Technocrat: Another little known name of great influence on blackjack Keith Taft. He was an engineer, computer specialist and inventor, he created his first blackjack computer in 1970, before Ken Uston appeared on the stage, just four years after the publication of the second Thorp’s book that encouraged him for this work. This computer named "George" was used by Uston’s teams.

Consider the fact, that at that time, there were not computers at all, to say nothing of miniaturization. The first version used 16bite processor, manually made memory and manually wired-in program. Assembly work and debugging took two years. He protected his device with copper screen from possible clutters and hid it in his boots. At first he was very lucky, but then he lost a great deal. It made him give up independent playing. Keith thought of writing a book, but then contracts with professional players came his way. After a few years the market offered more powerful computing devices.

The basis of the other device was Z80 processor. Keith built it in the pocket calculator. This version of "George", later renamed as "David", caught Uston’s eye. Keith together with his brother made several such computers for his team. They doubled their capital in a week. Trebled in two weeks. Then they were caught, the money and the computer were confiscated. By the way, Uston’s lawyer in the case was Oscar Goodman – now he is effective mayor of Las Vegas.

In the upshot the project broke down. And a new one emerged with more sophisticated and secret devices but now without Uston. More complicated computers required new processors and larger memory. New investments from the players and "Thor" project made good money for Taft and gamblers. Moreover, this computer remained unnoticed in the casinos. Keith created protection system which in fact repeats the concept of modern "electronic key". Then he developed "7-Up" scheme which connected 7 (!!) players at the table into the network. Each had a computer and they were united into the network. Just think – this guy – created computer networks!!!! It was 1982! Before Microsoft these people managed computer severs…

Then video cameras appeared. Keith started applying satellite and radio signals. Then again a failure, arrest and accusation of fraud. Charges were again dismissed. A new hi-tech project followed.

Finally when the usage of computers was deemed illegal in the USA, Keith stopped playing blackjack. Now he is living in his house and is working in his laboratory. I wonder, on what?

Things get easier when done together. Blackjack boom in 70-80-s, public description of team playing methods lead to creation of the biggest blackjack teams. The most famous, probably was the team of Massachusetts technological Institute or MIT Team. The idea was innovative– instead of hiring people with money, the operators of the team trained the students of playing the game and offered blackjack as summer earnings during their vacation. They almost posted announcements in the lecture rooms saying "Blackjack players wanted!" At first he team was small, however the management drew great funds from outside investors and project became very large. These young guys and ladies lived a double life – five days a week attending the lectures and eating in the campus canteen and on the weekend flying to Las Vegas, betting on 10 thousand dollars in the box, living in luxury apartments and driving in limousines at the expense of casinos.

How many times have you settled for a plain, white light switchplate cover because you couldn’t find the right shade of color to contrast or compliment your walls and the rest of your home’s decorative items? Or maybe you chose boring white because you didn’t realize that the latest trend in home décor is decorative light switchplate covers for every room in your house!

I remember back in the day when I was about 7 or 8 years old, I’d go to my grandmother’s house on a Sunday afternoon for dinner. I specifically remember the wallpaper in the dining room. It was off white with a slightly fuzzy, golden fleur-de-lis pattern running through. The entire wall was covered with this repeating pattern, including the light switchplate covers, for back then the covers were considered to be more of a hindrance than today’s decorative mini works of art.

Interior design is still focusing on a wide-open floor plan, creating an airy feel while still being able to maintain a warm, friendly and inviting atmosphere. Cleverly placed details can make or break this atmosphere, and can act as a centrally located focal point for all. One such item, the decorative light switchplate cover, can fulfill this task while becoming the muse, or inspiration for the rest of the room’s décor. Why? Because it’s a detail that can be easily grown into a theme, either color, style or story; it’s all up to the decorator in you.

It’s sort of funny, really, how the one room of the house that doesn’t get overlooked for a coordinated light switchplate cover is the bathroom. Maybe it’s because of the generally small space coupled with an undying need to coordinate everything possible. Maybe it’s just because this particular room has a wider selection of coordinating details available at every discount department store in town, turning the light switchplate cover from a piece of plastic covering a hole and some wires into a miniature work of art. Whatever the case, it’s time to spread the news and spread the art to every room in your home!

Today’s decorative light switchplate covers can be as unique or passive as you’d want them to be. Even if you have a hard-to-fit size, you’ll undoubtedly be able to find the perfect size from a specialty shop. Antique pewter, brushed or satin nickel, and mottled antique copper are just a few simple ideas to keep your light switchplate covers apart from the norm. And of course, don’t forget about the hand painted originals that can be found at discriminating local shops or from quality dealers across the World Wide Web.

The Philosopher's Stone is a catalyst that transmutes an object to its highest expression. With the application of the Stone, for instance, base metals are transformed into gold; men are changed into gods. The stone is a prime requisite in Alchemy and Hermeticism, without it the state of regeneration and resurrection are not attained.

Legends of mystical stones are to be found in various cultures; for instance, taoists refer their stone as the "Stone of Wisdom." The Burmese called theirs "the Stone of Live Metal."Muslims venerate a stone that lies reposed in the kaaba. This stone is said to be a fragment of a meteorite. It is traditionally believed to be white in hue but because of the sins of men, it turned black. There is a stone called "Cintamani" said to be a state jewel of the mystical and mythical city of Shamballa. Shamballa is believed to exist in the etheric plane above the Gobi desert. Esoterically speaking, "Cintamani," or the "love-jewel," represents the perfect expression of the anahata, or heart chakra, the enlightened mind, or bodicitta. When a seeker is told to acquire Cintamani, the unfoldment of the heart chakra is meant. This has its parallel with the Grail Quest in that, microcosmically speaking, a spiritual principle within man is the object of the search. This is further supported by the tradition that King Solomon's temple was built without the sound of tools. A certain stone called "shamir" was used to fashion the Temple. Esoterists know that the Temple refers to the causal body, the vessel clothing the Monad, the Spirit of Man. The Temple, or the causal body is built with the shimmering stone of virtues, good works, and an enlightened mind. These are nourishment that beautifies the Temple.

Perfect Love is truly a catalyst. Its power transforms human expression into that of the divine. Love is an aspect of the buddhic component within man; alchemically speaking, it is described as the gluten of the White Eagle.

From the above it can be gathered that the Philosopher's Stone is no stone in an ordinary sense. This is stressed repeatedly by alchemists in their writings. They declare that the Stone is made out of the First Matter, and is composite of the four elements. The Stone is believed to be hidden within man. Powers of the Godhead are ascribed to this fabulous Stone. Its appearance, so say the alchemists, is unsightly to look at, is to be found in filth, and is valueless to the majority of men. Since there are various categories of alchemy, it is probable that the Stone differs at each alchemical level, taking on a different characteristic and nature.

Aside from Love, other aspects of God, of Omneity, can be said to be the Stone, such as Supreme Reason, Wisdom, Power and Light. These qualities all have the ability to purify and illumine body, mind, and soul. To acquire the Stone is to discover Truth, Reality, and the Absolute, the "fixed," the non-aggregate--and this is the Magnum Opus--to experience and to know Reality veiled by the "adversary," "deceiver," "opposer," or "maya." It is the sublimest work any person can do.It fulfills the old adage: "Man, know thyself." The Stone derives its power from the highest aspect of man, from his divine Self which is essentially a spark of God.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, especially when it comes to garden art. It all boils down to finding pieces that are unique and special to you and that make you feel good.

Many homeowners wouldn’t dream of putting any kind of garden art in their backyard unless it was very traditional. They like formal garden art like stone or concrete statuary of angels, gargoyles and goddesses. Formal garden art also includes ornate birdbaths and heavy classical water fountains.

Others take their garden art far less seriously and want unique outdoor yard art with a more modern look and feel. This group of backyard lovers enjoy nostalgic and fun resin or bronze sculptures of children and animals of every kind. I’ve even seen alligator statuary yard art!

Other examples of this semi-formal garden art include copper art for patio and yard, stainless steel yard art, topiary wire garden sculptures, as well as handcrafted items like one-of- a- kind birdhouses, stain glass stepping stones, pottery, and other unique outdoor yard art.

Then there’s the crowd who declare that art should be just plain fun and crazy. They like informal garden art. Their taste is off the wall. They love to shake things up with a few pink flamingos, or to decorate their gardens with unusual household objects like broken china plates, a dressmaker’s dummy, even an old toilet seat lid.

They like to transform old junk into beautiful works of art. No need to waste anything. Try placing recycled metal garden art in your backyard or use architectural salvage to create garden art from old windows.

Whatever you consider garden art, here are 10 places to display it to bring out its full charm.

• In a boring, bare part of the yard to add interest and stimulate conversation.

• At the end of a path to add drama.

• In any area to add comic relief. How about some playful topiary wire garden sculptures of your favourite animal like a lion or a dinosaur?

• In front of an ugly spot to hide dead patch.

• Directly in line with an unwanted view of the neighbour’s yard to create privacy.

• On a wall or fence to visually break up the long monotonous line. I have a beautiful concrete painted face hanging on one part of my fence and a mirror hanging on another to add interest. Any garden wall art sculpture will do.

• In front of a colorful burst of foliage to punctuate the space. My classical white bird bath looks gorgeous just in front of my huge pink rose bush.

• Hidden behind some greenery so it just peeks out a little to create a feeling of antiquity. This will put plants in the spotlight.

• Within the frame of a beautiful view to enhance the view even more. My backyard is on the lake and the view is made even more beautiful by a piece of unique outdoor yard art --A fountain of Poseidon the sea God that we have made part of the view.

• In a rock garden to create feeling of garden gallery. The rocks are natural pedestals for the art and create a wonderful playground for eye to bounce around in and land on art.

Don’t forget about the view from inside. Take a look out your window to see where you might place garden art so that it draws you out into the backyard.

Finally, less is more. Too much garden art will make your backyard look junky. All you need is a few interesting pieces of unique outdoor yard art to personalize your backyard and give it a sense of place.

Many people are aware of the nutrient value of almonds. Health food stores and even some grocery stores now carry almond milk as a substitute for dairy and its use is becoming more common in skin care lotions and cleansers. However, in addition to the beneficial almond-derived ingredients, most of these commercial products also contain harsh and harmful chemicals. An easy solution to this problem is to make your own almond products at home and add them to your basic dry skin care routine.

What are the benefits of almonds? In addition to being an excellent source of protein, calcium, copper, phosphorus, iron, vitamin B1, niacin and other B vitamins, they have a high fat content that replenishes the skin's natural oils. Like olive oil, the fat is "good fat" - unsaturated oils very high in linolenic acid that is especially beneficial for dry skin care. In addition to drinking almond milk for overall health, almonds can be included in many homemade skin care products but they are most useful as cleansers. Try the following recipes.

Gently heat a few tablespoons of almond oil until it is warm. Add calendula flowers, about half the amount of almond oil, and leave it on the heat without letting it boil. After about 30 minutes, let it cool down and strain out the flowers. Throw in a few drops of flower water - orange, violet or rose water are great. Try each of them and choose your favorite scent. Use this oil instead of your regular cleanser.

For a deeper cleaning you need to substitute marigold for the calendula and add grape seed and lemon oils. Marigold is a good cleanser, astringent and toner and also has healing properties. Grape seed oil is a very potent antioxidant - great for dry skin care and smoothing out little lines and wrinkles. Lemon tones and lightens the skin and restores the natural pH. Heat about 2 tablespoons of grape seed oil then whisk in 3 tablespoons of marigold infusion. Add about five ounces of almond milk and 5 drops of lemon then allow to cool. Used morning and night, this solution will last for a good week - just shake it before each use.

After cleansing, always apply a shielding lotion. If you're taking the time to make your own dry skin care products, you'll want to do everything you can to make the benefits last as long as possible. A good shielding lotion locks in the skin's natural moisture and forms a protective layer on the surface of the skin to keep out the harsh chemicals and pollutants in the environment. Dry skin care using the combination of cleansing with almond oil products and protecting with the shielding lotion will give you the supple, healthy skin you've always wanted.