Clint Bowyer, who joined NASCAR racing less than four years back, has managed to become one of the most popular racing champions in the country. Born in 1979, Bowyer stated racing in the motocross at the young age of five. Over a period of eight years, till the age of thirteen, Bowyer managed to take home more than 200 titles, championships and victories.
Bowyer is one of the most versatile drivers on the tracks today, having participated in and won a number of modified vehicle as well as truck racing championships. We could say that he began his adult racing career with street stocks in 1996 at the Thunderhill speedway in Kansas from where he went to on to post several modified vehicle victories and top five finishes in a number of races. Bowyer picked up the Modified championships title in both 2000 and 2001, winning his first one in Mayetta and the latter in Kansas City.
His career with NASCAR began with his participation in the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series where he also won the Midwest championship in 2002. This was around the time that he finally began racing on asphalt. After another season of racing in the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division Midwest Series and showing great potential in the subsequent Nashville Superspeedway, he was finally picked up by Richard Childress to race for his club in the NASCAR championships.
Bowyer started racing for Childress in the NASCAR Busch Series of 2004, where he co drove a #21 Reese's Chevrolet with Kevin Harwick. This was the beginning of another great period in his driving career as he went on to notch a considerably successful season with a large number of top ten finishes and some even better than that . He also managed to finish 3rd in the 2006 Busch Series championships, while also managing to come first in one of the races. The year proved to be even more of a success for Bowyer when he managed to chalk up his first Craftsman Truck Series Championship, where he participated with his #46 Jack Daniel's Chevrolet Silverado.
Today, Clint Bowyer is one of the most popular emerging stars in NASCAR racing, and his huge fan following is ample testimony to this fact. In case you are also a Clint Bowyer fan then make sure that you show your loyalty by wearing Clint Bowyer sports clothing and accessories. You can easily lay your hands on Clint Bowyer jerseys and caps in your neighborhood sports collectible or clothing store or on the large number of online sports clothing outlets that stock NASCAR collectibles. So the next time you go to the races, make sure that you have your Clint Bowyer jersey and cap on in order to show your loyalty and support for your favorite NASCAR star.
Monday, January 4, 2010
An Insight Into Michael Owen
Do you think Michael Owen is past his best? Do you think he should still command a regular starting place in the England team? Has Michael Owens injuries affected him too much? Has Michael lost some of his passion to the play at the top level of the game? In this article I give my own opinion about these questions, I hope you enjoy the read.
Michael Owen burst onto the international football stage with what can only be described as a wonder goal against Argentina in the World Cup. At this stage he had pace to burn and was lethal in front of goal. The future was very exciting for his club, country and of course for himself.
Owen played for Liverpool for many years and scored lots and lots and goals. A couple of years ago he moved clubs to Real Madrid. At Madrid he did not in my opinion seem to get much a chance, however his goals to games ratio was still very impressive. During this period Michael started to have a few problems with niggly injuries. He has found it quite difficult to have a sustained period free from injury. Last season he moved clubs again with a big money move to Newcastle United. This saw the prospect of him teaming up again with Alan Shearer. Owen however has played only a handful of games for his new club due to his fitness levels.
It seems that Owen is now on his way back, he recently started Englands latest friendly match against Hungary and looked quite hungry. I feel that Michael is way past his best, I think that due to the fact that he is not getting any younger and all of the injuries he has sustained, that he has without doubt lost some of his electric pace. He is however and should remain for a number of years to come a potent and top striker but whether he is still world class remains to be seen.
Michael Owen has never in my opinion let England down. He always seems to pop up with a goal and has certainly been one the nations hero's over the last eight years. I would prefer to see Michael come off the bench for say the last thirty-five minutes of matches instead of starting the games. I think England should have lanky Peter Crouch with another pacy striker such as Theo Walcott to really rough up and bruise the opposition. Michael could then come on when they are starting to become a bit weary.
I do not think Michael Owen has lost any of his passion or desire to play for club or country. In fact I think the opposite is true. He will be itching to get back to somewhere near his best and will be very determined to help his country to win the World Cup.
Michael Owen burst onto the international football stage with what can only be described as a wonder goal against Argentina in the World Cup. At this stage he had pace to burn and was lethal in front of goal. The future was very exciting for his club, country and of course for himself.
Owen played for Liverpool for many years and scored lots and lots and goals. A couple of years ago he moved clubs to Real Madrid. At Madrid he did not in my opinion seem to get much a chance, however his goals to games ratio was still very impressive. During this period Michael started to have a few problems with niggly injuries. He has found it quite difficult to have a sustained period free from injury. Last season he moved clubs again with a big money move to Newcastle United. This saw the prospect of him teaming up again with Alan Shearer. Owen however has played only a handful of games for his new club due to his fitness levels.
It seems that Owen is now on his way back, he recently started Englands latest friendly match against Hungary and looked quite hungry. I feel that Michael is way past his best, I think that due to the fact that he is not getting any younger and all of the injuries he has sustained, that he has without doubt lost some of his electric pace. He is however and should remain for a number of years to come a potent and top striker but whether he is still world class remains to be seen.
Michael Owen has never in my opinion let England down. He always seems to pop up with a goal and has certainly been one the nations hero's over the last eight years. I would prefer to see Michael come off the bench for say the last thirty-five minutes of matches instead of starting the games. I think England should have lanky Peter Crouch with another pacy striker such as Theo Walcott to really rough up and bruise the opposition. Michael could then come on when they are starting to become a bit weary.
I do not think Michael Owen has lost any of his passion or desire to play for club or country. In fact I think the opposite is true. He will be itching to get back to somewhere near his best and will be very determined to help his country to win the World Cup.
America's 'Mane' Attraction: The Golden Age of Horses
More Americans are learning why riding off into the sunset equals living "happily ever after."
With recent movies such as "Seabiscuit" and "Hidalgo" topping the charts, it seems horses are more popular than ever - but it's not just Hollywood.
The trend is sweeping the nation as more people discover the wonderful world of horses. Participation in horse events is at an all-time high. Nearly 2 million Americans own horses, and millions more would like to.
In fact, a recent survey found three out of five adults would be happy if they were given a horse as a gift. And, a majority is interested in horseback riding while on vacation, attending a rodeo and going to a horse race.
With interest in horses on the rise, it's no surprise that more Americans are finally getting involved. They are taking vacations at dude ranches, going on relaxing trail rides to de-stress after work, skipping gym workouts to fulfill fitness routines on horseback, and even using horses to teach kids responsibility and confidence.
And more importantly, they are finding affordable options.
"Getting involved is easier and less expensive than you might think," said Bill Brewer, executive vice president of the American Quarter Horse Association. "With our nationwide network of professional horsemen, AQHA can connect people - regardless of interest level, age or income - with horses. It's what we do best."
Brewer mentioned several cost-effective options for enjoying horses without the cost of ownership, such as leasing, time-sharing, vacationing at a ranch or taking lessons.
"With these affordable options, there has never been a better time to get started," he said.
AQHA is making it easier than ever to get involved by offering a gift set for $30. The set includes a Breyer model horse, a book about American Quarter Horses and a certificate good for one free riding lesson from a local professional trainer in your area.
"This gift is an easy way to make a dream for a horse come true," Brewer said. "A lesson on a dependable breed like the American Quarter Horse, which we call the 'golden retriever of the horse world,' is a fun and safe way to be introduced to the joy of a life with horses."
With recent movies such as "Seabiscuit" and "Hidalgo" topping the charts, it seems horses are more popular than ever - but it's not just Hollywood.
The trend is sweeping the nation as more people discover the wonderful world of horses. Participation in horse events is at an all-time high. Nearly 2 million Americans own horses, and millions more would like to.
In fact, a recent survey found three out of five adults would be happy if they were given a horse as a gift. And, a majority is interested in horseback riding while on vacation, attending a rodeo and going to a horse race.
With interest in horses on the rise, it's no surprise that more Americans are finally getting involved. They are taking vacations at dude ranches, going on relaxing trail rides to de-stress after work, skipping gym workouts to fulfill fitness routines on horseback, and even using horses to teach kids responsibility and confidence.
And more importantly, they are finding affordable options.
"Getting involved is easier and less expensive than you might think," said Bill Brewer, executive vice president of the American Quarter Horse Association. "With our nationwide network of professional horsemen, AQHA can connect people - regardless of interest level, age or income - with horses. It's what we do best."
Brewer mentioned several cost-effective options for enjoying horses without the cost of ownership, such as leasing, time-sharing, vacationing at a ranch or taking lessons.
"With these affordable options, there has never been a better time to get started," he said.
AQHA is making it easier than ever to get involved by offering a gift set for $30. The set includes a Breyer model horse, a book about American Quarter Horses and a certificate good for one free riding lesson from a local professional trainer in your area.
"This gift is an easy way to make a dream for a horse come true," Brewer said. "A lesson on a dependable breed like the American Quarter Horse, which we call the 'golden retriever of the horse world,' is a fun and safe way to be introduced to the joy of a life with horses."
Alumacraft Boats - Why You Should Get One
If you've been thinking whether to get a Alumacraft, chances are, you're someone who goes for quality, durability and performance. Why?
Because that's what Alumacraft boats are renowned for amongst boating lovers! Besides that, there are also loads of features in Alumacraft Boats that makes them a good choice. Here's a listing :
(1) Less Feedback Steering & Hence Drier, Smoother & Quieter Riding Experience
Due to the specific technology used, Alumacraft boats reduces the transmission of prop troque through the driver. It's much easier and safer to ride at a higher speed as the wheel won't spin out of your hands that easily and cause a loss of control!
Partly because of this reduced feedback and vibration, a Alumacraft tend to cruise over the surface of the water without splashing, resulting in a much drier, smoother and quieter travelling experience.
(2) Best Quality Hardware & Heavier, Top Grade Marine Gauge Aluminum
Built with chromed metal hardware renowned for being durable and strong, Alumacraft boats gives a better grip even if you're wearing gloves! The heavier, top grade marine guage aluminum material used further enhances it's durability.
Hence with proper care, it's not surprising at all to find some Alumacraft boats to be in perfect working condition even after many years of usage.
(3) Ease of Customization
Alumacraft boats is manufactured by one of the largest independently owned boat maker. That makes it easier to rig the boat to your preference. Definitely a dream come true for boating lovers!
(4) Larger Aircraft Grade Rivets & Tighter Fit between Welds and Rivets
With large rivets comes greater strength and because of this, less of them are required as compared to smaller rivets. Lesser holes are needed to be drilled into Alumacraft boats thereby reducing the tendency of losing rivets.
This simple logic, coupled by the tighter fit in between welds and rivets improves compactness of the boat's body as a whole and reduce the possibility of leakage. All in all, this helps to further explain why maintenance is a such a breeze for Alumacraft boats.
(5) More & Better Ribs
The use of more and better ribs is also the main reason why Alumacraft boats can take more pounding than you thought. Another great explanation on why they're so durable.
(6) Great Paintwork.
Alumacraft boats are painted with the best quality paint used by major auto makers. Since both base colour / clear coat colour are similar, it's easier and less costly to do touch ups than repainting the whole boat. What does that mean? Once again, lesser cost and lower maintenance effort!
(7) One Single Piece of Hull
At first glance, it didn't seem to mean a lot. But the fact that it does meant there's a lesser tendency of losing rivets or pieces falling apart, isn't it? A rare phenomenon that you see with other brands of boats.
Now, with the so many great features listed above, there's really no reason for you not to consider an Alumacraft, isn't it? Though they come in various sizes, shapes and styles for a wide spectrum of uses and budgets, with careful selection, you'll still be able to find the right one that suit your needs.
Without burning a hole in your pocket, of course!
Because that's what Alumacraft boats are renowned for amongst boating lovers! Besides that, there are also loads of features in Alumacraft Boats that makes them a good choice. Here's a listing :
(1) Less Feedback Steering & Hence Drier, Smoother & Quieter Riding Experience
Due to the specific technology used, Alumacraft boats reduces the transmission of prop troque through the driver. It's much easier and safer to ride at a higher speed as the wheel won't spin out of your hands that easily and cause a loss of control!
Partly because of this reduced feedback and vibration, a Alumacraft tend to cruise over the surface of the water without splashing, resulting in a much drier, smoother and quieter travelling experience.
(2) Best Quality Hardware & Heavier, Top Grade Marine Gauge Aluminum
Built with chromed metal hardware renowned for being durable and strong, Alumacraft boats gives a better grip even if you're wearing gloves! The heavier, top grade marine guage aluminum material used further enhances it's durability.
Hence with proper care, it's not surprising at all to find some Alumacraft boats to be in perfect working condition even after many years of usage.
(3) Ease of Customization
Alumacraft boats is manufactured by one of the largest independently owned boat maker. That makes it easier to rig the boat to your preference. Definitely a dream come true for boating lovers!
(4) Larger Aircraft Grade Rivets & Tighter Fit between Welds and Rivets
With large rivets comes greater strength and because of this, less of them are required as compared to smaller rivets. Lesser holes are needed to be drilled into Alumacraft boats thereby reducing the tendency of losing rivets.
This simple logic, coupled by the tighter fit in between welds and rivets improves compactness of the boat's body as a whole and reduce the possibility of leakage. All in all, this helps to further explain why maintenance is a such a breeze for Alumacraft boats.
(5) More & Better Ribs
The use of more and better ribs is also the main reason why Alumacraft boats can take more pounding than you thought. Another great explanation on why they're so durable.
(6) Great Paintwork.
Alumacraft boats are painted with the best quality paint used by major auto makers. Since both base colour / clear coat colour are similar, it's easier and less costly to do touch ups than repainting the whole boat. What does that mean? Once again, lesser cost and lower maintenance effort!
(7) One Single Piece of Hull
At first glance, it didn't seem to mean a lot. But the fact that it does meant there's a lesser tendency of losing rivets or pieces falling apart, isn't it? A rare phenomenon that you see with other brands of boats.
Now, with the so many great features listed above, there's really no reason for you not to consider an Alumacraft, isn't it? Though they come in various sizes, shapes and styles for a wide spectrum of uses and budgets, with careful selection, you'll still be able to find the right one that suit your needs.
Without burning a hole in your pocket, of course!
Allen Iverson’s Exclusion from the Dream Team is a Clear Mistake
I considered it insulting and inexplicable when I heard that Allen Iverson got left out of the Dream Team by Jerry Colangelo. The executive and managing director of the United States Men's National Team made a sure mistake when he decided not to ask Iverson to the tryouts in Las Vegas this summer.
The Dream team has not been giving out its best results since 2004 but then again the U.S. wasn't represented by its best talent in Athens or Indianapolis if you don’t send the best you’ve got don’t expect the best results.
But this time the nation’s superstars where standing in line to represent the country and bring back some glory. The selection committee chose seven of the eight leading scorers in the NBA, but they left Iverson behind. Colangelo said it was because the team needed distributors.
Iverson's age has also been used as an excuse and not a exactly a bad one when you think that Iverson will be 33 when the Beijing Olympics are played outside 2008, but Bruce Bowen will be 37, Chauncey Billups and Antawn Jamison will be 32, so for the others age isn't a legitimate argument to keep him out. Plus, Iverson has yet to slow down.
Iverson is not without his flaws, but he is one of just two NBA players -- along with Dwyane Wade -- who rank in the top 10 in scoring and assists. Kobe Bryant, the league's leading scorer, ranks 28th in assists.
This team is talented enough to win with or without Iverson, but he should've at least been given the opportunity to compete. If he misses out on making the final roster of 12, then fine. But Iverson has earned the right to be there, not only because of his past with USA Basketball but because he remains at the top of his game although he's a few months shy of his 31st birthday. He deserved better.
The Dream team has not been giving out its best results since 2004 but then again the U.S. wasn't represented by its best talent in Athens or Indianapolis if you don’t send the best you’ve got don’t expect the best results.
But this time the nation’s superstars where standing in line to represent the country and bring back some glory. The selection committee chose seven of the eight leading scorers in the NBA, but they left Iverson behind. Colangelo said it was because the team needed distributors.
Iverson's age has also been used as an excuse and not a exactly a bad one when you think that Iverson will be 33 when the Beijing Olympics are played outside 2008, but Bruce Bowen will be 37, Chauncey Billups and Antawn Jamison will be 32, so for the others age isn't a legitimate argument to keep him out. Plus, Iverson has yet to slow down.
Iverson is not without his flaws, but he is one of just two NBA players -- along with Dwyane Wade -- who rank in the top 10 in scoring and assists. Kobe Bryant, the league's leading scorer, ranks 28th in assists.
This team is talented enough to win with or without Iverson, but he should've at least been given the opportunity to compete. If he misses out on making the final roster of 12, then fine. But Iverson has earned the right to be there, not only because of his past with USA Basketball but because he remains at the top of his game although he's a few months shy of his 31st birthday. He deserved better.
All Shook Up in Surry – the Perfect Corporate Mix
England is a land of contrasts – on one hand you will find the vibrant cities filled with lively activities, glittering nightlife and other attractions, on the other hand you will be equally delighted to discover the green and serene countryside. Filled with an impressive sense of fashion, quality dining, clubbing, shopping and much more, England is the favourite corporate event venue for arranging all sorts of fun filled corporate activities. From treasure hunts, team building activities, spy missions to dragon boat racing and cocktail making, you get a wide range of corporate events at your display.
Cocktail Making in Surry
Ever thought of participating in a contest in front of around 3500 live spectators? It definitely sounds thrilling. Chillisauce, with its treasure house of corporate event planning ideas, provides you the opportunity to do just that. Pairs of contestants are pre-chosen from your company to participate in the fun filled cocktail making challenge on stage. Each pair is given a bar with similar sets of cocktail ingredients. You get to perform on stage to show your creative side amidst constant cheering from the audience. The cocktail making challenge in Surry is easily one of the most sought after corporate event. It’s a fun packed corporate show full of entertainment, comedy and creativity.
Advantages of Cocktail Making Corporate Activities
If you are looking for creating a social bond amongst the corporate team members, then cocktail making is the best way to do it. It is an excellent choice to pep up the team spirit as this corporate event aims at rewarding a team for a job well done. The participants will be eager to share their on stage experience with their colleagues, thus encouraging constant interaction with all the team members.
When you take cocktail making corporate activity in Surry to a competitive level, it turns up to be one of the best corporate team building means with equal enthusiastic participation from all the members of the corporate team. As far as exciting and team involving corporate activities are concerned, trust Chillisauce to deliver you the perfect choice you are looking for.
Cocktail Making in Surry
Ever thought of participating in a contest in front of around 3500 live spectators? It definitely sounds thrilling. Chillisauce, with its treasure house of corporate event planning ideas, provides you the opportunity to do just that. Pairs of contestants are pre-chosen from your company to participate in the fun filled cocktail making challenge on stage. Each pair is given a bar with similar sets of cocktail ingredients. You get to perform on stage to show your creative side amidst constant cheering from the audience. The cocktail making challenge in Surry is easily one of the most sought after corporate event. It’s a fun packed corporate show full of entertainment, comedy and creativity.
Advantages of Cocktail Making Corporate Activities
If you are looking for creating a social bond amongst the corporate team members, then cocktail making is the best way to do it. It is an excellent choice to pep up the team spirit as this corporate event aims at rewarding a team for a job well done. The participants will be eager to share their on stage experience with their colleagues, thus encouraging constant interaction with all the team members.
When you take cocktail making corporate activity in Surry to a competitive level, it turns up to be one of the best corporate team building means with equal enthusiastic participation from all the members of the corporate team. As far as exciting and team involving corporate activities are concerned, trust Chillisauce to deliver you the perfect choice you are looking for.
All About Cue Tips
Do you think that your choice in tips is the right choice or simply politically correct? What I mean by politically correct is, is your choice in tips controlled by the opinion of your peers or some professional player that you know, or is it based on fact? By the end of this article you should be able to answer this question for youself.
## What are the differences in pool cue tips? ##
As you probably already know, you have everything from very soft singlepiece animal skin tips from various types of animals (elk, cow, water buffalo and cape buffalo) to very hard single piece animal skins. There is also the laminated tips ranging anywhere from three to fifteen layers. The laminated tips also range from soft to extremely hard using various animal skins and tannages. The end result is a myriad of confusing choices. I would like to unmuddy the water for you somewhat. All of these variables can impact power, accuracy, and your sight picture.
First let's assume that you already know that the shape or radius of the tip is of utmost importance and must be maintained at all times during gameplay. That very important shape that I just mentioned is the radius of a dime (roughly) or a "0.375" radius. In other words, hold a dime edgewise up to your tip and look over the top... If it does not match the shape or radius of a dime on the top of your tip, you've already got a problem.
When the ball is struck by the tip, the portion of the tip that takes the force is no more than an eighth of an inch offcenter in all directions. This is true regardless of whether you've struck the cue ball a sixteenth off center, or a full tip off center. What this radius does is generate the force, regardless of where it is struck, to the center of the tip and down through the center of your cue. Soft tips create more distortion than harder tips. In otherwords, a larger area of the tip makes contact and wraps around the cue ball in the case of a soft tip. This may give you more tip confidence, particularily if you're a beginner, because you will miscue less, despite having a sloppy stroke; but, the price you will pay is less power and a whole lot more deflection of the cue ball, because you have moved all of the tip to one side of the cue ball with virtually no penetration. On the other hand, a hard tip will focus the energy in a much smaller area at impact and will give you a higher degree of penetration. When I speak of penetration, I mean the force being directed to the cue ball by virtue of the direction the cue is being swung or pointed and that force penetrates the cue ball in the direction that the shaft or cue is being driven. As an added bonus, a harder tip lasts longer.
## What about miscueing with hard cue tips? ##
The simple fact of the matter is, that the small, glasslike particles of chalk, which cause the friction, are held higher up on the surface on a hard tip so that they will penetrate deeper into the surface of the cueball at impact. A soft tip allows more particles to come into contact because of it's increased tip surface at impact; however, though there be more particles in contact with the cue ball, it does not penetrate the cue ball as deeply and therefore creates less friction per particle. Bottomline: You have the choice of either more particles penetrating less or fewer particles penetrating more... The net total friction is about a trade-off. Whether the tip you choose is one single piece of hide or laminated multipe pieces of hide, the key issue is the more penetration means more accuracy, more power, and tremendously less cue ball deflection and negative effects on your sight picture. As a side note: You've probably noticed, if you've played much, that a tip plays its best just before it has to be changed. This is because it has been pounded enough through constant play to make the tip more dense (harder in all areas).
## What does Meucci Originals do with this information? ##
After testing every tip on the market, and measuring it's resultant power and deflection variation, we have found that a hard tip with even harder outside edges around the circumference will perform the best. Harder outside edges so that the energy is directed into the cue will be focused more towards the center of the shaft, while at the same time keeping the outside walls of the tip from breaking down. There is only two ways to get this result: 1. A hard water buffalo tip. or 2. To compress the tip of your choice as hard as you can, then shape to a dime radius and then pound the outside edges to further harden the circumference and reshape that area to be once again a dime radius.
We take both the latter and former choice at Meucci Originals with the well-known Le Professional tips or hard water buffalo tips. I hope I haven't caused you even more confusion. I think the choice should now be simple: your choice should be made according to knowledge and experience instead of the fashion of the day.
## What are the differences in pool cue tips? ##
As you probably already know, you have everything from very soft singlepiece animal skin tips from various types of animals (elk, cow, water buffalo and cape buffalo) to very hard single piece animal skins. There is also the laminated tips ranging anywhere from three to fifteen layers. The laminated tips also range from soft to extremely hard using various animal skins and tannages. The end result is a myriad of confusing choices. I would like to unmuddy the water for you somewhat. All of these variables can impact power, accuracy, and your sight picture.
First let's assume that you already know that the shape or radius of the tip is of utmost importance and must be maintained at all times during gameplay. That very important shape that I just mentioned is the radius of a dime (roughly) or a "0.375" radius. In other words, hold a dime edgewise up to your tip and look over the top... If it does not match the shape or radius of a dime on the top of your tip, you've already got a problem.
When the ball is struck by the tip, the portion of the tip that takes the force is no more than an eighth of an inch offcenter in all directions. This is true regardless of whether you've struck the cue ball a sixteenth off center, or a full tip off center. What this radius does is generate the force, regardless of where it is struck, to the center of the tip and down through the center of your cue. Soft tips create more distortion than harder tips. In otherwords, a larger area of the tip makes contact and wraps around the cue ball in the case of a soft tip. This may give you more tip confidence, particularily if you're a beginner, because you will miscue less, despite having a sloppy stroke; but, the price you will pay is less power and a whole lot more deflection of the cue ball, because you have moved all of the tip to one side of the cue ball with virtually no penetration. On the other hand, a hard tip will focus the energy in a much smaller area at impact and will give you a higher degree of penetration. When I speak of penetration, I mean the force being directed to the cue ball by virtue of the direction the cue is being swung or pointed and that force penetrates the cue ball in the direction that the shaft or cue is being driven. As an added bonus, a harder tip lasts longer.
## What about miscueing with hard cue tips? ##
The simple fact of the matter is, that the small, glasslike particles of chalk, which cause the friction, are held higher up on the surface on a hard tip so that they will penetrate deeper into the surface of the cueball at impact. A soft tip allows more particles to come into contact because of it's increased tip surface at impact; however, though there be more particles in contact with the cue ball, it does not penetrate the cue ball as deeply and therefore creates less friction per particle. Bottomline: You have the choice of either more particles penetrating less or fewer particles penetrating more... The net total friction is about a trade-off. Whether the tip you choose is one single piece of hide or laminated multipe pieces of hide, the key issue is the more penetration means more accuracy, more power, and tremendously less cue ball deflection and negative effects on your sight picture. As a side note: You've probably noticed, if you've played much, that a tip plays its best just before it has to be changed. This is because it has been pounded enough through constant play to make the tip more dense (harder in all areas).
## What does Meucci Originals do with this information? ##
After testing every tip on the market, and measuring it's resultant power and deflection variation, we have found that a hard tip with even harder outside edges around the circumference will perform the best. Harder outside edges so that the energy is directed into the cue will be focused more towards the center of the shaft, while at the same time keeping the outside walls of the tip from breaking down. There is only two ways to get this result: 1. A hard water buffalo tip. or 2. To compress the tip of your choice as hard as you can, then shape to a dime radius and then pound the outside edges to further harden the circumference and reshape that area to be once again a dime radius.
We take both the latter and former choice at Meucci Originals with the well-known Le Professional tips or hard water buffalo tips. I hope I haven't caused you even more confusion. I think the choice should now be simple: your choice should be made according to knowledge and experience instead of the fashion of the day.
All About Box Lacrosse
Box Lacrosse, also referred to as boxla or boxcrosse is an indoor version of outdoor field lacrosse. The difference between a field lacrosse game and a box lacrosse game is like night-and-day.
Box Lacrosse is predominantly played in Canada during the summer months. Box Lacrosse started in the 1930's as a means to bring revenue to hockey rinks in the off season. Additionally it kept players fit during the summer months.
In Canada box lacrosse is more popular than field lacrosse from which it was derived. The rules of box lacrosse and field lacrosse are very different and of course the surface of play is very different. Box lacrosse is played indoors, in hockey arenas (without the ice) or on indoor soccer fields.
The goal in box lacrosse is smaller than the goal in field lacrosse and the attacking team must take a shot on goal within 30 seconds of gaining possession of the ball. Play in box lacrosse is significantly rougher than in a field lacrosse game. The rules of box lax encourage passing and running which improves a players overall lacrosse skills and athletic ability.
Box lacrosse should not be confused with indoor lacrosse which is a newer version of the indoor game. Indoor lacrosse was intended to be less violent than the other indoor version of the game, box lacrosse, on which it is based. Indoor lacrosse is also played in regions where box lacrosse is not played. Indoor lacrosse was designed to combine the most exciting elements of box and field lacrosse. Box lacrosse is a summer game, while indoor lacrosse is played in the winter.
Professional indoor lacrosse combines the physical play of hockey with the high scoring, fast pace and play-making style of basketball. Indoor lacrosse is played with six men per side, a rougher and faster derivative of the outdoor game. There are more scoring opportunities, and far more big hits, making indoor lacrosse an intense experience for players as well as fans.
The two indoor games have become increasingly similar in recent years with the primary difference being the equipment used in game play. Indoor lacrosse allows only sticks with hollow shafts, while box lacrosse allows solid wooden sticks. Also indoor lacrosse games consist of four quarters of fifteen minutes each, while box lacrosse games consist of three periods of twenty minutes in length.
The age of indoor lacrosse is evident when discussions relating to the first World Indoor Lacrosse Championships arise. The first Championships were held in 2003.
Box Lacrosse is predominantly played in Canada during the summer months. Box Lacrosse started in the 1930's as a means to bring revenue to hockey rinks in the off season. Additionally it kept players fit during the summer months.
In Canada box lacrosse is more popular than field lacrosse from which it was derived. The rules of box lacrosse and field lacrosse are very different and of course the surface of play is very different. Box lacrosse is played indoors, in hockey arenas (without the ice) or on indoor soccer fields.
The goal in box lacrosse is smaller than the goal in field lacrosse and the attacking team must take a shot on goal within 30 seconds of gaining possession of the ball. Play in box lacrosse is significantly rougher than in a field lacrosse game. The rules of box lax encourage passing and running which improves a players overall lacrosse skills and athletic ability.
Box lacrosse should not be confused with indoor lacrosse which is a newer version of the indoor game. Indoor lacrosse was intended to be less violent than the other indoor version of the game, box lacrosse, on which it is based. Indoor lacrosse is also played in regions where box lacrosse is not played. Indoor lacrosse was designed to combine the most exciting elements of box and field lacrosse. Box lacrosse is a summer game, while indoor lacrosse is played in the winter.
Professional indoor lacrosse combines the physical play of hockey with the high scoring, fast pace and play-making style of basketball. Indoor lacrosse is played with six men per side, a rougher and faster derivative of the outdoor game. There are more scoring opportunities, and far more big hits, making indoor lacrosse an intense experience for players as well as fans.
The two indoor games have become increasingly similar in recent years with the primary difference being the equipment used in game play. Indoor lacrosse allows only sticks with hollow shafts, while box lacrosse allows solid wooden sticks. Also indoor lacrosse games consist of four quarters of fifteen minutes each, while box lacrosse games consist of three periods of twenty minutes in length.
The age of indoor lacrosse is evident when discussions relating to the first World Indoor Lacrosse Championships arise. The first Championships were held in 2003.
Airsoft Guns: An Introduction
Airsoft guns are considered replicas of real firearms but not all replicas are Airsoft guns. There are some replicas that don't have a firing mechanism while others, such as the Real Action Markers, may have a different mechanism and shoot non-Airsoft types of projectiles. This fact alone makes airsoft guns a great collector's item. Airsoft guns are classified according to their operating principle which can be either: spring, electric, or gas-powered.
Airsoft is a combat game similar to paintball in which participants eliminate opponents by hitting them with 6 mm (or occasionally 8 mm) plastic BBs launched from airsoft guns. An airsoft player is shooting from behind cover wearing goggles that fully seal the area around the eyes and a balaclava to protect the face. The sport of Airsoft started in Japan during the early 1980s. Airsoft has been popular in Asia for a long time, and there is now a growing interest in airsoft weapons and events in North America and Europe. Airsoft started appearing in North America and Europe during the middle of the 1990's. Airsoft is a very popular sport these days.
Airsoft game scenarios can vary widely according to mission type, number of teams, number of players per team, the objective of the game, victory conditions, and game durations. Airsoft games can be run by the players themselves using agreed upon rules. Airsoft guns are most commonly powered by one of three sources: gas, air, or mechanical boxes that use motors to pull back and release a spring piston. Airsoft guns are NOT toys and are not intended or designed for children. Airsoft guns are to be purchased and used by adults 18 years of age or older.
Airsoft guns are used all over the world for target shooting, firearms training instructors, class III-weapons enthusiasts, motion-picture studios, and most commonly, for tactical and military simulation war games. Airsoft guns are ideal for tactical training. Airsoft guns are remarkably accurate for smooth-bore guns.
Airsoft is a combat game similar to paintball in which participants eliminate opponents by hitting them with 6 mm (or occasionally 8 mm) plastic BBs launched from airsoft guns. An airsoft player is shooting from behind cover wearing goggles that fully seal the area around the eyes and a balaclava to protect the face. The sport of Airsoft started in Japan during the early 1980s. Airsoft has been popular in Asia for a long time, and there is now a growing interest in airsoft weapons and events in North America and Europe. Airsoft started appearing in North America and Europe during the middle of the 1990's. Airsoft is a very popular sport these days.
Airsoft game scenarios can vary widely according to mission type, number of teams, number of players per team, the objective of the game, victory conditions, and game durations. Airsoft games can be run by the players themselves using agreed upon rules. Airsoft guns are most commonly powered by one of three sources: gas, air, or mechanical boxes that use motors to pull back and release a spring piston. Airsoft guns are NOT toys and are not intended or designed for children. Airsoft guns are to be purchased and used by adults 18 years of age or older.
Airsoft guns are used all over the world for target shooting, firearms training instructors, class III-weapons enthusiasts, motion-picture studios, and most commonly, for tactical and military simulation war games. Airsoft guns are ideal for tactical training. Airsoft guns are remarkably accurate for smooth-bore guns.
Airsoft Guns
Airsoft guns may soon be going the way of real guns around the world, even in the US. Built to resemble actual weapons, Airsoft guns instead shoot pellets and are used in several games much like paintball. These games range from freeform death match style in which all the players are basically out for themselves and anything goes, to team play that resembles war games. Although pellets are used instead of bullets or paintballs, getting hit can still result in a nasty sting and a lingering wound.
Complaints against Airsoft guns have come from a number of quarters. For instance, the University of Hawaii at Manoa has banned Airsoft guns. Despite that ban—or, indeed, perhaps because of it—the campus was the site of a series of assaults on students by someone using an Airsoft pellet gun. Even so, much of the uproar has less to do with the damage done by the pellets and more with the construction of the guns themselves.
Airsoft guns can take the form of handguns or larger rifles and they can look remarkably realistic. It is this realism that has raised questions of safety, not the actual damage done by the pellets. Recently in Florida, a middle school student was shot by police after he brandished a weapon at them. The weapon turned out to be a pellet gun, though it was never established whether or not it was actually an Airsoft gun. From a distance, Airsoft guns definitely resemble the real thing and this has certainly led to a move to ban them.
In light of the calls to ban what are essentially toys, it’s quite ironic that the rise of Airsoft popularity began in Asian countries where access to real firearms is difficult. The realistic look of the guns contributed to the popularity of the games in which they used, lending them a certain reality that older style pellet guns simply didn’t have. Eventually, the craze pushed westward and took up residence in Europe and America. With the lax gun control laws in America, these Airsoft guns are much more dangerous. While it’s unlikely that a large group of young people in Japan or England would be walking around openly carrying real guns, the police in America don’t have the luxury of second guessing. If a policeman sees a gun that looks real he simply has to assume that it is real, especially when pointed at him.
The answer, clearly, doesn’t have to be outright banning of Airsoft guns. Since even accidental victims of pellet shots often admit that getting shot by one of them isn’t terribly painful, it seems rather ridiculous to ban these guns when the banning of real handguns are impossible. Rather, why not just make them less realistic? That doesn’t necessarily entail stripping the Airsoft guns of all realism, but would it hurt to redesign them subtly so that it is obvious they aren’t actual handguns?
The cost of realism in a game hardly seems worth the price of a life.
Complaints against Airsoft guns have come from a number of quarters. For instance, the University of Hawaii at Manoa has banned Airsoft guns. Despite that ban—or, indeed, perhaps because of it—the campus was the site of a series of assaults on students by someone using an Airsoft pellet gun. Even so, much of the uproar has less to do with the damage done by the pellets and more with the construction of the guns themselves.
Airsoft guns can take the form of handguns or larger rifles and they can look remarkably realistic. It is this realism that has raised questions of safety, not the actual damage done by the pellets. Recently in Florida, a middle school student was shot by police after he brandished a weapon at them. The weapon turned out to be a pellet gun, though it was never established whether or not it was actually an Airsoft gun. From a distance, Airsoft guns definitely resemble the real thing and this has certainly led to a move to ban them.
In light of the calls to ban what are essentially toys, it’s quite ironic that the rise of Airsoft popularity began in Asian countries where access to real firearms is difficult. The realistic look of the guns contributed to the popularity of the games in which they used, lending them a certain reality that older style pellet guns simply didn’t have. Eventually, the craze pushed westward and took up residence in Europe and America. With the lax gun control laws in America, these Airsoft guns are much more dangerous. While it’s unlikely that a large group of young people in Japan or England would be walking around openly carrying real guns, the police in America don’t have the luxury of second guessing. If a policeman sees a gun that looks real he simply has to assume that it is real, especially when pointed at him.
The answer, clearly, doesn’t have to be outright banning of Airsoft guns. Since even accidental victims of pellet shots often admit that getting shot by one of them isn’t terribly painful, it seems rather ridiculous to ban these guns when the banning of real handguns are impossible. Rather, why not just make them less realistic? That doesn’t necessarily entail stripping the Airsoft guns of all realism, but would it hurt to redesign them subtly so that it is obvious they aren’t actual handguns?
The cost of realism in a game hardly seems worth the price of a life.
Airshows Are Action Packed Shows Of Flying Machines!
You just can’t imagine the magnitude of ‘adventure, entertainment, excitement, and fun’ that airshows are gonna give you. Airshows certainly are action packed shows of flying machines. Surely, you can have plenty of air amusement, aeronautic enjoyment, and flying fun at airshows.
Airshows are air-expos where aviators exhibit their aircraft flying skills and capabilities. These shows really offer great exhibition of aeronautic proficiencies and a wide variety of aircraft and helicopters that are often aviated in these shows. You can really watch out static airplanes, parked on the ground, or out of their hangars at static airshows, but you can enjoy a lot of real flying action at airshows.
Airplanes look catching when they are laid out orderly at the venues of airshows. Most of the airshows allow you to wander around the static airplanes, before the start of the shows. Often, the non-military airshows allow you to watch or photograph the static aircraft. However, the organizers of military airshows generally ask you to stay away and to leave the venue once the flying action is over. Most of the non-military airshows generally allow you to linger and have fun at the airshow venues.
Airshows may feature air races, aerobatic demos, jet demos, military jet demos, warbird demos, helicopter demos, skydiving/paragliding demos, skywriting, wingwalking demos, glider demos, airdrop demos, etc. These shows may also dish out replicas of some of the earliest aircraft, new-technology demonstrator prototypes, battlefield simulations, cargo airplanes, fire-fighting aircraft, and remote-controlled aircraft.
Generally, airplanes require fine weather conditions for flying, but weather really can’t stop you from having fun at airshows. Rarely, adverse weather is responsible for the cancellation of airshows. Though, it may sometimes delay the start of airshows. Once you are at one of such shows, there is no stopping to your fun. Often, static airshows are arranged, if weather becomes wicked. In static airshows, static flying machines are exhibited and you are free to view them closely and chat with their pilots.
Airshows generally begin in the late mornings or early afternoons, and the flying action usually goes on until late afternoon or early evening, or even into the night. The aircraft that fly in evening or night airshows are especially lit, and have bright afterburners. They give spectacularly dazzling view when they release flares or fireworks or other pyrotechnics. The evening airshows are generally organized on the Fridays.
So, if you have fascination for flying machines, you mustn’t miss any of airshows. Surely, there is loads of flying fun, adventure, excitement waiting for you at airshows. You just need to grab your airshow ticket, and you can realize your flying fantasies. You can buy airshow tickets online.
Airshows are air-expos where aviators exhibit their aircraft flying skills and capabilities. These shows really offer great exhibition of aeronautic proficiencies and a wide variety of aircraft and helicopters that are often aviated in these shows. You can really watch out static airplanes, parked on the ground, or out of their hangars at static airshows, but you can enjoy a lot of real flying action at airshows.
Airplanes look catching when they are laid out orderly at the venues of airshows. Most of the airshows allow you to wander around the static airplanes, before the start of the shows. Often, the non-military airshows allow you to watch or photograph the static aircraft. However, the organizers of military airshows generally ask you to stay away and to leave the venue once the flying action is over. Most of the non-military airshows generally allow you to linger and have fun at the airshow venues.
Airshows may feature air races, aerobatic demos, jet demos, military jet demos, warbird demos, helicopter demos, skydiving/paragliding demos, skywriting, wingwalking demos, glider demos, airdrop demos, etc. These shows may also dish out replicas of some of the earliest aircraft, new-technology demonstrator prototypes, battlefield simulations, cargo airplanes, fire-fighting aircraft, and remote-controlled aircraft.
Generally, airplanes require fine weather conditions for flying, but weather really can’t stop you from having fun at airshows. Rarely, adverse weather is responsible for the cancellation of airshows. Though, it may sometimes delay the start of airshows. Once you are at one of such shows, there is no stopping to your fun. Often, static airshows are arranged, if weather becomes wicked. In static airshows, static flying machines are exhibited and you are free to view them closely and chat with their pilots.
Airshows generally begin in the late mornings or early afternoons, and the flying action usually goes on until late afternoon or early evening, or even into the night. The aircraft that fly in evening or night airshows are especially lit, and have bright afterburners. They give spectacularly dazzling view when they release flares or fireworks or other pyrotechnics. The evening airshows are generally organized on the Fridays.
So, if you have fascination for flying machines, you mustn’t miss any of airshows. Surely, there is loads of flying fun, adventure, excitement waiting for you at airshows. You just need to grab your airshow ticket, and you can realize your flying fantasies. You can buy airshow tickets online.
Airline Reservations and Ticketing Tips
If your travel plans fall during a busy period, call for reservations early. Flights for holidays may sell out weeks - sometimes months - ahead of time. Don't buy a standby fare or an 'open return' ticket if you need to fly during a high-demand period. You could be stranded for a week or more before a seat becomes available.
* Ask the reservations agent to give you the on-time performance code for any flights that you are considering. This is a one-digit code in the reservations computer that shows how often that flight arrived on time (within 15 minutes) during the most recent reported month. For example, an "8" means that flight arrived within 15 minutes of the scheduled arrival time between 80% and 89.9% of the time. If you are deciding between two flights with similar schedules and fares, you may want to choose the one with the better on-time record. (Only the largest U.S. airlines are required to maintain these codes.)
* When you make a reservation, be sure the agent records the information accurately. Before you hang up or leave the ticket office, review all of the essential information with the agent - the spelling of your name, the flight numbers and travel dates, and the cities you are traveling between. If there is more than one airport at either city, be sure you check which one you'll be using. It's also important to give the airline your home and work telephone numbers so they can let you know if there is any change in their schedule.
* Your ticket will show the flight number, departure time, date, and status of your reservation for each flight of your itinerary. The "status" box is important. "OK" means you're confirmed. Anything else means that the reservation is not yet certain (e.g., waitlisted).
* A "direct" (or "through") flight can have one or more stops. Sometimes flights with only one flight number can even involve a change of planes. Ask about your exact routing.
* If you are flying to a small city and your flight number has four digits, you may be booked on a commuter airline that has an agreement with the major carrier in whose name the flight is held out. If you are unsure, ask the reservation agent about the airline and the aircraft type; these flights are identified in the computer.
* When a reservation agent asks you to buy your tickets by a specific time or date, this is a deadline. And if you don't make the deadline, the airline may cancel your reservation without telling you.
* Try to have your tickets in hand before you go to the airport. This speeds your check-in and helps you avoid some of the tension you might otherwise feel if you had to wait in a slow-moving ticketing line and worry about missing your flight. Using an e-ticket speeds up the process also.
* If your reservations are booked far enough ahead of time, the airline may offer to mail your tickets to you. However, if you don't receive the tickets and the airline's records show that they mailed them, you may have to go through cumbersome lost-ticket procedures (see the end of this chapter). It is safer to check the telephone directory for a conveniently located travel agency or airline ticket office and buy your tickets there.
* As soon as you receive your ticket check to make sure all the information on it is correct, especially the airports (if any of the cities have more than one) and the flight dates. Have any necessary corrections made immediately.
* Bring a photo I.D. when you fly, and have your airline ticket issued using your name as it appears on that I.D. Many airlines are requesting such identification at check-in in order to reduce the re- selling of discount tickets. (Airlines don't permit tickets to be sold or given to other persons.) On international flights, make sure your name is the same on your ticket and your passport. If your name has recently changed and the name on your ticket and your I.D. are different, bring documentation of the change (e.g., a marriage certificate or court order).
* It's a good idea to reconfirm your reservations before you start your trip; flight schedules sometimes change. On international trips, most airlines require that you reconfirm your onward or return reservations at least 72 hours before each flight. If you don't, your reservations may be canceled.
* Check your ticket as you board each flight to ensure that only the correct coupon has been removed by the airline agent.
* Ask the reservations agent to give you the on-time performance code for any flights that you are considering. This is a one-digit code in the reservations computer that shows how often that flight arrived on time (within 15 minutes) during the most recent reported month. For example, an "8" means that flight arrived within 15 minutes of the scheduled arrival time between 80% and 89.9% of the time. If you are deciding between two flights with similar schedules and fares, you may want to choose the one with the better on-time record. (Only the largest U.S. airlines are required to maintain these codes.)
* When you make a reservation, be sure the agent records the information accurately. Before you hang up or leave the ticket office, review all of the essential information with the agent - the spelling of your name, the flight numbers and travel dates, and the cities you are traveling between. If there is more than one airport at either city, be sure you check which one you'll be using. It's also important to give the airline your home and work telephone numbers so they can let you know if there is any change in their schedule.
* Your ticket will show the flight number, departure time, date, and status of your reservation for each flight of your itinerary. The "status" box is important. "OK" means you're confirmed. Anything else means that the reservation is not yet certain (e.g., waitlisted).
* A "direct" (or "through") flight can have one or more stops. Sometimes flights with only one flight number can even involve a change of planes. Ask about your exact routing.
* If you are flying to a small city and your flight number has four digits, you may be booked on a commuter airline that has an agreement with the major carrier in whose name the flight is held out. If you are unsure, ask the reservation agent about the airline and the aircraft type; these flights are identified in the computer.
* When a reservation agent asks you to buy your tickets by a specific time or date, this is a deadline. And if you don't make the deadline, the airline may cancel your reservation without telling you.
* Try to have your tickets in hand before you go to the airport. This speeds your check-in and helps you avoid some of the tension you might otherwise feel if you had to wait in a slow-moving ticketing line and worry about missing your flight. Using an e-ticket speeds up the process also.
* If your reservations are booked far enough ahead of time, the airline may offer to mail your tickets to you. However, if you don't receive the tickets and the airline's records show that they mailed them, you may have to go through cumbersome lost-ticket procedures (see the end of this chapter). It is safer to check the telephone directory for a conveniently located travel agency or airline ticket office and buy your tickets there.
* As soon as you receive your ticket check to make sure all the information on it is correct, especially the airports (if any of the cities have more than one) and the flight dates. Have any necessary corrections made immediately.
* Bring a photo I.D. when you fly, and have your airline ticket issued using your name as it appears on that I.D. Many airlines are requesting such identification at check-in in order to reduce the re- selling of discount tickets. (Airlines don't permit tickets to be sold or given to other persons.) On international flights, make sure your name is the same on your ticket and your passport. If your name has recently changed and the name on your ticket and your I.D. are different, bring documentation of the change (e.g., a marriage certificate or court order).
* It's a good idea to reconfirm your reservations before you start your trip; flight schedules sometimes change. On international trips, most airlines require that you reconfirm your onward or return reservations at least 72 hours before each flight. If you don't, your reservations may be canceled.
* Check your ticket as you board each flight to ensure that only the correct coupon has been removed by the airline agent.
Advice for Hikers and Hunters
As brightly colored leaves dazzle the fall landscape, hikers and hunters nationwide will migrate to mountains, woods and fields, but many, unfortunately, are ill prepared for the beating their feet will take, warns the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).
"Hikers, hunters and others who love the outdoors often don't realize how strenuous it can be to withstand constant, vigorous walking on uneven terrain," said Marco Vargas, DPM, AACFAS, a foot and ankle surgeon based in Sugar Land, TX. An avid outdoorsman himself, Vargas said lax physical conditioning and inappropriate footwear bring scores of outdoor enthusiasts into his office each fall for treatment of foot and ankle problems such as chronic heel pain, ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, fungal infections and severe blisters.
"Walking up and down steep hillsides and tramping through wet, slippery fields and wooded areas puts stress on the muscles and tendons in the feet and ankles, especially if you haven't conditioned properly before hitting the trail," said Vargas. "Also, many don't realize that cross-training athletic shoes aren't the best choice for extended hiking and hunting. Had some of my patients worn sturdy, well constructed hiking boots, they wouldn't have suffered sprained ankles or strained Achilles tendons."
Vargas advises hikers and hunters to make the investment in top-quality hiking boots. He said strong, well insulated and moisture-proof boots with steel or graphite shanks offer excellent ankle and foot support that helps lessen stress and muscle fatigue to reduce injury risk. "The supportive shank decreases strain on the arch by allowing the boot to distribute impact as the foot moves forward. So if a boot bends in the middle, don't buy it."
In wet and cold weather, wearing the right socks can help prevent blisters, fungal infections and frostbite. Vargas recommends synthetic socks as the first layer to keep the feet dry and reduce blister-causing friction. For the second layer, wool socks add warmth, absorb moisture away from the skin, and help make the hiking boot more comfortable. "Wool lets moisture evaporate more readily than cotton, so fewer blisters develop," added Vargas.
What happens if your feet or ankles hurt during a hike or hunt? Vargas said pain usually occurs from overuse, even from just walking. "If you're not accustomed to walking on sloped or uneven ground, your legs and feet will get tired and cause muscles and tendons to ache," he explained. "To avoid a serious injury, such as a severe ankle sprain or an Achilles tendon rupture, rest for awhile if you start hurting."
According to the ACFAS consumer website, FootPhysicians.com, pain is a warning sign that something is wrong. "Serious injury risk escalates significantly if you continue hiking in pain," Vargas said. He likened hiking to skiing in that beginners should take on less difficult trails until they become better conditioned and more confident.
Vargas also recommends visiting a foot and ankle surgeon if there is persistent foot or ankle pain following a hiking or hunting outing. "I'm most concerned about ankle instability and strained Achilles tendons. Inattention to these problems at their early stages may lead to a serious injury that will keep you off the trails for a long time," Vargas said.
"Hikers, hunters and others who love the outdoors often don't realize how strenuous it can be to withstand constant, vigorous walking on uneven terrain," said Marco Vargas, DPM, AACFAS, a foot and ankle surgeon based in Sugar Land, TX. An avid outdoorsman himself, Vargas said lax physical conditioning and inappropriate footwear bring scores of outdoor enthusiasts into his office each fall for treatment of foot and ankle problems such as chronic heel pain, ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, fungal infections and severe blisters.
"Walking up and down steep hillsides and tramping through wet, slippery fields and wooded areas puts stress on the muscles and tendons in the feet and ankles, especially if you haven't conditioned properly before hitting the trail," said Vargas. "Also, many don't realize that cross-training athletic shoes aren't the best choice for extended hiking and hunting. Had some of my patients worn sturdy, well constructed hiking boots, they wouldn't have suffered sprained ankles or strained Achilles tendons."
Vargas advises hikers and hunters to make the investment in top-quality hiking boots. He said strong, well insulated and moisture-proof boots with steel or graphite shanks offer excellent ankle and foot support that helps lessen stress and muscle fatigue to reduce injury risk. "The supportive shank decreases strain on the arch by allowing the boot to distribute impact as the foot moves forward. So if a boot bends in the middle, don't buy it."
In wet and cold weather, wearing the right socks can help prevent blisters, fungal infections and frostbite. Vargas recommends synthetic socks as the first layer to keep the feet dry and reduce blister-causing friction. For the second layer, wool socks add warmth, absorb moisture away from the skin, and help make the hiking boot more comfortable. "Wool lets moisture evaporate more readily than cotton, so fewer blisters develop," added Vargas.
What happens if your feet or ankles hurt during a hike or hunt? Vargas said pain usually occurs from overuse, even from just walking. "If you're not accustomed to walking on sloped or uneven ground, your legs and feet will get tired and cause muscles and tendons to ache," he explained. "To avoid a serious injury, such as a severe ankle sprain or an Achilles tendon rupture, rest for awhile if you start hurting."
According to the ACFAS consumer website, FootPhysicians.com, pain is a warning sign that something is wrong. "Serious injury risk escalates significantly if you continue hiking in pain," Vargas said. He likened hiking to skiing in that beginners should take on less difficult trails until they become better conditioned and more confident.
Vargas also recommends visiting a foot and ankle surgeon if there is persistent foot or ankle pain following a hiking or hunting outing. "I'm most concerned about ankle instability and strained Achilles tendons. Inattention to these problems at their early stages may lead to a serious injury that will keep you off the trails for a long time," Vargas said.
Advantages of Bowling
Bowling can be considered one of the all time favorite sports in the world. Its popularity throughout the history of its evolution has a consistent trend that people seem to adapt and accept. In 1976, about 25 percent of the total population of the United States played the game. By the start of the millennium, the percentage has gone down by about 10 percent because of the changes of interest of many people to
Keywords:
bowling techniques, bowling tips, bowling technique, bowling rules, bowling score, history of bowling, bowling terms, bowling hook, spare bowling, bowling lane conditions, how to hook bowling ball, making spares, bowling spare systems, 369 spare system, 246 spare system, bowling adjustments, bowling equipment, mental game of bowling, bowling glossary, choosing a bowling ball, bowling 4 step approach
Article Body:
Bowling can be considered one of the all time favorite sports in the world. Its popularity throughout the history of its evolution has a consistent trend that people seem to adapt and accept. In 1976, about 25 percent of the total population of the United States played the game. By the start of the millennium, the percentage has gone down by about 10 percent because of the changes of interest of many people to different activities.
There was a resurgence when bowling alleys realized that they had to modernize their facilities and equipment to keep with the trend of modern technology. There was a total transformation within every facility and with all equipment. Computer generated scoring was one of the futuristic adaptations of the game. There were also improvements in the bowling lanes and pin machines to provide faster setting of the pins in the target area.
Many venues have realized that there was an increase in the number of casual bowlers when they cut the schedules of leagues and shortened their events by a few weeks. More people have time to go bowling because the availability of the lanes was improved. By the start of the new millennium, many people were working less than eight hours a day and this led to the adaptation by bowling alleys to a schedule suitable for employees that wished to enjoy bowling after work.
Many people have considered the change of the concept of bowling from a sport to a social activity. Some people see bowling as a recreational or social activity while others see it as a competitive opportunity.
People find many advantages when bowling. Playing the sport on a regular basis will enable a person to develop a fitness activity by learning how to balance and coordinate body movements. The bowling executions a person uses provides exercise through walking and swinging of the arms. It not only provides good body exercise for the arms and back, but the joints, fingers, hips, and legs as well. The muscles limber up when a person bowls on a regular basis, keeping the body in good condition.
Keywords:
bowling techniques, bowling tips, bowling technique, bowling rules, bowling score, history of bowling, bowling terms, bowling hook, spare bowling, bowling lane conditions, how to hook bowling ball, making spares, bowling spare systems, 369 spare system, 246 spare system, bowling adjustments, bowling equipment, mental game of bowling, bowling glossary, choosing a bowling ball, bowling 4 step approach
Article Body:
Bowling can be considered one of the all time favorite sports in the world. Its popularity throughout the history of its evolution has a consistent trend that people seem to adapt and accept. In 1976, about 25 percent of the total population of the United States played the game. By the start of the millennium, the percentage has gone down by about 10 percent because of the changes of interest of many people to different activities.
There was a resurgence when bowling alleys realized that they had to modernize their facilities and equipment to keep with the trend of modern technology. There was a total transformation within every facility and with all equipment. Computer generated scoring was one of the futuristic adaptations of the game. There were also improvements in the bowling lanes and pin machines to provide faster setting of the pins in the target area.
Many venues have realized that there was an increase in the number of casual bowlers when they cut the schedules of leagues and shortened their events by a few weeks. More people have time to go bowling because the availability of the lanes was improved. By the start of the new millennium, many people were working less than eight hours a day and this led to the adaptation by bowling alleys to a schedule suitable for employees that wished to enjoy bowling after work.
Many people have considered the change of the concept of bowling from a sport to a social activity. Some people see bowling as a recreational or social activity while others see it as a competitive opportunity.
People find many advantages when bowling. Playing the sport on a regular basis will enable a person to develop a fitness activity by learning how to balance and coordinate body movements. The bowling executions a person uses provides exercise through walking and swinging of the arms. It not only provides good body exercise for the arms and back, but the joints, fingers, hips, and legs as well. The muscles limber up when a person bowls on a regular basis, keeping the body in good condition.
Addiction: When Gambling Becomes a Problem
While most people enjoy casino gambling, sports betting, lottery and bingo playing for the fun and excitement it provides, others may experience gambling as an addictive and distractive habit. Statistics show that while 85 percent of the adult population in the US enjoys some type of gambling every year, between 2 and 3 percent of will develop a gambling problem and 1 percent of them are diagnosed as pathological gamblers.
Where can you draw the line between harmless gambling to problem gambling? How can you tell if you or your friend are compulsive gamblers? Here you can find answers to these questions and other questions regarding problem gambling and gambling addiction.
What is the Meaning of Problem Gambling?
Problem gambling or compulsive gambling is defined as an uncontrollable urge to gamble despite the destructive effect of gambling on the gamblers life and despite feelings of guilt and remorse. Problem gambling tends to have a negative effect on the gamblers financial state, relationships and daily life. Severe cases of problem gambling can be defined as pathological gambling.
Am I a Compulsive Gambler?
1) Do you gamble until your last penny runs out?
2) Do you gamble to win back your former losses or debts?
3) Did you ever had to borrow money to continue gamble?
4) Did your gambling habit ever made you lie to your friends or family?
5) Did you ever skip work or other obligation to gamble?
6) Do you tend to gamble to forget about your personal problems or to celebrate happy occasions?
7) Does gambling have a negative affect on your daily life or relationships?
If you have answered yes on at least one of the questions listed above, then you have a problem.
Can Anyone Become a Compulsive Gambler?
Theoretically, yes. Any gambler can develop gambling problem regardless to the type of gambling he is occupied with, the amount of money and time he is spending on gambling. Researches show that slot machines that can be found in bars and convenient stores are the most addictive type of gambling activity, while lottery draws and bingo games are located on the other end of the scale. Gambling addiction is an emotional problem; its symptoms, causes and treatments are similar to any other form of addiction.
How Can I treat Gambling Addiction?
1) Group Therapy:
Gamblers Anonymous offers a 12 step self help program similar to the one offered to alcohol addicts in Alcoholics Anonymous. Group therapy also offers gambling addicts advice and support from professional counselors and other gambling addicts in different phases of their recovery process. Gambler Anonymous centers are available in more than 1,200 locations statewide.
2) Individual Therapy:
Cognitive or behavior therapy can help gambling addicts to identify their unaware thinking and acting patterns, which led them to gamble compulsively, and to replace them with controllable and healthier ways of thinking.
3) Psychiatric Medication:
It has recently been proven that antidepressant medications from the family of SSRIs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can be affective in treatment of gambling addicts.
Where can you draw the line between harmless gambling to problem gambling? How can you tell if you or your friend are compulsive gamblers? Here you can find answers to these questions and other questions regarding problem gambling and gambling addiction.
What is the Meaning of Problem Gambling?
Problem gambling or compulsive gambling is defined as an uncontrollable urge to gamble despite the destructive effect of gambling on the gamblers life and despite feelings of guilt and remorse. Problem gambling tends to have a negative effect on the gamblers financial state, relationships and daily life. Severe cases of problem gambling can be defined as pathological gambling.
Am I a Compulsive Gambler?
1) Do you gamble until your last penny runs out?
2) Do you gamble to win back your former losses or debts?
3) Did you ever had to borrow money to continue gamble?
4) Did your gambling habit ever made you lie to your friends or family?
5) Did you ever skip work or other obligation to gamble?
6) Do you tend to gamble to forget about your personal problems or to celebrate happy occasions?
7) Does gambling have a negative affect on your daily life or relationships?
If you have answered yes on at least one of the questions listed above, then you have a problem.
Can Anyone Become a Compulsive Gambler?
Theoretically, yes. Any gambler can develop gambling problem regardless to the type of gambling he is occupied with, the amount of money and time he is spending on gambling. Researches show that slot machines that can be found in bars and convenient stores are the most addictive type of gambling activity, while lottery draws and bingo games are located on the other end of the scale. Gambling addiction is an emotional problem; its symptoms, causes and treatments are similar to any other form of addiction.
How Can I treat Gambling Addiction?
1) Group Therapy:
Gamblers Anonymous offers a 12 step self help program similar to the one offered to alcohol addicts in Alcoholics Anonymous. Group therapy also offers gambling addicts advice and support from professional counselors and other gambling addicts in different phases of their recovery process. Gambler Anonymous centers are available in more than 1,200 locations statewide.
2) Individual Therapy:
Cognitive or behavior therapy can help gambling addicts to identify their unaware thinking and acting patterns, which led them to gamble compulsively, and to replace them with controllable and healthier ways of thinking.
3) Psychiatric Medication:
It has recently been proven that antidepressant medications from the family of SSRIs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can be affective in treatment of gambling addicts.
Accident-Free Skiing And Snowboarding, Anyone?
Many people have different opinions about the relationship between skiing and snowboarding. Some hardcore enthusiasts in these sports maintain that these two are distinct and different from each other. Nonetheless, skiing and snowboarding share the same platforms and manner of execution, namely snowy slopes and downward acceleration. This results to almost the same approach in the preparation and equipment perspectives of the two.
Whether you are a first timer or a veteran at skiing and snowboarding, you must learn how to prepare physically and mentally before subjecting yourself to the unforgettable adrenaline rush that these two sports offer. And that includes protecting yourself against possible injuries that can happen while you are speeding down the slope.
Besides training hard to improve performance level and overall skills, you must completely comply with the safety requirements to become a confident participant in these two sports. As over one hundred thousand people are unnecessarily injured in skiing and skateboarding every year, a serious effort to prepare against injury in these two sports is imperative.
In skiing and snowboarding, the key to an accident-free slide is in the preparation. Before you even take the wild ride down a snowy mountain cap, be sure to do all necessary preparations. The following tips could spell the difference between an enjoyable skiing or snowboarding vacation and a visit to the hospital.
Take skiing and snowboarding lessons. There is no such thing as a born skier or snowboarder. You need guidance from experts who have been into these sports for years so that you will improve your performance and safety in skiing and snowboarding.
With regard to your skiing or snowboarding outfit, wear clothing that is dependable against water and wind. Make sure that your apparel has enough protective features like wide collars that can be enfolded to cover your face against wind and zippers and strings that enable you to adjust your outfit easily and comfortably.
Acquire the proper equipment for skiing and for snowboarding. If you own the equipment, like skis and snowboards, have them custom-fitted to your preferences. If you are renting them, be sure to choose the ones that you will most likely be comfortable in. Having the right equipment will drastically improve your performance and lessen the chances of accidents.
Also, the temperature in the snowy caps rapidly changes. Sometimes the coldness in the slopes can be unbearable and you may find yourself losing much needed heat which could lead to other complication like loss of consciousness and tiredness. To prevent this wear head covering like helmet or headbands and gloves.
The snowy slopes in which you slide down your skis and snowboards have very low temperatures. Dress up in layers of clothing to keep the chill out. But also make sure that the fabric you are wearing on the inside is comfortable on your skin and absorbent of the sweat that is sure to come out of you because of the excitement skiing or snowboarding offers.
Do not forget to wear eye protection devices like goggles and sunglasses. Without eye protection, you are most likely to close your eyes due to cold winds as you speed down on your ski or snowboard. Sliding in closed eyes, you will certainly bump on anything and could even wake up in the infirmary the next day.
Get enough sleep the night before the big day. You need to be alert and sportive on the skiing or snowboarding slopes. A tired mind and body can cause accidents and injuries.
Whether you are a first timer or a veteran at skiing and snowboarding, you must learn how to prepare physically and mentally before subjecting yourself to the unforgettable adrenaline rush that these two sports offer. And that includes protecting yourself against possible injuries that can happen while you are speeding down the slope.
Besides training hard to improve performance level and overall skills, you must completely comply with the safety requirements to become a confident participant in these two sports. As over one hundred thousand people are unnecessarily injured in skiing and skateboarding every year, a serious effort to prepare against injury in these two sports is imperative.
In skiing and snowboarding, the key to an accident-free slide is in the preparation. Before you even take the wild ride down a snowy mountain cap, be sure to do all necessary preparations. The following tips could spell the difference between an enjoyable skiing or snowboarding vacation and a visit to the hospital.
Take skiing and snowboarding lessons. There is no such thing as a born skier or snowboarder. You need guidance from experts who have been into these sports for years so that you will improve your performance and safety in skiing and snowboarding.
With regard to your skiing or snowboarding outfit, wear clothing that is dependable against water and wind. Make sure that your apparel has enough protective features like wide collars that can be enfolded to cover your face against wind and zippers and strings that enable you to adjust your outfit easily and comfortably.
Acquire the proper equipment for skiing and for snowboarding. If you own the equipment, like skis and snowboards, have them custom-fitted to your preferences. If you are renting them, be sure to choose the ones that you will most likely be comfortable in. Having the right equipment will drastically improve your performance and lessen the chances of accidents.
Also, the temperature in the snowy caps rapidly changes. Sometimes the coldness in the slopes can be unbearable and you may find yourself losing much needed heat which could lead to other complication like loss of consciousness and tiredness. To prevent this wear head covering like helmet or headbands and gloves.
The snowy slopes in which you slide down your skis and snowboards have very low temperatures. Dress up in layers of clothing to keep the chill out. But also make sure that the fabric you are wearing on the inside is comfortable on your skin and absorbent of the sweat that is sure to come out of you because of the excitement skiing or snowboarding offers.
Do not forget to wear eye protection devices like goggles and sunglasses. Without eye protection, you are most likely to close your eyes due to cold winds as you speed down on your ski or snowboard. Sliding in closed eyes, you will certainly bump on anything and could even wake up in the infirmary the next day.
Get enough sleep the night before the big day. You need to be alert and sportive on the skiing or snowboarding slopes. A tired mind and body can cause accidents and injuries.
About Ming and other dynasties
Your with a group of friends. Someone starts into a conversation about sports dynasties and inevitably, New York Yankees are automatically a part and parcel of the very first line. The topic switches to famous coaches and Vince Lombardi pops up on everyone’s list.
Doesn’t matter if it’s the Ming Dynasty of ancient China or a sports dynasty of modern America, a true dynasty dominates. It completely obliterates. It takes unwavering control, choking the life out of all who challenge it for superiority.
If you’re willing to look at it that way, then nothing and nobody can compare with the amazing John Wooden orchestrated dominance the UCLA Bruins held over all comers during a string of 10 NCAA basketball seasons.
As for the Yankees, it’s one thing to say things like, “They’ll always be there” or “They always seem to find a way” doesn’t stack up. The Yanks had to find a way to rule over an eight team league for a pennant or the best another eight had to offer for a series title.
The Bruins started evey season knowing somewhere in the neighborhood of 300 teams were looking to gun them down. Over a dozen years from 1964 to 1975, “the Bruin Era”, only Texas Western near the beginning and N.C. State during the decline, ever managed to pull it off. For an amazing run from ‘67 to ‘73 UCLA was unstoppable. For those seven years it was about more than just winning the Final Four. It was full season records, dominating the regionals, and rolling right over the unfortunate championship game opposition. No matter who that might have been. The Bruins were merciless.
The John Wooden coached team numbers over those 12 years defy criticism. Only five losses over the course of their seven year championship reign. Four undefeated seasons of 30 and 0 basketball. An 88 game winning streak involving four seasons. 38 straight NCAA tournament victories. And, for seven straight championship finals, not even allowing the opponent a sniff of victory.
There’s about as much chance of these records being toppled as another Ming in China.
Doesn’t matter if it’s the Ming Dynasty of ancient China or a sports dynasty of modern America, a true dynasty dominates. It completely obliterates. It takes unwavering control, choking the life out of all who challenge it for superiority.
If you’re willing to look at it that way, then nothing and nobody can compare with the amazing John Wooden orchestrated dominance the UCLA Bruins held over all comers during a string of 10 NCAA basketball seasons.
As for the Yankees, it’s one thing to say things like, “They’ll always be there” or “They always seem to find a way” doesn’t stack up. The Yanks had to find a way to rule over an eight team league for a pennant or the best another eight had to offer for a series title.
The Bruins started evey season knowing somewhere in the neighborhood of 300 teams were looking to gun them down. Over a dozen years from 1964 to 1975, “the Bruin Era”, only Texas Western near the beginning and N.C. State during the decline, ever managed to pull it off. For an amazing run from ‘67 to ‘73 UCLA was unstoppable. For those seven years it was about more than just winning the Final Four. It was full season records, dominating the regionals, and rolling right over the unfortunate championship game opposition. No matter who that might have been. The Bruins were merciless.
The John Wooden coached team numbers over those 12 years defy criticism. Only five losses over the course of their seven year championship reign. Four undefeated seasons of 30 and 0 basketball. An 88 game winning streak involving four seasons. 38 straight NCAA tournament victories. And, for seven straight championship finals, not even allowing the opponent a sniff of victory.
There’s about as much chance of these records being toppled as another Ming in China.
About Airsoft guns
An Airsoft gun is not a traditional BB gun. The traditional BB gun shoots out a .177 metal BB; airsoft guns shoot out 6mm plastic BB. The BBS that an Airsoft gun shoots are slightly bigger and are not made of metal. The only thing that the two have in common is the fact that they resemble a real gun or weapon. Airsoft guns are also, unable to shoot full auto like machine guns.
Some people get them confused with paintball funs. Paintballs are more single in design and don’t resemble a real gun. Paintballs are mainly used for war games and they shoot plastic balls that filled with pain. The size of a paintball gun is much bigger than 6mm, almost three times bigger. Paint guns shoot like machine guns, and that isn’t an airsoft gun. If you have an airsoft electric gun, then you can shoot like a machine gun, but only with an electric one.
The airsoft gun started in Japan. People in Japan where interested in having their own gun, but the law prohibits them. So the airsoft gun was designed to look like a real gun or weapon and do not break the law. Manufactures of them have a license agreement with regular gun manufactures so that they can legally make replicas and designs the same.
They are meant to look and feel like a real, firing gun, but it doesn’t mean to cause deathly injuries. Don’t fool yourself, any time of gun can cause some harm and can hurt if one of the BBs were to hit the skin. However, they are designed to shoot for a distance of 50-300 feet and made not to even shatter glass. If you are shot with an airsoft gun BB, you may became cut and bleed a little, but the BB will not penetrate the skin. Most injuries caused by these weapons are not life threating, but they can shoot your eye out. Professionals recommend that goggles be worn to protect the eyes.
When it comes to airsoft guns, there are three basic types of guns. There are spring airsoft guns, electric, and gas-powered guns. Each type is different in the way they shoot out the BBs. You will want to learn how to properly use your airsoft gun by refereeing the type of gun. The guns are legal in the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, and Indonesia.
Some other countries also allow them to an extent. Because they look identical to real guns, many countries that forbid guns forbid airsoft guns as well. But because they look so much like real guns, you should always be cautious to where you go with one or how you act while holding one. In the United States, the nozzle of the gun needs to have an orangish, red tip so that people can differentiate if the gun is real or if it is an airsoft gun.
Some people get them confused with paintball funs. Paintballs are more single in design and don’t resemble a real gun. Paintballs are mainly used for war games and they shoot plastic balls that filled with pain. The size of a paintball gun is much bigger than 6mm, almost three times bigger. Paint guns shoot like machine guns, and that isn’t an airsoft gun. If you have an airsoft electric gun, then you can shoot like a machine gun, but only with an electric one.
The airsoft gun started in Japan. People in Japan where interested in having their own gun, but the law prohibits them. So the airsoft gun was designed to look like a real gun or weapon and do not break the law. Manufactures of them have a license agreement with regular gun manufactures so that they can legally make replicas and designs the same.
They are meant to look and feel like a real, firing gun, but it doesn’t mean to cause deathly injuries. Don’t fool yourself, any time of gun can cause some harm and can hurt if one of the BBs were to hit the skin. However, they are designed to shoot for a distance of 50-300 feet and made not to even shatter glass. If you are shot with an airsoft gun BB, you may became cut and bleed a little, but the BB will not penetrate the skin. Most injuries caused by these weapons are not life threating, but they can shoot your eye out. Professionals recommend that goggles be worn to protect the eyes.
When it comes to airsoft guns, there are three basic types of guns. There are spring airsoft guns, electric, and gas-powered guns. Each type is different in the way they shoot out the BBs. You will want to learn how to properly use your airsoft gun by refereeing the type of gun. The guns are legal in the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, and Indonesia.
Some other countries also allow them to an extent. Because they look identical to real guns, many countries that forbid guns forbid airsoft guns as well. But because they look so much like real guns, you should always be cautious to where you go with one or how you act while holding one. In the United States, the nozzle of the gun needs to have an orangish, red tip so that people can differentiate if the gun is real or if it is an airsoft gun.
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