“COOL: SAN FRANCISCO & SHAKESPEARE”

A town that sells star maps and offers bus tours of celebrity homes, is a town that knows how to market itself, and Los Angeles is a place brimming with sights to see and places to visit. Though one may naturally think of glamour when thinking of L.A. , this is merely one aspect of it. Certainly its movie stars and celebrities can leave you star-struck, but its museums, historic homes, fabled avenues, and other attractions are just as dazzling, if not more.

In addition to the more well-known sites associated with Hollywood ’s past and present, try and visit some of Los Angeles’ cultural attractions as well. It’ll be well worth your time. Los Angeles is a huge city perceived by many to be superficial, but look deeper — there is much more to L.A. than first meets the eye.

Indeed, even in Hollywood , there is a great deal of history available and thanks to its attractions, open to discovery. The Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Capitol Records Tower, and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre date back to the 1960’s, 1950’s, and 1920’s respectively. When you visit any of these landmarks, you step a little closer to Old Hollywood, the glamorous standard by which present-day movie stars are compared.

Though one of Hollywood ’s newest attractions, the Hollywood & Highland complex is a must-see for all tourists, as it celebrates Old Hollywood while promoting the appeal of Hollywood today. The complex, named after Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue , is a spectacular sight for all, even for the locals. It features the Kodak Theatre (host of the Academy Awards), a choice selection of specialty shops, and a five-star, 22-story hotel in the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel. For those lucky enough to stay at this exclusive hotel, you’ll find everything, from city attractions to fine dining, within walking distance.

Another popular choice for tourists who wish to experience Hollywood is a studio tour, and both Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. Studios offer them. These walking tours are informative but the chance of seeing a big-name celebrity is unlikely. However, being able to see a film studio up close is a thrill in itself. Of course, there’s also Universal Studios in the Valley ( San Fernando Valley ), which has created a theme park in Universal Studios Hollywood that truly highlights movie-making magic, with an emphasis on special FX.

For those who choose to leave Hollywood to the star-gazers, Los Angeles offers many other sights to see. From popular Chinatown to the majestic Queen Mary in Long Beach , L.A. attractions are as varied as they are beloved.

Los Angeles ‘ museums can be found throughout the city, each one dedicated to preserving the best in art, literature, and nature. Located in downtown L.A., the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is one of the city’s finest and is dedicated to American and European art from 1940 until today. For those in search of world art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is the place to visit. Since its opening in 1966, this museum has amassed an impressive collection of more than 150,000 works. Take a tour and feast your eyes on masterworks from around the world, from paintings and sculpture to photos and prints.

In Pasadena, the Huntington Library is an inspiring destination. Along with the Huntington Gallery and Botanical Gardens, the library does its best to preserve past treasures. Visitors can marvel at the volumes of literary collections, which include first editions and the handwritten notes of famous authors. In the botanical gardens, a variety of gardens can be found, from a Japanese garden to a rose garden. Take time to enjoy them all.

The Westside is a distinguished part of Los Angeles where the affluent live, and certainly visiting this area can be a day trip all by itself. Neighborhoods, such as Bel-Air and Pacific Palisades, are found in the Westside and seeing the scale and beauty of these homes is something to experience. However, in addition to the opulence that characterizes this community, it is also home to two museums of importance: the Museum of Tolerance and The Getty Center. The latter opened in 1998 and houses an expanding collection of European fine art started by J. Paul Getty more than 70 years ago.

But if staying indoors isn’t your idea of an L.A. vacation, then perhaps Santa Monica , Venice , or Long Beach would be better destinations. The Boardwalk in Venice is a great place to enjoy the California sunshine, as well as shopping, bicycling, and people-watching. Here you’ll find a unique mix of street entertainers, both professional and amateur. Santa Monica Pier is also a fun destination for those wanting to stay outdoors. The pier features a carousel, free concerts in the summer, and souvenir shops in a totally laid-back setting. In Long Beach , the Aquarium of the Pacific is a great choice for families. The Aquarium is dedicated to marine life from the Pacific Ocean and also maintains an aviary for bird lovers.

Located close to Wilshire Boulevard is the famed Farmers Market and The Grove, a market and shopping district on the corner of Third and Fairfax . An entire day or two can be spent here, experiencing what it must be like to be a local of Los Angeles . With more than 100 stalls and over 20 restaurants to choose from, plus a variety of retail stores, the Market and The Grove are excellent places to just hang out, people-watch, and relax.

Though some may perceive Los Angeles as being more surface than substance, a closer look is all that’s needed to find that that simply isn’t so. When visiting the city, consider some of the sights beyond Hollywood , such as in Pasadena , Wilshire, and downtown L.A. Hotel location may be the biggest factor in determining what attractions you see, but just keep in mind that there is more to Los Angeles than glitz and glamour. With that being said, don’t miss seeing that Hollywood Sign!

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Men’s fashion magazines, such as Details and GQ, have always placed an emphasis on looking good. However now more than ever, part of that look involves jewelry. From the traditional watch to the versatile pendant, men’s jewelry has begun to move beyond the expected and more towards the unique, the classic, tough, and stylish, with cues being taken from athletes, celebrities, and bikers alike.

Regarding this recent boom, it’s good news for both the jewelry and retail industries, as it opens the door to new styles, designs and opportunities for a niche that’s been waiting to turn the corner for some time now. Thanks to a number of factors, jewelry sales for men have increased over the past few years, with signs pointing to a continuing trend. So much so that designers are now creating lines specifically “for” men, with the confidence that there is a buying audience out there – a consumer base that is widening and getting stronger. Factors that could explain this shift include:

• Media influence

• Men becoming more style-conscious
• A greater variety to choose from
• An overall younger market
• Women continuing to buy for their significant others

Gone are the days when cuff links and watches were all that was available for men as far as fashion. While these stylish standards remain a big part of the selection that’s out there, there are also now earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, and pendants to choose from. Indeed, men’s fashion is becoming more varied, with men themselves making purchases and becoming more conscious of their style and the image they project. Bracelets for instance, have become almost as common as watches, thanks to new, masculine designs made of wood, shell and alternative metals, ranging from gold and platinum to anodized aluminum. Designers are mixing and matching materials into fashionable takes that work with corporate looks as well as more casual ensembles. The versatility of designs has emerged as a selling point.

Men’s stainless steel jewelry remains popular, even with the rise of the alternative metals. Again, it provides a look a strength that is always attractive for men. From cuff links to dog tags, stainless steel is often used in combination with complementary metals, such as white gold and sterling silver. Muted gemstones are also an element of design that’s being employed with more regularity. In addition, new designs have been inspired by the past, as the time-tested has suddenly become hip and modern. Some designer trends you might be seeing:

• Biker and/or motorcycle jewelry

• Skull and crossbones jewelry
• Bracelets as fashions musts
• Pendants, such as dog tags, growing in popularity
• Earrings an accessory for men as much as women

Last year, in due part to the popularity of Pirates of the Caribbean, skull and crossbones motifs entered the fashion realm for both men and women, emerging in the forms of scarves, jackets, ties, shirts, and of course, jewelry. However, a bit of research reveals that motorcycle jewelry has featured skulls, crossbones, serpents, and iron crosses for years. The biker niche has always been one to embrace men’s jewelry, with the aforementioned symbols of power, danger, and strength being key to their appeal. Only now the motifs have entered into pop culture, making them more readily available and in styles and designs that are perhaps less harsh and thus, wearable anytime.

What made the Pirates trend so widespread was the fact that skull designs were being incorporated in ways that were almost “cute,” such as a crossbones scarf or a skull charm. While this trend is likely to fade as the movie turns out its final installment in 2007, the presence of skull jewelry for men should remain a factor in fashionable selection for years to come. Now that it has been introduced into designer lines, the look should continue to flourish. This being said, bikers, goths, and punk rockers should certainly be credited as being the originators of the symbolic design, with skull, crossbones, and knives being linked to rebel and outlaw personas. Today, standards in skull jewelry, such as skull rings, pendants, and buckles, are complemented by wrist links, chunky chains, and even earrings.

Speaking of biker jewelry, this category continues to expand, with necklace chains, pendants, bracelets, and earrings being just the tip. Traditionally made of sterling silver, gold and stainless steel, modern biker jewelry also makes use of titanium, aluminum, and other solid materials. Turquoise, onyx, and amber are often crafted into designs as well. Today, fashion designers have picked up on the masculine designs of biker and motorcycle jewelry, creating lines of their own that would appeal to both the hard-core biker and Casual Friday worker.

Indeed, the range of men’s jewelry has exploded to be versatile and inclusive. Media has played a role in the boom, as outlets such as YouTube and of course cable, have made our culture as a whole more conscious of what we wear and what we look like. What image do we project? Men, as much as women, have begun to emulate their idols. From athletes to entertainers, Joe Public is taken his cue from the celebrity.

Take a look at a sports star’s press conference and chances are you’ll see him decked out in his best threads, with the finishing touch being a rope chain, a stainless-steel dog tag, titanium bangle, or pair of earrings. Diamond studs are no longer exclusive to women. No, men’s diamond earrings can be purchased from any jeweler, as can gold hoop earrings for men. These styles have become unisex with men styling their own “bling” for all to see. The more snazzy the outfit, the more accessorized the man.

In the past, women were the primary buyers of men’s jewelry, as they attempted to add a bit of style to their significant other’s wardrobe. Today however, men are looking for such additions themselves, thanks to the influence of television, marketing, and magazines.

In summary, while trends such as the pirate look may come and go, the boom in men’s jewelry appears to be one with staying power, which is welcomed news for retailers. The decision by designers to create lines specific for men is one sign of the positive shift. Another is the fact that the market is being impacted by younger buyers, who might be more willing to take on fashion “risks” and in the end, set the new standards for style.

* Originally written for AlluringMoon.com.

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Durable, elegant and totally luxurious, platinum is precious metal prized for its rarity, strength, and flawlessness. Heavier than gold or silver, it’s been used in important jewelry since the late 1800s and in the past decade, has enjoyed a marked resurgence in popularity. Its unique white luster and sophisticated, polished look complements the brilliance of diamonds best and is currently, the favored metal to hold such stones. Used in the most beautiful of weddings sets, platinum is also the foundation for the most exquisite of body art jewelry.

In due part to its beauty, heft, and expert craftsmanship, platinum is clearly a wise investment: one for a lifetime. While a new piercing will naturally be done with surgical stainless steel (SSS), once you’re set for a permanent look, then it’s time to look at what else is available on the market.

While body jewelry ranges from silver to gold to titanium, the standout pieces you’ll find are made of platinum. The rareness of the metal makes every piece more special and more carefully conceived, knowing that this is only one of a handful in existence. Diamond belly rings set in platinum are made with the same attention to detail as a custom engagement ring, and while one may see the acquisition of such jewelry as an indulgence, it should also be regarded a considered purchase: in a work of art.

Indeed, while platinum’s price tag may be high, it can never be regarded as a poor investment. As you’ll learn, one of the virtues of platinum is how pure it is, mixing with only a few other alloys. Out of all the precious metals, it is the only one that is 90%-95% pure.

Consequently, it is also a particularly good choice for those who are hypoallergenic or allergic to metals, especially nickel. Platinum doesn’t corrode, rust or tarnish. Quite simply, it doesn’t diminish in value. Ever. Thus, the metal not only affords you luxurious appeal, but also practicality, which doesn’t often get associated with a once-in-a-lifetime purchase.

In platinum’s case however, such a stamp fits.

Notes: Only 1/3 of the mined platinum in the world is used for jewelry, upping the rarity of every piece all the more. … Platinum is twice as heavy as silver and approximately 1.4 times heavier than 18k gold. Its dense composition, which only gets heavier when mixed with an alloy, requires great designer skill. … To keep platinum clean and restore its timeless luster, simply mix a few drops of detergent in water and use a soft toothbrush to brush away any dirt. Voila!

* Originally written for AlluringBody.com.

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Vienna is a city where old blends perfectly with the new. Where the timeless coexists with the modern. This is where the waltz was born, but also where electronica thrives. Indeed, there’s a reason why they say Vienna is “hot and cold, loud and soft, expected and unexpected.”

The capital of Austria, Vienna is also the country’s largest state; its political, economic, and cultural center; and former seat of the Habsburgs. Moving outward from the historic “Ring,” you’ll find Vienna full of beauty and heritage. While no longer home to a royal empire, Vienna clearly remains committed to “the good life.”

Ask the locals. They’ll tell you so. And one look around this European jewel, you’ll understand why too Vienna is known the world over for its quality of life. In fact, in 2008, Mercer ranked the Austrian capital #2 in that category (second only to Zurich, Switzerland).

• Schonbrunn Palace: Designed by the von Erlachs, the Baroque palace and its 1,441 rooms was a summer home for the Habsburgs. See the Gloriette in the Imperial Gardens, the stunning State Apartments, and Palace Theater and Carriage Museum on the grounds.

• St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom): Dating back to the 12th century, this basilica is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. See the South Tower, standing 445 feet tall; the pulpit of St. Stephen’s; and the carved Wiener Neustadt altarpiece (c. 1447). [Trivia: Mozart was married here in 1782 and had his funeral in December 1791.]

• Schatzkammer: The Imperial Treasury, protecting a thousand years of treasures, including Charlemagne’s saber, the Holy Lance, and the crown jewels of the Holy Roman Empire and Habsburg Empire. The collection is highlighted by the imperial crown (c. 962).

• Museum of Military History: The city’s oldest state museum, the Heeresgeschichtliches Museum is located in the center of the Arsenal and was built with plans by Ludwig Foerster and Theophil Hansen. It features five main sections delineating the military history of the Habsburg Empire.

• Burgtheater: The Austrian National Theater known by the locals as “die Burg.” The theater itself dates back to 1741, was moved in 1888, and after World War I, was restored in the mid-1950s. Today, it stands as the dream stage for German theater.

• Spanish Riding School: Home to the magnificent Lipizzans. Located in the Vienna Imperial Palace, the school is the oldest institution in the world devoted to classic dressage. Guided tours are offered year-round, alternating between the Winter and Summer riding schools, and the Renaissance-designed Stalburg (stables).

• Riesenrad: The second-largest Ferris wheel in the world (behind London’s “Eye”) and one of 250 attractions at Vienna’s Prater Amusement Park, located in the 2nd district of the capital. The Riesenrad was built in 1897 to commemorate the golden jubilee of Franz Josef I.

• Volksgarten: Known as “The People’s Garden,” the Volksgarten is perfect for a stroll. Built in 1820, it was designed to resemble Paris’ Luxembourg garden.

• Hundertwasser House Vienna: An apartment house in Vienna designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. An example of the “modern” Vienna, built between 1983-1986.

• And Music: Vienna brought the world the waltz, as well as some of its most famed operas. Think Mozart, Beethoven, and Mahler. During the summer, experience Strauss and Mozart in the park. Try and attend a performance at the State Opera. Book in advance to hear the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

During your visit, it might be difficult to decide what to see first and what to experience next. To help, consider the 10 attractions above to get you started. Each should also branch out to other possibilities. Vienna is full of them!

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Landlocked in Central Europe, Austria is surrounded by several other countries like Switzerland, Germany, and Italy that make travel a snap. Tourists can make Austria part of a multi-country tour or travel there specifically to holiday in its beautiful countryside and historic towns.

Known as an alpine country, the famed Alps of Austria actually only cover about half of its landscape. Nonetheless, skiing in Austria is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. Many travel to Austria for the skiing alone, with an ample supply of cozy ski resorts found throughout. Indeed, winter sport tourism thrives in Austria, with peak travel times traditionally being from Christmas to January 2nd and all of February. Other outdoor adventures that tourists enjoy are hiking and cycling – both refreshing ways to travel and take in a scenic journey.

As for where to go in Austria, there are plenty of choices, with historic cities Vienna, Salzburg, and Linz always high on travel checklists. In 2008, the European Football Championships (Euro 2008) will see football fans from the world over travel to Austria and Switzerland to attend the tourney. The Austria cities of Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, and the aforementioned Vienna and Salzburg will all host matches. However, though football might bring the fans to Austria, it shouldn’t be their only memory, as Austria offers great food and drink, beautiful scenery, unique shopping, and quite simply, a wonderful travel experience.

To travel to Austria is to step into one of the safest countries in the world – a luxury that’s afforded all. For instance, in Austria, it’s not uncommon to knock on the door of a country farmhouse to ask if a room is available. Even if they don’t have one, they’ll make sure you won’t have to travel very far to find a place to rest. The people of Austria are characteristically friendly, even if somewhat reserved. One thing to remember when you travel to this European gem is to mind your manners. Courtesy in a foreign country is always advisable, but in Austria, it’s easily inspired by those you meet.

Travel to and from cities is best done by train, but to explore the Austria countryside, renting a car for a few days is a smart travel idea. Keep in mind that credit cards aren’t used as frequently in Austria as in other European countries you might travel to, though debit cards are accepted most everywhere. Travel light when exploring the cities, towns, and rural sights, but be sure to bring along the essentials: visa or photo ID, money, and maps. Austria is a beautiful country, but like anywhere, you wouldn’t want to travel and get lost in it. Fortunately, travel in the Austrian Alps is such a popular pastime, there are a good number of marked trails, as well as mountain shelters; not to mention the many other hikers and mountain-climbers to ask travel directions from.

If you travel to Austria, it would help a great deal to learn a few common German words/phrases, as 99% of the people speak the language. And finally, remember that the currency of Austria is the Euro (€), so when you do travel there, make sure to account for the proper conversion rate.

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So, your new puppy’s home. And he’s now getting used to you and his new environs. He’s sniffing, looking around, slipping and sliding as he runs across the floor. He’s having a blast!

However, keep in mind that while there’s certainly time for fun and games to mark the arrival of this cuddly new addition, there also needs to be time for rules and training. In order to forge a sublime relationship between you and your new pup, you’ll need to find time to train him in the dos and don’ts of living in his new digs.

This being said, training can be a blast too, for both of you. It’s certainly a proven way to bond. For most dog owners, training begins with housebreaking. This is a must for every pup and can take up to six weeks or more to really grab hold. Once it does though, you’ll be set. There’s always that breakthrough moment when you realize: “gosh, he’s got it!”

To achieve this, there are a few methods to try. Each varies, depending on factors like the amount of time spent away from home and the size of your pup. A constant however for all methods is that positive reinforcement is the best way to get through. Every puppy wishes to please and every time you offer praise, it will up his desire to duplicate that moment. Patience and praise. Give your puppy lots of both. Along with of course, tons o’ love.

* Originally written for MyHollywoodPets.com.

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When you get a new puppy, one of the first things to do is begin housebreaking him. A puppy’s day is very much about eating, playing, and… eliminating. In the early going, he’ll simply be a boundless ball of energy and it will take time and patience to work with him to understand that there’s a correct place to “go” and a wrong one.

However, it’s imperative that you never scold should he choose the “wrong” spot from time to time. Expect setbacks along the way, but be confident that your puppy is brilliant and that he’ll get it soon enough. The best way to help him is to praise him each and every time he goes in the correct spot. He’ll be thrilled and will associate that place/spot with all good things.

Keeping an eye on your pup
As for housebreaking methods, today, we’ll talk about a scenario in which you’re able to stay with your puppy at all times. The most obvious advantage of this is that you’ll be able to keep an eye on him, and more times than not, help him get to the “correct” spot(s).

When in the house, consider keeping your puppy on a leash in the beginning to ensure you can lead him outdoors when it’s time. Since you’re a constant for him, watch his behavior. If he begins to circle, recognize this as him preparing to eliminate. Lead him outside and when he does relieve himself, enthusiastically praise him for doing so. He’ll quickly begin to make the connection. Also, try establishing a word-association. When he eliminates, repeat a word like “outside.”

To further encourage your pup, take him outdoors regularly. Create a routine for him. Let him out after he eats, drinks water, wakes up, has a play session, or sniffs around. Once outdoors, let him explore and find an elimination spot of his choosing. As you guide him, let him feel as though he’s guided you.

Early development
In a puppy’s early development, note that he won’t yet have firm control over his bowel or bladder until about six months. As a result, he’ll need to go more often than an adult dog. On average, a puppy will need to relieve himself (at least) 6-8 times a day.

Thus, if you’re able to be with your pup all day/night, it’s important to take this time to create various routines for him. This goes for his eating, play time, and even the door he walks through to get outside. All of these will help create order in your puppy’s new world and lead him to establishing good habits, like knowing when it’s time to go “outside.”

* Originally written for MyHollywoodPets.com.

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Proper grooming is one of the keys to keeping your dog healthy. It also provides you with one more way to bond with him. Indeed, the time shared grooming can be as enriching as playtime.

Grooming your dog includes taking care of his coat, nails, eyes, ears, and teeth. In this blog, we’ll address some of the basics on how to care for your new puppy/dog. Simple ways to groom him at home:

Hair Brushing:
Begin by selecting a proper comb or brush. This will depend on the length of your dog’s hair. For brushes, you have a choice of bristle, wire-pin, or slicker types. For combs, note that ones made from rubber do well for massaging the skin as well. Try and make hair-brushing a daily routine for you and your dog. This will not only keep his coat shiny and clean, but also strengthen the bond between you. When brushing, be systematic, starting from the head and work down towards the tail. Never pull at tangles or mats (routine brushing will minimize such problems). Note that before giving your dog a bath, you should always brush his hair first.

Bathing:
Baths can be such fun, plus they eliminate pesky germs and dirt. To wash your dog, brush his hair (to remove tangles and loose dirt) and then wet him down thoroughly (using warm water). Apply only a small dab of shampoo; massage it into the skin, working from head to tail. Do not apply soap directly to your dog’s face ever, but rather, use a wet rag to clean it. When drying off, don’t create tangles by rubbing him every which way. Work with the grain of your dog’s hair and always brush him when wet to loosen and rid of knots/tangles.

Trimming Nails:
If a dog’s nails are too long, it can affect his walking, be a source of pain, and even impact his mood. Broken nails can be painful for your dog and are more likely to happen when nails have grown too long. To help him with this, regularly trim his nails. In our next blog, we’ll address just “how” to do so. It might be nerve-wracking at first, but our dogs trust us more than anyone and they’ll be happier if we do this for them.

Cleaning Eyes:
Monitoring your dog’s eyes can help in assessing his overall health. You’ll want his eyes to be moist and clear, as well as free of any hair. Did you know that hair can scratch your dog’s eye? It’s true. Not to mention, a dog will try and remove irritating hair from his eyes himself, using his paw or the floor – which could result in injury. To help avoid this, clip any excess hair and use a damp cloth to gently remove dirt/mucus. For dogs prone to “tear stains,” add a tear-stain remover to your weekly checkup.

Cleaning Ears:
Sadly, ear problems are not uncommon for dogs, but fortunately, they are treatable. You can also help prevent them with weekly cleanings. If there is any buildup, apply an ear cleaner to loosen debris. In addition, clean the ear flap and outer ear canal with a trusty cotton swab and/or washcloth. Make note of any telltale signs that something could be bothering your dog’s ear(s): an odor; scratching; discharge; redness or swelling; tilting of the head; or painful reaction when touched.

Brushing Teeth:
Just like us, a dog’s teeth must be cleaned regularly or else it can suffer from tooth decay, plaque buildup, cavities, or even more severe problems. To help keep these at bay, routine brushing can do wonders (in between vet visits). In our next blog, we’ll discuss this topic further, along with how to trim your dog’s nails.

In short, proper grooming can positively affect your dog’s health – both physically and emotionally. A nice bath can rejuvenate him, as can a timeout for brushing his coat, cleaning his ears, or applying a flea solution. Grooming is an expression of how much we care and as is always the case, your perceptive pet will recognize it as such. And love you for it!

* Originally written for MyHollywoodPets.com.

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In recent years, LCD monitors or flat-panel displays have become increasingly popular as alternatives to traditional CRT monitors, which are still most commonly used for desktop computers today. With the market growing more competitive however and prices dropping, the LCD is fast becoming a preference. The slim, stylish design is a major factor in its appeal, as is its picture quality and power efficiency.

LCD monitors use the same Liquid Crystal Display technology that is found in other devices, such as wristwatches and cell phones. Made up of millions of pixels, a display is the sum of all of its parts working together. Each pixel is associated with its own cell, which in turn has a layer of liquid crystals. The rods of these crystals “bend” when an electric current is pulsed through them. This turns the crystal on or off, permitting light to pass through. The result is the picture, image, data, and overall display on a monitor.

Regarding pixels, the native resolution of LCD monitors is typically 1024×768 or higher (for monitors 15” or larger). Such a resolution means that 1024 pixels are lined across the display, while 768 are found up and down. The greater the resolution, the clearer the picture.

Consumers should keep in mind though that for an LCD, each screen is optimized for one resolution. While CRT models can be adjusted for multiple resolutions, an LCD will look the best for one and then scale images/text to fit other resolutions. When choosing a monitor, be sure to ask what the optimum resolution is. Generally, the native resolution for monitors 15” or less is 1024×768; for monitors 17” or 19”, 1280×1024; and for a 20” monitor, 1600×1200.

As for clarity, two other factors for LCD monitors are brightness and viewing angle. The contrast ratio measures the difference between the darkest and brightest part of a screen. Consumers should look for a higher contrast ratio, as it will mean a sharper picture with deeper blacks and brighter whites. In regards to viewing angle, LCDs tend to be clearest when looked at straight on. When moving to one side or another, the picture can become washed out, depending on the viewing angle’s size. The higher the viewing angle approaching 180°, the better.

Size-wise, an LCD can display higher resolutions than a comparable CRT model. When looking into LCD monitors, note that the size is measured diagonally. Thus, a 15” monitor means that from the upper right-hand corner to the lower left, it’s 15”. This is similar to a television’s measurement. However, size is also reflective of price and for monitors 15” or greater, consumers are looking at an investment of $600 and likely more.

The price of an LCD is indeed considerable. However, the advantages of such a display, which include less power needed, less electromagnetic radiation emitted, and space-saving versatility, can in the end prove to justify such a price tag. One other plus: LCD screens tend to last longer than CRTs.

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Looking for chess games to play? It seems everyone is! Today, an estimated 605 million people around the world know how to play chess. From that number, 285 million play it online and 7.5 million are registered players, representing 160 countries worldwide.

Origin of Chess
Just how did chess become so widespread? Where do its roots come from? While this question remains one of debate, the most widely-accepted theory is that it was first played in India (Chaturanga) in the 7th century, then was introduced into the Persian Empire. When Persia was conquered by Arabia in the mid-7th century, the game evolved into Shatranj – popular among both Arabs and Europeans.

From this version, also known as Medieval Chess, modern-day chess was born in c. 1475. In the few hundred years prior to this advent, the original rules of Shatranj began to be modified to allow more movement about the board and thereby, require more involved strategy. Once adopted by Italy, the new rules quickly spread throughout Western Europe, and as they say, the rest is history, with more than 600 million people today knowledgeable of the game.

Chess Variants
In addition to chess though, there are hundreds of chess variants. Of these variants, some are more well-known than others, but all are related, and once you familiarize yourself with a few, learning the others comes relatively easily. Here’s a breakdown of some of the more recognizable chess games to play when you’re ready to dive into an imposing world of defense, attacks and moves.

Orthodox Chess
Traditional Chess or Orthodox Chess is played by two players on a square checkered board of 8 rows and 8 columns, comprised of 64 alternating “black” and “white” squares. The proper position of the board is to have a black square in the lower-left corner. Players alternate moves, one at a time. The player of the white pieces, opens the game.

Each player starts with 16 pieces: 8 pawns, 2 knights, 2 bishops, 2 rooks, 1 queen, and 1 king. Each type of piece is limited by specific movement. For instance, the queen can move any number of squares in any direction, while the pawn can only move forward; and after the first move, only one square at a time. Moving about the board, a player can take an opponent’s piece by moving into that square, essentially replacing the piece with one’s own.

The object is to try and capture the king of the opposing player. This can be achieved by actually taking the king or creating a situation in which the king cannot move without being taken on the next move. This “checkmate” ends the game, although games can also end with a stalemate or draw. For notation, each square corresponds to a combined letter and number, like a grid. Row: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Column: a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h.

Xiangqi
Also known as Chinese Chess, Xiangqi is highly popular in Asian countries, including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Vietnam. A variant of chess that is believed to have derived from Chanturanga, the game’s “playing field” is imagined as two palaces on opposite sides of a river. The object is the same as traditional chess: To capture (or stalemate) the king.

The board is comprised of 10 horizontal lines and nine vertical lines. A void called a “river” dissects the board. On one side, the “black” palace and its army exist. On the other, the “red.” In total, there are 64 squares, but unlike chess, the game is played on line intersections called “points” rather than the squares. Each palace consists of four squares, with an intersecting cross connecting its four corner “points.”

Each player starts with 16 pieces: 5 pawns, 2 cannons, 2 rooks, 2 knights, 2 elephants, 2 Mandarins, and 1 king, which are distributed across the board. As with chess, each piece is limited by specific movement and from this limitation enters strategy. To begin the game, “red” moves first and the game continues until a “checkmate” occurs. A player cannot check an opponent more than three times in a row using the same piece and same board positions. The game is a draw when it’s clear that neither side can checkmate or stalemate the opposing king.

Shogi
A chess variant that arose in the 12th century, the present-day form of Shogi is believed to have been played in Japan for the past 500 years. Translated, the game’s name means “general’s game,” which is in keeping with the militaristic aspect of all chess games.

The board is played on a square checkered board of 81 pieces, 9 x 9. The vertical rows are called “files” and the horizontal, “ranks.” All pieces are the same color, but the side that makes the game’s first move is designated “black,” while the opponent is “white.” Direction determines ownership – pieces pointing away from a player is his/hers.

Each player begins with 20 pieces: 9 pawns, 2 lances, 2 knights, 2 silver generals, 2 gold generals, 1 bishop, 1 rook, and 1 king. Each piece is limited by specific movement. In Shogi, a piece can become more powerful by being “promoted,” which results when the piece makes a complete move within the “promotion zone” (the designated last three ranks of a side). Promoted pieces are flipped to indicate the change in rank/power. Throughout a game, pieces are also captured and “dropped,” which means that a captured piece can re-enter the game as the captor’s own.

As with traditional chess, the object is to capture or checkmate the opposing player’s king. Once this occurs, the game ends.

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