Getting Out Of Debt

There are numerous Nintendo DS Slot 1 Solutions on the market today. With two of the most noteable ones being the R4 DS slot 1 solution and the M3 DS Simply. The favorite of the two it would seem is the M3 DS Simply. Often out of stock at many online retailers. A little known fact however could have you up and playing without worrying about the item being out of stock. I say this because my reasearch has shown me (and confirmed by the manufacturers themselves) that the R4 DS and the M3 DS Simply are virtually identical to each other in both features and functions.

Both the M3 DS and the R4 DS Slot 1 solution are manufactured by the same people - or at the very least - the same factory. What this means for gamers and homebrew enthusiasts is that they can get their hands on the R4 DS and know that they're getting the exact same product they'd be getting if they bought the M3 DS Simply at another shop.

You see, the R4 DS and M3 DS Simply are EXACTLY the same. The only difference between the two units is the packaging and the logo that is displayed on the main screen when you boot up your Nintendo DS or DS Lite. Functionality, features, even firmware upgrades and updates are released at the same time, and it seems all of the features and functions in each update are identical to the other. Whether you get the M3 DS Simply, or the R4 DS Slot 1 Solution, you're going to essentially get exactly the same things - everything you need to load games, homebrew and applications is included in the box.

The R4 DS Slot 1 Solution Package

It's almost a dead giveaway here, except for the fact that the R4 DS comes in it's own R4 DS Box. But you'll notice that once you open the box, the contents of the box are identical to the M3 DS Simply, you even get the same light blue colored keychain / carry case that comes with the M3 DS simply. You get everything you need, right out of the box. This includes the R4 DS slot 1 cartridge, a USB microSD Reader / writer (and this actually allows you to use your microSD as a USB Drive) as well as the keychain carrying case and the software CD.

Setting up the R4 DS is easy

Setup is as simple as can be. The included instruction manual (which is located on the CD itself) details exactly what you need to do in order to get your R4 DS working. The first thing you'll have to do, is insert the microSD Card (not included - but you can buy this anywhere) into the micrSD reader / writer and plug it into any free USB port on your computer. It will instantly come up as a portable drive / flash drive. Here, you can do one of two things. You can either copy the software from the CD, as stated in the manual to the microSD card to put all of the system files on it. I would recommend though that you go to the R4 DS firmware page, and download the latest drivers, as they are often updated there.

Once you've copied your system files to the micro SD Card, it's time to load the games and homebrew applications you'd like to play. Again, this works the exact same way with the M3 DS simply, no difference between the two units at all. Simply copy and paste the files from your PC that you want on the microSD card. A simply drag and drop is all that is needed. The games and homebrew applications work without any patching or fixing or compression. They work as they are, right out of the box so to speak.

Now that you've copied your system files, and the files you'd like to use and play, it's time to put your microSD card into the slot on the top of the R4 DS cartridge. The R4 DS Cartidge is the same size as any standard Nintendo DS or DS Lite game cartirge, so there's no bulging or sticking out once it's inserted into the cartridge slot on your NDS. The micro SD slot is located on the top of the R4 DS and it is actually spring loaded. The microSD card inserts into the slot with the SD label on the opposite side of the actual R4 DS Cartidge label. You'll hear a CLICK sound once you've inserted the microSD Card into the slot, this is to let you know that it is in place, and you're set to turn on your Nintendo DS console. The microSD card fits perfectly flush against the R4 casing.

Once you've turned on your Nintendo DS or Nintendo DS lite, the system files will load from the R4 DS cartridge, exactly the same way they do when using the M3 DS Simply. It takes about 2 seconds for the main menu to appear, with the R4 DS logo on the top screen, and the menu on the bottom. On the bottom screen you can select one of 3 options.

1. GAME MENU - When you select this menu, you'll be instantly taken to a list of all of the game files, homebrew applications, etc.. that you've stored on your microSD card. You can use the controller pad on the NDS to select the file you want to load. If you're loading a game for the first time, you'll be prompted, after selecting the game, to confirm that you want to create a save file for the game. This is needed if you want to save you game. Your game saves are stored on the same microSD card as the game files themselves - this is fantastic if you want to delete those games later, to replace with other files, as you can copy your save game files back to your PC, for future use when you're ready to continue playing that game again.

2. MULTIMEDIA MENU - When you select this second option, you'll launch the multi media player / moonshell. Within this menu, you're able to look at digital photos stored on the microSD Card, listen to your favorite MP3 Songs, watch movies that you've converted from DVD with the included software, as well as read ebooks in TXT format. This essentially turns your Nintendo DS or DS Lite into a full blown multi media entertainment unit.

3. BOOT SLOT 2 - This menu option allows the R4 DS, just like the M3 DS, to boot the GBA Slot, or Slot 2, in your Nintendo DS / DS Lite console. This is for those of us that also want to get our hands on a GBA Flash card, and want to run GBA Homebrew games and applications as well as Nintendo DS. It also adds extra storage for NDS Homebrew, because you can actually use a GBA Flash card to boot NDS files, as long as you use the R4 DS as a PASSME / PASSCARD solution.

All in all, no matter which one you get, both the R4 DS Slot 1 Solution as well as the M3 DS Simply are excellent accessories for the Nintendo DS / DS Lite. Which one you get should only depend on which model is in stock. As stated earlier in this article, the two units are identical in every way. The only difference being the box packaging and the logo that appears when you first boot up your Nintendo DS console.

There are literally hundreds of FREE homebrew Nintendo DS games available online. Many of them rivaling commercial games in both gameplay and graphics / music. In order to play these free homebrew games you'll have to either purchase an R4 DS or and M3 DS simply. Find out more about both of these homebrew game players at http://www.ps2cover.com/nintendo-ds.shtml

AP - An adviser to Barack Obama's presidential campaign who was forced to resign earlier this year after calling Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton a "monster" is now working on the transition team for the agency Clinton is expected to lead.

The very talented, and controversial Dixie Chicks trio has finally released their follow up CD to the largely popular 2002 release, Home.

Their latest release entitled Taking The Long Way comes after a somewhat turbulent couple of years for the Chicks following the fury that descended upon the group when lead singer Natalie Maines stated she was ashamed that President Bush was from her native Texas.

Those Anti-Bush comments initially spoken off the cuff in concert but then repeated in numerous interviews, earned her, and indeed the entire trio, plenty of enemies within the music community. Most notably from country music star Toby Keith.

That whole episode aside they're back with Taking The Long Way and sounding as bitter and defiant as ever. At least five of the songs on the CD are clearly angry, edgy tracks. No doubt related to and fueled by the above mentioned episode.

For this reviewer music is about emotion. Constantly reminding myself if I can't 'Feel' my music it's just noise. The one thing I must say about this CD is that it is certainly not just noise. It is very heavily charged with emotion. Just the way I like my music.

Maines, in a highly emotion state throughout the CD, reasserts herself as one of the great vocalists of her time, bringing it all home with committed, deeply emotional leads. At times seeming to flaunt her ease with styles ranging from country-rock to contemporary rock balladry to southern soul. Simply brilliant work.

With songs like the defiant Not Ready to Make Nice and Lubbock or Leave It, the Dixie Chicks don't sound at all like they're in retreat.

The CD launches with a great track, The Long Way Around, that will definitely be heard on radio stations everywhere, and deservedly so. From there the trio proceeds to display why they are currently one of the best performing groups on the planet.

The collection features a long list of notable contributors, most notably is Sheryl Crow as a co-writer.

Overall Taking The Long Way is another outstanding release from the Dixie Chicks. Offering more sober, grown up, even urbanized sounds. What I call, must have music. I give it two thumbs up. A CD even the casual music fan can appreciate and enjoy.

The standout tunes on Taking The Long Way are Easy Silence [track 2], Not Ready To Make Nice [track 3], and Lubbock Or Leave It [track 7]. My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1, The Long Way Around. Very nice!

Release Notes:

Dixie Chicks originally released Taking The Long Way on May 23, 2006 on the Sony record label.

CD track list follows:

1. The Long Way Around

2. Easy Silence

3. Not Ready To Make Nice

4. Everybody Knows

5. Bitter End

6. Lullaby

7. Lubbock Or Leave It

8. Silent House

9. Favorite Year

10. Voice Inside My Head

11. I Like It

12. Baby Hold On

13. So Hard

14. I Hope

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AP - Forensic evidence gathered at the home of a slain television anchorwoman led police to a man now also suspected of raping a school teacher in eastern Arkansas, officials said Friday.

Destruction classes:
I will be doing an in-depth guide on each class in Warhammer online later. Ratings are from my personal experience and rank from A to F, just like a school report card.

There are three starting racial areas:

Greenskins:
Black Orc = Melee Tank(Orc)
Shaman = Healer/Caster(Goblin)
Squig Herder = Ranged DPS - pet class(Goblin)

Chaos:
Marauder = Melee DPS - dual wield(Mutation)
Chosen = Melee Tank
Zealot = Healer/Caster
Magus = Ranged DPS/Caster - pet class

Dark Elves:
Witch Elf = Melee DPS - dual wield
Sorceress = Ranged DPS/Caster
Disciple of Khaine = Healer/Melee

Tanks:

Black Orc:
This is your melee tank in Warhammer online, special skill is a three combo attack. You use a "starter" skill to start your three skill combo, this opens up "da good plan" skills. You use a "da good plan" skill to progress the combo to "da best plan". After you use a skill from "da best plan" you then start over or use another ability.

The three skill trees are:
"Path of Da Brawler" this is for players going 2H.(Using a 2 handed weapon)
"Path of Da Toughest" this is for players going 1H weapon and shield.
"Path of Da Boss" this is for players that want to max out group skills, empowering other players in the group, or protecting them.
"Plays like": A typical "warrior" class.
Solo PvE = B+ You really have to do something stupid to die in PvE as a Black Orc.
Group PvE = C Average class in group, as long as you can hold agro.
Solo PvP = D Taking way too long to kill, most players will just ignore you and move on.
Group PvP = A With a healer you are almost unstoppable and will collapse enemy frontlines.

Chosen:
This is your other tank in Warhammer online, special ability is buffs. There are many buffs to choose from and these are "always on" until you die/zone/turn them off. You can only use one buff at a time.

The three skill trees are:
"Path of Strife" - this is for players going 2H
"Path of Retaliation" - this is for 1H and shield
"Path of Discord" - This for those that want to concentrate on the buff aspect of the class, usually adding to DPS or an ability.
"Plays like": kind of like a Paladin, not a WOW Pally, more of a DnD Pally.
Solo PvE = B Having a little more DPS then a Black Orc, but less survivability.
Group PvE = B Group buffs do make a difference.
Solo PvP = D Same problem as Black Orc.
Group PvP = B If you have a healer you do halfway decently.

Melee DPS:

Marauder:

This is a straight out DPS class in Warhammer online, specialty is mutation. Basically you are a dual wielder, you use a weapon in one hand and the other hand is a mutation weapon.

The three skill trees are:
"Path of Brutality" - This is for players that want max DPS against a single target.
"Path of Savagery" - This is for players doing better DPS with DOT's.
"Path of Monstrosity" - This is for players that want a little better defense and wanting to hit multiple targets.
"Plays like": This is rather a unique class, think of a dual wielding barbarian, better DPS then a tank, but less survivability.
Solo PvE = C+ Awesome one versus one, runs into problems with adds.
Group PvE = B Very good against anything but bosses.
Solo PvP = A- Except for tanks this eats everything, and eats quickly at that.
Group PvP = A Rips casters quickly and downs healers better then any other class.

Witch Elf:

This is your other melee DPS class in Warhammer online, and plays very differently from a Marauder. Specialty is a "point" system, build up points and release on a skill, the more points built up, the more damage or effect.

The three skill trees are:
"Path of Carnage" - This is for players that want straight out DPS right in the enemies face.
"Path of Suffering" - This is for players that want better DOT's.
"Path of Treachery" - This is for players that want to use tactics to do more DPS. You do a lot more damage hitting from the sides and back, but not so much face to face.
"Plays like": A typical rogue, including the WOW rogue.
Solo PvE = B+ a little better agro management then Marauder, but a little less raw DPS.
Group PvE = C+ Takes a few seconds more to build up the DPS then a Marauder.
Solo PvP = A You don't want to solo against this class, even healers will have problems.
Group PvP = B+ Must build up DPS, otherwise most classes are a cakewalk.

Ranged DPS:

Squig Herder:<7i>

Not using magic, but a bow and a mobile pet. Specialty is, of course, da Squig. Only one Squig can be out at a time. Total of 4 Squigs by level 10. Squigs are basic, horned, (better melee) ranged, spiked.(hard melee) The Squig is a little tricky to play, if you specialize in ranged DPS you get a slightly gimped ranged pet. Specialize in melee you get the "so-so" horned Squig. Specialize in versatility, you get slightly gimped damage, but a strong pet. You can also summon a Squig and jump inside it, but it has been my experience that it is not that great in PvE or PvP.(This is called "Squig Armor")

The three skill trees are:
"Path of Big Shootin" - better ranged DPS, slightly gimped ranged Squig.
"Path of Quick Shootin" - slightly gimped DPS, but the best melee DPS Squig.
"Path of stabbin" - so-so damage and a so-so melee Squig.
"plays like": This is another unique class, it will greatly depend on your tree choice. Do you want to focus on yourself, the pet, or a little of both?
Solo PvE = A Easy walkthrough in regular PvE.
Group PvE = C- Average damage, does not really bring anything unique to the group.
Solo PvP = C As long as you stay out of range you will do "O.K."
Group PvP = A+ You are not a healer, caster, or tank, so you are almost always ignored in group PvP, this allows you to sit back and shoot away. You don't need heals as you are always out of range, so you actually help healers. You can always send your pet against an enemy healer/caster to be a pain in the butt for the enemy.(When one Squig dies, you can summon a different class Squig in two seconds.)

Sorcerer:

This is your pure DPS caster in Warhammer online, of course this is going to come at a price. Specialty is a "power pool". This pool builds up as you cast spells, and when it is full, you can release it and cause massive damage. The problem is that most spells you cast have a small percentage to cause "backlash" which actually damages you. You can release all the power built up at any time before it is full if you wish. The problem is that the more you let your power build up, the better critical percent and the better bonus to critical damage the spell will deal, however the percent that a "backlash" will happen is also increased. If you have a healer that knows what he/she is doing this is not too bad, however if you don't you can actually one shot yourself!

The three skill trees are:
"Path of Agony" - This is for players that want to concentrate on a single target at a time, and you do not have to worry "too much" about killing yourself.
"Path of Calamity" - This is for players that want hardcore DOT's and is actually safer then the Path of Agony.
"Path of Destruction" - This is for players that like to go "balls to the wall" and hit many targets at the same times for awesome damage, the drawback is that you also have the greatest chance to face plant right into the ground, because you used more power then you could handle and you killed yourself.
"plays like": An overpowered mage. However you are not really overpowered, because you threaten and damage yourself.
Solo PvE = C+ sometimes when you do get backlash you need to chill out a little, if this happens at the wrong time or you are not paying attention to your health, it really hurts.
Group PvE = A Have fun and nuke everything.
Solo PvP = C With low health and you must stay at range, this can get you in trouble.
Group PvP = A+ With a decent healer you can force whole groups to think twice about advancing. When facing noobs, I have seen whole groups back up when a ranged AOE spell is cast.

Magus:

This is really an odd class in warhammer online to play as your pet is stationary and you must choose at what range you want to cause the most damage: Long range, medium range or close range. Your specialty is summoning stationary demons. You do not outright nuke as a sorcerer does, yet your DPS is not exactly gimped. This class is very situational.

The three skill trees are:
"Path of the Havoc" - Concentrating on long range attacks against a single target with a pink horror.
"Path of Changing" - Concentrating on medium range decent attacks using a flamer demon.
'Path of Demonology" - Concentrating on short range decent AOE attacks using a blue horror.
"plays like": Nothing I have played before, as such this class does take awhile to get used too.
Solo PvE = A+ Easily dropping mobs as you can summon a blue horror and pull mobs to it
Group PvE = B+ As long as you are not moving around too much you do well.
Solo PvP = F Forget it.
Group PvP = B+ Excels at guarding flags or areas. Sometimes noobs will even attack your pet not understanding that if they just killed you with your low hit points the pet would die anyway.

Healer:

Shaman:

Of all ten classes this one seems to be slightly OP in Warhammer online. (OP = Overpowered) A Shaman has decent healing abilities and awesome DPS for a healer class. Specialty is "WAAAGH!" which is actually almost useless. Basically when you cast a heal spell it slightly increases your next damage spell, this effect stacks up to three times. So if you cast three heal spells and then cast a damage spell it ends up being an empowered damage spell. Same as if you cast three damage spells and then cast a heal spell, your heal spell will be empowered. The problem here is that there is no sane individual that is going to sit there and count every time they cast a spell. I would advise to simply write this specialty off as a slight bonus that you do NOT need to keep track of, if you need to damage then damage, if you need to heal, then heal.

The three skill trees are:
"Path of Mork" For those players that want to play a hardcore healer.
"Path of Gork" For those players that want to put out DPS and heal later.
"Path of Da Green" For those players that want a balance between the two.(Also increases buffs)
"plays like": A cleric in old school DAOC, go heal or go smite, or gimp yourself and try to do both.
Solo PvE = C+ you might take a little longer to kill in PvE, however your rarely die.
Group PvE = A Very versatile, you can heal or DPS.
Solo PvP = A+ Don't even try to solo an equal level Shaman.
Group PvP = A+ Massive heal or above average DPS, you can choose and simply change your mind with the click of the button.

Zealot:

This class is a lot better healer then it is at DPS in warhammer online, you will commonly be targeted and hunted down, however you have AWESOME survival skills. Specialty is group buffs, only one can be used at a time but it effects the whole group and they are usually very decent.

The three skill trees are:
"Path of Alchemy" For hardcore healers.
"Path of Ritual" For those that enjoy buffing and debuffing.
"Path of Witchcraft" For those that wish to try and DPS.
"plays like": This is another unique class, wearing paper and low hit points, but awesome heals and group buffs.
Solo PvE = C weak DPS, but great survivability.
Group PvE = A+ really excels at healing and buffs.
Solo PvP = D Just cannot cause enough damage solo, to be viable.
Group PvP = A As long as you keep ranged, you will be a great healing asset.

Disciple of Khaine:

This class is a dual wielding/healer type and plays rather oddly in warhammer online. You cannot out-heal a Shaman or Zealot, yet you can off-heal and do decent melee damage. The specialty is rather odd, you have a "pool" of healing that depletes as you heal, however when you melee, it replenishes. This means that you cannot sit back and hardcore heal, however you are more then suitable for average melee fights. When you do fight, you replenish your healing pool.

The three skill trees are:
"Path of Ritual" For better healing abilities.
"Path of Torture" For better melee skills.
"Path of Sacrifice" This is a balance between the two.
"plays like": A very unique class that will take awhile to get used too, however this class does excel if played correctly.
Solo PvE = B+ When PvE'ing this plays like a gimped Witch Elf that can heal herself.
Group PvE = A Very flexible as long as you maintain at least a little melee combat.
Solo PvP = C+ While you cannot greatly heal, you do have average melee skills which makes you a very hard target to kill.
Group PvP = D Because of the complexity of the class it is hard to figure with action is the best to take in the chaos of group versus group PvP.

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Dear Margo - DEAR MARGO: I am 50 and recently married for the first time.

Johann Sebastian Bach would never be as appealing for his adventures in life and good looks as, say, Mozart or Beethoven. His famous portrait showing him as an old man in a white wig holding a piece of sheet music scared away many generations of young music lovers. I think that this picture doesn't do justice to this composer capable of great emotional deepness.

Mozart had an exciting death, writing his Requiem in his deathbed, adding popularity points to his character. Beethoven was kind of a romantic hero, and became deaf making him even more appealing. Bach? He never left Germany and his life passed without many interesting facts standing out. Other example of a great classical composer suffering of low popularity because of his not-so-interesting lifestyle is old Haydn, the father of the symphony, who is always overshadowed by the naughty Mozart.

But I think that this injustice also gives greater merit to Bach, in that all his popularity is due to his music, and not any extramusical fact. It is better this way, you can know him much better through his music than through words.

You are fortunate of reading this article, you are going to experience the most wonderful and deep music ever composed, you'll start a journey that will last a lifetime. You'll never get tired of Bach's music, if you start here you will love it and explore it for the rest of your life.

The best way to get in touch with Bach's music, or with music by any other composer is starting with the most well-known pieces, the ones you heared in commercials, movies, video games, etc.

I'm almost sure you've heard these pieces somewhere but never knew anything about them:

• Air on the G string: One of the most famous pieces of classical music. It is featured in innumerable movies, anime series, video games, etc. Rock band Procol Harum wrote a song inspired by this piece that became a worldwide hit and it is still heard today: "A whiter shade of Pale".
  
• Toccata and Fugue in D minor: the most famous piece written for organ. It is always associated with Halloween and horror movies. An orchestral version was featured in Disney's Fantasia.
• Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring: the staple music of weddings.
• Badinerie: a popular ringtone in cellphones. It is a flutists' showpiece.
• Prelude in C major: This piece became famous by the musical setting by Charles Gounod of the "Ave Maria". He based this piece in the prelude.

Click on the resources below to download this pieces and read more about them. This is just to start, in these pages you will find a further guide with more information and essential pieces by Bach to download.

• Complete guide and Download of these pieces
• Other works by Johann Sebastian Bach

Dear Abby - DEAR ABBY: I consider myself to be a nice, normal person. I know how to make interesting, intelligent conversation that can engage just about anyone. When I go out socially, I often meet people and we hit it off.