Technical Stuff

How to Develop English or Foreign Language Fluency So Fast It'll Surprise Even You

Author: buzz42, 26/09

By Larry M. Lynch

Do You Talk Too Much?

Have you ever noticed someone “talking” to themselves? What did you think? The words “crazy” or “nuts” probably popped into your mind.

Wait a minute though. Maybe they’re on to something.

“Excuse me?”

I mean, talking to yourself, i.e., speaking practice, can be effective in many different forms when learning English or another foreign language. Mimicking or imitating the speech of others is proven to be highly effective in developing native speaker level fluency in a language. You’ve already proven that to yourself.

How? That’s how you learned your first language (L1) whether it’s English, Spanish, French or some other language. You “mimicked” your Mother, Father, family, friends, teachers and whoever else was around making “talking” noises at you as you formed communicative language skills.

So don’t knock the “crazy” who’s talking to themselves. At least don’t knock it until you’ve tried it for yourself, in English or your new foreign language. Hey, do you remember comedian Groucho Marx? He did it all the time. If it worked for him, it can also work for you.

Conversations with the Id

As you go through your day, in English or your new foreign language, tell yourself what you’re doing at the moment and what you’re going to be doing during the day.

“I’ll have to buy some new safety razors next time I’m in the supermarket. This one’s starting to get dull”, you say aloud to yourself while shaving.

“Which of these shirts, ties, ties, etc. should I wear today? Not this one, I wore it just last week. Maybe this one, but I don’t like this color with these pants. Let’s try another one”, you might say as you are getting dressed.

If you live alone no problem, you can talk aloud all you want without any external consequences except for the dog or cat giving you “that look”. If you don’t live alone however, then first explain to your family or roommates what you’ll be doing, that is talking aloud, to avoid a quiet phone tip to the community mental health emergency via a 911 call while you’re in the shower.

Other Sources for Mimicking

For some other useful sources for mimicking practice, pick out a newscaster or announcer on the radio or TV. Record a segment of their broadcast for a few minutes. Then you have “seed” material you can use during any down time you might have. Movie clips and scenes, TV and radio commercials, soap operas, even local exclamations, expressions and advertising slogans can all help to springboard your fluency at breakneck speeds.

So mimic anyone and everyone you can, and talk aloud to yourself daily for even more speaking practice. Does this sound “crazy”, maybe, but like the Nike commercial says, “just do it”, and you’ll develop English, Spanish, French or other foreign language speaking fluency so fast it’ll surprise even you.

Larry M. Lynch is an English language teaching and learning expert author and university professor in Cali, Colombia. Now YOU too can live your dreams in paradise, find romance, high adventure and get paid while travelling for free. For more information on the lucrative, fascinating field of teaching English as a Foreign Language, send for his no-cost, full multi-media, hypertext-linked pdf ebook, “If You Want to Teach English Abroad, Here’s What You Need to Know”. Immediate delivery details and no-obligation information are available online now at: http://bettereflteacher.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Larry_M._Lynch
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Develop-English-or-Foreign-Language-Fluency-So-Fast-Itll-Surprise-Even-You&id=747033

Can I Get a Warranty on a Second Hand Car?

Author: buzz42, 14/05

By Louis Rix

Just because you buy a car second hand it doesn’t mean that you don’t have rights. However, what rights you have will all depend on where you purchase the car from. Knowing what your rights are and what you can do about them can be a problem when it comes to second hand vehicles because the vehicle could have hidden faults or the conditions defined in order for the vehicle to meet satisfactory conditions is lower.

When buying a second hand car from a dealer, many will give you the option to pay for an extended warranty over the standard one year guarantee or something similar such as mechanic breakdown cover. However, while you are paying for peace of mind, it does come at a price.

The most important thing to remember if you do have a problem with a second hand car is to act as soon as the problem is discovered. This is because the outcome depends on the condition the vehicle was sold in and if you had the vehicle some time it could affect your claim.

If you bought the car from a dealer then the car must be fit for the purpose it is sold, in satisfactory condition and must meet the description which was given. Any defects must have been pointed out to the buyer by the dealer before the sale was made. If you have problems then it could be helpful to have the car evaluated by a professional.

If the car was bought at an auction then you might not have any rights under consumer law. If you have problems with a car purchased this way, then seek professional advice from the Citizens Advice. If you buy the car from a private seller then you do have rights but less than had you bought the car from a dealer. However the vehicle has to be as described, has to have the correct documentation and has to be road worthy.

Louis Rix is a Director of Netcars.co.uk, one of the UK's leading motoring websites. First established in January 2000, its mission is to become the UK's number one site for used car searches and motoring information. Netcars also provide Car Finance, loans and insurance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Louis_Rix
http://EzineArticles.com/?Can-I-Get-a-Warranty-on-a-Second-Hand-Car?&id=560755

Harley Suspension: The Reason for Harley Bikes’ Greatness

Author: buzz42, 20/04

by Florante Cay

Harley Davidson has been one of the top manufacturers of motorcycles of the past decades. Their bikes are among the most fascinating bikes you’ll see out there. Many people are drawn into purchasing Harley Davidson motorcycles. I don’t know if you noticed this, but many experienced bikers are more likely to choose Harley motorcycles than most motorcycle brands.

But what makes these Harley motorcycles such a good choice? What makes them different from other bikes?

Well, the more likely reason for Harley Davidson motorcycles’ greatness is not really on their design, but on their suspension. The suspension of a motorcycle

Most Harley Davidson motorcycles have 3 and a half inches of travel, this is in terms of the stock rear suspension. Due to this, most Harley Davidson motorcycles can probably go perfectly through 3 and a half inches of bumps.

One good thing about Harley suspension is that it will help you in keeping your motorcycle on the road. When you go through small bumps, your Harley bike’s seat will sit perfectly still. Harley suspensions systems are also designed to lets you ride comfortably even on roads with holes.

Harley Davidson motorcycles are still able to make your ride comfortable even if you go through really bumpy roads, because their suspensions are also designed for such terrains! Well, quite frankly, most Harley Davidson motorcycles are designed for different types of terrains.

In a Harley Davidson motorcycle, part of the suspension system is perfectly adjusted to perform at the high possibility. A good Harley suspension will let you have a very comfortable ride while helping you perform better.

Suspension system of Harley motorbikes often includes tires, steering stern and swing arm. All of which are specifically designed to work suitably with the other in order to create a perfect suspension. In addition, for a Harley motorcycle’s suspension to be durable, Harley Davidson uses tough materials that are rust avoidant. Due to these materials’ durability, Harley Davidson motorcycle can work perfectly at any type of environments. These materials also help make Harley bikes suitable for different types of climates.

Replacement parts for Harley suspensions are also easy find. Many different retailers and dealers have now emerged due to the rising demand in Harley parts. However, it is wiser to go online. Why?

Well, the reason is that the internet can provide you with the lowest possible prices for both original and aftermarket Harley motorcycle suspension parts.

Please visit Motorcycle Parts Bin for more information on Harley Suspension and for comments and inquiries regarding this article.

Article Source: ActiveAuthors.com

The Difference between Pulleys and Sheaves

Author: buzz42, 18/04

The-Difference-between-Pulleys-and-Sheaves by Rob Parker

Pulleys have been around for a long time; they are one of the six types of simple machines, and their origins have been lost to memory. The basic concept allows loads to be lifted using much less force than would normally be applied, through a system of ropes and wheels. The term pulley is often used interchangeably with the term sheave (pronounced "shiv"); however, this usage is not technically correct. The sheave is the rotating part of the pulley system; it is the grooved wheel into which a rope fits.

A fixed pulley with a single sheave is used to change the direction in which a force is applied, but does not change the amount of force required. It is only with multiple sheaves that a pulley system offers a mechanical advantage. Each additional sheave halves the force required to move an object, but doubles the distance the rope must be pulled to achieve the same movement. Although the force exerted by the person is lessened, in the final calculation the same amount of work is done. What makes this system easier to use than raw manpower is the fact that the force needed is mitigated by the distance covered.

So, if more sheaves make the work easier, why don’t we see pulley systems with umpteen sets of sheaves and miles of rope making it possible for anyone to move anything? In the real world, friction intervenes. As more sheaves and more rope come together in a system, each additional set offers a smaller and smaller advantage, until there is no gain at all. The system becomes less efficient the larger it gets.

Despite the reduction in efficiency, several sheaves are often used in tandem in one pulley system. These are known as compound pulleys in their simplest form, and block and tackle in more complex varieties. In order to increase the efficiency of the systems with multiple sheaves, the sheaves are arranged above or below each other, often with a fixed axle between them.

An effective sheave must have the minimum surface area possible for the rope or cable with which it is being used, and must also be resistant to abrasions or warping which may cause the rope to fray when the system is put into effect. When designing or discussing a block and tackle, the most important thing to remember is… not to make the common mistake of confusing pulleys and sheaves!

For more information on this article or a manufacturer of wire rope sheaves, visit BearEquipment.com

Article Source: ACME Articles | Free Article Directory

New Technical Writer: The Four Dimensions Of Your User/reader

Author: buzz42, 18/03

By Barry Millman

OVERVIEW

To create an effective User Document, the writer must know who he/she is writing for. This article presents four dimensions (Skills, Attitude, Knowledge and Experience) for describing the User of your product (your Documentation Reader), and how to build a Persona that turns your generic User into an almost-real person. The article stresses the need to actually USE this information when structuring and writing your User Document.



GETTING INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR USER

The marketing department or product development team should be able to tell you who the intended User of the product is. (If they cannot, then the product is in big trouble.) Ask them to provide you with a complete description of the User. Ask them if their description can be make less strict (requiring fewer skills, ect.) and thus be applicable for a wider audience. Ask them how sure they are of their intended Users.



Ask them if they created a "Persona" (see below) to design the product. If so, ask them for the description of that Persona.



We will use this information to analyze your User in four dimensions. We will then re-build the ideal User into an almost-real person, who you can use to help design and write your User Document.



Timing: My estimate is that if the communication paths between you and the marketing and development teams are effective, then you should be able to complete this series of steps in a few hours spread over several days. This description of your User/Reader is an essential element in structuring and writing your User Document.



THE FOUR DIMENSIONS OF YOUR USER (Reader of your Document)

Four dimensions define your User/Reader. These dimensions are:



* Skills



What skills do you assume that your Reader must have in order to understand your User Document? (These are the skills that you assume that they have when they START to read your User Document... not the ones that you will teach them in the User Document.)



In a classic example of failure, a company that taught software programming did not specify that its students had to know how to use a particular computer word processor. As a result, students spent 80% of the class time learning how to use the word processor, rather than learning to write programs. The class was a failure.



List the skills that you expect your Reader to have.



* Attitude



Your Reader's attitude is almost always a combination of anger (impatience at having to read this stuff instead of using the product), and fear (something is not working the way your Reader expects it to). Write with compassion for your Reader. Are there other attitudes that may affect how your Reader uses the product and your documentation?



* Knowledge



What information do you expect the Reader to have when they read your User Document? Is there something that you expect your readers to understand or to have to figure out for themselves? If there are such items, then you should tell your Reader where to get the needed background information.



* Experience



Skills plus practice, yields experience. Are there any experiences that you expect your Readers to have, so that they can understand how to use the product or understand what you are writing? BEWARE of your Readers' experiences that may negatively affect how they use your product. One example is a product that radically changes the way that the User currently does things. Devote some space in your User Document to overcoming these problematic experiences.



WRITE FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR READER

These four dimensions spell out the word "SAKE." This reminds us to write for the SAKE of our Readers. You use these four dimensions when generating the topics for your User Document, as well as reviewing the material that you have written. These are topics for other articles in this "New Technical Writer" series.



Make sure that you tell your Reader about any SAKE assumptions that you make about them. Thus if you assume them to have a special skill, such as "welding steel" then tell them your assumption early in the User Document. If possible, tell them where they can get the background SAKE items that they might need. For example, if you assumed that your Reader has the skill to identify a certain bird, then tell them were to learn to identify that bird (perhaps with a link or reference to a birding authority).



You want to avoid situations like the one in the example above: the unstated requirement for knowing a specific word processor that ruined a programming class. Is the assumption that everybody knew how to use that esoteric word processor a reasonable one? The course developers should have checked with their sales department, since they sold the course to students who could not possibly have known about that esoteric word processor.



You really must clearly state (early in your User Document) any out of the ordinary assumptions that you make about your Reader.



YOUR READER AS A REAL PERSON

From the SAKE dimensions, and from the descriptions of the typical User of the product that you got from the marketing or development teams, you will create a real-as-possible person to represent your typical User. Such a representation is called a Persona in the product development industry. The Persona is also your User Document Reader.



If the marketing and development teams use a Persona, and they provided a description to you, then use their Persona. You may have to add some description to it.



If you have to create a Persona, follow these steps (overview):



1. Imagine the generic User of your product.



2. Focus on this User. Describe the User. Think about his/her background, education, family, hobbies, interests. The goal is to make your generic User as tangible as possible.



3. Perhaps give the User a name, and even spend a minute or two to find a photograph of this Persona.



4. Evaluate for yourself if this Persona is a good representation of the User. Make changes as necessary.



Think about how the Persona got your product (for example, did they purchase it, did it come bundled with some other product, was it a gift, etc.). Think about what they are most likely to want to do with your product.



Later we will use the Persona to help define the topics of the User Document, and to help you write the actual text.



CHECK

Once you have generated the SAKE items and the Persona, write them out, and let members of the product and marketing teams check them for accuracy. "Accuracy" means "how closely your Persona coincides with their (product and marketing teams) view of the product's User." Discuss these points and make modifications as needed.



USING YOUR READER

Unfortunately most courses and books about technical writing stop here in their instructions about "knowing your Reader." These courses and books expect you simply to keep your Reader in mind when you write.



But you can and should do much more with the description of your Reader. The Persona will help you structure the information in the overall User Document; it will also help you write each of the topics.



The SAKE dimensions will help you as you revise your writing. Here the SAKE dimensions will



* help you avoid using language your Reader might not understand, and

* help you avoid jumps in your writing that your Reader will not be able to make.



Other articles in the "New Technical Writer" series will describe how to use your Persona and SAKE dimensions to design and write your User Document. See the "Resources" or "Author Information" section of this article to find links to related articles.



About the Author: Barry Millman, Ph.D., has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (1966, Carnegie Institute of Technology) and an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Psychology (Human Information Processing, University of Calgary). He has been a consultant for over 25 years, an instructor, course developer, and award-winning speaker. For the past seven years he has been researching and creating resources to help organizations create great User Documents. Visit: http://www.greatuserdocs.com/ for resources to help you create the User Documents that your Product needs and your Users deserve.
Visit http://www.greatuserdocs.com/ReadingRoom.htm for more articles like this one.



Source: www.isnare.com

Podcasting 101

Author: buzz42, 29/01

Podcasts are quickly becoming the way to broadcast your message across the Internet. According to some sources there are more than 10 million people already downloading and listening to podcasts, and the number of podcasts available on the web is growing daily.

With that in mind one has to wonder if in seeking blog fame and riches (or just the worship of many fans) if those that are not doing it are missing out.

Just as a recap here are a few podcasting basics (edited from the wikipedia page).

A podcast is a media file that is distributed by subscription over the Internet using syndication feeds (XML), for playback on mobile devices and personal computers.

Like 'radio', podcast can mean both the content and the method of syndication.

The host or author of a podcast is often called a podcaster.

The term "podcast" is derived from Apple Computer's mp3 playback device iPod. However, known synonyms for the word pod are capsule, case, container, hull, husk, shell, and vessel. A pod is obviously a container of some sort and the idea of broadcasting to a container or pod correctly the describes the process of podcasting.

Much like the standard blog the world of the pod cast has some key directories that you would want to submit to such as podcast.net, podcast411 or podcastalley.com along with the more obviouse choices such as iTunes and Yahoo!

There is even a pod cast "oscars" of sorts at podcastawards.com.

Now all that remains for a good article is the how to...

How to Podcast

To get started you will need

Minimum
computer and a microphone.
Somewhere to upload the content
Generate and publish podcast RSS feeds (which iTunes and other directories pick up on)

Optionally:
notify Podcast Directories, (including iTunes and Yahoo!), when your new podcasts are available.
Stock sound effects
Free to use background music (see resource section for more).

In simplest terms you need to simply create an audio (or vedio) file recording and embed this into the XML. Being highly biased I would suggest that you use my product - the Quick Podcast service.

Quick Podcast makes it easier than ever to create, publish and share your own audio and video podcasts - use it with your own personalized domain name or set up as a subdomain. Whether you want to share news about your hobby with friends in faraway places or want to share your knowledge about your profession with the world, Quick Podcast has all you need to create and publish your own podcast... for a very affordable price!
Quick Podcast from globallylocal.com and Lord Matt

However, I am aware that other solutions exist. Having not tested them I can offer no real comment and so shall leave that up to other bloggers to cover.


More resources:

One of the biggest problems is finding content that is ok to use in your cast. your voice is fine but what if you want a jingle or some backing music? As such much of this section covers such resources.

Quick Podcast (obviousely)
The Podcasting Legal Guide From Creative Commons
beatpick.com has a large collection of Creative Commons music aranged by category.
The Wikimedia Commons is a good general source of free stuff.
For you sounds (not tunes) you can't go wrong with The Freesound Project

Feel free to comment and link to more lagit free to use content or just to pass comment. Don't be shy now let me know what you think.


Diclosure: Brought to you by Lord Matt, globallylocal.com and the Quick Podcast.

Quick Podcast plans are among the most reliable in the industry with a 99.9% uptime and free, expert support available 24/7. And whether you're new to podcasting or a seasoned expert, your plan is a snap to use.

Originally posted here

Tips: Shopping For a Gamer

Author: buzz42, 21/12

by Techdiversions

There is a lot to know about video games and the video game industry. Purchasing games, consoles and accessories for your friends and family can be daunting for first-time video game shoppers. Here are a few hints and tips to make holiday shopping faster and more effective.

Tip #1: Terminology

Holiday requests will come to you in two forms: verbally or as a list. You think you know what they want until you hit the store and find out there are many products of similar name.

Do not confuse the term “xbox” as a generic Microsoft gaming console. There are two xbox systems: Xbox and Xbox 360. If your loved one asks for a “360” it will be the Xbox 360. If they request an Xbox console in 2006, they’re probably looking for the Xbox 360 because it’s the new console. If you are unsure, ask. Getting the wrong games or the wrong system will lead to many incompatibilities and, likely, a return trip to the store.

The brands that will lead to confusion are:

• Xbox
  
• PlayStation
  
• Nintendo

Each brand has at least two variants:

• Xbox, Xbox 360
  
• PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3
  
• Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo Wii

Sony and Nintendo have hand-held variants:

• Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite
  
• Sony PSP

Most confusion will arise when talking about last-generation and the current generation systems. Gamers looking for “the older system” will be talking about the Xbox, PlayStation 2 and/or Nintendo GameCube. Gamers asking for “the new system” will be looking for the Sony PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii.

Many stores reference the newest console systems as “next-generation” which equates to “the new one.” Know which generation you’re looking for before buying games or systems. In a moment of desperation, simply remember the most expensive console will almost always be the newest console of the same brand. For example, the Xbox will be cheaper than the Xbox 360 (both Microsoft products) by a large degree. Many stores may push older products on you because it’s a better “deal.” Your gift may not hold the same surprise and enthusiasm if you purchase last generation’s model.

Hand-Held gaming is more clear-cut for brand selection. Sony will offer the PSP product line and it won’t be too confused with the Nintendo DS product line. The confusion will arise when you get to the store to find out that Nintendo is sporting two separate DS types: A standard DS and a DS “Lite.” The DS Lite is the newest product by Nintendo and will be the best product for the price. It is a smaller product with a longer battery life and a brighter screen, everything else is about the same between the two. You may also choose a few colors (White, Black and Pink for the DS Lite). Use your best judgment when picking colors.

Tip #2: Availability

The chances are your looking to buy the next-generation video game system. Do not become frustrated with “sold out” signs – this is typical for the holiday season in a year when new technology arrives for the holidays.

Sony PlayStation 3 has arrived in very limited quantities while the Nintendo Wii has shipped many more quantities. Both systems are extremely new and all the gamers want them. Regardless of quantities, the chances are you will find many stores sold out this year. Be prepared to find an alternative or a creative way of saying sorry.

Online shopping may be the easiest solution to limited quantities. You can find the Nintendo Wii online quicker than hitting every store in the city. The Sony PlayStation 3 may not be found at all but there is a great chance the person requesting the product knows of its limited launch figures.

Tip #3: Choosing The Best System

Some gamers want “a new console” but are not so fussy about which console it should be. If you’re gaming friend is between five and fifteen they may fall in love with the Nintendo Wii because the games are more “child friendly” and the system caters to casual gamers and first time video gamers.

If you are buying for a teenager or gamer over twenty years of age you may find they desire an Xbox 360 or the PlayStation product line. These consoles offer a large variety of games with varying maturity levels. A large number of popular Xbox 360 titles are targeted towards “mature audiences” in a genre known as a first-person-shooter (FPS) which involves the gamer killing lots of “enemies” with weapons.

Your gamer enthusiast may be requesting a Sony PlayStation 3 because they’re already proud owners of a Sony PlayStation 2. If you’re having difficulty finding the new console system you may want to abort that mission and pickup some great PlayStation 2 games to satisfy their demands. The PlayStation 2 product line has the largest selection of games on the market which means you will have a broad range of products for great gift ideas.

Tip #4: Figuring Out What They’ve Got

Before you can shop for a new game, you must know what the gamer already has in their possession. This can be difficult to obtain but the fastest, most effective method, is to ask them to write down the games they already own. You can ask them what they want, but what do you buy them if it’s sold out?

You may decide to go the black ops route and sneak into their archives using a digital camera (or notepad) and write down their current titles. This may work as well but requires a little more digital sleuth abilities and their list of game titles may be extensive.

Last resort? Ask them what “type” of games they like to play. Their answer may fit the following genres:

• FPS or “Shooters”: Games where the player runs around with various weapons and pulls off missions in world war scenarios or space alien battles.
  
• Simulations: Games that simulate real world scenarios or activities and are typically not too violent (unless it’s a war simulation of course).
  
• Family: Games you can play with the entire family, may include puzzle games.
  
• Racing: Competitive racing car games.
  
• Sports: College Football, College Basketball, Pro Football, Pro Basketball, Hockey, Golf, etc.
  
• Role Playing: Action/Adventure gaming which typically take place in a medieval setting with swords and dragons and such.
  
• Action: Fast past almost “arcade” style games. Nothing too involved or serious but contains hours of game play. Some games may be violent (i.e. Saints Row on the Xbox 360) while others are silly and fun (i.e. LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy on all consoles).

A big gamer may be in love with many genres of gaming but will often select one or two when they have to give gift ideas. They know the broader the selection the more confusing it can be.

Tip #5: Games Are Not Compatible Across Brands

Do not assume that a Nintendo game will work with an Xbox video game console. This is never the case because each brand is competing for your sale. There are some cases where the same brand will work from generation to generation but there are exceptions.

Many Microsoft Xbox games will work on the Microsoft Xbox 360, but not all of them. Microsoft publishes and maintains their current compatibility list at: www.xbox.com

PlayStation 2 games will work with the Sony PlayStation 3 so compatibility should not be a problem if you manage to get your hands on a Sony PlayStation 3 in 2006. Some games are reported to have issues but Sony is working to resolve them. Any gamer that receives a Sony PlayStation 3 will surely not complain if a few of their older games are not working up to par.

Nintendo’s older GameCube games will work on the next-generation Nintendo Wii, including their older game controllers. A gamer with the older version of Nintendo’s video game console will find more value with the Wii because their old games will still work.

Tip #6: The Picture (HDTV/SDTV)

If you are choosing a new video game console this year please consider the quality of your current television set. You do not have to hit the stores in search for a new High Definition TV if this is not in your budget because all console systems will work on a standard definition TV (STDTV).

If you want the best possible picture for this new system, please research your current televisions input possibilities. The Microsoft Xbox 360 comes with component cables that will work with a standard TV and most HDTVs. You may also purchase S-Video AV cables for older style TV’s or VGA HD AV Cables for computer monitors or some HDTVs.

You will find that Sony’s PlayStation 3 also arrives with component cables capable of both HTDV and SDTV. You may opt to purchase an HDMI cable if you plan on watching BluRay movies, have TV HDMI inputs and want to “future proof” your system (where the future is at least a year). An HDMI cable has the added benefit of including both audio and video into one small cable and will reduce clutter along with other technical advantages which would fill an entire article itself.

The Nintendo products all rely on standard television sets so no additional cable accessories will be required.

Tip #7: The Prices

The prices of the game console systems and games vary by brand but will be consistent in most stores and shopping areas. If you plan to buy the new Xbox 360 game Gears of War you’ll find yourself paying USD $59.99 in almost any store you find. If you find a game that is cheaper in one store than another you should ask if it’s on sale or pre-owned.

Some retailers will push “pre-owned” (used) games on you because they bring in a larger profit for the company. These games, typically, are as good as new and most professional game retailers will validate the game works or contains a scratch free surface for CD/DVD game media. Please be aware that some retailers will try to sneak you a pre-owned copy of a game over the new copy if you simply request the title by name.

Older generation consoles, Sony PlayStation 2, Microsoft Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, will have cheaper prices on the console system and the games. Many older games may vary in price because retailers have a huge supply and must get rid of them.

Just like old model cars, older games and game consoles will have lower prices and usually be a better deal than a new model. You must understand, if buying the product as a gift, you will want to make sure your gift receiver wants an older generation game or game console. Many avid gamers keep up on console technology aggressively and may be looking for the next greatest product, not the older models.

Tip #8: Purchasing Used Products

Used products, known as “pre-owned” by many retailers (it sounds better), have cheaper prices and are, usually, a better value. Most consoles utilize a CD-ROM/DVD-ROM media type so it is fairly easy to check the quality of the media by looking at the surface. This is not true, however, of console systems.

Purchasing a console as a pre-owned product can be dangerous if the retailer has not done proper and extensive testing. Many retailers will power on the system and put a game in the drive, if it boots then its ready to sell. This does not uncover overheating problems or system freezing that can occur over a long duration of play.

If you are buying a console system as a gift you may want to choose to purchase a product new over pre-owned to avoid passing on the hassle to the receiver of your lovable gift. Used games are much less risk then a used console.

Most retail outlets refuse to sell used PC video games because many games require license keys to play. Buying back a PC video game can lead to licensing issues and complications in the future and it’s usually not a typical practice.

Tip #9: Extended Service Agreements

There are two service agreements you may run into while purchasing a console system: retail extended service agreement and manufacturer extended warranty. A retail outlet may offer an agreement they have supplied and when a product must be returned you bring it back to the store or chain you purchased the agreement with. A manufacturer extended warranty is issued by the company which created the product (i.e. Microsoft). If the product breaks, you ship it back to the manufacturer.

Most people believe service agreements are “free money” to the retail outlet and manufacturer. In many cases this will be true, with a special exception: early adopters. If you want to cover your product for an additional two years or more you may opt to purchase the agreement. If you are buying a product that is new to the market, such as the Sony PlayStation 3 or Nintendo Wii, it may be in your best interest to buy an extended agreement.

Unfortunately, it is common for manufacturers to produce products that have flaws in their initial designs. Many of these flaws do not rear their ugly head until after the 90-day express warranty or manufacturer’s limited 1-year warranty. While newer products have fixed many of the flaws that are found by the early adopters, you might be the early adopter that was hit by the problem and it can become costly.

Tip #10: Understand Return Policies

Returning policies for video game products vary from retailer to retailer. One important thing to keep in mind: opening a video game seal limits your return choices. Most retail outlets will allow you to return a product if it is defective and it may be returned for the same product.

Most return policies do not tolerate the “I don’t like it” reason for returning a product. Some retail outlets which are not 100% focused on gaming may allow you to return products after the seal has been opened but this isn’t typical for a game store. Do not open a product if you are unsure you want to keep it.

Always keep your receipts handy, especially for gifts. Many online stores allow you to return games without a physical receipt because the records of the order are on hand. A walk-in store will require you to have a receipt or gift receipt for exchanges for different products. You may be able to return a product for the same product if you do not have a receipt but it is always advised to keep those receipts for roughly 30 days.

After 15 to 30 days, most company’s in-store return policy will expire. You will be forced to talk with the publisher of the game or manufacturer of the console system to get further assistance.

Remember your implied limited warranty on products if you are living within the United States. Almost every state has a “limited” warranty on products that covers 1-year. This does not, however, cover acts of god or user error resulting in a broken product.

Electronic devices are sensitive and should be handled with care. Always use a surge protector to front-end any sensitive electronic equipment to avoid any “acts of god” from striking your neighborhood and causing electric shocks.

Hopefully these tips will make your holiday shopping a bit less stressful.

Techdiversions is a gaming enthusiasts that writes many gaming articles. They decided to take their passion to the next level and started an online gaming ecommerce site at http://www.techdiversions.com Keep up with their blog at http://www.techdiversions.com/blog

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Features Of The Xbox 360

Author: buzz42, 20/12

by Lisa Whister

Do you know what's special about the Xbox 360? Here are some of the features you can expect from Xbox 360:

Ring of Light and Xbox Guide Button. The ring of light is the power button and it is divided into four quadrants that can display a number of different colors depending on what is going on.

The Xbox Guide button is prominently featured on the controller as well as the Xbox 360 remote. This will allow you to instantly access information on person who just challenged you on Xbox Live. Or you can even jump right to where you can find downloadable content for the game you are currently playing. The Xbox Guide button will also allow you to turn the Xbox 360 system on and off from the comfort of your couch. That is one great idea that is has long been overdue.

Xbox Live – There will be two types of Xbox Live for the Xbox 360.

The Silver version is free. It allows you to access the Xbox Live Marketplace as well as communicate with your friends using voice chat. However, you cannot play games online.

With the Gold version of Xbox Live, you get all of the possible features. Most importantly, you can play games online. Your achievements and statistics will be stored so you can check them whenever you want. You will also be able to use video chat and video messaging. Microsoft has announced that all new Xbox 360 owners will get Gold Service feature for the first month. After that, the pricing will be similar to Xbox Live on the current Xbox.

Xbox Live Marketplace. Another great feature of Xbox 360. The marketplace is an area where you will be able to download game demos and trailers as well as new content for games such as new levels, characters, vehicles, weapons, and many others. Some things are free of charge but you will have to pay for some premium content.

Digital Entertainment. The Xbox 360 allows you to rip your music to the hard drive to be used during games. It will also stream music off of any MP3 player that you plug into the USB 2.0 ports. This is including Sony PSP.

You can also upload photos to the hard drive and share them with your friends on Xbox Live. The Xbox 360 also features DVD movies. Unlike the original Xbox, the Xbox 360 can display them in progressive scan. It seems like DVD playback will be available out of the box and will not require the purchase of an extra remote or anything. Definitely an improvement.

Personalizing your console. With the interchangeable faces of the system itself, you can change the color of your system whenever you want by simply snapping on a new face.

You do not even have to buy new faces because you could simply paint the stock face yourself. It is guaranteed that Microsoft will roll out a line of limited edition and collectible faces to lure people in, though.

You will also be able to customize the look and feel of the Xbox Guide browser on the system. Suspiciously similar to changing themes in Windows on your computer. Customization is always a good thing and while these features do not really mean anything in the long run, they certainly provide a nice change every once in awhile.

Xbox 360 and its great features are a great deal unto itself.

Basically, the hard drive is the one playing a major role in how you can use the Xbox 360. You are given the choice of saving the progress of the game on the hard drive, as well as rip your CDs to it.

You can transfer music, videos, and photos from your mp3 player or other USB devices. It will also be necessary to spend more time on Xbox Live because custom content, patches, and other downloadable content needs to be put stored somewhere and a little 64MB memory card isn’t going to cut it.

The hard drive is required for backwards compatibility. The other bonus to having such a hard drive is that loading time is faster especially in some games and other performances boosts.

With all these Xbox features up for grabs, what more can you ask for?

Lisa Whister is a publisher and website owner. Learn more about technology and entertainment. Visit Xbox 360 And Call of Duty

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How To Write Articles That People Want To Read

Author: buzz42, 27/11

by Stuart Laing

Article writing is one of the best ways to achieve phenomenal success online. Distributing your work to other sites will allow you to promote a link to your website and receive direct visitors. These backlinks will also help to improve your site's search engine rankings, which will increase the number of indirect visitors you receive. And all of that means more traffic, more subscribers and more sales.

But to make the most of your efforts, it's vital to write articles that people want to read. So before you start, let's take a look at all the elements of a successful article.

The Subject

Before you start writing it's important to select your subject carefully. Let's face it, there's no point spending your time writing an article if nobody wants to read it. So do some basic research. Which websites are popular? What are other people writing articles about?

Once you've got a basic idea about the subjects that people want to read about, I suggest selecting a main subject and then creating a list of 10 or 12 sub categories on which you can write articles. For example, if your topic is money, you might want to sub divide your article writing efforts into different sub categories such as; business, credit, debt, insurance, investment, property, saving etc.

The Keywords

Every article you write should be aimed at a certain keyword. It will help to focus your attention on what the article should be about, and it will allow your articles to perform better in the search engine rankings.

So before you start, select a list of keywords and keyword phrases for each of your sub categories. If have 10 sub categories and you select 10 keyword phrases for each, that will give you a foundation to write 100 different articles about your main subject.

The Title

The title should tell you readers exactly what they can expect to discover by reading your article. And if possible it should tempt them to continue reading. So it's often a good idea to use the title of your article to pose an interesting question.

The Article Summary

For each article, write a couple of sentences that introduces your article and tells readers what they will find out if they continue reading. This importance of this step is often underestimated, as it's a vital part of attracting readers and drawing them into the body of your article.

Alternatively, you could wait until after you've written your article and use the first paragraph as the article summary.

The Main Body

Once you've done all that, it's just a case of deciding upon the subject of your article and writing 400-700 words about it. But bear the following points in mind;

Do your homework. Search the internet for all the latest news on your chosen subject. Keep up to date using forums etc.

Each article should have a beginning, a middle and an end. Aim to write 2-3 sentences per paragraph and perhaps 4-6 paragraphs. Any longer and there's a danger that your readers will stop reading before they reach your bio at the end.

Keep it relevant to the subject and the keyword phrase that you're using the article to target. Write what you imagine people would want to read when they type in that keyword.

Use short, punchy sentences.

Use short paragraphs, perhaps three or four screen lines at most, so that people find it easy to read.

Break your article into easy to follow chunks using headings and sub-headings. This will allow people to scan your article quickly if they don't have time to read it.

One idea per sentence.

One subject per article.

If possible, give useful advice to help people solve a problem.

And it goes without saying that your articles should be spelt correctly and use acceptable standards of grammar.

The Bio

This is where you get to promote your website. This is your payment for allowing other websites to publish your article(s). Your bio should contain brief information about who you are, your work and the site that you're promoting.

But don't just write one bio and use it for every article that you promote. Write a selection of 10-12 short bios like the one at the end of this article. Make sure each bio is worded differently, uses different linking text and sounds tempting enough to make people click through to see your site.

There are two reasons for using a range of different bios

a) People who read a few of your articles on different websites may eventually become "blind" to your bio. After reading a number of your articles they won't see the bio because it's always the same. So provide something different to capture their attention every time.

b) Search engines don't rank incoming links as highly if they always contain the same anchor text and are always surrounded by the same words.

It might seem like a lot of work to generate 12 different bios, but I can assure you that in the long run the extra effort will be well worth it.

Follow these basic rules and before long your website will start to grow in popularity and you will become recognised as an expert on your chosen subject.

If you've written any financial articles that you'd like to use to market your website, visit My Money Articles. New authors will also receive a free article marketing ebook.

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Radar Detectors: How To Get Good Value

Author: buzz42, 11/11

by John Hartley

If you want a radar detector for your car, you will find there is an amazing range of prices and models. The question is: How much should you pay?



One answer is another question: 'How much is your licence worth, and how much will your insurance go up if you get a ticket'? Put like that, you might think it was worth several hundred dollars to buy a good radar detector that will protect you from both radar and laser guns.

You will need to choose from a budget model, which might be very useful most of the time - but not all the time - or a more expensive one that will provide the highest protection against speeding tickets you can get.



Consider various products



I recommend that before you buy a radar detector, you do some research, on the internet or locally. Also, ask friends what they know about radar detectors. The question then is how much money you can afford, and how well you want to be protected. Some police forces use radar guns, and others use laser guns to measure your speed. Neither is very accurate, but some are easier to set up and use than others. Obviously, the police don’t want to waste time setting up the camera when they could be nabbing drivers for speeding!



There is another useful device, which operates differently from the others. This is the Veil radar detector which makes it difficult for the laser light beams to bounce off your car. In fact, they still do bounce back, but not till you are quite close to the laser gun. However good detectors tell you when you are a long way from the laser gun, so you have plenty of time to slow down.



Actually, the first decision is: are radar and laser detectors legal where you live? Find that out before you spend a penny! But remember, surveys show that people who use radar detectors have less accidents than others, presumably because they are more vigilant. Even if there is some doubt about the legality, bear in mind the safety aspects of radar detectors.



Once you are happy that you can use one, the question is: what sort of detector, having found out what type of detectors are used in your area? Next, decide which product you want to buy. The internet is useful here, allowing you to compare different products and different prices. However, do remember this: everyone who puts up a site to sell laser or radar detectors has a vested interest – he or she wants you to buy the products they are offering. Therefore, visit quite a few sites.



The other really useful step is to study reviews to get another viewpoint on how radar detectors compare. You will find that the car magazines have some good reviews, and these are usually published on the internet.



Don’t forget that you want a detector that is easy to fit, is portable, and has excellent performance.



The thing is that one day, you will need a radar detector – the police are using more and more speed cameras each year. You will be happy if when that day comes you get good warning from your detector, but will be annoyed if it doesn’t – and that annoyance will increase once you find how much the ticket will cost you altogether. After all, a ticket can mean increased insurance premiums for three years.



Therefore, I recommend you get the best radar detector you can afford, and to make sure that when you decide to buy a new car, you will be able to transfer the radar detector to your new one easily.



John Hartley has been writing about cars and car technology for many leading magazines for many years, and has written over a dozen books. He also runs a specialist web site, which shows how you can avoid speeding tickets and keep within the law.



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