Johnaberdeen's Blog

A great sporting event to go see would be Brett Favre against the Green Bay Packers in Lambeau Field during the playoffs anyway. The possibility of getting football playoff tickets to such an event would be the chance of a lifetime. Favre would be extremely passionate about such a game and likely put on a very good show against the capable Green Bay Packers with Aaron Rodgers.

If I were to buy tickets for sports I would buy tickets to a game involving the Denver Nuggets and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs versus Nuggets match up is superior to many NBA games because of the LeBron James versus Carmelo Anthony aspect. The contest between these two teams would be great to see in the NBA Finals. Part of the reason why it would be great to see in the NBA Finals is because of the chess match between Mike Brown and George Karl. These two coaches in my view will one day be in the basketball Hall of Fame as will Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James in my estimation.

The third sporting event that I would love to buy tickets for is a Cardinals versus Cubs National League Championship Series. The fact of the matter is that this is already considered to be one of the best rivalries in baseball, but could imagine the excitement of actually seeing these two teams squaring off deep within the playoffs. As a kid who grew up in the Midwest, this would definitely be a series I would love to see before I die.

The fourth sporting event that I would like to see before my passing would be a North Carolina versus Duke basketball game. I have grown to really respect the history behind these two programs. Although Dean Smith hasn't been the coach at UNC for over a decade the team continues to win and Coach K still has one of the elite programs in the country.

The fifth sporting event that I would like to see is a St. Louis Blues hockey game. I have never been to an NHL game and would like to see one before I pass away. I guess it would be good to see them square off against the Minnesota Wild. The hockey game would be the last of my five games before death.

 

 

In order to use the Six Sigma approach for your business, you will have to fully understand what it is and how it works. Six Sigma was created by Motorola to manager business strategies more proficiently. People can use the Six Sigma approach in many aspects of their life including business. Basically Six Sigma means to strategically develop quality control within your business. It will help identify and eliminate bad practices in the business. The main goal of the Six Sigma approach is to improve the process and flow of your business. This strategy can help make your business run smoothly. If your struggling with turnovers and your not making the deadline for each project, then you company will benefit from the Six Sigma consulting . A Six Sigma consulting firm will help you identify each element that makes up your company inner layers. It is an intense study and overview of your business.

You do not have to suffer with poor quality and a slow work load of production that is not getting the job done properly. Seeking a consultant will help remove clutter from the work team. The Six Sigma approach goal is to lessen the error that is causing issues and improve good quality. Trying to figure out on your own is very stressful and it can cause lots of time away from other areas where your expertise is needed. That is why you hire professionals to help you with this critical process. Not all problems in the business are related to one area, such as production or the accounting department. The Six Sigma approach will help eliminate all problems within any department. Even if it is human resources, customer service, or if its within the job’s union. This process is not something that is taken lightly, it is a properly thorough process that requires commitment and involvement with each department that is executing the Six Sigma approach.

Breaking down the reasons to attend an NCAA Football Game is just about as easy as it gets. The reasons are the pre-game anticipation, the game’s passion and excitement, and the post-game festivities. It’s that simple, and these reasons are what make NCAA football games a hot ticket, one of the most coveted tickets for sports events anywhere.

Game day on any college campus, large or small, is an awesome experience. The libraries are empty, everyone is wearing school colors and gear, and the place is alive with enthusiasm. Students gather outside dorms to throw the ball around, while a couple of frat houses go head to head in a touch football game that usually graduates to shove, slam, or punch. Fall colors are vibrant, the air is crisp, and the party is on. Driving onto a campus on game day, you immediately feel the buzz. Walking to the stadium is pure energy. Right then, win or lose, you know your decision to purchase football tickets was the right one, because the experience alone is worth the cost.

Kick off time rolls around and the stadium is packed. If the visiting team is a rival, it is soundly booed upon hitting the field. Otherwise, it is ignored, which may be even more derisive. Then all eyes turn to the tunnel, and the place goes nuts when the home team emerges. At that moment, whether your team is 4-0 or 0-4, a win is still a possibility. The game is passion filled from the start, and has a completely different feel than a pro game. School and personal pride are on the line in every snap. Students, alumni and fans all feel it, and vocalize their emotions by cheering every great play, and emitting audible groans at the bad ones. The halftime pageantry, the bands and cheerleaders add to the experience of being a part of something like this. Win or lose, it was worth being present.

After the game, the place to be is in one of the local watering holes or restaurants on campus. A hearty meal and a few beverages are the perfect ending to a fantastic day with friends, family, and other fans. When you purchase football tickets to an NCAA Football game, the four quarters you watch or only part of the all-day package of fun.

Going to see a Broadway show in New York City can be an unforgettable, magical experience. However, it can also be an expensive experience. By choosing from the many options for cheap tickets for Broadway shows you won’t break the bank and you will have money left over to see another show.

At any given time, there are around 20 shows playing on Broadway, ranging from serious theatre to comedic musicals. In the coming months, these are three of the must-see productions that you must buy Broadway musicals tickets for include:

Billy Elliot: Made famous by the wonderful film, this is the story of a young, English boy from a tough family background who finds release and enjoyment from dancing. His mother is dead and father – a miner during the historical British mining strikes – resists Billy’s dancing, but cannot hold the boy’s talents back. A wonderful cast tells this moving story and every theatre lover will get an enormous level of enjoyment out of the dance routines and casts’ performance. Appropriate for all ages and especially for dance fans.

The Lion King: This performance is a feast for the eyes. The stage design and representations of the animals are worth the ticket cost alone, but couple that with the wonderful music and magical atmosphere created by a talented cast, and you have one of the best Broadway performances of the past few decades. This is not just a children’s show – it is sure to delight and move people of every age. The animals are a combination of actors and puppetry, all of which transcend the stage to feel as authentic and tangible as the real thing.

Mamma Mia!: A lively and exuberant story of young love, motherhood and possible fatherhood, Mamma Mia! combines the toe-tapping music of ABBA with a great plot. The characters are relatable, the plot one that almost anyone can identify with and the performances are outstanding. The staging and costumes are also remarkable. Without a doubt, this is one show sure to get people dancing in the aisles and a must-see for any musical theatre fan of any generation.

The countdown is on for the battle between the best of the best to see who is the greatest. Do not wait till the last minute to stake you claim for the games leading up to the playoff. Now is the time to purchase football tickets and secure your place among the diehard fans that yell and scream and do their thing to inspire their favorite team on to the football playoffs. Your chance is winding down for those sought after football playoff tickets.

It is an awesome feeling to be sitting in that stand with thousands of others, catching football fever. If you do not make your move soon, you'll be sitting in front of your TV set getting all those honey do lists. Instead, you can go against the normality of your life, you can purchase your football tickets and be you are on the way to the football game. Going to a football game is the way to spend the weekend with your son, daughter, and wife or husband.

It is easy to plan ahead, just go on line and purchase football tickets for that special game you don't want to miss and while you are planning go ahead and secure those football playoff tickets. They'll make a nice Christmas present for the whole family.

When was the last time you took time to see your favorite team play? A weekend get a way to a football game is good entertainment for the whole family or just for a group of friends to enjoy. Maybe you have never been to a professional football game or the playoffs. This would be the right time to purchase football tickets and go see a good game. It will take your mind off the everyday struggles and give you a break from the day to day routine work schedule.

Many on line services offer football game specials. Check out your team's own website and find the schedules and specials they offer. You can download the dates; get stats for individual players and the team. Find out who's who among the players and teams. You can find out how the teams support their communities and the involvement of the players. That is a part of the life we don't hear a lot about, but it is good to know when you purchase football tickets, you are getting a little more than two or three hours of the game of football. When you purchase playoff football tickets you are getting the same value of return, a great game with good community support from all involved in the game of professional football.

 

Have you ever been surrounded by tens of thousands of screaming and cheering fans? Maybe you’ve been to a college football game, a basketball game, a baseball game, or a hockey game, but there’s nothing like being at an NFL game. The NFL is the highest level. When you’re at a game, the atmosphere consumes you. You feel like you become a part of the team. You can also watch all the highlights from the game you were at on ESPN later that night. It’s an amazing experience.

Getting tickets for sports in any major city can be difficult, and to purchase football tickets for an NFL game can be even more challenging. Consider using a ticket broker or looking online for good deals.

If you do happen to score that golden ticket, there are three primary reasons you should go to the game and not give those tickets away.

The first reason you need to go to the game is because it’s an event that will last in your memory for a very long time -- probably your entire life. That being the case, you will be hanging on to every play, hoping the home team can get that first down, punch the ball into the end zone, or make that goal-line stand. The win or loss will stick with you on the way home and for the next day or two. Whether you’re a fan of the team or not, the outcome is important.

The second reason you should go to an NFL game is because you will be watching the most elite athletes in the world. There are no athletes in any other sport that are bigger, faster and stronger all at the same time. Not only that, but they must have a great understanding of the game to be a starter, which requires great intelligence. Every play call has very strategic reasoning behind it. This is an aspect of the game that most fans don’t appreciate enough.

The third reason you should go to an NFL game is because when you’re there for the home team, you’re part of the team. When you scream and shout your brains out when your team is on defense, you’re the 12th man, which can help frustrate the opponent’s offensive unit and give your team an advantage.

You really can have an impact on the outcome. Enjoy it!

I have been a baseball fan as long as I can remember. I have always been a huge fan of the Baltimore Orioles, especially after they won the World Series in 1983. That was the first year that I really became accustomed to the ins and outs of the game. It's funny though, I have been to numerous minor league games over the years but it wasn't until 2007 that I actually got to see my favorite team play live. After going online and purchasing tickets for sports from a baseball ticket broker, I was on my way to see my beloved O's in Baltimore.

Therefore, the best baseball game that I have ever been to would be the July 28, 2007 game between the Orioles and New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore. The significance of this game was that Alex Rodriguez was sitting on 499 career home runs looking to break the record that night. It was not to be as he struck out three times and grounded out and also had an error that led to a run. Roger Clemens was on the mound for the Yanks but gave up 2 runs in the first and was upstaged by then Orioles rookie Brian Burres. Miguel Tejada had just came back from the wrist injury earlier that season and knocked in 4 runs. The Orioles led the biggest part of the game but the Yankees made a comeback in the 9th but the Birds won 7-5.

I was just in awe of how beautiful Oriole Park is. The main thing though was that I was able to see the players that I liked and adored up close and in person. I would have liked to seen Rodriguez hit that number 500 but he would do it the following weekend. The Baltimore Orioles is by far one of the best places to buy a ticket for a sporting event. This is the reason that my first game at Oriole Park watching the Orioles was the best baseball game that I have ever been to.

The oldest form of entertainment can still be found today on Broadway. Broadway shows provide acting, music and dancing in a live production. Broadway shows in New York, are a major tourist draw. Almost a billion dollars a year is spent on tickets for these shows. Broadway shows typically do eight shows a week, taking Monday off.

Some shows feature screen actors, but usually you are getting to see people that are not normally on the big screen. They play the same character for the run of the show. They make the characters real, and add to the overall feel of the show. Being able to watch a live show, with live people is an exciting experience. The atmosphere in a theater is electrifying. You can feel the music, and become completely absorbed in the show.

Broadway offers a huge variety of theater choices. Small and intimate settings to large spacious theaters. The singers in Broadway shows, are extremely talented. They are nothing like the mainstream music you hear on the radio. Live music offers another insight to the story that is being played out. These singers can project their voices across an entire theater, inviting you to feel the emotion. The mood is set by the tone of the music. The entire experience will leave you wanting more. You can purchase Broadway tickets online or in person at the theaters.

Watching a dance routine that has been beautifully choreographed is breathtaking. The routines are practiced to the point of perfection. The gorgeous, colorful costumes add to the wow factor during the dance routines. You will not be able to watch a regular TV show again without thinking it is missing something. Some of the more successful Broadway shows go on tour, so you may be able to catch a show near you, if you are unable to make it to New York.

If you are excited to see a real Broadway show, but cannot afford the more expensive shows, you can find cheap tickets for Broadway on a variety of different websites. There are shows that offer discount tickets, check online for availability.

 

This season of college football is shaping up to be a blockbuster year again in the Big 12 and in the SEC. There are some unbelievable games slated for this year and teams are clamoring to be amongst the elite who will vie for the national championship. This year, even more than most years, every week is important. One loss, or even a close game can derail a national championship run.

Longhorn football tickets will be at a premium this year as Texas aims for the national title that so devastatingly eluded them last year. With Heisman hopeful Colt McCoy at quarterback and a plethora of talent behind him, the Longhorns have earned the #2 spot in preseason polls. On the schedule this year is the revenge game against Texas Tech in Austin on September 19, where Texas will look to rebound from the play that kept them out of the national title game last year. On October 17th, Texas will look to be victorious once again in the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. The winner will likely be one of the representatives for the national championship game in February and will also help determine which of the great quarterbacks, McCoy or Sam Bradford of Oklahoma, will win the Heisman trophy. Longhorn football tickets are among the best in college football so don't miss out on your opportunity to enjoy great football and be a part of an historical run for a championship.

Bulldog football tickets are some of the most prized tickets in the game. Watching a game "between the hedges" is a legendary experience. Better still, Bulldog football tickets give a fan the chance to see SEC football, the highest quality football in college. The SEC boasts some of the best teams in college football, including national championship favorite, Florida. Georgia is returning a strong team this year. They will have a must-see game against LSU in Athens on October 3. If they beat LSU and if they are able to upset Florida, Georgia will have a great chance at finding that coveted spot in the BCS Championship Game. So don't miss out on a great value and some great fun on your Saturdays by purchasing Bulldog football tickets.

Both Texas and Georgia are teams that will have a say in the outcome of this season. Be a voice in the crowd for either or both of these teams and feel the energy and excitement of a college football game. With the band playing and the students shouting, college football is unsurpassed in spectacle. Get your Longhorns football tickets or your Bulldogs football tickets today and immerse yourself in the thrill of college football!

 

Football season is a great time to party with friends and family and watch the games that could make history. Having a party at your house during a game is fun but going to a game is much more enjoyable. Tailgating, dressing up and cheering on your favorite team is the best way to make the most of experience. While football playoff tickets are usually the most exciting games going to preseason and regular games are also just as fun.

If you purchase football tickets for the game, you are guaranteed seats. You are able to choose from excellent seats at a high price or seats that are further away for a lower price. Depending on how much money you are willing to spend you are able to choose which area of the stadium you would like to sit at. They also have suites that you can choose from to create a comfortable experience. The suites are filled with couches, lounge chairs, a kitchenette and a bathroom for your convenience. These are private rooms that can be booked for your party specifically however they are rather expensive.

Winning tickets is another way to get NFL tickets . A lot of bars, restaurants and fairs have raffles that you can enter in and possibly win. Sometimes the radio will have trivia that you have to answer correctly to win a pair of NFL tickets. Many places will have athletic contests that you can participate in to try to win tickets.

Another way to get NFL tickets is by trading. Some people prefer to sit on the 30 yard line while others prefer to sit towards the field goal post. People have different opinions of where the best seats of the field are. If you either purchase or win a ticket that you are not fond of you may have the chance to get a better ticket by asking around if anyone would like to trade. Trading is not only limited by trading other ticket for ticket. Many people who win or receive tickets do not care for football or are unable to go to the event on that specific date so they are willing to trade their ticket for an item you have that they have been wanting. Trades can be anything from a ticket to another sporting event or a few of their favorite CDs from your collection.

Going to a NFL game is loaded with great fun that anyone should have the chance to experience at least once in their lifetime. While the easiest ways to get your hands on NFL tickets are purchasing, winning and trading there are many other creative ways that people think of in order to get the ticket of their dreams.

From Times Square in New York City to local performance halls that host a parade of touring shows, the neon lights of Broadway are always at your fingertips, and often for prices that won’t break the bank. Illusive as they may seem, cheap tickets for Broadway shows are available to anyone willing to do a bit of searching.

Tickets on weeknights as well as weekend matinées tend to be cheaper than Friday or Saturday night performances, and are also the best nights to look for discounts.

If you are seeing a Broadway show in New York City, the TKTS booth in Times Square is a common way to obtain cheap, same day tickets... as you will be able to tell by the line leading up to the ticket window. The transactions are quick and cash only, but you can often get good seats for half off the original price or more.

General Rush is for anyone who is willing to show up at a specified time the day of the performance and wait in line. Rush tickets offer a limited number of great seats, but are not available for all Broadway shows or at all performance locations.

Partial view tickets are sold for seats where a piece of scenery, actor, prop, etc. may obstruct the audience member’s view for some or all of the production. Most of the time, these tickets are a good deal, as they are often seats close to the stage and off to the side, requiring only a brief craning of the neck during a few scenes.

Many Broadway shows offer seriously discounted tickets of $10, $20, and $30 to students with a valid student ID. Student Rush tickets are the same as student tickets, except that they are purchased the day of the performance at the box office, either a few hours before the show begins, or right before the show begins.

Group discounts are offered on many shows, and generally require a minimum of 10 people to qualify. For group discounts for schools or charity groups, call the box office where the show will be playing to see what kind of discounts they are offering, as they vary from show to show.

If you have a few nights free, sign up to be an usher the next time your favorite Broadway play comes through town. Ushers get to see the show for free at least one night, and can usually sneak in after all the stragglers are sat during the first and second act.

No matter how much you pay for your next tickets to Broadway, know that you are giving back through your continued support of the arts in your city. Happy Hunting!

 

So you've shelled out a decent chunk of change at your local baseball ticket broker in exchange for seasonal tickets to your favorite sports team's upcoming season, but when finally arriving at the stadium for the first game of the season you find that there is a wide beam right in front of your seats. Does that sound exciting? Probably not.

That is why it is crucial to always remember the most important thing when buying tickets for sports: the location of your seats. Doing a little research in advance is absolutely necessary when it comes to purchasing baseball tickets. Why go to a game if you are perched all the way up in the nosebleed section or if the view is blocked by a food-stand or part of the building? Assuming the game will be held at a local venue, the local baseball ticket broker will provide easy access to information and charts regarding the various sections of seats. Any baseball ticket broker will also be able to offer advice and guidance regarding which area and price section is the best fit for your needs.

If the game is going to be held far away or if you are visiting a stadium for which the local baseball ticket broker is unable to provide information, the Internet is often a good alternative for finding the perfect seats in your price range. For years, virtually all stadiums and baseball team franchises have posted information relating to ticket sales and seat locations on the Internet in easy to use menus and websites. By searching for the particular baseball team or stadium which you intend to visit in your favorite search engine, and then looking around on their websites it should be possible to get a feel for which seats and ticket prices will offer the most exciting experience once you are actually at the stadium.

A less useful but just as important alternative is the ability to call the team office or stadium itself and ask for information and advice on selecting great seats. Who would be a better guide to getting great tickets than the people who actually work or at least often visit the stadium where the game will be held? Of course, if the game is local the best option would be to visit the stadium in advance in order to pick out the best seats. After selecting an area that looks good, head over to the ticket office and check for availability.

 

When you purchase your concert tickets or presale concert tickets online, this over rules you having to stand in an extremely long line for hours. Even though buying online tickets cost extra because of the shipping charges, it is still the most time saving thing to do.

The first thing you should do is, figure out when the concert tickets go on sale. Some venues sale tickets over the phone if you do not have a computer. The usual time that tickets go on sale is around 10:00 A.M.

If you make the decision to get concert tickets on the Internet, you should get on the site minutes before the tickets go on sale, to make certain you are able to get legitimate tickets.

If the concert has hard to find tickets, then the price is usually higher than normal. If the concert is a serious concert, then it would be a brilliant idea to find out if the parking price is included in the ticket price. If it is not, be ready to pay extra money when you get there. Sometimes if you join the bands fan club, they will presale the tickets to their fan club members. This would be a great way to ensure that you get your tickets.

I do not recommend buying tickets off of the eBay website, because many people have been ripped off on that site.

If, you do buy your tickets off the Internet, be sure to find a reputable site that is trustworthy. If you do not trust any sites you see online, then you can call a ticket venue to buy your tickets from, but they do run out of the tickets faster. Either way you choose be sure you can trust the source.

If you search for a site online, make your search specific. Make certain your search consists of the area in which you reside, and the band name. Therefore, ensuring you get better ticket ranges.

If you wait until the last minute to purchase your concert tickets, you can get them cheap, but you also have a bigger chance of not getting the tickets. So it is up to you to figure out when you want to buy your tickets. If you purchase the tickets when they first go on sale, then you are buying them at the most expensive price they will be.

On multiple sites, you can shop and compare ticket prices of other sites as well. Make sure the site that you pick to shop on is the Official Site and not just some site that is copying another, just to rip you off.

 

When engaging in any type of Internet commerce, it is essential to research the various retail and/or wholesale outlets through which one may find his or her desired purchases. This is a vital approach to finding and buying the most appropriate soccer apparel for any intended use. Therefore, the best way to begin one's quest to purchase soccer apparel online is to access a preferred search engine, and query the search term, "online soccer store."

After executing the aforementioned web search, it is necessary to properly evaluate the search results. More often than not, search engine results are ranked in order according to bids and payments made by websites associated with the search terms. The top-ranked search results, particularly sponsored links at the top of the results page, are generally placed there by companies with larger marketing budgets that allow such expenditures. Therefore, it is likely for a potential customer to find a better deal on soccer socks, or any other related soccer apparel, through one of these sites, as they are generally larger companies that can manipulate economies of scale in their favors to reduce the final cost to the consumer. Think of it as purchasing soccer socks from a "big box" store instead of a "mom and pop" store.

Refining one's search terms is another important aspect of finding the best online soccer store. If a consumer has brand loyalty to a specific sports and soccer store, he or she may want to include the name of that store in the search query. On the other hand, if the buyer is looking for a rare type of soccer apparel, he or she should include the name of the specific type and/or brand in the online soccer store search query. Using advanced search options and other site-provided tips will also yield favorable results. Using quotation marks around the words "online soccer store," as well as appropriate connectors for the inclusion of specific soccer apparel and gear will generate narrower search results that are more finely tailored to the tastes of the consumer.

As mentioned above, searching for specifically desired items will also shorten the process of finding one's ideal store. For example, the concurrent inclusion of the terms "online soccer store" and "womens soccer cleats" will direct a prospective buyer to the most appropriate soccer store. Including a particular brand name of womens soccer cleats can further refine the search results, shorten the overall searching and buying process, and leave the consumer with a much more satisfying experience. Whether searching for a general online soccer store, soccer socks, soccer apparel, or womens soccer cleats, using the above advice will always create a more direct and enjoyable shopping venture.

 

As of late, I've been having a big of an ethical and financial internal struggle. I figured what better place to air these thoughts that on the Internet! You see...this economic crisis us Americans are going through right now has definitely forced me to think and reflect. I've had my mind in a financial mindset for quite some time now.

I grew up with a mother in the banking business. We never had that much money and I learned from a very young age how to make a dollar stretch. Although we never had a whole lot, we were never in debt. Thankfully, myself or my family never had to deal with the hassle of debt consolidation or debt relief counseling. However, in my journey of thought, there seems to be a double sided, internal struggle as it relates to finances. Here are the two sides of this argument.

1. Be responsible with your money and live below your means.

This is how I was raised...word for word. In today's fast paced, materialistic society, there are many people digging themselves farther and farther into debt to “keep up with the Joneses”. One thing I would really like to avoid, if at all possible, is insurmountable credit card debt. Many people I know have accumulated thousands of dollars in unnecessary debt because of everything from cars and boats to gadgets and vacations.

I've always been taught to live below your means and save your money for when you need it. Saving your money instead of spending it will give you advantages later in life. It gives you a nest egg for retirement, easier down payments on houses and vehicles and a reliable emergency fund. Although you do sacrifice the present a bit, being responsible with your money is a wise longterm decision.

2. You only have one life to lead and you never know when it's going to end.

Although I was raised with the prior argument recited inside of my head over and over, I seem to be leaning towards this side of the card as I grow older. Someone once told me that the present shouldn't be a preparation period...it is the only thing we've got. You can't always count on the future because you never know what's going to happen.

With that being said, it might increase your quality of life to buy that Harley or invest in the house of your dreams even if it is out of your financial reach. Perhaps this type of happiness is worth the accumulated debt. Some of the happiest people I know swear by the “live for today” mantra. This motto goes directly against the “responsible with your money” approach, unfortunately.

I want to hear your thoughts. Are these arguments mutually exclusive, or can you live with a hybrid of both. Let me know what you think.

Are you looking to make more money?  Do you need to get yourself out of debt to avoid debt consolidation and debt relief help?  Are you thinking about getting a second job?  Before you make the move to become a dual-employee, make sure to think about your goals.  Are you getting a second job for a short term gain.  Are you adding extra income at the expense of other life necessities?  Before you choose a second job, keep these 3 things in mind.  I call these 3 points "My Case For Not Getting A Second Job".

1.  A second job takes away from your life.

Life isn't all about work.  I understand getting additional income if you are in serious financial peril.  other than that, I suggest you really evaluate what is important in your life before getting another job.  Think about this:  there are 168 hours in a week, you spend 40 of them working, 56 of them sleeping, and at least 7 of them eating.  This gives you 65 hours per week to shower, run errands, do household chores, entertain yourself and spend time with friends and family.  65 hours per week isn't a whole lot of time, and that amount gets smaller if you take on a second job.  Remember the value of time before you decide on getting a second job.  If you want more income just so you can afford the finer things in life, it might not be worth it. 

2.  A second job can make you worse at your main career.

I am of the school of thought that it could be more valuable to work on the skill set of your current job before getting a new job.  I think that reading, practicing and improving is worth more than some disconnected part time job.  Instead of picking up that job as a bartender or a server for nights and weekends, use that time to make yourself a more valuable employee at your current job.  The more valuable you make yourself, the higher your chances of a promotion or raise.  If you get a promotion or raise, you won't need a second job.  You will be making more money without sacrificing valuable personal time.

3.  A second job makes for difficult transitions.

The first thing a smart person will tell you about a second job is "don't get used to getting income from 2 jobs".  You see, when you start getting 2 incomes, you start getting used to getting 2 incomes.  This can lead to poor spending habits and being wasteful with money.  You think because you have more money, you can spend more money.  In the end, you end up going back to one job and one income but your spending habits stay the same.  This can lead to serious financial problems.

It takes a lot for me not to like a movie. Whether it is an action movie, comedy, thriller, drama or documentary, I am pretty tolerable of cinema. With this being said, it speaks volumes when I don't like a movie. I've seen hundreds of movies in my lifetime, watching movies on everything from VHS and cheap new DVDs to drive in movie theaters and IMAX. Out of all the movies I've ever seen, these 5 are my least favorite. Watch at your own risk!

1. Rocky V

“Rocky V” was the first movie that came to my mind when I thought of bad movies...so that speaks volumes in itself. I am a huge fan of the “Rocky” series, including a very underrated “Rocky Balboa”. However, “Rocky V” is about as unwatchable as a movie can get. The movie is cheesy and thoroughly depressing with very little entertainment value. They stray away from the basics to deliver this mistake...a movie that doesn't even show Balboa in the ring. Sylvester Stallone even admitted that this movie was a mistake.

2. Major League III: Back To The Minors

Like the Rocky series, I am a big fan of the original two “Major League” movies. That is why I despise the third installment so much. “Major League III: Back To The Minors” is an absolute disgrace to an otherwise entertaining series. It reeks of cheese and non-believability. Why were two World Series champions sent to the minors? This movie has everything I don't want to see in a movie from bad acting to a weak plot. I suggest seeing the first 2 and skipping the 3^rd.

3. 8 Mile

Eminem's maiden voyage into cinema was received relatively well by most, but not by the guy typing. I disliked every part of this movie, from the poor acting to the depressing nature. This movie was more music video than it was motion picture. I will say, however, that the rap battle at the end was pretty entertaining. Still, a movie with only one semi-entertaining scene is still awful in my book. Stick to rapping!

4. Ocean's 12

Much like the “Rocky” and “Major League” series, “Ocean's 12” let me down because of how good the original was. Thankfully, the all star cast came back to make a very entertaining “Ocean's 13”. “Ocean's 12” had everything you could ask for: a solid cast, already developed characters and back story and an unlimited budget. Yet, it still failed. The plot was so complex and convoluted that even the most savvy film enthusiast couldn't help but he confused. Definitely skip this installment of an otherwise very good “Ocean's” series.

5. The Notebook

There are only a few things I would rather not do than watch “The Notebook” again. Of all the choices to buy cheap DVDs online, this had to be my ex-girlfriend's worst pick. I had to watch this on Valentines Day and I must have went to the bathroom 4 or 5 times. This movie is the classic, sappy, predictable love story. A good love story can be touching and moving, but a bad one is usually an absolute disaster. Don't watch this movie unless you want to induce vomiting.

Nothing is worse than a dirty keyboard! Unless you have thoroughly cleaned a keyboard before, you don't know how dirty your keyboard can get. I had a job where I worked in front of a computer all day and my keyboard was a mess. The first time I cleaned it, it had months of dead skin, dust, dirt, food, lint and anything else you could imagine in it.

I strongly suggest cleaning your keyboard at least once every month or so. It is hygienic and neat. Nobody wants a filthy keyboard. If you are planning on cleaning your keyboard, it is important to know the right way to do it. Here is the correct 4 step process for cleaning your keyboard.

1. Remove all of the keys.

Yes, to properly clean your keyboard you need to remove all of the keys. This isn't as much of a pain as you would think. Most keyboards have keys that just pop off. To pop the keys off of your keyboard, I suggest using something small and thin like a Popsicle stick or pen. Be gentle when popping your keys off, and put them in a bag or bowl to keep them all together. Make sure you have a diagram for how to put the keys back on!

2. Clean the keyboard and keys off with canned air.

Although canned air can be a bit pricey, it is very useful. You can buy canned air anywhere where you would usually buy computer software or hardware. Nothing works better when you are trying to get excess skin, dirt, dust and lint off of your keyboard. Make sure to tip your keyboard to its side or upside down completely when spraying it with canned air. Also, make sure it is over some sort of receptacle, like a trash can. There will be debris flying everywhere. It isn't a horrible idea to unplug your computer and do this outside.

3. Swab the keyboard with a Q-Tip.

After getting all of the excess off, you will have to clean the plastic or metal itself. Nothing is better for this task than alcohol and a cotton swab. Dip the cotton swab in alcohol, but make sure it isn't dripping. Use this to scrub your keyboard to get rid of any stains or sticky substances. You can buy alcohol at any drug store, grocery store or even electronics stores where you would normally buy computer equipment.

4. Clean the keys individually.

Once you have finished swabbing the keyboard, the cleaning of the actual board is finished. Some people choose to end the process right here. However, I always think it wise to individually clean the keys. You can do this a number of ways: you can soak all of the keys in alcohol, you can swab them individually or you can dust them off individually with a rag or piece of paper towel. I go with the soak method. Leave the keys in there for 5 or 10 minutes, make sure they are dry and pop them back on your keyboard. Your keyboard will now be a mean, clean, typing machine!

I think something that is very underrated these days is a good book.  We live in a society where we need quick, powerful, constant stimulation.  This being so, many people choose to watch movies and television over reading.  I can definitely understand the benefits of watching a movie.  Movies can be seen, heard and sometimes even felt if you have surround sound.  Movies stimulate more senses.  In addition, movies are much faster.  You can spend two hours watching a movie when it takes you a week to read the same book.

With all this being said, I still think a good book is far better than a good movie.  If more people gave reading a chance, I think they would agree with me!  Next time you are planning to buy cheap DVDs online , buy new books instead.  If you don't trust me, here are my 3 reasons why I like books more than movies.

1.  I feel a stronger bond between a good book than a good movie.

When you finish a book, you have a certain sense of accomplishment.  There is no accomplishment after you finish watching a movie.  This can be attributed to a few things.  First off, reading a book is much more difficult than watching a movie.  Finishing a long book is definitely an accomplishment.  Secondly, reading a book is rarer than watching a movie.  There are many more people who have seen the Harry Potter and Lord Of The Rings movies than have read the corresponding books.

2.  Books force you to use your imagination.

Like I said earlier, movies stimulate practically every sense besides smell.  Movies hold your hand through the story, complimenting events and pivotal points with nifty camerawork and music.  Books leave everything to the imagination.  Being able to form a story and watch it unfold in your head after reading something so black and white can be an invigorating experience.  I am a very artistic, creative, imaginative person, which allows me to become submerged in a good book.  Reading is essentially an exercise in imagination.  No two people have exactly the same take on a book.

3.  Reading a good book is more relaxing than watching a movie.

Movies are kind of annoying to me.  In order to watch a movie, you have to set your television and DVD player up, insert the disc, and control the movie.  You are forced to sit in front of the TV and watch the entire movie.  I think books are more versatile and relaxing than movies.  There are no electronics involved in reading...just the book and your eyes.  You can put a book down and restart it at a later date much easier than stopping and restarting a movie.  You do not have to be in a set place to read a book like you do when you are watching a movie.  You can take a book with you on the bus, in the car etc.  I find this to be much more relaxing and much less demanding than watching movies.

I went to the local video rental store to see if I could find the X-Men trilogy. I wanted to see all of them before I saw “X-Men Origins – Wolverine” this weekend. After renting all three of them for about $10, a friend of mind asked me why I rented them. I told him that I wanted to see all 4 in a short period of time so I knew the full story. He said I should have just bought the DVDs, ordered them on my television or used Netflix to rent them.

I've heard of Netflix before, but I have never used it. I have friends who absolutely swear by it and will never step foot back in the video rental store again. I can see the selling point there...not having to go to Blockbuster every time you want to rent a movie can be very convenient. I imagine if you rent a good amount of movies per month, Netflix can be a very good option.

I usually don't do the math, but buying DVDs are cheaper than ever right now. There are dozens of websites where you can buy cheap DVDs online. I never stopped to wonder why I don't just buy the movies instead of renting them. It costed me $10 just to rent 3 movies for a week. I could have probably bought all of them for $20 bucks. I know there are some websites that are selling “X-Men” and “X-2” for $5 or $6 each. In addition, there are even sites that sell cheap new DVDs like the third installment for around $10.

As far as ordering movies through your cable provider, I'll be honest with you...I just never think if it. Yesterday, I went through some of the movies they had on there for free or a few bucks, and it was quite the selection. This would definitely be a viable option for the future. Talk about convenient...push one button and the movie is on the TV!

With this being said, I have to wonder about the future of video rental stores. It looks like Blockbuster's days are numbered. There are going to be more people going to Netflix, their cable provider and cheap DVD stores. Renting videos look to be a thing of the past. I wouldn't want to own a video rental store right now!

I don't know if you've notices, but tattoos are pretty popular right now.  When I was growing up, the only people that had tattoos were gang members, members of the military and bikers.  I am a very artistic minded person, so I thoroughly enjoy tattoos.  I like the creative side of the art of tattooing, and I have great respect for anyone who does it for a profession.  Everyone I know who has a tattoo is very proud of it, especially if it is meaningful.  I just hope that people put the proper thought into a tattoo before they get it.

One thing I wanted to ask the tblogosphere is what they prefer in a tattoo parlor.  I don't know about other areas here in the states and outside of America, but there are tattoo shops popping up all over where I live.  This can be good and bad, depending on how you look at it.  It gives the consumer more options, which is always a good thing for any good or service.  However, I sometimes worry about the tattoo industry becoming watered down.  When you have a large explosion in popularity, you usually get second tier workers to meet the demand.  In simple terms, the more tattoo parlors there are, the more artists they need.

In my area, there are two types of tattoo shops.  There are smaller, independent shops and tattoo chains/franchises.  My experience shows that people looking to get their first tattoo usually go to the large tattoo franchise shops because it is more comfortable.  These tattoo chains usually do the most advertising and are the most well known.  However, an interesting trend that I have seen is people who are going to get their third or fourth tatto generally go to a smaller, independent parlor.  I'm not sure if its the "big corporation" mentality that has people avoiding the Wal Marts of the world, or if the artists in these smaller parlors are better.  From what I've heard, the smaller the shop the better the artist.

I want to hear what the tattoo enthusiasts on tBlog have to say about this.  Do you get a better tattoo at tattoo franchises or smaller, independent parlors?  How much of your purchasing decision is based on the size of the tattoo parlor?  Let me know!

Over the past year, I've tried to really stay on top of my nutrition. I've gained some weight over the past couple years and I haven't been happy about it. At the beginning, I blamed the weight gain on “getting old” and “not being a kid anymore”. These are nothing more than excuses. My weight gain had more to do with me drinking too much beer and eating too many chicken wings and pizza! Luckily, I've straightened my nutrition out and have seen quite a difference.

I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that I love food. That was the hardest part...I love eating and I could eat all day without batting an eye. Unfortunately, loving food too much can take a couple of years or more off of your life. Life is too short to go through it overweight and unhealthy! I have 4 pieces of advice for anyone looking to eat better. These 4 things have been learned the old fashioned way, through mistakes and implementation.

1. “When” you eat is as important as “what” you eat.

I was never aware that you are supposed to eat certain things at certain times. I'm sure the years I spent eating pasta right before bed did me no favors. I made an appointment with a dietitian and my whole world changed. I was always under the impression that dinner was supposed to be the biggest meal. She told me breakfast and lunch should be your biggest meals because they give you energy throughout the day. She also told me to take it easy on carbohydrates late in the day because you don't need energy to sleep. This advice made things a lot easier.

2. Fat and carbohydrates aren't the enemy.

People who are on the Atkins diet and people who try to avoid all fat aren't doing it right. There is a place in everyone's diet for carbs and fat. Good fats like nuts, peanut butter and fish are very necessary in maintaining good health. Carbohydrates give us energy. Complex carbohydrates like brown rice and whole grains make us feel fuller longer and provide energy. As long as you aren't eating too much of these, they should be in every diet!

3. The more protein and fiber, the better.

Fiber acts as a natural body detox. Fiber is one of the best colon cleansers there are, and my diet was very fiber deficient! Now that I've upped my fiber intake, my digestive system is working a lot better and I have a lot more energy. When it comes to protein, I was totally wrong. A normal dinner would consist of a small piece of chicken and a huge side of pasta. Now that I know better, I've changed it to either 2 pieces of chicken and a small side of pasta or 1 piece and a small side. The more protein the better...eat protein at every meal!

4. Eat smaller, more frequent portions.

Whoever said “eat three meals a day” was wrong. Eating three meals a day gave me bad metabolism and horrible “food timing”. You should eat 6 meals per day: breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, snack. Keep the portions small and eat frequently. This makes you less hungry and boosts your metabolism.

I'm a very fitness oriented guy, and I like to read up on new and interesting ways to work out.  I have read everything from muscle building and power lifting to cardio training and martial arts.  One thing that hasn't really been touched up as much as I would expect is playing a sport to get in shape.  If you want something fun, competitive and team oriented, soccer is a terrific option.

I've grown up playing soccer for most of my life.  I got involved at a very young age because I wanted to do something competitive when baseball was out of season.  Soccer is one of my favorite sports because of its cameraderie, conditioning and competitveness.  Soccer can be played year round, thanks to many indoor venues popping up.  It is also relatively easy to get into...you do not need a range of specialized equipment like you do in football, baseball and hockey.

Soccer is an unbelievable workout.  Don't let difficulty or apprehension keep you away from this incredibly hard working sport.  There is some skill involved, but you can still enjoy yourself and get a great workout.  Go to the local gym or indoor soccer venue to see if you can get on a team.  Ask if there are tiered leagues, and I suggest starting out in a less skilled league.  Go to the soccer store and get a soccer jersey and some shin guards and you will be well on your way!

I'll admit it, I don't know everything about personal finance.  I'd like to think I know more than some, but less than a lot more.  My mother was a banker, so she taught me everything I know.  I've been able to keep a pretty good financial outlook because I don't spend that much and I don't really have a credit card addiction like some people.

However, when it comes to advanced financial stuff like stocks, bonds, debt consolidation , credit consolidation, money market accounts and other types of investments and financial consulting, I'm pretty clueless.  Most of my money is in a high interest savings account...simple and easy.  I'm fully aware I could probably do more with my savings, but I haven't really gotten around to it.

One thing that I have come to be interested in, however, are credit card benefits.  One of my co-workers has an American Express card that she recieves cash back on.  I thought that was pretty beneficial, especially seeing as my credit card does nothing more than allow me to pay for things without using money.

I've heard of credit cards offering everything from cash back and discounted gasoline to frequent flier miles and discounts on clothing.  What I am curious in is which credit cards have the best benefits.  This is something I'd really like some feedback on from everyone who reads this.  Feel free to leave me a comment and tell me about which credit cards would be the most beneficial to me.  The current credit card has got to go!

Something I've really been trying to do as of late is track my spending and create a tighter budget.  Anyone who watches the news or reads the newspaper knows that it's probably time to get some money back in the bank.  Since I don't have a lot of debt (so I don't have to worry about debt consolidation or debt relief help ), I am trying to focus on saving for the future in case of emergency or lay off.  People have been cutting down on everything from cable and phone plans to groceries and gasoline.

After a quick look over my monthly financial statement thus far, I realized that a good amount of my money goes into the "Entertainment" column.  I've reserved this column for drinks, cigars, cover charges, movie tickets, sporting events and any other non-essential entertainment oriented expense.  I am a pretty savvy shopper and spender, so I was kind of taken aback at how much I do spend on very expendable entertainment. 

However, let it be known that I am a bit of a beer geek.  I know a lot about different beers and liquors, and I have grown to appreciate the subtle nuances.  Because of this, I have to be very savvy to save money in this category.  Here are 4 guidelines that I have used to help me save money on adult beverages in this recession.

1.  Used the cheap stuff for mixed drinks.

There's no reason to make a vodka cranberry with Grey Goose or Ketel One.  If you are the kind of guy or gal who likes to have a mixed drink once in a while or entertains company frequently, keep the liquor cheap.  Coming from a guy who's had his share of mixed drinks, it is pretty difficult to tell the difference between a Jack Daniels and diet coke and an Evan Williams and diet coke.  Do some research at your local spirits store to get the best value.

2.  Brew your own beer.

I took up homebrewing a few years ago and one of the nice byproducts of this fun, fulfilling hobby is money saving.  Yes, it will cost you some money up front because of the equipment.  However, one $40 beer ingrediet kit makes 4 cases of beer.  Once you make your investment in the equipment, your savings on a case of beer will be very substantial.

3.  Skip the 6 packs and go for a variety case.

Generally, if you divide the price of a case of beer (24 bottles) by 4, the price will be substantially lower than it is for a six pack at your local convenient store.  I understand the argument for 6 packs:  people want some variety.  However, I strongly suggest investing in a variety case if you want variety.  There are several terrific variety cases from brewers like Magic Hat, Saranac, Sam Adams and Harpoon that has something in it for every taste.  This will give you variety, plus it will save you some money. 

4.  Alternate alcoholic drinks and water/diet soda.

This is both a money saving tip as well as a health suggestion.  When you are out at a bar, alternate alcoholic drinks with non alcoholic drinks.  This is as good for your wallet as it is for your kidneys, liver and clean legal record.  I've been doing this for years and it has never led me wrong.  You'd be surprised how much you spend on beer that you don't even want, you just want a drink in your hand.