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Mastering The Masters

Master’s Passes Each April, the world’s best come together to
tee off for their place in history, at the Masters Golf
Tournament in Augusta, GA. After a chilly winter break, the
Master’s kicks off the beginning of a new season for
professional golfers. With Dogwoods and Magnolias in full bloom,
perfectly manicured greens lined with tall stately Georgia Pines
provide the picturesque backdrop for the greatest and most
prestigious event in golf.

Winning the Masters will change a golfer’s life forever. Many of
the greats have shined here including Sam Snead, Ben Hogan,
Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tom Watson and Tiger
Woods. And some have unexplainably gone and never experienced
victory - most notably Greg Norman, who has played in five
Master’s tournaments and never won.

But as beautiful as the Augusta National Golf Club is, most of
us just dream of the chance to play the course or even be a
spectator. Tickets are sold out months in advance and “waiting
lists” are rumored to be in excess of ten years. So how do you
get your ticket to the greatest tradition in golf? Here are some
tips on how to get there and some “dos” and “don’ts” from people
who know.

That’s the ticket Everyone who has a passion for golf wants the
opportunity to experience the Master’s, this April 3rd to the
9th - but where do you get tickets?

If you are not fortunate enough to have season passes, the best
and most secure way to guarantee quality tickets is through a
reputable and experienced ticket broker/agency. They offer
one-day ticket passes, weekend ticket passes, practice round
play, VIP parties and wonderful packages that include tickets to
the events, first class transportation, four star dining and
accommodations that range from a basic hotel room to a 15,000
square foot home.

“Look for a full service broker that has a history of success
with Master’s packages” says Robbi Raitt, President of Empire
Tickets, in Atlanta. “Make sure that your package can be
customized to fit your needs, so that it will be an experience
unique to your personal taste and confirm that your agent will
have someone on-site during the event to offer assistance if
needed.”

Raitt advises that a customer should never be shy about asking
for references and that the best rule to live by when purchasing
tickets/ packages for any event is tired and true - if it seems
too good to be true, it is.

And whatever you do, don’t throw those tickets away when the
event is over. “Tickets are heirlooms.” Eric O’Brien, long-time
Masters fan says, “Going to the Masters is a family tradition.
Old tickets are passed down along with the great stories that go
with them.”

Way to go! Getting into the Master’s is not cheap but worth
every penny. Here is some advice on ways to optimize your
experience from some “old pros”.

Food. Come hungry because the concession stands get an A + from
patrons for taste and quality. Even though the tickets are
pricey, once inside a soft drink is still about .35 cents and
those famous sandwiches, egg salad, ham & cheese, or the house
specialty pimento cheese, are still only about $1.00. Of course
there are also many excellent restaurants in the area.

Shops. The Masters logo is recognized worldwide so don’t forget
visit the two “outdoor golf shops.” The one at the main gate is
the big one - every Masters souvenir you can think of can be
found there. At the back gate - on the back of hole 5, gate 10 -
is where a smaller shop is located. People line up to get in
both shops to buy golf shirts, sweaters, hats, seats, glasses,
briefcases, screensavers, and calendars — anything with the
logo. A good tip is to visit these at the end of the day, so you
don’t have to carry your purchase around with you.

Attire & Etiquette. Spectators of the Masters dress in golf
shoes/attire as a sign of respect for the game. The Masters
Tournament is an international competition and the contestants
are invited guests. Everyone should be treated with courtesy and
respect.

Everyone is requested to display the proper customs of
etiquette, decorum and behavior, and to obey all Tournament
policies, signs and verbal instructions of Tournament officials.

For the safety of everyone, and in keeping with policy
established at major sporting events, running is considered to
be unacceptable behavior.

In fairness to spectator access and viewing, only one stool/seat
will be allowed per person entering the grounds. Seats in
observation stands are not to be reserved and stools/seats are
not to be unattended for any inordinate length of time.

Cell phones, beepers and other electronic devices are strictly
prohibited on the grounds at all times. Cameras are strictly
prohibited on Tournament days. Anyone violating this policy will
be subject to removal from the grounds and the permanent loss of
ticket(s). Play. Learn the spectator holes. The Masters course
is set up so you can see several holes from several locations.
The Spectator Guide, which is given out at all entrances, will
show you how to find the best holes for spectators. Get a paring
sheet - that will show you how to spot groups on the golf
course. If you want to see someone in particular, the paring
sheet will help you plot out your strategy to get a good view.
“A must see event, in my mind, is spending time on the 16th
green, a jewel of a Par 3 where so many tournaments have been
won and lost,” explains Glen Jackson, principle of Jackson
Spalding Communications, in Atlanta and long-time Masters fan.
“Spending time on the practice range is great fun and looking
down Magnolia Lane, which harkens back to a time long ago and
spending time on 12 and 13 are mandatory.” The Hangouts. The
“Hangouts” include the practice tee. The first tee and under the
first tee near the clubhouse. The putting green, where you can
see the 18th & 9th green and 10th tee-box. The 16th green is a
traditional gathering place. A par 3 (The Par 3 course is a gem.
It is worth a peak. Sometimes you might find some former Masters
champions playing away from the crowds). The “big pine at16″ is
known by a lot of people. A huge pine tree is behind the green
and does stand out. Another interesting place to visit is the
Eisenhower cabin - behind the putting green. President and Mrs.
Eisenhower stayed there when on the grounds. He was a member.
There are a number of cabins on the grounds that are used during
the tournament but the general public can’t go in them, for the
most part.

Great Expectations. If you have never been to the Master’s
before here is a short list of things to expect, according to Ed
Presnell, Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. *
Get there early, stay late and really just enjoy the day. The
traffic and the crowds take many people by surprise. Don’t try
to do it all at one time. Get to the front of the golf course
and work your way back. * Be prepared to walk and wear
comfortable shoes. * Watch the fan behavior. Watching people is
part of the fun. * Unless you have a particular golfer you want
to follow, try to see the golf course first. * There may be some
protest this year surrounding the club’s admission policy. But
most importantly, if you are a golf enthusiast, expect to have
an unforgettable experience steeped in history. Since 1934 the
Master’s has showcased legends of the sport. In 1980 Seve
Ballesteros won, becoming the youngest player to date (just 23
years old) to be crowned a winner. At age 46 in 1986, Jack
Nicklaus donned his sixth “green jacket”. And in 1997 Tiger
Woods broke the tournament four day scoring record that had
stood for 32 years. Not bad for a game with no mascots. Written
by Donna Garcia, VP of Sales and Marketing for Empire Tickets in
Atlanta, GA

Mastering The Masters

Master’s Passes Each April, the world’s best come together to
tee off for their place in history, at the Masters Golf
Tournament in Augusta, GA. After a chilly winter break, the
Master’s kicks off the beginning of a new season for
professional golfers. With Dogwoods and Magnolias in full bloom,
perfectly manicured greens lined with tall stately Georgia Pines
provide the picturesque backdrop for the greatest and most
prestigious event in golf.

Winning the Masters will change a golfer’s life forever. Many of
the greats have shined here including Sam Snead, Ben Hogan,
Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tom Watson and Tiger
Woods. And some have unexplainably gone and never experienced
victory - most notably Greg Norman, who has played in five
Master’s tournaments and never won.

But as beautiful as the Augusta National Golf Club is, most of
us just dream of the chance to play the course or even be a
spectator. Tickets are sold out months in advance and “waiting
lists” are rumored to be in excess of ten years. So how do you
get your ticket to the greatest tradition in golf? Here are some
tips on how to get there and some “dos” and “don’ts” from people
who know.

That’s the ticket Everyone who has a passion for golf wants the
opportunity to experience the Master’s, this April 3rd to the
9th - but where do you get tickets?

If you are not fortunate enough to have season passes, the best
and most secure way to guarantee quality tickets is through a
reputable and experienced ticket broker/agency. They offer
one-day ticket passes, weekend ticket passes, practice round
play, VIP parties and wonderful packages that include tickets to
the events, first class transportation, four star dining and
accommodations that range from a basic hotel room to a 15,000
square foot home.

“Look for a full service broker that has a history of success
with Master’s packages” says Robbi Raitt, President of Empire
Tickets, in Atlanta. “Make sure that your package can be
customized to fit your needs, so that it will be an experience
unique to your personal taste and confirm that your agent will
have someone on-site during the event to offer assistance if
needed.”

Raitt advises that a customer should never be shy about asking
for references and that the best rule to live by when purchasing
tickets/ packages for any event is tired and true - if it seems
too good to be true, it is.

And whatever you do, don’t throw those tickets away when the
event is over. “Tickets are heirlooms.” Eric O’Brien, long-time
Masters fan says, “Going to the Masters is a family tradition.
Old tickets are passed down along with the great stories that go
with them.”

Way to go! Getting into the Master’s is not cheap but worth
every penny. Here is some advice on ways to optimize your
experience from some “old pros”.

Food. Come hungry because the concession stands get an A + from
patrons for taste and quality.

Shops. The Masters logo is recognized worldwide so don’t forget
visit the two “outdoor golf shops.” The one at the main gate is
the big one - every Masters souvenir you can think of can be
found there. At the back gate - on the back of hole 5, gate 10 -
is where a smaller shop is located.

Attire & Etiquette. Spectators of the Masters dress in golf
shoes/attire as a sign of respect for the game.

Everyone is requested to display the proper customs of
etiquette, decorum and behavior, and to obey all Tournament
policies, signs and verbal instructions of Tournament officials.

In fairness to spectator access and viewing, only one stool/seat
will be allowed per person entering the grounds. Seats in
observation stands are not to be reserved and stools/seats are
not to be unattended for any inordinate length of time.

Cell phones, beepers and other electronic devices are strictly
prohibited on the grounds at all times. Cameras are strictly
prohibited on Tournament days. Anyone violating this policy will
be subject to removal from the grounds and the permanent loss of
ticket(s). Play. Learn the spectator holes. The Masters course
is set up so you can see several holes from several locations.
The Spectator Guide, which is given out at all entrances, will
show you how to find the best holes for spectators. Get a paring
sheet - that will show you how to spot groups on the golf
course. If you want to see someone in particular, the paring
sheet will help you plot out your strategy to get a good view.
“A must see event, in my mind, is spending time on the 16th
green, a jewel of a Par 3 where so many tournaments have been
won and lost,” explains Glen Jackson, principle of Jackson
Spalding Communications, in Atlanta and long-time Masters fan.
“Spending time on the practice range is great fun and looking
down Magnolia Lane, which harkens back to a time long ago and
spending time on 12 and 13 are mandatory.” The Hangouts. The
“Hangouts” include the practice tee. The first tee and under the
first tee near the clubhouse. The putting green, where you can
see the 18th & 9th green and 10th tee-box. The 16th green is a
traditional gathering place. A par 3 (The Par 3 course is a gem.
It is worth a peak. Sometimes you might find some former Masters
champions playing away from the crowds). The “big pine at16″ is
known by a lot of people. A huge pine tree is behind the green
and does stand out.

Great Expectations. If you have never been to the Master’s
before here is a short list of things to expect, according to Ed
Presnell, Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. *
Get there early, stay late and really just enjoy the day. The
traffic and the crowds take many people by surprise. Don’t try
to do it all at one time. Get to the front of the golf course
and work your way back. * Be prepared to walk and wear
comfortable shoes. * Watch the fan behavior. Watching people is
part of the fun. * Unless you have a particular golfer you want
to follow, try to see the golf course first. * There may be some
protest this year surrounding the club’s admission policy. But
most importantly, if you are a golf enthusiast, expect to have
an unforgettable experience steeped in history. Since 1934 the
Master’s has showcased legends of the sport. In 1980 Seve
Ballesteros won, becoming the youngest player to date (just 23
years old) to be crowned a winner. At age 46 in 1986, Jack
Nicklaus donned his sixth “green jacket”. And in 1997 Tiger
Woods broke the tournament four day scoring record that had
stood for 32 years. Not bad for a game with no mascots. Written
by Donna Garcia, VP of Sales and Marketing for Empire Tickets in
Atlanta, GA

This is the most boring stage of the process and subsequently where some eBay sellers let themselves down. If the buyer receives thier purchase poorly packed and broken then they are not going to be happy and will want a refund and more importantly never buy off you again which will have negated all the hard work that you put into the previous stages of your professional auction listing.

Packing is not difficult but if you get carried away then it will impact greatly on your profit, all items fall into two categories:

Envelope Packages - always use padded envelopes as these will protect your items properly

and

Box Packages - always use a sturdy box and ideally wrap the item in bubble wrap

As I mentioned packaging costs can impact on your profit, however, if you carefully work out what is required when you are calculating the shipping charge then this cost is covered by the customer as they pay the shipping charge. This doesn’t mean use the first supplier of packaging that you can find as the shipping charge will have an effect on the listing and the customers perception of you, the customer assumes that the shipping charge relates only to the postage cost and not to the packaging costs so when they see that they paid more than the actual cost of postage they assume that you are ripping them off and this will ruin anyone’s professional image.

There are numerous suppliers of packaging available, with some very good suppliers available on eBay itself. However there are other alternatives, your items do not have to go out in box’s that are plain or covered in your logo (if you have one). Customers will not mind as long as thier item arrives in one piece.

My advice would be to become a recycler, when you visit the store keep a look out for boxes that you can use to pack your items and also for packaging materials to secure the item with within the box. The stores are more than willing to let you take these(always ask first) as they only throw them away or recycle them themselves.

I am going to let you in on a big secret, there is a great source of FREE BUBBLE WRAP that anyone can get access to. All it takes is one word :

BANANA’S

Banana’s are the single biggest selling fruit in superstores and every box of them comes packed with a sheet of bubble wrap within to protect the delicate fruit. All you do is ask your local produce department manager in your local store to save it for you and hey presto instant FREE packaging. Do not worry about the banana smell tainting the bubble wrap as the bananas are removed from the packaging before they are ripe (the stage they start to smell) as the stores like to ensure a customer life of the product and as such sell them just as they are ripening. Trust me, try it and see.

When you are packing the item, always put a thank you note in to ensure that the customer knows you are grateful for thier purchase and this will also raise your image within their mind. Always use a good strong tape on the box and ensure all flaps are taped down and that no one can gain entry to the box without cutting the tape. When you are putting the customers address on the box I would recommend that you type it out on the PC, firstly it looks more professional and also not everyone can read your writing and this will only cause delays in the mail.

It is also advisable to always get proof of postage from the mail or better still send it recorded, this acts in two ways… it provides a means of tracking the delivery so that you know the customer received it (helps against fraudulent ‘not received’ claims) and it also provides a insurance cover against loss and damage. The relative costs are minor compared to the piece of mind it gives you and the customer.

Visit ebay auction trader web site for FREE templates to use to develop your online business.

When you sell on eBay, it’s important to know how to take
advantage of the kinds of markets you encounter in the different
seasons. As a rule, the summer months are slow and the winter
period is fast, but there’s more to it than that.

It Depends What You’re Selling.

Your sales won’t necessarily be slower in the summer than in
winter - they might just be different. If you’re selling sports
equipment, for example, you’ll probably find that surfing gear
sells in summer while skiing gear sells in winter. You should
make sure you are aware of any seasonal variations there will be
in your particular market, and plan in advance to take advantage
of them.

Selling in Peak Season.

The holiday season is eBay’s peak, and the best time to be
selling on eBay - the December rush is relatively short, but if
you play it right then you could make half your year’s profit
over those few days.

In the holidays, people are looking for presents, and eBay run
more advertising than usual targeted towards buyers, not
sellers. Target your auctions more towards new users than
experienced ones, writing easy-to-understand descriptions. If
you have any items that are in demand, try listing some at
auction and some with high But it Now prices, to see what works
best.

The chances are you’ll be surprised when the Buy it Now auctions
go almost instantly and the auctions rack up bids like nobody’s
business. It is important to remember, however, that most of
these buyers will only buy from you once.

Selling Off-peak.

For the rest of the year, the market is far slower. Don’t worry
though - you can still make money. It’s a little like being a
stockbroker: you can make money whether the market is good or
bad, if you know what you’re doing.

Remember that your target market is a little more ‘expert’:
you’re mostly selling to people who know what they’re buying,
and know what they want to pay. Cater to this by providing a
service suitable for these customers. Show that you know what
you’re selling and sell things consistently and you’ll have
people coming back again and again.

Here’s one extra tip that you might try. If you know of items
that have a consistent value, it might be worth buying up as
many as you can cheaply in the summer, storing them for half a
year, and selling them during the winter rush. If you’re willing
to give over a little space for storage, you can make a lot of
profit for little effort. After all, you don’t even have to take
the items out of the packaging the last seller put them in.

Choosing a tuner for your system is of little difference from choosing other components. When auditioning other components, people are primarily concerned with their sound quality, not their technical performance.

For example, if a preamplifier under audition sounds good, you do not need to worry much about its technical performance. Because .if it sounds good, then it is working well.

Tuners, on the other hand, exhibit great variability in their technical performance. It will not only concern the tuner’s sound; tonal balance, sound staging, portrayal of timbre, etc., but also basic characteristics such as the ability to pick up weak or distant stations, reject adjacent stations, provide a noise-free audio signal, and stay tuned to a station without drifting.

A tuner’s performance in these areas can be accurately characterized by measurement; this makes tuner specifications much more significant than those of other audio components.

There is a direct correlation between a tuner’s specifications and its sonic performance. You still have to listen to the tuner before you buy, but you can often separate poor performing models from better units by looking at the specification sheets.

Unlike most audio products, the best high-end tuners have more features, front-panel controls, and displays than the lower-end products.

The price range for a good tuner from a mass-market manufacturer is between $400 and $1000. Some of the higher-end models from mass-market companies offer excellent performance.

The price range from $750 to $1200 is very competitive, with many superb units to choose from. The very best tuners cost as much as $12,000.

The differences between mediocre and excellent tuners.

Good tuners are characterized by their sensitivity or the ability to pull in weak stations. The greater its sensitivity, the better it can pick up weak or distant stations.

This aspect is more important in suburban or rural areas that are far from radio transmitters.

On the other hand, a tuner characteristic of greater importance to the city dweller is adjacent-channel selectivity or the ability to pick up one station without interference from the station next to it on the dial.

This specification defines a tuner’s ability to reject a strong station two channels away from the desired channel. When stations are packed closely together, as they are in cities, adjacent-channel and alternate-channel selectivity are more important than sensitivity.

Equally important to all listeners is the tuner’s signal-to-noise ratio, a measure of the difference in dB between background noise and the maximum signal strength. A tuner with a poor signal-to-noise ratio will overlay the music with an annoying background hiss.

A poor tuner will have trouble receiving weak stations, may lack the ability to select one station when that station is adjacent to another station, have high background noise, and be overloaded by nearby FM transmitters or other radio signal sources.

Many tuners have a high-blend circuit that automatically switches the signal to mono when the signal strength falls below a certain level.

The difference between high-blend and the mono/stereo switch just described is that the high-blend circuit puts only the treble into mono, leaving the rest of the spectrum in stereo. This gets rid of most of the noise, but maintains stereo separation through most of the midrange and bass.

Lastly, all good tuners have a 75-ohm coaxial antenna input as well as the more commonly used 300-ohm flat-lead input. The coaxial input should be used for best signal transmission between the antenna and tuner.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides tuner resources on http://www.abouttuners.info.