How to Get Superior iPhone MP3 Downloads

By Davion W

The internet offers a lot of avenues for iPhone MP3 downloads. However, there are certain pointers to be considered before clicking a link. Since there are tons of websites that offer music downloads, choosing the one which works the best may be a pretty tricky dilemma.

MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3, known as MP3, is an audio format with smaller data needs. Because it has a smaller file size, your iPhone's disc space can be maximized. Most of the time, the compression is made by reducing the understated portions of an audio file. Its quality is based on the bitrate level used when the MP3 file is made.

Hailed as Time Magazine's 2007 invention of the year, iPhone probably is the benchmark of multimedia mobile phones. Like the equally popular iPod, it can also function as a digital MP3 player while functioning as a mobile phone. Music tracks can also be converted into ringtones of 3-30 seconds duration with a fade-in and fade-out effects. To maximize its use, of course you will need iPhone MP3 downloads.

This wonder gadget also boasts of its easy internet connectivity. Through this, iPhone MP3 downloads will be relatively easier. It can have an access to the internet through a local Wi-Fi area or an Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) area. However, it does not support AT&T's 3G service yet.

An adjusted Safari web browser is the iPhones main door to the internet. To zoom in or zoom out a page, you can spread apart or pinch together your fingertips. For convenience, web pages can be seen in both portrait and landscape way.

Since it has direct access to the internet, you do not to go under the hassle of transferring iPhone MP3 Downloads from your computer to your iPhone anymore. But if you still insist to download from your PC the easiest way is to right click the file then select "Save File As" or "Save Target As". Change the file name extension into .mp3 if it is in .zip, .tar, or .gz.

The site with the most updated database and wider collection of downloadable titles is always the best choice. However, you should also scrutinize the quality of the MP3 file. The site should also hold a good consideration of the customers' security, privacy, and safety. The value of downloads should also be reasonable and free of hidden extra charges. You might also want to check the site's stand on copyright laws.

Although the internet caters to many download sites, you can still arrive at the best site if you comprehensively understand what an MP3 is and what the features of your iPhone are. If you want to get to the best iphone MP3 downloads, be guided by the simple guidelines I've presented in my blog.

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Join the most popular services for iPhone downloads now! Also, pick up more tips about iPhone music and movie downloads.

Best Bets for Finding the Right iPod nano Holders for You

By Lydia Vaughn

Trying to decide which of the iPod nano holders are right for you? This article will help you figure out what holder (or holders) you really need.

Deciding on an iPod nano holder can be more challenging than you think. You'll find different cases for different purposes, and in different styles.

For less than 10 dollars you can get a silicone film covering, a faux leather flip case, and a few plastic belt clips. But that's just the starting point. You can get nano holders for your workouts, for fashion statements, to protect from wind and rain, and more.

Where will you use your nano?

Take a minute to think through your day. When do you want your nano? Would you like background music in the house when you're starting your day? Maybe you want music for your workouts. Do you plan to listen to podcasts on the bus (train, plane)? How about when you'r driving? Will you be outside much? Are you (like me) likely to drop the nano and want it protected?

Before they're done, most people end up with a couple different nano holders. I have an armband for working out, but use a leather flip-top holder on the way to work weekdays.

While You Exercise:

Exercisers look for how to keep the iPod nano out of the way while still having easy access. We need to protect the nano from the bumps and drops that inevitably happen when exercising.

If you do a solid workout, you'll want to get a sweat-resistant armband. (You don't want your nano getting wet.) I have a neoprene armband with a plastic film front cover and a cord keeper. Armbands do have a downside, as it can be hard to see the display if you want to change the playlist.

Maybe you'd rather carry your iPod nano when working out. If so, get a holder with a slip-proof exterior (silicone works wel). Make sure it's thick enough to cushion against bumps and drops.

At Work (or While Commuting)

I used to be a consultant for a Fortune 100 company. Appearance was important, and details mattered. If you need a put-together image you should go for a leather cover. They come in flip-top or wallet fold styles, and look sleek and professional. My favorite is real leather, fits the nano tightly, and has a velvet lining to protect against scratching.

If a conservative image doesn't matter, I'm jealous. Read the next paragraphs to decide what level of practicality or style is right for you.

Common-Sense Features:

If you'll be outside much you might consider waterproof cases. Also think about whether you need a belt clip or perhaps a snap to help you keep track of the case.

If you travel, have a hectic life, or will be dropping the iPod nano to the bottom of your purse/briefcase/bag you should consider a hard case. You could also get a softer case with reinforced corners to protect the nano.

Last but not least, style:

If you want your iPod nano to show a little style, you have some good options. See the review of designer nano cases on my website for designers like Cloe Dao, Difusi, and Gilty Couture.

Know what you want now? Go forth and buy! If you're still not quite sure, stop by my website for a few ideas. Whatever you decide, you'll enjoy your new iPod 3G nano.

About the Author:

See Lydia's site for more iPod nano Cases and to learn more ideas for the iPod nano life.

Introduction To Pedal Steel Country Guitar

By E Walker

The pedal steel guitar tunings currently in common use hinder the acceptance of the instrument in musical forms other than American "Country" music. An alternate tuning based on the natural C scale is proposed and explained.

Introduction

The pedal steel guitar is a truly amazing musical instrument. It is one of the few instruments that can easily produce any note in the micro-tonal spectrum. Many musical instruments are limited to the notes of the twelve tone musical scale of the piano keyboard. Some instruments can produce notes that fall in between those tones as special effects ("bending" a note), but few can produce those "in-between" notes as easily and predictably as a fretless stringed instrument.

Like the violin, the pedal steel places the precise pitch of each note in the hand of the performer. But even the violin cannot produce full micro-tuned chords - it is limited to two-note harmony (the "double stop") by the curvature of its bridge. The pedal steel has no such limitation. The full potential of the pedal steel includes chordal music subtleties that cannot be performed on any other single instrument.

Why, then, is this remarkable instrument largely ignored by the international music community? The answer lies in the musical tastes of the Americans who invented the pedal steel and pushed the mechanical technology to its current advanced state, and in the large American subculture that appropriated certain pedal steel effects for its own music, called "country" or "country and western".

By and large, the best pedal steel guitarists in the world are the professional players of country music. This de facto association is one factor that works to the detriment of general acceptance of the instrument, but it is not the only factor. The tuning of the instrument makes it very easy to play American country music at the expense of most other musical forms.

The Technical Limitation

The standard E9th or "Nashville" tuning used on most pedal steels today is specifically designed for the country and western genre. This tuning spans an octave in the space of 5 strings. Pedals and knee levers are engaged to produce the remaining notes of a standard diatonic scale. Scale-based runs that include glisses or "bends" to get from one note of the scale to the next are a characteristic effect used in country music. Specifically, the whole tone bend is an effect that is used to excess. It is a recognizable ingredient of the "country sound", even to a casual listener.

Avoiding the whole tone bend effect is a major performance challenge for anyone playing the Nashville tuning. Even for the intermediate level player, fast scale-based melody work remains difficult. Some written passages seem to be beyond the capabilities of the instrument, especially if note bends are not to be permitted. In theory, the pedal steel guitarist should be able to play the right hand part of any piano piece. In practice, the Nashville tuning compromises that ideal.

An Historic Parallel

The pedal steel is a direct ancestor of the Hawaiian electric steel guitar. During its most popular period (the 1930's through the 1950's) the Hawaiian guitar progressed from primitive major chord tunings to tunings based on jazz or swing chords. The sound of those advanced chordal tunings became part of the stereotyping of the instrument in Hawaiian and "western" (as in "country and western") music.

In the 1960's Jerry Byrd, an acknowledged master of the instrument, was approached with a project of difficult Japanese pop music. To accomplish the required degree of melodic expression, Byrd chose to use a scale-based, rather than chord-based, tuning. He called this 7-string tuning a "C Diatonic".

The Japanese album, later released in the USA by the Steel Guitar Record Club, was called Steel Guitar Romantic World. The music profoundly broke the Hawaiian steel guitar stereotype. It did not hint at any Hawaiian or "western" music flavor, because it did not use the characteristic major 6th and dominant 9th chords of those styles.

Within Jerry Byrd's C Diatonic tuning, the next melody or harmony note is usually within easy reach from the fret of the current note. This means that the placement of glisses in the melody can be determined by the arranger or performer, rather than by limitations imposed by the tuning of the instument. In skilled hands, the resultant effect can be a striking departure from the "old timey" flavor most listeners expect from the Hawaiian electric steel guitar.

About the Author:

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Foot Tattoos Are Hot Here Are Some Great Design Ideas

By Sara Smith

Foot tattoos are very sexy! They are great feminine, cute and very popular tattoo designs right now. If you are considering a foot tattoo then you should go for it. However, if you are like many you might be stuck trying to find the right design for your foot tattoo. You might also worry about the cost or the pain level of getting a tattoo on the top of your foot. Well, this article will answer all of those questions and give you a great boost in getting your foot tattoo.

Great Things About Foot Tattoos - There are many reasons you should go for it if you are contemplating getting a foot tattoo. First of all the designs for women work perfectly on the top of a foot. Many of the popular designs such as flower with vines, fairies and butterflies all lend themselves to the shape on the top of your foot. Another great benefit to foot tattoos is their easy to keep hidden when needed. If you have a demanding professional career that does not allow for tattoos in the work place you can easily cover it up with a nice classy pair of shoes. Yet come the weekend and you put on a pair of sandals and you can really show off and display your tattoo.

Popular Themes For Foot Tattoos - There of course are a ton of different tattoo designs that will work perfectly well on the foot. Which one you choose is completely a personal choice. You should always pick something that has a deeper meaning and symbolic significance to you. However it can also be helpful to know what designs are currently popular and what other people are getting. Most of the people that get foot tattoo designs are omen and the designs tend to be more delicate and feminine in nature. So tattoos like butterfly tattoos, flower tattoos, star tattoos, and angel tattoos are all very popular design choices.

Cost and Pain Level - The cost of any tattoo can really vary depending on a variety of factors. The experience and fame of the tattoo artist, how busy the tattoo shop is at the time you go in and even how intricate and large your design will be. Typically artists charge by the house and it is often $40 to $100 dollars an hour. A typically foot tattoo design however is pretty small and not that intricate so they are often on the lower end of the price range. Another thing is since they are smaller in nature it is easy to get the whole tattoo done in one setting. In terms of pain level foot tattoo tend to be more painful then other places to tattoo on your body. The lack of fatty tissue between the skin ad the bone make foot tattoos more painful. However if you have gotten a tattoo before then you know what to expect and it shouldn't be that much worse.

If you have been thinking about getting a foot tattoo then take a little time and plan the design out first. Then find a professional tattoo artist and have him refine your basic concept. Take your time and don't fret if you don't find the design you want right away. Remember that it is all part of the process.

About the Author:

Are you interested in learning more? If so check out this free resource dedicated to Foot Tattoos. You might also enjoy reading this great free page on Angel Tattoo Designs And Pictures

Using C Scale Tuning for the Pedal Steel Guitar

By E Walker

In this article, I will talk about using C Scale tuning for pedal steel country guitar playing. This tuning lends itself easily to most musical forms, including classical, new age, jazz, and adult comtemporary. In modern pop and dance music, it turns the pedal steel guitar into a versatile controller for the latest electronic effects.

Once the tuning is learned, fast scale runs with tight harmonies are nearly as easy on the pedal steel as they are on a piano keyboard. In progressive rock, the steel guitarist can work a level playing field with other band members without fear of accidently "countrifying" the band's sound. The tuning is likewise at home in orchestral music, show tunes and film scores.

On the other hand, it's nearly impossible to coax the Nashville pedal steel sound from this tuning. Country dobro and blues licks are available, of course, but the characteristic full step bend is missing. The western swing style is also compromised because it relies on full step pedal changes within strummed chords. Bluegrass, with its reliance on fast arpeggios and pentatonic runs, is another form that's harder to play in the C Scale tuning than in the standard Nashville E9th.

A scale-based pedal steel tuning has firm historical roots and a solid foundation in music theory. The C Scale tuning in particular can be applied to either inexpensive or professional level instruments for musicians who have little interest in country music but want to play the pedal steel guitar. It permits a wide variety of musical expression and makes it easier to play fast diatonic music in any key.

Mastery of a scale-based tuning can expand a steel guitarist's musical vocabulary. For professional country musicians, it's a good choice for the rear neck of a double neck instrument. For those involved exclusively in other forms of music, the C Scale tuning effectively blocks the accidental use of undesirable country music cliches, especially the "full step bend".

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Use C Scale Tuning for the Pedal Steel Guitar

By E Walker

The pedal steel guitar tunings currently in common use hinder the acceptance of the instrument in musical forms other than American "Country" music. The addition of pedals greatly extends the capabilities of a steel guitar. Just as the logical extension of a chordal tuning is to give the player more chords at every fret, a scale tuning can be logically extended to give the player more scales at every fret.

Elementary music theory teaches us that the C scale can be altered to an F scale by flatting one note (B to Bb), and then to a Bb scale by flatting one more (E to Eb). In a similar fashion, the C scale can be altered to a G scale by sharping one note (F to F#), and then altered to a D scale by sharping one more (C to C#).

A third flat is accomplished by lowering the A to Ab, which in conjunction with the other two flatting changes makes an Eb scale. Likewise, a raise of the G to G# can be applied with the other two raises to create an A scale.

Thus, a pedal steel with 3 lowers and 3 raises can easily produce seven different scales at any fret. Applying these concepts to two pedals and four knee levers on an 8 string version of Jerry Byrd's tuning yields the following pedal steel tuning:

The remaining five scales (E, B, F#, Ab and Db) are available at the first fret. Using this system, the player is never more than one fret away from any key signature at any fret.

This simple extension of Jerry Byrd's tuning to the pedal steel requires a very low level of mechanical changer technology. Each string is altered in only one direction, and by only one pedal or knee lever. This "single raise or single lower" concept makes the tuning easy to set up on inexpensive "student model" instruments.

In contrast, the Nashville E9th requires a "double raise and single lower" changer to set up the standard pedal and knee lever changes. The advanced machinery required by the Nashville E9th tuning raises the price of student instruments beyond what many can afford.

A Justifiable Omission

You have probably noticed by now that the D note is absent from this tuning. This deliberate omission is to accommodate the nuances of just temperment. Many steel guitarists are attracted by the beauty of pure physical harmonies. If the guitar is to be tuned to natural string harmonics, the tuning of the D note becomes a dilemna.

Given C as a starting point, G is tuned to a perfect fifth and F to a perfect fourth. The A string is tuned as a perfect third of the F, using the F string's harmonic point below the 4th fret as a reference. Similarly, the E and B strings are tuned as perfect thirds from the C and G strings, respectively.

The dilemna is that a D note that is in tune with the A string (derived as a third of F) is considerably flat of a D note that is in tune with the G string (derived as a fifth of C).

One of the pedal steel's greatest strengths is its ability to create perfectly tuned (i.e. "just tempered") music in any key. The compromise of the equal tempered scale, required by instruments that have twelve fixed pitches per octave, is not necessary on the steel guitar. While some steel guitarists use an electronic tuner to impose equal temperment on their instruments, forcing the twelve tone compromise as part of the tuning would do a disservice to those players who prefer the "sweeter" sound of just tempered chords.

By omitting the D string, the choice of temperment is left to the player.

About the Author:

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Guru's Guide to Play the iPod on Computer (and other iPod tricks)

By Lydia Vaughn

Sometimes you want to fill the room with your iPod's music but don't have any speakers. If there's a computer with iTunes handy you can play your iPod on computer speakers -- problem solved! Read on for quick how-to tips and tricks for living with your iPod.

Play iPod on Computer Speakers: In iTunes, click on your iPod on the device list (left-hand side of the screen). Select the "Summary" tab in the main screen and click the "Manually manage music and videos" checkbox. Now for the easy step: choose the song or play list you want from the list for your iPod and hit the iTunes play button. (Still confused? I have pictures on my website to help you out.)

Who Needs an Alarm Clock Anymore? My old alarm clock lives in the bottom of my dresser drawer now. It's been replaced by my iPod nano and a good set of speakers. My nano's alarm clock does everything I need, and travels with me wherever I go. Here's how to turn your nano into your alarm clock.

On the Extras menu, use the click wheel to select Clock > Alarm Clock. The screen will show a set of options for configuring your alarm. First, toggle Alarm to On if it isn't already. Choose Time and select the time the alarm should go off. Select the Repeat menu to set how often the alarm should ring. I have one alarm set for Weekdays and another for Weekends. Now for the bigger decision: Sound. You can either set the iPod to Beep or to a Playlist. If you use Playlist the sound goes out through earphones or an external speaker -- which is what I use at night. If you're travelling you might consider setting it to Beep, since it'll use the iPod's built-in speaker.

Using the Sleep Timer: If you like to fall asleep to music, there's another section in Extras you'll like: the sleep timer. When I go to bed I plug my iPod into speakers in the bedroom and set the sleep timer for 60 minutes. Now you have music to fall asleep by.

Setting the Volume limit: Does your iPod seem too loud (or not loud enough)? Head over to the Settings menu and select Volume Limit. Use your clickwheel to adjust your iPod's maximum volume up or down. You can also adjust the mix of sounds by adjusting the equalizer. It's listed as EQ in your Settings menu.

About the Author:

Confused? Lydia has pictures of how to do all these tasks on her website. See Lydia's Nanos Reviewed website for more tricks and hacks for living the iPod nano life.

How to Find the Best Sites to Download Naruto Anime Videos

By Davion W

Download Naruto anime videos are presented at almost all Anime network and websites. Anime has truly conquered the world in an unprecedented wave and a lot of anime fans are fascinated and interested to download anime videos for free. Though, there maybe some who prefer to purchase and collect the original full version in DVDs others would still favor to have it through the use of many available sites.

Finding a good network to download Naruto anime videos that will give you quality films can be quite hard and difficult to find. A lot of websites nowadays show that they do not offer what they claim and do not stand for what they promise. Thus, the most reliable thing that you can do is to have a small research.

It would be apt to know little background before you download Naruto anime videos and one way of doing that is by giving yourself few insights about the story. Naruto is a kid who has an inner demon called the nine-tailed fox. This has become destructive to the villagers that later on triggered the leader to seal the inner demon. This has become the turning point of the story where the adventure of Naruto unfurls.

When you get yourself fully acquainted of the story, it is also vital to know that you can take advantage of other stuffs like wallpapers, themes and soundtracks apart from the opportunity to download Naruto anime videos. These sites would charge a monthly fee that ranges from $10 to $30 per month.

There are also other Anime networks that don't have monthly or download fees, and sites that has only one lifetime membership fee which is considered a good money saver.

It would also be best to look for sites that offer the widest selections of anime and Manga series. These sites come with movies, soundtracks and different anime video downloads to choose from.

Just ensure that when you download Naruto anime videos not all of those networks are as good as they state to be.

My website will provide you different options in weighing all the pros and cons to help you in coming up with the right and appropriate ways when you download Naruto anime videos. Browse through my blog and you will learn sites that is both economical and of high quality.

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Join thousands of Anime fans as they download anime videos of all genre at the most popular anime downloading site. Also, read where to download anime videos for pennies.

Why Buy A Digital Camera?

By John Q. Harris

Digital cameras have advanced enormously in the last few years with many clever features incorporated into them; the number of functions they now have sometimes confuses potential buyers. If you were to buy a digital camera tomorrow, what functions would you want to see it have as standard? To get you 'kick started' there are some useful tips outlined in this article. If this is your first camera then you must be honest with yourself if you have no idea what functions you would want your camera to have.

Next you need to think carefully about where and when you will use it. Once you have sorted this out you will have to think about how much you are prepared to spend on this new piece of technology. You also have to consider the power of the computer and the printer you will be connecting it to for editing and printing needs. Many computer packages available have digital cameras, software and other accessories so you can have a complete home studio system. If you don't already have some proprietary image editing software then do not worry because it will usually be included when you buy a digital camera but a photo printer will have to be factored into the equation if you don't already have one.

Most people with computers will have a printer but you must check to see if it can be used for printing photos. If you are looking forward to really high quality images then you will have to ensure the cameras settings are at the highest megapixel level possible. Digital cameras need memory cards for picture storage; some have a small built in memory as well. As time has gone on, the storage capacity of cards has increase exponentially with the current crop of professional cards running at thirty two gigabytes; this should be enough for many hundreds if not thousands of shots even with very high megapixel models.

Before you buy it is good idea to test and check if you feel comfortable holding and using it. Despite the leaps forward in technology, many manufacturers are so focused on gadgets that they forget that a person will want to use this so it has to be simple to operate. A point to remember when you are looking at buying a digital camera is what type of batteries it uses because ideally they should be rechargeable; they may cost a little more initially but can be charged 1,000 times so are very cost effective. All digital cameras have a LCD screen which is a small screen located at the back of the unit; some models have a swiveling action, which is great for viewing your pictures and taking those from awkward angles.

Many of the sub-compact versions have decided to do away with the viewfinder and concentrate on fitting the largest screen they can because people like using them. If you can, when you buy your chosen model, get one with the best range optical zoom you can afford because it is one of the most used and useful functions. Digital cameras that are only equipped with a digital zoom should be avoided as images look blurred and pixilated. Better quality models will usually come with a tripod socket as it can be another one of those really useful additions, so ensure when you buy a model where this is fitted. With a little luck this article has cleared up a number of points you may have been unclear on and should make buying a digital camera a little easier.

About the Author:

You can read all the latest digital photography news stories, blogs, reviews and digital camera tips at Posters For Sale. Check it out to stay up-to-date on everything concerning digital photos

Soothsayers Feel Smarter American Retailers Going Earth-Friendly

By Rick London

The facts are obvious. Retailers are retailers, even the big dogs, are "going green". It was bound to happen and it is about time. Of course the Wal-marts, Targets and Sams Clubs of the world, most likely, will never go fully earth-friendly, and merely offer sections in their stores rather than become another Whole Foods, it is still a very good sign. I was in Kroger's last week, a place I'd not shopped in awhile. It is clearly going green with, what appeared to be more than half their groceries stamped organic.

Why? The obvious part is that anything one person or a group of people do, in even a small way, to leave shorter "carbon footprints", the better. The signs of a "planet in trouble" have been with us for awhile. It is nothing new. Today, one does not need to be what was commonly referred to as a "tree-hugger" to do their part in pitching in to help in their own small way to help the earth, hence us, live longer and healthier.

I am a cartoonist and online retailer. I sell licensed images of my cartoon images on a myriad of products such as Tshirts, mouse pads, coffee mugs, and others. When I told my friends I was planning to open a 100% organic cotton (using nontoxic dyes) T-shirt shop as my latest online venture, a good many of them laughed. And not at my cartoons. Some felt I was "losing it". The truth is, I am finding it. Though I don't know if I will ever become 100% earth-friendly in my entrepreneurial pursuits, that is my goal. I still have many existing customers at other stores who have supported us all these years, and they are a completely different market. It is imperative to cater to them and provide a product and service that they have come to appreciate. It does not make them "bad" or me bad for providing that.

I would consider myself "bad" if this opportunity to get into the "green sector" of business, not to have taken it. I had been attempting it for many years. I could not make a deal with a manufacturer that suited me. I wanted to find one in which I could provide an extremely high quality fabric, and have my cartoon images imprinted with natural dyes that would not harm the skin. There were a few our but there was always an issue or minimal purchases, quality control, and other obstacles always surfaced. Though I am a small businessman, I will not post products at prices that are not competitive. So I waited and I am glad I did.

Finally, thanks to a print-on-demand company called Zazzle.com, and contracts they have with American Apparel and Edun Organics (two of the best), I can offer the quality green tee and have it printed and drop-shipped anywhere in the world within 24 hours. Not bad, and at very competitive prices.

Americans, and citizens of other countries, love their T-shirts. According to a study, the average American has at least thirty designed tees, and almost one hundred percent have a "favorite one". I know I do. We also are health-conscious people these days. We try to eat healthier foods, take organic vitamins, eat less red meat, consume less trans-fat. The skin is the largest and most absorbent organ the body has. Wearing non-toxic dye tees is smart. And wearing premium ones, paying about $5-6 more than one would for a regular cotton or cotton blend tee is even smarter. It looks sexier. It feels better. And one is doing their part to help the planet a little. To me, that kind of peace of mind is worth a lot more than a McDonald's Happy Meal.

About the Author:

Rick London is the first cartoonist to go earth-friendly. CLICK HERE to visit his organic cartoon tshirt shop

Discover the Steps to Download Xbox 360 Games

By Davion W

When you download Xbox 360 games there will be no need for you to regularly purchase the Xbox 360 games. A lot of people would often buy an Xbox 360 game and finish it quickly that makes it more impractical. Buying it game after game would surely shake off your hard earned investment and savings.

For those people who consistently buy Xbox games, a download Xbox 360 games is now the new and most practical way of enjoying it. There are a lot of sites on the web that offers this kind of services at a very low membership fee. Once you are able to get a hold of this offer, you are now entitled for unlimited download of movies, music, programs and online games and all of these perks are something worth your money.

The use of free torrent download sites is considered a taboo since you will likely end up with viruses and spyware on your computer. There are reliable sites that are user friendly along with simple online step by step instructions on how to search for and download Xbox 360 games and any game of your choice.

To ensure that you are on the right website, this should particularly have a customer support available 24/7. If there will be problems concerning the game, customer services would be very beneficial.

Moreover, it is essential to take note that quality download sites require you to pay for a relatively small membership fee. This fee can be utilized to the fullest since it offers you unlimited downloads and updates.

Apart from this, when you favor to download Xbox 360 games, you should carefully check if the sites are from any sort of viruses and spyware that can damage your database. If there will be tools to use on your download check and burn it. This will be a good way to enjoy your Xbox 360 game instantaneously.

Some websites would entail a monthly subscription or pay per download fees, just be aware that these are all but a waste of your hard earned money. Do some research and look for available sites on the net that would give the same high and superior quality without the need to pay much. Also, select those sites that only ask for an initial membership fee.

Browse through my blog and learn to save money when you download Xbox 360 games. My website will give you guidelines on where to have cost effective downloads that you will surely learn something from.

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Join the most popular services for full version game downloads now! Also, pick up more tips about full version game downloads.

Digital Camera : The Canon Digital Camera Range

By Ray Lam

Digital camera technology has made great advances in recent years and taking up photography has never been easier. The range of Canon digital camera products are easy to use, modern look and feel, cater to various types of photography and has a wide price range. The Power Shot line is frequently updated with new products with the latest in state of the art functions.

The High End Advanced line gives professional results akin to a SLR but is a convenient point and shoot Canon digital camera. The range includes the Power Shot S5 IS with 12x optical zoom and DIGIC II image processor. The camera has been designed to work with speedlite EX Series external flashes.

The Power Shot TX1 is an ELPH sized camera with 10x optical zoom. It has the ability to capture 7.1 megapixel still images and high definition movies too. This camera is an attractive stainless steel, vertical design and has Optical Image Stabilizer Technology, Face Detection Technology and Red Eye Correction. There is a built in lens cover and a scratch resistant LCD screen with anti-reflecting coating.

Point and Shoot ELPH cameras are compact but still contain the advanced technology of the Canon digital camera. The Power Shot SD 750 is available in silver or black and silver and operates at 7.1 megapixels and a time lapse movies function. The large LCD screen offers sharp clarity and color tone. The Power shot SD40 is another 7.1 megapixel with a slimline design and top quality zoom. It comes in four colors, including pink and has Camera Station and Wireless controller.

The A-Series is the most basic of the range and many people using a Canon digital camera for the first time recommend this series. The Power Shot A460 runs on 5.0 megapixels and has a 4x optical zoom. The A570 has high auto settings that minimizes blur if there is not much light. The A540 operates at 6.0 megapixels and 4x optical zoom.

The company has been a leading player in the development of the Digital SLR. The first product of its kind to come on line was in 1995, following a liaison with the Kodak company. Since then, there have been around 40 digital SLRs with the Canon EOS flash system. The most expensive models have up to 45 autofocus points for an excellent, sharp picture. Manual focus EOS cameras are available too with a split focusing screen. A Canon digital camera, no matter what the model is will continue to stand for innovation and quality.

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While there is plenty of competition in the digital camera marketplace, it's hard to go wrong with a Camera Canon Digital. Most Canon digital camera reviews you read will say this. Visit http://tech-lover.info for more free tech tips.

Explaining The Rave Scene Via Video

By Chris Channing

Rave music videos, also known as electronic dance music videos, are some of the most exciting, entertaining, and visually expanded forms of music videos out there today. These videos are truly limitless in all of their possibilities, which is why they are some of most incredible videos out there. The music is very experimental, therefore the visuals that are put with the music most be equally as unique. It is understandable that so many individuals have formed an obsession with the life style, the music, and the videos that are used to contain everything about the raving way of live.

Before you can truly hope to understand the visual factors of rave music videos you must first learn of the music. Rave music is classified as a combination of fast break beat and hardcore techno music. Many forms of trance music are contained in rave music. Loops and synthesizers are used to give the music its unique style. The Prodigy, Utah Saints and The Shamen were some of the first musical groups to be considered rave music makers.

The moment a groups songs are played a rave it is generally considered rave music. A rave is an enormous party that can last for days. Hard pumping music and usually a high amount of drug use are brought together to form these celebrations.

Ecstasy has been made famous as the drug of choice at raves. Rave goers prefer the pill because of its ability to expand upon hard pounding music, bright lighting, and objects in motion. Rave videos usually involve a lot of color and movement for this purpose. Rave participants state that the drug brings upon a pleasurable sensation and makes the music much more fluid and clear.

Rave music videos put a big importance of dancing, and the most popular form of dancing in the rave scene is liquid dancing. The name is based of the motions of the dancer as they perform. Usually only arms and legs are used while dancing, but the more advanced dancers can put their entire body to use while performing.

Liquid dancing is formed from the style of eighties b-boy style break dancing. There are several different techniques and styles that can be applied to a dancer's personal style. Hand flow, rails, waves, traces, threads, contours, splits, and builds are all techniques that can be put in place in order to fully master the art of liquid dancing.

The most basic technique used while liquid dancing is hand flow. There are no specific instructions while using this technique. The only requirement is that the dancer used their hands in order to portray a liquid motion. The most popularly imitated form of liquid dancing is the wave. During this dance the dancer must try to make their body seem as if a wave was passing through it, slowly alternating tensing and relaxing muscles.

Rave music videos are quickly gaining popularity because of their ability to balance motion, sound, and visuals. The videos are made to put every one of your senses to use, enabling their audience to fully enjoy the videos.

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Learn more about Music videos and Paul Van Dyk.

Digital Enhancement for Perfect Photo Prints

By David Peters

Digital photography is considered the latest and greatest in the photo business. Most feel it to be the easiest way to capture an image and enhance its overall appeal. Simply put, digital photography is the art form of taking a picture without the need for film. Without the use of film complicating the process of taking pictures, you gain the ability to take and keep a good shot and eliminate the bad ones. It provides the simplest way of taking an image and converting it into an attractive piece of art.

Digital photography has made large strides since the digital cameras and computers were first introduced. Digital cameras have provided incredible conveniences in the world of photography in which anyone with a digital camera can take a picture, and then upload it to the computer to share with friends.

The internet is the gateway to many digital internet services. Many companies supply services of this kind. Some services they might offer are: digital imaging, image restoration, photo retouching, and photo editing and digital enhancement. Other digital imaging services are available to fulfill the needs of all levels of photographers from beginner to expert.

More and more people are using digital cameras for the reason that it's easy to take picture and edit it according to what you want. Who would not want a picture-perfect shot? However, we have to accept the fact that when you take pictures you don't always achieve the best shot. This is where digital enhancement becomes useful.

What is digital enhancement? Digital enhancement is the answer to all image quality problems. It's the best way to improve your snapshot and make it look more attractive. With digital enhancement, you can easily increase the attractiveness of images by simply adjusting the brightness, contrast and sharpness of the image. You are also given the chance to enhance the color balance of the picture. Resizing the image and cropping it at the same time can also be done with ease.

There are numerous ways on how to improve a snapshot. All of these are made possible through digital technology. Digital photography services are offered online and are available to anyone with an interest in bettering their photography. Even digital prints are even better as they are long-lasting compared to traditional photos. They are both fade-resistant and water-proof. Do-it-yourself printers can help accomplish editing and printing of photos. Photo prints done in this manner are established to last longer, different the film-based photography.

Digital enhancement works to an advantage in that you are allowed the chance to prepare your pictures and edit them to maximize the greatest image quality. You can perform photo enhancements with photo editing software or by enlisting the services of a professional digital photography firm. With photo editing software, the image is usually saved in jp or jpeg format. This allows you to upload the images and send them to several websites that offer photo printing services.

Giving consideration to all these digital photography basics will bring you great options when it comes to taking pictures in its best form. Make the most of what digital technology has to offer. If you want to get quality pictures, you should utilize the digital editing and enhancement services that are available through some photo printers online. With these services at hand, picture-perfect shots are just within reach.

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Tattoo- Where Did Tattoos Originate

By Mike Wamoult

When you take a look back through time and study where tattoos originated from it is actually quite interesting. Sailors who were overseas in the Pacific Islands were actually giving themselves tattoos. From there the custom was introduced to the Europeans. This is likely about as far back as most people have any given knowledge about but it is believed that tattooing actually started in Egypt, before Egypt was even an organized society, 6,000 years ago.

In the times of Ancient Egypt, tattoos weren't created to be simply worn on bodies as just art, they had a lot of symbology as well as religious beliefs attached to them. The first tattoos were probably worn by women on their legs in order to brig protection during childbirth. The practice spread from Egypt to different other areas such as Africa and even Polynesia from where it was then introduced to the West.

Certain scientists claim that marks on the skin of the Iceman which was discovered mummified and who dated from way back in 3300 BC were tattoos and exist as the earliest evidence that tattoos existed as far back as that period. Tattoos which were more widely recognized have been found on both Egyptian and Nubian mummies from 2000 B.C onwards.

Ever since this period, different cultures have used the art of tattooing in one form or another for different purposes. Some of the purposes of tattooing include religious and superstitious reasons. Others have chosen to bear tattoos for historical reasons. Tattoos have also been more than an indication of such reasons and have also played a role as symbols of pride. Polynesians allowed both men and women to bear tattoos but in various other cultures only men were allowed to bear tattoos. In Japan the art of tattooing even goes back earlier than the period it was discovered in the West and was used for various purposes.

Thomas Edison was reputed to have invented the first tattoo machine in 1876 as an electric engraver but years later it evolved into the machine that would start the new tattooing revolution. From this period onwards tattooing machines started to become more and more advanced. Samuel O' Reilly worked on the original blueprints of Edison in order to create the electric pen which provided advancement in the way tattoos were etched onto the body.

The machine which is usually in use nowadays was made by Charlie Wagner and it is a dual coil reciprocating engraver specifically made for tattooing. Modern circuses always have one show or the other where a man or woman covered in tattoos is on display. This also played a role in what contributed to the history of tattoos in America.

In 787 AD Pope Hadrian was said to have banned the practice of tattooing and from that period onwards, history has recorded one controversy or the other as far as tattoos were concerned. Hepatitis outbreaks have been blamed on tattoos and the practice has been associated with everything from criminals to sailors.

Millennia after the origin of tattoos, they are becoming less taboo and more accepted. A lot of tattooing studios and institutions are opening up and providing services to various individuals.

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Issues Associated With The Healing Process Of Tattoos

By Mike Wamoult

A new tattoo is considered to be an open wound so naturally they require proper aftercare in order for them to heal correctly. Through each stage of the healing process the tattoo will need attention. Tattoos must be kept clean and exposed to least amount of germs as possible. The healing stages of a tattoo will be as unique as the individual who is experiencing it.

Different factors play their roles in the nature and manner that your tattoo tends to heal. A number of these factors tend to be centered on the kind of skin you possess and where your tattoo is located anatomically. Also of note are the tattoo artist and the style and manner they use to create your tattoo.

When your tattoo has been completed, the tattoo artist will usually place a bandage over the tattoo and tell you not to remove it for a few hours in order to limit the external exposure that your fresh tattoo gets.

Getting a fresh tattoo is somewhat like having some form of minor surgery so if your tattoo bleeds a little bit in the initial 24-hour period after you get it, consider it normal. A bandage should usually assist in absorbing any bleeding which results from your tattoo immediately after the procedure. You should also be rather careful when your bandage is being removed and you should not allow a huge amount of blood dry on your bandage.

When it is time to remove the bandage from your tattoo, do so carefully. It is possible that blood has dried to the bandage and if you just rip it off, you could possibly jeopardize the appearance of your new tattoo.

The first healing stage of your new tattoo is experienced almost initially so expect that your tattoo is going to be sore, red, and possibly a bit swollen. You may also experience a slight stinging sensation that is similar to the feeling of sunburn. Tattoo artists will tell you that getting a tattoo feels like strong sunburn; the truth is that a healing tattoo will often feel like sunburn.

It is also common for a new and healing tattoo to feel dry, tight and itchy as well. In order to minimize this feeling and promote your comfort, it might be advisable to continue applying tattoo aftercare lotion in order to moisturize the tattoo and alleviate the symptoms experienced. Small particles of colored skin may drift off your tattoo as it heals as well and this is a rather normal occurrence too.

Different healing stages tend to be linked with new tattoos and they follow from the first week to the third week. In the first week, you should expect to feel a little soreness or redness accompanied with slight bleeding which may occur within a day after the procedure. In the second week you should expect your tattoo to flake or peel and perhaps become itchy. Week three is more or less the final week and the scabbing and peeling will have reduced although the area might still feel rather sensitive as well.

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Health Risks and Your Tattoos

By Mike Wamoult

Any health risks related to commercial tattooing are usually exaggerated and sometimes people will go as far as to mount campaigns against tattoo shops opening up in their neighborhoods. Tattoo shops have come a long way from once being a taboo practice to now being one of the fastest growing categories of retail business.

Due to the fact that tattoo shops are growing rather quickly and in spots that would ordinarily not play host to any such establishment. Some examples of such locations are various middle-class cities and towns across the United States and the world.

In recent times, it has been suggested by media outlets that there are various risks that are associated with tattooing. Some of these purported health risks include the transmission of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis.

The truth is that there has never been a documented case of HIV transmission through tattooing anywhere in the United States. However, there have been over five cases of HIV transmission associated with dentists and dental workers.

With respect to hepatitis and tattooing, more than 14,000 cases of the condition are reported on an annual basis. 12 or so of these cases have been associated with tattoos but more than 43 of these cases resulted from a trip to dentist. Tattoo studios follow stringent safety regulations laid down by law so health risks which are related to tattooing are more or less obsolete.

Issues concerning any health risks which may be related to tattooing largely exist because tattooing involves needles and blood. If the tattoo artists involved stick to the right sterilization and sanitation procedures, lesser chances that disease transmission will occur exist. If non sterile practices are used then there is a risk of syphilis, hepatitis B, and other diseases.

Infection usually occurs with new tattoos when there is no proper aftercare. A number of people also experience allergic reactions to various tattoo inks. Though most of the inks used in tattooing have approval from the U.S Food and Drug Administration, the FDA is not responsible for the regulation of tattoo inks. The artists themselves must take safety measures such as the use of gloves and the inspection of hands to determine whether they have any cuts or sores and to close up these sores. Hangnails should be removed and fingernails should be kept short and trimmed in order to prevent the gloves from puncturing. You should stay away from tattooing when you are experiencing lesions, dermatitis as well as allergic reactions.

Because of the nature of the rules and safety regulations which usually apply to the practice of tattooing, tattoo parlors tend to be very careful with the issue of providing these tattoos. The health risks described under most circumstances are those which occur in cases where the proper procedures required are not adhered to. As far as the United States is concerned, getting a tattoo is something safe which you should not bother about as long as you a dealing with a safe and reputable tattoo salon.

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Where To Find Rap Music Downloads

By Davion W

The internet is no longer limited to sending emails and making communications and stuff like that. Nowadays, you can even watch movies and listen to music online. You can also do many other things besides, such as make music downloads, including rap music downloads, so you can enjoy listening to them anywhere you please.

This piece of news should therefore have a pleasant ring in the ears of those interested in rap music. However, while there may be plenty of sites that offer rap music downloads, many of these sites are not legitimate sites, so downloading files from them can actually harm your computer or cause it to crash.

When searching the net for great sites to download rap music from, it is quite possible that your search will show free sites. When it does, search for more sites. Free sites usually are illegal sites and they have spyware which can spell the ultimate death of your computer system. Spyware does many mean things to your system, such as affecting the latter's overall function and speed. Also, when spyware's in your system, your security and privacy are questionable.

Thankfully, rap music downloads without the accompanying spyware are possible if the site you are downloading from is reliable and of good quality. However, you must become a member of the site first, and this comes without a price. Nonetheless, whatever amount is required of you to pay, the benefits of acquiring thousands upon thousands of rap music downloads to fill your music library, are far greater if you compare it against monetary considerations. There seems to be no better place to get these music downloads than from legitimate sites.

You can literally tell a good site from an illegal one through its payment system. As is usually the case, legal sites have secure payment systems, while illegal sites, obviously, do not have secure payment systems. This is a very important feature you should not miss when searching for the right sight.

You will also need to check the availability of a twenty-hour customer support. This is essential to ensure yourself that you are getting the kind of service that you deserve. An efficient customer service indicates the site's stability and ability to come up with quality downloads.

As a rap music fan, you deserve to have the best. By following this guide, you can be well on your way to finding great rap music in the internet for download right into your multimedia device.

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Guitar Tabs: Stairway to the Rock Gods

By Fabian Toulouse

Got great dreams of taking the stage with a guitar and inciting screaming fans into convulsions and mesmerized teens into virtual hero worship? It's a hard road to the top, but every rock star started with that same dream; they all had to begin at the beginning when it came to learning music.. Guitar tablature, or tabs, is a type of universal music notation for stringed instruments.

Unlike traditional music notation for piano and wind instruments, picking up guitar basics is not that complicated. Tablature is more visually representative of the instrument, for one thing. Think of it as shorthand compared to dense written prose. Once you understand how to translate the style of notation, guitar tabs make it easy to pick up the music you love most. Later, when your own creative juices start flowing, this style of notation makes transcribing your own music simple and painless.

For guitar purposes, tablature appears as six lines, each one indicating a string on the guitar. The top line stands for the first, or thinnest string; the bottom line is for the sixth or thickest string. Between the lines are little numbers. These tell which fret should be pressed upon when playing that note. Sound simple? Once you put it in practice, it is a piece of cake to figure out.

After you understand the basics, the sky's the limit. Lots of guitar tabs for awesome songs are found online. There are lessons from real pros, videos of all sorts of groups and rock star dreamers, and detailed instructions on how to perform lots of guitar licks. You can even submit your own tabs, if you want.

Nothing compares to the thrill of finally mastering a favorite song, even if you never perform in front of hundreds of rabid fans. Rocking out in your own garage is pretty satisfying, too, and it has never been easier to pick up guitar than now, with the help of the internet.

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If you're looking for a comprehensive list of guitar tabs, be sure you get them from a reputable guitar tab site!

Macro Digital Photography: Some Concerns

By Dan Feildman

Many of us go through life seeing only the big picture presented before us. While there is nothing wrong with this point of view, there is an entire world right before our very eyes that can go unnoticed. We can uncover and explore new things just by looking at an everyday object from a different angle or outlook, and capturing this new point of view up close with digital macro photography can be nothing short of amazing.

Digital macro photography in itself is an art form. It takes an artist's eye to take the everyday, little things and redefine them in a way that captivates the viewer. An artist can through skill and imagination, transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. The artwork produced conveys emotion and reflects the feelings and views that originate only in the mind of the creator. Viewing an art piece such as digital macro photography, gives us the chance to share the world that the photographer sees from behind the lens of the camera.

One thing to understand about digital macro photography is that it is not easy. Many factors come into play in creating an amazing photograph. But what are these factors?

1) Skills - do you actually have the skills necessary for digital macro photography? Do you have the eye for beauty that would be appreciated by people who view your photographs? That's not all you need. You also need to have a steady hand. While taking digital macro photographs, even barely noticeable movements of the hand can ruin your picture.

The proper camera skills are a necessity. You need to be able to adjust the camera in order to capture the picture that you want. Although you can edit a digital macro photograph through your computer, knowing how to take the picture correctly from behind the lens will save you time and work later.

Some people have the necessary skills naturally. However, it is still important to hone these skills by taking classes or attending workshops. Remember that digital macro photography is all about showing things in different ways. Because of this, you need to accept the fact that other people may see your work differently from the way you see it. A fresh eye never hurts.

2) Equipment - you also need the proper tools in order to express your talent. The proper tools can help you a lot if you want to achieve the effect that you want. Remember that although there are tools today that claim to be usable for any type of photography, you should try to find equipment that's specially made for digital macro photography. This is because such equipment can definitely bring out the best in your skills.

There is a lot of effort and work behind digital macro photography for the perfect result, so the correct tools are important. With the right equipment, your goals in digital macro photography are one step closer to being a reality and portraying the message you want to send.

3) Subject - Viewing things in different ways is always exciting. Still, some subjects are more interesting than other ones. Amazing details can be uncovered and learned about the simplest of objects when chosen as the subjects of digital macro photography. The greatest subjects of digital macro photography provide a new level of depth and dimension for the viewer. Always keep the importance of the subject in mind.

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How to Frame Your Picture

By David Peters

Using a frame can turn an otherwise boring picture into a visually pleasing one. Many times a foreground element can be used to create the frame. Some examples include an overhanging tree branch, a window frame, a door, arches, a fence, rows of trees, etc.

Generally frames are used to isolate the main subject of your photograph and create a visually interesting composition. The idea behind framing your photograph is to give your picture depth. There will be times you may choose to keep the detail of the frame (as in a wall, fence or branch), or you may choose to let the frame go completely dark (as in a window frame).

When you are organizing a photo, look around the foreground (and sometimes, even middle or background) and find objects that can be used as a natural frame. At times you may need to physically back up a bit, kneel down for a more pleasant composition, or even zoom in to include your subject within the frame that you have chosen.

Image editing software can also be used to create framing effects after the fact by combining two or more pictures. You can create some very dramatic effects this way and the joy of it is, you are truly only limited by your imagination.

However, a word of caution is necessary here. Though there is nothing wrong with combining different images to create another one, be very careful about employing artificial frames on recognizable scenes and landscapes.

An extreme example of this warning would be to frame the Statue of Liberty by the St. Louis Arch. The picture will not look right unless your purpose is to create dissonance within your viewers' mind.

So, the next time you are ready to take your shot, look around and see if there is an object nearby that you can use as a natural frame. I recommend that you try to take a picture without the frame, and another one with the frame, and then compare the two. Chances are, you will like the one with the frame better!

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A Glass Ball Tutorial Made Simple

By David Peters

Step 1. make a simple circle with your circular marquee tool. Red makes for a nice color, but you can go with anything you like.

Step 2. Give the circle a innerglow layer effect, just change the glow color to black and the blendmode to multiply. Why am I using the Inner glow instead of the inner shadow? Because inner glow doesn't have an angular deflection, and thus is easily uniform.

Step 3 - Load the selection from the circular area. Drag the linear gradient (white to transparent) downward from the top making sure it is close but not completely at the bottom in a new layer.

Step 4 - Press Ctrl/Cmd+T to change the white gradient. Drag the handles bringing them up going halfway through, and drag it just a bit inward from the top and sides. Now lets create a merge composite layer. To do this, hide the background, create a new blank layer on top and press Alt+Ctrl+Shift+E or Option+Cmd+Shift+E on Mac, creating a merged layer on top.

Step 5) Taking the merged layer, generate a circular selection above, being bigger than the original circle. Eye it to judge what looks right and copy the section and paste it in to a new layer. The top segment of the orb is created. Place it again in the exact position.

Step 6. Now to go onto the base of the orb. In a new layer create an eleptical shape that fits into the lower half of the circle. Duplicate this layer and reduce the size a little, as shown in fig.6.

Step 7. Select the larger ellipse layer and load its selection by pressing Ctrl/Cmd and clicking on the layer thumbnail. Now select the cylindrical gradient tool and going with the grey-white-grey-white-grey color combo, drag across.

Step 8) Again, duplicate this layer bringing the duplicate upward. Place the small white portion above the actual gradiated layer. Link both of these layers reducing their size some, so that the outer gradiated ellipse is just within the red circle.

Step 9. Take the duplicated gradient layer and again select it , now giving it a slightly different gradient of greys and whites. Now bring the duplicated gradient layer down. arrange it beneath both the other layers, and position as shown in fig.9. It should be a visible from both sides as it is the rim of the orb.

Step 10) Remove the areas of the orb that are not needed. Keep Ctrl/Cmd pressed and click on the layer thumbnails; first choose the big outer rim ellipse, having the gray gradient, and then Shift+Ctrl/Cmd+Click on the thumbnail of the upper top portion layer. Now the 2 ellipses will be selected, but we need to also select the bottom portion of the orb. Choosing the Rectangular marquee tool, hold down shift and drag over the bottom portion. Inverse the selection (Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+I) and delete the central part of the orb.

Step 11. Now to create the glass portion. Create a circle of the same size of the orb, any color you want. Place it behind the other layers.

Step 12) Just like the first outer orb, give it the same type of inner-glow effect, and bring it forward as to cover all but the red outer portions of the orb.

Step 13 -Make the fill amount =0 in the layer palette in order to make the layer invisible, but keeping the layer effects visible.

Step 14. As you had done with the red circle, ie, creating a white gradient reflection, create the same in a new layer above the glass layer, so as to create a more realistic lighting effect. Adjust the settings as required to make it as realistic looking as possible.

Step 15 -Select the base layers, which are the grey metal gradient layers and the white ellipse, merging them together. Press Cntrl+U to fine-tune the hue of the layer. Since it is at this point grey, click on colorize, and convert to a reddish color to keep with the color of the orb itself.

Step 16 -Lastly, make a very small drop shadow to the upper piece of the red orb, in order to create more realism. The lower portion may seem off, so create a new layer above the red lower orb portion. Select the radial gradient tool in the white to nothing option and drag from a point over the red to just a bit inward. Erase parts that are not enclosed within the red portion.

Now you have a glass ball. Any items can be displayed inside the ball now, but make sure they have a good reflection effect added on. This effect will provide the base a shiny and realistic look.

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Avoid Disappointment And Frustration With Good Basic Watercolors!

By Michael Dale

I have to admit that a critic could have been right to say that my simple 2 stage learn how to paint watercolors course was too simple...

The course is too simple for a beginner who expects a painting course to show them how to paint landscapes, still-life pictures, portraits and technical subjects. It is far simpler because it was aimed at artists who wanted to learn how to paint without the pressures of learning to draw.

Here are 2 reasons why you should return to basic watercolor painting techniques...

1. It is a great idea to learn to paint before you try to paint a picture

2. It is a good idea to go back to first principles when your paintings are going wrong

Occasionally, there are lucky people who don't have any problems. They pick up a box of paints and a brush and easily paint their first watercolor painting. The minority of people who don't struggle with painting are fortunate indeed.

On the other hand, most of us aren't blessed with such talents...

* It isn't so easy to learn how to paint watercolor well

* Painting watercolor pictures can seem impossible

Each and every brush mark can be a nightmare of colors mixing badly and color washes flooding into areas of your painting that you don't want.

Soon your grand art ideas can be transformed into a horrible muddy mess. You are lost, unless you understand how watercolor paints flow across your paper...

* When you look you can see how color is carried by water on watercolor paper

* Understanding that you will wreck a color wash if you haven't left it to dry before adding the nest wash

* It is good to know how to paint a range of color intensity and tone from a single color before advancing to adding other colors to the mix

There is great sense in the old saying... "Don't run before you can walk"

If you aren't careful, watercolor painting will rapidly convince you that you haven't any talent for art. It is a shame to be disillusioned with watercolors that have gone wrong. They can convince you that you can't paint.

So, given the choice, which option would you choose?

"Having a deep knowledge of simple and easy basic watercolor painting or... Disappointment and frustration?"

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Using clear and easy first steps Michael Dale helps you expand your painting and drawing expertise with your free drawing lesson and learn to paint watercolors plan.

The Best Way to Download Great Movies for Zune

By Davion W

Be one of the thousands of people already downloading movies for Zune. Of course, you can always stand out by downloading at the best sites that only true-blue Zune enthusiasts know of. Ever looked at that wide screen of your Zune? It's perfect for watching movies wherever you go.

You can choose from a million of websites on the internet that allows you to download movies for Zune. However, the trick is to choose the best and select few out of the millions of choices. Why not venture out into all these sites, you ask? Well, it'll take you an eternity to finish looking at the sites and you risk exposing your Zune to adware and spyware that are crawling all over the internet.

One of the first things you should look out for is the download fee these websites are offering. Download fees should be reasonable and you should pick a site that fits your budget. It is safe if you join paid or membership sites since you don't expose your gadgets to adware and spyware.

It is also important to look at the variety of media files a website offers. Sure you only want to download movies, but wouldn't it be convenient to download all other media files from just one site? While you're looking at variety, the movie downloads should also be available in a variety of genres, just to save yourself the hassle of downloading other genres from other websites.

Never forget to look at the digital quality of the Zune movies you are downloading. Yes, some downloads might be easier but is quality sacrificed? You wouldn't want to be squinting when you're watching movies on your Zune, right? That takes the fun out of the experience, so be sure to download only movies that have great digital quality.

There are websites out here that are user-friendly, especially to new Zune player owners who don't know a thing about downloading and transferring movies for their media players. These are the websites that offer a step-by-step tutorial to accomplish the said tasks and lets you watch the movies you've downloaded.

Some of the greatest download sites for Zune movies offer burning software as well. You might be asking why you'd need that, well if you've been downloading movies for Zune for quite a while, you'll know that some files need to be converted in order for your Zune player to read it. This is where burning software come in handy.

Start looking for these download sites the next time you got the urge to watch a movie on your Zune. Visit my blog to look at the websites I recommend where you can download great movies for Zune.

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10 Interesting Facts About The Lives of Guardian Angel Tattoos:

By Neta Talmor

1. Guardian Angel Tattoos like to sit on your shoulder or above your heart.

2. Guardian Angel Tattoos are born on the day the person they need to protect was born.

3. Even though not all Guardian Angel Tattoos have wings, all of them are actually able to fly, so you have to take care of your Guardian Angel Tattoo and make sure it doesn't fly away!

4. Some Guardian Angel Tattoos don't like the sun, and prefer to be covered at all times.

5. Guardian Angel Tattoos are neither male nor female.

6. Sometimes Guardian Angel Tattoos look like people you love.

7. Humans cannot pronounce the names of most Guardian Angel Tattoos so it is better not to try to call them by their name.

8. Your Guardian Angel Tattoo chose you although you may think that you chose your Guardian Angel Tattoo.

9. When two or more Guardian Angel Tattoos are located 5 meters or less from each other, they will start talking in their native language.

10. Guardian Angel Tattoos also have Guardian Angels of their own...

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Before you get your next tattoo flash, make sure to search for your perfect Guardian Angel Tattoo on this Tattoo Gallery Review website.

How To Use Digital Cameras To Take Great Photos

By Mike G Grey

You have taken up the hobby of photography and you now need to know how to take good pictures. Its time to start learning this new hobby of picture taking, it will be wonderful. It will be an idea hobby to blend in with your family and friends.

What you may be asking is how to educate yourself on this digital camera for photography. You will need to learn a basic understanding on how to use this new digital camera. It will have a lot of new technology to utilize in picture taking.

A digital photo is measured in pixels, most photo3 are at least 3 mega pixels. The smallest unit of measurement is one pixel, which is a speck. So the more mega pixels a image has the better quality it will appear and also the larger to be printed out.

Storage of the digital image is the next thing I will bring into play. After you take a picture it will be stored in your camera until you put it on your PC. It will be stored on what is called a memory card. The size ranges in 125 Meg to 2 Gig which means 10 pictures to 500 stored on the memory card.

An accessory that is needed is a battery charger and rechargeable batteries. Digital cameras with viewfinders will often eat thur your batteries very fast. So, having spare batteries around when you're taking pictures is a handy.

Operating a digital camera is the next topic. Models of cameras turn on differently like opening the shutter or pressing a button. Just look and see at the manual to see which is how yours works.

Once you have figured out how to turn your camera on, it will most likely have some type of indicator light. That indicator light will light up when the digital camera is ready to take a photo. One thing to take note of the button you press in order to take that snap shot is if you press it half way down the camera will auto focus on the the image it sees thur the lens.

Now what is nice in a digital camera is the fact you can view the picture you just took in the viewfinder. You can see at once if you want this photo or to delete it if you wish. Immediately being able to view photo is real nice in my opinion.

The last thing I am going to tell you in this article is to take the time to install the software that came with your new digital camera. Get yourself acquainted with the software you will learn a great deal about your camera. Most digital camera today are equipped with a USB cable in order to load the photos you have taken for easy downloading into your PC.

About the Author:

It wasn't too long ago that I was asking how to take good pictures until, I had an opportunity to sit down with a photographer who shared some amazingly simple digital photo tip secrets with me. http://www.howtotakegoodpictures.com/articles Budding Photographer Mary Jane

Photography: Skills For the Future

By Fabian Toulouse

Most people think that photography did not come about until the mid-1800s, and in a sense, they are right, but many discoveries that made today's photography possible came far earlier. The first camera invented, in fact, was a pinhole camera made by Ibn al Haytham (965-1040). The important discovery of silver nitrate by Albertus Magnus came in the 13th century, followed later by silver chloride. In 1694, the photochemical effect of light on chemicals was earliest described by Wilhelm Homberg.

All of these contributions led to the development of photography in the 19th century. In 1826, the very first enduring photograph was made by Nicephore Niepce. Just in time for soldiers going off to the American Civil War, commercial photography was in its infancy. All the boys going off to fight wanted to leave behind a tiny tintype or ambrotype for his family or special girl. Though there are only very rare action photographs from the war, the Civil War has the illustrious distinction of being our first conflict with a photographic record.

As photography advanced, more careers opened up, and it also became a hobby for thousands of curious folks worldwide. Newspapers needed photographers, magazines were inaugurated to showcase photography, photographers were always wanted for family portraits. In the 21st century there are any number of careers for photographers, from crime scene investigation work to news to work in NASA or other scientific arenas. Photographers circle the globe capturing every facet of human culture as well as animal and plant life. They witness natural beauty at which the rest of us can only sit home and marvel.

Anyone with an interest, however, can practice photography for themselves, today. With distance education courses, education is fun and convenient. The coursework can teach you all aspects of the field, whether you use a digital or 35 mm camera.

You don't even have to be considering a career, you can simply pick courses that will help you take great pictures of your kids or photograph the fascinating insects that inhabit your garden in the morning light. Whatever your interest, photography is a good skill to learn.

About the Author:

If you're interested in learning basic and advanced photography skills, make sure you learn from a reputable photography school.

Cheap Ways to Download Songs for Your iPhone

By Davion W

You can save a lot of money when you download songs for your iPhone. There are options which you can choose to avail of the latest song hits as well as your personal song favorites without having to spend much. The iPhone is a phenomenal mobile device which is capable of playing clear quality music files as well as having a myriad of other functions. Maximize the musical function of your iPhone by downloading as much songs as you want with these tips.

If you want to download songs for your iPhone for free, you can do so by searching for free sites on the net. There are tons of free sites as well as pay sites on the web that are just waiting for you to come visit them. You should be able to distinguish which music sites are free and which are frauds or pay sites.

When you download songs for your iPhone from free sites, these have both advantages and disadvantages you might want to get to know. The advantage is quite obvious since you don't have to spend money to download the songs. There are even free sites that allow you to download songs as much as you want without paying a single cent.

However, downloading from free sites can be quite troublesome. The file downloads are usually illegal and issues concerning piracy cannot be ignored. If you need to download from free sites, choose those that operate legally. The disadvantage with this option, however, is that you don't get to follow the latest trends in music.

Another disadvantage would be the slow speed of download which is brought about by poor servers or simultaneous downloads with other people. Free music download sites don't have the dedicated servers like pay sites do, hence the slow speed. Some free music sites also release music that have not so good quality or are ripped copies from the original.

If you want to download songs for your iPhone without the hassle, you can do so via mainstream services such as HMV and iTunes. These services impose a payment for each download that you get for your iPhone. This method is simply a hassle-free way to get your music files, although you have to pay for what you download. This is perfect for those casual music lovers who don't really often download songs for their iPhones.

Lastly, you can avail of a paid membership service to download songs for your iPhone. Similar to iTunes and HMV, their music library is also extensive. However, you may find the one-time price of roughly $50 very intimidating. After you pay this fee though, you can download as much of these quality music files as you want.

If you get the urge to add songs to your iPhone library, be on the lookout for these sites. You can also visit my blog to read about the websites I recommend for you to download songs for your iPhone.

About the Author:

Read a review about the top services for iPhone downloads today. For more details, read this about music downloads for iPhone here.

Ways on How to Download Songs for Your IPod

By Davion W

There are many ways on how to download songs for your IPod available in almost any sources you prefer. The internet has provided means of accessing and giving easy steps in properly utilizing the fun way of listening to your favorite music. Thus, making the full use of your IPod as a source of music entertainment and enjoyment in a nutshell found in one gadget is now possible.

The days of your old stereo system, tape player as well as your CD player are over. The new innovation of IPod technology has swept away all these gadgets in a snap. The pleasures of listening to music and fighting boredom are just some to name a few of the advantages of having an IPod.

However, this not all been good and simple for many IPod users as they also get to encounter issues about this gadget. One big issue is on how to download songs for your IPod. This has set baffled thoughts among many IPod enthusiasts.

In reality, there is no expertise needed. All the downloading stuff is very uncomplicated and easy for you to manage. Once you learned all the basics, downloading your favorite songs is just a piece of cake.

An easy and simple guide on how to download songs for your IPod would probably be greatly welcomed by many users. So the first step is to have music on your computer. The songs should come in the form of mp3 files; it can be acquired through either downloading from particular subscriber's site or converting your Cd to Mp3 format by means of a conversion program.

The next step on how to download songs for your IPod is to find the song you wish to listen to on the subscriber's site. Once a preferred file was found, download the file to a folder on your computer. Once you have your songs on your computer, it's time to use the USB cord to connect your IPod to your computer. Open the iTunes application and choose the option, add file to library. Browse through the songs that you recently downloaded and click Open. Go to the edit button then click on, preferences found in the iTunes application. Then, click on the IPod tab, then songs and then the tab, automatically update all songs, finally, click ok.

Learning easy steps on how to download songs for your IPod is a great way of enjoying your gadget given a variety of songs to choose from.

When you get the hang of it, you will find that everything is just plainly simple. You can read on my blog anytime and learn more on how to download songs for your IPod.

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Grab unlimited iPod downloads now! For your reading pleasure, you may wish to look at more tips about iPhone music downloads.

You're Just a Click Away to Download iPhone Games

By Davion Wong

When you download iPhone games, you give yourself the chance to experience gaming like no other mobile phone can offer. Playing with the iPhone is a whole different experience what with its large screen, great resolution, and vibrant displays; you really stand to be awed at what you see.

The most reasonable thing for you to do is start downloading games compatible to your iPhone. However, most people get lost once they log on the internet because of the many options they get bombarded with. The internet has a long list of download websites. In order for you to keep your iPod-cum-phone safe, you need to know the safest websites to go to.

If you come across websites that offer downloads through torrents or a P2P style, stay away from these sites. Yes, they have a lot of download choices but these sites are usually considered illegal and there's one thing illegal websites have in common - damaging virus. You want to download iPhone games not virus, right? So stay with safe and legal downloading websites.

Membership or pay sites are the safest download websites around and all their file downloads are considered legal. These are the type of websites you should be on the lookout for so that you can save yourself the worrying from exposing your iPhone to harmful viruses. However, be on the lookout for membership sites that ask for reasonable membership or download fees.

Many owners share the same thought, that if you want to play great iPhone games, you have to be ready to pay the price. Those sites that offer free iPhone games come at a price of potentially damaging your phone-cum-MP3 player. A damaged iPhone can cost you more than a membership fee. Be sure to think about this the next time you look for free iPhone game downloads.

Searching for reviews about the best websites and software can help in picking out the best places to go to download iPhone games. The websites that have made it to the top three include iPhoneNova, iPhoneUnlimited, and iPhoneDownloadPro. These websites offer you a safe way of downloading great games to your iPhone.

On the same note, these three websites offer you more than just great games, they offer other media files as well that are all compatible with your gadget. When you download from these sites and similar sites out there, you don't have to worry about the safety of your iPhone, you can just enjoy playing with your latest downloaded game.

If you want to know more about my recommended sites to download iPhone games, visit my blog.

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Get your unlimited iPhone downloads - newly released music, movies and all for pennies. Also read another top article on iPhone music downloads.