New Spam Threat Hits 90,000 Sites - Is Yours Next?

Posted on January 17, 2009
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On Tuesday I received 423 emails from an unknown spammer attacking my site.

On Wednesday I received 789 emails from the same spammer.

Action had to be taken.

The emails were copies of posts to my discussion forum - the typical spammers posts - keyword stuffing, numerous hyperlinks to junk sites crammed with even more keywords.

It was clear I was being hit by one spammer, with an automated script, for a number of telltale reasons:

1) Nobody could post 789 posts to a forum in 24 hours manually

2) All posts were from random .co.za email addresses (South African domains, but likely false)

3) All posts pointed to very similar spammy sites obviously made with the same auto-generation software

4) Checking various domains promoted within these posts in WHOIS showed they were all owned by a certain guy in Paris

I carefully combed my forum for these junk posts but couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary. So I checked for posts by .co.za email addresses, or French IPs but couldn’t see a problem anywhere.

Where were they coming from, and where were the posts?

To help me in my quest I did a search on Google for the text that began every email which read:

“The following was posted in the on “

But couldn’t find any links that were any help.

So next I investigated the content of the emails for common factors and found the following Javascript snippet began every message body:

“var defDoor”… before launching into other Javascript elements, followed by the keywords and links.

I wonder…

A quick search on Google and two factors astonished me…

1) Google showed up 92,600 pages with this code on, of which every one I checked matched the exact spam posts I was seeing in style and content. So we were dealing with a professional of some magnitude.

2) They were all on forums, but not the one I used, but WWWBoard as available from http://www.scriptarchive.com/wwwboard.html

A quick search with my FTP software through the bowels of my admittedly large site that has been online for 5 years or so and has seen more reworkings than Pamela Anderson showed I *had* got WWWBoard installed on my site but had stopped using it years ago in place of my current forum software.

I had completely forgotten about it, and there were the hundreds of spam posts sitting there on my server!

Obviously I don’t use the script so instantly deleted it and the spamming stopped dead overnight but if I’m one of over 90,000 victims this guy has duped then a little advice is necessary:

1) Appreciate that there are security flaws to WWWBoard and you either need to watch your forum very carefully or consider switching to another script.

2) Don’t leave old scripts sitting around on your server waiting for spammers to abuse them. Use them, or delete them.

3) Try to avoid using obvious folders for scripts. Whilst I didn’t link to my old forum from anywhere on the site, it was in an obvious folder so a spammer (or a script) could easily have guessed it.

4) Realise that security threats are very real if you get reasonable traffic and take steps *in advance* to minimize the risk to your own site.

Copyright 2006 Richard Adams

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Richard Adams is the founder of http://www.merchantaccountforum.com , one of the net’s most popular merchant account advice sites.
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Beauty Tips - How to Give Yourself a Makeover

Posted on January 15, 2009
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With makeovers all the rage these days - often including plastic surgery as part of the picture - it’s easy to think that you can do your own beauty makeover too. The best news is that it’s not necessary to get plastic surgery. You can do your own “natural makeover”.

What do we mean by “natural makeover”? Quite simply, we mean making some changes and doing some things that can help to make you look and feel younger. In the end, it’s like a mini self-made makeover.

To give yourself a health and beauty makeover, you can: exercise, improve your diet, get a new hairstyle, use a good antiaging cream, an essential beauty supply, get some new makeup techniques and stay with current fashion. Let’s look at each of these in detail.

Exercise

It’s good to exercise when you want to lose weight, but if you are trying to look younger, exercise serves a useful purpose there too. When you exercise, you tone and lengthen your muscles. You also gain muscle definition. You can benefit from fat loss in a myriad of ways - your health can improve, you can look younger when you are thinner and you feel better, which helps your skin to look younger.

Improve your diet

Eat better and your skin and body will thank you. When you eat well, your skin looks better, your eyes are brighter, you feel better and you have a youthfulness about you that you just can’t get when you’ll filling your body with junk.

Improving your diet isn’t as difficult as you might think. Simply improve the quantity and quality of the fruits and vegetables you eat, reduce your portion sizes and get plenty of antioxidants, and you’ll see improvement.

Get a new hairstyle

This is one of the best things you can do to immediately make yourself look younger. Getting a new hairstyle that’s in keeping with what’s current and stylish, and learning how to care for it properly, can do wonders for your look.

Notice we said “learning how to care for it properly”. This means that often we get a new hairstyle but use the same styling tools and techniques we used in the past. But keeping current with the popular (and young) tools, techniques and products will help you keep your hair looking current and you looking young.

Antiaging cream

To keep your skin young looking and to add that element of “makeover”, use a good quality antiaging cream. A good antiaging cream (also known as a wrinkle cream) can help your skin to stay wrinkle free, as well as soft and supple and enhance its natural beauty.

Find an antiaging cream that works almost instantly but also provides some lasting antiaging benefit (such as antioxidants). These creams will do the best to provide you with an immediate as well as a long-term benefit.

New makeup and hair care

As you get older, change your makeup techniques. You might find that a lighter (or heavier) hand is best, or you might find that the colors which flattered you in the past aren’t the ones that flatter you now.

In any event, change your makeup as you age. Along with your hairstyle, this is one thing you can do that’s quick, costs nothing, and can make a huge difference in your looks.

Change your fashion style

Finally, don’t forget your sense of fashion. That is, don’t forget to change fashion, and your personal sense of style, to keep with the times. This doesn’t mean you have to start adding every trendy item out today into your wardrobe, but you can add one current item a season to keep your wardrobe timely.

To get a beauty “makeover” that’s natural, consider some of our suggestions. Whether you do one or all of them, you are sure to lose a few years along the way.

Want to look younger? Then use the wrinkle skin creme that work in minutes. Which wrinkle cream gives results as promised? See Marcus Ryan’s review site and find out which anti-aging wrinkle cream works, as well as get the free beauty samples to have you look younger.

McCain and Obama - How Much of a Choice?

Posted on January 14, 2009
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No matter who is elected this November, it appears we will have a president with the planets of Uranus, Pluto, and Mars in the angular houses that are said to govern a person’s interaction with the public at large.

The nature of John McCain’s Pluto is well-known to the public. According to the chart from Lois Rodden’s AstroDatabank, McCain’s Pluto sits astride the top of his chart like a Colossus. In his 10th house, it (along with his natal Mars) does in fact, inform his enduring reputation as a war hero and former POW during the Vietnam War. McCain’s experience of torture as a POW is so well known and unshakable in the public’s mind that it is the first thing many people think of when asked to describe him.

McCain’s Pluto is in the sign of Cancer, associated with the homeland, patriotism, government, and sacrifice for one’s country. McCain is undoubtedly and deservedly considered a patriot and a person who puts his country above personal considerations. The Mars placement in the 10th house indicates war and a warrior, a successful soldier so to speak.

His Uranus resides in his 7th house of dealing with the public, nestled in the usually rather conservative sign of Taurus. Uranus is a disruptive and change-oriented planet considered to be rather ill at ease in the notoriously change-averse sign of the Bull. Uranus in the 7th, in my experience, also often correlates with divorce. In McCain’s case, he not only divorced he married an extremely wealthy woman (Taurus is associated with money).

In short, the signature planets of McCain’s outer or public persona as a potential president are a rather disruptive form of conservatism, the extremes of patriotic sacrifice, and the glory of war heroism. His sun, meanwhile, is in the friendly and politically active 11th house in the sign of Virgo. Sun in the 11th house is an excellent position for a U.S. Senator in my opinion, as the position calls for the ability to cooperate that is the hallmark of the 11th house. He also has his Mercury in the sign of Libra, a sign that I see associated both with soldiering and war as well as with cooperation and diplomacy.

Of course, this analysis is not much of a stretch. McCain has obviously been a successful senator for many years. He’s been alive for a long time. His biography is easily available. It is easy enough to retrofit his chart with his life.

What is interesting, perhaps, is that Obama has the same signature planets in the 7th house. We Americans are apparently going to be dealing with Uranus, Pluto, and Mars energies in our president whether we like it or not. Obama’s planets are in different signs of course, as he is of a different generation.

Obama’s Uranus is in self-promoting and frequently successful Leo, as is his sun. His Pluto is in meticulous Virgo, as is his Mars. Given his chart, what appears to the public when it looks at Obama are the inspirational qualities of his Neptune in the 9th house, in the highest spot in his chart.

What appears next is the message of change that is promoted, but somewhat held in check by a quincunx from Saturn in Capricorn. To put it another way, his Uranus enthusiastically notes the personal benefits to Obama of a message of change, and may indeed feel that his role with the public is to bring about disruptive, radical, freeing or even incendiary change. But his Saturn in Capricorn keeps putting the brakes on that idea, slowing it and making the whole notion of change become more conservative and cautious.

Obama might like to be progressive, radical, or even just rapid in the implementation of change, but his Saturn is unlikely to let such foolishness happen without titanic effort. Whatever change Obama may or may not sincerely desire as a public figure, none of it is going to come without a long period of hard work, and the change itself may be considerably less flamboyant or dramatic than Uranus’s public statements would indicate. In other words, Obama’s Uranus in the 7th house is not all that different from McCain’s.

Obama’s Pluto in Virgo in the 7th becomes visible once one looks past the message of change. Pluto is about power, so it’s not all that surprising to see Presidents with Pluto in a prominent position. The job description is sometimes said to be that of ‘the most powerful man on earth.’ Richard Nixon had Pluto in the 10th house; George W. Bush has it very close to his Ascendant. Bill Clinton supposedly has his in the 11th house, but I suspect it operates in the 10th house as well.

Obama’s Pluto in the 7th is not all that different from or incompatible with McCain’s Pluto in the 10th in the sense that Cancer and Virgo are signs with a certain affinity. Cancer is a bit more emotionally patriotic, while Virgo is a bit more analytical and methodical. But both Plutos can be seen as service-oriented Plutos. The use of power to serve the public or to serve the nation-not so far from each in basic concept-at least not if both are used in a generally constructive way.

McCain’s Mars is in Leo where it is happy to promote his reputation as a war hero. Obama’s Mars is far less flamboyant and attention-seeking than McCain’s but it is there. Its first preference is probably to exert itself through a fanatical dedication to work and the work ethic as a means of achieving goals. Mars attracts opposition and upsets through and it would undoubtedly do so if he becomes President, just as McCain’s will. Mars, is also, of course, the symbol for war in general, and I doubt war would be something Obama could escape. Indeed, we know that either McCain or Obama stands to inherit a war, so that again is not much of stretch. Obama’s chart suggests to me, however, that he is unlikely to extricate his country from the clutches of warfare any sooner than McCain would.

Both candidates have solid Virgo credentials which suggests to me that neither would be a slacker, and that both are sincere in their beliefs that something needs to be done for the environment. (Of course, George W. Bush has Mars in Virgo, and he didn’t seem to feel much concern for it.)

It would be insane to suggest that McCain and Obama are the same or would behave the same way in executive office just because their charts have similarities. But I don’t think it’s necessarily insane to suggest that they’re not as different as they might appear in some ways, or that the energies that will drive the fortunes of America’s next president are going to be with us no matter who we elect. In other words, strap on your seat belts, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

Where do the planets fall in your chart? For personalized astrological consultations, contact Victoria Bazeley via her website Practical Astrology. You’ll also find monthly horoscopes, articles, and links to her blog on the site.

Posted on December 19, 2008
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titleLong Hairstyles - Latest Trends in Long Hairstyles/titlepPushed into the spotlight by the popularity of Sarah Palin (or notoriety of Tina Fey), long hairstyles are making a big comeback!/ppLong hairstyles have long been a favorite of the young-at-heart as well the jet-set and glamour girls. Whether curly or straight or layered into a shag haircut, long hairstyles exude confidence and up-to-date style. Lets look at several latest trends for the best look with long hair./ppstrongLong Hair Updo/strong/ppWhether youre a supporter or not, you cant argue that Sarah Palin has brought back the business casual, long hair Updo. In the past two months there has been a resurgence of the once popular style. Popularized by its sophisticated and versatile look, the long hair Updo works well with eyebrow length bangs as well as a pull-back and over the ears./ppIts versatility comes from the non-nonsense business look when pulled-back with the ponytail folded over or under, as well as the more casual appearance when the ponytail is allowed to hang down./ppThe greatest versatility of the long hair Updo comes from the classic iconic let your hair down option at the end of the day. It allows a transition from business to casual a snap while making curly or straight designs work. As an added bonus, the long hair Updo cools you off during the summer or warmer months. Having hair long enough to give you this flexibility can be a welcome relief on a hot day in a suit!/ppIf you are looking for the Im a Governor or business executive look and want the Family-oriented casual look flexibility, a long hairstyle with a Updo is the perfect look for you./ppstrongThe Long Curly or Straightened Look/strong/ppThis weekend at our sons Lacrosse game I overheard a conversation between my wife and a close friend. This friends son has one heck of a head of hair - curly hair…very curly hair in big waves. She commented that if she didnt straighten her hair with hair products or use a flat iron, her hair looked the same - big and curly./ppNow, if you didnt know her, this is hard to picture, but she has long (below the shoulder blades) straight and beautifully colored hair./ppShe has taken a long hairstyle and layered it with the first layer brushing her shoulders and bangs that extend below the ears. This gives her substantial versatility and a range of looks for her long, curly hair./ppOne, for a casual look she pulls her bangs behind her ears and has the perfect combination of a sorority/soccer mom look - young and playful. With the bangs long enough, she can pull them straight back and pin with a clip, scrunci or beret. This gives her the business look she is after at PTA meetings and the hair style looks great./ppThough rarely done, she can leave the hair natural and get a great long, curly look. Albeit she takes care to use hair products - leave-in conditioners and moisturizing shampoos - to avoid tangles and the bird nest look all too common when long curly hair is left unchecked./ppLong hairstyles are coming back - fast! They are sophisticated and can give you great versatility and fashion options. Curly or straight, thick or thin, long hair can be beautiful and right for any occasion or personality./ppHealthyHairPlus carries a complete selection of products and brands for all hair styles and types. Hair products for a target=_new href=http://www.healthyhairplus.com/Long-Hair-s/638.htmlong hair/a - healthy hair shampoos, conditioners, and styling aids keep long hair manageable and conditioned. Keep up with the latest a target=_new href=http://www.healthyhairplus.com/Long-hairstyles-s/3940.htmlong hairstyles/a, advice, trends and natural ingredients for healthy hair./pbrbr

Posted on December 19, 2008
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titleHow Important Are the 12 Zodiac Signs?/titlepHoroscope zodiac signs rule many peoples daily lives. They look to the stars for guidance about how their day, week and month will gel with their plans. It is not anything new./ppThe 12 zodiac signs have been around since before the Ancient Greeks and were used as a way to navigate through the known and unknown world at the time. Today, people do not have to worry about navigating through unknown territory using the constellations as a guide, but they still turn to it to find compatible zodiac signs to help them with their love lives./ppEach of the 12 zodiac signs have certain characteristics associated with them. Lets take the example of the zodiac sign Aquarius. This water bearer is chock full of creative energies and a passion for living an open life./ppHe or she does not like to have their enthusiasm or creativity stifled in a relationship. They tend to be aloof and it is this aloofness that makes the Aquarian seem cold and unreachable./ppThe zodiac sign Cancer is the exact opposite of Aquarius. He or she craves the comforts of a well run home and they are very sentimental. They long for the closeness of a relationship and need a partner that feels the same way./ppAquarians would not make good partners with those born under the sign of Cancer. The sentimentality of Cancer would annoy and irritate the Aquarian. The best match for Cancer would be Taurus, which compliments the Cancer longing for a comfortable home life and the closeness of a relationship./ppThe possibilities of love compatibility horoscopes are tremendous. You just have to keep in mind one important thing; most prognostications are very generalized. Readings can fit for any birthday and zodiac sign./ppYou need to just be aware of this fact and accept that not all horoscopes are going to be right. It may turn out to be a case of you making the foretelling true through your very own actions and reactions./ppThe 12 zodiac signs should be taken more light heartedly than most astrology followers actually do. You do not have to have all the characteristics of the zodiac sign Aquarius. It is perfectly fine if you fit more into a Pisces sign than Aquarius./ppWhat matters most is how you handle the reading. Take it with a grain of salt and you will be fine. You probably should not count on falling in love on a certain date anyway. Just take it for the entertainment that it is./ppA free gift awaits you at our portal site, where you can enrich your knowledge further about the a target=_new href=http://zodiacsigns.jdkinfotips.info/12-Zodiac-Signs.php12 zodiac signs/a. Your comment is much appreciated at our a target=_new href=http://www.mynicheportal.com/arts-crafts-hobbies/reviewing-the-12-zodiac-signshoroscopes/a blog./pbrbr

Posted on December 18, 2008
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titleFresh Water Pearls Mother of Pearl Jewelry/titlepAs freshwater pearls are solid nacre, they are also quite long-lasting, resisting chipping, wear, and degeneration. The Japanese have a distinguished history of culturing freshwater pearls as well. We are Wholesalers of Fashion Imitation Jewelry in India Delhi we supply jewelry at best wholesale prices./ppFreshwater pearls cover the widest range of color and shape than any other pearl type. Originally these pearls were marketed as a lower quality, inexpensive alternative to akoya pearls. For this reason, they were typically used by jewelry designers for pieces that favored design over the gems themselves./ppHowever, since the 1990s, a class of freshwater pearl that are round and shiny have emerged which competitor akoya pearls in both quality and value. Freshwater pearls cover the widest range of options for pearl buyers in size, shape and color. Besides Fresh Water Pearls, Mother of Pearl is also very beautiful kind of pearl. It can help you with this part of your healing. It bestows the feeling that you are resting in the arms of a loving mother./ppMother of Pearl can help safeguard you from negative influences, like a protecting mother. When certain harmful frequencies enter your sensation, Mother of Pearl either scatters or absorbs them. These include the frequencies of other peoples negative thoughts and emotions and the harmful emissions of televisions, radios, and microwave transmitters. Although this is a side effect of its energy, it is a profound one and begins to take effect within minutes of donning a Mother of Pearl necklace./ppPlease visit us at:br a target=_new href=http://www.kriviinternational.comhttp://www.kriviinternational.com/abr a target=_new href=http://wholesalejewelry.kriviinternational.comhttp://wholesalejewelry.kriviinternational.com/a/pbrbr

How to Shop For Ladies Designer Watches Successfully

Posted on December 15, 2008
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Just because you want a good deal on ladies designer watches, does not mean that you want a knock off. A lot of people are afraid to shop for ladies designer watches, because they have to look out for all the fake ones that are out there. However, this is not as hard as you may think. Today we are going to talk about how to go about shopping for designer watches and how to avoid picking up the fake ones.

First of all, you need to think about what kind of ladies designer watches you want to get. Once you come up with a brand name, you need to search for it on the internet. However, you are not searching to buy it, you are searching for knock offs. So in your search, be sure to include the words, how to spot a fake. Then you will find different ways you can spot a fake for a certain brand of watches. Each brand has a different tell, and that is why you have to search for these tells online. Also, be sure to look for reviews on sites while you are at it. Find out which sites you can find that are well known for selling authentic watches and which ones are known for selling fakes.

The next step is to check out ebay. Now that you are armed with how to spot a fake, ebay will be your best friend. Most of the time, the people who are on here are honest people. If they are not you can normally tell by looking at their seller ranking. Of course, since you now know how to spot a fake, you should have no problems locating the best ladies designer watches that ebay has to offer. Never by a product on ebay unless you can see it first.

Another great place to check out locally would, of course, be your local pawn shops. This is the place where people go to sell their high dollar stuff to make a little money. Most of the time, the people who are selling here are getting ripped off. However, this is good, because you can normally by watches at a really good price. Also as long as you are looking around locally, you should check out outlet stores as well. Such places, like Off Fifth Avenue, have great close out prices on ladies designer watches that you can not mess out on.

Do not be afraid to show around for a deal. This is the number one problem people have. A lot of times they go to a store, see a pretty good price, and then buy it. Chances are, if you shop around a bit, you can find a better deal somewhere else. Nine times out of ten, the first place you go is not going to have the cheapest prices. Do not just settle on one spot; move around and compare prices. That is why so many people like to shop for stuff online. It is a lot easier to compare this way.

Kelly Hunter owns and operates http://www.bestladiesdesignerwatches.com and writes about Ladies Designer Watches

Introducing the Chanel J12 Watch Collection

Posted on December 14, 2008
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Chanel has introduced its first range of sports watches in the J12 collection. It is yet another addition to to Chanel’s range of luxury products and features an exquisite line of watches which caters urban and sophisticated preferences. The J12 inherits the legacy of unparalleled Swiss watchmaking tradition. All watches are meticulously crafted in Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland and each piece is an epitome of refined aesthetics.

The collection comprises of 5 series like: the Ceramic range, Superleggera, Joaillerie, and Special Editions.

The Masterpieces

J12 H0970- is an automatic watch featuring a curved case in black hi-tech ceramic. The combination of hi-tech ceramic which is scratch-resistant and tungsten carbide ensures stylistic appeal as well as durability.

J12 H0684- also belongs to the ceramic range. The sleek design along with the scratchproof sapphire crystal and unidirectional rotating bezel enhances the supreme artistry of this range. There are variations of this watch which consists of one with diamonds and the other with a chronograph.

J12 Superleggera H2004- this particular watch has a chronograph which has been certified as a chronometer by COSC and comes in black hi-tech ceramic. It has a matte finish in keeping with the contemporary tastes which blends perfectly with the black rubber bracelet. The distinguishing feature of this watch is its masculine elegance. The H1624 is a brushed aluminum version of this series.

J12 Joaillerie H1748- is a 38mm automatic watch comes in black hi-tech ceramic and white gold with baguette-cut rubies and diamonds. This are 12 exclusive pieces of this edition even though its stunning visual appeal makes it universally desired.

J12 Special Edition H1712- is truly a collector’s edition. This 38mm Tourbillion watch with manual winding set in white gold and black hi-tech ceramic represents the supreme magnificence of Chanel. It is also available in white hi-tech ceramic.

Visit Zebra Avenue for more great information about a wide variety of topics.

The Colored Gemstone Education - Peridot: The Soothing Green

Posted on December 13, 2008
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Peridot, the gem form of the mineral olivine, traces its jewelry roots back more than 3,500 years. It was first mined by the ancient Egyptian on the island of Zebargad in the Red Sea. Zebargad was known as the “serpent isle”, because it was infested with snakes that interfered with mining activity until one Pharaoh finally had them all driven into the sea.

Found in various shades of green, Peridot is most prized in lime hues. The Roman called Peridot “evening Emerald”, because its green color was said to glow at night. The gem was also used to decorate medieval churches and was most likely carried back to Europe by the Crusaders. Large Peridots of more than 200 carats in size adorn the shrine of the three magi at the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.

Small crystal have been found in volcanic rock; in fact, Hawaiian legend called Peridot the divine tears wept by Pele, goddess of the volcano. Samples of the gem also ahve been discovered in meteors that have fallen to earth.

The ancients believed that Peridot had the power to ward off evil spirits, nightmares and enchantments. It was considered most potent when the stone was set in gold. Peridot was also said to strengthen any medicine drunk from goblets carved from the stone.

Today, most Peridots are mined by Native Americans on Carlos Reservation in Arizona. It is also mined in Brazil, China, Egypt, Germany, Hawaii, Italy, Norway, and Sri Lanka. In 1994, a new deposit was discovered in Pakistan, yielding some of the finest Peridot ever seen. Numerous fine, large crystals were discovered including one stone of more than 300 carats.

Peridot is readily available in a range of sizes, shapes and color hues. The finest stones are eye clean and have s deep. lime green color. Because, inclusions are common, clarity is an extremely important factor when buying Peridot.

Its relative affordability and lively green has made it a popular substitute for those who can not affords Emeralds. The birth stone for month of August, Peridot is also recommended gem for married couples celebrating their 16th wedding anniversary.

When shopping for Peridot, keep in mind that it is relatively soft, it measures 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, and should be spared rugged, regular wear if mounted in a ring. This is why the gem is more often use as a side stone for more expensive gems than as the center stone. It is also highly sensitive to rapid temperature changes and can lose its polish of brought into contact with hydrochloric or sulfuric acid.

Peridot is occasionally treated with colorless oil or wax to improve its appearance. Surface fractures are sometimes filled with a colorless resin that hardens. If done, properly, these treatments should remain stable.

Fine large specimens of the stone are on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D. C.; the Diamond Treasury in Moscow; and the Geological Museum in London.

The article above can be used on your web site or newsletter. When it is published, may I request that you include my name and resource box (the bio., contact and copyright information that follows the article. I would also appreciate if you could send me an e-mail of notification along with a complimentary copy of publication.

Bijan Aziz is the owner and Web Master for The Jewelry Hut.

http://www.thejewelryhut.com/html/gemstones.html - the best source for fine Diamond, gemstone, and Pearl Jewelry on the Web

Learn How To Paint Watercolor - What Equipment Do I Need?

Posted on December 12, 2008
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When you decide that you want to learn how to paint do you imagine standing in front of a large easel with a big white canvas in front of you?

If so, this could be a costly mistake.

The cheapest way to learn to paint is to use watercolor. But, there is still a problem…

Imagine you are in your favorite art store, looking at the variety of watercolor paint sets full of wonderful colors. There are displays full of different kinds of brushes and the range of papers is huge.

There is only one way to learn how to paint watercolor…

“Keep it simple - use one color”

When you use 1 color you only need a small list of painting equipment…

This small list of painting materials will not cost much, so get best Artist quality watercolor paint… it lasts longer because the color has more pigment strength than cheaper student quality paints.

All you need now is a flat surface to work on. A drawing board would be best but a table top or kitchen work surface is a good substitute.

Beware! The paint could go anywhere… and it could damage. Make sure that the work surface will not stain. Fortunately most watercolor paints can be quickly wiped away with a cloth.

So, now you have got everything all you need to do is…

  1. Squeeze some paint from the tube onto the dish and thin it slightly with a brush full of clean water.
  2. Wet the surface of the paper with clean water, after cleaning the brush (alternatively, use a sponge). Leave the edges dry so the paint will stay on the paper.
  3. Get a brush full of paint and touch the pool of water at the centre.

Watch the way the color shoots across the paper. Color goes where the water takes it… It is amazing.

“It is great fun watching watercolor paint dry… the effects can be incredible”

And, you know it hasn’t cost you the earth to learn to paint watercolor.

Get your Free Drawing Lesson and discover how simple lines and circles help you create a Moonscape Drawing (it could make a simple and effective watercolor painting).

Michael Dale is the author of 1- Color Is Best (the quick and easy way to learn to paint watercolor) and 3- Colors Are All You Need (mix any color you want fast using only 3 colors). Contact http://www.Paint-And-Draw.com to find out more.

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