Gemstones have always interested human beings from time in memorial. In the past, they were relegated to the rich and the elites in the society. They were featured in their cutlery, household assets and jewelry among other valuables. They have been passed over the years in various family lineages. Today, they still attract the same attention and are pricey. We are all mesmerized by their   unique  colors and shapes. They feature distinct mineralogy characteristics. They can fall upon various categories depending on color, cut, clarity and rarity upon other determinant factors.

What Characterizes Gems?

The stones can be categorized depending on several factors. However, typically they are grouped based on these factors;

Chemical Composition

A gemstone can comprise of one pure element or it can be a product of a mixture of several mineral compounds. Most gems contain both oxides and silicates which give them a characteristic color.

The structure of the crystal

Precious stones can be either a single crystal, a collection of massive microscopic crystals such as diamond or an amorphous compound. The crystallized stones can take many forms such as hexagonal, cubic and tetragonal among other sophisticated shapes. These kind of stones require careful cutting to ensure that the shape of the crystals is maintained.

Optical features

The optical characteristics of many gemstones are derived from their crystal structure and chemical composition. Color is one of the main feature that define gems. Most of them exude stunning hues when light shines upon them. Some will even portray a mixture of colors making them very adorable. Precious stones are also classified depending on their refractive indices. The refractive capability will vary among various minerals. Clarity is a common term when classifying gems. Some minerals have  unique  inclusions which can be crystals of other elements, gas or liquid cavities. Such inclusions help in the identification of the stones.

Specific gravity

This is defined as the ratio of a density of a gemstone relative to that of water. Some minerals such as amber floats effortlessly on salty water. Others such as diamond will sink regardless of the weight of the crystal.

Durability (Hardness)

Not every gem is resistance to breakage. Some such as nephrite are a bit soft whereas diamond is the toughest of them all. All these characteristics among others such as the availability of the mineral helps in placing the gemstones either as precious or semi precious. The hardness of a crystal can be measured by Mohs hardness scale from 1- softest to 10-hardest.

Assessment of Quality of Gems

Four factors are considered while determining the quality of gems. Color is a crucial aspect when evaluating a colored mineral. There are three qualities of color namely hue, saturation and tone. Hue is the position of the mineral on the color wheel, it can be red, black, orange, blue and such like. However, there will be variations of a single hue position such a darker and a lighter green and so forth.

Another crucial consideration is clarity. This is gauged by assessing the presence of inclusions in the mineral. Some stones will have inclusions while others do not feature any impurities whatsoever. If the inclusions are strategically placed and are few, they can enhance the beauty of the stone.

Thirdly, cut is another important quality that dictates the value of a particular gemstone. The main factors that are checked include; shape, cutting style, symmetry and finish.

Lastly, it is the carat weight. This is an essential consideration for anybody who is dealing with gems. One gram is equivalent to five carats. The price of the stone increases with the increase in the metric weight in carats.

Horoscopes

Based on the above factors, a gemstone can be precious or semi precious. Precious stones are the hardest and are rare, whereas semi precious stones are typically soft and in abundance. However, there are some variations. For instance, opals and pearls are regarded as precious although they are soft, owing to their rarity. Precious gemstones have high price tag as compared to semi precious stones.

Also they are those gemstones which relate to horoscopes. They are widely used in gemstone horoscope reading. They are nine zodiac signs namely Aries, Gemini, Taurus, Leo, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio,Libra, Sagittarius and Capricorn. Each star indicates the position of sun at the time of birth. Some of the stones that are primary stones of astrology include diamond, sapphire,emerald and ruby. According to experts gemstones can help in counteracting the negative occurrences of ones life in future. Hence, they advise that one should wear a gemstone that represents their star.

For instance, those whose zodiac sign is Leo should sport Ruby or Citrine whereas those in Aries should wear Coral. For Taurus the individuals should wear diamond and those who their star is Gemini are supposed to wear emerald. Also, Cancer should wear pearls, Libra should go for diamond and Scorpio should wear obsidian or coral. Sagittarius should sport topaz and Capricorn individuals should wear blue sapphire. Although, each person is supposed to wear a particular gemstone, one can still combine two or more gemstones to accrue great therapeutic benefits. If a person like a particular crystal but it is not their birthstone, they can still get it nonetheless.

Buying gemstones is not a smooth ride but the above information can get you a real gemstone.

Have you ever saw an American movie called “In Her Shoes”?

Rose and Maggie (performed by Cameron Diaz) are sisters who claim to have nothing in common but DNA, a tragic childhood, and a shared shoe size. Rose owns an attorney position, a conservative personality, and a secret passion for romance. She is sophisticated with work but timid to her plain figure and appearance. Therefore, Rose stores a full wardrobe of high heels without enough courage to wear them out and show them off. Maggie, the little one who is absolutely reverse version of her sister, features drop-dead gorgeous, loafer, flirtation, and troublemaker. She left home without farewell after being caught at the scene when she was carrying on a clandestine love affair with Rose’s boyfriend. In terms of women, the climax comes as Rose gives up her admirable job to then bravely wears the high heels she likes to hide into wardrobe. She successfully goes through a change of outlook on her relationship with Maggie-her   unique  sister, the man she has wrongly loved and the man she should love and treasure at present. Everything can start from “head”, as well as “foot”, not just curing the sequela of losing love.

“When I feel bad, I like to treat myself. Clothes never look any good. Foods just make me fatter. Shoes always fit.” The lines, from Rose, reveal her secret: she is not the prude that she looks like in appearance, but a lovely girl who is keenly obsessed with various high heels as well. Numberless pairs of housed high heels are her bosom friend, listening to her success, happiness sharing her upset and cheering her up when she is in low spirit. Even though Rose just buy them then hide them without debut with them, she still be companied and placated by their sweetness and attention.

Men may leave and love may be pulled away, but high heels will always stay.

What is a niche market anyhow? A niche market is a specialized market that has a limited and clearly defined range of products sold to a specific group of people. So when you are starting your own website or online business you want to have a specific niche to base your website around but you can’t seem to come up with anything? Well not to worry! I will show you a couple methods I have used and recommend for people just like you.

I must tell you when deciding what you are going to sell or what your website will be about, make sure it is something that you are passionate about. This is very important to the success of your website and to keep you motivated! Its much easier and fun spending time working on something that you can really wrap your arms around and get into versus going through the motions. While there are a number of different ways to make money online such as selling your own products, affiliate marketing and so on. I always suggest trying to come up with at least a couple products of your own but you can decide that later.

Here are a couple of easy methods to help you figure out what you’re niche market could be and how to narrow it down. Go to Google Keyword Search or AdWords. Now think about something or a topic that interests you, lets say for example “Gardening” type it in the space that says word or phrase.

Now also check the small box under that says “only show ideas closely related to my search terms” and do a search on it. This will give you a list of related topics or phrases generated for that one keyword. This search will then break down the related phrases and tell you how many times each one was searched per year and per month.

It will also tell you the level of competition for that word or phrase. Let’s say one of the phrases was “tips to a healthier garden” and the competition was listed as high. This means you are going to be competing potentially against several other websites on that particular phrase. Now let’s say another phrase was “how to grow a healthier garden” and the competition is listed as low or medium. This is narrowing down your niche and gives you a better chance at targeting a certain group of people and potentially lowering the competition.

Another thing I would suggest is go and do a couple searches on Google and a couple other search engines like Bing and Yahoo. Use the same method as far as using a keyword or phrase and search for websites that would be similar to what niche you are interested in. Take notice to the title of their website and the description. This is another useful method to see what some of the competition may be in that particular niche. One thing is for sure these days, if you can imagine it, it’s available on the internet! The main thing is to find something you are passionate about and are willing to put some work into, then take the time to position yourself as well as possible before just diving in. It will payoff in the long run.

Now you should have some good ideas on what niche market you may want to plan your website around. If not keep trying and playing around with the methods that I showed you. Take your time and don’t rush into things. Plan out your site and write things down. Once you put things on paper you have your own guide that will help you make the next steps. Follow your ideas and take it step by step.

To Your Success!

Joseph P Helberg

SocialGo is the answer for many today who wish to create their own professional-grade social network designed for their particular interest, business, or group. A social network is of course, a group of people united by their common cause, business, or interest. Thus it is a computer platform allowing users to customize their network according to the amount of privacy desired, assorted features and permissions. Permissions outline who may view personal information, or information regarded as secret or semi-secret to a company for example.

Who uses it? Various groups, entrepreneurs, and businesses utilize it. Their goal is often to being a community around their brand for instance, or to build customer meaningful relationships, or even to create a communication channel for the members of the network.

What’s special about it? Basically the fact that thousands of members have found that they can construct direct revenue streams from the network they create.

What can be in it? You can utilize this network for any text you wish to publish, as well as any photos or videos you wish to include.

What’s the difference from just a website? With this social network, people can of course read what you wish to write, but in addition they can respond to it. This allows people to become a part of the network, in that they can actually share and contribute to it.

How can one monetize this network? There are a number of ways to make money with it. For example if you provide a service, you may charge for the service. SocialGo supports PayPal for example for billing purposes. Another means of monetizing it is to host advertisements and charge the advertisers. This works very well if you have a very active network of course.

What if I need help? There are a number of ways to get help, such as joining the Owner’s Network, speak to sales agents, get a support ticket, etc. There are also a huge number of tutorials that are easy to read and follow.

What does it cost? The top of the line costs $149.99 per month, and it gives you anything that a business would need to create the best most attractive network for your brand, existing product or website. Or you can get a network starter account for only $4.99 per month. Then instead if you wish, you can get a free account if you are for instance a group of concerned mothers wishing to chat about the school your kids go to.

What else is available? There are a number of other services available, for instance sending out billing and collecting, removing all traces of the network on your site (known as white labeling), or separate storage and bandwidth blocks if you have an overly active large network.

The Marseille Turn is a beautiful 360 soccer turn trick, unique to the game of soccer, which involves the player spinning 360 degrees on the field while trying to avoid an opponent and retaining control of the ball.

The trick is sometimes referred to as the Zidane Spin or the 360 turn. The trick was popularized by Diego Maradona and perfected by Zinadine Zidane, although it has been used by many other soccer players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Michael Laudrup, Franck Ribry, Lionel Messi, and Ronaldinho.

The Marseille Turn is the most effective when the opposing player is approaching head on first or from the side of the trick performers master foot.

Before starting to practice this move, you will either need another player or a box on the ground to simulate another player. This will help you visualize the trick easier, than trying to practice against thin air.

Step 1: Push the ball in front of you, about one step in front of you.

Step 2: Try to lure your opponent to go after the ball.

Step 3: When the ball is just outside your opponent’s reach, you stop it by putting your left foot on the ball.

Step 4: Pull the ball backward and turn your body 90 degrees to the right simultaneously.

Step 5: You should receive the ball with your right foot and your back to your opponent. Place your right foot on the ball and continue your rotation to the right.

Step 6: Place you right foot over the ball and slide it past your opponent.

What is CLA Fat Burner, and does it work? CLA is also known as conjugated linoleic acid, and it’s been touted as a remedy to reduce body fat. It may even increase muscle tissue. Those who are most interested in CLA Fat Loss Burner are those who want to lose fat, and those who are athletes. It may in fact truly have benefit when it comes to both losing fat in gaining muscle.

How does CLA work?

Conjugated linoleic acid basically works by keeping fat cells from growing too large; the premise is that it may block enzymes that let fat cells grow.

Other researchers have suggested that CLA alters body composition by boosting muscle and burning fat because it metabolizes fat through a process that’s fairly complex. Basically, our bodily enzymes, like hormone sensitive lipase and lipoprotein lipase, appear to both speed up fat burning and block the uptake of new fat.

Is it scientifically backed?

A recent Scandinavian study decided to determine whether or not CLA could help people lose weight specifically by reducing fat mass overall. The study was relatively small, only 60 overweight people, and these participants were not allowed to diet.

The people in the study were either given 9 g of olive oil (placebo), or 6.8, 5.1, 3.4, or 1.7 g of CLA every day for a 12 week period. Participants’ body compositions were measured before, midway through, and after the study, to determine whether or not any changes had occurred. And in fact, the results were quite promising. Participants lost about 2.2 pounds in 12 weeks.

That doesn’t seem like much, but researchers were encouraged because participants didn’t otherwise change their diets or go on “special diets,” and still lost weight. Moreover, all of this weight loss came from fat loss.

Other studies have shown promises with CLA, too; another study tried to combine CLA with the herbal stimulant guarana. The herbal stimulant, which contains caffeine, increased results even further when used with the CLA, by decreasing fat cells’ size by 50% in six weeks. Therefore, this possible combination has even more promise (although it may have contraindications for some people too, namely its caffeine use).

Should you try CLA?

Trying CLA probably can’t hurt and may certainly help with weight loss, although you should check with your health care practitioner to make sure this is appropriate for you. Researchers have generally set the daily dosage at 3000 mg or 3 g, divided into three dosages of a gram each, taken with meals.

Further, if you boost your CLA intake further, and take between 3000 to 6000 mg of CLA, split into three dosages and taken with meals, you may also induce muscle growth. (It should also go without saying that a good diet and exercise will certainly make you healthier and will probably induce weight, too, along with taking CLA Fat Burner.)

There are limitless types of card games to be played. People think because two games use the same deck of 52-cards that they are similar games, but nothing could be more different than Barbu and Speed, or Pai Gow and Pinochle.

Here’s a list of twenty different kinds of card games, and some facts about them.

1.Bridge

Bridge is a popular contract bidding game. Bridge has a culture — there are websites, newspaper columns, and even radio shows devoted to bridge strategy. There is a world-wide obsession with bridge, even though it has been called the hardest card game in the world. With a complicated strategy and steep learning curve, to many bridge is not just a game, it is a lifestyle. I wish I were exaggerating.

2. Whist

Whist could be called “Bridge, Jr” — and though it is not as big a game as it once was, and is dwarfed in popularity by big-brother Bridge, Whist has never really died out. Card gamers love trick-taking games — beating out your opponent in such a visual way is one of the more exciting part of any card game. Whist has some of the complexity of Bridge without any bidding.

3. Texas Hold’em

Texas Hold’em is something of a legend — a poker variation with a story as rich as a Spaghetti western. This version of poker, a drawing and betting game, was invented and then made popular by old time poker sharks in Texas, hence the name. This is easily the most popular poker variant right now, and is bringing more new people to card gaming than any other game.

4. Hearts

It is said that most of the professional poker tour players are hardcore Hearts players and that they bet big money on cutthroat games of Hearts in dark mysterious rooms during tournaments. Romantic as that may sound, it would make sense for these card sharks to love the game of Hearts – an otherwise childlike game of matching cards (and no bidding) usually turns into a competitive nightmare. Because of the game play, there are lots of ways to screw your opponents in Hearts. Trick-winning and passing card are big elements of Hearts.

5. Spades

People don’t realize it, but spades is a variation of bridge that simplifies the game even more than Whist and changes the outcome of the game as well. Spades is really popular in large groups, on college campuses, and in tournaments around the world. There may be as many variations of Spades as there are groups playing it — thanks to “jailhouse rules” which penalize tactics like point sandbagging and the existence of multiple versions of “house rules”. A strategic game you can play without paying much attention if you want.

6. Go-fish

This is the simple children’s card matching game we all remember from our childhood. You can play Go-fish with as many players as you have cards. Some people claim Go-Fish is a variation of Rummy but the simplicity of the game and the children’s game gimmick make it likely just some toy company’s creation. Strangely enough, Go-fish is known as Literature in some parts of the world. Write in if you understand that one.

7. War

Another children’s game (or time-killing game) War is a straight luck based game. Depending on the flop of the card, you either win or lose a war. Most people under the age of 30 learned War before they learned any other card game. You’ll see War played a lot in lines at airports.

8. Oh Hell!

Substitute your own dirty word for “Hell!” and you know this party game. Most of the fun is the fact that you get to cuss a lot and people laugh at you. What keeps this game popular is that it is a strict betting game. The object of Oh Hell! is to bid the precise number of tricks you will win. You have to take only the number that you bid, no more and no less. Play is precise, and because of the structure of the game, one player always blows it big time. There. That’s what’s fun. Screwing your opponent.

9. Blackjack

A skill game that in some casinos is the best bet you can make, if you can play a perfect hand. This is one of the most popular casino card game, and has a place in popular culture as THE “Vegas” game. The point is to build a hand that adds up to a total of 21 points without going over, and ending up with a higher number than the dealer. Players compete against the House directly, adding to the fun. Little known fact — there exists somewhere in this world a blackjack player’s hall of fame. Safe to say that this game’s got a cult following

10. Baccarat

James Bond’s favorite game (don’t believe the hype — it wasn’t poker or blackjack — read the books) Baccarat is a basic betting game. Players bet on who will win a given hand – the player, the banker, or if there will be a tie. Sure it looks easy, but Baccarat is a skill game. A small sidenote about Baccarat — the name comes from the name of the worst possible hand. This would be like calling your video poker machine “High Card Poker”. Just doesn’t have the same ring as “Royal Flush”.

11. Solitaire

The most varied card game in the world. In England, they call this game Patience, and for good reason. Solitaire requires little set up beyond putting cards in specific places, and is usually played by yourself. Solitaire is another popular airport line waiting game.

12. Rummy and variations

There are lots of different kinds of Rummy, more than are probably written down on any list. I’ve written for a website that had me list 500 variations or other names for Rummy, so I’ll spare you the reading and just say there’s lots of kinds of Rummy. The more popular versions are called Gin Rummy, Liverpool Rummy, and Contract Rummy. The feature that makes a game a Rummy is a player matching identical cards into pairs and other groups. Some experts believe the Chinese game of Mahjong is part of the Rummy family, though I’d bet the Chinese are just fine with Mahjong as it is.

13. Pai Gow

This is an old Chinese domino game that has been passed down through the years as a poker variation. You’ll see Pai Gow at casinos in both as a poker and a domino game — it is probably the casino game that the least number of people understand. This is a game of fast bets, player versus dealer. Pai Gow strategy is just as rich as any other poker betting game, and the culture of Pai Gow is similar to the Blackjack culture — super-fast bets and edgy behavior at the margins.

14. Spoons

A silly card game probably invented to keep kids out of trouble, Spoons is a bluffing game (with some elements of matching) that uses simple kitchen utensils as an added play element. The first player in the group to draw a poker style four of a kind reaches to a pile of spoons in the middle of the table, signalling the other players to grab for one. Since there’s one less spoon than players, one player will be left out every time. So its a social interaction game, and not a game chock full of card strategy. its still fun. Great date night game.

15. Speed

Speed (sometimes called Spit) is a matching game that is unique because both players play simultaneously and as fast as they can. In Speed, a player tries to ‘get rid’ of his or her cards by matching them to cards placed face-up on the table. This is a face to face game, though there’s actually little interaction between the two opponents. The last few moments of any game of Speed reminds me of solitaire on fast-forward, with hands and cards flying around and rows forming and draining like water pipes. Strange game, Speed.

16. Crazy 8s

This is another children’s matching game, you could say it is cousin to the popular game Uno. The 8s in the deck of standard cards are considered “crazy” not because they need to be medicated but to indicate they are wild cards. In some variations of Crazy 8s, not just Wild Cards but other “rule cards” exist, making the game more complex for older players.

17. Slapjack

If you want to teach more complex card games to younger kids, Slapjack is the perfect vehicle. The object of Slapjack is to acquire the whole deck of cards by matching and slapping pairs. Kids like to slap stuff, and the game can be played over and over again.

18. Old Maid

You don’t need an “Old Maid” deck to play this kid’s card game — any standard 52 card deck will do. Just remove one of the Queens. Old Maid is a matching game where players find pairs You trade cards with your opponent until that player is left with the unmatched Queen. Matching games are popular, and the novelty “Old Maid” packs are fun for kids.

19. Cribbage

This is a hybrid board and card game with complicated rules that generally intimidates people, even hardcore card gamers. You play cribbage by forming groups of cards that are worth different point values, and moving a peg on a board that represents your progress accordingly. Requiring a specific board (or a quick hand with a pen and paper) cribbage isn’t the best travel game, but as fans of cribbage will tell you, no two games are alike. There are solitaire versions of cribbage, and other varieties of cribbage game play to choose from if you’re bored with the standard version.

20. Pinochle

Pinochle is popular because it is a trick-taking game that you play with a 48 card deck. In Pinochle, you try to make melds or tricks, much like in Gin, but there’s a really complex scoring system making the game fun to learn and to master. To be good at pinochle, you have to play for a number of years, and lose plenty of hands. Though it is less popular year after year, Pinochle is one of those “heritage games”.

With the advent of the mobile phone industry, mobile phone companies have long been contesting for the latest models that would captivate the market and make the buyers go “gaga” over it. So far, there are countless cellular phone models from BlackBerry, Apple, LG, and other companies.

The market differs in all parts of the world. A company may dominate in USA but not in Asia, same is true with the network service providers. Recently, there was a survey which showed a result of the Top five models in the US last year.

As you take a read, you will discover that according to Amazon.com and our reviews, sales show that the US mobile phone market is dominated by BlackBerry and no trace of Nokia could be felt.

First in the list is BlackBerry Bold 9000. What makes it a hit? It is a mobile professional and likely to be the best device on the market. This is a serious communication device catering to those who need the best of email and connectivity to their other office information in an instant. BlackBerry Bold is the best BlackBerry yet. It capitalizes on the industry-leading email and communication abilities and adds improved document handling features. While remaining enterprise centric it makes major multimedia and entertainment strides to broaden its market appeal.

Another great phone from Blackberry is their Blackberry Storm. What makes it the number 2 best seller for Americans? It is the first entry by smartphone leader BlackBerry into the world of touchscreens. BlackBerry’s claim to fame has always been its exceptional mobile email functionality and manufacturer Research In Motion (RIM) has steadfastly insisted that a physical keyboard is best suited for typing. That said, even stalwart RIM couldn’t ignore the market pressures, led by Apple’s phenomenally successful iPhone 3G, which have placed priority on a touchscreen.

The third spot is the throne of Apple iPhone 3G. This iPhone 3G isn’t necessarily blazing new territory, it is paving that territory, refining the available technologies, while placing at utmost importance the overall design of its body and interface. The reduced price tag, expanded memory and incorporated 3G technology are truly new, and are likely to represent a new direction for the industry. On another note, the iPhone 3G, like its iPhone predecessor, is taking a big chunk out of many different markets, offering a solid mix of business, entertainment and everyday use.

G1 Google Phones takes number four. The T-Mobile G1 is the first of many expected smartphones to reach the market that are based on the Google Android operating system. Before being introduced by T-Mobile, it was known as the HTC Dream. The Google Android OS is seen as having the potential to expand the capabilities of smartphones generally because of its open source orientation to third party applications. It is reasoned that because developers have free rein to show off their best and most creative work that the possibilities are limitless.

Doing well at number five is the LG Lotus. It has a unique and exceptional design that is both beautiful and functional. It is a great messaging phone that can send all types of text messages and can communicate by IM and email. It is also a great music phone that can play and store up to 12 GB of music.

Feel the American mobile phone culture, go buy one. Yes, one of the five top selling mobile phones in the United States.

With the turn of the century, the means of entertainment and relaxation have been revolutionized. Video games, PC games, and console games have grown greatly in popularity. Better gaming systems, advanced micro-chips, and video enhancement and display cards clearly indicate the improving game designs, mind blowing game ideas, and spectacular levels of detail. Casual and hardcore gamers look for games that completely mesmerize them and draw them deeper into the scenario of the game. Video gaming has become so popular that organizations have actually started offering money to video gamers.

A large number of hardware companies, software developers, and game promoters employ hardcore gamers having excellent skill in the games. These gamers are commonly referred to as Pro-gamers. Pro-gamers and even teams are employed on a contract basis to represent the employer at large gaming events and tournaments. Gamers are given a sponsorship deal and the employer pays for gaming practice sessions at cafes, provides personal computers and accessories, pays for travel and lodging expenses during tournaments and so on. Some of the common games that skilled gamers can be contracted for are Counter-Strike, Quake 3, Quake 4, Starcraft, Warcraft 3, FIFA, and so on. Gaming contests for these games are held through out the year all over the world. Mega gaming events are sponsored by multinational companies such as Intel, Pepsi, Coca Cola, and so on, and may involve cash prizes for up to $400,000 for the winners.

Another way of getting paid for video games is through video game testing. Large game developers and designers require reviews and feedback about a game before finally releasing it in the market. Game testers are experts that can provide a fair view and opinion about the quality of a game, its game play and over all storyline. Developers actually employ gamers to play their video games and assess them. Game testers are paid after they complete their contract.

In today’s world, playing video games has become a viable career option.