Those who hope to earn some income online may be glad to know there's another site looking for writers! This site is pretty unique, though, in that the articles you'll write for ListMyFive.com aren't your usual pieces. As the name implies, you'll be making lists of "The Top Five" this, or that.
Here's my profile on ListmyFive.com. From there, you'll be able to get a pretty good feel for what the site is like. At the bottom of the page, you'll find the Terms of Service, and the FAQ. Signing up is free and easy. I went to work in five minutes after I joined.
As for how long this site's been around, I'm not entirely sure. But as for how they pay, there's a ten dollar minimum to reach for payout. The company offers revenue share, based on how many readers might visit a sponsor. Contributors there are required to be US residents, unless other arrangements are made with admin, somehow. And if you can't structure a sentence, we'll tell you.
As well, once you publish a list with ListMyFive.com, you retain ownership of the piece. You can go in and edit, publish it elsewhere, and of course, delete poor performers. The forums are open, also. Admin really pushes for a respectful forum and working environment.
So, give them a try. There's no particular referral link to go through. But my goal is to see the site grow, right now. Now's the time to join! While it's still a bit of a "ground-floor" opportunity, ListMyFive.com is beginning to rise in Alexa ranking.
Mar 6, 2011
Looking for guest bloggers and growth
When this blog began, it was with the sole intention of bringing readers to other works published online. While that goal is still true, the possibility was also explained to me of how I can earn from advertising, and also how I can do some good by having guest bloggers come on board.
So, I'm opening the doors to call folks in. Guest bloggers are being sought. There have already been three guest blogger invitations sent out. One was to my own daughter (Y'all will love what she has to share), another to my Aunt (She says “Sure send it,” to everything I tell her about. She's a good writer, though.), and a third was just sent to a friend and fellow blogger, who may just really catch your attention.
I'm still hoping to find others, but I'm finicky. There won't be a bunch of spam and crap here. For starters, I understand not everyone is a native English speaker. But if your work is worse than that of the average Maori tribesman, I won't let you here. So, if you ask to guest blog, and I don't already know you, I'll need to see a sample of other work.
Next is decency. I'm no prude, but since I do have my kids reading this sometimes, I'm going to insist on nothing “adult.” No porn, adult stories, or links to porn.
Other than that, fellow blog authors are welcome to comment below with the email address they want an invitation sent to (I won't publish it) and a link to their blog. As soon as you want, you can be building up back-links from here, too. And you'll be doing me a solid too.
So, I'm opening the doors to call folks in. Guest bloggers are being sought. There have already been three guest blogger invitations sent out. One was to my own daughter (Y'all will love what she has to share), another to my Aunt (She says “Sure send it,” to everything I tell her about. She's a good writer, though.), and a third was just sent to a friend and fellow blogger, who may just really catch your attention.
I'm still hoping to find others, but I'm finicky. There won't be a bunch of spam and crap here. For starters, I understand not everyone is a native English speaker. But if your work is worse than that of the average Maori tribesman, I won't let you here. So, if you ask to guest blog, and I don't already know you, I'll need to see a sample of other work.
Next is decency. I'm no prude, but since I do have my kids reading this sometimes, I'm going to insist on nothing “adult.” No porn, adult stories, or links to porn.
Other than that, fellow blog authors are welcome to comment below with the email address they want an invitation sent to (I won't publish it) and a link to their blog. As soon as you want, you can be building up back-links from here, too. And you'll be doing me a solid too.
Mar 5, 2011
Another Rainy Day is Fine!
Another Rainy Day is Fine!
Those Storms Aren't the Sky
Those Storms Aren't the Sky
Those stormy clouds of Life they hide
The stars at night and skies of blue.
Then, whichever way they will, they shift,
To let the sun so shine on you.
Be it for a second more (Still
Is it not your dream come true
To stand and feel the light so warm
To stand and stare into the blue
Sky that holds your dreams aloft?).
Still, as I live, and wonder who
I will become in times of change
After letting go of you,
I understand those shrouds of dark
And tempest tossed within my mind,
Are only water vapors...mists. And soon
They'll move to show the light behind.
(Watch me lose all my forget-me-nots.
I only got what's only due.
May the day now help you to see clear
The way to finally forgive me too.)
Originally published on the Yahoo Contributor Network, on August 29, 2008.
Mar 4, 2011
How to make our own miracles: Bring my kids and I back together
The purpose and goal of building this blog is to secure my own position as a writer for the general public. I hope to entertain, inform, amuse, or even anger you, the reader. Above all, I strive to be a “good read,” and if you enjoy anything of mine here, I am truly honored.
The purpose of being an established, well-read writer, is to provide for my own living in even the economically depressed area of Northwestern Pennsylvania, and be able to see my kids. I just need to be a part of their lives. They've told me they need me.
So, for each reader who visits this post, please send at least three more people by this link, after you also join me as a follower. I promise never to get too preachy, as long as you promise to read. I'm not offering anything for help, other than to be the best contributor for you,as possible. At the very least, please at least link me from your blog. Tell me who you are in a comment, and I'll link back to you, reciprocating your efforts. Fair?
Yet, were you to only help me by sharing me with just three others, who go on to do the same, in the next half hour, this dream could be attained within the next day. Would you/Could you do just that for a stranger? Would you share a blog posting with a few others, in order to help a man provide? The reading is absolutely free to you. There is nothing to cancel.
The goal here is simple: Were each visitor to this page,to become a follower, and then share us with just three others who do exactly the same, within just the next half-hour, The goal of finding one million readers will be reached in only one day! For some reason, I know it won't happen in one day. I just call it, the “reality factor.” BUT, were each visitor here to merely share us with just three others who do the same, this dream, maybe my only prayer,would occur – thanks to you.
In order to be sure to reach the three others you'd need to make this work, I'd suggest you share it wit “everyone” on social networking like Facebook, three times minimum.
In doing this, you're helping one man earn his way through life. Your readership is how I desire to earn my own keep,and provide for those who count on me. The more successful this turns out to be, the more I'm going to need to hire others as well. Passing this along isn't just helping me to build my own “dream come true,” but that of several others, also.
In this economy, if you can help just one man pioneer a new business-model, and it helps so many others, all while entertaining you, why would you NOT be a part? Please. Thank you! grin
The purpose of being an established, well-read writer, is to provide for my own living in even the economically depressed area of Northwestern Pennsylvania, and be able to see my kids. I just need to be a part of their lives. They've told me they need me.
So, for each reader who visits this post, please send at least three more people by this link, after you also join me as a follower. I promise never to get too preachy, as long as you promise to read. I'm not offering anything for help, other than to be the best contributor for you,as possible. At the very least, please at least link me from your blog. Tell me who you are in a comment, and I'll link back to you, reciprocating your efforts. Fair?
Yet, were you to only help me by sharing me with just three others, who go on to do the same, in the next half hour, this dream could be attained within the next day. Would you/Could you do just that for a stranger? Would you share a blog posting with a few others, in order to help a man provide? The reading is absolutely free to you. There is nothing to cancel.
The goal here is simple: Were each visitor to this page,to become a follower, and then share us with just three others who do exactly the same, within just the next half-hour, The goal of finding one million readers will be reached in only one day! For some reason, I know it won't happen in one day. I just call it, the “reality factor.” BUT, were each visitor here to merely share us with just three others who do the same, this dream, maybe my only prayer,would occur – thanks to you.
In order to be sure to reach the three others you'd need to make this work, I'd suggest you share it wit “everyone” on social networking like Facebook, three times minimum.
In doing this, you're helping one man earn his way through life. Your readership is how I desire to earn my own keep,and provide for those who count on me. The more successful this turns out to be, the more I'm going to need to hire others as well. Passing this along isn't just helping me to build my own “dream come true,” but that of several others, also.
In this economy, if you can help just one man pioneer a new business-model, and it helps so many others, all while entertaining you, why would you NOT be a part? Please. Thank you! grin
I need everyone in Lm5 Lab to protest for Crystal!
A friend is missing their confirmation email
At the above referenced link, which only we members will see, I need all of us to ask the admin of Lm5 To request a confirmation email to Crystal S Kauffman, Imogenerayne on Lm5. She signed up, will do valuable content,and there's no sense to the site missing out on her lists, too.
Or use the thread: http://www.listmyfive.com/Forum/Forumposts/My-friend-is-missing-a-confirmation-email?uid=8ee5c2a
By the way, mark everyone who replies as helpful. This is only being asked so we writers show what we can do for just one fellow contributor. Thank you.
At the above referenced link, which only we members will see, I need all of us to ask the admin of Lm5 To request a confirmation email to Crystal S Kauffman, Imogenerayne on Lm5. She signed up, will do valuable content,and there's no sense to the site missing out on her lists, too.
Or use the thread: http://www.listmyfive.com/Forum/Forumposts/My-friend-is-missing-a-confirmation-email?uid=8ee5c2a
By the way, mark everyone who replies as helpful. This is only being asked so we writers show what we can do for just one fellow contributor. Thank you.
Answer just one question in the comments, please. Skip any ad to come along.
What do you think of the new blog title?
It turns out, the old name (Which I'll not even repeat here) could have become a terrible conflict, with another. So, for the good of everyone concerned, I'm just going with the more organic name.
Feedback, critique, and lewd suggestions are welcome in the comment section below. Spam will be destroyed.
It turns out, the old name (Which I'll not even repeat here) could have become a terrible conflict, with another. So, for the good of everyone concerned, I'm just going with the more organic name.
Feedback, critique, and lewd suggestions are welcome in the comment section below. Spam will be destroyed.
Mar 3, 2011
Cheap Chocolate Fix: Mug Brownies Yum!
Ever have a chocolate fix so bad it drives you nearly insane? Ever have one when those little things like extra chocolate aren't in the budget? Usually, the cheapest alternative to a chocolate craving/sweet tooth is to keep some home baked goods on hand, but who has time for that?
For those of us who want something chocolatey and good every now and again, the following easy snack recipe sure hits the spot, and hardly costs anything. Not only is it cheap, the whole brownie recipe takes about three minutes from start to nom. This easy snack brownie recipe is more for those who love their brownies more "fudgy" than "cake."
Gooey Chocolate Mug Brownies: Ingredients
4 Tablespoons (1/4 cup) flour
4 Tablespoons (1/4 cup) sugar
2 Tablespoons (1/8 cup) cocoa powder
2 Tablespoons (1/8 cup) vegetable oil
2 Tablespoons (1/8 cup) water
dash of salt
Ina microwave-safe mug, mix the flour, sugar, and cocoa powder. then add the salt, oil, and water, and mix thoroughly. Make sure to stir all lumps out of batter.
Microwave for 70 to 90 seconds. Do not over cook. The center will still be a little gooey. Very "nom" considering there is no egg. May also be served as a sort of mousse. Try it with a spoon of whipped cream on top. Tell us what you think of this dish in the comments. *If you happen to put a marshmallow on top during the last few seconds of microwaving...mmm...mmm...mmm!
For those of us who want something chocolatey and good every now and again, the following easy snack recipe sure hits the spot, and hardly costs anything. Not only is it cheap, the whole brownie recipe takes about three minutes from start to nom. This easy snack brownie recipe is more for those who love their brownies more "fudgy" than "cake."
Gooey Chocolate Mug Brownies: Ingredients
4 Tablespoons (1/4 cup) flour
4 Tablespoons (1/4 cup) sugar
2 Tablespoons (1/8 cup) cocoa powder
2 Tablespoons (1/8 cup) vegetable oil
2 Tablespoons (1/8 cup) water
dash of salt
Ina microwave-safe mug, mix the flour, sugar, and cocoa powder. then add the salt, oil, and water, and mix thoroughly. Make sure to stir all lumps out of batter.
Microwave for 70 to 90 seconds. Do not over cook. The center will still be a little gooey. Very "nom" considering there is no egg. May also be served as a sort of mousse. Try it with a spoon of whipped cream on top. Tell us what you think of this dish in the comments. *If you happen to put a marshmallow on top during the last few seconds of microwaving...mmm...mmm...mmm!
Attention amateur writers:What can MatesGate.biz do for you?
When I first heard of Paul's offer about http://MatesGate.biz, it seemed a good enough idea. Paul offers all members of his social network, get paid an equivalent share of advertising revenue. While, interesting in itself, the offer of a kickback isn't even the biggest benefit of http://MatesGate.biz. It's the networking opportunities.
The members a new writer will meet there are endless. Http://MatesGate.biz offers businesspeople everywhere a virtually untapped marketplace of prospective site visitors and customers.
The membership at http://MatesGate.biz are friendly, and the admin keep the site up and running consistently enough. But perhaps the biggest tickle I get is from how dependable the practice blogs are.
It's also possible my readers are only business owners themselves. Were new members to sign up under my personal referral link, I'll guarantee you Paul will offer you the best prices on advertising your business to members. These members are active, motivated, and responsive. You'll want to just contact admin to let them know you want the best advertising deal. Some great buyers are waiting for you.
The members a new writer will meet there are endless. Http://MatesGate.biz offers businesspeople everywhere a virtually untapped marketplace of prospective site visitors and customers.
The membership at http://MatesGate.biz are friendly, and the admin keep the site up and running consistently enough. But perhaps the biggest tickle I get is from how dependable the practice blogs are.
It's also possible my readers are only business owners themselves. Were new members to sign up under my personal referral link, I'll guarantee you Paul will offer you the best prices on advertising your business to members. These members are active, motivated, and responsive. You'll want to just contact admin to let them know you want the best advertising deal. Some great buyers are waiting for you.
The Top Five Steps You Must Take to Change Your Life Guest blog from Akbar the Tentmaker
The Top Five Steps You Must Take to Change Your Life
Whatever the goal you wish to attain in life, whether it's losing weight, making more money, improving your love life, all of the above, or any of a host of other possibilities, there some key steps you must perform. Either you want the change, or you don't. It's really that simple.
Take Charge of Your Emotions. There are those who let their emotions control their thoughts, and there are those who make their thoughts control their emotions. Life will throw you curve balls, whether you're ready or not.
Whatever challenges you will face when you have decided to improve some aspect of your life, it is imperative that those emotions are kept in check, in order to "keep your wits about you."
Choose What You Accept As Input. Advice is always free, and sometimes, that's about all it's worth. Would you accept sobriety advice from someone who won't quit drinking, themselves? Marital advice from someone who hates the opposite sex? Dating advice from a guy who refuses to shower?
People mean well, when they offer advice. But that, in and of itself, does not mean they have a clue what they're talking about. If you truly need advice, get it from someone experienced with what you're asking about.
This includes the media, too. Most entertainment, contemporary music, and even most newspapers are full of junk. It's like bubble gum, when you need food. Even when it's not harmful, it's a huge distraction. Remember: Garbage in, garbage out.
Know Your Goal. Know specifically what it is you're wanting to achieve. The more detail, the better. Want to lose weight? How many pounds? Want more income? How much, exactly, and by when? Not having a specific goal is sot of like shooting at a target through fog. How can you aim if the exact specific target is not determined?
Besides giving yourself a specific target, the more specific details you give yourself, the more "why" there is behind the efforts. Give someone enough "why" and the "how" will nearly work itself out.
Pay Your Price. For someone to say they want to increase their income, and not make the effort needed to increase their income, is akin to living with a delusion. It's also just as silly to claim wanting to lose weight and not improving diet or exercising.
Pay the price for what you want, or let it go. Nobody else gets more than 24 hours within a day, yet they make their lives work. Excuses are like eyeballs. Almost everyone has at least one.
Perform Consistently. The term "overnight success" is really just a euphemism. It's a figure of speech. Even those who really do end up at the summit of Success Mountain need to perform consistently. Nearly every single day will require some sort of effort towards whatever desires you must have.
Imagine a guitar student wanting a record contract, after only one lesson. That's nuts, right? It takes dedicated, daily practice to become a successful musician. While there are those who have a "knack" for music, even they give something of themselves towards their goal, daily. Nothing worth having is easy.
Either you want what you say you want, or you're just griping. If a person is sincere in their desire to achieve anything, then they must perform towards that goal, regardless of what it is.
You might not hit the target on the first try, any more than a sailboat will go straight from point A to point B. But little by little, it can be reached. With sincere dedication, anything can be obtained. Without sincere dedication, nothing is possible.
Originally published on Listmy5.com
Whatever the goal you wish to attain in life, whether it's losing weight, making more money, improving your love life, all of the above, or any of a host of other possibilities, there some key steps you must perform. Either you want the change, or you don't. It's really that simple.
Take Charge of Your Emotions. There are those who let their emotions control their thoughts, and there are those who make their thoughts control their emotions. Life will throw you curve balls, whether you're ready or not.
Whatever challenges you will face when you have decided to improve some aspect of your life, it is imperative that those emotions are kept in check, in order to "keep your wits about you."
Choose What You Accept As Input. Advice is always free, and sometimes, that's about all it's worth. Would you accept sobriety advice from someone who won't quit drinking, themselves? Marital advice from someone who hates the opposite sex? Dating advice from a guy who refuses to shower?
People mean well, when they offer advice. But that, in and of itself, does not mean they have a clue what they're talking about. If you truly need advice, get it from someone experienced with what you're asking about.
This includes the media, too. Most entertainment, contemporary music, and even most newspapers are full of junk. It's like bubble gum, when you need food. Even when it's not harmful, it's a huge distraction. Remember: Garbage in, garbage out.
Know Your Goal. Know specifically what it is you're wanting to achieve. The more detail, the better. Want to lose weight? How many pounds? Want more income? How much, exactly, and by when? Not having a specific goal is sot of like shooting at a target through fog. How can you aim if the exact specific target is not determined?
Besides giving yourself a specific target, the more specific details you give yourself, the more "why" there is behind the efforts. Give someone enough "why" and the "how" will nearly work itself out.
Pay Your Price. For someone to say they want to increase their income, and not make the effort needed to increase their income, is akin to living with a delusion. It's also just as silly to claim wanting to lose weight and not improving diet or exercising.
Pay the price for what you want, or let it go. Nobody else gets more than 24 hours within a day, yet they make their lives work. Excuses are like eyeballs. Almost everyone has at least one.
Perform Consistently. The term "overnight success" is really just a euphemism. It's a figure of speech. Even those who really do end up at the summit of Success Mountain need to perform consistently. Nearly every single day will require some sort of effort towards whatever desires you must have.
Imagine a guitar student wanting a record contract, after only one lesson. That's nuts, right? It takes dedicated, daily practice to become a successful musician. While there are those who have a "knack" for music, even they give something of themselves towards their goal, daily. Nothing worth having is easy.
Either you want what you say you want, or you're just griping. If a person is sincere in their desire to achieve anything, then they must perform towards that goal, regardless of what it is.
You might not hit the target on the first try, any more than a sailboat will go straight from point A to point B. But little by little, it can be reached. With sincere dedication, anything can be obtained. Without sincere dedication, nothing is possible.
Originally published on Listmy5.com
Mar 2, 2011
Mar 1, 2011
Ways to Plug Your Website For Free or Nearly Free Guest blog fromAkbar the Tent Maker
Getting visitors to your website is vital. It's as important to get people to give you page views, as advertising is expensive. Not all of us have an advertising budget to work with yet, so the trick is to find ways to spread the message and promote your website without spending the house payment. These following tips have helped me build up a readership, and they'll work for you too. Don't worry. I won't plug myself here.
Use the Url As Your Username. While not always possible, the simple use of your website url (sans the http:// part) as your username on many blogs and membership sites is an easy, free way to share the domain with prospective visitors. Admittedly, this method is sometimes considered "spammy" by many admins, and isn't always allowed. But as of this point, MySpace let's people do it, while Facebook does not. A simple read through the TOS of any site you want to join will usually tell you whether it's allowed or not. (Hint: If it's not allowed, don't risk it. Respect the rules of any site/forum you join.) Have a simple url, something that wouldn't need the http:// part.
Put the Url In Your Profile Pics. Got a profile pic up on Facebook? Maybe some other social networking site? Before you upload that image, open it up in Paint and add your url at the bottom. It's worked for many people who have a favorite cause to support, and it's not nearly as "spammy" as method number one. It's also often very permanent, so, only use it for a site you know will stay up.
Sign Your Email. On most email programs, there are options you can set your email account to. Each service is a little different than another, so the instructions can't be provided here. But, most of the time, it's where you would edit your signature on out-going email messages. Don't do this with more than two, maybe three urls. More than that, and it just sort of looks ridiculous, in a used car salesman wearing a plaid suit kind of way.
Do Something In It's Name. While not technically free, this one is still easy. Making a donation of used clothing to Goodwill? Ask for a receipt for tax purposes made out to your website. Volunteering at a soup kitchen? Don't do it as "you." Be there in the name of your website, as far as the records show. If you're lucky enough to live in a small town, with a small newspaper, offer the activity to them as a press release. They just might need the news. Organize an activity for other volunteers too. The only limits here are in what you choose to give, or do.
Start a Facebook Fan Page. This tip might just be the easiest of all. Facebook offers members the ability to make fan pages for free for anything that needs promoted. That can be your company name, with your website listed within the info page. The fan page itself might be titled after your site. It's really easy, and for now anyway, totally free. The best part about this method is not only can you invite family and friends to "like" the fan page (and pester them some to share it) absolute strangers doing searches on similar topics can find you too. It really can almost share itself. Remember to triple-check the spelling.
Originally published on Listmyfive.com.
Use the Url As Your Username. While not always possible, the simple use of your website url (sans the http:// part) as your username on many blogs and membership sites is an easy, free way to share the domain with prospective visitors. Admittedly, this method is sometimes considered "spammy" by many admins, and isn't always allowed. But as of this point, MySpace let's people do it, while Facebook does not. A simple read through the TOS of any site you want to join will usually tell you whether it's allowed or not. (Hint: If it's not allowed, don't risk it. Respect the rules of any site/forum you join.) Have a simple url, something that wouldn't need the http:// part.
Put the Url In Your Profile Pics. Got a profile pic up on Facebook? Maybe some other social networking site? Before you upload that image, open it up in Paint and add your url at the bottom. It's worked for many people who have a favorite cause to support, and it's not nearly as "spammy" as method number one. It's also often very permanent, so, only use it for a site you know will stay up.
Sign Your Email. On most email programs, there are options you can set your email account to. Each service is a little different than another, so the instructions can't be provided here. But, most of the time, it's where you would edit your signature on out-going email messages. Don't do this with more than two, maybe three urls. More than that, and it just sort of looks ridiculous, in a used car salesman wearing a plaid suit kind of way.
Do Something In It's Name. While not technically free, this one is still easy. Making a donation of used clothing to Goodwill? Ask for a receipt for tax purposes made out to your website. Volunteering at a soup kitchen? Don't do it as "you." Be there in the name of your website, as far as the records show. If you're lucky enough to live in a small town, with a small newspaper, offer the activity to them as a press release. They just might need the news. Organize an activity for other volunteers too. The only limits here are in what you choose to give, or do.
Start a Facebook Fan Page. This tip might just be the easiest of all. Facebook offers members the ability to make fan pages for free for anything that needs promoted. That can be your company name, with your website listed within the info page. The fan page itself might be titled after your site. It's really easy, and for now anyway, totally free. The best part about this method is not only can you invite family and friends to "like" the fan page (and pester them some to share it) absolute strangers doing searches on similar topics can find you too. It really can almost share itself. Remember to triple-check the spelling.
Originally published on Listmyfive.com.
Components of Modern Action Hero Movies
Components of Modern Action Hero Movies
We all love modern action movies, don't we? The well-timed explosions, fantastical fight scenes, and of course, one man, alone, defeating insurmountable odds, and saving the day. How the action movie hero manages to hold his own in a fist-fight, after being shot three times by M-16 fire, we'll never know. But we love them! In order for Hollywood to keep cranking out our escapism at the volume we demand, they have to follow a formula. The best I can figure, each modern action movie must contain the following components.
Modern Action Hero Movie Components: Comic Relief There has to be someone in each movie to relieve some of the stress for the viewer. This comic relief usually comes in one of two varieties: either a) the outspoken, spunky orphaned kid or b) a chubby entrepreneur. Quite often the character used as comic relief becomes...
Modern Action Hero Movie Components: the Unlikely Ally Somewhere in the story-line, an unexpected ally appears. This character is often introduced as an adversary, and is usually the strong, silent type who comes around to seeing the wisdom of the hero's efforts to save...
Modern Action Hero Movie Components: the Damsel In Distress Ahh...the fair maiden who needs to be rescued tends to be integral to the storyline itself. The damsel in distress is introduced as being a tough nut to crack, but is soon won over by the macho yet gentle ways of the action movie hero. Her makeup and hair is always perfect. The damsel in distress is usually saved more than once in each story, and the first rescue is often by...
Modern Action Hero Movie Components: the Lifelong Buddy Who Gets Killed Somehow, every action movie hero is both a loner, and has a lifelong childhood friend. The buddy who gets killed might die for the damsel in distress, the hero himself, or maybe as the whole point of the plot, he's always second banana to...
Modern Action Hero Movie Components: the Hero Who Makes Things Worse Like it or not, the hero is actually the character who complicates the modern action movie in the first place. Think about it. If Dirty Harry were just once to have gone by the book, none of the movie would have been fit to print. But that's what we love about action heroes, isn't it? We buy into the hero fighting all odds, in spite of their imperfections.
In spite of this tongue-in-cheek approach to what makes a modern action hero movie great, let's hope that it never changes. These movies draw viewers because the story line works. The story line works because it's fun escapism. Thank you Hollywood. Thank you!
Origininally published on Listmyfive.com 10 21-2010.
We all love modern action movies, don't we? The well-timed explosions, fantastical fight scenes, and of course, one man, alone, defeating insurmountable odds, and saving the day. How the action movie hero manages to hold his own in a fist-fight, after being shot three times by M-16 fire, we'll never know. But we love them! In order for Hollywood to keep cranking out our escapism at the volume we demand, they have to follow a formula. The best I can figure, each modern action movie must contain the following components.
Modern Action Hero Movie Components: Comic Relief There has to be someone in each movie to relieve some of the stress for the viewer. This comic relief usually comes in one of two varieties: either a) the outspoken, spunky orphaned kid or b) a chubby entrepreneur. Quite often the character used as comic relief becomes...
Modern Action Hero Movie Components: the Unlikely Ally Somewhere in the story-line, an unexpected ally appears. This character is often introduced as an adversary, and is usually the strong, silent type who comes around to seeing the wisdom of the hero's efforts to save...
Modern Action Hero Movie Components: the Damsel In Distress Ahh...the fair maiden who needs to be rescued tends to be integral to the storyline itself. The damsel in distress is introduced as being a tough nut to crack, but is soon won over by the macho yet gentle ways of the action movie hero. Her makeup and hair is always perfect. The damsel in distress is usually saved more than once in each story, and the first rescue is often by...
Modern Action Hero Movie Components: the Lifelong Buddy Who Gets Killed Somehow, every action movie hero is both a loner, and has a lifelong childhood friend. The buddy who gets killed might die for the damsel in distress, the hero himself, or maybe as the whole point of the plot, he's always second banana to...
Modern Action Hero Movie Components: the Hero Who Makes Things Worse Like it or not, the hero is actually the character who complicates the modern action movie in the first place. Think about it. If Dirty Harry were just once to have gone by the book, none of the movie would have been fit to print. But that's what we love about action heroes, isn't it? We buy into the hero fighting all odds, in spite of their imperfections.
In spite of this tongue-in-cheek approach to what makes a modern action hero movie great, let's hope that it never changes. These movies draw viewers because the story line works. The story line works because it's fun escapism. Thank you Hollywood. Thank you!
Origininally published on Listmyfive.com 10 21-2010.
Feb 5, 2011
How to win Texas Hold 'em Poker
For those who play Texas Hold 'em poker, winning may seem tied to sheer luck. But, such is not the case. The game is winnable, because there is a strategy to playing that is so simple, even a child can apply it to their game. For those unfamiliar with the game and wanting to learn the most basic of terminology, here's a great source. Once you finish studying up there, come on back for my method. Those of you already familiar though, read on.
I'm giving you the two parts of my method to playing Texas Hold 'em poker to win with one little caveat: You still won't win every single game. Even following this method, sometimes bad choices are still made. It happens. Knowing this, if you choose to ever bet the house payment on a losing hand, that's your responsibility, and not mine. Bet responsibly.
But, this method explained here will increase your winning percentage. I mentioned that this method comes in two parts. Those parts are 1) The principle, and 2) The procedure. Between the two, the latter might be the most difficult to grasp before practice. No need to fear though. The learning curve is fast in Texas Hold 'em poker.
How to win Texas Hold 'em poker: The principle The first thing a player needs to know is "The principle." It affects a card player's attitude, as well as their level of pleasure in play, by adjusting the results they should expect from the best or worst of any game of Texas Hold 'em poker. Remembering this principle is easy due to its pure, honest realism. Put simply, the principle is: Folding is your friend.
While this might fly in the face of every "positive thinking" guru you've ever heard before now, players need to understand that within each hand of any game of poker, the odds are stacked against everyone but the house. Short of being the house, what a player needs to know is that out of 52 cards, there are thousands and thousands of possible combinations. The odds of your hand being the winner of any given round by blind luck are quite slim. Never allow your judgment to be so clouded by pride, or other emotions, to ever be drawn into betting more than you can afford to lose - that is until you know you have a winning combination.
In most hands of Texas Hold 'em poker, all a player can really control is the maximum they're going to lose. If a player has nothing but a 2 and a 5 in their hand, a simple fold could be their best bet. Let the other players "gamble." You're there to play cards and get those chips. Why make a bet beyond the ante if you know your hand sucks? Miracles might happen, but you don't want to bet the firstborn child on them. So to make it easy to remember, anticipate loss, and manage those losses to as little as possible, until your chance comes up.
How to win Texas Hold 'em poker: The procedure While there's a ton of information online about complicated formulas and feel-good-gimmick ebooks on Texas Hold 'em poker, the best ideas are really quite simple. No mystical talismans will really help you, and unless you're a true card counter from MIT, forget about grasping the formulaic equations.
When the chance of a winning hand shows up, the procedure for getting the maximum number of chips from opponents is to draw them in little by little. Going "all-in" because your hand shows two aces might scare other players into folding, but will only win you their antes. Going about it that way is simply counter-productive.
A simple raise on the hand, a slightly bigger one on the flop, betting the pot on the turn, and doing the same on the river will more likely pull the maximum number of chips your way. Should a hand like two aces suddenly become a flush in favor of the opponent, fall back on "The principle," and fold. Screw pride. It's far better to cut your losses now, and get those chips back on the next hand of Texas Hold 'em poker.
Sources:
Personal experience, and
Flopturnriver.com "Texas Hold 'em Poker Lingo & Terminology"
Originally published on The Yahoo! Contributor Network.
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