Studying online

Studying for a degree can help anyone increase their chances of a having a good career. It goes without saying that it is always a good idea to increase your skills base and keep working on improving your study or work situation. Studying in your very own free time and when you like to plan your studies in-between your other activities is a great way to gain a qualification of any kind. Studying at an university online such as Capella University could be the answer for you. There are a whole range of courses to choose from and they provide degree qualifications on many levels and in a wide variety of subjects.

Studying for a course online has become a very convenient way to get a degree in your chosen field. It is just so very convenient. There are so many courses to choose from and if you are good at time management there is no better way to learn. You can study at your own pace and according to your own schedule where you just work around your other obligations, often while already working in your current job. Check it out as this is a great way to get ahead.

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Furry creatures

This morning I was walking through the park and everywhere I looked I saw squirrels busily gathering nuts and carrying them away in that frantic hurried way that they have. Needless to say they were all the grey American variety that usurped the native red British squirrel.

I've only ever seen the native British one in pictures and they look lovely with their red fluffy tufts on their ears. I don't know. These American squirrels coming over here, taking our nuts and our women. Eh...

Have a go at bingo!

I know quite a lot of people in my circle of friends who enjoy a game of bingo every now and then. It can be good fun, it has to be said. It can be a really good night’s entertainment to play bingo and have some fun and potentially win some money into the bargain. It is becoming more and more popular and it is very easy to see why.

If you like playing bingo you should check out Bingo Supermarket. This happens to be a bingo review site which has made an arrangement with some top bingo sites to offer players free cash to play bingo with when they sign up. So, what are you waiting for? Check it out now! You can play free bingo with the chance of winning prizes without spending a penny.

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Poetry magazine lives again

I just want you all to know that I have revived Ancient Heart Magazine from its slumber. You can now find the poetry mag right here. Have a look and see what you think. You may even consider submitting a poem your self or passing the link on to poetry loving friends you may know.

Submitting is in the format of a comment as the mag is in the shape of a blog. Just leave a comment on the last entry containing your poem and some other info. Full details are on the poetry mag/blog itself. Let's have some fun!

Go on, have some fun!

There are many ways in which to enjoy your leisure time. One way to enjoy your self and possibly win something is by playing online bingo. There is a site called Bingosupermarket.com which is a bingo portal site where you can play bingo online and more.

This great site has links to many other bingo game sites. Playing online bingo can be great fun and, of course, here you can also chat to people via many bingo. And don’t forget that you can win some money as well. The best bingo is an online bingo site where you will want to return time and time again. This is one such great online bingo site.

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Breezy briefs

I'm not sure exactly why this news item made it onto the BBC Asia-Pacific website but there you go. Apparently, a dubious bar promoting drinks with a rather lurid campaign is news for the BBC. Or could it be that it fits in with certain British stereotypes regarding Aussie ways? Who knows?

I'm sure that the controversial drinks promotion would have been popular with some. After all, we're all human and when we've had a few we become even more human. Drink even more and you become less human and more animalistic; grunting and stumbling on all fours looking for shelter for the night. I think I'll become a teetotaller. Perhaps not..

John Esposito

I came across this interesting video on YouTube. It really is amazing what great clips you can find on that website. Over the years I have seen and enjoyed some really good clips and videos. This is an interview with John Esposito and I am pretty sure that you will find it fascinating.

Who is John Esposito? Well, hand on and I will gladly tell you, no worries. John Esposito just happens to be the chief executive officer of Warner, Elektra, Atlantic. So, you see; an interview with him would be very good to watch, of course. He was asked a few vital questions in this interview, some of which being how hard it is for an artist to get signed in today’s music industry. I’m sure lots of budding music stars would take an interest in that.

But there is more. What are some of today’s challenges for the music industry and whether music labels are taking more risk or less risk because of these challenges?
Check out the interview to hear John’s answers to these pivotal questions.
Some other questions were to do with today’s A&R model and more specifically about the method of discovery or to put it differently: What are the music labels looking for? It’s a great interview with a fascinating personality so be sure to check it out.

Drongo on the bus

There was another star on the number 41 in to town again this morning. Luckily, he wasn't sitting next to me but in front of me. He had his hooded jumper on inside out which alerted me right away. The whole time he kept playing with his face; touching his ears, rubbing his neck, wiping the effluence from his rather large nose. It was enough to put you off your dinner. Where do these people come from and why don't they go back there? I know, I know. We're all God's children. But can't God teach some of them some manners?

The best tickets

Watching a great NFL game or other fantastic event is a great way to spend your free time. There is nothing quite like going to see a real live game, that’s for sure. But did you know that Premium Seats USA have the biggest choice of Miami Heat tickets available anywhere on the web? If you are having trouble finding tickets because they seem to have sold out or if you want the very best seats then you should consider purchasing your Miami Heat tickets from Premium Seats USA.

Rest assured that it really is the aim of Premium Seats USA to offer you the very best NBA basketball tickets that are available through their top quality service. The tickets to the Miami Heat are shipped using FedEx so you know that your order is completely secure.

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Bus Travails II

This girl was shuffling and fussing in her seat, sticking her bum in my direction, all the while chattering away to her chum on the other end of the mobile phone line. At a certain point I was fed up with her, said ‘Excuse me’, and chose another seat next to a much quieter person.

Bus Travails

Going in on the bus this morning I had a seat to myself for the first ten minutes or so. Sometimes it stays that way, sometimes some member of the Great Unwashed decides to join me. Naturally. Today, a young girl who was attached to a mobile phone walkie-talked her way down the aisle and perched beside me. The thing was she didn’t sit down, facing forward but sideways.

Making phone calls cheaply

Most people like a bargain, let’s be honest. And, who doesn’t love to make free or cheap phone calls to friends and family, wherever they may be located. There was a time when phoning someone on the other side of the world would have been far too expensive to consider doing on a regular basis. It just would not have been possible for most people but that has all changed with the advent of computers and the internet.

Of course, for businesses the different forms of VoIP phone systems are very important as well. For instance, the Nimbus VoIP telephone systems by Xpander have been specially designed to be the most user friendly business phone systems available. Have a look at their website to find out more.

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More food

That restaurant Deasons was fun. As we entered, the archetypical French maitre domus welcomed us with a Gallic swirl to his English. It’s a small intimate place and the ambiance was excellent. The desert, a stunning crème brulee, was a rare treat for the palate. I’m looking forward to this Saturday evening for another culinary extravanza.

Food

We’re off for a spot of fine dining this weekend. A few weeks ago I booked a table for two at posh restaurant Deasons up in Clifton. We’ve been here once before and we were very impressed with the cuisine. I had a wonderful Beef Wellington which was cooked superbly. What a feast for the taste buds it was.

Collecting coins

Many people have fantastic hobbies that they enjoy spending time and money on. For some other people their hobbies have developed into veritable passions. These leisurely pastimes or spare time pursuits can be whatever you like. The options are limitless, really. Some people enjoy collecting postal stamps, others go for long hikes in the country, yet others love reading and writing and so on and so forth.

However, some hobbies can be quite lucrative as well. For instance, if you are into buying and selling rare coins you could really be on to something good. You may want to look for an excellent coin dealer such as for example Monaco who can present you with opportunities that are available for you on the rare coin market right now. Be sure to check it out because you don’t want to lose out.

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Video didn't kill my radio star

I'm sitting here in my study, doing a bit of leisurely scribbling, listening to the radio coverage of a Champions League match of football between Man United and Villa Real. By all accounts it's not a very inspired performance from either side but somehow it's quite enjoyable to listen to those gentle BBC voices relating what's happening on the pitch.

And, somehow it's more interesting than it would have been to watch the same game on telly. This way I am taking it in but radio is far less intrusive than television and I can do something else while a dedicated part of my mind keeps listening to the footy.

It's so much fun to go camping

There is something really nice about being in the great outdoors and breathing in some fresh, clean air. That is what city living does to you, you see. Every now and then it is very good to leave the urban stress and pollution behind and just get out there and enjoy the bounties that nature can offer.

A great way to experience an outdoor lifestyle is by going camping, which I have always enjoyed doing. I just love camping and the freedom of being outside for most of the day. On a campsite you tend to get to know other people in a free and easy manner. People on a campsite always seem so much more relaxed, I find. And, let us face it, what is better than lying under canvas, listening to the gentle trickle of a fine drizzle as the drops hit the tent? It’s just good fun.

Another way to enjoy camping and a popular one at that is by going camping at a festival. There are lots of people who do this often and they seem very keen on this particular camping choice. Near to where I live is the town of Glastonbury where every summer the biggest pop festival in Europe is held.

This fabulous music festival invariably attracts large numbers of campers who set up their tents; camper vans and what have you and really get in to the spirit of this freedom loving festival. It is always good fun to see these colourful characters make their way to Glastonbury to enjoy some music and outdoor fun.

Of course, this being England, the weather can’t always be relied upon but, it has to be said, this never seems to dampen their spirits. That, too, is the spirit of camping; not to worry too much and just make the best of the circumstances. It’s all just part of the joy and fun of camping.

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The joy of blogging

Yes, you've hear it here first: I love blogging. I love blogging, blagging and writing. Blogging affords me the platform to write in a concise manner, touching on various subjects and issues as I see fit and without any reservation or artificial hindrance. And I really like that. It is a great way to vent what is on my mind, to fire off the occasional rant or to wax lyrical about the things I see and like.
Blogging's here to stay and so am I. So there..

Magpies

The football press here are all over-excited about what's going on at Newcastle United. Pundits are falling over one another to give their opinions about 'The Messiah' Kevin Keegan (would the Saviour really go by the first name Kevin?) resigning/being sacked/flouncing off/possibly returning after all and so on.

Football and its ins and outs is becoming more and more like a bad soap opera. Egos, arguments, bust-ups, bitching and moaning; it's all there, and, apparently it is very exciting. However, I will be watching another Liverpool European night tomorrow and enjoy it. Promise!

Playing games

Many years ago I first went for a night out at a grand old-style casino. It would prove to be a very memorable evening. A few friends and I had gone along and spent a modest amount of money having fun at the roulette table and we enjoyed the ambiance and atmosphere of this beautiful and elegant place. In fact, the whole thing had a touch of class and I thoroughly enjoyed myself that evening.

People were dressed up to the nines, the scene was a bit like one of those James Bond films where stylish people behave in a stylish way and the whole evening seems to sparkle. Of course, another way to have some gaming fun is to make use of a casino online. You may want to check out Money-Casino.com.

This is an online casino offering the possibility to play a number of games simultaneously simply by opening different tabs in their software window. Nothing could be easier. It is always nice when new ideas develop and enhance the games that are on offer. I am sure you will agree. Money Casino is celebrating its three year anniversary and you can benefit because they have introduced new bonus features, meaning that players are now able to get cashback on a part of their bets. There are also coupons that double the player’s bet. How good is that? Surely, these features are a great bonus.

Sometimes it is nice to enjoy a game of chance and simply relax whilst having a look to see whether Lady Luck is on form. And you never know when you are going to strike it lucky, now do you? Money Casino is a good place online to hang out and have a go. The casino hosts are invariably online to reward active players with free bonuses and special coupons to give them longer playtime and eveb more chances to win. Check it out; you will be impressed!

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Nasty politics

What a grubby dirty sort of business is politics, really. Calling a female opponent a pig with lipstick on is not very nice. Or, conversely, using a female party member for the purposes of blaming the opponent by pretending someone called her a pig with lipstick on isn't very nice either. Oh well. I suppose we'll have much more mud slinging from both sides before the dust settles. It does turn me off politics in a big way, though.

Medical resources

Sometimes, doctors and other medical practitioners find themselves out and about or on house calls and they have a need for practical quick reference tools in order to diagnose or carry out the task in hand. It is eminently impractical to be carrying around vast medical volumes or medicine reference guides. What can be done about this?

Well, there is a new innovation called Medical Minute which is a free online clinical solution from Epocrates. Whether a doctor needs to find out more about albuterol or oxycontin or other products and medicines, a look at Epocrates Online free drug and disease resource will quickly provide the answers and help with the treatment.

“This announcement was paid for by Epocrates.”

Sir Theo, arise!

How great must Capello and some of the England football players be feeling today after thrashing Croatia 4-1 with a hatrick by nineteen year old Theo Walcott. What an outstanding result. Especially after all the negative press the team had been quite understandably been faced with over the past weeks and months. A great night even though I had to content myself with just listening to it on the radio as it wasn't on 'normal' television.

Home improvement

If you are handy with tools you will save yourself and your family a lot of money if you are able to do a lot of redecorating your self. Of course, some jobs need to be left to the professionals; that goes without saying. But on the other hand there is a lot that you can do yourself if you have the right tools for the job. If you are looking for supplies for D.I.Y then you should check out Shopwiki’s great site.

Whether it is a great range of superb paints you are after or hand tools, this is the place to check out. Shopwiki searches the web for the best prices and covers all stores, just like a search engine so you are certain to find what you are looking for at great prices.

You may be looking for great quality power tools, such as circular saws or drills; just head over to Shopwiki for the best deals on these and other home improvement tools.

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Sunshine, sort of..

I know, I know. I've moaning and griping about the adundance of rain and wind and I've been a real misery about it. I do apologise. I apologise all over the shop. But, give the weather gods their due, today we are experiencing some genuine sunshine. It's mixed in with a lot of grey clouds and the wind is quite strong but beggars can't be choosers. Still, it's nice to see a speck of blue sky again. And, the boffins at Cern haven't yet blown us to smithereens, so what more do you want? I ask you..

Golf in the Algarve

If you like golf and if you like the wonderful Portuguese area of the Algarve, then you will like what I have to tell you. Check out these fabulous algarve golf courses where playing golf is a pure joy. Play a game or two at the Oceânico’s Victoria Golf Club or the Laguna or the Pinhal golf course. You can’t go wrong with any of these Oceanico golf courses in the beautiful Algarve.

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It pours

I think this country is lush and green enough already. Stop this incessant rain, rain gods. Perhaps I could do an anti-rain dance in the back garden tonight. I'm sure it will amuse the neighbours. This morning, before I went to work, I saw cat Lola sitting in front of the catflap, looking out forlornly at the rain and wind howling around the back of the house. A day for staying in, she decided and proceeded to find herself a nice comfy spot on the sofa and nestled down. It must be a pretty good sort of life, being a feline. I think I might apply for a position. Meow!

Cats

I don't really understand people who don't like cats. Or do I? I realise that cats are not just dumb animals and that they possess a genuine presence. When more than one cat is in the room you will know about it. They are mysterious and intelligent; perceptive and sensitive.

Our two cats are fabulous. One, Twinkle, is getting a bit chubby unfortunately. She loves her grub and is always on the look-out for her next meal. But she's very sweet and wouldn't hurt a fly. Well, she does like catching moths in the garden, bringing them in the house and torturing the poor buggers a bit before she kills and eats it. Don't you just love it?

The other one, Lola, is a real star. A smart cookie and a cheeky monkey, she's got our number alright. I like dogs but I love cats. Lovely..

Collectibles

When I was a mere lad I used to collect postal stamps. I had a nice folder in which I carefully stored my new acquisitions. I spent many a happy hour sorting through new and old stamps and I loved looking at the colourful designs and seeing the exotic names of all the countries from where these stamps hailed.

It was fun just to be in the process of collecting and it taught me a lot. But even these days many people derive a lot of pleasure from collecting. Some people are interested in new dollar coins or other collectibles. Did you know that you can get involved with your collectibles in an ideal way by checking out CSN? They have become one of the most successful retailers in the collectibles industry so they are well worth looking into if you like collecting.

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Mea culpa, nada tip..

Went for a nice Chinese meal the other day. We partook of a nice buffet and did not overdo it. I really enjoyed some nice beef in hot bean sauce and the green chicken curry was beautiful as well. We had a nice bottle of Australian red wine and it was a good evening. The only thing is: we completely forgot to leave a tip which is not like us at all. So, I have to make a point of leaving a good tip next time we go there. Mea culpa..

Rain, darn it!

The other day I went to work and it rained and poured to the extent that I started thinking it was a biblical flood. I always knew that England was famed for its generous share of rainfall but this was starting to get silly. We have had no discernable summer and although Gory Al keeps promising us we will have some global warming no sunshine ever materialized. This is unacceptable, Al.

A day at the beach

Personally, I love summer and the joy it brings to people. A chance to take things easy and enjoy your self with your friends and/or family. A walk in the park, a holiday, or even just a day at the beach can be so much fun. Living in England, there is always a beach nearby, and, although they are not exactly the tropical beaches you see in those stylish adverts, it is fun to relax and go for a swim or just to lie around on your beach towel and read that book you wanted to get into for so long.

Of course, if the weather is particularly hot you will need a good Beach Umbrella and for this you may want to check out BeachStore.com as they carry anything and everything you may possibly need at the beach.

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Invisible football match

I had been looking forward to the match between England and Andorra. Not that I believed Andorra to be a formidable opponent, far from it. But any world cup qualifier that involves the England team is worth watching. So, I'd poured myself a pint of bitter, put the crisps within reach and settled down only to find the match was not shown on terrestrial or free digital television.

If you didn't have a subscription to a sports channel you could not watch the game. I think this is really poor. After all, just because I don't subscribe to a major sports package doesn't mean I don't want to watch the national team playing an international match at our national sport. I think it's really bad form to make it impossible for so many people to watch these games. Bad show!

The best Victory Hair

If you want to get yourself going with some stunning Victory Hair then you will need to produce some good pick-up lines. Hollywood films have given us some very memorable ones and personally I like Humphrey Bogart’s attitude where he toasts a glass to a lovely lady saying: ‘Here’s looking at you, kid.’

But then I am an old romantic. Why don’t you try and play Extreme Style by VO5’s Ultimate Flirting Championship? It is great fun and you may pick up a few pointers that could come in handy if you know what I mean. Love is in the air and a few good pick-up lines never go astray to those who know how to use them.

High Gothic

Went to London for the day yesterday and had a great time. There was something I wanted to see in Kensington Gardens and while we walked along the park's lanes we came upon the Albert Memorial. The picture here doesn't do it justice; it's a massive thing and extremely ornate in that wonderfully Gothic Arts & Crafts-type way. I loved it. It was just so incredibly bold as an artistic statement. No stained sheets or pickled sharks here.

It stands across from the Royal Albert Hall and is just stunning. It's a really nice park generally and everywhere I looked there were people enjoying themselves and relaxing.