The world of red wines is a heady, rich and wonderful world filled with everything from the nuanced subtlety of a gentle South African Merlot to the peppery richness of Sangre de Toro, “Blood of the Bull” from Spain. In general, many of the “rules” of wine drinking have been cast aside in today’s world, making it more accessible to every person, and with the increased demand supply has soared, allowing for inexpensive and very delicious wine available to all.
Still, there are many who feel that the world of wine loving is not as yet open to them. With so many wines to choose among, where do you begin? How do you properly enjoy a red or white and with what meals would they be best?
Let’s look at some very basic tips to maximizing your exploration of red wines.
Don’t spend a ton of money on a bottle of wine. Leave that for later, once you’ve begun to explore beyond the brands and varietals that you like. There are so many wonderful and delicious wines that are available for somewhere between $5 and $8 a bottle, that you really should not need to drop $20 or $30 for a bottle of wine...at least not yet.
Don’t buy local, yet. Often, your local wine store is stocked with bottles from the local vineyard (if there is one). These can be wonderful, or they can be vinegar. It really can be something of a crap shoot. So, unless you live in the Napa valley, or some other area that is renown for its wine-making efforts, stick with something that is nationally or internationally distributed.
Stick with a varietal, for now. In other words, pick a wine that is primarily made from one type of grape, i.e. a Shiraz, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, etc. Try to avoid blended reds to begin with, though they can be quite delicious. By learning the flavors of the varietal grapes, you’ll better understand what it is about the blend that you like. Avoid flavored wines or coolers that you can get at your local convenience store. These are little more than non-bubbly soda pop with alcohol in them and can lead to a nasty headache as they are hastily made from the least pure ingredients.
Start with a nice Merlot from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand or Chile. These vineyards are usually able to balance cost with quality quite nicely. The reason I recommend Merlot is that of all the red varietals, it is the gentlest, and complements a broad menu of meals.
Reds like to breathe. Open the bottle and let it sit for ten minutes or so. This allows oxygen to get at the wine and mature it quickly. For that matter, pouring the wine into the glasses and allowing it to sit for ten to twenty minutes accelerates this process. You’ll find the flavor is much enhanced by this approach.
Reds at Room Temperature and Whites Chilled. A simple rule that does not always apply but is a good guide, nonetheless. Chilling a red removes many of the subtleties of flavor for which you buy the wine in the first place and slows the wine’s ability to mature with exposure to oxygen. Keep them room temperature.
I mentioned earlier that many of the “rules” of wine loving have been discarded, or at least loosened, such as ‘red wine with red meat or pasta and white wine with fish or poultry.’ While these are not bad guidelines, they really are not carved in stone and nowadays waiters and even the seasoned gourmand will not turn up his/her nose at a guest who asks for a red with fish or enjoys a nice, tart Chardonnay with a burger.
Merlot with what? While a Merlot can be a perfect complement for a spaghetti dinner (particularly if you have a nice buttery garlic bread), it can easily sit beside a pork chop or fried chicken dinner. A Merlot is a lovely, non-pretentious start to your journey and should open the door nicely to a journey of wine loving.
OK, Now What? Try a few different brands of Merlot from competing vineyards. Note the differences in style and substance. I’d recommend sticking to those south of the equator to begin with. Once you feel like you’ve tasted a number of Merlots and are acquainted with the differences, then move on to a Cabernet Sauvignon and begin your journey anew. I’d hold off on Shiraz, Syrah, Petite Syrah or Beaujolais until you have a basic appreciation of Merlots and Cabernets, but once you do, then dive in to the heavy, heady, peppery joy of the stronger reds. Once you feel like you really understand and can note the differences of the red varietals, start exploring the blends or the truly excellent California varietals. Good luck and enjoy!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
A History Of Country Music
Musicians have long been playing fiddle music in the Appalachians for years, but it wasn’t until 1927 in Bristol, Tennessee that the first recording country music recording deal was signed. In this year, Victor Records signed Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family.
Jimmie Rodgers was born in Meridian Mississippi, in 1897. Originally he worked on the railroads until his ill health got the better of him and it was only during this time that he followed his earlier love of entertaining. In 1927 he followed word that Victor Records were setting up a portable recording studio and made his way there. He was immediately signed and continued recording and playing music until he died in 1933.
In 1965 he was one of the very first musicians to be added to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961 along with Hank Williams and Fred Rose. On the same day as Jimmie Rodgers signed with Victor Records, so did the Carter Family, who would become one of the most famous country music bands of all time. They remained with Victor Records until 1936. Not even divorce could separate the band though and they continued to record with Decca until 1939. Things started to hit a rough patch at this stage and despite signing for Universal and eventually Victor Records again, the band split in 1941.
It is widely acknowledged that that big day in 1927 was the introduction of country music to the rest of the country. Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family were met with huge critical acclaim and became incredibly popular helping to sell a great many records. Country music singers and bands of today will often talk about the Carter Family or Jimmie Rodgers as being their major influence and with very good reason.
Jimmie Rodgers was born in Meridian Mississippi, in 1897. Originally he worked on the railroads until his ill health got the better of him and it was only during this time that he followed his earlier love of entertaining. In 1927 he followed word that Victor Records were setting up a portable recording studio and made his way there. He was immediately signed and continued recording and playing music until he died in 1933.
In 1965 he was one of the very first musicians to be added to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961 along with Hank Williams and Fred Rose. On the same day as Jimmie Rodgers signed with Victor Records, so did the Carter Family, who would become one of the most famous country music bands of all time. They remained with Victor Records until 1936. Not even divorce could separate the band though and they continued to record with Decca until 1939. Things started to hit a rough patch at this stage and despite signing for Universal and eventually Victor Records again, the band split in 1941.
It is widely acknowledged that that big day in 1927 was the introduction of country music to the rest of the country. Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family were met with huge critical acclaim and became incredibly popular helping to sell a great many records. Country music singers and bands of today will often talk about the Carter Family or Jimmie Rodgers as being their major influence and with very good reason.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
9 Tips for playing well under pressure.
Get Every Putt to the Hole
In team formats, it pays to get the ball to the hole, if only to give your partners a good read. Most putts come up short because the player decelerates on the through-stroke. Instead, make sure your through-stroke is as long or slightly longer than your backstroke.
Minimize Your Swing Thoughts
Keep your game plan simple. Put it on a piece of paper on the cart steering wheel and refer to it before each full shot.
Preshot: Visualize what you want the ball to do.
Address: Align the clubface where you want the ball to go.
Swing thought: Freely swing the clubhead.
Survive The First-tee Jitters
Nervousness makes you speed up your tempo, which affects consistency and accuracy. Take several deep breaths as you get ready to hit, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Swing your driver smoothly, like you want to hit it only 100 yards.
Make More Tough Short Putts
Playing a format that requires you to putt everything out? Set your putterface square to the desired line, then square your feet and shoulders to that line. Make a smooth stroke while looking at the target, not at the ball.
Take More Club on Par 3s
Few amateurs hit the ball over or through the green on par 3s; most come up short. Select a club that will get you to the yardage at the back of the green. If you hit it flush, you're on; if you hit it less than solidly, you still might make it to the putting surface.
Score Lower on Par 5s
Take a "do the math" approach. Most par 5s are 500 yards or more. Make the last shot your favorite yardage into the green. Subtract that yardage, then divide the difference by two. With this strategy, you're hitting lofted clubs that are easier to hit and more accurate.
Get Out of the Sand in One Try
Good greenside bunker players accelerate the clubhead through the shot, letting the sand "splash" the ball out. Set up with the face of your sand wedge slightly open, the ball slightly forward in your stance. Hit the sand behind the ball, and finish your swing like you're hitting a full 5-iron.
Chip with Your Putting Stroke
To avoid chunking or skulling your chip shots, take a lofted club like a 7-, 8- or 9-iron and grip it like your putter. Lean the shaft and your body toward the target for a slightly descending blow. Make your putting stroke, allowing the loft of the club to carry the ball over the unpredictable turf onto the green.
Get Your Irons Airborne
Most topped shots occur when you try to help the ball into the air with a scooping motion. To hit down on the ball, set up with more weight on your left foot than your right. Take the club back more vertically and return it on a downward angle of attack.
In team formats, it pays to get the ball to the hole, if only to give your partners a good read. Most putts come up short because the player decelerates on the through-stroke. Instead, make sure your through-stroke is as long or slightly longer than your backstroke.
Minimize Your Swing Thoughts
Keep your game plan simple. Put it on a piece of paper on the cart steering wheel and refer to it before each full shot.
Preshot: Visualize what you want the ball to do.
Address: Align the clubface where you want the ball to go.
Swing thought: Freely swing the clubhead.
Survive The First-tee Jitters
Nervousness makes you speed up your tempo, which affects consistency and accuracy. Take several deep breaths as you get ready to hit, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Swing your driver smoothly, like you want to hit it only 100 yards.
Make More Tough Short Putts
Playing a format that requires you to putt everything out? Set your putterface square to the desired line, then square your feet and shoulders to that line. Make a smooth stroke while looking at the target, not at the ball.
Take More Club on Par 3s
Few amateurs hit the ball over or through the green on par 3s; most come up short. Select a club that will get you to the yardage at the back of the green. If you hit it flush, you're on; if you hit it less than solidly, you still might make it to the putting surface.
Score Lower on Par 5s
Take a "do the math" approach. Most par 5s are 500 yards or more. Make the last shot your favorite yardage into the green. Subtract that yardage, then divide the difference by two. With this strategy, you're hitting lofted clubs that are easier to hit and more accurate.
Get Out of the Sand in One Try
Good greenside bunker players accelerate the clubhead through the shot, letting the sand "splash" the ball out. Set up with the face of your sand wedge slightly open, the ball slightly forward in your stance. Hit the sand behind the ball, and finish your swing like you're hitting a full 5-iron.
Chip with Your Putting Stroke
To avoid chunking or skulling your chip shots, take a lofted club like a 7-, 8- or 9-iron and grip it like your putter. Lean the shaft and your body toward the target for a slightly descending blow. Make your putting stroke, allowing the loft of the club to carry the ball over the unpredictable turf onto the green.
Get Your Irons Airborne
Most topped shots occur when you try to help the ball into the air with a scooping motion. To hit down on the ball, set up with more weight on your left foot than your right. Take the club back more vertically and return it on a downward angle of attack.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Family’s Entertainment Tips
Recession does not mean boredom for your family. You do not have to slump down at home trying to sleep the recession away when you can still have fun without having to spend too much. Here are some ways to keep your family entertained without putting a big dent to your budget.
Grow a Green Thumb – Low Cost Way to Have Fun and Have Food
Gardening is one of the most productive and yet less-costly ways to entertain oneself. If you have the kids helping, you can double the fun. Just as long as you do not use high-maintenance, which are also usually expensive plants, you can have a ball growing vegetables and fruits that you can also use to make your own meals. This means more savings for your family!
Watch your Local Sports Team – Inexpensive Way to Support your Local Team
Kids enjoy watching sports. Support your local sports team by adding yourself and your kid as part of its seated cheering squad.
Go to community events – Low Cost Activity to Enjoy your Neighborhood’s Events
Your local local colleges, city bulletin boards, newspaper listings, and libraries usually post special entertainment events that you can attend for free.
Host a Garage Sale – Fun and Inexpensive Way to Earn Extra Income
It’s high time to get rid of your old bags that only gather dust in your closet. And what better way to get rid of it than to sell it in a garage sale. A garage sale is not just a way to earn you extra money, it can be highly entertaining, too. Getting the whole family to participate, from gathering the items, pricing and selling them can be a whole bunch of fun.
Backyard Camping – Go Cheap, Local and Fun
You do not need to travel miles to be able to enjoy camping. Your backyard can be one cheaper and less-stressful place to have camping with your family or friends. Just make sure to make the ambience conducive to camping. If you want, you can even invite your nosy neighbors to join you.
Purchase annual passes – Low Cost Amusement
Amusement and water parks usually offer annual tickets that do not cost much. Take advantage of these offers if your family is into this type of entertainment.
Enjoy YouTube – Free Techie Fun
The Internet technology now offers free entertainment via online videos. YouTube is the most popular source of these videos. You can also watch movies through other free movie sites.
Belt it out – Enjoy and Learn while Saving Money
If you do not have a karaoke microphone, you can borrow from your friends. There is also an online version of karaoke that you can also use as a form of free entertainment.
Play Online Games – Not Just for Kids but for Your Wallet’s Health, too
There are millions of free online games that you can enjoy with your kids. Whether you want to play word games or puzzle games, the variety of online games is endless.
Set a Family Day – Regular Way to Save Money and Have Fun
Whether you play scrabble, go camping in your backyard, or watch online videos, setting a regular family day doing these simple and yet fun activities will condition your family to look forward to less-expensive ways of having fun. It’s a great way to bond with your family members, as well.
Grow a Green Thumb – Low Cost Way to Have Fun and Have Food
Gardening is one of the most productive and yet less-costly ways to entertain oneself. If you have the kids helping, you can double the fun. Just as long as you do not use high-maintenance, which are also usually expensive plants, you can have a ball growing vegetables and fruits that you can also use to make your own meals. This means more savings for your family!
Watch your Local Sports Team – Inexpensive Way to Support your Local Team
Kids enjoy watching sports. Support your local sports team by adding yourself and your kid as part of its seated cheering squad.
Go to community events – Low Cost Activity to Enjoy your Neighborhood’s Events
Your local local colleges, city bulletin boards, newspaper listings, and libraries usually post special entertainment events that you can attend for free.
Host a Garage Sale – Fun and Inexpensive Way to Earn Extra Income
It’s high time to get rid of your old bags that only gather dust in your closet. And what better way to get rid of it than to sell it in a garage sale. A garage sale is not just a way to earn you extra money, it can be highly entertaining, too. Getting the whole family to participate, from gathering the items, pricing and selling them can be a whole bunch of fun.
Backyard Camping – Go Cheap, Local and Fun
You do not need to travel miles to be able to enjoy camping. Your backyard can be one cheaper and less-stressful place to have camping with your family or friends. Just make sure to make the ambience conducive to camping. If you want, you can even invite your nosy neighbors to join you.
Purchase annual passes – Low Cost Amusement
Amusement and water parks usually offer annual tickets that do not cost much. Take advantage of these offers if your family is into this type of entertainment.
Enjoy YouTube – Free Techie Fun
The Internet technology now offers free entertainment via online videos. YouTube is the most popular source of these videos. You can also watch movies through other free movie sites.
Belt it out – Enjoy and Learn while Saving Money
If you do not have a karaoke microphone, you can borrow from your friends. There is also an online version of karaoke that you can also use as a form of free entertainment.
Play Online Games – Not Just for Kids but for Your Wallet’s Health, too
There are millions of free online games that you can enjoy with your kids. Whether you want to play word games or puzzle games, the variety of online games is endless.
Set a Family Day – Regular Way to Save Money and Have Fun
Whether you play scrabble, go camping in your backyard, or watch online videos, setting a regular family day doing these simple and yet fun activities will condition your family to look forward to less-expensive ways of having fun. It’s a great way to bond with your family members, as well.
Family’s Entertainment Tips
Recession does not mean boredom for your family. You do not have to slump down at home trying to sleep the recession away when you can still have fun without having to spend too much. Here are some ways to keep your family entertained without putting a big dent to your budget.
Grow a Green Thumb – Low Cost Way to Have Fun and Have Food
Gardening is one of the most productive and yet less-costly ways to entertain oneself. If you have the kids helping, you can double the fun. Just as long as you do not use high-maintenance, which are also usually expensive plants, you can have a ball growing vegetables and fruits that you can also use to make your own meals. This means more savings for your family!
Watch your Local Sports Team – Inexpensive Way to Support your Local Team
Kids enjoy watching sports. Support your local sports team by adding yourself and your kid as part of its seated cheering squad.
Go to community events – Low Cost Activity to Enjoy your Neighborhood’s Events
Your local local colleges, city bulletin boards, newspaper listings, and libraries usually post special entertainment events that you can attend for free.
Host a Garage Sale – Fun and Inexpensive Way to Earn Extra Income
It’s high time to get rid of your old bags that only gather dust in your closet. And what better way to get rid of it than to sell it in a garage sale. A garage sale is not just a way to earn you extra money, it can be highly entertaining, too. Getting the whole family to participate, from gathering the items, pricing and selling them can be a whole bunch of fun.
Backyard Camping – Go Cheap, Local and Fun
You do not need to travel miles to be able to enjoy camping. Your backyard can be one cheaper and less-stressful place to have camping with your family or friends. Just make sure to make the ambience conducive to camping. If you want, you can even invite your nosy neighbors to join you.
Purchase annual passes – Low Cost Amusement
Amusement and water parks usually offer annual tickets that do not cost much. Take advantage of these offers if your family is into this type of entertainment.
Enjoy YouTube – Free Techie Fun
The Internet technology now offers free entertainment via online videos. YouTube is the most popular source of these videos. You can also watch movies through other free movie sites.
Belt it out – Enjoy and Learn while Saving Money
If you do not have a karaoke microphone, you can borrow from your friends. There is also an online version of karaoke that you can also use as a form of free entertainment.
Play Online Games – Not Just for Kids but for Your Wallet’s Health, too
There are millions of free online games that you can enjoy with your kids. Whether you want to play word games or puzzle games, the variety of online games is endless.
Set a Family Day – Regular Way to Save Money and Have Fun
Whether you play scrabble, go camping in your backyard, or watch online videos, setting a regular family day doing these simple and yet fun activities will condition your family to look forward to less-expensive ways of having fun. It’s a great way to bond with your family members, as well.
Grow a Green Thumb – Low Cost Way to Have Fun and Have Food
Gardening is one of the most productive and yet less-costly ways to entertain oneself. If you have the kids helping, you can double the fun. Just as long as you do not use high-maintenance, which are also usually expensive plants, you can have a ball growing vegetables and fruits that you can also use to make your own meals. This means more savings for your family!
Watch your Local Sports Team – Inexpensive Way to Support your Local Team
Kids enjoy watching sports. Support your local sports team by adding yourself and your kid as part of its seated cheering squad.
Go to community events – Low Cost Activity to Enjoy your Neighborhood’s Events
Your local local colleges, city bulletin boards, newspaper listings, and libraries usually post special entertainment events that you can attend for free.
Host a Garage Sale – Fun and Inexpensive Way to Earn Extra Income
It’s high time to get rid of your old bags that only gather dust in your closet. And what better way to get rid of it than to sell it in a garage sale. A garage sale is not just a way to earn you extra money, it can be highly entertaining, too. Getting the whole family to participate, from gathering the items, pricing and selling them can be a whole bunch of fun.
Backyard Camping – Go Cheap, Local and Fun
You do not need to travel miles to be able to enjoy camping. Your backyard can be one cheaper and less-stressful place to have camping with your family or friends. Just make sure to make the ambience conducive to camping. If you want, you can even invite your nosy neighbors to join you.
Purchase annual passes – Low Cost Amusement
Amusement and water parks usually offer annual tickets that do not cost much. Take advantage of these offers if your family is into this type of entertainment.
Enjoy YouTube – Free Techie Fun
The Internet technology now offers free entertainment via online videos. YouTube is the most popular source of these videos. You can also watch movies through other free movie sites.
Belt it out – Enjoy and Learn while Saving Money
If you do not have a karaoke microphone, you can borrow from your friends. There is also an online version of karaoke that you can also use as a form of free entertainment.
Play Online Games – Not Just for Kids but for Your Wallet’s Health, too
There are millions of free online games that you can enjoy with your kids. Whether you want to play word games or puzzle games, the variety of online games is endless.
Set a Family Day – Regular Way to Save Money and Have Fun
Whether you play scrabble, go camping in your backyard, or watch online videos, setting a regular family day doing these simple and yet fun activities will condition your family to look forward to less-expensive ways of having fun. It’s a great way to bond with your family members, as well.
Monday, May 3, 2010
New "Awareness Month" Ideas
Let's face it: The "Awareness Month" thing is getting a little out of control. Breast Cancer and Autism Awareness months aside, the entire phenomenon has jumped the shark already. My solution is simple: Rather than getting annoyed and choosing to remain unaware of all of them, I want to capitalize financially on the trend. Imagine the T-Shirt sales, the ribbons, the buttons, the nobles looks I could get from random strangers. It would be so worth it!
Feel free to use any of these ideas. Just give me credit for it when someone asks how you came up with such a brilliant and beautiful concept, okay? Cool.
January: Choking Awareness Month. Colors: Purple & Gold
This is the time to remember all those suffering Minnesota Vikings fans who will be forced to watch their team find away to lose in the playoffs against all odds. They will NOT be forgotten!
February: Procrastinator's Awareness Month Color: Whatever (I was going to pick, but my deadline snuck up on me)
For all those whose bills are due at the end of the month, Procrastinators suffer the most in February. Their deadline comes early this time of year. Let's help THEM be aware!
March: Clariton D Awareness Month Color: Yellow
Celebrate this month in honor of all us allergy sufferers in Oregon who can't get Clariton D over the counter. The meth users may have stolen our privileges, but they can never take our Kleenex. Am I right?
April: Fools Awareness Month Color: Tied Dye
For all those who always forget that it's the first day of April... for all those who have ever walked into Burger King and asked for the Left Handed Whopper: This one is for you.
May: Last Month of Winter Awareness Month (Wisconsin) Color: White
Stand with your northern brothers and sisters in their dreams for spring!
June: Parental Panic Month Color: Red
As summer vacation begins, let's remember moms and dads who are worried sick about having to actually spend time with their offspring.
July: Popcorn Bilkers Month Color: White and Yellow
Time to stand up to theater concession stands, people! Those kernels marked up at least 1000%! And yes, I'll take extra butter. Sheesh!
August: Litte Caesar's Hot 'n Ready Awareness Month Colors: Red and Gold
August is named after Caesar Augustus, so what better month to make others aware of the fantabulous $5 (ish) Hot 'n Ready Pizza deal? Breastplates and broom-helmets are strongly encouraged.
September: Sabre Month (Formerly Dunder Mifflin Month) Color: Blue
Back to school time means your kid needs paper. By a cheap printer, and you'll get a ream of 20 lb. white for free!
October: "Sorry We Forgot About You, Baseball" Month Colors: Brown & Green
What better way to remember America's former favorite pastime by tuning in to the last 20 minutes of the World Series?
November: Turkey Activist Awareness Month Color: Black
As you're enjoying a succulent deep fried butterball turkey this thanksgiving, take a moment to remember those tortured souls who are protesting outside.
December: Religious Opposition Month Colors: Drab Ones
Fight religious holiday overtones with angry ceremonies and dogmatic zeal! Spend Christmas Eve howling at the moon!
Well, there it is. I hope this helps. Remember, I don't want royalties on any of this, but I always accept thank you notes and bro hugs.
Jason Hague teaches, writes, parents, travels, blogs, and watches the Dallas Cowboys. His life goal is to do all of those things in the same day.
By Jason HagueHow to Parody an Infomercial
It was Andy Warhol who clairvoyantly declared "In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes." The Internet has born witness to a meteoric rise of video-sharing websites, allowing absolutely anyone to gain tremendous attention for virtually anything.
One category of viral videos that has seen great success is that of infomercial parodies. In the wake of such over-the-top, strangely captivating advertisements as the Sham-Wow©, Orange-Glo©, and Snuggie© infomericals, the internet has been abuzz with mash-ups, remixes, and ground-up reconstructions of infomercials that mock everything from the concept of the product for sale to the outlandish nature of the claims in the commercial itself.
For every great parody on the Internet, there are a dozen lousy ones. If you find yourself inspired to produce your very own Mockomercial, there are a few things you will need to keep in mind to avoid the latter category:
#1) First of all, know your target. Are you mocking an existing product, an existing TV celebrity, an existing advertisement style, or something entirely unrelated that you think would translate well to this form? If your target is something that already exists, especially something that is already the subject of much mockery, keep in mind the second rule:
#2) Trust your audience. Avoid the strong urge to outright call something stupid, pointless, or overtly sexual. If your final product is successful, the viewers can figure out for themselves what is so ludicrous about the advertisement. The message will be most clearly communicated if you adhere religiously to the third and most important rule:
#3) Be professional. Good sound quality, well-lit and professionally juxtaposed footage, and the best actors you can obtain are oft-overlooked elements to a successful comedic product. Music and sound effects should be used sparingly, and volume should be carefully controlled. Stock footage should be apt and thoughtfully applied. Your video camera need not be of particularly high quality, so long as the video you take is executed masterfully.
No infomercial is complete without the obligatory this-is-why-you-need-this-product parade of stock footage depicting a man struggling to shovel snow, a woman burning herself on a mug, what have you.
Waste no time or money, and come straight to us for all your high-quality stock video footage needs!
By Rachel PaisteAvoid Stupidity If You Can
This planet sucks! You solve one problem and you are immediately hit in the face with another. It is indeed rare to meet a person without any problems. In fact if you do, you are probably meeting a liar.
For some strange reason, we all insist on denying our true situation. We feel as if we are failures, if we admit we have problems. Yet problems are the normal way of life in this world. Everybody has problems and they never cease. There is always a new twist, another difficult combination of circumstances.
Unfortunately, you also cause many of your problems. You make them through 'bad' choices, 'mistakes', 'bad timing' or just plain stupidity.
Most of the time there is very little that could have been done to avoid the problems you have. They seem to twist their way into lives through bizarre circumstances and perfectly synchronized timing (by whom I do not know!). However... stupidity causes many of your difficulties and really, they could often have been avoided.
Stupidity is the result of not acting responsibly.
• You may have had too much to drink and caused harm to yourself or someone else.
• You may have not been concentrating while you were driving and had an accident.
• You may have been on drugs and did something very much out of character.
• You may have lost your temper and said things that cannot be taken back.
There are endless tragedies that can be told. Anyone could tell you of times that they did not act responsibly. As a result their life was more complicated for themselves and those around them.
Well, all of your acts of stupidity are in the past now, (hopefully) and it is no good having regrets. There is not enough time in life for that. Get on with your life and realize that having a sense of responsibility is not something just for the oldies with no sense of adventure, it is something that needs to be considered in every persons life - often. You do not need to add to your own problems.
Take the example of gambling at the roulette table. There is nothing wrong with it, as long as you are willing to bear the losses if you are not lucky. If you lose and you complain, then you did not consider the cost. If you can wear the loss, then go ahead. If it would mean hardship for you or someone else, think twice, you are being irresponsible and self-destructive.
When I am sparing at Tae Kwon Do, I try to be careful not to injure myself, as well as trying to avoid any serious injuries to my training partner. I consider the cost of my actions. I pull back on punches, do not kick as hard as I could. I am not willing to bear the upset, if I was to harm my friend.
If my partner is going too hard on me, I will not hesitate to ask him to back off a little. It is not about winning, it is about being there and being able to laugh about it tomorrow.
Consider the possible outcomes of your irresponsible actions and you might act a little differently. Life is hard enough without you making it worse for yourself.
Colin Perini
Author of 'The Creative Way' - A Guide to Your Personal Creativity
Colin Perini is a Master of Creativity. You can read some of his creative and inspiring comments at: http://thecreativeway.com.au.
Colin is a world-renowned seascape artist with work hanging in over 25 countries. You can see some of his seascapes at: http://colinperini.com.
By Colin PeriniLaughing is No Joke - The Benefits of Laughter
You are never going to believe the trick I played on my very own mother while I was at her house the other day.
"Hey mom! Mom! Come here a minute! That's what you could hear billowing through her house. My poor mother had no idea what was coming, and I wasn't asking her where the meatloaf was.
I looked at her and said, "Okay, on the count of three, just start laughing." She probably thought I was nuts. "1,2,3... Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha." What started as a fake synthetic chuckle turned into a real and sincere roar of rolling-on-the-floor, laughing our butts' off laughter.
If you haven't laughed today, you aren't going to be laughing at what you are missing out on. According to Helpguide.org, laughing has incredible benefits, including the ability to:
- Boost immunity
- Lower stress hormones
- Decrease pain
- Relax your muscles
- Prevent heart disease
- Enhance resilience
- & Strengthen relationships
There are even entire clubs devoted to laughing. The concept may sound unique, but there are reported to be more than 5,000 laughing clubs around the world.
So if you want to mix things up and brighten someone's day, I'm giving you a script to try with a friend. (Feel free to improvise):
You: Hey {insert victim's name}!
Victim: What do you want?
You: Come here and give me a hot second.
Victim: This better be worth it.
You: Ohhh you just wait and see {insert victim's name}. I'm going to drop you to the floor.
Victim: I'm scarred.
You: You should be. On the count of three, start laughing.
Victim: You're an idiot.
You: Just do it. 1,2,3... Hahaha
Victim: hahaha
You: hahahahaha
Victim: HAHAHAHAHAHA
You: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Don't sue me for what happens next.
About the Author:
Jim Camut, editor of ManifestWell.com, strives to bring forward ideas that can help us live healthier, enlightened, happier, and more wholesome lives. His passion of total well-being comes with his pursuit as a professional athlete.
ManifestWell.com is about moving ideas forward that expand our minds and amplify our total wellness and well-being. It is growing community of thinkers, innovators, and all those who want to help manifest the level well-being allowing us to live the fullest lives we can imagine.
By Jim Camut
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