According to a recent Nielsen/NetRatings survey, 46 million people visited MySpace in July 2006, each spending an average of two hours and 15 minutes on the site. So what makes MySpace so popular? First it lets users create their own free profile, including photos, videos, and music. Users can also completely customize the layout, colors, and text of their profiles including blogs, event announcements, bulletin posts, and more.

Extremely popular with teens and young adults, MySpace is part of a growing new trend on the Internet of social networking sites. Although there are multiple social networking sites online including Friendster, Facebook, and Xanga. MySpace is the most popular. It also has the most celebrities as real members. MySpace is so popular, in fact, that News Corp. bought it for $580 million.

Celebrities know that one of the benefits of being on MySpace is that when they make a post to their MySpace blog talking about something they're working on or announce an event such as a live appearance or autograph signing, their messages will be viewed directly by their fans without having to rely on email lists, spend a lot of money on advertising, etc. that may or may not get their message out in time.

To being contacting celebrities using MySpace, first set up your profile. Then you invite your friends to link their profiles to yours -- and thats when the fun begins! Most of the people linking to you and to your friends will have the same interests, live in the same town, etc. So it's a great way to keep in touch with old friends and also make new ones, which is why MySpace is called a "social networking" site. Think of it like six degrees of separation (but in actuality it's more like three degrees online!).

Although MySpace is currently used mostly by teens, more young adults and adults are signing up every day (including celebrities). So despite what you may have heard about old men setting up profiles on MySpace to lure young children, most people use it to keep in touch with other people like themselves and to make new friends. You can search for peope by zip code, city, high school, college, networking category (marketing, publishing, etc.), and more. This lets you find other people you already know or would like to meet, because they share either the same background or the same interests, career, or hobbies you do.

MySpace allows its users to share intimate details about their life (sometimes a little too intimate!) that you would perhaps never learn without it since most people put on airs in person. As society becomes more and more socially cut off with technological advances like caller id, email, and text messages, people are now looking for more and more ways to connect on a personal level while still utilizing "cool" technology. MySpace lets them do just that, and celebrities are no exception. They can now communicate with their fans without having to give out their personal information. Now when they meet their fans they can say "look me up on MySpace and send me a message!"

Larger-than-life celebrities use MySpace to promote themselves. Madonna, for instance, posts news about her latest album releases, song downloads, screen savers, and more on her profile. Recently it linked to MTV.com so fans could vote for her in the five MTV Video Music Awards categories she was nominated for. Celebrities like Madonna make no qualms about using MySpace as a savvy marketing and promotional tool. As of this article she had 71,752 friends linked to her profile and 19,214 comments! And that doesn't even count the hundreds if not thousands of messages and new friend requests she probably receives on a daily basis.

However, many celebrities actually set up their profiles themselves, read their messages, and respond to fans directly. Janice Dickinson, the former "love her or hate her" judge on "America's Next Top Model" has her own profile. She used it to announce casting calls for her reality show "The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency" on Oxygen, and lists Jose Canseco as one of her top friends. Adult star Jenna Jameson uses her profile to blog about her life and show off photos of herself with stars like Paris Hilton. And yes, Paris has her own profile too (with sister Nikki Hilton as one of her friends, of course!).

To set up your own MySpace profile, visit http://www.myspace.com and click on Sign Up in the top right-hand corner. From there, fill out the information it asks for and follow the rest of the instructions. After you've set up your profile, you can download profile templates from sites like MyGen. Do a search on Google for myspace profile templates to find other similar sites.

After you've set up your own MySpace profile, you can send private messages to celebrities you find after you add them as friends. Since most celebrities understand that when you add them as friends to your profile they may gain additional fans among your friends as well, they'll usually approve your friend request even though they don't know you. You can also post a comment on their page that includes your picture. In fact, a great way to request a free autographed photo from the star is to send he or she a message. Simply ask for an autographed photo, and be sure to include your name and address!

For a list of constantly updated celebrity profiles on MySpace, visit our profile at http://www.myspace.com/celebrityaddresses

Jordan McAuley is the author of The Celebrity Black Book and the Founder of http://www.ContactAnyCelebrity.com located in West Hollywood, California. His exclusive online database provides accurate celebrity contact information including the best mailing address, agent, manager, publicist, production company, and charitable cause for over 54,000 celebrities and public figures worldwide to fans, businesses, authors, nonprofits, and the media.

Feel free to copy and distribute this article online as long as you link it back to Contact Any Celebrity at http://www.contactanycelebrity.com You can also link back using our Affiliate Program at http://www.contactanycelebrity.com/affiliates and earn 50% monthly recurring commissions!

Some people say that the golden age of Hollywood was during the 1940s and 50s, while others like to go back even earlier and others still place it in the 70s. The truth is that Hollywood cranks out golden ages each decade with new innovations and new stars. The only constant within Hollywood comes in the form of celebrity and the public desire to know that celebrity.

The 30s faced the Talkies and the growth of the studio system; the 40s saw the beginnings of Film Noir; in the 50s epic films came into fashion while Hollywood met the competition of television. The Hollywood studio system as it had been known ended in the 60s and the era of underground, independent cinema was born. Some have called the 70s "the last golden age" with the American "new wave," but it was also the decade given credit for the "blockbuster" film. Teen-oriented films were king (and queen) during the 80s which also saw the birth of the sequel.

Finally the 90s watched as computer-generated films took the stage at the same time "indie" cinema became a household word. The 90s also witnessed the increase of remakes, re-releases and even more sequels as Hollywood fought for its piece of the newly created digital pie.

Throughout all these decades the constant was the image, those movie star photos that we know and love. And just as film styles changed over the decades, the movie still also evolved. The perfect poses of the 30s, 40s and 50s faced the turbulent 60s, 70s and 80s and the birth of the hated and loved; paparazzi.

The "buzzing insects" or paparazzi were introduced to the American public by Time magazine during an article about the film "La Vita Dolce" by Fellini in 1960. These flash firing freelancers were stalking incriminating movie star photos and have only grown in numbers since then.

One of the favourite gathering spots for paparazzi are the many red carpet events in and around the world with Hollywood being ground zero. But your favourite movie star photos are not limited to the static studio poses nor the often embarrassing angles brought home by the paparazzi. There is another option.

Out there on the red carpet are a few photographers that would throw their camera at you if you called them paparazzi. These photographers combine the best of both worlds, the live "in the moment" feel of the red carpet with the soul searching intimacy of the best studio photograph.

These photographers actually look through the viewfinder of their cameras, searching and waiting for those perfect moments that create the best movie star photos. The average red carpet event might bring to mind the shock and awe of flashes going off all around at digital speed, but deep inside the pack of buzzing insects wait the artists.

In the world of the red carpet, great movie star photos are created not simply snapped. It is in these moments that the movie star fan glimpses the truth, a small truth about their favourite star or a new angle they had never seen before. The stars are people too, something the true fan never forgets and always wants to see.

The moments are fleeting, like life itself and each moment tells a story. The digital camera has made the point and shoot the order of the day. Take lots of photos and sort them out later. But to truly capture the essence of an actor on the red carpet requires an artists eye and a hunters patience.

Celebrity photos continue to dominate the media. The current aim of celebrity photography unfortunately leans more and more towards the exploitive, paparazzi style that flatters few and gives little insight to the actors person. Movie star photos that show us the person behind the star are few, but do exist and will continue to as long as there are fans that want to know a little more about their favourite stars.

Want to see what an artistically candid celebrity photo looks like? Love the movie stars of the 1990s? Click now to see a beautiful collection of black and white and color photos taken during the 90s on the red carpets all around Hollywood.

If your child is an artist, or has a creative side, you should encourage your child's creativity through the gifts you give. I have compiled a list of gift ideas targeted toward the young artist. Costs are included in the descriptions. Jump to the end for a suggestion of where you can buy these gifts. Some gifts listed here are of the tried-and-true variety, some are different and unusual. All will help develop creativeness and expand the imagination.

1. Jakks EyeClops Bionic Eye, from Jakks

This is cool. Age unlimited, this is a battery operated, handheld device that you plug into the A/V jack on your TV. Point it at anything and view objects at up to 200 times normal size, right on your TV screen! If you can keep the adults away from it, this interactive toy will give your young artist an up-close perspective of everyday things. The cost is around $40.

2. Non-Spill Paint Pots & Brushes Set, from Chenille Kraft

Great for toddler to adult, these little paint containers are 3 " tall and come with inner safety lids, brush rest, and colored caps with matching color brushes. There are 10 of these containers in the set and they really work! Tip them over and they don't spill! This set of 10 colorful containers with caps and brushes goes for around $20.

3. 5X9 Globox Lightbox, from Artograph

When you go someplace, your child can't leave their creativity behind. This lightbox is a great size to take along for the ride. The organizer case is 8.25"x9.5"x3.25" and features a pull out palette and storage compartment. The fluorescent light (for tracing) runs on AC power or 6 AA batteries. This is a creative alternative to the handheld video game for those long trips. Priced around $35.

4. Brush Calligraphy and Sumi E Ink Painting Set, from Natashas Caf

A great gift for the older child, this beautifully-packaged Sumi E calligraphy set comes in a fan-shaped case in the Japanese tradition. The set includes 5 natural hair brushes (5" long) and brush stand, a slate grinding stone and ink stick, a water bowl and ladle and a soapstone seal. I recommend you purchase a sumi-e book to go with this as no instructions are included. However, once your young artist gets into Sumi E, they'll love it! Price for this set is about $19-$25.

5. Table Top Double Sided Kid's Easel, from Tri C

It is what it says. One side of this easel is a chalkboard; the other side is a white magnetic wipe off board. It's an easy flip and change from one to the other. It's about 18" x 15" and easily folds for storage. Great table top easel for the youngest of artists. Cost is around $20.

6. Original Learn To Draw Art Set, from Martin/F Weber

If you would like to help your young artist, but you are not an artist yourself, this is a great kit. The lessons here are taught by Jon Gnagy. Self-taught, Jon was America's television art instructor. He was quite popular among children. Along with the step-by-step instructions and over 200 illustrations, this set comes with four art pencils, three sketching chalks, sketch paper, lap top drawing board, kneaded eraser, shading stump and sand pad sharpener. Recommended age is 8-up, but that's up to you. I believe the price is a steal at $16.

7. Quality Children's Easel, from American Easel

I still have my first easel, I still use it, and I still love it! What a beautiful, low-priced full size easel for the young artist. This nice, possibly first-time easel comes with a dry erase/washable marker surface that's 16 1/4"x23". It also includes a 12" paper roll holder and a 100' roll of paper. There is also a tray for supplies. This is a nice, sturdy wooden easel your child is sure to love! Perfectly priced around $55.

8. Crayola Model Magic Deluxe Variety Pack, from Binney & Smith Inc./Crayola

Is your young artist a 3-D type person? Creative minds love this stuff! This award-winning modeling material is used like clay, but it's more versatile. It air-dries and won't stick to clothes. It has kind of a spongy feel while you're using it, and when it dries, you can paint it, color it, glue it and decorate it to your heart's desire. There are hours of fun to be had with Model Magic. This pack comes with fourteen .5 oz. bags of Model Magic in 9 colors: white, blue, yellow, green, red, black, orange, purple and brown. It also comes with ten project cards. About $14.

9. Jumpstart Artist: Best Seller Junior Series (XP / Mac), from Knowledge Adventure All of the JumpStart software is a hit with kids. JumpStart Artist teaches the young artist all about the world of art through games and interactive activities. They even create their own pieces of art! They'll learn about the basics of art, artwork, styles and design, as well as gaining knowledge of some famous artists. This one is recommended for children ages 5-8, but I've discovered firsthand that children both older and younger enjoy just about any JumpStart Adventure. Priced around $24.

10. Roger Burrows Images: The Ultimate Coloring Experience, by Roger Burrows

...Or any Roger Burrows pattern coloring book. This recommendation is number 10 and the least expensive, but in many ways it could be the best. It appeals to all ages, and if you can keep this away from the grown-ups, your young artist will gobble it up in no time. I've seen two people working on this at once, it's so attractive and addicting! 100 pages and many hours of coloring fun! Dynamite price at around $7.

Well, there you have it! My list of 10 great gift ideas for the young artist in your world. Encourage and nurture the creativity in your child. You might just find yourself having fun at the same time! All of these and more are available at the canvas and pen store for artists. Kick back and motivate!

Canvas and Pen, http://www.canvasandpen.com offers relief for artists and writers who have encountered creative blocks. Get inspiration and motivation from articles and features specifically designed to inspire the artist and writer. Got a creative block? Relax. Kick back and motivate!

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