Senin, 31 Mei 2010

Celebrities Tear Up The Track For Kids Charity. 30th Anniversary Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race

For the past 29 years, celebrities from film, television, music and sports have taken their spots on the starting grid behind the wheel of a revved-up Toyota sports coupe while racing through the streets of Long Beach, California as part of the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race. Over 370 fan favorites such as Cameron Diaz, George Lucas, Ashley Judd, Lil' Kim, Sean Astin, Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, Gene Hackman, Clint Eastwood, Woody Harrelson, Karl Malone, Kelsey Grammer, Jay Leno, Matt LeBlanc, Queen Latifah, Joe Montana, Patrick Dempsey, John Elway and dozens of others have tested their skills racing through 10 laps of heart-pounding, action-packed turns at over 100 mph-all for the benefit of children's hospitals.

A highlight of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race is the longest-running corporate-sponsored event of its kind.

Stars competing for the checkered flag show up race weekend with much more than a camera-ready smile. Participants commit to eight days of charity involvement, car preparation and actual racing, including an intensive four-day training session that teaches stars how to properly handle the vehicles and how to manage the complexities of the track. After completing training, they hit the street course in Long Beach for a practice session, followed by the actual race (April 8), which rips and roars to a cheering crowd of tens of thousands, as well as on national television.

"The excitement and competition is fierce," said Les Unger, national motorsports manager at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. "Celebrities sign up thinking this race will be a friendly competition for a good cause. Come race day, rivalries and friendships have developed, setting the stage for an exciting and dramatic display of adrenaline. It's fun to watch the transformation from celebrity to race car driver."

After competing in the 2005 race, Patrick Dempsey, who plays Dr. Derek Shepherd on ABC's "Grey's Anatomy," now dabbles in professional racing as a hobby and will be classified in the "pro" category for the 2006 race. "Toyota puts on a great event that's a lot of fun, very competitive and most importantly for a great charity cause. I had such a great experience last year that I jumped at the chance to be involved again," said Dempsey.

In addition to learning the tricks and trades of competitive racing, the star-studded group raises money for "Racing for Kids," a national organization benefiting children's hospitals. Each year, the celebrities visit Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach to spend time with sick and recovering children, evoking smiles, laughter and inspiration. Since 1991, the race has raised more than $1.3 million for charity. Donations are split equally between Miller Children's and Children's Hospital of Orange County.

The 2006 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race will take place on Saturday, April 8 through the streets of downtown Long Beach, California and will be broadcast nationally on SPEED.

A highlight of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race is the longest-running corporate charity event of its kind.

Minggu, 30 Mei 2010

Catch Up With A Past Classmate

After going to school with your classmates for four or even twelve years, it’s hard to imagine ever losing touch. Once you graduate though and realize that everyone is going off to their own schools, jobs or travels it becomes heartbreakingly clear that staying close will be hard. Losing contact with your classmates is unbelievably easy to do even when by accident. It’s taken most of my friends about ten years to figure out that they left so many people behind.

The thing that’s said most about this is not to worry. Frankly, growing apart is just another one of those many facts of life that like to sneak up on us. The good news is that growing apart from one person usually happens because you’re growing closer to another. The bad news is that often brings with it feelings of guilt. In the first stages of our lives when we go from one education to the next we end up leaving behind old classmates and welcoming in new ones over and over again.

At first this may all sound quite trivial. But when you think about it you’ll see that it is a rite of passage engrained in our culture. All of our lives are built upon memories of friends and enemies that have grown out of the schoolyard and the classrooms.

There’s the yearbook no one wants to graduate without. They sit on bookshelves around the world waiting for people who want to revisit the past. It’s a favorite tool for playing the six degrees of separation with new friends.

Think of the stress so many go through when facing their high school reunions. It’s written about, joked about and portrayed on almost every sitcom aired in the last twenty years. This is a time where we want to impress our former classmates, show off if we can and forgive each other for years of absence in one another’s lives.

Then there is the vast success of websites like the classmates dot com site. This type of site thrives off of nothing but people who want to reconnect with whoever they’ve lost from school. It answers to the curiosity of ‘what happened too,’ and ‘where are they now.’ It fills a gap the nostalgia so many of us seem to carry around.

My friends have recently got in touch with old classmates as a form of business networking. They needed a job done and remembered someone from back in the day who would be perfect for the task. When people fail at such reconnection there is at least a time where conversation always leads to “a went to school with a guy who could…”

The days of this fact of life’s existence may be numbered though. Because of the growing popularity of websites that track your classmates, the mystery of their lives disappears. Then internet chat programs like Messenger actually help in making the world smaller. These days saying goodbye to parting friends only lasts until they log on that night. For most of us this is a great tool to get back together with people; but for the new generation it may actually keep the friendly classmates of the world from ever drifting apart.

Sabtu, 29 Mei 2010

Criminal Record - Affordable Housing

It is a common fact that persons with criminal records, though they have paid their debt to society, are still denied many of the basic rights that most people take for granted. Aside from jobs, applications for credit, and a number of other things, affordable housing is pretty close to the top of the list. The reason may or may not surprise you.

The underlying problem is that there just isn't enough affordable housing to fill the need in the United States. The United States Housing Act of 1937 tried to make it so that everyone would be given affordable housing and didn't have to worry about living out on the street. What the act in a sense provided for was a number of housing establishments to be created so that people with limited means would have a place to live. Today we often refer to these buildings as sub-standard housing, though that's not what it was meant to be.

What the act of 1937 failed to foresee was the demand for this housing outweighing the supply. There are more poor people today than ever in our history, even during the depression, and the number is increasing everyday. There just isn't enough housing to go around for all the people in need.

Unfortunately, many of those people in need are ex-convicts. The reason for this is because of the terrible vicious cycle that being convicted of a crime creates. Ex-convicts are normally denied the better paying jobs and have to settle for minimum wage positions as dish washers or janitors. This immediately rules out any chance of this person being able to afford the kind of housing that many of us take for granted. Certainly he's not going to be able to qualify for a mortgage for a home. Even a regular apartment would be out of his means, so all that is left to him is the option of affordable housing.

The problem is that because of the great demand and limited supply, the people who get the housing are the ones that are termed as "deserving tenants". Because of the enormous gap between demand and supply, officials have been forced to adopt a form of triage to determine who will receive it. Most of the polices in place are what are called "one strike policies". In other words, if a person has even one criminal conviction they are ineligible for housing in that area. This makes it difficult if not impossible for an ex-convict to get housing.

The reason for the one strike policy, so they claim, is for the safety of the other tenants. The rationale is that they shouldn't have to live in fear that an ex-convict is going to make them the victim of a crime.

The solution does not yet exist, nor does it appear that there will be a solution in the near future. With ever toughening laws against ex-convicts, including the relatively new Megan's Law, it is becoming more and more difficult for a person just out of prison to have any chance in this world.

Jumat, 28 Mei 2010

Criminal Record: A Lifetime Scar

“To err is human”. What a very easy quotation to say! A person who is continuously committing wrong doings against anybody is just human, so it can be chuckled. In the morals of a civilized world, consequences are bound by codes and decrees. Each individual has an imaginary private bubble that once intruded would mean trespassing. When a person violates a moral law of an individual or group, then he has done a CRIME. If only the offended one can smile and let it pass, but any mark of it always become history in archives of criminal records that are publicly available as reference. It could mean the destruction of lifetime opportunities and worst---future.

No matter how philosophical the word MORAL means, in all domains of nations, people are ruled by strictest sense of what is right or wrong. There is a common understanding and literal punishment for crimes, depending on severity, and that is being held under custody of the authorities in prisons---to be robbed off freedom and to cease the continuation of wrong doing. Although as generations pass by, so many faces of punishment has been practiced, currently, the due process undergone by criminals under the hands of the judges and prosecutors remain the fairest decision.

Any case could be terminated as long the plaintiff’s justice has been met, either by informal arbitration to the point of undergoing court hearing. Upon withdrawal of case, the crime offender could walk away like a freeman, with the exception of some emotional impact, that is if the case has been settled amicably. A serious offense, on the other hand, means worst jeopardy of a person’s reputation not only to his closest friends, loved ones, and to the database of agencies in compiled collections of criminal records.

Having the mark of criminal record is the something that holds a person from committing a crime out of awkward actions. The idea of being marooned away from the society with all optimistic goals taken away is enough to plague a normal life.

Usually, there is a controversy in the handling of criminal records that even innocent convicts have a hard time recovering and getting back their true “real lives” as untarnished one. With the existence of records in major government offices to help employers secure better workers, no individual will ever want a bad record that will be known of him. In the U.S., FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) with its National Crime Information Center (NCIS) has the widest access to this database of felony lists all over the state, including not so serious misdemeanors.

They also have the capacity to get fast background check of firearms owners and would be buyers. The Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) has also aided the crime agency to track down lists of civil submissions with a record of 47 million references.

In England, sensitive job positions like working in institutions dealing with children and care giving of patients, health care, usually employers ask their workers for Disclosure Service. This gives access to institutions so that they can obtain the following needed information of their employees’ background and criminal records.

Basically, these are lists of conviction data and details from local police records and from other institutions, including non-conviction acts. Although obtaining this is within the consent of the employee, still it is mandatory in other workplace that by not complying would mean not getting the job.

Criminal records are nothing but archives, but in its whole intent, they are indelible marks of lifetime.

Kamis, 27 Mei 2010

Criminal Background Checks: A Necessity In Our Society?

Everyday the news tells of violence in the workplace and sex offenders on the prowl. The scary thing is that you usually never know who these people might be until it's too late. How many times have you seen an interview of someone describing an accused criminal as the nicest person you could ever know? They would have never suspected this person of committing any crime until the crime had already been commited. A criminal background check could have easily put up a red flag about this person and it might have prevented a future incident.

With the popularity of internet dating, the threat of sex offenders seems to increase daily. It is estimated that the number of Americans using online dating services like myspace.com and match.com is in the tens of millions. Sex offenders now have easy access to millions of potential victims. So how do you protect yourself? You should obtain a criminal background check on anyone you meet online before ever agreeing to meet with them and never agree to be alone with them until you feel safe. When your safety is in question, don't take a chance: get a criminal background check.

Violence in the workplace also seems to be on the rise. According to USA Today, an average of one employee is killed in the workplace every week in the United States. Furthermore, at least 20 workers are seriously injured in violent attacks by a current or former employee. How could these brutal attacks have been prevented? In most cases, a criminal background check could have revealed a history of violence and may have prevented many incidents from occuring. It is now more important than ever to know if someone has a criminal background or history of violence before you hire them.

The process of obtaining a criminal background check on someone used to be a hassle. It took someone with specialized knowledge and a whole lot of effort to gain access to public records of all sorts including criminal records and civil records. Now, because of the speed and convenience of the internet, obtaining a criminal background check on virtually anyone in the United States (and even Canada and the U.K.) could not be any easier. Whether someone has an unpaid parking ticket, or has been convicted of a felony, these public records are all available to anyone.

A criminal background check can and should be used in any situation where safety is an issue. It is extremely difficult for anyone to know you are investigating them so you can conduct one in complete anonymity. Don't become a victim of violence when you can protect yourself in such an easy and valuable way: do a criminal background check.

Rabu, 26 Mei 2010

Criminal Background Check Get it Quickly Online

How often have you been searching for a phone number or address and seen an advertisement for a criminal background check? This tool that was once available only to law enforcement officials is now available to anyone who is willing to pay for it. Think it’s all a bogus ploy for money? Think again.

Criminal background checks can be used by businesses and individuals for a variety of purposes. Some of those reasons are commonly understood. A daycare, school or after-school program will likely run criminal background checks to be sure that workers have no history of child molestation. While it’s not a foolproof method of being sure that children are safe, it is a step in the right direction. By the same token, nursing homes and retirement centers may run a criminal background check to eliminate workers and volunteers who have known violent tendencies. Hospitals and doctor’s offices may use criminal background checks to look for drug abuse, since workers will likely have access to drugs on the premises.

There are some other reasons for a business to run a check. A company may choose to run a criminal background check on every applicant before offering a position in the company. This is particularly important in some industries. A company that makes airplanes, for example, will probably want to be sure that employees are not associated with any terrorist groups and that they have not been involved in any terrorist activities. A meat-packing plant may run a background check to be sure that potential employees are not animal rights activists looking to create issues for the company.

Neighborhood organizations and individuals may also run criminal background checks on those living in the area. While some say it’s an invasion of privacy, finding out that a new neighbor has been arrested for assault or that he (or she) has been involved in a child abuse case allows the neighbors to be alert. It’s not possible to always prepare for every possible situation, but information like this can be what it takes to keep children and families safer.

So how do you run a criminal background check? You’ll find plenty of online sites ready to offer the service. Take time to evaluate the company offering the information before you sign up. Remember that these checks typically aren’t free, so be sure of what you’re going to get before you pay. You should also keep in mind that there are some free online sources of information. Your state department of corrections may have information if you know that someone has been in prison, and sex offenders will be registered with your local police department.

Selasa, 25 Mei 2010

Cremation of Veterans - Cremation Services - Let's Not Forget Their Sacrifice

Most families that do cremation on-line or seek assistance for cremation from a funeral home are not aware of veteran benefits offered after cremation. The often-used term "Final Disposition" is not exactly the case after cremation of a veteran.

The Veterans Administration knowing that cremation is becoming more prevalent allows for the interment of cremated veterans, or the placement of cremated veterans, to be placed in a niche in a columbarium provided by the national cemetery. Because of the cremated veteran's service to their country the interment of cremated veterans or the placement of cremated veterans in a niche, this service is free of charge to the cremated veterans family. The family of the cremated veteran will also receive free of charge, an honor guard, the playing of taps, and the official presentation of the American Flag the cremated veteran served to defend.

Veterans that have served in the military and received honorable discharges are eligible. Families often ask me, even though my loved one is cremated, can they be placed in a national cemetery? The answer is a simple yes. You can make arrangements through your funeral director even on-line. Always keep in mind that cremation, cremation urn selection, go hand in hand with proper handling of cremated veterans, to insure a final tribute to their memory. We the time comes to hold a service for a loved one who is a veteran, and has served in our armed forces. It is our duty to make sure that the are remembered for their sacrifice for this country.

Senin, 24 Mei 2010

Creative Halloween Decorations

If you walk around your neighborhood, there is a good chance that you will see very similar decorations at every home. Jack-o-lanterns, orange lights, trash bag pumpkins, and witches that have “crashed” into garage doors and nearby trees are incredibly common. However, if you are looking for something different to do this year, read on for creative ideas.

Masks

Hang a creepy mask on your front door. Decorate your scarecrow and garden gnomes with them. You can even hang them in the windows to look like someone creepy is peaking out. You can amp up the scary tone by placing a flash light on the ground, turning it on, and adjusting the light to illuminate the mask. Just make sure that any masks used outdoors are waterproof and fastened down so that they do not become ruined or fly away.

Vases

Glass vases can be an interesting way to decorate inside of your home. Consider filling them with different objects in fall and Halloween colors – colored leaves, black and orange marbles, Halloween candies, or even plastic bugs. You can then reuse the vases by making a few changes in the contents for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays. You can often find a variety of “fillers” at your local craft or dollar store.

Webs

Fake spider webs can make your front yard look creepy, but you can also use them inside, where you get the added benefit of having them last longer. Hang them in doorways and in corners throughout your home. You can even consider adding on some creepy inhabitants to perfect the look. Another benefit? You won't have to worry about dust? You may want to consider spraying the webbing with an insect repellent to keep the real deal from moving in. You will also want to make sure that you do not hang them anywhere that could be a potential fire hazard.

Murals

Have some budding artists in your family? Consider designing your own Halloween mural. You can then hang this in a bay window, a blank wall, or even outside if the weather permits. Have older children design their own Halloween scene, while younger children can color in the words “Happy Halloween.” This can also be a cute memento to pass on when your children get older to help remind them of childhood Halloweens.

Accents

If you don't want to go all out with your Halloween decorations, a few tasteful accents can help set the Halloween mood without turning your home into a Haunted house. For instance, you can hang orange and black curtains or bring out some Halloween themed throw pillows. Look for a Halloween welcome mat or move your smaller potted plants into plastic Halloween trick-or-treating containers. You can even look for Halloween knick knacks and static window clings.

If you are tired of the traditional Halloween decorations, a little creativity can help you create your own Halloween display. Simply look for items that you like that fall into the Halloween theme and create your own designs.

Minggu, 23 Mei 2010

Creating True Abundance in Your Life

Learning how to create abundance in your life is about much more than gathering financial abundance.

Abundance is a fundamental facet of nature too. Abundance is apparent in nature; one only needs to look at a field of flowers or wild fruit to understand how nature can be generous to the point of waste.

Many people associate the word abundance with affluence or financial prosperity but in truth experiencing abundance in your own life stretches to your experience of love and life too.

Wealth, good health, loving and passionate relationships and a strong sense of self will resonate from a person who truly experiences abundance. Living your life to the fullest means experiencing an abundance. Anyone who is not overly controlled by their own limits can experience abundance. So what kinds of things hold us back from experiencing abundance in our own lives?

Society: society can sabotage our attempts to live life to the fullest.

Our own fears of experiencing abundance: perhaps on some level you don't feel you are worthy of success? Are you sabotaging your own chances of a happy life?

Held back by daily stresses. It's the chronic 'hurry syndrome' of our generation. We constantly rush to get things done with contribute little to out master plan.

Self-empowerment courses are easy to find and many authors who experience abundance in their own lives have many great techniques for easing the flow of abundance in your own life.

Most people wish to live more abundantly (not only financially).

Your internal dialogue directly influences how you experience prosperity. At various times in your life, you are controlled by different aspects of your personality. Allowing the 'dreamer' to take center stage will benefit your life tremendously. After all acknowledging and striving for your dreams are fundamental parts of life.

Creating some kind of balance will also encourage the flow of prosperity in your life. After all, karmic principles have an undeniable ring of truth. These principles are echoed in Western religions too. Christians preach the principle of doing unto others and this is a lovely concept to live by. Why not try doing unto yourself as you wish others would? By loving and respecting yourself you open the channels for abundance to flow freely. Those who do good can only attract good.

Enjoying the fullness of living means inviting joy into your life at any possible opportunity. Don't do things you don't enjoy life's too short. Have that extra glass of wine within reason or indulge in that chocolate. Savor wonderful experiences, textures, sights, sounds. Engage your senses on a daily basis.

Are you really, truly living the life you want to live? Claim your life of abundance today you DO deserve it

Sabtu, 22 Mei 2010

Craps Tournaments: Winning Tips and Guidance

Craps tournaments popularity is increasing lately. If you are a novice craps player who is still intimidated by the great selection of bets or you find the fuss around the craps tables too loud, you might not be able to enjoy playing craps tournaments. If you are an enthusiastic craps shooter, taking part in a craps tournament is a great way to enjoy a more intensive craps playing experience, meet other craps fans and, of course, a chance to win bigger cash prizes as well as the desired title.

Many casinos hold different types of craps tournaments to suit the different levels of skills and budgets of the players. Here you can find tips on the different types of casino craps tournaments including tips on how to choose the most suitable and enjoyable craps tournament as possible. In addition, you can find here tips on how to win in craps tournament.


Choosing a Craps Tournament

Cost: The cost of playing in a craps tournament can range from a free entry and a low buy in to an expensive entry fee with a high buy in. The prizes, needless to say, are corresponding; the higher the entry fee the larger the grand prize. The free tournaments are usually held on a weekly basis for promotional purposes while the high stack tourneys are pre scheduled, last for more than one day and their expensive entry fees include a cocktail party, free accommodation and other freebies.

Competition: Evaluating the level of the competition you are going to face in advance can be tough. However, the number of entrants allowed to take part in the tournament can give you a basic indication on the level of the competition.

Rules: Casinos often set different rules in craps tournaments. For example, some casinos require players to place a pass or dont pass bet each play on top of any other bets or limit the proposition bet to 25 dollars.

Winning a Craps Tournament

The main difference between playing a traditional craps game and a craps tournament is that with the latter you suddenly find yourself surrounded by competitors. While in a regular craps game you are used to compete against the house, in a craps tournament you are playing against the other entrants and especially against those who have managed to accumulate the biggest amount of chips. Therefore, playing craps tournaments requires amending of you strategy. Primarily, you can no longer ignore your opponents; you must keep an eye on their moves!


Tips

Always pay attention to your opponent’s chips; bear in mind that they might have been hiding chips to confuse the other players.
Pay attention especially to your closest opponents; watch their moves and conclude your future bets so you will stay far behind.
Start by playing conservatively; place small bets on pass and come bets.
When an opportunity comes up, for example after making two consecutive points change your pattern and make dont pass bet.
If during the final rolls you are still not leading, it is time to play aggressively; place large even bet your entire bankroll on one number and then hope for the best.

Have fun.

Jumat, 21 Mei 2010

Craps: Books for Beginners and Advanced Players

Although craps is not a very complicated game, many people find themselves confused by its strange terminology and large numbers of betting options. This article focuses on the most recommended craps books available in the market including beginners books, strategy books for the advanced player and books that introduce the concept of dice control.

1) Craps for the Clueless: A Beginners Guide to Playing and Winning by John Patrick
As its name indicates, it provides basic information on playing craps. The book is written in simple language that makes the terminology easy to understand even if you have never seen a craps table before. In addition to the object of the game, Craps for the Clueless, reveals the winning secrets of professional gamblers.

John Patrick is a professional gambler, an author of many gaming guidebooks and the former host of the TV show "So You Wanna be a Gambler", which was aired on national cable network for over a decade. According to Patrick, a successful gambling is a result of four essentials, he calls "The Big Four", which are a proper use of the bankroll, knowledge of the game, money management and discipline.

2) Beat the Craps Out of the Casinos: How to Play Craps and Win by Frank Scoblete
This book supplies useful information for the newbie as well as for the experienced player. The book explains how the game can be beaten including explanations on which bets can lower the house edge and which bets should by avoided by the smart player.

Frank Scoblete is one of the top selling gambling authors in the US and the director of Golden Touch, which offers seminars on craps and blackjack. Other recommended books by Scoblete are "The Captains Craps Revolution", "Forever Craps" and "Get the Edge at Craps".

3) Craps: Take the Money and Run by Henry J. Tamburin
Take the Money and Run focuses on how to make fast profits from playing at casinos. In addition to introduction on the mechanics of the game and recommendations on best bets, the book offers the Increased Odds craps betting system and the Take the Money and Run discipline, which both promise to maximize the profits. The book also provides a special chapter on using the pass line bet for maximizing your profits. Take the Money and Run has special chapters on tournaments and new variations.

Dr. Henry J. Tamburin has been playing for over 25 years, and his betting system and discipline are based on his winning experiences.

4) Dice Control for Casino Craps by Yuri Kononenko.
This guide book offers an easy to understand introduction to the concept of dice control from the mathematical and mechanical points of view.

Other recommended books that teach how to gain advantage over the house by using dice control are Frank Scoblete's "Golden Touch Dice Control Revolution" and "Craps Underground: The Inside Story of How Dice Controllers are Winning Millions from the Casinos", which offers a fascinating inside look on the game system.

Conclusion:
Unlike poker or blackjack, this game is not very popular, but in that lies the biggest opportunity. The casinos focus on getting a profit from the popular games. Take advantage of this, and make your profit at this game instead.

Kamis, 20 Mei 2010

Cowboy Fashion Do's

Technically speaking, all Stetson Company hats can be branded as a Stetson. However, American popular culture has created for us the image of a Stetson hat as the classic cowboy hat. Cowboy hats are distinguished as having wide brims and high, distinctly-shaped crowns. Straw, fur, and wool felt are the common materials used for making these hats. Straw, aside from being cheaper, is the best hat for during hot weather. However, age and long wear might cause it to become brittle. For durability, fur felt hats of either beaver or rabbit are best though more expensive. If you think that you can put on any cowboy hat and it will do, you might be surprised that there are fashion do's and dont's when it comes to wearing one.

Banish the thought that real cowboys only wear one hat. Real cowboys have several cowboy hats and other than function, they have other reasons. First, straw and hats of light color are fashionable and must be worn only in the summer or dry seasons. This is because they are airy, breathable, and as your science teacher always says, light colors absorb less heat. Second, the season for dark colored and felt hat is during the colder months. Aside from protecting the head against the bitter weather, these hats also absorb more heat, thereby keeping the cowboy warm. Though no clear reason is given why, white hats are no-no after the celebration of Labor day. You might just be branded as a fashion flop if you do so.

Okay you got your hat and you know how to wear one, but still, it's not enough to project a cowboy image. Cowboys follow certain etiquette when wearing hats, and you would do yourself a good deed to do as they do. Cowboy hats are not worn indoors except in public places that are enclosed and large (malls, square dance halls). Like all other hats, take it off when seated at a table, especially during meals. Wearing it while dining gives the impolite impression that you're in a hurry to finish eating and leave. A big no is wearing it inside Churches. If you feel like wearing it in a church, by all means attend service at a Cowboy Church.

Cowboys pay respect to ladies. Doff your hat to passing ladies by way of greeting and respect. Don't exclude men in uniform either. Church officials are also rendered the same courtesy. To do this properly, bow your head slightly at an angle and hold your hat by its crown. Lift it slightly as if taking it off, pause, and place it back. During services that require standing for a period of time (flag ceremonies, mass) hold your hat by its crown at chest level as if in a semi-hug. Now that you've learned your hat basics and etiquette, brush your cowboy hats and head out. The town needs you partner.

Rabu, 19 Mei 2010

Cow Brings Better Life To Orphans in Uganda

Geofrey Okello of Uganda was just 14 in 1998 when AIDS turned his life upside down. That was when his father died, leaving Geofrey, his mother and five siblings to fend for themselves.

His mother did the best she could but she too was sick. When she died in 2002, Geofrey, then 18, found himself to be the sole provider for his family. He had to quit college and return home to care for his brothers and sisters in the village of Jinja Wailaka.

The family often went to bed hungry as Geofrey scratched out a meager living selling corn and charcoal at the side of the road. Then a neighbor invited him to a meeting to hear about how Heifer International, a nonprofit organization that provides livestock and agricultural training, helps people become self-reliant.

Geofrey seized the opportunity and worked hard to learn how to care for the dairy cow that Heifer promised to deliver when he had completed his training. He built a cowshed, fenced in the yard to create a garden and planted native trees and grasses that were not only good for the environment but would provide fodder for the cow.

Last year, Geofrey received a cow, which he named Margaret, after his mother.

"My mother provided us life and did all she could for a better future. Now my cow provides this gift of life for us," he said.

His small yard has changed from hard-packed red clay to fertile plots of organic squash, greens, beans, papayas, bananas and other fruits, which he learned to grow through Heifer International training. He prides himself on his immaculately clean cowshed and the four gallons of rich milk that Margaret can produce in a day.

He pays his siblings' school tuition with income he earns from selling milk and now believes someday he too will reach his dream of getting a diploma.

"There are others just like me because the AIDS epidemic goes on," he said. "Soon I will pass on a calf. In Heifer's plan, everyone that receives training and an animal gives this gift to another family in need."

Selasa, 18 Mei 2010

Couples Can Offer Hope Through Charity's Gift Registry

When Helen and Ron Russell's daughter Tara was born, they were filled with the hope that she would one day make a difference in the world.

When the Russells' daughter announced her engagement to Dale Ethridge, the young couple was living and teaching in China; the Russells were retired in the Southwest; and the wedding was to be near Seattle. The task of planning for their only daughter's wedding suddenly seemed like a hike up Mount Everest.

How would months of planning, showers and registering for fine china ever happen?

But the young couple had made a fast and clear decision: This wedding was not going to be a day for collecting "stuff." It was to be a day of celebrating their love for one another with family and close friends.

They decided that gifts in honor of their special day would instead be donations to Heifer International, a nonprofit organization that gives farm animals to struggling families, who in turn pass on the gift of the animals' offspring to other families.

Suddenly, planning for the wedding from distant corners of the Earth became very simple. Along with their wedding invitation, they included their wishes regarding gifts and gave out Heifer's "Passing on the Gift" DVD to guests at the reception. Guests were able to make donations of cows, goats, chicks, sheep and llamas on Heifer International's online giving registry.

People can set up a registry through Heifer International's Web site for milestones such as weddings and anniversaries, and for just about any reason that they would like to ask someone to join them in supporting the organization's work.

Heifer's registry functions like popular retail gift registries, but instead of china and kitchen appliances, the selections include chickens, cows water buffaloes and other farm animals.

The symbolic gifts, while honoring registrants, go to support Heifer's efforts in the U.S. and around the world to help struggling families become self-reliant.

Senin, 17 Mei 2010

Counting Cards: How to Escape Detection

It is not a secret for anyone that casinos do not like blackjack counters and frequently ask them to leave or to play another game. Here, we will describe how casino management detects counters and how to act when caught. We also describe the countermeasures that casinos use against skilled players but most of all we show you how to count cards while not getting caught.

Do Casinos Object?
Most casinos have strict policies that ban any player from counting cards when playing blackjack, but some like those in New Jersey do not pay any attention to such players.

How Do You Know Whether A Casino Minds?
You do not. But you had better act as if they all do and thus save yourself the embarressment of being shoved out if they do mind and if they catch you red-handed.

How to Count Without Getting Detected?
Always keep in mind that since card counting is something that one does silently, the only method to detect it is through observing you and the manner you play. Thus, look out for the following:
1) Do not stare at the cards of other players. Glance once, count, and then move on.
2) Do not stare at the cards that have been discarded. Look quickly and then slowly move away by shifting your gaze nonchalantly from player to player.
3) Change your pattern of betting occassionaly.
4) Change the amount of betting money each round.
5) Even though you know it, loose a round or two. Do not bet big on those rounds. But likewise do not bet too small too. If the casino notices that you are always winning big and losing small, they might get suspicious.
6) Buy chips of different colours and then mix them around while playing to confuse the dealer.
7) Talk to the other players while playing, but this is especially difficult so practice this at home before trying it at a casino.
8) Pick your seat carefully: either the first chair or the third one so that you won't have to twist your head around as the cards are dealt.
9) Dress casually because smart and elegant clothes cause the dealers to think you are intelligent and they might watch you more closely.
10) Order an alcoholic drink and pretend to sip it because they are looking for those non-drinkers who are staying sober to count the cards.

The common denominator of all these is that you must never forget that the casino si watching you and how you play. Act accordingly!

Supposing that the Casino Catches On, What Should you Do?
Stay calm if the casino catches you counting cards and abide by their wishes quietely. Do not make a fuss. If they ask you to leave, do so. The faster you leave, the easier it will be for you to return later. Remember that if you make a fuss, they will all remember you, so desist from any unfriendly behaviour. Note that after shifts change, the new personnel won't know you so all you have to do is wait for that and then you can start playing again. You could also just enter the next casino and start earning money there instead of risking casino personnel from recognizing you.

Minggu, 16 Mei 2010

Couple's Honeymoon Goes Up in Flames

Honeymoons are supposed to be a time of romance and moonlit walks, but not for Jeff and Rhonda West of Bessemer City, N.C.

Their honeymoon in Myrtle Beach, S.C., was downright criminal - stolen right out from under them, in fact - which is why they were recently awarded the grand prize in Thrifty Car Rental's "Honeymoon Disasters Contest."

Headed for the hotel in Jeff's mint-condition 1968 Camaro RS, they lost a hubcap. After chasing it down, they resumed their journey until they heard a loud "thud."

Jeff, still dressed in his tuxedo, got out of the car to survey a blown-out back tire when the car, along with his new wife, started rolling down the hill. He had forgotten to put the car in "park."

"I could hear my beautiful bride screaming at the top of her lungs," said Jeff. "Then I started chasing the car until it came to rest in a bunch of bushes. By now my wife is in tears, wondering what's going to happen next."

After changing the tire and double-checking the hubcap, the newlyweds were off again.

"We finally get to our hotel, only to find out that it had caught on fire the day before and was completely shut down," said Jeff. "This almost pushed my new wife completely over the edge - sitting in a parking lot at three o'clock in the morning on our wedding night without a place to bed down for the night."

So the couple started driving from hotel to hotel, trying to find one with rooms available.

"While we are stopped at this one little hotel/motel outside the city limits, my bride comes in with me," said Jeff. "When we find out they don't have any place to stay and head back out to our car - it's gone! Someone had just stolen our car."

Taking pity upon them, the hotel finally found room at the inn, and the newlyweds slept until 2 p.m. "Then we got up, got dressed and went back home," said Jeff.

Thrifty Car Rental is remedying the Wests' situation by awarding them a second honeymoon. They will receive roundtrip airfare to a destination of their choice in the continental U.S., hotel accommodations for three nights, a four-day car rental and $500 in spending money.

Where does the couple plan to go next?

"Rhonda would like to go to Vegas, if the trip is real," said Jeff jokingly, as his wife of 16 years still doesn't believe they have really won the contest. "Vegas would be the perfect place to renew our vows. So 'Viva Las Vegas' it will be!"

Sabtu, 15 Mei 2010

Contact Lenses And You

Contact lenses are practically a new concept for most people. A lot of people still prefer to wear glasses in order to correct their own visual problems. But sometimes, using eyeglasses present some disadvantages that need to be addressed. If a person is regularly wearing eyeglasses of the ordinary sort, he is likely more susceptible to glare and the occasional reflective properties of glass that can greatly affect his clear vision. Varying weather conditions might also affect eyeglass wearers in a lot of ways. When it’s raining, one’s eyeglasses can easily get hazy from the raindrops and can render it useless in an instant.

On cold days, eyeglasses tend to fog up more often especially when going inside warmer quarters. One will need to wipe it frequently just to get rid of the moisture and get a clearer vision on everything as well as to avoid being laughed at for having fogged up eyeglasses. And one of the most despised things about wearing eyeglasses is that it can make one look unattractive. This is actually the frequent complaint of a lot of many people out there. Such disadvantages may have persuaded inventors to look for other alternatives in correcting vision problems.

These disadvantages may have spurred the invention of the contact lenses of late. With contact lenses, there is finally an alternative which can do away with the drawbacks experienced with wearing eyeglasses. Contact lenses make it possible for one to finally improve one’s vision without having to wear eyeglasses. It can be such a welcome answer to people with vision problems but do not want to wear prescription eyeglasses. With contact lenses, it would be difficult for others to recognize a person’s vision problems unlike prescription eyeglasses which is a plain giveaway in itself.

There are two types of contact lenses available for people. They can choose either from soft contact lenses or the rigid gas permeable types. Soft contact lenses can contain from 25 percent to as much as 79 percent water which makes them soft and more comfortable to wear.The rigid gas permeable contact lenses meanwhile can take longer to get accustomed to. Its one advantage is that it is made of a more durable material than soft contact lenses and can offer crisper vision as compared to contact lenses of the softer varieties. Rigid gas permeable lenses are also more resistant to deposit buildup and tend to be less expensive over the life of the lens when compared to the softer versions which may even require frequent replacements.

The life of a rigid gas permeable contact lens can usually last for a couple of years except when in need of a new prescription pair. But with soft contact lenses, there is a need for regular replacement of new lenses. There are soft contact lenses that can be worn for a year before needing a replacement. There is also the frequent replacement type of contact lenses which may require you only one month of wearing before needing a new replacement.

There are also contact lenses available that can be worn only for short periods for convenience. These are the disposable types of contact lenses. They are further divided into different types depending on the level of convenience that you wish for. There are daily and extended wear disposable contact lenses which offer you a week or two of use before of disposing. For the ultimate in convenience, there is the one day wear only disposable contact lens which has virtually eliminated the need for cleaning the lenses which can sometimes be a chore. But disposable contact lenses can be very expensive for most to use regularly except, that is, if you have money to burn and you look for comfort and convenience more than the cost.

Jumat, 14 Mei 2010

Consider Serving In The Army

Are you nearing high school graduation and are unsure of what to do next or where to go to college? Or perhaps you are unsure if college is really the right next step for you? You should consider the option of serving with the army.

Think about all of the ways that your life has been protected and enriched because of the faithful service of men and women in the army. In many nations around the world it is the army that has allowed each country to become all that it is today. Imagine your life without all of the freedoms you love so deeply. Can you imagine living in a country where you could not attend school, could not get a job if you wanted one, or where you did not have the freedom to believe anything you wanted to? I cannot imagine a life without the freedoms and privileges that I have come to count on. And when I stop to think about it, the people serving in the army deserve a lot of my thanksgiving for the life I enjoy.

Serving in the army is a great way to be a part of a cause that is larger than yourself. In the army your life is not just about you, but it is about helping, serving, and protecting other people. There is no greater feeling than the one that comes from knowing that your life is counting for something huge, and serving in the army allows you this great feeling.

Deciding to serve in the army is also a great way to meet new people, experience new things, and see new parts of the world. Your years in the army can be full of learning and full of making new friendships that will last a lifetime. Many people who consider joining the army think that they will miss out on important things by not going to college right away, but just think about all of the extra experiences time in the army will give you. It will still be possible and even probable that you will have the opportunity to enter college once your time of service in the army is up.

Serving in the army allows young men and women to gain valuable skills and disciplines that will benefit you for the rest of your life. There is perhaps no better way to spend your first years out of high school than serving your country
in the army.

Kamis, 13 Mei 2010

Conservation Starts With You

Our society has many downfalls, but perhaps one of our biggest downfalls is that we are wasteful. Incredibly wasteful actually. Our lives are spent wasting time, energy, and emotion on people and activites that do nothing for us. We sit down to a meal and fill our plates with more food than we could possibly eat and the leftovers get wasted. We drive our cars to work and play without thinking of the gasoline that is being used irresponsibly. Everyone is guilty of wasting, and therefore everyone needs to add an important concept to many areas of their life: conservation.

Our first thoughts about conservation probably take us to picturing a rain forest somewhere in the jungle whose trees are being quickly cut down or to a village in Africa whose meager water supply is wasted on unnecessary things. While these are both situations that could rightly learn from the concept of conservation, there are many more areas of life that could learn a lesson as well.

I am a firm believer than any true change in the world will happen only as individuals start that change in their own lives. So let's begin thinking about convservation as it relates only to our individual lives. Think about the most valuable resources you have at your disposal. For me, the most valuable resources are my time, energy, mind, and health. It is only as we begin to see our lives as full of natural resource that we can begin the process of conservation and protection of these resources.

If time is one my greatest assets I must think about the ways I spend or use that resource. I can practice conservation by looking for ways to use my time more efficiently and wisely. I must also look for ways to practive conservation of my energy. I can do this by taking time for exercise, proper sleep, and relaxing activities. The great resource of my mind needs to be conserved by taking time to enrich it through reading, studying and even writing. You should consider your own valuable resources and look for ways to practice the conservation of each of them.

As I am committed to practicing conservation in my own life then I can begin to look outside myself and see resources in my neighborhood or city that can be conserved as well. I will become increasingly aware of the necessity of spending all of the world's valuable resources in effective and helpful ways.

Rabu, 12 Mei 2010

Consejos Sabios para Llenar el Alma

Aquí te presento una lista de consejos para que no te sientas vació, y observar al pasado con una sonrisa. Las he obtenido de una persona que estaba al final de su vida y sintió que hubiera hecho muchas cosas diferentes y ha recetado una serie de consejos para aquel que este interesado en cambiar.

1) Habla menos; escucha más.
2) Escucha a las historias de tus abuelos a cerca de su juventud. Cuando ya no este, revivirás sus llamas por sus memorias.
3) Invita a amigos para cenar o picar algo, a pesar de que tu casa no este en condiciones.
4) Come mucho chocolate.
5) Invita amigos con chicos a tu casa a pesar de que hagan lió.
6) Siéntate en el pasto a pesar de que ensucie tus pantalones.
7) No compres algo solo porque durara mucho tiempo o porque es practico, hazlo porque quieres.
8) Quédate en cama relajado si te sientes enfermo y no pretendas que el mundo no puede continuar sin ti por un día.
9) Prende las velas que tienes de adorno en el salón y déjalas encendidas. No las dejes sin uso en el armario.
10) Comparte responsabilidades de la vida con un compañero, no solo las expensas.
11) (Para las mujeres) En vez de esperar al embarazo a que se termine, disfruta cada momento en tu corazón. Aprende que la vida dentro de ti es la única oportunidad que tienes de ayudar a Dios a crear magia.
12) Deja que tus hijos de abrasen y besen cuando quiera que lo deseen. No los detengas por ninguna razón como: "mas tarde", "ve a lavarte las manos", "deberemos comer" o demás.
13) Di las próximas dos frases lo más seguido que puedas: "Te Amo" y "Lo siento."
14) Deja de preocuparte por quien te quiere o no te quiere, o que tiene quien o no tiene.
15) Valora todas las relaciones humanas personales.
16) Juega con una mascota cuando puedas. Riete y corre con ella y toma parte en sus juegos.
17) Pasa el mayor tiempo posible con la gente que te quiere.
18) Deja de transpirar por todos los pequeños detalles y problemas sin sentido de la vida.
19) Toma cada momento, míralo y déjalo. Nunca volverá de nuevo.

La persona que escribió estos sabios consejos se llamaba Susana, y tenia una hija de seis años. Susana enseño estos ideales básicos a un conocido mío y yo los he tratado de seguir también en honor a su memoria. Creo que puedo decir que convertirá a quienquiera que lo haga en una mejor persona, un mejor esposa o esposa, y en general una persona mas feliz. Inclusive ahora creo que D'os ha bendecido a cada uno de nosotros, y deberemos aceptar estas bendiciones e intentar buscar sentirnos mas fuertes físicamente, mentalmente, y emocionalmente. Recuerda que todos tenemos la suerte de estar aquí, y aprovechar vivir la vida de la mejor manera posible, así que consejos para esa receta nunca están de mas.

Selasa, 11 Mei 2010

Consejos Sabios para Lenar el Alma

Aquí te presento una lista de consejos para que no te sientas vació, y observar al pasado con una sonrisa. Las he obtenido de una persona que estaba al final de su vida y sintió que hubiera hecho muchas cosas diferentes y ha recetado una serie de consejos para aquel que este interesado en cambiar.

1) Habla menos; escucha más.

2) Escucha a las historias de tus abuelos a cerca de su juventud. Cuando ya no este, revivirás sus llamas por sus memorias.

3) Invita a amigos para cenar o picar algo, a pesar de que tu casa no este en condiciones.

4) Come mucho chocolate.

5) Invita amigos con chicos a tu casa a pesar de que hagan lió.

6) Siéntate en el pasto a pesar de que ensucie tus pantalones.

7) No compres algo solo porque durara mucho tiempo o porque es practico, hazlo porque quieres.

8) Quédate en cama relajado si te sientes enfermo y no pretendas que el mundo no puede continuar sin ti por un día.

9) Prende las velas que tienes de adorno en el salón y déjalas encendidas. No las dejes sin uso en el armario.

10) Comparte responsabilidades de la vida con un compañero, no solo las expensas.

11) (Para las mujeres) En vez de esperar al embarazo a que se termine, disfruta cada momento en tu corazón. Aprende que la vida dentro de ti es la única oportunidad que tienes de ayudar a Dios a crear magia.

12) Deja que tus hijos de abrasen y besen cuando quiera que lo deseen. No los detengas por ninguna razón como: "mas tarde", "ve a lavarte las manos", "deberemos comer" o demás.

13) Di las próximas dos frases lo más seguido que puedas: "Te Amo" y "Lo siento."

14) Deja de preocuparte por quien te quiere o no te quiere, o que tiene quien o no tiene.

15) Valora todas las relaciones humanas personales.

16) Juega con una mascota cuando puedas. Riete y corre con ella y toma parte en sus juegos.

17) Pasa el mayor tiempo posible con la gente que te quiere.

18) Deja de transpirar por todos los pequeños detalles y problemas sin sentido de la vida.

19) Toma cada momento, míralo y déjalo. Nunca volverá de nuevo.

La persona que escribió estos sabios consejos se llamaba Susana, y tenia una hija de seis años. Susana enseño estos ideales básicos a un conocido mío y yo los he tratado de seguir también en honor a su memoria. Creo que puedo decir que convertirá a quienquiera que lo haga en una mejor persona, un mejor esposa o esposa, y en general una persona mas feliz. Inclusive ahora creo que D'os ha bendecido a cada uno de nosotros, y deberemos aceptar estas bendiciones e intentar buscar sentirnos mas fuertes físicamente, mentalmente, y emocionalmente. Recuerda que todos tenemos la suerte de estar aquí, y aprovechar vivir la vida de la mejor manera posible, así que consejos para esa receta nunca están de mas.

Senin, 10 Mei 2010

Conoce a la Realeza y Aristocracia Europea

Una de las maneras más fáciles para conocer a tu príncipe o princesa es en los prestigiosos casinos de Europa. La realeza y Aristocracia salen a divertirse en cinco casinos en especial, y si estas adentro puedes hablar con ellos. También podrás jugar con ellos, y en contra de ellos, y si eres lo suficientemente bueno, podrás ganarles. Es emocionante la idea de haberle ganado a un rey. Estos cinco Hoteles Casinos te dan esta oportunidad.

Aquí deberás ir vestido elegante con traje o chaqueta y moño y zapatos elegantes, solo así te dejaran entrar y ser parte de la aristocracia europea, para jugar a un partido o dos de bacará con ellos.

Los Casinos alistados aquí son los mas grandes y lujosos en Europa. Su clientela no es de turistas de la temporada, sino la alta sociedad. Así que si estas buscando una forma lujosa de pasar un tiempo en el casino jugando a Dados u otro juego, puedes tirar los dados en uno de los casinos alistados aquí mientras que tus compañeros de viaje se relajan en la rivera francesa, o hacen compras en las casas de renombre en Londres o Moscú.

1) Casino de Monte Carlo, Mónaco:
Este es el sitio favorito de los ricos y famosos en Europa por mas de 150 años con el primer casino fundado por el Príncipe Carlos III de Mónaco en 1863. EL Casino de Monte Carlo es un complejo de cinco casinos "posh" ubicados en la costa decorados con un etilo rococó francés con columnas enmarmoladas, ornamentos de oro y candelabros de cristal. El ambiente te hará sentir como un participante en una película de época francesa.

2) Casino Metropol, Moscú:
La Federación Rusa tiene la mayor cantidad de casinos y maquinas tragamonedas en Europa del Este. Los mejores casinos para turistas son desde ya los que están ubicados en los hoteles. Casino Metropol, que no solo es uno de los mas elegantes en la zona sino que también es conveniente localizado en el centro de la ciudad de Moscú a solo unos minutos del Kremlin. El monto mínimo para las apuestas es de 25 en cada mesa y una noche en la suita presidencial cuesta 2,000 dólares.

3) Baden Baden Casino, Alemania:
El casino veterano europeo fue fundado en 1809 y a pesar de que ha cambiado varios dueños desde entonces, su reputación como uno de los más finos en Europa y en Alemania especialmente no ha cambiado. Hoy en día, el Casino Baden Baden es una de las atracciones principales en la ciudad junto con los famosos baños termales. Si ignoras a los juegos de mesa y las maquinas tragamonedas. Caminar por la enorme sala se siente similar a una visita a un museo de arte europea, con exhibiciones permanentes de óleo y esculturas.

4) Clermont Club, Londres Inglaterra:
Si visitas Inglaterra, no puedes solo ir a cualquier casino sin ser miembro previamente. SI decidas seguir ese procedimiento, el Clermont Club en Berkley es uno de los clubes de apuestas con mejor reputación alrededor. Construido en el siglo 17, fue diseñado para parecerse al Great Hall en Holkham. También, el casino Clermont Club incluye una sala de apuestas amistosa y conveniente, con un bar donde los miembros y sus invitados pueden disfrutar de un banquete con una botella de champaña de estilo. Recuerda que jugar en casinos en línea es legal ahora en Inglaterra así que puedes hacerlo desde cualquier café online.

5) Casino Barriere de Deauville, Francia:
El elegante casino resort ha inspirado a Ian Fleming en su primera novela de James Bond Casino Royale. Fundado en 1860 por Duc de Morny, este extravagante lugar es uno de los hermosos casinos en el mundo. Además de sus facilidades en apuestas, Casino Barriere ofrece variedad de entretenimiento exclusivo, espectáculos y eventos artísticos.

Minggu, 09 Mei 2010

Conducta de Casinos

Una de las principales reglas de los casinos es que el cliente siempre tiene la razón. Sin embargo, el casino tiene sus propias reglas de comportamiento y etiqueta que hay que tener en cuenta a la hora de jugar. Para ser mas profesional en los casinos y no llevarte malos momentos es importante que tengas estas reglas en cuenta.

Primero y principal, debes ser mayor de 21 años para entrar en el casino y jugar. Todos los casinos son estrictos con esa norma, así que si todavía eres menor de edad, debes esperar tu turno.

Segundo, los objetos electrónicos como teléfonos celulares, están bloqueados en el casino, así que recuerda dejarlos en casa a la hora del juego. Esto es debido a que pueden transferir información de un lado a otro, muy peligroso para los casinos. Tampoco la cámara digital o filmadora está autorizada, aunque esas son más flexibles.

A los fumadores: Asegurarse de que el casino al que vayan este permitido fumar. Aunque en la mayoría de los casinos permiten fumar, hay salas de no- fumadores o casinos de-no fumadores, una ley que empezó a popularizarse mas ahora. EN las salas de maquinas tragamonedas tampoco esta permitido fumar. Recuerda usar cenicero si fumas.

Es una costumbre darle propina al crupier luego de haber ganado una mano. Especialmente en los casinos de Estados Unidos. El monto es 1$ en general pero depende de lo que hayas ganado. En países como Inglaterra o Australia darles propina esta prohibido.

Recuerda aprender las reglas de los juegos antes de comenzar a jugar. No vaya a ser que los demás jugadores o el crupier te tengan que explicar en el momento del juego. Muestra sensación de respeto y seguridad en el casino, hay muchas guías y libros que te pueden ayudar a aumentar tu conocimiento. Observar juegos ajenos también ayuda.

Es importante no dar consejos o sugerencias a otros jugadores en el momento del juego. Aunque tengas buenas intenciones, no es aceptable para los demás jugadores que ayudes a uno y a otros no. Esto puede hacer a quejas y enojos en los jugadores, y eso es lo último que el casino quiere. Todos tienen la libertad de elegir sus jugadas y equivocarse o ganar correspondientemente. Esa es la gracia del casino.

Todas estas reglas son parte de los requisitos del casino, y esenciales para sentirte conectado a los juegos y al resto de las actividades del casino. Así, es muy probable que no te sientas perdido vagando por la sala sin saber a donde ir. Recuerda que nadie nació sabiendo y que la experiencia se gana con el tiempo.

Sabtu, 08 Mei 2010

Compassion Offers Hope To Indian Fishermen

The day - Dec. 26, 2004 - began like most other days for Venkateshwarlu, a fisherman in the seaside village of Pallepalem, India. He had just finished a long night of fishing and was on the damp, cold beach washing his nets when he saw the water rise up.

"A huge wave took my boat out to sea," Venkateshwarlu said of the tsunami, the result of a massive earthquake that hit off the coast of Indonesia's Sumatra island. The quake and resulting tsunami ultimately could claim more than 200,000 lives in Asia and Africa.

Venkateshwarlu said he escaped by running for his life. But the wave left his boat, the source of his livelihood, in tatters.

"The second wave deposited it on the rocks," he said. "It has three holes in it and my nets are [destroyed]. I'm currently doing a temporary caulking job on my boat so it can become watertight again."

Although Pallepalem escaped extensive human casualties, the village sustained massive damages that have tested the resolve of its 2,000 families that depend on the fishing and agricultural trades. The average family in this primarily Hindu community earns about $11 per month.

Ten days after the tragedy, the beach was still littered with pale blue, green and white nylon balls of fluff - the tangled, torn remainders of what used to be fishing nets. Dozens of boats were tossed around the beach and deposited haphazardly on the embankment.

Along with other children from the area, Venkateshwarlu's son, Thammu Valiyah, attends Compassion International's Holy Land Child Development Center in Pallepalem. Were it not for the protection from a natural embankment on which the village is built, the center would have been swallowed whole by the tsunami.

Compassion has seven such child development projects that are located either on or a short distance away from the Indian seacoast. Emergency relief of food, clean water and clothes provided by Compassion has gone a long way in easing the pain of the disaster. But daunting tasks lie ahead on the road to providing hope, life and a future to the village's residents.

Compassion staff have met with affected families and created a detailed list of their needs following the disaster. In coordination with the Indian government, Compassion staff are currently in the process of developing a plan to rebuild homes that were washed away or damaged in the tsunami. In addition, Compassion is working to replace fishing nets and, in some cases, repair or replace damaged boats in hopes of restoring families' livelihoods.

Venkateshwarlu, however, is able to repair his own boat. He is one of the lucky ones.

Sumana Mani is the communications specialist in India for Compassion International. - NU

Jumat, 07 Mei 2010

Company Helps You Brighten a Soldier's Day

It is a time-honored tradition to send care packages to soldiers overseas. But with increased security concerns and reams of red tape to go through, sending a package to military personnel can be a daunting task.

However, one company is doing its best to make it easy for any American to send care packages year-round to help boost the morale of thousands of U.S. military men and women.

Treats for Troops, a Colorado-based company, is the brainchild of Deborah Crane, a businesswoman, military mother and former military wife. Its Web site, provides a huge selection of themed care packages with names like 'Snack Attack" and "Crazy for Chocolate."

The packages contain goodies and necessities, from sweet and salty snacks to games to Ziploc bags. Creative shoppers also can pick out items to create their own custom packages. The company then packs and ships the gifts on the senders' behalf and in accordance with military rules.

"I'm proud that so many troops are receiving packages year-round through Treats for Troops," Crane said.

With Treats for Troops' unique Foster-A-Soldier program, you can choose to send a package to a soldier based on home state, military branch, gender and area of deployment. If you do not specify anything, the site will choose the soldier who has been waiting the longest to receive a package.

Unsure of what to send? The site is filled with items that soldiers most want and need, with packages starting at less than $20. In addition, there is a "Top Ten" package featuring the most popular treats.

Treats for Troops also has a group gift department that provides personal shopping services for those who do not have time to shop, or groups who wish to sponsor more than one soldier.

You can create a personal message to go with your package. Treats for Troops also forwards notes and e-mails from soldiers to the sponsor who sent the package. "It is nice to know that someone out there cares about us and understands that mail is one of the things that keeps us motivated," noted one recipient in a thank-you letter. "Thanks for your part in helping us to keep the peace."

Kamis, 06 Mei 2010

Company Aims to Ease 'Charitable Fatigue'

With so many recent natural disasters happening around the world, people are being asked for charitable donations like never before. Many who wish to help might find the donation process frustrating and confusing, but want to do more.

"'Charitable fatigue' is a buzz-phrase used to hide a real problem small and mid-sized charities are facing in the aftermath of a full year of natural disasters," says Robert Grosshandler of iGive.com.

To make it easier for consumers to give to charitable causes, iGive.com, founded in 1997, turned online shopping into a vehicle for charitable giving. Consumers can help their favorite causes by shopping at online shop. The site features more than 650 well-known retailers, such as The Gap, Barnes & Noble, Home Depot and eBay.

"At iGive we have a solution that puts money shoppers are spending anyway into the coffers of their favorite charity, not one chosen by the store," Grosshandler said. "It's a 'win-win' and more people are discovering this 'painless' way to give every day."

Shoppers support any cause they wish by registering at the site, where they can track their donations. Shoppers have raised close to $2 million through iGive.com for nonprofit organizations and worthy causes, including animal shelters, school marching bands, medical research foundations, women's shelters and missing children's advocacy groups.

The site has also proven to be useful for celebrity causes. Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell helped raise funds for "The Brian Littrell Healthy Heart Club for Kids" at St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington, Ky., and raised more than $14,000 through iGive.com.

Other causes using iGive.com include: For the Love of Animals; San Pedro High School Lady Boosters; Scotia Glenville Traveling Children's Museum; Shady Grove United Methodist Church; Sonoma State University Athletics; and thousands of others.

"Give as you shop for everyday items such as office supplies, clothing, accessories, appliances ... at prices that are the same if not better than you'll find anywhere else and up to 27 percent of every purchase will go to your favorite charity," Grosshandler said.

Rabu, 05 Mei 2010

Como Mantener tu Salud Mental

En los últimos años la mucha gente se ha dado cuenta de la importancia de una dieta apropiada y acompañada de ejercicio físico. En los pasados 20 años sin duda ha habido un cambio en cuanto al estado de salud de muchas sociedades, que ha determinado una mejor calidad de vida. Sin embargo, esto no ha traído salud mental que es tan importante como la salud física.

Hoy en día, la mayoría de la gente hace de 4 a 6 horas de ejercicio por día, y se asegura de que todo lo que ingiere, no tiene azucares o preservantes, pero no prestan atención a su salud mental. Es decir, mucha gente no toma las vacaciones necesarias, ni siquiera en los fines de semana largos. La gente trabaja 60 horas por semana, llevándose a las casas los problemas del trabajo y trabajando los fines de semana también. Todo esto con esperanzas de mejorar la calidad de vida material. Pero, ¿de que sirve todo el esfuerzo cuando el cerebro esta abundado y sientes explotar en la oficina?

Al final, la salud física puede sufrir no importa que bien comas y hagas ejercicio. Probablemente tengas alta presión, estrés y tensión lo cual pondrá en alto riesgo tu salud.

Para ayudarte a evitar llegar a alguna de las anteriores situaciones, aquí te presento algunos consejos para mejorar tu condición mental.

Si disfrutas la adrenalina, te recomiendo que pruebes deportes como kite surfing, bunge jumping, y demás. Si disfrutas andar en motocicleta es muy bueno andar en contra del viento como terapia para relajarse y disfrutar un buen viaje.

Buscar actividades que te desconecten de la rutina diaria (la cual a veces puede ser estresante) es la clave principal. Por ejemplo, si disfrutas leer, un buen libro de ciencia ficción como "Harry Potter", "Lord of the Rings" u otros pueden ser perfectos para ti. Si disfrutas en cambio mirar películas, entonces comienza con hacerte socio de una tienda de DVDs y veras que bien te hará.

Actividades como paseos fuera de la ciudad, visitar viñedos, campos, parques y demás son esenciales a la hora de relajarse. Si disfrutas las montañas, todavía puedes ir a visitar la nieve, esquiar y aflojar tu mente. Las vacaciones, por más pequeñas que sean te llenaran el alma con memorias alegres y positivas.

Si disfrutas andar en bicicleta, o en patines esas son actividades que te destaparan y ayudaran a sentirte mejor. Siempre es divertido hacerlo con amigos que estén dispuestos a un poco de aventura. Organizar un grupo grande de gente que quiera hacerlo es una buena idea, que los puede llevar a conocer lugares que nunca creías que ibas a encontrar. Ríos abandonados, pasajes que están cerrados para la gente, bosques y demás lugares increíbles para conocer.

En fin, hay un sin fin de actividades para llevar a cabo si buscas caminos diferentes para mejorar tu salud mental y relajarte naturalmente. No olvides que la salud mental es tan importante como la física y que para tener una hay que tener la otra!

Selasa, 04 Mei 2010

Como hacer que tu tiempo sin compania valga la pena

Cuando empecé a escribir este articulo, pensé en como pase el ultimo mes sin necesidad de un compañero y aun así, muy entretenida. Es importante clarificar que sea la razón que sea que te encuentras sola o solo, mejor así que mal acompañado! Y que no hay por que avergonzarse! Una vez teniendo eso claro ya llega mi lista de recomendaciones, entretenimientos para ti.

Datos útiles para ayudarte a conectarte con ti misma:

1) Si eres miembro de un DVD club cerca de tu casa, mejor. Sino, hazte miembro! Películas que valen la pena para una noche que buscas un poco de acción: The Man Inside (con Live Owen y Denzel Washington), Blood Diamonds (Con Leonardo Di Caprio), Babel (Con Brad Pitt) entre otras.

2) Si estas con amigas y quieren algo romántico, Prime (con Uma Thurman), In her Shoes (Cameron Dias), The Hollyday, (Cameron Dias, Kate Winslet).

3) Si buscas reirte con algo simple y un poco ridículo te recomiendo My Super Ex Girlfriend (Uma Thurman), Just Married, Monster in Law, y The Devil wears Prada.

4) Hablando de satisfacción culinaria, puedes averigua de buenos restaurantes delivery, en Sushi, Pizza, Pasta, Chino, Japonés, cualquiera sea que te guste mas. Si no estas en el humor de ordenar comida y disfrutas de cocinar es una buena opción!

5) Para descargar toda la mala energía o para refrescar tu mente reincorporarte en el deporte que mas disfrutes. Patinaje, Yoga, bicicleta, Gimnasio, etc. Te ayudara a sacar todas las preocupaciones y retomar energías. Si es un día soleado aprovecha una buena caminata o corrida con tu I-pod y relájate!

6) Si disfrutas leer, la literatura también es un buen método para ti. Autores como Pablo Cohelo, cuentos de Harry Potter, Gabriel García Marques, son mis preferidos para desconectarte de la realidad y pasar al mundo de lo imaginario.

7) Juegos en Linea son una gran opción si disfrutas juegos de azar o de mesa. Puedes jugar gratis o por dinero al Black Jack al Póquer mientras chateas con otros jugadores en línea.

8) La música es un acompañante esencial para muchas actividades. En el Jazz, Bossa Nova, Blues, y Soul mis recomendados son Ray Charles, Norah Jones, Maxwell, Jewel, Sting, Sade, Bilberto Gil y Tony Bennet.

Sin duda hay un sin fin de entretenimientos y cosas para disfruta de una noche o día sin compañero y aun así utilizar el tiempo de la mejor manera posible. Películas de acción, libros de fantasía deportes, música, buena comida, pueden ahora ser tus buenos amigos.

Senin, 03 Mei 2010

Como Ganar Jugando Video Poquer

La mayoría de la gente te dirá que la única manera de salir de un casino siendo Millonario es entrar siendo un Millonario, pero la realidad es que no es completamente verdad. Solo es la forma más fácil de hacerlo.

Si eres el tipo de persona que no teme a los riesgos para ganar grandes sumas, entonces puede que esto te sea útil.

Las maquinas de video Póquer pueden ser encontradas en cada casino, en los clásicos casinos o en línea. Estas maquinas ofrecen las mejores posibilidades de hacerte un millonario si sabes como jugar.

Todo lo que necesitas es una tarjeta de crédito con por lo menos $20,000 y los cojones de arriesgarlo, en lo que puede ser menos de 20 minutos. Recomiendo guardar hasta $20,000 dólares antes de que lo intentes y no solo gastar el dinero de tu tarjeta.

El juego que elijas es muy importante. Hay muchos tipos de juegos diferentes de poquer ofrecidos en forma de video. En algunos juegas en un computador y el jugador con la mejor mano ganara, en otros no hay otros jugadores, la mejor mano que obtengas la maquina pagara mas. Un par paga 1:1; dos pares pagan 2:1 y sucesivamente. El segundo tipo de video póquer es el que mas te conviene.

Recuerda que esto no es no es una garantía de que ganaras, y si no ganas dinero puede que quedes con menos $20,000 dólares. Pero la realidad es que puede hacerte ganar mucho efectivo, de una forma bastante sencilla.

Usualmente conviene comenzar con por lo menos 20,000 dólares, y haciendo apuestas de $1,000 cada tanto, y así comenzar a ganar el gran monto real.

Te recomiendo no aumentar tus apuestas a mas de $1,000 hasta que no hayas hecho por lo menos $100,000.

He descubierto este método hace dos años; He gastado mis fines de semana en el casino jugando al poquer blackjack, Ruleta, sin ganar nada de dinero, pero durante la semana jugaba video póquer desde mi casa, y ganaba montos que nunca lo había hecho antes.

Un día decidí intentarlo y en vez de gastar mi dinero en juegos de mesa fui directamente al video póquer, y para el final del fin de semana había ganado casi $60,000 dólares.

Ahora cada dos o tres meses voy al casino, con una cuenta de $20,000 y gano montos que nunca había pensado ganar nunca antes.

Recuerda que no hay garantías que esto te resulte un 100 por ciento, ya que ha habido momentos en donde puedes perder tus $20,000 antes de ganar tu primera buena mano, pero también puede que recibas una increíble mano y ganes de una $25,000 en la primera mano. Aprende más sobre eso en Juegos de casinos 6.

Sin duda las apuestas de casino son un tipo de actividad la cual puedes decepcionarte mucho o sorprenderte por haber recibido grandes ganancias. Si sientes que tu situación económica no pasa por sus mejores momentos, debes esperar hasta sentirte mas seguro para no tener grandes decepciones. Al mismo tiempo si buscas ganar dinero rápido, puede que sea tu oportunidad.

Minggu, 02 Mei 2010

Como Ganar en el Bacara

El clásico juego de casino Bacará es conocido por ser el juego preferido del famoso agente secreto 007 James Bond. Las versiones del Bacará son Punto Banca, Las Vegas y Chemin de Fer (el de James Bond). El juego fue originado a fines de 1400 y principios de 1500 ya era conocido en Europa, especialmente en Italia y Francia, luego Inglaterra continuando con Estados Unidos.

La gran particularidad del juego es que los participantes ganan altas sumas de dinero y por otro lado, el casino no presenta alto porcentaje de ventaja lo cual es ideal para los jugadores. En el resto de los juegos de casino pasa lo opuesto, ganas pequeñinas sumas y el casino se lleva un alto porcentaje.

Las reglas básicas del Bacará son bastante simples y fáciles para cualquiera que desee aprender. Los jugadores deberán apostar en aquel que su mano de naipes sea lo mas cercano a 9 en su suma. Si por ejemplo el primer naipe es de nueve, se llaman nueve natural, o si suma ocho la petite ocho en francés.

Los dos jugadores son la "banca" y el "jugador" y el que en su mano es mas cercano a 9 ganara la jugada. Si por ejemplo el jugador obtiene el puntaje mas alto en sus dos primeros naipes, la banca no podrá tirar un tercer naipe.

Es una gran ventaja que no se necesita tener experiencia para jugar, apostar y llegar en el Bacara es por eso que es fácil e importante aprender para luego practicar en línea o en el casino y divertirse.

La particularidad del juego es su estilo glamoroso y elegante, el cual lo ha hecho popular en su personaje de James Bond, el cual suele apostar con excelencia en sus películas desde los 50. Primero con John Connery, y luego con Pierce Brosnan siempre el juego estuvo presente.

Los valores de los naipes en Bacará, son bastante particulares ya que el 10 y las figuras suman cero o Bacará. Claro que el 9 es el valor deseado a obtener, luego el 8 y los demás números valen según sus números. Es decir si tienes un 7 y un 4 suman 11 y como el primer digito desaparece, vale 1. El naipe de As tiene un valor de 1, es así como un As y el 9 suman 10 convirtiéndose en cero.

La Banca y Jugador son los denominadores de las apuestas del juego. El estilo lujoso que presenta el Bacará, es único y lo puedes hacer en línea o desde los casinos clásicos, ganado grandes montos y con un poco de experiencia puedes convertirte en un gran jugador de estilo.

El clásico juego de James Bond es sin duda muy simple y entretenido para jugar con amigos en el casino, en línea y divertirse un buen rato. Si tienes tiempo de dedicar para practicar veras que este juego es un gran descubrimiento en donde podrás quien sabe ganar altas sumas de dinero que nunca creías que iba a pasar.

Sabtu, 01 Mei 2010

Como Controlar Adiccion a las Apuestas

Dicen que el primer paso para detener una adicción es admitir que tienes un problema. Aquí te presento una serie de consejos para tratar a un ser querido que es adicto a las apuestas de una forma efectiva.

Tratar con alguien que tiene una adicción a las apuestas puede ser doloroso. Tienen una tendencia a desconectarse de la familia y de los seres queridos, entonces a continuación te explicare lo que debes hacer en el caso que alguien que quieres es adicto a las apuestas.

Algunos de los pasos son difíciles, sin embargo tienen un muy buen resultado y son importantes tener en cuenta la hora de actuar.

La primer cosa que debes hacer es esconder tus objetos de valor, y si esta persona vive contigo, deberás mantenerlos bajo llaves y si eso no es posible entonces llevarlos a un banco bajo una caja de seguridad.

Si esta persona es tu hijo o pareja, entonces deberás limitar su acceso a tu dinero. En muchas circunstancias gente ha gastado los ahorros familiares y ahorros para la universidad de sus hijos. Entonces si puedes obtener el número de cuentas de la persona indicada, si no es demasiado tarde, y cancelar todas sus tarjetas de crédito.

En algún momento deberás confrontarlo. Cuado lo hagas, es importante no gritarle y no enojarse; sino diles como te afecta lo que están haciendo. Asegurate de que la gente cercana a ellos estén ahí para ayudarte y apoyarte (sin contradecirte).

Es importante que todos tomen turnos y le digan a la persona como su adicción a las apuestas ha afectado sus relaciones, sin hacerlo agresivamente, sino tranquilamente. Esto ayudara a la persona a darse cuenta que la gente que lo quiere esta viendo algo que el no ve, y comenzara a mirar a sus acciones con otros ojos.

Recuerda, el objetivo de confrontarlo no es de hacerlos dejar de apostar completamente, pero ayudarlos a reconocer que tienen un problema. Y buscar ayuda profesional.

Algunas personas recomiendan que lleves a la persona a Encuentros de Adictos Anónimos a las Apuestas, pero yo no creo que sea buena idea. Aunque esta sea una organización que ayuda a aquellos con problemas de apuestas a alejarse de ellas, creo que algunos necesitan una sesión o dos con un psicólogo o un consejero entrenado para tratar con adictos al juego.

Luego de que todo este dicho y hecho, deberás estar listo ya que la mayor parte del tiempo el apostador seguirá apostando, quizás lo intenten hacer en secreto pero no se detendrá completamente.

En la mayoría de las adicciones, la persona con el problema necesita tocar el fondo, y luego cuando haya perdido todo lo que significa para el importante (familia, amigos, trabajo), comenzaran a ver el problema y buscar ayuda. Si conoces a alguien que no admite tener el problema de ser adicto, te recomiendo que si ya has intentado tu mejor esfuerzo, deberás estar listo a alejarte, y recuerda que en algún punto debes abandonar a un barco hundido antes de ir abajo a buscarlo.

Para encontrar más información sobre el tema puedes buscar en Apostadores Anónimos.