*From Blender - August 2003*

*Typed by Bryenne*

Burner: Useful Tips From the Stars!

How to…
GIVE YOUR FRIEND A HAIRCUT

Breezy California guitar-pop quintet ROONEY understand the power of the right look. That's why they cut one another's hair while on tour. Here's how they do it!

1. DON'T BE HIGH!
Robert Carmine, singer-guitarist: “It’s essential to have a clear frame of mind when you’re getting your hair cut. Try not to take any mind-altering substances -- including alcohol and, especially, anything psychedelic -- for at least five minutes beforehand. Drugs might cloud your judgment. Or they might inspire you to try out something too adventurous that you’ll regret later. So drink some water, do some jumping jacks. Clear yourself out and relax.”

2. LIGHTEN THE MOOD!
Ned Brower, drummer: “As the person with the scissors, you have to make your friend comfortable. Play relaxing music. Tell a riddle. But make sure he doesn’t answer the riddle right away. Instead, ask him to think about it while you cut his hair. He’ll be too busy contemplating the answer to second-guess your technique. The goal is to help him reach his ‘sanctuary of trust.’ Remember: Even with a master haircutter, there’s still the danger of a disaster.”

3. CUT THE HAIR!
Taylor Locke, guitarist: “Start with a clean, dry head of hair, and use professional-grade scissors and shears. Going piece by piece, find the chunk that looks like it doesn’t work with the other chunks. Between snips, take a step back so you can see the whole shape. Your friend must keep his eyes closed the entire time. It’s important for the haircuttee to ‘back off,’ and he’ll find it easier to maintain your trust if he can see nothing but the backs of his eyelids.”

4. HEAP PRAISE -- FAST!
Matt Winter, bassist: “Immediately tell your friend his hair looks amazing. Be extremely proud of your own work -- even if it doesn’t look exactly like you thought it would. At this point, you’re like the parent of a child who is really excited to show you his artwork. No matter what it is, you can always work with what’s there. This is a good time to remind your friend that sometimes a guy’s haircut may not ‘peak’ for a good three days. And that it will grow."

-Victoria DeSilverio