Buying Your First Cello Is Not As Difficult As You Think

For those of you not too familiar with what a cello looks like or sounds like, just imagine the sound and image of the violin, and then amplify the size and the sound texture many times over. Although the cello and violin differ quite a bit from each other, they also resemble each other in quite a few ways.

The cello originated in Italy, and this string instrument is a member of the violin family. In terms of size, the cello is larger than the violin while smaller than the bass.

The cello is considered as one of the most complex instruments created. It is made up of various materials, such as wood and also steel, rubber and metal. It has a unique shape, with a wide breadth on the top and bottom and a narrow middle.

This instrument produces a rich alto sound that is beautifully suited for special occasions. However, it is quite difficult to play a cello particularly for beginners. Do not expect to produce a very pleasant sound when first starting out. You need years of expert training and plenty of practice in order to bring out the cello's rich and melodic sounds.

For those of you who are hesitant about learning to play the cello, or are about to make your first cello purchase, here are a few things to watch out for:

1. Ask the right questions. Is this the right instrument for me? Can I learn it easily? Am I committed to practicing? This is especially true for beginners.

Gauge yourself whether you are a slow or fast learner when it comes to playing the cello. Make sure that you are committed to learn and to practice so that the money spent on your first cello is not wasted.

2. Consult experienced cello players about the most suitable brand to start out with. Ask them for advice on assessing the quality and authenticity of the cello you are looking to buy.

It is important to ask people who are experienced cello players. These people know more than you about the cello instrument.

3. Set a budget. Shop around first and get a better feel about the pricing of cello instruments before you decide on a suitable price range.

Make sure that for the price you are going to pay you are getting the quality you are paying for. It is a good idea to make the purchase with a reputable cello dealer just to be sure.

4. Look for cello dealers that provide warranty on the cello. It is important that your purchase of the instrument is secure for your peace of mind.

Most of the credible cello dealers give their customers a warranty paper good for six months to a year.

5. Check the net. Websites offering free information on cello instrument are also available on the internet.

By reading up more information about the cello online, you will be more knowledgeable in making your purchase.

Buying and selecting a cello instrument can be agonizing and time-consuming. Hopefully these tips will help somewhat in making your cello-buying experience as stress-free and uncomplicated as possible for you.

Circus Clowns - Without Skill Laughter Turns Into Disaster

We all love clowning around and playing the idiot bringing laughter to those around us but sometimes our antics seen as bit of fun can turn laughter into disaster. Circus Clowns are similar to that of the jester in many ways in how they entertained crowds of people with performances which included daft tricks and funny doings like face pulling even throwing buckets of water over fellow Circus Clowns.

As funny and hilarious as the clowns pranks are, what you have to remember is, these funny folk are well rehearsed in their profession - it takes years of training to perfect what they do. The Circus Clowns performance may entail death defying stunts which have had to be carefully supervised and pieced together because of the risks taken to claim laughs and giggles. Displays from the Circus Clown can consist of acrobatics where the clown now becomes a stunt man - for example knowing how to break a fall or tumble without causing injury to himself or to other clowns in on the act.

A travelling circus show that come to town will no doubt highlight the main event of entertainment with classic performances from the Circus Clowns. It is quite common for the clown to ask for audience involvement in their circus act where the clown gets a little naughty with the onlookers. Just the mention of the circus is coming to town is enough to start a riot among the happy customers queuing for tickets. Besides all the circus animals like the elephants - lion taming acts and dancing dogs - it is without doubt that it is the Circus Clowns that draw the crowds.

The clown entertains in many different ways, some acts may just be floor shows but others may include bareback horse riding - and it is because of this that any clowning you may have in mind for a friend or friends at a party needs to be well thought through. Clowns take risks but are trained to do so and you are not - so think twice before engaging on any dangerous mission you have planned just to get a laugh.

Fancy funny displays from Circus Clowns are no doubt hilarious just like that of their funny costumes and disguises - but take away the disguise - the ginger wig and cosmetic make up and we have a very serious person that takes their profession just as serious. Clowns are very skilled people.

If you are having a party then consider calling in the skilled to provide the entertainment for you. Warning if you are not skilled then don't take any chances because laughter can turn to disaster which is no laughing matter.

Buyers Guide To Electric Guitars

Live rock concerts were the rage in the 70's and they are still the rage. The essence of rock music does not just lie with the lyrics; it also lies with the electric guitar and the various sounds that it can produce. There are so many kids across the block who would give up anything to play like Ritchie Blackmore, Mark Knopfler, David Gilmour, John Petrucci, Steve Vai, Kirk hammett, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Carlos Santana, Jimmy Page etc. These men are not just some of the best guitarists of their times, they are legends.

Now if you are interested in learning how to play the guitar then the first thing you will need to buy is a guitar. Most people start with an acoustic and graduate to the electric guitar. It is quite difficult for anyone to choose the right electric guitar since there are hundreds of models and several brands out there in the market. If you are buying an electric guitar then you will need to also buy amplifiers, pick-ups, pick, tuner etc.

Electric guitars are available in a lot of variety, colors, and designs with the aerodynamic designs being one of the most popular. Don’t go for the first electric guitar you see. You need to look around a bit and check out the prices and models before you buy one. In fact, one of the best ways to choose a guitar is by the brand or by the style. Here’s our take on the four important styles:

Stratocaster
This certainly is a show stealer and has a typical style. The most famous is the red and white color combination, which was extensively used by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits. The Stratocaster is from Fender and has a neck bolted to the guitar body. Apart from this, it has double cutaway sides, 22 frets accompanied by a tremolo system or the wammy bar and three single-coil pickups. Fender designed the first Stratocaster in the early 50’s. Some of the popular designs include:

1. Fender Deluxe Stratocaster:
2. Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar in Rosewood:
3. Fender Standard Stratocaster Electric Guitar in Maple:
4. Fender Standard Stratocaster Electric Guitar in Rosewood:
5. Fender Stratocaster Eric Johnson Signature model:

Telecaster
The Telecaster is another creative instrument from Fenders. It is more than just a guitar it is a complete orchestra. It is a solid body electric guitar and comprises of dual pick-ups. The first Telecaster was manufactured by Leo Fender in the 1940's and has a single cutaway body. It doesn't have the tremolo or wammy bar but has two different single-coil pickups. Some of the popular Telecaster models include:

1. Fender American Telecaster HS guitar:
2. Fender Standard Telecaster Electric Guitar:
3. Fender 63 Telecaster Relic Solid Body Electric:
4. Fender 72 Telecaster Custom Electric Guitar:

Les Paul
This is a classic guitar that has been designed by Gibson. The salient feature of a Les Paul's is its set neck construction, which means there are no joints or bolts. The body is a single cutaway and rounded. It is equipped with two humbucker pickups as well as a raised scratch-plate. If you want to play distorted sound then the Les Paul’s will provide you with a varied range of such sound. Some of the legends who use the Les Pauls include Eric Clapton, Kirk Hammett (Metallica) and Slash (ex-G’N’R). Some of the famous Les Paul models include:

1. Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar:
2. 1959 Les Paul Standard Guitar:
3. Les Paul Vintage Mahogany Electric Guitar:
4. Les Paul Classic Electric Guitar:

Gibson
Gibson is one of the greatest brands in music and all their guitar models are classic and can't be compared to any. Gibson was actually started in 1902 by Orville Gibson and has been responsible for giving the world some of the best acoustic and electric guitars. Some of the famous models include the arch-top Gibson L5 model, the ES-150 electric, Gibson Explorer, Flying V etc. Some of the legends who have played a Gibson or are still using it include Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Ace Frehley (KISS), Frank Zappa, and Toni Iommi (Black Sabbath) to name a few. Some of the popular Gibson models include:

1. Gibson Flying V Electric Guitar:
2. Gibson SG 61 Classic Electric Guitar:
3. Gibson Faded SG Special Electric Guitar:
4. Gibson Explorer Pro Electric Guitar:

These are the best brands in electric guitar. The other aspects that will help you to pick up a guitar include fretboard, the pick-ups, and the body. Full-bodied guitars are normally preferred as they can produce some of the best sounds that you will ever get to hear.

Is it Safe to Sell Coins to a Dealer?

Coin collecting can be a lot of fun. This hobby which dates back to 2500 BC is much larger now since people are now able to collect currencies from other countries.

If a person decides to dispose of some of the coins in the collection, it is necessary to know its value by looking at a coin catalog or price guide. There are many ways to do this and one is looking for a coin dealer to do business with.

There are a lot of coin dealers around. Some can be found by asking the local coin club or a numismatist who can give a good referral while others can be found at an auction or in a coin exhibit. These people frequent such events looking for a good buy to add to an existing collection. A lot of these individuals can also be found on the web.

To be sure that the person is getting a good price from a coin dealer, it is an excellent idea to visit more than one place to find out who is willing to buy it at the highest price. If the person feels that the price is too low, then perhaps it is better to wait until another time since the value of coins depends on scarcity, condition and demand.

Some people think that doing business with a coin dealer isn’t a good idea since this person will offer to buy the coins at a lower price. This notion however is wrong since there are ways to ensure that this person will be honest.

To avoid by being conned by someone who claims to be a dealer, it is necessary to determine that this person is a member of the Professional Numismatist’s Guild. This organization is composed of the world’s renowned collectors of antique coins and paper money. Since there are strict rules that members abide by, one can be sure that the transaction is safe.

Coin dealers are not just there to buy something, these people may also offer for sale a coin that is valuable to the other person. By getting to know the dealer, an agreement can be reached that will benefit both parties, which does not always end mean buying, but also trading or bartering.

Everyone has the potential of making money even if this starts out with only a few coins. By knowing where to find these rare collectibles and doing business with a reputable dealer, one can be sure of making a profit – if not a small fortune.

How to Buy Cigars as a Gift

Is there a cigar aficionado on your gift list? Wondering how to choose a decent cigar for a friend or loved one? Even if you know nothing about cigars or choosing a good cigar, just learning a few basics can help you sniff out (sometimes literally) a good cigar to give to a friend.

Fortunately, cigars have now entered the mainstream. Once the symbol of the rich and powerful, it's easier than ever for just about anyone to purchase a good cigar. Of course, you probably won't be able to buy your friend a box of top-tier Cuban cigars, but you can definitely buy them a good quality cigar that will put a smile on their face.

First, visit your local tobacconist or specialty smoke shop for the best quality and widest selection. Avoid 'drugstore' cigars. Although they may be inexpensive and convenient to purchase, drugstore cigars are usually filled with preservatives and generally of poorer quality. They may contain, at minimum, saltpeter, paper, glycerin, and other preservatives and irritants. You should make sure that the cigars you purchase are made of 100% tobacco. If you have any questions regarding the cigars ingredients, ask the salesperson. An experienced and knowledgeable sales clerk will be able to tell you extensive information about the ingredients.

Your local tobacco shop is a good place to shop because you will generally be allowed to smell and touch the cigars. Squeeze the cigar gently. A good quality cigar will give a little when squeezed. The cigar should be firm, with no excessively soft or hard spots. Never buy a lumpy cigar. Look at the wrapper. If you notice any drying or discoloration, best not to buy it. Ideally, the wrapper should be tight and smooth. Inspect the color of the tobacco to make sure it is even. Do this by inspecting the end of the cigar. Some color variation is normal, but if the color changes abruptly, chances are the cigar was not rolled properly. A cigar that is not rolled properly may result in an uneven burning and unpleasant odors.

If you're not sure how much your friend smokes, choose a longer cigar. Longer cigars tend to have a 'cooler' taste—an excellent choice for beginners. If you know your friend is an experienced and regular smoker, choose a cigar that is greater in diameter. These cigars tend to have a richer flavor that experienced smokers will appreciate.

Common Meanings Of Cat Behavior

A lot of people think that cats work on their own agenda, not paying much attention to their owner – provided they have clean litter, food, and water. Cats can behave in odd manners at times, which can easily confuse their owners and make it really hard to determine what the cat wants. As much as cat behavior can be confusing, there are some ways that you can solve common cat behavior mysteries.

A common behavior that almost all cats do is push their heads into any type of object that will allow them to do it. You’ve probably seen your cat do this before, probably against table legs, TV stands, or another object. This can be noticed more when you have other people who own animals or those with allergies over at your house. When a cat notices this, he will rub his head against the person. In doing so, he will put a touch of saliva on the individual. In a cat’s mind, he owns what he puts his saliva on.

By putting his saliva on something, that object or person will have a familiar scent. Although this can be very annoying, you have to understand that other people in your home are seen as odd or weird to your cat. When a cat does this, he is simply trying to make the visitor belong. When he brushes up against them and puts his saliva on them, he is trying to put his scent on them – which in his mind will mean that they belong in his territory.

Even though marking someone or something with saliva is beneficial to the cat, saliva is one of the most common forms of pet allergies. When someone wipes the saliva off of them, the scent will be gone and the cat will go back and attempt to do it again. Even though it may appear that cats target those with allergies, cats are actually just trying to make the visitor belong at the house. If the guest simply cannot take the saliva, allow the cat to rub himself on their pants leg a few times. Normally, this is all takes for a cat to leave the person alone.

Those of you who an indoor cat should expect the cat to spend quite a bit of time lying near windows. During this time, you may hear your cat make very strange noises or weird movements. You shouldn’t fear though, as he is simply acting out his hunting instincts. Whether it’s another cat or object outside moving about, the cat will see it and simply go into his native hunting instinct.

As most already know, cats love to play. They love to played with, especially with toys. They will pounce on things on occasion, which should always be expected. If you try to prevent this type of behavior, your cat will take a very negative approach and you’ll end up with a lot of broken things in your home. You can always play with your cat using a string, as he will love to chase the string around the room.

The longer you own your cat, the more odd behavior you’ll see him exhibit. Cats behave in strange ways, although they always have a reason for behaving the way they do. If you can understand why your cat behaves like he does, you’ll have no problems keeping him healthy and happy. If you simply pay attention to your cat and the way he behaves at times – you’ll be able to understand him better than ever before.

Futurism A Short History

A 20th century art movement with its’ roots in Italian and Russian beginnings, Futurism is said to have largely began with the writing of a 1907 essay on music by the Italian composer Ferruccio Busoni, and explored every medium of art to convey its’ meanings.  The Italian poet Filippo Tommaso Marinetti was the first to produce an article in which was summed up the major principles that became the Manifesto of Futurism in 1909.  It included the passionate loathing of ideas from the past, and with that enmity of political and artistic traditions, espoused a love for speed and technology.

The philosophy of Futurism regarded the car, the plane, and the industrial town as legendary of the technological triumph of mankind over nature.  With Marinetti at the helm, a few artists of the time introduced the tenets of the philosophy to the visual arts, and represented the movement in its’ first phase in 1910.  The Russian Futurists were fascinated with dynamism and the restlessness of modern urban life, purposefully seeking to provoke controversy and attract attention to their works through insulting reviews of the static art of the past, and the circle of Russian Futurists were predominantly literary as opposed to being overtly artistic.

Cubo-Futurism was a school of Russian Futurism formulated in 1913, and many of the works incorporated Cubism’s usage of angular forms combined with the Futurist predisposition for dynamism.  The Futurist painter Kazimir Malevich was the artist to develop the style, but dismissed it for the inception of the artistic style known as Suprematism, that focused upon the fundamental geometric shapes as a form of non-objective art.  Suprematism grew around Malevich, with most prominent works being produced between 1915 and 1918, but the movement had halted for the most part by 1934 in Stalinist Russia.

Though at one point, those Russian poets and artists that considered themselves Futurists had collaborated on works such a Futurist opera, but the Russian movement broke down from persecution for their belief in free thought with the start of the Stalinist age.  Italian Futurists were strongly linked with the early fascists in the hope for modernizing the society and economy in the 1920s through to the 1930s, and Marinetti founded the Futurist Political Party in early 1918, which was later absorbed into Benito Mussolini’s National Fascist Party.

As tensions grew within the various artistic faces that considered themselves Futurists, many Futurists became associated with fascism which later translated into Futurist architecture being born, and interesting examples of this style can be found today even though many Futurist architects were at odds in the fascist taste for Roman imperial patterns.  Futurism has even influenced many other 20th century art movements such as Dadaism, Surrealism, and Art Deco styles.  Futurism as a movement is considered extinct for the most part with the death of Marinetti in 1944.

As Futurism gave way to the actual future of things, the ideals of the artistic movement have remained significant in Western culture through the expressions of the commercial cinema and culture, and can even be as an influence in modern Japanese anime and cinema.  The Cyberpunk genre of films and books owe much to the Futurist tenets, and the movement has even spawned Neo-Futurism, a style of theatre at utilizes on Futurism’s focuses to create a new form of theater.  Much of Futurism’s inspiration came from the previous movement of Cubism, that involved such famed artists as Pablo Picasso and Paul Cezanne, and created much of the basis for Futurism through its’ philosophy.

The Proud Black American Soldier

The legacy of military valor and achievement by African Americans is truly a source of pride for African Americans in all walks of life. But the changes the military has undergone to accept the presence of black men in uniform has very much mirrored the struggles for integration in society at large.

The history of truly heroic achievements by African American soldiers is just as honorable as any in military history. They include…

* March 3, 1770 – The first American to die in the Revolutionary war was a black soldier by the name of Crispus Attucks. He was killed when British soldiers fired on a peaceful gathering in Boston, Massachusetts starting the war that lead to America’s independence.

* In World War II – Vernon J. Baker took leadership in attacking dug in German machine gun emplacements destroying six and killing twenty six German soldiers. He received the Congressional Metal of Honor for his bravery.

* December 7, 1941 – During the horrendous Pearl Harbor attacks, a black galley cook by the name of Dorie Miller on board the USS West Virginia rushed to the deck as his fellow soldiers lay wounded and dying all around him. He valiantly took control of the machine gun emplacement on the deck and repelled the dive bombers keeping them from further killing and injuring his comrades in arms. For his courage, Dorie Miller received the first Silver Star of World War II.

These are just a few of the hundreds of stories of courage and outstanding service to country made by black men throughout America’s history. Within the military, racial prejudice has long gone by the wayside because when men stand side by side in battle, they are brothers first, fellow soldiers second and people of race a distant third if at all. Battle has a way of equalizing all men and real soldiers know that. So the military has been an opportunity to cultivate equality and acceptance because it is a culture where being a good solider is always more important than any petty prejudices any man might carry.

But it took longer for the military as an institution to catch up with what soldiers new instinctively on the battlefield – that all men are equal when they are brothers in arms. Finally on July 26, 1948, President Truman issued Executive Order Number 9981 which stated in no uncertain terms what the U.S. Military’s policy was concerning racial segregations…

It is hereby declared to be the policy of the President that there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin. This policy shall be put into effect as rapidly as possible, having due regard to the time required to effectuate any necessary changes without impairing efficiency or morale.

We can be grateful for courageous leadership such as President Truman’s and for the leadership of the military establishment to set the tone for the eventual social condemnation of segregation. While it is regrettable that American has had to sustain an army to battle her enemies over the centuries, there is no question that the high ethical and moral conduct that is needed for military men to perform in combat follows those men into society when their service to their country is through.

And that is one of the many reasons that the desegregation of the military dictated that not only would racism no longer be tolerated by the American military, it would soon be viewed as ignorant and unacceptable in American society as well. While there is still work to be done to make that dream a reality, accomplishments such as these we have discussed lay the groundwork for a better world of integration for all American citizens.

Beauty Schools: Should You Attend One?

Are you interested in having a career in the beauty or fashion industry? If you are interested in working as a beauty consultant, running your own beauty salon, running your own beauty supply store, or even being the employee of an existing salon or store, you may find it easier for you to land a job or start your own business if you have some beauty education. For that reason, you may be wondering whether or not you should attend a beauty school.

When it comes to determining whether or not you should attend a beauty school, there are a number of important questions that you may want to take the time to ask yourself. These questions may help make it easier for you to decide whether or not beauty school is right for you. A few of the questions that you should ask yourself are touched below.

Before reading up on the questions that you should get answers to, to determine if beauty school is right for you, it is important that you know about beauty schools. Beauty schools actually come in a number of different formats. For instance, it is more than possible for you to attend a two year or a four year college or university to get a degree in fashion or beauty. In addition to attending an accredited college or university, you may also be able to find schools that often referred to as beauty training schools. These types of schools regularly offer a wide range of different training classes, like classes for hair care, nail care, and so forth. With a beauty training school, you often receive a certificate of completion, which is similar to a degree.

Now that you know you have a number of different options when it comes to attending a beauty school, you may want to refocus on the questions that may be able to help you determine your goals and if those goals include beauty school. One important question that you want to ask yourself is what you want your career future to be like. You may want to work as a beauty consultant now, but do you still want to be doing so in ten years? If you are interested in having a long-term career in the fashion and beauty industry, it may be well worth it for you to attend a beauty school or even get a degree from an accredited college or university.

Location is another question that you want to ask yourself, when trying to determine if beauty school is right for you. If you are unwilling to relocate to another area of the United States, is there are college, university, or beauty school located near where you live? If there is not, you may be unable to get the beauty education and training that you were hoping for. Of course, you don’t want to give up though. A number of high school and community colleges have courses that you can take. Although you may not necessarily get a degree or a certificate of completion, you may walk away with some valuable training that may you help achieve your career dreams.

Can you afford to attend beauty school is another question that you should ask yourself. Beauty schools are not always cheap, but at the same time, they aren’t always expensive either. If you are interested in walking away with a cosmetology degree from a two year or a four year college or university, you should expect to pay normal college tuition fees. The good news about this is that you often have access to grants, financial loans, and scholarships. If you are on a budget, you may want to think about attending a beauty school or at least taking a few beauty classes at a nearby establishment that offers them.

The above mentioned factors are just a few of the many that you will want to take into consideration. Going to beauty school and receiving a certificate of completion or a degree is something that will likely help you for years to come, especially if you are interested in a beauty focused career; however, the decision to attend beauty school is yours to make.

Bargains are waiting to be found at Flea Markets

I love to spend hours looking at flea markets for different items. Different vendors set up their products in a central location so that consumers can spend their time walking around and see the new and used items available for sale. You never know what you will come across at a flea market. There are plenty of new and used items as well as home made crafts and clothing to choose from.

To help make your day at the flea market the best it can be plan for the day. Most flea markets are outdoors so you may want some sunscreen and a hat. Others are inside so make sure you find out ahead of time. You don’t want to spend the day carrying around the items you purchased so make sure you take along a bag or a cart. There are some very inexpensive carts that fold up and fit into the trunk of your car.

Make sure you wear good walking shoes too so you won’t have to end your daily early due to tired feet. A good tip to help if you do get tired walking is to walk to the very end of the vendors and work your way forward. This way you will have the heaviest load from items you have purchased when you are nearest your vehicle. Keep in mind that most people start at the entrance of the flea market so if you start at the back you will be able to see many items before too many other people do.

Most flea markets are offered on the weekends but some of them do take place on weekdays as well. The number of other people looking around is generally lower during the week but then so is the number of vendors. It is really a toss up about when is the best time of day to make a deal at a flea market. It is perfectly acceptable to try to get the price lowered down from what the vendor is asking for it.

By going to a flea market first thing in the morning you are likely to be able to take advantage of the selection before everyone else has. This is the best solution if there are particular items you are interested in finding. Yet many people claim they have a harder time getting the seller to negotiate the prices when they purchase early in the morning.

By the end of the day though most vendors are very willing to lower the prices on the items they have remaining. They definitely don’t want to have to pack up any more stuff at the end of the day than they absolutely have to. If you have a particular item in mind and you can wait until the end of the day you will get a better price. You also run the risk of someone else snatching it up though if it is a one of a kind item.

There are different ways to negotiate the price of any given item. You can ask the vendor what the lowest price is that they will take for a given it. You can also offer to pay a certain price and see if they will take you up on the offer. If you want to offer $10 then have that money in your hand for them to see. Seeing the money will often entice them to take the money.

I have found it is always worth my time to look around though because I may find the vendor in the next aisle has the same item for $10 less. If I am going to go back to check on an item with a particular vendor I write down their location because by the end of the day it can be difficult to remember who is located where.

Boosting Business With Autoresponders

These days, most everyone is familiar with an autoresponder, although many don’t know why they are beneficial to businesses. If you aren’t familiar with autoresponders, you would probably find yourself amazed with them. An autoresponder can help your business by automatically emailing your clients and customers with a preset message that will help to increase your sales.

An autoresponder can help your list of clients grow, even send each one of them their own personalized email message. If you choose, you can also follow up each individual email with repeated emails, varying the content whenever you wish. These programs will also allow you to keep track of conversations, and send out broadcast email messages whenever you have news or new products to offer your clients.

As research in the past has shown, personalized email from autoresponders is a great way to boost your business. When you send a personalized email to one of your clients, the autoresponder by can address him or her by their name – which always makes a customer take notice. While you could do this yourself using traditional email, it could take you a few hours if you have a long list of customers.

Autoresponders make sending personalized email a snap. All you need to do is set up your email template, then select where you like the name to go. You can add everyone in your customer list to the autoresponder, which makes sending emails a snap. Once you have everything ready to go, all you need to do is send out the emails with one simple click. Best of all – you don’t have to set it up again when you need to send out broadcast messages.

Although there are some people who will buy products after one or two emails, most people require about seven or eight emails before they will purchase anything. Autoresponders can really help you there, as they will do all of the emailing for you. You don’t have to keep sending manual emails or anything like that. All you need to do is set up the email address, type in your preset message, and then feel free to send it as many times as you like.

Through the use of an autoresponder you can really boost your business. If you run an Internet marketing business, this tool will prove to be invaluable. You can spend less time sending messages – and more time doing what you enjoy. If you’ve never tried an autoresponder before, you owe it yourself to check out everything they will do for you and your business. Online businesses can get a lot of emails on a daily basis – which is where the autoresponder will really start to shine and show you just how great of an asset it really is.

Pursuing an Online Degree

If you want to earn an associates, bachelors, masters, doctorate degree, or certificate or even just improve your work skills, an online degree program may be for you. These programs are a prime option for those who cannot attend traditional classes for whatever reason. Maybe you have a substantial career and simply do not have the time, or maybe you are a working mother with childcare issues that prevent you from being able to do so. Those who are disabled, retired, or live in a rural area may find it difficult to commute for classes also can benefit from these programs. Degree programs online solve all of the problems of these people and many others who wish to take higher learning courses but cannot for one reason or another.

There are some personal characteristics that you will find will further your success in an online degree program. First, you must be committed to your goal of an online degree or certificate. Just because you are taking a course online does not mean it will be any easier than a traditional course. On the contrary, many online courses are more challenging than traditional courses.

Besides being committed, it will also help if you are a highly motivated person. There will be many times when you are alone and had rather just watch television, go to sleep, or go out instead of working on your courses. It is also difficult because you will not have any other students of professors to turn to in case of questions or for advice and feedback. An online degree program will make it necessary for you to motivate yourself and make yourself work even when you do not want to.

It will help your cause a great deal if you are organized and disciplined. When enrolled in an online program you will have to make yourself complete assignments and study for tests and exams, and therefore you will have to schedule your time accordingly. It will also help if you are able to teach yourself. You will be planning and scheduling much of the course load yourself.

The most important thing you will need to begin an online degree program is access to a computer that is able to meet certain requirements, whether it is at home, work, or elsewhere. It will help make things easier on you if you don't mind sitting in front of a computer working, often times for a couple of hours a day.

While none of these (except Internet access) is required to begin an online degree program, they will certainly help you become more successful. If you are able to manage your time and make disciplined to work, study, and finish assignments, you will succeed at the program and have an online degree in no time.

Cluster B Personality Disorders

The DSM-IV-TR (2000) defines a personality disorder as:
"An enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectations the individuals culture (and is manifested in two or more of his or her areas of mental life:) cognition, affectivity, interpersonal functioning, or impulse control."

Such a pattern is rigid, long-term (stable), and recurrent. It manifests itself in all areas of life (it is pervasive). It is not owing to substance-abuse or a medical condition (such as head trauma). It renders the subject dysfunctional "in social , occupational, or other important areas" and this impairment causes distress.

In the DSM, there are 10 distinct personality disorders (Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal, Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic, Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-compulsive) and one catchall category, Personality Disorders NOS (Not Otherwise Specified).

Personality disorders with marked similarities are grouped into clusters.

Cluster A (the Odd or Eccentric Cluster) includes the Paranoid, Schizoid, and Schizotypal Personality Disorders.

Cluster B (the Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic Cluster) is comprised of the Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, and Narcissistic Personality Disorders.


Cluster C (the Anxious or Fearful Cluster) encompasses the Avoidant, Dependent, and Obsessive-compulsive Personality Disorders.

The Clusters are not valid theoretical constructs and have never been verified or rigorously tested. They constitute merely a convenient shorthand and so provide little additional insight into their component personality disorders.

We start our tour with Cluster B because the personality disorders it includes are ubiquitous. You are far more likely to have come across a Borderline or a Narcissist or a Psychopath than across a Schizotypal, for instance.

First, an overview of Cluster B:

Borderline Personality Disorder is marked by instability. The patient is a roller-coaster of emotions (this is called emotional lability). She (most Borderlines are women) fails to maintain stable relationships and dramatically attaches to, clings, and violently detaches from a seemingly inexhaustible stream of lovers, spouses, intimate partners, and friends. Self-image is volatile, one's sense of self-worth is fluctuating and precarious, affect is unpredictable and inappropriate, and impulse control is impaired (the patient's threshold of frustration is low).

The Antisocial Personality Disorder involves contemptuous disregard for others. The psychopath ignores or actively violates other people's rights, choices, wishes, preferences, and emotions.

The Narcissistic Personality Disorder is founded on a sense of fantastic grandiosity, brilliance, perfection, and power (omnipotence). The narcissist lacks empathy, is exploitative, and compulsively seeks narcissistic supply (attention, admiration, adulation, being feared, etc.) to buttress his False Self - a confabulated "person" aimed at inspiring awe and extracting compliance and subservience from others.

Finally, the Histrionic Personality Disorder also revolves around attention-seeking but is usually confined to sexual conquests and displays of the histrionics's capacity to irresistibly seduce others.

Laughter: Use It to Pick Up Women

Humour, some say, is the fruit of life, and this is especially true when it comes to picking up on a girl no matter where the location. Make them laugh, and I guarantee, that you are very close to getting their phone number and even to getting them to go out with you.

But, as we all know, making them laugh, is easier said than done. Precisely for those who find it difficult to come up with something funny to say, I am adding some funny anecdotes and wise cracks that you can memorize and then use in those situations where you need to get the girl in front of you to laugh.

1) The Prescription:
Did you hear of the lady, who walked into the pharmacist and asked for arsenic?
The man behind the counter asked in wonder, "What do you need that for?
The lady calmly replied," to kill my husband."
The pharmacist was taken aback," Are you crazy? Do you want to get us both into jail? And, anyway, why do you want to kill him? Go to a counselor. Get help for your marriage."
The lady paused and from her purse she removed a set of pictures of her husband and the wife of the pharmacist in some very creative postures.
The pharmacist looked at the snaps, put them down and smiled," lady, why did you not tell me that you have a prescription?"

2) The Tip Book
A wife calls out to her husband, "Have you seen the book, 101 Tips to Live for More Than a Hundred Years?
The husband sheepishly replies, "I burnt it."
"What?" the wife shouted out," why?"
The husband whispered back," Because your mother wanted to read it."

3) Range of Food
Looking at his wife fry meat balls in all kinds of shapes and sizes, Tom tapped her on the shoulder, "Why?"
His wife turned," Because you asked for a variety of food."

4) Mushrooms
Tom was picking mushrooms from the forest floor with his wife, when she picked up one and showed it to Tom," Is this for eating?"
Tom smiled," Yes. As long as you do not cook it."

5) Driving Around
Tom greeted his wife when she returned home," So, my dear, how was your first time driving all alone?"
His wife smiled coyly, "Do you want to hear it from me or read about it in the papers?

6) Drama
A couple are watching a film in their local theater when the wife snuggles close to her husband and points to the screen," Do you think that they will get married in the end?"
The husband sighs," Yes. These movies always have bad endings."

7) The Library
Tom visited the local library, walks up to the librarian and asks, "Do you know where I can find the book, the Supremacy of Men over Women?"
The librarian conducts a short search on the computer and looks up," you will be able to find it in the science fiction."

Conclusion:
While some of these might sound offensive, if you use them well you will be able to display not just a sense of humour, but also that you are exactly the opposite of the stereotype. How? Immediately, after you done, lean over and whisper, But I am not like that, and if you allow me to take you out, you will see that for yourself.

What You Should Know About Adoption

What is Adoption?

Adoption occurs when a person takes full parental custody of a child that is not naturally theirs. The natural parent(s) give the adoptive parents full rights and responsibilities of the child(ren) and relinquishes all rights of their own. There are a variety of circumstances that may have occurred and the child was placed for adoption either privately or through an agency. A natural parent may wish to give their child a better life than what they feel they can provide them. The death of the natural parent(s) may also create the need for adoption either by family members or by an adoptive parent.

Whatever the reason for the adoption, the adoptee becomes the legal child of the adoptive parents. There is no real difference between a child who lives with his or her biological parents or with adoptive parents. When adoption occurs the adoptive parents assumes all rights and responsibilities when it comes to the care and well-being of the child(ren)

Why do people adopt?

The reasons people choose adoption vary a great deal. Some people may choose to adopt because they cannot conceive a child of their own with either natural or medical methods. This is probably the most common reason that a couple chooses to adopt a child. Some older couples will seek adoption after their own natural children have left home because they loved raising children and want to help another child. Couples that are gay or lesbian also choose adoption because having their own child naturally is not a possibility, yet they long to have a child and raise them together in a loving environment.

Another reason many people choose to adopt is out of the goodness of their own hearts. Many people who have children or have the ability to have children naturally still seek adoption because there is such a need for adoptive parents in the world.

What are the different practices of adoption?

There are three general categories of adoption, private adoption, public adoption and international adoption. Private adoption occurs when the natural parent decides to place their child up for adoption, however, they want the choice of who the adoptive parents are. Typically, the adoptive parents place an advertisement and the natural parent will respond. This type of adoption generally includes the adoptive parents taking care of all costs and possibly the medical costs associated with the birth of the child.

A public adoption is performed through an agency. In general, older children and those with disabilities are placed with a public adoption agency. These children very often have some emotional, physical, or mental disorders that will need attention.

An international adoption takes place outside of the country where the adoptive parents live. Many people are choosing this type of adoption more and more. While it is a little more expensive and requires a lot of extra work, the adoption of an international child is a loving choice. Many of these children do not have enough food to eat, medical attention or families for one reason or another.

Permission is granted to reprint this article as long as no changes are made, and the entire resource box is included.

New Ways To Turn That Clutter Into Cash

If you've got a lot of clutter in your house, you're not alone. Millions of homeowners discover this either when they're getting ready to move or at the start of spring cleaning.

In the past, clearing out homes resulted in low-revenue garage sales and multiple trips to the consignment store. But today, the latest trend in home organization is to clear out and cash in by dropping off unwanted items at eBay drop-off stores.

Organizational expert Peter Walsh, from TLC's "Clean Sweep," confirms the trend. "eBay drop-off stores like iSold It are really the hot new trend in home organization," he notes. "For occasions such as that yearly cleaning, they provide an easy way for you to get that clutter out of your house and earn some extra cash."

According to a recent PEW Internet and American Life Project survey, only 17 percent of online American adults have used the Internet to sell items. For the other 83 percent, eBay drop-off stores offer a fast and easy way to sell online. eBay drop-off stores professionally photograph the item, write descriptive copy, list it online, collect payment and then pack and ship the item. Once the transaction is complete, the seller receives a check in the mail. For many drop-off stores there are no up-front charges; instead, commission is charged once the item sells.

Here's a typical reaction from a customer when dropping off items. "I was determined to clean out my garage-I had old car parts, a vintage train set, you name it," said Bernie Dodyk, Novi, Michigan customer. "I took the whole lot to a drop-off store and made over $5,000. Now I can park my car in the garage again."

Bingo History: Story of the Game Bingo

The origins of contemporary bingo go back to 16th century Italy, where the lottery game Lo Giuoco del Lotto dItalia was introduced. The popular chance game was introduced to North America in the late 1920s by the name of Beano. A toy salesperson of New York was responsible for changing the name of the game into Bingo and to the increase of its popularity throughout the US.

In the late 18th century, the original Italian lotto game made its way to France. Historical evidence shows that a game called Le Lotto was popular among the French high society who used to play the game in parties and social gatherings.

Le Lotto used to be played with special cards that were divided into three rows and nine columns. Each of the three columns consists of 10 numbers, while each column had five random number and four blank spaces in it. Each player had a different lotto card where he used to mark the number announced by the caller. The first player to cover one row won the game.

By the 19th century, the lotto game spread around Europe and started to serve as a didactic childrens game. In the 1850s, several educational lotto games had entered the German toys market. The lotto games purpose was to teach children how to spell words, how to multiply numbers, etc.

By 1920s, a similar version to the lotto game, known as beano was popular at county fairs throughout the US. In beano, the players placed beans on their cards to mark the called out number. The first player who completed a full row on his card, used to yell out Beano!, until one night in December 1929, when a New Yorker toys salesperson by the name of Edwin S. Lowe visited a country fair outside Jacksonville, Georgia.

On his way back to New York, Lowe had purchased beano equipment including dried beans, a rubber numbering stamp and cardboard. At his New York home, Lowe has been hosting friendly beano games. During one game, one excited winner who had managed to complete a full row stuttered out Bingo, instead of Beano. Listening to the excited stuttering girl, Edwin S. Lowe thoughts went away. Lowe decided to develop a new game that would be called Bingo.

While Lowe’s Bingo game was making its first steps in the market, a Pennsylvanian priest asked Lowe to use the game for charity purpose. After a short tryout period, the priest had found out that the bingo game causes the churches to lose money. Since the variety of bingo cards was limited, each bingo game ended up in more than five winners.

In order to develop the game and to lower the probabilities of winning, Lowe approached Prof. Carl Leffler, a mathematician from Columbia University. Leffler was asked to create bigger variety of bingo cards that each of them will have unique combination of numbers. By 1930, Lowe had 6,000 bingo cards and Prof. Leffler went insane.

Since then, the popularity of the bingo game as a fundraiser continued to grow. In less than five years, about 10,000 weekly bingo games took place throughout North America. Lowe’s company grew to employ several thousands of employees and to occupy more than 60 presses 24 hours a day.

Now, bingo is one of the most popular chance games in the world. It is played in churches, schools, local bingo halls and land based casinos in the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and other parts of the world.

8 Tips for Refinishing Your Kitchen Cabinets

If you've shopped for new kitchen cabinets recently, you know that it's often much more economical to refinish your old cabinets than to buy new ones. Here are 8 tips that will make your kitchen cabinet refinishing a huge success.

1. If your cabinets are painted, remove the paint with a chemical stripper. If your cabinets are stained or varnished, either clean the surface well or remove most of the stain or varnish with a chemical refinisher.

2. Take the doors off your cabinets and remove the handles and hardware. It will be much easier if you lay the doors flat to work on them.

3. Check to see how much damage there is to the cabinets. If there is only minor damage, such as dark stains around the door handles, just clean these areas. Use a synthetic steel wool pad because it won't hurt your fingers or get caught on the wood grain.

4. Dip the pad in paint thinner, mineral spirits, or turpentine, and scrub the stains. Then lightly scrub the whole surface, cleaning and dulling it so the new finish will stick.
5. Once you've cleaned the surface and removed the dark stains, wipe on an oil-based, clear finish such as Minwax. All clear finishes are low-odor and most are available in either glossy or satin finish. Apply several coats for a thicker finish.

6. If you find you need to redo more than just a few stained areas, use a chemical refinisher - a strong solvent cleaner that dissolves and removes part of the old varnish. Ask an expert at your local paint store to suggest a good quality refinisher.

7. When you're using the chemical refinisher, work in small areas, and scrub the finish with a synthetic steel wool pad. The chemical refinisher will remove the finish and even out the color of the wood and stain. Rinse the pad in more refinisher when it gets clogged with dirty finish.

8. The cabinet's surface should be smooth and evenly colored after you've scrubbed the whole surface. If you find it isn't, just wipe the entire cabinet in long, overlapping strokes with clean refinisher and clean steel wool in long, overlapping strokes. Most of the stain color will remain, and the wood will be very smooth.

It's extremely important that you wear protective clothing and make sure that your work area is well-ventilated when you're refinishing your cabinets. And don't forget to follow all safety precautions on the refinishing product labels.

By following the 8 tips above, you're sure to enjoy your newly-refinished, beautiful kitchen cabinets for many years.

Hair Loss: Cosmetic Solutions For Good Cover Up

If you are beginning to lose your hair, while looking for a solution, you may feel too embarrassed to go out and socialize. Even a short trip to the neighbourhood store may make you feel uncomfortable as you fear what others may say about your appearnance. Using cosmetic solutions for good cover up of your thinning scalp can help you still get up and go.

The first way in which you can still look presentable is through hair loss concealers. There are a variety of these that are easily available. One common hair loss concealer helps in building fibers. These are tiny fibers that are placed in the area where the scalp area is losing hair. You get the appearance of thicker looking hair in those particular areas. You can also use a masking lotion, hair thickener or hair fattener in order to give your hair more volume and look thicker throughout the day.

Another consideration that you can “cover up” is to simply change your hairstyle. Your hairs are built to naturally turn and grow in a particular way. If you are losing hair in one area, choose a style that can help you cover the scalp area. Having an excellent beautician or hair stylist will help in determining which style can help you achieve this.

Different types of shampoo are also available that will help you get the effect that you want. For instance, one type of shampoo can enhance volume of your hair and will provide your scalp with extra nutrients in order to stimulate growth. This essentially boosts the appearance of your remaining hair while speeding up the growth of new hair.

For cosmetics that will help you to improve your appearance to cover up your hair loss, please ensure that the ingredients in them are proven to help and that they do not have any negative side effects. Having an idea of ingredients that help in hair growth or prevent hair loss definitely helps. Another way of doing research is to read product reviews for effectiveness.

Cosmetics for hair loss is highly recommended if you are conscious about your hair loss and having feelings of negativity about the way you look. Do explore the options of cosmetic solutions as this can well mean getting rid of your depression and getting a life, while waiting for your new hair to grow!

Make Your Own Metal Detector

Mention the words metal detector and you'll get completely different reactions from different people. For instance, some people think of combing a beach in search of coins or buried treasure. Other people think of airport security, or the handheld scanners at a concert or sporting event.

A basic metal detector consists of an electronic box and battery case on one end, with a brace or handle for the operator's arm. An insulated wire wraps around a telescoping shaft and into a round plastic disk called the coil. This disk comes off the shaft at an angle which allows it to be held parallel to the ground. The operator straps on or grips the electronic box and turns on the power. The idea is to slowly sweep the coil end over the ground until an electronic signal is heard. This lets the user know that some metallic element is buried directly beneath the area swept by the coil.

Metal detectors work on the principal of electromagnetics and their effects on conductive metals. There are actually two separate elements in the coil of a typical unit. One is a high-powered coil of metal which uses the battery power to generate a penetrating magnetic field. This coil is called the transmitter. As the elecromagnetic field enters the ground, anything metallic will become charged with magnetism, similar to a paper clip become magnetized after contact with a standard bar magnet.

Michael FARADAY observed (1831) that when a magnet is moved through a closed coil of wire, a current is induced in the wire. The direction of the current flow is such as to create a magnetic field opposite in direction to that of the change in the field produced by the magnet. Faraday then replaced the magnet with an electromagnet.

Two coils were wound close together, the first being connected to a battery and the second to a galvanometer, which measures small currents.

Metal detectors must also be adjusted to eliminate false positives generated by natural deposits of metal in the soil or sand itself. Most units allow users to change the sensitivity of the coil in order to cancel out the background clutter. Some other uses of metal detecting technology include security inspections at airports, government buildings and other public places. Construction crews and woodworkers also use hand-held metal detectors to find dangerous nails or other metallic debris in reclaimed building materials and trees.

It’s Hard To Say Goodbye: Quitting Smoking

Smoking, as the ads say, is dangerous to one’s health.  And it is.  Continued smoking may cause health complications left and right, not only to yourself, but also to the people around you.

According to statistics, smoking is responsible for approximately one in five deaths in the United States.  This vice kills approximately 259,494 men and 178,404 women yearly.  Smoking long-term may cause lung cancer, emphysema, cardiovascular diseases, pregnancy abnormalities, childhood asthma, and sudden infant death syndrome.  Isn’t it high time people thought of quitting?

History of smoking
    The earliest recorded history of smoking dates back to 5000BC from the Peruvian and Ecuadorian Andes.  Smoking has also been present in many cultures around the world.  Early smoking has been related to religious ceremonies - as offering to people’s respective deities, as cleansing rituals of shamans or priests for divination and spiritual enlightenment.   After the European exploration and conquests, tobacco smoking was introduced to the rest of the civilized world.  Since then it has evolved from religious ritual protocol to a social activity.

Why is it difficult to quit smoking?
    With the sudden rise of awareness campaigns about the ill effects of smoking to one’s health, a lot of people have tried quitting smoking.  Herein lies the obstacle – How does one stop smoking.  According to a recent study done in 2004 and 2005, fifty-five percent of smokers said  that it would be difficult to go through an entire day without smoking.  Why is it difficult to stop smoking?

    Loose tobacco stuffed inside cigarettes contains nicotine which is highly addictive.  Just like with any other addictive drugs, the body and mind may quickly become used to the nicotine in cigarettes that a person may keep looking for it.  This has been the biggest ordeal quitters are trying to overcome, the nicotine fits.

How can I quit smoking?
    The best way to stop smoking is to stay away from cigarettes.  It’s easier said than done.  Here are a few steps to cut down on cigarette smoking to make quitting easier.
Switch to a brand that has lower nicotine content.  The key is gradually lessening the nicotine intake to avoid having withdrawal symptoms.
Lessen the number of cigarette sticks you smoke each day.
Smoke only half the cigarette stick.
Postpone your usual first “stick of the day” by one hour.
Decide how many sticks you’ll be smoking during the day and stick with it.  Pay a penalty for every excess still you smoke.

    If the above mentioned tips don’t help you lessen your nicotine intake in a day, there are a lot of products created to help smokers quit their habits.  Among the more famous “stop-smoking” products are:
Nicotine patches.  This is a small, self-adhesive patch designed to slowly release nicotine into the bloodstream through the outer layer of skin.  These are often worn on the upper arm.
Nicotine gum.  The nicotine is released into the body from the gum.  Not only does it satisfy nicotine fits without the use of cigarettes.

Smoking, however cool it makes a person look like, is still going to take its toll on the body after a while.  The next time you light a cigarette, think of all its adverse effects and ask yourself, “is it worth the complications it’ll bring you in the future?”