Archive for the ‘Bingo Guides’ Category

When you consider participating at jackpotjoy.com, the people behind it takes it very seriously for players to be responsible in playing bingo online and other games. They want you to experience a great play experience on their website taking pleasure their entire thrilling games. You will enjoy playing additional games if you will be in control of the games that you are playing.

It is highly crucial to keep in mind that you must not solely bet what you are able to afford and set practical limits to yourself.

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If you would prefer setting daily/weekly limits, you can accomplish this by establishing limits on the deposit net amount you will provide.

This site will shut your account on request for a 6 months minimum period throughout the moment that it would not be probable for you to restart your account. You can decide whether to shut your account permanently.

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There is no doubt that birthdays are special. Despite the few who state they do not like birthdays as it reminds them of the prospect of growing older. What needs to be remembered is that birthdays are a celebration of your arrive into the world.  That in itself makes every birthday special. How can you not enjoy birthdays when there is all the cake, presents and voices ringing out ‘Happy Birthday to you’ all of which is to celebrate you.

Special treatment for one day each year is definitely something not to be missed even as the years continue to creep up. Traditional birthday celebrations around the world across many cultures celebrate birthdays with some form of a party. When the numbers do start creeping up how would you like celebrate your birthday? Time with friends, wine and dine, or the traditional party regardless of the age?

When you reach the grand age of 102 surely night clubbing must be long gone but that does not necessarily mean the parties have to stop. Once you have passed the ages of being legally aloud to drive, vote and gamble the world really does become your oyster. With 101 birthdays already under the belt though what could make the next one special?

One lucky lady who is to be honoured a very special birthday is Anne Webster from Shipley.  Anne is all set to celebrate a very special 102nd birthday on Tuesday the 28th April at the Buckingham Bingo club in Bradford. Bucky Bingo decided to honour one of their much loved customers with a very special birthday by giving throwing her a birthday celebration to remember.

The much loved and loyal player has been playing bingo for as long as she can remember and has been a loyal member of the Buckingham Bingo club on Bridge Street since it first opened back in 2002. Anne, who plays five afternoons every week, is most popular with not only the staff by also fellow members which is why it was decided that a special birthday was well deserved. Bucky Bingo has prepared a chauffer driven limousine to and from the bingo hall ,  free bingo, flowers and a cake in the shape of a bingo ticket in order to make Anne’s 102nd birthday one to remember.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing bingo and have made many friends over the years,” says Anne. “When Buckingham Bingo offered to throw me a birthday party I was delighted that I would be able to celebrate and play my favourite game at the same time.”

So if you have a birthday coming up remember whatever your age birthdays should be a time of joy, appreciation, of course most importantly surrounded with love and happiness. As Bucky Bingo www.buckybingo.co.uk has shown Anne you are never too old for a birthday party.

Bucky Bingo is part of Buckingham Bingo which is one of the UK’s largest independent bingo club operators.  They have been providing quality bingo for over 30 years and really do live and breathe the much loved bingo game. Visit www.buckybingo.co.uk for more information.

For a full guide on what’s happening in the online bingo world with all the latest news, reviews and the best promotions visit www.luckydustbingo.co.uk

Online gambling guide Jackpot Finder is excited to announce their first annual Jackpot Finder Awards – a series of awards designed to recognize the best internet gambling sites of the year.

Jackpot Finder a website designed to help players make the best of the world of online gambling. The site’s foundation is a collection of exclusive reviews of online casinos, online poker rooms, online bingo sites, and online sportsbooks. On top of this, readers can find complete game reviews, strategy guides, casino tournament listings, progressive jackpot tickers, and dozens of other useful pages. Daily news posts complete the site, offering up-to-date information about the latest bonuses and promotions offered by all of the sites reviewed.

The 2009 Jackpot Finder Awards represent the culmination of years of experience in the industry. These awards cover all categories of gambling sites, and recognize excellence in several facets of internet gambling, from the best bonuses to biggest winners. Below is a list of awards with the first place winner in each category. More information, including the runners-up for each award, is available on the Jackpot Finder website.

Online Gambling Awards
•    Best Gambling Site: Bet365
•    Best Gambling Group: CasinoRewards
•    Best Loyalty Program: Jackpot Factory
•    Biggest Jackpot Winner: €6.3 million

Online Casino Awards
•    Best Online Casino: InterCasino
•    Best US Casino: Cherry Red Casino
•    Best No Download Casino: Virgin Casino
•    Best Looking Casino: Aladdins Gold
•    Best New Casino: Buzzluck Casino
•    Best Jackpots Casino: All Jackpots
•    Best Casino Bonus: Cherry Red
•    Best Casino Software: Microgaming
•    Best Casino Tournaments: English Harbour

Online Bingo Awards
•    Best Bingo Site: Foxy Bingo
•    Best US Bingo Site: Free Bee Bingo
•    Best New Bingo Site: FunTimeBingo
•    Best Bingo Bonus: Free Bee Bingo
•    Best Bingo Software: Parlay

Online Sportsbook Awards
•    Best Online Sportsbook: Bet365
•    Best US Sportsbook: Bodog Sports
•    Best Sportsbook Bonus: Bet365
•    Best Sportsbook Promotions: PaddyPower

Online Poker Awards
•    Best Poker Room: Full Tilt Poker
•    Best Micro Poker Room: CarbonPoker
•    Best US Poker Room: Bodog Poker
•    Best Poker Tournaments: PokerStars
•    Best Poker Software: PKR Poker
•    Best Poker Bonuses: Tower Poker
•    Best Poker Promotions: Poker Heaven
•    Best Poker Traffic: PokerStars

Jackpot Finder is owned and operated by 2iventures, which consists of a small group of online gambling enthusiasts who have many years of experience in the internet gaming industry. They run a small network of niche gambling guides that focus on different aspects of the online gambling world, each catering to a different demographic.

In past headlines it read, “Ax may be hovering over Mariah Carey…recording giant ready to drop singer.”

Now wait a minute, didn’t Mariah Carey sell well over 50 million albums since 1990? (Strictly speaking in the dollar terms, that’s roughly 649 million dollars in album sales alone.) And wasn’t she one of the hottest acts in the past decade and in the exclusive Top Ten All Time Artist who have the most consecutive #1 hits?

Okay, so she’s not married to the head of Sony Records any more and who cares that she had an emotional breakdown (who wouldn’t with the kind of pressure she has to deal with – I think I’d like to have a breakdown now!) – She’s considered a liability? When her contract was reportedly worth an estimated 80 million dollars and trouble looming over an already unsteady economy, which has hit the music industry over the past several year in declining sales, especially since the tragic events that occurred on September 11th, it’s no wonder the “ax” would fall on those with huge salaries.

With sales from her first release on Virgin/EMI only reaching 400,000 when it was released, this album has been a disappointment to record company execs as I am sure it was to Ms. Carey who has always been at the top of the charts until now. But doesn’t everyone have a bad hair day? Of course, but not to the tune (excuse the pun) of 25 million dollars which is what Ms. Carey was reportedly paid for the first release, “Glitter” on her old label. Now mind you, I would love to make that kind of money, and hats off to Ms. Carey’s people for negotiating that kind of deal, but the risk one takes in being the highest paid, is that you are usually the first one to go when times are tough.

While Ms. Carey might have had an easier time with her old label because of loyalty to her and the huge profits she has generated and still does for them, this brand new label had nothing but dollar signs and no loyalty to her financially. Hopefully, Alain Levy who replaced Ken Berry will be able to renegotiate Ms. Carey’s contract instead of letting her go.

This was and still is today definitely yet another wake up call in an already floundering industry. With Record Companies going down and out and hanging out their shingles right and left (DreamWorks being the latest). Executives being fired here, there and everywhere. Artists trying to duck for cover so they aren’t the next casualty; it’s a scary proposition being a musician. Okay, so it’s always been a scary proposition.

So I ponder…why are things so much worse then they used to be? Could it be that too much money is being paid at the top? Is there not enough promotion? Is there too much shifting and leveraging to get the best deal? Is the quality of the product not meeting the demands of the populace? Bingo! With the fragile state of this and so many other industries, 1 hit wonders mentality must go if the recording industry wants to not just survive, but thrive. (Ms. Carey does not fall into this category; other then they are trying to find the next Mariah Carey.) Quality, not quantity. The industry needs to stop the mass cookie cutter attitude by trying to produce the same acts with different people in them over and over again. It’s like eating the same meal at different restaurants night after night. Different chefs, the same recipe, but none of the meals were as good as the first taste you had at your favorite restaurant. If you keep churning out the same act with different faces, eventually the fans will get tired of the original acts also and stop buying even their product.

Change is a good thing and new acts come up all the time, but change is not good when it is constantly happening and no one knows which end is up. The industry needs some stability and consistency, not only in the ranks, but also with the artists. Too many artists are pulled off the shelves before they even get off the ground, leaving the listening audiences confused and disgruntled. The labels have forgotten the fans and is only worrying about paying their costly mortgages, thereby losing all loyalty from the paying public.

If the audience is not happy, they won’t buy the product. In addition, we seem to be seeing even in the bigger named artists, with only 1 song released off their albums to the listening public. Not many people want or can afford to buy an album for $11.98 with only 1 song they like on it anymore, even if they are loyal fans of the established artist. The general population is the ones who are suffering the most in this economy.

If there is little or no money coming in, then the day of the big contracts is gone. Some of the largest selling albums are ones with multiple songs on it that the listener likes. Take Shania Twain for example. Her albums are mega sellers with more then 1/2 the album on the singles charts at various times. Why are her albums huge? Because they are quality, and a great bargain. The buying populace wants a deal. The Record Industry seems to want to put out a little and expect to get a lot, and in doing so, they are losing the fan base in general. People are spending their money elsewhere.

They forgot that we are the fans and the fans have the buying power. Without the buying power, they lose their jobs, the big deals go away, and the labels go under. They need to stick with the artists once they have signed them, promote them, and if the first album doesn’t work, try another one and work harder with a different strategy. Forget trying to get another Mariah Carey, N-Sync, or Shania Twain.

Use the talent that is there and churn out more then a 1 hit wonder. Then the buying public will come back and the fan base will be there for hopefully years to come. Look at acts like the Beatles, Garth Brooks, Elvis Presley, ABBA and Barbara Streisand to name a few. These acts stir the general public, and very few people have not heard of them. They still sell records and when they do a concert, it’s sold out in a second. This is because of quality. They weren’t churned out and then spit out.

Let’s take ABBA for example. This is a group based in the 70’s, and they haven’t had a hit record in decades. They are also one of the biggest selling groups of all times, still selling albums today. Recently, they were offered a billion dollars to tour for one year. The turned it down (wish I could do that!). While that is a contradiction of what I said about those with the largest pay being cut first, it is in line with what I have been trying to say here all along – the bottom line is the fan base. If it’s not there, the money will not come in, and it can’t be there with a 1 hit wonder. Too much spending, and not enough quality product has caused the music industry to come crashing down to reality.

A little side note on Ms. Carey. I do wish all the success on her new CD (and it looks like she’s hitting the top). She certainly deserves it. She has worked hard and worked smart for the most part and has earned the right to a deal of the magnitude she received.

Taking your own car to travel for the holidays is a great way to avoid the hassles at the airport. It can also be less expensive as many flights are more expensive during holiday travel times due the demand passengers have. Traveling with children though can be difficult if you aren’t prepared.

It is important to be realistic about the expectations you have for children during holiday travel. You can’t expect them to sit quickly for 10 or 20 hours or drive time without activities. Make sure you plan your trip so you can stop every three or four hours at a rest area or even a park along the way to allow them to run around for a while.

There are plenty of age appropriate games that can be played in the car during travel for the holidays. Car Bingo features game cards that have different pictures on them including railroad tracks, cows, and different road signs. Even children that aren’t old enough to read are able to take part in this type of car game.

Since there will likely be people from other states traveling as well over the holidays, make a game to identify cars from as many states as possible. Have a list with you and then mark them off as you identify them. Try to take along small toys or treats you can give your children as s surprise throughout the trip.

There are plenty of CD’s out there these days with fun songs for children to listen to and to sing along with. For extremely long road trips over the holidays you might want to purchase a system with monitors so the children can watch movies as they travel. This can be a lifesaver, especially when there is only one adult traveling in the vehicle.

Traveling with your children during the holidays offers the perfect chance for everyone to visit and get to know each other better. Play a game where one person asks a question and then each person in the car gets the chance to answer. The questions can be simple such as what is your favorite color or more in depth such as what is your best memory. In addition to helping to pass the time you will learn a great deal about your children and they will learn more about you as a person instead of just as their parent.

Nothing is going to create problems in the car faster than not having enough room for the children and for all the times you need to take with you. Consider buying a container that will ride on the top of the vehicle so you don’t need to place luggage inside of the vehicle with them. It may be a good idea to consider renting a larger car or a mini van when you travel for the holidays to ensure everyone will have sufficient room to ride comfortably. Never have more people in the vehicle than you have seat belts for, even if you are traveling in states that don’t require them.

Children will likely sleep during the road trip so make sure you bring along pillows and blankets. Their favorite stuffed animals along with cups for drinks and delicious snacks will help ensure the ride is fun for everyone as you travel for the holidays. It is a good idea to have extra supplies in case you get caught up in a road closure or traffic jam. You should carry a cell phone will you as well in case you need to assist someone.

You need to plan for delays and expect the trip to take you longer than normal when you travel during the holidays. The additional traffic on the roads as well as people at the restaurants where you stop for food along the way are going to result in more time being spent that usual. Don’t attempt to speed while traveling with children in the car during the holidays. You want to get there safely and if it takes longer to ensure that happens then spend that time bonding with your children along the way.

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For over a quarter of a century now, gambling has dominated as an industry. More and more people do not just see this as a form of recreational activity but as a lucrative business opportunity as well.

Nowadays, there are almost 450 casinos in the United States and still growing more. No wonder why many business people are opting to start a gambling business of their own because it seems to be the in-thing today. And wherever trends come, business-minded people would surely dominate the scene.

However, like any businesses, operating a gambling business also entails careful management and makes use of strategic methods so as to increase the business’ money-earning potential.

Luck or Skill?

Most people say that operating a business needs dogged determination, skills in all aspects of the business, and luck.

Hence, it applies the same thing in gambling business. But where gambling mostly relies in the stroke of luck, gambling business owners should not do so. This is because operating a business, in whatever form, should not merely rely on luck but on one’s skills and determination.

Indeed, businesses also have the risk of losing or winning in the end, just like gambling. But nevertheless, it still needs the proper management and operative measures so as to have a successful gambling business.

Things to consider;

a) Just like any kind of business, running a gambling business also entails money. A person can never continue running a gambling business if it no longer has money.

b) People should keep in mind that running a gambling business is not a “get-rich-quick_ scheme. Therefore, things that will be employed should be in conformity with the law.

c) It also needs good planning. Of course, there is nothing in this world that will be successful if not with good planning. Planning keeps the business right on track. It gives the owner a special guide in order to make decisions properly.

d) Moreover, dogged determination is required. Surveys show that almost 65% of the businesses, which were not able to succeed, had instantly given up their businesses just because of some trials.

e) And lastly, good accounting skill is needed in order to run a gambling game. After all, gambling entails lots of money, so it is just proper to keep track of whatever comes in and out of the business.

The bottom line here is that running a gambling business, like any other business, is not an easy job. What’s more, it needs a good combination of everything so as to get the business going, whether it includes luck or not.

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Just as traditional medicine was replaced by sophisticated capsulated drug production, the introduction of modern technology assisted gambling in making its way to the online world.

Whether you choose to gamble your money through the traditional or the virtual way the following tips will guide you on what is hot and what is not of the gambling world. Should you choose to use online gambling products, here are a few tips on how to avoid risking those wagers while keeping your online micro gaming experience enjoyable.

a) Who’s who? Current research shows that 3 out of 5 online gamblers fall into mischief. Its important to know the online operator of the online gaming site you are visiting before wagering those bucks so transactions will be easy should disputes arise.

b) Is it Legal? Applicable laws pertaining to online gambling exist in every US state so you may assume that every state varies in the provisions of the laws covering such activity.

c) Is it Legit? Despite the strict laws existing against offending online gaming sites there remain some people who prey on people’s money. There are online gaming centers which are legally commissioned to conduct micro gaming events. And one way to recognize them is by the type of software from which these sites operate.

Software such as OddsOn, Playtech, Cryptologic, and Microgaming, are just some of the most favorite. Suspicious sites do not display these softwares. These sites are not legally bonded and are not protected by active gambling policies in the area where they are allowed to operate.

a) Know the Rules; Luck works and there are simply lots of psychology working on those lethal moves. Master the simple systems at which the game operates and you are certainly an edge away against the bookies!

b) Read, Read, and Read – One fact about gambling is that most operators will not disclose real information about the details of the payout. Read the fine prints. It saves you in the long run.

c) Develop a Strategy; As far as chance gaming is concerned, knowing when to go flops or turn cards is just as important as planning a military assault against your opponent. Varied but intelligently appropriate strikes are important.

d) Risk it; You tend to deregulate the amount of money coming out your of pocket as you progress. Latest statistics show that sixteen US states are currently financing gambling related problems. Gaming and gambling is a form of entertainment so you expect to lose some money in the end. Given the consequences, realizing the money you can afford to blow out is important.

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We live in a society that is both more open and more frightened than any that has ever existed before. In the United States, the idea of the chaperone has become a quaint part of our history. What we’ve forgotten is that a chaperone served a very distinct purpose: A chaperone allowed two people to get together, while keeping an eye on things. Sure, you couldn’t hold hands, or kiss, or – heaven forbid – do anything more intimate without being tsk-tsked to kingdom come, but it also meant that you didn’t have to worry about improper or uncomfortable advances or fret that your date would interpret your intentions as less than honorable.

Having a chaperone along on a date may have felt restrictive, but it also meant safety. Today that restriction – and that safety – are gone. Now you’re faced with the same urge to merge but with few guidelines and no one, other than yourself, for protection.

If the two of you are ever going to have a date, you have to be able to connect. Of course, you could agree to meet on a specific street corner or at a party or restaurant or after a class. But sooner or later, it will occur to one of you that being able to get in touch if plans should change would be nice – and that means a more personal way to connect, and that means a phone number.

Getting a phone number means that the two of you have moved from being strangers to at least being acquaintances, and that can be a very large and somewhat scary first step. To compound the problem, men and women have different senses of times and different sensibilities. Men often feel they have to ask for a number even when they have no interest, and women often feel they have to give out a number even if they have no interest. To help you, this chapter covers how to both get and give a phone number – with the minimum wear and tear on both of you. It also covers what to say during the call, and if you’re hesitant to hand out your home phone number, you can also find phone number alternatives.

Asking for a Number

Whether you were introduced by friends, ran into one another on the street, or met at a party, unless you believe that the two of you share a karma that will cause you to run into one another again and again, you’re either going to have to depend on blind fate or you’re going to have to get a number: a home phone number or a cell number (a great option because it allows you to give out a number without having to transpose one of the last digits for someone you don’t really want to give your phone number to.) If you really don’t want to give a phone number, don’t do it. Give a street address, an e-mail address, a business card, or something. (I know there’s always the mutual friend route, but you’re not in 7th grade any more – I hope. Plus, if you contact the other person directly, you get a lot more – and more reliable – information.)

There are only a limited number of reasons why you might ask for a phone number:

1. You want to call the person.

2. You’re not sure whether you want to call the person but want the number just in case.

3. You know you don’t want to call, but you don’t want to appear rude. The following sections give you tips for handling each of these scenarios.

You want to get in touch with the person

When you know you want to call someone, obviously you need to ask for the phone number. One of the best ways to approach getting someone else’s number is to demonstrate your good faith and to show that you’re not Jack or Jacqueline the Ripper:

1. Smile, talk softly, and make eye contact. See Chapter 7 to find out how to approach someone without scaring the daylights out of them.

2. Ask for the number in a friendly, nonthreatening way. For example, instead of saying, “So, can I have your number?” try something like, “I’d really like to stay in touch. Is there a number where I can reach you?” Giving out your phone number if you want to is certainly okay, but doing so puts you in the position of waiting for his call. The best way to offset this position of passivity is to ask for his number as well. Or you can take his and not give yours. (Of course, if you have no intention of calling him, don’t ask for the number. It’s just as nasty for you to ask for his number and not call as it is for him to ask for your number and then not call you.) See the section “Giving Your Phone Number” later in this chapter for advice on how to take an active role in getting together.

3. Offer your own number. Offering your number is a great way to deflect suspicion by putting the proverbial ball in the other person’s court. Offering rather than asking also allows you to be vulnerable first. You can win sensitivity points by saying, “Look, I know these days, a gorgeous woman like you has to be careful, so if you would prefer, I can give you a way to get in touch with me. I’d love to court you the old-fashioned way and call you, but I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable by asking you to give me your number if you’re not ready.”

You want to keep your options open

In a perfect world, you could actually say, “I’m not sure I want to call you, but, what the heck, give me your number just in case.” Of course, a line like that isn’t exactly flattering. You’re probably better served by expressing an interest but giving yourself an out by saying something like this:

“Look, I’d really love to call you, but I’m . . . (pick one)

*really busy at work

*traveling a lot

*getting out of a relationship

*covered with herpes

*feeling poorly (not poor, which means you’re in the midst of pecuniary strangulation)

*scheduled for surgery

*about to be drafted

Advice from the animal kingdom

Yes, even at our most well-behaved, we’re still animals – human animals, but animals nonetheless. As a result, the same rules that apply to the larger animal kingdom sometimes apply to us. Lionel Tiger, an anthropology professor who has done a lot of work on animal behavior, reports that, to show that their intentions are honorable, animals bare their necks, the most vulnerable part of any animal’s body. Where do you think we got the phrase “Go for the jugular (vein)”? And you thought it came from a Dracula movie. Therefore, the best way to show how honorable your intentions are is to bare your neck metaphorically: In other words, to get a phone number, offer your own.

. . . so if it’s okay, I’d like to take your number and call you in a month or so.” (Of course, if you use the herpes line, don’t expect them to be too enthusiastic.)

When you take this approach, you’re not misleading anyone or setting the other person up to hang by the phone waiting for you to call. You’re simply keeping your options open without doing so at someone else’s expense.

If you’re feeling really ambivalent about asking for a phone number, you can always offer yours, saying, “Why not take my number?” Then if the other person calls, you can go out on his or her nickel and enthusiasm. After all, all of us like to be courted.

You’re not interested in the other person, but you feel it’s expected of you to ask for a number

If you’re not interested, don’t ask for the number. If you ask for a number, the assumption is that you intend to use it. Don’t spread misery like peanut butter. If you have absolutely no interest in the other person and have no intention of calling, just don’t ask.

Men especially feel that not asking for a phone number is really rude, but if you can just confine yourself to “See you around” or “Nice seeing you again,” you’ll spare yourself and the other person some wear and tear.

When not to “cell”

Somehow cell phones have allowed folks to forget basic manners and common sense. If the following list of times not to use cell phones doesn’t seem absurdly obvious and straightforward to you, you need a basic attitude adjustment. If the list seems like silly fun and you suspect that my tongue is parked firmly in my cheek – bingo!

1. At a wedding

2. At a funeral

3. At the altar

4. On a date

5. During sex

6. In the shower

7. When comforting someone who is crying

8. When celebrating birthdays or anniversaries

9. When breaking up

10.When making up

Giving Your Phone Number

You’ve been enjoying the conversation (or not), have been flattered by the attention (or not), and now you’re in the spotlight: Your phone number has been requested or his/her phone number has been offered. Now, whether you’re wildly euphoric or praying that the floor will open and swallow you whole, you have to respond.

If someone wants to contact you, you may be tempted to give your phone number for these reasons:

1. You want him or her to get in touch.

2. You’re not sure that you’re interested, but you want to keep your options open.

3. You wouldn’t spit on him if he were on fire, but you don’t want to appear rude.

The following sections help you maneuver gracefully through these scenarios.

You’d like to see the person again

If you’re interested and want to stay in touch, give out your number, but also get the other person’s number. If you only give your number and don’t get a waiting for a call. So make a deal. Say, “I’d love for you to have my number, and I’d love to have yours as well.” Exchanging numbers has the following benefits:

1. You can give the other person a jingle if he/she doesn’t call on your timetable.

2. You don’t have to be passive or nasty, just a co-equal. No more waiting around for a call, and no more fuming because you never heard from Prince or Princess Charming again.

3. If the person turns out to be a bozo, you have something to fantasize about pasting on bathroom walls – “For a good time, call. . . .” (But don’t do it! Paybacks can be really harsh.)

You’re not sure whether you’re interested

When you’re not sure that you want the person to call, you can always say you’re about to change your number because you’ve received too many hang-ups; the number used to belong to an escort service; or you want a cuter number.

If you decide that you want to give out your number and then, upon reflection, decide that it was a mistake, you can get an answering machine or a call block machine so that you can screen your calls. If it turns out that the person is more persistent than you’d like, you can change your number.

Another alternative if you’re not sure whether you want to give out your phone number is to get the person’s number instead. Of course, doing so means you have to call the person. (See the section “Asking for a Number” earlier in this chapter to find out why.)

Don’t ask for a phone number as a defensive measure, as in, “I don’t want you to have my number, but if I ask for yours, you’ll be less intense about getting mine.” Then you’re just being creepy.

No way, Jose

If there is no way that you’d ever want to see this person again, don’t be tempted to give your number. Doing so may be easy for the short term, but it actually makes the situation more uncomfortable because you’ll end up causing yourself and the other person heartache not very far down the line. Even though it’s difficult, it’s better not to mislead them or give false hope. If you’re not interested, be (gently) upfront about it and say, “Listen, I’m going to be very busy,” or “You’re very nice, but I’m going through a tough time right now,” or “I’m about to move,” or “I’m joining the French foreign legion.” The main point is don’t give someone your number if you don’t want the person to call you.

Don’t you dare give a wrong number (and yes, deliberately mixing up any two numbers in the sequence counts as a wrong number) or your mom’s – or your best friend’s or an old boyfriend’s – number. Come on, this is dating, not terrorism.

Home phone or not?

Many women are reluctant to give out home numbers for safety’s sake and are much more willing to give out work numbers because they’re not alone at work and they (generally) work during the day. Work phone numbers create their own problems, however:

1. At work other people are around, which feels safer, but it’s also less private.

2. Many if not all businesses frown on personal calls during the workday. If you’ve been given or are giving out a work number, understand that the conversations have to be shorter than they would be if you were using a home number.

Of course, not all home phone numbers automatically eliminate these problems. Sharing your home phone number with roommates or family can limit the length of the calls. If the phone has extensions, you may find that you restrict the content as well because you never know who may be listening in.

Life-saving cells

When it comes to dating, cell phones are really lifesavers, allowing you to remain coy about home and work numbers. Giving out a home number is giving an awful lot of information to a stranger. Giving a work number may compromise you at work because when they call, the timing may be unfortunate due to lack of privacy, running afoul of company policy, or any one of a number of constraints. An operator or a voice mail may identify the name and/or address of your workplace, which may be more information than you want a stranger to have about you initially. Ta-da – cell phones to the rescue! Among other things, cell phones have caller ID and are mobile, thus not identifying any geographical location where you can be found. The disadvantage of a cell over a land line is you can’t block a cell number, but you know who it is before you have to answer. Also, if someone is sneaky enough to use “restricted,” you can just let it ring through to voice mail. In a worst-case stalker scenario, it’s a lot easier to change your cell phone number than your home or office phone.

As long as we’re talking cell phones, just a note of caution here: If there’s somebody in your life who has access to your cell phone bill, your entire life will be laid out, chapter and verse. Ma Bell has single handedly wiped out adultery as we know it with the combination of itemized bills, star (*) 69, and caller ID.

Phone number alternatives

There are a number of ways to give out a phone number without actually giving out a phone number:

1. I’m listed. If you want the person to get in touch, make sure you’ve made the listing clear as it appears in the phone book. In many cases, though, directing someone to the phone book means you’ve given out your home address as well. You can be a bit suaver but if your name is

hard to spell, you may have blown the deal.

2. Business card. A business card usually has a work phone number, often a fax number, a business address, and an e-mail address. If you don’t have a business card, for very little money, you can have one printed up that gives out whatever information you want to share. (You can usually get around 500 business cards for between $15 and $25 or less.) If you are self-employed or work at home, having a business card can make you feel a little more professional as well.

3. Home address. Giving out a home address is a bit risky. Of course, sooner or later, if the two of you hook up, you’re very likely to exchange home addresses. The question is, sooner or later? My advice is later – when you’re sure this is someone you trust to behave respectfully and appropriately after he or she knows where you live. If you have even the most minor inkling that this person may surprise you by lurking on your doorstep, trust your instinct for heaven’s sake, and don’t give out your address.

4. E-mail. For many folks, giving out an e-mail address is a safer alternative than giving out a phone number. Of course, you have to balance your sense of safety and your need for intimacy. I may be old-fashioned, but I think that actually hearing a voice is a nice way to begin to connect with someone.

Decoding Girl Time versus Boy Time

Girl time is quite different from boy time. When a guy asks for a girl’s number, she assumes that means he’s going to call on the way home from the party. She checks her machine twice an hour, has the phone company check to make sure the line is okay, and won’t take a bath for fear she’ll miss the call. If Mom calls to talk about Dad’s surgery, she’ll politely mention that she’s expecting an important call and will call back.

Guys, on the other hand, will almost never call on the way home from the party or even the next day. They think it makes them look too needy. Because nobody ever calls near a weekend for a first date, the better part of a week may pass before a guy even thinks about calling. If he left the number at home or gets busy or gets a cold, well, it may be two weeks before he calls. By this time, the woman is just plain furious.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

If you really like a woman, it’s okay to call the next day. It’s also okay to make a date. Just don’t stay on the phone too long and keep the patter light.

Cool your jets a bit. You’ve been smart enough to get his phone number, so you can wait this one out a while. If he hasn’t called in a week or so and you want to give him a ring, fine. Just keep the conversation light and short and

don’t ask why he hasn’t called.

Talking on the phone is a nice way to begin getting to know one another. It’s personal without being overly intimate: You’re at arm’s – or, literally, at phone’s – length from one another.

During the first conversations, keep things short and casual. Those let’s-putthe- phone-on-the-pillow-and-listen-to-each-other-breathe-as-we-fall-asleep things come much, much later. So don’t worry about the sweaty palms (as long as the phone doesn’t slip), don’t hang up, and don’t try too hard.

Never make a date with a machine. Whether it’s the first date or the fiftieth, unless it’s an emergency, get in touch with the person mouth to ear so that you know the message has been received loud and clear.

Rules in a Nutshell

The following are the rules for getting, giving, and using phone numbers:

1. If you want a number, ask and be willing to offer your own.

2. If you don’t want to see the person again, don’t ask for a number and don’t give a number.

3. If you’re not sure, build a time frame into your response so that nobody is sitting around waiting for you to call.

4. Exchanging phone numbers is the fun, easy part, so relax a bit and don’t get too involved before you’ve even had a first date. It’s not worth the stomach acid.

5. Calling and hanging up is not okay; neither is driving by. All states now have anti-stalking laws, and they are enforced (see Chapter 27 for information on stalking). Playing games can get you into serious trouble, so don’t be silly here. Plus, caller ID has made hang-ups traceable. You don’t need police on your doorstep as part of your dating experience. In a nutshell, a phone is quicker than pony express, less traumatic than a telegram, more personal than e-mail, more fun than smoke signals, and the first major step toward moving from strangers to something much bigger and better.

Baby Shower Themes & Decorating Ideas

A baby shower is by far the happiest party event. Everyone loves to see all the cute baby things that the new member of the family will be wearing. Baby toys and equipment is always a pleasure to see because the arrival of a new baby is such a joyous event.

Who Hosts The Party?

Anyone can host a baby shower for the mother-to-be. In the past, it was traditional for someone not related to host the party, but these days it is perfectly acceptable for the expectant mother’s sister or her own mother to host the party. It used to be that baby showers were just for the ladies, but a new trend of a co-ed baby shower has cropped up so that the new daddy feels included.

Who to Invite

If the shower is not to be a surprise be sure and have the expectant mother look over the guest list so that no one is left out. Everyone that is a friend or a relative will be happy to get an invitation. If you are hosting a co-ed shower, be sure to ask the dad who he would like to be included.

At the Co-Ed Shower

Guys typically don’t get all soft and mushy when it comes to baby things, but you can get them in the mood by playing a great game of charades with a baby theme. Have guests act out things like, changing a diaper, fussy baby, or giving birth. Everyone will be sure to have a lot of fun. Guys love food so be sure there are plenty of dishes that men love such as 6 foot heroes, nachos and chicken wings.

Decorating for the Shower

Decorating for a baby shower is so much fun because there are so many cute things to be found. You can serve guests blue and pink baby foot print lollipops or baby carriage lollipops. On the tables you can put pastel pink and blue baby bottle containers and fill them up with candy or other treats.

Many times the sex of the baby is known before the birth so you can incorporate whether it is to be a boy or a girl with canisters of pink or blue hot chocolate to present to guests or scatter adorable princess rubber duckys on the tables. You may even want to play a game of baby shower bingo.

Where to Hold the Shower

The spring and fall are the perfect time to host an outdoor baby shower. If you have a big backyard it is the ideal venue to throw the party. Others decide to hold a baby shower at a local restaurant or rent a hall. It is entirely up to you and your budget where you want to hold the baby shower. No matter where it is, it is bound to be a happy and exciting event that will be enjoyed by all that attend.