Dark Sun Campaign Book, a Dungeons & Dragons Game Book

By George Mueller

Recently, at GenCon Indy 2009, Wizards of the Coast made a huge announcement. The big news that they released was of the next campaign setting for Dungeons & Dragons 4e. Wizards of the Coast made the announcement that the world of Athas and the Dark Sun campaign setting would be the next due out for the game in 2010. This was to the delight of many fans as the choice is widely considered a fan pleasing decision.

The world of Athas is different than the fantasy settings you typically see in Dungeons & Dragons, like Forgotten Realms, Greyhawk, and Dragonlance. In the world of Athas you have a bleak desert that is more like a 'Dying Earth' setting than a fantasy setting.

Magic versus psionics is one of the biggest differences in the setting of Dark Sun. The world of Athas has been brutalized by years of magical backlash and destruction. As such, magic is much less common in the world. Its replacement is psionics, which is much more common and accepted among the population.

Dark Sun has traditional fantasy races such as Humans, Dwarves, Elves, Half-Elves, and Halflings. They also have many unique player character and non-player character races. These unique races include the Thri-Kreen, a race of Mantis men. Half-Giants are also a playable character race in the world of Athas. And Muls, which are half dwarf and half human hybrids.

The classes in Dark Sun are very different than other settings. Priests don't worship deities in the traditional sense; they derive their powers from other sources. Spell casters are altered due to the fact that magic is less common in the world. Most spell casters are divided up between either Defilers or Preservers. And, there isn't any true equivalent to Sorcerers, Monks, or Paladins in the game.

If you are looking to learn about Dark Sun lore, there are three book series that are great reads. The Prism Pentad is a five book series by Troy Denning. The Tribe of One is a three book series by Simon Hawke. And the Chronicles of Athas is a five book series by multiple authors. Each series will give you more information about the world of Athas.

Many of the Dark Sun resources available on the internet are free for fans to use. There is the Unofficial Dark Sun Wiki, a Dark Sun interactive Atlas for the World of Athas, the Official Dark Sun Discussion Forum at Wizards of the Coast, and many other product releases that are available if you know where to look.

Wizards of the Coast made a great selection by choosing Dark Sun as their next campaign setting. They have pleased many of the fans with this decision and the choice should prove to be a great success for the company. The world is very different from other settings currently offered. Look for the Dark Sun Campaign Guide in 2010.

About the Author:

George Mueller writes about Role-Playing and the the Dark Sun campaign guide Campaign Setting.

A Bachelors Dream, Futon Bunk Bed

By Dave Johnson

Futon beds were originally Japanese and were used as a traditional bedding style. They have since had many re-designs and versions including the futon bunk bed. This style of futon incorporates a bed on top with a futon underneath.

Almost all of us have faced the problems of finding enough bedding for a sudden group of guests. A bunk bed with futon is a brilliant way to utilize space and make enough sleeping room for your guests. They are also very good for sibling and sleep over.

You can say good bye to overcrowded bedrooms and guests sleeping on the floor. Besides, they offer a very nice sitting area during the day and of course, extra sleeping place at the night.

These beds are available in many styles and finishing that are found in traditional beds. Mission and contemporary style beds are two of the styles available.

These beds are adaptable so they fit into any room. You can choose a feminine design for your daughters bedroom or you can choose a masculine design for your little boys room.

A typical futon mattress is about 2 inches thick. They are made from a fabric exterior with a foam and batting filling. The western alternative to futons are usually made from wood or metal and have thicker mattresses.

Typically, the frame folds in the middle allowing the futon to be used as a couch and flattens to be used as a bed. They are usually filled with foam as well as batting, often in several layers and they are often much thicker and larger than Japanese futons, resembling a traditional mattress in size. Western style futons are a cheap alternative to bed or other furniture.

Things to keep in mind when buying a futon bunk bed:

* Top mattress should be no more than 9 inches thick.

* A matching ladder and guard rail is essential.

* Some futon bunk bed can easily convert into two separate beds.

* Don't forget that the bottom bunk will fold up so get a mattress to accommodate that.

* Lower futon frame of a futon bunk bed folds down quickly to turn into a comfy full size bed.

* Never attach or hang any item that is not designed for use with twin over futon bunk beds.

* Steel frames are covered with a powder finish that comes in a variety of colors.

* A futon bunk bed can be put together with your normal household tools.

About the Author:

If you are planning to buy futon beds, you should know top 3 mistakes you should avoid. Find it out at my futon beds guide site.

Choosing The Right Messenger Bag For You

By Chris Smith

There are so many things to carry these days of life it is impossible for most guys to stay organized. After all there's the iPod, the cell phone, small GPS devices, a wallet, and many more things that men have carry on a daily basis. This makes it incredibly hard to stay organized anymore. This also has led to the huge popularity of messenger bags. Messenger bags can help give you a place to store all of your handheld electronic devices, laptop computers, and any paperwork you might need for business. They can also help you carry things for the kids on the weekend trips and daily essentials. It is nice to feel confident and organized at all times in a messenger bag can help do this. They're also very stylish and can add a personal touch to your outfit. Just think of the celebrities like Brad Pitt, Seal, and Hugh Jackman to see sporting a messenger bag these days. However, with the huge popularity of messenger bags there are many different styles and options to choose from. So before you go out and purchase each carefully consider your needs and style options to ensure that you purchase a messenger bag that will fit your lifestyle.

Bag Uses Were the first things that you will want to think about and consider carefully is how you plan on using the bag. You want a very different style sheet can fit if you are using the bag around town on the weekends versus if you are planning to use it for work. If you are planning to use it for work you might want a leather bag that looks professional and can carry a laptop. However, if you are looking for something to wear around town or when you're out with your kids you might want a bigger bag and carry more than something that has a fun print on it. the way they choose and use or plan on using the messenger bag will largely determined the size shape and style you should purchase.

What Is It Made From? A very important consideration is the type of fabric or material that your bag is made from. Today there are so many different options and fabrics that messenger bags can come in. For example you can find messenger bags made a full Italian leather or canvas and even PVC composite bags. Each of the different materials that you can purchase have different purposes and this leads you back to your first consideration about how you plan to use the bag. Again, if you plot is the bag in a professional setting you might want a leather fabric bag. If you are using this in an outdoor rugged setting such as a bike messenger or a camp director you might want the material they can easily be cleaned and it is okay if it gets wet such as PVC or even canvas.

What Style Will You Choose there are so many different styles to choose from that you are sure to find something that will match your own personal look and feel. For example if you were a very conservative business oriented person again you might want a full leather messenger bag. However, if you are more free at heart and want to show your wild side you might choose a bag with a tattoo print or other artistic and crazy style about it. It is improtant to consider what style of clothes you have and how you will be using the bag and in what settings so you can matchthe bag and your own personal style.

Size And Shape The size and shape is also something that you should carefully consider. Messenger bags can come in a variety of different sizes and shapes from very large small over the shoulder versions. Again how you will use the bag will be an important role in deciding the size and shape. If you are planning to keep your laptop, or hold lunch you might want a different size bag. Also in considering the size is important to think about how many things you will need to store in the bag and how long you will be out and away from home using your bag. If you are planning on using it for short day trips can get away with a smaller sized bag. However, if you're planning on using it for overseas travel where you will be gone multiple days at a time you might want something larger.

When you are out shopping for a messenger bag it is important to carefully consider the above factors. There are lots of different styles and options to choose from. So it is important to decide how you will use the bag first and then possible fabrics and style issues that you might have. If you're planning on carrying a laptop or using it to carry diapers you want a very different style look and feel. So before you start looking to purchase a messenger bag it can be important to the decide how will be used first.

About the Author:

For more free resources and product reviews check out our free resource dedicated to Messenger Bags For Men. We have a ton of great product reviews and resources to help make your buying experience much better and ensure you get a quality Messenger Bags For Men. for your situation.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

By Walter Hull

If we are serious about decreasing environmental pollution, then solar energy should be a part of the equation it isn't a part of the problem, so it must be part of the solution. It's recognized as an "alternative energy source", as it isn't widely used as a main source of power for very many people. It's expensive to produce solar panels, and in today's world, calculators and lawn decor are two of the most popular solar powered gadgets used by the mainstream. So, the burning question that could maybe help solve our planet's current dilemma is, how do solar panels work? How does a panel harness the sun's energy and turn it into electricity?

Solar panels are made from special materials that absorb the sun's rays and turn them into electricity that can power all sorts of electronic devices. Devices that we use electricity for everyday without thinking twice about could be powered by solar panels.

An important, budding technology involving solar energy that's being used today is photovoltaic (PV) electricity. This is the use of unique materials that convert solar energy into electricity, and this electricity is either stored through the use of DC batteries or it can be used instantly.

These special materials for solar panels have just recently been developed. They release electrons when influenced by the sun's energy. This creates the flow of voltage and the flow of electricity. A simpler, more descriptive name for a photovoltaic panel is a "direct energy conversion device". This makes perfect sense since all these effects take place on an atomic level without any moving parts.

Photovoltaic panels used to be restricted to space age technology. Satellites and space stations used them for their reliable and continuous conversion of solar power. Outer space has an advantage when it comes to solar energy since the sun's radiation is, at the very least, 50% stronger out there than here on Earth.

A good candidate for solar energy is someone living a mile or more from an electrical grid since it's a lot more costly to install power transmission cables than it is to install a solar panel kit. If this is you, then maybe it's time to consider solar energy as your main power source.

But still, the looming question is "how do solar panels work?" Well, solar energy is made up of two kinds of radiation. One is called "beam radiation". Beam radiation can be visualized by imagining direct sunlight on your skin while at the beach on a clear, sunny day. These cloud-free days make a major contribution to solar energy being gathered by solar panels, but the solar panels need to be strategically placed to harness the most sunshine possible.

The other kind of radiation is "diffuse radiation". This radiation is strewn all over the place (as its name suggests). On a cloudy day, it's the primary radiation source for a solar panel. It's the same thing if you're relaxing under a shade tree diffuse radiation is what you're going to get. Unfortunately diffuse radiation isn't very strong and relying on it alone for solar energy isn't practical.

So, with this being understood, a bright and sunny location is key for solar panels to work effectively. Beam radiation is very important and most of Western America fits this bill. However, northern climates and coastal states pose a bit of a challenge since typical weather there consists of a lot of clouds and rainy days. Those regions aren't prime candidates for 100% solar reliance.

Solar panels are versatile in the sense that they can be set up to meet specific needs. 12 volt, 24 volt, and 48 volt DC systems are the most widely used. 12 volt solar panels can live well over 20 years and fall in the range of 12-14% efficiency.

Solar power is still "alternative energy", and part of that is due to its high cost to produce. They're so expensive because they are made of supremely pure silicon semi-conductor materials. New materials are being explored and they're geared toward lowering production costs, making solar energy more readily available to the general public. Cadmium Telluride based solar panels are one of the new technologies being explored, and if these are successful materials then solar panels should become more affordable for the average citizen. This is great news for the environment as more and more people convert to solar energy, the atmosphere can begin to heal.

You'll want to assess your weather patterns as well as your local utility rates before making a final decision as to whether or not to install a solar panel system at your residence, but the benefits to the environment truly outweigh the monetary aspect. The decision is much simpler if you intend to use solar merely as a backup plan. Energy independence is a common goal for all. It helps the environment in so many ways that simply can't be ignored.

About the Author:

To find out more on how solar panels work check out some more information here.

Get Into The Restful World Of Adjustable Beds

By Moe Kittaneh

Ever heard that you'll spend a third of your life asleep? This is based off sleeping eight hours a day (and eight being a third of twenty-four), so it's probably not exactly true. Why, then, should you still be interested in getting a better night's sleep with things like adjustable beds? Because sleep is essential for our bodies and we need a lot of it.

Too many people set aside the importance of sleep. Even when they have trouble sleeping, they tell themselves they don't need as much as other people do. To be fair, they could well be right. But they still often get much less sleep than is appropriate. A lot of harm can come from continuing this non-sleeping behavior over a long period of time.

You might be able to pass out on a couch in front of the TV, but you really should be sleeping on an actual bed. In the past, the closest people got was a pile of hay, and we've come a long way since then. Most beds use box spring mattresses. You want to pick a firmness that will help you sleep the best and decorate the bed as you like it.

While the basic mattress is the type of bed most people are familiar with, it has been joined by a wide range of other possibilities, from water beds to air beds and even foam beds. But, if you're looking, you should at least give some time to adjustable beds. Whether sitting or sleeping, these can adjust to a position that will meet your needs.

Actually, though, compared to some of the other beds mentioned, adjustable beds aren't that new at all. Still, you probably associate them mostly with hospitals, where they were mostly used when they first came on the market in the 1960s. Now, though, you can have an adjustable bed in your own room - and there are actually a lot of healthful reasons to do so.

Whether you have a serious health problem or just want to watch TV in bed, you could benefit from this product. They're especially good for people with back problems, since the bed can be adjusted in such a way that pressure will be removed from their spine, and they'll notice that they're feeling a lot less pain in the morning in their everyday lives.

Adjustable beds are seeing something of a new life, being promoted on TV and brought into new homes. This doesn't necessarily mean they'll get the admiration they once did, but they're still something that could help you get the relaxed life you've always wanted.

About the Author:

There are unlimited comfort positions which can be achieved through adjustable beds. Keep in mind that adjustable beds make for the best night's sleep, every night, for years to come.

You Can Learn How to Stop An Anxiety Attack Before It Starts

By Susan May

You're tired of living your life at the mercy of anxiety, mopping up the aftereffects rather than dealing with the causes. You'd love to know how to stop and anxiety attack before it starts, not just cope with the results.

There are a variety of clinic definitions of anxiety, or panic attacks. But it's enough to know that it's a condition that's very uncomfortable while it's being endured. There are many symptoms of an attack, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, trembling, numbness and tingling, nausea, hyperventilation, and chest pains that have often been compared to those of a real heart attack.

The victim of an anxiety attack often feels completely helpless and at the mercy of the escalating physical and mental effects of the condition. It is said to be among the most frightening and upsetting experiences a person can have. While the attack itself may last anywhere from a few seconds to an hour, a sense of security after it's over may not return for a long time.

What might trigger an anxiety attack can be any number of things. What's worse is that, often, a trigger can't be identified at all. Not knowing when or where an attack might occur adds a great deal to the stress with which a person is already attempting to cope. The unpredictability of an attack begins to limit a person's life, as avoiding the embarrassment and discomfort of having at attack in public takes priority over the enjoyment of social interaction.

Over time, a number of coping mechanisms have been suggested to help victims of anxiety attacks. They have proven to be marginally effective, at best. In the midst of a full blown panic attack, it becomes a case of trying to determine which symptom needs addressing, while a dozen others are spiraling out of control. Eventually, it's like trying to use a garden hose against a towering inferno. Managing an anxiety attack gives way to succumbing to it.

Far and away, the best method of dealing with this disorder is by learning how to stop an anxiety attack before it even gets a foot in the door. Recently, a new technique to do just that was developed, teaching sufferers how to stop an anxiety attack using no medication, hypnosis or alterations to their diet. It works by breaking the cycle of attacks, preventing the out-of-control spiraling of symptoms. It doesn't promise another useless method of simply managing an attack; its focus is on how to stop an anxiety attack from occurring at all. When you learn how to stop anxiety from controlling you, you are no longer a victim, but a victor.

It doesn't matter how you came to stop being in control and anxiety took over. The important thing is that you can learn to be in charge again. Don't let any more precious time slip away, while you fail to live the life you were intended to live, with fun, family, friends, dreams realized, goals met, and the joy that's waiting for you to experience. The tools to have all these things are within your reach.

You owe it to yourself to find out more about how to stop anxiety and how to start living with this natural method that is proving to be such a breakthrough approach, the medical establishment is starting to pay some serious attention.

About the Author:

The beginning of your recovery starts by visiting Panic Attack Pain. What you will learn is that there is a very good chance you are about to end the cycle of panic attacks in your life. You will find out not only to regain the carefree life you remember once having, but will also gain new confidence in living. It can be done. Take the first step discovering how to stop anxiety.

How to Choose a Christian Counselor

By John James

For those who are struggling with a particular issue and looking for some help from a Christian counselor, finding the right one in the local area can be difficult. Most people do not know anything about the counselors in their area, or where to turn when they are looking for one.

Since most of us don't know of someone offhand that can provide Christian counseling services, it can be incredibly helpful just to know where to start your search. Finding a counselor doesn't have to be difficult if you follow the steps discussed in this article.

To help you in your search for a Christian counselor, we will provide some tips that will point you in the right direction.

1. Ask Your Pastor for a Referral

If you are a church attender, one of the first things you should do is seek the advice of your pastor. Many pastors offer some type of counseling for church members, but frequently they will not be experienced or equipped to help with the specific area in which you are struggling. While most pastors do have some education in counseling, that's not what they spend the majority of their time doing, so don't be surprised if your pastor says that he is not the best person to help you in this situation.

In situations where your pastor cannot help you, there may be someone else on the church staff that can help, or they may have a great referral for you to a local counselor. If this is the case, you'll probably feel more comfortable with the counselor knowing that he/she was referred by your pastor.

Starting with your pastor or church staff members will allow you to see if any help is available within the church, and if not, to get the opinion of someone you trust on who you should see.

2. Ask God for His Assistance with Finding a Counselor

Don't forget to pray for God's help in finding a great Christian counselor! Take a few minutes every day to ask God to lead you to the right person that can help you with the issues that you are facing.

3. Consult Friends and Family

You may not even be aware that some of your friends or family have seen counselors, but many people have. If you feel comfortable approaching your friends and family for advice about finding a counselor, you may be able to get a good referral from someone you trust.

4. Search Online

If none of the other methods have helped you to find a counselor, the internet can be an incredible resource. One option is to do a Google search for a counselor in your local area. Additionally, there are a number of directories of counselors that allow you to search by zip code or city. One such directory can be found at http://www.aacc.net/resources/find-a-counselor/.

About the Author:

The author is a counselor for Christian Counseling & Educational Services. CCES provides Christian counselors in Pennsylvania.