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	<title>OfficiallyDead &#187; OD Ramblings</title>
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	<description>Creepy...Just the way we like it!</description>
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		<title>Where There’s Smoke &#8211; There’s a Story</title>
		<link>http://www.officially-dead.com/where-there%e2%80%99s-smoke-there%e2%80%99s-a-story/</link>
		<comments>http://www.officially-dead.com/where-there%e2%80%99s-smoke-there%e2%80%99s-a-story/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:24:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>DeadMan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[OD Ramblings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smoking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.officially-dead.com/?p=101</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There is always the story behind smoking and where it came from. History will always have someone that had a huge contribution to tobacco usage and how it all started. Where to find information about the history of smoking The great news is it is not hard to find out information about where smoking came [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-102" src="http://www.officially-dead.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/smoke-story.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />There is always the story behind smoking and where it came from. <a href="http://academic.udayton.edu/health/syllabi/tobacco/history.htm">History will always have someone that had a huge contribution to tobacco usage</a> and how it all started.</p>
<p><strong>Where to find information about the history of smoking</strong></p>
<p>The great news is it is not hard to find out information about where smoking came from. The Internet is going to have the most information, so that you can <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cigarette">read all about smoking</a>. Finding out information about traditional cigarettes and who started them will be an interesting read. However, there is a new cigarette in town.</p>
<p><strong>A new smokeless cigarette</strong></p>
<p>There is a new invention called the e cigarette.  This new cigarette and smokeless and not harmful to your health like a traditional cigarette is.  It is highly recommended prior to smoking this new cigarette that you take an <a href="http://die-e-zigarette.com/e-zigarette-test-einsteiger-guide-1/">E-Zigarette test</a> prior to choosing which one you think will work for you. Based on your test, your results will recommend which one is ideal for you.</p>
<p>Once you have chose your new cigarette, you can then start your own stories about how you stopped smoking traditional cigarettes, and chose a healthier way of life.</p>
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		<title>The Best Casino Legends</title>
		<link>http://www.officially-dead.com/the-best-casino-legends/</link>
		<comments>http://www.officially-dead.com/the-best-casino-legends/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:00:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>DeadMan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[OD Ramblings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Casinos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Legends]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.officially-dead.com/?p=96</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Many people who love spending time in the casinos of Las Vegas, online casinos, or casinos in any part of the world also love watching movies that take place in casinos like the Oceans 11 movies. Why do people love casinos so much? Is it the lure of winning big or the stories of big [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.officially-dead.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Sign-Summer-Night.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-97" src="http://www.officially-dead.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Sign-Summer-Night.jpg" alt="" width="228" height="300" /></a>Many people who love spending time in the casinos of Las Vegas, <a href="http://www.realonlinecasinos.com/">online casinos</a>, or casinos in any part of the world also love watching movies that take place in casinos like the Oceans 11 movies. Why do people love casinos so much? Is it the lure of winning big or the stories of big losses? Whatever the case, it’s the casino legends that keep us coming back to the casinos again and again.</p>
<h2>Patricia Demauro</h2>
<p>Back in May 2009 Mrs. Patricia Demauro was a quiet, unassuming grandma from New Jersey. She walked into Borgata Casino in Atlantic City on May 23rd and stunned everyone by staging a lucky streak for four hours and 18 minutes in the game of craps. She only paid $100 for her buy in but by completing 154 successful roles and beating trillion plus odds she made enough money in bets and <a href="http://www.realonlinecasinos.com/casino-bonus/">casino bonuses</a> to live comfortably for the rest of her life that day.</p>
<h2>Albert R. Hibbs</h2>
<p>Long before movies like 21, there was Albert R. Hibbs. This man was a brilliant mathematician who left for Vegas one weekend with a math buddy to test the roulette wheels in <a href="http://www.realonlinecasinos.com/us-casinos/">US casinos</a>. After they finished visiting all of the casinos in the area they were able to leave with over $42,000 in winnings which was more than enough money to pay for college back then.</p>
<h2>Terrance Watanabe</h2>
<p>The biggest casino legend is the story of Terrance Watanabe. This man was seemingly “cursed” by the Vegas gods and lost over $127 million dollars gambling, in one year. Mr. Watanabe lost the majority of his money at Caesars Palace and claims that the main reason why he went on such a bad losing streak is because he was gambling while drunk. He’s paid back the majority of his losses but still owes over $14 million dollars that he refuses to pay and will possibly face jail time for.</p>
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		<title>Officially Terrifying Halloween Apps</title>
		<link>http://www.officially-dead.com/officially-terrifying-halloween-apps/</link>
		<comments>http://www.officially-dead.com/officially-terrifying-halloween-apps/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:24:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>DeadMan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[OD Ramblings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mobile phone]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.officially-dead.com/?p=85</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The &#8220;smart phone&#8221; generation of mobile phones have provided their customers with all manner of useful apps, everything from police scanners to live doppler radar, making our lives easier simply through the innovation of information. Not all apps, however, are meant for serious consumption. Especially around Halloween, people like to use their iPhone-style apps to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.officially-dead.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/phone-24.jpg"><img src="http://www.officially-dead.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/phone-24.jpg" alt="" width="170" height="300" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-86" /></a>The &#8220;smart phone&#8221; generation of mobile phones have provided their customers with all manner of useful apps, everything from police scanners to live doppler radar, making our lives easier simply through the innovation of information. Not all apps, however, are meant for serious consumption. Especially around Halloween, people like to use their iPhone-style apps to add a bit of black and orange to their repertoire on the last day in the month of October. </p>
<h2>Physical Comedy-Horror</h2>
<p>One very clever app is the magic &#8220;Chucky&#8221; trick. Based on the small but horrifying character from the popular horror film series, the Chucky app is sure to freak out your friends. With the screen displaying Chucky&#8217;s familiar scarred-up baby face, you ask your victim to hold something in the palm of their hand (a dime, for instance, or a bottle cap). Then you hold the phone, screen-down, just above the object, and a small hand reaches out &#8211; from under your sleeve, in classic illusionist style &#8211; grabs it, and pulls it &#8220;into the phone&#8221;. Call it gross, creepy, bizarre, or all of the above.</p>
<h2>For Kids and Adults Alike</h2>
<p>The website <a href="http://coolmomtech.com/">CoolMomTech</a> offers a selection of apps that are more appropriate for kids, including one called &#8220;Greebley Greebley&#8221;, which allows children to digitally design their own monsters in any way they see fit &#8211; scary, ghoulish, funny, silly, whatever. The soundtrack of the season can also be downloaded to your mobile phone, letting you take your spooky sounds with you everywhere you go (read: Collecting candy with the kids), including witchy screams and creaking doors.<br />
Then there are apps that are strictly for the grown-ups as they conduct their own Halloween Night affairs. Who among us would not benefit from having the Pocket Cocktails app on our smart phone, enabling us to mix the perfect Halloween drinks (like the Pumpkin-Tini) to give the party that authentic All Saints Day feel? No matter which apps you choose, or how many of them, the tricks you can pull off with your mobile phone will definitely be a treat for those around you.</p>
<p>Looking for <a href="http://phone-shop.tesco.com/tesco-mobile/pay-as-you-go/">cheap mobile phones</a>? </p>
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		<title>How to Succeed with Horse Betting at the Belmont Stakes</title>
		<link>http://www.officially-dead.com/how-to-succeed-with-horse-betting-at-the-belmont-stakes/</link>
		<comments>http://www.officially-dead.com/how-to-succeed-with-horse-betting-at-the-belmont-stakes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Mar 2011 04:03:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>DeadMan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[OD Ramblings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[horse racing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.officially-dead.com/?p=67</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Belmont Stakes betting can be exciting, profitable and highly enjoyable; however, there are steps and methods that can make this experience better and more informed. Know the Value of the Odds To help make your horse betting events successful it helps to start gather information. For Belmont Stakes going to the New York Racing Association [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.officially-dead.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/b6.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-68" src="http://www.officially-dead.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/b6-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" /></a>Belmont Stakes betting can be exciting, profitable and highly enjoyable; however, there are steps and methods that can make this experience better and more informed.</p>
<h2>Know the Value of the Odds</h2>
<p>To help make your horse betting events successful it helps to start gather information. For Belmont Stakes going to the <a href="http://www.nyra.com/index_belmont.html">New York Racing Association</a> is a good first step. Know the value of the odds, the odds offer and the type of bet. The odds offer needs to be 2:1 or more in order for the bet to be worthwhile. First, is to focus on a horse that came off a layoff in its last race. What this means is that if a horse showed good speed in the beginning of the race but faded towards the end, he may be a horse to bet on in the next race. This means that he may be a horse that needed a good beginning and may improve in his next start. Another inside tip when betting is the “morning line odds” drop. What this means is that if a horse’s odds are going off lower than his morning line—when post time is coming—this horse needs to be kept in mind. Some say when this happens, this horse will do well. This kind of thing happens with first time starters.</p>
<h2>Surface Switch Method</h2>
<p>Still another tip is the surface switch method. What this means is that trainers think certain horses will do better on different surfaces. Dirt race tracks are physically harder and more demanding on horses that turf race tracks. For instance, if a horse goes from turf to dirt he may do better because he is confident and energized compared to a horse that is worn out from running on a dirt surface.</p>
<p>Another tip that might help is looking for a horse that finished in the placing—first, second or third in their last four starts. Another point to keep in mind is that Belmont has a very unique track because it is an oval track that is only 1.5 miles long. It is also different in that it is the first time any of the horses running will be running this kind of distance and one that is run on dirt. Jockeys that have not run in this particular race are often surprised at how long it is and the strong impact it has on the horses—and the struggle it may be for them in handling the distance and the dirt. Jockeys who are not used to this particular track can find it challenging. This can be a factor to consider when looking at bets. For more help and information, check out <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belmont_Stakes">Wiki</a>.</p>
<p>For more information check out <a href="http://www.belmontstakes.org" target="_blank">http://www.belmontstakes.org</a></p>
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		<title>Retailers are Fearfully Low on the Holidays Hottest Toys</title>
		<link>http://www.officially-dead.com/retailers-fearfully-low-on-holidays-hottest-toys/</link>
		<comments>http://www.officially-dead.com/retailers-fearfully-low-on-holidays-hottest-toys/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:51:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>OfficiallyDead</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[OD Ramblings]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.officially-dead.com/dora-links-dolls-furreal-friends-and-nintendo-dsi-disappearing/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What is the cause of the popular gift disappearance? Toy buyer Susan J. has stated: &#8220;Condemn the weak economy.&#8221; Shops burned by the recession minimized supplies. Retailers did this awaiting a replay of the preceding holday&#8217;s dismal shopping. Zhu Zhu Pets, Mindflex Games, and Nintendo DSI have been flying off the merchant shelves as Christmas [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-51" title="fur-real-friends" src="http://www.officially-dead.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/fur-real-friends.jpg" alt="fur-real-friends" width="211" height="300" />What is the cause of the popular gift disappearance? Toy buyer Susan J. has stated:  &#8220;Condemn the weak economy.&#8221;</p>
<p>Shops burned by the recession minimized supplies.   Retailers did this awaiting a replay of the preceding holday&#8217;s dismal shopping.</p>
<p>Zhu Zhu Pets,  Mindflex Games, and Nintendo DSI have been flying off the  merchant shelves as  Christmas  buyers start to get serious.</p>
<p>This is not the same  as in the past with  Tickle Me Elmo.</p>
<p>High numbers of retailers were stuck holding scads of unsellable inventory in 2008 and they&#8217;re not going to make the   slipup in 09. That causes   shortfalls of many top toys.</p>
<p>Christmas Day is approaching soon.  If kid&#8217;s gifts are on your Yule buying list, you might want to head to the stores now. A lot of the   coolest items are already difficult to find.  If you have not begun  the Christmas purchasing, it could spell trouble.</p>
<p>What are expected to be the hottest   kids toys?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.kidsntoys.com/barbie-fashionistas/">Barbie Fashionistas</a>, <a href="http://www.kidsntoys.com/zhu-zhu-pets/">Zhu Zhu Pets</a>, <a href="http://www.kidsntoys.com/furreal-friends/">FurReal Friends</a>, <a href="http://www.kidsntoys.com/nintendo-dsi/">Nintendo DSI</a>, <a href="http://www.kidsntoys.com/eyeclops-night-vision-goggles/">EyeClops Night Vision</a>, <a href="http://www.kidsntoys.com/toys/item/211587201-10387719-cj/">Nerf N-Strike Elite Dart Gun</a>, <a href="http://www.kidsntoys.com/toys/item/MTR0050-10363853-cj/">Princess and the Frog Tiana Doll</a>, <a href="http://www.kidsntoys.com/liv-dolls-sophie-katie-alexis-and-daniela/">Liv Dolls</a>, and <a href="http://www.kidsntoys.com/toys/item/211328312-10387719-cj/">Band Hero Bundle</a>.</p>
<p>For yet another Christmas, buyers confront the same question.  What are the most popular toys this year?  Where can they be located?  For lots of buyers, the normal department store is where they search.  However, shoppers are not deciding on what their children mention alone.  They are hunting on the internet for reviews and information about the most admired novelties for this coming holiday.</p>
<p>As with the usual Christmases, learning novelties are always in style.  With grown-ups, anyway.  Children nowadays, at earlier ages want iPhones and iPods, present for internet music, movies, and video games more than ever.</p>
<p>Nintendo Wii games are quite trendy this year.  Role playing video games like Assassin are flying off shelves.  Musical video games like X-box’s Rock Bands thrill music lovers.</p>
<p>But some earlier favorites are still in the running.  Elmo Live dolls still top Christmas wishes for youngsters.  Also, Transformer dolls that actually walk and change into the various things thrill many of the more mature elementary school children.  Disney novelties get top marks, too.  Particularly Hannah Montana gear such as action figures, games, clothes, knapsacks, and other jewelry.</p>
<p>The latest history-making election hasexploded the desire for custom dolls and games with political themes.  Other admired novelty are “Green” novelties.  Novelties produced from materials that won’t hurt the environment.  These novelties could be made from natural fibers,water-based ink, and replenished timber.  And, they help build a youngster’s imagination.  Many harken back to a simpler time when many playthings were handmade in the little one’s house.</p>
<p>But, to be sure the novelties you purchase really do help the planet, try local manufacturers that don’t transport novelties from far away.  The effect of moving goods on the environment might turn a eco-friendly plaything into a poor pick.  Make certain that the playthings are created, wrapped, and transported locally for the maximum reduction in its carbon footprint.</p>
<p>Recognize, too, that novelties from less advanced areas can contain bad substances.  Matel fielded a marketing catastrophe when coatings used in the creation of their novelties proved to have lead.  They had used underpaid workers in a foreign country, then had the novelties brought to the United States.  Not only did that hauling impact the Earth negatively, but caused major physical concerns for the kids        that obtained them.</p>
<p>To completely understand what playthings are popular this year, take a look at well-liked television performances.  Marketersmake a frenzy over certain playthings by continually showing them in the performances.  Not only in the commercials, but the performances themselves.  By looking at just a few hours can give you an idea as to what will be hot this year.</p>
<p>Not swayed?  Ever see a famous person with her Chihuahua?  Immediately many teenage girls have their own littlepurse pooch.  Remember the Cabbage Patch toy?  The toys sold for many dollars when supplies ran low.</p>
<p>Ask your local retailers.  Inquire about not only what they will be keeping in stock this year, but also what are they having a struggle obtaining.  And they requisition their supplies months in advance, so you may be able to pre-order a trendy novelty your kid is crying for.  By doing a little investigating, you’ll know what the sought-after novelties are for this Christmas and stand a good chance of winning it.</p>
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		<title>The Season to Make the World a Better Place</title>
		<link>http://www.officially-dead.com/the-season-to-make-the-world-a-better-place/</link>
		<comments>http://www.officially-dead.com/the-season-to-make-the-world-a-better-place/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 06 Dec 2009 17:02:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>OfficiallyDead</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[OD Ramblings]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.officially-dead.com/the-season-to-make-the-world-a-better-place/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It&#8217;s better to give than receive. Can you think of a better way to give something back than to donate your money and time to child sponsoring. This time of year, numerous charities are asking for assistance to get food for those unable to provide it. Children’s Youngsters’ charities especially get to your heart during [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-46" title="childrens-charity9" src="http://www.officially-dead.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/childrens-charity9.jpg" alt="childrens-charity9" width="165" height="300" />It&#8217;s better to give than receive.  Can you think of a better way to give something back than to donate your money and time to <a href="http://www.childrenincorporated.org/">child sponsoring</a>.  This time of year, numerous charities are asking for assistance to get food for those unable to provide it.  Children’s Youngsters’ charities especially get to your heart during the holidays.</p>
<p>Supporting a youngster not only assists the kid, but offers you a fantastic souvenir, as well.  When you give to kid aid  organizations or sponsor a kid, you get a glow, too.  And, it’s a wonderful way to demonstrate for your own kid compassion for others.</p>
<p>Investigate the charities you are drawn to.  Look for an aid  organization that expends 20% or less of their contributions on organizational fees.  Ideally, 15% is the average amount.  Then choose the charity that goes with your money or availability.  You don’t need contribute just funds.</p>
<p>There are youngsters’ charities that let you to fund a kid for the holidays.  Angel tree is an excellent case of this.  You select an angel from a tree bough.  Recorded on it is the age of the child, their clothes sizes, and what their special hope is for the season.  You might take your children shopping and allow them pick out gifts to give the child.  And, you aren’t limited to only one child.  Some people opt to get siblings, providing all the children in the family with their Christmas presents.  So whatever your budget, there is a youngster that will benefit.</p>
<p>And giving isn’t limited to the Holidays.  You can sponsor a youngster all year.  Youngster supporting means paying a small amount each month.  You receive the kid’s picture and a little of information on the kid’s circumstances and how you contribution assists them.  You can write to and receive correspondence from the youngster you are funding.</p>
<p>This is a great choice for parents who would like their kid to be taught about giving for longer than just during holidays.  By supporting a kid, your child can choose to be a pen pal.  Plenty of these organization can aid you find a youngster of a similar age as your own.  This gives both youngsters a chance to see each others surroundings with similar understanding.  Also, your child will discover what it’s like to support others, what it is like in other countries, and to be grateful for what they have.</p>
<p>There are numerous opportunities for youngster aiding and children’s youngsters’ aid groups.  Many organizations have volunteer opportunities.  Check with schools and youngster foundations in your area for a list of possibilities.  Whether you contribute time or finances to assist a youngster or to children’s youngsters’ charities, your help will reward both the youngster receiving it and you when you help.</p>
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