rule of thumb http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for rule of thumb Copyright 2008 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:00:47 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/rule+of+thumb Do You Struggle With Proper Piano Fingering? http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-struggle-with-proper-piano-fingering http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-struggle-with-proper-piano-fingering#comments Mon, 16 Jul 2007 08:20:02 +0000 thumb indexrule of thumbfingersfingering tipsbbawkwardblack key http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-struggle-with-proper-piano-fingering awkward fingering when playing piano?

Believe it or not, this is a rather controversial topic.

There are people who strongly believe in proper fingering for piano pieces. There are also those who are firm believers in free-style fingering.

Let me share with you my own perspective on this topic.

Though the length of differ from person to person, we all have thumbs that are shorter than the rest of our fingers.

As a rule (or ), the thumb is the strongest finger

of all. Thumb, index finger (2nd), and long finger (3rd) are the most used fingers for piano playing. The fourth finger and fifth finger are weaker fingers.

Below are four that I have worked up as general rules:

1. Never use the thumb to play a . The exceptions are a) when you are playing a piece that has all black notes. b) when you are playing a group of keys where there are black and white keys. For example if your right hand is to play , D, and F together in Bb major chord root position, your thumb will play Bb (black note) in this case.

Thumbs are not meant to be used for black key because of its length. The most used fingers for black notes are the 2nd and the 3rd fingers. If you are playing certain scales that start with a black key such as Bb major, Eb major, Ab major, etc. You will use 2nd or 3rd finger to play the first scale note instead of the thumb.

2. When playing melody with the right hand, if there are keys that are out of reach, you may move the hand to play the note. If the key is only a couple steps down from the thumb, you may use the thumb as an anchor and cross the second finger over to reach the note on the left side of the thumb. You do not need to move the hand. Only move the second finger over.

Once the second finger plays the key, the thumb will soon follow to cross over to play other note left of the key. Suggestion: practice the scale well to know what finger to follow.



3. Same rule applies to left hand.

4. Watch other experienced pianists whenever possible, look at their fingering and imitate their movements. I suggest you watch those players who are well trained classically as they have spent many years going through the structured repertoire and virtuoso training that help built a firm foundation.

One important point: The function of good fingering is to ensure smoothness of musical passages.

This is especially important in the piano work of Bach (prelude, fugues, and others) and many Classical composers. Very often, a slight change in piano fingering could cause a disruption of the whole phrasing.

For improvisational and accompaniment pieces, strict piano fingering becomes less critical. In fact, every time I improvise I use different fingering combination. This is because my mood and rhythm change when I improvise, this also affects the combination of fingers I use.

If you pay attention to musical pieces edited by different editors, you will notice a change of fingering as well. I have noticed that the same "Sonatina" piece composed by Clementi have different fingering suggestions under different editors. Some editors use the 2nd finger more often, while others choose

the 3rd finger.

In conclusion: if you are improvising, pay less attention to which finger you are using. As long as you abide by the above rules and ensure a smooth flow of musical passage, you are fine.



If you get too critical about fingering, it distracts your musical thoughts and flow. After all, it is music that you are conveying.

Piano playing gets rather complicated when you are trying to balance both hands, keep a steady tempo (rhythm), make sure the pedals are going in at the right time, listening to the music,.....

Have fun making music! Yoke Wong is the founder of Harmony and Melody Studio, Inc, a leading piano educational publisher. Learn more about her service at http://www.playpianotips.com ]]> Looking For An Electric Scooter? http://www.artwoo.com/article/looking-for-an-electric-scooter http://www.artwoo.com/article/looking-for-an-electric-scooter#comments Sat, 16 Jun 2007 08:35:01 +0000 electric scooterscooter shopnew scooterelectric scootersrule of thumblong distancessize person http://www.artwoo.com/article/looking-for-an-electric-scooter electric scooters and you don't want to be left behind. Which electric scooter is right for you? You need to take a few things into consideration before you go out and buy your new toy.

Before you run out to your local and throw your money on the counter, you need to consider a few things first.

1.How are you planning to use your ? If you are going to be riding when it is dark out, you need to find one that has a headlight. If you are only going to be using it during the daylight hours, your options are much bigger. Are you going to be traveling ? A good is to get a scooter that can either make it to your destination and back, or can make it as far as your destination providing that you have a method of charging it when you get there.



2.Is it for work or play?

When you are looking at , you need to select the one that best fits your needs.

You don't want to be stuck with something that will not satisfy all of your needs.



3.How far do you want it to take you ? When you are looking at electric scooters, you need to understand the principles behind max distance. When a dealer tells you that the max distance is say, 25 miles on a charge, what they are telling you is that based on the manufacturers indications, the scooter will travel that distance at the most with an average . But what is average these days? It depends on the country. Rule of thumb with this is not to expect this max distance. I tell customers at the shop, depending on their stature to expect anywhere from five to ten miles less than the indicated max. Therefore not guaranteeing this max distance and not getting their hopes up.

4.How fast do you want to go? Depending on the scooter, you can average anywhere from ten to thirty miles per hour. Going back to the distance rules, the same applies with the speed rules. Depending on the weight that the scooter is carrying, the type of terrain that it is traveling on and even the weather; will determine how far your electric scooter will actually take you.

Electric scooters are a great mode of transportation for both work and play. Understanding what you are getting and selecting the right electric scooter for your needs will make owning one an even more enjoyable experience. Take your time and get the right electric scooter for you. M.D. provides sales and service for electric scooters and gas scooters. You can find more information about electric scooters and gas scooters by going to http://www.tm-scooterhaven.com ]]> Thumb Sucking - A Common Problem For Children http://www.artwoo.com/article/thumb-sucking-a-common-problem-for-children http://www.artwoo.com/article/thumb-sucking-a-common-problem-for-children#comments Sun, 30 Apr 2006 09:50:02 +0000 thumb suckingchildren suckingbitter gourdboredcastor oildiscardhelp http://www.artwoo.com/article/thumb-sucking-a-common-problem-for-children Thumb sucking is a very common problem faced by many children. Many infants develop this habit even before they are born. It provides a level of comfort to the child. It s the child to settle down as sucking denotes the idea of nutrition. Many a times mother' milk is more than enough to get through this phase of thumb sucking. Thumb sucking can be a very serious problem if not nipped in the butt at the right time. It becomes a habit which continues in your adolescent age. It turns into an addiction which is hard to let go. If this habit continues at the age of five or six it may prove to be very serious. The child can develop problem with teeth as well as fingers.

Thumb sucking is a safety net for the children. Sucking the thumb is very reassuring to the kids. It is being used most of times when the kids are , scared, and sick as well as during bed time. Nagging them and scarring them at a tender age of two won't help. When the child reaches an understandable age, the parents should use all the tactics to avoid the escalation of this habit. A toy or a finger puppet can be used to keep the child engaged. By involving the child in various activities you can keep the child focused and busy. Watching TV cannot be termed as an activity.

Due to the continuous thumb sucking the front teeth level is raised. This has to be treated by putting on the braces. This behavior can be easily changed by the initiative taken by the parents and doctors. Keeping the child active is a very important process of ing this habit. It becomes very important to use and imply different methods and techniques to get rid of this habit. This act is usually given up when they do something interesting and comfortable.

Home Remedy

Applying lemon juice on your child's finger may help to discard this habit once and for all.

You can also apply on the thumb which is not likeable by many adults.

A Band-Aid wrapped in and baking soda may also help to get rid of this habit.

Tying socks on your child's hand may also work.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer. Sharon Hopkins is the webmaster for home remedies sites like http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com.. The site provides knowledge about home remedies and natural cure. Thumb sucking problem with the passage of time goes away if not you can use some of the home remedies to fight it out. ]]> Palmistry - The Thumb http://www.artwoo.com/article/palmistry-the-thumb http://www.artwoo.com/article/palmistry-the-thumb#comments Tue, 24 Oct 2006 00:27:02 +0000 phalangeforethoughtobstinatepalm readerfore partactspink tinge http://www.artwoo.com/article/palmistry-the-thumb palm reader. The thumb is considered as the root of the whole hand. The thumb is considered as the center of the will-power. It is formed by 2 pieces of bones. The first of the thumb indicates logic and the phalange containing the nail indicates will-power.

According to medical sciences, no harm is done for the individual if the four fingers are cut off. But if the thumb is torn and there is profuse bleeding then the person might go insane and even results in his death.

Parts of the thumb

First phalange of the thumb

If the first phalange of the thumb is very long, then such a person is self-willed while he has less desire to work if the thumb is shorter. Such persons are weak-willed. If the of the thumb is square, the person is clever in legal matters and is respected for his of justice. He is very if the fore part of the thumb is wide. If the forepart of the thumb is extraordinarily long then such a person is a murderer or a dacoit or remain engrossed in anti-social activities.

The Second Phalange of the Thumb

Persons whose second phalange is long, are clever, careful and a take a lead in social activities. They are held in high esteem by the society. If the phalange is short, the person works without any . He works in acts of dangerous magnitude. If this phalange is clumsy, then he is devoid of the power of reasoning. If this phalange is depressed then the person's mind is sharp and sensitive.

Third part of thumb or Place of Venus

The third part of the thumb is not a phalange, instead it the place of Venus. A person who has this part more prominent, elegant with a is well-advanced in love matters. They gain full popularity among friends. They succeed in life and smile under difficulties as well. If the mount of Venus is very protruded, then the person would be sexually immoral. If this part is less prominent or submerged with more than necessary lines then the person would be having a frustrated temperament.

Different types of thumbs

Long Thumb - Such persons are self-willed, self -dependent and control others. In their lives intelligence has more importance and they are called intellectuals, and they are especially interested in mathematics and engineering.

Short Thumb- Such persons do not work with their own mind instead do so at the influence of others. Emotions have prominent place in their lives than intelligence. They take special interest in poetry, painting or music.

Hard Thumb- Such persons ae obstinate and alert. They possess the capacity to keep anything to themselves. They are wanting in emotions in their lives and they mostly work on the strength of intelligence.

Flexible and Supple Thumb- A person with such a thumb is much interested in amassing wealth and is capable of adjusting according to circumstances.

Obtuse-angled thumb- If the thumb makes an obtuse angle with the index finger then it comes under this category. Such thumbs are well-formed, long and thin. They are called gentle thumbs. Persons having such thumbs are gentle and sweet-tempered. They are Artists and Musicians.

Right-angled thumb- These are those thumbs which form a right angle with the index finger. These thumbs are elegant, strong and appear like pillars. Such a person believes in hard work. They are short-tempered but quickly cool off. They stick to their words. The feeling of revenge is very strong in them. Such persons can be neither good friends not good enemies.

Acute- Angled Thumb- Thumbs which make an acute angle at the joint with the index finger come under this category. The length of such thumbs are comparatively smaller and look clumsy. Such thumbs are classed as of evil quality.

Persons with this kind of thumb are frustrated throughout their lives. They are very lazy. They do not complete any work. They remain in bad habits with lavish spending. They are less interested in religion and are more inclined towards ghosts, spirits and the like.

They are always attracted towards the other women in life. Per Hogseth is a highly acclaimed palmist and psychic reader from Norway. To learn more about his teachings, please go to: http://www.powerful-psychic-reading.com ]]> Rules Of The CB Game http://www.artwoo.com/article/rules-of-the-cb-game http://www.artwoo.com/article/rules-of-the-cb-game#comments Fri, 01 Sep 2006 04:27:11 +0000 cb radio serviceradio operationradio transmitterpaging serviceservice ruleoutlinesequipment maintenance http://www.artwoo.com/article/rules-of-the-cb-game CB radio service offers communication within short ranges. However, there are certain rules attached to this service. The rules can be categorized into general, operational, equipment-related and other guiding rules.

General Rules About CB Radio Service

Rule Number 1 denotes the description of CB radio service. It states that the service is meant for short communications for business and personal activities. It can also be utilized for . Rule Number 2 underlines compliance with the prescribed rules. The CB radio service should be carried within the territorial limits set by the regulating agencies and also follow any technical aspects. Rule Number 3 describes the eligibility of a CB radio usage: any individual can operate CB radio unless he is detained by the regulating agency or if the individual is from a foreign country. Rule Number 4 licensing issues--an individual need not have any license to operate a CB, but should follow the rules mentioned under Rule 17.

Operating Rules

Rule Number 5 gives the areas of legal operation. Rule Number 6 states the special restrictions attached to CB . Rule Number 7 lists the operating channels or frequencies, and Rule 12 states the permitted communications. Rule Number 13 talks about illegal communications, Rule Number 14 discusses payment details and Rule Number 15 describes accountability for usage. Rule Number 16 discusses the time factor in transmissions.

Equipment Rules

Rule Number 8 outlines antenna height, while Rule Number 9 discusses equipment requirements. Rule 10 talks about the power output, and Rule Number 11 describes linear amplifier specifications. The and servicing should be in accordance to Rule Number 24. Rule Number 25 underlines the modifications that are permitted to a CB . Other Rules

Rule Number 17 states identification methods. Emergency usage and traveler-assisting services follow Rule Number 18. However, even for these services, one has to comply with Rule Number 16. Rule Number 19 details remote control operations, and rules related to operations using telephone lines are covered in Rule 20. For those individuals not conforming to the rules and regulations, penalties are enforced, per Rule Number 21. Anyone in violation of the agency rules will be served a notice. The correspondence to the notice falls in Rule 22. The agency has the right to issue a notice for signal interference in accordance with Rule Number 23. The governing agency has the right to inspect the CB radio station as well as the equipment--this is under Rule Number 26. And finally, Rule Number 27 makes it mandatory to keep all the necessary records related to CB radio services.

Familiarizing yourself with these rules will give you a more enjoyable, hassle-free CB experience.

Enjoy! http://www.information-finers.com http://www.auto-tips-tools.com ]]> The First Offer Is Usually Your Best Offer http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-first-offer-is-usually-your-best-offer http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-first-offer-is-usually-your-best-offer#comments Mon, 15 Oct 2007 01:30:02 +0000 err on the side of cautionrealtorsrule of thumbprospective buyershome buyersaccepting an offercompetition time http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-first-offer-is-usually-your-best-offer rule of thumb in real estate is that your first offer it usually your best offer. In my experience this is true more times than not. Several times I have had clients send stiff counteroffers back to only to never hear from them again. Then after much more time on the market the buyer ends up for significantly less than was initially proposed.

That first offer may not have been what you were hoping for, but it is a wise seller that considers several factors before responding to that first offer. Think about the season, competition, time on market and your price vs. your recommendation. All of these should be weighed when deciding to accept, reject or counter that first offer.

Your first instinct may be to hold out for a better offer, especially if your home has not been on the market that long or if there is a lot of showing activity. Well that activity declines after the first couple weeks, after that many of the buyers currently looking will have already seen your home. Buyers rush out to see newly listed homes. If it is the best they have seen, they may make an offer. They have been looking for a while and understand the market. They are ready to move on the right home. That offer they make is based off of the other properties they have seen during their search and if you're the seller, they have seen more of the market than you. Compare that initial offer to what your Realtors pricing suggestion was.

After those first few weeks the only showings you will see are from new buyers on the market. They are at the beginning of the search and usually are less motivated to make a quick offer. They also don't have the market familiarity built up and will want to . This will cause offers from them to be lower than a buyer more educated in the market.

The longer your home is on the market the more shop-worn it becomes and the perceived value erodes. Realtors and buyers become less interested in seeing or showing your property. Some will wonder what is wrong with your property that it has not sold. Even if they find nothing wrong, they will be skeptical and offer less so they don't lose money if they need to sell.

There are also the costs associated with holding your property longer. Every month that goes by you have a mortgage payment, insurance payment, taxes and cost of utilities. All these costs add up over time will quickly erode a few thousand dollars difference in the price received.

What this adds up to is you are never in a better position to receive the best price than when your home is fresh on the market. Even if that offer is less than you were hoping for you don't want to be kicking yourself in a few months time for not just taking it. You may just wish you had. That rule of thumb it more true than not. Your first offer is usually your best offer. Visit your ( http://www.bruceswedal.com/ ) Highlands Ranch Realtor providing professional real estate services to the ( http://www.bruceswedal.com/ ) Highlands Ranch market. Serving all the Denver real estate markets. Get access for FREE online Denver Home Search. ]]> Leotard Etiquette -- Should You Be Wearing One? http://www.artwoo.com/article/leotard-etiquette-should-you-be-wearing-one http://www.artwoo.com/article/leotard-etiquette-should-you-be-wearing-one#comments Sun, 02 Jul 2006 08:27:06 +0000 leotardsuperman batmanostracizedtwisted sistersuper heroetiquetteabba http://www.artwoo.com/article/leotard-etiquette-should-you-be-wearing-one etiquette with it. Knowing when it is and is not okay to wear a can mean a lot when it comes to your social standing and self-worth. Wear it at the wrong time and you can be , but wear it at the right time and you will be hailed as a fashion guru. So how do you know when it is okay to wear a leotard? There are some simple rules you can follow.

First in leotard etiquette is that you can wear a leotard if you are appearing on stage. If you are dancing, in a ballet, part of an opera, or doing performance art, you can wear a leotard and you will be fine. If you are a rock star, you can wear a leotard in only a couple of situations: if you are a woman or if you are an 80's hair band lead man (see Poison, , or ). A basic rule of thumb, though, is that if you are on stage performing, you can get away with a leotard.

Secondly, when it comes to leotard etiquette, keep in mind that a leotard is never okay if you are severely overweight or obese. When little is left to the imagination, you can end up painting a picture nobody wants. If you are a man, this goes double as you are put on display at a level that is beyond description. In fact, when the leotard actually debuted in the 19th century on a French trapeze artist, it is said that many came to see the outfit and what it displayed more than the act itself.

Thirdly, leotards are okay if you are a or playing one for Halloween. Superman, Batman, and many other comic book superheroes made the leotard okay. Its sleek tight fit make for a great outfit when fighting crime. No extra fabric to get snagged and nothing to resist wind as you fly or run at the speed of light. If you are going the super hero route, however; you must make sure you wear proper boots and cape to complete the ensemble. Also, superhero leotards should always be worn with bikini briefs over the top. Heroes are modest.

When it comes to leotard etiquette, you have to ask yourself if you should be wearing one. As a piece of clothing that stands out and leaves little to the imagination, you should think long and hard about what you are putting on if the option of a leotard comes up. If you are performing dance, performance art, or hair band music then you are probably okay. Also, if you are a super hero or just trying to play one for a costume party or Halloween, again, you should be okay wearing a leotard. If, though, you are more than a little overweight or not confidence in what you are displaying, a leotard is not okay. A good rule of thumb for leotard etiquette is when in doubt, wear something else or something over it. Jack Peterson has an interest in Sports related topics. To access more information on http://www.findreading.com/category/sports/ or on http://www.findreading.com/2006/06/11/leotard1/, please click on the links. ]]> Cholesterol Information - Medication, Lifestyle And Food http://www.artwoo.com/article/cholesterol-information-medication-lifestyle-and-food http://www.artwoo.com/article/cholesterol-information-medication-lifestyle-and-food#comments Thu, 22 Feb 2007 04:27:09 +0000 effects of high cholesterolcholesterol levelscholesterol numberscholesterol foodscontrol cholesterolcholesterol testgood cholesterol http://www.artwoo.com/article/cholesterol-information-medication-lifestyle-and-food
Pertinent cholesterol information can be divided into two parts: information about you and information about everything else. Your doctor will ask you about your important cholesterol information. Understand your numbers get a and find out how much good and bad cholesterol you have. Your doctor can also tell you whether your numbers are too high or too low. Like so many health problems, smoking has a tendency to make high cholesterol even higher.

Your family's medical history is an important cholesterol information factor. If your blood pressure is high, you may already be feeling the . Some medical conditions, like diabetes, can also raise .

While you may not know the of your relatives, their medical conditions can give your doctor a good starting point and a good idea of your potential health issues. Information about your lifestyle is also important. If your diet is good, your weight is under control and you exercise regularly, you may be doing everything you can. If this is your situation your doctor may recommend medication.

To , you need to know what it is. Many are surprised to find out that cholesterol manufactured in the liver and that it's essential for the body to function at optimal levels. You may be surprised to know that you make it yourself and so your body clearly needs cholesterol in order to function so you don't need to add any to your diet. information includes where to find cholesterol in your food. Because cholesterol comes from your liver, a good rule of thumb is if your food had a liver at some point in time, it contains cholesterol.

That goes for dairy products, too. Cholesterol is found in the fat part of the food. Whole milk contains more cholesterol than non-fat milk. In eggs, the cholesterol is in the yolks. If your food has a nutrition label, look for saturated fat - some if ok but zero grams in best.

Besides meat and dairy, palm and cocoanut oils contain saturated fats. A good rule of thumb regarding cholesterol information is that polyunsaturated fats are not bad for you unless they are hydrogenated. This is done to keep them stable in manufactured foods.

Tip - For more information on cholesterol, check out the links below. Visit http://www.cholesterol-gateway.com or http://www.cholesterol-gateway.com/links.html or http://www.cholesterol-gateway.com/sitemap1.html for more information on cholesterol. ]]> First Date Rules http://www.artwoo.com/article/first-date-rules http://www.artwoo.com/article/first-date-rules#comments Tue, 11 Sep 2007 23:29:59 +0000 contactfirst datethis means thathave never heardrelationshipperfect strangerpublic venue http://www.artwoo.com/article/first-date-rules relationship. The way that we act or talk will influence how long this relationship lasts. In order to make sure that you have a good chance of a lasting relationship there are some rules that you must play by. One such rule is that of the rule.

While you may of this rule it is one that you should adhere to as the success story of your relationship will come into with this rule. The rule is in itself simple but many people have forgotten about it altogether. Therefore let us just see how you come into contact with the first date rule.

In any budding relationship you have two people who are meeting for the first time. Since you are desirous of making this date work you need to plan how to make your date feel comfortable in your presence.

you will need to adhere by the first date rule of choosing a to meet. The requirements for this venue should be one that can be reached and seen with ease. You should also make sure that it is open to the public eye and there are enough lights around to dispel any shadows.

The main reason for this aspect of the first date rule is as you are meeting a they like you will be nervous. To help relieve this show of nerves you can have your date in a place where you are both feeling relaxed.

Another part of the first date rule is that you should plan your date so that it is fun but affordable. This is a necessity as you may need emergency money. The date props that you can use to plan your date, does not need to be in any way expensive.

In a situation like this, the first date rule is that you should look for is that you make the date fun and enjoyable. There are many places where you can have a first date. These can be both inexpensive and hey romantic. For instance a picnic in the park is a good way for you to get to know each other.

You can even plan to spend some time at an amusement park. Here you will find that the atmosphere is filled with laughter. You can go on rides, talk with each other, and discover your likes and dislikes. Additionally you will find lots of delicious food to eat. All in all a great first date venue.

While having a perfect date is not an absolute must in the first date rule book there are times when you will need to make do with what is at hand. The only really important aspect of the first date rule that you need to consider is that you are spending time with someone who could be an important part of your future. http://www.here-you-go.com/getyourexback. Sheila Furley has written on a number of subjects throughout the years, she plans to release some of her articles on the internet, read more of her articles at her website. ]]> Pool Safety http://www.artwoo.com/article/pool-safety http://www.artwoo.com/article/pool-safety#comments Tue, 05 Jun 2007 08:24:52 +0000 pool safetypool toystall poolpool partysafety rulefloatation devicesfence http://www.artwoo.com/article/pool-safety pool safety should be considered year-round, because if you have a pool in your backyard, it is a 24-7 responsibility. Here are some pool s to follow:

Pool Safety Rule #1: Always watch children when they are by or in the pool.



Pool Safety Rule #2: If throwing a , make sure at least one adult is designated to keep a close eye on children at all times.



Pool Safety Rule #3: Teach children to float or swim as soon as possible. Experience, however, is by no means a replacement for supervision.



Pool Safety Rule #4: Make sure the pool is surrounded on all sides by a higher than 5 feet tall.

Pool Safety Rule #5: Make sure the fence as self-closing and has self-latching gates.

Pool Safety Rule #6: Make sure the latches are out of reach of young children.

Pool Safety Rule #7: Do not keep tables or chairs near the fence, this would allow children to climb over it and gain access to the pool.

Pool Safety Rule #8: Keep out of and away from the pool when you are not using them, as they might attract unsupervised children to the pool.

Pool Safety Rule #9: Remove any pool covering completely before allowing anyone to swim.

Pool Safety Rule #10: Do not use as a substitute for supervision.

Pool Safety Rule #11: Learn CPR.

Pool Safety Rule #12: Never leave children unattended by the pool. If the phone or doorbell rings or you have to go inside for any reason, get the children out of the pool.

Pool Safety Rule #13: Keep rescue tools, like a long, light pole and a floatation ring, near the pool. You don't want them to be misplaced so let children know that these tools are not toys. Teach everyone in the family how to use the tools.

Pool Safety Rule #14: Use plasticware by the pool instead of glassware.

Pool Safety Rule #15: Provide "touch supervision" around infants and toddlers. Remain within arms length of them at all times, so they are easily grabbed in an emergency.

Pool Safety Rule #16: Don't swim alone or allow others to swim alone.



Pool Safety Rule #17: Keep CD players, radios, and other electrical devices safely away from the water. Talk to your pool dealer about a ground fault interrupter for added protection in the event of a power surge.



Pool Safety Rule #18: Get out of the pool if you hear thunder.

Move indoors for the duration of the thunderstorm.

Pool Safety Rule #19: Allow swimmers to dive only off the very end of the diving board, not off the sides of the pool. They should always enter feet-first from the side of the pool.



Pool Safety Rule #20: Do not get a false sense of security because you follow all these rules. You should always supervise any swimmers in your pool closely and constantly. Ralph Winn has over 32 years of experience in the security industry. Throughout his career, he has developed cost effective security programs for numerous small, medium, large commercial and government properties and for many nationally known corporations. http://www.homesecuritystore.com ]]> Reef Tank Lighting http://www.artwoo.com/article/reef-tank-lighting http://www.artwoo.com/article/reef-tank-lighting#comments Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:19:59 +0000 reef tank lightingreef aquaristreef inhabitantslighting intensityprocess of photosynthesislighting methodsthumb rule http://www.artwoo.com/article/reef-tank-lighting Reef Tank lighting is one of the most important aspects of reef keeping and undoubtedly the most discussed debated and disagreed about too!

Proper is essential for the corals to carry out the , the process through which they create energy needed to survive and grow. Whatever the approach or equipment be, the ultimate goal of al is to provide photoperiod, intensity and proper spectrum for your to flourish and thrive easily.

The commonly used phrase, "watts per gallon," is a way of expressing the lighting necessary for a tank by the ratio of the power used to illuminate the tank divided by the tank size in gallons. Many hobbyists suggest that an adequate amount of light would vary between four watts and six watts per gallon for low light coral and as much as ten watts per gallon (or more) for light loving coral. While such a rule of thumb may initially sound like a good idea, it should only be used as a rough guideline and not as a strict rule. Obviously, such a loose rule is misleading, and aquarists need to consider more than just "watts per gallon." Specifically, they must take into account the height and overall size of the tank.

Lighting in the parlance is generally expresses in "Watts per gallon". A suggested by many says that light should vary between four to six watts per gallon low light coral and about 10 watts for corals with high light intensity needs. But this is not a hardcore researched rule and should only be used as a rough estimate. There are other factors like the overall height and depth of the tank before making a choice.

A very innovative method of using a multi-light system with timers or controllers to vary the number of lights on at any given time is probably the most effective one. In this system usually one bulb remains on for an hour, then all the bulbs for 10 hours and then just one is left on for next hour. This method actually simulates the sun passing over. This is as close one can get to re create the natural lighting mechanism of the sun.

There is no doubt that steady advances made in the light manufacturing industry have made these equipments better and better and more efficient.

The solution for your reef tank can vary in price from inexpensive to very expensive. What suits you depends upon the kind of life you want in your tank.

Two primary lighting equipments available in the market and widely used are Fluorescents and Metal Halides (MH).

There are several variants of Fluorescents. These are the least expensive or rather value for money choice and are suitable for practically all light choices. These are relatively cool (literally speaking, not metaphorically!). And generally they last for many months before requiring replacement. Examples of different fluorescents are: Normal Output (NO), High Output (HO), very High Output (VHO), Power Compacts (PC) and T5's.

Among all the variants in fluorescents you can call Power Compacts a next generation fluorescent bulb. They have a modern twin tube design, basically a fluorescent tube that is bent in half. Therefore much greater light intensity is produced than other standard fluorescent variants. The fluorescent tubes are available from 10 to 130 watts and can last up to a year to two.

You should opt for a fluorescent if your reef tank is not very deep. There are some corals like SPS corals for which the light intensity of fluorescent is not enough. So keep these points in mind while thinking of a fluorescent.

The other popular option is the Metal Halides. There are different parameters to be considered here too. They are the most intense of all available lighting systems. If you have a tank which is deeper than 20 inches, this is what you may consider to buy, as halides have greater capacity to penetrate to depths beyond 20 inches. Apart from the utility they beautify your tank also by producing sparkling glitter lines. So if you want to have a successful reef, know your tank and corals well and then make an informed choice. Only then `Let there be Light'! When Looking to buy live coral there is only one source online: http://www.buylivecoral.com ]]> How To Buy A Dvd That You And Your Kids/ Children Will Like!!! http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-buy-a-dvd-that-you-and-your-kids-children-will-like http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-buy-a-dvd-that-you-and-your-kids-children-will-like#comments Wed, 30 May 2007 19:29:51 +0000 emailk martcheap dvdswal martblockbusterpg 13disappoint http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-buy-a-dvd-that-you-and-your-kids-children-will-like
When you are buying a DVD there are three things to consider. The first thing is content. Is the content of the DVD appropriate? You want to make sure that the DVD does not contain material that you would not your child to see and hear. Check the ratings on the DVD, as a rule DVDs that are not rated G, PG, or PG-13 are not suitable for kids.

Hold on though, even a rating might be a little heavy for your child. So check out a good movie review web site like

Kidsmoviestowatch.com .

The website reviews movies in the theaters and on DVDs and flags them if they are inappropriate for children. You can even them to learn their opinion on an older DVD that you want to buy. They even have a recommended list of DVDs that are kid safe and fun to watch.

The second thing to consider when buying a DVD is whether or not your child will like the DVD. The rule of thumb is to stick with brand name, new releases in the format that your child likes. For example if your child likes to watch computer animated movies then purchase the latest Disney/Pixar DVD. If your child likes to watch cartoons, then get the latest Scooby =96 Doo mystery DVD. When in doubt go with the big names, they are less likely to .

The third thing to consider is where to buy the DVD. This depends on how soon you want the DVD. If you have some time to spare then I would suggest you order the DVD online.

Kidsmoviestowatch.com not only provides reviews but the ads on the web pages have some very good links where you can buy , so definitely explore this option.

If you need the DVD very quickly then head to your local , Wal-Mart or . I like Blockbuster because they sell used DVDs with a guarantee. If the DVD doesn't play then bring it back and they will exchange it.

So there you have it the three step process to buying a DVD that you and your kids will enjoy.

Owen

Kidsmoviestowatch.com Owen http://Kidsmoviestowatch.com ]]> Tent Size Considerations http://www.artwoo.com/article/tent-size-considerations http://www.artwoo.com/article/tent-size-considerations#comments Sun, 23 Jul 2006 12:27:07 +0000 pup tentinclement weatherpup tentsdefinitelyweather conditionshttpcamping store http://www.artwoo.com/article/tent-size-considerations
In prior articles we discussed how to pick a tent based on what you are planning to camp in. Now we will discuss how to choose the correct size.

The first rule of thumb is never to buy a tent that you can't get into, walk around in, lie down in and stand up in. In other words find a where the tents are set up.

Now consider how many adults and children will be sleeping in the tent. Will you be using sleeping bags and/or air mattresses? How much gear are you planning to take and stow in the tent? When you visit the store take your sleeping bag with you, or borrow one from the store. Lay it out on the floor in the tent. Now, consider three or four more, depending on the size of your group. How much room is left?

Most seasoned campers will tell you to take the manufacturers recommended number of people a tent will accommodate and divide it by two. If a manufacturer says a tent will accommodate 4 people, it's really 2. Most two men s are not comfortable for two large adults and are not comfortable for two adults and their gear. Also remember if it rains all your gear will need to go into the tent along with you.

A small tent where there is no head room, such as a pup tent may be fine for some campers, but definitely not those that camp with children.

If you are going to have children camping with you another consideration is that in case of you may have your children in your tent longer than you expected. This can definitely lead to some over crowding and short fuses. When you go out to look at tents remember this rule - at least 30 square feet per person is what you want to look for, perhaps even more if you have children. That way they can have a quiet corner to entertain themselves with board games in case of inclement weather. To learn more about tents please visit http://www.tentsusa.info ]]> Home Theatre Designs Should Follow A Pattern http://www.artwoo.com/article/home-theatre-designs-should-follow-a-pattern http://www.artwoo.com/article/home-theatre-designs-should-follow-a-pattern#comments Thu, 03 May 2007 21:24:59 +0000 rule of thumbdictatethings to considergiant screenpersonal preferencescreen televisioneven personal http://www.artwoo.com/article/home-theatre-designs-should-follow-a-pattern personal preference are key when putting together a design.

When putting together home theatre designs, there are several major . These include:

Room size: Having the dimensions of the room where home theatre designs will be brought into play is important for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the size will the screen that can be used. A in a room that's 10-feet-by-10-feet won't likely look very good. In fact, the quality might be degraded since seating will be almost on top of the screen. A general to follow is the larger the room, the larger the screen can be to provide optimum seating for viewing.

Screen size: As has been already stated, the room size and the screen size are fundamentally married in creating home theatre designs. This is so for a number of reasons. Take a look at a big screen or even projection up close and the method behind the madness will be evident. Just make sure the screen size fits the room and provides for good viewing angles from every seat in it, or just about.

Seating: Seating, too, is a big concern for those looking at home theatre designs. Comfort is absolutely important, but so too is placement. A large room with a large screen won't work if the seats have to be placed right on top of the screen. Make sure when looking at seating that it fits the room and can be adjusted to work well for viewing. A good rule of thumb is to have the seating back as far as possible from the screen to ensure that every inch of it can be viewed with ease. There are formulas for this based on the screen size, but individual's eyesight might dictate some variations. All that really matters is that viewers are happy with the seating and the views.

Sound: Most home theatre designs include a surround sound system of some sort. It doesn't matter whether that system is a $5,000 top of the line creation or a budget $300 package, setting it up right will be important. Make sure directions are followed to the letter to ensure the sound quality is the best it can be. Even a less expensive sound system can sound fantastic when the speakers are placed where they are meant to go.

Putting together home theatre designs can be a fun undertaking, but there is a set pattern to how furniture, the screen and even the sound system should be set up. There are pretty precise formulas for these listed generally on manufacturer instructions. When these are followed to the letter, it's very easy to make adjustments to fit anyone's personal needs. http://www.hometheatrefun.com brings you the latest on the home theatre. Home theatre's are very popular, and we want to bring you the most up to date information online! Be sure to check out our latest information page on home theatre designs. ]]> Want To Buy Fossils Wisely? http://www.artwoo.com/article/want-to-buy-fossils-wisely http://www.artwoo.com/article/want-to-buy-fossils-wisely#comments Thu, 26 Oct 2006 00:27:04 +0000 fossilsfossil shark teethammonitestrilobitesknowledgeableorthocerasfossil shop http://www.artwoo.com/article/want-to-buy-fossils-wisely fossils to create or add to your collection it is advantageous to have some information about the fossils you want and the dealers you are buying from.

Don't Pay Too Much! You can find fossils at all sorts of gift shops, rock shops, and nature stores. But here's the hitch: BE CAREFUL! The one-of-a-kind nature of fossils sometimes has a price tag--a BIG price tag! You need to know whether your fossil purveyor is reputable and , but most importantly, YOU need to know if they are overcharging you!

A Shopping Trip Brings A Shopping Tip We found ourselves in a jewelry store that sold a very popular and pricey kind of ammonite to be made into jewelry. These truly are EXPENSIVE! But right alongside the expensive Canadian ammonites, were ammonites from Madagascar. These small ammonites are also very beautiful and unique...but not worth the $300 price tags that they were sporting. In fact, a fair price for them would have been between $50 and $100. This is not the kind of place to buy fossils.

Rule Of Thumb Price Guide When I go into a new to buy fossils I start by looking for 2 or three very common fossils, that I am familiar with and have seen for sale in many places. , ammonites, , and sometimes are what I look for. Now there is a great range in quality, size, prices, and rarity for these fossils like any other. What I am hunting are commercial grade, inexpensive, and very common. When I find one or more of these I compare prices with my memory bank of other stores prices for similar specimens. My memory is not what it once was but even I can get a feel for prices on two or three fossils.

The rest is easy; the store fits into 1 of 3 categories:

They are overpriced, and I won't buy fossils here.

The prices are fair. If I see something I really like I may buy it.

The prices are great. I'll probably buy fossils here.

Remember, When you buy fossils, price alone does not a bargain make. The quality, size, and variety have to be similar to make this rule of thumb work.

Interview The Shop Owner That sounds kind of formal doesn't it. This is really an informal process. Just talk to the owner of the shop. Why are they in this business? Often you will find that they have a geology or palentology background. This is a good sign, though there are lots of good dealers out there with no formal training. A passion for fossils, rocks, or earth science is the key component to a good dealer. How long have they been in business? Do they stand behind their sales and sales claims?

The bigger the price tag the more you need to know about your dealer. Some fossil pieces cost thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. This is a major investment! Do some research. Claudia Mann is a teacher, and a contributor to http://www.fossils-facts-and-finds.com . Claudia and her husband own http://www.fossilicious.com a place where you can find a unique gift ideas, classroom fossils, or something special for yourself. ]]> Best Ways To Lose Weight http://www.artwoo.com/article/best-ways-to-lose-weight http://www.artwoo.com/article/best-ways-to-lose-weight#comments Sun, 16 Jul 2006 22:27:11 +0000 weight loss dietslim fast dietweight loss diet planmediterranean dietlemonade dietbalanced diethealthy weight loss http://www.artwoo.com/article/best-ways-to-lose-weight weight loss diet plan that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products and whole grains, alongside drinking a lot of water, at least 8-10 glasses a day.

Overweight can cause a lot of troubles to one personally alongside other health related issues. Studies have shown that overweight invariably leads to health issues such as hypertension, cardiac troubles, sleep apnea and diabetes. Further, being obese could hamper one's freedom to move, run, or sit comfortably in a standard chair. The only way out of this mess is to shed those extra pounds around your waist by embracing some healthy and follow it religiously. In the following paragraphs, you'll see few important tips that could help one effectively reduce his/her weight to healthier proportions.

Every diet plan proposed by dieticians and nutritionists starts with a simple suggestion - reduce the food intake to the optimum amount. But it is the most difficult of the things to implement and it will take a lot of mental effort from your side to tune your mind to say NO to victuals.

Reducing the food all in a sudden could adversely affect one's health. Hence reduction in food intake also means adopting a healthier and schedule. As a rule of thumb, embrace a healthy weight loss diet plan that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products and whole grains, alongside drinking lots of water, at least 8-10 glasses a day. It would be prudent to chart a healthy weight loss diet plan for oneself than following text book quick weight loss programs such as , Hollywood diet, or .

And finally, backup your efforts with a strict fitness regime to burn away those extra calories from the body. Make it a practice to spend 30 min in the gym daily. A short stroll in the garden or in the street in the evening is also is advisable.

To conclude, whichever healthy weight loss diet plan you choose, it will be hard work overall -- both physical and mental -- to shed those extra kilos you have gained over the years by hard eating. But the end result is worth all the efforts put in. And that will be a test of your mental resolve as well. We have made the most comprehensive research on diets. Find the results only on http://www.911dietplans.com . Find all about diets on http://www.911dietplans.com . ]]> Affiliate Tracking Options: Diy Or Affiliate Manager? http://www.artwoo.com/article/affiliate-tracking-options-diy-or-affiliate-manager http://www.artwoo.com/article/affiliate-tracking-options-diy-or-affiliate-manager#comments Sat, 15 Sep 2007 18:20:01 +0000 affiliate managerinternet marketing servicessales volumerule of thumbaffiliate programnick80 20 rule http://www.artwoo.com/article/affiliate-tracking-options-diy-or-affiliate-manager affiliate program for you then you could have some out of pocket expenses, which could get expensive if you don't have any affiliates or if you go a long time with only a few affiliates who are producing anything for you.

A good is only spend money when you can justify the expense. In other words, when you first start your affiliate program try doing it yourself for awhile then hire a manager when you have at least one affiliate who is producing enough sales for you to justify hiring a manager. A good will cost you 15%-20% of your total affiliate volume, but some managers charge a flat fee in addition to a percentage of the volume and that's where you could have some unnecessary expenses.

You may have heard of the 80/20 rule. It is a reasonable expectation that 20% of your affiliates will produce 80% of your . In other words, you will likely have to get 5 affiliates before you find one that really does much for you. Even then, he will likely only produce 80% of your total volume, so if your total average monthly sales volume from your 5 affiliates is $100 then probably $80 of that is coming from one affiliate. That's not a whole lot of business. That's probably where you want to be before you start shelling out $15-$30 per month on an affiliate manager. At any rate, whatever your monthly cost for an affiliate manager, you want at least that much coming in the door from your affiliate sales before you turn over management to a manager. Stamoulis and experts at Brick Marketing provide companies with . Nick Stamoulis writes daily in his blog the Search Engine Optimization Journal. Call 877-295-0620 or visit: http://www.brickmarketing.com ]]> The Curse Of The Easy A http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-curse-of-the-easy-a http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-curse-of-the-easy-a#comments Mon, 10 Apr 2006 14:11:35 +0000 music classroommusic theoryreal musicmusic educatorscurrent musicentitlement programsrule of thumb http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-curse-of-the-easy-a music educators grew up in a time when being in an ensemble was solely about playing the music for the next concert. I personally cannot recall ever doing a worksheet or any real work while in high school. It seemed that all I had to do to get an "A" was come to my lessons, play at the concerts, and otherwise stay out of trouble. Outside practice was expected but not enforced. I did not realize until many years later that this method of teaching had set me up for years of mediocrity and frustration.

The primary effect of giving a student an A for doing very little work produces much the same effect that we see in society where people become dependent on . Being given something for nothing slowly undermines a person's motivation and softens their personal initiative. In the this translates into producing a stagnant musician that has no driving force to improve his or her musical abilities. For many years I suffered with wondering why the members of my ensemble wasn't improving the way I felt they should. Finally I concluded that it was my fault for not pushing them hard enough. I had fallen back into my mentor's footsteps and had been cranking out the easy A's to my students regardless of what they truly deserved.

The grading that is used in other classes should also be used in the music classroom. This rule of thumb states that an A is to be reserved for excellent work while a C is given for work that is simply average. If you were to take this rule and apply it to your students, would they get the same grade that you gave them on their last report card? How did they come to earn the A that they received? Was it simply for showing up to class or was there real, verifiable learning going on?

The day that I realized my mistake and started requiring more work from my students the ensemble seemed to blossom almost overnight. I began requiring two hours of home practice each week, weekly theory worksheets, and mandatory private lessons or group sectionals. By the next concert I was already seeing a difference. By the end of the third quarter the new scale memorization requirements I threw in had turned my jazz and pep bands into the best groups that I had ever conducted. The attitudes of my students also changed. They realized that they were improving and that their hard work was indeed paying off. This in turn made them more interested in performing and made them want to practice even more.

Perhaps most important of all, requiring more of my students also required more of myself as a teacher. I started reading educational journals again, determined to improve myself as a conductor and as a teacher. I started writing about my experiences to help other people improve and learn from my mistakes. These simple things breathed new life into a career that was on the verge of being consumed by apathy. I love teaching again, and it is all because I finally broke free from the bonds of being a mediocre band director. If you care for your students and want them to come to love and appreciate music as much as you do, never again give away an easy A. About The Author: Chad Criswell is an accomplished Iowa music educator. He hosts a web site dedicated specifically to music education topics of interest to students, parents, and teachers located at http://www.musicedmagic.com.. He is also the music appreciation editor for the information site http://Suite101.com located at http://musicappreciation.suite101.com.. ]]> What Makes For Ethical Search Engine Optimization Tactics? http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-makes-for-ethical-search-engine-optimization-tactics http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-makes-for-ethical-search-engine-optimization-tactics#comments Wed, 20 Sep 2006 06:27:05 +0000 search engine optimizationgoogle search resultssearch engine optimizerssearch enginesseo expertsunethicaldictionary http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-makes-for-ethical-search-engine-optimization-tactics search engine optimization industry (a.k.a. SEO industry) very long, you've probably heard the debate on ethical SEO tactics. Or, as it is often put, white hat tactics versus black hat tactics.

What exactly makes a search engine optimization tactic ethical or ? According to the , an ethical practice is one "conforming to accepted standards of social or professional behavior". For search engine optimization, I believe that we should get at least some of the "accepted standards" from the themselves.

Some would interject that the search engines don't want to exist at all, so if we ask the search engines, all search engine optimization is unethical. That's not true, though. Google itself says that "Many SEOs provide useful services for website owners...However, a few unethical SEOs have given the industry a black eye."

So...what makes an unethical SEO? Once again, Google has an opinion on the subject: "Avoid tricks ...to improve search engine rankings. A good rule of thumb is whether you'd feel comfortable explaining what you've done to a website that competes with you."

Perhaps a better way to put it would be this: You've gotten a phone call from Sam, who is a quality enforcement officer. He says: "John, I see that you are ranked #1 on the keyword xyz. I want to be sure that you did this in an ethical manner. What methods did you use?" If you feel comfortable telling Google how you got top ranked, then you're probably OK.

Of course, those are only general guidelines. Read the Google and Yahoo webmaster guidelines. You'll find many specifics. You'll also find that the golden rule of of ethical search engine optimization is: "Don't do anything to trick the search engines, or to represent your pages differently to the search engines than you do your human visitors." Visit the David Williams Corporation for your Ethical Search Engine Optimization needs! http://www.davidwilliamsonline.com/ ]]> How To Shop For A Bowling Ball http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-shop-for-a-bowling-ball http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-shop-for-a-bowling-ball#comments Wed, 13 Jun 2007 09:24:56 +0000 bowling ballpersonal bowlingreactive resinballsquandaryfrictionserious shopping http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-shop-for-a-bowling-ball bowling ball of their own.

Getting a ball is a great idea for league players and even casual enthusiasts who play a bit more than once in a while. Shopping for a ball can present a bit of , however. Here's what to consider in a bowling ball:

* Budget. can get rather expensive. It's not a bad idea to set a budget before doing some . Very inexpensive balls can roll in at about $50, but professional grade ones will cost in the hundreds or more. It is possible to find good buys on all types of balls by shopping around and even considering used or form lane balls, but many prefer to have their very own, brand new ball.

* Ball type. A bowling ball can have different surface material. This material will help determine its performance when the ball hits the lane. The better the ball, generally, the more it provides. This gives a player more control over the ball as it makes its way down a slick lane. The different surfaces include plastic, urethane, and particle, or pro-active. Plastic, or polyester, is generally the most affordable and provides the least amount of friction.

This ball is considered a beginner's tool. The urethane bowling ball offers a little more control at a slightly higher price. The reactive resin bowling ball provides more hook possibility and power than the other two options. The pro-active ball is considered more of a tournament player's weapon. It offers the most friction and the best reaction in oil. This type of ball is generally the most expensive.

* Weight. This is another very important consideration. The standard rule of thumb is to find a ball that is roughly about 10 percent of a person's own body weight. Some people might feel more comfortable with a ball that is slightly lighter or heavier, however.

Before taking the plunge and buying a bowling ball, it's not a bad idea to play with several different weights to see what feels the best. The results on the lane are the most important consideration here, even above the standard rule of thumb.

* Color, style. The appearance of the ball might not be the most important consideration for game play, but it can be for morale. Find a ball that not only fits budget and design choice, but all appearance choice for a truly ideal purchase. Balls come in a variety of colors and styles. Basic black is not the only option by a long shot.

Buying a personal bowling ball can be a great investment for someone who likes to roll a lot. Rather than having to adjust to a different ball every game, this investment puts power in a player's hands. Get all the latest in bowling know how from the one and only true source at http://www.bowlingquestions.com

Be sure to check our our bowling ball page. ]]>