Guitars - Gibson

If you play the guitar, then most likely you've heard of Gibson. If not, then you've been living under a rock and having your food delivered to you through a bubble. Gibson is arguably the most popular guitar manufacturer in the world today and have been for quite some time. We're going to take just a surface look at this guitar giant. For more info, just visit their web site. Yeah, they've got one of those too now.

Gibson makes a lot of guitars, but probably none are as popular as the Gibson Les Paul. The Les Paul is probably one of the most widely used guitars in rock music. The guitar first made its presence in 1952 and is still going strong over 50 years later. The Les Paul is a solid body electric guitar that comes in many models including the Les Paul Classic, Les Paul Supreme, Les Paul Standard, Les Paul Studio Baritone, Les Paul Studio, Les Paul Goddess, Les Paul Gt, Les Paul Menace, Les Paul New Century, Les Paul Vixen, Les Paul Special (with Humbucker pickups), Les Paul Doublecuts and Les Paul Melody Maker. Each one of these guitars has its own distinct sound.

But Gibson is more than just Les Paul guitars, even though they are the most popular models and used by more musicians than any other model. Gibson also makes the Americana, which is a fairly new guitar series. This includes the Pioneer Cutaway and the Ranger. These are 6 string acoustic guitars that have a very beautiful tone.

Getting back to electric guitars and to another old favorite, Gibson also makes the Firebird series which includes the Firebird Studio, Firebird V and Firebird VII. This series started way back in 1963 and took electric guitars in a whole new direction with its look and sound. This guitar is still very popular today with people who are looking for something a little different from the classic Les Paul sound.

Even two years before the Firebird was the SG series by Angus Young. This was actually a modification of the Les Paul with a thinner body and pointed horns. Originally part of the Les Paul series, it eventually got its own name. The SG series includes the SG 61 reissue, which is actually an exact replica of the original guitar, the SG Goddess, SG GT, SG Menace, SG Standard, SG Supreme and SG Special.

Gibson also makes other models of electric guitars but in addition to guitars, Gibson also makes electric bases which include the Continental V Bass, Les Paul Double Cut Bass, Les Paul Standard Base and Les Paul Thunderbird Bass which includes the four and five string models.

Sadly, there are some models of guitars that Gibson decided to discontinue for 2006. These include the Blues Hawk, Chet Atkins SST and Chet Atkins CE and CEC. These will be missed as they were excellent guitars, even if they didn't sell as well as expected.

Gibson guitars have been a staple of the guitar industry for over 50 years. They are certain to remain at the top of the guitar world for at least another 50 years.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Guitars

Guitars - Washburn

Washburn Guitars don't quite have the same name and reputation as giants like Gibson and Fender, but this little company has been around for quite some time and manufacturers a quality product. We're going to take a look at the Washburn company, a little history and some of the guitars that is makes.

What most people don't realize is that Washburn itself has been around since 1883. While it didn't make electric guitars back then, it did manufacture other fine instruments. By the 1920s, Washburn had become a music center by itself. It was considered to be the first place where African-Americans would go to back then. This was in the Mississippi Delta which is where the Delta Blues originated. When the guitar industry started to blossom, Washburn became the main manufacturer of guitars for musicians who were heavily into the blues. This seemed like a perfectly natural progression considering Washburn's roots.

Washburn makes a complete line of electric and acoustic guitars and basses. They also manufacture banjos, mandolins and amplifiers.

As for electric guitars, Washburn offers a wide variety of these. There are the famous Washburn Hollow Body guitars which include the HB35, the HB30, the HB32 DM, the J5, the J4, the J3 and the HB15. Then there is the Scott Ian signature series electric guitars which include the SI 75 and SI 70. The features of these guitars alone are too numerous to even list. And the price tags that go along with them (over $2500) are not for the average musician.

In 1999, Washburn decided it wanted to make a guitar for the 21st century. That's when they came up with the Idol series. These guitars cover a wide spectrum of looks and sounds and include the Aaron Fink, Sonny Mayo, Joe Don Rooney and many others.

Other electric guitars in their line include the Maya series, featuring the Maya Pro, the N series, all numbered from N1 to N6, the X series, which includes the really cool looking flame maple Face Eraser and the Anarchy Graphic series which includes the classic V style WV 16, the X 16 and the WI 16. These are some of the most graphically stunning guitars made.

But we've only scratched the surface here. Aside from the large line of electric guitars, Washburn makes an equally long line of acoustic guitars. These include the USA Acoustics, which run as high as $2400; the Jumbo Acoustics, which feature a big low end and a lot of extra volume; the Dreadnought series, which are all handcrafted from premium woods and materials; the Folk style guitars, which are excellent for recording and feature solid spruce tops; their traditional classical acoustics, which are one of the oldest guitars that they make; the NV guitars, which are for pure professionals and come with price tags as much as $1000 plus and some fine travel guitars ranging in price from about $100 to $500.

Washburn offers a guitar for just about every type of musician. They may not have the same name as Gibson or Fender, but they make one heck of a fine guitar.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Guitars

Guitars - Dean

Dean guitars are just flat out kick behind instruments. These are guitars that some of the most hard rocking heavy metal bands use to get their dynamite sound. On top of that, these guitars are just plain awesome to look at. Even a so-so musician is at least sure to look super cool with one of these instruments in his hand. Well, we're going to take a look at just some of the many guitars that Dean manufactures.

Just the guitars that Dean makes that were new for this year alone could put some other guitar catalogues to shame. While we can't possibly review all of them, we're going to pick out some of the cooler models and give them the once over.

At the top of the list has to be the USA Razor Rebelback. The body of the guitar itself has a Hand Airbrushed Distressed Rebel Flag Finish that is just the coolest thing you've ever seen. Some people may be offended by it but you can't argue with the artwork being truly awesome. The rest of the guitar comes with a Dimebucker Treble Pickup and Dimarzio Rhythm Pickup. It also has Grover Tuners and a Floyd Rose Tremolo.

Another Dean classic is the V White Gold guitar. This V shaped guitar has a pure white body with gold pickups. Turn out the lights and you'll still see this thing. It's features include 1 High-Output Gold Covered Humbucking Pickup and Grover Rotomatic Tuners. The sound of this guitar when cranked up is just flat out boss.

Of course you can't go wrong with the Dean Dime From Hell Baby guitar. It is almost impossible to describe what this guitar looks like except to say that the body is mostly blue with what appears to be yellow streaks running through it that can be anything from rivers to lightening bolts. It is certainly very abstract looking. This guitar features 3/4 Size Basswood ML Body, Maple Neck Rosewood Fretboard, Custom Head and Body and Graphic Dual Humbuckers.

No review of Dean guitars would be complete without the Dean Lost 100. This is a limited edition guitar in which only 100 were produced. Want to talk about rare. The guitars were made with serial numbers starting from 77 000001 to 77 000100. These guitars were all built to exact specifications. Each one of the guitars was personally signed by Dean B. Zelinksy and came with a certificate of authenticity. These guitars were designed from the original guitars made in 1977. Each guitar comes with a flame maple top, ebony fingerboard, V profile neck, original Dimarzio super distortion pickups and a number of other features.

Aside from all the electric guitars that Dean makes, they also manufacture acoustic guitars and electric bass guitars. They even have a line of guitars for left handed players. But Dean's electric guitars are the staple of their company.

If you're a hard rocking, heavy metal or speed metal freak, then a Dean electric guitar is just the thing you need to bring your sound to the forefront.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Guitars

Guitars - Yamaha

In the world of guitars, Yamaha isn't exactly the first company that you think of. Known more for keyboards, digital pianos and synthesizers, Yamaha still makes some decent guitars which are more than reasonably priced. We're going to go over some of the guitars that this 40 year old company makes.

Yamaha started in 1966 long before the first synthesizer came out. But by the mid 80s they were making some of the best synthesizers on the market, including the classic Dx-7. But in spite of their reputation as a keyboard giant, the land of guitars was not very far away.

Yamaha guitars are not the fanciest looking models around but they do have a decent sound. The AES series includes the AES 420 through 920 series numbers, with the exception of the 820 which doesn't exist. No explanation is given for the missing number.

The Pacifica series, which has a somewhat sleeker look than the AES series, includes the PAC 012 through 812, again missing a couple of series numbers including, again, the 8 series. They must have something against that number. Yamaha was always very unoriginal when it came to naming instrument models, whether they were keyboards or guitars.

The Gigmaker series is one of Yamaha's newest additions. The look is very similar to the Pacifica series but that's where the similarities end. The Gigmaker series features 20-watt, 2-channel drive guitar amp, protective gig bag, Qwik Tune Digital chromatic tuner, guitar cable, instructional DVD, guitar strap, extra strings and guitar picks. It may not sound like a big deal for those who have purchased the bigger name brands but for the price, this isn't a bad guitar. The best part about this series is that it comes with a lifetime warranty. Even if you drop it off of a building, they'll replace it free of charge.

One of the smaller series of guitars as far as how many are made, is the E series, which consists of only three models, the 112, 103 and 121. The guitars are actually very well made and come with not two, but three pickups. Two single coil and one humbucking pickup. Plus, they come with a vintage vibrato system and tremolo bar. And they don't cost a fortune.

Another small series of guitars is the RGX series. Consisting of the 320, 520 and XA2, these guitars feature two Yamaha humbucker pickups and the original Yamaha AES series bridge. The three position pickup switch is a nice touch.

The Archtop series of guitars, which have some really fat looking bodies include not one but seven different models. They come with three single bar coil pickups, duel three way selector switches and a chrome Bigsby tremolo. These are some nice sounding guitars.

Rounding out their line of electric guitars is the Eterna. This guitar also comes with three pickups, two single coil and one humbucking.

No, you won't find Yamaha guitars being played by your bigger rock and roll bands, but that's not to say that they don't make a decent instrument, especially for somebody who doesn't have $2500 to spend.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Guitars

Guitars - Rickenbacker

Alongside guitar names like Gibson and Fender, you can't mention the best of the best without adding the name of Rickenbacker. This company has been around since 1931, but it wasn't until 1956, on its 25th anniversary, when Rickenbacker began to make a name for itself in the world of guitars.

That year, Rickenbacker introduced the Combo 400. Guitar collectors call it the guitar with the butterfly style body. But Rickenbacker didn't stop there. That same year they added a solid body electric bass guitar. The one thing about these guitars that made them different from any other guitar was that they had necks that extended from the head to the bass of the body. Today they call this neck through body construction. Rickenbacker was the first company to make guitars like this and soon came to be a trademark of the company.

During the 1950s, Rickenbacker had many popular models. Probably the most popular were the hollow body six string Capri models. This guitar was first unleashed on the world in 1958. The guitar itself was designed by Roger Rossmeisl. There were three models of this guitar and each one had a different body style.

But it wasn't until the 1960s that Rickenbacker has sealed its name in rock and roll history when its guitars got permanently fastened to the British invasion of the mid 60s. This invasion came in the form of the greatest rock band of all time, the Beatles. The groups featured several Rickenbacker guitars in its arsenal. Before the Beatles called it quits for good, John Lennon had owned four Rickenbacker guitars himself. The guitars had become so attached to the Beatles that one of the models was known as the "Beatlebacker". Never in history had one guitar been so identified with one particular group or person.

It wasn't long though until Rickenbacker made its way to a number of groups. Roger McGuinn of the Byrds bought himself a Rickenbacker after seeing the Beatles movie "A Hard Day's Night". The sound of the guitar that McGuinn bought actually became the trademark of the Byrds' sound. Other groups and artists that latched onto the Rickenbacker were Pete Townsend of The Who, John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Kay of Steppenwolf. By the late 60s there was a six week waiting period just to get one of these guitars. They were beyond popular. They were a true phenomenon.

By the 1970s, Rickenbacker started making guitars with detachable necks. They even matched slanted frets to match the angle of the player's hand. They also started making their famous double neck models that became quite standard. Other groups started jumping on the Rickenbacker bandwagon like Tom Petty and R.E.M.

Currently, Rickenbacker is as popular as it ever was. More current groups like Oasis, Pearl Jam, Radiohead and U2 all use Rickenbacker guitars to get their patented sound.

If you want to get an idea of just how popular Rickenbacker is, George Harrison of The Beatles was once asked what guitar he played and he answered, "Of course it's a Rickenbacker".

Could there have been any other answer?

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Guitars

Guitars - Ovation

The year was 1966. Guitars had already been around for some time. People expected them to be more or less of a certain type and design. There weren't any real radical innovations in the manufacture of the guitar. And then came along a company by the name of Ovation. They weren't going to just make another guitar. They were going to come out with something completely different. So in 1966, when they broke out into the scene, they came out with their very unique round back guitar, thanks to a guy by the name of Charlie Kaman. The pro musicians of the time absolutely loved the guitar. The guitar purists were not quite as enthused. They just didn't get it.

The odd part of how this guitar actually came to be had nothing to do with guitar manufacture at all. Kaman's knowledge of helicopters and more specifically, helicopter blades, game him a really good understanding of vibration and applied this principal to the making of his new guitar model.

Kaman said that he didn't want to just make another guitar. He said that we had the technology to make something truly different and not only different, but better. So Kaman chose a team of engineers and technicians from the aerospace industry to work on his new project. It didn't hurt that many of these guys had taken up woodworking as a hobby.

What these scientists had come up with was that the common flat body of the guitar was actually not a help but a hindrance to the sound of the guitar. So the first thing they did was break the first rule of making a guitar. They chucked the idea of the flat body completely and made the round body. This design actually gave the guitar a more consistent sound from the bass end to the treble end. They also made the guitar stronger and more sturdy.

Today, Ovation makes a large number of guitar models including the LX Series Standard Balladeer. This guitar is a 6 string acoustic/electric. Its body is a mid depth bowl type. It has a bound rosewood fretboard, rosewood bridge and original patented pickups. The Standard Balladeer is one of Ovations most popular guitar models.

Then of course you have the Custom Legend guitar series. The 1779 USA model has a painted American Flag on the body that is just breathtaking. It also has a mid depth body, bound ebony fretboard and ebony bridge. Even if you don't play the guitar, this is one show piece that just having around the house is going to bring up lots of discussions.

The Elite series has a mid depth cutaway body type. The fretboard is bound ebony with an ebony bridge. It comes with an Ovation Hi-Output pickup which is really loud. This is one guitar that you won't have any trouble hearing even in a large hall.

These models only scratch the surface of the Ovation guitar line, all featuring their round body.

Whatever the critics might think, these guitars sound like none other on the planet.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Guitars

Guitars - One For Each Style

Guitar players cover a number of styles of music, from blues to jazz to rock to pop to speed metal and on and on. And since every style of music is different and every guitar is different, it would then seem a natural conclusion that each style of music is going to have a guitar that is more suited for that style. So, the question, for those who are considering taking up the guitar and getting their first one is, what guitar do you get? If you're interested in jazz do you get the same kind of guitar as somebody who wants to play speed metal? Well, it might be an interesting experiment, but most likely the answer would be, no. So, what guitar should each person get, depending on what kind of music they want to play? Hopefully this article will try to answer that question.

Music is very diverse to say the least. Even within each style there are variations. For example, in rock there is hard rock, soft rock, metal, acid and a host of other sub categories. The sounds and more specifically, the dynamics of each are quite different. While The Eagles and the Allman Brothers might both be considered country or southern rock, depending on which side of the fence you're on, their sounds are quite different. So without nitpicking we're going to take the broad approach over the specific.

If you're going to play music that is relatively soft such as folk music, you probably don't want to get yourself a Rickenbacker electric guitar. Most likely you'll want an acoustic guitar with a nice mellow and round tone. Why acoustic? Well, by the nature of the guitar itself it's a lot softer. Sure, you can turn down an electric guitar's volume but it's more than just that. Acoustic guitars are much easier to control dynamics on. The reason is because the sound is not artificially amplified. If you pluck the string softly you're going to get a soft tone. If you pluck it harder, you'll get a louder tone. Of course an acoustic guitar is never going to get up to the volume of an electric unless you mic it.

On the other side of the spectrum, if you're going to be playing in a heavy metal band, your acoustic guitar, with all the other instruments playing, such as keyboards, bass and drums, won't even be heard. Plus the tone quality of the guitar itself just won't fit into that kind of music. By their nature, electric guitars have a sharper and harder sound. Add distortion effects to them, which are hard to do with acoustics and you've got a sound that is quite unique. That's why there are so many different electric guitar sounds.

Obviously, this is a very general overview of style to guitar choice. You can get a lot more specific, such as what type of acoustic do you get if you're a country guitar player as opposed to somebody who plays jazz? John Denver based on lot of his patented sound on 12 string guitars while Harry Chapin stayed more with the traditional 6 strong acoustic.

Maybe for a future article we'll dive more deeply into the finer points of picking a guitar based on the style of music you play.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Guitars

Guitars - Buy Cheap Or Good?

Just like automobiles, where you can buy one for just about any price between $15,000 and $1 million dollars, guitar prices are pretty wide too. So if you're looking to get your very first guitar, what do you do? Do you go for one that is a little cheaper or do you buy one that is of better quality? There are two schools of thought on this subject. We'll present both of them with the understanding that neither is right or wrong. They are just opinion.

The first school of thought is that you want to get a guitar that is well made and sounds good, even if it costs a little more. The question you're probably asking, is why? The school of thought that recommends this bases their argument on the following. If a new guitar player buys a cheap guitar with a poor sound, he is more likely to lose interest early on. The reason is because when you first learn to play the guitar you're mostly playing scales and simple tunes that really aren't all that interesting. It's going to be boring enough just trying to get through this, but at least if the guitar itself is of better quality, it will sound better, stay in tune longer and ultimately provide the new student with a more pleasurable learning experience. This will make it so that the student will have a better chance of sticking with his instrument. The extra money will have, in a sense, saved money in the long run. A good quality guitar for a beginner will probably run about $300.

The other school of thought is to get the beginning student a beginner's guitar, maybe something with a price tag of $100 max. Why? Because the thought here is that the beginning student, because he will have to go through with those boring scales and simple tunes, unless he is really dedicated and has a strong love for the instrument, is more likely to give it up early. This will mean less money wasted if a cheaper guitar is purchased in the first place.

There is something to be said for both sides of this argument and we're not going to take one side or the other. However, if a student gets past that initial period on his beginner guitar, whether you went with cheap or not so, what's next? If you bought a cheap guitar to start with, the student is going to want something better. If he stuck with it this long, he's entitled to it. Certainly he can't play a cheap guitar in a band or professionally. This is where you have to more or less live within your means. Sure, he'd probably love to have a $2500 Rickenbacker signature model but maybe he'll have to settle for a Gibson Les Paul for around $700.

Best suggestion is to talk to your kid after the learning stage is over. Find out how serious he is about his guitar playing. If he's very serious, you might just want to invest in an instrument that he'll cherish for many years to come.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Guitars

Best-Selling Author Cheryl Robinson Releases Third Novel, Sweet Georgia Brown

Hell has no fury like a woman scorned! A humble housewife gets the 411 on her husband in Cheryl Robinson's new release, "Sweet Georgia Brown".

“Georgia Brown has always had her husband’s back; she was the sole bread winner while he struggled to establish a career in show business as a comedian. Now she wonders if the sacrifice was worth it."

In Sweet Georgia Brown (NAL Trade, ISBN: 0451222288, $13.95), author Cheryl Robinson takes Georgia on a magnanimous ride to finding herself. Marvin finally gets his big break and is now a popular national radio personality. But with his good fortune he inherits his thirteen year old daughter, who Georgia knew nothing about. He is constantly away from home, and he has developed a funky attitude about Georgia.

Enough finally becomes enough after Marvin pulls a stunt that Georgia can't forgive. She is through turning her head. Marvin’s female listeners demand his wife have equal time, and Georgia agrees to do the show. Payback is a mother, when Georgia receives an offer from a rival radio show.

Marvelous Marvin, still too full of himself, is treading in waters too deep even for his boots, and Georgia maybe the only one who can save him.

Sweet Georgia Brown is a delightful story of acceptance and empowerment. It shines as a beacon of light for women who find themselves in a position of power.

Praise for Sweet Georgia Brown . . . .

"This is a fabulous African American affirmative answer to “Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?”, but with a sweet twist as Georgia punches back in their on the air gender war. Fans including most males will root for Georgia as Marvin cruelly puts her down at home and in public. Told in three parts by Cheryl Robinson, readers will appreciate this fine tale of transformation . . . " -- Harriet Klausner, #1 Amazon.com Reviewer

"Robinson's writing is filled with humor and the revealing, touching moments of everyday life. Women everywhere will cheer for protagonist Georgia as she embraces her dreams and enjoys the fulfillment she has sought all her life."
-- Sheri Melnick, Romantic Times Book Review

About the Author
Cheryl Robinson, born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, holds a bachelors degree from Wayne State University. She currently resides in Central Florida and is working on her next novel to be released by NAL trade. Visit her Web site at www.cherylrobinson.com and her MySpace page at www.myspace.com/cherylrobinson.

Sweet Georgia Brown is available nationwide where books are sold and online at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com

Sweet Georgia Brown
Cheryl Robinson
NAL Trade
Fiction: $13.95 US; ISBN: 0451222288
On-sale January 2, 2008

For more information:

The GRITS COM Literary Service
526 Kingwood Drive, Suite 404
Kingwood, TX 77339
281-973-6919
www.thegrits.com

Paramedic exposes the real Saudi Arabia

The new book "Paramedic to the Prince" written by American Paramedic Patrick Notestine is the best book written in decades about this strange and secret desert Kingdom.

"Paramedic to the Prince is a must read by all Americans" So says Ghost Writer Reviews one of the internets top book review sites. This book takes you inside Saudi Arabia like no other book ever writen.

Patrick Notestine spent over ten years working in Saudi as a Paramedic. First working in a Emergency Trauma center and later on the private medical staff of King Abdullah Ibn Abdulaziz Al-Saud the King of Saudi Arabia. Never has a true life story been told about this desert kingdom that is so raw and in your face. No western writer has ever been this close to the inner circle of the "House of Saud".

Starting with the events of 9/11 as seen from inside this Islamic country, the book is one mans journey into all levels of Saudi society. This book is an important insight into events that effect us to this day.

Camera Bags - Choosing the Right One

In the quest to get great pictures, consumers invest significant sums of money in either a film or digital camera. After sifting through the options of lenses, zoom, resolution, and so forth, the right camera is chosen. Next, buyers need to turn their attention toward a selecting a camera bag to protect their new purchase and to make it convenient and comfortable to take along. Camera bag options are numerous but consumers can simplify the process by considering four things when making a choice.

What needs to go in the camera bag?

Think about what equipment will need to be toted around. For many people a bag that will accommodate their camera, a few rolls of film, and some batteries is enough. A small case with a couple of pouches may fit the bill.

For those who also want to carry extra lenses, cleaning cloths, a small tripod, or memory cards a larger bag with more pockets and dividers will be necessary. A good bag must accommodate all of the equipment that will be used. Some bags offer moveable pouches and dividers that allow more flexibility in storing the various sizes and shapes of accessories that might potentially go in the bag.

How well will the bag protect the camera and other contents?

The bag needs to be well constructed. The stitching on the straps for instance should be reinforced/double stitched. The fabric should be suitable for the environments in which it will be carried. A simple vinyl bag won't offer much protection in wet, rugged conditions outdoors. Waterproof bags or covers are necessary in such environments. Durable cordura is one of several materials that are more suitable. Insulated bags that allow the user to insert solid freezer packs to keep the camera and film cool are good when toting a bag for any extended period of time in hot weather.

Compartments are important to protect the contents of the camera bag. Contents should not be touching, rubbing, and hitting against each other while they are being transported; thus compartments for each item are important. Any bag selected should fit the camera well to limit its movement within the bag. Padding throughout the bag is critical as well.

Zippers offer a more secure seal on the bag than most other closures and thus offer greater protection.

Is the bag comfortable to carry?

The purpose of a camera bag is to allow the owner to take it with them wherever they go. If the bag is uncomfortable or difficult to carry it doesn't serve its purpose. Belt pouches can be a handy, no hands, means of toting around a small camera, a battery, and a few rolls of film but if more equipment is needed, bags with a shoulder strap are more appropriate. Many people find that if a bag will be carried for a significant period of time a back pack style camera bag allows more comfort as the weight is not distributed to one side.

Padding enters the picture again here with comfort. Padding wherever the bag touches the body can be beneficial; particularly on any straps. Shoulder straps generally offer the greatest comfort when they are not only padded but wide as well.

Ease of use is also a "comfort" factor. Buyers should check how easy it is to retrieve equipment and materials from the bag. This includes the ease of operating clasps, zippers and other closures as well as the arrangement of compartments within the bag. All items should be accessible.

Is the camera bag durable?

From quality fabric to reinforced stitching, the construction will determine durability. Closures are also critical. Zippers should be large toothed, and if going into wet environments, they should be covered. Metal clasps are more durable than plastic ones and tend to reduce any issues with breakage.

Author Resource Box

Christine Peppler is the webmaster of homemedias.info, an online home electronics store. Visit the site to learn more about a digital camera, cordless phone, camcorder, television or other electronics.

Memory Card Readers - Why to Use and How to Choose

When it comes to capturing and enjoying the images on a camera or camcorder, downloading the data can be the most complex and time consuming part of the task for those who are a bit shy about all of the cables and inputs. There is a better way however to accomplish the job. Memory card readers allow users to skip much of the complexity and, in some instances, the computer altogether.

There are a number of good reasons for using a memory card reader:

• They are affordable. Prices range from around $15 to over $200.

• They are easy to use. In many instances the card reader remains connected to the computer and the user does not have to spend time reconnecting each time they want to download data.

• They can save the camera or camcorder battery as these devices do not need to be powered on to complete the transfer.

• Downloading is generally a faster process. Most cameras and camcorders use USB1.1 whereas most card readers use USB2.0 which is 40 times faster.

• Card readers can allow the user to transfer information between cards.

• All-in-one type card reader models support multiple file formats, thus they can be used with multiple devices; a camera, camcorder, or MP3 player.

There are many memory card readers on the market for consumers to consider. A few key points to think about before making a purchase include:

• Is the particular card reader being considered compatible with the buyers computer; either Mac or PC? If the card reader uses USB 2.0 or FireWire the computer must accept these inputs.

• Will the card reader support the file format used by the camera, camcorder or other devices used? Again, many card readers support more than one format making this a much easier decision.

• What other features are desired? Some card readers don't require a computer to download and burn to DVD. Others can attach to a television to play content. Does the buyer prefer a card reader powered by AC or with rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries? Is a card reader with write capabilities needed?

Memory card readers can certainly make the task of downloading data from a camera or camcorder a much easier task. Assuring compatibility with other devices and selecting the features that are desired are simple decisions that should allow buyers to make a selection free from the frustration of technology overload which accompanies many other home electronics purchases.

Author Resource Box

Christine Peppler is the webmaster of homemedias.info, an online home electronics store. Visit the site to learn more about a digital camera, cordless phone, camcorder, television or other electronics.

Make Your Home Energy Efficient

The purpose of green building is to reduce energy use, conserve water, improve indoor air quality and reduce reliance on nonrenewable natural resources. Thanks to two new books in the popular "For Dummies" series, you'll now find the process more approachable and easy to understand.

"Green Building & Remodeling For Dummies" (Wiley) covers everything from examining construction sites and working with green professionals to choosing sustainable materials and reducing waste. The user-friendly guide is filled with basic information and simple instruction that anyone interested in green building will find useful--homeowners, architects, interior designers and contractors alike.

The second book, "Solar Power Your Home For Dummies" (Wiley), details the environmental and economical benefits of using solar energy and takes readers step by step through the process of building small and large systems into new and existing homes.

Written by design engineer Rik DeGunther, the guide is filled with helpful illustrations and tips that explain the nuts and bolts of designing solar projects--including lamps, fans, fountains, small-capacity solar water heaters and radiant floors. It covers the different types of solar panels and available technology, pinpoints ten smart solar investments, and provides instruction on how to do a complete energy audit of a home.

Save Time And Money

A little hands-on information can help you be more handy at home and save time and money in the process.

That advice is found in the new "Do-It-Yourself" series from For Dummies, which guides homeowners through common fixes and projects with efficiency, accuracy and confidence.

"Plumbing Do-It-Yourself For Dummies" covers all things plumbing related--from the kitchen faucet to the bathroom shower.

Readers can learn how to unclog a toilet or sink; caulk a sink or tub; replace or repair a sink sprayer; repair a leaking tank or faucet; install a garbage disposal, dishwasher or water purifier and deal with noisy, burst or frozen pipes.

"Painting Do-It-Yourself For Dummies" provides advice on tackling more than 50 of the most common and unique painting projects and fixes. Readers learn how to find the right tools, select a color and style of paint, prime or prep a wall, ceiling or floor and even paint over wallpaper. A range of finishings and techniques are covered.

The books are available in all major bookstores.

(NAPSI)

Suspenseful Page-Turner

Andrew Gross is no stranger to literary success. Along with James Patterson, Gross has co-authored five New York Times No. 1 best sellers, including "Judge & Jury," "Lifeguard" and "Third Degree." Yet he may be one of the most successful thriller writers whose name you don't yet know.

Gross' sensational solo debut, "The Blue Zone" (Harper paperbacks), is the riveting story of a young woman's perilous quest to uncover the dark secrets of her father's past.

Filled with rich characters and an unstoppable plot, "The Blue Zone" is a story of blood and family, deception and betrayal that explores the deadly consequences when one family's tightly held secrets begin to unravel.

Gross' greatest gift to his readers is his ability to create tension, anticipation and suspense. The twists, turns and surprises jump out and grab the reader and drag him into the action.

A fast-paced, compulsively page-turning thriller that is as deeply emotional as it is exciting, the book heralds the arrival of a master of suspense in his own right. It is a wholly original and wonderfully written work that places Gross among the best of today's thriller writers.

"The Blue Zone" is available at bookstores everywhere.

(NAPSI)

Daddy's Girl

A quiet college professor must leave the classroom--and her ordinary, orderly life--behind when she learns of one criminal act and is framed for another. This terrible day kickstarts the latest thriller, "Daddy's Girl" (Harper Mass Market), from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline.

Frequently overshadowed by her successful parents and testosterone-fueled big brothers, Natalie Greco sees her world turn upside down when she accompanies a friend to a prison for a lecture, only to get caught in a riot--and lockdown--where a guard is killed right in front of her.

Intent on fulfilling the guard's dying request, Natalie's quest runs into some potentially deadly obstacles-and the scholar must learn fast as she fights to save her own life.

Lisa Scottoline is the New York Times best-selling author of 14 novels.

"Daddy's Girl" is available at online bookstores and wherever books are sold. For more information, visit www.harpercollins.com.

(NAPSI)

A Rundown Of The Best Anti Virus Software

Quite often,what normally seems to us good,well liked or admired doesn’t always mean the best unless of course your organization or company bases its character on being the best at safeguarding computers from viruses.Every person can have his or her own choice based on what is important to him or her.

Our ideas will not always be the same as we are all from different cultures and backgrounds.So choicing the best anti virus for your system may be based on what is more important to you as a person.

From my own view and my partners, from our long years of working with different anti viruses.Here is a list of some of the best as we compare anti virus software available to help you decide which may be the best fit for your computer.This will definitely vary from individuals.Take that to heart, it will make a whole lot of difference in your decision.All the best.

Norton Anti Virus

Almost certainly one of the most popular, and best compare anti virus software titles on the market, is the Norton Anti Virus offered by Symantec. Symantec makes a habit of fighting viruses and they have one of the most all inclusive libraries of virus removal tools on the market and they offer their updates free to their existing clients.

It is a craving to fight viruses and the extra lengths that Symantec will go to in offering their usual updates free of charge to their customers that makes Norton Anti Virus one of the best compare anti virus software titles available in the market. The Norton name did not become accepted by accident, it has taken years to develop the reputation of being one of the top virus fighters in the industry and Symantec takes their job very seriously and conciously.

Kaspersky Anti Virus

Kaspersky Labs offers Kaspersky Anti Virus and what makes this one of the best compare anti virus software titles available is their hourly updates to their virus protection files and their interest in protecting laptops. With the Kaspersky Anti Virus a laptop is protected even if it is not connected to the internet to receive the hourly updates. Kaspersky also scans incoming and outgoing email to detect any malicious code that has been unleashed.

McAfee Virus Scan

McAfee virus scan has been around for a long time, and of the other big names in virus protection is McAfee and they offer their Virus Scan software as one of the best compare anti virus software titles available in the market.

McAfee offers safe internet surfing by protecting against any possible Trojan viruses or hackers that may be trying to crack into your computer through your internet connection.

McAfee also pays extra interest to pop up ads and spyware that may try and load itself on your computer or laptop. This is what separates McAfee from many of the other titles and allows it to be considered one of the best compare anti virus software titles on the market today.

Spyware is malicious code that can load computer chocking pop up ads, it can take your internet surfing information and send it back to a marketing data collection agency for sale to other internet marketers, or it can steal your personal information. McAfee is one of the best anti virus software titles at fighting annoying and potentially dangerous spyware we have around.


About the Author: Committed To Your Success, Edwin Hezron, Visit http://www.remove-virus-now.com/virusremoval/ Now For Your Free Info On How To Save And Remove Any Virus From Your System