By Dynal Thompson

The 'free verse' style of poetry is the most popular among current writers. Walt Whitman is credited with originating the form in the late 19th century. Poetry was restricted to certain forms and rhyming schemes before that time.

Patterns are common to formal poetry. Scansion is the analyzing of rhyme and meter. A letter is commonly places at the end of each line beginning with the first letter of the alphabet A for the first rhyme, and B for the second, etc.

If the first two lines rhyme with each other, we would place an A at the end of each line. If the third and fourth line rhyme with each other but not the first two, we would place a B at the end of each. The pattern would be AABB. If the fifth line rhymes with either, we would place an A, or B appropriately. If it does not rhyme, a C would be used.

The number of beats in each line is called the meter. "Iambic pentameter" is the most commonly used. Words with this type of beat consist of a short pulse followed by a strong pulse. Examples would be arrest, domain, forsooth, etc. The accent is on the second syllable.

OK, enough rules and on to the fun stuff. What do you start with when you tell stories or write letters? Do you begin with something you overheard? Witnessed? Read About? Start with what you are comfortable with, that's the best way to start.

What type of poem did you have in mind? A Story? A comment? Or could it be a character study? Go through some examples to help get you started off on the right foot. It is common to get what is called "writer's block". If this happens, take a break, or come back to it the next day. If your out and something comes to you, jot it down.

It may take many weeks or months to get your poem finished. If your having trouble, take a break. When you come back, carry on from the last line in your poem. You will be delighted at what comes out.

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By Lucas Godfrey

Very few people leave home for vacation without taking their camera. This is probably the time when the camera gets used the most often. It just seems to be the trend to take pictures of everything when one is on vacation. Of course, the real purpose is to capture the memories to have as a memento of a great time. Then you get home and find out that half of your photos did not turn out and this is a big disappointment. It is not likely that you can just return and retake the picture.

You can avoid a lot of disappointment if you follow through on a few tips to lessen the danger of unusable photos.

Do not make the mistake of buying a new camera to go on vacation with and then try to use it before you have read your manual and better still practiced with it a bit. You may be surprised to find out what special features your camera has. These may come in handy on your trip photos.

It is easy to be caught up in the moment when having a good time. Cameras are so compact now, then to be set down and forgotten about. Be careful of this when away. They are one of the objects that are commonly stolen. Ideally, a good inconspicuous camera bag that you can sling on your shoulder or around your neck would be ideal. This lessens the chances of it becoming stolen or forgotten about.

If you are using digital photography, remember that the camera cards will only hold so many pictures. You can either buy extra cards, but if you figure you are going to be taking many pictures then you may want to take your laptop along with you so you can download. Sometimes Hotels have computers that their guests have access to so in this case you will be able to download from there.

If you are flying, carry your camera with you. It has easily lost or damaged in the baggage department. Do not get into the habit of putting your camera in your pocket. It really is not a safe environment for it. In addition, if it is in your jacket you could easily lose this item and along with it goes your camera.

Check the settings on your camera. By now, you will have read your manual and should have a good knowledge about them. You can still practice with your camera while on vacation and just delete them if they are not what you want.

Do not take conventional pictures where everything is centered particularily your subject. Experiment with different angles, you will be surprised at how much more interesting your pictures will be.

Try to make sure you have an object in your scenery pictures as it creates interest. Take free form pictures rather than planned ones where you have the subjects all lined up in front of a point of interest.

Naturally, you want to get as much of your subject to fill the picture as possible. Make sure you pay attention to the background. You may get a great picture of the subject in a horrid background. Look for interesting subjects to take pictures of, use your imagination but do not take photos of individuals without their permission.

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