Happy Vampires

So you want to learn to play a guitar? Whether you want to be a rock god like Dave Navarro or just want to be a decent player to whip up a song during family reunions, learning to play the guitars is an admirable skill to have. But remember that no guitar player, great or not, was born knowing how to play. They too, started somewhere. And so can you.

Where to find your teacher

You can pay someone to teach you personally or you can learn to play a guitar on your own. Simply buy an instructional book or video and learn to play a guitar from them. You can even take lessons from online sites, where there are hundreds of free or paid instructions. Whichever way you choose, all you’ll need is a lot of interest and patience. Ready? Here’s how to begin to play:
Get your own guitar.

You can always borrow, but if you′re serious about playing, might as well have your very own strings to practice on instead of sneaking in your brother’s room and using his precious instrument. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive guitar – as long as it’s durable and playable; you can learn to play a guitar with it.

Now whether you should use an acoustic or an electric is really a matter of personal choice and budget. Most purists would probably recommend that you learn to play a guitar with an acoustic first and then progress to an electric guitar. Either way, make sure it’s a six-string guitar that’s well-tuned.

Know your guitar.

To learn to play a guitar you should know your guitar. The guitar has several different parts. They are:

the head – which includes the tuning keys

fingerboard – includes the frets, fret bars and position marks

the body – includes the sound hole (with an acoustic), pick guard and bridge

So where are the strings? They start from the head tied tightly to the head and adjusted using the tuning keys. They run parallel to each other over the fingerboard and body where they are held in place by the bridge.

To learn how to play a guitar, you should also learn how all the parts work by themselves and together to create the guitar sounds. See how pressing on the strings and adjusting the string tension with the tuning keys change the sounds and effects. Fifteen to 30 minutes spent getting acquainted with your guitar will prove very useful later on when you learn how to play a guitar.

Get a chord book.

Buy a good chord book from your local music shop or bookstore. It will contain all the guitar chords you’ll need to learn to play a guitar. You can even rip off a page from one of those music magazines that include a complete chord chart in their issues and use that instead. It will look strange to you at first, but as you learn to play a guitar, every little dot and letter you find there will slowly make sense.

Learn the numbers.

To learn to play a guitar you should also learn the numbers. The thumb is labeled ‘T’, forefinger is #1, middle finger is #2, ring finger is #3 and little finger is #4. The chord book uses these figures to indicate finger positioning on the guitar. A played string is called an open string and is usually indicated by ‘O’ while an unplayed string is called a dead string and is usually marked ‘X’.

The six strings are numbered from 1 to 6 but they also have names – the thickest and lowest in pitch is ‘E’. The next ones are A, D, G, B and the thinnest one with the highest pitch is the higher E, usually indicated as a small letter ‘e’. Once you know these, you can start learning from your book, video, online lesson or on your own.

Practice.

This isn’t the tricky part – it’s actually the fun part. To learn to play a guitar means practicing everyday or at least 5 days each week for at least 30 minutes. You’ll grow calluses on your fingers, especially on the fret hand, but this is necessary to help you play effortlessly. Learn about changing hand positions, strumming and finger picking.

Build the muscles of your hands for flexibility and strength and learn to position your body properly for proper coordination. To learn to play a guitar is about teaching your hand and body muscles how to work with memory. Have fun and play beautiful music.

Do you want to discover the astonishing, step-by-step secrets of how to play guitar like The Eagles, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Nirvana, Bob Marley, Eddie Van Halen, and Bruce Springsteen? Start playing SENSATIONAL guitar right now. You’ll be surprised how little work and effort is actually involved for you to start playing awesome guitar music and have a lot of fun in the process. Learn to play a guitar visit my-music-instrument.blogspot.com/ Learn To Play Music Instruments

Gerry Restrivera writes informative articles on various subjects including Learn To Play a Guitar on Your Own with These Simple Tips. You are allowed to publish this article in its entirety provided that author’s name, bio and website links must remain intact and included with every reproduction.

Old man winter is here so it might be a good time to rethink your guitar maintenance routine; especially if you own an acoustic. I often tell my students to treat their guitar as they would treat themselves. In other words, if you’re comfortable, chances are your guitar is too!

Most musicians realize how important it is to protect their instrument from becoming too hot during the summer months. For instance, it’s not a good idea to leave your guitar locked in a hot car all day long while you’re at work or school. Heat can dry out a guitar pretty quickly which may cause the wood to shrink and crack. High temperatures combined with high humidity may cause the wood to swell and the joints to separate. One of my students is currently using a borrowed guitar that has a big gaping hole just below the bridge. The face is warped and separating from the side which is probably due to one or all of the reasons mentioned above. It’s still playable, but doesn’t sound or look very good.

A guitar humidifier placed inside the sound hole can help prevent drying, but it’s important not to over-due it. I read about someone who kept a humidifier in their guitar inside a closed case and mold began to grow on the wood. Once mold begins to grow it’s very difficult to get rid of. So don’t store your guitar in a damp room either. If you must put it in storage however, take it out of the case once in a while to make sure there’s no moisture collecting on it.

Winter can be just as hazardous for stinged instruments as summer. If you travel with your guitar when it’s freezing cold outside, warm up the car first. In extreme conditions you may even want to put the guitar and case inside a sleeping bag for extra protection. Do not put it in the trunk for any extended period because it will get too cold.

To sum things up, you can protect your guitar by following two simple guidlines:

- Avoid extreme temperatures of heat and cold

- Avoid high humidity (40 - 60% is ideal)

So, if you live in a hot, dry climate, then a guitar humidifier may help prevent drying if it is used correctly. But, if you live in a humid climate then you may want to use activated clay packets called Dessicants to prevent excessive moisture. You can find the Dessicants at a company called ULINE. The address and phone number are:

ULINE
950 Albrecht Drive
Lake Bluff, IL 60044

1-800-295-5510

Kathy Unruh is a singer/songwriter and webmaster of abclearnguitar.com/guitar-care.html″ target=”_new ABC Learn Guitar. She has been writing songs and providing guitar lessons to students of all ages for over 20 years.

Each month Kathy publishes the

English Version

The Merchant of Copan
[480 AD]

Advance: The ballgame at the Honduras courtyard in Copan, the year was 480 AD, Copan’s 3rd ruler, Mat Head, whom succeeded Quetzal Macaw, whom was the founder of the city is now the new ruler. Mat Head, was a female, the spouse of Quetzal Macaw, and here is where the story begins.

There was a main ballgame ready to start, the competition was extremely high, as usual you might say; that being, if the game was not played the world would end, so they believed, and so rain or shine it was to take place.

The opposing team had eleven players, all ornately dressed and painted for the competition. They had leather padding around their waists, over their shoulders, about their arms and legs; able to withstand the blows of the solid rubber ball. The weight of the ball was one kilo. The ball was now thrown into the play, and each player knew they could not let it touch the ground or their hands.

Mat Head was watching the game with intensity, knowing her sister was part of a bet of which, if the opposing team won, she’d be [she being: her sister] the property of a local merchant, a very wealthy merchant, the most wealthy merchant in all of the Copan Valley; she would be his property, to do with as he pleased; but if the merchant lost, he would lose all his properties to the brother-in-law, riches, and be vanished from the city of 27,000-inhabidents, Copan; perhaps to the Yucatan. It was not uncommon for such wagers; it was deadlier than the exhibitions at the Roman Coliseum, in Italy. That being, the losers of this game would forfeit their heads.

But the Merchant of Copan, as I have said, was very rich so much so, he provided flint, lime, and pottery to the elite of the city, the whole city and thereabouts. And the Brother-in-Law of Mat Head was married to her sister, the most beautiful young woman in Copan.

The Merchant of Copan, had watched her at a number of previous games, and could never take his eyes off her beauty, her shape, and lusted after her with eyes like a hawk’s. To him, it was worth the chance to bet on the game, all or nothing; he didn’t know how much Mat Head’s brother-in-law cared or didn’t care for his wife, but he knew he was insatiable, and made the bet nonetheless and he accepted it; thus, his instincts were correct; for he could not longer withstand the burning pain he had inside of him watching her walk among the temples of Copan, and wishing she belonged to him, at any price, and a hungry soul will do most anything to impede that hunger.

—The ballgame had started, as I had already said, and the ball was in the air; some of the players were kicking their feet, and thrusting their hips, as they knocked the ball back and forth, in the I-shaped field, 25-meters long, 10-meters wide; all the players not wanting the ball to touch the ground, which would end the game, and eleven-heads would be severed.

All of a sudden the game stopped…a silence took hold of everyone, eyes were being shut by eleven players; oh it was a great thing to die, to be sacrificed for the game, but on the other hand, it would have been better to have to do it at a later date, I’m sure most of the players felt that way.

The spectators took in a deep breath to see who won and lost. History would not favor the brother-in-law today, unfortunate for his wife to be sure. Yes, yes, fortune smiled on the Merchant of Copan; I’m sure my readers are now downtrodden on this matter but it is as it is what I can say.

Thus, the lucky fella grabbed her like a wild monkey grabbing a banana out of the feeder’s hands, and rushed her to his domicile. He threw her on the bed like an animal pelt, his eyes sparked with lust and passion, and he melted into her body like heat on ice; if anything, she was hurt beyond all understandings.

‘How could he do this?’ she moaned as this fat, ugly and rigid man pouncing on her. Yet she told herself, at least he wanted her. He was willing to give all his money for her; whereas, her husband sold her for a game ticket, and a bet. It was beyond her youthful comprehension.

Several years passed, and the fat old merchant got fatter and older, but other than being over lustful over her, he was a good provider, and gave her all she wished for. She became well known as a business woman, and at his 67-birthday, he died on the bed, as I suppose he wished it to be. Consequently, she was now the inheritor of the estates he once own, for there were no children involved.

She then made a deal with her ex-husband, knowing he liked to gamble, and wanted money. She made the same bet, well almost, a similar kind of bet anyway with him, as the Merchant of Copan had done before; she bet all her properties on the next game, that her team would win, and should he lose, her ex-husband, he’d have to give up his head, like the losing team had to. Well, he felt he could win her back should he lose the bet or win, and thus, took his chances and made the bet. But again, life did not favor him, he was not meant to be a gambler for sure, and after losing he begged her for his life, to take him back, saying in essence, they both could enjoy the riches she acquired, and their old position in the kingdom.

Oh gosh, she was such a caretaker, and told him she’d go home and think about it and make up her mind tomorrow. Well, he thought that was fine, at least it seemed better than losing his head today, and just the fact she was thinking about it was enough to enlighten him, feeling he would have the final victory, and that was the one that counted, he’d have her back and the treasures, what more could he ask for.

But as I had told you before, fate was not always in his pocket, that night the ruler, Mat Head, asked for the head of her Brother-in-law, being he had lost the bet. He begged for her to wait for her sister tomorrow and she’d strengthen it all out, but she said:

“A bet is a bet…and it must be paid.”

Can’t remember what else she said but his head was off within a heartbeat.

Upon Mat Head’s sister’s return the following morning, she asked for her ex-husband, and found out by her sister, the Mat Head, she had beheaded him. She cried a tear, a very big tear, and then smiled at Mat Head.

Dedicated to Jorge, 7/3/05

Spanish Version

Versión en Español

El Mercader de Copan
[480 Después de Cristo]

Avance: Juego de pelota en el patio de Copan en Honduras, el año era 480 después de Cristo, el 3er gobernador de Copan era Mat Head, quien sucedió a Quetzal Macaw, quien fue el fundador de la ciudad ahora el nuevo gobernador. Mat Head, era una mujer, la esposa de Quetzal Macaw, y aquí es donde la historia comienza.
Había un juego de pelota principal listo a comenzar, esta competencia era extremadamente interesante, como siempre podrías decir; esto es, si el juego no era llevado a cabo, el mundo se terminaría, o eso era lo que ellos pensaban, y entonces lloviera o soleara éste debía jugarse.
El equipo contrario tenía once jugadores, todos adornadamente vestidos y pintados listos para la competencia. Ellos usaban algo acolchado hecho de cuero alrededor de sus cinturas, sus hombros, sus brazos y piernas; que les permitiría soportar los golpes de la pelota de caucho sólido. La pelota pesaba un kilo. La pelota ahora fue lanzada en el juego, y cada jugador sabía que no podían dejar que ésta tocara tierra o sus manos.

Mat Head miraba el juego con intensidad, sabiendo que su hermana era parte de una apuesta en el cual si el equipo contrario ganaba, ella (su hermana) pasaría a ser propiedad de un comerciante local, un comerciante muy rico, el comerciante más rico en todo el Valle de Copan; ella pertenecería a él para hacer lo que a él le antojara. Pero si el equipo contrario perdía el comerciante perdería todas sus propiedades, que pasarían a manos de su cuñado, sus riquezas, y sería expulsado de la ciudad de 27,000 habitantes, Copan; quizás a Yucatán. Esto no era raro en esta clase de apuestas; esto era más mortal que las exposiciones en el Coliseo romano, en Italia. Esto era, los perdedores de este juego perderían sus cabezas.
Pero el Comerciante de Copan, como ya lo había dicho, era muy rico tanto que él proporcionó sílex, cal, y cerámica a la elite de la ciudad, a la ciudad entera y sus alrededores. Y el cuñado de Mat Head estaba casado con su hermana, la joven más hermosa en Copan.
El Comerciante de Copan, la había mirado en un número de juegos anteriores, y nunca podía sacar sus ojos de su belleza, su forma, y lujuriaba detrás de ella con ojos como de halcones. Para él, era valiosa la posibilidad de apostar en el juego, todo o nada; él no sabía cuánto el Cuñado de Mat Head se preocupaba o no se preocupaba por su esposa, pero él sabía que él era insaciable, e hizo la apuesta sin embargo y él la aceptó; así, sus instintos eran correctos; por que él no podía soportar más el dolor ardiente que sentía dentro de si mismo al mirarla caminar entre los templos de Copan, y deseando que ella le perteneciera, a cualquier precio, y un alma hambrienta hará algo más para impedir aquella hambre.
– El juego de pelota había comenzado, como ya lo dije, y la pelota estaba en el aire; algunos jugadores estaban pateando, y empujando sus caderas, mientras ellos golpeaban la pelota hacia adelante y hacia atrás, en el campo de forma de “I”, de 25 metros de largo, 10 metros de ancho; todos los jugadores queriendo que la pelota no tocara el suelo, el cual terminaría éste, y once cabezas serían cortadas.
De repente el juego se detuvo…un silencio se apoderó de cada uno, los once jugadores cerraban sus ojos; ah! era una gran cosa morir, ser sacrificado por el juego, pero por otra parte, habría sido mejor tener que morir más adelante, la mayoría de los jugadores sintieron de esta forma, estoy seguro.

Los espectadores respiraron profundamente para ver quién ganó y quién perdió. La historia no favorecería al cuñado hoy, lamentablemente para su esposa por seguro. Sí, sí, la fortuna sonrió al Comerciante de Copan; estoy seguro que mis lectores están ahora oprimidos sobre esta materia pero esto es como es, que puedo decir.
Así, el muchacho afortunado la agarró como un mono salvaje agarrando un plátano de las manos del alimentador, y apresuradamente la llevó a su domicilio. Él la lanzó sobre la cama como una piel de animal, sus ojos brillaban con lujuria y pasión, y él se derritió en su cuerpo como el calor sobre el hielo si algo, ella fuera herida más allá de todo entendimiento.
‘¿Cómo podría él hacer esto?’ Ella gimió, mientras este hombre gordo, feo y rígido se le echaba encima. Sin embargo ella se dijo que al menos él la quería. Él estaba dispuesto a dar todo su dinero por ella; mientras que su marido la vendió por un boleto de juego, y una apuesta. Esto estaba fuera de su joven entendimiento.

Varios años pasaron, y el viejo comerciante se volvió más gordo y más viejo, pero aparte de ser lascivo sobre ella, él era un buen proveedor, y le dio todo lo que ella deseaba. Ella se hizo conocida como una mujer de negocio, y en su 67 cumpleaños, él murió sobre la cama, como supongo él deseó que esto fuera así. Consiguientemente, ella era ahora la heredera de las propiedades que él una vez tenía, porque no habían hijos implicados.

Entonces ella hizo un trato con su ex-marido, sabiendo que a él le gustaba jugar, y que quería el dinero. Ella hizo la misma apuesta, bien casi la misma, una clase similar de apuesta con él de todos modos, como el Comerciante de Copan había hecho antes ella apostó todas sus propiedades sobre el siguiente juego, que su equipo ganaría, y si él perdía, su ex-marido, él tendría que ser decapitado, así como el equipo vencido. Bien, él sintió que él podría reconquistarla así perdiera o ganara la apuesta, y así él acepto la apuesta. Pero otra vez, la vida no lo favorecería, él no fue hecho para ser un jugador, por seguro, y después de perder él la rogaba perdonara su vida, que lo aceptara de nuevo, diciendo en esencia, que ambos podrían disfrutar de la riqueza que ella había adquirido, y su vieja posición en el reino.

Ah ¡mi Dios!, ella era tan cuidadosa, que le dijo que iría a su casa y que pensaría en esto y lo decidiría al día siguiente. Bien, él pensó que esto estaba bien, al menos eso le pareció mejor que perder su cabeza hoy, y solamente el hecho de que ella lo pensaría era bastante para iluminarlo, sintiendo que él tendría la victoria final, y que era él quien contaba, él la tendría de vuelta y los tesoros, que más podría él pedir.
Pero como ya lo había dicho antes, el destino no siempre estaba en su bolsillo, esa noche el gobernador, Mat Head, pidió la cabeza de su cuñado, como que él había perdido la apuesta. Él pidió que ella esperara por su hermana hasta el día siguiente y que ella lo arreglaría todo, pero ella dijo:
“Una apuesta es una apuesta…y ésta deber ser pagada”.
No puedo recordar que más dijo ella, pero su cabeza fue cortada en un segundo.
Cuando la hermana de Mat Head volvió a la mañana siguiente, preguntó por su ex-marido, y descubrió por su hermana, Mat Head, que ella lo había decapitado. Ella gritó un rasgón, una lágrima muy grande, y luego sonrió a Mat Head.

Dennis Siluk, you can see his most recent book “Spell of the Andes,” at most of your internet sites, like abe.com abe.com it will be featured in the Huancayo, Peru Correo, newspaper, July 9, a review of the book, and on the internet for those interested; Correo.com Correo.com - It will presented at the Ricardo Palma House, in Lima in October, by Luis Guillermo Guedes, Director. Dennis lives both in Lima, and Minnesota part of each year and is working on another book called, “Curse of the Abyss Worm.”

NFL Bye weeks have been a huge question for cappers and bettors alike since the NFL began using them in the mid 1980’s. Common sense would tell you clubs coming off bye weeks have had an extra week of rest to recover from the brutal NFL schedule and an extra week for their coaching staff and team to prepare for an opposing team who has had only one week to get ready to rumble. Of course we all know common sense is not exactly the straight way to the winners circle in the NFL. In fact, after digging into this issue some more, the results will amaze you as the off time may not be so beneficial after all.

Year by Year…

In the 2000-2001 season, the year of the Rams, NFL teams coming off a bye week were a dismal 12-17-1 their first game back against the posted line. That’s a terrible winning percentage of just 40%. Moving on, in the 2001-2002 season clubs coming off the bye week were still not profitable their first game back as they boasted a 14-17 mark vs. the number. Notice a trend here? In the 2002-2003 season the bye week teams’ record the following week was still a losing 15-16-1. The 2003-2004 was the only season during our 5 year study that produced a profitable record when betting on teams coming off the week. That mark was still minimal at 16-15-1 vs. the spread number. Last year resorted back to the same numbers we discovered in the 2000-2003 seasons, as teams were just 15-17. Overall, the last 5 years NFL teams coming off bye weeks were a dismal 69-85 against the spread.

When we dug further, we found out that teams listed as favorites coming off the bye week were 41-47 against the spread for a winning percentage of just 46%. Underdogs were an equally dismal proposition at 26-36 against the spread for a lower win percentage of just 41%.

Our numbers surprise some, but overall they actually make perfect sense. The betting public has the perception that teams have had an extra week of rest to recover from the previous weeks and have had an extra week for their coaching staff to prepare for an opposing team who has had only one week to game plan. This brings us to oddsmaking 101.

Oddsmaking 101

NFL Oddsmakers base opening lines not solely on statistical numbers, injuries or coaching and player advantages; they also factor in public perception. Our study shows that oddsmakers sap the value of bye week clubs the following week as they understand public perception best, they understand the public’s perception of teams coming off bye weeks. In simple English, they know the Public loves to bet on teams coming off by weeks hence they shade line away from that team. Of course, we wouldn’t leave you on such a sour note as there is light at the end of the tunnel for many of you bye week lovers. The Commissioner’s office always finds ways for you to beat the books.

Team by Team Numbers

The NFL is loaded with talent from top to bottom. LaDanian Tomlinson, Donovan McNabb, Terrell Owens, Brett Favre and so on and so on. Many of these players and coaching staffs have developed ways to taking advantage of the much anticipated time off week.

Over the past 5 years only a handful of these teams exist, nonetheless they are out there and we found them for you. The Miami Dolphins head up the list at 4-0-1 the past 5 years against the spread. They are followed by Philadelphia, Baltimore, San Diego, Minnesota and Denver all at 4-1 ATS.

Likewise there are those teams that just cannot get it together after some lazy time off. Heading up this list are the Seattle Seahawks. Mike Holmgren and co. have yet to win a ballgame against the number coming off his teams’ bye week the last 5 years. The Seahawks are a dismal 0-5. The Sea Animals are followed by Cincinnati, Green Bay, New York (Giants) Carolina, Atlanta and Indianapolis.

Remember when you’re looking at teams that have just had a bye week that it’s not an instant recipe for success. Some teams have learned to capitalize on a bye week and some teams have yet to capitalize on the much-needed rest. As always, Bet Sharp, Play Sharp.

Bob Aggarwal is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League. Read all of his articles at procappers.com/Bob_Aggarwal.htm procappers.com/Bob_Aggarwal.htm

So, you’re thinking about (or are already) playing piano using the chord approach. But, you’re lost in the sea of chord types.

There are minor piano chords, major piano chords, and diminished piano chords. There are 9th chords flat 5 chords and other chords I can’t even begin to describe to you.

The good news is you don’t need to learn piano chords this way. There’s a much easier way to learn them and it all has to do with something called the open position chord.

Those of you who have been reading my articles for some time know I’m a big fan of this chord structure. You also know that I like it because you use both hands right away to create a modern sounding seventh chord.

Now why is starting out with seventh chords so important? Because, this chord type is the foundation for ALL modern chords period.

By starting with this chord structure - and learning all the chords in all 12 keys, you have a foundation to build on.

This way it won′t confuse you. For example, in the Key of C Major we have 7 chords. These are: C Major 7, D minor 7, E minor 7, F Major 7, G7, A minor 7, and B diminished 7. The last chord (B diminished seven is rarely used) but is included for you anyway.

Once you learn these chords in the Key of C Major, you simply go down the circle of fifths. The next Key is F Major and so on.

By learning only seventh chords to start it makes it much easier to add on the extensions. For example, if I wanted to construct a C Major 9 chord, I simply add in the ninth (the d note) and that’s that.

The beautiful thing about the open position chord structure is that it’s like a skeleton. It spreads your fingers out over 2 octaves and “opens up″ the chord so adding in notes is easy!

Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music’s quiescencemusic.com/piano_lessons.html online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 14 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit quiescencemusic.com/piano_lessons.html www.quiescencemusic.com/piano_lessons.html now and get a FREE piano lesson!

Pricing is a way of expressing the odds on a bet… that is, how much you will win if you bet (thus giving you an indication as to how likely it is that you could win).

Although there are other types of pricing, we are going to look at the most popular pricing systems: first the US pricing system and then the European version.

To understand the difference, we need to clarify some terminology that follows. Imagine that you’re betting on the outcome of game. You put down an even money bet of $100 (which is matched by a $100 bet by the bookie). Your team wins.

You get back $200 but you’ve only won $100. Notice the difference?

- You get back $200 (your stake plus the bookie’s bet).
- You won $100 (the bookie’s bet).

Recognizing this difference will help you understand the difference between two of the major pricing systems.

US Pricing System: In the US pricing system, they show you how much money you could win (that is, not including your bet) and it is expressed as a percentage… as if you bet $100 on every single bet.

European Pricing System: The European pricing system is also called the digital method of pricing and it is an increasingly popular method of stating a price. This is because it is potentially easier to use and it is becoming more widely accepted around the world.

Unlike the American system, which represents how much you’d win, the European system tells you how much you’d get back. That’s a big difference in knowing how to read the systems.

And, rather than being expressed as a percentage, it is expressed in a “digital format”… that is, as a number greater than 1.0.

This has been an excerpt from Robert Thatcher’s flagstaff manual, the statisticalbettingguide.com/ Statistical Betting Guide.

Sun Tzu said: “If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt”. Making money with sports betting has nothing to do with gambling. Do you want to learn the secret methods successful bettors apply each and every day?

Robert Thatcher explains in easy words how to make money with sports betting. Download your copy at statisticalbettingguide.com/ statisticalbettingguide.com.

Whether your a pro or an amateur photographer try these simple photography tips and techniques to improve your portrait photographs.

I was standing at the photo viewing monitor in the studio, showing the Wilson’s their photos. I had shot family pictures for them earlier that day. We were selecting images from the family photo shoot for them to buy. We had already chosen a family shot and a picture of the Wilson kids as well as individual shots of each child. It was time to pick out a photograph of mom and dad. There was a great close-up portrait photo of mom and dad, but dad didn′t like it, so they selected the full length image and I rang them up. On the way out the Mrs. Wilson whispered to me that Mr. Wilson was sensitive about his double chin and that’s why they didn′t get the close-up. Sure enough after they left, I looked at the image and there it was, the double chin!

Here are some helpful tips and techniques:

The best photography tip- Eliminating the double chin is also one of the easiest techniques you can implement. Simply have the client (model) lift the chin up a little bit, it’s so easy, but not to much or it will look funny, just a little bit. This photography tip is easy to use and will reduce the visibility of double chins on most models.Here’s another tip- Have the subject bring the jaw forward slightly by moving the bottom row of teeth forward, ahead of the top teeth. Shoot the model with a serious face and mouth closed, with no smile. I actually sell lots of “serious look on the face portraits”, especially of men.More Tips- During the winter months a turtleneck shirt or sweater can be pulled up to cover the chin. Many winter coats can be zipped up all the way to the top and used to cover the extra fold of skin The looking back over the shoulder shot can also be used reduce the appearance of the dreaded double chin.

I have been a professional photographer for many years, yet I had never devoted much thought to double chins. Gee, I wonder how many sales this has cost me over the years?

So I was like, WOW! You learn something new everyday! After that I added double chins to my repertoire of last minute things to scan check, right before the shot.

And You know what I found out? It happens more often than you’d think. For some reason a lot of us put our chin down for photos! WhoDaThunkIt? And if you really try you can give almost anyone a double chin by putting their head down. So get those chinny chin chins up!

Practice the photography tips, try this quick experiment. Grab your camera, find a friend and have them try some of the tips & techniques above. Move the chin up and down, the jaw in and out. Shoot a bunch of shots, find the sweet spot for that particular person. Now review your images and evaluate them. Find out what tips work for you and incorporate them into your photographic routine.

Be very careful, whatever you do don′t allow the model , person, lady, man, whomever you want to sell the photos, catch on! Don′t say to the model “chin up a little so we get rid of that double chin″ or else, when they go to look at the images, whats the first thing they look for? A double chin, trust me on that!

Apply the new tips & techniques very stealthy. Just say “chin up” and follow quickly with another direction to distract thoughts from the chin issue, for example “chin up, happy smile, nice good shot”. You may find it effective to move your chin up as a subliminal example at the exact time you say chin up to the model. Then, repeat as necessary with caution.

Brandon is a well known flowskipix.com”target=”_blank Lake Tahoe Photographer specializing in portrait, action and group photography around the Tahoe area.

Brandon also has a popular digitalphotographywebsite.com/homepage.html”target=”_blank digital photography website. Maybe you’d like to get your photos online to share with family and friends or even to sell like Brandon does? For more information visit Brandon’s site. Whether your an amateur or pro photographer you can have your own place online to show off your photography!

Ever dreamed of opening your own retail clothing store? Well, I just opened one in Southern California not too long ago. It is actually a LOT harder than you might think to get your doors open and a few sales under your belt. To get started you’ll need vision, a reseller’s permit and a business license. While the unique vision might take months or years, the latter two requirements will only entail filling out a couple basic forms and waiting a couple of weeks for the paperwork to show up in the mail. That doesn’t sound too difficult you say. Well, wait a second as the following to do items take just a bit more effort.

You will be:

1. Setting up a sole proprietorship, LLC, S or C Corp in order to protect your and your partner(s) personal assets should your retail store get sued.

2. Finding the right space that is an area with a fair amount of foot traffic and ample parking.

3. Negotiating your commercial lease so that you’re not stuck into a 5 year commitment. (Make sure to try and negotiate the ability to sub-lease your space. It’s a long shot, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.)

4. Raising at least $50,000 in capital so you can remodel and stock your store.

5. Getting the proper building and electrical permits signed off so you can actually have the power turned on. That’s right you can’t have power until everything is signed off by the city. By the way, make sure at least one of your dressing rooms and one of your registers is handicap friendly. Otherwise you will not be able to open your doors until one is. I learned this lesson the hard way.

6. Finding the right employees to help you fill in the hours you can’t be there. No matter how dedicated you are, you will need to get away from your store at least two days a week.

7. Making sure you have the blessing of your suppliers before embarking on this retail journey. I had no idea that the most popular jean companies will not sell wholesale to your store unless you already have some brand name jeans suppliers on board. This catch 22 absolutely baffles me, but I digress.

8. Budgeting is very difficulty. You will not believe the cost of your electricity (especially if you’re running the AC all day) or how quickly your payroll adds up.

9. Developing and implementing an effective; on going marketing campaign. “Build it and they will come” does not apply to no-name clothing stores. You are going to have to slowly build a brand in your community. Taking out a one page ad in the local newspaper will be a huge waste of money unless you advertise giving away your product. You need to be VERY creative (think event marketing) and extremely patient. Unless you’re opening your store in a mall, foot traffic will be limited and you’ll have to rely on word of mouth.

10. Lastly, you’ll be treating every customer like they were your one and only. You are going to have to differentiate yourself through outstanding service and by providing a unique shopping experience, Otherwise you will never survive.

All that being said, do not be discourage. I must say that it is tremendously rewarding and rather cool to own your own clothing store. If you are fashionable, passionate, sharp and excel at networking, then I have no doubt that you will succeed. Good Luck !

Bradley is a fashion industry pro. He owns a retail store in Costa Mesa, CA and is also the owner of blankstyle.com/shop Fashionable Clothing Wholesaler Blankstyle.com . His website and store carries vintage soft, fitted and stylish blanks from companies such as American Apparel.

wholesaleapparel.blogspot.com>Wholesale Clothing & Fashion Blog

It doesn’t matter how hard you try, taking pictures, especially in public, can cause stress and embarrassment for the photographer. Most amateurs will shy away from a shot they would really like to capture because of the threat of public exposure or ridicule. When the time does come for that great image, shots are often hurried with little thought as to composition and, not infrequently, incorrect camera settings.

If you fit into this category, then you need to act like a pro

Professional photographers make their living from taking photographs. Their work may be diverse – from a group shot with an important corporate client to a simple record of a church bazaar for the local press. In all cases, the images have much importance as they might be used for illustration in a glossy brochure or magazine or needed for the front page of the daily newspaper.

Many professionals have to work to a tight schedule and all of them will have a client that is eager to see the results expertly delivered. The client (or employer) pays for the professional’s expertise and the photographer is under pressure to come up with the goods.

How would you do in this situation? Would you sweat and panic? Would you fumble and stutter? Do you know how to handle your equipment under the severest of pressures and conditions and could you produce acceptable images each and every time?

How would you feel if your livelihood was dependent upon getting paid for perfect images?

Luckily, for most of us, there are no such pressures and we can either forego an important shot or accept substandard quality. After all, we are only amateurs and our day job pays the bills.

However, by looking at how professional photographers carry out some of their tasks, you can learn and gain confidence and skills in taking those all-important shots.

In the next part I will discuss attitude.

Eric Hartwell oversees theworldsbesthomepage.com the worlds best home page a user-led resource - do you wish to contribute your opinions?

Prince William – 21/6/1982

Chart:

- - 6 - 9
2 - - - 8
11 - - -

Life Path 29/11 = 2. Calm and psychic…

Symbolising cooperation and peace, 2 is associated with feminine energies; passive, soothing, diplomatic. The number 2 is adaptable and has evolved to temper the potency of the masculine 1. Decision-making can be a challenge for the Two who has to fight against the fear of being thought wrong. They can suffer a lack of self-confidence that can be manifest in later life. Through school and the early adult years, Life Path 2’s can be the victims of unjustified gossip and rumour. This further forces the person to deal positively with the injustice and learn the virtues of peace, calm and inner strength. Always polite and courteous, they dislike coarse or rude behaviour. They prefer to have a partner to share their lives with, usually a more assertive mate. Musical ability is indicated.

Line of weakness = Line of the skeptic: This line can indicate anything from total scepticism of anything metaphysical through to an enlightened, open-minded approach to the mysteries of existence.

To overcome insecurity, they need to acknowledge their vulnerability but act with confidence, and to stop monitoring other’s opinions to connect with his heart’s wisdom.

The numbers that make up 29/11 are a combination of 1, 2 and 9. So they have a balance of male and female energies in the one and two, plus the 9, which is all about integrity and wisdom. Nine’s need to ask themselves the question: what example does my life provide for others?

Many 29/11’s have tremendous creative potential but they can have trouble handling the energy. 29/11’s often have an unusual appearance, with an energy field two or three times larger than the average, their attractiveness coming from the glowing energy field, rather than necessarily physical features. Their sensitive energy does not allow them to tolerate drugs or alcohol well, and they need more exercise than the average person as a way of keeping their energy flowing and for grounding.

Does any of this ring a bell? What’s your numerology like? You can find out what really makes you tick with this ancient technique that has been around for eons in the East but which has been buried (by science) in the West. Yet, it is more a science than a mystical belief. It is based on the teachings of the mathematician and philosopher, Pythagoras, and it will tell you more about yourself than anything else you’ve ever known. Based on your birth date, it can help you:

• Find the real you, rather than the one you’ve been faking it with!

• Find out what you’re good at, and why.

It helps with friendships and relationships, and will give you new-found confidence.
It took me years of searching to find my true self, then I found this. It gave me insights into myself and my personality that got me very excited – stuff no-one had said to me before… “Being a 10, you have the ability to work on the cutting edge, but shy away from this type of environment feeling uncomfortable due the double sensitivity of your life path number…” When I read this, I thought hmm-mm, maybe this person understands me!

It covers: Health, Exercise, Work, Money, Relationships, and more.

Forthcoming ‘Numerology of famous people’:

- Jennifer Aniston
- Tony Blair
- Margaret Thatcher
- Serena and Venus Williams
- Sai Baba
- The Dalai Lama
- Madonna
- Jeffrey Archer

Who else’s numerology would you like to see and why?

Email for a free taster − This is a genuine offer − No spams.

Interests include: self-help, motivation, health, and anything that improves your life. The author uses ancient techniques that have been around for hundreds of years: numerology, I Ching, psychic insight, and astrology, that can provide deep personal insights and wisdom, helping with everything from ailments and depression to a complete overhaul of your life. Choose a career that really suits you, make decisions and find direction. Liberate your playful side, have fun, and get energized about life and living. Find ideas, excitement and enthusiasm, and the drive to first help yourself and then go on to serve others.

Email: mailto:mrmmonk@yahoo.co.uk mrmmonk@yahoo.co.uk