Wednesday, September 30, 2009

VuPoint Film & Slide Digital Converter


Are you ready to become a better guitar player? Are you interested in seeing how Tommy makes his guitar talk ? Either way, you ll find this video by Tommy Emmanuel, often called ...the greatest all-round guitarist in the world today... , to be informative and inspirational as he draws on 30 years experience to show you, in typical Tommy style , the essentials of guitar playing. You ll learn how to: String and tune your guitar so that it stays in tune. Develop groove in your rhythm guitar playing. Become a one man band play Guitar Boogie solo. Make your melody playing more expressive. Make music out of scales... and make the most of your practice. Whether you re a beginner or a professional, you ll find Tommy s DVD instructions easy to follow. The segments on rhythm guitar, melody playing and lead guitar are clearly presented and backed up by on-screen fretboard graphics and a pdf file on the disc in music notation for the more advanced player. As you watch Tommy in action, you ll get that inside look at what it takes to make you a better guitar player.
Hailed by Chet Atkins as "Without a doubt, one of the greatest guitar players on the planet," Tommy Emmanuel has electrified audiences from Steve Kaufman's diminutive Palace Theater in Maryville, Tennessee to the closing ceremony of the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Having concertized throughout much of the civilized world, this dynamic performer who, in his words "happens to be a pretty good guitarist," made his way to the fabled competition in Winfield Kansas as a guest artist for the first time in 2000. Shortly before Tommy's performances there, parking lot pickers were said to have ceased jamming and moved trance like in droves to a venue designed to hold perhaps 500, now packed with three times that number all to hear Tommy Emmanuel play an acoustic guitar! Although he has acted as a mentor to a dedicated few young guitarists in his native Australia, Tommy seems destined to make his mark performing on the world stage. His impeccable taste, flawless technique, and engaging personality have inspired fans and critics alike.
Are you ready to become a better guitar player? Are you interested in seeing how Tommy makes his guitar talk ? Either way, you ll find this video by Tommy Emmanuel, often called ...the greatest all-round guitarist in the world today... , to be informative and inspirational as he draws on 30 years experience to show you, in typical Tommy style , the essentials of guitar playing. You ll learn how to: String and tune your guitar so that it stays in tune. Develop groove in your rhythm guitar playing. Become a one man band play Guitar Boogie solo. Make your melody playing more expressive. Make music out of scales... and make the most of your practice. Whether you re a beginner or a professional, you ll find Tommy s DVD instructions easy to follow. The segments on rhythm guitar, melody playing and lead guitar are clearly presented and backed up by on-screen fretboard graphics and a pdf file on the disc in music notation for the more advanced player. As you watch Tommy in action, you ll get that inside look at what it takes to make you a better guitar player.
Hailed by Chet Atkins as "Without a doubt, one of the greatest guitar players on the planet," Tommy Emmanuel has electrified audiences from Steve Kaufman's diminutive Palace Theater in Maryville, Tennessee to the closing ceremony of the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Having concertized throughout much of the civilized world, this dynamic performer who, in his words "happens to be a pretty good guitarist," made his way to the fabled competition in Winfield Kansas as a guest artist for the first time in 2000. Shortly before Tommy's performances there, parking lot pickers were said to have ceased jamming and moved trance like in droves to a venue designed to hold perhaps 500, now packed with three times that number all to hear Tommy Emmanuel play an acoustic guitar! Although he has acted as a mentor to a dedicated few young guitarists in his native Australia, Tommy seems destined to make his mark performing on the world stage. His impeccable taste, flawless technique, and engaging personality have inspired fans and critics alike.
Are you ready to become a better guitar player? Are you interested in seeing how Tommy makes his guitar talk ? Either way, you ll find this video by Tommy Emmanuel, often called ...the greatest all-round guitarist in the world today... , to be informative and inspirational as he draws on 30 years experience to show you, in typical Tommy style , the essentials of guitar playing. You ll learn how to: String and tune your guitar so that it stays in tune. Develop groove in your rhythm guitar playing. Become a one man band play Guitar Boogie solo. Make your melody playing more expressive. Make music out of scales... and make the most of your practice. Whether you re a beginner or a professional, you ll find Tommy s DVD instructions easy to follow. The segments on rhythm guitar, melody playing and lead guitar are clearly presented and backed up by on-screen fretboard graphics and a pdf file on the disc in music notation for the more advanced player. As you watch Tommy in action, you ll get that inside look at what it takes to make you a better guitar player.
Hailed by Chet Atkins as "Without a doubt, one of the greatest guitar players on the planet," Tommy Emmanuel has electrified audiences from Steve Kaufman's diminutive Palace Theater in Maryville, Tennessee to the closing ceremony of the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Having concertized throughout much of the civilized world, this dynamic performer who, in his words "happens to be a pretty good guitarist," made his way to the fabled competition in Winfield Kansas as a guest artist for the first time in 2000. Shortly before Tommy's performances there, parking lot pickers were said to have ceased jamming and moved trance like in droves to a venue designed to hold perhaps 500, now packed with three times that number all to hear Tommy Emmanuel play an acoustic guitar! Although he has acted as a mentor to a dedicated few young guitarists in his native Australia, Tommy seems destined to make his mark performing on the world stage. His impeccable taste, flawless technique, and engaging personality have inspired fans and critics alike.
Are you ready to become a better guitar player? Are you interested in seeing how Tommy makes his guitar talk ? Either way, you ll find this video by Tommy Emmanuel, often called ...the greatest all-round guitarist in the world today... , to be informative and inspirational as he draws on 30 years experience to show you, in typical Tommy style , the essentials of guitar playing. You ll learn how to: String and tune your guitar so that it stays in tune. Develop groove in your rhythm guitar playing. Become a one man band play Guitar Boogie solo. Make your melody playing more expressive. Make music out of scales... and make the most of your practice. Whether you re a beginner or a professional, you ll find Tommy s DVD instructions easy to follow. The segments on rhythm guitar, melody playing and lead guitar are clearly presented and backed up by on-screen fretboard graphics and a pdf file on the disc in music notation for the more advanced player. As you watch Tommy in action, you ll get that inside look at what it takes to make you a better guitar player.
Hailed by Chet Atkins as "Without a doubt, one of the greatest guitar players on the planet," Tommy Emmanuel has electrified audiences from Steve Kaufman's diminutive Palace Theater in Maryville, Tennessee to the closing ceremony of the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Having concertized throughout much of the civilized world, this dynamic performer who, in his words "happens to be a pretty good guitarist," made his way to the fabled competition in Winfield Kansas as a guest artist for the first time in 2000. Shortly before Tommy's performances there, parking lot pickers were said to have ceased jamming and moved trance like in droves to a venue designed to hold perhaps 500, now packed with three times that number all to hear Tommy Emmanuel play an acoustic guitar! Although he has acted as a mentor to a dedicated few young guitarists in his native Australia, Tommy seems destined to make his mark performing on the world stage. His impeccable taste, flawless technique, and engaging personality have inspired fans and critics alike.
Are you ready to become a better guitar player? Are you interested in seeing how Tommy makes his guitar talk ? Either way, you ll find this video by Tommy Emmanuel, often called ...the greatest all-round guitarist in the world today... , to be informative and inspirational as he draws on 30 years experience to show you, in typical Tommy style , the essentials of guitar playing. You ll learn how to: String and tune your guitar so that it stays in tune. Develop groove in your rhythm guitar playing. Become a one man band play Guitar Boogie solo. Make your melyou ready to become a better guitar player? Are you interested in seeing how Tommy makes his guitar talk ? Either way, you ll find this video by Tommy Emmanuel, often called ...the greatest all-round guitarist in the world today... , to be informative and inspirational as he draws on 30 years experience to show you, in typical Tommy style , the essentials of guitar playing. You ll learn how to: String and tune your guitar so that it stays in tune. Develop groove in your rhythm guitar playing. Become a one man band play Guitar Boogie solo. Make your melody playing more expressive. Make music out of scales... and make the most of your practice. Whether you re a beginner or a professional, you ll find Tommy s DVD instructions easy to follow. The segments on rhythm guitar, melody playing and lead guitar are clearly presented and backed up by on-screen fretboard graphics and a pdf file on the disc in music notation for the more advanced player. As you watch Tommy in action, you ll get that inside look at what it takes to make you a better guitar player.
Hailed by Chet Atkins as "Without a doubt, one of the greatest guitar players on the planet," Tommy Emmanuel has electrified audiences from Steve Kaufman's diminutive Palace Theater in Maryville, Tennessee to the closing ceremony of the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Having concertized throughout much of the civilized world, this dynamic performer who, in his words "happens to be a pretty good guitarist," made his way to the fabled competition in Winfield Kansas as a guest artist for the first time in 2000. Shortly before Tommy's performances there, parking lot pickers were said to have ceased jamming and moved trance like in droves to a venue designed to hold perhaps 500, now packed with three times that number all to hear Tommy Emmanuel play an acoustic guitar! Although he has acted as a mentor to a dedicated few young guitarists in his native Australia, Tommy seems destined to make his mark performing on the world stage. His impeccable taste, flawless technique, and engaging personality have inspired fans and critics alike.
reveal the truth behind the hype, plus how much money you may be wasting by buying into it.
Tommy Emmanuel: Guitar Talk DVDv
By Pat Mertz Esswein, Associate Editor, Kiplinger's Personal FinanceSeptember 2009
If you’re like most consumers, you’re more than happy to buy green -- as long as it also saves greenbacks. A recent study by the Shelton Group found that consumers who purchase eco-friendly products at least occasionally are more interested in spending their money wisely than in improving the environment.
To that end, here are ten oft-cited green myths and the truth behind them -- plus how much money you may be burning by buying into them.
Myth: Never leave the lights on when you leave a room.
Reality: Mom had it right when it comes to incandescent bulbs, but not compact fluorescent lights. The more often you switch CFLs on and off, the shorter their operating life. In most parts of the U.S., it’s cheaper to leave fluorescents on if you’ll only be out of the room for 15 minutes or less, according to the Department of Energy www.energysavers.gov. (In areas with high electric rates or during peak demand periods, the length of time may shorten to just 5 minutes.) On average, a CFL bulb costs $2.50 more than an incandescent bulb, but it will save $5.41 annually on your electric bill compared with an incandescent, according to DOE.
If you haven’t converted to CFLs because you fear pollution from the mercury they contain, keep in mind that generating electricity is the main source of mercury emissions in the U.S. A 60-watt light bulb will use 480 kilowatt hours of electricity and contribute almost 6 milligrams of mercury to the environment over its lifetime, according to Energy Star. A CFL will use less than a fourth of the electricity and result in a third of the mercury emissions. For more information on properly disposing of CFLs, visit www.energystar.gov/cfls.
Myth: You can trust product labels that say “green,” “eco-friendly,” “earth smart” and the like.
Reality: The green-washing machine loves to crank out vague marketing terms, and the Federal Trade Commission has begun to crack down on environmental claims that fail the regulatory smell test (visit www.ftc.gov and search “Sorting Out Green Advertising Claims”. Manufacturers have begun to improve the labeling, consumer information and advice on their Web sites, including lists and definitions of ingredients. Also look for the EPA’s Design for the Environment label.
Myth: Switching to solar is a great way to achieve energy savings.
Reality: Solar systems, even with government incentives, are expensive. The owner of a typical single-family home in the U.S. wastes almost $350 annually on heated or cooled air that escapes to the outdoors. So for most houses in most places, the first line of defense is to reduce demand, says Bruce Harley, author of Cut Your Energy Bills Now (Taunton). That means tightening up the house and its ductwork (Plug Your Home’s Costly Leaks Before Winterwait until products meeting new and more rigorous Energy Star standards reach the market in April 2010. Meanwhile, you can prevent heat from escaping in the winter and invading in the summer if you follow the recommendations above.

Tommy Emmanuel: Guitar Talk DVD


Are you ready to become a better guitar player? Are you interested in seeing how Tommy makes his guitar talk ? Either way, you ll find this video by Tommy Emmanuel, often called ...the greatest all-round guitarist in the world today... , to be informative and inspirational as he draws on 30 years experience to show you, in typical Tommy style , the essentials of guitar playing. You ll learn how to: String and tune your guitar so that it stays in tune. Develop groove in your rhythm guitar playing. Become a one man band play Guitar Boogie solo. Make your melody playing more expressive. Make music out of scales... and make the most of your practice. Whether you re a beginner or a professional, you ll find Tommy s DVD instructions easy to follow. The segments on rhythm guitar, melody playing and lead guitar are clearly presented and backed up by on-screen fretboard graphics and a pdf file on the disc in music notation for the more advanced player. As you watch Tommy in action, you ll get that inside look at what it takes to make you a better guitar player. Hailed by Chet Atkins as "Without a doubt, one of the greatest guitar players on the planet," Tommy Emmanuel has electrified audiences from Steve Kaufman's diminutive Palace Theater in Maryville, Tennessee to the closing ceremony of the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Having concertized throughout much of the civilized world, this dynamic performer who, in his words "happens to be a pretty good guitarist," made his way to the fabled competition in Winfield Kansas as a guest artist for the first time in 2000. Shortly before Tommy's performances there, parking lot pickers were said to have ceased jamming and moved trance like in droves to a venue designed to hold perhaps 500, now packed with three times that number all to hear Tommy Emmanuel play an acoustic guitar! Although he has acted as a mentor to a dedicated few young guitarists in his native Australia, Tommy seems destined to make his mark performing on the world stage. His impeccable taste, flawless technique, and engaging personality have inspired fans and critics alike.

10 Green Myths Debunked


We reveal the truth behind the hype, plus how much money you may be wasting by buying into it.
By Pat Mertz Esswein, Associate Editor, Kiplinger's Personal FinanceSeptember 2009
If you’re like most consumers, you’re more than happy to buy green -- as long as it also saves greenbacks. A recent study by the Shelton Group found that consumers who purchase eco-friendly products at least occasionally are more interested in spending their money wisely than in improving the environment.
To that end, here are ten oft-cited green myths and the truth behind them -- plus how much money you may be burning by buying into them.
Myth: Never leave the lights on when you leave a room.
Reality: Mom had it right when it comes to incandescent bulbs, but not compact fluorescent lights. The more often you switch CFLs on and off, the shorter their operating life. In most parts of the U.S., it’s cheaper to leave fluorescents on if you’ll only be out of the room for 15 minutes or less, according to the Department of Energy www.energysavers.gov. (In areas with high electric rates or during peak demand periods, the length of time may shorten to just 5 minutes.) On average, a CFL bulb costs $2.50 more than an incandescent bulb, but it will save $5.41 annually on your electric bill compared with an incandescent, according to DOE.
If you haven’t converted to CFLs because you fear pollution from the mercury they contain, keep in mind that generating electricity is the main source of mercury emissions in the U.S. A 60-watt light bulb will use 480 kilowatt hours of electricity and contribute almost 6 milligrams of mercury to the environment over its lifetime, according to Energy Star. A CFL will use less than a fourth of the electricity and result in a third of the mercury emissions. For more information on properly disposing of CFLs, visit www.energystar.gov/cfls.
Myth: You can trust product labels that say “green,” “eco-friendly,” “earth smart” and the like.
Reality: The green-washing machine loves to crank out vague marketing terms, and the Federal Trade Commission has begun to crack down on environmental claims that fail the regulatory smell test (visit www.ftc.gov and search “Sorting Out Green Advertising Claims”. Manufacturers have begun to improve the labeling, consumer information and advice on their Web sites, including lists and definitions of ingredients. Also look for the EPA’s Design for the Environment label.
Myth: Switching to solar is a great way to achieve energy savings.
Reality: Solar systems, even with government incentives, are expensive. The owner of a typical single-family home in the U.S. wastes almost $350 annually on heated or cooled air that escapes to the outdoors. So for most houses in most places, the first line of defense is to reduce demand, says Bruce Harley, author of Cut Your Energy Bills Now (Taunton). That means tightening up the house and its ductwork (Plug Your Home’s Costly Leaks Before Winter), improving insulation, switching to CFLs, upgrading appliances and changing your behavior. After that, if you still want to go solar, you may be able to make do with a smaller system that costs less. For example, instead of a 4-kilowatt photovoltaic system (the size recommended for the average home) which would cost $16,800 installed after an average state-tax incentive of 25% and the federal discount of 30% -- you might get by with a 2-kilowatt system, which would cost $8,400.
Myth: Energy savings (and tax credits) will eventually pay for replacement windows.
Reality: True, windows are a big energy waster, but you probably have bigger fish to fry. The average cost to replace a window is $300 to $700, and another 50% to 100% if you must replace a rotten or damaged frame, according to www.CostHelper.com. Through 2010, you can get a tax credit for 30% of your cost, up to $1,500, for super-efficient windows (many that are currently Energy Star-approved don’t qualify). Many older homes don’t have huge amounts of window area, and newer houses tend to have more energy-efficient windows that meet existing standards for Energy Star labeling. If you still want to upgrade your windows, you may want to wait until products meeting new and more rigorous Energy Star standards reach the market in April 2010. Meanwhile, you can prevent heat from escaping in the winter and invading in the summer if you follow the recommendations above.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Barbie goes to Hollywood


LOS ANGELES: Barbie is set to make her debut on the big screen in a family movie based on the iconic toy doll, entertainment industry press reported.
The 50-year-old figurine fashionista, reputedly the biggest selling toy of all time, will be brought to life by Universal Pictures following a deal between the studio and manufacturer Mattel, Variety reported.
‘Barbie is the most famous doll in history, a unique cultural icon in the world of brands,’ Universal Pictures chairman Marc Shmuger said.
‘So many representations of Barbie frequent pop culture. We're grateful to Mattel for entrusting us with this extraordinary opportunity.’ There was no word on who might play Barbie or love interest Ken, but producer Laurence Mark said her varied career – 120 jobs ranging from astronaut to aspiring politician – offered myriad storylines.
‘Barbie may be the most popular girl in the world, and has always been a wonderfully aspirational figure, so we must do her proud,’ Mark told Variety.–AFPLOS ANGELES: Barbie is set to make her debut on the big screen in a family movie based on the iconic toy doll, entertainment industry press reported.
The 50-year-old figurine fashionista, reputedly the biggest selling toy of all time, will be brought to life by Universal Pictures following a deal between the studio and manufacturer Mattel, Variety reported.
‘Barbie is the most famous doll in history, a unique cultural icon in the world of brands,’ Universal Pictures chairman Marc Shmuger said.
‘So many representations of Barbie frequent pop culture. We're grateful to Mattel for entrusting us with this extraordinary opportunity.’ There was no word on who might play Barbie or love interest Ken, but producer Laurence Mark said her varied career – 120 jobs ranging from astronaut to aspiring politician – offered myriad storylines.
‘Barbie may be the most popular girl in the world, and has always been a wonderfully aspirational figure, so we must do her proud,’ Mark told Variety.–AFPLOS ANGELES: Barbie is set to make her debut on the big screen in a family movie based on the iconic toy doll, entertainment industry press reported.
The 50-year-old figurine fashionista, reputedly the biggest selling toy of all time, will be brought to life by Universal Pictures following a deal between the studio and manufacturer Mattel, Variety reported.
‘Barbie is the most famous doll in history, a unique cultural icon in the world of brands,’ Universal Pictures chairman Marc Shmuger said.
‘So many representations of Barbie frequent pop culture. We're grateful to Mattel for entrusting us with this extraordinary opportunity.’ There was no word on who might play Barbie or love interest Ken, but producer Laurence Mark said her varied career – 120 jobs ranging from astronaut to aspiring politician – offered myriad storylines.
‘Barbie may be the most popular girl in the world, and has always been a wonderfully aspirational figure, so we must do her proud,’ Mark told Variety.–AFPLOS ANGELES: Barbie is set to make her debut on the big screen in a family movie based on the iconic toy doll, entertainment industry press reported.
The 50-year-old figurine fashionista, reputedly the biggest selling toy of all time, will be brought to life by Universal Pictures following a deal between the studio and manufacturer Mattel, Variety reported.
‘Barbie is the most famous doll in history, a unique cultural icon in the world of brands,’ Universal Pictures chairman Marc Shmuger said.
‘So many representations of Barbie frequent pop culture. We're grateful to Mattel for entrusting us with this extraordinary opportunity.’ There was no word on who might play Barbie or love interest Ken, but producer Laurence Mark said her varied career – 120 jobs ranging from astronaut to aspiring politician – offered myriad storylines.
‘Barbie may be the most popular girl in the world, and has always been a wonderfully aspirational figure, so we must do her proud,’ Mark told Variety.–AFP

Malik stars as Pakistan cruise past India


CENTURION: Shoaib Malik smashed a brisk century to set up Pakistan’s 54-run victory over arch-rivals India in the Champions Trophy here on Saturday.



The middle-order batsman hit 128 for his seventh hundred in one-dayers as Pakistan posted a challenging 302-9 before restricting India to 248 in a pressure match to boost their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals.



Veteran Rahul Dravid top-scored with a fighting 76, but India’s chances were severely affected after the departures of big-hitters Gautam Gambhir (57) and Suresh Raina (46).



Pakistan have won both of their matches in the four-team group, while Australia beat the West Indies in their opening game in Johannesburg on Saturday. India and the West Indies have yet to open their account.



The top two sides advance to the semi-finals.



Pakistan were indebted to Malik and Mohammad Yousuf (87) for setting a stiff target in the day-night match as the pair put on 206 in 31.2 overs — their record stand for the fourth wicket against India in one-dayers.

Malik was named man of the match
‘It was a professional performance. Malik and Yousuf played fantastic knocks. The boys were very keen,’ said Pakistan ca
‘We are still hungry. If we can defeat Australia in the next game, it would be nice.’
India’s chase under lights began on a shaky note when ace batsman Sachin Tendulkar fell in the fifth over, caught behind off teenage paceman Mohammad Aamer after contributing just eight.
Gambhir exploded with a flurry of boundaries to keep the pressure on the Pakistani bowlers and fielders, hitting two sixes and seven fours in his quickfire 46-ball knock.
Just when he looked like playing a big knock, he was run out following a mix-up with Dravid. Younus sparked celebrations when he hit the stumps at the non-striker’s end from mid-off.
India’s chances receded sharply with the dismissal of Raina, who was trapped leg-before by off-spinner Saeed Ajmal after hitting two sixes and five fours in his 41-ball knock.
Pakistani fans raced onto the ground when Ajmal bowled Harbhajan Singh to complete the victory.
‘When Raina was batting, I thought it (the target) was pretty gettable and after that it became difficult. Two run-outs don’t help you when you are chasing. We gave away too many runs,’ said India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
‘Two big games are coming up and from now on, it’s like a knock-out for us.
If we don’t play well, we can pack up and go back home’ Pakistan, playing their first one-dayer against India in more than a year, earlier recovered from 65-3 after electing to bat, thanks to Malik and Yousuf who dominated the bowling with a wide range of attacing shots.
The Malik-Yousuf onslaught saw Pakistan plunder 85 in the last 10 overs.
Yousuf fell playing shots, bowled by left-arm seamer Ashish Nehra, but not before he had put his team in a strong position. Malik was out in the penultimate over after smashing 16 fours in his 126-ball knock.
Nehra was the most successful bowler with 4-55, but received little support from the other end.
Pakistan began aggressively as openers Imran Nazir and Kamran Akmal helped their team race to 50 in less than nine overs.
Nazir went for shots early in his innings, hitting four boundaries in his 17-ball 20 before top-edging a pull off Nehra to be caught by Harbhajan at mid-on. Nehra struck again when he bowled Akmal for 19.
Pakistan looked in trouble after Younus (20) was caught behind off left-arm paceman Rudra Pratap Singh.
India then had to wait for more than 31 overs for their next success as Malik and Yousuf applied themsleves remarkably well to put their team in a comfortable position