Thursday, December 31, 2009

Actual Day Photography In Singapore

By Robert Wong

The wedding couple are the two most important people on a wedding day. To get some excellent portraits, the photographer should seclude the wedding couple from the celebration for a while to capture the intimate moments after the ceremony. This helps the couple to get away from the delight of their wedding as well.

There is an amount of time that the photographer will been to spend with the bride and groom for the portrait session. On the wedding day it doesn't always happen because it is rare to have time on the actual day of the wedding. The time taken for pictures can well vary from an hour to no time at all. It can take up to an hour for the photographer to take the pictures.

When is the best time to take aside the bride and groom for some quality time with the photographer?

Most photographers tend to believe that the window before the reception is very suitable for portrait photography, since the couple would still look fresh at that time.

Sometimes the bride and groom would want to start the portrait shoot even before the ceremony says Bradley Hanson, award winning photographer. He generally starts by photographing the bride getting ready in such events.

Other photo journalists believe that the right time for a portrait session is just after the couple has exchanged their vows, and are still are evidently feeling the emotions of being newly-wed.

The couple should set aside some time with the photographer so the perfect actual day photo shoot will be flawless. Finding a polite way to lose the relatives and guests is sometimes hard but is worth the beautiful moments they will cherish for a lifetime.

Too many people trying to take pictures of the newly-weds and crying for attention may very well ruin a good portrait session on the wedding day. So the couple isn't distracted by anyone the photographer will choose to have the couple alone.

Most newly-weds start feeling uncomfortable before the camera when the portrait shoot is going to take place, says Shawna Herring, award winning photographer. To help the couple forget the camera is there, the experienced photographer will try talking to the couple about things other then the portrait shoot.

It is also recommended to choose a day before or after the wedding for the photo shoot and go with the photographer to a different location. This really helps loosen up the bride and groom since it helps build a comfortable relationship with the photographer. In a short time, the couple may even forget the existence of the camera.

There are thousands of reasons why the photographer might not achieve time alone with the wedding couple. The bride and the groom should work together with the photographer to find some alone time so that a really creative portrait session is achieved.

About the Author:

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

The Benefits When You Choose To Go Camping In An RV

By Larry Forest

There is one thing that a lot of people enjoy doing, and that is taking vacations. One type of vacation is really popular. The type of vacation we are referring to is camping. This type of vacation to so many people is very appealing.

One way that is one of the best when camping is to use an RV. Well this article we would like to look at the many benefits of using an RV to go camping.

First of all the benefit of going camping in an RV is the fact you have all the amenities you would need. Things like running water or toilets is very appealing to people. Naturally there are still some people who really like to camp by roughing it. But that isn't the type of person that makes up most of my clientele of my San Diego RV rentals business.

The next great benefit when camping with an RV is you can bring all kinds of different foods because you can store it easily. Most of the time when you go camping what types of food you are able to bring is limited. Well if you choose to camp and use an RV you are freeing yourself from the limitations that normally come with bringing food to camp. That is the biggest requested item for people who rent an RV from my Campland on the Bay RV rentals service.

The final benefit is you give yourself the freedom to go to a lot of campsites on one trip. When you first go camping the first thing you need to do is set up your camp. Well if you decide you want to go elsewhere there will be a lot of work to break down and move camp. Well when you have an RV if you choose to visit another campsite, the only thing you have to do is load up and go. This is what a lot of people who rent from my RV rentals company.

So as you can see there are many reasons to go camping with an RV. The main reason for this is that it is very easy and comfortable to use.

About the Author:

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Future Book Betting Pitfalls And How To Avoid Them

By Ross Everett

Betting on sports 'futures' is an enjoyable and potentially profitable way to wager, but there are several potential risks that can lead to losses. Here's a rundown of things to avoid:

Search for the best price: A common mistake is to assume that the price on a specific futures wager position will be the same at every sportsbook. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, you'll often see a greater degree of difference between futures prices from book to book than any other form of bet. This is because that books aren't as worried about what price other outfits are offering as they are about keeping their own financial position balanced.

In a competitive field, don't obsess with picking the winner: This may sound like a strange concept, but once you understand the theory behind it it makes perfect sense. In a large field--the NCAA basketball tournament is a perfect example--the top few favorites are invariably priced at odds that are less than the 'true odds' of them winning. On the other hand, there are always teams that fly 'under the radar' available at higher prices that present a betting overlay.

In more theoretical terms, the 'true odds' of a Duke or similar top team winning the tournament are almost always higher than the price offered. Think of it this way--say we're betting Duke to win the national title at 2/1. This means that the Blue Devils would have to win more than 33% of the time to break even. So lets say, for the sake of argument, that we could play the tournament over 100 times. Would Duke come out on top more than 33 of these times? If not, they represent a poor value. Let's say that they win 30 of 100 times. This means that any price under +333 or thereabouts is a poor wagering value.

In a less competitive field, there can be instances where even a big favorite is a good value. For example, lets say a book was to take action on a bikini contest between a Victoria's Secret supermodel and three members of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The model would essentially be a 100% probability to win the contest, meaning that even a high chalk price would be a good value. Risking a lot of money to win a little is a tough thing to justify, however, even if the math makes sense.

Don't try to make a huge profit with little risk: Sports betting provides few opportunities to make a 'big killing'. It may happen occasionally, but even the big payouts when it occurs doesn't make chasing big longshots a good value. If you're serious about sports betting it is crucial to maintain your focus on the underlying numbers and look for value at all times. If you want to take a longshot at a huge jackpot, play the lottery but don't try to do it at a sportsbook.

Wagering value is just as important at the bottom of the barrel as it is at the top. Just because you're getting a huge potential payback on a big dog doesn't make it a good value. Make sure that the payback you're getting presents an overlay situation--even on a huge underdog.

Don't bet one sided props: Sometimes sports books will offer silly bets just to get publicity or in some cases just to be funny. While there may be life on other planets, the 'true odds' of a Martian being named to President Obama's cabinet wouldn't justify a +5000 line that it would occur.

About the Author:

Monday, December 28, 2009

How Does Lucid Dreaming Work?

By Trevor Albitt

Lucid Dreaming or Conscious Dreaming is the art of being aware that one is actually dreaming. In simple words, while in dream, you are aware that all the events are not happening in fact, or 'It's Just A Dream!' kind of situation. There is certain amount of control you can exercise while lucid dreaming, which is not the case in normal dreams.

Being able to control the course of your dreams is nothing less than a life-changing, liberating experience. All things that you felt could hold you back in life just melt away and you are in control of every situation.

Is lucid dreaming as straightforward as all that? Is lucid dreaming something which can be experienced by anyone?

As it happens, lucid dreaming is not all that difficult. If you really want to use this technique to tap into the power of your mind, you can do so. There are proven ways to get you to your goal.

Foremost, you must be absolutely clear about your objective in trying to master the art of lucid dreaming. Do you just want to have your own private playground in the form of lucid dreams, or there is some specific reason for developing this skill? Whatever may be the reason, it should be crystal clear in your mind.

Then starts the actual process of learning this art. Firstly, you need to learn a process, called Dream Recall, i.e., recalling a dream you had the previous night. Unless you remember a dream, you can't achieve the stage of lucid dreaming.

This is not going to be an overnight kind of process. You should keep a dream recall register to begin writing down every single detail you can recall of your dreams every day. You will find your capacity for dream call improving as you do so. Try implementing "reality checks" during your dreams to begin training your mind to be alert as you dream.

Hypnosis can be very helpful for many in preparing their minds to have lucid dreams and can get the process of learning lucid dreaming off to a good head start. In fact, hypnosis can have people remembering their dreams in detail in as few as a few sessions. When you can do this, you are ready to try out lucid dreaming.

When you are lucid dreaming, you may suddenly awake. Don't worry! Recall the details of your dream and try to go back to sleep and continue the dream in the way that you want. When you awake, you may just be surprised! If successful, your dream will have been under your control and your mind will have a new found power.

Lucid dreaming can also be accomplished by waking up early, then going back to sleep for a few hours. These dreams are the easiest to turn into lucid dreams. You may wonder if you were really dreaming, or just lying in bed thinking! You can simply set an alarm to wake you a few hours earlier than usual, then reset your alarm and go back to sleep; and lucid dreaming.

When trying to have lucid dreams, it is helpful to become familiar with your sleeping habits so as to be aware of the best times to try for lucid dreaming.

Lucid dreaming can help people with insomnia and other sleep disorders. If you have trouble sleeping, just tell yourself "Sleeping equals lucid dreaming" and your subconscious mind will help you become free of the thoughts keeping you awake.

Lucid dreaming used to be something which took a very long time to learn. Recent technological advances, particularly in the field of audio technology have made lucid dreaming something which anyone can easily accomplish.

Many people are finding that the most reliable and certainly quickest way, of having a lucid dream is by listening to binaural beats audios.

Binaural audio involves listening to two slightly different frequencies in each ear. This synchronizes brain waves to the state where lucid dreaming is most likely to occur and at the same time causes deep relaxation.

Before this technology was available the only sure way to be able to lucid dream to order was by the way of meditation techniques which often took years to learn and the perseverance and determination required was too much of a struggle for most people.

Particularly in conjunction with hypnotherapy, binaural sound waves can get your mind ready for lucid dreaming, sometimes as early as your first attempt!

About the Author:

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Steelers End Vikings Undefeated Run

By Ross Everett

Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings are undefeated no more. The Pittsburgh Steelers' used a couple of big plays from their defense in the fourth quarter to break open a close game and defeat the Vikings by a final score of 27-17. Favre put up decent yardage in the loss, throwing for 334 yards but had no touchdowns and an interception.

NFL pointspread players who backed the Steelers as -6 home favorites were rewarded with the cover. Pittsburgh had only covered one of their first six games heading into the contest, and the win improved their record against the number to 2-5. Minnesota dropped to 4-3 against the spread with the setback. The 44 points scored went UNDER the posted total of 46'.

The Steelers largely shut down Minnesota's rushing game, holding Adrian Peterson to 69 yards. Pittsburgh safety Ryan Clark underscored his team's dominance against the run:

"That's the biggest point of the game. You have the best running back in the world and you don't give it to him. They're saying they can't beat us running, and that's a major statement when you have the guy they have back there."

Favre gave a mealy mouthed justification for the loss in his postgame interview:

"There were a lot of what ifs, a lot of reasons we didn't win. The red zone was one of them. They're physical, and they were as good as we thought they'd be. ... When I came here and looked at our schedule and saw the Steelers game, I went, 'Oh-h-h.' "

Favre has only thrown three interceptions in a Vikings' uniform, but #3 was a costly one as it was returned by Steelers' Keyaron Fox for a touchdown to put the game out of reach as Minnesota was driving for a potential game tying field goal. Afterwards, Fox recalled the play:

"Brett tried to force it in there and the running back bobbled it and slipped out of his hands and it fell into my lap. I had just run across the field after Peterson and I was winded, so it felt like it was 100-plus yards."

The Vikings now face another big game next week as they head to Favre's old stomping grounds in Green Bay for a battle with the Packers. It'll be Favre's first appearance at his old home in an enemy uniform. The Vikings are a +3 road underdog with the total set at 48. The Vikings will then have a bye weekend before hosting the lowly Detroit Lions on November 15. Pittsburgh will enjoy a bye week this week before returning to action on Monday, November 9th facing the Denver Broncos on the road.

About the Author:

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Shaking Up Body Building Recipes

By Karen Ilich

You've seen the ads for protein shakes, no matter you wanted to or not. They're everywhere - in print, on billboards and in our email in box. "Drink this and get RIPPED!" Perhaps you've winced when the boxer or weightlifter in a movie drinks raw eggs. Is that it with bodybuilding recipes? Shakes and raw eggs? Definitely not.

The Variety Of Protein

You want protein to help build muscle. You also need to eat a lot more calories than the average person because you are burning so much energy making muscles. One of the key ingredients in bodybuilding recipes is protein and more protein. And not only will your intake of meat, beans, milk and eggs rise, but you want lean pieces cooked healthily so you don't gain fat as well as protein. So, you can't just slam down cheeseburgers all day. You still need variety, less fats and less carbohydrates, and to take your vitamins as well.

And you don't have to be strictly carnivorous. Tofu is loaded with protein - and the extra soft kind makes great shakes and pie filling. Even the veggie burgers available in your local supermarket will give you the protein you need, as well as variety to keep eating interesting. And for vegan bodybuilders, soy milk can be substituted for cow's milk.

This Ain't Julia Child

There are many websites and publications specializing in easy to make, high-protein bodybuilding recipes. There are also many health, fitness and bodybuilding magazines that can point you in the right direction. Don't be afraid to try new spices and herbs in your bodybuilding recipes. They don't add anything to your diet except taste.

With each meal, you are aiming for at least 25-30 grams of protein. Try to avoid saturated fats as much as possible. For example, you could fry in olive oil rather than butter or margarine. And try broiling rather than frying up everything. Try also to avoid heavily coated foods, like fried chicken. There's just too much fat in it.

And if you do wish to stick to protein shakes and raw eggs for your diet, there are health and cooking websites and books that can help you master your blender so you don't have to keep drinking the same eggy shake over and over again.

Before You Do Anything Else

Although you might be hungry to start training for the Mr. Universe title after reading about bodybuilding recipes, don't start without talking to your doctor. You have to be checked out to see if your body can adapt to bodybuilding, let alone the bodybuilding recipes.

About the Author:

Friday, December 25, 2009

Opera Glasses - High Fashion, Spyware Or Optical Instrument?

By Jeff Bridges

If it wasn't for the Dutch optician Hans Lipperhey, we might not have had either binoculars or opera glasses today. He first started manufacturing simple binoculars in 1608. These were not much more than two telescopes connected by a central bridge, but they led to many further modifications and improvements. His early binoculars had a magnification capability of x3. Within less than a year the Italian mathematician and inventor Galileo Galilee made another drastic stride forward by increasing the magnification ability of telescopes to x30.

Binoculars gave a much wider field of view than telescopes, but since they had 2 convex lenses, the picture that you saw was inverted. It wasn't until 1617 that Anton Schyrle added an additional lens to re-invert the image. In 1758 John Dollond of England invented the achromatic (color free) lens and thereby solved the problem of color distortion.

Another major step forward was the development of prismatic binoculars by an Italian by the name of Ignazio Porro - a gunnery officer. Prismatic binoculars had a much wider field of vision than before and offered dramatically improved magnification abilities as well.

Opera glasses are mentioned for the first time in London newspaper advertisements dating back to 1730. These were not binoculars, but small Galilean telescopes. They were both used decoratively and to watch opera with. The bodies were often inlaid with gems, mother of pearl, ivory, enamel and other types of decorations.

We find references to binocular opera glasses for the first time in Vienna during 23. They were still really not much more than two tiny telescopes connected by a bridge. You had to focus the telescopes individually by expanding the tubes.

These very soon became as much a fashion item as an optical instrument. The designs became more elaborate and had to be worked on by painters, goldsmiths and other artists to create the ultimate fashion accessory. Theater goers not only used this to watch the stage, but also to scrutinize other people in the audience - presumably to see who else had opera glasses!

Within a few years the design was improved to make it possible to simultaneously adjust both lenses. This led to an immediate increase in the popularity of this type of glasses. They also turned into much appreciated gifts - as is apparent when looking at the inscriptions encountered on many opera glasses dating from that period.

Although there are nowadays a multitude of different types of opera glasses on the market, they fall into two categories: monocular and binocular. Within those categories you get all the colors of the rainbow and all the styles and materials you can think of. You even get opera glasses with handles and reading lights. One of the more unusual types is one with a jealousy glass - so you can unobtrusively watch someone else in the audience!

About the Author:

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Benefits Of Getting Magazine Subscriptions

By Patricia Connor

There are so many good reasons why you should get magazine subscriptions through the mail. You will find it quite beneficial to your because if you ever have spare time, you will be able to enjoy the magazine, or if you just want to gave some knowledge, there is plenty to learn from reading.

Today, in this world, the titles available in magazines are endless. There are so many topics to choose from. Do you like cars? Do you like flowers? Do you like crafts? Do you like travel? Do you like mechanics? While there are so much more to choose from, and these are only examples, whatever it is that you find interest in, you can order them and keep them for a life time.

Are you wondering how you will pay for the magazine? There are so many options for you. You can pay in full and that may be a money saver for you. Companies generally appreciate that you pay for the whole subscription, so they award you a smaller bill. If that will not fit into your budget, then do monthly installments. They accept credit cards and checks, and they may even be able to have your payment deducted automatically each month from the card that you designated.

Have you ever called a company about a problem and had it actually cause more of a problem? Poor customer service will do absolutely no good. It will drive the customer away, so it is key to have good friendly people working for the magazine company.

Your magazines should arrive promptly each month in your mailbox. If there is ever a time that you do not receive one, just call the company. They will be happy to assist you in whatever they can.

The magazine company sometimes has a website. This will allow you to see your account and possibly pay on it through the Internet. It is a good thing to use.

Magazines compete for more customers. You may be offered a better rate with one company over the other. Leave your options open to see what you can get. Prices are going to vary on each company, so be observant when shopping. You will be surprised at some of the price differences.

These items can make spectacular gifts. With the holidays coming, why not order some for your family members? They will be a great gift that will last all year.

About the Author:

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

4 Great Ways To Get Better At Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the world's most popular casino table games. It's easy to play and it doesn't have a lot of complicated rules. The main rule is pretty straightforward - if you get 21, you will win. You also can win even if you don't get 21, but those rules are easy to understand too. All you need to do is beat the dealer without going over 21. As you can see, it only takes a few simple sentences to explain this popular game.

But as easy as it is to explain, playing Blackjack successfully can be a challenge. People throughout the world love to play this game because it's easy and so much fun to play. Trying to win by beating the Blackjack dealer is both exciting and thrilling.

If you love to play Blackjack then it's natural that you'd want to learn how to improve your game. This game is simple, and the ways you can make your Blackjack play better are simple, too. Here are four tips you can use to improve your Blackjack game.

1. Count Cards. Card counting can be a little tricky, but you'll be winning more often when you get the hang of it. Don't be intimidated by this winning Blackjack strategy. Counting cards is simply a matter of keeping track of your odds of winning. Card counting takes some practice but it's a skill that's well worth learning. Detailed information on how to do it is available online.

2. Always Know The Odds. Knowing the odds is easier than counting cards. You can easily find Blackjack odds in a variety of charts and graphs online. All you need to do is memorize these charts so you will know how you stand in any particular situation. Once you know where you stand, you will know which move to make to help you win.

3. Know When to Quit. Trust me, sometimes quitting will help you win. You may not think so at first, but when you know when to quit you know how to stop yourself from losing. Although it's not quite as good as winning, losing less often is always good. So although your goal is to win, another goal should be to avoid losing. Sometimes you just need to quit, so you need to know when to call it a day. You can always come back to the Blackjack table another time. Knowing when to quit at the right time will save your money and sanity.

4. Practice Makes Perfect. The only way you will get good at something is to practice, and playing online Blackjack is no different. You need to play the game so that you can learn to get better. While you are playing, try practicing card counting. You can also work on memorizing the odds of winning. Practice will help you learn which mistakes you typically make, and once you know what they are, you can stop making them. Practice lets you start seeing patterns, so practice and you'll begin to recognize situations where you are set up to win. Every winner practices their Blackjack game.

Blackjack is a classic casino game, so the odds are good that one day you'll want to step up to a table and play. Why not increase the chances that you'll be a winner? Use these tips to learn how to be an amazing Blackjack player. When you master them you'll begin playing like a professional.

Packers Shut Out Lowly Lions

By Ross Everett

The Green Bay Packers didn't do a good job protecting their quarterback last Sunday, but against the lowly Detroit Lions it didn't really matter. Packers' QB Aaron Rodgers was sacked five times, but Green Bay used a big first half offensive outburst to coast to a 26-0 NFL victory over the Detroit Lions. Rodgers threw two first half touchdown passes which was complimented by four Mason Crosby field goals as Green Bay improved to 3-2 on the season. The Lions slumped to 1-5 with the loss.

NFL football betting enthusiasts who backed the Packers as -14 home dogs easily cashed their tickets with Green Bay's third pointspread cover in five games. Detroit slipped to 2-4 against the spread. The 26 points scored went UNDER the posted total of 48'.

In the victory, Packers' receiver Donald Driver passed Sterling Sharpe for first place on the franchise reception list. Sharpe finished his career with 596 receptions, Driver now has 602. After the game, he talked about the accomplishment:

"It couldn't it come in a better place -- at home in front of the fans I've played in front of for so many years. It feels good. Now I just have to wait on Sterling to call me and congratulate me."

Despite the convincing victory, cornerback Tramon Williams wasn't happy with the relatively narrow margin:

"It feels like a 50 to zero game, but we didn't quite get there. I felt we should've put more points on the board."

For the Lions, their quarterback woes continued. Matthew Stafford is already out indefinitely with an injured knee, and against Green Bay backup Daunte Cullpepper injured his hamstring in the third quarter and was replaced by the Lions' third string quarterback Drew Stanton. Cullpepper is now listed as 'questionable' on the official NFL injury report. After the game, he talked about Detroit's lack of offense:

"It's very disappointing, very frustrating. It's embarrassing to me not to be able to move it on the field and get points on the board. We've got to figure out a way to do that, simple as that."

The Packers will play on the road this Sunday, heading to Cleveland to face the Browns. The game is currently off the board as linemakers try to get a handle on the personnel impact of the Browns' struggle with a flu bug making its way through the locker room. Green Bay will host the Minnesota Vikings the following Sunday followed by a trip to Tampa Bay on November 8. Detroit has a bye this weekend and will return to action as they host the St. Louis Rams on November 1. They'll play their next two on the road, with games in Seattle and Minnesota.

About the Author:

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

The Best RTG Casino Games

Real Time Gaming or RTG software is the top software used by leading online casinos. There is good reason for that. RTG software has the best graphics, a variety of features and is backed by a company that takes customer service very seriously. When you play RTG software casino games you will get the best experience possible.

Not only are the games amazing and fun, but there are also a variety of games that you can play. You really have no limits because almost every game you want to play from slots to poker to blackjack are available from RTG software.

Let's take a look at some of the most popular RTG software casino games.

Blackjack: Always a popular game, RTG blackjack uses 2 to 4 decks. The dealer hits soft on 17, double after a split or on any first two cards. The only way to lose first bet is if the dealer comes out with 21. There are several versions of blackjack offered from RTG. These include, Caribbean 21, Face Up and Match Play 21.

Video Poker: Another popular choice for players, video poker from RTG offers you a real experience. RTG has a large selection of video poker games. These include Pick ‘em Poker, Double Jackpot, Joker Poker and Loose Deuces.

Roulette: RTG software offers a nice selection of roulette games. In RTG roulette you have the choice of both American and European wheels. Most of the games are available to play instantly or to be downloaded.

Craps: RTG software offers craps which is a game of skill. Full double odds is the standard play in craps from RTG. Most casinos offer a chance to play for free so you can get a feel for the game and get in some practice before playing for money.

Slot Machines: One of the hottest new games from RTG software is the slots. RTG slots offer a lot of options in different games. There are random jackpots and progressive jackpots along with regular jackpot games.

These are just a sampling of the many different game options you get with RTG software. When you visit an RTG casino you will see there are plenty of choices and options no matter what game you choose to play.

RTG is Hot

There are many reasons why people love to play at RTG casinos. People simply like the experience they get with RTG software games. They take playing online to a whole new level. RTG software games offer you something that is so close to the real thing that you may start to wonder if you are at home or sitting in a Vegas casino. These games simple are the best games available in online casinos. You cannot get better graphics, better odds or a better experience than you do with RTG software games.

iPhone Apps You Won't Believe

By Henry Rinkle

Although real software development for the iPhone lag behind, but iPhone apps pick up the slack in technological innovation. Consider that 50,000 new iPhone apps are developed every month, you can't possibly keep up on them all. Some will leave you wondering how you ever survived without them; others just leave you wondering what' s the point. Here are a few iPhone apps that live up to the hype.

Pageonce Personal Assistant - Have trouble keeping track of all your accounts? Need to check your stats, money and figures far away from your computer? This iPhone app brings the computer to you. This provides access to all your online accounts, from banking to investments to frequent flyer miles. Rather than juggling 15 sites just trying to keep up with your life, the Pageonce Personal assistant rolls them all into a single ball, conveniently and easily.

Fring - Really, once you've got this app, you'll never need an IM tool again. This app includes Google Talk, Yahoo, Skype, MSN, Twitter, ICQ, plus VoIP calls over Wi-Fi if your minutes are low while you are spending the afternoon in a bar or coffee shop. While many iPhone apps are devoted to a particular site, this one streamlines them all into one universally.

Routesy - Don't roll into the city without this baby in your pocket. A great way to keep up on train and bus schedules, this app tells you what to take to get exactly where you need to be. It's even easier than a computer because it's simple and quick. Get all your bus and train information with this efficiently smart iPhone app.

VNC Lite - How about turning your cell phone into your computer? With VNC Lite, you can view and fully control your computer remotely, as long as you are on the same network. Think it can't get any better than a laptop as thin as a magazine? This beauty will put your entire desktop in the palm of your hand. While some iPhone apps connect you to your computer, this baby practically is your computer.

Bloom - Take Brian Eno's generative ambient music and recreate the experience, and what do you have? Bloom. You drop your fingers on the pastel screen to make simple loops and create your own music, perfect for dancing fingers. This is one of the few iPhone apps that have been created that lets you get creative too.

About the Author:

Monday, December 21, 2009

The History Of Reno's Mapes Hotel

By Ross Everett

On a cold, gray morning in late January 2000, the historic Mapes Hotel in Reno was imploded by 75 pounds of explosives tucked into the art-deco structures support columns. The controlled demolition came despite years of effort by a number of groups within the community and nationally to preserve the building with lawsuits, redevelopment proposals, and grass roots lobbying efforts.

While the logic and necessity of demolishing the Mapes is very questionable, one thing that is certain is that the hotel was an important part of Northern Nevada history. The opening of the Mapes in'47 ushered in a new era in casino gambling, and changed the economy and way of life in Nevada forever. The Mapes was actually the first property in the country to combine a hotel, casino and live entertainment under the same roof. It also became the hotel of choice for celebrities staying in Northern Nevada. Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe stayed at The Mapes during the filming of 'The Misfits'. Joseph McCarthy, America's famed anti-Communist crusader, admitted to a reporter over cocktails in the Mapes Lounge that he really didn't have a list of Communists in the US despite his frequent and vitriolic insistence to the contrary.

In the 50s and 60s it became, along with Lake Tahoes Cal-Neva Lodge the place to be seen in Northern Nevada. The top floor, window-walled Sky Room showcased performances by the legends: Sinatra, Louis Prima, Mae West, Milton Berle, Sammy Davis, Jr., and the Marx Brothers among others. Subsequent years were not kind to downtown Reno but the Mapes prospered during the 60's and 70's. The hotel finally closed in'82, due more to financial difficulties experienced by the Mapes family caused by one of their other Northern Nevada gaming properties than anything else.

Reno never experienced the massive growth that occurred in Las Vegas and southern Nevada, and for that reason the destruction of the Mapes is more open to debate than the hotel demolitions to the south. Even the demolition of The Sands--perhaps the most historically significant casino in the state--is hard to argue against given the inability of such a small property to compete in the current Las Vegas marketplace and in light of the value of the mid-strip real estate. The old properties may have historic value to pop culture historians, but their survival doesn't make economic sense. They're simply 'analog players in a digital world'.

That's not the case in Reno, where vacant land and/or buildings ripe for redevelopment are abundant downtown and in the other casino areas of the city. The official reason that the Mapes had to come down was that the city needed the land to expand its vision for downtown redevelopment. While this is certainly a much needed effort, to suggest that the existence of the Mapes was a barrier is absurd. In fact, many of the proposals rejected by the city would have gone a long way to enhance the revitalization of downtown Reno and included artists lofts, office space and other mixed used properties. Despite receiving a number of viable concepts for the Mapes Building, the City Redevelopment Authority rejected all of them and the Mapes was destined for demolition.

The role of the City Redevelopment Authority was questioned throughout the process. Overlooking the Truckee River, the hotel was on a prime location between the downtown casino area and the riverfront district. A number of sound financial proposals were presented that would preserve the integrity of the structure including condominiums, office space, and perhaps most viable, upscale senior apartments. Oddly, all of these proposals were turned down by the citys Redevelopment Agency which continued to maintain that demolition was the only viable option despite copious evidence to the contrary.

Following the 2000 demolition, the lot remained vacant for over a year until a temporary ice skating rink was hastily constructed the following winter. The property has been improved and the rink is now permanent which, while not in itself a bad use for the land, further calls into question the efficacy of demolishing the structure. It would appear that the city had no clue what to do with the land, but for whatever reason wanted the building brought down. This has led to all sorts of conspiracy theories, from the City Development Agency having financial incentive to raze the hotel to rumors that the building was haunted and was destroyed to keep the Reno area from being overrun with paranormal activity. Whatever the reason for the decision, the city of Reno has lost a beautiful art deco treasure that played a significant part in the economic growth of the state.

About the Author:

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Tai Chi Chuan Instructor has Not had a Lesson in Tai Chi!

By Al Case

This is going to be the weirdest tai chi lesson you have ever had. I've never had a lesson in tai chi, you see, but my tai chi chuan is the best. I don't mean to be self serving, but let us see what you think after you have read how I came up with my tai chi.

I began learning tai chi with a book, Modified Tai Chi for Health by Lee Ying Arng. Every night I spent hours memorizing the form, trying to figure out the applications, trying to figure out the meaning. And, tell the truth, it didn't mean much.

So I went through books by Chen Man Ching, and I read Chen and Yang and Wu and Sun, but they all spoke this gobbledegook that didn't make sense. So I began doing my Karate, I had near ten years experience in Kang Duk Won karate, and the thing started to resolve. I was using good, old karate power to juice up the form, and it worked, and then I was able to make what was happening into Tai Chi power.

More important, I was throwing out all the mysticism and bushwah philosophy I read in the books and using something called physics. The martial arts, you see, as transmitted with eastern methodology, are taught through the memorization of random strings of data. In physics you look for a reason, and you find a logic, and you look for a concept.

Now, ancient stories claim tai chi was created in a dream by san feng after he watched a bird and a snake fight. Or, it was started by a general in a village, who was retired from war and wanted to make up games for the children. Neither of these concepts have much verifiable validity, but we can't just discount them out of hand.

Maybe the general in Chen village couldn't do the martial arts the way they should be done, and maybe he actually came up with something unique. And the vision of the snake and the crane, though I am a true believer in physics I would not speak ill of visions, for visions are the dreams and inspiration of the human race. Still, whether rehabilitation of the broken warrior, or the stuff of dreams, tai chi does not make sense without the application of physics.

So this is what I want you to do, I want you to go to a library and get a book on physics. Make it a simple book, kids pictures for illustrations, that sort of thing. It would really help if it was about a motor.

Now, peruse that book, and start comparing terms are the same as in tai chi chuan. Rooting is grounding, where is the generator, what are these things called leads and so on. Do that, and when the depths of your tai chi chuan start to alter, do not come complaining to me.

About the Author:

Saturday, December 19, 2009

World Of Warcraft Cooking - Tips

By Dana Goldberg

If World of Warcraft is your game, then you might not be so mad when it comes into WOW cooking. There are different levels. Want to learn more about them? Well follow us as we give you a quick peak into this game.

If you are not aware of how to cook it is pretty simple. You just simply find fire. Once you find that or create that then you go to the spell book. Pick out the basic campfire selection and there you are able to create different dishes.

Now, that you know how to do that you need to figure if you need to fish or not. There are some who go for that due to the fact that they need to increase your cooking skills. It all depends on where you at with cooking and this game.

The first realm that everyone begins at is Ironforge. Here you are an apprentice. You will learn the basic ones. You will find that the higher you go the more you can do and the more recipes you will learn.

The last level which is known as the expert level is known as the Journeyman. Here you get your cooking skill past seventy five. And you can learn from any cooking expert in this level. If you really want to get your skill up in the one hundreds you need to get the expert cookbook that is sold in Ashenvale.

Last but not least, you have the Journeyman level. This is the highest level of the Wow cooking. Get past seventy five with your cooking skills. Learn from any expert you choose. You can even get more wood and more. There is even more to do in this level than the other ones you were at.

About the Author:

Friday, December 18, 2009

Playing To Win Against Top Poker Players

How do professional poker players get so good? Why do they always win? What is it about them that makes them win over and over, and so much money? But the most important question is: How do I play like they do?

First, you need to learn what makes a top poker player so good. You have to start practicing your game and learn what it is the pros do to keep on top. Here are some tips the pros have handed out.

- Keep in mind that you can lose. No one wins every single hand, this is something that you just have to accept. Don't let it make you unhappy or angry, and don't give up simply because you've had a bad hand or two. No matter what happened yesterday, the odds stay the same. Keep in mind that you have the same chance of losing today as you did yesterday. The game doesn't care how good your day went, or how badly.

- Think about the big win. Everyone wants that pot. Ideally, the winner will be you. But remember, everyone has the same goal. Don't worry about them, though, focus on yourself. You're not there to make friends. In the game, look out for yourself and your hand. Keeping your eye on your cards will make you focused and give you a better chance to win.

- Keep your problems at home. A good player sits down and thinks of nothing but the game. If something happened that you can't stop thinking about, then don't play. If you bring your problems with you to the table, you will end up spending more time worried about them than thinking about winning.

- Dedicate yourself to the game. You have to focus on the table. Think about nothing else but the cards in your hand and the money in the pot. Don't let your mind wander away. If you really want to be a winner, you have to dedicate yourself 100% to the game.

Profession pokers are all about the game. They're not out there to make friends and socialize, they're there to win and win big. If you want to win like a pro, you have to play like one. The reason they look so serious when they play is because they are taking the game seriously.

These four tips should help you get started on the path to being a pro. But you also have to practice with your poker skills. The right attitude will only get you so far if you don't know how to play the game. Practice regularly and play as often as you can to get better. To be the best at the game you have to know and understand the rules as well as have the right mindset. If you put everything into being a top poker player, than you soon will be a pro. Keep these tips in mind, practice, practice, practice, and one day you will be the player other people want to be.

Motion Picture Summaries Of Some Great Movies That You Can Have Today

By Demetrius Delacruz

Movie lovers can cheer. There is a straightforward and easy way to get all of the excellent movies that makes your life go smoother. For folks who have no idea what I am talking about, you may not be interested in being able to download films online, but for the fervent movie aficionado, read on. Choose a wonderful film to view tonight from the list below.

Batman - The comic book T.V. series hits the big screen. An wicked and diabolical criminal, recognized as The Joker, is trying to take over Gotham City. The police are unable to stop him. The city is in danger, until a new super hero emerges. An unidentified force, so to be called Batman comes on the scene and defeats The Joker and save the city.

Kimberley Jim - Little musical of 2 happy-go-lucky gamblers who win a fortune in a fixed poker game, and then have a change of heart. Cast includes Jim Reeves, Madeleine Guide, Clive Pamell, Arthur Swemmer, and Mike Holt. (82 minutes,'65)

The Leading Man - British backstage show romance in regards to an American film megastar who seduces a playwright's depressed spouse and his leading-woman mistress. When it might not make up its mind whether it is a comedy tirade or a light thriller, it is still very humorous stuff. Bon Jovi is excellent as the foolhardy, unethical Yankee, and Galiena and Newton are fetching as the females trapped in his web. Cast includes Jon Bon Jovi, Anna Galiena, Lambert Wilson, Thandie Newton, Barry Humphries, and David Warner. (100 minutes,'97)

Richard's Things - Widow Ullmann is seduced by her now deceased spouse's lady friend. Screenplay by Frederic Raphael based on his novel. Cast includes Liv Ullmann, Amanda Redman, Tim Smith, Elizabeth Spriggs, and David Markha. (104 minutes,'80)

Clue - Silly and insipid whodunit based on the fashionable board game of the same name with all the identifiable characters Mrs. Peacock, Colonel Mustard, Miss Red, et al. assembled for a murderous day in a Victorian mansion. Everyone tries enormously hard but there is nothing they can do to save this weak film. Cast includes Eileen Brennan, Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, Michael McKean, Martin Ponder, and Howard Hesseman. (87 minutes,'85)

It Takes All Kinds - Fair triple-cross drama in reference to Miles' guarding of Lansing after the man accidentally murders a sailor in a fight in Australia. Cast includes Vera Miles, Barry Sullivan, Sid Melton, and Dime Sugg. (98 minutes,'69)

Dingo - An unexpected appearance by jazz trumpeter Billy Cross (Davis) in a youngster's rural town empowers him to become a musician himself. Now grown up, he still fantasies of playing for a living and honoring his lifelong hero. This friendly but dull paced tale is kindled by Miles Davis' dynamic presence and fawning behavior. Cast includes Colin Friels, Miles Davis, Helen Buday, Joe Petruzzi, Bernadette Lafont, and Bernard Fresson. (108 minutes,'91)

If you don't download a lot of movies, you could be losing out. Check with the different entertainers' websites as well as video sites for the movies you like and want to download. If you've got diverse film tastes, you may want to go with a legal subscription service to download movies online.

About the Author:

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Solo Or Multiplayer Casino Games

Internet casinos resemble the La Vegas casinos in may ways. They use intense-audio effects, a large selection of games, and flashy graphics. On the Internet though you have a choice between multiplayer or solo casino games.

In Las Vegas there are also games that are played with other players such as poker, or the games that one plays by themselves such as the slots. However, with an Internet casino you normally get to choose how you play. Numerous games are played solo but other games are played with multiple players.

Games Played Solo

One game that normally is just a solo game is slots, offline or on the Internet. This is a machine that is played by one person.

With Internet casinos, many options exist for the player to go solo with the only opponent being the computer. One game that is normally played solo is blackjack. Several of the games that can be downloaded from the Internet casinos a meant for solo play opposing the computer.

Some of the enjoyment with the casino games really is the excitement of competing and winning against the other players. This is the reason the multiplayer versions for the casino games have been and continue to be highly popular.

Casino Games Played Multiplayer

There are numerous casino games that are designed for multiplayer for you to play. These games let you socialize with others, while you display your abilities for the game.

Most Internet multiplayer casino games also have a chat room available. This chat room give the players a chance to have conversation similar to what they would have in a Las Vegas casino. This makes the whole experience seem more realistic and helps you check out the competition since you can't see them. Slots even become interactive with having the chat room to use to talk to people playing it.

Multiplayer versions are offered for most of the kinds of casino games. From bingo to blackjack to poker, you will see these versions offered so that you have the ability to interact with other people, that are playing the games too.

Multiplayer versus Solo Casino Games

Multiplayer versions of casino games give you a different type of enjoyment for your experience in Internet gaming. You can even make new friends with playing these games. Having this adds to the Internet playing enjoyment.

Internet gaming is fun and convenient, some of the Las Vegas enthusiasm for the games are lost though, if you only play solo ones. It may be faster to play the solo game which you can play at your convenience, but you will get more social interaction with the multiplayer games.

You will have to see if the rooms are open for the mulitplayer games. Most of the online casinos have more than enough rooms available so you will not have to wait that long if all are full. It is well worth the wait though, because it is so much fun to play the multiplayer games, due to the social interaction.

Reasons Why Remo Djembe Still Hits Modern Music

By Benedict Perez

Remo djembe which is an olden African instrument now hits the modern music. But a lot of people still do not know much about it. There are those who cannot even imagine how this thing looks like especially those outside the music world in its true sense. But not for those who are music oriented in its real sense, they are the ones who will truly be amazed just by hearing the name of this particular musical instrument.

Before I proceed why this instrument still hit the modern music it would be fair enough to discuss essential information pertinent to it for the benefit of those who still do not know much about this thing. Let us therefore take things one at a time.

Remo djembe as its name suggests, is obviously made by the renown drum maker remo. This is of course very popular in drum circles for many reasons. For those who truly know all the basic information as to the origin of this kind of drum will definitely be amazed with this instrument.

It is basically made of fiberglass, and just like the conga it has also a skin which is often synthic that is attached by lugs which is adjustable. Many would prefer to have this olden type of drum for one important thing. This is because of its having the reputation of being easily tunes.

There are other good qualities of this kind of drum which entices many musicians to have it. But just like the good qualities it also have as many disadvantages that somehow make others shun from it and not wanting to have it at all. Before we need to discuss the negative aspect of remo djembe it would be best to tackle its positive reputation first.

Its sound more consistent as it is never affected both by heat and moisture. This is because its skin it synthetic it is therefore waterproof making A lot of musicians especially those who are professionals, will prefer to have this kind of drum because of its being light in weight making it easy for them to tag along wherever a particular gig may lead them with friends. These are basically among the many reasons why many musicians prefer to have this kind drum for different gigs.

Remo djembe on the other hand also have some negative reputation that include its rather not nice voice which do not have the depth and warmth of a drum with traditional skin. It is also said its maker remo did not pay much attention to the origins of djembe specially the history and culture behind this typically African instrument.

It is interesting to note that many would still want to prefer to have this particular instrument despite the aforementioned flaws. In fact it is now getting even more popular in modern music scene. And why not, as nearly all musicians will definitely prefer to have an instrument that is pretty much easy to tune just like the remo djembe.

About the Author:

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

A Guide To Casino Special Offers

Online casinos are increasingly popular, with gamers choosing these virtual casinos over brick and mortar establishments in many cases for their convenience. Even through online casinos are so popular, competition in this industry is stiff, with casinos always in search of promotions that will attract gamers to their casino sites.

How Special Offers and Promotions Work

These casino special offers can be a boon to gamers and casinos alike. The casinos are happy to get new players' business and of course, gamers are thrilled with the free games, sign up bonuses, extra winnings and other casino promotions that they benefit from.

Casino special offers vary from one online casino to the next, as do the terms and conditions of these offers. Gamers should always read the terms and conditions in their entirety to make sure that they fully understand the conditions of these promotional offers. Not all of these promotions are what they seem - and the last thing you want is to enter some sort of agreement which benefits only the casino.

Types of Casino Special Offers

You'll see a wide variety of different online casino promotions out there, but the ones which follow are the most commonly used by casinos in the effort to retain existing players and attract new business.

- Sign up bonuses: These are bonuses which are offered to players who are new to a given casino. When first signing up for an account at the casino, new players may be given what is essentially free money to play with. The average signup bonus is around $100, though players are usually given this amount in installments over a few month's time.

- Percentage bonus: A percentage bonus involves the casino matching (up to a specified limit) the money that you deposit into your account. This percentage may be anywhere from 10% and up, though is typically above 50% and sometimes as high as 500%.

- Matching bonus: A matching bonus is a type of casino special offer where the casino will match the amount that you put into your account. As with percentage bonuses, there is almost always a limit on how much the casino will match.

- Reload offer: This is a type of bonus which may be offered to existing players rather than new ones. These bonuses involve the casino "reloading" the player's account with money to encourage them to keep coming back and gaming at the casino.

- Preferred deposit: This is a type of casino promotion which encourages gamers to use a specific type of payment, usually through some sort of percentage bonus for this form of payment.

- Loyalty rewards: This is an offer made to players who have been with the same casino for a specified time; this is usually a bonus of some sort, though the exact type of reward varies.

- High roller reward: These promotions are designed to reward gamers who make large deposits. Typically, this is in the form of a matching or percentage bonus, though this depends on the casino.

These are just a few of the more common casino special offers and casino promotions you may find online - there are many others which you'll come across when looking into different online casinos. Casino special offers are intended to get the interest of players and there are many of these promotions which represent a good deal to players. Just make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully to make sure that what sounds like a great value actually is before you commit to anything.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Win Big by Playing Progressive Jackpots

Playing Progressive jackpots is far more exciting than playing for a standard payout. These money pots can contain hundreds of thousands of dollars and it all goes to the lucky winner. No wonder everyone is buzzing about these big buck payouts. If you want to know more about how to get in on the action then read on and discover all you need to know about playing progressive jackpots.

Knowledge is King

Make sure you do your homework and understand the casino game and the rules regarding progressive jackpots before you decide to play. If you have a good understanding of the game and know how to calculate the odds it gives you a decided edge. Knowledge trumps even a wild card, and the more you know about jackpots and gaming the easier it is for you to determine the right play that will make you a winner.

Progressive Jackpot from A-Z

When you have a progressive jackpot it means that the amount of money in the pot increases each time the game is played. The payout is constantly tracked and displayed on screen to all players. Games that have a progressive jackpot are being offered on multiple sites so that they will attract the maximum interest. These types of jackpots are the highest payouts offered by casinos and gaming sites. As more players come to the table the jackpot grows. The higher the jackpot grows the more players come back to the table. This is why the payout amounts for these types of games grow so rapidly.

The only difference between slots or video poker that is played for a progressive jackpot and those that are being played for regular jackpots is the fact that the progressive jackpot pays the winner more money. There are no tricks or gimmicks involved, and the winning odds are unchanged.

Increasing the Jackpot Amount

Each time a progressive jackpot game is played and not won the jackpot amount increases.Playing for a progressive jackpot will require you to pony up a minimum number of credits if you want to be eligible for the money payout. You can still try the game without investing the total number of credits, but should you win you will not be awarded the jackpot. Any of the credits that are collected by players of a progressive jackpot game will be added to the jackpot amount, even those that come from players who have not entered enough credits to be eligible for the payout.

The money amount in a progressive jackpot grows rapidly because there are so many players trying their luck at multiple gaming sites around the world. Building a jackpot with an astronomical payout is not hard to do because of the high number of players. If you check out some of these jackpot games you will see that the payout amount is increasing almost every minute.

A progressive jackpot is reset to a minimum amount immediately after it has been won. Once this is done players can begin playing and build the jackpot amount up once again. Even when the amount is reset to a minimum number the jackpot will be rebuilt quickly.

Stick to your Playing Strategy

All casino games are played the same regardless of what type of jackpot you are playing for. A progressive jackpot does not change anything except the amount of the payout. You should remember this and stick to your usual playing style and game strategy. Do not allow those big dollar jackpots to make you forget the importance of careful, responsible playing. Some people are dazzled by the large dollar amounts they see onscreen and they start playing so free and loose that they soon have no hope of winning.

Don't be afraid to start playing progressive jackpots but just stick to your standard gaming play. Do not let large jackpot amounts intimidate you and cause to you forget the limits you set. Keep your gaming strategies in mind and never shift your playing style just because the jackpots are continuing to increase well into 6 numbers

When you opt to play a progressive jackpot game you are giving yourself a chance to win a really big payout. Still the odds for a win with these games are the same as they would be on any other game. However there is certainly more to be gained by winning one of these enormous payouts as opposed to the smaller payouts offered with those regular games.

Learn To Read Guitar Sheet Music

By Jarvis D. Burris

When you learn how to read guitar sheet music it's going to be imperative in expanding your guitar playing talents. Playing by ear will only get you so far and I'm here to help take it to the very next step. I am going to show you some basic tricks and tips to help learn how to read guitar sheet music and with luck which will make you a better and more flexible guitar player.

I will now give you a list which will show you it isn't hard to be taught how to read guitar sheet music.

Finding the right material

Most guitar books will have some basic sheet music and songs in the front pages that are designed to help you learn to read guitar sheet music quickly. Once you have basic guitar knowledge it is relatively easy to learn to read guitar sheet music. Start in small sections, one chord at a time. Use your guitar and play the chord out loud until you know it sounds correct.

Setting your self up

You will need to be in a small quite room where you will not be distracted by anything when you learn to read guitar sheet music. The only way to know when you get it right is if it sounds right and it can be difficult do that if you have screaming kids in the room with you or loud street noise outside. Concentration is key and this will make it easier to learn how to read guitar sheet music. If you are distracted you may find a whole day can be wasted trying to focus.

Getting started

Remember what I said, be free from distraction! I cannot stress that enough. Now you're alone and it's quiet, find a music book with sheet music, try to pick something easy but also try to pick something you are familiar with. It makes it much easier to learn to read guitar sheet music if you are familiar with the tune. Make sure you are confident with one piece before you move on to the next.

Continue practicing

Continue to practice as much as you can, you'll find the better you get the more that you will practice. When you like something you'll often apply more time to it. Trying to be taught how to read guitar sheet music is straightforward so long as you practice! When you have mastered reading sheet music then you can try to write you own music and that's where the genuine fun begins! It is important to ensure you are assured or you'll only have to go back and learn how to read guitar sheet music all over again.

About the Author:

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Wedding Custom That Is A Must In Any Wedding

By Robert Friend

A wedding is an occasion that a lot of people wish of having in their own special way. It's a once in a lifetime event, that when executed properly and with panache, will bring an impression that will last for a very long time. Along the years, we have seen numerous unique weddings take place. We have seen the most expensive and most glamorous weddings. We've also witnessed the most outrageous and most absurd weddings take place. It seems that as time passes by, weddings are taking on personalities of their own, often brought about by the couple. Nonetheless, in all weddings one factor should emerge as a traditional practice- wedding etiquette. Wedding etiquette is a conventional principle of behavior in formal events and weddings. Wedding etiquette is highly essential in any wedding and must be emphasized with a lot of importance as it will more or less dictate the overall nature of the event. Having said that, it is safe to say that wedding etiquette plays a highly important role in the outcome of a wedding. We have laid out a few of the most vital wedding etiquette tips for you to implement and remember for your own wedding .

Send Your Invitation Early

When planning a wedding, it's important to send your invitations to your guests as early as possible. It's only fitting to let your guests know when, what time, and where you will get married so that both you and your guests can plan and prepare ahead of time. Likewise, it will also give them ample time to search for an outfit and find their gifts.

Send Your Invitations to Everyone

As soon as you and your planner have planned out how many guest you'll be having at your wedding and determining who you will be inviting, it is very important to begin crafting the invitations. It is very important to send the invitations to everyone on your guest list even if you know they're not coming. This is a gesture of respect and cordiality, which at the end of the day, displays to them your sincerity and your steadfastness towards your wedding.

Have a Dress Code

Having a dress code seems to be quite obvious; nonetheless during weddings, a lot of people still forget that there is a dress code that they should adhere to. One thing is standard when we talk about the dress code, formal and nothing short is the way to go.

Arrange the Speeches

Speeches are something we always look forward to in a wedding. It is important for the newly weds to create their vows, and the best man and the maid of honor to create their respective speeches for the newly weds.

About the Author:

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Improve Your Online Poker Game

By Poker Suzie

Many people consider any form of gambling to be a game of chance but poker is different as you can improve your game very quickly by practicing and taking lessons from the pros. playing online poker is the best way to hone your skills and move you extremely quickly into the world of successful poker player.

Why does playing poker online improve your game so much? well the big difference is the lack of a real life venue and real life opponents. This may sound irrelevant but by not being sat at a table with intimidating players watching your every move you are free to pull whatever face you like when the cards are dealt, even to jump around the room with joy and nobody can read what you are feeling.

Many of the leading online poker sites offer a huge amount of help and assistance to new players. With poker schools and academies, articles, advice and tips, pro chat and so many great ways to improve your game. There could be no better way of improving your skill levels than tips and advice from a WSOP Champion, telling you how they got where they are and how they get more out of a game.

Cap all that off with great bonus deals when you sign up that double your stake money and you can really see how great it is to play your game online. Online sites offer tables just for beginners, so you can play with people in the same boat as you. People who are just starting out but just love the game.

Becoming that poker star can now be done without all that expensive travel and hassle when you have to pack and go away just to play the game you love. By staying at home you not only get all that bonus cash but you also save the travel cost and can add that to you war chest when you step up and take on your rivals.

So you are armed with everything you need to become a poker pro. Your cash has been increased with the poker bonus, your skill has improved by using all the teaching material and you are sitting comfortably in your own home. All that remains is to practice, practice and practice some more until you are heading off to play in the World Series of Poker.

About the Author:

Friday, December 11, 2009

Online Real Series Slots 101

Real Series slots are slot machines from Real Time Gaming or RTG. Real Time Gaming is well known in the industry and the top software being used at elite internet casinos. RTG software is well respected for providing an amazing online gaming experience. RTG provides exceptional graphics, a wide variety of games, fast payouts and competent customer service. RTG has now expanded into offering Real Series slots that go above and beyond what you could ever get before in online gaming.

What to Expect from Real Series Slots

The thing that makes RTG stand out from other online casino software is the attention to detail. With RTG games, including Real Series slots, you get some amazing features that make your gaming experience amazing and take it to a whole new level. If you are not careful, you may actually start to think you are in a real life casino instead of playing online.

Here is an overview of the Real Series slots features:

Quick gaming experience - Real Series slots are fast no matter how fast your internet connection may be. Even the slowest dial up connections will be fast.

Amazing look - RTG is known for providing realistic and entertaining graphics. This is no different with Real Series slots. They add to the game, making it fun and exciting to play. There are eye catching animations, too, that just really add something to the game that you cannot find anywhere else.

Small cost - These RTG slots have minimum credits, so you can play a lot even if you don't have a huge budget. An additional plus is that the slots can be played with money instead of confusing credits.

Multiple pay lines - With the large variety of pay lines, winning is a lot easier. You may not win huge, but you will probably win something when you play Real Series slots.

Optional Features

Besides the features listed above, some Real Series slots games will have special features that let you win more, play more and have more fun. These special features include:

- The ability to earn free spins.

- Bonus rounds where you have the chance to win a higher jackpot.

- Growing progressive jackpots that offer the largest possible payout in the casino.

Examples of Real Series Slots

There are numerous Real Series slots form which to choose. Figuring out which one to play can be confusing. Here is an overview of some of the slot machine games you may want to give a try:

- Archilees Slot: offers free spin bonuses up to 25 spins at 3x

- Ronin: higher risk game with random bonus round to earn free spins

- Prince of Sherwood: a fun themed game that offers some unique bonus rounds

Once you play Real Series slots and compare them to other slots you will never want to go back. The overall experience with a Real Series slot machine is something that cannot quite be explained. No amount of saying how great the graphics are or how fun the games are to play will do justice to these amazing slot machines. You just have to give them a try and have a blast to see why people love Real Series slots.

What Are Bowie Knife Handles Made Out Of?

By Dylan Sabot

Choosing bowie knives from the plethora of designs and construction materials on the market today can be quite confusing. You'll need to choose the right blade material, as well as the right blade size. However, you will also need to know what type of material you want in the handle. Bowie knives feature a number of materials used for handle creation and each offers unique benefits (as well as costs). What are your options?

Wood - Wood is the traditional choice for bowie knife handles. You might find that the knife you like offers a solid wood handle, though most feature two wood "scales" or halves joined with rivets and other hardware. The hardware might be made of brass, silver or steel, depending on the model that you choose. Some popular woods used for bowie knife handles include walnut, cocobolo, oak and much more.Wood can be shaped easily, so that it has any type of style desired, or it can be made to resemble other materials.

Another type of material that you can choose for your bowie knife handle is wood. This is probably the most popular type of material used, as it's inexpensive, widely available and stunningly beautiful. Wood can be carved and shaped, patterned, stained any number of colors and can provide a unique handle for your bowie knife. You will also find any number of different types of wood available in these knives, giving you the greatest range of options possible.

Composite - Composite handles are interesting options for your bowie knife. One example is called micarta, which is a trademarked material that is actually a composite of paper, canvas, linen, carbon fiber and several other materials. This has the benefit of being extremely lightweight and durable, as well as providing protection against rust and corrosion. Another benefit of composite materials is that they can resemble other materials, such as metal, wood or even bone, without the cost.

Other materials featured in the handles of bowie knives include leather, composite materials and even cloth (though specially treated and hardened). Your choice of handle material will determine how long the handle bears up, as well as how easy the knife is to grip and even quite a bit of how attractive that knife actually is.

About the Author:

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Real Series Slots- Understanding the Basics

If you haven't had the opportunity to play real series slots before you are missing out on crazy exciting. These slots derive from Real Time Gaming or better known as RTG. It's considered to be one of the best softwares out there and is used by almost all the elite internet casinos today. You are able to enjoy an online gaming experience much like the one at your local casino without all the people surrounding you. There are tons of games, fast payouts, and even good customer service available.

What Should You Expect from Real Series Slot?

Attention to detail is probably one of the biggest benefits to this online casino software. It's the closest thing to being at your nearby casino, and enjoying all the same types of benefits. However, you'll be able to save on gas, food costs, and even adult beverage prices by enjoying this from the comfort of your own home.

Real Series Slots Features

Quick Gaming Experience- When you play with Real Series slots you will soon realize that it doesn't matter if you have dial-up or high-speed Internet. Either way you will be able to enjoy fast gaming thanks to RTG.

Amazing Look- The appeal is uncanny, and when you see it for yourself you will realize the graphics are as realistic as can be. It just allows the game to be more enjoyable and provide you the same fun and excitement as you find in a real casino. The animations are extremely eye catching, and when you come across a casino not using RTG you will know.

Small Cost- These are the Real Series machines that have the minimum credits available. So if you don't have the biggest budget tonight, you can still win money by playing small.

Multiple Pay Lines- If you want more than one chance to win then you have to take advantage of the multiple pay line slots. There are several variations out there that range from 3 lines to 200.

Optional Features

Even though all the features above are great, you can find RTG machines that let you win more and allow for more playing time. These include:

- Earning free spins.

- Bonus rounds.

- Progressive Jackpots

Some RTG Examples

Probably the only downfall to RTG machines is figuring out which ones you want to play. So here is a short list of slots you may want to try:

- Archilees Slot: offers free spin bonuses up to 25 spins at 3x

- Ronin: higher risk game with random bonus round to earn free spins

- Prince of Sherwood: a fun themed game that offers some unique bonus rounds

We will warn you; the first time you play RTG machines, you won't want to go back to the old ones you were playing. The overall experience can't be explained. Sure we could sit here and boast about them all day, but until you have the opportunity to play them yourself, it just won't be the same.

Nicely Crafted Yet Inexpensive Beach Wedding Favors

By Danny Ricks

Beach wedding favors are now so easy to find anytime and wherever you maybe. As beach themed weddings are becoming more popular in modern day weddings, appropriate favors for it also now abound in the market. Thanks to the competition that this business genre has to deal with as it paves the way to have a seemingly endless list of ideas for this particular kind of wedding favor. These kinds of favors are now among the most popular as more and more couples prefer to tie the knot along the beachfront of some resorts of their choice.

As manufacturers and vendors try the best they possibly can to cope with the demands of different ideas for beach wedding favors, choices for these also gets more exciting. Gone are those days when these kinds of favors seem to be limited only to starfish laden favor boxes or seashell card holders. Latest collection of these wedding favors ranges from the most simple to the most intricately designed pieces.

You can now see nicely crafted beach wedding favors in many bridal and specialty stores. Among the latest collection that most couples in this new generation are getting agog to hand out to their guests, is the seashell gel candle and slippers which are made of indigenous materials. Other stuffs that are of course associated with the beach theme are also a big hit.

These beach wedding favors often do not cost that much as other may have thought of. Couples would even get more savings on these favors if they shall purchase it online. These are actually less expensive especially if they are purchased in bulk.

Yes, you heard it correctly. The great deals often offered in many online stores for these items are more than enough reason for many couples to get it online. Having to purchase these wedding favors in many online stores surely gives you both savings and convenience. It is therefore recommended that you make your beach themed wedding more memorable for all your guests with nicely crafted yet inexpensive beach wedding favors.

About the Author:

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Real Series Slots- Why They're the Best Software

If you take a look at all the casinos online today, the elite companies choose to use Real Series Slots. If you haven't heard of them before you might have heard of Real Time Gaming or RTG. Companies have raved about this software for quite some time and if you're looking for an online gaming experience like no other, it's definitely worth utilizing. You will have plenty of games to choose from, extremely fast payouts, and some of the best customer service out there.

What Should You Expect from Real Series Slot?

One of the biggest benefits you can expect from Real Series Slots is the attention to detail they're casino software offers. Out of all the available choices today, they are considered to be the closest thing to your local casino. The only difference is it's not overcrowded, you can play what you want when you want, and money on gas, food costs, and adult beverage purchases.

Real Series Slots Features

Quick Gaming Experience- Once you're able to start playing, it won't matter if you have the slowest connection out there, or the fastest one. You will be able to enjoy the same benefits either way.

Amazing Look- You will also find that the gaming appeal alone is one way ahead of its time. When you look at the graphics you will see that they are as realistic to a slot machine in the casino near you as possible. This means the same fun and excitement, and with some eye catching animations as well.

Small Cost- Lower denomination slots are also available through the Real Series Slots. So if you only want to play to relieve some stress or just budget your money better, you'll be able to do so with lower cost slots.

Multiple Pay Lines- Having more than one chance to win on each spin is very enticing to some, and if this is the case for you then multiple pay lines will be the best choice. You can find everything from 3 lines to 200 depending on the game.

Other Features

While everything above looks great, there will be additional features on some of the RTG slots like:

- Earning free spins.

- Bonus rounds.

- Progressive Jackpots

Some RTG Slots

If we had to produce a downfall to the RTG type software, it's probably choosing which ones you want to play. Below you will find a few that are popular today:

- Archilees Slot: offers free spin bonuses up to 25 spins at 3x

- Ronin: higher risk game with random bonus round to earn free spins

- Prince of Sherwood: a fun themed game that offers some unique bonus rounds

However, once you get your hands on these you won't want to go back to what you were playing with before. The Real Series Slots are the best choice for anyone looking to play or start their own online casino. Unfortunately, telling you about all the benefits isn't nearly as good as seeing them in action yourself.

Gay Travel Tips For Peru

By Howie Holben

Gay travel usually is used to take time away from the worries at home. They also give us chance to be adventuresome and active, or to just lay on the beach and sleep the day away. However, some people expect more from their vacation or travel experience.

More and more people seek more harmony and peace in their lives. They expect more from their time away than just temporary relief. They want to seek out a deeper meaning for being alive. If you are one of these people, a spiritual journey to Peru's Sacred Valley may be exactly what you're looking for in your next vacation.

Peru's Sacred Valley is in the heart of the Andes Mountains. The surrounding villages are known for their Inca ruins and the mystical powers these places are reported to contain. In the Sacred Valley you can truly find peace, serenity and a chance to reflect. An exeperience you will remember.

The Kamaquen Retreat Center is a great place to stay while visiting the Sacred Valley. It is known for bringing those that stay there closer to the Andean culture and spirit. The center's goal is to help you on your journey to self discovery.

Visiting Machu Picchu while in Peru is a must! It's only a short distance to Machu Picchu from the Sacred Valley. From the moment you enter Machu Picchu, the energy of the site embraces you. You cannot be there and not have your spirit be touched.

Just wandering around Machu Picchu, you become filled with a sense of wonder and awe. The energy of the place just fills you. You will never be the same after a visit to this magical place. Gay spirituality tours can lead to changes in your life back home.

About the Author:

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Video Slots Tutorial

When you go to an online casino, you probably know that video slots is among the more popular choices. They're very much like the games you would play in a standard casino, and they're also quite realistic.

Vital Information

Prior to pulling that handle, you will need to take some time to get to know the game you'll be playing. Makes sure you know everything about that particular game!

Every game is very different, and since that is the case it's sometimes hard to learn every single one of them. All of them have the same rules, but some have variants to make it more exciting. Fortunately there are instructions with each game, so read them thoroughly.

Understanding the Basics

You can begin by studying the buttons. It is important for you to understand which buttons you need to push to play the game. For more detailed information check the instructions, as they should detail exactly how to do it. You don't want to lose money just because you hit the wrong button!

Familiarize Yourself with the Features

There are some machines that feature bonuses, or even other features which is what makes every game so different. Make sure you're understanding every single feature so that you know what you are playing. Ask for help if you're not sure!

Go about it Intelligently

All casinos in real life require some measure of intelligence, and the same is true with online casinos. You need to come up with a plan, and know what you're going to do ahead of time, lest you lose all of the money you came with.

Limits, limits limits. There isn't anything more important than limits! It might sound boring, but remember that you're playing with real money here, and it certainly would be a shame to just lose everything. If you set out how long you're going to spend at each machine, you will lower the odds of losing it all.

It's best to ensure that you're getting the most out of a machine. Play when you have better odds at winning, though the odds are normally quite the same for the online game as they are for regular slots. In any case, play the highest bet that it will allow!

This is a very fun game to play, which is evidenced by the number of people that actually play it. This is a game of luck, and while the idea is to win, always understand that the odds are in favor of the house. You still have a chance to win though, so long as you read instructions and play with a plan!