Evaluating mlb pitching

As a MLB baseball fan and sports bettor, you probably know that one key element in any baseball game is the pitching. A solid pitcher can completely shutdown an opposing side. What happens when you have two very good pitchers going at it? Usually the game is low scoring—no matter how good the hitters are. Just the opposite can happen when to sub-par pitchers take the mound. Knowing how to properly evaluate pitching is key to winning your baseball bets. However, evaluating can be a complicated task. Just what should we pay attention to? That’s the purpose of this article. We will discus what’s important to look at and use the past performance of real pitchers to illustrate these points. It’s time to play ball.

ERA

The most common mistake for those wagering on MLB baseball has to be simply looking at the pitcher’s ERA. The ERA is important, but you have to dig a little deeper to get the full story. Let’s take a look at Chicago White Sox pitcher Freddy Garcia. Let’s imagine that it’s late in the season and he’s on the mound with his 3.87 ERA. It would be easy to look at that and decide that he’s a good pitcher. However, looking at his stats deeper tells a tale of two pitchers—home and away. Let’s compare.

1.At home, Garcia has a 4-5 record. On the road he is 10-3.

2.At home, his ERA is 4.38. On the road his ERA is 3.40.

3.At home he gave up 17 home runs 38 walks. On the road he gave up 9 home runs and 22 walks.

4.He pitched 10 more innings on the road.

So what does this data tell you? For one, it tells you that Freddy Garcia is not a good pitcher at home. By looking deeper into the ERA and where the game is being played, you can get a better picture of just who’s taking the mound for a game.

Team Performance

Another area you want to look at is team performance, which looks at how well the pitcher has performed against the team. While you can look at history, it’s best to look at the current season and only pull in history if there are no current season performances. The reason is simple; teams change, at least a little, each year. Let’s keep looking at Freddy Garcia to see why team performance is so important. Take a look at a couple teams Garcia pitched against in 2005 and the outcome.

1.Garcia pitched four games against Detroit and had a 2.61 ERA.

2.Garcia pitched four games against Cleveland and had a 2.63 ERA.

3.Garcia pitched three games against Seattle and had an 8.35 ERA.

4.Garcia pitched two games against Oakland and had a 3.46 ERA.

By looking at team performance, we can see that Garcia’s outcome fluctuated and there are certain teams that he just does not do well against and others he dominates. We just looked at ERA here, but you can drill down further and look at overall pitching performance such as: hits, walks, home runs, innings pitched and so forth.

Inning Count

The last area of our discussion involves inning count. It’s vital that you know how deep, on average, the pitcher goes into games. If the pitcher is known for 5-6 inning outings, then you know the bullpen will be a major factor in the game. If this is the case and the team’s bullpen is suspect, you have to devalue the starting pitcher some. If you have a pitcher that normally works 7-8 innings and the team has a dominant closer and possibly a very good setup man, then you can focus more on the starting pitcher. Here’s an example list of pitchers and their 2005 averages.

1.Freddy Garcia 7 innings.

2.Randy Johnson 6 2/3 innings.

3.Pedro Martinez 7 innings.

4.Jose Contrares 6 13/ innings.

5.Livian Hernandez 7 innings.

In the case of Randy Johnson and Jose Contrares, we would have to discount their ability slightly if their team’s bullpen was not solid. Getting 7 innings of work out of a starting pitcher is good and about the average.

So the next time you go to bet baseball, look at who is pitching and do a little evaluating. It will pay off in the end.

Winter trips to warm you up

Do you need a break from the cold? If you need to thaw out then consider taking a vacation to a warm weather destination. You will return tan, refreshed and ready to brave the rest of the winter. Here are some suggestions for taking a winter holiday.

First off, you need to decide how long you can get away and how much travel you want to do. Since most of the U. S. is cold in winter you’ll have to go south to find warm weather. If you only have a few days then it makes sense to keep your winter trip close to home since you don’t want to spend a large part of your holiday on a plane.

Consider visiting southern Florida which has loads of options and tropical weather throughout the winter. Miami is fantastic for visiting the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the nightlife of South Beach. If you want a slower pace and fewer crowds, consider the Florida Keys. Key West is a quaint city full of bed and breakfasts with plenty to do for the entire family including water sports and nightlife.

A bit farther (but not by much) is the Caribbean. You’ll need a passport and the flights are more expensive but it is well worth it. There are tons of tropical islands from which to choose and there are French, Dutch, British, Latin and other influences to give you some culture. The Dominican Republic is know for its inexpensive all inclusive resorts; included in the packages is accommodation, food, transfers and water sports.

If you have more time and money then consider taking a winter vacation in the Southern Hemisphere which is summer during the U. S.’ winter. Rio de Janeiro has the world famous beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana with Sugar Loaf as a rugged mountain backdrop. Since Rio is a large city, it boasts five star hotels, fine dining and many nightlife options. Another holiday destination south of the equator is Australia. The Gold Coast is full of sun and sand options and the cities of Sydney and Melbourne have a European feel. If you’re up for some adventure then visit the interior and explore the outback.

Southeast Asia is a popular destination due to its affordability and richness in culture. Singapore is not only full of sights, luxury hotels and culture but it is known for being a very clean country. Malaysia has many white sand beaches and islands with accommodations ranging from simple bungalows to lavish resorts. Thailand is another country brimming with ancient sights and gorgeous beaches and its people are known for their hospitality.

If you need to find some warm weather then there are many options for winter vacations. Take lots of pictures and don’t forget your sunscreen!

How to build a profitable property portfolio

As more and more of us look for better ways to secure our financial future than investing into stocks and shares or relying on our government to provide for us in our old age, so interest in purchasing property as an investment asset is increasing.

After all rarely do careful investments made into real estate lose a purchaser money, whereas all too often investments made into pensions companies or on the stock market fail to come to fruition - is it any wonder therefore that more people want to know how to build a profitable property portfolio?

Here are ten top tips that expert property investors abide by when looking for property that they can do up and resell or rent out for profit. If you want to learn the tricks of the trade then read on…

1) Speak to letting agents and do your own research, find out how much rent you think you can comfortably get from a given property type in a given location. With that figure confirmed and in mind never pay over 100 times more than the monthly rental figure for a property. I. e., if you’re sure a property will return you GBP 700 a month do not pay more than GBP 70,000 for that property and you will then achieve a good rental yield.

2) Understand and harness the power of OPM – other people’s money! Never over commit your own personal wealth to a pure investment property, instead use loans, mortgages and credit facilities and put down the smallest deposit possible. Preserve your own wealth at all costs.

3) Don’t invest in future potential, invest in real potential. If an area is considered to be up and coming because in the future it will benefit from better infrastructure never bank on the investment being made…just know that if an area has already arrived and a particular property is already profitable, the future prospects for that property are already assured and make a far better bet than speculating to hopefully, maybe, potentially one day accumulate!

4) Don’t make it personal – an investment is a pure profit making enterprise therefore don’t get emotionally attached to any particular property, remain as objective as possible.

5) When letting property let it unfurnished because you will have enough to cope with getting the rent out of tenants and keeping on top of property upkeep without having to locate someone to fix a leaking washing machine or replace a broken crockery set.

6) Seriously reconsider plans to renovate and refurbish to sell on for profit. Unless you’re a builder and an interior designer and you have friends in the trade to help you and get you materials at cost you will end up paying more than you intend to pay and eating away at your profits. Yes money can be made from renovation property but it is far easier to make money from rental property!

7) Learn all you can from the wealth of brilliant books that have been published by property investors and real estate millionaires. You can bet your bottom dollar that all those who give seminars on making money from real estate are actually making their money from you attending their seminar – whereas if a successful property portfolio owner has committed their knowledge to print you cannot afford to overlook their wisdom.

8) Do hands on research – get out on the streets, visit letting agents and estate agents, look at property prices, rental rates, the popularity of a given area and only when you are certain about a location and a property type should you make a commitment to buy real estate.

9) If you do your homework and keep revising your facts and figures you should be confident in your own decisions and not be swayed by others who might say your plans will never work. You have to have dreams and ambitions and visualize all your hopes and hard work coming to fruition. Keep your feet on the ground and don’t be swayed by the negativity and limitation of others.

10) Be financially pessimistic. Always underestimate your returns and overestimate your outgoings that way at best you’ll be spot on with your earnings and at best you’ll be rewarded for practical and careful budgeting.

The demonetization of the east

In December 2002, Poland decided to purchase 48 F-16 Falcons from Lockheed Martin Corporation - an American defense contractor. Pegged at $3.5 billion, this is the biggest defense order ever issued by an east or central European country. The financial package includes soft loans and a massive offset program - purchases from Polish manufacturers that more than erase the costs of the deal in foreign exchange.

Offset in all its forms - including co-production, licensing, subcontracting, and joint ventures - is not uncommon in the defense industry. It is being offered even to far richer clients such as Israel. But in central and east Europe it is more prevalent than the West realizes.

According to numerous studies, barter-like arrangements (known throughout the region as "compensation") constitute between 20 and 40 percent of all transactions in the economies of the former Soviet bloc. Corporate debts to suppliers, payments for goods and services, even taxes - all have a non-cash component or are entirely demonetized.

The implosion of communism led to a rapid shrinking of the manufacturing base and the evaporation of the agricultural and mining sectors in many countries in transition. Export-derived earnings in hard currency collapsed even as millions lost their jobs and their purchasing power. Unemployment affects one fifth of the population in Poland, one third in Macedonia and three fifths in Kosovo, for instance.

Rather than remonetize these cash-bleeding economies, the IMF imposed strict austerity programs on the entire area, further eroding disposable incomes and intra-regional trade. Countertrade, barter, buyback, offset, clearing, technology transfer and other non-cash dealings flourished.

Moreover, the clearing system of the now defunct eastern trade bloc, COMECON - the Council of Mutual Economic Assistance (CMEA), was based on effective barter and the use of a fictitious "wooden" ruble. From Hungary to Cuba, communist countries were coerced into outlandish terms of trade, often beneficial to the Soviet Union or to a member in need. Mounting debts led to the disintegration of the entire edifice and Russia was reduced to giving east European countries aircraft and other weapons systems in lieu of cash disbursements.

Russia reimburses Kazakhstan with (shoddy) goods for leasing the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Until 2000, it was common practice in the Russian Federation to pay wage arrears, inter-enterprise debt and back taxes in kind. Russia and Turkmenistan accept food and other commodities, semi-finished products and construction services from Ukraine, Armenia and Belarus in exchange for their gas debts and, in Russia's case, for disposing of Ukraine's nuclear waste.

The recipients often complain of the quality of the products or services they receive - and of recurrent breaches of delivery schedules and quantities. But they have little choice. Ukraine is one of Turkmenistan's major export clients, for instance. Nor are these exchanges post-communist phenomena. Canadian firms, led by AECL - Atomic Energy of Canada Limited - were forced to accept Romanian goods for their nuclear reactors throughout the late 1980s.

There is a general misconception that barter is a thing of the past. Far from it. In the last six months of 2002, payments-in-kind to Gazprom, the Russian energy behemoth, have tripled due to an increase in its tariffs. The use of "veksels" (mostly corporate promissory notes) surged 60 percent. Hence the rise to prominence of barter experts, such as Igor Makarov, who, as general manager of Itera, oversaw Gazprom's sales of gas throughout the Commonwealth of Independent States.

As prices are adjusted to reflect waning state subsidies, consumers' purchasing power diminishes and countertrade transactions burgeon. A global recession coupled with the woes specific to transition from communism to capitalism herald an era of unmanageable inter-corporate debt. In tiny Macedonia, it is thought to have surpassed $600 million in 2001 - close to one fifth of GDP. The bulk of such debt is ultimately settled by barter.

Proponents of barter trade - mainly a proliferation of Western consultancies, financial boutiques and trading companies - count their advantages thus (from the Export911.com Web site):

"Countertrade provides a means of trade with countries using a blocked currency - currency that is not readily convertible into other currencies - or lacking the foreign exchange, thus removing the difficulties and risks in a trade financing and paving the way for a successful deal that otherwise would fail. Countertrade also provides a means to preserve foreign exchange reserves by eliminating the use of hard currency."

The US Embassy in Moscow counters by describing the nefarious effects of barter on the Russian economy:

"In Russia, the barter system is used for various reasons: monetary risk, lack of money, illicit enrichment, tax evasion and to continue business operations beyond viable economic life. The system creates numerous negative effects, namely: low tax receipts, price distortions, oversupply of products, ineffective monetary policy instruments, imprecise economic measurements, and, as a consequence, poor public policy decisions. Barter is tolerated and sustained because of short-term management perspectives, its value as a social safety valve and poor application of bankruptcy laws."

The demonetization of the economy and the distortion of the price signal (which ensures the proper allocation of economic resources) are not the only pernicious effects of non-cash business.

Barter transactions tend to enhance the militarization of the region. No one wants Russian TV sets or Ukrainian stockings. But MiG fighter planes and Kalkan and Grif patrol boats are in great demand. Turkmenistan, for instance, has built an entire Caspian Sea coast guard out of its gas-for-goods agreement with Ukraine signed last year.

Non-cash transactions are an integral part of the informal sector of the economy, estimated to constitute at least one third of the region's total gross domestic product. They are impossible to track, let alone tax. They are conducive to capital flight and offshore stashing of export proceeds. Technically, barter deals are a kind of non-tariff barrier as they interfere with the free market by binding specific buyers to given sellers. Hence the recent Russian-Chinese agreement to ban non-cash transactions in their border areas.

Countertrade deals are complex and multi-phased. If improperly structured, they leave a lot of space for corruption and worse. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported that the military court of the Moscow garrison sentenced in April 2002 the former head of the Defense Ministry's Main Directorate of Military Budget and Finances, Colonel-General Georgi Oleinik, to three years in prison.

In a typical scam - oft-repeated in Chechnya - Oleinik absconded in 1996-1997 with some $450 million. The money belonged to Ukrainian firms and was paid out in the framework of a multistage barter deal. It was earmarked for the purchase of materiel for the Russian army. Interestingly, in his defense, Oleinik insisted that the deal was authorized by former Finance Minister Andrei Vavilov and other senior officials.

Still, in the long-run, barter is doomed. As more former Soviet satellites either divert their trade towards the European Union or join it as members, countertrade will be restricted to the financially backward economies of the former Soviet Bloc. In time, even these laggards will have to face market realities - especially the use of cash as the foundation of the price mechanism and the optimal allocation of scarce economic resources.

Put vernacularly, the citizens of barter-addicted countries will inevitably grow disenchanted with shoddy and shabby goods delivered late. Imports from and exports to cash paying destinations will surge. "Ghost" factories will close down, releasing capacity to more productive entrants. Cash-starved governments will deepen and widen tax collection. A foreign-owned banking system will do a better job of matching savings to investments. Barter will be reduced to a marginal, last resort, activity.

Artificial flowers a great alternative

Because flowers are so beautiful, most people do not think about the fact that they are really expensive or that they last so temporarily when cut. The good news is that there is an incredible alternative to using so much money on something that will only last a few days: artificial flowers. There are so many uses of flowers that you might be surprised to find out how much all of your flowers are actually costing.

Flowers. You see them growing in gardens or adorning elegant tables as the centerpiece or the dresses of young girls at the prom. They are given as tokens of love and affection to celebrate birthdays, Valentine's day, engagements, anniversaries, and other special days between lovers. They provide decoration at a variety of popular events like bridal showers, weddings, banquets and graduation ceremonies. For each of these important occasions, consider replacing real flowers with artificial flowers. You will not be sorry you did.

Artificial flowers are great. They look just like real flowers, so you will not have to worry about sacrificing one of the main reasons people love flowers: their beauty. Your friends and guests may not even know that you have used artificial flowers because their quality is constantly increasing. Whether you are planning a special party or looking for the perfect flowers to include in your bridal bouquet, you can be sure that the artificial flowers you choose will have all of the beauty you desire.

Often when planning for a large event, expense is something that must be taken into consideration. If you are looking for ways to save money, one of the first things to consider is the use of artificial flowers. The longer you have to look for the perfect flowers, the better deals you may be able to find. Artificial flowers can be found on sale at a variety of craft stores many times throughout the year. Almost any variety of flowers that you are looking to use are now made artifically, so don't worry that you will have to settle for kinds of flowers that you do not really like.

Perhaps the best benefit of using artificial flowers rather than real flowers is their longevity. There is nothing worse than picking the perfect bouquet for your centerpiece only to have it be dried out and wilted by the next day. And who really likes to give a gift that will last only a few hours or at most a couple of days? (Or, better yet, who likes receiving this kind of temporary gift?) With artifical flowers you can give a give that almost everyone enjoys, or you can decorate for your event or holiday and be sure that your hard work will last long after your guests go home. After the party is done you can give away the bouquets of beautiful artificial flowers as favors or parting gifts for to your family and friends.

Everyone agrees that flowers are beautiful, and most everyone agrees that they make a great gift or a perfect decoration. Spread the word and soon everyone can also agree that artificial flowers are a perfect alternative no matter the occasion.

Turbo charge your articles 6 ways to make them easy to read and hard to resist

A few years back, I found that the process of writing articles really isn't a process at all – it's an art, and it's a very elegant one.

There are so many ways to make an article easy to read for your audience it's mind-boggling.

While a debate rages on about whether articles should be dense and conversational or sparse and easy-to-read, I find myself in the middle, happy to write conversational articles with loads of impact.

The fact remains: People aren't going to read something that looks like it might take a long time to read. I'm a professional writer and I don't even like to read long articles. (To me, long ezine articles it shows a lack of discipline on the part of the writer.)

Here are a few maxims I've discovered and they've served me well in the past:

● Keep articles to anywhere between 400 and 700 words – anything more than that and you're asking for your article to have single-digit page views. Who wants that?

● Use sub-heds. Short for subheadings, these breaks in the content are mini-paragraphs that move the reader along in the story. I only employ these when I'm writing case studies or articles that approach the 700 word mark.

Note: I only write these after I have written the entire article. I take a good look at the text and then I try to insert a sub-hed every two or three paragraphs. This technique works wonders in making an article appear more readable.

● Use bullets, numbered lists, and bold sentences whenever you're writing the advice portion of your articles.

Quick Tutorial on Adding Status Boosting Advice to Your Articles

It's a must to have advice in your articles. This sets you apart as an expert in your field and makes you likable because you're helping to solve the problems of your prospects.

Here how I used advice in my articles:

● Make sure the advice is actionable – something to reader can do right now to reach a goal, eliminate a problem or become more efficient.

● Include the most important items at the top of the list and the least important ones at the very end.

● Finish strong with a final piece of advice that is not in the numbered list, bulleted list, or bold sentence category. I usually structure the sentence like this one: “Bottom line: Follow a set format to make writing articles easier.”

This allows the reader to leave your article with the one nugget of information that he can finally use to solve whatever problem may be hanging over him at the moment.

Now article writing can be fun because you have the right tools to ensure readers will want to read your articles.

Bonus! How to Put This Concept to Work in Your Articles

Write your articles out without thinking about these tips I just mentioned. Just empty your brain of all the information you have about a particular problem facing your audience and how they can solve that problem.

Then walk away from the article. Don't look at or think about it for at least three hours or so. Next, insert sub-heds to break up the paragraphs into bite-sized pieces. Format your advice into bullets, numbered lists or bolded first sentences.

You'll be surprised at how well your articles will look to someone who's first viewing it.

Doing this, in combination with a phenomenal headline, will send your article views through the roof. People will clamor for your articles and publish them both online, and in ezines.

Bali liveaboard scuba diving

What can be a more adventurous and fulfilling scuba diving vacation experience than liveaboard luxury yacht cruising and scuba diving in the tropical islands of Bali?

Contrary to what many scuba divers think, liveaboard scuba diving may not be as expensive as you think. In fact if planned properly, live on board diving vacations may even save you money and inconveniences. Firstly, you will on transportation time and costs traveling to your dive operator's boat and then after your dive, returning to your hotel or resort lugging your cumbersome scuba diving gear with you and repeating the same process for the next couple of days during your vacation in Bali.

Next, you save money on hotel or resort accommodation because since that you are living on the dive boats, there will be no need for hotel or resort bookings. Furthermore, you do not need to hunt for expensive meals in your hotel or resort since all liveaboard scuba diving packages will include delicious meals which will also mean that you will be probably having very fresh and delectable sea food caught by the crew while you are enjoying your cruise or are scuba diving.

The highlight of your liveaboard Bali vacation is that you can dive in many exotic dive locations instead of only the dive spots near where you stay. This is because since that you need not return to your resort or hotel to retire for the day, the liveaboard dive yachts will cruise away to far flung scuba diving locations while you are sleeping. This again saves you time and best of all, you get to save more money by diving in more places for the same price.

Here is a typical example of a liveaboard Bali scuba diving itinerary. It is a 7 days Bali scuba diving excursion.

Day One - Visit one of Bali's most interesting street on the way to Pemuteran & Menjangan North West Bali which will also include a stopover in View Point Restaurant Sanda. You will scuba dive in Pemuteran House Reef & Reef Project or Secret Bay in Gilimanuk

Day Two - Your liveaboard boat will cruise to Menjangan Island. You will be diving at the National Park, Walls, Anker Wreck, Coral Garden, buffet lunch on the white powdery sandy beach of the island. The boat will then land and send you to the north coast and visit a well kept secret Waterfall and a hot spring.

Day Three - Scuba diving activities will be at Amed Tulamben or Secret Spot, Drop Off, Liberty Wreck Dive (American battle ship sunk during WW2) & some wall diving.

Day Four - Some land excursion to enjoy the view of Bali's world famous terraced rice fields in the morning. Then your liveaboard yatcht will take you diving at the Blue Lagoon & White Beach. There will also be a night dive at the Blue Lagoon.

Day Five - Continue your Bali vacation by cruising to Gili Mimpang & Gili Tepekong or Gili Biaha for fantastic dive sites.

Day Six - More scuba diving activities at Gili Biaha or Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan. The sea at these diving locations could be rough at times, so the dives would very much be dependant on the weather. However, if the weather allow, you will be scuba diving in one of the most breath taking underwater scenery in the world.

Day Seven - More scuba diving at the Blue Lagoon, White Beach and the Channel and then off to Bali airport to your next scuba diving adventure.

So if you want to save time and money during your Bali scuba diving vacation, why not try liveaboard luxury boats instead?

Simple tips for safe flying

Safety is a foremost concern of any traveler, regardless of whether the trip is for business or for pleasure. Never has this need been more emphasized until recently, in light of 9/11 and of the latest bombings in London. These attacks have somewhat made people wary of traveling, especially traveling by airplane.

However, despite these risks, the US Federal Aviation Administration claims that airline accidents are rare, with the odds of death about 1 to 7 million. Most airplane disasters occur usually during the plane’s takeoff, climb, descent or landing.

To minimize safety risks passengers face during travel by air, the following measures are recommended:

Fly non-stop. Since airline accidents occur mostly on takeoff, climb, descent or landing, flying non-stop avoids these as much as possible. Not all direct flights are non-stop, though, so it is best to check with one’s travel agent.

Fly on larger aircrafts. The design and certification of aircrafts with a seating capacity of at least 30 are strictly regulated. The chances of passenger survival in case of fatal accidents are also higher in larger aircrafts.

Pay attention to the pre-flight briefing. The information given on pre-flight briefings tend to be repetitious, but it still pays to listen to them. The seating and layout of an aircraft depends on what kind of aircraft it is, so the location of the exits differs as well.

Avoid storing heavy articles in overhead storage bins. Overhead storage bins may not be able to hold heavy articles during turbulence. Heavy items should therefore be stored elsewhere.

Keep your seatbelt on. As in any vehicle, seatbelts provide additional protection for the passenger. This is especially helpful when turbulence occurs.

Listen to the flight attendants. Airlines employ flight attendants not only to serve passengers but also to ensure safety within the aircraft. It is best to listen to what they have to say first before one starts complaining or asking questions.

Do not bring hazardous materials in the aircraft. Some materials such as gas and corrosives react differently in the contained and pressurized interior of the aircraft. If allowed by the airline, these materials should be stored in their proper containers.

Do not drink too much. Alcohol has a stronger effect on the body in higher altitudes than at sea level.

Wear sensible clothing. It is advised that clothes made of natural fiber should be worn when flying because synthetic fabrics melt onto a person’s skin and cause more serious burns. Women should also take care not to wear high heels when flying.

Stay alert. It is important to keep one’s wits about one’s self in case of emergencies so there would be less panic and people would be able to get out of the aircraft more quickly and efficiently.

Rebuilding trust

The loss of trust is a very painful experience. It often involves a lot of hurt, confusion, anger, and sadness.

Dealing with these emotions is critical when trying to rebuild trust. When upset, we want our partners to understand our point of view - to understand our feelings and emotions.

Understanding how we feel is important because it helps us deal with our negative feelings and move beyond them.

If a partner does not take the time to make us feel understood - we try to get even - we try to make our partners feel as bad as we do. Even though it sounds childish, when someone does not understand our hurt or pain - we try to make them feel what we are feeling (this is often an unconscious response). Not feeling understood, often leads to a game of inflicting mutual hurt.

In most cases, partners do not take the time to make us feel understood because they do not know how to do it OR because they get defensive (feel under attack).

When accused of wrongdoing, people often try to...

* apologize

* offer excuses and explanations

* withdraw

* or even attack back...

These strategies do NOT work because they fail to create real understanding. Simply put, people need to feel understood before apologies are offered and explanations are given. It is virtually impossible to rebuild trust until people who have been harmed feel understood.

So, when trying to build or repair trust - it helps to see the situation from a partner's point of view. Try to understand why the other person is so upset - directly acknowledge his or her feelings ("you are angry, hurt, confused") and his or her interpretation of the situation ("and, you have every right to be upset, because what I did was wrong.")

You basically have to agree that the other person's feelings are legitimate and fair - let the other person know that you get it. If you can do this, trust is going to be much easier to regain.

If you can make someone feel understood when they are upset, they are more likely to...

* calm down

* forgive you

* feel closer

* listen to your side of the story...

If you don't take the time to understand your partner's feelings, rebuilding trust is much more difficult to do. But, once you make a partner feel understood, it becomes possible to offer an effective apology.

The proper way to play nfl teasers

If you know how to properly bet teasers then they can be a fun and profitable way to get some action on the NFL. If you’re not using them properly, however, you might as well just put your money in a big pile and burn it. The result will be the same and it won’t take up as much of your time or cause you as much frustration. By their structure, teasers give bookmakers a significant edge (much bigger than on a regular bet). In order to take advantage, then, you have to both identify that edge and find ways to overcome it.

A teaser is a bet in which you take two or more teams and add a set amount of points to the lines of each team. In the NFL the most common teaser is six points, and 6.5 and seven point teasers are also standard. Say you liked Dallas, which was favored by eight, and Minnesota, which was a three-point underdog. On a teaser ticket, the lines would become Dallas -2 and Minnesota +9. In order for you to win the bet both of those results would have to occur. A push in either game would result in a void ticket and a returned bet. Because of the greatly advantageous spreads, you obviously get a much lower payout than you would betting the teams in a parlay at their full spread.

Teasers give the bookmakers such an edge because of the difficulty of hitting them often enough to make a profit. If you shop around you can find two-team, six-point teasers that pay out at even money. Even at that generous level of remuneration you still have to be correct in choosing the winners by the adjusted spread in 70.7 percent of games to break even over the long run (.707 x .707 = .5 – If you are right on the individual games 70.7 percent of the time then you will be right on both games half of the time). Teasing a random sample of NFL games by six points doesn’t provide accuracy at that level – favorites don’t either cover or fail to cover by less than six points more than 70.7 percent of the time - so the expectation over the long term is for a loss. It gets even worse for seven point teasers. Though more games will be covered by the larger change to the spread, bookmakers charge a higher price for the bets, so the expectations of loss can be even higher.

In order to profit on betting teasers, then, you would have to find a situation that allowed you to pick more than 71 percent winners over the long term. One such commonly known situation is called a basic strategy teaser, or a Wong teaser. These are teasers that move the spread across two key numbers – the three and the seven. For example, a spread of -8.5 is teased to -2.5, meaning the favorite now covers the spread if they win by either a field goal or a touchdown, two of the most common margins of victory. You lose your advantage if the spread is teased right to one of those two key numbers, because that would make a push more likely, voiding your ticket. Playable spreads for this type of teaser, then, are from -7.5 to -8.5 and +1.5 to +2.5. Historical data shows that playing teasers that fit these requirements is profitable over the long term, though a large bankroll is required, because fluctuations can be extreme.

If teasing a spread to cover two key numbers in that case makes sense, then does it make sense to tease a spread to cover both 3’s? You could tease a spread of -3.5 or -3 to be +3.5, thereby covering the most common key number regardless of which team wins by three. The simple answer is no. Over the long term, your expectation for this bet would not be positive. The main reason for that is not because of the key numbers, but because of the numbers that fall in between. When you tease over the three and the seven, you also win games that are decided by scores between those two numbers – four, five and six points. Those outcomes aren’t as common as three or seven, but they still occur fairly frequently, adding to the number of bets that are correct. Between the two threes, on the other hand, you have two and one, neither of which are as common as four or six, and zero, which virtually never occurs. When you buy a teaser you are essentially buying more numbers that the score can land on. When you tease from -3 then you are just buying a bunch of junk. The other problem you face, as well, is that you need at least 6.5 points to properly tease -3, which makes the bet more expensive.

As with any type of bet, the fact that a bet isn’t advantageous over the long run doesn’t mean that it can’t make sense in a specific circumstance. For example, a teaser could make sense if you are confident that two teams are both going to win the game straight up, but if a parlay of their morning lines doesn’t pay out what a teaser would. A teaser could also be used to take advantage of a group of lines that you sense are soft. As long as you understand the bet, and know its limitations, then the teaser can be a powerful tool.

Subprime mortgage lenders - differences between subprime and other lenders

Subprime mortgage lenders specialize in offering financing to people with poor credit or riskier loans. Conventional lenders focus on low-risk loans and borrowers. While you will find better rates with conventional lenders, suprime companies offer more flexibility in requirements and loan terms.

Easier To Qualify For

Subprime mortgages are easier to qualify for than traditional loans. Since these lenders are willing to accept a higher level of risk, they offer a variety of packages. For example, someone with bad credit can still find a zero-down 30 year mortgage. You may also opt for a lower rate with an ARM or fixed-rate home loan.

For jumbo or unconventional loans, you may have to work with a subprime lender. Since these types of loans are harder to sell to the secondary market, some conventional lenders won’t handle them.

Higher Rates

For the increased level of risk, subprime lenders charge a higher rate, usually a couple points more than a conventional loan. You may also find more fees or points, especially if you want to waive early payment fees.

Conventional lenders offer the best rates and reasonable fees. However, there is a wide range in rates and fees between lenders.

No matter what type of financing you choose, request quotes from dozens of lenders. This protects you from scams and unscrupulous companies, while ensuring you get the best package. Finding a low rate is one of the easiest and biggest ways of saving yourself money.

No Worries Over PMI

Subprime lenders don’t require private mortgage insurance (PMI), unlike traditional lenders. PMI can add over a hundred dollars on your monthly payment.

It is required for conventional loans when the down payment is less than 20%. You can get around this requirement with conventional lenders by taking out two mortgages from separate companies. Another option is to put 20% down on your conventional loan, but take out a home equity loan after the deal closes to access your cash.

Just to make things more confusing, more and more conventional lenders are entering the subprime market. If you do need subprime financing, still request quotes from traditional lenders since you may still qualify.

Computer moms and working at home

In our busy world today families are pressured on many different levels. The average family has a large mortgage, plus maintaining the upkeep of the family home, with renovations and additions as more young ones come along. Let's not forget escalating food prices and gasoline to get to the malls and shopping centres, and this is often budgeted on a husbands singular wage which gets stretched across the back of an out of control consumer society.

This has escalated the need for two income families which puts extra unwanted pressure on Mom and Dad, who now need to find in the already tense budget extra income for child minding or day care, which is expensive even at a daily rate, let alone a full week.

However, solutions are numerous to this widespread family dilemma, and many of these solutions can be found at the comfort of your easy chair, or office chair if you like, and tapping in to the work available which can be achieved from Home. Raising children can be a job in itself, but fortunately there are many companies offering computer work at home for busy Moms who are willing and can help.

Obviously there are many Moms who are gifted with many talents such as secretarial and administration, and let's face it, there is enormous admin to any family home, which Mom is usually the one organising everything. 'Honey, did you remember to. Honey, did you remember we were. Honey, did you remember to pick up the kids?'

When the child takes a nap or has been dropped off to school, these skills can be utilized to make some extra money, by doing some office style computer work. Depending on experience and skill level, computer work from home for Moms may include freelance writing or writing for greeting card companies. A little knowledge in advertising and copywriting could be something useful, as companies are often looking for freelancers to fill in during tight spots.

Using your personal networks can get your name out there amongst local companies, making them aware of your availability. Opportunities like Data Entry seems to be the easiest computer work from home, and is also advertised the most, so approach the opportunity like you are keen and looking to keep busy, and you will find that extra work will come easy.

Now finally, let's not forget to mention the opportunities that are frequently available in Online Home Business, Network Marketing or Multi Level Marketing.

Finding a good Online Business that guarantees good support, mentorship and will set you on your way as well is not that hard to find, as there are many great companies that are now franchising of a sort, opportunities to begin and develop large income streams and strategies that can go far beyond earning a few extra dollars to pay the bills.

Opportunities like this, if worked at home, with the same hours you as a Mom have available, between getting the kids off to school and back home again in the afternoon, can literally set you up toward ultimate financial freedom.

So get excited, for there are many things we can do to change our situation, and take the pressure off our marriages, families and financial situation for good.

So Mom, Business as usual this week; let's get that Man of yours off to work, the kids packed off to school with their lunchbox, or the little toddler quietly playing under the left eye glance of supervision, or off for a morning or afternoon nap, and Bamm! Moms back at the laptop ready to earn a cool million or two.

Decisions like this are changing families all over the world right now, and bringing incredible financial change to their once tight and over budgeted world. Are you ready to make yours? A decision is only a choice away.

Constipation and natural remedies

There are two types of constipation, organic and functional. Organic constipation is a result of some physical change, obstruction, or distortion in your colon. This type of constipation needs immediate attention from a doctor. We do not cover constipation that occurs from these reasons.

Functional constipation is a result of not following a proper diet, drinking the proper fluids, having good emotional health, and not having the proper lifestyle that promotes good movement of digested foods through the intestines and colon.

Even though there are many conditions, symptoms and definitions describing constipation, constipation simple is,

A condition where the fecal matter traveling through your colon remains too long in your colon before traveling out the rectum.

Constipation is a symptom that tells you your colon is not working properly or you have some underlying gastrointestinal disease you are not aware of.

Constipation is a warning your diet and lifestyle can be leading to some illness or disease in the future. It is a symptom that many people ignore or it is a symptom that many people try to eliminate by using unnatural dangerous laxatives.

Laxatives are probable the worst product you can use when you have constipation. They can become habit-forming if used too long and have some nasty side effects. They have a tendency to create the problem you are trying relieve – constipation.

It is important to use only natural remedies for constipation so you don’t continue to upset the natural balance and function of your colon. As you begin to apply some of these remedies, keep in mind that one particular remedy does not work for every person. You may have to make some changes to some of these remedies, such as increasing dosage, adding substances, or trying different substances.

The remedies you choose to use will depend on specific herbs, foods, or nutrients you have, you can buy locally, you can buy on the Internet, nutrients you prefer, or you can afford.

Experimenting is part of how you find out what is best for you.

Keep in mind that all remedies you should only be used only for a short time, two to four days and not longer than 2 weeks. They should only be used for the time needed to clear your constipation. Sometimes this might just be one or two times.

There are some herbal combinations you can use longer. These combinations can improve the health of your colon and get your bowels moving.

If you have constipation, I can tell you now the natural balance and function of your colon has been affected. But natural remedies can bring you back into balance.

The secret for a great barbecue is really in the sauce

We have hear a ton of time that the secreat for a great barbecue is in the sauce. Well, it migth be! What is a barbecue chicken, a rack of barbecue ribs or a t-bone steak without a accompaining sauce? Well I am sure this can spark a debate among different school of though ( or I should say barbecuing?...) about the need of sauce, but my own personal experience has lead me to believe that the secret is in the sauce.

Let me share with you four barbecue sauce recipes and you will be the judge!

Simple Pork Barbeque Sauce

2/3 c. catsup

1/3 c. brown sugar

1 tbsp. Worcestershire

Hot sauce to taste

Rosemary (crumbled) to taste

Mix all ingredients together. A good brand of hot sauce for flavor is Louisiana hot sauce. Brush on pork spare ribs, steaks, or chops while barbequeing or baking.

Honey Tomato Barbeque Sauce

1 pkg. taco seasoning

1/2 c. tomato sauce

2 tbsp. butter

1/2 tsp. salt

1-2 tbsp. soy sauce

1/8 tsp. oregano

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 sm. onion, diced

Saute onions in butter until soft, about 5 minutes. Add all other ingredients and simmer another 5 minutes. Adds a little "zing" to your chicken or meat on the grill.

Easy Barbeque Sauce

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

3 tbsp. vinegar

1/4 c. catsup

1/8 tsp. pepper

4 tbsp. sugar

1/4 c. chopped onion

Mix together and cook over low heat 5 minutes. Easily doubled.

Barbeque Sauce with a Spicy Kick

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. pepper

Dash of cayenne

1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. onion salt

2 tbsp. vinegar

1 tsp. sugar

2 tbsp. water

Red pepper

1/3 c. butter

Heat all ingredients, stirring frequently until butter is melted.

As I said before, you'll be the judge. Pick the one that best suits your barbecue venture and enjoy!

Helping to compare generic cialis

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Our easy to use site will give you access to all the testimonials you will need to compare generic Cialis with the other products out there and make your own decision. Our testimonials are real and the people that have offered them are real. We invite you to join our website and leave your own testimonial so that you may help someone else in the future. When you see your own testimonial side by side with the others then you can confirm for yourself that we offer only real information to help you make an informed decision.

It s time to set up a direct mail strategy for your business

Small businesses are very tightly squeezed for cash flow, but we know that we need to get our messages out there if we want to grow and find new customers. As each of our businesses grow, we know that most of our customers and clients will come as a results of word of mouth advertising. However, we also know that we need to implement a direct mail strategy to help us expand our reach.

Word of mouth advertising is a great way to grow our businesses, mainly because a happy customer will spread the word about your great product or service. They will likely tell a friend. That’s why we must keep on advertising. But how do you do it effectively when you have a limited budget and you have to worry about cash flow, payroll, inventory, rent, etc.?

I want to show you that you need to implement a direct mail strategy and I will share with you what I have learned in the process of developing one for my own companies.

We started out as a small company. We were operating in a few cities only and grew the company to the point where we were operating in 394 cities, 81 markets, 19 states and 3 countries. All this took quite a long time to achieve, so in no way was it a overnight success. Sometimes we had some of our locations that were short on capital and we had to help them find ways to advertise to get the most for their advertising dollar. The most effective method we found very helpful in reaching our goals was direct mail, we implemented a direct mail strategy.

I would like for you to start thinking how you can develop a direct mail strategy for your business. You should think of the options you have to gain publicity, advertising, marketing, PR, and how your direct mail strategy can come together with all of that. You need to keep an open mind and consider all the options when using a direct mail strategy.

My point in writing this is not to get you to spend all your money following a direct mail strategy; rather it’s to get you to consider how it could benefit your company, business or non-profit organization.

Why it s worth fighting your dragons and start public speaking

Everyone hears about being nervous when speaking, and when you overcome it, you

become confident and very successful.

What you don’t hear from successful speakers is about the journey itself.

For example, when I started in the field of speaking, I was a corporate employee.

As a project engineer, I had to develop concepts and designs to solve problems within the plant.

I was good at this and yet my career progress was slow because I simply couldn’t speak well,

and I needed to present my proposals to obtain funding.

I would become nervous, tongue tied and confused.

So when I started my public speaking career I was so scared and terrified, that even the

thought of being in front of a group of people, made me feel physically sick, and would

make my heart race so much, I thought I was having a heart attack.

Clearly, I didn’t want to go through my life like that so I did some training and got ready

for my Maiden speech.

With this speech I was competing for a prestigious Silver Cup and I was excited because

I thought I was going to win it.

I walked out onto the stage in front of 200 people and arrived at the podium.

Suddenly my legs started to shake so much I thought I was going to fall down.

So I grabbed the lectern, which also began to shake, and then, at that moment, the butterflies

in my stomach turned into dive-bombers and I started to feel sick.

While shaking the lectern so much, I watched with horror, as my notes slid onto the floor.

In total confusion now, I decide to start my speech without picking up the notes.

My voice quavered as I stated my name, and then my mind went completely blank.

After what seemed an eternity, I grabbed my notes from the floor and fled the stage.

All I achieved that day was to let people know who I was and that I was one pathetic speaker.

Needless to say , I didn’t get the prize or even a polite or sympathetic applause from the audience.

It was such a horrifying experience that I had to make a decision to quit or do something about it.

(I was unable to get into the witness protection program to lose my identity!)

Well I studied, practised and used everything that I write about in my book and then some

12 months later, I had to give a speech on behalf of my company.

Now this was a seriously major important speech for the company and me.

If I didn’t do a brilliant job, my career would finish, the company would suffer and I reckon

I would have been out of a job.

That would mean, a massive change in lifestyle for my family, changing schools, changing

houses and even putting my food supply at risk..

So as I walked to the Podium this time I could feel this huge pressure bearing down on me.

And do you know?

I was confident, created humour and had them laughing, created pathos so they could feel

sad, lifted them with excitement, spoke a very clear message, had them in the palm of my hand

and when I finished, they stood up to applaud.

Pretty good eh?

Oh yes, I got promoted and realised that day, that being a great public speaker helps you make

more money, no matter what your job is.

So what made the difference?

What transformed me from bumbling idiot to charismatic speaker?

And could anybody do the same?

Clearly, the answer is yes, if they went through all the stuff they I had.

Why am I qualified to say this?

Because it is based upon my learnings, my studies, my experiments, good and bad, and

most importantly, on my real life, in the fire, under the hammer, experience.

And then I even wrote my own book on how to overcome the Fear of Public Speaking!

As Chairman of the Public Speaking Group at the Australian Institute of Management I have

coached and helped many people who at the beginning of the year , could not even say their

name, and by the end of the year, had become articulate and confident speakers.

So overcoming the fear and building the skills, step by step, not only transforms your

presentation skills, it builds your confidence in all parts of your life.

And isn’t that a good enough reason to start!

Speed dating. up to twenty dates in one night

Speed Dating is for you if you are the type of single who would like more than one date, and then have the choice of who you would like to meet again. Date up to twenty enthusiastic singles in one evening of whirlwind dating.

Originating in the USA it’s gathering momentum, and has got the attention of Canadian and UK singles as well. You will find regular Speed Dating events in most major cities up and down these countries, and most singles usually go back for more. As with all dating nothing has a one hundred percent strike rate but you have the night out, and the enjoyment factor. Where else can you meet twenty excited, eligible singles that are looking for a night of fun that can turn into romance.

Generally at an event tables are set out for the dates then everyone will sit down for their first date. After the dates have finished the gentlemen will usually move around the tables while the women stay seated. Singles are given cards at the start of the event to mark off the singles they would like to see again. After the event they will go home and login to the events organisers web site the next day to see who they have matched with. If the single has more than one match they then have to decide who they have a stronger desire for. This is the point where the event organisers leave it in the singles hands, and no longer participate in the relationship.

Speed Dating isn’t for the shy type. It’s an evening of pure socializing, and quick thinkers will definitely be in their element. With only a few minutes to get to know someone, being able to think on your feet is a definite advantage. Knowing a little bit about most things will help as well so getting stuck for questions and answers doesn’t become an issue. Keeping up with current events can help also for quick conversation pieces.

Women knowing something about their national sport will help in a sticky situation. Some men will definitely find this attractive. And the same goes for the men, knowing something a bit feminine will help them, and score some points for instant attraction.

If you enjoy meeting people, and enjoy plenty of fun conversation, a Speed Dating event is going to hit the right buttons. An evening of fun fuelled dating and a few drinks is what your singles social life could be just what the doctor ordered.

The beauty of chesterfield

Chesterfield is a small town set in the peak district area of Derbyshire. Some would say it is a beautiful old market town set in the beautiful surroundings of the Peak District, but what of the towns women.

As with all places in the UK and the world the women come in all shapes and sizes and have their own opinions on their appearances. Luckily there’s one thing that Chesterfield has in a plentiful proportion for any of these women who might think they need a little bit of help.

Chesterfield has plenty of Health and Beauty Salons. Some are in the town centre whilst others are situated within keep fit type leisure centres. Wherever they may be situated they all offer the same services, to make the women of Chesterfield feel good about themselves.

One of the town centre’s most recent of these is Le Chics, which is situated just off Beetwell St, Chesterfield. They offer a full range of services including Eye Brow Plucks, Massages and Contour Body Wraps as well as lots of other services. They even offer a free trial on their toning tables.

Most of the Health & Beauty Salons in the Chesterfield area, like most areas, offer fairly similar services to each other and a personal choice on whether you, as a client, like the surroundings or the staff of these establishments.

Some of the Health & Beauty establishments though do offer one or two different services which make them stand out a little. Vanilla Spa, which is situated inside the Fitness First Centre on Sheffield Rd approx 2 miles from Chesterfield city centre, offers, as well as the normal services like facials, massages etc, offers a “Smilequest” teeth whitening system to get the women’s teeth of Chesterfield gleaming & white.

How does it work? The surface of the teeth contain millions of microscopic pores, and over the years, organic compounds from food, fizzy drinks, tea, coffee, red wine or tobacco penetrate these pores causing a build up of discolouration on the tooth enamel.

After an initial consultation with the professionally qualified Smile Therapist, you can sit back and relax as your dreams of a whiter smile turn into reality! The gel is carefully applied to your teeth and activated by the light from the Smile Quest Laser Teeth Whitening System. The first application takes 10 minutes and is repeated again in one treatment, many people find the desired results with just two applications. For optimum results of up to 10 times whiter it is recommend to have at least two treatments (four applications).

Your brighter, whiter smile can last 18 to 24 months depending on diet and lifestyle.

Willows Health & Beauty, however, take care of the other end of the human body.

They offer Colonic Hydrotherapy Treatment, which is said to be very good for help with weight loss, skin conditions and a whole host of other benefits.

With other salons in Chesterfield offering a range of services including; tattoo’s, piercings, hair extensions and tanning booths for that summer glow, Chesterfield I’m sure you will agree has lots of scope to have beautiful women all year round.

I just hope the men of Chesterfield appreciate everything the women do to their bodies in the hope of keeping the beautiful look very much alive.

Grilling tips for the dog days of summer

Grilling is going to the dogs. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, 81 percent of Americans own a grill and average grill usage is up to 26 times per year. And, with three-quarters of dog owners saying they consider their dog like a member of the family, more and more owners are including their four-legged friends in the barbecue fun.

According to grilling guru Kent Whitaker, author of Smoke in the Mountains Cookbook: The Art of Appalachian Barbecue, "Grilling is a family affair and today our dogs are like part of the family. My dog Moses is my grilling assistant who keeps it fun and entertaining, while we all enjoy the real meat aromas on the grill."

Whitaker, a past winner of the Emeril Live Food Network Barbecue Contest, and Moses have teamed up with ALPO brand dog food to teach dog lovers how to include their four-legged friends in the backyard barbecue fun. They are offering grilling demonstrations and the following tips at ALPO "Beefstro" events throughout the country.

Great Smells Mean

Great Flavor

Use marinades, rubs, sauces and different woods to add extra flavor to your barbecue favorites. While you're manning the grill, have another family member keep your dog entertained with the savory smells from his favorite dog treat. Hold the treat in front of his nose and ask him to perform a simple trick, such as sit or stay for a food reward.

Relax With Fun and Games

While the food is cooking, play fun games the whole family can enjoy, including tag, hide 'n go seek and fetch. Make sure you have balls, flying discs and chew toys to help your dog work up a healthy appetite.

Include A Place Setting

Create a theme for your barbecue and make sure all of the decorations and table settings match. And, when it's time to sit down and enjoy the feast, don't forget to set a place setting for your four-legged family member. Put a placemat and bowl on the ground by your table and serve your dog a hearty, healthy meal of ALPO Chop House Originals brand dog food with the real meat taste he craves.

Live A Little

Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things at your next family barbecue. Try new sauces, appetizing dips, breads and side dishes such as Tex-Mex Tater Salad and Fire Baked Beans. And, to give your dog even more excitement at mealtime, feed him different forms and flavors of his favorite food.

Leave the Clean Up for Later

Family affairs such as backyard barbecues are special times to be savored. So take advantage of having the whole family together and leave the dishes for later. Serve a grand finale dessert while sharing favorite family stories and end the festivities by taking an evening stroll with your canine companion.

How to play texas holdem

Texas Holdem has become such a popular Game that most tournaments now days are Texas Holdem games, and there are even 2 or 3 television shows dedicated to the game. Texas Holdem is a 5 card poker game, but instead of each layer being dealt 7 cards, the dealer deals 5 cards in the center of the table, these cards are used by all the players to make the best hand possible. To make your hand each player is also dealt 2 cards and the object is to use the cards in your hand and the ones on the table to make the best hand you can.

There are 5 rounds of Texas Hold’em Poker and they are:

The Pre-Flop

The Flop

The turn

The River

The Showdown

During a Texas Holdem game between each round there is a round of betting, and is when players with bad hands may fold.

In the game of Texas Holdem the first round is the pre flop. During this round the big and the small blinds place their bets, the big and small blinds are the first two players to the dealers left. Before the players are allowed to look at their cards the small blind must place a bet of half the table minimum and the next player who is the big blind must place a bet of the table minimum and then the dealer gives each player their hole cards. The hold cards is the name of the 2 cards each player has that are exclusively theirs, these cards guarantee that each player has a chance to make a better hand then the other players, without them all you would have is the 5 communal cards.

In Texas Holdem the next round is the flop. This is when the dealer deals out the first 3 of the 5 communal cards. It is during this round that most players will fold; betting in this round is usually very conservative because 2 more cards are still needed and betting big on the chances that the cards you need are the ones that will appear is taking a big chance with your money, one that can coast you to bust out of the game early.

The third round is called the turn. The turn is when the dealer puts out the 4th communal card. At this point you can get a good idea of your chances of getting a winning hand and now is when the betting starts to heat up, and more people will drop out of the game.

The river is the last of the 5 cards to be turned over by the dealer. At this point all the cards available to make the hands have been put out, this is also the last time to bet before turning over the cards.

The last round of Texas Holdem is the showdown, this is when all players turn over their cards and a winner is declared. You now have all the information you need to start playing Texas Holdem.

Don t compromise on motorcycle racing gear

The finest motorcycle racing gear is seen on the race tracks, and why not. The riders are aware of the dangers of skidding or colliding at high speeds, and take great precautions to protect their vital organs. Almost every accessory – from helmets to motorcycle boots – has extra protection.

The helmet is the most critical. You cannot sport a DOT certified helmet and hope to take part in a racing event. Almost every racing federation lays down the minimum rating that is acceptable. This rating is laid down by Snell Foundation, and is indicated on the inside of race helmets.

All riders ensure that the helmets they use fit snugly on their heads. There are no spaces between the cheeks and the padding. Most important, the helmet stays on the head, and does not roll off in case the bike skids or the rider hits an object.

It is equally important to have a clear view of the field. This involves not only a front view but also a side view. Often, riders get involved in an accident because the helmet walls reduce the side view.

The riders then need to protect their vulnerable parts like knees, elbows and shoulders. For this, they need specially designed racing suits that are made of thick leather and have heavy padding around elbows, shoulders, and knees. This armor is firmly sewn into the racing suit and does not slip off.

Another important requirement of racing suits is flexibility, especially in the arms and the shoulder region, not to mention the knees and the legs. These are the body parts that need highest flexibility, especially when the bike is in motion.

Equally important are the motorcycle boots. Almost every rider wears ankle-high boots because of the extra protection that these boots bring. These boots come with an extra lining, and have soles that are usually welded into the uppers so that they don’t fall away in case the rider drags his feet along the ground.

Another important part of a biker’s racing gear is gloves. These give the riders a proper grip, and help them manage throttle, clutch, brake, and turning operations smoothly. The racing gloves come with extra padding on the palms and finger backs to avoid bruising in case of a spill.

Every rider must ensure that they buy the best racing gear. It can make a big difference between life and death in case of an accident.

Discounted travel savings us

Many discounted travel savings U. S., can be realized through the use of by Internet search engines, visiting your travel agent, that may or may be located in your home town, or by accessing many of the major discounted travel sites through a web portal to their virtual storefront. The most convenient form of discounted travel savings U. S., may be found by simply walking up to an airline counter in the city that you plan to take your departure flight from.

The Internet search engines afford the personal and business traveler with various forms of travel information, which might come from actual flight information to advice can be placed on the Internet by anyone that wants to pass on any type of savings they have found during their own travel experiences. The discounted travel savings U. S. that are found through Internet search engines will save you quite a bit of money if you know how to search for the savings.

By visiting your local travel agent, you have the opportunity to talk to them in person. You will also be able to find discounted travel savings, U. S., through the many travel affiliations that they have achieved during the course of doing business for many years. Some of these discounted travel savings, U. S., may in the form of last minute cancellations from a long list of business clients, who normally book their flights months in advance, and for some reason will be unable to take that flight.

When a business corporations travel account will be charged the price of an airline ticket for canceling a reservation beyond the date set to receiver a refund on the monies they have paid, they will be willing to take any form of compensation to another traveler that can take the same flight. They prefer to recoup some of their lost travel monies, and you get discounted travel savings U. S. at the same time.

If you visit a travel agent online, they may have access to data that is presented in real-time. At any given time, airlines will create additional flights out of a particular based on demand. When extra seats are available, then discounted travel savings, U. S. will suddenly present themselves and alerts will be sent out to all surrounding travel marketers. The use of online coupon codes with the flight booking, may give you further savings on your already discounted airfare.

Some people find discounted travel savings if they present themselves at the airline rental counters an hour before a flight is set to depart the gate. The flight might have last minute cancellations that you can receive deep discounts on if you are in the right place at the right time. There are many travelers that will prefer to use this method of achieving discounted travel savings U. S. They make it a standard practice to sign their name on a stand-by roster at the boarding counter, and wait patiently in the flight lobby for a seat to become available on the flight they want, and if it does become available they will get the airfare at a very low price.

If they leave the departure area, and their stand-by seat is made available to them, the counter personnel will normally offer that open seat to the next person on the list.

How to select the best acne product

Acne affects close to 80% of the American population at some point or another. Because of the wide range of acne products available in the market, most acne sufferers have problems deciding which acne product to use for treatment. In fact, prior to consulting a dermatologist, most would first use over the counter drugs and medications.

Dermatologists often advise the use of such acne products (example Neutragena, Eucerin, Aquanil, Cetaphil and Extra Gentle Cleanser) if your case is severe. They will however, usually discourage the use of rough cleansers and scrubs. Also, vigorous rubbing of the skin is best avoided as these may create further irritation and may eventually lead to more acne.

To be able to select the best suitable acne product for yourself, you must learn how to read labels. That is, you have to acquire an understanding of the ingredients of the acne medications. Also, you have to identify which ingredients and which acne products work best for your type of skin.

Benzoyl peroxide, a common ingredient contained in most acne medications are effective in reducing the acne infecting bacteria termed as the "Propionibacterium acnes". These are known to clog the pores while creating acne lesions. Moderate cases of acne are usually treated with such over the counter medications. Some of these medications also remove dead skin cells, thus preventing the appearance of comedones. They have been highly regarded among experts for decades now and is still rising in popularity as a safe way of clearing acne form the skin. However, the only serious side effect from using benzoyl peroxide is abnormal dry skin.

Another acne product that is noted to obstruct the quick shedding of the skin and the clogging of the skin pores is salicylic acid. This does not reduce the presence of the natural oil , but it prevents the formation of lesions in the hair follicles.

It is advisable that you continue using these two acne products even after the severity of the skin disease disappears to minimize the likelihood of future acne breakouts. However, over time, it is a good idea to cut down the usage of these products once you have no more acne.

The effective ways to determine which product, from the multitude of acne products available, is to distinguish the result of the active ingredients. Take note of what they do to your skin. It is recommended to avoid alcohol and oil-base products as these may either dry your skin extremely or add to the problem of excess oil. As you experiment with acne products, take note which leaves a soft feel and which results to itchiness and irritation.

Make it a habit to apply only small amounts at the beginning of each acne treatment. Also, pay close attention to the acne products for which your skin reacts constructively.

There is really no way round selecting the best acne product other than understanding what the ingredients in each product are for and through experimenting which works best for your skin condition. In time, after due diligence and careful analysis, you will be able to determine the best acne product for yourself.

Why are retail sellers going online

Use of internet has increased tremendously in the recent days. People can now buy any type of products on the internet. There are a large number of websites selling different types of goods. The people are also in favor of purchasing goods online for a variety of reasons. Whatever these reasons might be, they are causing a lot of grief and anxiety to the retail giants.

Internet shopping has grown rapidly in the last few years. There are a few good reasons for that. First of them is the convenience of shopping online. People can sit in front of their computer, select the items they want and even make the payment for the goods online. Within a few hours, they will have the items purchased delivered right to their doorstep.

The second reason is availability of a wide range of products on the internet. With a greater number of choices at hand, the person does not have to select a product which he is not fully content with. He can get a comparison of prices at which the same product is sold by different online stores. He can figure out easily which is the better deal for him.

The third reason is cost savings. Prices of goods at online stores are lesser than local stores or malls. This is due to the fact that online stores can save money spent on office space maintenance and employee salaries. Hence, they can give greater discounts on sales to their customers. This finds favor with the customers as they can reduce their expenditure by shopping online.

Lastly, most of the online stores have made their websites secure. Hence, they can keep the personal data of their customers intact.

Due to these reasons, most of the people are looking to buy products online these days. If a seller is based only offline, then he would certainly experience a problem in the future. With items being delivered home these days, no one would care to go to these offline stores and buy their commodities there.

Hence, it would be in the best interest of these offline stores to improve their online presence also. For instance, an online website can be set up to divert customers to the offline shop. A number of discount coupons can be offered to make the customers buy at their offline stores. In general, these websites should provide the same services as offered by other good online stores.

How to treat your feet when traveling

They say getting there is half the fun. But if you anticipate long hours on the road, on the tracks or in the air, getting there can be the worst part of your trip.

Chalk it up to tight transportation quarters or cramped positions. In fact, inactivity and sitting in one position for prolonged periods, as many people do while traveling, can stiffen muscles and hinder circulation. This inactivity can also cause health problems such as swelling of the feet and blood clots in the legs.

Finding relief and relaxation during your journey - and at your destination - can be as simple as knowing how to treat your feet. Moving and stretching your feet and legs and wearing proper footwear can help keep your circulation in check.

Give your feet - and yourself - a little tender loving care with these simple travel tips from the American Podiatric Medical Association.

* Work out right in your seat. Sprinting through the aisle may be out of the question, but physical activity is possible without irking other passengers, thanks to simple foot exercises.

Rotate each foot several times clockwise and counterclockwise, then repeat. Flex your toes up and down, working your calves. If room permits, try raising each knee, holding it there for a few seconds and tensing your thigh muscle. Or, simply wiggle your toes.

* Stay mobile. On a plane, when the pilot invites you to move about the cabin, take him up on it. Experts recommend stretching your legs and walking around at least once an hour. Request an aisle seat, if possible, to facilitate movement.

* Wear comfortable footwear. While traveling, loosen your shoelaces or take off your shoes. To keep swollen feet at bay during long flights, try wearing supportive elastic stockings. Pack supportive shoes and socks, especially if your vacation calls for plenty of sightseeing on foot.

If a special evening calls for high heels, wear heels no higher than 1.5 inches. Heed podiatrists' rule of thumb: the wider the heel, the more support. For men, a pair of quality oxfords offers comfort during a night of dancing.

What should you do with new shoes that haven't been broken in? It's best to leave them at home.

* Cool your heels. Pack a spa kit for your feet, complete with foot lotion for a soothing massage, a foot brush and pedicure materials for use after a full day of walking around.

Be your own travel planner make sure your belongings are secure while traveling tripmama

For many, one of the worst things that can happen while traveling is having your belongings lost or stolen. Trying to maintain a security-conscious mindset is one of the most effective ways to minimize potential risks. Following some common steps, and training yourself to carry them out instinctively will help keep your travels free of the expense and hassle of replacing missing items.

First and foremost, your belongings are only as secure as you are willing to keep them. If you are careless, or don't follow all the reasonable steps you should, a certain amount of risk creeps in. Nothing you can do will 100% guarantee any item is secure. Keep this in mind when packing for the trip. Consider whether you can afford to lose any item you pack, both financially and emotionally. Think about what can easily be bought at your destination so that you can leave more behind. Before you leave, look into an appropriate amount of insurance. If you are traveling to a foreign country, especially one that is known for pickpockets and theft, get as much insurance as you can afford. It is worth the relief when something goes wrong. Make several copies of anything that has information on it, like a passport or a vaccination certificate. Leave a copy at home and distribute several copies amongst your luggage.

During your travels you need to constantly be aware of yourself and your possessions. Don't let your bags go out of sight unless it is absolutely unavoidable. Try and minimize the time you spend physically carrying your luggage around with you. If you are encumbered with a heavy suitcase, you are less likely to give pursuit if someone snatches your wallet or purse, so make sure these items are very close to you and, if possible, hidden out of sight. Make sure you always check any seats you have used for anything you may have dropped or forgotten. Though this advice sounds obvious, maintaining an automatic awareness of your personal security is something that has to be practiced over time until it becomes almost subconscious.

You are at your most vulnerable when out in crowded places. Sizeable amounts of money, passports, or any other valuables should be kept underneath your clothing in a money belt or some other zippered pouch that isn't your main pocket. Any money you think you'll need during the day should be kept in a separate front pocket. You can top this up in private places to hide your money belt from view. If you are going to be carrying any bags with you, try and 'slashproof' them by running wire or mesh through the places that would likely be cut. Additionally, the less you show off in public the less likely you are to be a target, so keep electronics, expensive-looking bags, and bulky items hidden as much as possible. Consider getting a scuffed-up rucksack specifically for city travel. Remember, anything that makes you stand out as a tourist marks you as a target for thieves.

Practice these steps in the weeks leading up to your trip so that they become more automatic. As always, good preparation and good advice are the cornerstones to any enjoyable travel experience. There are many more extensive guides on security and safety abroad on the web, and more information can be obtained from the tourist board of your destination.

Poor credit debt consolidation debt reduction - comparing debt consolidation services

Too much debt is a common problem that affects millions of consumers across the country. Eliminating debt is not an easy task. Yet, there are many strategies in place to help consumers reduce unnecessary debts and save money. If you have good credit or own a home, there are practical means of reducing debt. Unfortunately, those with lower scores have fewer options.

Easy Way to Reduce and Eliminate Debt

If you do not qualify for a personal debt consolidation loan, and a home equity loan is not feasible, consider using a debt management service to assist with your outstanding debt.

In the past five years, debt management and consolidation companies have become widespread. These agencies advertise their services on commercials and online. There main objective is to help people manage their debt, and outline a realistic solution for eliminating debt.

Types of Debt Management Services

There are two main types of debt management services. Before choosing an agency, it helps to research both alternatives and select the one that's best for you.

If you have acquired too much debt, a debt consolidation service may be the solution. The primary reason why many consumers are unable to reduce their debts is because of high finance fees and late charges. Debt consolidation agencies recognize the problem, and will work with your creditors to have rates and fees reduced or waived.

Once the creditors and agency reach an agreement, the agency will combine or consolidate all debt into one payment. Payments are made directly to the consolidation service. Because the interest rate is lower, monthly payments are reduced up to 50%.

Debt settlement agencies are different from consolidation services. If consolidating debts, consumers are responsible for repaying the full debt amount. On the other hand, a settlement will cancel out a portion of the outstanding debt. For example, if a person has acquired $60,000 in credit card debt, a debt settlement may reduce the balance owed to $30,000.

Debt settlements are not intended to be an easy fix for extreme credit problems. In fact, the effects of a settlement are damaging. This maneuver will likely result in a lower credit score, and future lenders may be unwilling to extend a line of credit.

The danger signs of pneumonia

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pneumonia is the leading killer of children that causes more casualties than AIDS, malaria, and measles combined. Approximately two million pneumonia-related deaths occue each year, accounting for one out of every five child deaths. The annual incidence of pneumonia is estimated at 151 million new cases per year, of which 11–20 million cases accounting for about 7 to 13 percent of lung disease cases are severe enough to require hospitalization. Yet too little is being done to reduce lung disease-related deaths among children.

A study was found that only about one-fifth of caregivers know the “danger signs” of pneumonia, including its two tell-tale symptoms of fast breathing (17%) and difficult breathing (21%). A little more than half of children sick with pneumonia receive proper care. Antibiotics, the recommended treatment was only given to 1 in 5 children with pneumonia in the early 1990s.

It was found that only a small number within the population existed in the prevalence of pneumonia and in caregivers' knowledge of pneumonia's “ danger signs.” It is also a discouraging fact that there is an unequal care for children with pneumonia. Children from richer families and better educated mothers and those living in urban areas were more likely to receive appropriate medical treatment.

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung, usually caused by an infection. Three common causes are bacteria, viruses and fungi. Most cases of pneumonia among children occur sporadically and not in outbreaks. People most at risk are older than 65 or younger than 2 years of age, or already have health problems. Person-to-person transmission may occur by direct contact with infectious secretions.

Approximately 10 to 20% of all children less than 5 years old in developing countries acquire pneumonia each year. About 1% of pneumonia cases result in bronchiectasis, which increases the risk of recurrent infections. Sometimes, a child's only symptom is rapid breathing. When the pneumonia is in the lower part of the lungs near the abdomen, there may be no breathing problems at all. However, there may be fever and abdominal pain or vomiting.

When pneumonia is caused by bacteria, an infected child usually becomes sick relatively quick. The child may also experience a sudden onset of high fever and unusually rapid breathing. When pneumonia is caused by a certain virus, symptoms tend to appear more gradually and are often less severe than in pneumonia caused by bacteria.

Some types of pneumonia cause symptoms that give important clues about which germs are causing the illness. In older children and adolescents, for example, pneumonia due to Mycoplasma (also called walking pneumonia) is notorious for causing a sore throat and headache in addition to the usual symptoms of pneumonia.

In general, pneumonia is not contagious, but the upper respiratory viruses that lead to it are, so it is best to keep a child away from anyone who has an upper respiratory tract infection.

According to WHO, reducing child deaths from pneumonia requires implementing effective prevention programs. This include promoting breastfeeding, reducing child under-nutrition, encouraging hand washing and raising immunization rates. A pneumococcal vaccine may be available for routine use which would likely have a significant effect in reducing child deaths from pneumonia.

China is really number two

China's coming on strong while our leaders chase the terrorists across the globe.

Recently much international press fanfare was generated acknowledging that China had replaced Great Britain as the world's fourth largest economy.

Nobody argues nowadays that China has the highest growth rate of industrialized economics posting annual growth rates in excess of 8.5 percent according to The International Monetary Fund. The World Bank predicted recently that China's economy will grow 10.4 percent this year and 9.3 percent in 2007.

In contrast, the United States is in the 2 to 3 percent range.

What's not been said by our less than candid leaders is that China is already the second largest global economy and has held that spot for sometime and catching the U. S. very quickly. The Chinese economy is already 72 percent the size of the U. S. economy.

One only need reference the 2006 CIA World Factbook. There it is for the whole world to see.

A country's economic output is measured, and compared to other countries, by a standard known as GDP, or Gross Domestic Product, which is measured in two ways, one by international exchanges rates and by purchase power parity.

Exchange rates are the norm used by most private and public international agencies. But more recently experts have suggested that international exchanges rates distort the true picture.

Value distortions exist between the currencies of the trading nations, in particular, when currencies are something less than free-floating in the open market.

The Chinese Yuan is mostly a fixed-rate currency pegged to the value of the U. S. Dollar. The exchange value is only changed by Chinese government, a little at a time generally to appease the U. S. Congress. Therefore GDP figures between the two nations are distorted.

Countries with free trading currencies can safely use exchange rates as a measure of comparison between their respective GDP's. In the absence of free trading, purchase power parity is used as the standard of comparison.

Purchasing power parity equalizes the purchasing power of different currencies in their home countries for a given basket of goods. This is often used by global economists, and our CIA, to compare the economic output countries.

The difference in an exchange rate and purchase power parity analysis of the China GDP is nothing less than astonishing and should be downright frightening to American leaders.

For example, on an exchange rate basis, the CIA World Factbook estimates China's GDP to be $2.225 trillion. On a purchase power parity basis that figure is $8.859 trillion. In comparison the U. S. shows an economy of $12.49 trillion based on exchange rates and $12.36 trillion based on purchase power parity.

Based on exchange rates, China is the 4th largest economy in the world. But based on purchase power parity China is clearly number 2.

And the Factbook acknowledges, Measured on a purchasing power parity (PPP) basis, China in 2005 stood as the second-largest economy in the world after the US....

Noted magazine, The Economist reported, By 2020, China will narrowly outstrip the United States in GDP.

China already exceeds the U. S. in production of many strategic minerals and metals. And its industrial base is now larger as well. According to the Factbook China's industrial output now stands at 4.19 trillion dollars as compared to 2.52 Trillion for the United States. Chinese annual industrial growth is 29.5 percent but only 3.5 percent here in the U. S.

Another significant trend worth noting is leadership in world trade. A recent Wall Street Journal article written by Andrew Batson and Shai Oster reports that Egypt's trade with the China will exceed that of the United States by the year 2012. And this trend is evolving with many countries, even in our own hemisphere.

America's eroding industrial base is compromising the nation's military capabilities. This was recently highlighted in the Pentagon's 2005 Quadrennial Defense Review when it concluded, Sourcing and production is now global, with considerable implications for the industrial base.

This same Defense Department study raised alarm bells about China when it concluded, the industrial and economic power wielded by China, and how this relates to the country's political and military aspirations, is seen as a cause for concern.

But our leaders already know this stuff. They just need to level with the American people instead of spoon feeding them statistical manure.

Soon we will be Number Two.

And let's not forget the echo of Khrushchev's thundering UN speech 50 years ago declaring the East will overrun the West.

It's happening before are very eyes.