Mood:  celebratory

CD duplication has become a big business today. Young people, especially teenagers are making use of their own CD burners to rip MP3s from the CDs of their favorite bands and artists.  Many big companies also use CD duplication to make backups of their software and other important and useful documents.

Federal agencies on the other hand, are scrambling to define and interpret intellectual piracy and copyright laws as they relate to CD duplication and the industry of music as a whole.  The movie industry is also seeking how they can profit from using CD duplication.  With so much attention being focused on CD duplication, now is the ideal time to turn your home CD duplication hardware into a very profitable side business.

Believe it or not, you may already have everything you need to get your CD duplication process going in the right direction.  All you need to get your business started is a computer, CD burner, CD duplication software, and a few blank CD-R disks.  Contrary to what you may think, it’s that easy to get going.

If you don’t have a computer or a CD burner, you really shouldn’t worry, as purchasing a CD duplication device is actually very affordable.  The cost of standalone CD duplication software has reduced quite a bit over the years. 

Almost all home computers come with internal CD duplication hardware (CD burners) and some sort of duplication software as well.  CD duplication media, such as blank CD-R and CD-RW are very low in price and can be purchased at almost all retail stores.

The market for your CD duplication service or company is going to local bands and musicians as well as small businesses.  Local up and coming bands are often too busy perfecting their sound to deal with the tedious and time consuming task of duplicating CDs for their gigs.  They also lack the money to order CDs from the big time CD duplication companies as well.

The smaller businesses are pretty much the same, as they are almost always unable to financially justify having a technical or computer staff to handle the backup and data storage aspects of their company.  Many times, they will end up forgoing needed data backups simply because they forget all about it.

You can however, solve these common gaps, provide needed service, and earn some nice side money by starting your own duplication service that caters to these types of clients.  By offering a reasonable price, fast rate of delivery, and a quality product, you’ll get many repeat customers and a side business that will keep busy for as long as you want it.

Mood:  amorous

Learn how to clip a cigar properly?  Although each cigar aficionado has their very own proven methodology, listed below are some primary pointers to get you started. 

First, examine the head, or closed end, of the cigar.  This is the part of the cigar that will need to be clipped.  Determine where the 'cap' is.  The cap refers to the part of the cigar where the tobacco leaf was used to close the cigar.  Once you've found the cap, determine its length.  As a general rule, you should not cut any further than the end of the cap.  If you cut further than the cap, there's a good chance your cigar will unravel!

Use a good quality clipper to cut the head at the cap.  You don't want a cheap cutter that will result in frayed or split cuts.  You can purchase a special cigar cutter at your local tobacco shop that is designed to make clean cuts.  Once you have your cutter, hold your cigar at eye level and make a fast and decisive cut just above the cap.  Less is more when cutting—if you find your cut is too superficial, simply cut down a bit more.

There are many factors which play a significant role in selecting the right covering for your windows. The main reasons as to why you should install window coverings are light control and privacy.  Other factors include durability, life expectancy, cleaning, formality, versatility, safety, and the price.

Light control

The most difficult factor to control is light, with most window coverings falling into one of five categories:

1.         Transparent - Clear, without obstruction

2.         Translucent - Diffused light, which prevents the perception of distinct images

3.         Filtered - Muted light in bright conditions

4.         Semi-Opaque - Surfaces impenetrable by light, yet it also allows some light through the gaps

5.         Opaque - This is where all light is blocked

Privacy

Privacy can be best achieved with almost any type of window covering.  The window treatment simply needs to be translucent or better to diffuse images.  Frosted glass or glass block can even help to give adequate levels of privacy.

Durability

A window opening by nature is a harsh environment that is subject to direct sunlight, humidity, and even temperatures.  Add these factors to frequent use and its simple to understand why windows need to be constructed well.  The life expectancy is normally less for fabric window treatment that can fade with time.  Solid coverings, such as shutters, have a long life span.

Cleaning

Each and every window covering will collect dust and dirt.  Fabric coverings are the most difficult to clean, and are subject to stains.  The furniture quality window coverings will normally wipe clean with a light solution.

Versatility

Some coverings will work well in formal settings, while others will work best in casual living settings.  Alternate styles are versatile and blend in well with almost any style of room.

Safety

Mood:  blue

Earlier, a few years ago, owning a copy of a favorite singer or band meant going to aretail store or buying from an online website.  With the average song count, you would spend at least $10.  If you were one of those who couldn’t afford to buy a CD, you would probably have to wait for the local radio station to play the songs you liked.

These days however, several music download shareware programs make it possible to get your favorite songs directly from other uses without having to go out and buy them.  These programs will store the songs you download to your hard drive, or transfer it to your MP3 player if you prefer.

If you prefer to keep a complete collection of the songs by storing them to a disc, you’ll need one piece of equipment for your computer - a CD burner.

The CD burner comes in two forms: internal and external.  External CD burners don’t need to be attached to your CPU, and they can be connected to your computer through a USB port with its own power source.  The internal type of CD burner is the one that attaches to your CPU and fits on the inside of your computer tower.

The CD burner is quite the piece of equipment to have, as it can copy from one CD to another or even from a hard drive to a blank CD, and vice versa as well.

To use your CD player, you’ll need to have software.  You can find some types of this software available to download for free on the internet.  Some great examples include ISO Recorder, Deep Burner, and Windows Media Player.

If you prefer, you can also purchase quality programs as well.  Some examples of these include Nero, Roxio, and Sonic Record Now.  The programs that are free have the same burning capacity, although those that cost money will give you more features and overall flexibility.

Keep in mind that CD burners aren’t limited to only copying audio.  You can also use it to copy document files, programs, games, videos, MP3, and many other types of files. 

The burners with DVD burning capabilities will enable you to copy your favorite DVD to another CD in case you want to share it with a friend or back it up.  You can also burn a movie to DVD if you downloaded it off the internet, then watch it on your television or computer.

The cigar has for long been deemed a lavishness of the rich and powerful.  Images of well-heeled gentlemen dragging on a stogie and twirling a glass of fine brandy have been substantially authenticated and immortalized in cinemas and television.  If you're just becoming occupied in cigars and prefer to unwind with a stogie and drink after a hard day’s work, here are a few hints to get you commenced. 

Traditionally, the cigar has been paired with a strong drink.  Popular spirits include rum, brandy, or whiskey.  Some argue that a good cigar should always be paired with a strong drink that has a hint of sweetness.  Indeed, cigar smokers have long enjoyed these popular pairings.  For years, the idea of pairing cigars with beer has gone overlooked.  But why overlook good old beer?  Recently, the trend has been to pair cigars with various varieties of beer.  It seems that as cigars have entered the mainstream, it has been democratized and popularized.  What better way to enjoy a puff of this newly popularized treat than to pair it with beer? 

Pairing a good cigar with a good beer is not an easy feat, but when accomplished, it is well worth the effort.  Much of the pairing has to do with your experience level.  If you are a novice, you will probably need help in pairing your specific cigar with an appropriate beer.  If you have a more experienced palate, and you know what you like, you can probably make connections between certain types of cigars and beers. 

Because cigars are so strong and flavorful, one of the challenges in pairing is to find a beer that complements the intensity of most cigars.  Most cigars will pair nicely with a good barely wine or a single malt scotch.  If your cigar can be described as woody, spicy, with hints of cedar, try pairing it with a barley wine.  The fruity hint of barely wine should complement nicely with the spicy flavor of your cigar.  The combination of a spicy cigar with a slightly fruity beer can create an overall creaminess that enhances the flavors of each significantly.

If you have no clue as to what flavor combinations might work, experiment.  First, find a cigar that you enjoy.  Try to identify the characteristics that you enjoy about it.  Then, find a beer whose flavors you think might 'match' or complement the cigar.  Many incredible discoveries have been made in much this same way. 

The cigar has for long been deemed a lavishness of the rich and powerful.  Images of well-heeled gentlemen dragging on a stogie and twirling a glass of fine brandy have been substantially authenticated and immortalized in cinemas and television.  If you're just becoming occupied in cigars and prefer to unwind with a stogie and drink after a hard day’s work, here are a few hints to get you commenced. 

Traditionally, the cigar has been paired with a strong drink.  Popular spirits include rum, brandy, or whiskey.  Some argue that a good cigar should always be paired with a strong drink that has a hint of sweetness.  Indeed, cigar smokers have long enjoyed these popular pairings.  For years, the idea of pairing cigars with beer has gone overlooked.  But why overlook good old beer?  Recently, the trend has been to pair cigars with various varieties of beer.  It seems that as cigars have entered the mainstream, it has been democratized and popularized.  What better way to enjoy a puff of this newly popularized treat than to pair it with beer? 

Pairing a good cigar with a good beer is not an easy feat, but when accomplished, it is well worth the effort.  Much of the pairing has to do with your experience level.  If you are a novice, you will probably need help in pairing your specific cigar with an appropriate beer.  If you have a more experienced palate, and you know what you like, you can probably make connections between certain types of cigars and beers. 

Because cigars are so strong and flavorful, one of the challenges in pairing is to find a beer that complements the intensity of most cigars.  Most cigars will pair nicely with a good barely wine or a single malt scotch.  If your cigar can be described as woody, spicy, with hints of cedar, try pairing it with a barley wine.  The fruity hint of barely wine should complement nicely with the spicy flavor of your cigar.  The combination of a spicy cigar with a slightly fruity beer can create an overall creaminess that enhances the flavors of each significantly.

If you have no clue as to what flavor combinations might work, experiment.  First, find a cigar that you enjoy.  Try to identify the characteristics that you enjoy about it.  Then, find a beer whose flavors you think might 'match' or complement the cigar.  Many incredible discoveries have been made in much this same way. 

Mood:  bright

The Government today as well as the parents are taking an interest in the after school programs and the possibilities of some new and unusual after school programs are being explored every now and then. In an attempt to make a child aware of his responsibilities as an individual and as a citizen, these after school programs make use of a child’s natural curiosity and his irrepressible energy.

Investigative Skills:

In some schools in Kernersville, children are developing their investigative skills. Children meet with adults who introduce them to the details of fake non-violent crimes. They take notes, visit the scene and gather information. Students learn to listen to alibis, collect fingerprints and gather any other pieces of evidence. According to the principal, these activities challenge her students’ problem solving skills. Children learn to think critically and to form informed judgments.

Fisheries and sciences:

In North Carolina, children who are interested get a chance to win a scholarship through their after school activity. Here, students are given a chance to face hands-on fisheries science experiments in a freshwater or marine setting. Professionals, educators and experts from the world of Fisheries act as mentors. Students accepted into the program get a $3,000 scholarship.

The above examples go to show that after school activities are becoming serious. They are slowly morphing into important parts of a child’s education and moving away from the fun-and-frolic-only programs of the past.

Mood:  cool

The notion that all scotch have to be not less than 12 years to be loved is a standard understanding amongst scotch drinkers everywhere.  However, one firm is out to prove them wrong.  This scotch is simply two years shy of the twelve year mark, but is growing in popularity. 

Enter Glenkinchie; this ten year old malt is 86 proofs and a very pale gold in color. It has a reminiscent fragrance of peat and a grassy meadow that ends rather sweet.  Its body is light to medium, it is considered to be well-rounded lowland malt. In the end it stays dry, and carries a hint if ginger.

Originally formed in 1837 by a farmer, this malt clearly has some history. The original owner of the distillery sold it to another farmer who used the distillery as cattle shed and sawmill. This property was again sold in 1880 and returned back to its natural intention to make fine malt just in time for the whiskey boom in the 1890’s.

This single malt will be enjoyed by the new and revered by the old single malt enthusiasts.

Mood:  amorous

Today the internet has become a very good opportunity for those who do not want to go out and buy from the open market as it has enabled them the facility to buy from the comfort of their homes through the internet. With the Internet by your side, you can find hundreds of shutters that you can buy with just a few clicks of your mouse.

The ease of use is the most important feature for online companies when it comes to interior window shutters.  Websites that are poor in design and difficult to navigate are of little use to potential customers.  Good shutter websites should display navigation choices on every page, including choices for construction material, styles, finishes, price, measuring, and the ability to buy shutters.

The education about window shutters is also a very important feature.  Good shutter sites should welcome the questions you have and supply you with the information you need.  Sites should also describe all of the information relating to their shutters, including the material used to produce the shutters, and the exact sizes of such components.

When you buy your interior shutters online, the website should provide measuring instructions that are easy to obtain.  The company should also offer assistance if you need it.  If the company doesn’t offer advice or instructions that are easily available to you, you should take your business somewhere else.

Anytime you buy your interior shutters online, you should always take the necessary time to research and make sure you getting exactly what you want - for the right price.  You don’t want to rush into buying your shutters, as you could easily sacrifice quality or price.  Therefore, always take your time, think about what you are buying, and be sure to compare what one website offers to another one.

If you want to make your carpet look like new and fresh, it is essential that you vacuum clean it on regular basis. If you are new to vacuuming, you’ll find the tips below to help you when it comes to keeping your home clean:

1.         Before you start, you should always inspect the area.  Pick up any objects that could cause your vacuum cleaner to clog up.  The smaller objects are fine, just as long as they will pass through the vacuum. 

2.         You should check the vacuum bag to ensure that is isn’t full already.  If it is full, you should go ahead and change it.  A full bag isn’t going to suck up much dirt, as the power will be greatly reduced due to the bag taking up a great deal of storage and limiting the suction.

3.         You should always vacuum forwards instead of going backwards.  Going forward will get the job done quicker and you won’t wear your cord out near as fast.  When going backwards, you also run the risk of running back over your cord, which is something you don’t want to do.

4.         Be sure that you overlap your strokes to ensure that you get out all of the dirt and the residue.  You don’t want to miss any of the carpet, which is why it is important that you overlap your strokes.

5.         You should change your vacuuming direction on occasion to reduce any type of matting in your carpet.  You can change direction without any problems.  Doing this every time you make a sweep on the carpet or every other time you vacuum will be good.

6.         On corners, use a damp cloth or a crevice tool attachment that hooks up to your vacuum cleaner.  This will ensure that you get the corners and tight areas good, and they don’t stand out from the rest of the carpet.

7.         You can get rid of dust particles and dirt by waving a vacuum wand under your bed.  Doing so on occasion will ensure that your bedroom stays clean, and smells clean as well.

For kitty litter on carpets or floors, you should use a lightweight vacuum cleaner.  To get deep into the fibers of the carpet, you should try an upright vacuum cleaner with a power brush.  Kitty litter can be a pain in the neck if it gets crushed in the pile or embedded, which is why you should get it out as quick as you can.

Give some thought to purchasing a vacuum cleaner with a rotating brush or combination beater and brush bar, which will loosen up the dirt in the carpet and then suck it out.  This will beat the dirt from the fibers and even embedded dirt, which will leave your carpet clean and smelling great.

Whenever you vacuum, you should always be on the lookout for straw, thread, and string as it can trap debris in the vacuum hose and result in a clog.  These types of hazards are also bad for the agitators as well, as they can clog up the suction as well, or get tangled up in the agitators and cause more problems.

If you have pets, you should sprinkle some baking soda on the carpet before you vacuum.  Let it sit for a little while, then vacuum.  The baking soda is a lot cheaper than carpet fresheners and it does the same thing - only better.

Vacuuming is very easy to do, and it’s something that should be done on a regular basis.  You don’t have to be an expert to vacuum; all you have to do is make an effort.  Your carpet will look good all the time, and your house will stay smelling great - which is reason enough to grab the vacuum and take a trip through the house with it.