tips4you

Do you think that your choice in tips is the right choice or simply politically correct? What I mean by politically correct is, is your choice in tips controlled by the opinion of your peers or some professional player that you know, or is it based on fact? By the end of this article you should be able to answer this question for youself.

## What are the differences in pool cue tips? ##

As you probably already know, you have everything from very soft singlepiece animal skin tips from various types of animals (elk, cow, water buffalo and cape buffalo) to very hard single piece animal skins. There is also the laminated tips ranging anywhere from three to fifteen layers. The laminated tips also range from soft to extremely hard using various animal skins and tannages. The end result is a myriad of confusing choices. I would like to unmuddy the water for you somewhat. All of these variables can impact power, accuracy, and your sight picture.

First let's assume that you already know that the shape or radius of the tip is of utmost importance and must be maintained at all times during gameplay. That very important shape that I just mentioned is the radius of a dime (roughly) or a "0.375" radius. In other words, hold a dime edgewise up to your tip and look over the top... If it does not match the shape or radius of a dime on the top of your tip, you've already got a problem.

When the ball is struck by the tip, the portion of the tip that takes the force is no more than an eighth of an inch offcenter in all directions. This is true regardless of whether you've struck the cue ball a sixteenth off center, or a full tip off center. What this radius does is generate the force, regardless of where it is struck, to the center of the tip and down through the center of your cue. Soft tips create more distortion than harder tips. In otherwords, a larger area of the tip makes contact and wraps around the cue ball in the case of a soft tip.

This may give you more tip confidence, particularily if you're a beginner, because you will miscue less, despite having a sloppy stroke; but, the price you will pay is less power and a whole lot more deflection of the cue ball, because you have moved all of the tip to one side of the cue ball with virtually no penetration. On the other hand, a hard tip will focus the energy in a much smaller area at impact and will give you a higher degree of penetration. When I speak of penetration, I mean the force being directed to the cue ball by virtue of the direction the cue is being swung or pointed and that force penetrates the cue ball in the direction that the shaft or cue is being driven. As an added bonus, a harder tip lasts longer.

## What about miscueing with hard cue tips? ##

The simple fact of the matter is, that the small, glasslike particles of chalk, which cause the friction, are held higher up on the surface on a hard tip so that they will penetrate deeper into the surface of the cueball at impact. A soft tip allows more particles to come into contact because of it's increased tip surface at impact; however, though there be more particles in contact with the cue ball, it does not penetrate the cue ball as deeply and therefore creates less friction per particle. Bottomline: You have the choice of either more particles penetrating less or fewer particles penetrating more... The net total friction is about a trade-off. Whether the tip you choose is one single piece of hide or laminated multipe pieces of hide, the key issue is the more penetration means more accuracy, more power, and tremendously less cue ball deflection and negative effects on your sight picture. As a side note: You've probably noticed, if you've played much, that a tip plays its best just before it has to be changed. This is because it has been pounded enough through constant play to make the tip more dense (harder in all areas).

## What does Meucci Originals do with this information? ##

After testing every tip on the market, and measuring it's resultant power and deflection variation, we have found that a hard tip with even harder outside edges around the circumference will perform the best. Harder outside edges so that the energy is directed into the cue will be focused more towards the center of the shaft, while at the same time keeping the outside walls of the tip from breaking down. There is only two ways to get this result: 1. A hard water buffalo tip. or 2. To compress the tip of your choice as hard as you can, then shape to a dime radius and then pound the outside edges to further harden the circumference and reshape that area to be once again a dime radius.

We take both the latter and former choice at Meucci Originals with the well-known Le Professional tips or hard water buffalo tips. I hope I haven't caused you even more confusion. I think the choice should now be simple: your choice should be made according to knowledge and experience instead of the fashion of the day.

Bob Meucci is the owner of a pool cue manufacturing company. More information (including pricing on tips) can be found at Budget Billiards cue tips page.

Horse racing handicapping is a thoughtful process filled with comparisons. But betting on horses may not be the same thoughtful process. People bet on horses for all kinds of reasons, the least of which are tips. Free tips are usually worth exactly what you pay for them. There are no shortage of tips floating through the air on any given day at any given race track.

As I recently walked through the grandstand and stood by the saddling ring I overheard one person telling how he had gotten a call from a relative in New York with a tip on the race we were about to watch. This seemed interesting since the race was in Florida. The tip turned out to be a stinker and the horse is still probably running.

But while I was craning my head to get my ear closer to the tip giver, I also saw a jockey very cleverly hold up three fingers as he adjusted his chin strap. The gesture was addressed to the couple standing to my left and probably wasn't noticed by anyone but me and them. I had no clear cut picture of how the race would shape up and feeling adventurous, I placed a whole $2 bet on the nose of the 3.

The race was exciting and the 3 mounted a furious come from behind charge down the stretch and did indeed win the race, paying $27 for my measly $2 investment. You are probably thinking, "If only he'd bet a $100!" I have to admit, I thought the same thing, briefly, but life around the track has taught me a few things and one of them is that tips, even tips from jockeys, usually don't pay off.

The trouble with tips is that they are usually only about one horse and there are other horses in the race. As good as the horse may appear to the trainer, exercise rider, jockey, groom, stable cat or wherever the tip comes from, that is still only information about one runner. You need to know about all the runners. My tip is to stick with a good system and only bet a tip when you are looking for some adventure in life, though, let's face it, using a good system and making a profit from horse racing is quite an adventure in itself.

Another tip is not to make any large bets on tips. Consider the motive of the person who is giving the tip and where he or she got the information. For instance, suppose you have a horse that is going to be the favorite in a race and you want to bet on it and make some money, but the problem is that the odds are going to be quite low so your investment won't pay very well. What is the best way to get the odds up on your horse? You guessed it, start circulating tips about the other horses in the race.

I've been around horse racing most of my life and have met some fine people on the backstretch. Most people who are involved in horse racing like most people you meet anywhere are decent hardworking folks, but just as in any area in life there are a few characters who try to get an edge. The same can be true of Wall Street or any other place where money changes hands.

So take every tip with a grain of salt and bet lightly. It may be worth $2 just for the adventure and the fun of telling the story, like my $27 winner and the three fingers.

The most consistent horse racing systems have to have the basics and a handicapper must understand the basics. I have been around horse racing for 50 years including as an owner. Without the basics the rest is not going to do any good. If you want to learn how a horse owner and insider handicaps just go to True handicapping and get the truth.

Bill Peterson is a former horse race owner and professional handicapper. He comes from a horse race handicapping family and as he puts it, "Horse Racing is in my blood." To see all Bill's horse racing material go to Bill's handicapping store.

To gamble is to risk but there are options to help cut back the risk.

Set your limit

First and foremost important is to remember, gambling is for fun! Do not gamble if you cannot afford to lose. Have a specific amount set aside for gambling and stick to it. Don't borrow money to gamble and don't ever go past your set limit.

Take Frequent breaks.

Don't attempt to play at a casino if you are under stress, depressed or troubled in any way. All distractions can cause you to lose your concentration and obviously result in losses you may not incur otherwise. Bright lights and loud noises are created to the casinos benefit. If you are gambling online, ensure that you are not going to be distracted and if you are, stop play until another time.

Slots Tips

Tip #1. Always play the max coin amount on progressive slots. It is best to play max regardless of whether the slot is progressive or not but how painful would it be to hit a jackpot on less than max bet?

Tip #2. Know the payout schedule before sitting down at a slot machine. Just like in poker, knowledge of the odds and payouts is crucial to developing a good strategy.

Tip #3. If you are not having luck at a particular machine, then move on to another one. Don't play it all night, hoping for it to finally pay off.

Tip #4. Always ensure your bet registers in the machine prior to pulling the bar or hitting spin, you will not be given the max coin winnings if the machine doesn't record a max coin bet being placed.

Tip #5. Never leave your machine until you are done playing. There is no worse feeling that someone taking the machine you were playing at because you went for a drink or to use the restroom. Make sure you take care of personal business prior to choosing your slot. There are waitresses for drinks.

Blackjack Tips

Tip #1 The most obvious is to ensure you know the rules of blackjack. It is always a good idea to have a strategy when you play blackjack. All winning systems are based on a basic strategy which consists of statistically speaking, there exists only one best action a player can take for each of the possible hands he can receive versus each possible upcard the dealer may have.

Tip #2 Learn about the house rules of each casino, the better the house rules, the more money you can expect to win in the long run. And yes, house rules do vary between casinos.

Tip #3 Learn the proper way to use your bankroll. There are statistically proven methods to keep control of your balance and the amount of bet you should place based on your total bankroll.

Tip #4Never drink alcohol when you are playing and always leave the game once you start to feel fatigued. You may start to make mistakes that you won't even notice.

Poker Tips

Tip #1 The best tip for poker playing is to read up on the game play, the variants of the game and ensure you know the rules of the game.

Tip #2 When you first start, it is a good idea to sit out and watch the other players prior to starting your game. Watch how they bet and how much they bet.

Tip #3 As you advance as a player, learn how to bluff. You must know the game well and bluff only when you feel secure that the other players will not call your bluff.

Tip #4 It is also a good idea to try to play against less skillfull opponents. Obviously, you will have a better chance at the game if you have more knowledge and experience.

Tip #5 Most important is what many of us have heard before, "Know when to hold 'em and when to fold "em". Mistakes are made quite often in poker when players want to stick it out with hands that have no value. That is a guaranteed loss. And stick with the no alcohol while playing rule.

Video Poker Tips

Tip #1 Just as with poker, you must know the game of video poker. There is a wide variant of video poker games, with each having a different set of winning card combinations. It is a good idea to pay attention to whether or not a machine uses one 52-deck of cards or more than one. The more cards there are, the less likely the player will win.

Tip #2 There is no such thing as a loose or tight video poker machine. They do not operate on reels like a slot machine, each card has an equal chance of showing up on any hand.

Tip #3 Always play the maximum number of credits allowed on progressive video poker, if you hit a royal flush, you will want that jackpot.

Tip #4 Until you are a master player, play at the lowest coin denomination amount possible. This will give you more cash to play on and learn as you go.

Tip #5 It can be very helpful to play a handheld video poker game (like you can get at any store with board games), this will also give you experience and a good knowledge of how the games will play.

The most important of all with all games- HAVE FUN!

Source: http://www.cash2c.com

The GuyGetsGirl dating guide is full of first date tips. First date tips such as ALWAYS look your best. I know this sounds REALLY obvious but you'd be surprised by how many men don't follow first date tips and don't understand the importance of this simple tip. You never know when the girl of your dreams will turn up, or where. And it's become a bit of a cliché because it's true -- first impressions really do count so you should pay close attention to the first date tips offered here and in the GuyGetsGirl guide.

Here are some first date tips figures to consider from my studies.

First date tips...If you make a GOOD first impression on a woman, you have a 90% chance of EVER getting with her at that point (10% of women for whatever reason will be unreachable for most men at ANY point - she might like women herself etc).

First date tips...If you make a BAD first impression your chances with her reduce drastically to just 20%. This means that to make her attracted to you AFTER the first 3 minutes of meeting her will be incredibly difficult if her first impressions of you were bad.

It's the difference between climbing a mountain and using a helicopter to fly up one. Good first impressions means you're on your way to the top in the helicopter, bad first impressions means you have a difficult climb to success - no helicopters for you.

Honestly, I can't stress this enough - (very important first date tips) always try to look your best.

5 S's of first date tips for first impressions.

First date tips - Shave. Shower. Stylish. Smell. Shoes.

Remember these 5 S's first date tips and always take care of them before you go out.

Why are shoes my number 5 S of my first date tips top 5?

Your shoes are the FIRST thing a woman really notices about your clothing and hence your appearance. A first date tips tip is for you to make sure your shoes are clean and fashionable.

First Date Tips...A very important first date tips tip is that you should be careful what you wear because what you wear is very important. For first date tips I could try to recommend a certain look but as with all things fashionable by the time you read this it may have changed.

First Date Tips...Get the latest GQ magazine or other fashionable men's magazine's (they have great clothing first date tips) and imitate the styles you see there -- most women don't really care what labels you are wearing as long as you look good so you don't have to spend the Earth on clothing.

First Date Tips...Many guys who read the first date tips in the first date tips guide I help dress better usually comment on how strange they feel wearing clothes they are uncomfortable in, but nine times out of 10 they start to feel natural and even confident wearing their new wardrobe within days.

First Date Tips...Make sure you smell good. Again this is extremely important. Remember how you feel when a woman walks by you and she smells soooo good - you feel an instant attraction even though you don't know her - well, that's how women feel too.

First Date Tips...Wear a good-quality cologne, but don't spray too much.

First Date Tips...One squirt on both sides of the neck, and one squirt on both wrists -- maximum. You don't want to smell too overpowering.

First Date Tips...I recommend cool water by Davidoff or John Paul Gautier for Men (often called JPG love juice because women love it) if they don't sell it where you are try to order some from abroad, this stuff is GREAT!

And here's a GREAT little SECRET that I have found will help you actually pickup about 24% of women without SAYING a word to them! Not a single word! And NO rejection either. You won't find this anywhere else either. What you need to do is...

To read reviews about the top selling and most effective dating services on the web go to datingservicesreviewed.wordpress.com

For many travelers, one of the central sources of angst and confusion is how to tip in a manner that is neither miserly, nor extravagant. Travelers run into far more situations where tipping is a concern than they would in their everyday life at home. And it's made more uncomfortable due to the fact that when visiting abroad, the customs are foreign and easily misunderstood. Taxi drivers, porters, valets, waiters, and barbers/hairstylists are just some of the people you will encounter who will provide you with a service, and may or may not expect or require a gratuity.

The first key to understanding tipping is realizing the situation at hand. Starting with restaurants, the general rule is between 10-20% of the bill before taxes. Some people choose to tip extra if they feel the service is outstanding, while many will leave a small tip or not tip at all if they feel the service is terrible. However, not leaving a tip because the service did not meet expectations can often lead to a confrontation. It is often better to leave some kind of a tip; but be sure address the situation with the manager. It is also vital to know the local customs when it comes to tipping. In America, tipping is expected, and we are known to be some of the most generous tippers around. Many people in the service industry depend on tips to supplement their wages, which are often set artificially low in expectation of the tips they will receive. The key thing to remember is that tipping is a personal decision, but it affects others. So the idea of treating others as you would want to be treated clearly resonates. Be wary of restaurants that add a tip to the bill automatically: no one should pay two tips for the same meal.

In Europe, workers in the service industries are generally paid higher wages than in America, and therefore tipping is not always customary. When people do tip they generally tip less than in the states. However, it varies from country to country. Central European countries like Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Holland tip between 5-10% as a common practice, although it is not always required to tip. Countries like Spain and Italy are not advocates of tipping. In France and the Scandinavian countries, a service charge is included in the bill, while Ireland and the U.K. generally adhere to an optional tipping policy. When traveling in Europe, unless you are in Spain or Italy, it is generally a good idea to leave a tip close to 10% unless the charge is included, or the service was not satisfactory.

Traveling in Asia is often a culture shock, and this is magnified when it comes to tipping. While most of the globe follows the thinking that gratuities are required, or at the very least expected, many countries in Asia strictly forbid it, and many service workers will be offended if you attempt to tip them. Tipping is not the custom in India, China, Korea, Taiwan, and especially Japan. Likewise, in Australia and New Zealand, tipping has not historically been a custom and it is not expected, although the practice is growing, and has become especially common in the tourist areas.

Other parts of the globe also have some guidelines for tipping. Canada is very similar to the U.S., as is Mexico. The key thing to keep in mind when traveling is to be respectful of the customs in the country you are visiting. It is also better to lean towards generosity rather than stinginess when in doubt. Also, keep in mind that many restaurants and hotels add on a charge for gratuity, so carefully inspect the bill before leaving a tip. Furthermore, if you are traveling on business it is especially important that you represent yourself well. Always be sure to tip well when it is called for, and give your client the impression that you are interested in seeing others succeed. Tipping is definitely a touchy subject for many, but if you can master it, then you will enjoy yourself far more, and also ensure the happiness of those around you.

News and information about travels, hotels, flights, car rentals.

[http://hotelbookingpro.blogspot.com]

[http://hotelbookingpro.blogspot.com/2007/07/travelers-tips-on-tipping.html]

Note: This information is not official. It is merely to serve as an example of what to expect when traveling in the United States.

Restaurants

Restaurants with table service: In the U.S., tips are expected in restaurants. As a general rule of thumb, people tip based on the quality of service. A 15% tip is standard. If you receive exceptional service, it is customary to it between 15-20%. For large parties of 6 or more, it is common for the restaurant to automatically add 15-18% to the bill. If you're with a large party, be sure to check your bill for "gratuity" to see if it was already included. If you received exceptional service, you can request to add more to the gratuity. And, of course, if you did not receive adequate service, you should inform the management before paying your bill and have the gratuity adjusted.

In most states, a meals tax is applied to the bill and is clearly indicated as such on the bill or check. In those states where the meals tax is 5% (Massachusetts as an example) or 6% it is simple to calculate by rounding the tax up or down to the nearest dollar and then multiplying by three.

Buffet restaurants: At buffet restaurants with limited table service, a tip of 10-15% of the bill is still recommended because the servers typically work harder keeping the buffet line stocked and clean. As a rule of thumb, the minimum tip should be $1 per person. As always, if you feel you have not been well-served, adjust the gratuity down, or add to the gratuity for exceptional service.

Fast food or counter service: Restaurants often leave tip jars on the counters, but you are not required to tip. If the service is exemplary or unusual requests are made, then they are expected.

Hotels

Housekeeping and maid service: For hotel housekeeping and maid service, it is customary to tip $2-3 per night. It is customary to tip up to $5 in high-end hotels, or f there are more than 3 people in a room or suite. Leave them on your pillow with a note that says "thank you" so housekeeping knows the money is intended for them. If you have additional items delivered to your room, such as extra pillows, hangers, luggage racks, tip the person who brings them $2 or $3.

Concierge: If you inquire with the concierge about directions or restaurant reservations, tipping is not expected. However, for any special individual or unusual service, a tip is appreciated.

In-suite dining waiter: Always read the bill, if there is one included, it will be on the bill breakdown. Inquire with the server if you're not sure. It is no longer the norm for the hotel to add the gratuity to the bill. Any "service charge" or "convenience fee" goes to the hotel, not the server. If there is no gratuity added, tip the server 15-18%.

Bellman/porter: If the bellman or porter takes your luggage to your hotel room, it is customary to tip $1-2 per bag.

Taxi driver: It is customary to tip between 10-15% of the taxi fare, based on service.

Hotel limo driver: If your ride from the airport was "free," it is customary to tip the limo driver between $10-20.

Drink server: While in a casino or bar, it is customary to tip the drink server $1-2 per drink. Some tip $5 for the first drink to make sure the waitress "remembers" them and returns often.

Valet Parkers: For valet parking, it is customary to tip $2-5 when they pick up your car.

Casinos

Casino dealers: While seated at a table game in a casino, it is customary to tip the dealer 5% of bet amount at end of session, or occasionally bet for dealer in amount of your normal wager (the dealer can show you where to place bet).

Slot machines host: If they make a hand payout (over $1,000), slot machine hosts are generally paid between $10-20.

Drink server: While in a casino or bar, it is customary to tip the drink server $1-2 per drink. Some tip $5 for the first drink to make sure the waitress "remembers" them and returns often.

Spas

Massage therapist: For a massage or other treatment, it is customary to tip between 10-20%. Some spas will include a gratuity on your final bill, so be sure to ask if it was included. Most spas will provide you with an envelope to leave at the reception desk for the person who gave you your treatment. Also, if you wish to leave a small gratuity of $2-5 for the spa attendant who showed you around the spa and got you situated, it is well appreciated.

Hairdresser or manicurist: For a hairdresser, manicurist, or like service, it is customary to tip between 10-20%.

Hilary Basile is a writer for http://www.myguidesusa.com. At MyGuidesUSA.com, you will find valuable tips and resources for handling life's major events. Whether you're planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you'll find answers to your questions at http://myguidesusa.com

StateGuidesUSA.com, part of the MyGuidesUSA.com network of sites, provides comprehensive information for those living, working and traveling in the United States via 50 individual state portals. Find state information at http://stateguidesusa.com

Tipping, the practice of giving someone extra money for service, has existed for centuries. We tip for various reasons: good service in the future, super service, and unusual service, like a singing waiter. You may have tipped someone because they were funny.

But most of us tip to compensate for low wages. Tipping has gotten confusing in the last few years. The question is, "Why?"

There are more people to tip. According to a "Forbes" article on the MSNBC Web site, we used to be looked after by a few service people. Today we are looked after by many. "Now there are pool attendants and ski concierges, personal shoppers and fitness coaches, not to mention butlers galore," according to the site.

Tipping rates vary. As the howstuffworks Web site explains, the practice "varies not only from country to country but from city to city." You know this if you're a frequent traveler. Tipping rates have increased almost everywhere. Daryn Eller, in his "Guide to Tipping" published the "Oprah Magazine" Web site, describes the change.

"If it seems as if you have to shell out tips left and right, that's because you do," says Eller.

Tipping has gotten complex. So complex the state of California, Division of Labor Standards and Enforcement, has established guidelines for it. The state Web site answers questions about tipping, employees' rights, and guidelines for protecting them.

One guideline: Employees should receive a credit card tip "not later than the next regular payday following the date the patron authorized the credit card payment." Under California law employers may not deduct tips from paychecks and may not use an employee's tips as minimum wage credit.

The tip you give depends on the service you get. Luxury service (cruise ship, five-star hotel, posh resort) requires larger tips. It can be confusing. To avoid confusion the Holland America Line adds a $10 per day tip to each passenger's bill. One third of this amount goes to cabin stewards, one third goes to food workers, and one third goes to behind-the-scenes employees.

How much should you tip? Here are some guidelines for the US. Consult your travel agent and travel guides for tipping rates in other countries.

Doorman -- $2 for hailing a cab

Bellhop -- $2 per bag (more if your bags are large and heavy)

Chambermaid -- $2 to $4 a day

Room Service -- $10% to 15% (unless it's included in your bill)

Coat check -- $1 per coat

Server -- 18% - 20%

Bartender -- 15% to 20%

Concierge -- $5 to $10

Taxi driver -- 15% to 20%

Airport shuttle driver -- $1 to $2 per bag

Hair stylist -- 15% - 20%

Postal worker -- $20 at holiday time

Pizza delivery -- $2 to $5

Newspaper delivery -- $15 to $25 at holiday time

Garbage collection -- $15 to $25 at holiday time

Part-time cleaning lady -- One day's wages (or more) at holiday time

When you give someone a monetary tip please take a moment to give them a verbal "tip." Your brief comment, such as "Thanks for your excellent service. I'll ask for you next time," will give them a smile that lasts for days.

http://www.harriethodgson.com

Harriet Hodgson has been a freelance nonfiction writer for 28 years. She is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists and the Association for Death Education and Counseling. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from http://www.amazon.com A five-star review of the book is posted on Amazon. You will find other reviews on the American Hospice Foundation Web site (School Corner heading) and the Health Ministries Association Web site.

Copyright 2007 by Harriet Hodgson