Sunday, January 31, 2010

Sculpting Engraving And Cutting

By Whitaker Perrets

Do you ever notice a tombstone with many words on it and ask yourself how it was engraved? Have you ever been amazed by the spatial wonders of a sculpture and wondered how such a thing is possible? One of the most commonly used forms of sculpting and engraving is nothing less than laser cutting technology.

Throughout the nineteenth century, the ubiquitous form of sculpting, engraving, and crafting of many objects was the traditional welding method. This method was a process in which the raw materials would be heated until they were entirely melted into liquid and then would fill up vessels that would become their final shapes.

Engraving generally took place in the facility of a welder who would take the raw stone or metal and place it on a metal board. He would then take a chain-saw like machine and carve out letters and imprint them onto the metal or stone. This was the most common form of engraving.

However, an even earlier process of engraving existed, and that was none other than the classic chiseling method. One would take a metal or wooden pick (chisel) and would chip away at a stone or larger rock little by little.

This was a method that was also quite common for engraving of tombstones or of cornerstones of buildings that were made in the early nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

However, today a new form of engraving and crafting has developed due to advances in technology, namely laser cutting. Laser technology has swept the world of its feet and has provided for so many advances in the modern world. Take, for example, laser eye surgery and other cosmetic laser surgeries.

This laser technology has made its way to the world of sculpting, crafting, and engraving as well, creating one of the most easy to use forms of art creation available today.

As a matter of fact, many famous sculptors and artists across the world choose laser cutting as their choice tool for their artwork. This is because laser cutting is far superior to other methods previously mentioned with regards to precision and angles. Even plaque and tombstone engravings today are created with laser cutting technology.

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Blues Guitar Lessons DVDs: Learn With the Pros

By Ed Oglesby

If you are just beginning guitar, then you have taken the first step towards a very rewarding and interesting hobby. I have been playing acoustic guitar for nearly 20 years, and I can honestly tell you, looking back, I have never regretted the hours of sweat and toil I have put into it. "Sweat and toil?", you ask. Well yes, I'm afraid so.

There are also songs that maybe should not be played. "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton, "Freebird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, "Smoke On The Water" by Deep Purple and "Yellow Submarine" by The Beatles are contenders for this list but that probably only applies if your audience is sober.

Don't get frustrated at this point. Take a deep breath and take comfort in that you have made the first step in learning how to practice the guitar seriously. What is that first step? The first step is to...

But be careful, cuz it's easy to pick up bad habits from them. It may be that this pro is a natural like you, but one that didn't take lessons, or spend months and years perfecting his technique. So I recommend you get the Blues Lessons DVD.

Most blues men use E A and B, some prefer A D and E, or G C and D, played in the 7th. Bla bla bla sixth this seventh that augmented this diminished that. What the heck am I talking about?

Dig down, dig deep, find your sadness. You can sing the blues. Blues Guitar Lessons have a golden rule: Get a GUITAR Blues accordion players just don't make it big you know? Ever heard of a blues cellist? Me neither.

These communities bring together a wide array of different types of guitar players, including people with different experience and ability levels. These environments often prove great grounds through which novices can learn more about guitar playing and more advanced players can improve their skills by assisting others. These sites can prove to be win-win venues all around.

To wrap up I would just like to say thanks for reading, and I hope this article helped you understand what it takes to get there. Hard work, patience, and most importantly, a teacher. It's all very well learning from the internet, but the internet can't stop you and say "Hey, that's great, but you might want to look at changing the way you do A, B or C...", neither can it tell you when you are doing something exceptionally well.

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Great Valentines Presents For Him : Pamper Him With These Mens Valentines Day Presents

By Jinping Mah

It can be hard to find the perfect valentines presents for him. You definitely want to think of something that's both practical yet creative at the same time. When it comes to finding a truly unique gift for your loved one, you will have to think outside of the box. Men's Valentine's Day presents can definitely be difficult to come across, but you can make things easier by brainstorming for unique Valentine's gifts for him that he will surely be proud of.

If your guy is someone who loves to fix things at home, why not get him a little tool kit. He will thank you for such an unique valentines gifts for him. Of course this is not the end. You need to do something to the tool kit. So why not personalize it by engraving his initials onto it. By doing so, he will see your efforts in choosing the best valentines gifts for him. You will benefit in the long run as your guy will cherish you even more.

If your man happen to fall into the new age sensitive kind of guy, you can consider giving him a book of his favorite author. Valentines presents for him need not be the most luxurious and expensive. A simple book can also amazed him and make him realize that you care about his likes and dislikes. Now that the internet is full of numerous e-books, you can also consider getting him a Kindle whereby he can download the e-books on the net and read it anywhere he goes.

Alternatively, you can buy him a gadget if he is an avid gadget enthusiast. There are numerous options that you can select from online. You can purchase the latest blackberry smart phone for him or even a high-end memory stick for his computer. The possibilities are endless. If you think that gadgets are not unique valentines gifts for him, think again. All guys love gadgets and by choosing the latest gadget for him, he will see it as the best valentines gifts for him. Trust me, you won't be disappointed with gadget gifts for your boyfriend or husband.

There are many ways to show your appreciation for your guy even when it's Valentines Day. Again, mens Valentines Day presents don't have to be cheesy, but something that he can use and maybe even use with you. Discover his interests and you'll easily discover what valentines presents for him on that special day.

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Buy Canon's Best Power Shot Camera Range

By Marcel Torres

If you want a camera that is light weight, straightforward to use, and takes good pictures, then you might want to have a look at the Canon power shot cameras. These are excellent for everyday use and take glorious pictures without paying professional costs. Most are compact enough to go wherever you go.

There are plenty of different models available. Some could have different features that you're going to desire to look at before making a purchase to make certain you are getting what you need. The model may make a difference in the quantity of megapixels and memory.

The power shot is actually a collection of cameras produced by Canon. Features vary greatly by model. Some of these are water evidence while others might be more light weight. Most of the cameras in this series have features to permit you to take quality pictures even in dim lighting. If you have an idea of what you want then you'll find the model you need simply.

Most models are extremely basic. You simply point and shoot. These are great even for beginners to take great footage. They are so easy to use and require very little to take the photos you need. This could be a good first camera for a younger person as well .

They also have semi-professional cameras in the power shot series. These may be for people who have more experience and expect more from a camera. If you want something for family vacations and day to day use then this might be a little more than you want. The semi-professional cameras may be more for freelance photographers and people who use cameras for work related purposes.

Canon power shot cameras alter in price according to the model you select. These can be acquired from most retail outlets or online .

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What Are The Most Educational Surgery Game Available Online?

By Dan Foote

Surgery games are both fun and educational. They teach you a lot of key points about the body such as how diseases can affect your health and what doctors do to diagnose and treat these illnesses. They allow the every day person to experience what it is like to be a doctor and perform life altering operations.

Since surgery games are so educational I get asked a lot, what surgery games are the most educational ones? This is best explained as most of them are very educational in their own way, but lots of them focus on different parts of the human body so you should decide which one sounds like it would be the best to you. Keep in mind that a lot of the games that I am going to mention are very old and will require you to run DOSBox in order to run them. Instructions for this can be found at the below site.

First the Life and Death series is a prime example or a great series of surgery games that were made for the old DOS based computers. This is an amazing educational game that was way ahead of its time. You get to make the normal decisions that a doctor would make such as diagnosing your patients and operating on them.

Edhead games are another great example of very educational surgery games. These, however, are very simple flash games when compared to Life and Death. They are very educational though and teach you about things such as knee surgery, and hip surgery games.

Yet another fun and educational game is Laser Surgeon: The Microscopic Mission. This game is a little more hand eye coordination oriented but still offers the same educational value to it. So if you have steady hands and want to play a game that takes knowledge and skill than you will greatly enjoy this game.

While there really aren't a lot of virtual surgery games readily available online when compared to some of the other genres the ones that are available are a blast to play. I recommend looking at all of the available games and seeing if one catches your eye and trying it out to see if surgery games are for you.

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Saturday, January 30, 2010

Airsoft Guns And Games-the Nearest Thing To Combat Readiness

By Anthony Carter

Airsoft guns are wonderful devise to ignite excitement in the participants of the contest and games of this beautiful sport. The guns are created as replicas of the original weapons to shoot pellets and BBs. As a participant, you must know the terminology of the game and go on practicing the sport to develop your skill and enjoy the thrilling nature of the sport.

You have to drop in at any sports store in your area and collect the model of the airsoft gun that you need to have. You should also obtain the required accessories for the gun so that you have the complete set and are ready for the sport. Choose a best quality gun or an AEG for participating in the contest to do well. If you are not satisfied with the local store, take the help of the internet and find out a reliable website, which would surely make you happy.

Under the government regulations, the airsoft guns must have the orange tip; absence of the same will be taken as a contravention of government rules. You should also know that the airsoft gun is allowed to you when you are 18 years or more.

Several varieties of guns are available for the lovers of this sport. People, who are keen to play games, usually go for the Airsoft Sniper Rifle to experience the adventure of the sport. The general types of airsoft guns include springers, gas and the electric. The Springer type of the gun requires the player to cock the firing spring before every shot is fired. In the gas type of the devise, compressed gas is used to push out BBs.

The electric type is the latest and uses a motor to do the pulling back of the spring between the shots. This one is favored by most of the participants both beginners and experienced. Many companies are engaged in the manufacture of airsoft guns and you can make your selection from them. You can choose from a wide range of real image pistols, assault rifles and big air soft rifles.

These look-alike toy guns of original models are absolutely safe and secured but they look immensely close to the original and that incites the feeling of excitement in the young folk. Shooting an object is the main sport of airsoft guns. You must gather enough knowledge about the technicalities of an airsoft gun if you want to perform excellently and feel the excitement.

Airsoft draws its name from the collection of non lethal authentic replica of weapons for shooting sport. Technical knowledge of the firearms will go a long way in the right selection of your equipment. As a thumb rule, beginners should preferably start with a lower priced model and work their way upward with experience. The beginners would do well to select a technically simple model, with a low price for their initial foray into this sport segment.

Safety precautions prescribed by Airsoft Weaponry are exhaustive as they are rigid, and brook no excuses for ignoring them, including for example, wearing protective lenses, retaining finger tip grip on the trigger until you actually fire and strictest of instructions that at no cost is the weapon to be pointed at anyone including animals.

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Raising Chickens

By Ellen Roberts

Raising chickens is something I have been doing for my whole life. It's not only for eggs and food, but for fun. Raising chickens for egg laying is mostly very easy. The major challenge is protecting backyard chickens from predators such as rats.

Chickens or other birds that are raised for their eggs and meat is normally a popular family and business activity almost everywhere in the world. The birds eat grain, seeds and grasses, so it doesn't take a lot of work to care for and can provide a great educational experience for your children, too. Chickens that are raised for meat is a good way of earning some quick bucks. Since the turnover for chickens is only 10-12 weeks, you can get lovely meat and eggs in no time.

Taking care of chickens teaches more than animal husbandry. It's a hands-on chance to learn the character and community-building principles and practices that 4-H is all about. For urban farmers, raising chickens is becoming more and more popular. Many people are realizing that the difference between pasture raised chicken meat and eggs and those from large confinement operations is similar to the difference between fresh seasonal heirloom tomatoes, and those picked green, ripened with ethanol, and shipped across the country. Raising chickens yields far more than just fresh eggs and you don't have to live on a farm to do it! This event will give you a chance to find out about resources related to raising chickens in our area and hear from knowledgeable local chicken owners.

Caring For The Chickens

In the morning, chickens depart the coops and when the critter proof doors are opened and return in the evening on their own, after which you simply close them in. Stress free living, benefits the chickens, which results in fewer losses due to illness as well as exponentially greater resistance to pathogens and poultry specific diseases. Chickens are great creatures to spend a little time with and they really are useful. You need a baby chick to teach the young turks how to find their food and water.

They need between one and two square foot each in their chicken coop and between two to four feet each in their chicken run. Bantams need less space and the larger breeds need more, so the size of your hens does matter. Chickens make great pets, and depending on the breed they also are great egg layers. Of course, you can also raise them for meat. Chickens are surprisingly low maintenance. It may seem weird to keep chickens at first but once I got chickens it doesn't seem weird at all.

Chickens are very vulnerable to predators. Even in the city, loose dogs, cats, racoons, rats, opossum, hawks, owls, even foxes and coyotes are a danger to your backyard flock. Chickens are naturally cannibalistic and they peck at each other. Once a bird starts bleeding they all jump in and may kill her. But they are smart, funny and a bundle of curious instincts. It's no wonder that so many chicken terms such as "pecking order" and "coming home to roost" have found their way into our everyday language.

Chickens need access to the outside so they need to be able to scratch in the dirt and look for insects. Chickens can tolerate pretty low temperatures. But no matter where you live, you should have a house part of your coop where the chickens can go to escape the weather. Chick starter should be fed for the first 6 weeks. Then you can mix the started with a "developer" feed until they are 20-weeks of age.

Feed For Chickens

Feed comes in 3 forms: mash, crumbles and pellets. Mash is powdery, just as it sounds. Feedstuffs can also be analyzed in a laboratory for nutrient make-up. Poultry nutritionists or Extension agents can provide help in ration-balancing. Feed the chicks a commercial "chick starter" (18% protein) feed which you can purchase from your local feed store. I like to keep them on this for the first 4-6 weeks and gradually add other grains like cracked corn, wheat, oats.

Egg Laying

Eggs have to be found if your chickens are free range, and having a daily egg hunt can get old in a hurry. They will find somewhere else to lay as soon as you find their nest. Eggs were a staple in the diet and the flock must continue to procreate. I would encourage you to provide your birds with a good secure coop and fenced area to keep them safe from dogs etc. Egg production really drops off during winter, but from keeping chickens you will learn why we have Easter Eggs, because they go nuts laying in the spring.

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Picking A Right Cabinet Hardware

By Kevin Stevens

Cabinet hardware is a very important part of a cabinet so has to be very carefully picked. First you have to know your own requirements like where the cabinet is located? If it is for a specific room which has a theme you can work around theme only and not go out of sync. Just by keeping few basic things in mind you can always narrow done your search.

Non traditional or an antique look cabinet can be accessorized by using the antique brass or antique copper hardware. For more natural one especially for the wooden ones cabinet hardware like ironwork and brass finished adds on the classy touch. Be open to experiment and make your creative mind come up with some new ideas.

The cabinet hardware come is different shape and sizes and they should accentuate the whole look without making it look odd. Being creative is good but overdoing it can be disastrous. Giving a professional touch to the cabinet will change the whole look. Mixing and matching sometimes spoils the whole look, so being conservative also helps sometime. A good cabinet hardware will always compliment the furniture or the cabinet.

The cost can vary depending on various factors like the shape, size, and usage. It accessories the whole look of the cabinet. The style and design enhances the look of the furniture making it unique. Cabinet hardware not only enhances the look but is also a very vital part of the cabinet.

Cleaning the cabinet hardware has to be done regularly so that it looks new for long and does not lose its natural shine especially the wooded furniture. A good quality cleaner and a soft brush will help you clean the dirt. Polishing the metal hardware and making it completely dry by wiping it with a piece of soft cloth is a good practice. It not only keeps the product new for long but also helps in retaining it shine. Using a specific cleaner meant for cleaning the cabinet is better than the regular cleaners as they can be sometime harsh and spoil the furniture.

Cabinet hardware is attached to the cabinet with a small screw which can be unscrewed for cleaning the cabinet. But these are very small screws so that chances on losing them are very high. You have to be careful with them and secure them in a box to later fix the handles back. Be careful to use a tarnish cleanser only on the tarnishes furniture.

Your cabinet hardware should complement the furniture or the cabinet. You will be spending the money so it is better that it is well researched and thought of rather than just picking the first thing you come across. Going for a practical and nicely design hardware which perfectly does the work it is meant for is a good buy.

Cabinet hardware is a very important part of a cabinet as it changes the whole look of the cabinet. So keeping that in mind you should choose the one that perfectly goes with the theme and not look odd.

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The History Of Xbox360 Explained

By Todd Schuyler

Welcome to my Xbox360 blog article. This report will detail the beginning of the Xbox360. The Xbox360 was named after a marketing firm that it hired conducted a survey which asked people whether they thought the Xbox term evoked a more "next generation" or "next-gen" sound. It was apparent that Microsoft was having concerns at that time that sticking to Xbox2 as the name of its new video game console would make it appear or sound older or less "cutting-edge" than its main rival, the PlayStation 3 or PS3.

Keeping such a concept in mind, Microsoft announced in the beginning that it has successfully produced a set of fresh 360 backwards compatibility update of the Xbox which the firm is scheduled to release anytime within the week. This is in keeping with the company's commitment to concentrate on the continuous improvement of the console's features. Peter Moore, the game's top honcho, said the updates are presently having their final testing at Microsoft. Once completed, these will be released to the market sometime this week. This generated a huge buzz.

Aside from the compatibility updates, the Xbox360 game is also was reported to have a special feature that has the capability to perform maintenance functions in the console's storage devices. A video game player, who recently purchased a copy of the video game, said the console's cache can be cleared simply by going to the system blade, then to its memory. From there, the player said, one can press Y on either the HDD or the MU. The said player consequently posted his observations on one of the console's numerous websites.

A Microsoft representative did confirm the existence of the said feature. However, he tried to make it clear to those who purchased the console that while the HDD clearing feature is a part of the game's entire electronic processing system, it is also a part of the technical support process. Ideally, it should only be utilized in instances when technical operations are involved. Moore said that while the said Xbox360 feature, when utilized, will not really harm or cause severe damage to the console, still it is advisable that it be used sparingly and only upon proper instructions from a qualified Microsoft customer service staff.

The latest model of the Xbox is considerably smaller in size than its predecessor. It also has the obvious looks of a 21st century set top box. In addition, the game also contains a removable hard drive that is located on the left side of the console.

In general, the Xbox360 is, for all intents and purposes, a most powerful console, a truly next generation video game that has amazing top-of-the-line and cutting-edge features. It promises to provide an amazing digital visual enjoyment. The latest Xbox has a variety of hot as well as new game titles ranging from science-fiction, to adventure, to action, to sports, and to practically anything that the human mind can imagine.

If you are interested in downloading Xbox360 games go to Download Xbox360 Games. This is the only exclusive Xbox 360 games download service you will ever need!

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How to Build a Chicken Coop to Fit Your Budget

By Ellen Roberts

In order to have maximum success with this project to keep it under a firm budget, there are a variety of things to keep in mind to building a chicken coop. Chicken farmers who spend more money than needed building their backyard chicken coop could have saved themselves hundreds of dollars by just a few simple adjustments. Here are some key facts you should know about building a chicken house on a budget.

Know Your Land Before Building - Always first take a look at the land you have available. Depending on the plan of building a chicken coop, most cases would require some landscaping to be done before building. The reason that landscaping is important is due to the fact that building on a non firm ground would significantly decrease the stabilization as time progressed which could lead to rebuilding the chicken coop again which is costly and time consuming. Also to if you choose to hire help to do the landscaping, your going to pay big dollars because it can get pricey.

If you choose to hire help to do the landscaping, your going to pay big dollars because it can get pricey and on the other hand to do it yourself will still take time and could still cost you a small amount of money. Always first take a look at the land you have available.

Windows Needs to be Properly Placed - When the windows are stationed well, you essentially kill two birds with one stone as well as saving money in the process. The windows will also serve for ventilation purposes which is critical in helping the chickens maintain good health. And unless you plan on wiring in electrical light which can be expensive, windows are going to be the primary light source that the chickens will have. So to help you save money is to make sure that the windows are properly placed in the chicken coop to allow proper lighting and ventilation.

Consider Building a Smaller Sized Chicken Coop - Often two to three chickens will be plenty to give you more than enough eggs that you need daily. Building material is where you will incur the highest amount of cost. And the smaller you build the fewer materials you will need. Unless you're planning on selling the eggs commercially, that would be the only reason to build bigger. By just taking the right measurements, you can decrease your building costs and still build a chicken coop that's right for your budget. If you feel you need to build bigger just keep in mind that the costs will be more and also maintenence down the road will be also.

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Friday, January 29, 2010

Ways To Utilize Photography To Get That Picture Perfect Moment

By Andy Acmond

In today's age of videos and video cameras, people think that photography is over. Be that as it may, that is far from the truth. Up to today, photography is still a very famous hobby. Of course there are still a lot of people which will choose videos, but there are a lot of benefits of photographs over videos.

First and foremost, videos are wonderful but at times when you want to see an exact moment, videos are not reasonable. To sum it up, you have to go through an entire video just to see that exact moment you want. As compared to a photograph where you can see all you want just by looking at a photo.

Another great benefit of photographs is you can put them in a photo album or on a wall. Right now that isn't feasible with videos. With a video you have to turn on a computer or a TV to watch or see past moments in your life. While with a photograph it is right there at your fingertips or on the wall for you to see.

For corporate or commercial promotions video has its place but photography is still a powerful medium. Photographs are working very well because they are like an art piece. If you utilize a photograph properly you can convey a very powerful message with it. You can convey all the important features of your promotion with a photograph.

Last but not least, photographs have that ability to create a story of a day like a wedding with power. Most of the time, watching videos can be boring if there is no action. With photographs you can add all the action that you need by utilizing a photo album. And at the same time you can eliminate some photos which are boring or does not add to your story.

So those are some powerful aspects of using photography over video. Sure video is also a powerful medium and has its place. But unless you know how to video edit sometimes the memories can be boring.

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Airsoft Guns Are Adult Size Toys That Look Real.

By Anthony Carter

Airsoft guns are air powered replicas of real guns. These guns were originally created in China, were the government had made fire-arms illegal and citizens still wanted to collect them. Manufacturers stepped forward and provided the first airsoft guns to these Chinese citizens who desired guns but could not get their hands on the real things. These first guns worked similar to American made BB guns in that they used pellets (plastic BB's). In time all of these guns were standardized to carry a particular millimeter pellet.

Airsoft guns can be powered by battery, pump action or gas. After getting their start in China these reproduction firearms got popular in Japan and other parts of the orient and Europe and then eventually found their way to the United States. Although they were originaly intended to satisfy collectors they have since become an important part of a worldwide craze.

Airsoft guns are manufactured mostly in the orient as they were when they were first developed. Manufacturing companies for airsoft guns have sprouted up in China, Japan, Taiwan and other locations as a result of their ever growing popularity.

While these guns started out as toys, they have been adapted for use by police departments and militaries. Airsoft guns make it possible for training to occur without having to use real weapons. These training airsoft guns are produced as exact replicas on a 1:1 scale. Meaning these weapons look and weigh the same as the original.

Many methods of play have developed using airsoft guns. Perhaps the most popular of these is known as MilSim or military simulation. Military simulation is basically a hard core game set up around military missions with teams that play against each other. These serious players often go as far as to use rations, explosives and radios.

Replicating reality as close as possible the players on each team carry M16's and other military style weapons and fight out elaborate military exercises, that in many cases are reproductions of historic battles. Players of these battles typically stay involved up to the end of the game, many times for several days.

While MilSim tends to be the most popular sport it is by far not the only sport. Unlike paint-ball, another popular war simulation game, Airsoft requires a player to uphold an honor system. In paint ball the paint pellets that are fired by the guns leave obvious paint markings on the players when they are hit. With airsoft guns, there is not this obvious marking and so the player must be honest about when they have been hit and where.

Due to the exactness of these guns some areas have restricted their use, such as large inner cities. In the United States these guns are required to contain orange markings that are permanent. So they can be quickly distinguished from authentic fire-arms.

These mock-up semi-automatics can be found at many retail outlets and can be commonly found at flea markets and swap meets. Another popular way to locate these weapons is at kiosks in malls and even at some sporting goods retailers. Airsoft guns can also be found via the internet at a variety of retailers that over large selections of guns and other associated items.

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Blazers Sign All Star Guard Roy To 5 Year Contract Extension

By Ross Everett

After a summer of heated negotiations, the Portland Trailblazers have signed All Star shooting guard Brandon Roy to a five year contract extension. Roy will be in the final year of his rookie contract in the 2009-2010 NBA season, and locking up the services of their 'franchise player' was the teams top summer priority.

The on court success and off court class of Brandon Roy may have saved the Portland NBA franchise. The Blazers slumped from their glory years of the 1970's and 1980's as the 1990's progressed, eventually pulling together a roster consisting of character challenged reprobates that earned the moniker JailBlazers for their frequent legal transgressions.

In the late 1990's, Portland owner Paul Allen finally had enough and cleaned house. The new management was given the charge to put together a roster that would not only win games, but win back the Rose City fans. The acquisition of Roy will likely be looked at as the turning point for this effort. The Blazers acquired Roy on draft day 2006 for Randy Foye, and would go on to win the NBAs rookie of the year award.

Since that point, Roy has become the face of the franchise. The Blazers"who were 21-61 the year before Roy arrived"posted a 54-28 record last season. Roy has become the centerpiece of a talented young team had has not only become a force in the NBAs Western Conference but has gone a long way to winning back the Portland fan base. The current crop of Blazers is more likely to be found in the aisles at Home Depot or at Starbucks than in the police blotter, and the team seldom puts forth a substandard effort on the court.

Roy will earn $4 million dollars in the last year of his rookie season, after which his five year $82 million dollar contract will kick in. The first four years are guaranteed, while the fifth is at the players option. Roys agent Bob Myers strongly suggested that Roy wanted to remain with the Blazers for his entire career, noting that he "is one of the unique players to have a chance to have that sort of relationship with one team."

The Blazers now turn their attention to working out a long term deal with power forward LaMarcus Aldridge. Like Roy, Aldridge is in the final year of his rookie contract and a key component to the teams recent success. At last report, talks between the two sides are progressing.

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UFC 102 Not A Hot Ticket In Portland

By Ross Everett

Portland, Oregon has long been considered a hotbed of mixed martial arts. The area is home to numerous MMA gyms, the most famous being Greshams Team Quest. Regional MMA promotions like Matt Lindlands SportFight and amateur MMA draws good crowds, and theres few markets in the country that have such a strong mainstream acceptance and understanding of mixed martial arts.

The UFC scheduled their Rose City debut for August 29th, headlined by a matchup between local hero Couture and tough PRIDE vet Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. They anticipated a fever pitch for Coutures homecoming and the UFCs first ever trip to the Pacific Northwest.

For whatever reason, tickets haven't been selling well. As of early this week, there had been as few as 8,500 tickets sold in the 21,000 seat Rose Garden Arena. Itll look fine on the PPV, as they can curtain off unsold sections of seats and shoot the crowd to make it look larger.

Earlier in the week Zuffa announced the postponement of a WEC event scheduled for Youngstown, Ohio. The official reason given was an injury to main event fighter Ben Henderson, and while thats not been confirmed several sources have indicated that he did suffer a minor setback during training. Some suggest that the real reason was poor ticket sales.

While Youngstown could have been a bad choice for a MMA event all along, the UFC will probably blame the economy for the poor showing of live ticket sales in Portland. While the high unemployment rate nationally and regionally doesnt help things, it doesnt appear to be a major factor in the UFCs struggles to sell tickets in the Rose City. A number of local media outlets including the Portland based MMA website THE SAVAGE SCIENCE have talked to area UFC fans, and the results are surprising. A mind boggling number of people who self identify as casual or serious fans of the UFC had no idea that an event was being held in Portland at all. Thats likely due to a marketing and promotion campaign locally that is somewhere between misplaced and non-existent. The local media hasnt helped either, with Portlands largest newspaper providing little print coverage of UFC 102 claiming that its not a major sport.

Even among fans who *did* know that UFC 102 was coming to Portland, theres no buzz whatsoever. Theres a variety of reasons for this"many fans have suggested that the high ticket prices werent justified by a relatively weak card. Others have suggested that they would be interested in attending the event, but theres a whole slew of competing events this weekend including the Oregon State Fair.

The UFC has a misguided notion that they can simply put their name on an arena marquee and local fans will pay top dollar for tickets regardless of who is fighting on the card or what else is going on that night. The reality has demonstrated otherwise with poor ticket sales in Portland and other markets. While the promotions PPV business is doing fine and is their real source of revenue, the weakness of the demand for their live product outside of a select number of markets like Las Vegas and Montreal should be a source of concern.

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Crimson Tide Fends Off Feisty Vols

By Ross Everett

Alabama didn't so much win their game against Tennessee on Saturday as much as they escaped. Despite playing one of their worst games of the year they managed to keep their undefeated season alive as nose tackle Terrance Cody blocked a potential game winning field goal on the last play of the game to preserve a 12-10 victory for the Crimson Tide. Alabama held a tenuous 12-3 lead late in the game before a Tennessee touchdown and recovered onside kick had them facing the specter of the defeat for the first time this season. Instead, Alabama improved to 8-0 while Tennessee slipped to 3-4.

College football pointspread players who took Tennessee as +14 road underdogs were in good shape throughout the contest and eventually cashed their tickets. The Vols improved to 4-3 against the spread while the Crimson Tide dropped to 5-3 versus the number.

After the game, Cody recounted his blocked field goal attempt that saved the day:

"I didn't really get off the ground. I just reached my arm up. That's how I got it. I knocked the blocker back. He was on his back."

First year Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin wasn't taking a 'moral victory' from the game:

"It's a difficult loss to deal with. You come into a hostile environment and play the No. 1 team in the country, as I said before by far the No. 1 team in the country and the best-coached team around. You come in here and outgain them by nearly 100 yards and miss three field goals. I don't believe in moral victories, we should have won that game."

He explained the difficulty that placekicker Daniel Lincoln has getting elevation on his kicks since a quadriceps injury:

"He can't kick the ball up high. If you kick the ball up high it's never going to get there, so we can't allow the penetration up front."

Alabama coach Nick Saban views the game as a learning experience:

"You talk about how fragile a season is. You're controlling a game, even though you may say it's winning ugly. We're still ahead 12-3 and totally controlling the game with 3 minutes, 29 seconds and the ball. That's how fragile a season can be. You make one mistake and you have to go overcome it. I hope that there's a lot of lessons our team can learn from this."

Alabama has a week off before a tough game at home against LSU on November 7. They'll play at Mississippi State the following week. Tennessee hosts South Carolina next Saturday and Memphis the following week. They'll play at Ole Miss on November--.

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Guitar Lessons DVD: Learn With the Pros

By Corey Larson

Make sure you are practicing efficiently. Do you really know how to practice the guitar? Are you focused on setting daily and weekly objectives and then practicing in such a way that you will be working towards those goals?

I prefer to be wise like the Buddha, and take the Middle Path. This is the one I have chosen, and I will describe it for you.

NEVER GIVE UP! Never say can't. Never say I can't. Never say someday. Never say if... If your IQ is higher than room temperature, if you have all of your fingers and if you really want to succeed, you can.

You should be able to play all the techniques of the guitar. Van Halen did tapping but not with all his fingers as others have done. He didn't play finger style much either, but we still regard him as an important guitarist, the same thing can be said for Vai and many others. Classical guitar master John William's probably doesn't play well with a guitar pick (I am assuming this to be true, I have no proof of it), but he is considered one of the greatest classical guitarists alive today.

Skills like improvisation, songwriting and playing with a guitar pick or not going to be high on his list of skills to acquire. This is because classical guitarists generally don't do those things - and don't need to to be great at what they do. These players are great players in their own ways and they have spent many years developing their skills. Learning everything about guitar playing would have taken away precious practice time from the things they needed to focus on to reach their goals.

Chopin's natural ability was his ability to improvise. He was the master, but he worked very hard to become the virtuoso pianist that he would later become. Chopin also was the master at small forms, but struggled with large scale forms.

To be GREAT means I have to be BETTER than everybody else. We already touched on this one above, but it is worth mentioning again here. What matters is reaching YOUR goals, not someone else's goals. Who cares if you are or are not better than someone else? This is not the olympics. Music is the art of expression (or for some people, the science of entertainment).

Now I know I have to work on something very fundamental. I have to work on the behavior of my third finger, and change the way it reacts to it's neighbor being used, the second finger. If I can get down to the matter with that degree of specificity, that degree of clarity and focus, I am in a position to cause major Vertical Growth. If I can change the way that finger is behaving in that situation, I will see many playing problems I am having in other pieces of music begin to "melt", and eventually disappear.

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Thursday, January 28, 2010

Keeping a Fit & Healthy Angelfish

By Stephen J Broy

Angelfish belong to the largest families of vertebrates on Earth. The family Cichlidae is made up of over 1,300 scientifically classified species in 220 different genera. New species are found and identified every year. Scientists speculate that there may be as many as 3,000 individual species that fall within the scientific classification of this family. The family Cichlidae, more commonly referred to as cichlids, includes oscars, discus and tilapias. Many sources will tell you that angelfish are endemic to the Amazon River in Brazil. While this is true, this species is also native to both the Orinoco River and Essequibo River basins. Populations of this fish can be found throughout Guyana, Venezuela, and Columbia in addition to Brazil.

Angelfish are graceful creatures. Angels are without a doubt the most popular fish among aquarists throughout the world. Their distinctive body structure certainly contributed to their immense popularity. These fish are sold in a variety of patterns and colors, from unembellished to banded, marbled, black, golden, or Koi. They are undoubtedly among the most easily obtainable fish on the market. Angelfish are inexpensive to purchase. Angels are one of the most worry free fish you can have.

Just one look at one of these delightful guys will make you want to pull out a charge card. The specimens available at the fish shops are still immature. Angels normally reach six inches in diameter in adulthood. They can be housed in an aquarium as small as 10 gallons but 20 gallons and up recommended.

Angelfish are non-aggressive. These fish are wonderful community dwellers. A note of caution: They will instinctively perceive smaller community dwellers as a tempting taste treat. Refrain from housing them with species such as minnows, glofish and fancy guppies. You will also want to avoid mixing them with fish like barbs and tetras. Both are infamous fin nippers. An angelfish's large, full bodied fins are mouth-watering taste treat, just pleading to be nibbled on.

Angelfish are omnivorous by nature. They will eat virtually anything. Any common variety tropical fish food will work. Brine shrimp, tubifex worms and blood worms are perfect nutritional supplements and will guarantee and vigorous and happy angelfish.

As natives of northern and central South America, angelfish are considered a tropical species. Angels will thrive in warmer water. A temperature range of 72-86 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Angels are a relatively long lived species. If properly maintained you can expect them to live in excess of 10 years of age.

Unlike a lot of fish species of the Amazon River, angelfish will not eat their young. As a matter of fact, the proud parents will aggressively stand guard over their eggs until the newborn fry emerge. After they hatch, both male and female angelfish will usher their young from plant to plant for close to a week. At some undetermined point, the couple's custodial instinct will dissipate. The couple will suddenly view their young as a source of nourishment. The couple should be moved immediately.

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Microsoft SQL Career Training At Home - Options

By Jason Kendall

All of us are short of time, and most often if we want to advance our future prospects, getting educated alongside a job is the only option open to us. Microsoft authorised training could offer a solution.

You might also hope to be given advice on the jobs you might go for once you've qualified, and which personalities those jobs might be right for. The majority of students feel happier if they can be advised on what the best route is for them.

Be assured that your training course is put together to your current level of knowledge and ability. Select a company that will make sure that your training track is designed for the career you want to get into.

Don't accept anything less than the most up to date Microsoft (or any other key organisation's) accredited exam simulation and preparation packages.

Students regularly can get thrown by practicing questions for their exams that aren't recognised by the authorised examining boards. Sometimes, the phraseology is unfamiliar and you need to be ready for this.

Mock exams will prove very useful as a tool for logging knowledge into your brain - so that when you come to take the real deal, you don't get phased.

Many trainers provide piles of reference manuals and workbooks. It's not a very interesting way to learn and not ideal for remembering.

If we can utilise all of our senses into our learning, then the results are usually dramatically better.

Find a course where you'll receive a selection of CD or DVD ROM's - you'll learn by watching video tutorials and demonstrations, and be able to fine-tune your skills in fully interactive practice sessions.

You really need to look at the type of training provided by each company you're contemplating. It's essential they incorporate video, demonstrations and various interactive elements.

Select physical media such as CD or DVD ROM's where possible. You can then avoid all the difficulties of internet connection failure and issues with signal quality.

Getting your first commercial position can feel more straightforward with a Job Placement Assistance facility. Ultimately it's not as difficult as you may be led to believe to secure your first job - once you're trained and certified; employers in this country need your skills.

CV and Interview advice and support might be provided (if it isn't, consult one of our sites). Be sure to you work on your old CV today - don't leave it till you pass the exams!

A good number of junior support jobs have been bagged by people who are still learning and have yet to take their exams. This will at the very least get you into the 'maybe' pile of CV's - rather than the 'No' pile.

If it's important to you to find work near your home, then it's quite likely that a local (but specialised) recruitment consultancy might be of more use than the trainer's recruitment division, as they're far more likely to be familiar with the local job scene.

Many trainees, apparently, invest a great deal of time on their training course (for years sometimes), and then just stop instead of looking for a job. Sell yourself... Do everything you can to get in front of employers. Don't think a job's just going to jump out in front of you.

Wouldn't it be great to know for sure that our jobs will remain safe and our work prospects are protected, but the growing reality for most sectors in the United Kingdom currently is that security may be a thing of the past.

But a fast growing sector, with huge staffing demands (as there is a massive shortfall of properly qualified workers), provides a market for lasting job security.

Investigating the computing market, the recent e-Skills study showed a more than 26 percent shortfall of skilled workers. This shows that for every 4 jobs that exist around computing, we've only got three properly trained pro's to perform that task.

This fundamental certainty shows an urgent requirement for more commercially certified computing professionals in the United Kingdom.

It would be hard to imagine if a better time or market settings will exist for gaining qualification for this swiftly emerging and blossoming business.

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Essential Wedding Supplies

By Angel A Wilson

Wedding should always be perfect. It is your big day anyway. But, getting married means a lot of planning. There are a lot of things that should be done in order to make this occasion a memorable one. You need to consider all the factors and elements in this event like the guests, your budget, the reception, the gown the tuxedos and of course, all the necessary wedding supplies. All of these should be carefully planned to make sure that everything will run out smoothly.

Aside from the gowns of the bride and bridesmaids and the tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen, there are a lot more wedding supplies that should be in your checklist. It is important that you do not overlook on them. These are like major pieces of the puzzle. Your wedding is incomplete without them. So, what are these wedding supplies?

A first wedding essential is your wedding invitation. Wedding invitation is your visual statement that you are getting married and you would want them to be there. Moreover, it tells you the formality and theme of the said occasion. The font, the style, the stationary that you used - all of these contributes to the message you would want to tell your guests. Keep in mind that it is a wedding etiquette that you give your guests printed invitations rather than inviting them through email, phone calls, text message or an e-card.

Guests Book. Guest books serves as your list of who had been your guests on your wedding day. It will be your guide when preparing your thank you cards, which is another important wedding supply. You can choose the traditional name - contact number or you may add a little spice on it by personalizing it and letting your guests to sign their messages and wishes for you.

Table Decorations. You may coordinate with the reception venue to provide you the table linens, napkins and the decorations that suits your theme. There are also specialist companies who offer complete table dressing sets. Each set may include seating cards, party poppers, colored napkins and table confetti.

Room Decorations. The room should also be set up according to the mood of the occasion. Room decoration or the venue decoration should include your names and the date. You may add flowers, balloons, lighting fixtures or paper lanterns. Pre-nuptial photos in canvass may also be exhibited as it illustrates the journey of your love.

You may also include cake boxes on your list. Traditionally, guests would want to have a piece of the wedding cake as well as those who were not able to come. Make your cake boxes personalized but still match your theme.

One major wedding supply that should not be missed out are your wedding favors. Wedding favors are extremely important to the wedding. It is you token of thanks to those people who had come and spent their time to be with you. Basically, you need to prepare 3 sets of it - one for your bridesmaids, another for your groomsmen and of course, to your visitors.

If you needed help with the wedding supplies, you can always ask advice from the wedding specialist and wedding planners. They can give you great ideas on how to make the occasion an exceptional one. If wedding planners are too costly for you, you can always check online. The Internet can provide you also the necessary information you need, from the list, designs and styles and the prices.

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Cisco CCNA Support Training - News

By Jason Kendall

Should you be looking for Cisco training but you've no working knowledge of routers, the right certification is the CCNA. This training course was created to teach students who need a working knowledge of routers. Large companies that have a number of branches use them to join up their networks in different buildings to keep in contact with each other. The Internet also is made up of hundreds of thousands of routers.

Jobs that need this knowledge mean the chances are you'll work for national or international corporations that have several locations but need their computer networks to talk to each other. On the other hand, you might end up working for an internet service provider. Jobs requiring these skills are plentiful and well remunerated.

It's advisable to do a tailored route that covers everything you need to know in advance of getting going on the Cisco CCNA.

A top of the range training course package will incorporate accredited simulation materials and exam preparation packages.

Avoid relying on non-official exam papers and questions. Their phraseology is sometimes startlingly different - and sometimes this can be a real headache when it comes to taking the real exam.

Why don't you test your depth of understanding by doing quizzes and mock ups of exams to get you ready for the real deal.

Coming across job security in this economic down-turn is problematic. Businesses frequently remove us from the workplace with very little notice - whenever it suits.

Security can now only exist via a fast rising marketplace, driven forward by a shortfall of trained staff. It's this alone that creates just the right conditions for a secure market - a more attractive situation all round.

With the computing industry for instance, a recent e-Skills analysis showed a skills shortage throughout Great Britain around the 26 percent mark. That means for each 4 job positions available around the computer industry, there are barely three qualified workers to fill that need.

Well taught and commercially certified new employees are as a result at a total premium, and it looks like they will be for much longer.

Undoubtedly, now really is the very best time to consider retraining into Information Technology (IT).

It's so important to understand this key point: You have to get round-the-clock 24x7 instructor and mentor support. You will have so many problems later if you don't heed this.

Never purchase certification programs which can only support students with a message system when it's outside of usual working hours. Training organisations will always try to hide the importance of this issue. But, no matter how they put it - support is needed when it's needed - not when it suits them.

We recommend looking for training programs that use several support centres from around the world. All of them should be combined to enable simple one-stop access together with 24 hours-a-day access, when it's convenient for you, with the minimum of hassle.

Find a training school that offers this level of study support. Because only live 24x7 round-the-clock support provides the necessary backup.

Most people don't even think to ask about something of absolutely vital importance - the way the company segments the courseware sections, and into how many parts.

Students often think it makes sense (with a typical time scale of 1-3 years to pass all the required exams,) that a training provider will issue one module at a time, as you achieve each exam pass. But:

With thought, many trainees understand that the company's 'standard' path of training doesn't suit. It's often the case that it's more expedient to use an alternative order of study. Perhaps you don't make it at the pace they expect?

To be straight, the very best answer is to have a copy of their prescribed order of study, but make sure you have all of your learning modules right from the beginning. You then have everything should you not complete it as fast as they'd like.

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A Brief Buyer's Guide To Airsoft Guns

By Anthony Carter

If you are thinking of buying airsoft guns, it is very important to realise that they are not necessarily intended to be toys. You should choose to buy one with care depending on your different circumstances. With so many different products on the market designed for a wide range of different situations, it is important to choose carefully.

However, it is very important that you take time to choose the right sort of airsoft gun. It is not really one of those things that you simply go and buy on impulse buying. This will only give you something that is pretty useless are not suitable for the sort of circumstances that you would want to use it in.

You can buy ones which are used in things like training. Certain military organizations are law enforcement agencies use types of airsoft guns for training. You can also use ones which are designed for paint balling and other ones which have a low impact and can be used for recreation of role play scenarios.

If you really are serious about getting into airsoft guns, you may want to get some training. There are many great hobbies associated with this sort of thing, but if you want a perfect your skills, getting the services of an instructor or just teaching yourself by using various guides can be a great way to go.

There are various things that you need to take into account when buying and airsoft gun. Firstly, you have shooting speed, pellet size and pellet type and of course reloading speed. With many different types out there, all these aspects can be very different. Traditionally, airsoft gowns are gas-powered but you can also buy electrically powered ones.

Gas airsoft guns are some of the most popular and the use an internal gas proven mechanism. This is especially suitable in warmer climates simply because the amount of ambient heat helps to keep the gas lively unusable for longer. However, in cooler climates, it can be a problem for a number of reasons.

Electric airsoft guns compensate for any issues caused by ambient temperature. These are highly technologically advanced and are quickly becoming a very popular choice for people who want to buy a airsoft guns. They provide absolutely no different problems regardless of the climate they are used in.

Another advantage about electric airsoft guns is that they stimulate a real gun shooting better than just about anything else. They are also typically faster and more reliable and can even five continuously, depending on a specific model that you go in for buying.

When it comes to choosing the perfect airsoft gun, also take your degree of skill and experience into account. For your very first gun, something that is cheap and easy to use is possibly the best idea. This will be easy to practice with and over a short period of time, you can build up your skills and eventually upgrade to something a lot more advanced and better.

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Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Portrait Photography Tips

By Betty Ronins

For many people, portrait photography might be a tough job. Here are a few points for those who would like to get into this amazing area of photography.

Before we start, you need to realise what portraits actually are. Any photographs that you click of your family, friends, relations or teachers can be called portraits. Yes of course, in the beginning, portrait photography might seem to be rather difficult when compared to standard photography, but as you get more engaged in it, it comes more and more easy to you.

What do you call successful portrait photography? It is actually something which builds a kind of grand impression on the audience. Now, what makes a portrait photograph stand out? It might be due to several elements like the physical aspects of the shot, the subject, or it can even be the some other noted features like the background, the light organisation and so on. A portrait always leaves behind some kind of impression on the mind about the person in it, otherwise it cannot be termed as a portrait photograph. Anything can come out to be magnetic in the person being photographed like the mannerism, the attitude, the mood or even a simple look.

It is true that good photography is always about inner skill. Yet good photography can also be learned. The trick is letting yourself go and experiment.

In portrait photography, the photographer is taken to be the leader at that moment, and he should be able to raise up a striking difference in his subjects mood. For this, you need to start with a small discourse with the person on any current issues or something which might produce a strong impact so as to create the opportunity to take a perfect portrait photograph. If you can trigger off a change in thinking and mood of a person in a good way quickly then this will allow you to capture some amazing pics. This is just one way to move your subject into a different feeling space. Of course you do now want to make them angry but you do want to arise within them different feelings so that their expressions become more acute and distinct creating great pics.

Everything depends on you as the photographer to set the scene so an amazing result can be captured. As well as conversation, controlling the natural environment can be utilized to create the special outcome in the portraits. To come up with the best photo, it is very important to cooperate with the person and the environment. You should have good interest in people so that the natural expressions of the person show themselves.

So at the end of the day the key to being a good portrait photographer is in how you can inspire and lead people to experience different feelings so that they show in their body and face. This is what brings out the magic of the person being photographed.

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Portrait Photography Basic Principles

By Rodney Tan

A portrait, also known as a portraiture, is a photo centering on a person or small groups facial expression while they are in a still position. The personality, mood and likeness of the person or group will be presented. Portrait photography does not always have to have just the face in the picture, the whole body and background can be included as well. When taking a portrait photo the person or group is generally looking strait at the camera.

Non-professional models are used for portrait photography, unlike other styles of photography. Some examples of portrait photography are graduations, special events, and weddings and are usually displayed in private homes. Many are done on studio with several backgrounds to choose from.

A Bit of History

Ever since the camera was invented people have been using portrait photography. Having your portrait painted was expensive and not as available. Natural light was used from an open window and people would sit against the background. Portrait photography can now be more creative with the way technology has evolve since they can adjust light and move around more.

Methods of Light

A professional photographer has complete control over the lighting when taking portrait photographs in a studio. They can change the direction and the intensity. Different lighting terms are kicker lights, fill lights, background lights and the main light.

The most important light source is obviously referred to the main light. It is usually at a 45 degree angle of the subject but it can also be positioned above or below as well.The main light can create shadows so the fill light helps to eliminate them. The kicker light is the light that brightens up the hair of a subject. This will help to add depth and to show the separation from the subject and the background. To add effects to the backdrops the background light is used to brighten up the background.

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What You Should Look For In A Family Portrait Photographer

By Paulo Collins

Family portrait photographs are shot on numerous occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, new born celebrations and annual family get-together. To freeze these memorable events, portrait photography serves as a great medium. However, portrait photography must be of high quality, as poor quality photographs will fail to rouse that nostalgia when people revisit them and would therefore be a no-gain venture. Hence the choice of the family portrait photographer has to be good, and one has to be mindful of a few points to ensure a successful portrait photography session.

The first point to consider is that the style the photographer follows is in tune with your needs. This means that you must first consider the exact mood and style of the family portraits that you desire. Do you want lively, informal portraits or classic and formal ones? Is black and white your preference or the colourful palette suits you better? There could be several such style considerations which you should make your mind up about beforehand and then approach a family portrait photographer for presenting before you some work samples of his earlier work in those specific styles.

Then you need to consider the backdrop of the photograph, which has a major influence on the outcome, as well as on what photography apparatus the family portrait photographer needs to bring with him. Only an experienced photographer will know that the dimly lit interiors of a room or hall need cameras and additional equipment that are entirely different from the ones needed for bright and panoramic outdoor backdrops, and he can make his choice of equipment in that context.

Besides the photographer's expertise and his agreement with your requirements, you must also look into the type of output his company can deliver. If the developing of the film and its paper printing that takes place in the darkroom is executed well, it can have a significant effect on the picture quality. Moreover, it is good to have a choice in photo frames and album designs available with the photography services company, so that you can have your group portraits set in an elegant and attractive format. Hence, it is a good idea to check for these before appointing the family portrait photographer for your occasion or need.

Some additional services must also be looked into before hiring the photographer, like finding out if his firm provides free home delivery of photos or pays a visit to the venue prior to the photo shoot to examine it thoroughly and address any special requirements that may emerge because of the selection of venue. You won't be making any unreasonable demands on the company by expecting these services, as they must usually be included in the price that you pay for the service.

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How To Choose The Proper Flower For A Particular Event

By Jack Drilon

Gifting flowers to people on special events or to convey love or compassion towards those close to us has been an age-old tradition throughout the world. But as there are many flower varieties, and different meanings have been attributed to each of them, one must be cautious to avoid the embarrassing scenario of choosing the wrong flower for the event.

Beforehand knowledge of the likes and dislikes of the person receiving the flowers makes the decision easy, but at the same time the appropriateness according to the occasion has to be considered. For example, flowers with bright colours such as daisies or roses can be selected for joyful events, as they are in line with the mood of such events. But sad occasions require you to express your sympathy by presenting flowers like white carnations or gladiolus.

In case you are not very familiar with the recipient, you can opt for the usual options without exercising your judgment and taking any risk in this regard. In this case too, the choice should be entirely dependent on the event. For example, you can present a bouquet of colourful lilies to congratulate someone on having successfully completed graduation, and seasonal flowers to couples on their day of marriage.

Brilliantly coloured flowers are suited for birthdays. For anniversaries, like 25 years, the most proper are luxurious and conventional bouquets with a suitable color scheme. In observance of giving birth, pink flowers are good choice for a baby girl, and yellow or orange flowers for a boy. Gerberas are brilliant and bold flowers, perfectly fit to a happy occasion like a birthday, anniversary or birth.

If you are confused about which flower to pick, you must seek advice from an expert florist in a flower shop or an online florist to help you in your decisions. To ensure that you receive trustworthy service, choose a florist who is associated with a reputed brand and offers a vast range of choices. This is not an issue at all for anyone who lives in Singapore or is attending an event here. Most markets have a good Singapore flower shop, and the option of buying through the internet is also available for added convenience. To look for an online shop, all you are required to do is search for the words 'florist Singapore', and you will find a lot of options to select from.

It is very likely that if you shop for flowers online, you will have a greater variety of flowers to choose from than a regular florist. However, you may have to pay an additional charge for home delivery, and check if the flowers can be delivered to you in time. You should also make sure that the credit card information that you are submitting is on a secure network and is not going to be misused. Nevertheless, several people prefer on the spot advice of a florist, which makes them reject the option of online shopping and go for a traditional flower shop instead.

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Event Photography Tips

By Peter Wong

If you focus on event photography you can make quite a bit of money. It is a varied and widely sought after field of photography.

Here's how you can do it

Cover only events where it is hard for people to take the pics themselves and where they will want to keep their memories frozen in film.

One idea is to go to kids sports events. Get permission from the coach to click pics for the parents watching and then start clicking away. If you turn up with a great big telephoto lens like the ones used for pro coverage of events, you will be taken seriously. Make sure you get all the kids doing great action shots and then hand out flyers to all the kids' parents watching with your web address. If you can get hold of the parents email address so you can email them the URL of you site then upload the pics to your web site that day and email everyone. If you have a simple shopping cart set up you can make money in a few hours as people pop in to see the pics and buy them for $20 or more a pop.

You can do a similar thing with weddings. Take all the normal pictures as part of the wedding coverage but then get your URL printed on the wedding invites and all the other wedding materials and also get an email list of all the wedding guests, offer the couple a nice 20% discount for doing this and then take lots of extra pics at the wedding of the guests doing all the things they do. Upload all the pics to your site and send the emails. You will then make a lot more money than the 20% discount it cost you because then 20 or 30 people will be also purchasing your pics at $20 or more a shot straight from your site. Charging a higher price for high res pics is also a great money spinner.

The trick is to find a niche where you can excel by being the best photographer in the room, and offering an easy way for people to buy your photos.

Dog shows, fashion shows, horse shows, car shows, livestock competitions, rock shows, - the list goes on. Keep your eye out in the events section of your local paper to see what is happening. Always ask for permission to shoot pics and if you need to offer the people 10% of the income if feel you need to so you can get easy access.

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Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Online Beginner Guitar Lesson

By Adrian Logan

Beginner guitar lesson online can be very enjoyable. There are wide ranges of manner for you to learn no matter if you are eyeing on an acoustic or electrical guitar. For people who know a guitarist, they can consider themselves lucky because they can ask their friends to personally give them the guitar lesson needed. On the other hand, there are people who have no choice but to hire a private tutor.

Hiring a professional to teach you how to strum the guitar can be a little costly although the outcome is very good. However if you do not have enough cash to spare then you can always learn with the help of a professional plus the bonus point of learning at your own pace by means of using online DVD guitar lessons.

The method of going for beginner guitar lesson online became a phenomenon because of the many people who are eager to learn without spending an arm and a leg. With the help of online guitar lesson, you simply have to go to the site that offers the tutorial and little by little, you will become familiar with some of the basic lessons that you need to get started.

To be of help to different kinds of people, online lessons are obtainable in wide array of platforms like DVD lessons, eBooks, and a lot more. If you are wondering which of them is the best option then you might want to get those which provide videos and software so you can learn easier and in a more enjoyable manner.

To get a fast result while being able to learn according to your schedule, attending a beginner guitar lesson online where the instructor will teach about the step to step method to play can be the most ideal option for you to learn guitar.

As it requires effort and money to create those online guitar course, most of them are available with an inexpensive one-time payment. After your first payment, the preceding lessons are free. In case you are already knowledgeable about the basics such as strumming then you are free to move on to more advanced lessons.

Because there won't be someone who is learning with you, the software will allow you to learn at your own speed. Some of the other beginner guitar lessons online would include playing acoustic guitar, lead guitar, and blues guitar. You will realize that the price you pay for the course is worth it.

In due time, you can surprise your friends on how efficient you are in playing the guitar even if they know that you haven't hired someone to teach you. Just gear yourself with enough patience and later on, you will realize how well you are performing. Don't give up along the way; just keep on moving and learning the process as to become a seasoned guitarist in due time.

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The History Of Chicago's Pump Room Restaurant

By Ross Everett

The venerable Pump Room Restaurant in Chicago is once again a beacon of civilized living. Famously memorialized in the Frank Sinatra song 'Chicago', the 'jumping Pump Room' was one of the first true fine dining establishments to open in the Windy City at the end of Prohibition. Almost immediately, it became a favorite of celebrities including the biggest stars in entertainment history--Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr, Jackie Gleason, Dean Martin, Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, Ronald Reagan and Marilyn Monroe is just a very small list of the icons that made it a regular hangout. In the later part of the 20th century, however, it sort of fell off the map as a new wave of gourmet restaurants in the Windy City led by Charlie Trotter reduced it to a historical footnote.

The Pump Room opened in'38 under the ownership and management of Ernie Blyfield. He took the name from an'th century London pub favored by celebrities and nobility, including Queen Anne. The original pub got its name from the hot drinks pumped into the cocktails of its stylish clientele.

The Chicago Pump Room was a smashing success from the time it opened. It's most desired table reserved for 'A list' celebrities was Booth #1, which for a time may have been the most sought after table at any dining establishment in the country. Booth #1 at various times hosted Frank Sinatra and his associates, Bogart and Bacall, Judy Garland and daughter Liza Minnelli, John Barrymore and countless others.

Blyfield died in'50, but the Pump Room continued to be the preferred Chicago destination for the biggest names in show biz. A new era of celebrities held court there including opera singer Beverly Sills, Paul Newman, Robert Redford, film producer Robert Evans, Eddie Murphy and others. A funny story involving the Pump Room began when the former drummer for a British progressive rock band was refused entry due to his lack of a jacket. The drummer would use this as inspiration for his next album--'No Jacket Required' which has sold over-- million copies worldwide and established Phil Collins as a solo superstar. After the album's release, the Pump Room sent Collins an apology--and an appropriate jacket for him to wear on his next trip to town.

Since being purchased by the Dallas Restaurant Group in the late'90s, things are hopping again, however. With the extremely talented chef Martial Noguier at the helm (who has worked in the kitchen of a number of Frances most renown chefs), and a $2 million dollar restoration of the facilities, the Pump Room is back among the rarefied heights of Chicagos best restaurants. Though the flaming food served on a sword that was the Pump Room trademark during its golden era is sadly absent (due to city fire codes), the menu is now up to snuff serving Noguiers sophisticated interpretation of classic American cuisine. In addition to the revamped cuisine, the Pump Room upgraded its wine offering and expanded the bar area.

Today, current Executive Chef Nick Sutton continues the restaurant's tradition of culinary excellence. The most amazing thing about the restaurant, however, remains the almost palpable sense of history that the dining room affords. Sitting in the same room where icons of American culture from Sinatra to Bogart held court is an intoxicating experience in itself. Chef Sutton has maintained the quality of the Pump Room's food and service to the high level worthy of the legends that have dined there.

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5 Fighters To Beat Brock Lesnar

By Ross Everett

In the aftermath of Brock Lesnars 2nd round TKO victory over Frank Mir the prevailing attitude toward him from mainstream fans has experienced a sudden and seismic shift. Before his past two fights many were questioning whether his credentials justified giving him a shot at the title, with some even unfairly comparing him to EliteXC YouTube sideshow attraction Kimbo Slice. In the aftermath of Lesnars UFC 100 victory the new question surrounding the former WWE champion has become who can beat this guy? Lesnar definitely is a freaky physical specimen combining size and strength with speed and agility. Hes also progressing by leaps and bounds as a fighter with every bout. Still, hes got a big deficit in experience to make up on the job as UFC heavyweight champion.

Lesnar is no doubt a tough matchup, but he's been the beneficiary of very favorable matchups in his short professional career. Lesnar has made amazing progress as a fighter, but he's not unbeatable. Here's fight fighters who could do it.

1) FEDOR EMELIANENKO: 'The Last Emperor' is until proven otherwise the best heavyweight in the sport. The former PRIDE champion has striking power, submission mastery, and may be the toughest fighter mentally in the sport. Fedor might get taken down by the new UFC heavyweight champ, but hed reverse it from the bottom and win via armbar.

2) ANTONIO RODRIGO NOGUEIRA: Nogueira would present Lesnar with another formidable challenge. The former Interim heavyweight champion has equal, if not superior, BJJ skills and has proven to be tougher and more durable than Mir. His five career losses are all via decision and came to the absolute highest level of competition (Fedor Emelianenko twice, Frank Mir, Josh Barnett and Dan Henderson). The UFC heavyweight division is notoriously thin, but among the current crop Nogueira is by far Lesnars worst matchup.

3) JOSH BARNETT: Barnett is another unlikely opponent for Lesnar, due as much to his recent positive drug test in California than anything else. Still, Barnett could be the worst matchup in the sport for the new UFC champ. Lesnar is likely the more powerful of the two, but Barnett is an imposing physical presence himself at 63 250 lbs. Barnett also has a solid wrestling background, with the added dimension of his sizable submission repertoire. As his career has progressed, Barnett has become a more patient and tactically sound fighter and his standup game has improved significantly. Perhaps Barnett's greatest weapon against Lesnar is his wide knowledge of 'shoot wrestling' submissions that are very effective and tough to learn how to defend.

4) ALISTAIR OVEREEM: Overeem is bigger than Lesnar"260 pounds and 65 tall--and Mirko Cro Cop suggests that hes the *only* fighter in the world who could beat Fedor Emelianenko at this point. Hes got great standup including a kickboxing background that could cause Lesnar problems, as well as solid ground fighting ability. Hes yet another heavyweight that is unlikely to bend to Dana Whites contractual demands, and currently has a relationship with DREAM in Japan and Strikeforce in the US. Still, hes a dangerous matchup for any fighter on the planet.

5) RANDY COUTURE: Lesnars win over Couture was far from decisive, and it didnt have anything to do with the age disparity. Couture got caught with a big shot and it cost him the fight. Until that point, he was more than holding his own. He was making his opponent work hard, had the edge in the striking exchanges and had opened up a cut over Lesnars right eye. Itll never be a favorable physical matchup on paper for Couture but at the same time Lesnar in no way proved his categorical superiority over The Natural

An intriguing matchup down the road could be against Croatian striking machine Mirko Cro Cop. Cro Cop has battled injuries over the past year or so but if he could come close to the form he demonstrated in winning the PRIDE Open Weight GP he could be another formidable challenge. At his best, Cro Cop is simply the most devastating striker in the sport.

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