On November 1, 2005, the Federal Reserve Bank [Fed] raised interest rates one quarter off? a percentage point. Since Summer 2004, outgoing Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan has been raising interest rates on a regular basis since hitting its low point of just 1%. Now at 4%, Greenspan is expected to raise rates two more times before exiting office in January 2006. Will the higher rates stave off inflation? Will the new Chairman continue Greenspans incremental adjustments upward or will he let rates level off? Speculation is rampant but there is one thing you can know for sure: you will pay more for many of lifes expenses.

A rate hike by the Fed means that you will likely pay more for something including:

Credit cards. Not known for showing much restraint, you can bet credit card companies will continue to jack up interest rates except for their best customers. Rates of 12, 15, and even 21% or more are reappearing.

Mortgage rates. Holders of fixed rate mortgages are fine, but those with variable rate mortgages will pay more. A lot more if they havent felt previous rate hikes and their mortgages are due for an upward adjustment. More money to pay mortgages means less money for disposable items.

Car loans. If you need a new car and can still find zero percent financing, then grab the offer. Car loans, personal loans, home equity loans, home equity lines of credit, loan consolidations, will all continue to increase.

Add in high fuel prices, anticipated hikes in medical costs, and Americans are getting squeezed. With the holiday season fast bearing down upon us, retailers will have to slash prices in order to attract customers who are holding a dwindling cash reserve.

For people not holding excessive debt, the Fed rate increase will be have little or no effect on them. For everyone else, the pinch is on!

Soccer is perhaps the world’s favorite spectator sport, popularly known as “Football” in Britain and other European countries. This game can be as frustrating as golf, as physical as football and hockey, as erratic as baseball, and as exciting as basketball. No simple word can describe the popularity of the game, with a global television audience of 49 billion people for the 2002 World Cup alone. The game is exciting and highly addictive to watch and play.

Professional game rules require 11 players per team, 10 playing the field and one goalkeeper. With the use of a round ball, the matched is player with the two teams wearing shirts of different colors with distinctive soccer.patches. The game is divided into two sets, each for 45 minutes long with the referee adding “extra time” based on time being wasted or play being stopped during the original 45 minutes. Usually, the extra time will be about one-to-three minutes.

A maximum of three substitutes may be used in any match played in an official competition organized under the auspices of the World Governing body Federation International Football Association (FIFA), the confederations or the national associations. However, in other competitions the rules must state how many substitutes may be nominated, from three up to a maximum of seven.

The decision regarding a match ending with a tie score usually depends on the actual type of game being player. There are times when the just simply ends in a tie score after the regular 90 minutes game plus any added time. On the other hand, a game ending with a tie score may lead into an overtime with an allotted time of extra play leading to penalty kicks, this usually occurs during a deciding game of a tournament. Each team is given five attempts to score on the opposing goalkeeper, the team with the highest score wins the game.

During a game, players are only allowed to wear soccer equipment and are prohibited to wear anything that may harm him as well as the other. This includes any kind of jewelry and other accessories. The basic soccer equipment of a player include a jersey or shirt with their distinctive soccer patches; shorts, if thermal under shorts are worn, it has to be the same main color as the shorts; stockings; and footwear, soccer shoes, boots, cleats.

There are instances that players may use extra equipments such as shin guards and headgears. The shin guards protect the leg below the knee and are completely covered by the stockings. These are either made of rubber, plastic, or similar substances. While the head gear are available to protect younger players when heading the ball.

For goalkeepers, they must wear a color that separates him from the other goalkeeper, players, the referee and the assistant referees.

There are four important details that one should know about the game before he is ready to play soccer. The first is that only the goalkeeper is allowed to use his hands, and this is only within the confines of the marked-off area surrounding the goal. When a player uses their hands on a ball, the opposing team gets a free kick from the spot of the violation.

The second vital information that you should remember about the game is that players are generally penalized for rough or unfair play with the use of cards. A yellow card is considered a stern warning, while a red card signifies a serious violation. Once a player receives a red card it means that he had been ejected from the game and cannot be replaced and that leaves the player’s team with less players. Meanwhile receiving two yellow cards will equal to a red card, meaning the player will receive the same penalty.

It isn’t exactly a rare scenario. A man, typically middle-aged, is seen busily working on something inside the house on a Saturday morning. The suddenly, he bends to pick up a tool from the floor. Earlier, he broke into a sweat while carrying sacks of cement and bricks that he’ll use to re-do the driveway. As he rises, he immediately senses the sharp pain on his waist and lower back. Not as young as he used to be, he ends up almost immobile from the waist down after hurting his back while doing something as ordinary as picking up an object from the floor. This scene is so common that it is even used as a common device in t.v. situation comedies and cartoons. But in real life, over stretching and lifting of heavy objects have been the reason for the need to buy all sorts of pain medications.

Like most diesel truck owners, you are probably always looking to improve your diesel performance. Luckily, there are many tools at your disposal to help make your truck run more efficiently as well as more powerfully. Whether youve been making performance modifications to your vehicle for some time, or youve just started, a quality intake is probably something youve been thinking of incorporating into your diesel performance plan.

Quadzilla

Quadzilla intakes are one of the most popular, and when you see green, you know are you are looking at a Quadzilla intake as they use green exclusively. All Quadzilla intakes are built from steel and are powder-coated wrinkle black. Quadzilla is considered superior to other brands for a variety of reasons including the green woven cotton that wears better, and has better filtering capabilities. Quadzilla also uses just two layers, instead of up to seven, which obviously allows more airflow. With Quadzilla you can see up to 35 horsepower gains, which is quite remarkable.

AFE Trueflow

AFE Trueflow is another diesel air intake that you might want to look into. If you are tired of changing your paper air filter, AFE Trueflow might be just what you are looking for. This air intake filter involves five cotton gauze layers and two non-woven synthetic layers. With the AFE Trueflow youll benefit from high filtration and a long service life. The AFE Trueflow has been specifically designed for your Chevy Duramax, Dodge Cummins, or Ford Powerstroke that is operating under heavy-duty work conditions. This is definitely a great buy, and a brand you can believe in.

Of course, when you mention diesel intakes, the Banks brand is one that fits right in. Banks has developed a series of intakes that will allow your engine to maximize efficiency by balancing the air and fuel ratio leading to safe engine temperatures, engine durability, fuel efficiency, and powerful performance every time. Banks has a theme of First Air, Then Fuel and this carries over to their intakes, which will enhance your performance every time. When you match their intakes with power chips, youll find that you have a great combination to work with!

Bully dog is another of the obvious choices for a diesel performance air intake solution. Bully dog cold air intakes deliver more oxygen for more power, in every truck, every time. While Bully dog is known for just about every thing diesel and even Bully dog propane, its a brand that you can really trust and comes through every time. If you want more horsepower, a Bully dog air intake is what you need to get the job done. Even better, Bully dog has consistent prices so that you can improve your diesel performance as cost effectively as possible.

Diesel performance is definitely affected by air intake, so if you havent already, you should consider the intakes above to work with your diesel tuners, diesel chips, and even your diesel exhaust to improve your performance even more! Youll be amazed at what the right air intake can do for your truck.

In today world, the job market is become extremely competitive. Most of times, whenever there is a job vacancy available, there will be dozens of applicants trying very hard to compete to get that position. And because of this, the employers now have more choices in their candidate selection and they have to be extremely selective in choosing the best candidate for each position they offer. There are several important factors which the employers will scrutinize seriously during the process of evaluating their candidates. Among the top two factors are “Working Experience” and “Educational Background”. For those applicants who did not have the opportunity to attend a traditional college for the related fields to the job position they apply for, this is a very scary prospect. However, this is where the values of an online degree shine through.

Remember when you were in High School. So many characters and personalities. Big guys, big mouths, funny guys, funny gals and many many more one of a kind kids. Heres one I think youll relate to.

My first impression of Gillie was as 12 year old. He was so immense. I remember thinking that I did not want to be hit by him.
If I had Gillie on my team I knew I had an edge. A powerful advantage.

Gillie was the Paul Bunyon of my neighborhood. He had 20-22 biceps, and a neck almost as round. Weighing 220 pounds, he stood six feet one inch and had no fat on his body. Not an ounce of blubber. I had never seen any one like him in my life. He ambled when he walked. The kind of walk someone has when they know they have nothing to fear. His nickname was Mr Clean. He looked a lot like the cleaning icon. Except Gillie had no earring.

On the baseball diamond, Gillie was awesome. His fungo shots to the outfielders in pre game warm-ups touched parts of the sky usually reserved for small engine planes. He scared the other team. He looked like Mickey Mantle, Harmon Killabrew and Ted Kluzewski all rolled into one.

Smacking a softball was where Gillie excelled. His shots were legendary. He was one of a handful that hit the ball over the right field fence. The fence was 270 280 feet away and climbed 40 feet high. He was the only person I ever saw that hit a ball that soared over that fence onto Goldsmith Avenue. His hits seemed to gain height as they cleared the fence.

For me, Gillie always represented strength, dedication and just being a real good guy. He never used his size and strength to put others down. It was his way of building himself up. Whether he batted right handed or lefty you would always see the outfield back up and the infield shift to much deeper positions.

Feel free to pass this on to anyone you think would enjoy reading about baseball.

When youre a new mother, life can seem overwhelming. Your life is full of new responsibilities, yet the old ones havent gone away. This is a period of adjustment, so recognize it as such. Here are some ideas to help you cope with this transition period, and create the life you envision.

First, set your priorities. There will be many days when you just cant get everything done, so know in advance which things carry the most importance. Care of your baby is, of course, the first priority, and in order to do that, you may have to let some things slide. But, each of us is different, and so is our tolerance of leaving things undone. For instance, I have three children, and I hate it when we resort to feeding them fast food. So, cooking a good dinner has always been a priority for me. In order to do this, some days the house is a wreck, but feeding my family a healthy dinner is more important to me than seeing that all the toys are put away. You need to decide what works for you personally.

Secondly, ask for help when you need it. Very often, people are very willing to help, but theyre not sure what to do. Tell your husband what chores he could take over for you that would have the most impact. Do you have older children that are old enough to take over more household responsibility? Mothers are notorious for doing things for their children that the kids are perfectly capable of handling. Not only will assigning chores to your children help you out, it will also teach them some valuable lessons in responsibility.

Next, be sure to network with other women in your situation. If youre staying home, find other stay at home moms to socialize with and swap babysitting. If youre a working mom, get to know other working moms and spend some time with them. Talking to other women who have the same issues can keep you sane!

Finally, take time for yourself. All you will accomplish by working yourself nonstop is fatigue. Be sure to get away from your duties as a Mom to do some of the things you enjoyed before you had children. Go on dates with your husband, and hang out with your girlfriends. Continue to pursue your hobbies, or get some new ones. Being a Mom does change your life, but it doesnt have to take over your life.

The first step to getting great digital photo prints, is to make sure you use a good quality digital camera.

Digital photos are gaining popularity over traditional film photos because of the features and convenience associated with the newer technology. In some cases it’s even more cost effective to print your own photos at home instead of taking them to a developer or sending them in.

Here are some words of wisdom for making great digital photo prints at home.

There are really 4 key components to a great printed photo: Image, Printer, Ink, Paper. Each is part interrelated therefore equally important for success.

The image is the starting point for a good photo. There are many different camera models out there, but in general, you will need at least 3.2 megapixel picture taking ability. Some snazzy digital SLR cameras have 8 megapixels or more. The camera should always be set to the highest resolution while taking the shots just in case you want to make enlargements later on.

Image transfer is crucial! Do not just throw the highest pixel image at some paper, you may not be happy with the results.

Sometimes, too high of a pixel count will create unsightly jagged color transitions in your photo and waste a lot of your ink and time. Too few pixels and the photos will turn out very “grainy”. It’s usually best to stay within the 200-300 pixels per inch range.

This chart may help you determine your appropriate photo sizes.

Print Size : Good Results (200 ppi) : Excellent Results (300 ppi)
========================================================
4×6 inch … 800 by 1200 px (~1 mpx) ….. 1200 by 1800 px (~2 mpx)
5×7 inch … 1000 by 1400 px (~1.5 mpx) .. 1500 by 2100 px (~3 mpx)
8×10 inch .. 1600 by 2000 px (~3 mpx) …. 2400 by 3000 px (~7 mpx)
11×14 inch . 2200 by 2800 px (~6 mpx) …. 3300 by 4200 px (~14 mpx)
16×20 inch . 3200 by 4000 px (~13 mpx) … 4800 by 6000 px (~29 mpx)

Legend
========
px = Pixels
mpx = Megapixels
ppi = Pixels per inch

(data compiled from PC World.com)

For example, if you had a picture taken with a 1.5 Megapixel digital camera, a 5×7 inch print is probably the largest size print that would work. Anything larger than a 5×7, may not look good.

However, if you had a picture taken with a 14 Megapixel camera, you should be able to print out a 11×14 inch print with excellent results (300ppi), or a “good” looking 16×20 inch print at 200 ppi.

In addition to the digital camera image, there are a few other components that go into making good quality digital photos you’ll want to be aware of: Your printer, the ink cartridges you use, and the quality of the photo paper you use. Each component factors into your end result.

Online internet pharmacies are fast gaining popularity. It is just one among the millions of virtual shops that one can find over the Internet. A CNN news article says that there are now about 100 million websites in the internet with around 48 million of those sites considered as active or updated on a regular basis. These websites contain a wide range of topics and practically covers the entire spectrum of human knowledge and experience. In the United States alone, there are at least 54 million different websites that would be impossible for an average person to visit during one’s lifetime. Some of the most frequently visited sites include Google, Yahoo, Youtube, Facebook, and Wikipedia — which are categorized as search engines, social networking sites, or knowledge databases.

America’s consciousness about environmental issues has gained tremendous momentum over the past several years. Evidence of global warming and scientific discoveries about the impact of greenhouses gasses on everything from the melting of the polar icecaps to the extinction of animal and plant species has spurred the U.S. and countries around the world to take action. The importance of research into lessening our dependence on fossil fuels and moving to alternative energy sources has been front-page news and is the subject of contentious political debates. In the meantime, many consumers have taken matters into their own hands by taking steps to reduce their carbon footprints and generally increasing their awareness of the impact humans have on our environment.

Oh boy, is this great? Thats what Kent Dorfman said in Animal House many years ago. And that same question could be said right now about the eye-popping and heartwarming performance put up this past Saturday at Churchill Downs when Barbaro, the Florida Derby Champion, found his way to the winners circle in the 132nd Kentucky Derby.

His gritty and romping performance will be remembered for years to come. He simply toyed with the field at the top of the stretch and drew away under only mild encouragement from jockey Edgar Prado, who won his first Derby as well.

This three-year-old son of Dynaformer, whose offspring are royally bred for the turf, has shown how athletic and versatile he is by winning three races on turf and now three on dirt. He has won at distances ranging from a mile to a mile and a quarter and has never been seriously challenged with the exception of Sharp Humor in the Florida Derby.

The real question is: can he do it? Can Barbaro become Americas first Triple Crown Winner since Affirmed accomplished the feat some 28 years ago? Everyone, including jockey Edgar Prado, seems to think it could very well happen.

All along I had great confidence. When I turned him loose, he took off running, Prado said after Barbaros crushing of the Derby field. Hopefully, we can get a Triple Crown.

I recall a poll that was put up on the Daily Racing Form website that asked what could benefit horse racing the most. Some of the options were: get rid of drugs such as bute and lasix, install more poly-track surfaces, or have more incentives for breeding programs. But the fourth option was, have a Triple Crown winner. After the results were tallied, it was overwhelming how many fans, bettors, and handicappers agreed that having a Triple Crown winner is what this sport needs. It was some 60% who made the claim.

So judging from Barbaros performance this past Saturday in Louisville, can it really happen this year? Many of the experts on TVG, the Daily Racing Form, and other publications are under the impression it could really happen. Was Michael Matz, the trainer of Barbaro, playing with everyone while giving him 5 weeks from the Florida Derby to the Kentucky Derby? Was he giving him all that time because he knew that this next month is going to be a physically demanding whirlwind?

One thing is for certain, other horses and trainers dont want to have to face him. Trainer Todd Pletcher, last years Eclipse Award-winner for best trainer, has admitted as much. His horse, Bluegrass Cat, ran a terrific race but was still a distant 2nd to Barbaro, and Pletcher will be skipping the Preakness because he is afraid to face the colt again.

He showed today what we thought all along, said Pletcher of Barbaro. I knew we (Bluegrass Cat) were in a good position, but unfortunately for us, Barbaro kicked it in and ran his race.

Trainer Bob Baffert, who had three Derby horses in Sinister Minister, Point Determined, and Bob and John, echoed the sentiments of the others.

We werent going to beat Barbaro. He was awesome!

May 20th marks the date of the Preakness Stakes and Barbaro should be a heavy favorite. Its not sure yet who will come east to rival him, but as of now we know of a few. Brother Derek, Lawyer Ron, and Sweetnorthersaint will all be headed for Baltimore. The question is can anyone inch any closer to this monster? My guess isabsolutely not!

Studying marine biology. Snow survival skills. Electricity. Wildlife tracking. At camp today, kids enjoy much more than the traditional crafts and canoes experience. 4-H offers a wide range of specialized camping programs all over the country where kids learn leadership, citizenship and life skills while they participate in fun activities.

Shamee Hurd, 14, gets a charge out of learning about safety at 4-H Electric Camp. “I am more aware of my surroundings as a result of 4-H Electric Camp. I learned to stay away from electric lines when they fall on the ground. I do very well in school studying science, especially when we study electricity,” she said.

The camp, held at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, features learning centers and hands-on activities staffed by electric utility professionals. Campers make magnetic motors and discover how electric golf carts work while they learn about safety.

At 4-H Junior Wildlife Stewards Camp in Oregon, youth start their experience in third grade, become counselors-in-training in seventh grade, and teen counselors in grade 10. They work together with other campers and counselors as they participate in classes on the basics of fishing and aquatic habits, wildlife tracking, bird watching, forestry and develop a special hands-on wildlife restoration project.

A counselor for five years, Alice Kersting, 18, of Portland is studying sociology in college because of her experience with cross-age mentoring at camp, where she shared her passion for the outdoors. “The interaction of children, adults and teens coming together and learning from each other is incredibly significant. You can’t get anything out of camp unless you are willing to learn from others,” Kersting said.

Along the North Carolina coast, youth curious about ecology study chemistry, geology and biology at Marine Science and Sailing Camp. They dissect fish, follow the tides and visit estuaries to understand the importance of the environment.

Camp isn’t just for the summer, either. Youth build campfires in the snow, use compasses and GPS units and learn first aid skills at 4-H Snow Camp during the winter in Idaho. “4-H is about teaching kids life skills that they can use wherever they go,” said Cindy Kinder, University of Idaho 4-H and Extension Educator, Camas County.

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. Learn more about 4-H camping programs at 4husa.org.

Photography is just one of the many specialized 4-H camping programs for youth.

The are so many chess sets on the market today that it can be very confusing when you are trying to buy one. Chess sets are either used in playing or as a decoration in the living room or den. Chess sets are even used as centerpieces for libraries and studies. Some chess sets are even considered as heirlooms and are valued for their collectible quality.

1. Determine Your Reasons

Are you going to play with it or you going to use it for decorative purposes only? If you are going to play with it then look for a practical looking set. It should also fit your personal taste in the style.

2. Price

It is advisable to buy the best quality chess set that your budget can afford. A good chess set can last a lifetime and can even become an heirloom. You will definitely be admired by your friends when you take out a beautiful chess set. Of course, a finely crafted chess set can enhance every chess players playing experience.

3. Tournament Guidelines

Unless you are using the chess set for official tournament use, you can do away with considering the size of the chess pieces in relation to the board. Nevertheless, the general guideline is that the Kings base should be 78% of the width of a square. To get this, divide the King’s base diameter by 0.78 and you get the proper square size. You can increase the square size by 1/8, but the square size should not be any smaller. This info is valuable if you are buying the pieces separate from the board.

4. Durability

Choose an extremely durable chess set if you are planning to use your chess set daily and take it to tournaments and clubs. A weighted plastic chess set would be a good choice. If you need a handy chess set that you could carry anywhere then it is advisable that you get a travel chess set which are small and compact. These kind of chess is usually magnetic or pegged to protect against bumps and jolts. The boards can be folded and the pieces and pawns can be kept inside. Travel chess sets ara available for for somewhere around $20 A very basic one can even be had for $10 or less. You may even find miniature ones sold in most dollar stores.

6. Special Considerations For Wooden Sets

If you are buying a chess set that is made from wood then choose good quality wood. Wood is definitely a good material for a chess set. They are very impressive to look at and the pieces feel very solid. The only disadvantage is that they can be really heavy and are therefore not ideal for traveling. Wood chess sets will definitely be a great addition to your home or office. Wood sets and the prices can range from 50$ to as high as $5,000. In general, ebony is more expensive than rosewood, which is, in turn, more expensive than boxwood, etc. Exotic woods are more expensive still. There are less expensive sets that are made from oak, pine or walnut. In buying a wooden chess set let your budget be your guide.

7. Check For Uniformity

When buying a chess set check out the pieces, particularly the knights which can represent up to 50% of the total cost of all the chess pieces. The quality of the turnings, the finish and the uniformity also add to cost of the set. You must also check the craftsmanship of the King’s crown that is usually decorative. Keep in mind that the King and the Knight are two of the most important pieces of a chess set.

8. Decorative Sets

Chess sets that are made from crystal or bone china are generally termed as Glass. These sets are commonly used for decorative purposes but you can also find glass sets that are practical. Crystal pieces are generally heavy while china pieces will feel a bit light unless they have weighted bases. These kinds of chess sets are definitely nice to look at but they are very fragile and will break once they are dropped. They are also easily dirtied by dust and fingerprints. Although beautiful to look at, the pieces will break if dropped and fingerprints can become a problem on some models. They’re dust collectors too. Many people keep a glass set for looks and another type for actual play. Glass chess sets average in the $300 to $2,000 range.

Taking great portraits is as much about people skills as it is about technical ability, or using the latest and greatest photographic equipment. Sure, refining your technical skills and knowledge may expand the extent of your capabilities, and using superior equipment may indeed boost your edge. But, unless you can first see through your subject‘s eyes, and understand her as a unique individual, and then build rapport with her so you can unveil and accentuate her finest qualities, your portraits will remain mediocre at best. Some lessons learned along my journey as a photographer may help those who choose to follow.

1. If using a tripod, compose your portrait and then take.one step just to the side and forward from the camera. Do not look through the viewfinder as you capture your subject’s image. This allows you to make eye contact initially with your subject, and then direct her in mood, expression, position, and the angle of gaze you are aiming for. When your subject interacts with your camera, the result can be a cold or lifeless rendering, but when you engage your subject through eye contact, expression, gestures and words, the result can be a warm and candid reflection, charged with mood or emotion.

2. If you are not using a tripod, you really should redouble your effort to maintain constant interaction with your subject. Many photographers tend to keep their eyes in the viewfinder of the camera, but this leads to your subject interacting more with the front glass in your lens than with you. Again, you do not want the sterile and lifeless rendering that most often comes when the camera serves to isolate you the photographer from your subject. Interaction with an inanimate object (your camera) can never be a substitute for interaction with another human being (you), when your goal is to capture the essence of your subject, and reflect the attitude and emotion she was feeling at that moment in time.

3. Allow your subject to be herself. A little girl dressed up in fairy wings for a special picture is very cute, and I suppose there is a place in this world for cute. But, contrast this with the little girl who just loves to dance. You put her in her everyday clothes, stand her in front of a plain backdrop, put on her favorite music and say to her, “can you show me how to dance to this song?” You should have no difficulty in capturing timeless expressions there. Now imagine a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy whose true passion in all of life is sailing. You dress him up in a tailored suit; formally pose him in front of a low key backdrop, seated in a Chippendale chair, and use classic loop lighting. What would be said of this portrait years later? “Who was this guy, an executive?” But just suppose, you photographed this same guy in his favorite t-shirt and blue jeans, at the helm of his beloved sail boat, on a beautiful late afternoon, just as the boat was coming about? What would be said of this portrait years later? “This was Charlie, doing what he loved most! That was such a glorious day.” The point is, “keep it honest”. Fantasy can be cute, but your subject being herself, years later this will be much more meaningful.

4. Allow your subject’s expression to be honest. A frown or a grimace that is genuinely felt can be more interesting than a smile that is forced. I try to never just pose my subject and then say, “Okay, now smile for me.” If you want your subject to smile then tell a joke, put on a face, or perhaps merely smile at her and she will smile back at you. People generally tend to reflect in their face what they see in yours, but in my experience this is not always so. Nevertheless, interaction with your subject is the key. That being said, the next time you have a difficult subject ask him to tell you a joke, to bring out a smile, if that’s the expression you are after. If you are a professional, you know that smiles sell, but if you’re an amateur, you are under no pressure to sell, so make your portraits interesting. Not everything in the world is to smile about.

5. Direct your portraits. Take control of the composition of your portraits! Do not be afraid to tell or show your subject what you want. Sometimes showing is best. I often find that actually demonstrating a pose I have in mind, works better than trying to direct my subject through words alone. If you are photographing a group, your life will be easier, if you arrange and pose the adults first. Then, work your way from oldest (or more mature and settled) to youngest of the children. The point to remember is, as the photographer, you should take charge of the shot. The success or failure of the portrait will be your responsibility, so take charge.

Engage your subject to establish and build rapport with her, to take your photos to a higher level. Make your portraits more meaningful by keeping them honest, and natural. We all know a fantasy photo can be cute, and a formally posed portrait can be graceful and dignified, if that is your subject’s personality. But, a portrait that is true to the subject is always more meaningful. Allow your subject to be herself, and never force an expression. Learn to take charge and direct your portraits and you will move far ahead in your journey as a photographer. Practice your people skills with each portrait you take. People skills are the prerequisite to all else, if you want to take great portraits. Good day and happy clicking!

If you use credit cards, drive a car, have a bank account or just have a Social Security number, you could be at risk for identity theft. According to the Federal Trade Commission, more than 9 million people each year are victims of identify theft–one in every 25 Americans-resulting in costs to consumers and businesses of more than $50 billion annually.

It’s a horror story that happens daily across the country. For example, Kathryn Lasater of San Jose, Calif., is a typical college sophomore with just enough in her savings account to cover rent and utilities every semester. You can imagine her surprise when she received a phone call from a bank in Omaha, Nebraska, regarding a defaulted home loan taken in her name. Kathryn learned that someone had used her Social Security number to apply for and receive a home loan in her name. She spent the next six months making countless phone calls and penning dozens of letters to restore her good credit.

Unfortunately, most people who commit identity fraud are never caught or penalized. While the U.S. Secret Service investigates frauds over $2,000, most credit card criminals stay below this threshold.

The single most effective way for consumers to prevent ID theft is to “freeze” their credit with the nation’s three credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax). Once activated, a credit freeze prevents financial institutions from issuing any credit–including new credit cards-without the explicit permission of the consumer. Credit freezes, currently available under state law in more than a dozen states, stop the problem of identity theft at its root.

Retail industry lobbyists have begun to fight for changes in state and federal laws to protect consumers and merchants from fraud, but the credit card industry has opposed many of the requested laws. Now Congress is considering a bill that could deny consumers the rights they have under existing state laws to freeze their credit reports. This federal legislation, if passed, would effectively hand over control of credit freeze to the credit bureaus.

Consumer advocates are urging Americans to contact their members of Congress and ask them to oppose this legislation, currently known as HR 3997.

Visual Kei appears to be frequently used in videos and grab audiences attentions. Visual Kei followers are characterised by a rather stunning, although freak appearance of a striking make-up and elaborate costumes, causing a shock effect.

To recall, for instance, Merlyn Manson, who is among few to follow the style in the US. The trend is popular among modern bands, irrespective of rumours, suggesting that the style suffered no popularity in the USA and Europe. The Visual Kei style is peculiar of the tradition to wear relevant make-up and clothing always and everywhere.

The style is credited to have started in Japan in late 80ies through early 90ies as a result of the gothic styles influence. The word “visual” originates from English; the “kei” word is what Japanese name for style. The X-Japan and the Buck-Tick are believed to pose as catalysts of the movement. Their followers, including Luna Sea, Melice Mizer, Glay, LArc~en~Ciel, Dir en grey, Pierro are engaged in encouraging boom of Visual Kei media culture.

Each band seeks to vary from a similar one through creating gorgeous and insane images. Though a vast majority of the musicians are male, bend members would often give a priority to make-up and clothing, considered as “feminine”, which has nothing to do with their sexual orientation, but a combination of visual gothic elements and Japanese cultural traditions. Which is why Japanese gigs often resemble fascinating theatre performances.

Notably, the ancient Japanese “Kabuki” theatre involved actors, among staff, to play womens parts. Thus, a j-rocker, wearing a lovely pink dress and having his hair styled into violet locks, wrapped around with numerous fillets should cause no astonishment.

Presently, Visual Kei remains as a diverse, ever growing music culture.

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.

Introduction:

Bristol is an exciting city, overflowing with intriguing, traditional and occasionally off the wall things to do and see. What really makes it special is its energy, the mix of historic and new. With the city, coast and countryside all within easy reach Bristol is a great place to enjoy a day out or a weekend break. A vibrant young city, mixing bands and bars, clubs and cafes and yet this city has a thousand year history as a historic port!

Places of interest:

Bristol has some amazing sights, including the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol Cathedral and the SS Great Britain to name but a few. Many of Bristol’s museums depict parts of local history, including its maritime and industrial history.

Clifton Suspension Bridge spanning the beautiful Avon Gorge is the symbol of the city of Bristol. For almost 150 years this grade I listed structure has attracted visitors from all over the world. A Bristol wine merchant left a legacy to build the bridge over the Gorge.

Bristol Cathedral. The eastern end of the Cathedral, especially in the Choir, gives Bristol Cathedral a unique place in the development of British and European Architecture. The Nave, Choir and Aisles are all the same height, making a large hall. Bristol Cathedral is the major example of a ‘Hall Church’ in Great Britain and one of the finest anywhere in the world. Guided tours of the cathedral are available every Saturday from May to October.

Brunels steam ship, SS Great Britain, has survived from Victorian times and is the forerunner of all modern shipping. It was the world’s first iron-hulled, screw propeller-driven, steam-powered passenger liner.

Bristol Zoo Gardens is dedicated to conservation and is involved in international breeding programmes. Bristol Zoo has seen a number of significant births and there are many young animals running around the Zoo so it makes for a fun day out for all the family.

The British Empire and Commonwealth Museum brings to life more than 500 years of history using state of the art presentation techniques.

The City Museum and Art Gallery has outstanding collections of art and archaeology, geology and natural history housed in a magnificent early 20th century building on Queens Road.

Things to do:

If there’s one thing you can guarantee, you will never run out of things to do in Bristol. Attractions, shopping, nightlife and exciting activities combine to create a place quite unlike any other. Bristol is also the perfect base to explore the West Country. There are lots of attractions and places to visit all easily accessible by car or public transport.

A harbour tour is the best way to get some idea of what the harbour side area has to offer. Two companies offer such tours (some with commentary) allowing you to explore the harbour side from the water. It is not only a great way to see Bristol, but also travel from A to B.

Shopping in Bristol offers plenty of choice, catering for the most eclectic of tastes and all budgets. The elegant shops of Bristol’s West End, White Ladies Road and Clifton Village should not be missed. They are magnets for those looking for designer clothes, antiques, jewellery, art and crafts.

At-Bristol offers interactive adventure of a lifetime. At-Bristol’s has three award-winning attractions – Explore, Wildwalk and the Imax Theatre. They offer amazing experiences every day.

Slimbridge promotes the conservation of wetlands focusing on rare wetland birds. Millions of people have visited Slimbridge to get closer to wildlife & wetlands since it opened in 1946. You are able to get close to the birds, or just soak up the ambience of this haven by the Severn. The birds keep coming back too tens of thousands wild birds drop by each year, some staying for months before starting out on their great migratory journeys.

Food & Drink:

Bristol’s well known for the quality and choice of its restaurants, cafes, and bars. We have award winning restaurants and great ideas for lazy weekend brunches and long Sunday lunches.

White Lion Pub in Clifton offers a spectacular view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge spanning the Avon Gorge. .

City Cafe in Bristol has a modern, chic design that makes for a most welcoming dining room with an ambient lighting that adds to the sense of occasion. Located on Temple Quay it has a very popular terrace outside for basking afternoons.

The Wheatsheaf Inn offers a traditional British menu. Diners are spoilt for choice with a full bar and restaurant menu. This includes Steak pie, beer battered cod & scampi, grilled steaks, fresh sauces, and homemade pt.

The Elbow Room Pool Lounge & Bar is a former winner of Bar of the Year South and is situated on Park Street in Bristol. Lively but laidback, both urban and urbane, it takes lounging to new levels of elegance.

Hotels & Accommodation:

Bristol offers a wide range of different accommodation types for visitors, catering for both overnights stays, short breaks or something long term. Bristol hotels, bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, and self-catering accommodation offer a wide range of style and price.

Thistle Bristol
Bridge Inn New Lodge
Brunels Tunnel House Hotel
City Inn Bristol
Downs Edge
Arnos Manor Hotel
Westbourne Hotel
Novotel Bristol Centre, (close to M32 & station) F
Avon Gorge
Chewton Place
The Brigstow Hotel
Express By Holiday Inn Bristol North
Clifton Hotel
Corus hotel Bristol
Express by Holiday Inn Bristol City Centre
Rodney Hotel
The Old Manor House Hotel
Days Serviced Apartments Bristol

Entertainment

In the evening enjoy Bristol’s theatres, bars and clubs. The elegance of a west end show or the international reputation of the Bristol Sound is available, while Bristol’s comedy club venues provide the best in sharp comedy.

Bristol Hippodrome regularly hosts West End musicals, comedy shows, opera and ballet.

Colston Hall is where the people of Bristol have been enjoying music for almost 140 years.

The Tobacco Factory produces a programme of diverse arts activities including touring and Tobacco Factory productions, educational projects, children’s shows and music events.

Jesters Comedy Club provides some of the best alternative stand up comedy that the UK has to offer.

Bristol, being located on a motorway and rail hub makes it easily accessible for a day out or a short break. It does not matter what your age group is or what kind of activity you enjoy, with both coast and countryside within easy reach of the city, all needs are catered for here.

This Article may be freely copied as long as it is not modified and this resource box accompanies the article, together with working hyperlinks.

Weddings all over the country have one thing in common: the groomsmen are never the focus of attention. In fact, they frequently seem to be the least appreciated members of the wedding party. During weddings, people observe how lovely the bride or bridesmaids look. They also chat about how cute the flower girls and ring bearers are, and how endearing it is the kids walked in the wrong direction a few times. The groom is often praised for simply remembering to comb his hair and sport his tuxedo. In contrast, groomsmen are largely ignored.

Copyright 2006 Dan Curtis, M.D.

What do you do about the scale? If you weigh yourself everyday you will likely see your weight bounce up and down, and on up days you can get discouraged.

That is why many trainers will tell you to ignore the scale. They will tell you that what is really important is how fit you are, and not how much you weigh.

And on the other hand, there are diet programs and diet books that focus only on the scale, and sell you on quick weight loss based on nothing but the scale.

Which way is right? Scale or no scale? They both have some truth in them. Lets sort it out.

We tend to be focused on the scale, because it is such an easy thing to measure, and it is easy to compare the numbers. You read that your favorite celebrity lost 25 poundsyou can easily understand that. You read, Lose 15 pounds in 2 days! Who wouldnt want that?

The scale gives us a number that we can use to compare ourselves to others and to set goals for ourselves. It is simple.

But if you think about it, the reason we are so intent on the scale is not because we really are so interested in numbers, but because we are interested in looking good. We want to be lean. We want to be sexy. We want our clothes to fit, and we want to be appealing to others.

And we know that when we lose weight we get these things. So we get hooked on the scale. But the scale is just one part of it.

What is really important is not just your weight, but how much fat you have on your body, and how much lean mass you have.

You can lose weight but instead of losing fat you lose muscle. This happens all the time with quick weight loss diets.

When you are done, you dont look as good as you thought you would. Your arms are still flabby. Your belly still sags. You still dont look good in a bathing suit and you are still embarrassed about your body.

You lost muscle and you are out of shape.

This is what causes people to lose weight rapidly but then gain it back. You lose some fat, but you also lose your muscle mass.

Here is the most important part: Muscle burns up calories. Muscle burns up fat. And since you dont have as much muscle to burn up calories, you gain the weight back faster than ever.

See, even if the scale improved, you didnt accomplish what you wanted. So even though it is harder to measure, what you really want to know is how much lean body mass you have as well as how much fat you have.

If you became really lean, really firm, with sleek, strong muscles, and you saw your trim abs in the mirror, the strong arms, and the sexy butt, you wouldnt care what the scale said.

On the other hand, the people who are the most successful in weight loss, in taking the weight off and keeping it off forever, are people who have a weight loss goal and who actually reach that goal.

Not the people who lose some of their excess weight, or who get almost to the goal. No, the people who keep the weight off are people who actually reached their goal weight.

Many people can lose some of their weight and get part way to their goal. But the vast majority gain it back. But those people who have a goal and reach that goal are much more likely to keep the weight off.

So you see, there are two sides to the weight loss coin. There is more to losing weight and getting the body you want than the scale. And on the other hand, having a goal and reaching it will dramatically increase your odds of staying lean forever.

So what do you do? The best way is to make the scale part of your plan, but not the whole plan. Weigh yourself regularly, and keep a chart of your weight, but watch only the long-term trend, not the daily ups and downs.

Make the scale one part of your weight loss plan. Keep at it and you will see. You can get the body you want.