All Entertainment OK

You’ll probably get away with most of these casino “taboos”, but that doesn’t mean you should. A casino environment posts very few social regulations, however, that doesn’t mean you should go your own way. For those gamblers who need to see it in print, here’s what you should do:

#1 If You’re Winning… Tip the Dealer. Those hard-working pit employees usually only make minimum wage from the casino- and the rest comes from your tips. There is no set amount you should tip, because that would vary from session to session, place to place. Let’s just say that a tip of 5 to 15% is not out of bounds. But if you’re one of these people who try to get even from a losing session 3 years ago by short-changing dealer tips… As my dog, Remy, would say “Grrrrr.”

#2 Take The Dealer’s Advice. How many times have I seen people playing BJ: ask the dealer for advice; then go the other way and do the exact opposite. If you remember that a dealer makes a living on YOUR TIPS, you’ll be less inclined to think he is trying to give you the bum steer. You asked… so pay attention and do what he/she tells you.

#3 Take A Break. You’ve been losing pretty steady all night. I think it’s very OK for you to suck down some Martini’s and give gambling a rest. Why push it? Gambling has a way of ebbing and flowing. If you stand back, conserve your bankroll, and watch the sights, you’ll have more fun and last much longer.

#4 Don’t Gamble Right Away. You took a three-part flight from Tampa to Vegas. You’ve been jet-lagged into a mental stupor. You can barely answer the desk clerk’s questions at check in, but by god, you exclaim, “I’m ready to gamble!” No… you’re ready to catch some sleep. Obey Mother Nature. Let the gambling wait until you can count to 21 without making mistakes.

#5 Smile Once In Awhile. I know you’re losing. Welcome to the club. But why let that fact keep you from having a good time? There are plenty of great people working in a casino, so treat them with respect and smile once in awhile. I remember a woman who worked the cashier’s cage at The Beau Rivage in Biloxi, MS. While cashing a few dollars, I struck up a friendly conversation with her. It became the high point of my trip. This lady was such a treat! (Thanks, Chris!) I wiped the scowl off my face and tried to communicate, and surprise, you would be amazed how that was appreciated on their side, too.

#6 If You Don’t Understand… Ask Questions. Nobody is born knowing the odds in Craps, or the best way to double-down in Blackjack. Since the dealers know you don’t know- stop posturing as if you’re James Bond at the Baccarat table. Floor managers and dealers are very willing to help you understand the games they run. Only when it’s a busy Saturday night will they sometimes (understandably) want you to “get on with it.” If you find yourself unable to understand, don’t play. Period.

#7 Don’t Hog The Machines. It’s a busy night in the casino. You’re looking for the Red, White and Blue dollar machine, and finally, after zigzagging all over the place you find it. Unfortunately, some lazy, somewhat eccentric person insists on playing three machines at a time. You’ve been given the evil eye to “stay away.” All I can say to that person is “Pig! Have some respect and let other’s play, too!” Play one machine at a time, and then move on if the mood strikes you, but try not to stake out a whole row, OK?

And remember, there is a special place in Gambler Hell reserved for anybody breaking these casino taboos.

Jake Earl is a staff writer for

The Toronto International Film Festival was slated to be very serious and political this year. That’s because of the many features that were related to terrorism or politics in some way. The anticipation of what was to be seen in Toronto was little more than solemn features about sober topics. In fact, over the course of 10 days there were close to 300 features being presented. What resulted from this is each festival attendee could create the features to be seen. Tailoring the festival to one’s likes and hunches. One way people chose to add some humor to their film festival was to include a mockumentary on their things to see list.

Everyone was clambering to see a British-American mockumentary that was certainly political, yet it was not one like Death of a President. Instead, it was Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan.

The result was that many festival goers laughed themselves silly when they had anticipated nothing of the sort. You may know about Borat or Ali G from HBO, or perhaps you have never heard of him. But, the Borat movie will be out on November 3 of this year and it is likely to cause a stir bigger than it did in Toronto. So, you might want to get on the boat and watch some Borat video clips or even the Borat video trailer to get a little insight.

The easiest way find the Borat movie trailer is to simply search your favorite search engines. It is readily available on quite a few sites so you should have no problem finding it. Also, be prepared for what you will see. The Borat movie has been claimed to be wildly hysterical so prepare yourself! Of course, you might prefer to watch Borat videos or Borat video clips from Da Ali G Show. This will prepare you for the movie in some ways because you will familiarize yourself with Borat and can see how funny he is.

In fact, if you like the videos you see you can even buy copies of Da Ali G show on DVD. That way you can enjoy them at any time of the day or night. The comedy of Borat, Ali G, and Bruno are outstanding and you will find yourself breathless from laughing so hard.

If you are not already a fan of Ali G and Borat then you will be as soon as you see some of the Borat videos. Just check them out and you will be hooked. He really is that funny.

You may want to prepare yourself for the

As a former talent booking agent with the William Morris Agency, I am always amazed at either the scope and talent of an artist’s business team or the why and how an artist exists within the mediocre framework which they are operating from. And believe me, I’ve seen plenty of both. It would seem that many managers fall into these positions, like in many fields, not out of genuine talent or know-how, but by mere presence alone – They were friends of the artist or a brother to one of the members of the act and so forth. If a manager, important at every turn of an artist’s career, is so important, than what exactly is it that makes up a good manager or booking agent?

Most everyone thinks of contacts. No doubt that contacts are important in this business. The thinking is – “Just as long as they act like they know what they are doing and talk a big game dropping some names along the way,” than they must “know” what they are doing and they can get the job done – Or can they?

Many a talented and well-known manager today got into the field, yes, because they knew an individual in the act, but the big difference in their particular operating style, is that they had drive and authenticity and still do today. They got the job done, and still do, because they were approachable, authentic, and had the vision to see the end result. Many a manager today just drools all over the potential end result without the authenticity and approachability that is needed to maintain crucial and vital career lifelines along the way. Artist career pathways are much like a product off the grocery store shelves – There’s a product life expectancy, and the marketing exec’s and everyone else know this. Same in the music industry with a few exceptions as there are in any business.

While we’re addressing artist management, have you ever asked yourself the question – “What makes up a good artist manager? or Who can truly get the job done for me?” Another way to say it is, “I want a record deal with some industry success and who can take me there?” While obviously not guaranteed, and any authentic and honest manager will tell you this, that not every deserving and incredibly talented individual or act makes it – And we’re not talking to the top, but even to the small break or single CD release. This hit or miss approach has frustrated many a well-intentioned artist along the way.
Let’s take a closer look at what is helpful and what might give you some clues to what a potential manager looks like and what he or she can and should be doing to get the job done.

As already mentioned, some immediate traits that you should recognize when talking with potential artist managers are authentic, honest, approachable, creative, thinking of your absolute best and not their interests, qualities. And these qualities ought to exude from who they are and not a put-on, or faked front. Great managers never promise, but deliver. Don’t over-hype, but convey your act in such a way that labels, booking agents and others in the industry just “Have to be involved in the project.” The bearer of the news commands respect and a listening too, because they are at a minimum seen as an individual with scruples, morals and with solid belief in the act. Great managers deliver on what they perceive as genuine and alleged talent and not a musical whim or fleeting musical industry fad. So if you are to find a great manager you to will have to be honest, approachable, think from their perspective of how difficult their job is and appreciate that, and deliver your artist pitch with a non “artsy fartsy” mentality. You’d be surprised at how many “What’s up dude” artists are out there. You want a professional manager than you’d better come across as a professional and well-intentioned act.

Let’s talk a moment about booking agents and the qualities that you will be looking for. I have written an article, The Talent Agent Inside, that you might find interesting and can be found at www.reelmusician.com/reelmusician_026.htm. While that article addresses your own ability to book your act and take up your cause, I will finish the remainder of this article on finding and securing the “right” booking agent for representation. The talent agent like the artist manager is not always easy to spot or find. Many a booking agent will sell you a bag of goods on what they can do and then really never get around to doing it. Your artist manager, if you have one, will be working on this as well, but you should be talking, making phone calls, and emailing potential agents and individuals who can steer you in the right direction.

In short, you need to find an agent who really believes in your act, who can either book you into appropriate venues as a solo act, or book you as an opening act for headliners. Yes, I’m sure you already knew that, but let’s go a step further. Finding these agents is not an easy task. As an agent do you really want to spend your time, your dollar on the phone and mailing out press kits on no-name acts with little in return? You look at all of the acts out there who want to be booked, but don’t want to help out with any costs associated with the basic costs of doing business as a “baby act.” It’s just expected that, especially with the smaller booking agencies, that the agencies will absorb the costs. That being the case, agents and mangers have to deeply protect who they represent and who they pump valuable time and resources into – Somewhere along the way there has to be something or someone who pays the phone, postage, etc.

Try to look at your securing an agent from that perspective and your insight will greatly increase along with your ability to secure an agent. Volumes more could be written on this subject, but for the sake of time, and from the reality that you’ve got more to start working with, with just the last paragraph alone to get you moving, that we will leave it here and pick up in a future article. Just be aware of not only the “big” talkers in the industry, but the individuals who are working hard, but need something to work with as well. Understanding their issues and frustrations will go a long ways in your ability to secure a manger or booking agent. A good talent agent is worth their weight in gold. Before you set off looking for an agent, put yourself in their shoes and ask yourself, how am I going to make money with this act? How much of my time and energy is going to be purged with little to no financial results? Figuring out an angle whereby you can help the agent out will not only tell them that you care, but that you’re on the ball and that you won’t have your hand out the entire time. You do your part and in time someone will come along and take the necessary risk on your talent.

Tom Gauger is a former talent booking agent with the William Morris Agency. This author may be contacted at 615-300-5030 or mailto:tgauger@reelmusician.com tgauger@reelmusician.com. As a singer Mr Gauger can be heard on Fox TV, UPN TV Station ID’s, O’Charley’s and many others. Mr Gauger is also a writer on the song Who To Love slotted for upcoming telecast on the Emmy award winning soap The Guiding Light. Artists Managers and Booking Agents – copyright 2006 by Tom Gauger.

Timmy was standing on the sidewalk holding his father’s hand when out yonder - maybe half a block - a commotion caught his tweenaged attention. Escorted by a parade of police cruisers and motorcycles, the parsimonious but patriotic protesting beavers had come out of the their ponds and taken their grievances to the streets.

“CANADA IS OURS!” read the caption held by one beaver. “We have been used for too long by Canada and we won’t stand for it anymore” explained the head patriarch beaver. “We built every damn dam in this country!”

“Oh daddy, why are the beevies doing this? Don’t they know their place?”

“Well, son. Sometimes all things must come to an end and it looks like the beevies have had enough.”

Beaver Nation alienation had been growing for some time. Its roots could be found as early as the 1970s when Canada engaged in compassionate social engineering.

The muddled marchers stopped right in front of Timmy as he looked on with a mixture of horror and interest. A hoary beaver stood on a few others and began to shout into a megaphone.

“For hundreds of years we were an integral part of the Canadian economy. The Coureur de Bois and The Bay became millionaires off our pelts. No more. The Beaver Boat Units are mobilizing and preparing to attack!”

“Attack?” Timmy cried to his father.

“Who are they going to attack, daddy?”

“Oh come now son. They’re beavers. They ain’t going to attack anybody.”

Meanwhile, back in oblivious Ottawa where obfuscation was the norm, Canadian officials remained defiant if not in downright denial. Timmy and his pimpled-faced pompous papa watched from a television in window.

A spokesperson for Defense (defense is used lightly here) Canada, Normie-Gordie Burntstrudel tried to reassure the nation. “This is Canada. Everybody loves us as we love ourselves. We are a peacecreating, peacekeeping, peacegiving, peaceeverything country” When pressed if the Canadian military is prepared in the event of the attack he continued with a confident smile “If we are attacked, which is asinine, we are appropriately ready.”

One reporter asked how appropriately ready they were Mr. Burntstrudel answered, “All of Canada will unite and defeat the uprising to preserve our unique existence. We’ve also put in a call to the Inuit. A kayak unit is ready to be dispatched and if dispersed shortly the estimated distance means they will be here in four or five days.” When asked if Québec will take part in the defense of Canada all he would comment is, “they are decidedly distinct and thus have distinct choices to make regarding their well-earned distinct territory.”

“Paw-paw. I do not understand. I thought Canada was perfect! Will I have to go to beaver school as well as learn French and various Native tongues?”

“Maybe so, son. Maybe, so. It’s the Canadian way,” Timmy’s father responded in a proud tone.

None of this surprised the beavers. “Canada always has its head up its ass. We’re forewarning them and they still won’t budge. They will see our anger is real and our wrath swift and lethal.” Even the Québec division is ready. They don’t speak English too well but we are united in our cause.”

Anger on what has become known as the ‘Canadian street’ is mounting. The average Canadian is outraged at the thought of even putting one lousy loonie into the listless military in defense of this country. “We need to put it in more important places. Like public health,” screamed one person. Another quipped, “What does beaver meat taste like? Is their fur, like, still popular in Europe?”

Timmy squeezed his paw’s hand as they turned and walked away. Unsure of their future they figured they may as well forgo Canada and head for the USA.

moonzuppa.blogspot.com moonzuppa.blogspot.com

1)When an FBI agent talks about “OC,” what does it mean?

a.Ocean City

b.Organized Crime

c.Oscar Carmine

d.Other Criminals

2)What does “Va fa Napole!” mean in Soprano-speak?

a.“Go to hell!”

b.“I love you!”

c.“Watch out, cops!”

d.“Shut up!”

3)Which “retirement community” Livia Soprano is checked into?

a.Green Acres

b.Green Haven

c.Green Paradise

d.Green Grove

4)Which part of Italy most Sopranos come from?

a.Rome

b.Tuscany

c.Naples

d.Sicily

5)What is the name of Soprano’s pork store?

a.Pork ‘N Beef

b.Bueno Mariale

c.Tony’s Butchery

d.Satriale’s

6)What is the last name of Herman “Hesh”?

a.Rabbilovsky

b.Rabkin

c.Ramstein

d.Rookheim

7)What is Carmela’s maiden name?

a.DeAngelis

b.Tipiari

c.Coromio

d.Sintialis

8)What was Tony’s father’s nick name?

a.Baby Johnny

b.Sympathico

c.Johnny Artista

d.Johnny Boy

9)Which town in Italy do Tony’s ancestors come from?

a.Torino

b.Avellino

c.Corleon

d.Piza

10)How many uncles do Tony have?

a.One

b.Two

c.Three

d.Four

11 ) Who speaks the very first words in the First Episode of the Sopranos?

a.Dr. Melfi

b.Tony Soprano

c.Carmela Soprano

d.Jimmy the Rat

12) Who is the first person to die in The Sopranos series?

a.Mikey Palmice

b.Emil Kolar

c.Hector Anthony

d.Big Mikey

13) What does “Mortadella” mean in Soprano-speak?

a.A made guy

b.A young girl

c.A non-Italian

d.A loser

14) What does “LCN” mean in FBI-speak?

a.La Casa Nostra

b.Heroine

c.Russian mafia

d.Last Criminal Nabbed

15) What is a “Moe Green Special”?

a.A Roman pizza

b.Loan with a very high interest rate

c.To win the lottery

d.Getting killed with a shot in the eye

ANSWERS:

1b, 2a, 3d, 4c, 5d, 6b, 7a, 8d, 9b, 10b, 11a, 12b, 13d, 14a, 15d

————————————————————-

Ugur Akinci, Ph.D. is a writer with 20 years of experience. He is available for a wide variety of freelance assignments. Visit his web site writer111.com writer111.com for more information on his services.

Duke (81-68), Florida (113-62) and Pittsburgh (76-68) all won last night and will head into the weekend as the nation’s only three remaining undefeated teams. Illinois won its first 29 games last year before losing its regular season finale at Ohio State, 65-64. The Illini then won the Big-10 tourney and made it all the way to the national championship game, where they lost to the Tar Heels, 75-70.

Two years ago, Stanford won its first 29 games but like Illinois, lost its regular season finale at Washington. That same year, St Joe’s won all 27 of its regular season games, but lost its opening game in the Atlantic-10 tourney. The last team to finish a season unbeaten was Bob Knight’s 1975-76 Indiana Hoosiers at 32-0.

My free play for Thursday is in college hoops. Take Washington State over Oregon at 10:00 ET. I won TWO of three in CBB last night and I’m now 7-3 70% ATS since last Saturday. Get my 20* CBB Rivalry GOY, my latest 15* CBB Winner (off to a 4-1-1 start in Jan) and my CBB TV Game of the Month. Pay only AFTER you win!

There are 31 games on the college hoops board tonight. ESPN features a doubleheader with North Carolina visiting Virginia at 7:00 ET and Cincinnati at Xavier at 9:00 ET. ESPN2 has a MWC game at 9:00 ET, Utah at Air Force. The Tar Heels, despite losing four players in last year’s NBA lottery, are 10-3.

Three freshman guards plus 6-9 freshman Tyler Hansbrough (leading scorer and rebounder) have joined returning players Terry and Noel to give Roy Williams a much better team than most anticipated. Virginia let Pete Gillen go after seven disappointing year but new head coach Dave Leitao hasn’t had much luck so far, as the Cavs are just 8-6. North Carolina is favored by three points with a total of 143.

Cincinnati is without head coach Bob Huggins for the first time in 17 years and just lost a key player for the year, forward Armein Kirkland, to a torn ACL. Cross-town rival Xavier is ‘loaded’ and has opened 11-2, losing to only Illinois (by three points at the United Center) and at Creighton, 71-69 (Blue Jays are 9-0 at home). Xavier is a five-point choice and the total is 139 1/2.

In Colorado Springs, Air Force hosts Utah. Despite its third coach in three years (former Nugget coach Jeff Bzdelik) and the loss of last year’s co-player of the year in the MWC (Nick Welch to injury), the Falcons are 15-2. The Utes are no longer the league’s dominant team, as they enter just 8-7 and that’s reflected in the fact that they are 10 1/2-point underdogs (total is 114 1/2).

The NBA has just two games tonight but both are carried on TNT. The Pistons are in New York to face the Knicks (Detroit is favored by nine points with a total of 190 1/2) and the Lakers are in Sacramento to take on the Kings (LA is a 2 1/2-point choice with a total of 206).

The Pistons are doing just fine these days without Larry Brown, as their 31-5 mark is a league-best and marks the best start in franchise history. Brown, now coaching the Knicks, enters this game with a 13-24 record. The Lakers and Kings are no longer the elite teams of the Pacific Division. LA has won six of seven but sports just a 21-17 record. As for the Kings, they enter this game at just 16-21. This game begins an 11-game stretch in which the Lakers will play NINE of those games on the road.

NFL Playoffs…A look in the rearview mirror.

I’m NOT a “conspiracy advocate” but the way I see it, the NFL has two choices! It can either acknowledge that its on-field officiating crews and the replay officials upstairs (supposedly hand-picked for the postseason as the league’s finest) are trying to “influence” the outcome of the games, or they are simply INCOMPETENT!

Years ago, when I was doing a national radio talk-show, I made the following comment, tongue-in-cheek. My quote was “NFL officials are there to insure that the players DON’T decide the outcome of the games.” After this past weekend’s games, I think it’s time to remove my tongue from my cheek!

While the NFL has admitted that its officials ‘blew’ the call on the Polamalu interception of Manning in the Pittsburgh/Indianapolis game, that’s the LEAST of the league’s problems, when it comes to the “integrity” of the game. I’ll give just a few examples because more would be just PILING ON!

The pass interference call on Asante Samuel of the Patriots, late in the second quarter of a game in which New England led 3-0, was nothing short of ‘criminal!’ The flag came in LATE and was made by the official who was blocked from seeing what kind of contact there was, was not or who was making the contact, by the two players themselves. His ABSURD call (on the replay it looked more like OFFENSIVE pass interference than defensive!), changed the ‘tone’ of the game.

In the Pittsburgh/Indy game the following day, with Pittsburgh already up 14-0 in the 2nd quarter, a Steeler WR had beaten the Indy 2ndy on a deep route. Roethlisberger underthrew the ball and with the Pittsburgh receiver slowing down to catch it, the Indy player bumped him. That’s an OBVIOUS pass interference call. However, the on-field official ’swallowed’ his whistle. The TV commentators wondered aloud how the play they just saw was NOT pass interference, when the play in the NE/Den game the night before, WAS?

Are they really that naive or are they just being good “company” men? I’m afraid the answer is fairly simple. A pass interference call on Indy in that situation would have put Pittsburgh in a great spot to go up 17-0 or 21-0. So, the call was NOT made! Later, the “over-rule” of the Manning interception by Polamalu followed the same “theme.”

In the Carolina/Chicago game, the Panthers scored on their second offensive play of the game and led 7-0. When Julius Peppers returned a Justin Gage fumble 37 yards for a TD later in the first quarter, the Bears were ’saved’ by a replay official who ruled Gage’s knee was down (and he was touched), before the fumble. Is that what you saw CONCLUSIVELY on the replay? What’s a better game situation? Carolina up 14-0 or just 7-0? I think we all saw the answer.

Later in the game (4th quarter), Chicago’s Thomas Jones was ruled to have scored a TD on a seven-yard run. Replays CLEARLY showed that not only did he lose the ball before it crossed the goal line but that the ball also went into the end zone for a touchback. However, just as clearly, there was a face-mask penalty on the Panthers. That ’saved’ the replay officials from having to rule it would be Carolina’s ball at their own 20. We’ll never know what kind of ’story’ they may have come up with if not for the face-mask penalty?

Anyway, it’s back to work this weekend and I’ll get off my soapbox with NFL coverage Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Ness Notes is available Monday by 1:00 ET and on Saturday and Sunday at 7:00 ET.

Larry Ness is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League.
Read all of his articles at

“Withering Heights” by Emily Bronte was deemed as a disturbing story of sinful and evil content; many people would say it’s guilty as opposed to innocent. This expression came to use after the publication of “Literature and Evil” by Georges Bataille.

When we think of the word innocent, the word good also comes to mind. Innocence is the state of having done nothing wrong, and so something that commits no wrongs must then be good, and therefore free from guilt. Bataille gives this utilitarian based view of Good; it is “based on a common interest which entails consideration of the future” . So something that is not based on a common interest, and does not consider the future and consequences of itself cannot be classed as Good, or innocent, and so must be ‘bad’, and therefore can be said to be Evil.

So it must follow that Evil, in opposition to Good, lacks these restraints, and does not consider the future – it merely exists in the moment it presents. This is why it is so relevant to literature – when we read literature we are just existing in the moment of the novel – it takes no consideration of anything but that moment that it presents. It allows us to explore this world, with no consequences. We are able to suspend our disbelief, and enter the “mystical state” of the novel that we can experience in this solitude. Also, if the content reveals a narrative where there are also no restraints, then this state is intensified.

As we know, the love of Catherine and Heathcliff is the focus of Wuthering Heights, so there is much to be explored here – the issue of the love presented in the novel, the status of the characters involved, and how this all relates to Bataille’s opinion on the guilt of literature in general.

So in the eyes of the world, Heathcliff represents Evil, and all it stands for. But, as Bataille himself says, Heathcliff believes he “represents Good and reason” . Heathcliff is questioning society and its limits, and this is where the theme of transgression becomes important. Heathcliff is trying to transgress through society and its laws, and so he represents opposition to social restrictions. Bataille describes this transgression as a tragic violation of the law, which leads the novel to have a certain affinity with Greek tragedy – atonement is connected with transgression.

Bataille believes that, in writing Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte had “fathomed the very depths of Evil” . From his study, it seems that perhaps you have to be Evil yourself to write literature at all, because you have to be unlimited – free of restraints – and as we know, to lack these constraints is seen as Evil. Jacques Blondel believes Bronte emancipated herself from all prejudice of an ethical or social order, and he believes this liberation is necessary to every artist. He also says this can be felt most intensely by those “in whom ethical values are most deeply rooted” , as they have a thorough knowledge of Good, so can easily present the opposite. Due to these values, Bronte is able to resolve the problems in her novel – this manly being the purity of love being regained in its intimate truth, which as Bataille said, is that of death. It seems true to say that only by knowing Good can you know Evil – to know the opposite of something is essential in defining it, for example, the states of hot and cold.

So, as Bataille says “Evil is always the object of an ambiguous condemnation” . It is bad to have no concern for the future or rationality, so when literature causes this in us, then it must be found guilty. So it seems Bataille is justified in pointing to the guilt of literature, as it culpable of the charges he brings to it, but the important question is whether or not this causes literature itself to be Evil? I do not think it can, because as we have seen, it may do more good than harm to society, because we can learn from it the consequences of refraining from following rationality and order in life. Bataille is, then, justified in saying literature is guilty, because he proves his case, but it cannot be said that it is guilty of anything bad, so the conclusion we must draw here seems to be that literature is guilty of something – but something other than being evil.

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Gambling can be a pleasurable pastime, a fun way to spend a few hours when on vacation, even a way to earn a living. On the other side of the coin it can be addictive, it is the quickest way to lose all your money and dignity and it can cost you more than just cash.

Gambling has been around forever. Even kids say “I bet you I can go faster than you!”, “My … is best”, the only difference is you are just having simple fun. Nothing much is at stake. You may progress to betting a sandwich or a chocolate bar on the toss of a coin or on who will win a race.

There appears to be multiple aspects to gambling as we mature, different personality traits influence the way we gamble.

For some it is the lure of winning a bundle, making a killing, getting a lucky break, bet a few dollars and get back hundreds and thousands. For others it it the desire to be the best, the best poker player, the best at picking winners in horse racing or sports events and those that get a challenge from beating the system.

Look at the lottery! Millions of people play and the odds are ridiculous, you may as well give your stake to a charity and at least do some good, but somebody does win a huge amount and that feeling, that it could be you, takes the money from your fingers as easy as water runs down a drain. That is the lure of big win, small stakes, very little risk and very little chance of winning.

Slot machines, another system for parting you from your money. This is much more interactive. Flashing lights, silly noises, all designed to attract the punter to take the money from his pocket and put it into the machine. This is where you see the regulars, usually people who can least afford it, putting in coin after coin, pressing the myriad of buttons, sure they have a system. Suddenly they have put in so much money they are sure it must pay out soon. Some chance! It has now taken on the aspect of ownership, it is their machine, they have put in so much money that they have to get it back. As soon as they leave someone else will get the winning line.

Roulette, more public, you can see the other players, not the anonymity of the slot machine where it is man against machine, one on one. Here you can see the other players, see what they are betting on. This is man against system, the roulette system. Yes the odds are stacked in favour of the bank but it is easy to feel in control. You can even fool yourself into feeling good, one on red, one on black, easy. One chip covering four numbers, as you modify your bets the opportunity to win big increases along with the odds that you will lose.

Movies and advertising has depicted this type of game as being sophisticated, glamour, well dressed, jewellery, cocktails. Join the elite at the roulette table. Look good while being fleeced!

The card tables in the casino are very similar, you are playing against the bank and betting on your own hand. If you know the odds of various combinations and have a good memory for the cards played you can feel in a more secure position. You feel more in control and more assured that how well or poorly you do is down to you and not so much to ‘lady luck’.

Horse racing and sports betting are similar. The number of competitors is know, the form of the players is known and in theory it should be pretty straight forward to pick the winner. Of course it isn’t. Here we tend to be betting with an agency who have determined the odds and set the amounts you can win. The agency is there to make money, not give it to the punter. The agency, like the casino, doesn’t care if you win a bundle because the whole system has been designed to ensure there are more losers than winners so that in theory they always make money.

Finally there is the game where it is person against person. Poker for instance where every player joins the game with an entry fee, perhaps $10,000 to join. The game starts and each player is betting on their cards against the other players cards. No casino operating the system and playing the odds. This is winner takes all. This is the place for the seasoned player, nerves of steel, using their knowledge and experience of the game along with the psychology of bluffing and convincing the other players that you have an unbeatable hand. Yes, winner takes all!

The common theme of all these games is that you can win large amounts of money. More likely you will lose large amounts of money. The games can become addictive and except for the person against person games, the organiser or operator is the one who gets rich.

So, where do systems come in?

Yes there are systems out there that say you can win money consistently. These can work, or at the very least make it take longer to lose your money. Search the internet, there are so many ’sure fire’ ways to win that it makes you think you can’t lose. If you choose to use a system then you do need to stick to it quite rigidly, as soon as you try to tweak it you generally lose your stake more quickly.

Is gambling for everyone?

Let’s face it. For a lot of people gambling can be a fun activity, you can spend a day at the races and bet a few dollars on the horses. Go to a tennis match and bet on the player you fancy to win. Go to the casino for a night out and try your luck at the various games.

For a few it is a disaster. If you are the type of person who gets addicted to things easily or become readily sucked into a new experience, you know, can’t get enough of it, want to do it over and over again then it is perhaps an activity to avoid.

If you can’t stand losing then again don’t try it, keep well clear.

For the rest, then whenever you gamble or are going to try it for the first time, set a limit. Give yourself a set number of dollars to play with and once it has gone, stop. Do not get more cash, you’ll only end up spending more than you wanted to and feel bad about it afterwards. If you are lucky enough to win, take your winnings and spend it on something completely different.

Rex Reservoir - interests include diving, silver, firearms amongst others. Visit wager.vpsware.co.nz Gambling for fun

If you would like to become a real pianist, a variety of good piano books is really needed. You can spend as a ton of time to practicing scales, but it’s just not everything you need to do.. If it’s all you do is practice your scales, you most likely get bored with playing piano, and when you become bored, your playing will suffer. By taking advantage of piano books with songs that you like, you can keep playing fun and interesting, and that is the highest priority on the list that there is, hands down, to to push you to become a really best of the best musician.

There are a lot of good piano books around, no matter what kind of music you are into. From grassroots, to jazz, to blues to rock,, and everywhere in between, there are manuals on piano available for every genre. Myself, I like to shake it up a lot. I buy piano books for all of the great classical pieces, and then learn to play the music, but sometimes i want a change. It is good to be able to play the songs that your friends know. I mean, why be an entertainer if you can not entertain? So, I ensure that I purchase piano books covering all of the top hits of today so that I’ll have the ability take requests whenever I happen to become entertaining. I even own piano books filled with songs that i don’t even much care for.

Of course, once you’ve gone through enough piano books and studied a ton of songs, you beging to understand you really don’t need the sheet music for everything anymore. After years of diligent and daily study, the special minute is about to occur for you, I know it happened for me after i was able to play anything that your heart desires with little effort. The music will just come to you you can hear a song once, and can almost get the groove of the song in your head first try. Oh, If you want to play it note for note exactly as it has been arranged originally, you will still probably need the piano books,but if you just wantto be able to come up with a version of the given song that will have everyone excited to hear that song when the time calls for it, you’ll most likely need nothing but your own wits, and your nimble little fingers. After that occurs you can finally rid yourself of all those piano books for good.

If you want to find more information about piano playing and music lessons take the time to visit our website at allmattersmusic.com Music Tips

What benefits will you reap from playing slowly? Surprisingly enough you might become a faster guitar player and more important, you will become a better musician and guitarist!

How is this possible?

Life is full of surprises. Many people have experienced that they somehow have run away from life by hurrying all the time. Well, what has this to do with you as a guitarist!

First of all I would like to state that from personal experience I have found that many guitarists practice scales and licks faster than they should.

What do I mean with that?

Our present technical skill as a guitar player sets a limit as to how fast we can play scales and licks without doing damage to ourselves in various ways. What can happen if you play too fast?

Here is a list of things that can happen when you practice scales and other exercices or solos too fast:

1. If you play guitar in a speed that is above your technical skill level you will probably build up tensions in the muscles controlling your finger movements and also in other muscles that should not be used. You are also exposed to muscle injuries that might take a long time to cure.

The muscle tensions that is present when you practice on your guitar will tend to be there when you perform also. The way you practice is reflected in how you perform.

2. Always playing fast on your guitar deprive you of the opportunity to find out new things all by yourself on the guitar. I remember that one of my guitar pupils once came to me and said that he experienced a “dearth of licks” in his guitar playing.

One way to develop more interesting solos is to practice slowly. This will give your fingers and brain time to take other paths on the guitar frets. This will help you find your own style and help you play in a more innovative way.

3. The risk of making mistakes on your guitar increases the faster you play. If you want to learn a lick as fast as possible, the most effective way is to practice slowly without mistakes. Every mistake you make as you practice slows down your progression as you confuse your muscle memory with things that shouldn’t be there.

How can you start to play slower?

1. Use a metronome. If you don’t have one already you can buy a cheap digital metronome. You can adjust the volume so not to disturb your friends around you. I don’t recommend that you use a metronome all the time but part of your practice time and especially when you want to play slowly and when you practice new material.

Some players feel like the metronome slows down when they play. Actually these players of course speed up unconsciously. It really is an art to keep a steady pace playing slowly.

2. Use part of your practice time to play extremely slowly with your concentration on playing as relaxed as possible in your whole body. Focus on pressing down the frets with minimal force and holding your pick with as little force as possible.

3. Learn to be aware of tensions in your entire body and especially in your hands. Be careful never to play faster on your guitar than your technical skills allows you to without building up tensions in your hands and the rest of your body. The way your body reacts when you practice is the way it will react when your perform.

In order to understand and be aware of tensions in your body I recommend that you learn muscle stretching and apply these exercises before, during and after your guitar practice sessions. Also learn muscle relaxation exercises.

The more relaxed you are as you play the better you will play on your guitar and the faster you will learn new guitar exercises. You will enjoy your guitar playing more and even your audience will feel the difference.

Peter Edvinsson invites you to download your capotastomusic.com guitar tablature, free sheet music, ebooks, music lessons and read his capotastomusic.blogspot.com sheet music blog at Capotasto Music.