While the majority of people have played some kind of card game at least once in their lives, comparatively few ever master the strategic skills of any game and fewer still ever become a professional card player. Historically, the poker profession, and associated lifestyle, have been taboo and the majority of cultural populations have looked down on and sometimes even feared players as well as the clubs, or dark back rooms, in which they gathered.

These days are quite different, though there are definitely throw back attitudes to the dark ages of the game, and not only do many people consider the top professional players celebrities, but larger numbers of people from around the world engage in games, whether online or in person, than ever before. In fact, many social media sites, specifically Facebook, have their own poker rooms and there are many Internet sites that are dedicated exclusively to this game, whether it’s for actual money or strictly entertainment and free fun. And if you are one of the millions of people who are going to venture out for their first time into a casino, or even private poker game , this year, there are some basics that you should be sure to understand first.

One of the first things to get a hold of, other than a pair of pocket aces, is an understanding of the game itself. Players will sit in a sort of semi circle around the table and, depending on which game you’re playing, each in turn will be dealt a specific amount of cards. Texas Hold’em is one of the most currently popular poker games, though it is by no means the only one, and it’s an excellent place to start with grasping the structure of the table.

You will sit with players on your right and left, unless of course you’re on either end, the dealer will to the players on your right and on around to your extreme left. You’ll be dealt two cards face down. In the same order the cards were dealt, each player will make an initial bet based on the strength of their two cards. You can also call or fold. The dealer will then lay three cards down in the center of the table. This is the flop. You can add these cards to your first two and make additional bets based on the strength of this five card hand. In addition, the dealer will lay down two more cards, one at a time, with a betting cycle between. You will then have the five cards in the middle to choose a total of three from to create your best possible hand. A final round of betting will occur and a winner will be declared. From this basic structure, various strategies and player dynamics should be explored.

Playing poker can be fun and rewarding, but if you plan to put up your own money, be sure you know what you’re doing. And while short term loans are an essential resource for financial crunches, read the lender reviews and never borrow money to play poker.

Playing Poker for Fun and Profit is a post from: Cup of Snarky

The attraction of a place usually comes from a unique combination of mysterious and known factors.  For a good long time now, Vancouver has been a remarkable magnet for artists and professionals from all over the globe.  Every day there are new arrivals, looking to rent an apartment and settle in to call this place home, at least for a little while.  Although there are plenty of obvious reasons that the city has such a pull, there are certain indefinable traits that play a larger part.  It may have to do with a Canadian national character, if there can be such a homogenous thing in such a multi-dimensional place, and some of the clues might come from television.

It’s always interesting to see what kinds of local cultural productions will transfer over borders.  For Canadians, it’s not a surprise that SCTV and the Kids in the Hall have had such a success with the neighbors to the south.  The great shows are sometimes the exception, as far as the locals are concerned, because there is a pretty substantial history of mediocre programming.  But these shows have a way of working their way into the various rivers of culture and subculture to find ways of making the every day seem hysterically funny.  The English-speaking world doesn’t see these kinds of incisive comedy shows very often, and when they do show up, they are put under a terrible scrutiny.

The years have been very good to these particular shows, and because of them, there are more Canadian characters on US-based shows.  Dave Foley was probably the big cross-over artist, having been a member of Kids in the Hall before joining News Radio.  It’s also partly a matter of time, when there is more easy interchange between the countries, and more interest in living in either place on the part of the other.  Young people in US cities do find themselves looking at sites like www.rentstarlight.com and considering living elsewhere, because of the representations in the media as well as positive experiences from others.

There may have once been a kind of foreign-ness between the countries, and perhaps there’s still a touch of it, but these days this has been replaced by a familiarity and respect that is turning into a mutual admiration.  There are enough cultural differences to keep things interestingly spicy, and similarities to keep an easy exchange of cultural productions and living situations.

Canada on TV is a post from: Cup of Snarky

When the whole “going green” cause first began, all it took was a few celebrities to join the cause and suddenly the movement spread like wildfire. Unlike other trends in Hollywood, this is one that is extremely beneficially. Saving the planet and your health at the same time is something that will remain popular longer than many pop stars careers. (Sorry Miley!) Simply put, “green” is the new celeb must have. Even Paris Hilton says we should all drive electric and hybrid cars and you know if Ms. Hilton says it, it is important! There are a few green celebs that stand above all the rest however when it comes to supporting their cause. These celebs have put a lot into helping better the world we live in and deserve a little recognition every now and again.

1. Ed Begley Jr.
Begley Jr. is one mean green Earth saving machine. In fact, he uses solar and wind power in his own home, as well as human power. You may be thinking, “where can I buy solar panels for my home electricity?” Well just ask Ed, he’ll be sure to tell you! He markets green cleaners and other products, with his own name on them. From 2007 to 2009 he stared in his own show, “Living With Ed,” in which he shared he love of going green with the world.

2. Robert Redford
Robert Redford is a long standing member on the board of the Natural Resources Defense Counsel. He also makes a point to are green television on his Sundance channel. he is a huge promoter of solar energy and campaigns to save wildlife.

3. Alicia Silverstone
Alicia Silverstone has gone green and gone vegan. She not only wants to save the planet, but also all of the creatures that live on it.

4. Ed Norton
Ed Norton is an expert on renewable energy and works with BP Solar Neighbors. For each solar panel purchased by a celeb, BP donates one to a low income family in the Los Angeles area. Nothing like going green and giving green!

5. Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz is a green activist. She has worked with Al Gore and had her own MTV series about going green. She is also working towards more sustainable living for everyone by being part of the Environmental Media Association.

6. Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio started his own foundation that helps inform people of environmental issues to help raise awareness. His own home is equipped with a super expensive green toilet. He also drives a hybrid car, and has a green blog!

7. Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt has helped rebuild a greener New Orleans after Katrina. He works with his own Make It Right foundation.

8. George Clooney
George Clooney has attempted to raise awareness about our countries addiction to oil. He is also a United Nations Messenger of Peace. He too drives an electric car.

These 8 aren’t the only green celebs out there. Many celebrities care about the Earth and have taken a stand to better their lives and the lives of all the people that share this planet with them. If you want to join in, you don’t need to go so far as receive your solar pv installer certification, you just need to have a concern for the earth and mankind to get you going…and a contract in Hollywood wouldn’t hurt either!

8 Well-Known “Green” Celebrities is a post from: Cup of Snarky

When it comes time to watch a movie, more and more people are choosing to sit down in front of their TVs and pick up their remote controls. These days that is all you need to do to be able to watch the latest movies. Which begs the questions, does anyone even go to the movie theater anymore?

Let’s look at the benefits of watching a movie at home rather than in the theater:

• Most people’s houses are a lot quieter than your average movie theater. Add that to the convenience of not having to leave the house to watch a movie, and it is easy to see why people are installing home entertainment systems and choosing to stay out of the movie theaters.
• When watching movies at home on-demand, there is no one blocking anyone else’s view of the screen and no need to struggle to hear the movie because of inconsiderate movie goers making too much noise.
• Refreshments are readily available and the movie can be paused long enough to grab those refreshments, or take a much needed bathroom break.

When most people move to a new house, the first thing they do is make sure the cable TV is connected and set up their entertainment center. The advancements in home entertainment mean people are watching movies at home more than they ever did before. Technology now allows people to have surround-sound and big screen TVs in their homes. To create the ultimate at home movie experience, industry experts recommend having anywhere from four to six speakers in a home theater. For optimum sound quality, two or three speakers should be placed on either side of the TV and two or three should be placed either to the side of or behind, wherever one chooses to sit to watch a movie, whether that be on a couch or other seat.

There are two different types of surround- sound options to choose from when setting up an at home entertainment system. One is Digital Theater Systems and the other is Dolby Laboratories. Digital Theater Systems carries a whole range of different sound formats called DTS Digital Theater. Dolby Laboratories manufactures such options as Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Digital.

As more people choose to stay home and watch movies, the demand for elaborate home entertainment centers will increase and movie theater attendance may decrease drastically.

Advancements in Home Entertainment is a post from: Cup of Snarky

Alabama, called “the Heart of Dixie,” is a state that is steeped in the subculture of the Southeastern United States. Quite a few famous Americans were born right here in the middle of the Bible Belt, including Courtney Cox-Arquette, Kate Jackson, Nat King Cole, Paula Poundstone and Jim Nabors.

Famous Folks From Alabama is a post from: Cup of Snarky

The benefits of being bilingual in today’s workplace are both quantitative and qualitative, but are sure to bring measurable successes for your company.  Bilingual professionals in the current marketplace are uniquely position to provide better client service, increase sales and bolster the reputations of their business. Bilingual agents are at an advantageous position to leverage skills and foster company growth. Bilingual agents are at an advantageous position to leverage skills and foster company growth.

We are currently seeing two sales trends in the insurance industry.  Primarily, Hispanics are currently underserved in insurance protection.  Data has shown that this demographic is now seeking to buy insurance on a large scale. These are families now in their second and third generation in America, are established in their communities and are looking to provide security for future development.  Secondly, the baby boomer generation has started to seek out non-traditional insurance for the later stages of their lives.  These changes allow you to start thinking creatively, to project growth and make changes that can better serve these audiences.  Insurance Continuing Education classes can be found online and are often subsidized by employers because of the proven benefits of being bilingual in today’s marketplace.

Hispanics are the fastest growing minority group in America.  Learning Spanish can open up a wide client base and foster connections within the Hispanic community in your area.  The median age for Hispanics is 27, which means you’d be reaching out to this demographic as they begin families.  They are at the prime age to take security measures and, thus, to buy insurance.

When asked about the level of satisfaction with insurance providers, individuals have consistently responded that they seek a personal relationship, built on trust and communication, with their agent.  By learning Spanish, you can reach a new demographic and provide them with authentic security, that is well suited to their needs.  The best sale is made with a base of integrity – these sales foster lifelong customers, who will reach out to you for other insurance needs and advice.

Hispanics are the fastest growing minority group in America.  Learning Spanish can open up a wide client base and foster connections within the Hispanic community in your area.  The median age for Hispanics is 27, which means you’d be reaching out to this demographic as they begin families.  They are at the prime age to take security measures and, thus, to buy insurance.

When asked about the level of satisfaction with insurance providers, individuals have consistently responded that they seek a personal relationship, built on trust and communication, with their agent.  By learning Spanish, you can reach a new demographic and provide them with authentic security, that is well suited to their needs.  The best sale is made with a base of integrity – these sales foster lifelong customers, who will reach out to you for other insurance needs and advice.

The Benefits of Being Bilingual in Today’s Workplace is a post from: Cup of Snarky

Now that we have officially entered the fall season, many of you are wondering how to fit a new wardrobe into your already tight budget. Believe it or not, it is possible.
One thing to keep in mind is that stores often offer promotions if you spend a certain amount of money in a single transaction. For example, if you spend $20, you may receive a voucher for $10 off your next purchase. Split your transactions, buy sale items, and incentives like this can really add up! You can also search online for great deals. Sign up for email alerts from all your favorite stores. Many stores will email you a coupon just for signing up. Combine these tips for maximum savings when you reach the register to avoid robbing the piggy bank.

Another simple option is to not underestimate the versatility of any piece in your wardrobe. A little black dress can be paired with heals and pearls for a hot date, or a cardigan and flats for work. The key is to create a versatile wardrobe with minimum articles of clothing. Check the clearance racks for gems that can be paired with some accessories to create the perfect fall ensemble. That orange tank for $2 may look like it’s made for the beach, but paired with a cardigan, a simple necklace, and that pair of jeans that make your butt look awesome, and you have a great outfit to head out for lunch with your friends!

Speaking of friends, maybe you have some that have a closet full of clothes just gathering dust. Have fun with this by hosting a clothing swap party. Invite your friends to bring some of their unwanted clothing and accessories to trade. You may think that skirt you bought last winter is outdated, but it may be just the thing a friend is looking for. Likewise, your friend may show up with a beautiful gold necklace you just can’t live without. Trade those items and then head to the mall to spoil yourself with the money you have saved thanks to your favorite fashionistas.

If you have followed the above steps, you should still have some money in your budget. Take that money to discount stores to buy some of the staples. Leggings, layering shirts, and solid colored tops are all very easy to find inexpensively. You will save big bucks by incorporating a even few of these items into your wardrobe.

Sprucing up your wardrobe doesn’t have to bankrupt you. There are plenty of opportunities to lower your out of pocket cost while continuing to follow fashion trends. It may take a little bit of planning and creativity, but you will look and feel like a full blown fashionista!

Jessica Johnson is a contributing writer for Policy Expert, a site which helps people save money on insurance.

How to Dress for Fall Without Watching Your Bank Account Dwindle is a post from: Cup of Snarky

For the general motorcycle enthusiast, a little bit of knowledge can go a long way. In terms of any discussion of the cafe racers of the 60s, one of the best ways to fake one’s way into some pretty interesting conversations is to remember that the old bikes leaked oil. This isn’t necessarily true for all makes and all models, but it’s true enough that by mentioning the oil, most older bikers will be off and running with long stories about the best bike they ever had, the scariest moment on the road, and a lot of enigmatic smiles.

It was a different time, perhaps. Although there are still serious riders with mechanical interests, the ones who will start with a book on auto repair and work their way up to replacing heads on the engine, they are few and far between. The new bikes, including the modern classics , are generally easier to maintain, for the rider as well as for the mechanic. That’s not to say there are no problems, of course. Every motorcycle will have issues if ridden long enough because, even if it doesn’t go down (knock on the shiny side and keep it up), things eventually get loose or wear down. Tightening and replacing are always part of the deal, and fine adjustments will keep the bike alive for a very long time.

No matter how new or how old the motorcycle, then, a solid motorcycle manual is going to come in handy for everyone who rides. Those who are riding the new classics probably are well aware that the oil leaking is no longer a problem, but there is another very significant change in the last few years. The old school carburetors that give these bikes some of their most distinctively gorgeous features are now decorative features only. They’ve kept the covers so that the profile is very much the same as it was in the early 60s, but they are now fuel injected. It’s a very important distinction. While the benefits are obvious, with increased fuel efficiency, and a more dependable engine for cold weather, there are some things that are lost. The most nostalgic biker will likely have a profound sense of pride for the hours spent learning how to fix their own carburetors, and new riders will find that a little bit of information on repair will come in very handy. It may never come to good practical use, but it will certainly pay off in more than one conversation with veteran bikers, going over how things were “way back when,” to discover that it’s not very far away at all.

Carburetor Repair in a New Era is a post from: Cup of Snarky

Everyone loves their car, truck or other automobile. Okay, so we’ll back that up a bit and not make it a blanket statement in absolutes. Many, if not most, people love their automobiles. And with that, another obsession for a lot of people is the type of cars that their favorite celebrities drive. Jesse James is well known for his costume made motorcycles and has enjoyed success with realty television. His West Coast Choppers is now internationally known, though he actually started the company in his mother’s garage in 1992. Meanwhile, he has managed to garner as much notoriety for his relationship, and lack of fidelity, with Sandra Bullock as he has for his work. Most recently, James’ reputation has suffered severely for his lack of fidelity, as well as discretion. However, his career with bikes, cars and trucks is what many people recognize and respect him for, and if he stays out of trouble, it is his work that is likely going to remain with him as his career continues.

by Mike Baird

Chrome wheels are just one of the features that specialized cars, trucks and motorcycles are known for. What many people seem to overlook is the absolute detail needs of cars, which is one of the things James is known for. It’s much like putting together a fashion model, every little detail counts, and the wheels, which might compare to shoes, are an essential aspect of any well designed vehicle. And as every professional knows, if you’re going to detail your auto, you must go all the way.

Of course for the pros like Jesse James, they take their vehicle passion and incorporate it into their lifestyle. No one is likely to forget the image of James pulling up in a pick up truck to his wedding with Bullock, and while the truck tires might be overlooked or even completely forgotten, you can be sure the truck was customized, down to the last detail. Not everyone has to go to such extremes, or turn their passion for their vehicle into a lifestyle, but many people do put an exorbitant amount of effort and money into the look of their car. And for those few of us who consider their vehicle for its functional element only, it makes little to no sense why some people would put as much money into the appearance and exterior of their auto as what they do to its maintenance. But then, to those that do, we don’t really even exist, except maybe as a potential fix up project or diamond in the rough.

Car Enthusiasm as Profession and Personal Passion is a post from: Cup of Snarky

Hypnotherapy has long been the subject of any number of rumors, myths and untruths. There is something very mysterious about hypnosis and perhaps that’s what leads many to make up their own truths about what they think it is. Some would even say this is a ‘mesmerizing’ topic. However it is now time to explore the myths and tall tales and lay some of the rumors to rest once and for all.

• Hypnosis is just a method of helping you achieve a deeply relaxed state of mind. You are not going to be ‘put to sleep’ and you are always going to remain aware of what is going on around you. Your subconscious will be a protective guide during any type of hypnotherapy experience.

Myth #2: Acting the Fool
Almost everyone has seen (or heard) the rumors of people who are hypnotized at a party or dinner theater and then proceed to act in a very stupid manner. You probably know some of these tales already. A woman is hypnotized and strips off all of her clothing. A well-educated man suddenly begins to flap his arms and crow like a rooster.

It is tempting to believe those ‘comedy theater’ routines but no one is going to act out of character simply as a result of hypnotherapy.

Myth #3: All Secrets Will Be Revealed
Many people have developed an irrational fear of hypnotherapy due to the fact that they have been told all of their personal secrets will be revealed a t the ‘drop of a hat’.

• The people that do say ‘embarrassing’ things while hypnotized are not being forced or tricked into doing so. They are willing participants and generally are not telling any of those truly ‘hidden secrets’.

Myth #4: Hypnosis is a Dangerous Activity
One of the top myths surrounding hypnotherapy is that this therapeutic technique is actually a very dangerous practice. Skeptics and uninformed individuals have long sought to discredit the practice of hypnotherapy based on their own doubts and fears.

• Hypnotherapy is very safe and you will not be coerced into saying or doing something that is totally out of character-unless you really want to.

• You can always awaken on your own. Each individual can refuse to be hypnotized. No one is going to become a puppet during a hypnotherapy session.

Myth #5: Once Hypnotized-Always Hypnotized
Again the myth is far superior to the actual truth. While hypnotic suggestions can help some individuals eliminate bad habits or even help others embrace ‘self-confidence and a positive attitude, being hypnotized will not transform anyone into a ‘trance controlled zombie’.

• Hypnosis produces a natural, relaxed feeling that some people can achieve without any outside assistance.

• No one can be hypnotized unless they are willing.

• You remain conscious even though you may appear to be deep within a hypnotic state.

• Those suggestions that may be told to you under hypnosis will only work if your subconscious is in agreement.

• Even the best hypnotic suggestions are ‘time-limited’. There is no way for a person to remain under hypnosis forever.

So if you are curious, have no fear. If you want to give it a try be sure to visit a certified therapist or try one of the many hypnosis CDs available.

5 Myths about Hypnotherapy is a post from: Cup of Snarky