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In today’s internet driven society, a music composer’s main window to the world is their website. Your website will serve you in many ways including acting as your twenty-four/seven all-purpose representative, hosting excerpts of your music and information about yourself and your work. A webpage is crucial to fostering a healthy musical career in the 21st century. Below are listed some chief things to incorporate into any composer’s new website.

1. When choosing the design for your site make sure to consider ease of use so that visitors can navigate your site easily.

2. Your activity is significant so make sure that people know about your performances by updating your site regularly.

3. Update your works list often. Performers do check composers’ websites looking for new works for their instrument or ensemble.

4. Provide both a brief and full biography on separate pages detailing people you’ve worked with, press clippings, etc. You’ll be surprised how often a short biography these come in handy.

5. Let online guests demo your work by having at least three music clips available in .mp3 format.

6. Post links to your profiles at social networking sites which are hotbeds for new music activity. Get in on it!

7. Your contact information should be professional and memorable. You’re in trouble if you’re still using that guitargod 13 @ aol.com email address so simply use your real name or business name.

An effective website that follows the above suggestions will increase your visibility and undoubtedly lead to extensive career opportunities. However, while you should maintain a certain level of professionalism you should not be afraid to show a little personality. It is certainly good to show your credentials but visitors will feel a stronger connection to you if you show your human side.

Good luck!

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by SFXsource
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There are a chosen few of us out there who were chosen to write. Not only do we love writing, we are actually good at it. However, this does not always mean that we are recognized for our skills; in fact it seems that the more talented we are the less likely it is that we are going to get any help with the completion of our books. So we plug away at our day jobs and wait for our big break.

For those who do, there is much more to it than just writing the book. Once you have a finished product, you have to edit until your eyes fall out. Many writers may write a book, but the editing becomes too much for them, and they don’t have the energy to do the many rewrites they need to do to get a better product. Some hire professional editors, but for many struggling writers, this is just not an option.

Before embarking on the journey to becoming a writer, consider the work involved. Unless you are extremely dedicated to putting out a well written and polished product it is likely you will not succeed. Make sure that you have what it takes to follow the project through from start to finish.

If you have finished your book, you still have a lot of work left ahead of you. The next step after editing and rewriting is to get your book out there for people to read. You want to get it to every publisher you can think of that might be interested in publishing it. This is the hard part, and the part most don’t consider when they set out to write a book. The rejection will come, and it will be painful. You may get published, but you can expect a lot of rejection slips before your manuscript falls into the right hands.

In the event that there are no intelligent publishers out there to print your book, you can consider self-publishing. This involves taking care of, and paying for printing, marketing and distributing the book. Again this is going to take more work on your part as well as a lot of your money. The bonus is that no one else gets a cut when your book starts flying off the shelves.

Tags: Writing & Speaking by Gary Pearson
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Conrad Johnson manufactures high end audio electronics and they are based in Fairfax, Virginia. The company was started by Dr Lewis Johnson and Dr William Conrad in the late seventies. Their 1st ever product was a vacuum tube preamplifier called the PV-1.

Conrad Johnson is synonymous with quality with price tags that certainly reflect that, although many audio enthusiasts feel the money is very well spent indeed. One of their flagship amplifiers is the Twelve Tube monoblock power amplifier, so listening in stereo will set you back close to 7 grand.

The design of the Twelve tube is certainly stylish with a cool brushed brass finish, and some straight forward circuitry. The Twelve tube also has a large output transformer and with a quick look in the CJ info you’ll find that this gives you a wide bandwidth with high phase linearity. All in all, nothing too unusual. It’s clear that the Popularity of this amp comes from it’s performance rather than design.

The CJ Twelve Tube’s overall sound is extremely rich and open with a fantastic transparency, superb mids and a deep down racey bass. It manges the transitions between frequencies with ease, even at extremes, as well as through the upper and mid ranges. Something that even amplifiers of similar price tags often struggle with.

Tube amplifiers quite often have diffiulculties when it comes to transients, especially with rock and pop songs. The Twelve Tube handles these with ease with a focused and coherent sound throughout, being perhaps the finest I have heard in years.

Conrad Johnson is well known for the reliability of their amplifiers, and there is no exception when it comes to the Twelve Tube. Tube amplifiers are often seen to give problems in this area, but with the Twelve Tube you should have no worries.

The internet is a great place to start your amplifier search, whether you’re looking for a Twelve Tube, another Conrad Johnson or any other amplifier. There are some great deals around!

Tags: Music by Simon Caldoe
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The Nintendo Wii is such a versatile gaming console that more age groups and types of users are becoming involved. The simple fact that almost anybody can pick up a controller, start playing a Nintendo based tennis game, with little or no technical skill is just amazing.

It is a testament to the company that has thought of the user, and without knowing it, has expanded a market of players than ever before.

The Nintendo Wii has managed to do what no other gaming console has: it has allowed more players, regardless of skill or age. This console appeals to many people because of its easy use, its powerful technology, and its ease of use of its motion detection system.

The types of Nintendo Wii Cheats

The game cheats for the Wii have proven to be extremely popular. There are new titles appearing every month, and the options will continue to grow. As new games are released and old games are re-created or modified, for the new console, a common call is being heard: new gamers want Nintendo Wii cheats.

You can find the cheats online on many websites. They range from the simple and basic to the totally geek driven, mind numbing, need to get a life, cheats. Some Nintendo Wii cheats are designed to help you score higher or get past a challenging level. Some can be as simple as just a key code to use.

Others are simply for entertainment and let you do things that you wouldn’t ordinarily be able to do.

What has been surprising about the demand for Nintendo Wii cheats is the sheer amount of requests. Gamers crave the new cheats as soon as the games are released.

This has resulted in websites being created just for this single purpose, to provide ways of beating a game, just as its being released. Maybe this is part of the new generation that want and expect it all now!

If you are a skilled gamer, with cheats to share, you can share them online at all of your favorite cheat codes websites. A really good idea is also to start your own site, with your content, then look for others who have cheats, they are willing to share, get them to put them on your site.

The New Gaming Console Era

The popularity of the Wii was a surprise to a lot of people in the gaming industry, but gamers knew even before it was released that it was going to be an instant favorite. The concept is not new really. What they have done is a better version of the sony itoy which as an add on program for sony playstation 2.

The thirst for Nintendo Wii Cheats will continue to grow as more and more users and games become available- one will drive the other

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Peter J. James
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Behringer amplifiers have been in the business of making amplifiers for 40 years and it shows.

The Behringer EP2500 is certainly one of the best amplifiers in the Behringer range and is very reliable and will continue at the same levels of performance no matter how hard you push the power.

The performance of this amplifier is excellent from the highest notes right the way down to the deepest bass levels. It produces a wonderfully rich sound with a clarity that really reflects Behringers efforts. It can easily reflect the execution you will find in amplifiers costing a lot more.

This amplifier can easily work for those in the music profession on both installations and for when they hit the road. But as well as this it fits and works just as easily in the lounge or bedroom in your home whether this is your first separate amplifier or you’ve been an audio enthusiast for years.

The looks are also great with a stylish cool exterior typical of Behringer. It’s undoubtedly built to last and is extremely hardworking and durable. The fan can be a little noisy as with many of Behringers amplifiers but it’s certainly efficient. It has a great power supply with lots of headroom which give you excellent performance even at extremes settings. And with Behringer usual reliability it means you won’t lose any of that power and your tunes will continue to sound great throughout the years that you continue to use it.

As with all Behringer Amplifiers, the Europower 2500 is built to comply with the ISO9000 certified management / manufacturing system, which gives extra piece of mind for your purchase.

Check out some of the deals you can find for Behringer amplifiers’ on the Internet. There is a large range here and some of them are at prices quite a lot lower than you’ll find in the shops.

Tags: Music by Simon Caldoe
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A lot of people may not know this, but Six Flags is more than just an amusement park known for its intense thrills. Six Flags also comes in another form situated all over as well-it’s wet and wild side better known as Six Flags Hurricane Harbor.

Sprinkled all over the country, you are sure to find a Hurricane Harbor somewhat nearby where you live. These may be Hurricane Harbor all by itself or both Six Flags and Hurricane Harbor right next to each other. Little is different between the two because in both you will still find the wet and wild fun Hurricane Harbor has to offer. From the hi-tech water rides to the various slides, pools, and river rides, there’s no less satisfaction at one or the other.

The first ever Six Flags Water Park is in Arlington, Texas, and this original Hurricane Harbor just opened a new ride called the Mega Wedgie. Visitors can join the fun for the summer starting May 17. Tickets for general admission and children 48″ and under go for $24.99 and $19.99, respectively. While toddlers under two years old are free. Hurricane Harbor Arlington offers parking for $10 and $15, depending on preference.

“California Drenchin” occurs at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Los Angeles. They’ll be opening on May 24 for their summer season, only weekends for now. General admission is priced at $29.99 while it’s $20.99 for kids (under 48″). Kids under 2 years old get in for free. Save and buy a ticket for both parks (Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor) for just $69.99.

In New Jersey you’ll see three Six Flags Amusement Parks right next to each other! That’s Great Adventure, Wild Safari Animal Park, and Hurricane Harbor. June 19 is the big day, opening for the summer season, but it’s a weekends-only gig until then. $24.99 is the starting ticket price for kids under 54″ tall. Purchasing of combo tickets is an option.

You can buy tickets with admission included for those parks wherein Hurricane Harbor and Six Flags Amusement Park are together. The largest of these combined parks is Six Flags Great America/Hurricane Harbor in Illinois. Located on the outskirts of Chicago, its summer opening is May 21. St. Louis has got access to Six Flags and Hurricane Harbor bought together as one ticket which comes with water fun along with admission to the theme park. Summer season opens May 15.

You’ll find one of the most humungous wave pools in the country in Prince George County, Maryland’s Six Flags America. Just near Baltimore and Washington, D.C., this park is opening for the summer in May, 2008.

Hurricane Harbor of Six Flags New England in Springfield, Massachusetts lays claim to two wave pools. From Boston it’s just a quick drive and people can douse themselves there for the summer in late May.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by John Broffman
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Acoustic music is one of the most well-received kinds of contemporary music these days. After all, how can you ever ignore a person who seems to be baring his/her soul with an almost-a-capella rendition of a particular song? There’s no other instrument than can go with his/her voice than an acoustic guitar.

There are a lot of people who believe that blues acoustic playing is really easy. Usually, the songs played are slow, which can give them ample time to position their fingers at the right keys. They also don’t have to think about complementing other sounds that may com from the drums or the keyboards. But then again, there’s also plenty of room of mistake, and one wrong move can eventually destroy the entire presentation.

Here are 4 basic tips when it comes to playing acoustic guitar:

1. Match your height with your guitar. One of the most important things in acoustic blues guitar playing is that you have to be extremely comfortable with it. If you have a constant gig, then you’re going to be utilizing the instrument the whole time. You should have no reason to feel sore for carrying it all over your shoulder. Hence, make sure that you pick a guitar that’s the right size for you. This will also help you reach out to the keys more easily.

2. Adjust the strings to the proper pitch of the song. It’s highly essential that you truly have an ear for music. This will help you determine if the music requires a low or high pitch. Depending on the real pitch of the song, you need to adjust the tuning pegs of your acoustic guitar accordingly. When you tighten the strings, you are in for a high pitch. Conversely, a low pitch is produced if you’re going to loosen the guitar strings.

3. Start with standard tuning first. This is considered the default mode in acoustic guitar and thus real easy. If you’re a beginner, you better start with standard tuning before you decide to play on some more complicated notes. You simply need to match the tune of your guitar to the pitch of the song. All six strings should be compatible with the sound produced by the singer.

4. Use a pick. You can always make use of your fingers, but if they get burned out for long playing moments, you will surely get distracted, and you won’t be able to play as better as before. Moreover, fingers don’t really create a much louder sound, which you may need when you’re playing in a large crowd. The best solution to this is to use a pick.

Tags: Music by Z Roberts
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Here are the four writing myths that stand between you and your sales.

When writing for the Web, there’s one hard and fast rule to remember…

Write exactly how you talk.

Forget all the rules your English teacher taught you. End your sentences in a preposition… start them with “And” or “But.” On the Web, people read differently.

Formal writing actually stops people from reading… and if they’re not reading, they’re not buying.

Let’s look at four writing myths you can toss out the window…

Myth #1: Sentence structure must be sophisticated

Reality: Simple sentences rule online.

Online, people want information – and they want it fast! And they DON’T want to have to work at deciphering it.

Keep your sentences short. They’re ALWAYS easier to read than longer ones. Avoid complex sentence constructions. On the Web, “ing” words are the enemy!

Don’t say, “By following this program carefully, taking supplements religiously, and drinking lots of water every day, you will lose weight.”…

… say “Follow this program carefully. Take supplements religiously. And drink lots of water every day. You WILL lose weight.”

Remember, you’re writing to short attention spans.

Myth #2: Writing has to be formal

Reality Check: Keep it real.

Readers respond best when they feel you’re talking to them personally. So write as if you’re talking to someone you really CARE about and…

Use a casual and friendly tone. Imagine that you’re talking to a friend or family member. To help your readers identify with your words on a personal level, use “you” as often as possible.

Mimic the irregular cadence of speech. Go ahead and write in sentence fragments. Feel free to start sentences with “and,” “but,” and “or.” It’s how we speak.

Use contractions whenever possible. “It’s” sounds way more natural and informal than “it is.” And it’s an easy way to take an unnecessary word out of your sentences.

It’s okay to use slang. Just make sure the slang you use is appropriate for YOUR target market. If you run a surf shop, calling your readers “dude” is, like, totally appropriate.

Myth #3: Use proper punctuation

Reality Check: Use informal punctuation to mimic regular speech.

You know how your teachers always warned you against using dashes, ellipses, and bullet points, because they smacked of lazy writing?

When you write for the a Web audience, you are writing for the LAZY READER. (Not so much “lazy” as “bombarded by a relentless onslaught of information, and constantly pressed for time.”)

So make their job as easy as possible by breaking up long sentences. Dashes – like these – create white space between your phrases so each phrase stands out more.

Ellipses are a great for separating items in a list. Create a sense of time passing within the sentence… Or build anticipation before getting to the “big reveal.”

Use ALL CAPS to highlight the words you’d emphasize while speaking. Putting lists in bullet points so they’re easy to read. Bullets say “Hey look, here?s a list!”

Myth #4: Readers will read every word

Reality Check: People SCAN for important information.

Ever noticed how a single word can make your ears perk up when you’re half listening to a conversation?

Certain words jump out at you to let you know when to pay closer attention. Format your text so your most important content leaps off your pages:

* Use a “choppy” structure that mixes up paragraphs of different lengths.

* Write your most dramatic ideas as stand-alone one-sentence paragraphs.

* Use subheads to create curiosity and draw the reader down the page.

* Use bolding when highlighting important ideas.

* Try to place the MOST important idea at the beginning or end of the paragraph where they’ll be noticed most.

Hear the words in your head as you write. to keep yourself from stiff formal writing! Then, read your work out loud when you’re done. Any stumbling blocks will become immediately obvious.

If you write the way you talk, your readers will listen.

Tags: Writing & Speaking by Derek Gehl
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