Team USA Hockey Players to Watch at the Winter Olympics in Sochi

There are articles that cause an uproar, especially when the topic deals with sports. Every fan has their favorite team and player, to slight that player or downplay their skills is considered a crime. While this article published on Yahoo Sports where I am a recurring contributor was written voicing my opinion, it received numerous comments and heated debates.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/team-usa-hockey-players-watch-winter-olympics-sochi-202600943.html

Jaroslav Halak for Ryan Miller: Are the St Louis Blues Trying to Deal

Blues fans are loyal to their players and this article published by Yahoo Sports where I am a recurring contributor led to very strong emotions. Halak and Miller fans all weighed in on this trade rumor.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/jaroslav-halak-ryan-miller-st-louis-blues-trying-184000665--nhl.html

Olympic Curling Terms Fans Need To Know

This article was written for Yahoo Sports where I am a recurring contributor.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/olympic-curling-terms-fans-know-195900065.html

St Louis Blues' Jaroslav Halak vs Brian Elliott

This is an article that was published by Yahoo Sports where I am a recurring contributor. This is another article that garnered strong responses by Blues fans.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/st-louis-blues-jaroslav-halak-vs-brian-elliott-222200986--nhl.html

St. Louis Blues TJ Oshie Named To Team USA

This is an article that has been published on Yahoo Sports where I am a recurring contributor. This article became a hot topic and many readers considered it controversial as it did not jive well with the general consensus.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/st-louis-blues-39-t-j-oshie-named-210800280--nhl.html

Rating of Witches vs. Monkeys

The game Witches vs. Monkeys is a spin-off of the ultra-popular game Angry Birds. In this version, living things are still being used as projectiles moving from left to right across the screen. The gamer is able to control the direction and the force of their shot by pulling back on an elastic slingshot, using either a direct or indirect fire pattern. Witches vs. Monkeys has a more powerful slingshot than in Angry Birds. The gamer must possess greater skill in order to not overshoot or undershoot the target.

Witches possess different magical powers at various levels and can cause varying levels of damage. There are five witches each possessing different powers. Those are Black, Red, Brown, Blue and Green. There are five different sizes of monkeys and all monkeys must be cleared before the gamer can advance to the next level. Monkeys will be hiding behind a variety of objects including pillars, stones, glass, etc. Each level achieved will graduate in difficulty and the gamer must adapt and gain skills as they advance through the levels.

Graphics and sounds for Witches vs. Monkeys are 3.5 stars out for 5 stars. While the sound effects are interesting, there tends to be an element of cheesiness to certain sounds. It lends a comedic air to the game at inappropriate intervals.  The sounds when loading are garbled and the high pitch of the witches’ voices is a little shrill for the ear.

Gameplay gets 5 stars out of 5 stars for smoothness of play and ease of understanding the game when first starting out.  The gamer has great interaction with the game and there are so many aspects in which the gamer feels like they are part of the game.

Playtime gets 4 stars out of 5 stars. While the game is interesting and holds the attention of the gamer, the time it takes to play each level varies depending on the skill of the gamer. An experienced gamer will find several of the lower levels easy and will lose interest quickly.

Replay value is 4.5 stars out of 5 stars. While the game is fascinating when first played, some gamers may find it redundant and will not have the entertainment value to hold their attention for more than one play.

Overall, Witches vs. Monkeys has a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars. The entertainment value is close to that of Angry Birds and gamers are excited about this spin-off. The graphics are cute and have a comical flair to them as well do the sounds. Due to the sounds being somewhat garbled and the witches’ cackles being too shrill, some gamers will turn the sound down or off to avoid the aspects that are overwhelming to the ear. Gamers will enjoy the game, but due to the ease of the first few levels, the replay value may be low. Witches vs. Monkeys is an entertaining game that will thrill gamers to have an alternative to Angry Birds.

Irrigation Valves

Westside Wholesale is the place to get quality irrigation valves. Whether installing a new irrigation system, maintaining or upgrading an existing system, the valves are an important part. Westside exclusively carries Rainbird irrigation valves including sprinkler, angled, industrial and residential.

Sprinkler Valves
Rainbird’s 1” inlet brass sprinkler valve is a durable valve that is great for either commercial or residential use. It is Rainbird MDC decoder system compatible and accepts a latching solenoid. This valve prevents flooding and landscape damage as well as conserves water. It has an internal and external bleed that regulates pressure and allows for the flushing of debris from the system.

The Rainbird 1" inlet residential sprinkler valve is not just for residential use but can also be used for commercial. It features a balanced pressure diaphragm giving it the potential for a long life and very little maintenance. There is an external and internal bleed, the external allows for the system to be flushed while the internal allows for spray-free manual operation.

Angled Valves

The Rainbird 1 ½” inlet globe and angle irrigation valve is flexible and easy to install. It is made of PVC and has a closed forward flow design. It has an internal bleed that is manual and allows the valve to operate without allowing water to fill the valve box, it also regulates pressure and allows for the pressure to manually adjusted. There is a one piece solenoid that has a captured plunger and spring.

The Rainbird 1" inlet globe and angle irrigation valve has a non-rising flow control handle that allows the water flow to be adjusted. There is a one piece solenoid with a captured plunger. The valve is slow closing to prevent water hammer and any system damage from such. It does have a manual internal bleed that will allow the pressure to be attuned to fit the needs of the system.

Industrial and Residential Valves
Rainbird’s 1" inlet residential anti-siphon sprinkler valve with flow control has an atmospheric backflow preventer along with electric remote control. These valves are easy to turn and have flow control capabilities. There is an external bleed that allows for the system to be manually flushed.

Rainbird’s 1" inlet industrial irrigation valve is a durable valve built for reliability and longevity. It has globe structure with a sealed, forward flow design. This valve has low flow capabilities for several uses. There is a manual internal and external bleed as well as a flow control handle.

Irrigation Supplies

Westside Wholesale has a wide array of irrigation supplies from Rainbird including valves, controls, sprinklers and drip irrigation. Everything that is needed to install an irrigation system is also available at reasonable prices.

There are numerous Rainbird sprinklers to pick from and each one has specific features that will enhance the irrigation system to fit specific needs. Sprinklers include full or part circle rotating, impact rotor, lawn, rain sensor, spray head, diffuser, and irrigation along with several other types.

Rainbird Sprinklers

Full or part circle rotating sprinklers feature full circle or adjustable arc, TNT bearings are long-wearing and the straight through flow allows for excellent work in clean and dirty water. They also feature stainless steel distance control diffuser pins and brass, bronze and stainless steel finishes.

Irrigation controllers are also available. Irrigation controls are used to operate irrigation systems automatically. This includes lawn sprinklers and drip irrigation systems. Control products include rain sensors, field transmitter, automatic programmable irrigation controllers, control zone kits and other types of controllers. 

Irrigation valves are what is used to turn the sprinkler systems off and on. Rainbird offers several irrigation valves including residential, stem pressure regulator, check valve models, valve adapters and many more valve options.

There are several supplies that are required when installing and maintaining an irrigation system. Those supplies include solenoid repair kits, tee fitting tubing, compression coupling tubing, tube cutting tools, rotor screwdrivers, and much more.

Westside Wholesalers offers everything needed to install an irrigation system and keep it operational. Their products are cost-effective and are well-made and long-lasting.

Rotor impact sprinklers have proven impact drive and long wearing TNT bearings. They are adjustable up to 340 degrees and have Precision Jet tube technology to minimize side splashing. Rotor impact sprinklers come in brass and stainless steel.

Rainbird Irrigation Controllers

The Rainbird ESP modular irrigation controller is able to be installed while the controller is in operation and allows for multiple programs with multiple start times. This controller offers enhanced diagnostic feedback and alerts. It also has a master valve and pump start circuit with a built in lithium battery.

The Rainbird 1 station control module for TBOS field transmitter is another irrigation controller that is offered. This control module features station timing and active sensor connection that accommodates the RSD-Bex rain sensor. It operates one valve per station.

Rainbird Irrigation Valves

The Rainbird 1” inlet residential sprinkler valve has several neat features including a balanced pressure diaphragm, an external bleed to flush the system, an internal bleed to operate manually without spray. They are energy efficient and have a low power solenoid along with several other features.

Installation Supplies for Irrigation

Westside Wholesale offers a wide assortment of products that are required for installing an irrigation system. Everything that is needed to successfully install and maintain an irrigation system can be found at a reasonable price and in one place. The items that are offered include tools, filters, fittings and valves.

Tools
Rainbird manufactures the tools that are needed for irrigation installation and these are sturdy and easy to use tools.

The Rainbird rotor tool 5000 is not only a flat blade screwdriver but is also a pull up tool. This tool is used in making adjustments to the rotor flow and makes adjusting pull up rotors a breeze.

The Rainbird Xerigation tube cutter tool is used to cleaning and efficiently cut any Xerigation low volume tubing. This cutter has two different well sizes, ½” or ¾” tubing and ¼” tubing. This cutter is lightweight and has stainless steel blades. The replacement blades can be purchased from Westside Wholesale.

The Rainbird Xeriman tool is a tool used when installing Xeri-Bug emitters. By using this tool the installation is a one-step process that is easy and quick.

Filters
The Rainbird 1” residential or commercial grade quick check basket filter offers several wonderful features. It has an indicator that will show green when the filter is working properly and red when it needs to be cleaned. There is a one inch basket of stainless steel mesh screen for the filter and it reduces maintenance and labor costs due to its efficiency. The basket has a no spill feature that keeps dirt and debris from falling out of the filter element when cleaning.

Fittings and Valves
The Rainbird easy fit compression tee fitting for tubing comes in a ten pack. These fittings can be used for almost any connection. They are excellent for retrofitting systems that are already in existence. The same is true for the Redbird easy fit compression elbow fittings.

The Rainbird industrial strength brass quick coupler valve has a metal cover and a one piece body design. It is built to be sturdy and to last for several years. This coupler valve prevents leakage due to its corrosion resistant design.

Sometimes repairs need to be made to the solenoid and Rainbird offers a solenoid repair kit for the DAS, DV and JTV valves. This kit is easy to install and will fit all up-to-date Rainbird residential valves that have an solenoid that is shaped like an octagon.

Drip Irrigation

Westside Wholesale has a large variety of products that are specifically for a drip irrigation system. All needed equipment and parts for a drip irrigation system can be found at a good price. The items that are available are root watering systems, emitters, tubing and sprayers.

Root Watering System
The Rainbird root watering system with bubbler is essential for getting plants the needed water as well as nutrients and oxygen for them to thrive. This system promotes the health of trees, shrubs and plants. It can be used with drip emitters and will not damage the root systems that are established. The system is self-contained and installed underground.

The Rainbird mini root watering system with bubbler is essentially the same as the Rainbird root watering system with bubbler except it is smaller and covers a smaller area than its standard counterpart. It also is installed underground and will not harm root systems that are established.

Emitters

Rainbird’s Xeri Bug Threaded and Barb Point Source Drip Emitter can be used in container plants as well as for trees and other plants in the landscaping of a home. This emitter is great for conserving water but still allowing the plants and trees to have enough water to survive. It has a color coded inlet that will tell what the flow rate is of the emitter. It is available with a self-piercing inlet barb. These emitters come in packs of 5, 10 or 25.

The Rainbird Multi-Outlet Xeri Bug Point Emission Source Emitter has a design that outputs a consistent flow for a wide area. It has up to six emitter outlets with one outlet already opened and ready for use. This emitter has a self flushing mechanism that minimizes clogging and is easy to maintain.

Tubing

The Rainbird Xeri Strip Distribution Tubing comes in a 100 foot coil. This tubing allows for easy installation of an irrigation system and has a green stripe pattern that allows for easy identification. It can be used with all drip irrigation systems and is extremely durable. Tubing is meant to be used with easy fit compression fittings only.

Rainbird’s Irrigation ¼” Polyethylene Distribution Tubing is available in a 100 foot coil. Installation is simple with this tubing. The ¼” tubing is flexible and strong making it a good choice for a drip irrigation system. It can be installed above and below ground.

Sprayers
Rainbird offers a 4” micro-spray Xeri pop-up sprayer. Drip irrigation systems can have pop-up sprayers added on to spray the topsoil as well as the root system. This pop-up sprayer allows for easy installation with a drip system and is low-volume. It is great for flowerbeds and gardens.

Dancing Your Way to Social Media Marketing Success

**This article was written for a client based in Europe. The rights have been retained by me.**

Dance studios along with yoga studios and gyms have become more prosperous with the use of social media. Their innovative use of social networking is allowing them to grow their business and maintain a steady client base. The use of Facebook and Twitter as well as other lesser known social media outlets are boosting sales, memberships and clienteles for these types of businesses.

Dance Studios
Arthur Murray Dance Studio
Arthur Murray Dance Studio has implemented a social media push using Facebook and Twitter. They are also utilizing Pinterest and YouTube to advertise their services as well as showcasing what their current and former dance students have learned.  They have used social networking to draw in prospective students as well as broadcast important announcements.

Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios

The Fred Astaire Dance Studios offer special promotions via Facebook and Twitter. They are also available to follow on Pinterest and YouTube to showcase their services and dancers. The Fred Astaire Dance Studio also has their own blog where they share news and promotions with their blog followers. They are reaching a large number of potential clients by using several forms of social networking.

Bordeau Dance Studio
The Bordeau Dance Studio has joined the Facebook frenzy in promoting their studio. They also have a smartphone app that allows people to use their site and see promotions and important announcements directly on their smartphone. Bordeau offers a news feed on their site's homepage that shares recent news directly.

Yoga Studios
YogaWorks
YogaWorks is a studio that has been able to expand to over 20 locations. Their success is attributed to social media and growing their client base. They utilize Facebook and Twitter. They also have their own mobile app so people on the go can still access information about their promotions and deals offered. They also offer a members only area on their website that allows current members to access coupons and offers especially for them.

Z Fit Studio
Z Fit is using not only Facebook but also a members area on their website. They also are actively networking using Groupon and mobile apps. By using Groupon and offering excellent deals, Z Fit is able to have all the coupon searching bots list them on their social media pages and networks therefore giving them more exposure than simply having their own Facebook page.

Fitness Centers
Club Fitness
Club Fitness is a generally well-known gym but they found a need to turn to social media to ensure that they remain successful. They have a presence on Facebook and Twitter as well as YouTube. They also have a steady following on Blogger. Through all of these avenues they are able to grow their client base and keep their business viable.

David Barton Gym
The David Barton Gym has become a more high-end fitness center with the help of Facebook and Twitter as well as InstaGram. They have been able to promote their services and offer unique promotions for their followers on Facebook and Twitter.

Social media is not just staying in touch with friends and family, it is expanding to include businesses and organizations. These businesses are finding ways to incorporate their presence on the web into social networking. It takes dedication and long hours of hard work to create and maintain a presence that will encourage people to come to your place of business. By using social media, you are hoping to showcase your reputation and instill a trust between your customers and your staff. Social media networking can pay off for a business, as it has for the above dance studios, yoga studios and fitness centers. The effort put forth by the business will be a reflection of the followers who stay loyal to their business on social media.

Organizations That Protect Against Brainwashing

**This article was written for a client based out of Europe. The rights of this article are still retained by me.**

Brainwashing has been in practice for centuries. Enemies have used it against each other, politicians have used it to gain votes and acceptance, manufacturers have used it to hawk their wares. No matter where a person turns they are being bombarded with mind control techniques. When does brainwashing  turn from simple persuasion to ultimate control over a person? That is simple, when the person or organization doing to brainwashing use it to completely alter a person's mind to where there are not individual thoughts.

How are You Brainwashed

How can a person allow themselves to be brainwashed? There are many different ways that a person is brainwashed. The easiest is to separate the individual from all that is familiar and safe. The cults or sects will use this method as it ensures that the person becomes completely dependent the cult for all their basic needs and later on, their desires. The brain-washers will use lies, deceit, generalizations to gloss over the truth and exploitation to take control of their victims.

Who is Most Vulnerable to Brainwashing

People from every kind of background are susceptible to becoming brainwashed. There are all kinds of people whose educational levels vary as well as their careers who have fallen victim to mind control. Those who are the most likely to fall under the spell are those who are going through difficulties within their lives and are feeling vulnerable and insecure. Those who would be easiest to brainwash are recently divorced, widowed or lost a loved one, suffering from an illness, recently lost their job, or are away from home for the first time.

Protect Yourself from Brainwashing

People are able to protect themselves from becoming a brainwashing victim. First and foremost, stay educated and understand the issue completely from all sides. In other words, stay logical and do not be emotional when reviewing the entire issue. Always use discernment. This will allow for being selective and able to reason through the facts and falsehoods being presented. Always be a fact checker. Never rely on information being given as accurate. Do not be afraid to stand against the crowd. Sometimes, just because something is popular does not mean it is right.

How to Deprogram a Brainwashed Person

Positive reinforcement is a step toward deprogramming a person who has been brainwashed. A person's self esteem is battered when they are brainwashed into a cult or sect. It takes building that person back up for them to feel they have the ability to think for themselves again. Encourage individualism through not just thoughts but also through dress and style. This will enable to person to start feeling like a unique individual again instead of a minion of a larger entity. Seek professional help from a clinical psychologist. Also, seek aid from organizations that have experience in dealing with brainwashed people.

Organizations to Help Brainwashed Victims
There are several groups and organizations that have become active in helping those who have suffered from being brainwashed. Below is a list of five resources for finding protection from brainwashing.

·        Wellspring Retreat

·        ICS World Private Investigation

·        Pure In Sight

·        Systemic Coaching

·        Voices of Dignity

There are many more resources available for those seeking protection from brainwashing or have been fighting their way back to becoming an individual. These resources are a starting point and if they do not offer the right program, chances are great that they will be able to refer the appropriate organization or group.

Social Networking: Five Restaurants that Understand Social Media Marketing

**This is an article written for a client based out of Europe. The right's of this article are still retained by me.

Social Media is everywhere. Businesses are starting to jump on the band wagon of social networking to promote and grow their business.  Restaurants are typically able to grow their business through word of mouth. Happy customers spread the word about their fantastic dining experience. With the evolution of social media restaurants are stepping it up a notch and becoming more inventive in their marketing campaigns.

Dempsey’s Burger Pub
Dempsey’s have jumped on the social media wagon with a Facebook and Twitter account along with having an iPhone app. Right on the homepage of their website are links to all facets of social networking that they use. According to their testimonials, by being accessible through social media and on the iPhone, their business has picked up and they are becoming a widely popular restaurant in their town.

Paparazzi Cafe and Restaurant
The Paparazzi Café uses social media outlets Facebook as well as Gibraltar’s Social Network -- or gibbook.com -- to promote their restaurant. By using Facebook they are able to reach out to thousands and show what is being offered. They are able to quickly announce specials and coupons to draw customers into the restaurant. The Paparazzi already has over 2,000 likes on Facebook.

Havana Central
Havana Central has devised a way to pull more customers into their establishment by instating interactive contests. These contests have helped grow their following on Facebook and Twitter. They also have hired a social media manager to ensure that they are properly utilizing all avenues of social media. They have found that customers love the opportunity to interact with the restaurant online.

Nombe
This Japanese restaurant has starting using social media to boost their customer base. They use Foodspotting and promote scavenger hunts and recommendation dish guides. They also have a presence on Facebook and Twitter as well as being a part of the Foodspotting app.

The Dam
The Dam is another example of a restaurant taking to social media to grow their customer base. They are available on Facebook and Twitter along with all local online news and blog venues. They offer coupons and discounts for their followers. Their followers also get the special incentive of learning about specials and entertainment news first through social media.

While most people think of social media as a way of connecting with family and friends, businesses, especially restaurants have found a level of success by promoting themselves through social media. Although to successfully promote your business through social media takes a lot of resources, expertise and customer involvement or willingness to give it a go, the rewards of becoming a presence on social media will pay off in the end. Many times in order to become successful and maintain that level of success, a business may want to employ the use of a specialist within that area. An online social media presence for a business takes substantial effort to start up and to keep momentum, although once established, the business should be able to continually bring in new customers.

Organizations That Protect Against Brainwashing

**This is an article written for a client based in Europe. The article's rights are still retained by me.**

Brainwashing is the process of having the original thoughts and beliefs altered to fit the thoughts and beliefs of someone else. Brainwashing is also referred to as mind control. This is generally done in cults and prison camps where the one being brainwashed is kept isolated from all they know. Although, some political, social and religious sectors also perform forms of brainwashing.

There are organizations that are dedicated to protecting people from brainwashing. People may not view mind control as a problem needing entire organizations working toward protecting and reversing brainwashing.

Cult Awareness and Information Centre

The CAIC provides numerous resources about cults and other organizations that perform mind control. They offer information about how brainwashing occurs and the various techniques that are implemented. The CAIC links to former cult members and allows them the chance to relay their story to others, including how they were able to get out and deprogram their minds from being brainwashed.

International Cultic Studies Association

The ICSA is a an organization that reaches world-wide. The people involved in the ICSA are concerned about and dedicated to eliminating the brainwashing abuse in cults, alternative movements and other such areas known for mind controlling or mind altering practices. They offer education to those wanting to learn more about the effects of brainwashing. They also give aid to those who have suffered from mind control and need to re-program their minds to think independently again.

Free the Children of God
FREECOG was the first organization to stand up against cults and brainwashing. Their initial goal was to help those who were following the Children of God and subsequently having their minds controlled by the doctrine being taught. The success of the FREECOG gave other organizations the ability to become more active in protecting people against brainwashing by educating them.

Apologetics Index

Frequently asked questions can be found at Cult FAQ, they offer information regarding what cults are and they also offer counseling services for those who have been brainwashed. They also explain that a cult is also known as a sect and can be just as capable of mind controlling.

Centers for Studies on New Religions

CESNUR is a group of scholars dedicated to educating about the various cults that are considered to be dangerous in that they practice mind control. CESNUR will also direct those wishing to leave a sect to the right places and will offer aid in deprogramming the mind from the brainwashing received while within the sect.

While it is still considered to be taboo to speak openly of brainwashing, it is all around us. We are susceptible to persuasions and while our minds are not totally controlled by the things around us, we are never left untouched by the political speeches, church deacons, or news commentators. Serious brainwashing occurs when a person's entire way of thinking is altered by a person or organization. The affected person's mind is molded into what the brain-washer wants it to be.