How Far Along Am I In My Pregnancy?

August 20th, 2008 by kristinasblog6324

You are a young mother and expecting your first baby which is a very anxious time for you. How far along am I in my pregnancy? That is the question that most expectant mothers raise. There are two ways that one can calculate how far along in the pregnancy you might be. The American System is used by most doctors but the Ovulation System works just as well.

How far along am I in my pregnancy? In the American System if you are 7 weeks pregnant, you conceived about 5 weeks ago. The differences in the method of calculating how far along you are average out to be almost the same.

Pregnancy is dated from the first day of the menstrual period. This is a hold over from the past when little was known about cycles. Confusion is not uncommon in dating a pregnancy. Now the question still remains how far along am I in my pregnancy? There are two ways to calculate how far along you might be in your pregnancy. The first way is the American System. In the American system the first trimester ends after week twelve. The second trimester ends after the twenty-sixth week. The due date then is the fortieth week. This is a common method in this country to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy.

The other manner of figuring our where you are in your pregnancy and your due date is called the Ovulation System.

The above chart makes a comparison for you so that you are better able to understand how to calculate. The question again presents itself, how far along am I in my pregnancy? The numerous tests you can take and different ways to calculate may still have you confused.

The Ovulation System which is used in many other countries and often in the United States seems to be the most accurate way of getting an exact measure of how far along you are in your pregnancy. In the Ovulation System conception is considered week 0. The positive pregnancy test can be measured by week 2. The end of the first trimester is weeks 10-11. The end of the second trimester is week twenty-four. The due date is normally figured at week thirty-eight. In comparison to the American System there is a two week difference.

How far along am I in my pregnancy? The question still remains the answer depends on what system the doctor uses in his calculations. Some ladies like to count backward to figure out when they conceived, if the American System is used and you are seven weeks pregnant, you conceived five weeks ago. There are other things to consider as well that might help you to determine when you think your pregnancy began. You can of course take the home pregnancy test that helps you to know for sure you are pregnant. When you’re trying as a couple to get pregnant it is not uncommon for a woman to take the home pregnancy test every month. This then gives you a better idea of when you might have conceived.

A missed period is another method of knowing that you are pregnant. The calendar tracking can help you just as well. It is a good thing to track on your calendar the last day of your period and know when you are ovulating. You and your doctor can work out a plan together that will help you and your husband plan a pregnancy. One last time you may ask, How far along am I in my pregnancy?

The use of the above methods, well planned relationship, and testing methods are all ways that can help you understand approximately how far along in your pregnancy you are. The Ultimate end when the baby comes is normally up to the baby when it decides to come.

Kitty Barker who often writes for and with Pregnancy Information where there is far more information, news and resources. She also writes for Pregnancy Weight Gain If that link is inactive, you can paste this link into your browser - pregnancy-and-baby-tips.com/ http://pregnancy-and-baby-tips.com/ .

In this April 10, 2006 file photo, Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, D-Ohio, testifies before the public hearings regarding the Deposit Insurance Application of Wal-Mart Bank at Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. in Arlington, Va. Tubbs Jones, the first black woman to represent Ohio in Congress, was hospitalized Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008, after suffering an aneurysm, her spokeswoman said. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)AP - Democratic U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, the first black woman to represent Ohio in Congress and a strong critic of the Iraq war, died Wednesday after a brain hemorrhage, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Chiropractic Supply
Jewelry & Gift Jewelry
Golf & GolfinGolf & GolfingSchools, Lessons, Experiences
Moissanite Pins Brooches Jewelry
Adam Sandler

Helping Children With Hyperacusis

August 20th, 2008 by kristinasblog6324

Hyperacusis is defined as the unusual intolerance of a person to sounds that are just normal to people with perfect hearing. It is long accepted that the cause and treatment for hyperacusis is still very elusive even with modern science. Hyperacusis is believed to be a result of damaged sensory cells, which are located in the inner ear.

Handling the symptoms of hyperacusis in children may prove to be more difficult than it is to adults. First, to help a child deal with hyperacusis, their parents or guardians should first and foremost discover and accept that symptoms of hyperacusis do exist in their children.

It is important to observe your kids’ daily activities and how they respond to the sounds around them. One should evaluate how hyperacusis affects the life of the child. Gathering such information would help assess their condition. All people around the child should understand and empathize with the present situation in order to manage such ailment properly. Behavioral and sound desensitization can also be an option for treatment.

There are some ways which to evaluate and observe hyperacusis in children. Parents, or even the child, can create a journal where they can list specific sounds that are overly uncomfortable to their ears. Take note of the time and the place where these irritating sounds occur. Such a diary should only be kept updated for no longer than a week for the sake of the evaluation.

Upon diagnosis, doctors usually send out written information to the parents regarding the condition of their child. It is encouraged that guardians, including the people around children with hyperacusis, should always be ready to actively help out in creating ways and techniques on how to relieve the discomfort of hyperacusis in children.

If a child suffers form hyperacusis, he or she may feel misunderstood and out of place, especially in social get-togethers. It is then important that adults should show strong support to their kids during this stage. If a child is indeed diagnosed with hyperacusis, parents should never associate such condition to a mere attention deficit. Hyperacusis is a serious condition that needs special attention and medical treatment.

Jason Rickard is the owner of Your Favourite Shop - www.yourfavouriteshop.com http://www.yourfavouriteshop.com - Offering White Noise and Relaxation CDs - Visit Hapa Health - www.hapahapa.com http://www.hapahapa.com for more articles.

UK Vision Glasses & Lenses
Dental Laboratory Equipment
Embossed Handbags
New Mexico Cleaning Household
Floor Standing Speakers Audio Sale

Unique African American Gifts

August 20th, 2008 by kristinasblog6324

There is a wide range of unique African American gifts available today. For history buffs, a figurine of a historical figure would be a welcome gift for any occasion. Figurines of Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Madam C.J. Walker, Ida Wells, Frederick Douglas or a Buffalo Soldier, Tuskegee Airman or member of the Kansas Infantry will be proudly displayed.

Some African Americans collect memorabilia that has to do with the life, punishment, flight and emancipation of their ancestors. These collectors love to receive replicas of posters, documents and segregation signs. Some collect such things as chains and shackles that can be purchased at auction sales and are a part of history that is slowly fading away.

If your gift recipient is a lover of angels, there are so many beautiful ones available on today’s market. Angels are popular and now you can purchase a line of African American angels. From the innocence and simplicity of child angels to the exquisite angels with flocked wings and carat gold trim, angels bring the feeling of love and peace into a home.

For a warm cozy feeling, give your gift recipient a blanket or throw. Perfect for a wedding gift is a throw that depicts an African American couple jumping the broom. Black Heroes and African American Women are honored on throws and many have cushions to match. Throws depicting more contemporary scenes are also available.

For the religious gift recipient, give a beautiful Bible cover or organizer that shows a scene from the Good Book with African Americans going about their daily business of worshipping and praising God. Praying Hands and Mud Cloth designs are also available.

For children, there are a wide variety of books and games available. A good read is always welcome to the avid reader. Children will love learning about their culture by reading such books as Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglas or The Underground Railroad. These books teach children the history of both their ancestry and America.

From African American calendars, books and figurines to CDs, DVDs and posters, you can easily find a unique gift for those of African American descent. Check stores that carry unique gift items or search online for that very special gift made just for the gift recipient.

Cassaundra Flores is the co-owner of www.skyfireproducts.com http://www.skyfireproducts.com , where you’ll find thousands of creative, unique and inexpensive items for your home, bed and bath, garden and any special occasion in your life.

Ladies Ecco Shoes
DSL Modems for Desktop PC
Mens Wedding Attire
Aircraft Radio Control Parts
Cort Electric Guitars

The World’s Smallest Dog - the Chihuahua

August 20th, 2008 by kristinasblog6324

The Chihuahua is the world’s smallest dog and it has been an extremely popular dog breed in the United States and around the world. This long-lived breed has a life expectancy well into the mid-teens. Chihuahuas or Chis have grown in popularity over the past several decades from an American Kennel Club (AKC) registration ranking of 16th in the early 90’s to 10th in 2004 and 11th in 2005. The Taco Bell Chihuahua promotion introduced in 1997 fueled some of the popularity growth. The tiny Chihuahua can weigh from 2 to 6 pounds and can have a smooth coat or a long coat with feathered ears, neck, feet, legs and tail. Chis are adorable dogs with big eyes and ears but aren’t a dog for everyone. If you have young children or other pets then the Chihuahua isn’t a good fit for your situation. Chis are much too small to be safe around young children or toddlers and while they enjoy being around other Chihuahuas, they dislike all other breeds. Chihuahuas are the ultimate apartment dog and do really well with a single individual or elderly couple that likes to pamper these small toy dogs. Chis are completely devoted to their owners and love to be with them all the time. The tiny Chihuahua is graceful, lively, curious, intelligent, loyal and affectionate but has some terrier-like qualities. Chis are fearless, saucy, mischievous and bold and make good watchdogs. Additional information can be found in the Chihuahua dog breed article.

The Chihuahua is considered to be one of the few dog breeds indigenous or native to North America. Much of the Chis history is somewhat speculative but most experts think the breed descended from the Techichi. The Techichi was a small canine that existed in Mayan times around the 5th century AD. They think the Olmecs of Central America developed the Techichi breed. The Toltecs who succeeded the Olmecs in the 9th century AD carved small dogs with erect ears resembling plump Chihuahuas. These Techichis may have been raised as pets but they were definitely used as a food source for the nobility on special occasions. After the Aztecs conquered the Toltecs, they used the Techichi in religious ceremonies as food sources and sacrifices. The Aztecs also regularly burned these dogs along with the deceased in the belief that the sins of the humans would be transferred to the dogs and the dog would help guide the soul between this world and the next. Techichi remains have been found buried with human remains all across Mexico. When the Spanish conquered and destroyed the Aztec civilization from 1519 to 1521, they may have introduced a small terrier breed that was crossed with the Techichi. Some breed historians think that the Chihuahua is actually of European descent and originated in Malta. They offer as proof a 1482 painting by Botticelli which depicts a Chihuahua-like dog. They theorize that the Spanish conquerors brought these small dogs with them to the Americas. A third theory is that the Chinese, who were adept at developing miniature dogs, developed a Chihuahua-like breed which Spanish traders introduced into Mexico.

Whatever theory is correct, the resulting breeds were left to survive in the mountains of Mexico - maybe with help from the local population. Nothing much was heard from these small dogs for about 300 years until 1850 when several small dogs - some long haired, some short haired and some larger hairless were discovered in the Mexican border state of Chihuahua. The smooth coat and long coat varieties were eventually called Chihuahuas after the state in which they were found and the larger hairless variety was called the Mexican Hairless. The Chihuahua breed was first registered by the AKC in 1904 and it was relatively rare. The national Chihuahua breed club was formed in 1923 and the breed received wide exposure when Xavier Cugat, the rumba king, appeared with his Chihuahuas in performances and movies during the 1930’s and 40’s. The Chis’ popularity peaked in 1964 when it was the 3rd most popular dog breed in the US. The breed’s popularity resulted in unscrupulous breeders and dealers introducing a number of health and temperament problems into the bloodlines. Genetic problems ranged from patellar luxation (slipped kneecap), heart disease (pulmonic stenosis), hypoglycemia, and tracheal collapse to poor temperament. Recent breeding practices are resulting in much healthier and more amiable amigos. However any prospective buyer should check to make sure that the puppy’s breeding parents have been certified free of orthopedic and other genetic diseases.

Anne Kirrin writes articles about small dog breeds’ health, training and grooming issues and she is an editor for the popular www.all-small-dog-breeds.com http://www.all-small-dog-breeds.com .

NewsFactor - Struggling device-maker Palm Inc. introduced its new Windows Mobile-based, touch-screen Treo Pro Wednesday. The business-targeted smartphone will be released in Europe and Australia, although an unlocked version will be available directly from Palm in the United States and Asia Pacific, as well as in some parts of Europe.

Bowling Shirts
DVD Exercise Fitness
Pools Heating Solar panels
PC100, 100 MHz 128 Mb Memory
Martin Acoustic Guitars Sale

Immigration Lawyer New York to Ease Your Immigration Process

August 20th, 2008 by kristinasblog6324

Immigration of people from one country to another has been going on for many years. Today, more then ever people are looking to immigrate to foreign countries in search of better opportunities and a better lifestyle. The United States of America is one of the most preferred destinations for immigration and New York is among one of the most preferred cities by people from all over the world. So if you belong to another country and want to settle down in New York, you will have to hire the services of immigration lawyer in New York.

There are many legal things that need to be considered before you can become the citizen of any country. The laws regarding immigration are very complex containing very small legal nuances. All these nuances are not very easy for a common person to understand and this exactly why you will require the services of an immigration lawyer. You will need to know all about these things clearly if you want to settle down at New York in the United States.

The main reason for you to hire the services of an immigration lawyer is because of the complex nature of the immigration laws of America. Instead of trying on your own to understand those complex laws, it is better to seek the services of a professional immigration lawyer who has the knowledge and the experience of dealing with immigration related issues. Another reason is that immigration laws keep on changing and lawyers are the best source for a person to know about all the changes that has taken place.

There are several immigration lawyers who operate in New York, but it is crucial for you find out and hire the services of the best lawyers to deal with your immigration issue. You pay money to hire the services of lawyers, so you must ensure that you get the proper worth of your money. Make sure that the lawyer is a member of AILA or American Immigration Lawyers Association. An AILA lawyer has access to all the information that will help in speeding up your process of immigration to the country. They see to it that your immigration application gets processed very quickly through the proper channels.

Take an estimation of the amount that the immigration lawyer will charge you. Find out that if the rate is hourly or not. This will help you in finding out approximately how much money you will have to pay for the services and you can make arrangements accordingly. Also find out what will be the charges if your application is rejected due to any reason and if an appeal has to be filed. You must be clear about all this before you hire the services of an immigration attorney.

One important thing which you need to check out about the lawyer is his/her track record as an immigration attorney. What is the success rate and if there has been any failure, what have been the reasons for it. If your attorney has more experience, then chances for the successful processing of your immigration application also increases.

Hadiya Robins is a legal expert. She works for Pulversthompson and gives advice to clients who are looking for Immigration Lawyer New York,Matrimonial Lawyer New York,Lawyer New York.For legal advice and to get services of a Lawyer in New York visit www.pulversthompson.com http://www.pulversthompson.com .

China's Bao Xishun (R) poses during a presentation for the Guinness World Records in Beijing in this January 28, 2005 file photo. (Jason Lee/Reuters)Reuters - Guinness World Records has returned the title of world’s tallest man to China’s Bao Xishun after Ukrainian Leonid Stadnyk refused to be measured under new guidelines.

Pewter Cufflinks
Fashion Handbags
Sargent Oil Paintings
Wisconsin Cleaning Household
Dell Compatible Printer Ink Cartridges

Distinct Services Available In Orlando Schools

August 20th, 2008 by kristinasblog6324

Any school district, whether it serves the tiniest of rural communities, or the students of a huge city, must effectively communicate with its parents. Individual schools stay in touch with families most commonly through newsletters, web pages, and sometimes via e-mail. Teachers in Orlando Schools conduct parent-teacher conferences a minimum of once a year, make phone calls as needed, and send home comments about their students’ progress on report cards and mid-term reports.

Orlando Schools do all of this, and even more. The district has implemented a mass telephone service so that it can communicate any pertinent information to Orlando Schools parents almost immediately. Ronald Blocker, Orlando Schools Superintendent, describes the program: “Since March 2006, the school district’s Connect-ED system has dialed more than 3.8 million phone numbers with community outreach and emergency notifications. The system supports multi-language communications that are specific to school communities. Notification of school closures, hurricane makeup days, updates on incidents at Orlando Schools, test dates and reminders of important meetings are just some of the topics that have been covered. Many of you (parents and community members) have already raved about our use of Connect-ED. It is an effective tool that allows district officials and Orlando Schools’ principals to prepare messages that are dispatched within minutes to people who need to hear them.”

A second service available in Orlando Schools is an anti-bullying program. The program aims to prevent students from being bullied or bullying others. In academic classes at Arbor Ridge High School, for example, students are given bullying lessons that may include reading assignments or questionnaires on their personal experiences with bullies. 46% of Orlando Schools students have said they had been bullied. Students are learning how to prevent situations where they or others may be bullied. A key lesson is that bullies escalate their actions the more they get away with it.

A third, and very exciting program just launched this summer (2007) is The Big Red Bus. Orlando Schools students who reside in Seminole County can now take advantage of a summer reading program that is truly ingenious. All students in Orlando Schools can board the bus and check out as many as three books a week. They can return them to the bus the following week, or they can keep them! The bus’ seats have been removed and replaced with wooden shelves to hold the 4,000 brand-spanking new books that officials have purchased. Orlando Schools will be using $40,000 in donations from CFE (Central Florida Educators) Credit Union, and the Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools. Anna Marie Cote, director of instruction in Orlando Schools says the program will especially benefit students who may not be able to get out to the library on a regular basis to get books. “We are trying to get it into places where it might be a bit harder for kids to get out and get books,” she says. When Orlando Schools students have finished reading books picked up from the Bus, they can log them on the Let’s Read website and have a chance to win prizes. The site also offers reading list and access to online books, including some that the computer will read aloud.

Patricia Hawke is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. For more information please visit www.schoolsk-12.com/Florida/Orlando/index.html http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Florida/Orlando/index.html

Fuel Inject. Controls & Parts
Briefs Mens Clothing Sale
Car Badges
Ladies Natural Comfort Shoes
Pink Hair Extensions

Crib Accessories

August 20th, 2008 by kristinasblog6324

The most important purchase that will be made when it comes to a child’s bedroom is the crib. The crib will be what the centerpiece of the room and for this reason the crib’s accessories of the are just as important. Depending on the type of crib that purchased it may be required to buy some of the accessories separately.

The mobile is the most important purchase that parents can make. The mobile is the key piece to bring the room and the crib together in relation to the décor. If the crib purchased is plain, but a theme is desired, a mobile that goes along with the décor can tie everything together seamlessly.

Many mobiles will have characters from popular children’s books or movies dangling down to entertain the child. The mobile can be turned on to calm down a child that tends to get fussy around bedtime. Most mobiles do not merely move around in a circle; most also play music. The most common music played by mobiles are lullabies, the rhythm of which children can find comforting. While it is possible to find a mobile that comes with its own crib and works by remote, most of the time it will be necessary to purchase a mobile separately to hang over the crib.

Some children do not respond to a mobile as quickly as others do, so it is advisable to purchase another accessory just in case. A good accessory to have is a light for the crib. Crib lights are not like a nightlight. Instead, they cling to the side of the crib and provide lights in various shapes and colors that move around. These accessories often also play music and usually help with comforting the child, amusing the child until they fall asleep.

Bedding is also a necessary accessory for the crib. The softness bedding can add softness to the room makes it the ultimate accessory. It is advisable to purchase bedding for the crib that features the theme of the room imprinted in the fabric or otherwise falls within the theme. As tempting as it may be, all new parents should know that a new baby should never have any stuffed animals where they lay down, nor should they have a pillow. Anything of this nature could constrict airways, preventing the baby from sleeping safely through the night.

Robert Williams writes for several web sites, including holeinthebucket.com http://holeinthebucket.com and productshelp.com http://productshelp.com .

Bisque Head Dolls
Diamond Enhanced Natural Earrings Sale
Gold Solid Earrings Sale
Coral Pins Brooches Jewelry
All Babycare

Modern Ways to Achieve the Perfect Smile

August 20th, 2008 by kristinasblog6324

Everyone desires to have a great smile. For a killer smile, one should have sparkling, bright, and shiny teeth.

Today, a lot of people are spending more money just to have their teeth whiter. They make use of the best teeth whitening treatments and undergo procedures to achieve the brilliant white teeth.

Teeth whitening had been an effective procedure to lighten the color of the teeth, without taking away any of the tooth surface. It will not completely whiten the whole set of teeth; it will just lighten the existing color of the teeth.

Only a few are blessed with pearly white teeth, and our teeth normally become discolored as we grow up.

Our teeth can also be stained on the outer part because of the food and drink. Coffee, tea, blackcurrant and red wine have effect on the discoloration of our teeth. Smoking is another cause of teeth discoloration.

Most people may encounter staining beneath the surface which is caused by tiny cracks in the teeth or certain antibiotics that absorb the stains.

But what are these teeth whitening treatments and procedures? And are these done?

Bleaching. This is most common form of teeth whitening procedure. Your dentist will advice you if this is the best teeth whitening treatment suitable for you.

Bleaching is done by placing a gel or rubber to shield the soft tissue of your gums. Then, the whitening product will be applied on your teeth by using a special tray which shapes into your mouth like a gum shell.

The teeth whitening product usually contains carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide as the ‘active ingredients’. When these ingredients break down, the oxygen enters the enamel of your teeth thus, making the color lighter.

The entire treatment can be completed in three to four weeks time.For those who wish to undergo to this treatment, you will need at least three visits to the dentist. On your first visit, the dentist will create a mouth-guard and take a caricature or impressions of it.

Once the treatment has started, it is recommended that you continue it at home. You have to regularly apply the teeth whitening product over four weeks, for at least 30 minutes at a time.

Most of the known and best teeth whitening products can be applied for up to several hours at a time. The treatment can be done even while you’re sleeping. Ideally, a good result can be attained in as little as one week.

Laser Whitening. This is also called the power whitening . Though expensive, a lot of people especially artists consider it as the best teeth whitening method.

During this process, a rubber dam is placed over your teeth to shield the gums, and the whitening product is then painted on your teeth. A laser will be used to stimulate the chemical.

The light will help boost the chemical reaction of the bleaching product, thus the color change can be attained more rapidly.

Dentists believe that the result of laser whitening treatment is good. It can make your teeth up to six shades lighter.

Unfortunately, not everyone can get a chance to undergo laser treatment. The dentist will have to check your teeth and ensure that you are fit for the treatment. The total procedure is usually done in an hour.

The effects of this power whitening is said to last up to three years depending on the person. The dentist still advice not to smoke, eat and drink products that may cause a stain in your teeth. Others may find their teeth vulnerable to cold after the treatment.

But these symptoms usually vanish within a few days.

These are just two of the famous and best teeth whitening methods available. Despite the fact that they may cost a lot, the effect is still worth it. Through these methods, you’ll surely flash everyone a perfect smile.

———————————–

Dee Williams Is A Consultant And Writer For Online Articles.

To Find Out More About Teeth Whitening Visit: www.24hr-teeth-whitening.com http://www.24hr-teeth-whitening.com

Article Source: www.24hr-teeth-whitening.com http://www.24hr-teeth-whitening.com

———————————–

Dee Williams is actively involved with the internet. She finds it very exciting. Her passion’s involves keeping Fit, Strong and maintaning a healthy body.

US winner pitcher Monica Abbott (left) celebrates with rightfielder Kelly Kretschman during their semifinal softball game against Japan at Fengtai stadium during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. A dominant United States ensured their place in the last Olympic softball final ahead of the sport being dumped from the Games by beating Japan 4-1.(AFP/Omar Torres)AP - Crystl Bustos hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning as the U.S. Olympic softball team beat Japan 4-1 in extra innings and will play for its fourth straight gold medal.

All Babycare
Yamaha Acoustic Guitars
Pool Pumps Sale
Ladies Dr. Scholl Shoes
Pearl Jewellery

Leave Your Drama At Home: More Rockin’ And Less Squawkin’!

August 20th, 2008 by kristinasblog6324

No matter how we, as human beings, live our lives…drama happens. And the average musician has more drama than the crazy cat lady down the block has bags of used litter on her porch. At every turn, your average wannabe rockstar has a crazy squeeze, a crazier ex, a harem of would-be lovers, and a gaggle of insane stalkers. Then there’s the band drama, manager drama, club drama, fan drama, gear drama, and let’s not even get started on the online drama potential. Before you know it, your band makes “Desperate Housewives” look like 60 Minutes.

Certainly, no one ever said that music was going to be a safe, secure and solid profession to get into. Any industry that pays buckets of money to young, pretty people for jumping around and showing off is bound to inspire zaniness to some degree or another. And the creative process often brings with it a certain amount of tortured genius that fuels the seeds of drama like miracle grow on weeds. Plus, there are more than twenty million musicians around the world that are clamoring for maybe a thousand record deals like contestants on “Survivor” running obstacles courses for a single meager chicken wing. If there was a country built on drama, a musician would be its queen.

However, as much as the music biz is filled with glitz and glamour and the stuff that tabloid headlines are made of, it is also a business. And if there’s one thing you don’t want in the middle of your business, it’s drama. There’s a reason why doctors don’t fight over dying patients about their golf scores, pilots don’t announce to a plane full of passengers that they’ve been dating the stewardess, and the chef doesn’t come to tell you he forgot to wash his hands before he cooked your four-star meal…drama does not belong in business. Whether you’re aspiring to get a record deal or searching for a cure for cancer, leave your drama at home!

The following are a few tips that will help you to navigate the gossip and erratic turbulence of life in the music industry without becoming a slave to your own drama:

1.) Don’t Let The Internet Suck You In—Every since the invention of the internet, there’s been more drama in cyberspace than at a convention for bipolar drag queens. It’s easy to gossip and backbite while you can stay anonymous, so the internet has becoming a breeding ground for anyone and everyone with an agenda, an out-of-control jealousy problem, an axe to grind, or an unbelievable ego. Angry, upset, small-minded people with inferiority complexes like size of Shamu will use the internet to poke at your band with a cyber stick. As hard as it may be, you need to learn to let it all roll off your back. As long as they’re posting about you, it means they’re listening. Removing their inflammatory posts, or replying with similar negativity, feeds the drama until your entire message board is about the trouble-maker on your web site and not your music. What if a potential magazine reviewer or an interested label rep is perusing your page with interest only to find more info about your fight with some internet psycho than about your band? It’s not worth risking a loss of opportunity to engage in drama.

2.) Drama Doesn’t Belong At Your Gigs—When you’re at a show, your goal is to make music, engage the audience, sell CDs, and win the club over so that you can play there again and again. People make room in their schedules, pay for gas, and fork out cash for a cover charge and bar priced drinks, just to hear you play your songs for them. They want to be entertained; to get away from the pressures of their real lives and escape into the safety and excitement of your music and lyrics. What they don’t need is more drama at your gigs then they get from their office co-workers, their wacky neighbors, and bully at their kids’ school combined. Whatever problems you’re having in your personal and professional life, keep it away from your fans and your industry contacts or they’ll start to remember your shows more for the drama than for the music.

3.) Your Manager Is Not Your Therapist—Although a manager’s professional duties make them almost like the band’s parent, don’t cry to mommy every time the drummer calls you a name or your girlfriend decides she wants to play the field. There is too much music industry drama that your manager has to deal with every day, to add to his/her troubles by piling a heap of your personal woes on top of his/her already overburdened shoulders. If a club owner stiffs you at the door, tell your manager. If another band records one of your songs without permission, tell your manager. If your wife compulsively flashes her breasts at your shows, send her to a therapist, but leave your manager out of it.

4.) Take The Crazymakers Off Your Mailing List—A lot of damage control can be done simply by eliminating from your mailings the nuts that show up and bring their own boatload of drama. If you know that your ex has never gotten over you, that she’s off her meds and that she likes to show up and start swinging at every girl she thinks is catching your eye…why would you invite he to your shows? Comb your address book with a big, black sharpie pen and ink out the stalkers, crazies, attention-getters, and overblown drunkards that will turn each and every one of your gigs into a three-ring circus of drama that you’re forced to ringmaster from the stage during your set.

Once you remove the drama from your musical career, you’ll find that your gigs go smoother, your website is a more positive place for fans to hang in cyber space, and the industry is less wary about getting behind what you’re doing. It may seem silly, but too much drama can often be a warning sign that something is really wrong with a band and you may find that industry types will become gun shy around your band if they’re worried that your reputation as drama queen will be more trouble than it’s worth. Working in the music business is hard enough. Don’t give anybody any reason not to work with you. Be smart. Leave your drama at home and show the industry that your music is what’s most important to you and your band.

Sheena Metal is a radio host, producer, promoter, music supervisor, consultant, columnist, journalist and musician. Her syndicated radio program, Music Highway Radio, airs on over 2,400 affiliates to more than 126 million listeners. Her musicians’ assistance program, Music Highway, boasts over 10,000 members. She currently promotes numerous live shows weekly in the Los Angeles Area, where she resides. For more info: www.sheena-metal.com http://www.sheena-metal.com .

Presumptive presidential nominees Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) are shown in this combination of file photographs from campaign stops from July 18, 2008 in Warren Michigan (McCain) and August 4, 2008 (Obama) in Lansing, Michigan. REUTERS/Rebecca CookBloomberg - Aug. 20 (Bloomberg) — Barack Obama and John McCain arelocked in a tight battle for president, with the Democratcapitalizing on voter concern over the economy and energy and theRepublican benefiting from his experience and success inneutralizing the issue of the unpopular Iraq war.

UK Gift Collectables
Skateboarding Skateboard DVD, Video Sale
Disney A Bugs Life
Cowboy Bebop Anime
Car Wheels, Tires & Parts

Norfolk - A Beautiful Holiday Destination

August 20th, 2008 by kristinasblog6324

Norfolk is acclaimed as one of the UK’s most beautiful areas, and it has always been a popular destination for visitors. With its mix of lovely coastline, unique fenland and ancient heritage, there’s plenty to do and see, no matter how long you’re staying.

Norwich Cathedral

Norwich is the largest town in Norfolk and it is famous for its beautiful Cathedral, which is more than 900 years old. It has the second tallest spire in England, and the largest monastic cloisters. It is free to visit and open every day of the year for worship as well as for general visitors. Set in the middle of the city, it is an oasis of peace and tranquillity.

Extreeme Adventure

Looking for something different to do with your day? Extreeme Adventure is a high ropes course set in Wesaenham Woods. With swings and jumps at 20ft and 40ft and a 1,000 ft long zip wire, adults and children over 10 are sure to enjoy a thrilling day.

The Norfolk Broads

You can explore the renowned Norfolk Broads either by hiring a boat for the day, or taking a guided boat trip. There are many reputable boating companies with boats for hire, or which operate a boat trip and this is one of the best ways to view the landscape and the wildlife of this area.

Sheringham Park

Sheringham Park is a large landscaped park, which is famous for its azaleas and rhododendrons, which flower from May to June. There are a number of marked walks around the park, and viewing towers offer fantastic views of the inland landscape as well as the stunning coastline.

Sandringham Park

Still the country retreat of the present Queen and her family, Sandringham Park was originally built by The Prince and Princess of Wales in 1870. The ground floor rooms are open to the public and display a wonderful collection of art and objects d’art. There is also a tearoom, large visitor centre and access to the 600 acre country park.

Banham Zoo

Set in 35 acres, Banham Zoo is a fantastic collection of almost 1000 animals. Designed so that children can enjoy learning about and interacting with the animals, there are feeding talks and displays, a free Safari roadtrain and an adventure play area.

These are just some of the attractions that Norfolk has to offer. To find out more, plan your next UK holiday with Norfolk in mind.

Sherwood Caravans has been hiring static caravans to holiday makers coming to Norfolk for over 40 years. To find out more, visit our website by clicking on www.sherwoodcaravans.co.uk http://www.sherwoodcaravans.co.uk

Ladies Nyla Shoes
Measuring Tools Hand Tools Sale
USB Memory Stick
Girls Swimwear Sale
Microwave Hoods Kitchen Sale