Setting Up A Comfortable Camping

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Posted by Elise Clayton | Posted in Sports & Recreation | Posted on 22-07-2011

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To achieve optimum fulfillment out of the activity, setting out for a comfortable camping requires the right planning strategy. Especially when done by families, this activity sure offers a lot of benefits as it promotes bonding as well as teach a lot of values to campers.

So as not to forget anything during the camp, it would be better if campers can make a list of all the stuffs they need to bring. Making estimates on how much food would be needed for the entire duration as well as expecting surprises would warrant bringing many extra tools. Putting them down to writing helps one to be organized and more efficient.

Look for the equipment in one’s list days before the planned date. Getting a tent, for those who don’t have them yet, and other camper’s basics might mean going to the nearest sporting goods shop to make a purchase. Getting recommendations from other experienced campers would also make a good shortcut.

However, if one has a tent at home, it would be necessary to test it out first just to see if it’s good working. Campers have to think about whether the stakes and pegs are complete, and if the tent can be set up conveniently. Practicing on how to assemble it at home would come in handy; it cuts off time needed to figure out how to get it done in the campsite.

In order to maximize comfort within the area, it would be recommendable to bring floor pads too. Rain is unpredictable unless one has inquired about the weather forecast for the next couple of days. Floor pads protect the base of the tents from getting damped by ground wetness; it’s part of the whole preparedness issue.

Preparing other equipment and materials such as ropes, duct tapes, hatchets, propane stove, utensils, matches and lighters would surely be important. These are tools needed to do most activities in the campsite such as cutting wood, setting fire and of course eating. They should be packed way ahead of time.

Proper food and water is nothing short of being a major need. Storage for such should also be done efficiently to guarantee it would last the entire duration of the camp. Bringing along coolers, ice, water bottles, table cloths, pans and firewood would therefore be essential in this case.

Most importantly, it would warrant more comfortable camping if the campers can prepare for any eventualities that might occur in the wild. The venue can be pretty dangerous; reading about the basic survival skills would therefore come in handy.

Looking to find the most comprehensive information on comfortable camping?

Prevention for Lumbar Region Aches

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Posted by Suzanne Nagel | Posted in Sports & Recreation | Posted on 01-05-2011

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Back problems are one of the top medical problems in the United States. Many of these are occupational related but also many come from sports in the home. Is estimated that over $45 billion a year is spent on back related problems. Nearly everyone has low back pain at some point. It seems to most often occur to those between 30 and 50. This is most often associated with the aging process. However, many types of back pain are also preventable as well.

What is the structure that makes up the lower back? Structure is often referred to as the lumbar. The lumbar are the five lumbar vertebrae which we know commonly as the lower back. These loans are stacked in a column in separated by soft tissues.

Each disc of the lumbar is separated by soft tissue areas. The soft tissue consists of tendons, ligaments and muscles. These provide for the flexibility of the spinal column. Maintaining the flexibility of these soft tissue areas helps with the vitality and longevity of the lumbar.

There are a number of serious conditions which can affect the lumbar. A herniated disc can cause much chronic pain because of a nerve being pinched. Fibromyalgia is also a chronic disorder known for its widespread pain. These can be extremely tough to cope with.

There are also acute conditions which are characterized by short term pain in the lower back. Certain ones of these conditions are preventable. Many preventable situations are how we lift objects, are sitting position and our posture. We have control over these items and must be careful not to injure our backs.

Many of us work at a desk and have a computer. We may have to sit for long hours at a time. Having the proper sitting position is important to avoid problems in the lumbar. It is important to have an ergonomic chair which supports the spine and the arms. It should be adjustable so it will comfortably fit your body.

Many of us have bad habits when it comes to sitting. We may lay back to much or lean forward too much. Think of how your spine must support your body’s weight in different positions. Finding the optimal position to relieve stress on the back is important to avoid problems.

When you stand, make sure your shoulders are back and you are fully upright. If you slouch, then you put more weight on to the lower portion of the spine. If you maintain a proper posture, this will go a long way to avoiding stresses and strain on your back.

Probably the most problematic area is lifting objects. In addition to supporting your body weight, your spine must also support the object you are lifting. Most people lift with their backs and not their legs. The strongest muscles of your body are your legs; use them when you lift objects. It just makes sense.

It is important to lift objects properly by using your legs. It is like doing one big event. Put the object in front of you and bend at the knees until you can hold the object. Next straighten your legs back out while maintaining your back straight and in the upright position. This will put the weight of the object on your legs which are the largest muscles in your body.

Stretching is another important preventative method. There are normal stretches you can do line down and then there are stretches of the muscle tissues itself. Normal stretching and exercise is important to maintain the vitality of the spine. Massage therapy provides another way to stretch the muscles not normally accessed by a normal stretching routine.

By maintaining the proper health of your spine, you can avoid many potential lower back problems. Of course, as we age we will lose some strength and flexibility. Therefore, it is vital to have a routine of back healthy activities. This will help ensure that you maintain the flexibility and strength to avoid potential injuries and enjoy many more activities.

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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Is Effective Ground Fighting

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Posted by Victor Joseph | Posted in Sports & Recreation | Posted on 13-04-2011

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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that emphasizes grappling. There is some contention over exactly where its roots came from but it’s believed they are from Chinese martial arts which were brought there from India. It was then further developed in Japan to become the system of Jiu-Jitsu which would later make it to Brazil.

The development of the art began in the 1500s and was altered in the 1800s for teaching and practicing the art outside of actual warfare. An important part of the original art, however, was ground fighting and this was not emphasized in the Judo developed by Jigoro Kano. Therefore, it became weak in that area.

When it became apparent that this was a weakness, the ground fighting techniques were added in. This happened before the art travelled to Brazil around 1915. At this time, the art was introduced to the Gracies by a Japanese practitioner named Esai Maeda and included ground fighting.

In Brazil, it was honed into a more effective art as it was always being tested. Instead of concerning themselves with rules, the schools competed without them so that the techniques could better be perfected in actual fight situations.

While in the beginning, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the Gracie family were synonymous, separate schools began to break off. There are also schools that trace their lineage directly to Maeda, apart from the Gracies. That being said, there’s no doubt that they are the most recognized practitioners and have done the most to promote the art to worldwide recognition.

The art has techniques like joint locks, strikes, submission holds, choke holds and other techniques for ground fighting. It emphasizes getting ones opponent down onto the ground. Part of the intention is to even up odds for a smaller opponent fighting a larger and stronger one who has the ability to hit harder with a longer reach.

Because of the emphasis on fighting on the ground, these fighters often have a great advantage against even the best fighters in systems that focus on a standing position. Once these standing fighters are on the ground, they do not have the training or experience to cope with the situation effectively. Because of this, training in grappling is become more common, and this art is especially popular with people who want to compete in mixed martial arts or UFC types of competitions.

Training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can be approached a number of ways, including methods such as drilling of techniques, partial kinds of sparring and full sparring. Clubs will also often put emphasis on physical conditioning so that the stamina and endurance necessary for effective fighting can be improved.

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Tips on Moose Hunting

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Posted by Jimmy Maldovitiniz | Posted in Sports & Recreation | Posted on 06-04-2011

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Moose hunting is a daunting side for many new hunters. The sheer size of the animal alone is sufficient to intimidate. When you think about their keen sense of odor and hearing, in addition to their general intelligence, it is simple to see why many hunters exercise warning when hunting these creatures. Nevertheless, their heat pelts, impressive antlers, and huge portions of meat make it greater than well worth the effort.

Moose hunting typically takes place during their rutting season. As moose are energetic throughout the colder elements of the day, hunting normally happens in the early morning and late evening. During moose hunting season, bulls are closely distracted with thoughts of mating, fighting for potential mates, and defending territory, which means they’re less prone to train caution.

Relating to moose hunting, there are a few essential items you will need. Along with a high notch huge recreation rifle and camouflage gear, a tarp, transport gear, and high quality butchering supplies are all absolutely necessary. As moose are such monumental creatures, it is not typically doable to simply carry them home and butcher them there. Having a tarp will protect the pelt and meat from mud and leaves and make it easier to carry. Because it’s required by regulation that you simply carry as a lot of the meat as doable, it is vital to be prepared. The penalty for losing a moose carcass can lead to a hefty fine. Whereas the thought of skinning and butchering such an enormous animal could appear intimidating, it’s value it in the long term to know what you’re doing.

There are numerous ways to go about moose hunting. Many hunters desire to trace them down in accordance with the signs around them. These can include moose tracks, tree rubbings, or scat. Others look for female moose with the belief that bulls cannot be very far behind. Some even use tree stands in hope that a bull will wander shut enough to shoot. It is also not unusual for many hunters to use bugles. These bugles are specifically designed to sound just like the mating calls of female moose. Nevertheless, as with every hunting call, it’s not a good suggestion to overuse or depend on this technique.

Nothing fairly compares to the exhilaration that comes with the information of getting hunted a moose. Their size alone is sufficient to preserve your freezer stocked with excessive protein, low fat red meat. The antlers and hooves additionally make spectacular hunting trophies. Study extra at this time about how moose hunting can benefit you!

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Celtics Thump Cavs To Advance In NBA Playoffs

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Posted by Ross Everett | Posted in Sports & Recreation | Posted on 11-11-2010

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The Cleveland Cavaliers finished the NBA’s regular season with the league’s best record, and LeBron James won the Most Valuable Player award in the process. Despite this success, the Cavs will be watching the rest of the NBA playoffs on TV. Cleveland was eliminated by the Boston Celtics on Thursday night, losing game six by a final score of 94-85. Boston will now face the Orlando Magic for the right to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals.

The Cavs had won two of the first three games before the Celtics rebounded to win the last three en route to the series victory. In game six, Boston was priced as a -1′ point NBA betting favorite and easily covered the pointspread. The 179 combined points scored went well UNDER the posted total of 194. Heading into Game 6, Cleveland had taken the money in 8 of the last 12 games held at Boston’s TD BankNorth Garden.

LeBron James didn’t go down without a fight, however, as he put up a ‘triple double’ consisting of 27 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists. Mo Williams added 22 points, but the Cavs received little production from the rest of the roster.

Kevin Garnett was the high scorer for the Celtics with 22 points and 12 rebounds, and afterward credited his team’s experience:

“Winning is gratifying. You’re playing the best team in basketball; the challenge is there; you don’t have to dress it up. One thing we don’t lack is confidence. We’re a veteran team and we understand when it’s time to lock in as a group. I think we did just that. I think the experience is taking over.”

LeBron, meanwhile, was in a state of disbelief:

“The fact that it’s over right now is definitely a surprise to me. A friend of mine told me, ‘I guess you’ve got to go through a lot of nightmares before you realize your dream.’ That’s what’s going on for me individually right now.”

LeBron is eligible to opt out of his contract this summer and there’s no shortage of teams that would love to have him. For now, he’s keeping his cards close to the vest:

“I want to win. That’s my only thing, my only concern. I’ve always prided myself — it’s all about winning for me and I think the Cavs are committed to doing that. But at the same time, I’ve given myself options to this point. Me and my team, we have a game plan that we’ll execute and we’ll see where we’re at.”

The Celtics will now face the Orlando Magic, who have rampaged through the first two rounds of the playoffs. Orlando’s conference semifinal sweep of the Atlanta Hawks was the most dominating 4 game series victory in NBA history, with an average per game margin of victory of 25.2 points.

Ross Everett is considered among the world’s foremost experts on several topics, including emu racing, sports betting, and sword fighting. He is a staff handicapper for Oddsbay and in charge of setting daily soccer betting odds . He lives in Southern Nevada with several retired circus animals.

New England Tops Philadelphia As Tom Brady Returns

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Posted by Ross Everett | Posted in Sports & Recreation | Posted on 30-10-2010

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Tom Brady returned to NFL action and looked good in limited playing time as the New England Patriots opened their preseason schedule with a 27-25 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Brady played into the second quarter, moving well and showing no lingering effects of his knee surgery. He completed 10 of 15 passes for 100 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

The Patriots also rewarded their NFL preseason financial backers by winning outright as a +2 road underdog. The combined 52 points scored shattered the posted total of 32 for an easy OVER. With the Pats and Eagles putting 27 points on the board in the first half, the total had almost been surpassed by the halftime break.

Bradys solid play was no doubt a heartening sight to Patriots fans, though the superstar QB had little to say after the game on the specifics on his performance:

“I need the work, we all need the work. You can’t duplicate this on the practice field.”

Instead, Brady focused on the less tangible aspects of life in the NFL:

“There’s no place I’d rather be. This is the place where I probably have the most fun and enjoy it the most. Preseason game doesn’t have quite the feel of a regular-season game, but to be out there on the field with my teammates and celebrate after a win, and the bus ride home … those are the things you probably enjoy the most.”

Tight end Chris Baker was more effusive in discussing Bradys comeback effort:

“I thought he was sharp. He went out there and moved us up and down the field and put some points on the board.

New England took a 21-6 lead into the locker room at halftime, but would have to hold on for the victory after Philadelphia responded with a 16 point third quarter. The third period onslaught allowed the Eagles to hold a significant edge in most offensive categories including total yardage and time of possession. They had a shot to win the game late, but David Akers missed a 43 yard field goal with just under a minute remaining.

Brady, the two time Superbowl MVP, sat out the entire 2008 preseason with an undisclosed foot ailment. Hes expected to get a significant amount of playing time in exhibition games this year, however, as he tries to regain his regular season form after missing the entire 2008 regular season due to a knee injury.

Next up for New England in preseason action will be the Cincinnati Bengals, who come to town on Thursday, August 20th. Philadelphia will play at Indianapolis against the Colts on the same night.

Ross Everett is a widely published freelance sports writer and respected authority on football betting. His writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Southern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

Buffalo Beats Struggling Carolina

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Posted by Ross Everett | Posted in Sports & Recreation | Posted on 18-09-2010

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Carolina Panthers’ quarterback Jake Delhomme is having a season he’d like to forget, and things got even worse on Sunday at home against the Buffalo Bills. Despite dominating the Bills on the stat sheet, Delhomme threw three interceptions that allowed Buffalo to take a 20-9 victory over the struggling Panthers. Delhomme threw for 325 yards, though without any touchdowns. His three picks pushed his total for the year to- which leads the NFL.

Buffalo rewarded NFL pointspread players with the outright victory as +7 road underdogs. The Bills have covered four of their seven games this season, while the Panthers have an awful record against the spread-they’ve only covered once this season for a 1-5 ATS mark. The 29 combined points went UNDER the posted total of 37.

The Bills’ Terrell Owens was again a non-factor, but gave credit to the defense for earning the victory:

“You can’t really complain about a win. Defensively, those guys are keeping us in ballgames.”

Buffalo defensive end Chris Kelsay commended his team’s confidence on the road:

“Never once on the sidelines was there any doubt that we were going to win the game. Regardless if it’s an ugly win over not, it’s hard to win in this league.”

Ryan Fitzpatrick started at QB for Buffalo in place of the injured Trent Edwards and was solid, if not spectacular. Coach Dick Jauron observed:

“He made the plays when we had to make them.”

Panthers’ coach John Fox has said he’s going to’re-evaluate’ whether the struggling Delhomme should continue to start, and even the quarterback himself couldn’t make an emphatic case that he should keep his job:

“In my heart, yeah, but I mean let’s be honest, I don’t think I’m a dummy. When you’re not playing well offensively, you always have to look at the quarterback.”

The Panthers’ schedule doesn’t get easier this week as they head west for a game against the improving Arizona Cardinals. Carolina is a +9 road underdog with the total set at 43′. They’ll head south the following week to face the red hot New Orleans Saints. Buffalo will host the Houston Texans this weekend, with the game currently off the board due to injuries on both teams.

Ross Everett is a widely published freelance writer and noted authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and betting odds portal sites. He lives in Northern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

UFC 98 Flashback: Machida Blasts Evans

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Posted by Ross Everett | Posted in Sports & Recreation | Posted on 11-09-2010

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When golf legend Jack Nicklaus was still a young upstart in the sport and only starting to tear up PGA courses, legend Bobby Jones commented following ‘The Golden Bear’s’ 65 Masters win that “he plays a game with which I am not familiar”. Following his absolute destruction of Rashad Evans in the main event of UFC 98, there’s likely a few MMA fighters saying the same thing about the new light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida. Machida completely befuddled Evans en route to a 2nd round TKO victory after which ‘The Dragon’ looked as if he’d barely worked up a sweat.

The fight started slowly, with each man trying to get a feel for his opponent and wait him out to see who blinked first. Late in the first round, Machida went on offense with frightening suddenness, flooring Evans with a nice straight right hand. Evans was able to recover and survive, but it only delayed the inevitable as Machida used another right hand to send his opponent down again. Evans gamely tried to fight back, but a final right hand from the Shotokan Karate master left him out cold.

After the fight UFC announcer Joe Rogan proclaimed the start of the Machida era and this is not just mere hyperbole. Machida is unlike any fighter before him, rooted in mastery of traditional martial arts but with the versatility of a modern MMA competitor. He’s essentially a Mortal Kombat character come to life–in a more realistic cross disciplinary comparison he shares many of the same characteristics as boxing great Floyd Mayweather, Jr. as he combines insane handspeed, underrated stopping power and nearly impenetrable defense into an unorthodox and extremely lethal package.

Outside of the cage, Machida is a modest and respectful gentleman who is quick to give credit to his father and his karate teachers for his MMA success. He spent most of his UFC 98 postfight interview not singing his own praises, but imploring others to strive to realize their dreams. In the past, his limited English was seen as a potential marketing liability here in the US but on this occasion he demonstrated vastly improved fluency in the language as a Portuguese translator stood by.

An odd trivia note about Machida serves as further repudiation for MMA neophytes who think that the sports kinship with pro wrestling began with Brock Lesnar: Machida was discovered by Japanese wrestling legend Antonio Inoki, and became something of his protege. He trained for some time at the New Japan Pro Wrestling dojo in Tokyo.

Perhaps the most frightening thing about Machida is that hes only now reaching his full potential as an MMA fighter. In other words, hes only going to get better which is a scary prospect for opponents given the fact that hes never lost in MMA competition. Early in his UFC career he had a reputation as a boring fighter, but in his recent bouts hes shown a downright lethal ability to end fights.

Machida will very likely face Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson in a future light heavyweight title defense and, with all due respect to the PRIDE/UFC veteran, its difficult to see him faring much differently than Evans did. One thing working in ‘Rampage’s’ favor is his greater experience and a resume filled with high level opponents of various fighting styles. Still, everyone comes back to the fundamental reality that no one has ever really seen a fighter quite like Machida before.

In the co-main event of the evening, Matt Hughes defeated Matt Serra by unanimous decision to gain the upperhand in their long running feud. It was a surprisingly entertaining fight, with Serra taking the first round with his power punching before Hughes used his takedown and ground control abilities to win rounds two and three.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and respected authority on soccer betting. His writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Southern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and a kangaroo. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

UFC 94 Flashback: GSP, Machida Gain Victories

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Posted by Ross Everett | Posted in Sports & Recreation | Posted on 01-09-2010

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Reigning lightweight champ BJ Penn entered his main event battle against welterweight kingpin Georges St. Pierre looking to become the first man in UFC history to simultaneously hold titles in two weight classes. GSP never gave him the chance to make history, as he stopped Penn after four increasingly dominant rounds to retain his belt with a TKO victory and make a compelling case for being the pound for pound best fighter in mixed martial arts.

Both fighters had considerable fan support, with vocal, flag waving delegations from the Hawaiian Islands and Canada in evidence. During ring introductions, both men received enthusiastic cheers tempered with a few boos. After the opening horn sounded, however, the Penn backers had little to cheer about while the champions supports broke out in G-S-P chants on several occasions. The first round was fairly evenly contested, with St. Pierre trying to get a first hand feel for Penns often unorthodox”but highly successful”takedown defense. GSP made several takedown attempts, but had them repeatedly stuffed by Penns incredible balance and flexibility.

Boxing guru Freddy Roach recently praised Penn as the best technical puncher in MMA, but he had no opportunity to bring this weapon to bear as he had trouble finding the range from the outset. GSP mixed up his look perfectly, either staying just outside Penns range using his 6 reach advantage effectively or more often smothering his opponent on takedown attempts.

GSP began to assert his dominance in round two”with Penn starting to fatigue he was no longer able to fend off St. Pierres single leg takedown attempts by balancing on one leg. GSP got a takedown early in the frame and began to mount a ground and pound assault while moving around in Penns legendary guard almost at will moving from half guard to side control with frightening ease.

The eventual outcome was foretold between rounds two and three, as the obviously exhausted Penn required a pep talk from his entourage to continue. Across the cage, GSP calmly sipped water and listened intently to trainer Greg Jacksons instructions looking for all the world that he could go 12 rounds if necessary.

Round three was similar to the previous one, with GSP taking his opponent to the mat with a decreasing level of resistance and mauling him with punches and elbows once he got there. His complete control over the BJJ black belt Penn was incredible, but hardly surprising given the way that GSP dominated four time NCAA All American wrestler Josh Koscheck on the ground during their matchup.

The fourth round was a wall to wall rout for the Canadian welterweight champion, who started by effectively trading strikes with Penn before taking him down once again and resuming his highly successful ground based attack. At this point with GSP moving around at ease and Penn mounting little resistance it was apparent that the challenger was physically spent. St. Pierre almost ended the fight on the ground, as referee Herb Dean repeatedly reminding Penn that he needs to fight back. Penn survived the round on instinct alone, moving around just enough to keep the referee from stopping the proceedings. After the horn sounded to end the fourth round, however, it was evident that Penn had nothing physically or emotionally left. As he leaned headfirst against the cage in exhaustion, an impromptu conference amongst his handlers on whether or not to continue became moot when the fight was stopped by Dean on advice from the ringside physician. There was no argument whatsoever from Penn or his entourage.

Displaying his characteristic class, GSP delayed his celebration until he had crossed the cage and kneeled by his vanquished foe to honor his competitive spirit. After a quick celebration among GSP and his team, he faced his next challenger in the person of Thiago Alves. While clearly brought into the cage to start the fight promotion early, Alves appeared somewhat in awe as he congratulated the welterweight champion on his victory.

In the co-feature attraction, Lyoto Machida kept his undefeated professional MMA record intact with a first round TKO victory over Thiago Silva. Silva had no answer for Machidas well rounded skills and unorthodox Shotokan karate based style. Machida may be the best in the world at fighting while backing up, and Silva found his aggressive style working against him. Machida took his opponent down and knocked his opponent down twice”all counters as Silva was coming forward and Machida backing away. As the first round entered its final seconds, it appeared that Silva started to ease up in anticipation of the horn. Machida used this opportunity for another takedown, and then nailed his surprised opponent with a powerful punch that ended the fight.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and highly respected authority on baseball betting. His writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

What You Can Expect From Beginner Jiu Jitsu

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Posted by Russell Strider | Posted in Sports & Recreation | Posted on 28-08-2010

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There are numerous martial arts to choose from. It really is essential to carefully study distinct styles when considering what martial art to participate in. Beginner Jiu Jitsu is one particular type numerous people find enjoyable.

This martial art developed in Japan as a method to defeat an armed opponent without the use of weapons. Due to the fact the majority of Japanese samurai wore armor, attacking by means of strikes proved to be inadequate. For that reason, the use of joint locks, throws, and holds were introduced.

You will find several types of Jiu Jitsu. It may be employed like a standard martial art. This indicates there will probably be focus on internal and practical advancement. Customary Jiu Jitsu also utilizes weapon training. The more modern model is the application of this art as a sports activity. This suggests the school will participate in competitive tournaments. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is very similar, although there is a more significant focus on ground work.

Participating in a school could be a little overwhelming for the beginner Jiu Jitsu enthusiast. Once one has chosen a school, watch a few classes. This could give you an idea of exactly what to be expecting, as well as the proper etiquette. Some schools might necessitate an appointment before observing a class.

While all schools are different, most have the very same guidelines. Teachers are to be respected and listened to. The term “Sensei” is translated to mean “One who has gone before.” These people have the expertise gained from many years of practical experience.

Your uniform is also important. Some schools will provide their own, other instances a student may possibly need to purchase their own from a martial arts supply store or online. It’s known as a “Gi” and may feel awkward initially The fabric is produced from a heavily weighted cotton fabric. The uniform will have to be sturdy enough to withstand the difficult training ahead. Conventional uniforms are white, though schools might have different color versions. If at all possible, try on the uniform just before getting it. Be sure it will allow freedom of movement, particularly close to the arms and legs.

Inexperienced students will have a white belt. The colors represent diverse phases in development. Each school has their own personal ranking and advancement system. Bear in mind that rank isn’t normally transferable. When a student receives a green belt in karate, that particular rank cannot be moved to a Jiu Jitsu school.

The novice will first master fundamental blocking techniques. These are important, and even though apparently uncomplicated, they take time to grasp. Blocking helps the new student discover how to coordinate motion and judge distance. After that, the more advanced throwing and locking tactics could be learned.

Beginner Jiu Jitsu is an excellent way to train both the mind and body. It really is a fun and exciting martial art. Find the ideal school today!

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Dallas Routs Hapless Seattle

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Posted by Ross Everett | Posted in Sports & Recreation | Posted on 21-08-2010

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Quarterback Tony Romo had another solid game, and the Dallas Cowboys made short work of the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday afternoon in a 38-17 victory. Romo threw for 256 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, and receiver Miles Austin caught a touchdown pass for the third straight game.

The Cowboys also got on the winning side of the NFL pointspread ledger with the win and cover as -10 home favorites. Dallas is now 4-3 against the spread for the season, while Seattle fell to 2-5 versus the number.

Romo has made greater patience in the pocket a priority this season, and it’s paying dividends. Sunday’s game was his third straight without an interception and he’s stayed interception free in five games this season-more than he did all of last year. Romo couldn’t resist a joke at his own expense:

“Shock! I’m seeing things. It’s as simple as that. I’m not throwing and hoping.”

Head coach Wade Phillips expressed his pleasure, but didn’t want his team to start believing their own press clippings:

“I feel good about the progress we’ve made, but we’ve still got a ways to go.”

Team owner Jerry Jones was happy with the performance and already looking ahead to next Sunday’s game at Philadelphia:

“I’m just glad to see as many people really do as well and play as well as they did today. Philadelphia is the kind of game that I think we’re ready for. … Plus, I think we all remember so much — I know I do and so many players on this team remember — how we left Philadelphia last year.”

Seattle quarterback Todd Hasselbeck played well, amassing 249 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions but didn’t get much help from a defense that couldn’t put the necessary pressure on Romo. He sounded frustrated in his postgame comments:

“We put two weeks into this game plan. I felt like we were ready. We just didn’t get it done. …. I feel physically drained, emotionally drained. I’m frustrated. We’re all searching for answers.”

The big game for the Cowboys that Jerry Jones alluded to is next Sunday night as they travel to Philadelphia to face the Eagles. The Cowboys have been installed as +3 underdogs with the total set at 47′. They’ll head to Green Bay to take on the Packers the following Sunday before returning home to play the hated Washington Redskins. Seattle will host the lowly Detroit Lions next Sunday, with the Seahawks a -10 home favorite and the total set at 43.

Ross Everett is a widely published freelance sports writer and respected authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and a kangaroo. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

Watch Live Soccer On Your PC

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Posted by Lawrence Fader | Posted in Sports & Recreation | Posted on 14-08-2010

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Thanks to the miracle of modern technology its now possible to watch live football (Soccer) or any other popular sports on your PC free of charge.

The P2P programs released on Internet have all the advantages. You can download any of the eight available in the current time and start watching your favorite live matches. Remember, they are free.

Make sure you install the program correctly onto your computer. Now you can start exploring. Just choose from the list of channels available and they will show up on the screen. It is that easy!

P2P programs get the channels free of charge because there are other sport fans like you who want to share their signals. Anyone who has TV card can also share with their friends or others. In sports, it is great when you have mates to share the enthusiasm of watching live matches.

The more people that watch these channels at any given time the stronger the signal gets as your computer will act as sort of a repeater, so while you are watching you are actually strengthening the signal for everyone else.

If you are looking for P2P programs information, maybe you will mostly read about Sopcast and TVU. Both are the most popular P2P programs in the moment as they have thousands of channels to choose and higher security level in terms of spy ware. All popular sport channels worldwide can be accessed with the programs.

Up to now, over 2 million users have downloaded Sopcast onto their computers. The amount of actual viewers is of course higher since many share their signals to other sport fans. PPlive was formerly a popular P2P program, but it has limited broadcast nowadays. PPlive is no longer used except in China.

The football games that can be found on these channels include all English and European football leagues, Champions League, International football, russian football leagues, Chinese Ultra League, again the list is pretty much endless. Outside of football you can also find live cricket, tennis, boxing, American Football, Ice Hockey and any other popular worlwide sports.

All you need to access the live matches free of charge is a computer and Internet access.

Lawrence Fader recommends footy fans to Watch Live Soccer Internet Broadcasts as it’s a very affordable alternative to expensive satellite services.

Indy Nips Jacksonville As NFL Season Gets Underway

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Posted by Ross Everett | Posted in Sports & Recreation | Posted on 07-08-2010

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The Indianapolis Colts, finding their offense shut down by a relentless Jacksonville Jaguars attack, fought back in kind. The often maligned Indy stop unit matched the ferocity of their Jaguars counterparts play for play, and one touchdown pass from Peyton Manning proved to be enough to earn victory by a 14-12 margin in the NFL season opener for both teams. With the victory Peyton Manning tied the great Johnny Unitas for the franchise victory lead.

NFL sports betting enthusiasts who took the Jaguars as +6 road underdogs were rewarded with the pointspread cover. Indianapolis dropped to 11-16 ATS over the past three years when favored. The 26 combined points went well UNDER the posted total of 45. Despite their reputation as an offensive juggernaut, the Colts have actually trended to the UNDER over the past three seasons, with 19 UNDERs in their past 35 lined games. The Jaguars, conversely, have a slight edge to the OVER in that span with a 19-14 mark over the past three years. Thats somewhat counterintuitive for a team best known for their defense.

After the contest, Manning displayed his characteristic humility when asked about tying the franchise mark for wins and particularly comparisons to the iconic Unitas:

“I’ve never felt comfortable with comparisons with him. I think he’s kind of in his own category. But I am proud of those wins.”

Manning was more concerned about the welfare of receiver Anthony Gonzalez who left late in the first quarter with an injury:

“I askedRashean Matthis what happened and he said, ‘I didn’t even touch him . He has worked so hard in the offseason, I just hope it’s not a season-ending injury.”

Colts coach Jim Caldwell was pleased with the effort of the defense:

“Obviously, the defense played well and came up big at the end. We thought it would be a grind, and it was. I think our team certainly played tough, played hard, played with a lot of energy.”

Jacksonville wasnt overly discouraged after the contest either. Maurice Jones-Drew gave props to the Indy defense after the game:

“They just did a great job in the red zone stifling our offense. My hat’s off to them. But we have to learn how to finish.”

Quarterback David Garrard also paid respect to his opponent’s pass rush:

“I thought, ‘Here we go again, we have a great chance. You love to be in that situation. We were trying to get the ball to Maurice, but you’ve got to slow those pass rushers down. We did what we could do.”

The Jaguars will open their 2009 NFL home slate on Sunday as they host the Arizona Cardinals. Theyll travel to Houston for a game against the Texans the following week. The Colts will head to south Florida for a game against the Miami Dolphins on Monday night.

Ross Everett is a freelance writer and respected authority on football betting. His writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.

Folding Poker Table – Save Space And Cost

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Posted by John Grep | Posted in Sports & Recreation | Posted on 28-07-2010

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Is a folding poker table in the cards for you? This article shows some of the things it will do for you and help you understand the differences with other types of tables.

First of all, a folding poker table is different from regular poker tables in that the legs fold up saving space. Unless you have a recreation room in your house, you do not have a place to keep a regular poker table in between games. The legs just fold up on these and you just store them away when you are done with your game.

Bifold folding poker tables are also available. On these, not only do the legs fold up, but the top folds as well. The result is a much lower cost for shipping as well as space for storing them.

Another great benefit of a folding poker table over a permanent one is the cost. These are significantly less expensive but still have the same great features.

If you don’t even have the space for setting up a folding poker table in your house, there is yet another option. A folding poker table top has no legs and is used by setting it on an existing table in your home. They also save you from having to buy chairs.

There are octagon shaped table tops that fit on any round or square table, and longer tops for rectangular or oval tables. Some even have cupholder, chip trays, and padded felt to really give a realistic sound and feel.

Your poker games will definitely be more exciting when using a folding poker table. They have a genuine casino look and feel to them that enhances any game.

A folding poker table or top saves money and space. If you are looking to add some more fun to your poker nights, there is no single item you can get that will enhance your game as much as these do.

Learn more about folding poker table and tops. Stop by my site where you can find out all about poker table tops and tables and what they can do for you.

Auburn – The Tigers Are On The Prowl

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Posted by Freddie Brister | Posted in Sports & Recreation | Posted on 03-07-2010

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The Auburn Tigers was the commonly referred to name of the Auburn University baseball team who were known to play in the NCAA Division I college baseball and also a part of the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference.

The current head coach who is coaching the team for his first year is John Pawlowski. All the home games that are played by Auburn taken place in the Plainsman Park, which is their home ground.

Before Jon Pawlowski, there were 4 coaches, namely, Paul Nix, Hal Baird, Steve Renfroe & Tim Slater. The team uniform was always in the colors of burnt orange and navy blue and spectators numbering around 4096 could be packed into their Stadium. They have appeared in 17 NCCA Regionals as well as 4 times in the CWS and have been winners of the SEC championships six times already. They too have had a few of their players making it to major league from the Auburn University.

One of the players that are still going strong in his career is Gabe Gross. Gabe was born on October 21st, 1979. Being an outfielder, he is known to bat with his left hand and throw with his right. He made his debut for the Toronto Blue Jays on August 7th, 2004. He has changed to four different teams during his entire career.

After leaving the Toronto Blue Jays, he went on to join first the Milwaukee Brewers and next the Tampa Bay Rays. At present, he is appearing for the Oakland Athletics in the number 28 position. His statistics are quite impressive with a batting average of 0.243 and 39 home runs while having a run total of 159 inclusive of his batting as well.

Tim Hudson is another famous player who is still doing well. Having being born on 14th July 1975, he chose Oakland Athletics for his debut on 8th June 1999. Tim, being a right handed starting pitcher as well as a right hand batsman, has an impressive win loss ratio of 148:70 with an earned run average of 3.49 and a record 1395 strike outs.

Tim moved to play for the Atlanta Braves from 2005 till today. He plays as a starting pitcher with the shirt number 15 for the Atlanta Braves at the current moment point. During his career so far, he has been able to achieve a selection in the all star team twice in the years 2000 and 2004. He also played for the Led AL in wins in 2000.

A famous player of his times was Gregg Olson who was born on 11th October 1966. Although his first appearance was on 2nd September 1988 with the Baltimore Orioles, he changed teams nine times and played for the Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers.

His last appearance in the major league was on the 22nd of June 2001 for the Los Angeles Dodgers. During his career he was able to achieve a number of deserved records.

Freddie Brister is a big fan of College Baseball check out his: Auburn Swimwear

Phil Esposito’s Rampage On The NHL Record Book

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Posted by Ross Everett | Posted in Sports & Recreation | Posted on 20-06-2010

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Although many of his offensive records have now been left in the dust by Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux, former Boston Bruins/New York Rangers center Phil Esposito is still regarded by hockey experts as one of the greatest players in NHL history.

A native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Esposito was signed by the Chicago Blackhawks as a teenager. After some time in junior hockey, he was called up to the NHL in’64 quickly earning a spot on the teams top line between Bobby Hull and Marcel Dionne. In’67, Esposito was traded to the Boston Bruins along with Ken Hodge and Fred Stanfield.

It was as a Bruin that ‘Espo’ began his onslaught against the NHL record book.. In’69, he became the first NHL player to top the 100 point mark (combined goals and assists) for the season”he obliterated the record with 126 points, which would be the first of six times that hed top the century mark. He topped 100 points in five straight seasons between’71 and’75, missing a sixth straight season by a single point with 99 in’70.

Esposito’s greatest single season was in’70-71, when he destroyed the NHL’s single season goal scoring mark with 76. That record stood until Wayne Gretzky of the Edmonton Oilers broke it in’81-82. Even now, only four other players including Gretzky have scored more than 150 points in a season and only five others have scored more than 76 goals in a season. Perhaps the most amazing element of Espositos game was the frequency with which he put the puck on net”Espo had 550 shots on goal in’70-71. No one has since come close.

In’75, Esposito was traded to the New York Rangers where his experience, intelligence for the game and nose for the puck made him a valuable component of the Broadway Blueshirts offense and he was named team captain. Until the very end of his career, he remained a dangerous scoring threat that all opposing teams were forced to reckon with.

After his retirement in’75, he remained active in hockey. He served as the GM of the Rangers before helping secure an expansion team for Tampa, Florida in’92. Esposito served as the President and GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning until’98. After stepping away from formal duties, he’s remained a very visible member of the hockey media. He hosts a daily hockey radio show on XM Radio, and has even done some acting appearing in a recurring role as a fire chief on the TV series Rescue Me.

Ross Everett is a widely published freelance sports writer and highly respected authority on World Cup betting. His writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Southern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and a kangaroo. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

Roller Girls Bring A Dead Sport Into The 21st Century

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Posted by Ross Everett | Posted in Sports & Recreation | Posted on 12-06-2010

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Roller Derby has been around for years and was a staple of the early days of television. It was similar to its better known counterpart, pro wrestling and was seen on many of the same low powered UHF stations in the same bad timeslots. It had a similar borderline sleazy group of promoters and businessman that was common in the regional territory era of pro wrestling. Roller derby didn’t have the success or popularity that pro wrestling did. There was a serious athletic component to be sure, but the dim witted storylines made pro wrestling look like Shakespeare. The sport does have its own history–most know that the LA T-Birds were the perennial champions of’70′s, and Ann Calvello and Ralphie Valladares had been in the sport forever and were considered legends–but it never really stuck in the public consciousness like the pre-Hulk Hogan era of pro wrestling.

When the original purveyors of the sport quit promoting in the early’80s most thought it was dead and gone until a ‘new school’ of roller derby surfaced on cable TV via the A&E reality series Roller Girls. It featured a local, all-girl roller derby league in Austin, Texas and followed the lives of the players on and off the track. A sport that had faded into the lowest level of obscurity had been rediscovered and embraced by an eclectic group of young women. They had kept the same essential format, thrown in a healthy dose of burlesque camp and Varga pin-up inspired glamour and changed the competitive format and renamed the competitions “bouts” a la MMA or boxing. The result was a compelling mixture of glamour, toughness and athleticism driven by a healthy dose of punk rock “do it yourself” mentality.

Today, roller derby is a full blown worldwide phenomenon. There are hundreds of local roller derby leagues not only in the United States, but Canada, Australia and Europe. Most of the local groups similarly play up the campy retro pin-up/hot rod iconography and everyone involved sure looks like they’re having a good time. Between teams there’s a vibe of good natured competitiveness and camaraderie. In the US, these groups exist under the auspices of a national organization called the Womens Flat Track Derby Association. Las Vegas has the ‘Sin City Roller Girls’, Portland, Oregon the ‘Rose City Rollers” and Seattle the ‘Rat City Rollers’. There are now groups in not only the larger and traditionally “hipper” cities but also smaller communities such as Birmingham, Alabama and Omaha, Nebraska.

The young women in roller derby have taken what was cast off TV time filler and revived it into their own distaff ‘action sport’. The community that has sprung up around it bears a striking resemblance to the skateboarding or snowboarding subculture. There’s one big difference–in contrast to more male dominated action sports the roller derby circa 2009 is just the opposite–a living, breathing matriarchal success story.

The new generation rollergirls also pay homage to their sports’ pioneers much in the same way that skateboarders give props to Duane Peters and Tony Alva. Many of the individual group websites have sections devoted to the history of roller derby, and the late Ann Calvello–regarded as the Queen of the original Roller Derby–is revered as something of a patron saint. The Texas Rollergirl group featured in the A&E series has renamed their championship the Calvello Cup.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and respected authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and a kangaroo. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.

The Invention Of The Silencer

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Posted by Bryce Jackson | Posted in Sports & Recreation | Posted on 12-06-2010

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You have probably seen silencers in many of the spy movies you’ve watched over the years. Without detection, secret agents like James Bond or bad guys use silencers to kill their enemies in cold blood quickly and quietly. However, the reason the silencer was invented has nothing to do with this. However, when developing this device, American inventor Hiram Percy Maxim had other things in mind.

Maxim, a mechanical engineer, was the son of Sir Hiram Stevens Maxim who migrated to England around 1881 and was then knight for his military inventions by Queen Victoria in 1901. A portable fully automatic machine gun, known as the Maxim gun, was one of these inventions.

But the elder Maxims fame came at a price. His work with guns slowly damaged his hearing and left him deaf. To help his father, the young Maxim invented the Maxim Silencer in 1902 to suppress the loud noises made by his father’s guns. Sadly, it came at a time when nothing could be done about the elder Maxims deafness.

The word silencer is actually a misnomer since the device doesn’t stop the sound of gunfire but only reduces it. The correct term is sound suppressor which is also used to quiet noisy engines. When it first hit the market, the silencer was marketed as a gentleman’s way to enjoy target practice without disturbing others. It also reduced the use of ear protection so people could talk while shooting. Silencers got their bad publicity when they were featured in spy and gangster movies as a way to get away with murder.

The design of a silencer looks like a long steel cylinder and is placed on the barrel of a gun in order to damper its sound. The type of gun the silencer is for determines how wide the barrel will be. Inside the interior, the silencer has many smaller chambers designed to reduce the sound of gunfire. Longer chambers and more chambers are typically needed for use with larger guns.

For the most comprehensive collection of guns for sale, weapons, ammunition and accessories, check out Executive Gun Runners and their extensive selection.

Visiting Tigers Shock Hurricanes In Overtime

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Posted by Ross Everett | Posted in Sports & Recreation | Posted on 31-05-2010

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The Clemson Tigers used a touchdown pass on their first possession of overtime to upset the Miami Hurricanes 40-37 on Saturday night to cap a back and forth game. Miami kicked a field goal on their first possession of overtime to take the lead, but Clemson responded with a seldom used play on third and 11 to get the victory as quarterback Kyle Parker completed a 27 yard touchdown pass to Jacoby Ford. Clemson improved to 4-3 with the win while Miami slipped to 5-2.

College football betting devotees who backed Clemson as +4 road underdogs eventually cashed their tickets, but they definitely earned their money in a game that saw twelve lead changes and two ties. Clemson improved to 5-2 against the spread with the cover, while Miami dropped to 4-3 against the money. The 77 combined points sailed OVER the posted total of 43.

After the game, Jacoby Ford explained the logic for his suggesting the surprise play in the huddle:

“We knew this game was going to come down to who made more plays. And we did.”

Miami has a history of winning when their offense is clicking-this loss was only the second in 115 games when the Hurricanes score 37 or more points dating back to’85.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney was just glad this one is over:

“I have a birthday next month and I think I’m going to turn 50 instead of 40. We had to put on Superman capes. We made plenty of mistakes that could have lost us the game, but they played with poise and confidence. We just kept battling.”

CJ Spiller was also a big factor for the Tigers as he set a school record with 310 all purpose yards including a 90 yard kickoff return for a touchdown. He also added 81 yards rushing and 104 yards receiving with a 56 yard touchdown catch.

Clemson QB Parker suggested that last week’s win over Wake Forrest was a turning point for his team:

“I think last week we realized that we could be really good and this week we acted on it. I thought we really got some explosive plays and we played well.”

Miami’s quarterback Jason Harris sounded a different tone in his postgame comments:

“This has to be my toughest loss here. We fought so hard throughout the game as a team and didn’t come out with the victory. We let Clemson outwork us, we turned the ball over too much — little things that made us get to this point.”

Clemson will host FCS foe Coastal Carolina next Saturday before resuming ACC play the following week at home against Florida State. Miami plays two of their next three on the road, starting next weekend at Wake Forest. They’ll face the University of Virginia at home the next week before traveling to Chapel Hill for a game against North Carolina on November–.

Ross Everett is a widely published widely published freelance sports writer and respected authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and World Cup betting sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.

Panthers Get On Track With Win Over Bucs

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Posted by Ross Everett | Posted in Sports & Recreation | Posted on 13-04-2010

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Carolina Panthers’ quarterback Jake Delhomme struggled on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and was fortunate that his running backs bailed him out. Delhomme threw for only 65 yards with two interceptions, but D’Angelo Williams (152 yards) and Jonathan Stewart (110 yards) kept the chains moving as the Panthers won their second straight game defeating the Bucs 28-21. Tampa Bay has now lost ten straight dating back to last season and are 0-6 for the first time since’85. The fact that they ended up starting that year 0-9 on their way to a 1-15 record doesn’t bode well for the rest of the season.

NFL sports bettors were faced with a choice between two teams with dismal ATS records in this game, and those who had the guts to take a 1-3 team as a -3 road favorite were rewarded with the cover. It was Carolina’s first NFL pointspread cover of the season and left them with a 1-4 record against the number. Tampa Bay has covered one of their six games this year. The 49 points scored went OVER the total of 40′.

Delhomme attempted only seven passes in the second half, but the way Williams and Stewart were running there was no reason to put the ball in the air. Williams said that even though Tampa Bay knew what was coming they couldn’t stop the Panthers’ running game:

“I’m sure everybody in the stadium knew what we were going to do. There were times they had nine in the box and we were still getting 7 or 8 yards.”

There’s been little impatience locally with Bucs’ rookie head coach Raheem Morris, but his weekly habit of explaining the obvious to rationalize yet another loss is starting to wear thin:

“We got overpowered at the end, and really throughout the game.”

Carolina safety Dante Wesley was ejected after clobbering Bucs’ return man Clifton Smith after a fair catch call. After the game, Wesley gave this defense for his actions:

“I was just trying to make a play. You can check my record. I’ve never really tried to hurt anybody. I’ve never tried to take a cheap shot on anybody.”

Wesley could face a possible fine or suspension from the NFL but, in all fairness, it did appear to be a momentary mental lapse as he was trying to make a big play and not a deliberate attempt to injure Smith.

Tampa’s schedule has the look of them going from ‘the frying pan into the fire’ as they host the New England Patriots next Sunday-fresh off of their 57 point drubbing of Tennessee. The Bucs are +14 home underdogs to the Patriots with the total set at 45. They’ll get a week off after that contest and return to action on November 8 as they host the Green Bay Packers. Carolina has an easier draw, hosting the Buffalo Bills next Sunday.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and respected authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

1977 Triple Crown Winner Seattle Slew

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Posted by Ross Everett | Posted in Sports & Recreation | Posted on 23-01-2010

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Seattle Slew–the last living Triple Crown winner–died on May 7, 2002 at the age of 28. As one of only 11 Triple Crown winners in history, he is by default one of the greatest horses in the history of thoroughbred racing. Of those 11 legendary animals, Seattle Slew was the only one to complete the Triple Crown with an undefeated record, as well as the only one to have been purchased at a public auction. After retiring in\’78, Slew became one of the most important and successful stud horses in the history of the sport. He sired 1,066 foals including 102 stakes race winners. Among this impressive group of offspring was the\’84 Kentucky Derby winner, Swale. All told, Slew\’s offspring have won an amazing $76 million dollars at the race track. Slew\’s stud fee of $300,000 made him a very profitable horse even after his racing career was over. Slew wasn\’t a particularly attractive horse, but he had the toughness of a championship boxer and the sort of intestinal fortitude and desire that can only be given by The Creator.

The Seattle Slew story began very modestly at a public auction in Lexington, Kentucky. The Keeneland Summer Yearling sale wasn\’t supposed to be the marketplace of champions, and the idea that this particular horse would ever amount to anything other than a farmhand was downright laughable. Slew looked clumsy, due primarily to a right forefoot that splayed outward and resulting in a shuffling gait at a trot. He also wasn\’t a majestic beast like his predecessor by a few years, Secretariat. Slew was borderline ugly. So ungainly a creature was he that he was given the less than inspiring nickname \”Baby Huey\” by the Keeneland staff. He was purchased by two couples (Karen and Mickey Taylor and Jim and Sally Hill) for $17,500. What wasn\’t apparent at the yearling sale was the intangibles that make up a championship thoroughbred–poise under pressure, love of competition, toughness, heart and desire. The Taylor\’s and Hill\’s had stumbled onto an equine Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan who\’s competitive fire quickly became apparent to the trainers that worked with him and the jockeys that rode him. His first race came at Belmont in\’76, and the three races he entered–and won–as a 2 year old gave a hint of what was to come.

Slew quickly became a horse to watch as a three year old as he won three Derby prep races including the Wood Memorial. In the Derby, Slew got off to a terrible start as he stumbled out of the gate. He recovered from the miscue and essentially bulled his way through a pack of horses to lead at the 1/4 mile pole. Slew would win the Derby by a length and 3 quarters. He took another tough victory at the Preakness before clinching the Triple Crown with a 4 length victory in the Belmont Stakes.

Slew continued to campaign as a four year old, but in the days before the Breeder\’s Cup there weren\’t many opportunities for an older horse. He retired to stud in\’78, where he sired champions such as the aforementioned Swale and\’92 Belmont Champ AP Indy. Slew stood at Three Chimneys Farm in Midway, Kentucky from\’85 until early 2002 when he was moved to Hill \’n\’ Dale Farm in Lexington, KY following a spinal operation.

In some ways, Slew had much in common with the heavyweight championship reign of Larry Holmes. He came so quickly on the heels of such incredible excellence–Slew was forever in the shadow of\’73 Triple Crown winner Secretariat, Holmes on the heels of Muhammad Ali–that he never gained the appreciation he deserved during his prime. In hindsight, however, it has finally been noted what an exceptional horse he really was. Jockey Angel Cordero, who rode Slew during the twilight of his career noted \”If I had a chance to take any horse in the world, if someone said your life is depending on riding one horse to win, I would take (Slew). I rode 44,000 horses, but he was special, he was different. He was muscled, like a wrestler. He ran different than any other horse. It was like he came from another planet.\”

Following his death in 2002, Slew was laid to rest at Hill \’n\’ Dale Farm in Kentucky under a statue memorializing his legacy.

Ross Everett is a widely published widely published freelance sports writer and respected authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and betting odds portal sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.

MMA Flashback: Kimbo Slice Vs. James Thompson

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Posted by Ross Everett | Posted in Sports & Recreation | Posted on 15-01-2010

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It wasnt the decisive blowout that EliteXC was hoping far to send Kimbo Slices stardom into the stratosphere but with some seriously tense moments for the former street fighter against a game James Thompson everyone concerned is likely happy with a victory of any sort. Kimbo at times displayed some surprising skill on the ground, while at other times looked amateurish and lost. Slice clearly had the edge in the standup exchanges, and appeared to have Thompson on the verge of going down for the count several times in the fight.

Though \”The Colossus\” kept his feet through several punishing combinations, the beginning of the end came when a Slice punch nearly sheared his ear off. The bloody, grotesque ear was clearly at risk of being seriously damaged and Kimbo punctuated this with four or five uncontested power punches. Thompson by this point was out on his feet and the ref jumped in to bring the proceedings to a halt giving Kimbo a TKO victory. After the fight an exhausted and relieved Slice flopped onto the mat, clearly relieved to have survived the toughest test hes faced in his embryonic MMA career.

While Thompson and his corner complained of an early stoppage, given the severity of the ear injury and the four or five uncontested power shots by Kimbo its a tough case to make. Furthermore, it was consistent with the officiating all night which obviously was trying to err on the side of caution in the first MMA event on prime time major network television. The ref was quick to call several of the earlier bouts, and the ringside physician was involved. The fights on the card that ended by stoppage could have arguably been called a second or two early, but as the old saying goes better a second too early than a second too late.

EliteXC overall has to be very happy with how the event came off. The presentation was highly professional all night, and the announcing was superb. There was no question that Gus Johnson and Mauro Ranallo are solid pros, and Frank Shamrock is obviously a well spoken and experienced expert commentator but the three meshed together exceptionally well.

The emphasis from the start was on selling the sport of MMA, with the promotion taking a secondary role. This was done via nicely produced and informative instructional videos, which would be helpful to a first time MMA viewer but didnt come off as sophomoric to the seasoned aficionado. Given the often unpredictable nature of the sport, EliteXC has to be pleased with how everything came off and the results of the fights on the card.

Overall, it was a professionally produced and entertaining night of action. With the exception of the less than decisive victory by Kimbo in the main event, it couldnt have gone better for EliteXC had it been scripted.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and widely regarded sports betting expert. He is also a consulting handicapper for Sports-1 Sportsbook and is in charge of setting NFL lines. He has written extensively on sports betting theory along with a wide range of other topics including fencing, boxing and dog training.

The MMA Legacy Of Helio Gracie

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Posted by Ross Everett | Posted in Sports & Recreation | Posted on 12-01-2010

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Helio Gracie–patriarch of the legendary Gracie MMA family–died earlier this year in Rio De Janeiro at age 95. His influence on martial arts, and even more so the sport that is known known as mixed martial arts, is staggering. The Gracie family name will forever be synonymous with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA and the UFC due to the accomplishments of Helio Gracie and his progeny.

Helio Gracie began his training in mixed martial arts early, and by his teenage years was already teaching judo. While he had no problem mastering the theoretical aspects of judo, he found that many of its techniques were less effective for a practitioner with a smaller build. Along with his brother Carlos, Gracie began to work out his own fighting system by adapting many of judo\’s techniques and making them more a product of leverage rather than brute strength. This led to the creation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), frequently called Gracie Jiu Jitsu in his honor.

Gracie also had a professional fighting career, taking on champions from other disciplines in a forerunner to modern mixed martial arts. These bouts were grueling, unregulated affairs with rules that were often made up as they went along and time limits that seem barbaric by todays standards. By his own recollection, he had 15 fights against the top fighters of his day. He began his career in\’32 by submitting professional boxer Antonio Portugal (whod likely never even heard of a submission at that point, let alone experienced one) in just 32 seconds. Later that year, he fought American catch wrestler Frank Ebert to a draw after the ringside doctor ordered the bout stopped after an ungodly fourteen ten minute rounds.

His most famous battle was against Japanese judo legend Masahiko Kimura, resulting in a rare loss for Gracie. Despite the setback, he fought bravely and may have actually enhanced his legend after refusing to submit to a reverse arm bar (the same modern MMA submission that now bears Kimuras name). Only after his arm was broken did his brother Carlos throw in the towel.

Gracies influence on the Brazilian sports scene, and later the nascent sport of mixed martial arts, would continue through his family. Married twice, he had seven sons (Rickson, Royler, Rolker, Royce, Relson, Robin and Rorion) and two daughters (Rerika and Ricci), many of whom went on to make their own mark on the fight sport world. Royce Gracie is well known as the first UFC superstar, while sons Rickson Royler, Renzo have also achieved considerable fame in professional MMA. At the time of his death, Helio Gracie was a 6th Dan Judo black belt and the only living 10th degree master of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

The cause of Gracies death was officially given as natural causes. He had been having stomach problems for several days prior to his passing, and was admitted to a Rio hospital for this reason. His seriously epic last words will go down as a fitting envoi to a man who gave so much of himself to fighting:

Gracie\’s last words are as follows:\”I created a flag from the sports dignity. I oversee the name of my family with affection and nerves of blood.

Ross Everett is a widely published widely published freelance sports writer and highly respected authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and betting odds portal sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and a kangaroo. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

Kansas City Wins First Of Season By Beating Washington

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Posted by Ross Everett | Posted in Sports & Recreation | Posted on 09-01-2010

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The offensively struggling Kansas City Chiefs have finally found a way to win-play a team with a more stagnant offense than their own. The Chiefs gave Todd Haley his first win as a NFL head coach on Sunday with a—6 win over the Washington Redskins. Kansas City won despite not scoring a touchdown, compiling their– points via 4 Ryan Succop field goals and a game ending safety.

To successfully bet on NFL football you occasionally have to put aside W/L records and look at the underlying statistics. Those who did that found reason to take Kansas City as +6\’ road underdogs and were rewarded with the outright victory. Kansas City is now 2-4 against the NFL pointspread and has covered two straight while Washington is a dismal 1-5 versus the money. The 20 combined points went well UNDER the posted total of 36\’.

After the contest, Haley sounded more relieved than excited about finally putting a \”W\” on the board:

\”We made it pretty difficult, right down to the end. We\’ve pushed through a very difficult period. We needed to get some positive reinforcement with a win.\”

Kansas City QB Matt Cassel also won for the first time since coming over from New England in the off season. His postgame comments were more upbeat:

\”There\’s been a lot of change, but this has definitely been special. We rose to the occasion. We made some big plays. We put ourselves in a position to score points.\”

Embattled Redskins\’ coach Jim Zorn was stripped of his offensive play calling duties by team management after the contest. In one of his last decisions in that role, he pulled starter Jason Campbell at halftime and went with Todd Collins. He explained his move as follows:

\”I felt the need to create a spark on our football team offensively and went with Todd. I think the guys responded well. We kept our spark, at times, and then we refizzled.\”

The Redskins have managed to win only two of their first six games despite being the only team in NFL history to play their first six games of the season against winless opponents. They\’ll get another chance to silence their doubters next Monday night as they host the Philadelphia Eagles. The Skins are +6\’ home underdogs with the total set at 38\’. They\’ll have a bye the next week and return to action on November 8th against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Kansas City will try to string together back to back wins as they host the San Diego Chargers on Sunday.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer who has written on sports betting and how to successfully bet on NFL football. He has appeared on TV and radio talking about boxing, hockey and NFL pointspreads. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and a lynx.

CFL Canadian Football For The American NFL Football Fan

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Posted by Ross Everett | Posted in Sports & Recreation | Posted on 05-01-2010

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While football in the United States is associated with crisp autumn days and cool nights, in Canada professional football begins in the summer time. While NFL training camps won\’t open until mid-summer by then the Canadian Football League (CFL) will be well into their regular season schedule.

American football fans may not realize just how long and storied the history of Canadian pro football CFL style actually is. The league has been around since\’30 and the Grey Cup championship (essentially the CFL Superbowl) has been in existence since\’09. Many NFL stars got their start in the CFL including Doug Flutie, Jim Kelly, and Jeff Garcia.

While the CFL plays football at the highest professional level of competition outside of the NFL, there are a few differences in the game:

The most obvious difference is the football itself–the CFL football is longer and fatter than the NFL ball. The CFL still has their goal posts on the goal line, which the NFL moved to the back of the end zone years ago. The field is 10 yards longer and 12 yards wider than the NFL field, and the CFL end zones are 20 yards deep instead of the NFL\’s 10 yards.

Teams have 12 players on the field at once as opposed to 11 in the NFL. On offense, the extra player is a receiver, on defense a defensive back. And unlike the American game, where teams have 4 downs to move the ball ten yards the CFL has only 3. Maybe the hardest thing to get used to when listening to CFL broadcasts is the frequently references to teams going two and out. There are a few other subtle differences as well\”teams only have 1 time out per half, only 20 seconds between plays, and all backfield players can be in motion prior to the snap (as opposed to only one in the NFL).

A major difference in the scoring is the \’single\’ which awards CFL teams one point for a kick–usually a punt or missed field goal–that lands in the end zone. This will frequently produce partial game scores of 1-0 or 1-1 that are impossible in the US game.

The rule differences also extend into the front office, where teams are required to have a certain quota of their roster be Canadian born. In an effort to prevent the CFL from becoming an NFL farm system, and to protect the unique identity of Canadian football\’ of the 40 players on the roster must be natives.

Perhaps the greatest misunderstanding is that the average NFL fan looks at the rules of the Canadian game with more players, a wider field, and fewer downs and concludes that the game is a wide open shootout similar to Arena Football. Thats not really the case–you\’ll see some offensive battles but most games end up with final score totals in the mid to high 40s. In Arena Football, youll frequently see teams with potent offenses enforcing their will over and over again against teams with porous defenses. You don\’t see that too often in the CFL. The rules may be different, but as is the case in American pro football you need a solid rushing game and a stout defense to win games and championships.

The requirement of native born players making up 50% of a CFL roster also results in a much more even distribution of talent across the league. Certainly there are good teams and bad teams, but the end result is greater parity than is found in the NFL.

The CFL isn\’t in a financial position to draw the top level US players away from the NFL or, in most cases, even a NFL practice or developmental squad. While some US players are uniquely suited to the CFL style of play, most of the US players that end up there are of a similar talent level as to that seen in Arena Football.

Despite the differences between the CFL and American football, at the end of the day its still high level, professional football. Once you understand the unique aspects of the CFL, it\’ll become second nature much as NFL viewers quickly assimilate rule changes there.

In the pre-Internet era, it was often difficult for US fans to find information on the CFL. They don\’t get coverage on ESPN, but they receive extensive attention in the Canadian press. Each CFL city has their own sports media, and the official CFL website also has many resources including previews and statistics.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and noted authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and betting odds portal sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.