Happy Vampires

Through 8/27

The Minnesota Twins, playing solid baseball lately, are 15-8 in their last 23 games. The Twins have a losing record overall against the White Sox, the team that is in the number two spot for the wild card position. However, they have a winning record at home against the White Sox where they have scheduled the last three games of the regular season. The Twins are 3-0 this season against the Red Sox, the team that is in the number three spot for the wild card position. The Twins are scheduled to play the Red Sox three more games later in the season. The Twins are scheduled to play the last seven games of the regular season at home. Will this team continue the solid play and get that wild card position?

The Chicago White Sox are 11-9 in their last 20 games. This team has lost some ground to the Twins lately. The White Sox are 1-2 this season against the Red Sox and those games were at home. They have three games scheduled later in the season against the Red Sox and those games are on the road. The White Sox are scheduled to play 12 of their last 23 games on the road where they have a winning record at 34-29 this season. The White Sox had more success early in the season. Can this team get on a winning streak and get that wild card position?

The Boston Red Sox, playing sub-par baseball lately, are only 7-16 in their last 23 games. The Red Sox are scheduled to play the last five games of the regular season at home where they have a 63% winning record. Can this team get that winning trend back and get that wild card position?

There is still a lot of baseball games scheduled to play this season. Winning and losing streaks in a part of the game. Is it going to be one of the three teams above that will step forward to get that wild card position? One of the key factors in getting to the playoffs can be the games played between the teams that are in that wild card race. The number one, two and three teams playing each other were mentioned in the above paragraphs.

Follow these teams and their matchups on the scheduled games against each other. It could very well be a close race, as it in now, for that wild card playoff spot in the AL.

Ken Angland is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League.
Read all of his articles at

What makes gambling at online casinos so enticing to both avid and neophyte gamblers alike? While online casinos are convenient and fun, gamblers also find that the latest online casino deals are pretty tempting. Sign up bonuses, redeposit bonuses, and weekly or monthly specials are drawing new gamblers to online casino websites every single day.

Sign up bonuses are a fantastic opportunity for new members to a online casino website. Sign up online casino deals typically offer new members a preset percentage that is based on the member’s initial deposit. Most sign up online casino deals range right around 15 to 20 percent of the initial deposit. So, if a new member deposits 200.00 dollars into their account, they can get a 40.00 dollar bonus added to their gambling account just for signing up as a member. The downside to signing up for online casino deals, however, is that there are preset limits. In other words, if the set limit for the bonus is 200.00 dollars, a gambler may deposit more than 200.00 to gamble with, but they will only get a bonus based on 200.00.

Redeposit online casino deals ensures that the gambler will keep coming back for more. Certain online casinos offer a percentage based bonus when the member puts more money in their account. Again, the percentages are predetermined by the casino and the member is subject to the rules set forth by the casino. Not all casinos offer redeposit bonuses, but many do. Further, the number of redeposit online casino deals a member is eligible for is up to the sole discretion of the casino making the bonus offer.

Many online casino deals include weekly or monthly contests or competitions. Prizes are awarded in cash, prizes, or both. Many online casinos are looking to attract and to keep new members, so some of the online casino deals one will find are pretty amazing. Before signing up for any online casino offering online casino deals, a gambler would serve themselves well to shop around for the best signup and redeposit bonuses around.

What’s important to bear in mind however, is that if certain online casino deals seem too good to be true, they might be. A gambler must read all of the fine print pertaining to online casino bonuses so that they know exactly where they stand. A gambler needs to be a wise gambler and read up on the deals being offered.

This article is the property of

It seems like only yesterday that all my problems started. I guess you could say I began to lose touch with The Real World.

My first mistake was to even ask what seemed like a reasonable question at the time: Why am I watching a houseful of sophomoric brats argue about who should rightfully wash the dirty dishes? My second mistake was to so hastily assume such a preposterous excuse for television programming could never catch on. Well, that was some fifteen years ago. Suffice to say this brand of reality broadcasting has become so pervasive, Orwell himself could not have predicted a Big Brother so nightmarish. In fact, so ludicrous has this altered television reality become, I truly feel as if I’ve been Punk’d.

Not only can I still watch the petty squabbles and sticky pursuits of so many dumbstruck dormitory dunces, even iconoclasts of academic rebellion now aspire to regress to such stunted developmental stages, simply for the chance to have a million-dollar camera document their every meaningless move. How aghast I was when I watched Motley Crue’s bad-boy drummer hang up his leopard-skin thong to join the ranks of ordinary campus co-eds in Tommy Lee Goes to College. Then again, I realize how tragic it is that rock legends like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Jim Morrison were never taken seriously in their time because they hadn′t completed that pesky baccalaureate degree before their untimely deaths. And, if nothing at all else, Mr. Lee will now have an opportunity to stand tall before the world and proudly proclaim that he’s finally read The Iliad. Or at least had his buxom, scantily-clad tutor read it to him. And no one will ever be able to take that away.

Of course, using this undergraduate credential to find “real” work would oblige the gangly, unkempt has-been to cut his hair, button up his tank top, and endure a sixteen-week job interview, which also qualifies as “reality” television these days. Call me crazy, but I’m pleased to say I’ve never had a job interview that’s lasted more than sixteen minutes. How gullible have we become when we’re willing to sacrifice our blood, sweat, and tears for the privilege of being reviled and then fired before we’ve ever been extended the courtesy of being included on the payroll? The Apprentice emeritus nips that right in the bud. They report in with their suit jacket pressed and their
briefcase in hand, well-groomed and ready to go that extra mile to promptly demonstrate how incompetent and unqualified they truly are as a contestant on Fire Me.

In this climate, to say that as a reasonable, responsible employee I feel a little obsolete would be an understatement. It’s enough to make a civilized person want to throw in that proverbial towel and run away to some remote island in the Pacific—far away from all the corporate shills and product placement, smug comb-overs and back-stabbing confrères. But, alas, even this fanciful notion has lost its charm.

It seems you can’t go anywhere these days without being followed by a production crew. Funny thing is, we can now only long for more logical days, when the cast happened to be a lost band of misfits and screw-ups who couldn’t get OFF the island. Hard as it is to believe, nowadays it’s become fashionable to actually compete for the honor of transforming oneself into the bane of the Skipper’s existence—on The Real Gilligan’s Island. In my humble opinion, this is a development that would have been difficult to imagine for even such a visionary as the Professor.

The painful truth is there is no escaping this trend of reality television and there is seemingly no end in sight. And I have to admit, it’s taking its toll on this already beleaguered spirit. Although I’ve never actually squandered any real talent, or flushed any considerable wealth down the toilet, I know all too well what it’s like Being Bobby Brown. Albeit with a full set of teeth.

I’ll never forget how devastated I was when I learned I could no longer depend on even the most incontrovertible of truths in this crazy, mixed-up new world. Once upon a time we held our collective breath as a chaste and unsullied princess eliminated one by one her potential suitors with the promise of love conquering all in the end. Or, at the very least, a made-for-television wedding to air during prime time. Sadly, these days months of anticipation and countless rose ceremonies yield little more than insignificant personal insights and inexcusable revelations about wishing to remain single, as was the case with Jen Scheft in the disappointing last season of The Bachelorette. Although this Average Joe still has network hits like Bridezillas and Beauty and the Geek to restore his faith in romance, gone are the days when we all gathered ‘round the gazebo to witness Trista profess her undying love for Ryan, before riding off into a commercial-free sunset to reclaim the anonymity she complained she’d lost. After one final encore, that is, as a prima ballerina on Dancing with the Stars.

The skeptic in me wants to lash out and chide her for such hypocrisy—so uncharacteristic of quality individuals who have no question about who they are and what they want. Those honorable folks who are not afraid to stand up and declare I Want To Be a Hilton, and/or I Want To Be a Soap Star. But when such cynicism begins to rear its ugly head, I remind myself that sometimes even a loser like Rob can catch a winner like Amber, and that after one more requisite appearance on The Amazing Race, perhaps domestic bliss really is the ultimate Survivor. This is particularly reassuring in the wake of Martha Stewart’s abrupt departure, which I know changed my life forever—at least where folding napkins and pruning ferns is concerned.

On the other hand, heaven knows there is no shortage of culinary advice wafting from Hell’s Kitchen these days.
Trouble is, it’s so peppered with profanity and chock-full of unsightly confrontation that it’s become anything but palatable. In fact, there is now an entire network devoted to the preparation, consumption, and career possibilities inherent in food. But had you told me ten years ago that the professional paths of not merely aspiring chefs, but hairdressers, babysitters, and home repair subcontractors alike would make for compelling television, I would not have believed you. I only hope I live to see that glorious day when custodians and typesetters are given the season in the sun they so richly deserve.

What’s worrisome is the sheer volume of reality shows finding their way into the pages of TV Guide. Those programs that are so presumptuous as to showcase and reward genuine talent are a perfect example, such as American Idol. I’m just not sure that a star in one’s eye and a song in one’s heart are still enough to carry a career tune. Baring one’s soul to an international audience once held the promise of an actual recording contract. I can even understand and appreciate the considerable skills necessary for greenhorn clothing designers to survive The Cut on a program like Project Runway, where they compete for their own clothing line. But what can possibly be the crowning jewel of a show like So You Think You Can Dance: Gettin jiggy wid it? It certainly can’t be a plaque inscribed “World’s Greatest Choreographer.” This is a job title requiring at least a modicum of education and training—if only to pronounce the word. Of course, it doesn’t take The Scholar to realize this is definitely not a problem faced by any contestant lucky enough to be named America’s Next Top Model.

Yes, gone are the days of father knows best. Frighteningly enough, we’ve relocated to a global village where, apparently, Hogan Knows Best. I would say Welcome to the Neighborhood, but mark my words: With The Osbournes living next door, property values are most certainly going to plummet. And what concerns me even more than the prospects of selling our collective soul at half its original value is the effect all of this reality television will have on the unfortunate generation that finds itself Growing up Gotti. When individuals are willing to stand in lines that stretch for ten city blocks for the chance to partake in a sixteen-week job interview, while complaining that the more traditional sixteen-minute garden variety involves too much “real″ work, the cultural harvest we are going to reap will be decidedly unreal.

Call it the age of poor taste or The Surreal Life, it may take longer to clean up this mess that just 30 Days…

My name is Jeff Kulick. I grew up in a small Midwestern hamlet in the heart of America’s Dairyland. I currently reside in New York City, also known as The Big Apple. I guess I instinctively gravitate toward those destinations I know can be found in any grocery aisle. I′ve had a few brushes with greatness over the years, like the time I received my AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) union card after playing drums in a music video for the singer Laura Brannigan (of “Gloria” fame). All right, it was one brush with someone else’s greatness. In the end, it turns out my real passion is writing. Admittedly, my work is quirky, at best, and downright cynical at its most disagreeable. At least that’s what I′ve been told. But I hope in its own humble, albeit carpish way, it can provide an alternative to that old, worn-out conventional wisdom that’s found us here in this capricious 21st century: consumed by prescription pharmaceuticals and processed food, cable television and video game consoles, nanotechnology and 24-hour news networks.

It seems the greatest challenge at the onset of my student&rsquos violin studies isn&rsquot producing a clear tone or learning Twinkle Twinkle. For most players, the hassle of finding a good instrument is most difficult. We&rsquore not born with an &ldquoinstrument-seeking gene.&rdquo Most people don&rsquot even know what size to look for.

My first 3/4-size violin was a plain but overpriced student outfit. Sadly, my mother and I didn&rsquot know any better and the music store made suckers out of us. As a teacher and music shop owner I frequently encounter players who, like myself, were poorly advised on the purchase of an instrument. Thus I′m inspired to shed some light on the delicate issue of buying a violin.

The best place to start on the purchase of any instrument is through your teacher or a specialist in your instrument’s field. Even if you plan to teach yourself, it’s still wise to consult a professional on what to look for and avoid in an instrument. Building a trusting relationship with such a person is invaluable as you progress in your playing and invest in higher-level instruments. Like me, most luthiers, or violin specialists, love to talk shop and are happy to educate those who want to learn.

Your teacher or specialist can provide suggestions and tips before you start your search. For instance, prospective violinists should know that bowed string instruments are scaled in various sizes for children ages 2 and up.

A six-year-old could range from playing a 1/8 to a 1/2 size, depending on his/her development. People over the age of twelve typically play a 4/4, or full, size, though I do have a couple if 10-year-olds managing just fine on full sized violins. Because people come in all shapes and sizes, a teacher is the best judge of what instrument you need and can save you buying the wrong size.

Take your instrument search a step further and ask your teacher or specialist to assess a prospective instrument you have located. You may discover, with your teacher&amprsquos help, that the Stradivarius copy at the flea market is not worth an inflated Strad price tag. You may not be so interested in that &ampldquogreat deal&amprdquo when your teacher tells you the needed repairs will cost more than the instrument is worth.

If you must replace the strings, bridge and bow hair or bow, about a $160 investment, you are not any further ahead on a $200 &ampldquo;outfit.&amprdquo; An outfit is when you get the violin, bow and case together.

That’s another thing: you need to know the lingo. Words like “purfling,” “ribs,” and, believe it or not, “frog,” will spring up in your violin hunt. A few hours researching on the Internet will certainly inform a new buyer. Start by learning the various parts and components of an instrument, and then educate yourself on what is most desirable in an instrument.

For instance, an ebony fingerboard is a better choice over rosewood and a horsehair bow beats out any synthetic hair. Some carbon fibre (fiber) bows play better than wood bows and they are far more resistant to warping and other damage.

Having a quality instrument is tremendously important and often overlooked by beginners. I see players develop more rapidly and enjoy playing far more when they play a superior instrument.

Unfortunately, as soon as you talk quality, the salesman talks price. There are ways to get what you want in an instrument without putting a second mortgage on your house. Maybe that $100 unstrung violin and hairless bow looks shabby, but an expert may see underlying potential and value beneath the dust. If you are concerned you may not take to the instrument, consider renting before making a huge investment. Borrow a violin from a relative until you have saved up for your own.

With low priced student outfits you may save by buying a used instrument instead of the latest new model. The used violin may have a few dings and isn&amprsquot &ampldquoshiny new,&amprdquo but someone else paid the depreciation and &ampldquobroke it in.&amprdquo However, be warned that a used student instrument may need work, new strings and a new bow, which can be like buying new cost-wise.

The “new versus used” issue varies depending on the instrument and price tag. I see benefits and drawbacks in both new and used and always carefully consider the priority, cost or quality, when selecting an instrument for a student.

Most important to buying used or damaged instruments is that you have a repair person you both trust and who does exceptional work for the right price. Too many people claim to be good luthiers but they can wreck a beautiful violin unintentionally.

Now for some words of caution in your purchase: Realize that many shops pay teachers a commission, typically ten to twenty per cent of the selling price, for sending their students in to buy an instrument. This practice is viewed as highly unethical by myself as well as most other teachers and shops, but it continues to occur.

Make sure you’re not buying the most expensive violin in the shop just so you can line your teacher’s pockets. Feel free to ask if the teacher earns commissions and never let any shop bully you into a purchase. Walk away from a deal if it feels fishy.

As for shop owners, it’s best to buy from someone who actually plays the instrument and understands the subtleties in tone and feel. Many salesmen will insist a violin sounds great, but they aren′t even a skilled player, so how would they know? If you are suspicious of the violin’s origin ask about where they got it from. You’d hate to buy a stolen fiddle or a junky one relabled as a rare antique!

Heavy topics aside, enjoy the anticipation and thrill of this exciting first step towards making music. Consider this the first of many wonderful steps you will make in your life as a musician. Good Luck!

**Rhiannon Schmitt (nee Nachbaur) is a professional violinist and music teacher who has enjoyed creative writing for years. She currently writes columns for two Canadian publications and has been featured in Australia’s “Music Teacher Magazine.”

Rhiannon has worn the hats of businesswoman, performer, events promoter, classical music radio host and school orchestra music arranger in rural British Columbia, Canada.

Her business, Fiddleheads Violin School & Shop, has won several distinguished young entrepreneur business awards for her comittment to excellence. Her shop offers beginner to professional level instruments, accessories and supplies. Her site fiddleheads.ca fiddleheads.ca provides a rich resource of information on her school, violin, products for sale and her many writings.

Rhiannon is happy to educate and assist players in purchasing instruments in a no-pressure environment.

Rhiannon’s also Founding President of the Shuswap Violin Society violinsociety.ca violinsociety.ca She dedicates much of her time to community music projects and helping young musicians in financial need.

He dreamed of world peace. He was an artist, poet and an outspoken voice of the hippie generation. He was an influential musician, a peace activist, an absent father and a devoted lover and husband. He abused alcohol and drugs, sneered at normality, yet took time off from his rock and roll career to raise his son. But most of all, he was a Beatle. He was and still is, John Winston Lennon.

Born in Liverpool on October 9, 1940, John Lennon was shot to death on December 8, 1980 by a fanatical fan. The world mourned his death as millions grieved for the man who was the heart and soul of the world’s best rock and roll band, the Beatles.

He had an unusual childhood, shuttled back and forth between his mother Julia and her sister Mimi. John eventually spent his formative years with his aunt Mimi and Uncle George and as Mimi recalls, “His mind was going the whole time, and it was either drawing, or writing poetry, or reading.”

Yet, he was an unruly, stubborn and a disobedient, troubled youth. He failed at art school, yet swore to his aunt that “one of these days I’m going to be famous and you’ll be sorry.” John had a premonition of things to come, as he knew he was a bit different than most people. As he looked back, he explained: “I always knew I was going to make it, but I wasn’t sure in what manifestation. I knew it was just a matter of time.”

There are many words to describe John Lennon. He called himself a leader, yet did some of his best work alone. He was an alleged wife beater, very outspoken, often putting out controversial quotes to the media; either to make a point or just to be outlandish. But when he spoke, people listened. The Beatles pushed musical boundaries further than any other group. They quit touring. Their last concert was in San Francisco at Candlestick Park on August 29, 1966. They were that big. But, John thought that the concerts had just become a freak show, no one could hear the music and the only reason to be the Beatles was to make and play the music.

The decision to quit touring also came on the heels of one of the most controversial quotes in rock and roll history. In an interview, John made the mistake of saying that the Beatles were more popular than Jesus. This quote caused quite a backlash with Beatle boycotts and public record burnings. Their manager, Brian Epstein, immediately arranged a press conference and John reluctantly apologized and said what he said was wrong. Could any another person have said something like that and then go on to even bigger stardom?

He was a partner with his boyhood friend, Paul McCartney and together they left a musical writing partnership and a legacy that are unequaled to this day and may never be. The Beatles, with their producer George Martin, changed music in dramatic fashion, with studio techniques that had never been attempted.

They pioneered the concept album with “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” which the editors of Rolling Stone magazine list as the greatest rock album of the rock era.

He had the attention of our government with his antiwar protests and at one point was under FBI investigation. He sang of love and peace and living in harmony, with all people coming together as one. There are some who called him a genius. He could be nasty, resentful and meanspirited. He fought his demons and it seems he was winning, until December 8, 1980.

We can only recall his career, from the beginning, until the end and who doesn′t know the story about the four lads from Liverpool. He was part of the group that changed rock and roll music history.

We can only wonder what John Lennon would be doing if he were alive today. How active would he be in promoting world peace? Would he still be creating wonderfully crafted rock and roll songs? All we can do is Imagine, and that is the shame of it all.

Copyright 2006 Robert Benson

Robert Benson is a Beatles fan and has written an e-book about vinyl record collecting called “How To Start A Vinyl Record Collection″. For more information, please visit his web site:
collectingvinylrecords.com www.collectingvinylrecords.com

Why is it that mankind succeeded in evolving to rule the planet? We are not the most adapted species for our environment, as there are many other creatures much built much more robust, that are stronger, more agile and perhaps even more likely candidates?

Some say it was our ability to think with larger brains, others reason it was our socialization skills and still others say it is because god chose man and that he is a divine entity in the image of the creator? Yet before we go to that extreme or the magical theory from the invisible friend, let us discuss how mankind progressed or how we believe he progressed over about the last 30,000 years. And in this discussion I would recommend the over all thoughts on why man came to rule over the surface of the planet and the works of the following authors;

Spencer Wells “The Journey of Man” ; Brian Sykes “Seven Daughters of Eve” ; Steven Jones “Darwin’s Ghost” and well you know I really find Matt Ridley’s books of interest in this subject, you should read them all. If you study mankind’s exploits and development of culture, civilization and such you can better philosophically argue the points of what does or does not make man unique and thus I also recommend these books Jered Diamond “Collapse – How Societies Choose to Succeed or Fail” and of course; “Guns, Germs and Steel” worthy of mention as well. Now then you should read too; Marvin Harris “Cows, Pigs, Wars and Witches” The Riddles of Cultures. Indeed when it comes right down to it, I am a good read in my series on the “Flows of All We Know” and the “Flows of Civilization” and you can find most of those here on an online think tank site.

After you are finished with that reading assignment and consider all those scenarios and possibilities then we can discuss it. Until then I sincerely hope you will consider this in 2006.

“Lance Winslow” - Online WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/ Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance in the Online Think Tank and solve the problems of the World; WorldThinkTank.net www.WorldThinkTank.net/

The World Media is claiming that there are 14-million homeless in America. That is absolutely absurd. In fact that is Bull. There are only 500,000 homeless, 1/3 by choice, 50% by drug and alcohol abuse, the rest will recover on their own. You do not have a friggin clue what you are talking about. Additionally we take care of our homeless. It is less that 1/6 of 1% of our population.

The World Media is purporting this as real, like so many other slanderous accusations against this great nation. Dear World Media; you are a liar. Sorry? Would you prefer; you have created yet another falsehood on in the world media to further promote your mass media hysteria agenda, too bad it is a lie; But is that the best you can do? Lie in order to slander America? Utterly ridiculous and such lack of integrity too. But with 300 million people in the US, if we did have 14 million or even 24 million that would still be less than the average in the World. And it would only be slightly above those first world nations we talk about so much. So take your falsifying butts and stick that story up your arse.

Next up the World media purports that 80 million have no health care. Not even close, the number is less than half that, but let me remind you slanderous media whores that The United States has the cleanest environment in the free world. Personally I have not been to doctor in 20 years and I am perfectly fine, healthy and good. When you live at this level of standard of living and quality of life in the Greatest Nation in the History of Mankind, you just do not need that level of healthcare.

You lying media scoundrels are whores and cannot tell the truth to save your rear ends. Many of you are maniac depressants, and alcoholics not to mention; anti-globalist, anti-Capitalism, Anti-free enterpise and anti-US. You simply make stuff up as you go and copy the rest from other eco-terrorists and Green Peace recruits. Stop lying about America. That’s what I think and these rants have been brought to you by Lance.

“Lance Winslow″ - Online WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/ Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance in the Online Think Tank and solve the problems of the World; WorldThinkTank.net www.WorldThinkTank.net/

Most of the adult population can play enough of a musical instrument to rattle out a tune of some sort, even if it is just a TV theme or a few bars of an old classic. Furthermore, playing an instrument well is something most of us long for, but for whatever reason, we choose not to fulfill our desire. There are a range of excuses: you’re too old, you’ve no time, you can’t learn at your age. They are all just excuses, and by overcoming these unnecessary barriers, you too can take up an instrument and improve your skills beyond the very basics.

The piano is known as the mother of all instruments, and is one of the most versatile and celebrated instruments in the world. Most of the worlds′ favorite classical pieces have been written or adapted for the piano, and it is a necessary skill for many degree level music courses. Indeed, when it comes to teaching musical theory, there is no better instrument than the piano. It really is easy to see why it’s a popular choice for those taking up a new instrument. As adults, we tend to shy away from situations outside our comfort zone, and this is certainly the situation with taking piano lessons. From having total control over every aspect of our lives, it can feel frustrating and patronizing to take direction from another adult. However, by dedicating the time to practice, and taking heed of the instructions given, anyone of any age can learn to play the piano.

Why not check in your local area for piano tutors? Chances are there will be a few classes and private tutors in your area which you can sign up for to improve your skills. Alternatively, why not investigate online piano lessons? Over the last couple of years, technology has advanced to allow feasible real-time online piano lessons. This might also be a significantly less costly version of receiving expert tuition which you can digest in your own time, and revisit to overcome problem areas.

Whatever your age, and musical experience, you can learn to play the piano with effective music tuition. By dedicating the necessary time and effort and by adopting a good attitude towards practice and theory, you can see a marked improvement in no time, and can learn to impress your friends and yourself with the highly-satisfying ability to play the piano.

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for

One of the most popular puzzle games of all times is the numbers puzzle game Sudoku. It is simply amazing that everyone, young and old, male or females seems to talking about it now. It is actually a game that has been around for years. In the 1980s, it became a craze in Japan. Clever marketing is probably the reason why it has become popular right now.

Sudoku is so popular that you can′t go anywhere nowadays without seeing at least three individuals playing it. When you visit a local bookstore, you will be surprised to find an entire shelf or rack filled with books about it. It ranges from tips and tricks kind of books to having actual puzzles. It seems it has taken over Crosswords puzzle in terms of popularity and is featured in most newspapers. Some people call it the new “Rubik’s Cube”.

Another proof of its popularity is how it invaded the Internet. You will be able to see a page filled with thousands Sudoku-related websites when you do a Google search. You can also find Sudoku solvers. Tons of information about the game is even in blogs and net groups. Some websites offer free puzzles for everyone to enjoy.

For those who are living in a cave for the past two years, Sudoku is a puzzle made of nine squares with nine smaller squares each. Some are filled with numbers ranging from one to nine and some are blank. Filling upon all the squares is the object of the game but it’s not that simple as it may sound. The boxes cannot be filled randomly for you must follow logic when writing a number in a box. Inside the smaller square, a number must be repeated in the same row or column… completesudokuguide.useful-tips.com/get-into-the-sudoku-craze.html CONTINUE

Article taken from CompleteSudokuGuide.useful-tips.com CompleteSudokuGuide.useful-tips.com

Written By Jed Baguio
Original Article Location:
completesudokuguide.useful-tips.com/get-into-the-sudoku-craze.html Get
Into The Sudoku Craze

1. We admitted we were powerless over the disease of MS and our symptoms had become unmanageable.

2. Came to believe if we could only find a good neurologist with time to discuss our case things would be well.

3. Made a decision to turn all our medical problems over to qualified health care professionals.

4. Made a searching and fearless list of all our disabilities and discovered we have a lot to be grateful for.

5. Admitted to ourselves and our spouses that if we slowed down and got some balance in our lives things would be better for everyone.

6. We were entirely ready for spring to come so we can get our scooters out and be independent again.

7. Humbly asked other people for help when its needed instead of being stubborn and doing it ourselves.

8. Made a list of all our symptoms and put them somewhere we will find them when we go to the next doctors′ appointment.

9. Made attempts to share those symptoms with the doctor except when to do so will mean more medication.

10. Continued to take an inventory of all medication and supplies and promptly replace stuff before it gets to old or low.

11. Sought through email and chats with others to maintain some sense of sanity by sharing how we feel from day to day.

12. Having been so lucky as to go into a remission for now we tried to share this with others that they may have hope that some day they will be too.

Elane was diagnosed with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. She also writes about life experiences.
She has written for web sites and newletters and has also had articles in online-newspapers, ezines and poetry in several anthologies.

Ms Williams was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis after the birth of her daughter and began researching about the disease.

She was the editor and writer for MS and Life.com until 2002.