In the great big world of corporate computing an "Easter Egg" is that hidden feature put out there and hidden away by the programmers who wrote the program. I suppose these corporate programmers, driven by the requirements of writing a program or two, must be overworked and sometimes bored. Still, they must feel a bit of whimsey and hide an "Easter Egg" out there. The "Easter Egg" is not normally visible to folks like you and me but are found by those true technical geeks who are out there looking for them. It's like finding the big prize, the biggest and best "Easter Egg" out there...Microsoft products have their own "Easter Eggs" hidden away as do many of the commercial programs out on the market. Yes, indeed, hiding those "Easter Eggs" is fun, fun, fun and more fun - though not as much fun as standing at the line and throwing darts!

So, congratulations, you have found one of my "Easter Eggs" and yes, there are more but they are tough to find and hidden away in the least likely places that you would expect to find them. Mostly they are found by accident! Feeling creative and a bit whimsical myself, I have decided to hide my own "Easter Eggs" out there on The Passionate Darter website. Should you find my own "Easter Eggs" I have a prize for you and your efforts - simply send me your name and E-mail address to yours truly at: Webmaster Sherilyn at ton80darts@comcast.net. I'll get back to you for your snail mail address and put your dart prize in the mail to you. What could be more fun? Other than winning the lottery, or beating that tough opponent at the line...


Now that you've found my hidden "Easter Egg" let me take a moment or two of your time to write a few words of wisdom regarding darts that I have learned along the way...

Treat other darters with the same respect that you want to be treated with. With this strategy you cannot go wrong!

Even with your losses, always demonstrate the qualities of a gracious darter with positive actions...There's no crying in darts unless you're alone in a bathroom stall or in your hotel room!

Win graciously as well - no bragging allowed until you call your relatives later that evening to offer the dart by dart recap of your win!

Encourage other darters along the way, probably the same way that others encouraged you when you first began playing darts. Offer a few kind words, a handshake and take the time to learn their name and appreciate the efforts that they put forth in competing against you. Then you can celebrate your win!

Beer tastes good and I have developed a taste for it myself - but too much alcohol might allow you to throw some decent darts but keep on drinking and you'll pass that curve. Once you've had too much alcohol, there's no turning back other than sleeping it off. If you want to be a consistently good darter, then drink in moderation. And remember, there is no throwing up in darts.

Know your outs before stepping up to the line...Contact Bull's Eye News - Books for one of the best out charts written by darter "Mean Irene." This is invaluable and offers much food for thought when going for your outs or wondering what to do with that 2nd or 3rd dart while at the line. It's a bit pricey, but worth every penny!

Remember that we all have moments of greatness - I truly believe that and with that winning attitude you just might beat that impossibly good darter that you didn't have a prayer of beating to begin with. Yes, darts are part physical as in your stroke and release, but the biggest part of the game, I am convinced is mental and all in your head. So get your head in the game, believe in yourself and dig deep for those moments of greatness that we all have within ourselves.

Wanna learn more about darts? Technique? How other darters do it well and succeed? Then subscribe to Bulls Eye News Magazine, the only International dart magazine published in the states!

Frustrated with your game? Maybe you need some practice, some real practice. Set up a daily routine and stick with it. Getting bored at the line while practicing isn't going to help you, you need to concentrate with every dart. So strive to do your best and the best way to build your confidence is to practice, practice and practice some more. When it becomes too much work, maybe it's time to take a break from it all. So mix it up - practice your numbers, compete against others who are more skillful, enter those blind draws and get into the tournament circuit. There is nothing as rewarding as winning at darts or having those moments of greatness so put a plan together and play.

Not sure what you're doing wrong? Ask those around you, especially those more skillful. And if you really want to know how you throw, videotape yourself. You might be surprised at what you are actually doing at the line compared to what you think you are doing. Gosh darn it, if I had any sense at all I would make my millions being a dart coach...

Still need to get your head in the game? Check out the DartDOG website's page on Sports Psychology at: The DartDOG: Sports Psychology. No one can argue about the importance of being mentally prepared and focused to win...The ability to get in the zone when you're at the line is something each darter needs to figure out for oneself. These links on The DartDog site are chock full of useful information on goal setting, visualization, retaining focus, exercises/tools to build confidence and more. Need to get your head in the game? Then stop by The DartDOG's site!

This should probably go without saying but I'll say it anyway. If you are too tired after a night of darts or have had too much to drink, then do NOT drive. Call a cab. Trust me, it's a lot cheaper in the long run and who wants a DUI anyway? If you really want to meet a cop or two, then go to Dunkin Donuts, just don't drive while intoxicated. Sooner or later you'll get caught and I've heard that jail is no fun! And I don't think jails have dartboards.

I hope I haven't preached too much, that certainly is NOT my intention! Thanks for finding my own "Easter Egg" and remember to drop me an E-mail and let me know you found one of my hidden treasures. There are more - can you find them?

As always, shoot well and I'll see you at the line.