Samsung F210 - a Noble Model

December 17th, 2008
nobles games
Raina Kelsey asked:


The latest entrant from Samsung is a handset with simply outstanding features and fascinating design options that has successfully created a lot of hype in the market. The new F210 handset has a range of user friendly features that provide full satisfaction to users. The list of user friendly features includes a music player along with a digital camera. This model handset from Samsung comes with a narrow and slim shaped casing of comfortable measurement which really makes it fit into the hands of the user quite easily. The user will find it easy in handling the 88 x 31 x 20mm handset from Samsung.

The handset has a screen resolution of 128 x 220 pixels, which is much better than any of the competing models in the market. By being capable of providing up to 262k colors on the 1.4 inch screen, the handset assures a visual experience different from its competitors. The slim and compact Samsung F210 phone

has a digital camera that makes photography an easy task. Taking a snap with the 2 megapixel digital camera is not a tough task; instead it becomes comfortable and easy. Saving, sharing and sending the photos from one handset to the other are also quick and hassle-free.

The presence of a built-in music player makes the mobile phone an interesting choice for the music loving users. Thanks to the advanced musical features, users are able to play songs in MP3, AAC, eAAC+ and WMA music formats. The presence of 3D sound provides high quality audio to the music. The mobile gaming experience provided by the handset is simply stunning. No explanation is now needed on why there is a heavy demand for this handset among the game loving users. The Samsung F210 handset also includes SMS and multimedia messaging services that help the users in connecting with friends, colleagues and family members. Other useful features in the handset include a calculator and calendar.



Cynthia

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College Football Homecoming Traditions – a Celebration of Losing

December 13th, 2008
nobles games
Matthew Mulligan asked:


Now that autumn leaves are blowing in through the patio door and being tracked into the dining room by the dog, our storied institutions of higher learning have begun the time honored process of educating our young people in the arts, sciences, humanities and professional fields. It is noble work. Included in the curriculum is the act of gathering half a dozen young people each fall who are willing to remove most articles of clothing and paint themselves in the school colors to lead a parade though campus. These and other alcohol induced undignified traditions have become the American Homecoming legacy.

It is surprising that none of these institutions have dedicated resources or brain power to better understand the allure of our Homecoming traditions. But maybe these things really are too simple to fully understand. The dignity that most universities present to the world is underpinned by the creation of an excuse – for a weekend anyway – for getting together with other alums to drink and reminisce about how things were better when they were students.

Homecoming is a uniquely American tradition of inviting parents and alumni to campus for a celebration highlighted by a football game. Ostensibly, these institutions say they want to connect alumni and friends with the student body. While this is fine with the alumni, the schools really want to connect alumni and friends to the Development Office.

Some alumni, though, really do want to ‘connect’ with the student body. This is where it gets interesting. Opportunities to make these connections are readily provided. Parades, rallies, dances and the ample ‘tailgate’ parties allow young and pretty college coeds to mingle freely with male alumni who weren’t quite ready to graduate and are kicking themselves for getting that thesis in on time. And that was ten years ago. Homecoming provides alums with a reason to take part in the festivities and contribute a few bucks to the school. This ensures they are invited back the following year to oogle the cheerleaders and watch the sorority parade while decked out in school sweatshirts and Rolex watches.

To keep up appearances, some Universities have attempted to make Homecoming serious. What a waste of effort! Socializing is the one thing most of us took from our college experience that we really enjoyed. The unfortunate among us then got jobs. We gaze longingly back at the days where the biggest concern was making the beer money hold out without getting a job and getting the seat next to Nikki from the dorm in Accounting 101.

Social gatherings are the staple events of Homecoming, although to keep a good face on things, some schools offer open lectures, symposia, and other things that are rolled out to prop up the illusion of a higher purpose. Then of course there is the football game.

What does a losing school do to celebrate its homecoming? It is an interesting study. Losing schools try to deflect attention from the football program, or, at least they should. Others, such as (then) 2-2 Colorado, declared its home game with #3 Oklahoma as its homecoming game. With a roll of the dice, the Buffalos hung themselves out to all their alumni as well as a sizeable television audience against mighty Oklahoma. There wasn’t any hiding from this one. If the Buffaloes went down, they were to be the laughing stock. If the Buckalo kicker could whack one through from 45 yards with no time left, the Gold and Black were in fact golden.

At last report, the Sooners were spending some time in quiet reflection wondering what hit ‘em. Some years ago, Ralphie the 2,000 pound Buffalo mascot got loose on her pregame run around the field and headed for the Oklahoma bench. Handlers got her back under control, but not before several OU players had to return to the locker room for fresh pants and socks. Even fresh uniforms couldn’t save the Sooners drive for a top BCS spot this year as the Buffs knocked ‘em off 27-24. One has to admire the schools that roll out their toughest home games for Homecoming. Most of the time, this strategy results in a humiliating train wreck.

In honor of American Homecoming traditions, here is a look at how some of the leading and losing football programs are handling Homecoming or have attempted to handle it in years past.

Iowa State – Ames, Iowa residents were treated to this year’s theme “Catch the Cyclone Craze.” Events included a scavenger hunt where participants didn’t know quite what they are looking for, being originally instructed only to find the ‘object’ and that other clues would follow. This exercise is very similar to the situation surrounding the Cyclone running game. Everyone knows the ‘object’ is the football, but still, no one can find it and some of the players have no idea what it looks like.

The Homecoming edition of the ISU Alumni mag included an article on Iowa Wineries, but after this season, it may include one about Iowa Whineries. Purchase of a $2.00 homecoming pin and a red sweatshirt worn to the “Wear Red to Get Fed” event – got the underfed students free admission to a cookout featuring all-you-can-eat pork burgers. Any game the Cyclones picked for Homecoming was going to be a touch one, so it really didn’t matter who showed up.

Army – At least these guys can have a damned real parade – complete with people who know something about marching and a band that can play. And everyone considers it an honor to be in the thing. You can also be sure the cadets won’t be wheeling a keg of beer in a shopping cart behind the band. (They are much more creative about hiding it.) The Corps of Cadets scheduled in Tulane this year for what was at least an entertaining game - a 20-17 victory for Army.

Syracuse – Events included the “Orange Friendzy” offering free Dreamcicles and a seminar on crime scene investigation. The ones giving this seminar will be looking at how the Orange managed its only road win against then #18 Louisville. The Orange Homecoming date was October 14 vs. Rutgers. If the Orange team that plucked the Louisville Cardinals had shown up for this one, it would have been interesting. However, the Orange sent out the team that lost its lunch in Iowa City (a 35-0 loss to the Hawkeyes.) Homecoming day will go down as the “Orange Endzy” as this season can’t end soon enough.

Utah State – The Aggie Admin types declared its 9/22 date against San Jose St. as its Homecoming Game. Something called a Paint Dance was to be held. This was either a deeply meaningful tradition or an event designed to show off young tuition-paying students soaked in non natural pigments. We will hope it is the former (or maybe not). There was also a run walk or roll event – which was interesting the morning after trying to get a drink in Utah. Most participants showed up dazed and sober. The school provided Aggie treats and a True Aggie night – although what those events actually were remains a mystery.

San Jose State – In an effort to set itself apart, San Jose State put a heavy academic focus on this year’s festivities – highlighted by a banned book discussion and debate. This might explain what happened to the playbooks. San Jose State is currently 3-5 claiming wins over Utah State, Cal Davis and the Idaho Vandals. SJ State at least had the sense to set up its homecoming game against Idaho.

North Carolina – The NoCareOlina web site only listed Homecoming events from 2006 – including something called Victory Village. It is a lonely place this year as the Blue Tar Heelers up to last week, had a whopping two victories - one over powerhouse James Madison U and a stunning upset of Miami. So the Victory Village is littered with losses to schools no one has ever heard of and one win over a school no one has ever heard of, and one over a team from football’s top tier. Go Figure.

NC State – NCStaters arranged a ‘Pack Howl’ and pep rally for this Homeconing season. One suspects that the Pack Howl was preceded by a billion sponsored tailgate parties and tents. The universal allure of the Delta Zeta tent overrides the Wolfpack’s dismal performance on the field. And this invites the question whether the over inebriated alums are set to howl at the football record or at the DZ Sorority float.

Duke – In a true harmonic convergence of alcohol related events, the 2006 celebration combined Homecoming with Oktoberfest. If the Germans can make beer and dance after drinking, Duke should hire some of ‘em to build a football program. Right now, Duke has one win under their belts – which is a significant improvement over last year. Other special events include hospital tours – presumably the one where they take the Duke players after the Florida State game.

New Mexico State – The school invested a great deal of brain power in their Homecoming. Included in the schedule was a Beans, Burritos and Beer alumni event. This was to be followed by a bonfire. At least these two events weren’t scheduled too closely together or campus would look like the Trinity site a few miles north. Reba also performes this year, but on the stage and not on the field. The Aggies looked into whether or not she had any eligibility left as they were going to throw her in at cornerback.

Notre Dame? – No listing of late for any Homecoming events. Perhaps the Irish don’t celebrate it. That would be understandable this year. Most of the campus is still in the deep depression that occurs when devoted fans face up to a solidly losing season. It is tough to celebrate when you are 0-8. Well at least the Irish haven’t sunk quite to that level this year but they can see 0-8 from where they are. If you included losses from last year, the Irish went 8 straight without a win before going to the Rose Bowl and waking up the UCLA Bruins. Even this win isn’t causing many Irish fans to want to hang out in the stadium parking lot. They’ll stay inside to drink their beer or go to Disneyland.

Idaho – You know when your team plays on the road and the host schools schedule you for their Homecoming, your team is a dog. But what does Idaho do for their own Homecoming? The Idaho Vandals boast a Homecoming theme called “Living the Legacy.” It is curious why a legacy of Vandalism is something to celebrate. Idaho managed a win over Cal Poly this year.. that is it. These on-field distasters don’t pull more bucks from the alumni, so the UI folks are gonna have to do something special… like pull out a win.

For more wit and wisdom, please visit the web page dedicated to the celebration of losing football: http://firstworst.com



Howard

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Fun Educational Classroom Games

December 13th, 2008
nobles games
Malcolm Blake asked:


Children do not go to school to learn games, but a game may help them to some valuable acquirement. The occasional introduction of such exercises as are suggested here will relieve the monotony of the schoolroom, will rest the pupils, brighten their wits, concentrate their attention, and give them a fresh impetus for more serious work.

The games can be used sometimes in opening exercises, or for ” busy work ” between recitations, or occasionally in place of a recess. In district schools where children living far from the school bring their lunches, these plays will make the noon-hour pass quickly and pleasantly.

Geography and History Helps.

Capping Names: This game is played by each scholar in order naming some place or person, each to begin with the final letter of the one previously given. Starting with London, the next might be Newport, the next Troy, and so on.

This game may give choice of geographical names generally, or be limited to names of cities, historical characters, etc. When used as a geography exercise, it is well to have the places located; and in the history class dates and brief descriptions may be given; as, Alexander, king of Greece, fourth century B.C. ; Eaphael, one of the “old masters”, lived in Italy; Longfellow, American poet, nineteenth century; Washington, “the father of his country”.

Piece-Work: Two pupils choose sides. No. 1 names a city, county, or river previously studied by the class, about which No.1 of the opposite side must state a fact. No.2 another, and so on down the line. The head scholar who has already recited then proposes a city for the other side, which is taken in the same manner. If any one hesitates he returns to his seat. If the sentences do not hold out the length of the line, and any one below the last who recites thinks of another acceptable sentence, the intervening scholars take their seats.

If those left in line can think of nothing further, and one on the opposite side recites a fact which the entire class is supposed to know, the remainder of the line pass to their seats; but if this does not occur, a new city is given. If thought best, some scholar may sum up the facts after they have been separately given.

Alphabetical Game: The group is divided by choosing sides. The leader begins by naming a place beginning with the letter A, and then slowly counts up to ten. If some one on the opposite side during this time can give some geographical name beginning with the same letter he does so, and in turn counts ten, giving the other side a chance to name a place. This goes on back and forth until there is a failure to give a place during the counting.

The side which last gave a name is awarded a credit, and the game is begun anew with the letter B. All the letters of the alphabet are thus taken, and the side which has the largest number of credits wins.

Historical Pictures: As a review exercise in a History class pupils may be required to bring in a written description of some person or event wliich they may select, leaving the subject to be found out by the other pupils when the exercises are read. A skillful teacher may also use these pictures with good effect in bringing historical scenes vividly before her pupils.

The following are illustrations:

1. On a plain stand two armies, only waiting for the signal to commence fighting, when an old man comes between them and proposes that instead of a battle it shall be a single combat. Three men are chosen out of each army. Two of the three are killed, but the third, in feigning flight, cleverly kills his three opponents.

2. A venerable man, dressed in a costume of ancient times, holds in his hand a bowl of some liquid which he is about to drink. As he raises the bowl to his lips a smile lights up his face; but the persons gathered about him are shedding tears.

3. A man, moved by some deep feeling, is leaning upon a cross-bow, while a boy runs to him holding an apple cut in pieces as if an arrow had passed through it.

4. A glade in the forest. Natives of the land are gathered about a group of three persons; one of these kneels, his hands bound; another is in the act of throwing herself upon him ; the third has swung up above the two a heavy club, which is about to fall.

5. A king of ancient times, unable to untie a very complicated knot, cut it through with a blow of his sword. This he did that he might fulfil a certain prophecy.

6. The scene is a park, before a large and magnificent palace. Standing about it are many courtiers, and amongst them is their king. They are all looking anxiously at a noble and spirited horse, who is prancing about in the midst of the assembly, and who will not allow any one to mount him.

All at once a youth springs forward, and, taking the bridle, caresses the horse and endeavors to quiet him; then, taking off a kind of cloak which he is wearing, he springs lightly on his back, and in a little time the animal flies across the plains at the top of his speed, to the pleasure and admiration of the spectators. Then, having satisfied himself with running, he returns to the assembly, who load the youth with praise, and congratulate him on his good success.

1. The fight between the Horatii and the Curiatii.

2. Socrates drinking the fatal hemlock.

3. William Tell, after shooting the apple from his son’s head.

4. Pocahontas saving John Smith.

5. Alexander cutting the Gordian knot.

6. Alexander mounting Bucephalus.

Review: As a review exercise, let one of the pupils stand in front of the class, and the others in turn ask her questions. In case of failure, the one who has asked the last question is to exchange places with the pupil on the floor.



Claude

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Golf: Gentleman Only, Ladies Forbidden

December 11th, 2008
nobles games
Mario Churchill asked:


While golf is actually a Scottish word derived from the Dutch word kulf, the acronym of gentleman only, ladies forbidden holds true to the history of the sport. Golf is a game that was once played by nobles and military men, then executives and politicians. Now golf is very popular with many people, including women.

Golf as we know it originated in Scotland during the fourteen hundreds. The game was likely based on a Dutch stick and ball game that is somewhat like hockey. The biggest difference between the Dutch game and the Scottish game of golf was that golf is played on a field instead of ice. There is a lot of evidence that the balls the Scottish used in their golf games were obtained through trade with the Dutch.

One of the more interesting facts about golf is that the game was banned in the mid to late fourteen hundreds by the Scottish king and parliament. The military men and officers were spending more time playing golf than training in archery. To encourage his men to spend more time in training, golf and soccer were both deemed illegal sports. There are sure to be many companies and executives who wish that they could outlaw golf to keep employees in the office and off of the golf course.

As with other sports, only men played golf from the beginning. However, golf seemed to become a gentleman’s sport when it moved from Scotland to England. There, noblemen and kings often played golf starting around sixteen hundred. During the games, politics, laws, and other important matters would be discussed.

This still holds true today. Companies are merged, not in board rooms, but on the golf course. Politicians are made and broken, campaign funds are generated, and deals are made. For most politicians and executives, the golf course has become the ideal meeting place for determining the futures of demise of companies, people, and ideas. Many important events have occurred or been discussed on golf courses, including the news of the Irish rebellion in the late sixteen hundreds.

Although more women are playing golf today, the fact remains that this game is primarily a gentleman’s game. Popularity in golf as a sport in high schools and colleges has grown in the last several years. This is due to the fact that many realize the necessity of learning the sport for their future careers. Doctors, politicians, lawyers, executives, and financial managers must know how to play golf in order to meet with and win certain clients.



Elsie

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Advantages People Can Find in Poker Gambling Games

December 5th, 2008
nobles games
Doyle Brunson asked:


There are many benefits that players can get when they dedicate themselves, however briefly, to poker gambling games. There are a number of people that appreciate the game of poker, and luckily for them, there are a number of different places and ways in which to play these poker games. Not only are there physical casinos located in great numbers in and around the country, specifically located in cities such as Las Vegas, Nevada and Atlantic City in New Jersey, but there are also thousands of casinos located on the internet. The World Wide Web offers a variety of different gambling and poker gambling games for people all over the world to conveniently access.

But the benefits of poker gambling games offer online and off are not just limited to convenience. There is a great deal of money that players can win, which is probably the main allure of the game for a lot of people.

Many people believe that with the proper amount of time, they can win a great deal of money from casinos and by playing the poker gambling games. However, there is another benefit that strikes the players. This is found in their understanding and implementation of the rules and probabilities of the games. The stimulating and intellectually challenging aspects of the game will not only provide a noble source of entertainment for the player, but it will also exercise the mind of the player. These are both very positive advantages to the games casinos and poker offer.



Lance

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Sportsmanship is Not Just a Noble Idea

December 3rd, 2008
nobles games
Greg Williams asked:


Part of the reason we want our children to become involved in organized sports is so they can learn how to behave in a sportsmanlike manner. What does this mean exactly?

Sportsmanship Defined

Sportsmanship can be thought of as playing fair, showing courtesy to the other players, and displaying grace no matter what the outcome of the game is.

Playing Fair

Playing fair is something that makes sense whether you are deciding how to conduct yourself at work, in your personal life, or on the basketball court. If you are confident that you have treated the other people you are interacting with in a fair and reasonable manner, your relationships will be more harmonious. We all have enough stress in our lives as it is; why add to it by treating the people in our lives badly?

We can’t control how other people choose to behave, but we can decide how we are going to react in any given situation. When we choose to take the high road and behave in a sportsmanlike manner, we are setting the tone for the other people around us.

Showing Courtesy

Being courteous and respectful of other people is always in fashion. Public figures, including professional athletes, sometimes get known for their less-than-polite antics, both on the basketball court and off, but there are some others who impress by the fact that they can be counted on to be class act all the way.

Whether they picked up this strategy while playing or from the way they were brought up isn’t as important as the fact that they have developed this mindset. By behaving in this manner, they are more likely to be able to have positive relationships with other people. If you had to come into contact with someone in business or in your personal life, would you rather be around someone who treats other people well, or someone who tries to get what they want by bullying, belittling, or steamrolling other peopler? The person who is able to treat others uniformly well, will do well for themselves, no matter what they set out to do. They will quickly find that other people are more than willing to step up and be part of that person’s “team.”

Showing Grace

No matter how well prepared or skilled you are, there will be times when you won’t get the results you are hoping for. Each time two teams meet on the soccer field, basketball court, or hockey rink, one is going to win the game and one is going to lose. That doesn’t mean that each team didn’t try its best or that they have no business being there.

How a person handles defeat is a good indication of their character. Playing sports like basketball teaches the participants how to behave well, whether they win or lose. A good sport understands that on a different day, their team may be the one offering congratulations to the winners.



Manuel

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Question for atheists about science and reason?

December 3rd, 2008
nobles gambling
h nitrogen asked:


For the many people who say everyday how great the world would be without religion and with only reason and science :

1) Why do athletes cheat with drugs? What would science and reason do to stop that?

2) Why do people get drunk? Does it make sense to ever not have your brain functioning at 100%

3) Why do people gamble? This is not reasonable yet its a multi-billion dollar industry

4) Why do people get married? Is marriage reasonable. Shouldnt we just procreate with anyone we find attractive

5) How can science stop war? Didnt Noble invent dynamite because he thought it would.

6) Isnt it reasonable and logical to steal from the rich to give to the poor? Why not?

7) Are there any human nature problems that science or reason has ever solved?

8) If there science has made wonderful drugs to cure many things, why do people in third world contries still suffer with curable diseases? Is this reasonable?

My point - Science and reason can only accomplish but so much in this world

Arlene

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Posted in Religion & Spirituality | 36 Comments »

How To Self-Publish Your Poker Or Gaming Book

November 24th, 2008
nobles games
Brian Konradt asked:


Everyone thinks it is so easy to write a book. With so many people writing books these days, it is amazing there are enough people still buying books. In today’s world, if you have any amazing life experience, suddenly publishers want you to write a book about it. If it sells, then your experience was interesting enough to stimulate interest from a large audience; and if not, no one really cared.

This is why poker books fly off the shelves. Many people have life experiences playing poker. Many people want to read about these poker-playing scenarios, including the players involved. There will come a time when the reading public will demand more from its poker writers than in past years. After all, there is only so many ways you can cover the same game repeatedly when you are analyzing your own poker hands and games. This is where you come in.

As a writer, you can keep things in perspective. There will come a time when the poker players who write will run out of things to say if they are only covering their own play and games. Writers who are writers first and players second will have the opportunity to shine.

If you have a lot of talent writing about poker and gaming, you can launch your own online e-book store. If you choose to build a website and place your e-books on the website for sale, you will be branching into a new area of business you may not want to explore yet. While it can be profitable to run your own online e-book store, you may prefer to write e-books for clients.

Clients often hire ghostwriters to pen e-books to sell at their websites. Poker players and poker hobbyists who want to read about everything about poker will purchase these books online for a fee. The ClickBank.com marketplace, which sells gambling and gaming e-books penned by ghostwriters, is a good example of this.

SELF-PUBLISHING FOR SUCCESS

Many writers who are not brand names in the poker industry choose to self-publish their books and can still easily get their books sold at major bookstores, online and offline, like Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. Many writers choose to self-publish their books in digital format only because the process is quicker and less of a hassle.

Self-publishing has many advantages:

1. You don’t need a literary agent.

2. There is no submission or rejection process.

3. You own the rights to your material.

4. Whatever money you make, you keep.

5. Royalties are much higher if you choose a print-on-demand publisher.

6. The publishing and distribution process is a lot faster. For instance, if you use LuLu.com, you can make your book available in less than a day.

The disadvantage: you are responsible for marketing your book and generating sales. This may be a disadvantage or an advantage for you. For me, I enjoy self-publishing because it gives me control and creative freedom over every aspect of my book, including generating sales. I find self-publishing exciting.

If you are going to self-publish, decide if you will publish your book in digital format or in paperback (plus digital format). I recommend you first publish your book in digital format to test your book in the marketplace. Most writers use LuLu.com, a digital publisher, because of the low cost, quick turnaround, and your book will appear in its marketplace. When you feel it is time to publish your book in paperback, then go with a print-on-demand publisher. Many writers use BookSurge.com (owned by Amazon) so their books appear in Amazon as well as other major book stores.

Other self-publishing outlets include:

1) Clickbank.com. Many self-publishers use Clickbank.com as a sales outlet to generate a steady stream of sales for their book. Clickbank has one of the largest audiences of affiliates who are ready to sell your book for a commission. You will need to create your own website and sales page (also known as a “landing page”) for your book and then sign up with Clickbank to use their ordering system.

2) LightningSource.com can make your book in digital format and paperback format. Once you submit your book for publication, anyone can order your title, as a print-on-demand or as an ebook. Many popular online book stores (especially ebook stores) order from LightningSource.

3) AuthorHouse.com

4) BookSurge.com

If you decide not to self-publish yourself, try a reputable e-book publisher to handle everything for you, including marketing. Many e-book publishers will consider poker-related material. If the e-book publisher decides to publish your ebook, they may also offer to place the book in trade paperback. The publisher will offer more royalties and sometimes a higher advance.

BOOK WRITING SUCCESS

If you choose to write your own books and e-books, then follow these tips:

TIP # 1: Know your market and know where you can gain the most readership.

TIP # 2: Remember, non-fiction sells in poker. Don’t try to re-invent the wheel because it won’t work.

TIP # 3: Have your manuscript ready before you approach a publisher for electronic submissions or for trade submissions.

TIP # 4: As you are writing your manuscript, begin searching for markets where you will want to submit your work.

TIP # 5: Buy a Writer’s Market book so you can read over the markets and decide the best market for your manuscript.

TIP # 6: Avoid work-for-hire contracts from publishers. Sure, what publisher wouldn’t prefer to pay an up-front fee to a writer in lieu of royalties? Go for the royalties and take a chance on your own talents.

TIP # 7: Know your poker.

If you want to attract your poker-reading audience, writing books about strategies and systems can sell if it is based on a mathematical advantage or a tried and tested theory. If you aren’t able to do this, no one is going to read about going on your “gut” feelings or how poker players win more when the stars line up in their favor. Fact-based theories and strategies will sell, and nothing else will in this corner of the market.

An excellent way to generate book ideas is to attend poker events and tournaments and get close to the action. Go to these events armed and ready to learn all you can. At the end of the day you will have dozens of book ideas buzzing in your head. Spend some time in casino poker rooms to find other topics. Talk and network with poker players and try to find out if they desire to write a book with the assistance of a ghostwriter or with you as a co-author. As a ghostwriter or co-author, an excellent way to gain business is to hand out your business cards at writing conventions, casinos, poker events and poker tournaments.



Michele

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any one who has noble poker please?

November 17th, 2008
noble poker
xxsparklyeyezxx asked:


the play money tables arent woorking tonight
any reason
if this has happened to you how did you sort it?

John

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Posted in Gambling | 2 Comments »

Gautama Buddha- Book Excerpt

November 4th, 2008
nobles games
Michael A. Stusser asked:


Gautama Buddha

Born 563 B.C.

Died 483 B.C. (Approximate Dates)

Buddha was born a privileged prince named Siddhartha Gautama in Nepal. He lived a luxurious life with his wife, Princess Yasodhara, till the age of twenty-nine, when he realized he’d never stepped foot outside the palace gates and might actually like to take a look around. Seeing poverty and death for the first time, he began to wonder not only how the other half lives, but how to attain a state beyond birth, death, or even desire. (If it were me, I would have run back inside to the grand buffet.)

Leaving the palace behind, he dabbled for six years in meditation, extreme asceticism, and self-mortification, rejecting them all for moderation. After one particular stint of mind-blowing contemplation under a tree, he attained Enlightenment, and became known simply as the Buddha. His spiritual awakening gave him brilliant insight into the nature and cause of human suffering, and a knowledge of how to become happy. The Buddha’s goal, then, was to teach his new philosophy to the masses — or at least a few good men along the road.

The aim of Buddhism is to attain true enlightenment, or nirvana: a peaceful state where the individual is free from desire and self-consciousness. Passed down by oral tradition for hundreds of years after his death, Buddha (whose name literally means “enlightened one” or “awakened one”) had a message of love as the eternal rule, common sense, and focusing the mind on the present moment. For the last fifty years of his life, Buddha spread the word through out India to pretty much anyone who would listen: nobles, outcasts, common folk, and leaders of other religious faiths. His philosophy was open to all, and he made thousands of converts during his travels.

The largest concentration of Buddhists in the world today resides in eastern Asia. In India, Hinduism has absorbed many of Buddha’s ideas, and many Muslims believe Siddhartha is a prophet of Islam. Point being, there’s plenty of Buddha to go around . . . In fact, estimates put followers at around four hundred million, making Buddhism the sixth largest religion on the planet.

Michael Stusser: I gotta say, you are one happy fella.

Buddha: And for good reason: All that we are is the result of what we have thought. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves.

MS: That explains why my back is killin’ me, huh?

B: Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace.

MS: Speaking of peace, what do you think of all the statues and key chains and T-shirts of you in hipster gift shops?

B: If they bring about spiritual enlightenment, I’m happy to be the icon for self-reflection.

MS: But did you see the Buddha tankini from Victoria’s Secret?

B: So long as it is not toilet paper, I am at peace.

[There is a long, awkward silence. Two more hours pass.]

MS: Ever hear of the band Nirvana?

B: A band of enlightened brothers?

MS: No, a hard-rock group from Seattle.

B: I have many devoted followers in Seattle.

MS: Try and make ’em give up coffee, we’ll see how long they stay enlightened.

B: Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.

MS: Point well-taken. Say, odd question, perhaps, but are you a god?

B: I consider myself a guide — a teacher. But try and understand that there is no intermediary between mankind and the divine. People create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true. In the sky, for example, there is no distinction between east and west.

MS: Let’s say I wanted to take a beginner’s Buddhism class. Where would I start?

B: The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.

MS: To be honest, I’m thinking about all the errands I need to run this weekend. I’ve got this bum lawnmower that –

B: Focus here, young man. The quiet. The tea before you. The sun as it streams into this room.

MS: But so much of your focus is on suffering. You’re like a Jewish mother . . .

B: Think of the suffering as identifying the disease. First we diagnose the problem, and more importantly, we prescribe the cure.

MS: More suffering?

B: Now it is you who are kvetching like a Jewish bubbe. The road that leads out of suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path.

MS: All right, give ’em to me.

B: The Eightfold Path: proper understanding, proper thought, proper speech, proper action, proper livelihood, proper effort, proper mindfulness, and proper concentration.

MS: I’m sorry, what was that last one?

B: Proper concentra — HA! A joke from a young mind. This is a beautiful example of proper effort, but your understanding is faulty. This will take time.

MS: So the Buddha goes into a pizza shop and says, “Make me one with everything.”

[There is a long pause. Like, painfully long.]

MS: As a prince, you had it all. Your father, King Suddhodana, even arranged a marriage to a wonderful gal. But you left it all behind. Why?

B: At the age of twenty-nine I finally looked beyond the walls of the palace. There I saw the four sights.

MS: An old crippled guy, a diseased dude, a decayed, nasty corpse, and an ascetic, right?

B: The truth of life: that death, disease, age, and pain are inescapable. Poor outnumber the wealthy, and the pleasures of the rich eventually come to nothing.

MS: That is deep. Though I’m not sure if I saw these things I’d leave all my possessions — and inheritance — to become a monk.

B: You may or may not choose to walk in my footsteps. Remember that thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.

MS: Apparently — Buddhas crop up like weeds. Some say you’re the seventh Buddha, others the twenty- fifth, and maybe the fourth. Which are ya?

B: The incarnation of a Buddha begins long before his birth, and continues moons beyond his death. In fact, millions of lives have walked the Bodhisattva path on the road to nirvana. If you want a number, simply pick one, and I’ll wear it on the back of my Buddha uniform.

MS: OK, more importantly, who’s the next one?

B: Like I’d tell you. I can share this: His name will be Maitreya, and he’ll appear after Shakyamuni’s teachings have disappeared from the world.

MS: Yeah, that helps. Listen, I hope you’re not offended by this, but I keep reading about how you were competent in martial arts and hiked for miles each day. So how come you were, ya know, so fat?

B: Yes, you are mistaking me for someone else.

MS: The jolly, laughing Buddha with the potbelly. That’s not you?

B: I’m afraid you are describing a character called Hotei, usually seen in China. He is a representation of an obese, medieval Chinese monk. I was quite fit.

MS: Really? Well, can you clear up any other misconceptions about yourself?

B: My eyes were blue, I had fine, curly hair — yes, hair — and rather than being the chowhound you may have imagined, I was indifferent to hunger, environmental conditions, and all bodily appetites.

MS: So, no Pringles, then?

B: No, thank you.

MS: And if I rub your belly?

B: Our interview will cease.

MS: There are a lot of “nightstand Buddhists” — freelance Buddhists looking for a quick fix. Some inner peace. Is that cool with you?

B: There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth: not going all the way, and not starting.

MS: You really are the real deal.

B: Remember: Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.

MS: I’m OK with a lot of this, but you were celibate from the age of twenty-nine until your death. Is that part completely necessary?

B: Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.

MS: Uh, it doesn’t.

B: And it doesn’t mean that you will ever awaken from the slumber of ignorance in this life or the next.

MS: *** just seems like one of those things that’s on my mind a lot, that’s all.

B: However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act upon them?

MS: Or don’t act, in this case.

B: Remember this: What we think, we become.

MS: Then right now I’m a triple tall vanilla latte. I’m going to assume you don’t want one . . .

[The Buddha is still and quiet.]

MS: Your last words were, “All things must pass away. Strive for your own salvation with diligence.”

B: Yes.

MS: Well, dude, that was a George Harrison tune! From the Beatles?

B: Beetles, boars, men, and women can all learn from my inner peace.

MS: All right, but I gotta get you this CD. There are some things even I can teach the Buddha.

B: And let me turn you on to a state beyond suffering, called true Nirvana.

MS: So you do dig music! That’s awesome!

B: You have much to learn. Of this I’m sure.

Copyright © Michael A. Stusser, 2007

The above is an excerpt from the book The Dead Guy Interviews by Michael A. Stusser Published by Penguin; September 2007;$14.00US/$16.50CAN; 978-0-14-311227-3 Copyright © Michael A. Stusser, 2007

Author

Michael A. Stusser is a Seattle-based writer and game inventor. His “Accidental Parent” column (ParentMap magazine) recently won the prestigious Gold Award from the Parenting Publications of America. Stusser is a contributing writer for mental_floss and Seattle Magazine, and his work is frequently published by Law & Politics, Yoga International Magazine, and Go World Travel Magazine.

Stusser is also the cocreator of The Doonesbury Game with Garry Trudeau (winner for “Best Party Game of the Year,” GAMES magazine, 1994); EARTHALERT, The Active Environmental Game; and Hear Me Out.



Bessie

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