better luck http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for better luck Copyright 2008 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 20:35:47 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/better+luck How To Be Lucky http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-be-lucky http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-be-lucky#comments Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:27:09 +0000 personal development booksvanderbiltsright place at the right timeindustry periodicalsliterallyrah rahbusiness magazines http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-be-lucky right place at the right time? A Greek shipping tycoon that is worth billions and started with millions from his father? A couple of guys that were able to create an internet business because they hit it big when they cashed their stock options from Microsoft?

You might have thought, "Well, that's great, but they were lucky, I'd be successful if I was in their shoes." So you weren't as lucky. Maybe you worked for a company that never made it big during the 90's. Or maybe, your lineage didn't include the Rockefellers or . So what. It's time that you created your own luck.

If you think there is no way you'll get that lucky, you're right. But if you think you're going to get lucky someday, you're right as well.

Luck isn't the same for everybody. Sometimes your luck might be that you come up with an idea because you saw a news segment on TV. Or you happen to find somebody willing to loan you $1,000 to get you started. Luck is varying and different for everybody, what you do with it is your choice.

How can you make your own luck? First, you have to realize that you're going to have to work for it. Second, make sure you know that LUCK it isn't always what you think it's going to be. Here are some pointers:

* Talk to everyone. Luck sometimes means having connections. Even though a direct connection might not have what you need, they might know someone who does.

* Read everything. Do you like to read ? How about ? or ? If you see something that interests you, you might be able to spin an interesting idea into a full-blown business.

* Go after your dreams, don't wait for them to come to you. If you are waiting for someone to come to you and say, "I've got a million dollars I want to invest with you because I like you," you're going to be waiting a long time. But, if you're proactive, you might get an opportunity you didn't think might happen.

* Life changes on a dime. Have you ever had a really bad day and suddenly something happens to turn it into a great day? That happens in business all the time (and vice versa too), this might sound trite, but every bad day will be followed up someday with a good one.

* Keep a positive attitude. The old expression goes that you attract what you put out. If you're negative and not fun to be around, nobody will want to help you, but if you're generally positive and have a great outlook on life, people will want to be around you. And those who can will be more likely to help you.

I get approached with business ideas, great products and even tips that could be tremendous. Most are not, but because I keep myself "out there" and let people know what I do, I increase my 'luck factor'.

No, I can't guarantee that your luck will translate into millions, nor can I say that you will become amazingly successful, but what I can promise you is that sitting at home doing nothing, wishing you were more fortunate doesn't make it happen.

Go get some luck. Benny Carreon , the Corporate Escape Artist has succeeded and failed in his chase for his dream of running his own company. Benny has gone on to become a huge success running his companies from his home office, where he gets to spend time with his family. http://www.bennycarreon.com ]]> Becoming The Lucky One http://www.artwoo.com/article/becoming-the-lucky-one http://www.artwoo.com/article/becoming-the-lucky-one#comments Sun, 29 Apr 2007 17:19:54 +0000 heaven luckfeng shui practitionersminusculepersonal heavenastrologynatural cyclesjob http://www.artwoo.com/article/becoming-the-lucky-one minuscule things such as a misplaced sock, to more serious and important aspects of your life, such as promotions or romantic relationships. Perhaps you give everything your best effort, but nothing seems to turn out quite right. Others seem to have been dealt the best luck possible in life, without ever lifting a finger. These people manage to lead a dream life, with a perfect job, partner, and family. Most individuals do not experience either one of these scenarios, but have normal luck, neither especially bad nor good all the time, but varying between the two extremes. Many people have wished they could improve their luck, and this may be possible with the practice of Feng Shui, which upholds that luck is the outcome of a few different components. Feng Shui and luck can work together to bring simple and immediate benefits to your life.

The concept of Feng Shui and luck involves three different luck factors. The first of the Feng Shui and luck components is referred to as . This component of luck is believed to be determined by the exact day and time that you were born. Other factors that affect your Luck are the in play throughout your life, whether they are good or bad. The natural cycles involved with are a major determinant in your Heaven Luck. Heaven Luck is also partially determined by your birth parents and the role they have played in your life. Western cultures of the world do not pay close attention to the time of birth. Day and date are always noted when a child is born, but time is usually not believed to be important. With Feng Shui, luck is believed to be created by an individual by their actions throughout life rather than predetermined. closely examine day, date, and time of a child's birth in order to deduce their Heaven Luck that will be in play for the rest of their lives. Therefore, Heaven Luck is something outside of our control.

The second of the three different factors that come into play with Feng Shui and luck is Humankind Luck. Rather than luck that is outside of a person's control, such as Heaven Luck, this type of luck can be created by an individual. Humankind Luck is commonly referred to as karma. Some actions that can improve karma or build Humankind Luck are benevolent giving, charity, hard work, and seeking out personal growth. How a person interacts with the surrounding world will determine their luck. By seeking wisdom and constantly striving for self-improvement, you can improve your Feng Shui and luck. The Feng Shui philosophy suggests that the absence of hard work in your life will allow luck to pass you by.

Another of the three types of luck that individuals have an element of control over is known as Earth Luck. Earth Luck is increased by incorporating successful Feng Shui elements throughout your workplace and home. Feng Shui and luck are improved by allowing positive chi to move about your space. When designing your environment to include the practice of Feng Shui and luck, keep in mind the ideas of harmony and balance. You will find that a balanced home will not only reduce the negative effects of bad luck, but also bring about more good luck to many aspects of your life.

Feng Shui and luck does not come about by accident, it is something that an individual must work towards. Two of the essential types of luck at play, Humankind Luck or karma and Earth Luck, can be under your own control and increased by choices you make in your every day life. In order to improve your Feng Shui and luck, look inside yourself and strive for a better understanding. Feng Shui and luck is determined by all aspects of your life, and by beginning with what is inside yourself, you will have better success in achieving good luck. While improving yourself, also create a harmonious and balanced living space that enhances the chi that surrounds you.

While mental awareness is necessary for Feng Shui and luck, physical elements are also important. The items that you incorporate into your life can increase your Feng Shui and luck, such as the popular bamboo plant that is believed to represent luck and success. The characteristics of the bamboo plant resemble the essential characteristics you should emulate within yourself to achieve better Feng Shui and luck. Bamboo plants are quick growers, with strength and flexibility. Including bamboo plants in your living space can increase the good chi in the area and bring comfort. The positive characteristics of endurance and strength that the bamboo plant symbolizes is believed to bring better luck to the person in possession of the plant. For example, bamboo plants are often sent to people starting out on new ventures in a wish for good luck. Candace Czarny,ASID,CFM,LEED AP, "Award Winning" Interior Designer, Feng Shui Expert and author. http://www.artofplacement.com is continually ranked "Top 10" in Google and Yahoo. Clients testify of dramatic results! ]]> Feng Shui Beginners: How to Use Feng Shui to Enhance Your Luck http://www.artwoo.com/article/feng-shui-beginners-how-to-use-feng-shui-to-enhance-your-luck http://www.artwoo.com/article/feng-shui-beginners-how-to-use-feng-shui-to-enhance-your-luck#comments Tue, 21 Oct 2008 05:01:25 +0000 oyster sauceancient mastersdesign structuresworking spacetime of birthtuning forkbirth location http://www.artwoo.com/article/feng-shui-beginners-how-to-use-feng-shui-to-enhance-your-luck oyster sauce. It is the art of tuning you in with Mother Nature, so that she may notice you, stroke your head gently and impart upon you all of nature's secret energies of wisdom, love, power, luck and wealth. People all over the world, including Chinese people have turned into the more antiquated recesses of history and have been using feng shui to enhance their prosperity and ensure their longevity. This is some literature for those not in the know, a feng shui for beginners so to speak - instructing all on how to use feng shui to enhance your luck.

Feng shui is using the power of colours, arrangement and to make any living or sort of a or sponge that can absorb as much good energy as it can to give you prosperity, luck and wisdom. Adversely, you could be stuck in a situation where the reverse is true, bad colours and odious arrangements make for the 'scarecrow' effect -- driving away 'Chi' or good energy.

What we are concentrating here is on luck and I will explain a bit on that as well. of old China, well schooled in the arts of feng shui have divided luck into three bite sized and packaged portions. 'Tien', also known as luck of the heavens, 'Ti', a luck spawned from earth and 'Ren', the best luck of all, created from the tools of humanity and the individual.

Now Tien is the preset luck, it all depends on , location and family history. Ti and Ren however are entirely up to you. Ti or Earth Luck is the one you have the most control over. This luck is resonant with the energies of nature and they flow within the world we live in at every turn. This is also where feng shui is most applicable because these are the very energies or 'Chi' that you must tune to enjoy a lifetime of good luck and prosperity. The totality of the approach is this, what colours you use and how your house is arranged will decide how much and how often these energies will call on you and make themselves comfortable in your abode.

What you put in your house is also very important. Dried flowers, fake plants or anything with thorns or sharp jagged edges may just cut a swathe into the good energies and chase them away. Feng Shui identifies eight segments of life -- career, relationship, health, travel, children, family, education and fame. Each of them has a place in any living and working space and anyone can use what they have or Feng Shui specific objects like crystals and stones to augment and control the amount of 'Chi' travelling through the house as well as balance the yin (masculine) and the yang (feminine) energies of the house -- maintaining a balance that is ideal for wealth, luck and prosperity to grow. So use this feng shui for beginners guide as your first step towards enhancing your luck today. Click Here to get Free Tips on how to improve your life with Feng Shui Decorating. Lynn Lee is a celebrated authority on Feng Shui providing valuable advice at http://www.whatisfengshui.net.]]> Book Publishing - What Is The Secret To Getting Your Book Published? http://www.artwoo.com/article/book-publishing-what-is-the-secret-to-getting-your-book-published http://www.artwoo.com/article/book-publishing-what-is-the-secret-to-getting-your-book-published#comments Sun, 06 Jan 2008 12:35:00 +0000 becoming a published authorbook ideatalented writerinterrogatorsperfect timebook publishingpublishing house http://www.artwoo.com/article/book-publishing-what-is-the-secret-to-getting-your-book-published interrogators are disappointed, some even disbelieving, when I tell them there is no secret. Getting published is about three key elements and none of them are a secret but all three play an important role. requires a combination of luck, timing, and talent.

I know too much about the publishing game (and it is a game as much as it is a business) to discount the importance of luck when it comes to getting your book published. I have watched a lot of authors come and go. I have watched a lot of would-be authors do everything right to exploit their talent and then fade away into oblivion. I have watched a select few authors make mistakes and still come out with successful careers. While luck isn't everything and should certainly not be a key part of your publishing and writing strategy, you need to allow for an element of luck -- whether it is bad or good.

Timing is a crucial part of as opposed to being simply a writer. You could have the best in the world and the most incredible writing talent but if you are delivering a book too similar to one they just bought or published then your timing is bad. Likewise, you could have a good book that hits the just when they are on a buying freeze and your book could languish for weeks or months -- or simply be rejected. The difference between timing and luck though is that you can control your timing much more than you can manipulate luck. Here information is the key. The more research you do into your market then the better able you will be to work timing to your favor. I have a friend who made her first sale by carefully researching the market and delivering to her chosen publisher the perfect idea at the .

Of course talent is important to getting published and becoming successful. You need to be a and possess the creative genius to create characters and plots that make for great reading. However, I save this element for last as without luck and timing then all the talent in the world may not be enough to get your published. I think in the end a talented writer could find a publisher but it would be a long arduous process and most writers become discouraged and quit before achieving their goal.

It is possible to become a published author. New writers are getting published every year. It is not easy to get published but a combination of luck, timing and talent can help you get your book published. While you cannot control your luck, you do have the power to control your timing and talent. Work on gathering information and work on your writing. You can succeed at book publishing. Learn more about published author Renaissance Woman Deanna Mascle in her blog at http://ezinesbydawggone.info ]]> Learn How To Get Lucky In Your Dating Love Life http://www.artwoo.com/article/learn-how-to-get-lucky-in-your-dating-love-life http://www.artwoo.com/article/learn-how-to-get-lucky-in-your-dating-love-life#comments Tue, 06 Feb 2007 16:27:04 +0000 love lifeinebriatedembarrassrelationshipconfidanteeveready bunnysabotage http://www.artwoo.com/article/learn-how-to-get-lucky-in-your-dating-love-life love life, you've got to become convinced of one thing. That one thing is that luck has nothing whatsoever to do with it. You have to be smart, you have to be clever, and you have to be a good person who is open to romance.

Women especially can think that they are not able to get lucky in their love life because they've tried before and failed. More than likely that wasn't about failing to get lucky, as much as it was about making dumb mistakes in their s.

Here are some of the dumb things women do to their chance to get lucky in their love life.

The first mistake that can sabotage luck in love is getting on a date. Especially early on in the relationship stick to one -- maybe two glasses of wine.

Getting sloshed doesn't make you witty or brave. It makes you loud, unattractive, brazen and more often than not, saying or doing something that will you and end the relationship.

Don't get nervous on your first or second or third date and just keep talking and talking and talking.

That little can keep going and going and going and it's cute and he might still get lucky in his love life, but you'll just look self-absorbed.

Share something about yourself, but spend more time asking about him and then be quiet and listen. With a little luck your love life will bloom from your willingness to be his and your decorum in public.

Another thing that can be really tacky and not help you get lucky in your love life is to appear cheap. It's okay to sometimes pick up the check or go dutch. You don't want to appear like an over spender either, but always ordering the salad and water may make you look like a real penny pincher and that's not attractive.

Another related no-no is asking for a doggie bag. Don't do it until you're way into the relationship, or until he does it first.

Discussions of bodily functions can really ruin the luck you might have stumbled into in your love life. There's nothing like a little talk of constipation to take the passion right out of the evening.

The other thing that can really give you some bad luck in your love life is running other women down to him -- especially if you don't know who he's dating.

Worse yet, no matter how much he trashes his ex-wife or ex-lover, never trash her yourself. You can sympathize and say things like, "I can see why that kind of behavior would be upsetting to you," but if you say, "You're right, she is trash," you're more likely to find yourself listening to him defend her. And you won't look attractive to him right then at all.

You can get lucky in your love life only if you make your own luck. Jason Roberts is a writer for http://GuaranteedOnlineDatingSystem.com which is an excellent place to find Dating links, For more information go to:Online Dating ]]> Get Lucky http://www.artwoo.com/article/get-lucky http://www.artwoo.com/article/get-lucky#comments Thu, 24 Aug 2006 18:27:17 +0000 positive attitudelaw of attractiondr richard wisemanself fulfilling prophesyintuitionabundancedesires http://www.artwoo.com/article/get-lucky
The concept of luck brings up an age-old question: Are some people born lucky and others not? The answer to both questions is "no." You -- right now -- have the ability to create your own luck. So-called luck is simply the ability to attract your into your life.

In fact, researcher Dr. Richard Wiseman conducted a ten-year scientific study on "the luck factor" and discovered that lucky people "generate their own good fortune via four basic principles. They are skilled at creating and noticing chance opportunities, make lucky decisions by listening to their , create self-fulfilling prophesies via positive expectations, and adopt a resilient attitude that transforms bad luck into good."

Philosopher William James referred to attitude as the "mother of luck." If a is the mother of luck, then attraction and round out the family. If you expect a positive outcome, you generally get one. If you pour energy into worrying about a bad outcome, you may create a self-fulfilling prophesy. The influences luck as well. Like attracts like; what you put out, you get back. What you focus on influences your results. And a positive attitude plus positive attraction equals abundance in all areas of life -- including luck.

Follow this acronym to create your own lucky breaks.

L -- Listen and let go. Listen to your intuition and detach from the outcome. Stay focused on your intuitive desires rather than on attempting to control the outcome.

U- Understand and notice. Observe your environment. Be mindful of opportunities. Take your blinders off and see what you've missed.

C -- Claim what you want. You've got to know what you want. Observe what you deny yourself. It's impossible to create abundance from scarcity -- as lucky people know.

K -- Keep at it. Listen to your intuition, observe your environment and claim what you want; then take inspired action.

Once your "luck" begins to change and the good times roll in, be mindful. It's common to experience an identity shift as you attract more desires into your life. This may unconsciously -- or consciously -- activate your fear. You may feel like you're in unfamiliar territory and not entirely sure of the ground rules. Persevere. Stay the course. Continue to follow the tenets of the LUCK acronym to help you through this growth spurt.

The next time you catch yourself waiting for a lucky break, take luck into your own hands. Survey your beliefs and thoughts; be aware of what you attract and watch your deepest desires flow more smoothly into your life. Empower yourself and watch the good fortunes of lady luck come your way. Claudette Rowley is a professional coach, speaker and author who helps savvy professionals like you identify their true purpose and calling and mobilize the courage to pursue it. Sign up for her free monthly ezine "Insights for the Savvy" at http://www.metavoice.org or contact her directly at info@metavoice.org. ]]> "Jackpot" Wedding Care Package To Bring Extra Luck To Your Wedding On 7-7-07 http://www.artwoo.com/article/jackpot-wedding-care-package-to-bring-extra-luck-to-your-wedding-on-7-7-07 http://www.artwoo.com/article/jackpot-wedding-care-package-to-bring-extra-luck-to-your-wedding-on-7-7-07#comments Fri, 22 Jun 2007 19:30:00 +0000 py kim conantmarriage agreementfirst year of marriagetheknotjackpotgetting marriedcouples http://www.artwoo.com/article/jackpot-wedding-care-package-to-bring-extra-luck-to-your-wedding-on-7-7-07 getting married on 7-7-07? Getting married is a big gamble because no one knows which half they are the marriages that end in divorce. According to .com, 31,000 are planning to get married on "lucky" 7-7-07. This number is triple the usual number of the July 4 weekend weddings. Triple number "7" lining up on a Las Vegas slot machine gets you a payoff.

Couples getting married on 7-7-07 are looking for extra luck for their "jackpot" marriage. But staying happily married is not about luck: it is a big task that is all about communication and physical and emotional connection.

If you are going to marry on 7-7-07 and you want to add more luck to your wedding, I suggest that you create your own Jackpot Wedding Care package: you and your partner can create a more personal and meaningful beginning to your marriage. It is a "survival kit" for the .

I suggest you put lucky 7 items inside the "Jackpot" Wedding Care Package. Each item is necessary to bring extra luck when you prepare for the marriage and to keep the marriage strong and happy. Inside the Jackpot Wedding Care Package, put the following items together as a wedding present to you and your partners:

=95 a talking stick or rock (each uniquely designed and craft-painted by the couple) =95 a journal book (the bride recording her thoughts as the wedding day approaches) =95 a weekly "Honey To-do List" =95 sexy lovers' coupon book =95 personalized wedding vows (to be rewritten and renewed on each anniversary) =95 a prenuptial (fun and sexy, not just financial agreements) =95 sexy photos of the couple

If you are already married, you still can create this Jackpot Wedding Care Package. and a "marriage stimulator" for couples who are already married. is the author of "Sex Secrets of an American Geisha: How to Attract, Satisfy, and Keep Your Man" (Hunter House). Want free chapters of her book? Sign up for Py's American Geisha Sex and Relationship newsletter to at http://www.AmericanGeishaHouse.com ]]> Are You Lucky? http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-you-lucky http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-you-lucky#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:50:25 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-you-lucky Do you want to get lucky? Do you REALLY want to get lucky this weekend? Do you want to go out and hook up with the greatest-looking stranger?

Do you want to have incredible stranger sex? And then wake up the next morning and do it all over again? And then send them off into the afternoon without having a clue about how that ever happened?

How the hell did YOU get lucky?

What is the definition of luck?

Here it is: luck is being in the right place at the right time. The only way to "get lucky" is to prepare yourself for the opportunities that will present themselves. To prepare yourself to take advantage when the time is right.

If you're going to spend your life waiting for luck to show up, you might as well stop working and just play the lottery.

As far as I'm concerned, I don't believe in luck. I believe in making things happen. I believe in preparing for things to happen.

The reason why I have such great relationships and great friends in my life is because I've worked my ass off to get them! I've worked really hard at cultivating the life I have. I've cultivated my friendships, I've cultivated my business, and I've cultivated my relationships with my lovers.

I have never relied on luck. I didn't just walk into a supermarket and hope that I would trip into HER. I walked into the market knowing how to connect with every person in there, so that I could create my own future.

Too many of you just sit back on luck. How many times have Rey and I heard, "I really want to do a bootcamp, but I'm going to do it next year!"

Do you know why you are going to do it next year? Because you're hoping that between now and then, your luck is going to change.

Many people tell me that they want to buy my products -- next month. In the meantime, they want to see if their luck will change.

Your luck is never going to change! You need to create your own luck. You need to make things happen for yourself.

I'm tired of the excuses that people come up with. I get so tired of hearing them. "If you answer this one question, David, my entire life is going to change!" No, if I answer this one question, the answer will probably lead to ten other questions! And your life is not going to change just with my answer.

I don't have the power to change your life with one email. I might be able to give you a great explanation of why something happens, I might be able to open your eyes just a little bit wider, but I'm not going to be able to change your entire life just by answering one email.

The only way you are going to change your life is to take control of it. You have to be proactive and do things to change your life. I don't have the power -- and neither does the President of the United States -- to change everything in an instant.

We have an election coming up tomorrow, and you're going to have a choice to make: are you going to vote for Old Man John or the young guy, Obama?

And you know what? Whoever wins the presidency Tuesday is not really going to change things that much. It is going to take a lot of time (and a lot of effort) to get this country back to the way it is supposed to be. A lot of decisions need to be made.

So for those of you that think that one of these men is going to be the answer to everything that is wrong about our country, you're 100% incorrect. The only thing that creates change is hard work, every single day -- hard work from the new president to make up for what went wrong in the last administration, and hard work from you.

You're basically your own country. If you're not willing to put the work in every single day, then nothing is ever going to change. No person will ever be able to change your life -- except for you.

So take control of your life. It's time to stop waiting for Lady Luck to come and take over!Hailed on Fox News, The LA Times, The NY Times, Playboy and more... Legendary Dating Coach Launches a New Revolution For over nearly 20 years David Wygant has been earning the trust of American men and women looking to transform their love lives. (http://www.davidwygant.com)]]> Jewelry With Meaning: What Your Accessories Say About You http://www.artwoo.com/article/jewelry-with-meaning-what-your-accessories-say-about-you http://www.artwoo.com/article/jewelry-with-meaning-what-your-accessories-say-about-you#comments Sun, 02 Sep 2007 02:30:02 +0000 jewelrybirthstonefour leaf clovergood fortunechristian faithgood luckpersonality http://www.artwoo.com/article/jewelry-with-meaning-what-your-accessories-say-about-you jewelry that reflects both your style and your . Whether you are someone who wants to display your faith, your desire for or you just enjoy showing off your , the right accessory can say a lot about you.

The first step to choosing jewelry with a meaning is to determine what type of look you are after. If you are of the and wish to wear a cross, there are many different styles to choose from. From a polished design to one that's adorned with gemstones, you can proudly wear the symbol of your faith in the style of your choice.

When it comes to everyday life, who couldn't use a little extra luck on their side? Many women enjoy wearing jewelry that symbolizes luck, which may give them the added confidence they need to face the day. A four-leaf clover, an angel, a ladybug, an elephant with upturned trunk, seven lucky rings and a butterfly are all considered symbols of good luck, which makes jewelry featuring any of these designs a popular pick for someone who could use a little . Of course, nobody can promise that a certain piece of jewelry will bring you luck, but the right style can make you feel and look great.

Speaking of luck, many people consider their birthstone to be lucky. Not only can the gemstone representing the month of your birth be a symbol of good fortune, but it's also a celebration of your existence. By wearing your birthstone, you are wearing a piece of jewelry that reflects who you are. For instance, did you know that an amethyst symbolizes sincerity, an aquamarine signifies courage, a diamond stands for innocence and a pearl symbolizes health and longevity? Each month has a different birthstone, each of which symbolizes something different, and this is why wearing your birthstone is a wonderful way to celebrate your life.

Did you know that the style of jewelry that you wear can speak volumes about your personality? For example, a classic design often reflects timelessness. Both a herringbone and omega, for instance, are always in style and will let others know that you are a classic woman who appreciates a design that's always on trend and will always looks beautiful. If you wear a circle pendant, on the other hand, it says that you are someone who enjoys being on top of fashion and you know what's `hot' in terms of jewelry designs. For more information on cubic zirconia and sterling silver rings, visit Almost Diamonds at http://www.almostdiamonds.com. ]]> Superstitions Of Bingo Players http://www.artwoo.com/article/superstitions-of-bingo-players http://www.artwoo.com/article/superstitions-of-bingo-players#comments Tue, 20 Jun 2006 21:32:12 +0000 lucky charmsyell bingobingo playerslucky numberslucky dayslucky charmplay bingo http://www.artwoo.com/article/superstitions-of-bingo-players
We live in a world where everyone tries to make or control their own luck in some way. Everyone knows that there is much more to the game than only skill... Bingo is a game where you cannot control the outcome... or can you? Most believe you can.

It's called bingo luck. Any experienced player would tell you that you can control or make your own luck. Most bingo players have certain rituals, superstitions and s to ensure they get a chance to yell 'bingo!' at the top of their voices.

Rituals play a very important role in bingo luck. Some players believe in walking three times around their chair before sitting down to . Others follow the same routine before they play to keep their luck going strong.

Then the superstitions... Most bingo players have a lucky seat. And don't forget lucky clothes such as pyjamas, t-shirts, shoes or special underwear. And, of course, there's more. Some have and times when they play . Your player name or nickname is also important -- most bingo players believe that the name they play with influence their luck. Others believe that they can only win when certain roomies or friends are in the room! Most players believe that the number 13 is an unlucky number, and therefore find it a bad omen when a game starts with the number 13. Number 7, on the other hand, is one of the favourite .

The most important part of being lucky at bingo is of course lucky charms. The list of lucky charms players use is endless! Some have pictures of their loved ones or pets next to their computers and lucky seats. Most bingo players have lucky numbers. When asked, all these players can tell you why they've picked a specific number. But this is not all; most players carry a special lucky charm with them when they play ! These lucky charms can be anything from a rabbit's foot, elephants, teddy bears, cigars, Zippo's, dolls, monkeys and gemstones or birthstones.

Some online bingo players even believe that if they specifically ask for a ball the caller will give it to them. And they will go to great lengths to ensure the caller gives them that specific ball! They will beg, scream, swear and even make promises.

Of course the question lingers in the back of your mind. Does luck really work? Is there any proof? Some say that it defies reason and logic, but bingo players who have lucky charms, superstitions and rituals really win! Does this means it really works? Every bingo player has to figure it out for him or herself... after all, you make your own luck.

Resources: http://www.bingofiles.com/archives/2004/08/26/superstitions-essentials-when-you-play-bingo/ http://www.onlinebingolinks.com/bingo_superstitions_.html Emma Madison has been an online bingo fanatic for over 7 years. Though she has played other forms of online gambling, Emma has always stated that bingo is her true passion. Her internet ingo related publications are filled with interesting and useful online bingo tips. Her many articles she has written can be found at: http://www.online-bingo.net ]]> Common Wedding Day Superstitions http://www.artwoo.com/article/common-wedding-day-superstitions http://www.artwoo.com/article/common-wedding-day-superstitions#comments Fri, 19 Sep 2008 19:08:42 +0000 wedding superstitionswedding outfitwedding dressesfour colorsred weddingkind experiencemomentous event http://www.artwoo.com/article/common-wedding-day-superstitions kind experience, which is probably why a lot of superstitions have grown up around this . Most of them have to do with the bride, perhaps because of the huge amount of pressure on the bride to have the perfect wedding day.

Here are a few of the that have developed over the years:

The Bridal Shower

Everything the bride says while opening presents will come back to her on her wedding night. It could be good to be careful with this one . . . you never know! Having the same phrases repeated on the wedding night could be a good or bad thing, depending.

For good luck, the first gift opened should be the first gift used. There are a few superstitions surrounding the gifts given at a bridal shower, such as the giver of the third present opened will have a baby.

The Dress

The whole must not be tried on until the actual day of the wedding. This common superstition is due to the fact that it was thought to bring bad luck on the bride. If she put on all her wedding garb before the wedding . . . she might not be married after all!

Green, yellow, pink and red are considered bad form. According to an old marriage rhyme, these of wedding dresses would bring assorted miseries on the married couple`s life and they wouldn`t be happy.

It`s bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her dress on their wedding day. This is a pretty strong superstition that most people follow to this day.

The Church

Seeing a pig run across the road on the way to the church. This is considered to be very bad news for the wedding party and could foretell a cancelled wedding or a terrible marriage. Interestingly, meeting a black cat on your wedding day actually signifies good luck.

Meeting a monk or a nun outside the church. According to this superstition, you are doomed to a marriage of barrenness and will be dependent on charity if you run across a nun or a monk on your way to the church.

Wed on a Saturday for no luck at all. While you may not get bad luck by tying the knot on a Saturday, you won`t have good luck either, so you may want to try Monday (health) or Wednesday (best of all), instead.

The Ceremony

Dropping the ring means the marriage won`t last. While this traditionally applies to the groom`s clumsy fingers, it`s been turned into a uni-sex superstition.

A penny in the bride`s shoe will bring wealth to the marriage. This is the often skipped part of the old "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" adage.

Marrying when the hands on the clock are on their way down is bad luck. It`s considered far better to marry between the half hour and the hour, when the hands are moving back up. Otherwise, your marriage will always be going downhill.

The Wedding Night

The first person to fall asleep on the wedding night will also be the first to die. This is a superstition that obviously has no basis in fact, but it is still remarked upon . . . usually by the person who fell asleep last!

It`s not likely that any of these superstitions is based on truth, but they are definitely interesting to learn about. Many of them are still alive and well to this day and are still respected by most brides. While they may not be true, wedding superstitions certainly show no signs of going away just yet.When doing research for your Toronto Wedding, consider The Perfect Wedding Guide, your complete resource for planning the perfect wedding.]]> Poker And Superstition http://www.artwoo.com/article/poker-and-superstition http://www.artwoo.com/article/poker-and-superstition#comments Sun, 16 Jul 2006 14:27:05 +0000 luck signmojopoker playersflannel baggamblerslucky handlucky charm http://www.artwoo.com/article/poker-and-superstition gamblers are by nature superstitious, at least to some degree, and luck, good or bad, has its influence. Of course, experienced know that luck, although it does play a part, does not win games -- skill does. But having a rabbit's foot key chain in your pocket can't hurt, can it?

Yet superstition lies deep in the subconscious and players often do things or carry things that are felt, consciously or subconsciously, to bring good luck.

On the way to a game, you see a coin that someone has dropped. If it is laying face down, leave it because that is bad luck. If the coin is face up, that is a good . Put it in your pocket or purse and sit down at the game with confidence as you have brought your good luck with you.

Some gamblers won't leave for a game without the photograph of a loved one!

African-American gamblers know about "the ". This is a small containing one or more "magical objects". The intended use of the bag is represented by its color. For example, a green flannel bag is considered a "money mojo" which is perfect for taking to a poker tournament.

Women poker players who believe in the mojo would carry a small money mojo under their clothes. The men would carry a mojo in a pocket in their pants or in a jacket pocket. Believers say the mojo must be carried on the person to be effective.

Some of the reputed magical items to be carried in the mojo are: root from a rare orchid, a silver mercury dime, a piece of magnetic ore known as a lodestone. The ore is considered an especially powerful force that attracts good luck and is valued by gamblers for its "drawing" power.

Many other herbs and charms are valued for their luck bringing capabilities as well. If a poker player should happen to carry a specific charm, amulet or favorite piece of jewelry into a game and he or she has a good night at the table, the player will never enter a game again without the "". There are players who have lost or misplaced their lucky charms and feel "unlucky" going to a game without it.

Charm bracelets, once very popular with women in the early 20th century in both the United States and Europe, came into vogue once again around 1960. Female gamblers liked to wear the four leaf clover charm for luck.

Other charms with special "powers" are:

Horseshoe magnet because of its reputed magnetic money drawing power.

A pig charm -- prosperity.

A number 13 charm -- luck for gamblers. Although 13 is considered basically unlucky, the charm has the power to reverse the bad luck to good for gamblers.

Hamsa hand -- enhances good luck by thwarting the "evil eye".

Gold wishbone set with a pearl -- makes wishes come true.

Silver money bag with a $ sign -- wealth.

Black cat charms -- long looked upon as a symbol of evil and bad luck but there are some who believe the black cat to be a good luck money sign. A black cat in candle form is sometimes lighted before a poker game to increase ones good fortune in gambling.

Some very popular amulets which are usually suspended from a neck chain are the teeth of sharks, alligators and bears. Amulets, as opposed to charms are natural objects whereas charms are manmade.

The practice of nailing horseshoes over doorways on houses, barns and stables originated in Europe and is still used in the United States to encourage the drawing of good luck to whomever passes through those portals.

Strangely enough, these good luck objects can have a positive effect on the believer. Playing poker and knowing that a harbinger of good luck is on your person gives many gamblers a feeling of well being and confidence as well as helping to relieve stress. These positive mental states may indeed help a player to think more clearly, play poker with conviction and possibly walk away from the game as a winner. Kenneth Bateman writes numerous articles on the subject of poker. To read more of his poker articles, visit this http://www.xlpoker.com ]]> Feng Shui In The Bedroom http://www.artwoo.com/article/feng-shui-in-the-bedroom http://www.artwoo.com/article/feng-shui-in-the-bedroom#comments Fri, 25 Aug 2006 04:27:10 +0000 place flowersfeng shui systemnegative energypiece of clothbest directionreflective surfacegood luck http://www.artwoo.com/article/feng-shui-in-the-bedroom Good luck and peace are intangibles that everyone craves for. And there are several ways in which one can attain these desires. These days' people are looking for creative and new ways of bringing peace in life and ensuring some extra luck. One way is by following the of being. The feng shui system emphasizes on the arrangement of objects and rooms in a certain manner. According to the system this arrangement brings good luck to the resident of the house. One of the most important rooms in a house is the bedroom. It comes as little surprise that the feng shui system has specific guidelines for its position and for way in which things are arranged in it.

One thing that you can do is to in your bedroom. The flowers provide a great sense of calm to the eyes. And their fragrance will always please you. The energy of the flowers is neutral. But they are great in many other senses. So go ahead and place flowers.

Another thing you might want to look at when you are deciding the structure of your room is the placement of your bed. You need to ensure that your head is supported by a solid wall that is directly behind you. Also try to ensure that you sleep in your . If your best direction were to be north then it would be worth trying to ensure that you sleep in that direction.

Another thing that you can do is to try not to sleep with a beam or a cupboard above your head. If there is a beam above your head, you can hang a below the beam to take away the negative effect. Also try not to have a facing you as you sleep. This would allow the to leave. If you cannot move the reflective surface, cover it with a piece of cloth just before you sleep.

You should also try to remove any extra things from the bedroom that you do not use regularly. You need to clean the cupboards regularly to avoid any negative energy. It is also important not to keep anything that is negative in nature in the bedroom.

You should try to keep pairs in your bedroom. If you have a painting it would be good if it had a couple in it. If your bedroom had candles then try to ensure that the candles are in pairs. These would enhance your luck. You can also place a small water feature or a picture of water along with something colored blue in the east of your room. You can also place a pair of ducks in your room. These would help in increasing the positive energy flowing within the bedroom.

If you follow these guidelines then it is likely that you would be blessed with good luck. And that is something that all of us want to be blessed with. So go ahead and make that these changes. You will be better off for having made them. And making them may also give your bed room a new flavor and a new ambiance which can help you relax and look great too. After all who doesn't love innovation and novelty in life? These tips of feng shui may not only bring luck but can also bring peace of mind and satisfaction and calm in your surroundings. Make these changes and experience a new way of life and relaxation along with some extra luck to help you in life. Chester Smith writes interior design articles for the site: http://realhomedesign.com ]]> Cyber Bingo Luck http://www.artwoo.com/article/cyber-bingo-luck http://www.artwoo.com/article/cyber-bingo-luck#comments Fri, 28 Apr 2006 22:50:02 +0000 free bingocyber bingobingo gamesonline bingoplay bingointernet bingobingo experience http://www.artwoo.com/article/cyber-bingo-luck Cyber bingo is a game of pure luck and if you know how to generate good fortune you could end up making loads of cash by playing online

Generating good cyber bingo luck is not as difficult has it may seem at first. As with most online casino slots and online roulette games the odds play a huge role in determining whether you're likely to win or lose. Your luck is, in many ways, dependent on how strong your chances are of winning.

In this article we'll explore the many ways of improving your odds to ensure that you're maximizing every winning opportunity. By tilting the bingo odds in your favor you'll begin to notice a dramatic increase in your cyber bingo luck.

1) Avoid playing at overcrowded bingo halls and busy online bingo sites. Your chances of winning are reduced because you're competing against many other bingo players. games at sites where the numbers of players are well balanced.

2) Play where chat room specials are offered. The chat room games found at Bingodrome give you an excellent opportunity to win some bucks. For more information on how to take advantage of the chat room specials visit http://www.bingodrome.com now.

3) An easy way to double your bankroll is to play bingo at websites which offer the best deposit bonuses. You should look out for casinos which offer 100% deposit bonuses. If you deposit $50 you'll automatically receive another $50 for free.

4) Choose to play bingo at trusted cyber casinos only. To ensure your winnings are paid out in full and on time it is extremely important to gamble only at well known online casinos, or casinos that have been reviewed.

A highly recommended website is Bingodrome - the ultimate Simon Wood is a master casino gambler and online bingo lover. Though he has over 30 years casino gambling experience, Wood has always stated that bingo is his true passion. His internet bingo related publications are filled with interesting and useful online bingo tips. His many articles can be found here: http://www.online-bingo.net ]]> How Does Playing Lotto Affect You Psychologically? http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-does-playing-lotto-affect-you-psychologically http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-does-playing-lotto-affect-you-psychologically#comments Mon, 25 Dec 2006 18:27:03 +0000 lotto gameslotto drawsgratifyingnecessarilyloose moneysum of moneyhigh risk http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-does-playing-lotto-affect-you-psychologically
Why Are People Drawn to Playing Lotto?

Many people enjoy partaking in . But what is it that draws them in? Some people like to test their luck, while others have hopes of winning it big. Some people see it merely as a fun game, whereas others take it rather seriously. In playing lotto, everyone knows the odds are against them, yet they have the deep feeling that if they give luck a chance, they may be greatly rewarded. In playing lotto you may not win big, but many times you are rewarded with a reasonable .

See if you can follow me on this: If you knew that you would be rewarded financially with every third lotto drawing, than you would only play every third lotto and not the others. Thereby, the lotto business would . If you played the lotto continuously and never won anything, you would quit playing. On the other hand, if you are rewarded at random times in playing the lotto, you will continue to play lotto much more often because you know a reward is in your future. You just don't know when it will come. This is how you in. It creates a desire inside of you to continue forth playing your luck, because you know you will win a little and yet you have the possibility of truly scoring it big. So the benefits can be quite .

Can Playing Lotto Be Harmful?

If you have ever heard that playing lotto can be addictive, it is true. Lotto does have an addictive factor, but it is most harmful when you are addicted to a lotto. A high risk lotto is where you are paying out a great deal of money when the odds of winning anything back are very low. For this reason, those who are afraid of gaining such an addiction can enjoy playing some of the friendlier lottos without the fear of hurting themselves financially. One of the safest lottos available is the Liechtenstein lotto. You don't have to throw away a bunch of money to give luck a chance. Instead you have the opportunity to play it for fun, while having a chance at striking it big.

Drawing You In Through Charity

If you are looking for a fun, low threat lotto to play, you may be interested in one that donates proceeds to charity. Involving charity helps people to let go of any negative feelings that they may have had toward playing lotto. For example, the Liechtenstein lotto donates a lot of their money to the Red Cross. If lotto looks exciting to you, yet you don't like the idea of giving up your money only to chance, you can now feel good about playing lotto. This is because you have the opportunity to donate to a great charity while having a good time. Some people are looking for a charity to donate to every now and then. By playing the Liechtenstein lotto, you are able to donate as you are having fun chancing your luck at lotto. You even have the opportunity to donate your winnings if you choose.

Before you choose a lotto to play, make sure that it a reputable lotto. For example, the Liechtenstein lotto is state run and has ErnstandYoung monitoring it to ensure that people are rewarded accordingly. So go online and chance your luck at a reputable lotto. If you play one that gives to a charity, you not only benefit yourself, but the less fortunate benefit too. Gert Gambell is a part time sport betting pro that teach how to bet and never loose at http://www.greatbettinginfo.com. Despite that, Gert play the http://www.LiechtensteinLotto.com every week. Gert belive in giving luck a chance, as a pro knowing the odds are against it, someone will win big anyway. ]]> Bingo Lucky Charms http://www.artwoo.com/article/bingo-lucky-charms http://www.artwoo.com/article/bingo-lucky-charms#comments Thu, 09 Nov 2006 06:27:03 +0000 bingo gamebingo playersbingo hallsplay bingobingo experiencelucky charmsgame of chance http://www.artwoo.com/article/bingo-lucky-charms bingo halls. And in recent times, online bingo has taken the Internet by storm. Thousands -- even millions can be won with each click and there are numerous fun bingo sites from which to choose.

Bingo, like all gambling related activities, is a . It stands to reason that many of the people who regularly believe quite passionately in luck, and since the earliest days of bingo, players have come to rely of which they hope will bring them the best possible luck when playing.

The fact that people use lucky charms may seem silly to some, but because players are often intensely involved in the entire , many of them would strongly disagree. There are numerous websites developed to help with their game. In the same way as gamblers blow on the dice, so bingo players hold onto their lucky charms. Many players claim that they never win unless they have their lucky charms with them or go through their personal little bingo 'rituals'.

According to research undertaken over the past few years, almost half of regular bingo players have some sort of special or lucky charm, symbol or ritual that they incorporate into every . This applies for both on and offline bingo. Some of these rituals are very simple like making sure they sit at the same seat every evening. Another common ritual is using the same dauber at every bingo game. Some players have a favorite color that they believe brings them luck like blue or red.

Chances are, if you play on or offline bingo among a large group of people, you've noticed some interesting outfits being worn. Many people wear different 'lucky' clothes to bingo halls for luck. Some wear bobbles, trinkets or stripes.

Other times, you'll see one or two bingo players surrounded by stuffed animals. These are their lucky charms. Many bingo players who have bingo lucky charms will tell you that teddy bears bring luck. The more you have, the luckier you'll be when it comes to winning, they state.

Whether bingo charms work or not, they add to the whole experience, give other players something to talk about and compare with each other, and if they're not harming anyone else, then why not enjoy the fun and color they bring to bingo! Francois Botha is the owner of a popular http://www.onlinebingopress.com site. His site offers free advice on bingo tips, has a free bingo news letter and great reviews of the best bingo sites. ]]> Feng Shui Decorating For Your Home http://www.artwoo.com/article/feng-shui-decorating-for-your-home http://www.artwoo.com/article/feng-shui-decorating-for-your-home#comments Tue, 21 Oct 2008 05:22:30 +0000 feng shui at workfeng shui masterancient chinese arthousehold decorfurniture arrangementfung shwaypotted plant http://www.artwoo.com/article/feng-shui-decorating-for-your-home ancient Chinese art, Feng Shui (pronounced '") is the instruction of creating harmony and balance so that waves of 'Chi' - the good healthy energy will undulate over us and open the doors of luck and prosperity.

The Chinese believe that luck and prosperity and everything good in the world travels on waves of healthy energy. Most of us have the predicament of living in a home that has been arranged to block some or most of this energy from reaching us and our loved ones. By using feng shui decorating for your home, you will make it into a tuning fork that grabs this Chi and transforms it into harmony and good health for all living under the roof of that place.

The devil is really in the details. From how a is placed to the position in which you sleep in all affects how much or how little of this Chi you will experience. A house with bad feng shui, the Chinese believe, is a recipe for disaster -- and this is why alot of Chinese people and other races who believe strongly in this, hire a before they do anything to their or .

Now get the image of an old rickety man with beads and an unearthly beard out of your head. He doesn't spring into kung fu at the tip of the hat.

He does that just on Tuesdays.

I'm just kidding. Professional geomancers are as modern as you and me and you would be surprised to find that some of them are not even Chinese in the first place. They have an understanding of Mother Nature and her compass and can sense whether or not a household is aligned with her enough for prosperity and luck to be a permanent fixture.

Do you notice an area of the house where people just seem to gravitate to? Ever held a party and people tell you that a certain room seems 'uncomfortable' for no obvious reason? This is probably bad .

Anything from the colour of your walls to how your bed is situated in your room can determine a restful night or a fitful one. The Chinese believe that the colour red and its various shades bring about luck and warmth to a house -- this is evident when you notice that most Chinese brides like to don the bright maroons on their happy occasion.

It is also all about spaces. The Chinese believe that facing a door or entryway in whatever you do brings about luck and exposes you to greater Chi. Also having highly visible exits means that not only guests can find their way out easily, but money and energy as well.

Interesting isn't it? Most of the time feng shui decorating can mean little cost and just a bit of rearrangement in the household or even the office. With the promise of wealth, prosperity and luck increasing in multiples, it would be prudent to just give it a try -- the results could well surprise you. Click Here to get Free Tips on how to improve your life with Feng Shui Decorating. Lynn Lee is a celebrated authority on Feng Shui providing valuable advice at http://www.whatisfengshui.net.]]> Deal Or No Deal: A Mix Of Luck And Skill http://www.artwoo.com/article/deal-or-no-deal-a-mix-of-luck-and-skill http://www.artwoo.com/article/deal-or-no-deal-a-mix-of-luck-and-skill#comments Wed, 23 May 2007 15:24:53 +0000 amount of moneydeal or no dealgame showsbriefcasestop of the chartsoddsbriefcase http://www.artwoo.com/article/deal-or-no-deal-a-mix-of-luck-and-skill Deal or No Deal is a television game show that has turned the history of on end. The show is aired in many different countries worldwide and the loyal fans count into the millions. There are many different versions of the game since each country pretty well has its own version hosted by a local celebrity. Sometimes the rules vary a little from country to country, but basically they all play out the same way. One thing is for sure, in just about every country the game is viewed in, Deal or No Deal has quickly risen to the for popular game shows.

What makes Deal or No Deal so popular?

Deal or No Deal has a unique mix of pure luck combined with the skill of determining a good bank offer and the talent for calculating the of winning a big jackpot. It appears that many players get swept up in the excitement of playing and winning big money; and therefore make costly mistakes when responding to the banker. Sometimes it is a good idea to go for the big money and at other times, the player is much better off by accepting a bank offer. To walk away with the maximum possible requires one to be level headed and constantly calculating the odds.

The version of Deal or No Deal that is aired in the United States starts a new player off with 26 s" rel="tag">briefcases. At the beginning of the game, the player selects the first briefcase and keeps it at his side. If the player declines all bank offers, this will be the case the contestant will open last to see what he has won. So you can see that the chances for winning a huge lump sum from Deal or No Deal depends upon picking the correct case right from the start.

That is why dealing with the bank becomes so important. The player may take home less than he would have otherwise, but if done correctly, he can still go home with a bundle. Each offer from the banker must be analyzed against the number of briefcases left unopened and the number of large sums as of yet undiscovered.

Deal or no deal is a game of both luck and skill.

Picking which briefcase to open is a matter of luck, but determining if the banker's offer is a good one requires some degree of skill if the contestant is to have the best chance of winning a big payout in Deal or No Deal.

Deal or No Deal is a fun and exciting game to watch. We root for each contestant to win as much as they can and if luck is on their side along with their ability to calculate odds and take risks, then they have a good chance of winning it big. Sarah Thomas is fanatical about the Deal or No Deal game show. She has put together an awesome fanpage where you can play the official game for free. Find out more here - http://www.squidoo.com/deal-or-no-deal-game/ ]]> Texas Holdem Tips http://www.artwoo.com/article/texas-holdem-tips http://www.artwoo.com/article/texas-holdem-tips#comments Mon, 29 Jan 2007 16:27:06 +0000 texas holdem pokertexas holdem poker gamepoker facepoker playersimprove your pokerpoker strategiespoker tournaments http://www.artwoo.com/article/texas-holdem-tips poker players who keep winning all the various ? If it were luck that list would be dominated with rookies and casual poker players. Hence in this article we will examine tips on how one could improve their game.

Improve Your In Texas Holdem you are only good as your poker face. If an opponent sees you getting excited, or upset, when you read your cards, you are as good as beaten. Therefore, in order to win you have to trick your opponents and this means you should avoid showing any emotion at the table.

Be Patient Patience is a virtue, and it is an essential one to have when playing Texas Holdem. Many players too easy become impatient and immediately start making careless betting which leads to careless play and eventually to loosing the game.

Don't Count On Your Bluff Don't waste your time going all in, or placing large bets, if all you have is a bad hand. Sure you can bluff but what happens when an opponent calls you out? Ideally you should keep your bluff play to no more then 20% of your total game play.

Learn To Read Your Opponents In Texas Holdem is it vital that you learn how to read your opponent. Observe your opponents body language. Examine their expression when they look at their cards. Do they look excited? Do they look shocked? Try to find anything that would give them away. If you can get a read on what your opponents are thinking, or feeling, you have gained a massive advantage.

If you can master these , you will become a force to be reckoned with on any poker table. http://www.pokerbandits.ca ]]> The Path Of Luck Or Serendipity? http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-path-of-luck-or-serendipity http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-path-of-luck-or-serendipity#comments Thu, 24 Jan 2008 10:20:01 +0000 families of fortunelouis pasteurfrench scientistaccidental discoverynew discoverysong writersmeaning of the word http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-path-of-luck-or-serendipity
I have often heard the question, "Do you believe in luck?" I do actually, but I prefer to call it serendipity; for two reasons.

1) Since so many do not know the it is my way of getting everyone to look it up.

2) I prefer my students to associate the idea with words like: fate, destiny, providence, fortune, and design, instead of the negative ideas normally associated with luck.

I don't like the word "luck". First there is the immediate association to games of luck such as blackjack and poker which are often associated with gambling, casinos, and wrong living. Next there is the predominant idea that luck is for the lucky; as if there were a chosen few who can enjoy it. There is no such thing! Then there is the immediate association to and people inheriting great fortunes with never having to work for them. These are all negative ideas! I wish to avoid those images, for images as you may know have a strong influence over our minds. When someone brings up the conversation about luck in my presence I often maneuver the conversation towards a conversation about serendipity if I can. Now that is something worth talking about.

Serendipity is an interesting idea. It is defined as the of something useful. Though people who are familiar with serendipity will tell you there is usually nothing accidental about it. Inventors are familiar with the idea of discovering things that were never being looked for but one idea led to another causing the delightful affect of stumbling into a . Authors, , scientists, anyone who does much creating in their work have had the acquaintance of serendipity and know that there is design and providence involved.

It was the who said "in the field of observation, chance favors only the prepared mind." The simple meaning of course is that luck means being ready. This suggests to me that Louis Pasteur like many other creators are familiar with the path of serendipity. There is no luck involved! There is however a secret link if you will! The link is this: One idea leads to another. That is the simple truth taught by the greatest inventor of all time, Thomas Edison. One idea leads to another.

There is no such thing as luck. Luck is opportunity meeting preparedness. Once a person is prepared, opportunities begin to present themselves almost like magic. But it isn't magic. Those opportunities were there already in some cases, or being divinely maneuvered all the time but you did not see them. Your eye of discernment was dulled by being un- prepared.

If I may diverge a moment, the coming apocalypse that is preached about warns the chosen to have their lamps filled with oil lest they be unprepared. There will be no luck involved in the choosing of the righteous. Preparedness will guarantee a place with Him at the crucial hour.

The idea that luck, or something happening out of pure coincidence is going to happen to you or I is a lie set up by someone who wants to rob us of our strength and ability. Can you guess who that is? Their goal is to make us ill-prepared, even less than self-sufficient. Luck has kept people in the poor house. It has stripped strength away, leaving only frightful dependent people who have learned how to play the numbers but can't read or write at a high-school level.

On the other hand, the empowered are prepared. They have worked hard. They believe in continuing education. They prepare themselves for the opportunities they seek and when those opportunities present themselves they are prepared for success and they grab them.

In our quote for today, Thomas Jefferson says that the harder he works the more luck he seems to have. That is just another way of saying that preparedness is the key factor. The next part, the part when opportunity presents itself is not so magical at all. It is that link we spoke about earlier of one idea leading to another. Obviously the more ideas you have, the more ideas you will run into. I use the following exercise in my classes sometimes to illustrate the path of serendipity.

Use a shoe box or something similar for this exercise. Get a number of toy building blocks, enough to fill the box. Let us say that 12 blocks fill the shoe box. Now the only thing you have in the box when you begin is empty space. Put a block in. Now you have a block and a lot of empty space. Put another block in. Now you have two blocks and less space. Make sure you explain that there is a certain amount of space that has been taken away. Continue till the box is half filled. Now you have a box half empty and half full of blocks. Continue till you fill the box.

Now let's say that the blocks are pieces of you and the space is ideas. The more you fill the box with you, the more ideas you take until there is you- full of ideas. So the box illustrates that we should fill our life with ourselves. The more we fill it the more of it becomes us. The more we prepare ourselves, the more likely we are to see the next idea. Taking it a step at a time, one idea leads to the next idea, then the next idea until you are full. The beauty is in life, there is no filling the box; there is no end. We just keep expanding ourselves like the universe expands itself, ever growing and grabbing ideas as we go, each one leading to another.

Luck is hard work. It is preparing yourself through education and networking with the right people. Eventually you will begin to see serendipity happen in your life. That is when you will feel the empowerment that comes from living right. Remember, the harder you work the more luck you will have! John Cyr is a retired workforce development trainer and motivational consultant who writes articles and editorials under the pen-name Johnny Cyreous, or Cyreous. He maintains a website of quotes by famous people and advocates his method of teaching at http://www.cyreousquotes.com. ]]>