Thursday, February 23, 2006
10 Most Fun Jobs
Alright, I know that I usually just post a bunch of celeb pictures and comment on them but today I was thinking what would be a really cool job? As we all know, no job comes without some grunt work, but some occupations seem to have considerably less than their fair shares. Check out these 10 cool jobs...
Hollywood Wardrobe Stylist
It's fun because: The world is your closet. You get to shop for a living, pick out clothes and accessories for film studios or individual artists, and spend someone else's money. It's the ultimate form of retail therapy.
The not-so-fun side: Because the job is freelance, there's no job security, wardrobe stylists can go for weeks between gigs, and they aren't always entitled to benefits like health insurance and retirement.
The payoff: According to Salary.com, day rates for one job can range from $600 to $1000.
Proposition Player
It's fun because: Poker night with the guys or gals is just another day at the office. Employed as regular casino employees, "props" start games, fill chairs when the tables get short and keep the action moving. Best of all, they get to keep all their winnings.
The not-so-fun side: Props don't get to pick and choose their own games, gamble with their own money, and do not get reimbursed for their losses.
The payoff: An article in Los Angeles CityBeat reports that prop players cash in at up to $30 an hour (the average salary of most regular casino workers) and get health benefits in return for a regular working week.
Film or Restaurant Reviewer
It's fun because: You have the opportunity to watch movies before they even come out in the theater or eat gourmet meals for free and make a little money in the meantime. Plus, you get to say things like, "Tara Reid is surprisingly convincing as a neurosurgeon-turned-environmental activist," or "Frankly, the steak tartar could've used another 'tar.'"
The not-so-fun side: Chances are you'll have to sit through a lot of ridiculous films or eat a lot of unpleasant food... and then spend another few hours reliving the experiences as you write about them.
The payoff: Most critics work on a freelance or part-time basis and some publications pay more than others. According to Salary.com, current freelance rates are often less than $1 a word. Critics may have to work additional jobs to supplement their incomes.
Cruise Line Worker
It's fun because: Working on a cruise ship offers the unique opportunity to travel to exotic destinations for free and meet a variety of interesting people along the way. Plus, free room and board sweetens the deal.
The not-so-fun side: The work week is long (it can entail 12 or 14 hours of work a day, seven days a week), staff accommodations are very modest, and if you're prone to sea sickness, this gig will be the job from hell.
The payoff: Waiters, busboys and bartenders on cruise lines have a modest base income and depend on tips for the majority of their income. Crew members and those who do not work for tips usually make about $350 to $500 per week, according to cruiselinesjobs.com.
Video Game Programmer
It's fun because: As a software designer, you're surrounded by video games and earning enough money to move out of your parents' house: It's the best of both worlds. Video game programmers are essentially computer software engineers, who design, develop, test and evaluate software programs and systems.
The not-so-fun side: Employees who work at video terminals for extended periods may experience musculoskeletal strain, eye problems, stress or repetitive motion illnesses, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. For some professionals, evening or weekend work may be necessary to meet deadlines or solve problems.
The payoff: As in most industries, education and experience influence earnings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, annual earnings of computer software engineers ranged from less than $50,270 for the lowest 10 percent to more than $116,340 for the highest 10 percent in May 2004.
Radio Disc Jockey
It's fun because: As an on-air deejay, you get paid to listen to music all day (which you pretty much do anyway) or spout your opinion to whomever that will listen (again... ). Plus, the prospect of interviewing celebrities on occasion means that only fate can stop you from meeting Beyoncé now.
The not-so-fun side: A modest income for most deejays means the need to supplement their radio station play with outside earnings. Furthermore, they tend to work unconventional hours, including nights and weekends.
The payoff: Salaries in broadcasting generally are relatively low, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (median hourly earnings for radio and television announcers in May 2004 were $10.64). Those who work for large stations in major markets tend to earn a little bit more.
Whitewater Rafting Guide
It's fun because: With free river trips and endless kayaking opportunities, every day is like vacation, and you can leave the suit and tie or dress pumps at home.
The not-so-fun side: The rafting season ends in October, forcing many guides to find work during the fall and winter. Plus, the work can be strenuous, guides may be away from home for long periods of time and work hours are often unpredictable.
The payoff: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, recreation workers earn an average of $16.47 an hour.
Wine Taster
It's fun because: Employed by restaurants to recommend wines for their wine lists, wine tasters (also known as sommeliers or wine stewards) not only get to spend the day tasting the finest reds and whites around, but they can actually answer any question about their job with, "You know that movie Sideways?"
The not-so-fun side: It's not enough to have "likes to drink" or "can hold my liquor" on one's résumé. The job of a steward is to taste -- not actually drink -- wine; it requires extensive practice and training about making wine and judging its color, aroma, flavor and body.
The payoff: According to a 2005 starchefs.com survey of sommeliers, the average reported salary was $52,700.
Skydiving Instructor
It's fun because: How many other people can honestly describe their jobs as "thrilling?" There's a reason people pay up to hundreds of dollars a pop to do the very thing you're getting paid to do day after day: there's little that compares to the adrenaline rush of free-falling.
The not-so-fun side: Jumping from an aircraft going 175 miles per hour and falling to the ground at a rate of 130 miles per hour doesn't come without its risks. And imagine trying to do all of the above with a screaming skydiving student strapped to your torso.
The payoff: Experts say professional skydiving instructors can make anywhere from $25,000 to $80,000 per year depending on their experience and willingness to take risks.
Rodeo Clown
It's fun because: You've prepared your entire life for a job that pays to goof off. Rodeo clowns -- also known as bull fighters or barrelmen -- keep the crowd amused by bantering with the rodeo announcers or performing comedic skits in between rides.
The not-so-fun side: The job of distracting an angry, charging bull long enough for the fallen cowboy to get back up and back to safety falls on you, and a temperamental 3,000-pound beast with sharp horns is not going to stop in his tracks for a good knock-knock joke. Thus, barrelmen must be able to think fast, move faster and be willing to risk their own safety for the welfare of someone else.
The payoff: Rodeo clowns make between $100 to $225 per show, according to Salary.com, and can make even more money at the national freestyle bullfighting competitions.source
Hollywood Wardrobe Stylist
It's fun because: The world is your closet. You get to shop for a living, pick out clothes and accessories for film studios or individual artists, and spend someone else's money. It's the ultimate form of retail therapy.
The not-so-fun side: Because the job is freelance, there's no job security, wardrobe stylists can go for weeks between gigs, and they aren't always entitled to benefits like health insurance and retirement.
The payoff: According to Salary.com, day rates for one job can range from $600 to $1000.
Proposition Player
It's fun because: Poker night with the guys or gals is just another day at the office. Employed as regular casino employees, "props" start games, fill chairs when the tables get short and keep the action moving. Best of all, they get to keep all their winnings.
The not-so-fun side: Props don't get to pick and choose their own games, gamble with their own money, and do not get reimbursed for their losses.
The payoff: An article in Los Angeles CityBeat reports that prop players cash in at up to $30 an hour (the average salary of most regular casino workers) and get health benefits in return for a regular working week.
Film or Restaurant Reviewer
It's fun because: You have the opportunity to watch movies before they even come out in the theater or eat gourmet meals for free and make a little money in the meantime. Plus, you get to say things like, "Tara Reid is surprisingly convincing as a neurosurgeon-turned-environmental activist," or "Frankly, the steak tartar could've used another 'tar.'"
The not-so-fun side: Chances are you'll have to sit through a lot of ridiculous films or eat a lot of unpleasant food... and then spend another few hours reliving the experiences as you write about them.
The payoff: Most critics work on a freelance or part-time basis and some publications pay more than others. According to Salary.com, current freelance rates are often less than $1 a word. Critics may have to work additional jobs to supplement their incomes.
Cruise Line Worker
It's fun because: Working on a cruise ship offers the unique opportunity to travel to exotic destinations for free and meet a variety of interesting people along the way. Plus, free room and board sweetens the deal.
The not-so-fun side: The work week is long (it can entail 12 or 14 hours of work a day, seven days a week), staff accommodations are very modest, and if you're prone to sea sickness, this gig will be the job from hell.
The payoff: Waiters, busboys and bartenders on cruise lines have a modest base income and depend on tips for the majority of their income. Crew members and those who do not work for tips usually make about $350 to $500 per week, according to cruiselinesjobs.com.
Video Game Programmer
It's fun because: As a software designer, you're surrounded by video games and earning enough money to move out of your parents' house: It's the best of both worlds. Video game programmers are essentially computer software engineers, who design, develop, test and evaluate software programs and systems.
The not-so-fun side: Employees who work at video terminals for extended periods may experience musculoskeletal strain, eye problems, stress or repetitive motion illnesses, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. For some professionals, evening or weekend work may be necessary to meet deadlines or solve problems.
The payoff: As in most industries, education and experience influence earnings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, annual earnings of computer software engineers ranged from less than $50,270 for the lowest 10 percent to more than $116,340 for the highest 10 percent in May 2004.
Radio Disc Jockey
It's fun because: As an on-air deejay, you get paid to listen to music all day (which you pretty much do anyway) or spout your opinion to whomever that will listen (again... ). Plus, the prospect of interviewing celebrities on occasion means that only fate can stop you from meeting Beyoncé now.
The not-so-fun side: A modest income for most deejays means the need to supplement their radio station play with outside earnings. Furthermore, they tend to work unconventional hours, including nights and weekends.
The payoff: Salaries in broadcasting generally are relatively low, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (median hourly earnings for radio and television announcers in May 2004 were $10.64). Those who work for large stations in major markets tend to earn a little bit more.
Whitewater Rafting Guide
It's fun because: With free river trips and endless kayaking opportunities, every day is like vacation, and you can leave the suit and tie or dress pumps at home.
The not-so-fun side: The rafting season ends in October, forcing many guides to find work during the fall and winter. Plus, the work can be strenuous, guides may be away from home for long periods of time and work hours are often unpredictable.
The payoff: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, recreation workers earn an average of $16.47 an hour.
Wine Taster
It's fun because: Employed by restaurants to recommend wines for their wine lists, wine tasters (also known as sommeliers or wine stewards) not only get to spend the day tasting the finest reds and whites around, but they can actually answer any question about their job with, "You know that movie Sideways?"
The not-so-fun side: It's not enough to have "likes to drink" or "can hold my liquor" on one's résumé. The job of a steward is to taste -- not actually drink -- wine; it requires extensive practice and training about making wine and judging its color, aroma, flavor and body.
The payoff: According to a 2005 starchefs.com survey of sommeliers, the average reported salary was $52,700.
Skydiving Instructor
It's fun because: How many other people can honestly describe their jobs as "thrilling?" There's a reason people pay up to hundreds of dollars a pop to do the very thing you're getting paid to do day after day: there's little that compares to the adrenaline rush of free-falling.
The not-so-fun side: Jumping from an aircraft going 175 miles per hour and falling to the ground at a rate of 130 miles per hour doesn't come without its risks. And imagine trying to do all of the above with a screaming skydiving student strapped to your torso.
The payoff: Experts say professional skydiving instructors can make anywhere from $25,000 to $80,000 per year depending on their experience and willingness to take risks.
Rodeo Clown
It's fun because: You've prepared your entire life for a job that pays to goof off. Rodeo clowns -- also known as bull fighters or barrelmen -- keep the crowd amused by bantering with the rodeo announcers or performing comedic skits in between rides.
The not-so-fun side: The job of distracting an angry, charging bull long enough for the fallen cowboy to get back up and back to safety falls on you, and a temperamental 3,000-pound beast with sharp horns is not going to stop in his tracks for a good knock-knock joke. Thus, barrelmen must be able to think fast, move faster and be willing to risk their own safety for the welfare of someone else.
The payoff: Rodeo clowns make between $100 to $225 per show, according to Salary.com, and can make even more money at the national freestyle bullfighting competitions.source
Dear Fox
Dear Fox,
I was very upset when you pulled Prison Break off the air just when the ratings hit an all time high. Some of us (my boyfriend and I), were starting to think that you had committed television suicide! Now, when we heard that the show was coming back in March we got very excited!
This is why we like it-
Just when we thought the last season of "24" would finally grind our teeth to the gums, along came "Prison Break." Each week, the show gets more intense and just when when we thought the escape plan was underway, another wrench was thrown in the works. Will they escape? That remains to be seen, but I am sure you will guarantee we'll be in for one of the most intense nights of television when it finally happens...woo hoo I can't wait!
Thank you for finally bringing it back...even though I still have to wait until March 20th!
Sincerely yours,
Miss Kelly
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Monday, February 20, 2006
Another Point for Team Jolie
I was at the nail spa and the lady hands me the latest issue of Vogue. Flipping through I came across the new ad campaign for St. John! Now, St. John is very near and dear to my heart as their corporate office is located right here in Orange County and I have met the Grey family (residents of the O.C.), and have even partied with Kelly Grey (owner/model for St. John), so I was eager to see the new ad campaign.
Now, how in the heck did I forget that Ms. Angelina Jolie was the new model? Talk about a girl that can look the part for any occasion...TombRaider to Ms. Ultra Conservative, WTF? Team Aniston, I hate to say it but these pictures speak for themselves.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Makes The World Taste Better
I guess Nicole Richie is the new face of Diet Dr. Pepper…could it be because the soda offers zero calories or could it be the other diet secret to the stars...
Since I was a small child I was led to believe that Dr. Pepper has some sort of prune juice in it...well I did a little search on google and if you care to know what I found here it is-
The answer:
The formula for Dr Pepper is proprietary, but prune juice is definitely not one of the ingredients. It is a blend of many spices and flavor extracts. The color is supplied by caramel especially made for the product.
So, the question remains unsolved, but at least some of the conjecture can be put to rest. Looks like you'll just have to be satisfied knowing that "Dr Pepper makes the world taste better."
Gawd Help Her
Britney was out shopping at Fred Segal yesterday, now I know that yesterday I waited until 3:30 in the afternoon to take a shower, and ran around all morning in my Juicy suit running errands and looking a little tore up from the floor up if ya know what I mean... However, if you are Britney Spears and you are going to throw on a $4,000 dress I think you can at least brush your hair! This girl needs help, somebody, anybody, please!! I don't want to give up on her just yet...
Monday, February 13, 2006
My Camo Revolution
This hat is my current obsession, but because it is so grossly overpriced I think I might head over to the ARMY surplus store to buy a genero one and then get some fun stuff from the tall mouse and design my very own. Do I sound jaded? Anyways, my goal is to have a Camo hat to wear with my bikini...
Just say No to PopoZoa
Britt a Louisiana native will celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans later this month...
I am all for a star studded celeb filled Mardi Gras to help out the great city of New Orleans and further funding for victims...But I sure as heck hope that Kevin isn't going to be performing PopoZoa because that song is the worst song I have ever, ever heard...
EVER
Friday, February 10, 2006
KOBE
Fellow Newporter Kobe Bryant is featured in the upcoming issue of Dime Magazine. I had a chance to read the article and what he has to say is pretty interesting…here’s just a taste-
“I've always been hungry, but now my appetite has risen to a new level. My will is greater than ever. The motivation to succeed runs through me like blood. In this 10th year, my 10th season as an NBA player, the mountain I once climbed to reach the top looms in front of me again. I realize how hard it will be to climb it, how much I will have to sacrifice and overcome to get to the top again, how many people have told me I can't do it. But I savor that challenge. Feed off of it. That challenge helps give me purpose and inspiration. It helps me define life.”
The Dream Team is Back
Matt and Ben are back! The Oscar-winning Boston buddies will reunite onscreen in an untitled drama inspired by two real-life attorneys, who fight a 15-year battle to free an innocent man on death row.
I really like these two together so I hope this movie kicks some serious ass. Maybe now that both of them have settled into their lives they are ready to make another great movie...we all know that Matt has held up his end of the deal but Ben has made some real crappers in the past two years.
Oprah signs $55 Million Dollar Deal
Are we moving over to satellite radio? The $55 million deal is a far cry from the $600 million, five-year deal that rival satellite radio broadcaster Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. has with Howard Stern. XM also has signed other big programming contracts, including an 11-year, $650 million deal for Major League Baseball...