Reusable Fret-Board Simplifies Learning the Guitar

In his quest to make learning guitar scales and chords easier for himself, a young student invented a new tool: The Pickin’ Tool. The portable and reusable fret-board covered in laminate was invented and used by Jim Kelly while studying the guitar at the Denver Guitar Institute. The tool was so helpful to his studies that he continued to use it while learning guitar chords and scales with Jackie King of the Southwest Guitar Conservatory. After receiving positive feedback from other musicians and teachers, Kelly decided to make The Pickin’ Tool available for other musicians.

The first time Kelly tried to sell The Pickin’ Tool, he produced 1,000 copies and sold them in several states across the U.S. The original product came with a three-page manuscript of basic music theory, and was quickly recognized in the guitar community as an effective way to learn guitar scales and chords. Although the initial run was successful, poor brand recognition and lack of advertising funds made it impossible for him to continue marketing his product. However, that was not the end of The Pickin’ Tool.

In 2011, The Pickin’ Tool was on the market again; this time, with a new design and additional contents to the original booklet. How? Kelly created a new partnership with friend Aaron New, and together they decided to make the product available online. The newly designed product now comes with more information on scales as well as an expanded chord construction chart and several images of fret-board chord fingerings. And instead of a grease pen, the new product comes with four dry-erase markers. To learn more about The Pickin’ Tool, or to purchase the product online, please visit www.thepickintool.com.

The Pickin Tool Simplifies Guitar Lessons

Learning how to play the guitar takes practice. By practicing with a teacher or on your own, you can learn to play guitar chords and scales, and, over time even learn how to write your own songs. But what if you’re having trouble grasping the instrument? Or, what if you want to learn how to master the fret board without quitting your day job? There’s a tool for that; it’s called The Pickin’ Tool.

Developed by guitarist Jim Kelly, The Pickin’ Tool helps users learn how to play the guitar by visualization. The “tool” consists of two illustrated drawings of a guitar neck, complete with frets and notes; the drawing is laminated, which makes it possible for users to mark scales or chord patterns on the fret board. Users can visualize, or see notes and grasp the shape of the intervals, chords and scales, as well as how they all work together. Once you’re done practicing your scale or chord pattern, you can easily wipe it clean to write something new. This simple, but vital visualization tool helps users learn how to play guitar chords much faster with the guitar in hand.

Along with The Pickin’ Tool, people who purchase the item receive a three-page instruction to basic music theory, a set of instructions on how to use the tool, and how to build major scales. The tool also comes with standard scale and chord patterns to better illustrate how scales and patterns are created.

Whether you’re majoring in music, or simply want to learn basic guitar theory without hiring a teacher, The Pickin’ Tool is an affordable and easy way to learn how to play the guitar. And since the tool is a learning aid, it can be used along with any method used to learn the guitar.

To learn more, or to purchase The Pickin Tool online, please visit www.thepickintool.com.

Easy Tool Helps Musicians Learn Guitar Scales

What began as a creative way for a studying guitarist to hone his craft has become a valuable tool that is now available for guitarists around the world. While studying guitar at college, musician Jim Kelly found that he was able to learn guitar scales and chords better by drawing the fret-board on paper and marking it with the scales he wanted to practice. This simple format helped him visual the guitar tabs, sheet music, chord progressions and the guitar lessons he was learning. But instead of wasting paper each time he changed scales, he eventually created a reusable laminate covered fret board, the Pickin’ Tool.

Portable and practical, the new tool travelled with Jim throughout his college years and while he continued his studies with Jackie King of The Southwest Guitar Conservatory. The tool quickly gained popularity and many musicians and teachers encouraged Jim to market his valuable product.

Initially, 1,000 tools were created, and the product was sold on the road as well as in several music stores across the nation. Then in 2011, the product was redesigned and marketed on the web, making it available to just about anyone interested in learning guitar scales the easy way.

The neat thing about the Pickin’ Tool is that it’s useful for all levels of guitar players, from beginners to masters of the instrument. Jim likes to call it a tool rather than a method, because musicians learning any method can easily use the Pickin’ Tool to learn how to play guitar chords and scales. To learn more about the Pickin’ Tool or to purchase it online, please visit www.thepickintool.com.

Guitar Scales Can Turn Into Big Things

Learning how to play guitar comes naturally for some people; other people have to struggle just to understand basic scales or learn how to play guitar chords. Everyone wants to pick up a guitar and immediately shred some burning solos like their guitar heros. But the reality is that even the greatest guitar players had to start out figuring out the basics of guitar playing before they could become rock legends.

In fact, most top guitar players make practice a part of their daily lives. While the guitar player for your favorite band might not need to learn guitar scales, chances are that they practice them almost every day. One great example of this is Slash from the legendary band Guns ‘n’ Roses. He had a guitar scale exercise that he would play as a warm-up before the band started their practice. The rest of the band thought this sounded good enough to base a song around. That exercise became the main riff for “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” arguably the biggest smash hit of their career.

So will practicing your guitar scales lead to a song at the top of the charts? Probably not, but it definitely will lead to you becoming a better guitar player. If you understand the basic concepts behind playing it will be infinitely easier for you to take your playing to the next level.

Returning to College, Your Best Decision

Single mothers scholarships are out there, but you have to make an effort to find them. Once you do, keep up your motivation to get through the application process. Sometimes it can be an ordeal, but find your inner brawniness and you’ll be all right. Start your grant search by going online. A treasure-trove of information is available for public viewing. As you comb your way through it, you’re sure to find many tips on making your return to college a great success.

If you’ve come this far, it’s no moment to turn back. Get the information you need to fast-track your school expense payments. One moment the syllabus is being handed out, the next you’re turning in your final paper. Make the most of your time at school by arranging your grants and financial aid before the term is in full swing. Returning to college will be the best decision you ever made.

Going Back to School for Your Degree? Where to Find Scholarships for Adults Returning to College

Summary: Plenty of women are returning to college to finish up that degree they never got. Luckily, there are plenty of scholarships for adults returning to college and grants for going back to school. You just have to know where to look!

Going back to school for your degree can give you a wonderful sense of accomplishment, open you up to new job opportunities, and set a great example for your children. But, let’s face it – college is expensive, no matter how old you are. Luckily, though, there are plenty of scholarships and grants available for women returning to college.

Getting scholarships and grants for going back to school is like getting free money, because they never have to be paid back! When you graduate, you won’t be saddled with thousands of dollars in debt.

Many grants for going back to school are need-based – meaning that you have to meet certain income requirements to get them. For women returning to college, this can be a great opportunity, since many of them are single moms who want to get a degree and get ahead.

To apply for grants for going back to school, you will need to start by filling out a FAFSA to see if you qualify for any federal grant opportunities, like Pell Grants.

If your family’s income is too high for need-based grants, try looking for grants in your state, city, or at your school. Many local grants are merit-based, so you will not need to meet any income requirements.

But it’s not all about grants. There are opportunities for scholarships for adults returning to college all over the place; you just have to know where to find them. Start with the financial aid office at your school. Most colleges have their own scholarships for students. You may discover that your grades, your major, or your background qualify you for all kinds of scholarship money.

But, there are plenty of scholarship opportunities away from campus, as well. In fact, many local organizations have scholarships – and most students don’t even know about them! Check with places like the Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce, or even your local church.

Also, check with your employer. Many big companies, like Walmart, Starbucks, and McDonalds, offer scholarships for employees who head back to school.

Plus, most states, counties, and cities have their own scholarship programs – even if you’re not going to a state school.

With some research, you may discover that going back to school for your degree isn’t as expensive as you though. In fact, with enough scholarships and grants, you may not have to pay a single cent!

Mothers Going Back to School – It Doesn’t Have to be Difficult

Mothers are going back to school in droves. In fact, many single mothers are going back to school. Experts say that nearly 1/3 of all single mothers either live at or below the poverty line. Economic challenges like those make going back to school practically a necessity.

For most parents going back to school, time and money are the biggest obstacles. However, they do not have to be. Many schools offer part-time opportunities for parents going back to school. And, there are plenty of new scholarships for adults returning to college; the key is knowing how to take advantage of them.

So, where can you find scholarships for parents going back to school? Start with these 4 opportunities:

1. If you’re an adult going back to school because you were laid off, there are plenty of educational opportunities for unemployed workers. Start by applying for Federal Pell Grants by filling out a FAFSA application, then, work your way down. In fact, your school or town may have scholarship opportunities specifically for unemployed workers.

2. For single mothers going back to school, the federal government may be able to help. You will have to start by filling out a FAFSA to see what kind of government opportunities you qualify for. For example, President Obama created the Single Mom Grants to help low income single mothers going back to school.

3. If you already have a job, your employer may be able to help you out, too. Many big corporations – including WalMart, McDonald’s, and Starbucks – have educational opportunities for employees who want to go back to school. It’s a great way for parents going back to school, who also need to keep working.

4. Dig out your old transcripts. Many adults going back to school can qualify for scholarships based on their academic performance – no matter how long it’s been since you were in school. Virtually all colleges and universities offer scholarships based on your grades. If you were a stellar student back in the day, now is the time to brag about it!

Going Back to School at 50 – It Doesn’t Have to be Hard!

Some people may think going back to school at 50 is silly, but, in reality, it’s a popular choice. In fact, older students have become the fastest growing demographic at colleges around the country. Whether you want to switch careers, finally get your degree, or just learn something new, going back to school at 50 can be a great choice.

But if you’re thinking of going back to school at 50, you need to do your homework long before your get to the classroom. After all, you’ll be competing with the new generation. Learn about all of the admission requirements. Figure out if you need financial aid. And ask yourself if you want to take classes online, or if you’re interested in physically returning to community college or a four-year university.

When it comes to going back to school at 50, many older students have some fears, especially older women. For older women, going back to school can mean that you’re the “mom” figure in class – the student who is actually older than the professor, and the one who causes other students to get quiet and start minding their manners.

But for many older women, going back to school is important enough to overcome any fears. Some women simply want to graduate, after giving up their degrees long ago to get married and have children. Or, they want to change careers. Or, they just want to learn something new now that the kids have grown up and moved out.

If you’re an older student who is thinking of returning to community college, many schools are making it easy for you. The American Association of Community College has created a “Plus 50″ learning program. Participating schools are learning how to meet the needs of older students by helping them with their computer skills, helping them apply for financial aid, and even helping them locate old transcripts.

And, if you’re thinking about becoming an older student, you don’t have to let money become one of your fears. There are plenty of grants for going back to school, including:

- Many individual colleges offer special grants for students who never went to college after high school
- There are Veterans’ grant programs if you spent time in the military
- Federal Pell Grants are available for students of any age; all you have to do is meet certain income requirements
- There are grants geared towards older women going back to school, whether you already have a degree or not
- Many cities and towns offer special grants for older students, so check with counselors at your school to see what opportunities exist

FAQs about Bed Bugs

From the 1950s to the late 1990s, bed bugs in the United States were virtually non-existent. However, recent statistics reveal that this bloodsucking critter is making a major comeback, leaving many Americans with a long list of unanswered questions. Here are some of the answers to the most frequently asked questions about bed bugs including bed bug extermination.

Are bed bugs only in beds? No. While they are commonly found in beds, mattresses and bed boards, bed bugs love to hide in other areas too like picture frames, chair cushions, sofas, behind electrical outlets and around baseboards. Basically, bed bugs can hide anywhere.

Why are they difficult to control? Along with being elusive and hard to find, bed bugs are very resilient creatures. They can survive for more than a year without eating and can withstand a wide range of temperatures, from nearly 113 degrees Fahrenheit to almost freezing.

How do you get rid of bed bugs? Whether you’re wondering how to get rid of bed bugs in Arlington, VA or Los Angeles, CA, the answer is the same: you need to contact a pest control professional. An experienced professional can inspect your home or facility for a possible infestation. Once they identify the extent of the problem, they will create an effective strategy to treat the infestation.

If you’re looking for a way to get rid of the bed bug in Fairfax, Virginia, please contact Affordable Pest today.

Diindolylmethane Can Improve Hormonal Imbalances

If you are currently eating a cancer prevention diet, you probably are already familiar with the benefits of eating Brassica vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale and brussels sprouts. Scientific studies have shown that a diet that is rich in these vegetables can help people lower their risk for breast and prostate cancer while improving their overall health.

The reason for this is a powerful organic compound found in these types of vegetables. Diindolylmethane (DIM) activates the body’s immune system and helps to protect against certain types of cancer. But there are more benefits to eating DIM-rich foods than cancer protection. DIM has also been proven to help women correct hormonal imbalances. It does this by stimulating the processes that detoxify the body and hormone metabolism. DIM can also help improve estrogen metabolism.

So while DIM can be an immune system booster which also helps to lower your risk of cancer, it can also help older women with their hormone levels. Eating a diet with plenty of DIM and taking supplements such as ActivaMune is a great idea for women over the age of 50 for a variety of reasons.

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