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Sports Carnival Ecstasy - January 24, 2012

2012-01-24T17:17:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the January 24, 2012 edition of Sports Carnival Ecstasy. In this edition we have Eric Gargiulo and his preview of The Ten Biggest UFC Fights of 2012. Kevin takes a look Fantasy Basketball Buy/Sells for Week 3 of the NBA season. The Jets Have Bigger Problems Than Quarterback according to Jim Bearor. And finally there's an article by Maxim Clark on The 11 Most Questionable Hockey Trades… Ever! Hope you enjoy the material, bookmark, share, tweet, like on Facebook and come back soon.

Eric Gargiulo presents The Ten Biggest UFC Fights of 2012 posted at CamelCluchBlog.Com, saying, "The UFC is gearing up for an explosive 2012. Several big fights are already in place along with some gigantic possibilities if certain chips should fall their way."

Charles Chua C K presents 5 blogging Lessons to Learn from the World No 1 Badminton Player posted at All About Living with Life.

baseball

Jason Arias presents A Personal Twist on the 2013 Hall of Fame Ballot posted at The Ringer Report, saying, "Taking a look at the 2013 Hall of Fame ballot and why it means more to me than any ballot thus far"

basketball

Kevin presents 2011-2012 Fantasy Basketball Buy/Sells Week 3 posted at Draftopia, saying, "Alright so we're in week 3 of Fantasy Basketball, and beginning to see which players are for real and which are destined to annoy us the rest of the season."

Richard Livsey presents BROOKLYN NETS, FUHGEDDABOUDIT! posted at MentalSwag.com, saying, "I'm leaving the Knicks for good."

extreme

Robert Hazlewood presents Plyometric Exercises For Speed and Agility posted at Agilty Drills For Speed and Explosiveness.

Tomislav Stajduhar presents Should WRC allow superally restarts? posted at World Rally Blog.

football

Steve presents 2012 High School All American Games This Week posted at BrutusReport, saying, "Soon marks the national highschool all-American bowl week featuring the best seniors and many college selections throughout the games."

Evan Hoon presents The Sports World Through a Teenager's Eyes posted at The Sports World Through a Teenager's Eyes, saying, "Tim Tebow's 1st playoff win."

Jim Bearor presents The Jets Have Bigger Problems Than Quarterback posted at The Bearor's Den, saying, "My thoughts on the Jets and their postseason woes. I would really appreciate the oppurtunity for some of my work to be featured in your carnival, thank you."

David Katz presents Sleeping With The Fishes: 2012 NFL Playoffs posted at Davy Jones' Locker Room, saying, "Hilarious Sports Blog With Quality Analysis and Writing"

Evan Hoon presents The Sports World Through a Teenager's Eyes posted at The Sports World Through a Teenager's Eyes.

hockey

Maxim Clark presents The 11 Most Questionable Hockey Trades… Ever! posted at IceHockeyLeagues.com.

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of sports carnival ecstasy using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

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9 Ways to Improve the NBA

2012-01-14T12:49:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

The NBA has a lot it could do to improve. Everyone knows this. Even the players. Even the owners. So why don't they do something about it? You guessed it. Money. That little detail aside, here are nine things the NBA could do to improve itself...easily.

#1 Make the regular season a lot shorter. We all know the lockout-induced season this year is only going to be 66 games. This is probably a little bit too short. But 82 games, a normal season these days, is way too long. Players get hurt, they don't play defense, and they struggle to make it to the end of the season. For many fans, watching the playoffs is the extent of their fanaticism. This is sad. Watching players slog through a too-long season is also so. Somewhere around 70 games would be perfect. College baseball players double the amount of games they play in the pros, and football players play around 50% more. Basketball players play three times as many. Time to change that.

#2 Change the referee system. First of all, hire more referees so that players and referees don't develop relationships, bad or good. This can only lead to bias in calling the game. Also, show us stats on referees. And please hire more athletic refs while you're at it, possibly even some ex-NBA players. The ones you have now can't keep up.

#3 Slash players’ salaries. This doesn't even need an explanation. Players make too much, which leads to ridiculous ticket prices, and ridiculous prices for concessions. I do not need to pay nine bucks for a 12 ounce beer. Owners, coaches and admin don't need to make as much, either.

#4 Cut back on the number of playoff teams. Teams with 39 wins don't need to participate in the playoffs. It's not competitive, and it's not good for ratings. I know this issue is once again about money, but come on! We don't need to see playoff sweep after playoff sweep in the first round. It's not fun for us to watch, or for the low seeded team to play, when we pretty much know the outcome.

#5 Bring fairness to NBA scheduling. Teams do not need to play on back-to-back days. This would only be fair if all teams got an equal number of these disasters, but they don't. So, in the spirit of fair play, let's try to eliminate these from teams’ schedules. There are often scheduling conflicts at certain stadiums that make this difficult, but if it isn't possible, at least try to make it equal.

#6 No more minimum age rule. One-and-done should go the way of the Dodo. Players who know they're going pro after a year of college barely complete a semester of school. One semester of college? And then you can go pro? Who thought of this rule? These kids are getting nothing out of college, and the schools are doing everything they can to get around this rule, including borderline cheating. Get rid of it and set up some sort of more sophisticated developmental league.

#7 Guaranteed money? No more. Guaranteed salaries in the NBA have caused more problems than they have solved. Signing bonuses, or less years guaranteed would probably work out better. Or guarantees that only come into effect based on performance. We don't need to see any more players slacking in their later years because they have a huge guaranteed salary. No more faking injuries, or taking too long to get surgery and waiting until the regular season begins, please.

#8 Make the trade rules more lenient. With the recent trade issues, it's obvious that the rules need to be changed. I understand not wanting one team to be a dynasty, but come on. Let the trades happen. GMs are not stupid people; usually they have the ability to figure out what's best for their team. There should still be a "that's a ridiculous trade" clause in the rules where it's obvious there's a fire-sale going on, but let the trades happen.

#9 Finally, make the luxury tax fair. I understand the concept behind the tax, but it keeps the small market teams down and the larger market teams on top. It needs to be changed to be based on revenue and the size of that teams market for it to work. Minnesota and Chicago are way different in terms of size, so why doesn't this matter when it comes to the luxury tax. The penalties are the same for both teams, which really makes it hard for the Timberwolves to field a competitive team. Change the luxury tax now. Tax the wealthy.

All of these changes would make the NBA not only a better product for fans to watch, but a better place for the players to play. Change is not always a bad thing.

Rich Spaulding is CEO of Gold Star Games, a tailgate gear and cornhole bags supplier.

Rocking Around the Clock - Swing is Back

2012-01-10T07:59:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

Swing is Back in Fashion

With Pole Fitness and Urban Dance styles very much taking the lead when it comes to contemporary dance fitness, it would be easy to think that more traditional dance forms are dying out, or at least becoming very unfashionable. But with the ever-growing youth fascination with the 1940’s and 50’s, certain fashion, music and dance styles are coming back and becoming the newest way to express yourself.

What is Swing Dance?

Swing dance incorporates a number of different styles, from the relatively well-known Charleston, Jive and Rock and Roll moves to the lesser known Balboa and Carolina Shag. However, the principles are largely the same, with routines danced with a partner to a 6 or 8 step count. Emphasis is on moving with your partner in time and the use of both arms and legs, although Swing is not a very high impact form of dance making it suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. Simple routines will simply involve partners dancing together in their choreographed step pattern, whilst more complex dances will have turns, spins and even drops, with women being very much the focus of the more spectacular movements.

You can see a really spectacular display of modern swing dancing in this clip from UK dancing show Strictly Come Dancing.

http://youtu.be/9ss-YD-ToLQ

In recent times, a scene has popped up, largely in cities but to a lesser extent represented in club nights and events all over the world, celebrating the fashions of the 1940’s and 50’s, including clothing, food, music and dance, and has proved very popular with people aged 18-30. These nights are very genteel, with some of the rougher hip hop and industrial clubs seeming a millions miles (and years!) away. Jazz and popular music from the era is played in and you are more likely to find different kinds of tea on the menu than vodka shots or pints of snakebite.

The emphasis is strongly on style, with girls dressing in 40’s tea dresses or the 50’s full skirts and kitten heels, while boys dress in suits hats and shoes. Most importantly on these nights, and one of the strongest aspects to make you feel as though you really have gone back in time, people dance. You can take part in the dancing whether your are a beginner or a pro, and clubs like Jitterbugs in London offer classes to improve your techniques and make sure you really fit in at the next party you go to.

You can also look at taking swing dance classes at many dedicated dance schools and nightclubs around the UK. Swing dance is good cardiovascular exercise as it requires constant movement and a high level of energy, it works well to tone your legs and thighs and will work amazingly to help your posture and sense of rhythm. Standing well apart from many other forms of exercise, it is also a fun and social way to exercise, and something you can take all of your friends along with you to experience, getting fit and learning a new skill together!

One of the premier swing and 1940’s themed nights you can attend is The Blitz Party. These parties happen regularly in London and feature real swing bands, a strict dress code, cabaret and professional swing dancers. You can find out more information on the Blitz Party website.

This article was written by Caitlin who loves dancing and trying out the latest fitness crazes to keep fit and have fun. When she is not writing for the www.poledancingpoles.info blog she can be found enjoying a bit of swing, jive and rock n roll or swinging round her dance fitness pole.

Sports Carnival Ecstasy - January 5, 2012

2012-01-05T17:33:00.000-08:00

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Welcome to the January 5, 2012 edition of Sports Carnival Ecstasy.In this edition we start with Steve and his article on the NCAA banning the Buckeyes from bowl games next season. That Random Guy has a look at the Playoff Picture for the NFL. Steve previews the Gator Bowl 2012: Ohio State Buckeyes vs Florida Gators. And Eric Gargiulo thinks Brock Lesnar Almost Screwed The UFC. Bookmark, share, tweet, like on Facebook and come back real soon.

Steve presents 5 Weird Discontinued Olympic Sports posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "If you happen to look on the modern Olympics have always featured the same, traditional events then you’re wrong."

presents The Fantasy Sports Dilemma (AKA The Saga of the Category 2's and 3's) posted at RyComedy, saying, "An look into the mind of a real fantasy sports fanatic - and those who will never understand..."

baseball

Rick Sincere presents Did Baseball Save the American Judiciary? posted at Bearing Drift, saying, "Most people would not expect the Chief Justice of the United States to open his annual report on the judiciary with a reference to baseball. But he did."

extreme

Steve presents Tighten Your Core with Break Dance posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "Of all the dance disciplines, there are few as intense and body-transforming as break dance. Not only does it look amazing (and, let’s face it, really cool), but it also does incredible things for your body."

football

Steve presents NCAA Bans Ohio State from Bowls in 2012 posted at BrutusReport, saying, "NCAA comes down hard on the Buckeyes while future OSU recruits stay committed."

Steve presents 2012 Ohio State Defensive End Se'von Pittman Highlights posted at eFilmRoom, saying, "Ohio State recently acquired a verbal commitment from Se’Von Pittman of the 2012 class."

Michael presents Se’von Pittman Switches from Michigan State to Ohio State posted at eScoutRoom, saying, "After much belief, Canton McKinley defensive end Se’von Pittman switched his verbal from MSU to OSU."

That Random Guy presents Playoff Picture for the NFL posted at Wow Another Random Blog!.

Steve presents Gator Bowl 2012: Ohio State Buckeyes vs Florida Gators posted at BrutusReport, saying, "A preview of the Gator Bowl (TaxSlayer.com) prior to Ohio State giving up two really bad special teams plays and losing to Florida."

Steve presents Noah Spence Class of 2012 Season Highlights posted at eFilmRoom, saying, "In this highlight video of 2012 Bishop McDevitt HS defensive end Noah Spence, you can quickly see his ability to dominate the high school game."

Michael presents Noah Spence Commits to Ohio State and Urban Meyer posted at eScoutRoom, saying, "Noah Spence wasn’t talking about Ohio State prior to Urban Meyer joining the Buckeyes this past month, but now he is firmly committed even after OSU was restricted from playing in a bowl game in 2012."

Steve presents How to start your own sports team in five easy steps posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "Sometimes, it has to be said, organizing team raiding sessions in World of Warcraft doesn’t really fulfill all your social needs."

mma

Eric Gargiulo presents How Brock Lesnar Almost Screwed The UFC posted at CamelCluchBlog.Com, saying, "While the UFC lost its top draw Saturday night, the news may not be all that bad. Brock Lesnar reportedly planned to win the UFC title, leave the UFC, & return to the WWE thus screwing the UFC and Dana White if things played out as planned."

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Sports Carnival Ecstasy - December 22, 2011

2011-12-22T19:41:00.000-08:00

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Welcome to the December 22, 2011 edition of sports carnival ecstasy. This time we have a good number of articles on various sporting topics including one from Steve on Ohio State traveling to Kansas for a preseason match-up on the hardwood. We have an article on the Clippers matching Jordan's Offer Sheet to try to secure the free agent for the upcoming NBA season. There's a preview of the Big Ten Championship Game from the BrutusReport.com website. And finally Steve presents Accurate Golf Lob Shots for all those living in warmer climates were you can still golf this winter. Hope you enjoy the articles, bookmark, share, tweet, like on Facebook, Plus, and come back soon.

Steve presents 5 Paintball Tips for Beginners posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "Paintball is a very exciting hobby, but when you are first getting started playing paintball you want to be aware of some things."

Rachel Cleary presents 10 Hidden Ways to Save Money on Auto Insurance posted at Auto Insurance Quotes, saying, "This information has been useful to several readers and I'm sure it will provide your readers with the same value."

baseball

Monkeysuit presents Ryan Braun's Syphilis Medication to Blame posted at The Great Monkey Suit.

basketball

Steve presents Ohio State Travels to Allen Fieldhouse to Face Kansas posted at BrutusReport, saying, "Two of the top teams nationally, Ohio State and Kansas, and two of the top players in the country, Jared Sullinger and Thomas Robinson, could face off against each other this coming Saturday in Allen Fieldhouse."

Taylor presents Clippers Match Jordan's Offer Sheet posted at THE SPORTS CENTS.

extreme

Jason presents Holiday Shopping posted at Skate Blog | Read About Skateboarding News, Skate Company Updates, Liberty Skate Promotions, Giveaways, Skate Events, And More!, saying, "We're an online retailer of skateboard ramps and rails. We're doing what we can to keep fresh content on our site to keep the visitors happy."

Troy P presents Softball Pullup Grips | DIY Fitness Equipment posted at Cube.Dweller.Fitness, saying, "Extreme home fitness - redeploy those extra softballs laying around the house. Crank up the drill press and the welder. Then build some serious forearms with softball pullup grips."

football

Steve presents Marc Dantonio Builds a Big Ten Contender posted at BrutusReport, saying, "When Marc Dantonio left Cincinnati to take over as the head coach of the Michigan State Spartans, he wanted to win with defense, special teams and a physical offense."

Steve presents Ricquan Southward Switches From Miami to Ohio State posted at eFilmRoom, saying, "The new head coach hire of Urban Meyer at Ohio State has quickly made a difference in recruiting. Ricquan Southward of Lakeland Florida switched his verbal commitment from Miami (FL) to Ohio State just this past week."

Michael presents 2012 Wide Receiver Ricquan Southward Switches to Ohio State posted at eScoutRoom, saying, "Ohio State football recruiting is picking up with the announcement that Urban Meyer is going to be taking over as head coach next season."

Steve presents Tommy Schutt–Defensive Line Glen Ellyn Glenbard West posted at eFilmRoom, saying, "Tommy Schutt became the first official commitment of Urban Meyer’s time at Ohio State when he changed his verbal commitment from Penn State to Ohio State."

Michael presents Tommy Schutt Commits to Ohio State for 2012 posted at eScoutRoom, saying, "Tommy Schutt had between 30 and 35 scholarship offers when he made the selection to play from Penn State over the summer of 2011."

Steve presents MLB Games Tryouts posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "This is the question that many parents and young aspiring baseball players ask during spring season as they get ready to go to the ballpark with dreams of having multi-million dollar bonuses in their heads."

golf

Steve presents Accurate Golf Lob Shots posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "The golf lob shot is usually a short shot of no more than 50 yards at most, and is usually employed to get the ball high very quickly, often to get it over an obstacle of some kind."

mma

Hooker presents UFC Fighters Who Cry Are Stoopid posted at Humans are Stoopid.

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of sports carnival ecstasy using our carnival submission form.

Past posts and future hosts can be found on our

blog carnival index page.

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5 Cool Gifts for the Young Martial Artist

2011-12-13T09:55:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

Finding the perfect gift for a young martial artist doesn't have to be a chore. Whether you are shopping for your own child or someone else's child, there are plenty of cool gifts you can buy that will make him or her smile with joy. Here are some top five suggestions with extra grin factor included.

Century Kid Kick Wavemaster Punching Bag

There is no better way to encourage a child's martial arts interest than by giving them something they can practice with at home. The Century Kid Kick Wavemaster Punching Bag is less than $100 and will provide the young martial artist with hours and hours of exercise and entertainment as well as practice. The bag comes in three adjustable sizes so that as the child grows, he or she can still continue to use the bag.

The Martial Arts Training Diary for Kids

This book is a must have for every young martial artist. The book includes martial arts games, stories and activities as well as pages to log their accomplishments, favorite styles, personal best moves and more. The book is intended for children ages 7 and up. For around $10, you can give a young martial artist a gift he or she will love for years.

Foam Nunchakus

What young martial artist doesn't secretly dream of deftly twirling nunchakus around like an action movie star? You can find a nice pair online for $5 to $10 and the foam covering helps ensure that he or she won't get hurt while learning how to use them. For extra fun, add a beginners' level or kid-oriented training DVD to your gift so he or she can learn from the pros.

A Gift Certificate

Many martial arts schools have pro shops with training items, t-shirts and other school specific merchandise. Contact the young martial artist's school and see if they offer gift certificates. School gift certificates are great because the student can pick out exactly what he or she wants without having to ask Mom or Dad to pay for it.

Training DVDs

Turn tube time into activity time. There is a wide selection of training DVDs for kids that cover all the various forms of martial arts. Most martial arts DVDs are relatively inexpensive and you can buy them through large retailers like Amazon.com or specific martial arts websites. Another plus is that the videos often reinforce the same values students learn at the dojo, so the videos are educational as well as fun.

Martial Artists, especially young ones, thrive on encouragement and accomplishment. Any gift you can give them that helps support their interest will be greatly appreciated. The most important thing to consider is where the student is on his or her martial arts journey and pick gifts that you know he or she will personally enjoy.

About the Author: Buford Wadell loves studying the martial arts and works to foster that same love in his children. He recommends self defense classes to anyone who is worried about their personal safety.

A Great Olympian Let Down

2011-12-07T11:19:00.000-08:00

Image by duncan via Flickr

Who else is feeling completely underwhelmed by what is supposed to be the biggest event in recent British history? No, I'm not talking about the royal wedding, though I'll admit that the excitement surrounding Pippa Middleton's unremarkable behind suggests that the British public felt a similarly damp spark.

No people, I'm talking about the Olympics. I'm so bored by the inane faux-excitement that I'm even thinking of taking a cycling holiday next July just so I can actually do some exercise rather than watch other people do it. 'Traitor!' I hear you shout. 'Kill joy!' you exclaim. Maybe I'm a bit of both, but there's just too much to hate about the whole thing.

1. The UK aren't going to win

Think of how we did in the World Cup in 2010: we think we're pretty damn good until we're confronted with the genius sportsmen and women from just about every other country in the world and then realise we're rubbish. The worst thing is that we can't say that it's because they have more money to spend on training and facilities. No one's got any money! Hurrah!

No, we just have to admit that while we're good at important things like wearing hats, genteel walking holidays in the Lake District and electing poor heads of state, in the sports department we're just like the nerd who gets picked last for the basketball team. Tim Henman, bless his tennis whites for trying, was a regular disappointment. This is not to diminish his achievements: he's better at tennis than 99.9% of the world's population – a sexy statistic if you're Tim – but the public and the media all too easily forget their own mediocrity and joyfully massacre this poor bloke's career. If he's not grand slamming willy-nilly at Wimbledon, he's basically as impressive as Wayne Rooney's hair transplant.

2. Commuter Nightmare

I used to get a thrill out of being able to give (fake) directions to flabby German tourists. Now, I can't even be bothered to think up a lie because it takes up valuable commute time – I just push past them angrily to make sure that little old lady isn't the one getting the last seat on the tube.

During the Olympic summer, you can guarantee that every tired and unenthusiastic Londoner will be asked for directions every single day, ensuring that 10 minutes’ walk to the tube becomes 11 minutes, and that extra minute is enough to miss that all important connection at the end of a trying day. Thus, I predict an increase in commuter breakdowns of at least 5%, enough to push the NHS over the edge and into an even more disorganised state. Not good for treating tourists who have injured themselves after being inspired by the wrestling event.

3.British incompetence being advertised to the world

It's ok for us to make fun of ourselves, indeed, it's a vital part of the British psyche to whinge about how rubbish the UK is: the food, our film industry, schools and most of all, our attitudes. It is all a complete joke. However, the Olympic fiasco-in-the-making will give other countries a chance to point and laugh mercilessly at our awful attempts to create a world class event with world class culture hosted by world class people. Boris Johnson's hair will be beside itself with excitement, and will start shouting out obscenities during the opening ceremony. Suddenly, Silvio Berlusconi's Bunga Bunga parties will look like an attractive alternative event for the Italians coming to see the show.

Bemused tourists will arrive in Stratford, hoping for a bit of thespian action alongside the Olympics – what they'll get is a neighbourhood Londoners pass through as quickly as possible. And finally, chic and experimental sculptors from Canada will look at the ArcelorMittal Orbit and quite rightly wonder why we've created something that looks like a python getting it on with a trumpet.

Suri enjoys travelling, photography and writing, but definetly not the idea of the olympics!

Sports Carnival Ecstasy - November 29, 2011

2011-11-29T12:48:00.000-08:00

Image by marsmet551 via Flickr

Welcome to the November 29, 2011 edition of sports carnival ecstasy. In this edition we have SteveR taking a look at the Florida Gators when the visited Ohio State Buckeyes for preseason basketball. Lisa Hood studies the Rise and Fall of Jerry Sandusky. We has a Near Death Fantasy Football Experience by Red. And finally Lawre Dyer shows us the Pitch Shot Technique in Golf. All great articles, make sure to bookmark, share, tweet, like on Facebook and come back soon.

SteveR presents Cornhole: It’s a Serious Outdoor Sport posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "When many people hear about the game cornhole for the first time, the first reaction is often snickering or laughter."

Michael Donelly presents The Fastest Way to a Six-Pack Stomach posted at www.anotherway.org, saying, "Read this if: You have tried a million stomach crunches but still caanot see your abs. Gain: A boost in your confidence and an increased sex appeal Cost: Only perseverance"

basketball

SteveR presents Florida Gators Visiting Ohio State Buckeyes Tonight posted at BrutusReport, saying, "The #7 ranked Florida Gators basketball team comes to Value City Arena tonight to face the third ranked Buckeyes in a non-conference match that will be highly watched nationally."

extreme

sam presents Santini Kines Windbreaker Jacket posted at BikeCyclingReviews.com | Site Wide Activity, saying, "Since autumn is well on his way with its cloudy and rainy weather and winter is right around the corner, today I decided to write about Santini’s Kines Windbreaker jacket, an item of clothing that I’ve been using a lot lately since I’ve been riding my bike under rainy and windy conditions."

football

Lisa Hood presents The Rise and Fall of Jerry Sandusky posted at ZenCollegeLife, saying, "The revelation that Jerry Sandusky, one of college football's most successful defensive coordinators for more than two decades, allegedly sexually assaulted eight boys — and possibly more — has already damaged reputations and permanently scarred Penn State football."

Red presents Near Death Fantasy Football Experience posted at Fantasy Football Tips | Fantasy Football Advice | Fantasy Football Draft and Weekly Pickups Inside the Redzone, saying, "Inside the Redzone is a Fantasy Football blog dedicated to providing you the most up to date and entertaining news and views about Fantasy Football. Whether you're a casual fan or a hardcore player Inside the Redzone has the Fantasy Football predictions and recaps that will help you elevate your game. Our goal is to get you the inside scoop on hot fantasy football pickups, drops and insights not offered anywhere else. Connect with us on Twitter.com/insideredzone and Facebook.com/insidetheredzone"

Yimzzo presents All good Here! | Yimzzo posted at Yimzzo.

golf

Lawre Dyer presents Pitch Shot Technique in Golf posted at Videos of Golf.

mma

SteveR presents How Did MMA Become So Popular Today? posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "Demand for MMA-style sporting events has been apparent throughout history."

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Four Adventurous Hobbies Every Man Should Try

2011-11-28T09:59:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

For many the idea of having a hobby is something rare, or old fashioned. Rather than spend a lot of time testing out a new skill, many today opt instead to hang out on the couch and entertain themselves in a more sedentary way. But hobbies offer more to the mind than just entertainment; they can help you to feel relaxed and involved. Hobbies have a way of sharpening your mind, helping your skills of observation, and bringing excitement into your life. If you’ve been feeling like there’s something missing from your life, maybe it’s time to pick up a new pastime to stimulate your adventurous side.

1. Camping

There is something to be said about setting up camp, fishing for your dinner, tending to a fire and sleeping under the stars. In many states, there are an abundance of parks and campsites for you to get out and enjoy, so the view will never get boring no matter how often you camp. Camping is also a gateway to other great hobbies such as hunting and trapping, fishing or hiking. If you aren't a camper, consider heading to the woods for just one night or taking part in a survival class, where you'll be with other people and an instructor who will teach you about surviving in the wild.

2. Sports

Exercise is important for healthy and strong bodies, and it becomes especially important as we age. Men should have at least one physical, preferably competitive hobby. Physical activity is responsible for a myriad of benefits, like stress reduction, a boost in testosterone, and an outlet for your competitive nature. Whether in a gym or on a team, getting your body moving is an excellent way to bring a positive change into your daily routine, rather than just sitting at home and watching sports on TV. You can even get involved with a community league to it becomes a weekly activity and there's a sense of competition.

3. Martial Arts or Fencing

Along the same lines as most sports, these combative arts harness your need to be competitive, while getting your blood flowing. They work many areas of the brain because they require foresight and critical thinking to make a sound strategy of attack. Martial arts are a spectacular hobby you can take up at any time in your life. Some community centers even offer classes for free from time to time.

4. Motorsports

Taking up a new hobby of motorcycling or motocross can be just the thing to breathe life into your boring routine, and you can do it without a lot of extra time in a day. Consider changing your commuter vehicle into a motorcycle to save on gas, and commute time. Riding a motorcycle can boost your adrenaline on the way to work, and therefore positively influence the effort you’re extending on any given day. You can also create a hobby of restoring old vehicles and motorcycles, and that’s something that requires dedication and focus from you mentally.

This guest post is from Allison with MotorcycleInsurance.com, where you can go to pick up cheap motorcycle insurance if this is your hobby of choice.

Surfing in Scotland

2011-11-23T10:54:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

Scotland is a “mando vacay or epic holiday location, to score some great rides.” Scotland is divided into four surf regions: east Scotland, Northeast Scotland, North Scotland and West Scotland.

East Scotland Surfing Spots:

• Coldingham Bay is a small secluded bay in the eastern region of Scotland. If the waves are on, you can have great fun. The best wind direction is east and there are no known hazards. The waves break on the beach; this spot is suitable for novice surfers.

• Sandford provides shelter from the north winds, with comfortable warm water. The crowds are normal and the waves break on the beach at this surfing spot also. This is another good location for beginners.

• Flag Reef is an empty beach, with good waves and breaks for intermediate surfers. Sometimes the waves can be unpredictable; on a good day you can score long walling rides to the left, with hollow rights. It is possible for the reef to be exposed at low tide

Northeast Scotland Surfing Spots:

• Sandlend has clean water and spectacular panoramas.

The waves are consistent, with long, fast lefts and rights. The waters here can sometimes have barells, which furnish suitable rides for any “squid” or beginner. This spot has no known hazards.

• Lossie contains an east and west beach, which usually have clean 4’-5’ waves, once a week. The west beach has a reef break called the “slot machine.” The rides are uncommonly short, 100-200meters into the beach. Intermediate surfers can score good waves here.

North Scotland Surfing Spots:

• The Bay of Scail has some ‘slammin’ waves every 15-20 minutes in the car. The gulfstream flows through here, making this location a haven for large varieties of sea life. The water is beautiful and clean, with a surprising empty line-up. The North Atlantic waves can get up to 20’-30,’ which are rideable for experienced surfers. The Bay of Scail is suitable for all skill levels year round; it has point breaks.

• Brimms Ness is renowned for ripper waves in the Thurso area. The waves tend to be fast and challenging. This beach is never crowded. During early April, Thurso, Scotland hosts a world-class surfing competition that attracts surfing’s elite.

West Scotland Surfing Spots:

• Balevullin has left and right beach breaks. Waves are bigger at mid-high tide, with more hollows at low tide. The beach has a south-easterly wind. This is a great spot for intermediate surfers. The only hazards are a few obvious rocks. Surfing in Scotland for the first time, will be a mixture of surprise and awe. Returning to Scotland to surf, will reacquaint you with Scotland’s quantum surfing experience and remind you why you keep returning.

Sarah writes on behalf of Reserve Apartments a serviced apartments website which can help you to find accommodation for your holiday or business trip. Looking for quality Edinburgh apartments? Visit ReserveApartments.co.uk for their latest offers.

Sports Carnival ecstasy - November 15, 2011

2011-11-15T16:41:00.000-08:00

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Welcome to the November 15, 2011 edition of Sports Carnival Ecstasy.We start this edition with an article on the top 10 athletes who beat cancer by Tanya Yoworski. Juliet Jones has another list, this time its the top 8 sport agents that have changed the game. SteveR has an article on the OK Thunder for those missing the NBA season. Yimzoo feels Peyton Manning should win the NFL MVP even if he doesn't play at all this year. And finally Jean Rumsey takes a look at three different NHL games. Hope you enjoy the sports articles, bookmark, share, tweet, like on Facebook and come back soon.

Stacey Laird presents The Top 10 Most Ticketed Vehicles posted at CarInsurance.org, saying, "Some cars are chick magnets, and others just attract tickets."

Tanya Yoworski presents 10 Famous Athletes Who Managed to Beat Cancer posted at Medical Billing and Coding Certification, saying, "Tanya.Yoworski@gmail.com"

Lucas Liam presents 25 Q&A Sites on Becoming a Sports Agent : Ninth Inning Blog posted at Masters in Sports Management, saying, "Working in sports can be a very exciting career, but it can also be a difficult field to get started in. If you are interested in becoming a sports agent, there are probably many questions you may have about the job itself. These helpful Q&A sites will help answer many of the questions you have come across during your education and career. There is even a section where sports agents answer questions themselves."

Juliet Jones presents 8 Sports Agents Who Changed the Field posted at Business Insurance, saying, "As Albert Pujols attempted to bring St. Louis its second World Series title in six seasons, his agent, Dan Lozano, was preparing for one of the most-high profile negotiations in sports history."

Lisa Hood presents The 10 Most Spectacular Sports Stadiums in the World posted at ZenCollegeLife, saying, "Sports are a huge part of our daily lives."

Anthony Dominick presents 25 Great Sites to Learn About Professional Sports Scouting posted at Masters in Sports Administration, saying, "Sports administration is a competitive field, and becoming a professional sports scout can take many years of experience. One of the best ways to get into and maintain a career in this field is to stay informed. These incredible sites offer the best information available about sports scouting and can help give you insider information to learn more about the field."

basketball

SteveR presents The Oklahoma City Thunder: A Young Team on the Rise posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "A few years back hurricane Katrina barreled through New Orleans leaving buildings crushed and families without homes."

SteveR presents Top NBA Dunk Contest Winners of All-Time posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "Back in the 80s, the NBA’s yearly slam dunk contest gave the league popularity that it could only dream of."

SteveR presents Celtics versus Lakers Rivalry Stands the Test of time posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "Last summer, the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers added yet another stunning chapter to the greatest rivalry in National Basketball Association history, as they wrapped up another epic war at the 2010 NBA Finals."

football

SteveR presents Ohio State vs Wisconsin: Russell Wilson Creates Defensive Challenge posted at BrutusReport, saying, "The coaching staff at Ohio State is hoping their team can put together a performance that redeems their season tonight in Ohio Stadium in front of a national audience."

SteveR presents No 2 Demetrious Cox- Jeannette posted at eFilmRoom, saying, "Demetrious Cox out of Jeannette, the same school that produced Terrelle Pryor and Ohio State running back Jordan Hall, is a 2012 recruit that is drawing a lot of attention nationally"

SteveR presents Michael Thomas Taft High Football Highlights 2010-11 posted at eFilmRoom, saying, "Michael Thomas was a top receiver out of the 2011 recruiting class nationally but made a decision to spend a semester at Fork Union Military Academy prior to starting college."

SteveR presents Why Stanford QB Luck will not be a Colt in 2012 posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "There is a lot of talk in the sports world about which NFL team will by Luck(y). Most people believe that the winner (by losing) will be either the Rams, the Dolphins or the Colts. None of those teams have won a game so far."

Curtis Choy presents Occupy New York (Jets) posted at The High Motor Guy, saying, "update on NY Jets backup QB Mark Brunell"

Yimzzo presents
Yimzzo - Peyton for MVP posted at Yimzzo, saying, "Peyton For MVP, even if he sits out the entire year"

Yimzzo presents Giants will lose 5 in a row! | Yimzzo posted at Yimzzo, saying, "Giants will drop the next 5 in a row"

SteveR presents Ohio State vs Indiana, Jordan Hall Unlikely posted at BrutusReport, saying, "With a ankle sprain suffered last weekend against Wisconsin, running back and kick returner Jordan Hall is unlikely to play this coming weekend against Indiana."

SteveR presents Braxton Miller Named Big 10 Freshman of the Week posted at BrutusReport, saying, "The Ohio State Buckeyes took on the Wisconsin Badgers this past Saturday Night in Ohio Stadium and thanks to some fourth quarter heroics by freshman quarterback Braxton Miller, they were able to pull off the upset 33-29."

SteveR presents #2 Demetrious Cox- Jeannette posted at eFilmRoom, saying, "In this highlight film from FinestPrep.com, Jeannette PA safety prospect Demetrious Cox is shown hitting receivers hard as they make receptions or try to gain yards after a catch."

SteveR presents Joe Paterno Fired By Penn State After Sex Scandal Exposed posted at BrutusReport, saying, "Joe Paterno, the winningest coach in college football, should have retired years ago and finally made the decision to retire at the end of this season in the face of a media storm brought on by the arrest of his former defensive coach Jerry Sandusky."

hockey

Jean Rumsey presents Phoenix Coyotes November 10 2011 Phoenix Coyotes vs. Montreal Canadiens posted at Sports Tickets Schedule, saying, "Are you a fan of the Phoenix Coyotes? The team is playing on Thursday, November 10 2011at the well-known stadium in Arizona."

Jean Rumsey presents Anaheim Ducks vs. Los Angeles Kings at Arrowhead Pond Of Anaheim ? November 17 posted at Sports Tickets Schedule, saying, "The Anaheim Mighty Ducks are back in action on 11-17-2011 at the Arrowhead Pond Of Anaheim."

Jean Rumsey presents 11-23-2011 Detroit Red Wings vs. Calgary Flames at Joe Louis Arena Detroit,Michigan posted at Sports Tickets Schedule, saying, "Detroit Red Wings Fans: You don’t want to miss the approaching Detroit Red Wings vs. Calgary Flames game on November 23 2011 at 07:00 PM. This will definitely be a game to remember at the Joe Louis Arena."

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The Key Differences Between MMA and Boxing

2011-11-14T11:30:00.000-08:00

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

MMA and boxing are often compared - both are fighting sports, both are one versus one, and both take place in the ring (or in some cases, the cage.) However, the differences between the two sports are vast and pronounced. Just what makes them so unique? Continue reading to find out.

Variety of Attacks

The most obvious similarities and differences are technical. Both MMA and boxing involve punching, but MMA is far more versatile, allowing for kicks, throws, submission locks, and more. In boxing, you only worry about your opponent's hands and footwork. In MMA, you have to worry about everything (hands, elbows, knees, etc.) your opponent can use against you.

Style of Attack

Since MMA is inspired from martial arts, even MMA punching techniques are different from that of boxing - especially if a fighter needs to be watching for kicks and takedown attempts when throwing each punch. Whereas boxers focus on strength and speed, MMA fighters must develop a much more diverse range of physical attributes – such as flexibility and balance - in all positions, not just standing.

As such, MMA offers more opportunities for gracefulness compared to boxing. Undoubtedly, you need to be strong and capable of throwing those punches and kicks, but only vast flexibility offers fighters the ability to stretch out that kick to the head, or throw someone down from an awkward position.

Popularity of Professional Fighters

When it comes to the professional game, the top MMA fighters tend to be less iconic than their boxing counterparts, partly due to the relative longevity and fame of boxing. Boxing has always had its famous champions, such as Tyson and Foreman, who dominated their sport to the point where they earned tens of millions of dollars per fight. But because of the disparity between the great and standard boxers, boxing fans must often endure mediocre, one-sided fights that are decided before the competitors enter the ring. However, they also get the tension, drama and excitement of fights between kings of the sport, such as Ali versus Liston.

Dominance of the Champions

MMA fighters tend to dominate their sport less than the top boxers, and earn much lower salaries. Statistically, the best MMA fighters can expect to be dethroned much more quickly than their boxing counterparts. But while it's interesting to watch top fighters fall to determined newcomers, MMA consequently lacks the immutable aura of the huge boxing fighters that could propel the sport's popularity even further. Of course, MMA is not devoid of champions – see Fedor Emelianenko, Wanderlei Silva, or Georges St. Pierre – but it has a long way to go before it reaches the prestige of boxing.

Safety and Injury

Finally, MMA and boxing seem to argue regularly over which sport is the most brutal or damaging to its competitors. There are valid arguments either way, but MMA is safer overall. That MMA incorporates martial arts suggests fighters will be more respectful to one another than in boxing, and since MMA is not just about hitting your opponent in the face, fighters are much less likely to sustain fatal head injuries. Certainly, the emphasis on hitting any part of your opponent's body in MMA opens competitors to a variety of injuries, but these injuries pale in comparison to permanent brain damage.

Those are some of the main differences between these two sports, so I hope that makes some sense. Now please do me a favor - don't start any arguments about who would win in a fight, the boxer or mixed martial artist. As you now know, they are two completely different sports, and the argument is just a waste of time.

William Barnes is a huge MMA fan. When he's not watching the latest UFC event, he is probably writing for The MMA Fan Guide, an MMA site by fans, for fans.

Gold Medal Predictions for London 2012 Olympics

2011-11-05T06:44:00.000-07:00

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On the 27th July, the opening ceremony for the 2012 Olympics will welcome over 10,000 athletes from around the world.

The 2012 Summer Olympics will have 302 different events and 26 sports.

Here are some of the predictions for the Gold Medal winners of 2012.

Track and Field

Men’s 100m Sprint: Usain Bolt

Currently the world record holder for the 100m sprint, Bolt’s amazing achievements in the field of sprinting will be remembered for some time. Having announced he will probably retire from sprinting after 2012, we can be sure he has something special planned for the crowd at Olympic Park in 2012.

Men’s High Jump: Ivan Ukhov

Currently one of the strongest competitors his field, Ukhov has but one fatal weak point. He does not use proper high jumping spiked shoes, which have caused him to perform poorly in wet conditions. Providing the weather stays dry, there is no reason not to expect him to win.

Women’s 100m Sprint: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

Currently the reigning champion in the event, she is a big favourite to take gold at London 2012. Named as the UNICEF National Goodwill Ambassador for Jamaica, she is sure to have a large following of children cheering her on.

Men’s Javelin: Andreas Thorkildsen

Currently the gold medallist from Beijing, and showing no real signs of being overthrown, Thorkildsen enters the 2012 Games as the favourite. He’s thrown a javelin over 90m already, and is certainly not afraid to do so again.

Women’s Javelin: Mariya Abakumova

While not the 2008 medal winners, she has shown such strong performances in the athletics meets leading up to these next Olympics it would be difficult to look past her as a favourite. These include the 2011 World Championships where she took Gold.

Swimming

Men’s 1500m Freestyle: Sun Yang

The 19 year old from China continues to defy sense on why an endurance sport such as the 1500m freestyle can see dominance from people so young. In 2010 he broke the long held Australian dominance on the world record, and looks to be a hot favourite to win in London 2012.

Men’s 100 Butterfly: Michael Phelps

Michael Phelp’s domination of a number of swimming events will continue in 2012, as he wins a few more medals including this one. Phelp’s amazing physique is one that is nearly perfectly adapted for competitive sprint swimming. Frequently accused of banned substance usage due to his amazing performances, Phelps regularly undergoes testing and has shown pass after pass on all his drug tests.

This analysis of professional services was brought to you by HirePulse, a service linking Australian business, contractors, consultants, freelancers and professional services. Article made in conjunction with Living Online.

Five Alternative Winter Sports

2011-11-02T10:45:00.000-07:00

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As winter closes in ski and snowboard enthusiasts start to dream of hitting the slopes for long days on the piste, reveling in the wintry air and soaking in the dramatic scenery of and snowy mountain ranges. But there are plenty of alternative ways to enjoy winter thrills on snow and ice without having to step into skis or strap on a board. You don’t even have to fly out to the mountains or wait for winter to experience days of snow-filled fun either. So whether you’re heading out to the slopes this season, or staying home for the winter, here are some of our favorite alternative winter activities to get your heart pumping.

Snowmobile riding

If you like fast cars, fresh air and awesome scenery, then you will simply love hopping on board a snowmobile. The awesome power of these machines lets you glide across the snow at high speed, with all the excitement of a James Bond movie. There are some stunning locations to try it out too, including some of the most popular Alpine resorts in Europe, or try snowmobiling across a frozen lake in the beautifully remote surrounds of Finnish Lapland for one of the most thrilling yet peaceful high speed activities imaginable.

Ice climbing

Tackle terrifying terrain that you couldn’t even consider taking on with skis on your feet. Introductory courses are available for beginners with expert instructors based at some of Europe’s biggest ski resorts, such as Chamonix in France, who will soon have you digging your ice pick and crampons into sheer, icy cliff faces, clambering over frozen waterfalls and abseiling down icefalls. You don’t have to stray too far to try it either, guided climbs are available in the Scottish Highlands while there are indoor climbing centres in the UK where you can try out ice climbing at any time of year, whatever the weather.

Parapenting

The snow equivalent of paragliding, parapenting is one of the most thrilling ways to soak in the mountainous scenery of your ski resort. Point your skis down the slope and as your parachute fills with air, it lifts you gently into the air before taking you soaring high above the trees and mountains. Total beginners can give it a go strapped safely to an instructor, who takes control of the chute and ensures you land safely back on the snow.

Tubing

A hit with adults and kids alike, you can forget about learning tricky techniques and stocking up on expensive equipment, all you need for fun on the slopes is an inflatable ring and nerves of steel! Some resorts these days even have special areas for tubing, otherwise you can give it a go any small slope with a safe place to stop, or you may be able to try it out in the evenings on floodlit nursery pistes. Back on home soil, indoor skiing centres in the UK offer the activity for simple, no frills fun on the snow.

Snowshoeing

One of the more gentle ways to enjoy the slopes, snowshoes give you a great way to enjoy the beautiful surrounds that many ski resorts boast, even if you don’t want to partake in skiing or boarding. You can follow safe walking trails around the foothills or more rigorous routes higher in the mountains which will still put your fitness to the test. Guided snowshoe experience days are also available in many resorts both in Scotland and abroad.

This article has been created by Activity Superstore, the UK's leading Gift Experience Days supplier.

Sports Carnival Ecstasy - October 27, 2011

2011-10-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

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Welcome to the October 27, 2011 edition of Sports Carnival Ecstasy.This week we have some really good posts including two from SteveR a Scoop on the New NCAA Guidelines and a look at John Simon, the Big 10 Defensive Player of the Week. Tiger Hebert wants to know What Happened to the Lions Explosive Offense? and has his Week 8 NFL Picks. Hope you like the articles, bookmark, share, tweet, like on Facebook and come back soon.

Juliana Smith presents 10 Reasons Why Football is More Popular Than Baseball posted at Satellite Dish, saying, "Baseball has historically been considered America’s national pastime; but football is clearly the most popular sport in America today, and there are a number of reasons why. Let’s take a look at ten reasons why football is more popular than baseball"

Irene Beckerr presents Top 40 Job Sites for Sports Administration posted at Masters in Sports Administration, saying, "Earning a degree in sports administration can be an exciting career choice. Earning your master's degree will help you achieve better career opportunities and a higher salary. It is also important, and can be extremely beneficial to your career, to obtain an internship to help get your foot in the door. These fantastic sites will keep you knowledgeable with what jobs are available and the education and experience required to achieve them."

Marshall Stanton presents Economics of fantasy sports posted at The Road Not Taken.

extreme

Rachel Cleary presents The Attack on Obesity and the BMI Myth | TravelInsurance.org posted at TravelInsurance.org, saying, "Hey, I'm submitting this article because I have a genuine concern for my generation. We are becoming more and more obese and what better way for me to find help than to reach out to fellow bloggers. I hope you would review my article and share it with the nations. Thanks..."

football

SteveR presents The Scoop on New NCAA Guidelines posted at BrutusReport, saying, "In the somewhat off-the-wall new rules put into place because of the NCAA’s governing board this season, the world of college athletics is again in a whirlwind state."

SteveR presents John Simon, Big 10 Defensive Player of the Week posted at BrutusReport, saying, "The BIG 10 conference announced today that John Simon is their defensive Player of your Week when the Buckeyes defeated Illinois 17-7 Saturday."

Tiger Hebert presents The Tiger Report: Contest Alert: Chance to Win Free NFL Gift posted at The Tiger Report, saying, "Free Contest - Enter to Win a FREE NFL Team Flag! Deadline is Friday Night!"

Tiger Hebert presents What Happened to the Lions Explosive Offense? posted at The Tiger Report, saying, "Why is the Lions offense struggling so much right now?"

Tiger Hebert presents TTR's Week 8 Picks posted at The Tiger Report, saying, "Our picks for all the Week 8 games."

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Predictions: Philadelphia Eagles Vs. Dallas Cowboys 10/30 8:20PM EDT

2011-10-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

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While players and coaches have come and gone and stadiums have been built, demolished, and renamed, one thing that has yet to change between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys: the long time running rivalry. The rivalry has been going on ever since September 30, 1960 with a 25-27 Eagles win over the Cowboys. Players and fans continue the rivalry in 2011, and you know a rivalry is good when past games between the two teams have been coined as Bounty Bowls.

"Our number 1 nemesis is still the Dallas Cowboys. People tend to not even care if we win the season as long as we beat the Cowboys. Now, that being said, everyone was expecting (the Eagles) to go to the Super Bowl with all of these new acquisitions that they got. The Eagles were on fire when it came to picking up players," explained Dr. Siegel, a dentist practicing out of Philadelphia and an avid Eagles fan.

Does Philadelphia Have A Greater Shot In The Post-Season With A Win Over Dallas?

As preseason rolled around and the big NFL lock out was finally resolved, the Eagles soon became known as the "Dream Team" as the team continued to pick up new promising teammates to add to the Eagles' arsenal. However, it seems this phase was short lived as after Week 3, QB Michael Vick has already admitted that the "Dream Team" is over. Combined with a not so spectacular start and key players in less than optimum health, a victorious game against Dallas could be the team's silver lining. As Dr. Siegel explained, "The Philadelphia Eagles have definitely started slow this year. There was a great expectation for victories in our city. The Eagles will have a chance to redeem themselves to the Philadelphia sports fans when the play the Dallas Cowboys. No team is disliked more than the Cowboys in Philadelphia. Even with a winning season if the Eagles lose to the cowboys fans are not happy. A win over the Cowboys will go a long way to help the Eagles turn their season around."

Dallas Cowboys fan and Pro Blogger, Alex Weston of CowboysGab.com agrees with Siegel. "I would say the Eagles have under performed. As the season has developed I think most people expected them to be 5-0 or 4-1. The "dream team" has had a very rough start to the season going 1-4 and it has been inconsistency that has plagued them as well. They have looked good at times and looked awful at others. The Eagles defense is still a concern, especially against the run. But, as the season goes on, I expect the Eagles to get things worked out and make a run at the division."

Cowboys Riding On Slow Horses Early On

At the same time, Weston also has similar thoughts regarding his own team, proving that time may be just what the Eagles and the Cowboys need. As he explained, "I think the Cowboys have been what we expected them to be. They have been much improved on defense and very explosive on offense. Their real problem has been consistency and ball control. It seems the Cowboys have put themselves in position to win, but have been unable to deliver due to turnovers. I think as the season goes on, we'll start to see that get straightened out."

The Cowboys' less-than-stellar start with an injured WB Tony Romo, almost mirrors the same problems that the Philadelphia Eagles are facing.

Holding On To The Ball May Be The Deciding Factor

Looking at the two teams, both are able to enjoy a bye week before their upcoming face-off, which may be a much needed break for both the Cowboys and the Eagles. Statistically both teams are pretty close with the exception of Philadelphia's rushing yards to Dallas. Though statistics are just numbers, the key to winning this match-up may be the team who suffers from the fewest fumbles.

"I do think the teams are pretty evenly matched and it is going to come down to which ever team turns the ball over the least. The defenses will be key in this game so I imagine there will be lots of blitzing on both sides. Which ever defense forces the most turnovers, that team will walk out of there with the victory," explained Weston.

When Philadelphia hosts the Cowboys on October 30 at Lincoln Financial Field, the city's most notable nickname, "The City of Brotherly Love" will likely go straight out the window. When the Cowboys come into town, Philadelphia is the place to be for a bitter rivalry that runs deep. That's the best type of football, right?

Ashley Page writes for Off-Topic Media. Special thanks to Philly dentist, Dr. Ken Siegel and Cowboys blogger, Alex Weston of CowboysGab.com for their comments.

How to Be a Fashionable "Sporty Spice"

2011-10-12T12:32:00.000-07:00

Image by joanneteh_32(loving Laduree) via Flickr

Hut, hut, hike! Every Fall ushers in a brand new season one of America’s greatest spectator sports: football. Let the tailgates commence! So what does the female sports fan wear to the games this fall? A team jersey or tee is a given, but that’s not enough to keep you warm a cozy during those chilly night games. There are a variety of ways to spice up your sporty outfit.

VESTS! They are perfect for football tailgates and games, since they allow your team apparel to show through AND they keep you insulated when the sun goes down. This multi-purpose, practical garment can pull an entire outfit together. Check out the Juicy Couture “Quilted Nylon Thinsulate Puffer Vest” on zappos.com. Right now this incredibly well made and stylish vest is 43% off. For just $129 (down from $228) you can purchase this it in Angel or Black, both equally appealing. Don’t forget to look for a zappos coupon code on coupon sites, like CheapSally.com. You can save even more on this great find!
Boots. Now that your all vested up with your jersey proudly tucked underneath, you’ll need some killer boots. The key for tailgates and games is comfort, but you also want to look feminine and pretty. A fall 2011 favorite: the “Venus Riding Boot” from Banana Republic. This gorgeous, soft, black leather boot has a comfortable memory foam and cushioned insole that will keep your feet happy for hours. Your arches won’t be begging for mercy by halftime in these one-inch heeled Banana boots. If your feet are warm and comfy, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the event.
The Perfect Denim. You will need to tuck a form-fitting jean into your killer boots. Try on Paige Denim ‘Verdugo’ Stretch Denim Leggings. Paige Denim offers some of the world’s most comfortable, lasting pants that never go out of style. These jeans don’t stretch out after one wear, so they’re perfect for games and tailgates; you’ll constantly be on the move, sitting and standing, replenishing your drink, and of course, rushing to the restroom. The ‘Verdugo’ dark jean will fit perfectly in your boots and add a chic statement to your sporty spice outfit. Designer jeans are indeed an investment, but Paige is worth every penny.
Tote. Without a doubt, women have a reputation for carrying too much “stuff.” Well, that still applies at football games. In fact, that “stuff’ multiplies. Not only do you need your wallet and lip gloss, but you’ll want to stash a pair of mittens, perhaps a scarf, some binoculars, and some snacks (Don’t deny it…you sneak things in, too.) This fall, you’ll want to carry a good-sized tote with you to football festivities. Check out the ‘Large buckle tote’ from Gap. This chocolate brown purse measures 8 ¼ inches by 12 ½ inches by 15 ¼ inches, leaving plenty of space for all the goodies. With front pockets and darling zipper embellishments, this fall accessory will make you a tote-ally stylish sports fan.

Even sporty spice can look feminine and flirty. Be the sports fashionista at your next football game!

Erin Prickett is a fashion enthusiast and bargain hunter. She enjoys finding great deals on apparel, shoes, jewelry and accessories and recommends using a Zappos coupon code to save on this fall’s hottest fashions.

A Guide to the Rugby World Cup Venues

2011-10-04T06:52:00.000-07:00

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The 2011 rugby world cup is in full swing and swathes of tourists have descended upon the "land of the long white cloud" to be part of the action and soak up the fevered atmosphere. New Zealand is staging the tournament across the length of the country, so in the spirit of investigation we decided to find out a little bit more about the venues that are hosting tourists, teams and matches. The aim of the organisers was to try and give everyone a taste of this rugby loving nation. The biggest matches take place in the large cities, however following the devastating series of earthquakes in Christchurch in 2010 and 2011; the city could not host any games in the world cup. This was a huge, saddening setback for an area of New Zealand that has consistently produced some of the game's finest players. Despite this awful news the spirit of rugby and unity remains strong in New Zealand, so, from north to south, here's a guide to the venues.

Whangarei

Situated at almost the very top of New Zealand's north island, Whangarei is the Northland region's biggest urban and commercial centre. It sits at a latitude that gives the region a lovely sub-tropical climate, so it's certainly one of the better places to be at this time of year. The stadium at the Northland Events centre, has a capacity of 20,000 - which may be small compared to northern hemisphere grounds like Twickenham - but punches above its weight in terms of atmosphere. The stadium hosted a very memorable game between Canada and Tonga that saw the North Americans win at the last gasp in a tight game.

Auckland

New Zealand's biggest city is home to over a quarter of its citizens, despite a somewhat uninspiring centre, it is a beautifully located city, with many bays and rolling volcanoes and is a major draw for many tourists. Auckland has two stadiums that will be hosting games at the world cup. The 30,000 seater North Harbour stadium, which is located around 15 miles north of the centre of Auckland, and was the location of Ireland's famous victory over Australia. Eden Park is the other venue in Auckland and is arguably the most famous stadium in the country. It will host a rugby world cup final for the second time and all New Zealanders will hope the All Blacks will replicate their 1987 success.

Hamilton

The fourth largest but fastest growing city in New Zealand is normally home to regional side Waikato and Super Rugby team the Chiefs. The city is noted for having a high number of scientists concentrated in the area, making it something of a Cambridge for New Zealand. Situated in the Waikato region on the banks of the river of the same name, Hamilton is easily reached from Auckland both by road and rail. The Waikato Stadium can currently seat 30,000 spectators and is one of the most popular venues in the country, the original stadium opened in 1925 and by 1996, was in need of an upgrade. Today's incarnation of Rugby Park opened in 2002.

Rotorua

This inland city is one of the north island's major tourist destinations as visitors come to sample the hot springs, which can make the town smell like rotten eggs on occasion, its array of adventure sports and the incredible beaches to the north of the town. Rotorua is not the largest city in the Bay of Plenty region but is certainly the most popular, attracting well over 800,000 international visitors every year. The imaginatively named Rotorua International Stadium will host group matches including the likes of Ireland, Samoa and Fiji.

New Plymouth

Cunningly named after the town in Devon from where the original settlers came, New Plymouth is the largest city in the Taranaki Region, which can often be overlooked by tourists. The west coast of the north island has some spectacular scenery and is very popular with surfers, with some excellently located beaches able to make the most of the swell off the Tasman Sea. Stadium Taranaki, which will host the games at the world cup, is the heartbeat of rugby in the region and has a capacity of 26,000. Owing to a somewhat exposed location on the west coast, it can be susceptible to tricky conditions.

Napier

Napier is one of the more attractively situated venues for the rugby world cup. Nestled on the pacific east coast, it enjoys a warm microclimate, which has made it one of New Zealand's more famous wine producing regions. Following an earthquake in 1931, the town was rebuilt in an Art Deco style, and the buildings are today considered to be among the world's best surviving examples of the era. The stadium is among the world cup's smaller venues, seating 15,000 people, however it packs in a lot of history, with the genesis of McLean Park dating from the turn of the 20th century.

Palmerston North

This city lies at something of a cross roads in the north island, while situated only a few miles from Wellington, it is one of the more easily accessed cities from the east and west. The Manawatu River flows through the city and various sections of the waterway offer impressive vistas. Palmerston North is also home to the New Zealand Rugby Museum, which is testament of how much the game is loved in the country. The stadium is situated very close to the city centre and comprises of over 30 individual venues, including the rugby ground, which can seat up to 15,000 spectators.

Wellington

While it is only the third largest city in New Zealand, this strategically and beautifully located capital often lays claimed to being far and away the coolest. Situated right at the bottom of the north island in a natural harbour on the Cook Straights, Wellington mixes a student feel with a bohemian but grown up nature that can be expected of a capital city. The venue, which for the world cup is called the Wellington Regional Stadium, is colloquially known as the "cake tin" - as its metallic circular design bears a resemblance to said baking apparatus. It once served as a film location for a battle scene in one of the Lord of the Rings films - fans of the franchise will probably know that direct Peter Jackson hails from the region.

Nelson

Nelson is something of a secluded gem of a city that enjoys a pleasing microclimate and, along with the neighbouring Marlborough region produces arguably the finest white wines in the whole of New Zealand. Appropriately enough the city will host games that including other wine producing countries including Italy and Australia. Nelson can also lay claim to being the location of the first ever rugby match in New Zealand. The city's stadium is called Trafalgar Park, named in reference to the famous naval battle won Admiral Nelson, can seat up to 18,000 fans and located a short walk from the town centre.

Dunedin

The south island is more sparsely populated than its northern counterpart, this is in part influenced by its more rugged and spectacular scenery, making it harder to build on. Dunedin is found on the south east corner of the island and is one of the most European-like cities in the country. Dunedin was founded by Scottish settlers and the name is the Gaelic translation of Edinburgh. For the Rugby World Cup the stadium has been completely rebuilt and now has a permanent roof - so that during more inclement months rugby can still be played. The old stadium was known as the "house of pain" owing to difficulties suffered by visiting teams and because it was located in a steep sided valley, often afforded views into the ground from the surrounding streets.

Invercargill

Sitting at the foot of the south island, Invercargill has long been an important fishing and farming settlement. New Zealanders are fond of using the expression "four seasons in one day" to describe the weather in the country - and Invercargill certainly lives up to this billing - having a very changeable climate. One of the most famous landmarks is Bluff Point, the most southerly point in New Zealand, which is home to an iconic signpost showing distances to other major cities around the world - and demonstrates just how remote New Zealand is on the planet. The stadium has been the centre of Southland rugby since the early 20th century and has been redeveloped for the Rugby World Cup, in order to accommodate up to 17,000 spectators.

Jonathan is a keen sports fan with special interests in writing about rugby, tennis and cricket

Sports Carnival Ecstasy - September 29, 2011

2011-09-29T14:15:00.000-07:00

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Welcome to the September 29, 2011 edition of Sports Carnival Ecstasy.In this episode we have some 39 different stories from many great blogs. Rose starts us off with a look at the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. We have the 10 Most Shocking Sports Tragedies of All Time from Katie Gilbert. Lisa Hood stays with college football and reports the 10 Football Freshmen to Follow This Fall. Finally we have two articles by Steve including What have we learned from the first 2 weeks of the NFL and The Future of College Football, Super conferences. Hope you enjoy all the material, bookmark, share, tweet, like on Facebook, and come back next time.

Rose presents Rutgers Scarlet Knights ? October 1 2011 at 03:30 PM, Carrier Dome posted at Sports Tickets Schedule, saying, "Come see the highly anticipated Syracuse Orange vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights sport on Saturday, October 1 2011. Enjoy watching your favorite Basketball team as they attempt for Division domination! Watch and the entire Rutgers Scarlet Knights in one of the greatest Basketball match-ups! Make sure to cheer on your favorite team in Syracuse, New York for this approaching performance."

Steve presents Santa Pod Hosts European Drag Racing Finals posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "For most normal people in the British Isles, chugging to the shops in something dull, the idea of drag racing conjures up images of glamorous Yanks, sun-drenched desert airfields and blingin’ USA style showmanship, as ridiculously powerful nitrous-methane fuelled drag cars launch their sacrificial pilots into mind-numbingly fast races which are over in seconds."

kuhlmad presents Youth Sports, Winning the Right Way posted at The World of Kuhlmad.

Michael Donelly presents The most Efficient combination: Anaerobic and Aerobic training posted at www.anotherway.org, saying, "Read this if: You want to achieve fitness results effectively taking advantage of the latest methods in fitness training. The latest findings reveal that you are more likely to lose body fat and build up muscles if you combine aerobic exercises with anaerobic ones. Another interesting fact is that experimental and observational research show that aerobic exercise and resistance training contribute to the maintenance of functional capabilities during aging."

Rose presents 10-07-2011 Carolina Hurricanes vs. Tampa Bay Lightning at Rbc Center Raleigh,North Carolina posted at Sports Tickets Schedule, saying, "Head to Rbc Center on Friday, October 7 2011 to witness the Carolina Hurricanes in action! The Carolina Hurricanes vs. Tampa Bay Lightning game will commence at 07:00 PM as both teams battle for a win in Raleigh, North Carolina."

Michael Donelly presents Weight is not the Problem: Fat is! posted at www.anotherway.org, saying, "Gain: a life-time strategy to maintain good-looking and healthy body.

Cost: about 2,5 hours per week training and some money for home sports equipment or gym cards depending on your preferences and budget."

Katie Gilbert presents 10 Most Shocking Sports Tragedies of All Time posted at Best Online Colleges.com, saying, "Sports, though an escape, encapsulate the human condition, and those who follow them closely know that players aren't immune to the same randomness, unpredictability and personal issues we face in our lives."

Steve presents Djokovic Wakes up from 2011 Dream Season posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "Coming off his incredible win over Nadal in the US Open tennis final, Djokovic was unable to complete his Davis Cup match due to a lingering back injury."

Lisa Hood presents 10 Football Freshmen You Should Follow This Fall posted at ZenCollegeLife, saying, "Hardcore followers of college football are already familiar with this year's top freshmen."

Steve presents How Many Different Competitions Are Part of An Olympic Pentathlon? posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "The modern pentathlon is composite event which tests the endurance, strength, timing, precision and skill of an athlete."

Steve presents The Barclays ATP World Tour Finals 2011 posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "The draw isn’t like a normal tournament, instead it begins with round robin play that eliminates half the field."

Michael Donelly presents The Difference Between Good and Bad Exercise posted at www.anotherway.org, saying, "Gain: Toned body and other significant health benefits without damaging your joints

We all know that physical activity and doing sports is healthy. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released its new Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, calling for adults between the ages of 18 and 64 to exercise moderately. The positive effects of physical exercises are numerous..."

baseball

Tina Marconi presents 10 Indoor Sports Kids Can Play posted at Babysitters, saying, "After a day or two of being stuck indoors, kids often need a way to burn off some of the energy that they normally use up in outdoor play. Here are 10 sports activities that can be adapted for inside the house."

extreme

Laura presents Extreme Skydiving posted at Extreme Sports XExtreme Sports X | Extreme Sports X, saying, "Awesome article on extreme skydiving"

football

Steve presents This Weekend: Ohio State Buckeyes v University of Miami Hurricanes posted at BrutusReport, saying, "Nationally ranked (17) Ohio State University, with new coach Luke Fickell at the helm, is slated to play at the University of Miami this weekend. Both teams have been under the microscope this season, amidst controversy involving NCAA infractions."

Steve presents Talent Rich Ohio State Drops Akron 42-0 posted at BrutusReport, saying, "Welcome to the Luke Fickell era. With 8 missing players on Saturday, Ohio State was still able to shutout the Akron Zips 42-0 in front of 100,000 Buckeye fans in Ohio Stadium."

Steve presents Najee Murray 2012 Steubenville Ohio Athlete Highlights posted at eFilmRoom, saying, "In this exclusive video from Ohio Varsity, Steubenville Ohio defensive back and Ohio State commit demonstrates his great speed on kick returns and his hart hitting ability on defense."

Michael presents De’Van Bogard Cleveland Glenville 2012 Safety posted at eScoutRoom, saying, "De’Van Bogard came to Ohio State just as things were looking a little sour, with NCAA violations looming, Coach Jim Tressel Resigned, and their star recruit from Cleveland switching to Michigan."

Michael presents Najee Murray 2012 Ohio State Corner Back Scholarship Commitment posted at eScoutRoom, saying, "Najee Murray from Steubenville, Ohio was the eighth commitment for Ohio State for their 2012 recruiting class."

Steve presents Eagles Looking Strong in 2011/2012 posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "Preseason is over, but the war has just begun. Football fans have been coming out of summer hibernation to support their favorite teams with fervor, body paint, beer, air horns, and dreams of the Super Bowl dancing in their heads. Many teams are already proving their worth in the pre-season, and the Philadelphia Eagles are one of them."

Steve presents My Fearless League Predictions posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "It is time again for my fearless attempt (note: no dart boards were injured during this exercise) to predict the outcome of the 2011 NFL Season. I know that some of you will doubt my crystal ball but it seldom fails me (except when it needs repair which happens around this time every year)."

Shyam Anjaria presents The Beginning??..of a Business Empire? posted at Glocal Outlook.

Shyam Anjaria presents UEFA Champions League: Inequality at its friggin’ best. posted at Glocal Outlook.

Steve presents Ohio State Buckeyes v Miami Hurricanes 2011, Questions I Have posted at BrutusReport, saying, "Watching the game on Saturday was difficult as Buckeye fans are used to seeing Ohio State compete with the exception those two horrible NC games when they didn’t show up in 2006 and 2007."

Steve presents Who Holds the NFL Single Season Rushing Record? posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "A great running back that defenses must game plan for week after week and still can’t be stopped is as formidable in 2011 as they have been throughout NFL history."

Steve presents What have we learned from the first 2 weeks of the NFL? posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "The Bills are 2-0 but had to pull a miracle to win vs. Oakland. They are not as good as they looked last week vs. KC because the Chiefs are TERRIBLE. They face the Pats this week."

Steve presents Ohio State 2012 Commit Bri'onte Dunn Discusses 2011 Preparation posted at eFilmRoom, saying, "In this nice interview of Bri’onte Dunn prior to the 2011 season, he discusses what GlenOak needs to do to be successful this year."

Steve presents Bri’onte Dunn Highlights from Scouting Ohio posted at eFilmRoom, saying, "Pretty decent highlights from the Canton GlenOak running back Bri’onte Dunn considered the 10th best running back in the country by Rivals.com."

Steve presents Ohio State Takes Colorado with Turnover Free Play posted at BrutusReport, saying, "The 37-17 win gives the Buckeyes some confidence as they head into conference play against Michigan State this coming week."

Steve presents Super conferences: The Future of College Football posted at BrutusReport, saying, "Unfortunately, college football is taking a new direction this year, and next year traditions and rivalries might disappear altogether."

Steve presents Ohio State to Face Michigan State Saturday in Ohio Stadium posted at BrutusReport, saying, "The Big Ten conference is beginning for the 3-1 Buckeyes this coming weekend with a visit from 3-1 Michigan State."

Michael presents Canton GlenOak RB Brionte Dunn Looks Around posted at eScoutRoom, saying, "At 6’2” 215 lbs, he has great size and speed that reminds many of Chris ‘Beanie’ Wells who excelled in his time at Ohio State at tailback."

golf

Steve presents Six Golfing Swing Tips posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "This is a quick guide to a super swing and a satisfying session of the sport, golf."

nascar

Steve presents A Look At The Fiat 500 posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "Quite honestly, the first impression, based on these ads was not particularly favorable. It looked like just another toy car doomed to quick extinction by American tastes for big and bigger."

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Road tripping through SEC Country

2011-09-29T08:08:00.000-07:00

The Southeastern Conference is potentially the hardest, most enjoyable athletic conference in university football. Spanning geographically from Kentucky in the north to Florida in the south, Arkansas in the west and South Carolina in the east, the conference plans to grow westward into Texas in 2012. With thousands of miles and masses of gridiron action, road tripping through SEC Country is a complete must for football fans. Begin by noting must see games. Often, these are long-standing contentions like the Alabama Auburn game, the Florida Georgia matchup, the LSU Auburn game and the Arkansas Ole Miss match-up. You'll want to begin straight away by making contact with the host town for a visitor’s guide for quick-to-sell-out events. It will help with massively with holiday info for games you are ardent on attending.

In addition, if you are attached to one team, streamline things by planning to follow their schedule alone. For instance, the Auburn Tigers face off in the Iron Bowl against Alabama, in the Deep South's Oldest Contention against Georgia and the Tiger Bowl against LSU in a stated year. Similarly, die-hard Arkansas Razorback fans will find the LSU Arkansas, Arkansas Ole Miss, Arkansas Texas AM Aggies and Arkansas Texas Longhorn match-ups too good to oppose. Hence download a schedule from your favorite team's official site, list the towns you will be visiting and the dates you will be there, and contact that city's official tourism bureau or Better Business Bureau for a visitor’s guide packed with holiday info. If you have decided to sketch out your own schedule, plan rigorously to be sure that no 2 dates overlap, that driving distance is satisfactory, and that some games happen on the same day annually for example the Iron Bowl on Thanksgiving. Many guides will tip you off as to ideal hotel accommodations, for example the on-campus School of Georgia hotel or accommodations close to the Razorback Stadium, Tiger Stadium or other locale.

Make sure you buy tickets first, hotel bookings 2nd, permitting time for exclusive pre-game revelry. These can vary significantly according to the customs of the high-school but are always exciting to observe or take part in. For instance, both Auburn and LSU perform a Tiger Walk, where the team walks from a point on campus to the stadium, thru 2 rows of clamoring, loving fans.

The Florida vs. Georgia game or the Planet's Biggest Outside Cocktail Party is assumed such due to its must-do tailgating celebrations while the Arkansas Razorbacks have a pre-game show that isn't to be missed.

Madison Hewerdine is an author who likes to write visitors guides and has a passion for painting.

Underwater Diving and Scuba Diving

2011-09-20T07:06:00.001-07:00

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Scuba diving is a type of underwater diving. In this form of diving, the diver carries his/her own compressed air apparatus to breathe when he/she is under water. This allows them to stay under water for a longer period of time.

Originally, SCUBA was used as an acronym for self contained under water breathing apparatus. Typically, a scuba set consists of air hose, mouth piece, regulator, harness, back plate, and the tank. People perform scuba diving for personal as well as professional reasons. People dive for recreational purposes and there a many different disciplines like cave diving, wreck diving, ice diving, and deep diving.

Professional scuba divers are employed by companies to perform certain underwater tasks. These tasks include oil exploration, underwater welding, repair and inspection of boats and ships, salvage of wrecks, spear fishing, etc. It is not enough if air is simply supplied to a scuba diver. As the diver goes down, water also exerts pressure on the chest and lungs apart from the normal atmospheric pressure. It is approximately 1 bar for every 33 feet of depth. As such, the pressure of the inhaled air should match with the ambient pressure so that the lungs remain inflated. The regulator, that is part of a scuba set, ensures that air is supplied at ambient pressure. This enables the diver to inhale and exhale naturally and effortlessly at any depth.

Visibility is a problem for people under water as the refractive index of water is higher than that of air, but same as that of the cornea of the eye. The diving masks and helmets are designed to resolve this problem. They create an air space in front of the diver’s eyes. The error in refraction created by water is corrected when light travels from water to air through a flat lens. However, the objects appear about 34% bigger and nearly 25% closer than they actually are. As the field of view gets reduced, adjustment of eye-hand coordination is essential. Generally, divers who use corrective glasses will need to use the same glasses when wearing the mask.

How safe is scuba diving? It is a sport with risks like any other. It is the fear associated with drowning and the nervousness of using the scuba set that makes it seem riskier. Scuba diving is not as dangerous as some other activities that we take up without hesitation. The truth is that the number of fatalities is coming down every year, despite the fact that the number of divers has increased by leaps and bounds.

Daniel Blinman is writing for Scubaskool, a diving company offering dive course and divemaster internship

2 of the Greatest Ever Female Pool Players

2011-09-16T07:21:00.000-07:00

Many of the greatest ever female pool players come from a snooker background and moved over to the smaller pool tables after weighing up which of the two sports they preferred. Let's take a look at two of the greatest ever female pool players.

Alison Fisher

Once ranked as the best female pool player in the world, Alison Fisher has only recently had her top spot challenged by some world class Asian players appearing on the scene. She has been known on the snooker and pool scene by many different nick names, some of which include “Dutchess of Doom”, “Fisher Queen” and “the Barracuda”. Alison, who is said to have been very competitive from a very young age, picked up her first cue at the age of seven after watching snooker on the TV with her dad and asking for a table for christmas. Having access to her own table every day ultimately led to her playing every spare minute of every day and challenging anyone who walked through the door. Alison sacrificed a lot in her childhood, such as going out with friends on weekends and parties, to become the women and the player she is today.

As you can imagine someone with such passion and dedication for the sport did very well during her snooker and pool career. By her mid twenties she had beaten every other women on the snooker scene and she become the worlds number 1 snooker player. At the age of 27 she dropped her family, life at home and headed of over the Atlantic to learn and master the game we know her so well for today, Pool. After she started playing in American leagues and tournaments she very quickly became a household name, ranked number one yet again and winning 80 national titles and 11 world titles.

Julie Kelly

Currently ranked the number 1 pool player in Ireland, number 4 in America and number 11 in the world this strong willed, determined and passionate farm girl and pool / snooker player is not one to put your money on the table against, should you come across her in your local.

Compared to Alison Fisher, Julie was a late starter and first started playing snooker with her dad at the age of 15. Ever since she first picked up that cue it became very clear that she had a natural talent for the sport and this was quickly recognised, resulting in her competing, part-time, in the English women's circuit for seven years. During this time Julie also represented her own home country, Ireland and reached her highest ranking of number 7.

Regarded as one of the best female snooker players to ever come out of Ireland, she has won seven Irish titles, won the world plate snooker championships and finished top in other world events, in England.

It was Early 1998 when Julie headed of around the world, taking part in snooker exhibitions, only after arriving in America and checking out the pool scene she ended up staying there and competing in American pool tournaments and leagues. In 2000, one of her best years after she qualified for the world championships and won the World Ladies 9-ball Championship in Quebec, Canada, in the same year. She went on for several years to win other big titles, earning her a number 3 ranking in 2005, her highest ranking to date.

This article was produced on behalf of pool table suppliers, Home Leisure Direct - whether you're looking for English or American pool tables then check out Home Leisure's extensive catalogue of specialist home sports equipment.

Sports Carnival Ecstasy - September 15, 2011

2011-09-15T20:09:00.001-07:00

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Welcome to the September 15, 2011 edition of Sports Carnival Ecstasy. We have some of the best articles in the history of the carnival, in my opinion. Engelbert Hudson starts us off with The Top 25 Wealthiest Pro Athletes of All Time. And the 10 College Football Storylines to Watch in 2011 is a nice piece from Lisa Hood. Katie Gilbert presents the 10 Worst MVP Snubs in Baseball History. And another good one but not the last is Steve's look at The NFL and why it is stupid to enforce the NCAA’s inconsistent suspensions. Hope you enjoy the material, bookmark, tweet, like on Facebook, and come back real soon.

Engelbert Hudson presents The Top 25 Wealthiest Pro Athletes of All Time posted at Masters in Sports Administration, saying, "From clothing lines to endorsements to energy drinks and more, pro athletes often have money coming in aside from their salary. To help give you a better understanding of the kind of cash they bring in, these are twenty five of the wealthiest pro athletes of all time and what is in their bank account."

Sue Waters presents 10 Events Every Motorhead Should Experience posted at Car Insurance Blog News, Tips, and Quotes, saying, "If you're a college football fan, experiencing venues such as the Rose Bowl, Notre Dame Stadium and Death Valley (either one) are undoubtedly on your bucket list."

Lisa Hood presents 10 College Football Storylines to Watch in 2011 posted at ZenCollegeLife, saying, "A lively offseason involving multiple scandals, changes in the college football landscape and high profile coaching moves have brought forth extra anticipation for the 2011 season."

UroMed Catheters presents Athlete Scot Hollonbeck Has Proved that What’s Impossible Can Be Possible « UroMed Catheter Health Blog posted at UroMed Catheter Health Blog, saying, "The impossible becomes possible only when individuals refuse to quit and push themselves past the limitations of their own bodies and minds, and that’s what internationally-known athlete Scot Hollonbeck has done. Part 5 of a five-part series."

Rose presents Don?t Miss St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium on 09-23-2011! posted at Sports Tickets Schedule, saying, "Head to Busch Stadium on Friday, September 23 2011 to witness the St. Louis Cardinals in action! The St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs sport will commence at 07:15 PM as both teams battle for a win in Saint Louis, Missouri."

Lisa Hood presents 10 Football Programs That Could Benefit From Conference Realignment posted at ZenCollegeLife, saying, "The impending move of Texas A&M to the SEC ushers the captivating conference expansion saga into its second year."

Michael Donelly presents The Fastest Way to a Six-Pack Stomach posted at www.anotherway.org, saying, "Read this if: You have tried a million stomach crunches but still cannot see your abs.
Slim and muscular men and women are a “walking temptation” showing off their sculpted bodies in bathing suits and other revealing summer outfits. This stirs our primal instincts deep under our sophistication and intellectual aspirations. It’s said that “Men love with their eyes, women love with their ears”."

Katie Hellerman presents 30 Unique Career Paths With a Sports Management Degree posted at Masters in Sports Management, saying, "Working in sports allows for a number of opportunities to meet interesting and famous people. You may think it is difficult to get a start in this field, but there are a number a great jobs available with a sports management degree. These are thirty different paths you can take with this degree and offer some options that you may not have known about."

Tiger Hebert presents TTR's Week 2 Picks posted at The Tiger Report, saying, "NFL Football Week 2 Picks"

baseball

Rose presents Don?t Miss New York Mets vs. Washington Nationals at Citi Field on 09-15-2011! posted at Sports Tickets Schedule, saying, "Attention all Baseball fans: The Washington Nationals will be playing at the Citi Field on Thursday September 15. This match. competition will positively be a battle for the New York Mets vs. Washington Nationals. Come support Washington Nationals Collin Balester, Luis Atilano and Jason Bergmann as they play at Flushing, New York."

Mark Kislich presents How NOT to Train Athletes posted at Fréttahorn.is, saying, "How not to train athletes"

Katie Gilbert presents 10 Worst MVP Snubs in Baseball History posted at Best Online Colleges.com, saying, "As long as humans determine the MVP award — and humans (fans) in turn judge those selections — there will always be disagreement over whether or not the selection was correct."

Scholars & Rogues presents Watson's Walk posted at Scholars and Rogues, saying, "Thanks in advance for considering our post for your blog carnival!"

football

Andrew Tuffnell presents BetStat- Transfer Deadline Day Strikes Again posted at BetStat Blog, saying, "BetStat provides readers with betting advice, tips and statistics on fixtures from all the major European leagues."

Steve presents The devil of the new NFL CBA is in the details for retired players posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "The new CBA contains a provision that on its face appears to be of benefit to some retired NFL players receiving Total and Permanent disability benefits under the Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle NFL Player Retirement Plan."

Steve presents The NFL is stupid to enforce the NCAA’s inconsistent suspensions | FryingPanSports | College Football posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "NFL Commissioner Goodell decided to enforce the 5 game suspension of former OSU QB Pryor in his league."

Steve presents 2012 Ohio State Safety Prospect De’van Bogard posted at eFilmRoom, saying, "The Rivals.com 17th best safety in the country De’Van Bogard shows his playmaking ability from the safety position in this highlight film from Redshirt Scouting."

Benita presents Dynamic Tickets NFL Season Preview posted at Concert Tickets | Sports Tickets | Broadway Tickets | Opera Tickets | Vegas Shows, saying, "Dynamic Tickets 2011 NFL Season Preview. Dynamic goes division-by-division predicting winners, and predicts playoff and Super Bowl winners as well."

Monkeysuit presents Cam Newton was Impressive in First NFL Start posted at The Great Monkey Suit, saying, "Cam Newton had a record setting NFL debut. He was eventually let down by his defense and special teams but held his own under center with an impressive first week."

Tiger Hebert presents Fantasy Football: Start em Sit em - Week 2 posted at The Tiger Report, saying, "Fantasy Football Start Em Sit Em for Week 2"

mma

Mark Kislich presents When Will The Sports Training Confusion End?! | posted at Comments for Mark's Fat Burning Food And Fitness Blog: Lose LBS Fast!, saying, "Sports Training Confusion"

Monkeysuit presents The Great Monkey Suit: Lesnar is returning to the Octagon posted at The Great Monkey Suit, saying, "Brock Lesnar will return to the Octagon before the end of the year. Dana White didn't make it easy for the former heavyweight champ."

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5 of the Best Marathon Courses Around the World

2011-09-12T19:52:00.000-07:00

Image via WikipediaTaking part in a marathon is both a challenging and extremely rewarding experience. There are many marathon courses run around the world but there are few that are as well known and regarded as the following 5 marathon courses:

Chicago Marathon

Held in early October every year since 1977, the Chicago Marathon event is known for its fast, flat course.

Running numbers are capped at 45,000, so if you want to compete it's a good idea to register early. The entrance fee for international runners stands at $170 (£104).

Starting in Grant Park, participants head northwards before turning east into historic neighbourhoods, such as Little Italy and Old Town, and looping round to finish back at the park.

Berlin Marathon

The Berlin Marathon, meanwhile, allows runners to see some of the German capital's most historic buildings as they race. While the starting and finishing point is next to the iconic Brandenburg Gate, other sights you can take in include the Berliner Dom and the Reichstag building.

A million spectators enjoy the race each year with many heading to the corner of Friedrichstrasse and Torstrasse, which is a great place to see the action.

Regarded as one of the flattest major marathons, Berlin has seen a number of record-breaking runs since the inaugural event in 1974. These include 2008 where four-time champion Haile Gebrselassie from Ethiopia beat the record he set on the course just 12 months earlier.

Held on the last Sunday in September, some 40,000 people run the main event, while inline skaters race a version of the course the day before the main event.

Boston Marathon

For a really historic run, there is perhaps nothing like the Boston Marathon. Established in 1897, it is the oldest annual 26.2-mile race in the world and attracts around 27,000 runners on the third Monday of each April.

However, the race doesn't actually start in Boston. Instead, the beginning point is the nearby town of Hopkinton, where you will pass Ashland and Wellesley before arriving in the city for the finish at Copley Square, near to the public library.

The course is known for its challenging hills and perhaps one of the most difficult sections is at the 20-mile mark. Over a 600-metre stretch near Boston College, you'll have to tackle an incline of 88 feet.

The entrance fee for the event is $150, but you will also need to finish a qualifying marathon around nine months beforehand. This must be completed in a certain time and has to be a race certified by USA Track and Field or an equivalent international body.

London Marathon

The London Marathon is another famous long-distance event. Taking place every April, the first run was held in 1981 and the route has remained largely unchanged ever since it started.

Beginning in Greenwich, you'll pass by Canary Wharf, Big Ben and other famous London sights before turning past Buckingham Palace for the finish at the Mall.

With more than 36,000 people taking part, this is one of the most popular marathons in the world and while the entrance fee is £32, you can only participate if you are selected in the lottery draw.

In addition to attracting elite athletes and members of the public, numerous celebrities also take part in order to raise money for charity, with comedian Joe Pasquale and model Nell McAndrew among those to have run it in the past.

New York Marathon

Held on the first Sunday of every November, the New York Marathon has taken place since 1970 and attracts more than 45,000 participants.

From its starting point in Staten Island, the race encompasses all five of the city's boroughs, which also include Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan and The Bronx, so whether you're running or a spectator, it can be a great way to take in the iconic US destination, particularly as it ends in Central Park.

During the race, dozens of live bands perform at designated stations in order to keep runners motivated, while the Queensboro Bridge, which links Queens and Manhattan, is one of the most popular spots for spectators.

All of these races form part of the World Marathon Majors series, so whether you're running or observing, heading to any of these courses means that you'll experience some of the best marathon action around.

This post was written by Travelsupermarket.com, a travel comparison website that has great deals available on flights and hotels in all of these famous marathon locations

Sports Carnival Ecstasy - September 1, 2011

2011-09-03T13:06:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Welcome to the September 1, 2011 edition of Sports Carnival Ecstasy.We start this edition with a great article from Lisa Hood on the 10 worst Heisman trophy winners of all time. Steve has an article on Ohio State's NCAA distractions that are ongoing. An Kyle Taylor has information on making money playing Fantasy Football. Hope you enjoy the material, bookmark, share, tweet, like on Facebook, and come back soon.

Charles Chua C K presents 5 Winning Ways to Learn From Two Top Badminton Players posted at All About Living with Life.

Ani Doyle presents 10 Cool Ways Computers are Used in Sports posted at Satellite Internet Service.

Lisa Hood presents The 10 Worst Heisman Trophy Winners of All Time posted at ZenCollegeLife, saying, "Trying to choose the worst Heisman winner is like trying to choose the ugliest Miss America winner — they're all great, and highlighting their flaws is just being nitpicky."

baseball

Barry Frank presents Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Houston Astros at PNC Park ? September 6 posted at Sports Tickets Schedule, saying, "Head to PNC Park on Tuesday, September 6 2011 to witness the Houston Astros in action! The Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Houston Astros sport will commence at 07:50 PM as both teams battle for a win in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania."

basketball

Marc Trabajo presents Improving Your Game: The Jump Shot posted at The Offensive Rebound, saying, "Whether you are a casual article reader, a rookie wanting to improve your game, or a hoops junkie, here is your fix."

football

andrew presents Series: How to beat Barcelona #2 (formation) - Soccer tactics | Soccer tactics posted at soccer tactics, saying, "discussing soccer tactics"

Steve presents NCAA Yet To Decide Ohio State Sanctions posted at BrutusReport, saying, "ESPN has reported that the matters currently being looked at go beyond the Jim Tressel era scandal relating to tattoos for memorabilia."

Steve presents Luke Fickell Faces Significant Challenges posted at BrutusReport, saying, "Since Head Coach Jim Tressel lost his job suddenly on May 30th, Luke Fickell has inherited a program with national aspirations that will remain under extreme NCAA scrutiny for the near-term."

Steve presents Fantasy Football Quarterbacks posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "Most fantasy football players draft quarterbacks early, but not as early as they draft their running backs and wide receivers."

Eric Gargiulo presents Madden 12 Video Game Pre-order Deals & Bonus Offers posted at CamelCluchBlog.Com, saying, "Madden 12 hits the stores Tuesday August 30, starting at midnight in some places. Several stores are capitalizing on the hype with some great Madden pre-order deals which include extras and rebates. There is still time left to take advantage of these great Madden specials."

Steve presents Ohio State Buckeyes Ready for Quarterback Rotation posted at BrutusReport, saying, "After three weeks of fall camp, head coach Luke Fickell trimmed the list of possible starting quarterbacks down to senior Joe Bauserman or freshman Braxton Miller this week."

Steve presents Ohio State Football Depth Chart 2011 posted at BrutusReport, saying, "The Ohio State Football program released its 2011 depth chart this week in preparation for the Akron game to be played in Ohio Stadium on Saturday at noon."

Kyle Taylor presents Make Money Playing Fantasy Football posted at The Penny Hoarder.

golf

Steve presents A Quick History of Golf posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "The game itself grew out of a ball and club game on the fjord of the Firth of Forth in Scotland."

hockey

Eric Gargiulo presents Danny Briere Could Wear The Philadelphia Flyers C Next posted at CamelCluchBlog.Com, saying, "With the blockbuster moves this off-season for the Philadelphia Flyers, it showed their Captain Mike Richards getting moved to the L.A. Kings, and Jeff Carter being moved to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Now one of two questions looming over this off-season is who will fill the role as Captain."

Rick Schiano presents Training Your Mind to Win posted at Ricks Victory Blog.

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition ofsports carnival ecstasyusing ourcarnival submission form.Past posts and future hosts can be found on ourblog carnival index page.

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Skiing vs. Snowboarding: Which is For You?

2011-08-30T07:13:00.000-07:00

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Whether you’re a newcomer to winter-sports or are a confident skier who is considering trying snowboarding for the first time, you might want to know which of the two sports has more to offer. For many years, since the 1960s, in fact, when American Sherman Poppen first thought of the idea of snowboarding after watching his little girl balancing on a ski, winter-sports fanatics have been fiercely divided into the ski vs snowboard camps. You will find very few people equally loyal to both.

Snowboarding increased in popularity in the late ’seventies, when it was finally covered under ski liability insurance policies and more ski resorts accepted it. Initially, at least, the skiers tended to be elite, wealthy people of a certain age, whereas snowboarders were normally in their teens from very different backgrounds.

Skiing and snowboarding both offer hours of fun, adrenaline-filled exercise and entertainment and will take you to some of the world’s most beautiful resorts and locations. So what are the differences?

This video shows some of the differences between Skiing and Snowboarding.

Snowboarders find that their knees ache less after a long day on the slopes and fewer receive knee injuries, though it’s often a physically more exerting sport, since the absence of ski poles means a lot more energy is needed to work your way across the flats and to stay balanced. Skis are better on ice and hard-packed snow, whereas snowboarders love deep, fluffy snow, atop which the snowboards ‘float’. Often, skiers find that they are unable to properly use the slopes after significant snowfall, whereas snowboarders are not so constrained. Skiing is a bit easier, on a practical basis, since snowboarders have to unstrap one of their legs to get on ski-lifts, and they have to walk up inclines that skiers could use their poles to push up. Skis are faster, but it’s easier to get up after falling off a snowboard…

If you’ve skied before, then the skills you already have will make it easier to learn how to snowboard, since you’ll already know how to edge and carve. However, lessons would not go amiss just to build your confidence. For speed, you can’t beat skiing; for fun and manoeuvrability on a variety of surfaces, snowboarding rules. Most packages and all-inclusive ski holidays will cater for both boards and skis, though check with the resort as to whether they have any restrictions in that regard: there are still some luxury ski resorts that only permit skis, catering for the die-hard band of skiers who think that snowboards are for hooligans!

This article was written by Sarah who loves winter-sports and enjoys going both skiing and snowboarding as often as she can.

Winnipeg Jets get a Meaner Looking Logo

2011-08-23T05:44:00.000-07:00

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If you were the anything like the child I was, then you would have spent countless hours drawing your favorite team logo, cartoon or cereal box character on any surface you had in front of you. As a Winnipeg Jets fan I have been doodling and drawing the logo for the best part of 20 years of my life.

The old Jets logo I started drawing in the early 1980’s featured a pictured of Jet in the top left hand corner and resembled a badly designed and cumbersome airliner. The logo resembled the start of the internationalism involved in hockey and held connotations of the multi national team we were enjoying watching play on a weekly basis. The logo was harmless and inoffensive and represented the multi-cultural city and hockey team perfectly.

The new logo is however a lot less innocent, based on the CF-18 fighter jet, is a complete turnaround from the reference to the internationality of the team. The link comes from the fact that the Canadian Forces base is located in Winnipeg and this was wished to be expressed in the image of the team by the new owners, True North Sports and Entertainment.

Whilst I am supportive of the military and sports teams have long had military implications associated with their names and sometimes their logos, but they have been legacy related and looking and not the blatant attempt at a publicity drive as the conscious decision to put a fighter jet into the logo has been.

Whilst I am not condemning the National Forces one little bit, I would not impose my political persuasion nor any other interest onto people I have or have not met. Wearing this jersey feels like I am in support of not only the military, as I have stated the forces are a brave bunch and deserve support no matter, but that I am in support of whatever actions the government want to take part in.

Hockey should be the epitome of being able to get together without enforcing our beliefs or backgrounds onto the people surrounding us. The game has already been militarised by the commentators and pundits without being taken into the purity of the shirts that we wear in support of our team. My only concern is how this might prevent people from engaging in the sport.

I will be avoiding the new kit and instead supporting the team by wearing my Kovalchuk shirt of 2006, it has the best memories for me anyway.

Andy is a Winnipegger born and bred but has since moved to Ireland where he now works as a travel adviser for CanadianSky.ie advising about Canada holidays and holidays to Toronto.

Fantasy Football Magazines

2011-08-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Fantasy Football Magazines

As fantasy football becomes more and more popular, fantasy football magazines have become more prevalent. Fantasy football magazines are a great way to learn about some under the radar players, and they're a great way to learn about players who may be overrated. While fantasy football magazines are great tools to have to prepare for the draft, they should not be the only resource you use.

The top fantasy football magazines are great resources that offer valuable information to use during the draft. The problem with fantasy football magazines is that they are written and printed months before the National Football League season begins. This is why they should not be your only tool you use during your fantasy football draft.

A lot of things will change between the start of the preseason and the time that you hold your draft. Football is a violent sport and players get injured every game. During the preseason, players also win and lose starting jobs. This is why it is key to watch and read about the latest news in the NFL. Using this updated information with what you learn in the fantasy football magazines is how you win a fantasy football league.

It's impossible to be able to update and provide the latest news in a magazine. It takes time to print and distribute a magazine. By the time they got the magazines out, nobody would longer need them. This is why fantasy football magazines are designed as the beginning piece in your draft preparation.

If you are looking for good fantasy football magazines to read, consider taking a look at some of these:

ESPN Fantasy Football - This one gets picked on by some of the "cool" Internet players, but ESPN Fantasy Football usually offers at least some interesting articles that will broaden your knowledge and perspective related to the upcoming season.
Sporting News Fantasy Football Magazines - The scouting reports and myth busters articles are always worth reading.
Lindy's Fantasy Football Mock Draft - My favorite thing about this magazine is that it includes articles about each owner's strategy coming into the draft. It's nice to see this kind of high level thinking highlighted.

A better source of information for your fantasy football draft is the Internet. You should make your own cheat sheet based on the latest information. Or at least use one of the cheat sheets offered by a reputable site. But don't just rely on a fantasy football magazine, no matter how good it is. That's a losing strategy.

John Clifton wrote a detailed article with several fantasy football magazine reviews at his fantasy football tips site last year. Much of the information there is as useful in 2011 as it was in 2010.

Sports Carnival Ecstasy - August 18, 2011

2011-08-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

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Welcome to the August 18, 2011 edition of Sports Carnival Ecstasy.In this issue we have a number of great articles including Monkeysuit taking a look at Jim Thome's No. 599 and 600th home-runs. Also the USA Today/ESPN 2011 College Coaches Poll from Matt Regaw. Lisa Hood continues with college football and the 8 College Football Teams Sure to Underachieve in 2011, ouch. Finally Eric Gargiulo takes a look at the upcoming UFC fight between Rashad Evans Vs. Jon Jones. Hope you enjoy the posts, bookmark, share, tweet, like a Facebook and come back soon.

Barry Frank presents Us Open Tennis Championship August 29 2011 US Open Tennis Championship posted at Sports Tickets Schedule, saying, "Attention all Tennis fans: The Us Open Tennis Championship will be playing at the Louis Armstrong Stadium on Monday August 29. This sport will definitely be a fight for the US Open Tennis Championship. Come support Us Open Tennis Championship as they play at Corona, New York."

baseball

Barry Frank presents San Francisco Giants - August 17 2011 at 03:30 PM, Turner Field posted at Sports Tickets Schedule, saying, "How is your Fantasy Baseball team comparing to this year’s Baseball standings? Be a true fan and cheer for the San Francisco Giants on 08-17-2011. The game starts at 03:30 PM so come early to get refreshments for this Professional (MLB) match-up!"

Cashew Mirman presents Toronto Blue Jays Sign-Stealing Man in White has been Identified posted at FLAMING PHOENIX OF FLAMES.

Monkeysuit presents Jason Isringhausen notches 300th save posted at The Great Monkey Suit.

Monkeysuit presents Jim Thome hits homeruns No. 599 and 600 posted at The Great Monkey Suit.

basketball

sokun presents The baseline level of happiness posted at Abidings.com.

football

Matt Regaw presents USA Today/ESPN 2011 College Coaches Poll posted at Bookie Blitz.

Matt Regaw presents USA Today/ESPN College Football Poll: Why Oklahoma Will Not Stay on Top posted at Bookie Blitz.

Lisa Hood presents 8 College Football Teams Sure to Underachieve in 2011 posted at ZenCollegeLife, saying, "Preseason rankings, whether done by writers, bloggers or coaches, are incredibly flawed."

Steve presents Jim Tressel a Tragic Hero according to Mark Dantonio posted at BrutusReport, saying, "Mark Dantonio causes a stir when he refers to his friend and former head coach, Jim Tressel, as a tragic hero."

Steve presents ESPN Launches Food Scorecards posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "If you are a fan of arena and stadium food, make sure not to read this article about health department violations."

Shyam Anjaria presents The Beginning of a Footballing Business Empire? | Glocal Outlook posted at Glocal Outlook.

Monkeysuit presents Colt McCoy has a New Mentor posted at The Great Monkey Suit.

Steve presents The Retired players declare independence from the NFLPA. posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "The NFL has a poor history of taking care of retired players and those players have now begun to sever their ties with the NFLPA."

golf

David Wakeman presents 5 Free Golf Tips to Long Putts posted at World Golf Emporium, saying, "Stop being intimidated by long putts."

mma

Eric Gargiulo presents Have We Underestimated Rashad Evans Chances Vs. Jon Jones? posted at CamelCluchBlog.Com, saying, "I hate being that blogger who jumps on a bandwagon after one fight but I think I am about to do that. For months it has been a given that Jon Jones would easily handle Rashad Evans. Yet after UFC 133 I have to ask whether we have all underestimated Sugar Rashad Evans‘ chances against Bones Jones?"

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Could Team Sports Benefit Your Kids?

2011-08-15T13:06:00.000-07:00

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Playing team sports has many benefits. However, soccer is one sport that has more benefits than other team sports. One such benefit that is often overlooked and more valuable than any other is health. This doesn’t just pertain to current health, but a healthy lifestyle as an adult. You might think this refers only to cardio-vascular endurance and maintaining a healthy heart. While that is certainly a factor, the health benefits and avoidance of risks go well beyond that.

If you think high school and college age adults don’t take legal and illegal supplements to advance their performance, you’re only lying to yourself. Many football and baseball players take steroids and creatine. Steroids are unsafe and illegal. Creatine can be healthy if you take less than 4 grams per day and drink a lot of fluids, but not many kids stick to that game plan. If you want your child to be safe while enjoying a fun and beneficial sport, lead him or her toward soccer. Dangerous supplements are a non-factor. You can find more benefits for soccer and team sports in general below.

Friends And Goals

Soccer is one of the best sports to play when it comes to social interaction. Let’s look at a couple of comparisons. In the game of football, everything is about strength, power and overall toughness. Bonding is a possibility, but it’s not what you would call the friendliest of atmospheres. In baseball, making new friends is likely. There’s nothing like sitting in the dugout, chewing seeds and discussing the game with your teammates. On the other hand, every player has an individual goal, which is to outperform their teammates when it comes to stats. Baseball is about winning, but it’s just as much about personal performance. In soccer, the relationships are friendly and everyone has one common goal – defeat the opponent.

Looking And Feeling Great

Did you know that people who exercise more have more energy? This might be obvious to those who are familiar with fitness, but others would be surprised to read it because they think exercise makes people tired. Exercise doesn’t only offer energy; it also improves your immune system. While this might not be as big of a factor for kids, if they play soccer at a young age, they’re more likely to play it as an adult. It’s a healthy hobby that can keep an adult healthy and even lead to important networking in soccer leagues as an adult.

As far as looks are concerned, anyone who runs several miles per day up and down the soccer field is going to look lean. The only danger when it comes to looks is burning too much muscle, which can lead to frailty. When your heart rate exceeds 180, you burn muscle. If you’re and adult and you’re used to running, you should be able to keep your heart rate below 180, but in order to ensure a nice physique, it’s recommended that you do some muscle training. Kids, on the other hand, are not likely to exceed a heart rate of 180 and are not concerned with their physique. Therefore, soccer has no downside. All it’s going to do is help burn calories, which will shed unwanted fat.

To sum it all up, here are the benefits for playing soccer:

- Health
- Social Interaction
- The Ultimate Team Atmosphere
- Energy
- Developing the Habit of a Healthy Lifestyle
- Improves Immune System
- Networking
- Staying Lean

Keith Barrett is a keen sports fan and takes part in a range of sports. He also does some coaching and uses football trophies as a prize to motivate some players.

Sports Carnival Ecstasy - August 4, 2011

2011-08-04T19:26:00.000-07:00

Image by Ken Lund via Flickr

Welcome to the August 4, 2011 edition of Sports Carnival Ecstasy.With football right around the corner we have a heavy football focused carnival. Steve has a nice article to start about an Ohio State recruit, Tyvis Powell, who committed to the Buckeyes even with all the NCAA uncertainty. Lisa Hood takes a look at the Top 10 Worst MLB Owners with the LA Dodgers headed for bankruptcy. We have NFL Free Agents & Potential Player Moves For 2011 by Eric Gargiulo. Fathead also takes a look at the Top NFL Free Agents. And finally we return to college football with a 2011 preview of the Vanderbilt Commodores by Matt Regaw. I hope you enjoy all the material, bookmark, share, tweet, Facebook like, and come back soon. (NE7BXRBD2WCD)

Ava Roth presents Blog Carnival - Submit an Article to a Carnival posted at WordPress Web 2.0 How-To Spot-er.

Barry Frank presents Monday, August 8 2011 ? WWE: Raw posted at Sports Tickets Schedule, saying, "WWE Fans: You don’t want to miss the approaching WWE: Raw game on August 8 2011 at 05:30 PM. This will undoubtedly be a game to remember at the HP Pavilion and the rest of the WWE will be playing in San Jose, California."

Mary Casey presents The NFL Lockout is Over! ESPN, Sports Fans and NFL Players Spread the News via Twitter | Hudson Horizons Blogs posted at Hudson Horizons Blogs, saying, "For over five months fans have been wondering if legality issues within the NFL would interrupt a much anticipated football season. Had the NFL lockout continued not only would fans be devastated, but a reported $160 million would be lost in the hosting cities of the NFL teams."

Kris presents How many calories should I eat a day to lose weight naturally posted at Kris Health Blog, saying, "If you are wondering how many calories should I eat a day to lose weight, then I have good news for you about calorie counting and weight loss."

Steve presents 2012 Cornerback Tyvis Powell – Nothing Compared to Ohio State posted at BrutusReport, saying, "Sticking with the Buckeyes looks like the right move for a number of 2012 recruits as Ohio State appears to be clear into the future with only 2010 being affected by the recent NCAA violations."

ziad ahmad presents photo of ronaldo posted at SOCCER STYLES, saying, "none"

baseball

Lisa Hood presents Top 10 Worst MLB Owners of All Time posted at ZenCollegeLife.

basketball

Jason Grden presents I'm A Fan! PLAY, EAT, TRAVEL posted at PLAY, EAT, TRAVEL, saying, "An article written about the NBA and NFL lockouts and how it relates to a sports fans attitude."

Real Hoops presents Why Basketball is #1 posted at realhoopstalk.com, saying, "The evidence in this article is undeniable. Basketball is #1!"

extreme

Tracy Miller presents 15 Brain Injury Facts Every Athlete Should Know posted at Insurance Quotes Blog, saying, "Engaging in sports and athletic activities can raise your risk of encountering potential brain-knocking situations, so while you certainly shouldn't cut down on exercise, you should still learn everything you can about brain injuries."

Ken presents How to Be Unstoppable | Unstoppable Strength posted at Unstoppable Strength, saying, "Anthony Robles was born without a right leg, but it did not stop him from becoming an undefeated NCAA National Champion wrestler. Read his amazing story here!"

Tom Stark presents Motocross & Dirt Bike Carrier AMC400 Single Aluminum Review | Motocross Hideout posted at Motocross Hideout.

Tom Stark presents AMC 600 Aluminum Double Motorcycle Hitch Mount Carrier Review posted at Motocross Hideout.

football

Eric Gargiulo presents NFL Free Agents & Potential Player Moves For 2011 posted at CamelCluchBlog.Com, saying, "This is not your father’s Free Agency season, no way! As the NFL starts to work towards a new CBA and the end of the lock-out, free agency will come hard and fast, and lots of players are expected to be on the move."

Fathead presents Top NFL Free Agents posted at Fathead Blog.

Matt Regaw presents Tennessee Volunteers SEC College Preview 2011: If Optimism Were Wins, Volunteers Will Be Champs posted at Bookie Blitz.

Matt Regaw presents Vanderbilt Commodores SEC College Preview 2011: With One Win Last Year, It’s All Uphill From There | Bookie Blitz posted at Bookie Blitz.

Steve presents The Biggest Questions For the 2011 Fantasy Football Season posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "The main argument for Vick being the #1 overall pick is that he is the most unique and dynamic player in fantasy football. When that fantasy football draft board goes up should he be the #1 pick? Here is what proponents say about that question."

Monkeysuit presents Reggie Bush Traded to Dolphins posted at The Great Monkey Suit.

Monkeysuit presents The Great Monkey Suit: Jeff Saturday Honors Rival's Owner posted at The Great Monkey Suit.

golf

Steve presents High Profile Sponsorships Gone Wrong posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "One problem, though, the guy liked his women, and a that love of the opposite sex came back to haunt him when a series of unfortunate events lead to the media finding out Woods had been cheating on his wife for years with quite a lot of women."

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The Champ of Champs: Which Championship Game is the Best?

2011-07-27T07:38:00.000-07:00

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Each of the major North American sporting leagues (football, hockey, baseball, and basketball) does its best to promote its championship as the most exciting, entertaining, enjoyable sports experience that any viewer could hope to experience. However, they obviously can’t all be right, can they?

From a purely marketing perspective, the SuperBowl is the clear winner. Based on the single-game nature of the SuperBowl, everything surrounding the event has become almost as important as the championship game itself. The NFL has convinced millions of non-sports fans to watch a major sporting event purely for the commercials. This has allowed them to charge whatever prices they want for advertising time. It is also impossible to argue with the raw number of people who view the SuperBowl every year.

However, if people spend more time the next day talking about the commercials than the actually game itself, can it be considered the best, or most successful? Also, while the single game nature of the NFL championship is extremely exciting, one game prevents a great deal of the drama and evolving storylines that makes many of the other leagues championships so amazing.

From a purely historical standpoint, Major League Baseball seems to have the strongest claim when it comes to championship games. Unfortunately, age and adherence to the past have left baseball a slow, boring game in the eyes of many sports fans. Unless a major city is involved in the October competition, attendance and television ratings are the lowest of any of the major sports.

The NBA recently enjoyed one its most successful post seasons ever in terms of ticket sales and television ratings. This culminated in near record numbers for the NBA finals. The seven game, alternating location format of the championship series allows for levels of strategic complication and planning unavailable in the NFL with its single game championship. Star power and player accessibility is allowing the NBA to challenge the NFL when it comes to superiority in the hearts and televisions of many Americans.

Sadly, the NHL is not currently in a position where it can challenge any of the other major sports leagues in terms of financial success or popularity, at least not south of the Canadian border. Only a few years removed from a lockout, and with numerous teams struggling to fill arenas, the Stanley Cup Finals may be an exciting event for diehard fans, but it is doomed to ratings obscurity.

From a strict numbers perspective, the SuperBowl is the clear winner among North American championship games, breaking U.S. television records in 2011 with an average of 111 million viewers. Though even adding the total number of viewers over the six games of the NBA finals together only yields a total viewership of just under 103 million people, the NBA numbers have been steadily rising over the last several years, leading to a potential succession in the coming years. Sadly, baseball and hockey both lag far behind.

Amber Tate is a sports fanatic but loves saving money more. Her Kanetix life insurance policy provides all of the benefits necessary for her family.

Sports Carnival Ecstasy - July 21, 2011

2011-07-21T10:34:00.000-07:00

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Welcome to the July 21, 2011 edition of Sports Carnival Ecstasy.This time we have 19 stories from some of the best sports blogs online. Cathy starts us off with a preview of the Boston Red Sox vs the Tampa Bay Rays on July 30th. Steve takes a look at Mike Vrabel leaving the NFL to coach at Ohio State were he attended college. This week the SABR Spotlight shines on Jair Jurrjens. And finally we have a face-off between Fathead who sees Derek Jeter as the Definitive Player Of Our Generation and Steve who writes about the top five reasons why everyone hats the Yankees, with Jeter being #1. Hope you like, bookmark, share, tweet, and come back soon.

Cathy presents Boston Red Sox ? July 6 2011 at 03:30 PM, Fenway Park posted at Sports Tickets Schedule, saying, "Boston Red Sox Fans: You don’t want to miss the forthcoming Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays game on July 6 2011 at 03:30 PM. This will absolutely be a game to remember at the Fenway Park."

Jody Sampson presents Celebrity Planking Pics: Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Katy Perry and More! posted at Concert Tickets | Sports Tickets | Broadway Tickets | Opera Tickets | Vegas Shows, saying, "Planking is a game in which participants have friends take photos of them lying flat (like a plank) in unusual, public and often dangerous, locations. The photos are then shared on social sites like facebook and twitter causing the planking game to continue to gain popularity. Celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, and Katy Perry all enjoy planking- and we’ve got the pictures to prove it!"

Steve presents Why Sports Should Be Part of Every Kid?s Life posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "Avoiding childhood obesity can be accomplished with a balanced diet and plenty of extracurricular activity."

Cathy presents Saturday July 30 Seattle Mariners vs. Tampa Bay Rays posted at Sports Tickets Schedule, saying, "Come see the highly hoped-for Seattle Mariners vs. Tampa Bay Rays pastime on Saturday, July 30 2011. Enjoy watching your favorite Baseball team as they effort for AL East domination!"

Steve presents Three Years Since the Bulldogs Went From Underdogs to Top Dogs posted at BrutusReport, saying, "Most of us have heard of various, sports-based Cinderella stories, especially those that are centered on professional sporting teams."

Steve presents Mike Vrabel Returns to Ohio State as a Linebackers Coach posted at BrutusReport, saying, "The recent resignation/retirement of Jim Tressel has opened the door for Vrabel to retire from the NFL and take the linebacker coaching position vacated when Fickel was promoted to head coach."

baseball

Graig presents Changing Speeds posted at The Perfect Game, saying, "Become a better pitcher now!"

Graig presents Long Toss posted at The Perfect Game, saying, "Read it, Share it and Use it!"

bknutson@emcp.com presents The SABR Spotlight: Jair Jurrjens posted at COSFBA.

Fathead presents Derek Jeter: The Definitive Player Of Our Generation posted at Fathead Blog.

Steve presents 5 Reasons Why Everyone Hates the Yankees posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "Let’s take a look at five reasons why most people hate the Yankees."

basketball

Michael presents OSU Basketball Update With Thoughts From Coach Thad Matta posted at eScoutRoom, saying, "Jared Sullinger appears to be in better shape than ever for the upcoming Ohio State basketball season."

Michael presents OSU Basketball Star David Lighty Is Going To Play For Italy posted at eScoutRoom, saying, "Things may have gone differently if the NBA lockout had been avoided, but Ohio State forward David Lighty is now set to play in Italy this coming year."

Just Basketball Defense presents 1-3-1 Zone Defense posted at Just Basketball Defense, saying, "Basketball Defense"

Just Basketball Defense presents Don?t use defensive slide drills? posted at Just Basketball Defense, saying, "Defensive slides Basketball"

football

Joe presents NOW IS THE TIME posted at NFC NORTH AFTERHOURS.

Matt Regaw presents 2011 Notre Dame College Football Preview: Is This The Year the Irish Return To Prominence? posted at Bookie Blitz, saying, "Notre Dame preview for 2011"

Michael presents Pat Elflein from Central Ohio Joins the 2012 Buckeyes posted at eScoutRoom, saying, "He joined the Football Buckeyes today after receiving close to 10 scholarship offers from a number of Big 10 and Mac schools."

mma

Cheryl Ragsdale presents Strikeforce Challengers 16 Julia Budd post-fight interview: “Girls just gotta get in there” posted at That Girl is Funny, saying, "In the first women’s MMA match-up under Zuffa, Strikeforce fighter Julia Budd dominated and neutralized Germaine de Randamie’s kick-boxing game by taking her to the ground and keeping her there."

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Tim Dwight's Back in Iowa and Racing

2011-07-21T08:27:00.000-07:00

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CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA
June 17, 2011
Tim Dwight, former track and football star of Iowa City High and the University of Iowa, and NFL football player from 1998-2007, returned to Iowa compete in a celebrity-filled Legends car race on Friday during Van Meter Industrial Night at the Hawkeye Downs Speedway. Tim, voted the all-time greatest athlete from the Cedar Rapids area in a 2007 survey in the Cedar Rapids Gazette, was only too happy to race for charity in this fund-raising event for the Children's Miracle Network based at the University of Iowa Hospitals.

Dwight said that, though he hadn't raced these Legends cars before a few weeks ago, his experience in riding motorcycles gave him a feel for this track event. His competitors in the race were Mike Gassman, a Van meter executive, and Jared Aarons, local television personality. Dwight started out slow, but took the lead early on until spin-outs by Aarons forced a restart. Gassman then took the lead and kept it for the win, with Dwight coming in second.

Dwight has been in a hurry all day. He started out the day in Iowa City running a football camp and didn't get to the track until ten minutes before the start of the celebrity race. Dwight didn't mind much, remembering how much he hated waiting around during his school days for his start time in the sprints and the long jump. Despite two previous rain-out dates for the event in the past two months, Dwight held to his commitment, showing up all three times all the way from California and happy finally to be racing this last time.

Off the track, Dwight contributed even more, socializing with the fans, signing autographs and getting pictures taken; a helmet he signed was raffled off to raise even more cash for charity, boosting the total to hundreds of dollars. And Dwight gets back more than he gives, he says, in the way he'll enjoy reliving the race from the pictures and videos. Next week, he'll be taking part in an Ironman triathlon, but his goal here was to make the most of any chance to do a great thing and to be involved fully with the fund-raising.

A high point of the evening for Dwight was the chance to spend some time with Sierra Manning at track side. Sierra, eleven years old with an inoperable brain tumor, is currently a patient at the University of Iowa Hospitals and rode in the evening's pace car, proving the importance of the Children's Miracle charity to all.

The evening also had a regular slate of races for weekly points. It seems that Dwight had warmed up the car he drove in the celebrity race -- Rod McGlothlen drove that car to a win in the Legends feature race, a feat he has already accomplished with three different cars.

Going online to do a comparison of quotes for automobile insurance in Ontario is easy as you can see which insurance companies offer the most affordable rates. If you fill out a quote at Kanetix you will be able to compare the quotes offered by over 40 insurance companies in just a couple of minutes. Visit Kanetix.ca today to save money on auto insurance!

The Top 10 Golf Courses in the UK

2011-07-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

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Golf was born in the UK, so as you might expect some of the finest courses in the world can be found throughout Great Britain. From ancient Scottish links to purpose built parkland courses, there is so much choice across Britain that the golfer is truly spoiled.

While many of the top ten courses in the UK are home to the British Open, Ryder Cups and other top UK tournaments, all of them can be played by amateur golfers although this will need to be arranged beforehand.

Here are 10 of the best golf courses that Britain has to offer:

St Andrews Old Course, St Andrews, Scotland

It may be an obvious place to start but the most historic golf course in Britain is the pinnacle for most amateur golfers and everyone strives to play here. It is thought that golf may have been played as far back as the 12th century and that is one of the reasons why St Andrews can rightly be called the 'home of golf'.

St Andrews allocates places by way of a ballot, but it's worth having a try just to say you have played here. The Old Course plays to around 6700 yards from the medal tee and buggy hire is available. If you are lucky enough to win the ballot, costs can range between £64.00 to £140 per round, depending on the time of year you play.

Muirfield, East Lothian, Scotland

Staying in Scotland, the superb course at Muirfield has also played host to the British Open, as well as other major tournaments in the UK. It will probably be best remembered for Nick Faldo's dramatic Open victory in 1987 that set him on the way to becoming a dominant force in the game.

Muirfield is a links course with an unusual layout that consists of an outer and an inner loop. The course is a par 70 6673 yards and the cost of a round is between £75.00 & £190.00, depending on the time of year. Buggies and trolleys can be hired if required.

Royal County Down, County Down, Northern Ireland

For many, the Royal County Down is something of a hidden gem, but with Northern Ireland firmly back on the golfing map, this beautiful course is being discovered anew by amateur golfers the world over.

Over the years, the Royal County Down has played host to the Walker Cup and countless home internationals. Old Tom Morris engineered the increase from 9 to 18 holes and the current course is a par 71 that plays to 6,902 yards. Buggies and trolleys are widely available for hire and you can expect to pay between £50.00 in low season & £180.00 at peak times, but for the most spectacular views imaginable, any green fee is worth every penny.

Royal Lytham & St Annes, Lancashire, England

Royal Lytham in Lancashire has played host to the British Open on no fewer than 10 occasions, up to and including 2001. It has also held the women's open championship in the past.

At 6,371 yards at a par 71, the beauty at Lytham is in the challenge to the amateur golfer and this is widely known as the one of the most testing courses around. Green fees vary from £105 to a fairly hefty £212.00 at the height of the season and you will find buggy and trolley hire can be easily arranged.

Turnberry Ailsa, Turnberry, Scotland

Scotland's Turnberry offers a choice of courses but the Ailsa, home to many British Open Championships is the finest of all. This is one of the most picturesque courses in the world and that alone attracts countless visitors every year. The course plays to 6,493 yards and visitors can expect to pay between £95.00 and £175.00 for green fees depending on the time of year. Buggies and trolleys can be hired.

Royal Dornoch, Dornoch, Scotland

In Scotland once again, the Royal Dornoch is thought to be the best of those courses that don't regularly hold major championships. Designed by old Tom Morris, this is a beautiful links course that fits the contours of the land to leave a challenging 6,595 yards 18 hole course. Trolleys and buggies can be hired and at green fees between £45.00 and £100.00, this represents perhaps the best value of any course in the UK.

Royal St Georges, Kent, England

In the heart of the Kent countryside, Royal St Georges is another regular on the British Open circuit and many memorable tussles have been played out here. There have been many alterations over the last few years which have left a testing par 70 course of 6,630 yards. Trolley and buggy hire is available and green fees range from £70.00 in low season, to £150.00 at the height of summer.

Royal Birkdale, Southport, England

Southport's Royal Birkdale is another British Open course that is known for its combination of longer holes and extremely tight fairways. Birkdale is a testing 18 hole par 72 course at 6,817 yards. Buggies and trolleys are widely available and prices are on the higher side, ranging from £120.00 to £195.00, depending on the time of year that you play.

Royal Portrush, Portrush, Northern Ireland

Dunluce. Back in Northern Ireland, the Portrush course made history when it held the British Open Championship back in 1951. A links course with beautiful coastal views, this location is growing in popularity every year, so make sure to book well ahead. This is an eighteen hole, par 72 course at 6,658 yards and you can expect to pay from £60.00 in the low season up to £140.00 in the summer months. Trolleys and buggies are widely available here.

Sunningdale, Sunningdale, England

Just 30 miles to the west of London in picturesque Berkshire lies Sunningdale, which has been home to the British Masters, the Women's British Open and the Seniors open through the years. With fast greens and some long, testing holes, this is reputed to be one of the toughest challenges for the amateur golfer. The course is an eighteen hole par 70 at 6,443 yards and green fees vary from £95.00 to £155.00, depending on the time of year. Buggies and trolleys are available here at Sunningdale.

Written by the team at travelsupermarket.com, a travel comparison site that has great deals available on hotels throughout the UK

Five Top Rated Mountain Bikes - Post Injury Rehabilitation

2011-07-11T17:25:00.000-07:00

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Mountain biking builds strength and increases stamina. If you are recovering from an injury, mountain biking could be a good way to strengthen your legs, arms, and abdominal muscles in a fun setting. Most indoor gyms offer mountain biking settings on their stable bicycles to provide you with the same sort of workout without the demands of an outdoor biking trail. If you're ready to take the bike out of the gym, here are some of the best mountain bikes on the market today. Make sure you choose a bike that fits you well, and practice working the gears until you are comfortable with them before you go off-road with your new bike.

The following bikes are the best for off-road touring and for flat trails. They perform well in steep climbs and descents, but are not designed to handle more rugged terrain. If you are recovering from an injury, you should be avoiding that sort of riding until you recovery fully.

Trek Fuel EX 8

This bike has full suspension on both the front and rear tires so that it can handle almost any kind of trail comfortably. The aluminum frame sports a 9-speed gear box, and the bike is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. You can find the Trek Fuel EX 8 in five sizes for men and one size for women. Experts and bikers agree that this is probably the best mountain bike you can buy.

Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp

This bike also has full suspension on the front and rear tires, with an adjustable shock on the rear. The adjustable shock makes it easy to configure the bike to handle different kinds of terrain, from climbing steep hills or cruising down the other side. The shifting mechanism is very smooth, and the bike is perfect for longer rides.

Santa Cruz Blur LT

The Santa Cruz Blur LT is a little more expensive than the Trek Fuel or the Stumpjumper, but biker reviews indicate that it is worth the extra cost. It is durable and comfortable, but it offers a high level of performance on the trail. This bike is especially good at climbing steep hills more easily than other bikes at this price range.

Pivot Mach 5

This bike is known for the amount of grip that the tires offer. It provides a sturdy, comfortable ride on all sorts of terrain. The only complaint about the Pivot Mach 5 is that it can become a little unstable on steep climbs. The comfortable suspension and responsive pedals more than make up for the bike's climbing ability.

Felt Virtue 2

This is a lighter bike that is known for its comfort on longer rides. The wheels and tires on the Virtue 2 are a little heavy, though, so you might do better changing them out for something lighter so that you can take full advantage of the lightweight frame. This bike is priced relatively low for the features and comfort it offers, which makes it an excellent deal.

Jessica Bosari writes about health for TherapistSchools.com. The site is an information resource for those seeking careers in the therapy field. They offer details about physical therapy careers such as physical therapist salary and schools.

Sports Carnival Ecstasy - July 7, 2011

2011-07-07T20:03:00.000-07:00

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Welcome to the July 7, 2011 edition of Sports Carnival Ecstasy.In this edition we have 18 posts from some of the best sports blogs on the Internet. MattD starts off with a look at Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan as we all wait for camp to start. Eric Gargiulo has some great articles including a look Previous champions who are contenders to win Super Bowl XLVI. Finally Steve has an article from the Ohio State drama in Eddie Rife Pleads Guilty to Selling Marijuana and Laundering Money. Hope you enjoy the articles, bookmark, share, tweet, and come back soon.

Steve presents Benefits of Training: 100 Day Marathon Plan posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "There are a number of different ways to train for a marathon. Read about the different proven methods before your select one you feel is best."

Jody Sampson presents Rihanna and Chris Brown- Sexting on Twitter? posted at Concert Tickets | Sports Tickets | Broadway Tickets | Opera Tickets | Vegas Shows, saying, "In 2009, when the incident between Chris Brown and Rihanna went extremely public and the media flooded with images of Rihanna’s bruised and bloody face—would you believe me if I told you there were communicating again? To find tickets for LOUD when Rihanna is in a city near you, visit Dynamic Tickets today!."

Cathy presents Wednesday, July 6 2011 ? Minnesota Twins vs. Tampa Bay Rays posted at Sports Tickets Schedule, saying, "Are you a fan of the Minnesota Twins? The team is playing on Wednesday, July 6 2011at the legendary stadium in Minnesota.Relax and enjoy a day of Baseball and cheer your favorite players on!"

MattD presents Atlanta Falcons Matt Ryan: Young Quarterback Enters Elite Status posted at Bookie Blitz.

baseball

Steve presents Ballpark Quirks posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "Ballparks new and old around the country have small quirks that require special rules to play the game."

basketball

sokun presents Ramblings posted at Abidings.com.

extreme

presents How To Run A Marathon In 4 Weeks posted at The 2nd Wind, saying, "Humorous account of attempting to run a marathon with only 4 weeks of training. Checking off bucket list goals leads to some crazy ideas!"

Ken presents If You Fail to Prepare, You Prepare to Fail…Warming Up Explained posted at Unstoppable Strength, saying, "Not having the proper warm-up can ruin your workout. Find out what methods the country's best strength coaches use to prepare average Joes & Professional Athletes for an injury-free workout with maximum results!!!"

Beth presents Summer Instagrams by Connor posted at ♡ Professional Surfer Keilana Valdez ♡.

football

Eric Gargiulo presents Previous champions who are contenders to win Super Bowl XLVI posted at CamelCluchBlog.Com, saying, "Last year's champs, the Green Bay Packers shocked the NFL betting world and won their 1st Super Bowl Championship under their new regime. But can they go on and repeat?"

Michael presents Ohio State Camp Draws Important 2012 Recruits posted at eScoutRoom, saying, "Ohio State continues to have success in recruiting even-though their famous coach had to resign during the off-season."

Steve presents Eddie Rife Pleads Guilty to Selling Marijuana and Laundering Money posted at BrutusReport, saying, "The character that started the tailspin of NCAA trouble at Ohio State has now pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering."

Michael presents Najee Murray Became a Member of Ohio State’s 2012 Class posted at eScoutRoom, saying, "2012 recruits from Ohio continue to commit to Ohio State even as the program faces NCAA violations and further penalties."

Sarah Flotel presents Villas-Boas is The Man Who Knoas posted at hotscores, saying, "English Football Blog"

Joe presents AGAINST THE GRAIN posted at NFC NORTH AFTERHOURS.

Eric Gargiulo presents The Useless & Bogus NFL Top 100 Players List posted at CamelCluchBlog.Com, saying, "Honestly, I would like to know which players actually vote as hardly anyone knows of any. that did. Ryan Clark of the Steelers said on Twitter he had no knowledge of any one who voted."

golf

Steve presents Golf’s Rory McIlroy’s Success Includes Strength of Character | FryingPanSports | Other posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "Rory McIlroy had a great US Open and looks to be the young golf stud the PGA has been searching for since Tiger Woods ran into personal issues."

mma

Eric Gargiulo presents Brett Rogers Charged With 3rd Degree Assault posted at CamelCluchBlog.Com, saying, "Strikeforce heavyweight Brett Rogers is used to giving guys black eyes, but today he has given the entire sport of MMA a big one. Rogers was arrested and charged with 3rd degree assault of his wife according to a Minnesota report."

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5 Essential Items of MMA Clothing

2011-06-30T11:17:00.000-07:00

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While having a strong punch, lasting endurance and a killer kick are critical to succeeding in the world of Mixed Martial Arts, the following 5 essential items of mma clothing will help you excel in your training and performance. Having the right gloves, shirt, shorts, socks and shoes will ensure the best and most comfortable training experience.

The Right Gloves

An essential component for training, owning the right pair of gloves can make or break you in the cage. Gloves or hand wraps will provide a barrier that can prevent bruising or injuries such as broken hand bones. Shop for comfort and protection to ensure a proper level of safety. Leather gloves with a sheet of foam inside provide an effective barrier. Double stitching ensures a stronger, more durable product that can withstand punch after punch.

A Breathable Shirt

Wear a shirt that will wick away moisture as you break a sweat. Breathable shirts are available in a wide variety of styles and designs that will help keep you cool. Many also contain antimicrobial odor control to keep you fresh even after a tough workout or fight. Quick drying fabrics are also available that can give you long-lasting comfort. Look for a soft, durable fabric that won't cause chafing and a snug fit that still allows a full range of motion.

Shorts that Let you Move

Choosing the right pair of shorts will greatly improve your mobility both in training and in a fight. Your shorts are one of the most important pieces of mma clothing. Focus on fit and durability. Make sure you have a full range of motion and look for rip proof fabrics that can withstand multiple hits without splitting. Moisture-wicking fabrics will also keep you more comfortable when you are breaking a sweat.

Socks that Soak up the Sweat

Breathable socks are an essential piece of mma clothing that many fighters overlook. Make sure you train in a knit sock with moisture wicking properties for maximum comfort. Look for lightweight high performance athletic socks. Wearing socks in the gym will also help to prevent athlete's foot and other infections.

Supportive Shoes

Choose shoes that offer proper heel support, protect the ankle by holding it tight and have good breaking power. Proper air ventilation is essential for keeping your feet comfortable through a hard training session. It is worth investing in a well-constructed, durable pair of shoes that you can train in for years. Ultralight shoes will give you the most freedom of movement and mimic a barefoot feel.

Let your mma clothing be an asset to your training. By choosing pieces with durable, breathable construction that allow full freedom of movement, you will have a more comfortable and effective training session, leading to a more successful fight.

Paul Banbury has interests in many sports and enjoys, boxing, mma and other martial arts. He recommends Made4Fighters for the latest quality MMA clothing.

Sports Carnival Ecstasy - June 24, 2011

2011-06-23T12:02:00.000-07:00

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Welcome to the June 24, 2011 edition of Sports Carnival Ecstasy.This time in the blog carnival we have some really good articles including Jim A taking a look at the Bruins win and rioting in Canada. Steve has a couple of posts including 'If You Were Lebron James, How Would You Feel?' dealing with his post-game press conference when Miami lost the finals series and Cleveland celebrated. And a comparison of the The NFL Draft to The NBA Draft. Since article since we will all be watching the NBA draft tonight. Finally we have the Top 5 New England Patriots of All Time from Michael at eScoutRoom.com. Hope you enjoy the material, bookmark, share, tweet and come back next time.

Formula1 presents My Take on The Canadian Grand Prix posted at Me, Myself and I.

Jody Sampson presents HBO’s Entourage Pays Yankee Stadium a Visit | Concert Tickets | Sports Tickets | Broadway Tickets | Opera Tickets | Vegas posted at Concert Tickets | Sports Tickets | Broadway Tickets | Opera Tickets | Vegas Shows, saying, "The highly popular and beloved HBO drama, Entourage, has recently visited New York’s Yankee stadium in the Bronx. Shooting its eighth and final season, creator Doug Ellin has written in cameos for a number of sports stars like Amar’e Stoudemire and most recently Yankees stars, Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira."

Cathy presents Saturday, July 2 2011 ? New York Mets vs. New York Yankees posted at Sports Tickets Schedule, saying, "New York Yankees Fans: You dont want to miss the approaching New York Mets vs. New York Yankees game on July 2 2011 at 03:30 PM. This will definitely be a game to remember at the Citi Field."

Jim A presents Views from the Northeast: Bruins win!! Lets tear up our own city now!! posted at My Views from the Northeast.

basketball

KAZBullet presents What I’m Watching: Thor, LeBron, and the story behind the story posted at Bullet's Brain, saying, "LeBron's playoff journey, and what it means, is a challenge to our own lives."

Steve presents If You Were Lebron James ? How Would You Feel posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "Lebron James is widely blamed for two Miami losses to Dallas in Texas this past week. Is it fair to hold him accountable for fourth quarter failings?"

Jimson Lee presents Strength and Jumping… What you Need to Know! posted at Speedendurance.com, saying, "For top performance: "do you need to be strong or are plyometrics enough?" Find out here."

Steve presents The NFL Draft VS The NBA Draft posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "With the NBA draft quickly approaching, it is a good time to compare the NFL draft to the NBA draft."

extreme

Anthony Mannino presents Note to Bradley: Go Down Swinging posted at The USA 10 Kit, saying, "Our site does not fite any of your categories, but I thought I would send our info to see if you were interested in adding soccer info"

football

Steve presents Terrelle Pryor Leaves Ohio State Early posted at BrutusReport, saying, "Terrelle Pryor leaves Columbus before the NCAA has a chance to penalize him more for additional violations during his time with the Buckeyes."

Michael presents Ohio State Picks up Recruit Tyvis Powell in the Midst of Coach and Quarterback Exodus posted at eScoutRoom, saying, "Loyalty is on display by Tyvis Powell as he commits to Ohio State even after coach Jim Tressel resigns."

Steve presents Terrelle Pryor Apologizes in Afternoon Press Conference posted at BrutusReport, saying, "Terrelle Pryor enters the NFL supplemental draft after causing his college coaches' job and lead Ohio State into major violations."

Michael presents Top 5 New England Patriots of All Time posted at eScoutRoom, saying, "New England has become a dynasty over the past ten years in the NFL with the assistance of some really good players."

golf

Christopher Clayton presents Myrtle Beach 2011 posted at Weekend Golf Warrior.

mma

Michelle presents How much protein should you take when weight training? posted at Weight Training, saying, "Don't let your body break down! But don't overdo it either."

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The Traditions of Wimbledon

2011-06-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

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With the Wimbledon Tennis Championships due to start in under a week - the world's attention will soon be focused on what is normally a quiet corner of south west London. As one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, Wimbledon draws in the world's best players, because for many players winning a tournament like Wimbledon will be the pinnacle of a career. It remains the only major championship played on grass, which is certainly not the least of its quirks, in fact, it is a championship marked out by some of its eccentricities. Below we've picked out some of these traditions that make Wimbledon such a unique event.

The Queue

Wimbledon remains one of the few major sporting events that holds back a number of tickets for its most high profile events. While most Wimbledon tickets are sold through the oversubscribed ballot and Wimbledon's debenture scheme, around 500 tickets per major court for every day (apart from the semi finals and finals) are held back for people who are prepared to queue and pay cash at the turnstiles. The queue for tickets has become such an institution that it sees fans return year after year to patiently wait for the chance to see the world's top players in action. It is often described as a street party by those who camp on the hard concrete pavements overnight and has become so iconic that the museum housed within Wimbledon's grounds has decided to open an exhibition documenting "The Queue" down the years.

Refreshments

A tradition that is thought to be as old as the championship itself is the widely practiced consumption of strawberries and cream, all washed down with a glass of traditional champagne or Pimms. It is estimated that 27,000 kilos of strawberries are eaten along with 7,000 litres of cream every year at the championships, while 17,000 bottles of champagne and 200,000 glasses of Pimms also get put away. The Championships are reckoned to be the single biggest catering operation undertaken in Europe for a sporting event.

Dress Code

Wimbledon enforces a strict dress code for its participants that while seemingly archaic means the Championships can maintain a unique look and feel. Players are required to wear an almost entirely white or off-white outfit. For ladies, outfits that reveal too much in the cleavage area could result in them not being allowed on court until they have "covered up". While this may seem somewhat draconian, a number of the top players have classically designed outfits prepared by their kits sponsors specifically for the Championships. Furthermore, when the Olympics come to London in 2012 the tennis will be held at the All England Club and players will be encouraged to wear whatever colors they feel, in part, so that the all white uniforms worn during the Championships maintain their distinctive style.

Ball Boys and Girls

Often referred to as BBGs, this team of helpers are fundamental to the successful and smooth running of the championships. The BBGs are selected from schools in the local area following trials where around 250 make the cut from a field of about 700. In the early years of the championship there were only ball boys and these were selected from charitable organizations that looked after young people including Shaftesbury Homes and Barnados, it wasn't until 1977 that girls got a chance to join in. These days, the split between boys and girls as 50/50 as far as is possible. Once selected the training is tough, it starts in February and requires considerable commitment both after school and at the weekend. However, the finished product means that Wimbledon can boast of having an elite team of BBGs to rival any tournament, which makes life easier for the players - as well as adding to the overall spectacle of the Championships.

So with all this tradition on offer, and not to mention the amazing tennis, Wimbledon 2011 is set to be a bumper year.

Jonathan is a freelance writer who loves tennis and would give practically anything to get his hands on some Wimbledon tickets.

Top 5 Winning Teams in the Premiership

2011-06-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

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The Premiership was established in 1992; it has since become the world's most popular football league in both viewership and revenue. It was formed because certain clubs wanted to separate from the Football League First Division. There are currently twenty clubs in the league. During the August to May season, 380 matches are played. The honor of winning this championship has only been award to four clubs in the 19 years since it began.

1.Manchester United

11 Titles

Founded in 1878, this club currently holds the record for number of Premier League championship wins at an astounding 11 times. The team won a place in the finals four other times. This win set off a tidal wave of success, with the Reds taking the title in 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008 and 2009. During the 2008-2009 season, Manchester United made history by being the first to win the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League in a single year.

2. Arsenal

3 Titles

This club snagged second place because, despite tying with Chelsea in number of Premiership title wins, Arsenal also made it to the finals five other times. The club was started in 1886 and was the first one in Southern England to join the Football League. Arsenal is also the only team to play a season in the Premier League undefeated. Their last win was during the 2003-2004 season, with 26 wins and 12 draws.

3. Chelsea

3 Titles

Although they match Arsenal in Premiership wins, this club has made it to the finals two times less. The team was formed in 1905 and has spent most of the years as a forerunner in the English football team. Chelsea was won three Premiership titles in the last decade. Their last win was during the 2009-2010 season, defeating Manchester United in the final game. During the match, they beat the Premier League record scoring an impressive 103 points.

4. Blackburn Rovers

1 Title

The Blackburn Rovers were established in 1875 and was one of the founding teams in the Football League. This club achieved championship status during the 1994-1995 season, finishing with a total of 89 points. They were runner-ups in the season before. Since their win, they have not placed in the top three.

5. Liverpool

No Titles

Although this team has never actually won the title, they have been in the finals twice and in third place four times. Founded in 1892, this club is considered one of the most successful English teams. Despite not winning the Premiership in the history of the league, Liverpool has 18 league titles, 7 FA Cups, 7 League Cups under its belt.

Miles Walker is a freelance blogger who usually writes about getting the best car insurance comparison over at Car Insurance Comparison .org. His recent review looked at where to get an excellent car insurance quote.

Sports Carnival Ecstasy - June 9, 2011

2011-06-09T14:21:00.000-07:00

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Welcome to the June 9, 2011 edition of Sports Carnival Ecstasy.In this issue we have Steve from the BrutusReport with a story on Jim Tressel resigning. Bill Smith stays in Columbus Ohio and how Terrelle Pryor is no looking towards the NFL supplemental draft, if and when there is one. The NFL Lockout has everything in limbo according to Jeylend Kitchen. Matt Creators takes a look at golf and Tiger Woods not playing in the US Open. Finally Eric Gargiulo has a UFC 2011 Summer Events Preview for all MMA fans. Hope you enjoy the stories, bookmark, share, tweet and come back really soon for more great sports information.

Steve presents 10 Greatest Pool Hustlers of All Time posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "Cowboy Jimmy Moore is one of the all time top pool hustlers."

Steve presents The New Grand Prix posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "Go kart racing has become a fun way to involve kids in grand prix racing."

baseball

Kelly Kaplan presents 10 Fastest Fastball Throwers of All Time posted at High Speed Internet Deals.

Sports Scream presents Take Fan Voting AWAY! posted at The Sports Scream, saying, "A look at why fan voting should be removed from the baseball All Star game."

basketball

Phil Byrne presents Where to Stay and What to See at the 2012 Olympics | Cheap Hotel Chains - Guide To Great Places posted at Cheap Hotel Chains.

Sports Scream presents Lebron James And That Chest Bump... posted at The Sports Scream, saying, "Is a chest bump that big a deal?"

football

Steve presents Jim Tressel Resigns According to the Dispatch posted at BrutusReport, saying, "Early reports of Jim Tressel resigning were confirmed as Memorial Day progressed and Ohio State fans across the country become saddened with the lose of their head coach."

Bill Smith presents Ohio State News Nationally: Supplement Draft posted at BrutusReport, saying, "Terrelle Pryor is likely to leave OSU for the NFL in the supplemental draft."

Bill Smith presents Dwayne Too-Tall Stanford II posted at eScoutRoom, saying, "Swayne Stanford is one of the best wide receivers in the country for the 2012 high school recruiting class."

Jeylend Kitchen presents The NFL Lockout posted at The JKitch Sports Sanctuary.

Steve presents Ohio State May Be Ineligible for the Big Ten Championship Game posted at BrutusReport, saying, "Ohio State will not be able to play in the Big Ten championship game if they are made ineligible for post-season play."

Matt Creators presents The Sorrow Continues In Columbus with Pryor: Where Do the Buckeyes Turn? posted at The Eastside Perspective.

golf

Cleo Kontoulas presents Golf Adventures posted at The Most Original Blog.

Matt Creators presents No Open for Tiger: Injuries Continue to be Troublesome posted at The Eastside Perspective.

mma

Eric Gargiulo presents Fedor Emelianenko Vs. Dan Henderson Is Official For July 30 posted at CamelCluchBlog.Com, saying, "Dan Henderson confirmed that the expected Henderson vs. Fedor Strikeforce Super Fight is finally official. Hendo revealed the news on the latest Inside MMA broadcast along with a bold fight prediction. "I'm going to beat him up.""

Eric Gargiulo presents UFC 2011 Summer Events Preview posted at CamelCluchBlog.Com, saying, "The UFC is gearing up for one of the hottest summers in company history. MMA fans will get six UFC shows to sink their teeth into over the next three months. The UFC saved the best for last as UFC 134 headlines the summer UFC events calendar."

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The Nascar All-Star race

2011-06-09T14:11:00.000-07:00

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The Nascar All-Star race, known then as the Winston, began in 1985. It was held at The Charlotte Motor Speedway in Charlotte North Carolina. The race has been run there every year since, except for 1986 when it was run at Atlanta Motor Speedway. There were twelve race winners from the 1984 season that participated in the 1985 Winston race. The race was held the day before the Coca Cola 600, and was seventy laps with one pit stop mandatory.

The inaugural race was won by Darrell Waltrip.The second running of The Winston was in Atlanta and the crowd was skimpy. There were only a measly 18,500 in attendance, possibly due to the fact that the race was held on Mothers Day weekend. This weekend was one that was, up to that time avoided in the race calendar. In 1987 the race returned to Charlotte with many changes. The race was now held the weekend before the Coca Cola 600. This would give most race teams two weeks at their home track, as most shops were located in the Charlotte area. The format changed for the 1987 race and for the first time the race was carried on ABC. The race continued to expand and refine and in 1992 The Winston was the first superspeedway race held under the lights. The race itself was thrilling with Kyle Petty and Davey Allison crashing as they crossed the finish line. Davey Allison won the race, but didn't know it until he regained consciousness in the hospital. Running the race under the lights was electric, and the fans loved it.

Nascar expanded on it until now in 2011 there will be eleven races run under the lights. Nascar continued to fine tune the race making changes in the format, how drivers were picked, and the name. What had started as the Winston in 1985 now became the Nascar Nextel All Star Challenge in 2004. In 2008 the name was changed again to the Nascar Sprint All Star Race. The race format over the years has changed, but one thing remains the same this race is truly "One Hot Night". The drivers are awarded no points but there is a significant money prize for the winner. It is also a chance for drivers to let go, and they often do so. There are frequent crashes, and sometimes half of the starting lineup does not finish. Nascar's history is rich and storied, and Charlotte has played a large part of that history. In 2010 the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies were held during the All Star Race Week. With innovation and changing formats the Nascar All- Star race continues to be a fan favorite, and is always "One Hot Night".

Are you looking for cheap insurance for your automobile? Go to Kanetix today and do a free quote comparison to see which insurance company in Canada offers the best rate of insurance. Kanetix compares the rates of over 40 insurance providers in Canada.

Sports Carnival Ecstasy - May 26, 2011

2011-05-27T14:09:00.000-07:00

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Welcome to the May 26, 2011 edition of Sports Carnival Ecstasy.This time we have 16 great articles from the best sports blogs on the Internet. Including one from KAZBullet about Thor, Lebron James and what it all means. Steve @ FryingPanSports takes a look at Top 10 Injury-Prone Sports that you might not completely agree with. And what about Donovan McNabb’s NFL Career, Eric Gargiulo discusses. Finally Steve at eFilmroom.com has a highlight video of Dwayne Stanford from Cincinnati Taft High School. Hope you enjoy the articles, bookmark our carnival, tweet, share, and come back for more great sports writing.

Ray A Johnson presents Casual Shoes for Women posted at Ladies Shoes Wide, saying, "This is a story of a need for a proper pair of shoes."

baseball

numbersofbaseball presents 100 3B and 300 HR club « numbersofbaseball posted at numbersofbaseball.

Mitch Hall presents Why money is important posted at FRONT OFFICE cigar, saying, "This is a fantastic sports management website"

basketball

KAZBullet presents What I’m Watching: Thor, LeBron, and the story behind the story posted at Bullet's Brain, saying, "Hi, thanks for considering this blog post comparing LeBron's recent playoff run to the movie Thor and our own lives. Hope you enjoy it!"

extreme

Jase presents Whistler Spring 2011 Update posted at ride more bikes, saying, "An update on all things biking in Whistler, BC, Canada. The Whistler Bike Park is not far away!"

Steve presents Top 10 Injury-Prone Sports In The World posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "A look at the sports that have caused the most injuries over the past couple of years."

Mike Ross presents 6 Stories of Extreme Skydiving Fall Survival posted at Extreme Sports Trader, saying, "Skydiving is one of the most dangerous extreme sports there is, though for some on this list it was not a sport but an actual matter of life and death."

Heath Erickson presents Workout Routines for Men at Home that Need No Accessories?! posted at Muscle Maker Now.

football

Steve presents Nebraska And Wisconsin Football Vs. Ohio State: Evening Games Are Set posted at BrutusReport, saying, "Ohio State is set to play two Big Ten games at night this coming season."

Eric Gargiulo presents The End of the Line for Donovan McNabb’s NFL Career? posted at CamelCluchBlog.Com, saying, "The game of chicken between Donovan McNabb and the Washington Redskins will heat up over the next few months. All indications are that McNabb will wind up as a free agent in 2011. But a recent commentary suggests that the former Pro Bowl QB may have played his last down in the NFL."

Steve presents Dwayne Stanford Cincinnati Taft WR Highlights posted at eFilmRoom, saying, "Dwayne Stanford looks to be one of the best wide outs nationally in the 2012 class."

Steve presents Taylor McNamara Highlights Westview 2012 Tight End posted at eFilmRoom, saying, "Taylor McNamara will be one the better tight ends in the 2012 recruiting class nationally and will most likely stay on the west coast with offers from some of the best Pac 10 schools."

golf

Steve presents How to Correct a Golf Slice posted at FryingPan Sports, saying, "Getting beyond your poor slices is most important this golf season."

Christopher Clayton presents Review: Golf's Sacred Journey posted at Weekend Golf Warrior.

Christopher Clayton presents Range Balls and Distance posted at Weekend Golf Warrior.

mma

Eric Gargiulo presents Rashad Evans Imitates Randy Savage On Inside MMA (Video) posted at CamelCluchBlog.Com, saying, "UFC fighter Rashad Evans talked about his favorite pro wrestler Randy Savage last week on Inside MMA. Evans capped off the taped interview with an imitation of the Macho Man, which ironically aired the day Savage died in a car wreck."

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