Articles written by Tod Demuth

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About me - Tod Demuth

With a passion for playing piano, I've found that it pales in life to being a husband and the father of three kids. Music fails to provide security and financial rewards needed to raise a family, so I work full time as a courier for FedEx Express in my spare

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Entertainment > Music Education Tips for learning how to play a musical instrument as an adult: 1 of 9
I've heard people say that they wish they had continued music lessons as a kid, but now they are too old to learn. I beg to differ; in my experience, adults make the best music students and usually the best musicians, no matter when they started playing. If you are an adult and are thinking of learning to play, there are a fe... More..
Entertainment > Music Education You don't have to be a natural to learn the basics of music: 2 of 17
It's been said, and you've heard it. When it comes to music, you either have it or you don't. As a musician and teacher, I have come to the conclusion that the person who says it is probably someone who has it but is too lazy to show someone else.Music is naturally human. It's a way we express ourselves without words, sometim... More..
Entertainment > Musical Instruments Acoustic drums: Finding space to practice (without upsetting the neighbors): 3 of 13
I have had bands where creating neighborhood noise wasn't welcome; and we didn't want to muffle the drums, either. As we were usually in the garage, we had room, it just needed a sound barrier to keep the noise in (and out, as alot of times we did recording as well.) We basically build a sound proof room. It was really simple... More..
Personal Finance > Personal Finance (Other) Fast and easy ways to make extra money: 9 of 38
The fastest and easiest way to make some extra money is find something no one wants to do and do it - just fill the need. It doesn't have to be a career move . Just take a look around your neighborhood. Think of every one you know. Look around your garage at the tools you have, and you'll find chores you do for yourself that ... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Personal Morals & Values How to become a better person: 46 of 192
In your opinion, who is the best person you know? My guess is it isn't someone whom you know from a distance. It isn't a famous diva, rapper or real estate mogul. That person is probably someone with whom you have a close relationship.One of the best people I knew was my grandfather. It wasn't because of his occupation, the h... More..
Entertainment > Musical Instruments How to find a good piano tuner: 1 of 4
As a (former) piano technician, it is best to find a referral for a piano technician: a friend, a piano teacher, your in-laws. You will more than likely find someone who fits what you require from a technician. You'll most likely get someone you're comfortable to work with, and has a referral from someone who was happy enough... More..
Home & Garden > Home Repair (Other) Best ways to insulate your home: 4 of 11
Many of the best ways to insulate your home are procedures you can do yourself, usually in simple weekend projects, and usually are very inexpensive. The key is to seal up holes that can let air in (or out) and replace what's worn, torn or missing from parts of your home. Here's a look at the areas you can target to best insu... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Personal Morals & Values Whatever happened to chivalry?: 26 of 62
In nine words, my Grandad taught me the secret to chivalry. I don't remember exactly what brought the topic up, but I do recall that I was in shock when the words actually sunk in."You weren't put on this earth for your benefit." This little phrase sums up what I see has become our biggest failure as a society. Everything is ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > US Economy Should we replace our tax law with a flat tax or a national sales tax?: 8 of 16
If a person wants a country of the people, by the people and for the people, a fair tax would be the best solution. Face it, the income tax system is broken and out of control. It provides the government with a total profile of each and every person's financial picture, a power by knowledge that has been used by government an... More..
Home & Garden > Home Repair (Other) Best ways to paint the ceiling: 7 of 14
Painting ceilings is one of the challenges of painting - not because it is difficult, but keeping it organized so you don't make a mess any bigger than you need to make, and you don't spend too much time. Whether you spray paint the ceiling or roll the paint on with a roller, organization is the key. The problem with spraying... More..