can't either).
Point 7.
HR 5786 does not contain an exemption for small business owners. Many laws in this country exempt small companies because compliance would put them out of business without any real benefit to society. The same is true in this case. HR 5786 treats the smallest company making 50 products a day the same way it treats our nation's multi-million dollar companies. While there is an exemption from the annual payment of fees, the testing and paperwork requirements in this bill place burdens on very small businesses that are unfair, overreaching, unnecessary, offensive and intrusive.
America's Small Businesses
Our nation's small cosmetics companies are in large part launched by men and women who want to create alternatives to products that can be purchased at "Big Box" stores. They use a high proportion of naturally occurring ingredients when compared to larger companies, and they are not producing cosmetics on a large scale at all. And that's why their customers love their products, and that's why Congress must make sure that it passes no law that puts them out of business without any benefit to consumers. This is one such law.
Summary
Small companies are the backbone of our nation's economy. In fact, today, they are sustaining it almost single-handedly. As unemployment figures continue to rise, small companies are hiring employees, contractors, vendors and other small scale service providers to help their businesses grow.
Consumer Choice
At farmer's markets, locally owned spas and boutiques and in the retail stores that small cosmetics manufacturers are opening everywhere, consumers are able to choose to buy a wide and appealing variety of cosmetics to suit their personal needs. They can choose from products made by big companies and they can choose from products made by smaller companies. That choice will be removed if HR 5786 becomes law. if that happens, consumers will be left with a small selection of products sold only by our nation's largest retail chains.
America is filled with talented innovators and entrepreneurs who don't need a big bank loan or a huge line of credit to manage a profitable business.
Small cosmetics companies can continue to do their share to carry this nation, but not if HR 5786 passes.
It is the duty of our Congressional representatives to pass laws that are carefully tailored to deal with specific problems that need to be addressed on a national scale. HR 5786 is not carefully tailored to help anyone.
If HR 5786 as drafted becomes law, it will close multiple thousands of small companies immediately and in one fell swoop.
As you can guest, the blogoshere has exploded with posts about the Safe Cosmetics Act. I've listed some of my favorites, and most talked about below:
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Midnight Sky Soap
I was recently inspired by the beautiful stars that this city girl only gets to see when I visit the country. This soap is the result of that inspiration including the fresh crisp night air. To represent the smells of summer air I made a blend of papaya, ginger and lime, and to represent the beautiful sky I created shimmery gold stars embedded in a deep purple sparkly bar of soap! Ah, isn't inspiration grand? :)
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
New Release: Soapy Scrub Bars!
Straight from the Batty studio is my brand new creation: Soapy Scrub Bars!!
The first scent to be released is delicious French Crumb Cake!
This handmade bar of skin loving glycerin soap is also a powerful exfoliating scrub bar! Packed with natural apricot shells, you'll be soaping up and scrubbing down at the same time! The glycerin soap in this bar draws moisture out of the air to benefit your skin. It also gets your skin perfectly clean without upsetting the delicate natural pH balance necessary for soft, healthy skin. And, since there are no heavy animal oils in any of Batty’s soaps, they rinse clean away and leave no soapy film behind. You'll also fall in love with the pure and natural apricot shells that deep-clean, renew and detoxify all skin types.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
New Release: Green Apple Shea Butter Soap
This skin loving green apple shea butter soap smells like a delightful mix of fruity floral and crisp green apple. It will have you thinking you just took a trip to a thriving apple orchard.
"Pick" your own green apple soap bar in my Etsy shop!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Beauty from the Inside Out: Tomato Sauce
It's one thing to pamper your body on the outside with skin-loving handmade bath & body products, but what about the inside? Natural beauty just doesn't come from the products we put on our skin, but it also comes from our state of mind (being healthy mentally and content - I'll touch on this more in future posts) and from the foods we feed our bodies.
Today's power food is Tomato Sauce!
You're probably thinking, "you mean my super budget friendly would-put-a-college-student-to-shame cheap pasta and sauce is good for me!?".. Yup, that's what I'm saying! Although now that you're "grown up", you may want to opt for the whole wheat pasta, but keep that tomato sauce coming because it's full of lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant that helps skin protect itself from the suns rays. One of word of advice though, stick with the low-sodium brands.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Rawpaint!
Adapted from Rawhide by Frankie Laine
Remembered as sung by Dad (certainly not my version)
Paintin', paintin', paintin'
Paintin', paintin', paintin'
Paintin', paintin', paintin'
Paintin', paintin', paintin'
Rawpaint!
Hah! Hah!
Keep paintin', paintin', paintin'
Though my feet are achin',
Keep them brushes breakin', rawpaint.
Through doubt and fear and hoping,
Hell bent for an art opening,
Though I feel like faintin',
All the things I'm craving,
Good vittles, love, and sailing,
Are waiting at the end of paintin'.
Matt 'em out, frame 'em up,
Price 'em up, move 'em on.
Sell 'em out, shoot 'em up:
Rawpaint.
Cut 'em out, crop 'em in,
Paint 'em in, paint 'em out,
Shoot 'em out, shoot 'em in:
Rawpaint!
Hah! Hah!
Movin', movin', movin',
Though they're disapprovin',
Keep them critics movin', rawpaint.
Don't try to understand 'em,
Just paint an' frame an' brand 'em.
Soon we'll be living high and wide.
My heart's calculatin',
My true love will be waitin':
Waitin' at the end of my paintin'.
Matt 'em out, frame 'em up,
Price 'em up, move 'em on.
Sell 'em out, shoot 'em up:
Rawpaint.
Cut 'em out, crop 'em in,
Paint 'em in, paint 'em out,
Shoot 'em out, shoot 'em in:
Rawpaint!
(Painting', paintin', paintin'.)
(Painting', paintin', paintin'.)
Hah!
(Painting', paintin', paintin'.)
Hah!
(Painting', paintin', paintin'.)
Rawpaint.
Hah!
Rawpaint!
Remembered as sung by Dad (certainly not my version)
Paintin', paintin', paintin'
Paintin', paintin', paintin'
Paintin', paintin', paintin'
Paintin', paintin', paintin'
Rawpaint!
Hah! Hah!
Keep paintin', paintin', paintin'
Though my feet are achin',
Keep them brushes breakin', rawpaint.
Through doubt and fear and hoping,
Hell bent for an art opening,
Though I feel like faintin',
All the things I'm craving,
Good vittles, love, and sailing,
Are waiting at the end of paintin'.
Matt 'em out, frame 'em up,
Price 'em up, move 'em on.
Sell 'em out, shoot 'em up:
Rawpaint.
Cut 'em out, crop 'em in,
Paint 'em in, paint 'em out,
Shoot 'em out, shoot 'em in:
Rawpaint!
Hah! Hah!
Movin', movin', movin',
Though they're disapprovin',
Keep them critics movin', rawpaint.
Don't try to understand 'em,
Just paint an' frame an' brand 'em.
Soon we'll be living high and wide.
My heart's calculatin',
My true love will be waitin':
Waitin' at the end of my paintin'.
Matt 'em out, frame 'em up,
Price 'em up, move 'em on.
Sell 'em out, shoot 'em up:
Rawpaint.
Cut 'em out, crop 'em in,
Paint 'em in, paint 'em out,
Shoot 'em out, shoot 'em in:
Rawpaint!
(Painting', paintin', paintin'.)
(Painting', paintin', paintin'.)
Hah!
(Painting', paintin', paintin'.)
Hah!
(Painting', paintin', paintin'.)
Rawpaint.
Hah!
Rawpaint!
My artwork opened July 13 in the front display of the SAVA Fine Art Gallery and runs through July 31. It's in the main mall entrance, street level, as you walk in...just next to the parking garage.
SAVA Fine Art Gallery
July 13-31, 2010
Artists' Reception: Tuesday, July 13, 6-8pm.
River Center Mall
849 E. Commerce Street, No. 205
San Antonio, Texas
Tues., Wed., Thurs., Sund., 2 - 6 p.m.
Website: savisualartists.org
Lucky Soapy Fortune Cookies
If you love the crisp Asian fortune cookies you get with your take out, you're going to love this soap! It's shaped like a fortune cookie and comes with a fortune and take out box of its own! Inside the handmade custom Batty's Bath take out box, you'll find a custom fortune with unique words of wisdom.
Go grab your own Fortune Cookie Soap before they sell out :)
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Beauty from the Inside Out: Flaxseed
It's one thing to pamper your body on the outside with skin-loving handmade bath & body products, but what about the inside? Natural beauty just doesn't come from the products we put on our skin, but it also comes from our state of mind (being healthy mentally and content - I'll touch on this more in future posts) and from the foods we feed our bodies.
Today's power food is Flaxseed!
For person who don't like fish or are vegans, flaxseed is a great source of omega fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids help your skin repair itself, is responsible for moisture content, and will help build flexible cell membranes.
So where can you get your dose of flaxseed?
There's lots of cereals that now contain flaxseed plus you can buy it pre-ground and add it to just about anything! You'll want to go for the ground version because your body can't digest whole flaxseeds. You can also get additional doses of omega fatty acids from canola oil, salmon, soybean oil, and walnuts.
10 Shutterbug Rules
Here's a good excerpt (and the link) to general photography do's and don'ts.
And remember that it is illegal for anyone to make you delete a photo you've already taken.
Excerpt from Photography and the Law: Know Your Rights, by Photojojo.com:
And remember that it is illegal for anyone to make you delete a photo you've already taken.
Excerpt from Photography and the Law: Know Your Rights, by Photojojo.com:
The Ten Legal Commandments of Photography
Before we get started here, we have to point out that even though we’re smart and awesome and devastatingly attractive, we’re not lawyers. None of this should be construed as legal advice. If you have a legal issue, get in touch with a lawyer. Much of this information was gleaned from attorney Bert P. Krages‘ website, so we’ll go ahead and recommend him.
The Ten Legal Commandments of Photography
I. Anyone in a public place can take pictures of anything they want. Public places include parks, sidewalks, malls, etc. Malls? Yeah. Even though it’s technically private property, being open to the public makes it public space.
II. If you are on public property, you can take pictures of private property. If a building, for example, is visible from the sidewalk, it’s fair game.
III. If you are on private property and are asked not to take pictures, you are obligated to honor that request. This includes posted signs.
IV. Sensitive government buildings (military bases, nuclear facilities) can prohibit photography if it is deemed a threat to national security.
V. People can be photographed if they are in public (without their consent) unless they have secluded themselves and can expect a reasonable degree of privacy. Kids swimming in a fountain? Okay. Somebody entering their PIN at the ATM? Not okay.
VI. The following can almost always be photographed from public places, despite popular opinion:
- accident & fire scenes, criminal activities
- bridges & other infrastructure, transportation facilities (i.e. airports)
- industrial facilities, Superfund sites
- public utilities, residential & commercial buildings
- children, celebrities, law enforcement officers
- UFOs, the Loch Ness Monster, Chuck Norris
VII. Although “security” is often given as the reason somebody doesn’t want you to take photos, it’s rarely valid. Taking a photo of a publicly visible subject does not constitute terrorism, nor does it infringe on a company’s trade secrets.
VIII. If you are challenged, you do not have to explain why you are taking pictures, nor to you have to disclose your identity (except in some cases when questioned by a law enforcement officer.)
IX. Private parties have very limited rights to detain you against your will, and can be subject to legal action if they harass you.
X. If someone tries to confiscate your camera and/or film, you don’t have to give it to them. If they take it by force or threaten you, they can be liable for things like theft and coercion. Even law enforcement officers need a court order.
What To Do If You’re Confronted
- Be respectful and polite. Use good judgement and don’t escalate the situation.
- If the person becomes combative or difficult, think about calling the police.
- Threats, detention, and taking your camera are all grounds for legal or civil actions on your part. Be sure to get the person’s name, employer, and what legal grounds they claim for their actions.
- If you don’t want to involve the authorities, go above the person’s head to their supervisor or their company’s public relations department.
- Call your local TV and radio stations and see if they want to do a story about your civil liberties.
- Put the story on the web yourself if need be.
Public photography is not a crime, but law enforcers think otherwise
Across our country, many shutterbugs like ourselves are illegally arrested or detained for taking photos in public places, from the video cam helmet to the cell phone camera to the professional.
The following excerpt from Popular Mechanics addresses what you should do if you get approached by someone asking you to stop taking photos. This problem effects everyone with cameras, not just professional photographers. It is illegal to stop photography of public places, and we need to pressure our lawmakers to put laws in place to protect us, or make our law enforcers more aware of our rights.
"So what should you do if you're taking photos and a security guard or police officer approaches you and tells you to stop? First, be polite. Security people have tough jobs and probably mean well. Ask them what legal authority they have to make you stop. (If you're in a public place, like a street, a park, etc., they have none; if you're in a private place, such as a shopping mall, they may have a basis for banning pictures.) Krages advises those hassled by security guards to threaten to call law enforcement. If it's an actual police officer who's telling you to stop shooting, ask to speak to a superior. And remember--you never have a legal duty to delete pictures you've taken."
Popular Mechanics LINK
For more articles on the subject:
Gizmodo
NBC
The following excerpt from Popular Mechanics addresses what you should do if you get approached by someone asking you to stop taking photos. This problem effects everyone with cameras, not just professional photographers. It is illegal to stop photography of public places, and we need to pressure our lawmakers to put laws in place to protect us, or make our law enforcers more aware of our rights.
"So what should you do if you're taking photos and a security guard or police officer approaches you and tells you to stop? First, be polite. Security people have tough jobs and probably mean well. Ask them what legal authority they have to make you stop. (If you're in a public place, like a street, a park, etc., they have none; if you're in a private place, such as a shopping mall, they may have a basis for banning pictures.) Krages advises those hassled by security guards to threaten to call law enforcement. If it's an actual police officer who's telling you to stop shooting, ask to speak to a superior. And remember--you never have a legal duty to delete pictures you've taken."
Popular Mechanics LINK
For more articles on the subject:
Gizmodo
NBC
top mercedes mclaren
The Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren is an Anglo-German hypercar jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Automotive, built in Portsmouth and the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey, England. At the time Mercedes-Benz owned 40 percent of the McLaren Group.
Due to the presence of the automatic gear box, front mid-engined arrangement, and its driving characteristics, some commentators classify the SLR McLaren as a GT whose rivals would be vehicles like the Aston Martin DBS V12 and Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano.
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Due to the presence of the automatic gear box, front mid-engined arrangement, and its driving characteristics, some commentators classify the SLR McLaren as a GT whose rivals would be vehicles like the Aston Martin DBS V12 and Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano.
mercedes mclaren
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Mercedes Benz Cars
Mercedes-Benz is a German manufacturer of luxury automobiles, buses, coaches, and trucks. It is currently a division of the parent company, Daimler AG (formerly DaimlerChrysler AG), after previously being owned by Daimler-Benz. Mercedes-Benz has its origins in Karl Benz's creation of the first petrol-powered car, the Benz Patent Motorwagen, patented in January 1886, and by Gottlieb Daimler and engineer Wilhelm Maybach's conversion of a stagecoach by the addition of a petrol engine later that year. The Mercedes automobile was first marketed in 1901 by Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft.
Mercedes Benz SL interior
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Mercedes Benz SL interior 
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Rolls Royce Top Images
Rolls Royce Cras
Rolls Royce Cars
Rolls Royce Cars
Rolls Royce Cars
Rolls Royce Cars
Rolls Royce Cars
The Alfa Romeo 8c Spider
The Alfa Romeo 8c Spider is the convertible version of the Alfa Romeo 8c Competizione. And just like the hardtop Competizione only 500 examples of the 8c Spider are to be built.
Power for the Alfa Romeo 8c Spider comes from the same 4.7 litre Maserati-derived V8 engine used in the Competizione. This unit develops 450 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 347 ft/lbs of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed, double clutch, paddle shift transmissions driving the 20" rear wheels. To bring the 8c Spider to a swift halt carbon-ceramic Brembo brake discs measuring 380mm at the front and 360mm at the back are employed.
The convertible top of the 8c Spider is equipped with electro-hydraulic automatic control (controllable via a button on the dashboard). The roof is composed of two overlapping sheets: the external one is made with a multi-thread textile which can withstand the elements, whilst the interior has high sound-proofing qualities. The roof is available in various colours to match the exterior paintwork.
Just like the coupe the 8c Spider uses a number of composite components (including the bodywork) both inside and out which not only reduce weight but also add to the cars sporting personality.
The AC Cobra sportscars
The AC Cobra, one of the most iconic sports cars in the world, received an update for 2009.
The AC MkVI, a faithful recreation of the ultimate sports car icon - the AC Cobra, is produced in
The chairman of AC, Alan Lubinsky said of the AC MkVI. "The car has fully triangulated, jig welded roundtube spaceframe chassis, with racecar derived suspension, suitably adapted to be road compliant. 4-pot Porsche brake calipers with vented discs, 332 mm front-298 mm rear. Differential with variable powerlock. Corvette V-8 engine, 6.2 Litre, 437 bhp for the GT and 647 bhp for GTS version, both compliant to current emission laws. Handmade aluminium-hybrid bodies, handmade to last forever, with increased, air conditioned cabin size for taller drivers. Finest German carpets and leather hides, craftsman made to create a luxurious and comfortable interior".
The AC MkVI is an open-top sports car based on the design of the
The AC MkVI weighs in at approximately 1,025 kgs (2260 lbs) and can reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in around 3.3 seconds.
Ferrari F430 modified
Based on the shores of
Essentially the kit comprises of a new front bumper with two large angular intakes positioned and shaped just like those found on the Lamborghini Gallardo. Then for the sideskirts Auto Veloce have created some beefier units which are almost carbon copies of those found on the Murcielago LP640. At the rear the F430 gets a rather busy looking diffuser and a massive rear wing.
So if you're torn between buying an F430 and a Gallardo your answer has arrived. You will however have to hand over a lot of money, and all your taste, in return.
No mechanical upgrades are included in the package so unless the changes have added a load of weight or added a bunch of drag, the F430 SVR from Auto Veloce should hit 60 mph in around 4 seconds, and top out at just under 200 mph
the Bentley Continental GT modified cars
For 2008 the Bentley Continental GT has undegone a similar modification to the Ferrari 575 GTZ by Zagato in 2006.
Perhaps the most noticeable change is the roof and tail section which recieves Zagato's trademark double hump roof design and rounded tail. This is highlighted by the two tone paintwork, British Racing Green for the lower section and dark silver for the roof.
BMW M3 modified cars
Despite the distinctly Germanic sounding name of the company, GTHaus is in fact based in
However GTHaus has now decided to enter into the world of body kits and tuning. This is their first offering, a $12,500 (£8,500) GT2 racecar-like widebody conversion for the E92 M3 Coupe. And no it won't make you go any faster as they haven't developed any performance upgrades for the engine yet. In fact if you were to throw this onto a standard M3 all that would happen is that you'd increase drag and go slower. At the same time you'd torpedo the fuel economy.
That said, as far as ridiculously wide bodykits go this isn't too bad. It looks more like a track-derived aerodynamic package, instead of a tuner bodykit which just has vents and oddly positioned bulges for no reason. Also in its favor is the fact the panels aren't heavy weight fiberglass, they're formed from that most excellent of materials, carbon fiber.
To match the new bodywork GTHaus have fitted the car with oversize 20 inch wheels (which will actually be detrimental to the handling), Brembo brakes, and a sports exhaust system designed to offer a racing note.
Aston Martin Vanquish Roadste
Zagato revealed their modified Aston Martin Vanquish Roadster at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show.
A close cooperation between Nori Harada, Zagato’s Automotive Chief Designer, and Peter Hutchinson, Design Manager at Aston Martin, resulted in the Aston Martin Vanquish Roadster introducing elements that were different to other vehicles in the Roadster segment.
The Zagato Aston Martin Vanquish Roadster has a hard top for winter, developed to not appear as an add-on but as an integral part that also takes in the rear. In better weather the hardtop is replaced by transparent hardened glass and an easily used soft cover. Developed by Zagato’s engineers, this soft top is easily and simply mounted and, when not in use, is held in the luggage compartment without taking up much space.
The Aston Martin Vanquish Roadster by Zagato has a round rear light cluster, a tapered tail to best feature the wheel arches and a completely new rear bumper. The hardened glass, with its curvy ‘double bubble’ form gives the rear a muscular appearance.
The Audi R25 in LA Auto Show
The Audi R25 was Audi's entrant in the 2008 LA Auto Show Design Challenge.
The R25 is designed for the 2025
The Audi R25 is designed to utilize and excel in this new racing environment, with features such as:
- The new Dynamic Space Frame, allowing much greater degree of flexibility, integration of circuits and rigidity
- Algae bio fuel for endurance and electric motor capability through Wireless power transfer technology
- Audi Design: Staying true to the "Form is Function" philosophy, there is not an ounce of needless element in the R25, which incorporates advanced technique and efficient form management into one. The car also uses: active micro-control surfaces which optimize airflow during the race; Man Machine Interface, which inputs all vehicle data output into the driver's helmet visor; all-around vehicle dynamic sensors and integrated on-board HD cameras with real-time data links to allow for spectator interaction, allowing fans to virtually "sit" and experience the race in any racecar through monitors and virtual reality booths.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
The Aston Martin Zagato DB AR
The Aston Martin Zagato DB AR1 of 2003 came about through a combination of efforts between Aston Martin and the coachbuilding company Zagato.
The Aston Martin Zagato DB AR1 was, in the words of Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin "... a concept car that has been designed with the Californian weather in mind and is a Roadster in the proper tradition, with no hood and space for just two people."
The first three show vehicles were sold by Aston Martin in a three week tour of the
The Aston Martin DB American Roadster 1 (DB AR1) is derived from the Aston Martin DB7. The concept was based on the DB7 Vantage Volante (convertible) platform and featured a wide array of aesthetic changes.
The Aston Martin Zagato DB AR1 had a larger front grille and more powerful wheel arches which gave the car a muscular, aggressive stance.
Under the bonnet of the Aston Martin Zagato DB AR1 was a six-litre, 435 bhp, V12 engine. This unit featured minor modifications which improved both power and torque outputs compared to the DB7 vantage V12.
To further enhance performance the DB AR1 was fitted with an AP twin plate clutch, quick-shift gear lever (borrowed from the DB7 GT), active sports exhaust, large Brembo brakes and 19 inch wheels.
The Audi A9 concep cars
The Audi A9 concept is a stylish proposal for a luxury sports saloon which was developed by the talented Spanish designer Daniel Garcia. Garcia's previous work includes the Ducati 6098 R concept from 2009.
The A9 concept would be positioned higher than Audi's current flagship model, the A8, and is aimed at other top-end luxury saloons like the Porsche Panamera, and if it ever went into production, the Lamborghini Estoque.
The styling of the A9 concept was partially inspired by the stunning architectural style of Santiago Calatrava's buildings in "La Ciudad de las Artes y de las Ciencias" (The City of Arts and Sciences) in Garcia's hometown of
The single-piece windscreen and roof is formed from an as-yet undiscovered nanotechnology material which features an automatic-system for repairing damage, and it can also be adjusted for color and opacity. The bodywork of the Audi A9 concept also features a unique 'electronic painting' system which means the vehicle's color can be changed at the touch of a button.
The proposed drivetrain for the A9 concept is an advanced hybrid setup which uses an internal combustion engine working in conjunction with four in-wheel electric motors
2010 Toyota Corolla Altis Diesel in India Report
2010 Toyota Corolla Altis Diesel Photo
Toyota India would be ablution the abundant accessible Corolla Altis Agent today at the country’s capital.
Indian Autos Blog is in New Delhi accoutrement the Toyota Corolla Altis Agent barrage and we would be bringing all the capacity of the car after today.The agent adaptation of the Corolla Altis Agent could appear with a 4-cylinder accepted abuse 1.4 liter D-4D with VGT. The agent would be acceptable for 89 hp and 190 Nm of torque.
The agent Corolla is all set to booty on annealed competitionin the anatomy of the Chevrolet Cruze, Skoda Laura and Volkswagen Jetta.
Sweet Honey Shea Butter Soap with Oatmeal
Another new release!
Batty's Sweet Honey Shea Butter Soap smells like the heavenly scent of honey! Smooth, rich and creamy, this is a perfect blend of vanilla, milk and honey. This bar is topped off with a sprinkled with skin loving oatmeal.
Everyone one loves "comfort food", but I love "comfort soap" and bet you will too ;)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
What Your Skin is Up to While You Sleep
Did you know that your skin is up to some pretty interesting things while you sleep? It's true! The saying "beauty sleep" does hold some weight because we all know we don't look so "hot" when we're run down due to lack of sleep. Want to know why? Let me explain...
Your Skin Responds Better to Treatments While You Sleep...
Your skin will readily take in active ingredients from facial products, such as my patchouli facial cream, while you sleep. One of the reasons for this is because the products and your skin don't have to compete with sunlight, make up, and pollution. Secondly, your body temperature is higher when you go to bed because of activity and food intake so products will absorb deeper into your skin - and if you're trying to get rid of a nasty breakout, this is exactly what you want!
But...
When I need it, I always put on a facial product to "clean up & repair" my face while I sleep but I can honestly say that I don't ALWAYS need to do this. There are those few days a week when my skin is looking A-OK and without any problems. On these days I "let my skin breath". Yes, what your mother told you is true.. your skin needs to breath! At least once a week give your skin a break while you sleep and let it do it's thing - repair itself, detox that dirt, and balance oil production. Every once and a while it can do this on it's only without our help ;)
Monday, July 19, 2010
Peacocks and Perfection
Photo by S'zanne Reynolds
To require perfection in art is to invite paralysis-- to find reasons to procrastinate even beginning the new work!
--paraphrased from "Art and Fear"
Friday Flower Power pARTy!
"Sunny and Clear" 8x10" acrylic by S'zanne Reynolds
Friday, July 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Cafe Monet at the Triangle
4700 West Guadalupe, Ste. 11 • Austin, Texas 78751
Flower Power with Monet & Merlot
Friday, we'll be getting our creativity on painting close-ups of floral faces with Austin artist, S'zanne Reynolds. Discover your flower power as you learn to mix vibrant colors in a rainbow of lights and darks. With a little guidance from S'zanne, you'll take on this happy sunflower or, paint from other garden stars like the rose or iris. We'll provide the paint, canvas and photos...you bring the wine and munchies.
Best of all, you'll have some fun and bring home a painting for the wall!
REGISTER IN ADVANCE, as seating is limited:
Call Cafe Monet at 512-906-2200.
$35 per person.
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