2013年12月19日星期四
川奈に帰ってきたキンクミ、予選ラウンドは斉藤愛璃らと同組
2012年04月19日16時32分
＜フジサンケイレディスクラシック 事前情報◇19日◇川奈ホテルゴルフコース 富士コース(6,407ヤード・パー72)＞
国内女子ツアー「フジサンケイレディスクラシック」が静岡県にある川奈ホテルゴルフコース 富士コースで開催される。昨年大会は5打差で最終日をスタートした金田久美子が前半からチャージをかけて逆転優勝。苦しい時期を乗り越えたビジュアル系プロが栄冠をつかんだ。
予選ラウンドの組み合わせは、ディフェンディングチャンピオンの金田が斉藤愛璃、笠りつ子と同組で11時15分に1番ティスタート、横峯さくらは先週の「西陣レディスクラシック」で優勝した若林舞衣子らと同組で11時06分に1番ティスタートとなった。
＜速報＞斉藤愛璃が首位と3打差1アンダーでホールアウト
2012年04月20日16時07分
リーダーズボード
順位 選手名 スコア1 飯島 茜 -4
佐伯 三貴 -4
穴井 詩 -4
4 下村 真由美 -3
原 江里菜 -3
馬場 ゆかり -3
7 綾田 紘子 -2
大城 さつき -2
福嶋 浩子 -2
鬼澤 信子 -2
順位の続きを見る
＜フジサンケイレディスクラシック 初日◇20日◇川奈ホテルゴルフコース 富士コース(6,407ヤード・パー72)＞
国内女子ツアー「フジサンケイレディスクラシック」が静岡県にある川奈ホテルゴルフコース 富士コースで開幕した。開幕戦優勝以来思うような成績を残せていなかった斉藤愛璃が初日を1アンダーで回り、現時点で首位と3打差につけた。
斉藤は1番、3番とボギーを叩くも6番でバーディを奪い返し1オーバーで前半を折り返す。さらに、後半12番パー5でバーディを奪うと、15番、16番と連続バーディ。最終18番はボギーとしたものの、好位置で初日を終えた。
現時点で4アンダーでホールアウトした飯島茜、佐伯三貴が首位タイ、原江里菜、馬場ゆかり、下村真由美が3アンダーで3位タイにつけている。
2013年11月27日星期三
＜速報＞川村昌弘、朴銀信が首位タイ、宮本勝昌らが2打差で追う
＜コカ・コーラ東海クラシック 2日目◇28日◇三好カントリー倶楽部 西コース(7,315ヤード・パー72)＞
愛知県の三好カントリー倶楽部を舞台に開催されている国内男子ツアー「コカ・コーラ東海クラシック」の2日目。スコアを落とす選手が多い中、この日4つスコアを伸ばした朴銀信(パク・ウンシン)(韓国)と2つスコアを伸ばした川村昌弘が通算4アンダーで首位に並んだ。
首位と1打差の単独3位に金亨成(キム・ヒョンソン)、さらに1打差の4位タイグループに宮本勝昌、額賀辰徳、金庚泰(キム・キョンテ)(韓国)ら4選手がつけている。
初日首位の高山忠洋は石川遼らと並び3オーバー30位タイ、「予選通過が目標」と語っていた平塚哲二は1オーバー18位タイで目標を達成した。
【2日目の順位】
1位T：川村昌弘(-4)
1位T朴 銀信(-4)
3位：金 亨成(-3)
4位T：宮本勝昌(-2)
4位T：額賀辰徳(-2)
4位T：金 庚泰(-2)
4位T：S・J・パク(-2)
8位T：片山晋呉(-1)
8位T：小田孔明(-1) ほか3名
13位T：谷口 徹(E)
13位T：藤田寛之(E) ほか3名
30位T：高山忠洋(+3)
30位T：石川遼(+3) ほか6名
愛知県の三好カントリー倶楽部を舞台に開催されている国内男子ツアー「コカ・コーラ東海クラシック」の2日目。スコアを落とす選手が多い中、この日4つスコアを伸ばした朴銀信(パク・ウンシン)(韓国)と2つスコアを伸ばした川村昌弘が通算4アンダーで首位に並んだ。
首位と1打差の単独3位に金亨成(キム・ヒョンソン)、さらに1打差の4位タイグループに宮本勝昌、額賀辰徳、金庚泰(キム・キョンテ)(韓国)ら4選手がつけている。
初日首位の高山忠洋は石川遼らと並び3オーバー30位タイ、「予選通過が目標」と語っていた平塚哲二は1オーバー18位タイで目標を達成した。
【2日目の順位】
1位T：川村昌弘(-4)
1位T朴 銀信(-4)
3位：金 亨成(-3)
4位T：宮本勝昌(-2)
4位T：額賀辰徳(-2)
4位T：金 庚泰(-2)
4位T：S・J・パク(-2)
8位T：片山晋呉(-1)
8位T：小田孔明(-1) ほか3名
13位T：谷口 徹(E)
13位T：藤田寛之(E) ほか3名
30位T：高山忠洋(+3)
30位T：石川遼(+3) ほか6名
遼は30位Tで予選通過「明日は出だしからバーディを」
ホストプロとして、明日こそは目の肥えたギャラリーたちを盛り上げたい（撮影：上山敬太）
【もっと写真を見る（9）】
＜コカ・コーラ東海クラシック 2日目◇28日◇三好カントリー倶楽部 西コース(7,315ヤード・パー72)＞
国内男子ツアー「コカ・コーラ東海クラシック」の2日目。初日、1オーバー35位タイと出遅れた石川遼。この日も序盤からティショットが安定せず、ボギーが先行する苦しい立ち上がりとなった。
石川は2番パー5でボギーを叩くと、4番、6番とずるずるとスコアを落としてしまう。しかし、7番でこの日初バーディを奪取。9番でも約2メートルのバーディパット沈め、トータル2アンダーで折り返す。
インターバルを挟み、後半に入ると10番でティショットのミスからまたボギーが先行。11番、13番でもボギーとし、一時は5オーバーまでスコアを後退させてしまう。だが、15番パー5では2オンに成功しバーディを獲ると、難関16番パー3はパーで乗り切る。17番でもうひとつスコアを戻し、迎えた最終18番ではバンカーからの3打目を大きくオーバーさせピンチになるが、ここは執念でねじ込みパーをセーブ。この日は4バーディ・6ボギーの74でホールアウト。スコアを2つ落としトータル3オーバーとしたが、他の選手も伸び悩んだため順位は30位タイに浮上した。
連日ボギーが先行する苦しいゴルフとなっている石川。「いい感じだなと思ったショットでもラフにいってしまった」とツキにも見放されがちだが、「上がりは良かったです。明日は出だしからきっちりとバーディを獲りたい」と前向きに話した。東海地方はゴルフなどスポーツ熱が高い土地、この日も大勢のギャラリーが石川の組についたが「まだまだだな、と思われていると思う」とファンを満足させていないことは痛感している。明日こそは巻き返し、目の肥えたギャラリーたちを盛り上げることを目指す。
19歳のツアールーキー川村昌宏、首位タイ浮上も「何とも思わないです」
首位に浮上した川村昌宏、19歳のツアールーキーだ（撮影：上山敬太）
＜コカ・コーラ東海クラシック 2日目◇28日◇三好カントリー倶楽部 西コース(7,315ヤード・パー72)＞
国内男子ツアー「コカ・コーラ東海クラシック」の2日目。例年よりも長いラフと、初日よりも硬く締まったグリーンで多くの選手がスコアを伸ばしあぐねる中、この日2つスコアを伸ばした川村昌宏と朴銀信(パク・ウンシン)(韓国)がトータル4アンダーで並び首位タイに浮上。1打差の3位には今季好調の金亨成(キム・ヒョンソン)(韓国)、2打差4位タイには宮本勝昌ら4選手がつけた。
【関連リンク】コカ・コーラ東海クラシック2日目の順位
川村は前半ティショットが安定せず2つスコアを落としてしまうが、後半で爆発。10番で4メートルを沈めバーディを先行させると、12番パー5から圧巻の4連続バーディを奪取。14番では「影で正直ラインは分からなかった」が18メートルのバーディパットを沈めるなど幸運にも恵まれ、自身初の首位に立った。
抜群の安定感とプロになってから成長を実感しているというパットとアプローチでこの日は着実にスコアを伸ばした川村。最高の位置で決勝ラウンドに駒を進めたが、「まだ2日目、折り返しただけです。何とも思いません」とあくまで冷静。明日からは「悪い流れを乗り切って、またチャンスを決められれば」と淡々と話した。ツアールーキーとは思えない、どこかベテランの風格さえ感じられる19歳。「優勝できれば最高ですが、今年は出場した試合を体調を崩さず、最後までやりきることが目標です」、結果に一喜一憂せずこの試合も悔いの無いよう最後までしっかりと走り切る。
宮本勝昌、2打差4位タイで決勝ラウンドへ
毎年の目標、「日本シリーズ」の切符をつかむためにも、明日からも上位をキープしたい宮本（撮影：上山敬太）
＜コカ・コーラ東海クラシック 2日目◇28日◇三好カントリー倶楽部 西コース(7,315ヤード・パー72)＞
国内男子ツアー「コカ・コーラ東海クラシック」の2日目。2アンダー5位タイから出た宮本勝昌はこの日、3バーディ・3ボギーのイーブンパーでホールアウト。スコアは伸ばせなかったが、多くの選手がスコアメイクに苦しんだため、4位タイに順位を上げた。
宮本は2番パー5でバーディを先行させると、4番でもバーディを奪取。5番パー3ではボギーとし、前半でスコアを1つ伸ばし折り返す。後半に入ると12番パー5でバーディが先行。その後13番、17番と落としてしまいイーブンパーでホールアウトした。
【関連リンク】コカ・コーラ東海クラシック2日目の順位
今年は7月の「長嶋茂雄 INVITATIONAL セガサミーカップゴルフトーナメント」で3位タイに入った以外は思うような結果が残せていない宮本。この日も「フェアウェイに行かない、グリーンに乗らない、ドライバーもダメ」と散々な内容だったようだが、「40～50ヤードからのアプローチを寄せてパーをとる。それが出来ているから上位にいられるてる」とショートゲームに助けられ好位置で決勝ラウンドへ。
例年より長いラフと好天続きで硬く締まったグリーン、それに加え「フェアウェイも硬くなってるんですよ。ドライバーでドッグレッグを突き抜けちゃう。中々フェアウェイに行きにくいです」と今年の三好はかなりの難コンディション。「明日も難しくなると思うよ。なんでもいい、どんなゴルフでもいいから拾うだけ拾って、チャンスが来れば狙っていければ」。毎年の目標、「日本シリーズ」の切符をつかむためにも、ここは上位で4日間を終えたいところ。明日も粘りのプレーで上位をキープできるか。
2013年10月28日星期一
Famous Golf Quotes Filled With Timeless Wisdom
Golf - Teaching Your Child How To Play
More children are learning to play golf today than ever before. A big reason for this is Tiger Woods. He has taken the sport and popularized it among children of all ages. What used to be a boring game for kids to play has suddenly become increasingly popular.
Children are now discovering what many adults already know: golf is a lot of fun! While your children may love hitting golf balls with one of your old golf clubs, how do you begin to develop their skills? Here are a few tips to help you give your children a good head start in the golfing world.
One of the first things you may want to do is enroll them into a golf class. Many of your local golf courses have classes just for children. There is no need to go out and buy a new set of golf clubs for your child. The class will provide the equipment necessary. This will not only save you some money right now, but it will give you time to find out if your child truly enjoys the game of golf or not. You don't want to go out and spend a few hundred dollars only to find out your child doesn't really like golf after all.
The next tip is one that is very important for both you and your child. Be patient. It is so easy to want to see your child start hitting long drives and sinking 30 foot putts. In order for them to want to continue learning the game of golf they need your support. Let your child progress at their rate. The golf classes will help them develop immensely.
When you are on the practice range with them be sure you encourage them, even when they are spraying the ball all over the range. They will pick up the finer points of the game later as they grow older.
When your child has taken some classes and they show a genuine interest in the game of golf, buy them their own set of golf clubs. Be sure you have your child fitted properly. Of course, since they will be growing in height and weight, understand that the clubs you buy today may be too small within a year or two at the most. You can get childrens' golf clubs at an inexpensive price.
Use the time that you spend golfing with your children as a bonding time. Enjoy yourselves and the time you're out on the course. You can even use this time to develop a good communication with your child. Talk about other things than golf. You'll be surprised at how the golf course can help you and your children bond together. It will spill over into other areas of your lives as well.
Your child may never grow up to be the next Tiger Woods, or Michelle Wie, but they can grow up loving the game of golf. More importantly, they can grow up enjoying the time spent together with you out on the golf course.
More children are learning to play golf today than ever before. A big reason for this is Tiger Woods. He has taken the sport and popularized it among children of all ages. What used to be a boring game for kids to play has suddenly become increasingly popular.
Children are now discovering what many adults already know: golf is a lot of fun! While your children may love hitting golf balls with one of your old golf clubs, how do you begin to develop their skills? Here are a few tips to help you give your children a good head start in the golfing world.
One of the first things you may want to do is enroll them into a golf class. Many of your local golf courses have classes just for children. There is no need to go out and buy a new set of golf clubs for your child. The class will provide the equipment necessary. This will not only save you some money right now, but it will give you time to find out if your child truly enjoys the game of golf or not. You don't want to go out and spend a few hundred dollars only to find out your child doesn't really like golf after all.
The next tip is one that is very important for both you and your child. Be patient. It is so easy to want to see your child start hitting long drives and sinking 30 foot putts. In order for them to want to continue learning the game of golf they need your support. Let your child progress at their rate. The golf classes will help them develop immensely.
When you are on the practice range with them be sure you encourage them, even when they are spraying the ball all over the range. They will pick up the finer points of the game later as they grow older.
When your child has taken some classes and they show a genuine interest in the game of golf, buy them their own set of golf clubs. Be sure you have your child fitted properly. Of course, since they will be growing in height and weight, understand that the clubs you buy today may be too small within a year or two at the most. You can get childrens' golf clubs at an inexpensive price.
Use the time that you spend golfing with your children as a bonding time. Enjoy yourselves and the time you're out on the course. You can even use this time to develop a good communication with your child. Talk about other things than golf. You'll be surprised at how the golf course can help you and your children bond together. It will spill over into other areas of your lives as well.
Your child may never grow up to be the next Tiger Woods, or Michelle Wie, but they can grow up loving the game of golf. More importantly, they can grow up enjoying the time spent together with you out on the golf course.
2013年10月22日星期二
Jiu Jitsu Gis Sizing
When shopping for new Jiu Jitsu Gis you will need to know what size would be the best fit for you. The size of your Jiu Jitsu Gis are very important for the way you train and especially for competition. Jiu Jitsu Gis Sizing are usually displayed on the manufacturers website. They should have a clear and complete sizing chart for you to go by.
Jiu Jitsu Gis are ranged from A0, - A6 for adults and K0 – K4 for kids. Those are a lot of choices on the sizing of your Jiu Jitsu Gis so it is very important to choose the right size. For example, you might be a size A2 in one Jiu Jitsu Gi brand but an A3 in another. This is why sizing is very important and if needed you should call the company itself and ask them about sizing. You can tell them your exact measurements over the phone or email and most companies will be happy to assist you with the correct sizing.
Some may ask, well what about shrinkage? That is a very important question. Shrinkage of your Jiu Jitsu Gis may also play a big factor in the size. Some Bjj Kimonos come pre-shrunk where there is minimal shrinkage and others are not pre-shrunk so there may be a lot of shrinkage of your Bjj Gi. Generally if you were to hang dry your Bjj Kimonos you will never see any shrinking of your Gis. So make sure you note which Bjj Kimonos are pre shrunk and which ones are not and play that fact into deciding your size. Again, if you are still having trouble with size then the recommendation would be to contact the company directly via email or phone.
Jiu Jitsu Gis are ranged from A0, - A6 for adults and K0 – K4 for kids. Those are a lot of choices on the sizing of your Jiu Jitsu Gis so it is very important to choose the right size. For example, you might be a size A2 in one Jiu Jitsu Gi brand but an A3 in another. This is why sizing is very important and if needed you should call the company itself and ask them about sizing. You can tell them your exact measurements over the phone or email and most companies will be happy to assist you with the correct sizing.
Some may ask, well what about shrinkage? That is a very important question. Shrinkage of your Jiu Jitsu Gis may also play a big factor in the size. Some Bjj Kimonos come pre-shrunk where there is minimal shrinkage and others are not pre-shrunk so there may be a lot of shrinkage of your Bjj Gi. Generally if you were to hang dry your Bjj Kimonos you will never see any shrinking of your Gis. So make sure you note which Bjj Kimonos are pre shrunk and which ones are not and play that fact into deciding your size. Again, if you are still having trouble with size then the recommendation would be to contact the company directly via email or phone.
2013年10月16日星期三
Nike Golfing Apparel
Most golfers will tell you that superior quality golf clothing is just as important as a good set of golf clubs. Golf clothing is not just about making a fashion statement but about wearing clothing that will protect you from the elements as well as support your game. Sport apparel can have a huge influence on how you play and it is for this reason the sport apparel industry ensures that the sports clothing meets the performance needs of their customers. Brands such as Nike have specialised divisions for different sports and the Nike Golf clothing division produces high quality golfing apparel and accessories.
Golf is a game that requires the player to spend a considerable time outdoors on the course, it is for this reason that you should invest in good quality golf clothing. You will be exposed to the elements out on the golf course and the clothing that you wear should be able to protect you from these conditions or at least lessen their effect on you. Nike Golf clothing is made with these weather conditions in mind and the fabric, materials, designs and tailoring are well suited for golfing.
When golfing in dry and hot conditions, you will need to be protected from the heat, dust, and humidity. Nike Golf clothing features a range of apparel made especially for hot weather conditions, their range of Nike Dri-Fit clothing is guaranteed to keep you dry and comfortable. The Nike Dri-Fit materials are designed so that the skin is kept dry due to the breathable and fast drying fabric. This range of Nike Golf clothing comes in a range of t-shirts, shorts and trousers for both men and women.
When golfing in wet weather the most important thing for any golfer is to keep warm and dry while playing. When you are out on the course the clothing you wear should be able to keep you protected from the environmental elements such as rain. Nike Golf clothing produces clothing that meets the needs of golfers playing in rainy conditions. The Nike range of water-resistant golf clothing such as the Nike Storm-Fit range is ideal for wet weather conditions. This range of Nike golf clothing is made with water-resistant fabrics so that you are kept dry and warm on the golf course. For men, women and juniors this range of golf clothing has jackets, trousers and matching suit sets from which you can choose.
If you are a golfer then you should consider buy yourself some Nike Golf clothing so that you are protected from the environmental conditions when you are playing. Nike Golf clothing is not just practical is it also very fashion forward and made with the wearer in mind.
Golf is a game that requires the player to spend a considerable time outdoors on the course, it is for this reason that you should invest in good quality golf clothing. You will be exposed to the elements out on the golf course and the clothing that you wear should be able to protect you from these conditions or at least lessen their effect on you. Nike Golf clothing is made with these weather conditions in mind and the fabric, materials, designs and tailoring are well suited for golfing.
When golfing in dry and hot conditions, you will need to be protected from the heat, dust, and humidity. Nike Golf clothing features a range of apparel made especially for hot weather conditions, their range of Nike Dri-Fit clothing is guaranteed to keep you dry and comfortable. The Nike Dri-Fit materials are designed so that the skin is kept dry due to the breathable and fast drying fabric. This range of Nike Golf clothing comes in a range of t-shirts, shorts and trousers for both men and women.
When golfing in wet weather the most important thing for any golfer is to keep warm and dry while playing. When you are out on the course the clothing you wear should be able to keep you protected from the environmental elements such as rain. Nike Golf clothing produces clothing that meets the needs of golfers playing in rainy conditions. The Nike range of water-resistant golf clothing such as the Nike Storm-Fit range is ideal for wet weather conditions. This range of Nike golf clothing is made with water-resistant fabrics so that you are kept dry and warm on the golf course. For men, women and juniors this range of golf clothing has jackets, trousers and matching suit sets from which you can choose.
If you are a golfer then you should consider buy yourself some Nike Golf clothing so that you are protected from the environmental conditions when you are playing. Nike Golf clothing is not just practical is it also very fashion forward and made with the wearer in mind.
2013年10月14日星期一
Very Powerful Ping Pong Attitude Tips
Do you strive to become a ping pong professional? If yes this article will definitely add value to your physical and also mental game. The biggest misconception with which many players are living is that they believe and think that the game is only physical. On the other hand, if you just look a few minutes to one of the best players in the world, and observe how they behave, how they train, and how the concentrate on positive thinking patters, and controlling themselves in every possible situation, you will notice that this game called table tennis is both mental and also physical.
The serious player also has to focus on the reduction of stress, negative feelings, and basically everything that is not congruent with their goals on how the match will end. By bringing a realistic, optimistic, and also strong attitude to the table it becomes less likely that a person will suffer under negative feelings or stress. If you are not well prepared for a match and aren´t even motivated to hold the ping pong paddles, because you experience defeat after defeat, it is pretty common that the current game will end like the previous ones. But what about if a player wouldn´t concentrate on the past results, and just go to the table with the attitude of a winner? It has been proven that if a person lacks self confidence and also ambition, it is very difficult to compete against trained and great players.
Focus on minimizing the effects that the results of previous matches could have, especially for negative ones. Accept the fact that you might have made a couple of mistakes, not been in shape, or simple couldn´t focus on this particular game at all. This is the attitude that you want to sustain when entering a table tennis table. Never enter it with the belief that you won´t and also can´t win this game today, because if you do this it becomes more and more likely that you will experience and achieve exactly what you think about.
Many individuals become completely stressed out and nervous when it comes to finishing a game. This has a definite reason, and it is that you already are very close of winning but you might believe that your opponent can still overtake you. Don´t let this happen to you, because you have to play if you have already won this particular match. Fear and anxiety leads to weakness and nervousness during each ball contact. Make sure to hold your ping pong paddles smoothly, and concentrate on playing your A-game all the time.
The serious player also has to focus on the reduction of stress, negative feelings, and basically everything that is not congruent with their goals on how the match will end. By bringing a realistic, optimistic, and also strong attitude to the table it becomes less likely that a person will suffer under negative feelings or stress. If you are not well prepared for a match and aren´t even motivated to hold the ping pong paddles, because you experience defeat after defeat, it is pretty common that the current game will end like the previous ones. But what about if a player wouldn´t concentrate on the past results, and just go to the table with the attitude of a winner? It has been proven that if a person lacks self confidence and also ambition, it is very difficult to compete against trained and great players.
Focus on minimizing the effects that the results of previous matches could have, especially for negative ones. Accept the fact that you might have made a couple of mistakes, not been in shape, or simple couldn´t focus on this particular game at all. This is the attitude that you want to sustain when entering a table tennis table. Never enter it with the belief that you won´t and also can´t win this game today, because if you do this it becomes more and more likely that you will experience and achieve exactly what you think about.
Many individuals become completely stressed out and nervous when it comes to finishing a game. This has a definite reason, and it is that you already are very close of winning but you might believe that your opponent can still overtake you. Don´t let this happen to you, because you have to play if you have already won this particular match. Fear and anxiety leads to weakness and nervousness during each ball contact. Make sure to hold your ping pong paddles smoothly, and concentrate on playing your A-game all the time.
MLB Tryouts—Chasing the Major League Dream: MLB Tryout Day for Position Players
So you want to give professional baseball a shot? An MLB tryout might be a good place to start. But before you show up, it will greatly benefit you to learn exactly what you can expect to encounter on MLB tryout day.
MLB tryouts are usually slated to start at 9:00 AM, but hopefuls are asked to show up a half hour early. When you get to the park, the first order of business is completing a registration card. You’ll find a number on this card, based on your position; for example, pitchers might be numbered 101, 102, 103, etc. That number is how you will be addressed and identified for the rest of the day.
You'll be asked to tryout at only one position, even if you typically pitch as well as play the field. However, the scouts may allow you a shot on the mound later on if you display the potential to generate some big league gas when showing off your arm in the field. Once everyone is registered, it’s time for position players to show the scouts their wheels. The MLB tryout begins!
A baseball player’s speed is measured via the 60 yard dash. This is run on a makeshift track marked off in the outfield with cones. Two scouts man the finish line with stopwatches and clipboards, as two players are called to the line to run. Each heat typically starts with a drop of the hat. If a guy puts up a great time, he may be asked to run again to prove that the time was legit.
The importance of the 60 at an MLB tryout cannot be understated. The time a player puts up at the beginning of the workout may dictate whether or not he’s even taken seriously for the remainder of the day. That’s a bit of a downer, I know, but it’s the reality. In the eyes of scouts, other skills can be taught if the potential is there; speed is something you’re born with. If an outfielder or middle infielder doesn’t run 7.0 seconds or better, he’ll have to hit/throw extremely well to receive any type of consideration from a scout at an MLB tryout.
After all players have run, everyone is given time to loosen up their arms before showing them off in the field. In most cases, outfielder line up in right field in between a pair of cones. A scout hits easy fungoes, as each player unleashes a few throws to both third and home. They aim for a cut-off man, who lets each throw go so the scouts can gauge trajectory and life off the turf. They look for the ball to stay straight, on an even plane, and take one lively bounce before reaching the target.
Middle infielders and third basemen then field a few ground balls in the hole at deep shortstop. Scouts watch closely as each player uncorks a few throws over to first, looking for the same characteristics (minus the bounce) as those from the outfielders. While scouts will look at fielding ability, body control, footwork and hands, the throwing arm is what is primarily evaluated here. First basemen get to throw a few across the diamond at an MLB tryout as well, but arm strength means little to scouts at this position. First basemen are called on to carry a big stick first and foremost. But if one of these guys shows a big arm, he may project at another position.
Catchers then get their turn in the spotlight. For catchers, an MLB tryout is all about "pop time." A scout clicks his stopwatch as a catcher receives a pitch, then—as the catcher simulates a steal situation to second—stops it when the ball reaches the target’s glove at second. The goal here is 2.0 seconds or better.
After the arms have been evaluated in the field at an MLB tryout, a cut is usually made. The scouts get together and decide which players they will keep for the next phase of the tryout. For those that don’t hear their numbers called at this point, the workout is over.
Those that are invited to stay get the chance to field their positions, as the scouts more closely evaluate defensive skills. Batting practice typically follows, so the scouts can analyze the mechanics of each player’s swing, along with each athlete’s power potential. From there, the roster is slashed once again to include only those that will stay to hit live pitching.
So now you know what you’re in for as a position player at an MLB tryout. If you’re a ballplayer that hopes to break into the pros, there are many avenues you can pursue to try to make this happen. There is a whole lot of WORLDWIDE opportunity available today, both inside and outside the umbrella of Major League Baseball. That said, a solid showing at an MLB tryout could get you on the radar, and put you on the road towards a pro career. Knowing what you’re in for on tryout day is the first step towards living the dream.
MLB tryouts are usually slated to start at 9:00 AM, but hopefuls are asked to show up a half hour early. When you get to the park, the first order of business is completing a registration card. You’ll find a number on this card, based on your position; for example, pitchers might be numbered 101, 102, 103, etc. That number is how you will be addressed and identified for the rest of the day.
You'll be asked to tryout at only one position, even if you typically pitch as well as play the field. However, the scouts may allow you a shot on the mound later on if you display the potential to generate some big league gas when showing off your arm in the field. Once everyone is registered, it’s time for position players to show the scouts their wheels. The MLB tryout begins!
A baseball player’s speed is measured via the 60 yard dash. This is run on a makeshift track marked off in the outfield with cones. Two scouts man the finish line with stopwatches and clipboards, as two players are called to the line to run. Each heat typically starts with a drop of the hat. If a guy puts up a great time, he may be asked to run again to prove that the time was legit.
The importance of the 60 at an MLB tryout cannot be understated. The time a player puts up at the beginning of the workout may dictate whether or not he’s even taken seriously for the remainder of the day. That’s a bit of a downer, I know, but it’s the reality. In the eyes of scouts, other skills can be taught if the potential is there; speed is something you’re born with. If an outfielder or middle infielder doesn’t run 7.0 seconds or better, he’ll have to hit/throw extremely well to receive any type of consideration from a scout at an MLB tryout.
After all players have run, everyone is given time to loosen up their arms before showing them off in the field. In most cases, outfielder line up in right field in between a pair of cones. A scout hits easy fungoes, as each player unleashes a few throws to both third and home. They aim for a cut-off man, who lets each throw go so the scouts can gauge trajectory and life off the turf. They look for the ball to stay straight, on an even plane, and take one lively bounce before reaching the target.
Middle infielders and third basemen then field a few ground balls in the hole at deep shortstop. Scouts watch closely as each player uncorks a few throws over to first, looking for the same characteristics (minus the bounce) as those from the outfielders. While scouts will look at fielding ability, body control, footwork and hands, the throwing arm is what is primarily evaluated here. First basemen get to throw a few across the diamond at an MLB tryout as well, but arm strength means little to scouts at this position. First basemen are called on to carry a big stick first and foremost. But if one of these guys shows a big arm, he may project at another position.
Catchers then get their turn in the spotlight. For catchers, an MLB tryout is all about "pop time." A scout clicks his stopwatch as a catcher receives a pitch, then—as the catcher simulates a steal situation to second—stops it when the ball reaches the target’s glove at second. The goal here is 2.0 seconds or better.
After the arms have been evaluated in the field at an MLB tryout, a cut is usually made. The scouts get together and decide which players they will keep for the next phase of the tryout. For those that don’t hear their numbers called at this point, the workout is over.
Those that are invited to stay get the chance to field their positions, as the scouts more closely evaluate defensive skills. Batting practice typically follows, so the scouts can analyze the mechanics of each player’s swing, along with each athlete’s power potential. From there, the roster is slashed once again to include only those that will stay to hit live pitching.
So now you know what you’re in for as a position player at an MLB tryout. If you’re a ballplayer that hopes to break into the pros, there are many avenues you can pursue to try to make this happen. There is a whole lot of WORLDWIDE opportunity available today, both inside and outside the umbrella of Major League Baseball. That said, a solid showing at an MLB tryout could get you on the radar, and put you on the road towards a pro career. Knowing what you’re in for on tryout day is the first step towards living the dream.
2013年10月13日星期日
The History of the Collingwood Magpies
The Collingwood Magpies had an incredible year last year, and it is due them to have a look at their history and consider how they got to be such a celebrated team.
What has led to their greatness? What are some of the key dates in their history? Who are some of the "greats" associated with this team?
The premiership victory was certainly a great feat, and the Grand Final was such a neck-and-neck battle that it gave way to a Grand Final replay, in which the Magpies utterly trounced the Saint Kilda Saints.
Not having won a Grand Final for the past twenty years, the rejoicing amongst the Magpies' fans was massive – prior to the game, AFL merchandise coloured the streets as supporters of opposing teams proudly showed their allegiance. This gave way to the colours of black and white following the game with flags and scarves blowing from car windows, fences, and anywhere else available to fly their colours.
Looking back on Collingwood's first Premiership victory in 1902, it is significant to note that it was not only Collingwood's first premiership season, but it was also the first time for the Grand Finals to be played at the MCG. In a nail-biting event the very next year, the Pies won their back-to-back title under warm conditions, and against a strong opponent, pulling into the lead at the last moment with a mere two points. The question remains for 2011 – will they pull off another back-to-back?
Not only has Collingwood succeeded to obtain two back to back victories, they have had a four year consecutive run – 1927-1930. Though they have competed in an outstanding number of Their victories got smaller however, and by the time the Grand Final came around in 2010, their supporters were ready for a party – and boy did they ever party! After 20 years of silence, they were back at the top – and no one was able to miss it. AFL merchandise abounded wherever one looked, and it seemed as if all of Australia was having a party...Not that all of Australia are Colllingwood supporters, but they certainly have a large fan base.
In fact, not only does Collingwood have the largest fan base in AFL, but they also hold the title for the largest supporters of any Australian sport. In 1970, when Collingwood and Carlton battled it out for the Premiership title, a record crowd of 121,696 spectators watched. And in 2010, the year of the Magpie, they beat their previous membership record with a total of 57,617. Many supporters purchase AFL merchandise and proudly support the Magpies.
With 8 Brownlow Medal winners, beginning with Syd Coventry in 1927 and the latest being Nathan Buckley in 2003, Collingwood has many prestigious players. Nathan Buckley also set other records, including the most bests and fairests.
Nick Maxwell is the current captain of the Magpies, having begun in 2008, and led them to victory in the 2010 Grand Finals.
True to their motto, this last year, the Magpies truly have prospered!
What has led to their greatness? What are some of the key dates in their history? Who are some of the "greats" associated with this team?
The premiership victory was certainly a great feat, and the Grand Final was such a neck-and-neck battle that it gave way to a Grand Final replay, in which the Magpies utterly trounced the Saint Kilda Saints.
Not having won a Grand Final for the past twenty years, the rejoicing amongst the Magpies' fans was massive – prior to the game, AFL merchandise coloured the streets as supporters of opposing teams proudly showed their allegiance. This gave way to the colours of black and white following the game with flags and scarves blowing from car windows, fences, and anywhere else available to fly their colours.
Looking back on Collingwood's first Premiership victory in 1902, it is significant to note that it was not only Collingwood's first premiership season, but it was also the first time for the Grand Finals to be played at the MCG. In a nail-biting event the very next year, the Pies won their back-to-back title under warm conditions, and against a strong opponent, pulling into the lead at the last moment with a mere two points. The question remains for 2011 – will they pull off another back-to-back?
Not only has Collingwood succeeded to obtain two back to back victories, they have had a four year consecutive run – 1927-1930. Though they have competed in an outstanding number of Their victories got smaller however, and by the time the Grand Final came around in 2010, their supporters were ready for a party – and boy did they ever party! After 20 years of silence, they were back at the top – and no one was able to miss it. AFL merchandise abounded wherever one looked, and it seemed as if all of Australia was having a party...Not that all of Australia are Colllingwood supporters, but they certainly have a large fan base.
In fact, not only does Collingwood have the largest fan base in AFL, but they also hold the title for the largest supporters of any Australian sport. In 1970, when Collingwood and Carlton battled it out for the Premiership title, a record crowd of 121,696 spectators watched. And in 2010, the year of the Magpie, they beat their previous membership record with a total of 57,617. Many supporters purchase AFL merchandise and proudly support the Magpies.
With 8 Brownlow Medal winners, beginning with Syd Coventry in 1927 and the latest being Nathan Buckley in 2003, Collingwood has many prestigious players. Nathan Buckley also set other records, including the most bests and fairests.
Nick Maxwell is the current captain of the Magpies, having begun in 2008, and led them to victory in the 2010 Grand Finals.
True to their motto, this last year, the Magpies truly have prospered!
Snooker Class DVD
For someone new to the game a snooker tutorial DVD is the easiest way to know regarding the game and the guidelines and tips of it. Even probably the most professional snooker players these DVDs come useful as a consequence of they preserve them updated with reference to the sport in any respect times.
These DVDs are simply available on-line and anybody can purchase them. But there are specific factors when it is finest to take into account earlier than you put cash into such a DVD.
The first level to contemplate when shopping for a snooker class DVD is that the trainer is or was a professional snooker player. Solely people who have played the game at the highest competitive degree may be relied upon to teach the game in a manner it should be taught. Someone who is aware of the idea of snooker could possibly lecture you for hours on cease however it's only an expert snooker coach who can let you recognize about the practicalities of the game.
The second point to contemplate is the mode of teaching. If your snooker lesson DVD solely consists of textual content and voice then you're going to get bored quickly and search for different avenues to study the game. The best snooker tutorial DVDs have loads of action in them by means of videos. The coach, when educating concerning a specific shot ought to have the flexibility to fortify the educating through a supporting video.
The third point to bear in mind if you buy a snooker lesson DVD is that the tutorial moves forward in a systematic manner. It shouldn’t jump the gun at any stage. The educational should begin from basic and steadily become advanced. You should be instructed to practice at the end of each chapter.
The fourth level to keep in mind is the price of your snooker tutorial DVD. You'll find that there are DVDs that are dust low cost and there are DVDs that are rather expensive. Earlier than you pay the capital you must be positive that it is an investment that you are making and not merely incurring a cost.
Last but not the least; once you purchase snooker tutorial DVD you must always buy from a reliable source. There are lots of web sites that promote these DVDs however not all of them are the perfect within the business. Identifying a correct snooker internet site via Google or articles or blogs needs to be simple. Collect as much info on the topic of a particular websites and its snooker lesson DVD as you'll find a way to and only when you find yourself satisfied on the topic of the quality should you go for it.
Snooker just isn't the toughest game in the world but it surely has its tricks up its sleeve. You can't just get up one advantageous morning and begin enjoying the game, anticipating to grow to be a grasp inside a week. It takes a selection of hard work and observe earlier than you'll be able to compete with the best. Use an expert snooker tutorial DVD and learn the game inside out. When you study and practice you give your self the perfect chance to play the game like a pro.
These DVDs are simply available on-line and anybody can purchase them. But there are specific factors when it is finest to take into account earlier than you put cash into such a DVD.
The first level to contemplate when shopping for a snooker class DVD is that the trainer is or was a professional snooker player. Solely people who have played the game at the highest competitive degree may be relied upon to teach the game in a manner it should be taught. Someone who is aware of the idea of snooker could possibly lecture you for hours on cease however it's only an expert snooker coach who can let you recognize about the practicalities of the game.
The second point to contemplate is the mode of teaching. If your snooker lesson DVD solely consists of textual content and voice then you're going to get bored quickly and search for different avenues to study the game. The best snooker tutorial DVDs have loads of action in them by means of videos. The coach, when educating concerning a specific shot ought to have the flexibility to fortify the educating through a supporting video.
The third point to bear in mind if you buy a snooker lesson DVD is that the tutorial moves forward in a systematic manner. It shouldn’t jump the gun at any stage. The educational should begin from basic and steadily become advanced. You should be instructed to practice at the end of each chapter.
The fourth level to keep in mind is the price of your snooker tutorial DVD. You'll find that there are DVDs that are dust low cost and there are DVDs that are rather expensive. Earlier than you pay the capital you must be positive that it is an investment that you are making and not merely incurring a cost.
Last but not the least; once you purchase snooker tutorial DVD you must always buy from a reliable source. There are lots of web sites that promote these DVDs however not all of them are the perfect within the business. Identifying a correct snooker internet site via Google or articles or blogs needs to be simple. Collect as much info on the topic of a particular websites and its snooker lesson DVD as you'll find a way to and only when you find yourself satisfied on the topic of the quality should you go for it.
Snooker just isn't the toughest game in the world but it surely has its tricks up its sleeve. You can't just get up one advantageous morning and begin enjoying the game, anticipating to grow to be a grasp inside a week. It takes a selection of hard work and observe earlier than you'll be able to compete with the best. Use an expert snooker tutorial DVD and learn the game inside out. When you study and practice you give your self the perfect chance to play the game like a pro.
2013年10月10日星期四
Dallas takes the lead over Los Angeles
The Mavericks overcame a 16-point deficit to win game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Lakers.
Let’s go straight into Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals between the Los Angeles Lakes and Dallas Mavericks at the Staples Center. The Mavs were up by two and the defending champions left in Kobe Bryant all their hopes for a crunch time shot, but he missed. This was how Dallas won their first on the road Playoff game against L.A. in franchise history.
Just like in the series against the New Orleans Hornets the Lakers have failed to win game 1 at home. There’s a slight difference thought; this past Monday they blew a 16-point lead to end up losing the first game of the Western Conference semifinals by 96-94 against the Mavericks.
For Phil Jackson the only explanation for this loss is that they "gave the game away" he said. This is something that we have to agree with for it is very hard to find another explanation to the Lakers’ decay in the second half.
To be more precise and using Andrew Bynum’s words this game wasn’t lost "at the end. We lost it in the third quarter," he said.
It is not like the Mavericks didn’t do their thing and we wanted to detract their effort, but the truth is that the Lakers lost this game all by themselves. The proofs are evident: not only did they waste a 16-point lead, but also missed two last seconds shots that could have earned them the victory.
Those two last seconds chances were ironically missed the top scorer of the game: Kobe Bryant, who finished the night with 36 points, and not the 39 that he could have reached if his crunch time tree-pointer would have gone in.
Don’t get us wrong, we don’t want to detract Dallas. It would be fair to give them credit for never giving up, as well as the great contribution they got from the bench with a strong presence from the three point range: 6 triples that had a strong contrast with the Lakers’ bench that got none.
The Mavericks also did a great job in taking advantage of their franchise player German Dirk Nowitzki who put together 28 points and 14 rebounds. He wasn’t just the top scorer of the teams, but also starred one of the most discussed decisions of the game: Pau Gasol was called a foul on him that Laker’s No. 16 refused to have committed, and that Novitzki took advantage of to put the definite 94-96 from the free throw line.
That last free throw was the culmination of a 9-2 run in the last 3:32 of the game, run that made the come from behind victory possible for the Mavs, in what was the first postseason meeting against the Lakers since 1988.
This story will continue on Wednesday at the Staples Center where the Lakers will try to even the series prior to traveling to Dallas for games 3 and 4.
Let’s go straight into Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals between the Los Angeles Lakes and Dallas Mavericks at the Staples Center. The Mavs were up by two and the defending champions left in Kobe Bryant all their hopes for a crunch time shot, but he missed. This was how Dallas won their first on the road Playoff game against L.A. in franchise history.
Just like in the series against the New Orleans Hornets the Lakers have failed to win game 1 at home. There’s a slight difference thought; this past Monday they blew a 16-point lead to end up losing the first game of the Western Conference semifinals by 96-94 against the Mavericks.
For Phil Jackson the only explanation for this loss is that they "gave the game away" he said. This is something that we have to agree with for it is very hard to find another explanation to the Lakers’ decay in the second half.
To be more precise and using Andrew Bynum’s words this game wasn’t lost "at the end. We lost it in the third quarter," he said.
It is not like the Mavericks didn’t do their thing and we wanted to detract their effort, but the truth is that the Lakers lost this game all by themselves. The proofs are evident: not only did they waste a 16-point lead, but also missed two last seconds shots that could have earned them the victory.
Those two last seconds chances were ironically missed the top scorer of the game: Kobe Bryant, who finished the night with 36 points, and not the 39 that he could have reached if his crunch time tree-pointer would have gone in.
Don’t get us wrong, we don’t want to detract Dallas. It would be fair to give them credit for never giving up, as well as the great contribution they got from the bench with a strong presence from the three point range: 6 triples that had a strong contrast with the Lakers’ bench that got none.
The Mavericks also did a great job in taking advantage of their franchise player German Dirk Nowitzki who put together 28 points and 14 rebounds. He wasn’t just the top scorer of the teams, but also starred one of the most discussed decisions of the game: Pau Gasol was called a foul on him that Laker’s No. 16 refused to have committed, and that Novitzki took advantage of to put the definite 94-96 from the free throw line.
That last free throw was the culmination of a 9-2 run in the last 3:32 of the game, run that made the come from behind victory possible for the Mavs, in what was the first postseason meeting against the Lakers since 1988.
This story will continue on Wednesday at the Staples Center where the Lakers will try to even the series prior to traveling to Dallas for games 3 and 4.
How Do I Know its the Right River for Me
Have you ever wanted to go whitewater rafting or kayaking down the raging rapids of a ferocious unpredictable river? Or would you like to bring your whole family on a relaxing scenic canoe ride down a nice slow moving river with smooth easy waves and open passages? This is something you can do in the spring, summer, and fall even in the winter months if you are close enough to the equator. Just imagine for a moment the breath taking views of an early morning push off. With birds chirping in the back ground, squirrels wrestling in the leaves all while watching the sun rise over the mountain tops just before hitting the massive wave, steep drops and unpredictable obstacles. While taking in nature’s breath taking beauty you will be having the adventure of a life time.
When whitewater rafting, canoeing or kayaking it’s always good to know your ability, the class of the rapids also what the river flow is. First let’s have a look at your abilities. Knowing if you are a beginner or a leader is essential when whitewater rafting, canoeing or kayaking. This will help you pick out the right river for you, your family and your friends. To determine your ability, use the following guide line and see where you fit best.
Ability is as follows:
* Beginner familiar with basic paddling techniques and can handle a two man canoe in steady, smooth water from the bow or stern, understands basic solo canoeing techniques
* Novice knows how to read the water, can handle regular rapids with ease, posses more developed whitewater paddling skills for solo or two man canoeing
* Intermediate can maneuver through the rapids using multiple paddling techniques, can handle up to class 2 rapids alone in a canoe or kayak, understanding basic techniques for eddy maneuvering and reverse current paddling
* Expert has superior maneuver capabilities to handle heavy water flow, run difficult rapids with intense waves, can negotiate class 3 to 4 rivers with ease in both solo and multiple passenger crafts, can handle any in high volume rivers
* Leader experienced, has good physical fitness, and has judgment and training to lead a team of paddlers of any skill level in any class of rapids, knows what is needed to make any trip safe and enjoyable.
Next you need to determine the type of rapids you want to run. This will allow you to determine the skills you need for the river you wish to run and the proper craft to navigate that river for the safest and most exciting time. Rapids vary in their intensity and they have 7 different classes.
They are as follows:
* Class A Lake water, very still
* Class 1 Easy smooth water, light riffles, gentle curves
* Class 2 Moderate rapids with regular waves, open passages between rocks, quick water
* Class 3 Moderately difficult high waves, narrow passages, rocks, eddies, tight but clear gaps, difficult for standard canoes without proper floatation devises
* Class 4 Difficult standing waves, powerful rapids, holes, powerful maneuvering,
* Class 5 Extremely Difficult long rapids, without interruptions, filled with obstruction, big drops, violent currents
* Class 6 Extraordinary difficult Every safety caution should be taken. Very dangerous. The violent rapids are deadly.
A river’s characteristics can change drastically do to the amount of seasonal run off and rain flow of a particular area. The rain and run off doesn’t even have to occur within the region of a river you plan on paddling, it could occur hundreds of miles away. Do to these unpredictable conditions, a river you ran just days earlier with a class rating of 1 to 2 can easily change to a rating of 3 to 4+. Furthermore, a river in the spring and early summer and/or under normal rain flow conditions may have a class rating of 3 to 4 you can find itself at a rating of 1 to 2 do to poor snow fall and drought conditions. So you need to always consider what season in which you plan to run a river and the amount of rain flow that the area has accumulated. These are the classification for water levels.
* Low shallow, below normal, muddy sandbars, dry banks
* Medium normal river flow, good water, enough depth
* Medium High higher then normal, faster flow
* High water is difficult to handle, strong currents, debris is floating by
* High-High very heavy water, debris always, don’t kayak, canoe, or raft very dangerous
* Flood overflowing the banks, current extremely violent, and stay home
When ever you decide to go whitewater rafting, canoeing, or kayaking please always be safe. Always check the weather report before you go out on canoe trip. Always do the paddling on a river you feel comfortable on. Never try a different river on bad weather. Your kayaking, canoeing or whitewater rafting trips should always be an adventure for you; your family and your friends will always enjoy and remember.
When whitewater rafting, canoeing or kayaking it’s always good to know your ability, the class of the rapids also what the river flow is. First let’s have a look at your abilities. Knowing if you are a beginner or a leader is essential when whitewater rafting, canoeing or kayaking. This will help you pick out the right river for you, your family and your friends. To determine your ability, use the following guide line and see where you fit best.
Ability is as follows:
* Beginner familiar with basic paddling techniques and can handle a two man canoe in steady, smooth water from the bow or stern, understands basic solo canoeing techniques
* Novice knows how to read the water, can handle regular rapids with ease, posses more developed whitewater paddling skills for solo or two man canoeing
* Intermediate can maneuver through the rapids using multiple paddling techniques, can handle up to class 2 rapids alone in a canoe or kayak, understanding basic techniques for eddy maneuvering and reverse current paddling
* Expert has superior maneuver capabilities to handle heavy water flow, run difficult rapids with intense waves, can negotiate class 3 to 4 rivers with ease in both solo and multiple passenger crafts, can handle any in high volume rivers
* Leader experienced, has good physical fitness, and has judgment and training to lead a team of paddlers of any skill level in any class of rapids, knows what is needed to make any trip safe and enjoyable.
Next you need to determine the type of rapids you want to run. This will allow you to determine the skills you need for the river you wish to run and the proper craft to navigate that river for the safest and most exciting time. Rapids vary in their intensity and they have 7 different classes.
They are as follows:
* Class A Lake water, very still
* Class 1 Easy smooth water, light riffles, gentle curves
* Class 2 Moderate rapids with regular waves, open passages between rocks, quick water
* Class 3 Moderately difficult high waves, narrow passages, rocks, eddies, tight but clear gaps, difficult for standard canoes without proper floatation devises
* Class 4 Difficult standing waves, powerful rapids, holes, powerful maneuvering,
* Class 5 Extremely Difficult long rapids, without interruptions, filled with obstruction, big drops, violent currents
* Class 6 Extraordinary difficult Every safety caution should be taken. Very dangerous. The violent rapids are deadly.
A river’s characteristics can change drastically do to the amount of seasonal run off and rain flow of a particular area. The rain and run off doesn’t even have to occur within the region of a river you plan on paddling, it could occur hundreds of miles away. Do to these unpredictable conditions, a river you ran just days earlier with a class rating of 1 to 2 can easily change to a rating of 3 to 4+. Furthermore, a river in the spring and early summer and/or under normal rain flow conditions may have a class rating of 3 to 4 you can find itself at a rating of 1 to 2 do to poor snow fall and drought conditions. So you need to always consider what season in which you plan to run a river and the amount of rain flow that the area has accumulated. These are the classification for water levels.
* Low shallow, below normal, muddy sandbars, dry banks
* Medium normal river flow, good water, enough depth
* Medium High higher then normal, faster flow
* High water is difficult to handle, strong currents, debris is floating by
* High-High very heavy water, debris always, don’t kayak, canoe, or raft very dangerous
* Flood overflowing the banks, current extremely violent, and stay home
When ever you decide to go whitewater rafting, canoeing, or kayaking please always be safe. Always check the weather report before you go out on canoe trip. Always do the paddling on a river you feel comfortable on. Never try a different river on bad weather. Your kayaking, canoeing or whitewater rafting trips should always be an adventure for you; your family and your friends will always enjoy and remember.
2013年10月8日星期二
Chipping and Pitching Tips
Chipping and Pitching Tips
Chipping and pitching. For most golfers who shoot between 80 and 90, approximately 45 to 52 shots are spent either within 75 yards of the green or on the green. For those averaging even higher scoring ranges, even more shots are used within 75 yards of the hole. So what you may say. Well, any golfer can improve his scoring average, handicap and enjoyment of the game by working on his short game. That’s chipping and putting. Heard that before? Probably.
While it’s still cold and most of us are off the golf course take a few moments and find a video or two that deal with such subjects as sand shots, chip shots around the green, short iron shots into the green and oh yes, putting, short distances and longer distances.
If you are in a location where the weather is not too bad one thing you can do is just practice hitting short wedge shots, maybe 20 to 50 yards on a high school practice field (many high school fields are now made of artificial grass) or a municipal field. This will help keep your golfing muscles, primarily shoulder, wrist and arms somewhat flexible until the spring. Once the golfing season begins with respect to chipping and pitching tips, golfers should do the following:
Set goals for yourself on the different parts of your game, particularly those you had trouble with during the previous golfing season.
Get up early enough to spend some time on the practice range hitting wedges to specific targets, chipping on the practice green and putting on the practice green. You should allocate at least an hour to this if your personal schedule permits.
Have a friend, family member or playing partner look at all the aspects of your short game when you are playing your round and again while on the range. For example, during the round, you should have someone watch to see if your feet are in proper alignment with the flag stick, how far back you bring the club when hitting short iron or chip shots, what your eyes and head are doing when hitting chips and short irons and again, when putting whether long putts or short putts.
While playing the round you should have someone make observations about your short game and these observations should be written down on a pad. For example, on putts, you may break your wrists, thereby pulling or pushing putts. A playing partner can easily see this kind of mistake and help you change your putting style, if not during the round, then on the practice green.
Keep track of how many greens you hit in regulation, how many putts you take on each green, the approximate length of the first putt, whether your putts or your short iron shots or chips are always on one side of the hole, (i.e. always left or always right).
If it is possible when you are practicing or during an actual round have one of your playing partners or a friend take cell phone pictures of your stance on chips, putts, short irons shots so you can actually see what you look like as opposed to what you think you look like. For example, you may think you are bending your knees at address on short chips and iron shots but in actuality you are stiff legged. Another example is on putts, if a photo can be taken during the actual putting stroke, you may find out that you are lifting your head or moving your eyes and not really keeping still until some time after the putt has been hit.
On your short irons shots, when divots are taken, see the direction of the divot and the depth of the divot. Studying these results will help you correct possible swing errors before they become ingrained.
Maintain a good mental attitude even if shots are struck poorly or off course or do not achieve the intended result.
Do you allow the playing skills or attitudes of your playing partners affect your own pattern of play, mental attitude or concentration. Concentrate on your game. Remember chipping and pitching tips if followed during the golf season will bring big rewards.
Chipping and pitching. For most golfers who shoot between 80 and 90, approximately 45 to 52 shots are spent either within 75 yards of the green or on the green. For those averaging even higher scoring ranges, even more shots are used within 75 yards of the hole. So what you may say. Well, any golfer can improve his scoring average, handicap and enjoyment of the game by working on his short game. That’s chipping and putting. Heard that before? Probably.
While it’s still cold and most of us are off the golf course take a few moments and find a video or two that deal with such subjects as sand shots, chip shots around the green, short iron shots into the green and oh yes, putting, short distances and longer distances.
If you are in a location where the weather is not too bad one thing you can do is just practice hitting short wedge shots, maybe 20 to 50 yards on a high school practice field (many high school fields are now made of artificial grass) or a municipal field. This will help keep your golfing muscles, primarily shoulder, wrist and arms somewhat flexible until the spring. Once the golfing season begins with respect to chipping and pitching tips, golfers should do the following:
Set goals for yourself on the different parts of your game, particularly those you had trouble with during the previous golfing season.
Get up early enough to spend some time on the practice range hitting wedges to specific targets, chipping on the practice green and putting on the practice green. You should allocate at least an hour to this if your personal schedule permits.
Have a friend, family member or playing partner look at all the aspects of your short game when you are playing your round and again while on the range. For example, during the round, you should have someone watch to see if your feet are in proper alignment with the flag stick, how far back you bring the club when hitting short iron or chip shots, what your eyes and head are doing when hitting chips and short irons and again, when putting whether long putts or short putts.
While playing the round you should have someone make observations about your short game and these observations should be written down on a pad. For example, on putts, you may break your wrists, thereby pulling or pushing putts. A playing partner can easily see this kind of mistake and help you change your putting style, if not during the round, then on the practice green.
Keep track of how many greens you hit in regulation, how many putts you take on each green, the approximate length of the first putt, whether your putts or your short iron shots or chips are always on one side of the hole, (i.e. always left or always right).
If it is possible when you are practicing or during an actual round have one of your playing partners or a friend take cell phone pictures of your stance on chips, putts, short irons shots so you can actually see what you look like as opposed to what you think you look like. For example, you may think you are bending your knees at address on short chips and iron shots but in actuality you are stiff legged. Another example is on putts, if a photo can be taken during the actual putting stroke, you may find out that you are lifting your head or moving your eyes and not really keeping still until some time after the putt has been hit.
On your short irons shots, when divots are taken, see the direction of the divot and the depth of the divot. Studying these results will help you correct possible swing errors before they become ingrained.
Maintain a good mental attitude even if shots are struck poorly or off course or do not achieve the intended result.
Do you allow the playing skills or attitudes of your playing partners affect your own pattern of play, mental attitude or concentration. Concentrate on your game. Remember chipping and pitching tips if followed during the golf season will bring big rewards.
The Unconventional Putter Guide
The unconventional putter guide was prepared to help golfers who want to make those three, four and five foot puts when money is on the line or you are trying to win the club championship or your flight in the club championship, or perhaps it is just breaking 80 for the first time. The art of putting is also being able to get those forty and fifty foot puts to within a foot or so of the hole most of the time. Every year the golf club manufacturers put out their new and best putters designed to make all of us better putters, if only we fork over $100, $200 or even $300. Putting really isn’t that much about putter technology as it is about the four or five inches between the ears of the golfer and the techniques he has developed over the years to know what he can do on the greens under pressure.
Over the past ten years, maybe a bit longer, more and more golfers on the professional tours have been switching to belly and long putters and that has led more and more amateurs to follow suit and give the longer shafted putters a try. The gradual switching from conventional putters to long and belly putters demonstrates to us why the unconventional putter guide is useful in taking a fresh look at your putting.
We believe very firmly that the belly and long putters will continue to become more popular with the pros and amateurs and that the overwhelming majority of amateurs should be testing out or using these putters on a regular basis.
A belly putter is a type of putter much like a conventional putter, except that the shaft is longer and the end of the shaft is anchored by the golfers stomach or belly. Belly putters have longer shafts than conventional putters, but their shafts are not as long as those of the long putter. The longer shaft of the belly putter is anchored against the golfer's belly or stomach, which serves as a fulcrum for the stroke. Belly putters usually range from 41 to 44 inches in length versus 32-36 inches for conventional putters.
As is the case with a conventional putter, the golfer uses both hands (the grip may not be different from the grip used with a conventional putter) in the stroke and has pretty much the same stance as used when using a conventional putter. The key with the belly putter is the connection of the butt end of the shaft to the body which helps keep the wrists quiet during the stroke. At the present time belly putters are legal under all of the rules of golf. Belly putters appear to have the greatest appeal to golfers who use their hands too much in the stroke or who are suffering from the yips.
In contrast to the conventional and belly putters, the long putter is a type of putter that have longer shafts than even the belly putters. While the shafts for belly putters run from 41 to 44 inches, the shaft length for long putters can run from 48 to 52 inches. Since the shaft of the long putter is longer it lets the golfer take a more upright stance. A grip of a golfer using a long putter is almost always a split grip, with one hand holding the end of the club, then bare shaft, then the other hand lower on the shaft. For a right handed golfer his left hand is on the upper grip section, and the right hand is on the lower grip section. The top hand in this grip, the left hand for right handed individuals, can either be totally on the end of the shaft or the thumb of the left hand could rest on the butt end of the shaft to help further stabilize the shaft and club. The golfer's top hand and the butt end of the putter is then anchored against the golfer's sternum or chest, and that anchor serves as a fulcrum for a pendulum stroke, which the golfer initiates using his lower or right hand.
Over the past ten years, maybe a bit longer, more and more golfers on the professional tours have been switching to belly and long putters and that has led more and more amateurs to follow suit and give the longer shafted putters a try. The gradual switching from conventional putters to long and belly putters demonstrates to us why the unconventional putter guide is useful in taking a fresh look at your putting.
We believe very firmly that the belly and long putters will continue to become more popular with the pros and amateurs and that the overwhelming majority of amateurs should be testing out or using these putters on a regular basis.
A belly putter is a type of putter much like a conventional putter, except that the shaft is longer and the end of the shaft is anchored by the golfers stomach or belly. Belly putters have longer shafts than conventional putters, but their shafts are not as long as those of the long putter. The longer shaft of the belly putter is anchored against the golfer's belly or stomach, which serves as a fulcrum for the stroke. Belly putters usually range from 41 to 44 inches in length versus 32-36 inches for conventional putters.
As is the case with a conventional putter, the golfer uses both hands (the grip may not be different from the grip used with a conventional putter) in the stroke and has pretty much the same stance as used when using a conventional putter. The key with the belly putter is the connection of the butt end of the shaft to the body which helps keep the wrists quiet during the stroke. At the present time belly putters are legal under all of the rules of golf. Belly putters appear to have the greatest appeal to golfers who use their hands too much in the stroke or who are suffering from the yips.
In contrast to the conventional and belly putters, the long putter is a type of putter that have longer shafts than even the belly putters. While the shafts for belly putters run from 41 to 44 inches, the shaft length for long putters can run from 48 to 52 inches. Since the shaft of the long putter is longer it lets the golfer take a more upright stance. A grip of a golfer using a long putter is almost always a split grip, with one hand holding the end of the club, then bare shaft, then the other hand lower on the shaft. For a right handed golfer his left hand is on the upper grip section, and the right hand is on the lower grip section. The top hand in this grip, the left hand for right handed individuals, can either be totally on the end of the shaft or the thumb of the left hand could rest on the butt end of the shaft to help further stabilize the shaft and club. The golfer's top hand and the butt end of the putter is then anchored against the golfer's sternum or chest, and that anchor serves as a fulcrum for a pendulum stroke, which the golfer initiates using his lower or right hand.
Understanding the Basics of Disc Golf Courses
Disc golf is a game that is growing in popularity across the country. Some consider it a cross between golf and basketball played with flat flying discs. The game can be played by two or more people. It can be a casual get-together with friends or more formal, like disc golf tournaments.
Courses
There are several different parts to the course. As of 2010, there were more than 3,000 official disc golf courses in the country. They range in size, length and difficulty, often featuring nine, 18 or 27 holes. Courses are often free and are located outdoors in parks and recreational areas. Most courses are available to public. There is no age or gender limit for players. The ability to move from hole to hole and throw disc golf discs toward targets are the necessary physical requirements of the game.
Components
There are basic components to the course; the basket, tee pad and tee sign. The most noticeable part of the course is the basket. It is tall, like a basketball hoop, but has metal chains and a wire basket surrounding it. These disc golf targets typically have a number tag on them. When players are in unfamiliar territory and cannot find the first or next hole, this is usually the best clue that a course not only exists, but at what point of the course it is. The tee pad is usually a cement pad built into the ground. Some courses offer rubber tee pads, and the least formal feature a patch of dirt. The players begin the hole drive from this location. Next to it is typically a tee sign. This usually informs the players of how long the holes are, and where the targets are located. Some have simple markings on a post, with arrows to the next hole, while others are more ornate and provide a place to mark down scores.
Rules
Disc golf courses offer a different par for each hole. This is the number of shots the player should take to complete the hole and put the disc into the basket. Points are scored for each stroke. The typical par for 18-hole disc golf courses is 54. The object of the game is to have the lowest score of all players in the group at the end of the game. Additional stroke penalties are given for putting discs into water hazards, throwing them out of bounds or losing them during the course of play. After the initial throw from the tee, each player throws from where his previous throw landed. Called a lie, players throw from this spot using discs of different sizes and weights to achieve different distances and effects.
Those new to the sport can find experienced players to help them learn, or simply grab a friend and some discs, read the rules, find a course and learn as they go.
Courses
There are several different parts to the course. As of 2010, there were more than 3,000 official disc golf courses in the country. They range in size, length and difficulty, often featuring nine, 18 or 27 holes. Courses are often free and are located outdoors in parks and recreational areas. Most courses are available to public. There is no age or gender limit for players. The ability to move from hole to hole and throw disc golf discs toward targets are the necessary physical requirements of the game.
Components
There are basic components to the course; the basket, tee pad and tee sign. The most noticeable part of the course is the basket. It is tall, like a basketball hoop, but has metal chains and a wire basket surrounding it. These disc golf targets typically have a number tag on them. When players are in unfamiliar territory and cannot find the first or next hole, this is usually the best clue that a course not only exists, but at what point of the course it is. The tee pad is usually a cement pad built into the ground. Some courses offer rubber tee pads, and the least formal feature a patch of dirt. The players begin the hole drive from this location. Next to it is typically a tee sign. This usually informs the players of how long the holes are, and where the targets are located. Some have simple markings on a post, with arrows to the next hole, while others are more ornate and provide a place to mark down scores.
Rules
Disc golf courses offer a different par for each hole. This is the number of shots the player should take to complete the hole and put the disc into the basket. Points are scored for each stroke. The typical par for 18-hole disc golf courses is 54. The object of the game is to have the lowest score of all players in the group at the end of the game. Additional stroke penalties are given for putting discs into water hazards, throwing them out of bounds or losing them during the course of play. After the initial throw from the tee, each player throws from where his previous throw landed. Called a lie, players throw from this spot using discs of different sizes and weights to achieve different distances and effects.
Those new to the sport can find experienced players to help them learn, or simply grab a friend and some discs, read the rules, find a course and learn as they go.
2013年9月29日星期日
A & A Complete Auto Repair Houston TX
Quality service. This is one thing that separates A & A Complete Auto Repair from the other auto repair shops located in Houston, Texas. This is also the reason why our loyal customers consider our shop at 12160 Bissonnet St their first destination when they need auto repairs and other auto services.
A & A Complete Auto Repair provides full auto repair services for cars and SUVs and trucks. Our name has become synonymous with quality when it comes to full auto service repair. This is the primary reason why we have loyal customers who have been with us for years and who continue to refer us to their family and friends.
We consider our customers our partners in business so we make sure that we guarantee their full satisfaction when they leave our shop. If you are like most car owners, then you have probably encountered lots of headaches trying to find an efficient auto repair shop. This is absolutely true which is why our customers have placed A & A Complete Auto Repair at the top of their list.
As a family owned auto repair shop, we offer personalized automotive machine and repair services both for diesel and gasoline-powered cars. These services are available from Monday to Saturday for dealerships, fleet management companies, daycare centers and for individual car owners.
When you are in need of auto repair, oil changes, brakes, shocks, wheel alignment, suspension, AC service, engine repair, radiator repairs and transmission repairs in Houston, Texas, you can always rely on A & A Complete Auto Repair shop to do the job efficiently.
Choosing a shop for your prized vehicles can be challenging because it involves issues on efficiency and expertise. Our certified and trained technicians regularly provide high-quality service to our customers. More importantly, all our diagnostics and repair services are being offered at competitive rates.
A & A Complete Auto Repair is known for providing complete automotive services, preventative maintenance and repair services, towing services, professional 40-point maintenance inspections and related services. No matter how minimal or extensive your requirements are, our highly-skilled and friendly technicians are committed to do what it takes to get your vehicle on the road.
Regardless of your profession or occupation, your vehicle will always be necessary for your mobility. Any delay that comes as a result of vehicle damage or inefficiency can be a potential cause of stress especially for someone who has to travel to make a living. We understand how important your vehicles are, so we make sure that when you bring your vehicles to our shop for auto repair or for other services, we diagnose the problem immediately and provide the appropriate solution for your convenience.
We take pride in our polite and efficient personnel who regularly provide customer service for people. So whether you want information about our auto repair services or you just want to follow up the status of your vehicle, call us and we will be happy to assist you every step of the way.
A & A Complete Auto Repair provides full auto repair services for cars and SUVs and trucks. Our name has become synonymous with quality when it comes to full auto service repair. This is the primary reason why we have loyal customers who have been with us for years and who continue to refer us to their family and friends.
We consider our customers our partners in business so we make sure that we guarantee their full satisfaction when they leave our shop. If you are like most car owners, then you have probably encountered lots of headaches trying to find an efficient auto repair shop. This is absolutely true which is why our customers have placed A & A Complete Auto Repair at the top of their list.
As a family owned auto repair shop, we offer personalized automotive machine and repair services both for diesel and gasoline-powered cars. These services are available from Monday to Saturday for dealerships, fleet management companies, daycare centers and for individual car owners.
When you are in need of auto repair, oil changes, brakes, shocks, wheel alignment, suspension, AC service, engine repair, radiator repairs and transmission repairs in Houston, Texas, you can always rely on A & A Complete Auto Repair shop to do the job efficiently.
Choosing a shop for your prized vehicles can be challenging because it involves issues on efficiency and expertise. Our certified and trained technicians regularly provide high-quality service to our customers. More importantly, all our diagnostics and repair services are being offered at competitive rates.
A & A Complete Auto Repair is known for providing complete automotive services, preventative maintenance and repair services, towing services, professional 40-point maintenance inspections and related services. No matter how minimal or extensive your requirements are, our highly-skilled and friendly technicians are committed to do what it takes to get your vehicle on the road.
Regardless of your profession or occupation, your vehicle will always be necessary for your mobility. Any delay that comes as a result of vehicle damage or inefficiency can be a potential cause of stress especially for someone who has to travel to make a living. We understand how important your vehicles are, so we make sure that when you bring your vehicles to our shop for auto repair or for other services, we diagnose the problem immediately and provide the appropriate solution for your convenience.
We take pride in our polite and efficient personnel who regularly provide customer service for people. So whether you want information about our auto repair services or you just want to follow up the status of your vehicle, call us and we will be happy to assist you every step of the way.
A & A Complete Auto Repair Houston TX
Quality service. This is one thing that separates A & A Complete Auto Repair from the other auto repair shops located in Houston, Texas. This is also the reason why our loyal customers consider our shop at 12160 Bissonnet St their first destination when they need auto repairs and other auto services.
A & A Complete Auto Repair provides full auto repair services for cars and SUVs and trucks. Our name has become synonymous with quality when it comes to full auto service repair. This is the primary reason why we have loyal customers who have been with us for years and who continue to refer us to their family and friends.
We consider our customers our partners in business so we make sure that we guarantee their full satisfaction when they leave our shop. If you are like most car owners, then you have probably encountered lots of headaches trying to find an efficient auto repair shop. This is absolutely true which is why our customers have placed A & A Complete Auto Repair at the top of their list.
As a family owned auto repair shop, we offer personalized automotive machine and repair services both for diesel and gasoline-powered cars. These services are available from Monday to Saturday for dealerships, fleet management companies, daycare centers and for individual car owners.
When you are in need of auto repair, oil changes, brakes, shocks, wheel alignment, suspension, AC service, engine repair, radiator repairs and transmission repairs in Houston, Texas, you can always rely on A & A Complete Auto Repair shop to do the job efficiently.
Choosing a shop for your prized vehicles can be challenging because it involves issues on efficiency and expertise. Our certified and trained technicians regularly provide high-quality service to our customers. More importantly, all our diagnostics and repair services are being offered at competitive rates.
A & A Complete Auto Repair is known for providing complete automotive services, preventative maintenance and repair services, towing services, professional 40-point maintenance inspections and related services. No matter how minimal or extensive your requirements are, our highly-skilled and friendly technicians are committed to do what it takes to get your vehicle on the road.
Regardless of your profession or occupation, your vehicle will always be necessary for your mobility. Any delay that comes as a result of vehicle damage or inefficiency can be a potential cause of stress especially for someone who has to travel to make a living. We understand how important your vehicles are, so we make sure that when you bring your vehicles to our shop for auto repair or for other services, we diagnose the problem immediately and provide the appropriate solution for your convenience.
We take pride in our polite and efficient personnel who regularly provide customer service for people. So whether you want information about our auto repair services or you just want to follow up the status of your vehicle, call us and we will be happy to assist you every step of the way.
A & A Complete Auto Repair provides full auto repair services for cars and SUVs and trucks. Our name has become synonymous with quality when it comes to full auto service repair. This is the primary reason why we have loyal customers who have been with us for years and who continue to refer us to their family and friends.
We consider our customers our partners in business so we make sure that we guarantee their full satisfaction when they leave our shop. If you are like most car owners, then you have probably encountered lots of headaches trying to find an efficient auto repair shop. This is absolutely true which is why our customers have placed A & A Complete Auto Repair at the top of their list.
As a family owned auto repair shop, we offer personalized automotive machine and repair services both for diesel and gasoline-powered cars. These services are available from Monday to Saturday for dealerships, fleet management companies, daycare centers and for individual car owners.
When you are in need of auto repair, oil changes, brakes, shocks, wheel alignment, suspension, AC service, engine repair, radiator repairs and transmission repairs in Houston, Texas, you can always rely on A & A Complete Auto Repair shop to do the job efficiently.
Choosing a shop for your prized vehicles can be challenging because it involves issues on efficiency and expertise. Our certified and trained technicians regularly provide high-quality service to our customers. More importantly, all our diagnostics and repair services are being offered at competitive rates.
A & A Complete Auto Repair is known for providing complete automotive services, preventative maintenance and repair services, towing services, professional 40-point maintenance inspections and related services. No matter how minimal or extensive your requirements are, our highly-skilled and friendly technicians are committed to do what it takes to get your vehicle on the road.
Regardless of your profession or occupation, your vehicle will always be necessary for your mobility. Any delay that comes as a result of vehicle damage or inefficiency can be a potential cause of stress especially for someone who has to travel to make a living. We understand how important your vehicles are, so we make sure that when you bring your vehicles to our shop for auto repair or for other services, we diagnose the problem immediately and provide the appropriate solution for your convenience.
We take pride in our polite and efficient personnel who regularly provide customer service for people. So whether you want information about our auto repair services or you just want to follow up the status of your vehicle, call us and we will be happy to assist you every step of the way.
24/7 Collision Care Glen Burnie MD
Salivating over those cars with attractive designs painted all over the body? These designs were achieved through the pinstriping method or technique which 24/7 Collision Care specializes in. Pinstriping makes use of special brushes to come up with quality freehand designs.
If you want a new look for your car and you have a specific intricate design in mind, then come to our shop at the Glen Burnie MD area. We will be glad to discuss your requirements and give you a few recommendations as to which designs will best fit your car.
24/7 Collision Care can create a customized look for your automotive body to make your car the center of attraction wherever you may go. A lot of motorcycles tried to embark on a do-it-yourself pinstripping project only to realize that this type of job is best left in the hands of experts who know what they are doing.
We also offer automotive body painting for various cars. If you have triedautomotive painting on your own before, then you know the hardwork required to complete the task. For one, you need a spacious room with good lighting, ventilation and electricity supply. Definitely not something you can do in your own garage. But if you are raring to do an automotive makeover without the hardwork and that extra paint on your face, you know where to go.
Quality Service
24/7 Collision Care only employs well-trained and experienced front office staff and technicians. We have a pool of professional automotive painters and technicians who can provide complete bodywork services such as collision repair, paint repair, automotive painting,paintless dent repair, vehicle towing and all types of damage repair.
We have done business in the locality for years and we have always been known for the high standard of quality in every automotive service that we provide. We value our customers because most of them have been with us through the years. They are our biggest source of advertising and referrals so we make it a point to live up to their expectations at all times.
We may be a small business enterprise but we make sure that we have the most modern equipment to handle all your collision repair and automotive body repairrequirements. Our customers, including families, individual car owners, companies and dealerships, have learned to rely on for their preventative maintenance as well asemergency automotive requirements so we make sure that we are ready to provide what they need.
We have established a great working relationship will all our customers as well as the insurance companies in the areas. Our automotive painting services and workmanship come with a written lifetime warranty so you are assured that you will get the best value for your money when you entrust your cars to us.
With technicians that have been certified by the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair or ICAR as well as quick response time and reasonable rates, what more can you ask for? Head on to 24/7 Collision Care now and discover what real service means.
If you want a new look for your car and you have a specific intricate design in mind, then come to our shop at the Glen Burnie MD area. We will be glad to discuss your requirements and give you a few recommendations as to which designs will best fit your car.
24/7 Collision Care can create a customized look for your automotive body to make your car the center of attraction wherever you may go. A lot of motorcycles tried to embark on a do-it-yourself pinstripping project only to realize that this type of job is best left in the hands of experts who know what they are doing.
We also offer automotive body painting for various cars. If you have triedautomotive painting on your own before, then you know the hardwork required to complete the task. For one, you need a spacious room with good lighting, ventilation and electricity supply. Definitely not something you can do in your own garage. But if you are raring to do an automotive makeover without the hardwork and that extra paint on your face, you know where to go.
Quality Service
24/7 Collision Care only employs well-trained and experienced front office staff and technicians. We have a pool of professional automotive painters and technicians who can provide complete bodywork services such as collision repair, paint repair, automotive painting,paintless dent repair, vehicle towing and all types of damage repair.
We have done business in the locality for years and we have always been known for the high standard of quality in every automotive service that we provide. We value our customers because most of them have been with us through the years. They are our biggest source of advertising and referrals so we make it a point to live up to their expectations at all times.
We may be a small business enterprise but we make sure that we have the most modern equipment to handle all your collision repair and automotive body repairrequirements. Our customers, including families, individual car owners, companies and dealerships, have learned to rely on for their preventative maintenance as well asemergency automotive requirements so we make sure that we are ready to provide what they need.
We have established a great working relationship will all our customers as well as the insurance companies in the areas. Our automotive painting services and workmanship come with a written lifetime warranty so you are assured that you will get the best value for your money when you entrust your cars to us.
With technicians that have been certified by the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair or ICAR as well as quick response time and reasonable rates, what more can you ask for? Head on to 24/7 Collision Care now and discover what real service means.
2013年9月26日星期四
Online Slots Strategies
There is a wealth of information, both printed and on the internet, regarding online slots strategies and how a player can use them to affect the outcome of a slots game. Many of them are pure speculation and superstition, but there are a few online slots strategies that CAN improve one’s chances of winning. According to our friends at JackpotCity Casino these slots strategies cannot directly influence the slots game because of the random numbers generator used by casino games, but they can improve the types of slots jackpots and quality of play enjoyed by individual players. Below is a list of common slots strategies that’ll help you maximise your slots playing and winning experience:
Always remember that all slots games are a game of luck. No single person, entity or event can directly influence the outcome of a spin. Even JackpotCity slots games, which are some of the most generous jackpot games around, are set to the whim of random number generators. This is the ONLY way to ensure that the online slots game offers free and fair slots games play. It is important to note that the same rule holds true to offline slots. In fact, many online software providers also provide random number generator systems to the offline casino industry.
As mentioned above, in the opening paragraph of this article, there are many slots tips and strategies that are pure conjecture and myth. It is completely untrue that “if a slots machine has not paid out in a while it will pay out soon”, and the same can be said of “if a slots machine has just made a big payout it will not payout anytime soon”. This is because random number generators do not take these factors into consideration when a spin on a slots game is made. They are as the name says, purely random.
The best possible strategy that an online slots player can use is to ALWAYS play at a reputable online casino. That is why we always recommend you play at JackpotCity Play UK slots, or any other casino game for that matter, at JackpotCity.com and you will always be assured of a safe and secure online casino environment. If you do decide to play at any other online casino please ensure that you are happy with the rules of the site and the pay-out rates. If you are aware of the pay-out rates you are less likely to be disappointed by your winnings.
This last strategy is actually also a VERY BIG TIP! Do not play slots if you have had a lot to drink as this can impair your decision making ability. It is also important to ensure that you have a budget in mind and you stick to it. Many unsuspecting players have logged in while “under the influence” and have woken up the next morning to an empty casino account. Never ever place a bet on ANY game if you can’t give it your full, undivided attention.
Many a player has spent more than he should have at a slot machine. The trick is in knowing when to walk away from a slot machine or the computer.
About The Author:
Terry Maverick started Jackpot City way back when in 1998. As a leader in the Online Gambling review industry, this wonderful and exciting to learn about online casino review resource has Top Online casino, Poker, Bingo, Betting and Skill sites available. There is now fantastic news and that comes in the form of a brand new Forum, Blog, and Player’s Club along with a brand new design as well!
Always remember that all slots games are a game of luck. No single person, entity or event can directly influence the outcome of a spin. Even JackpotCity slots games, which are some of the most generous jackpot games around, are set to the whim of random number generators. This is the ONLY way to ensure that the online slots game offers free and fair slots games play. It is important to note that the same rule holds true to offline slots. In fact, many online software providers also provide random number generator systems to the offline casino industry.
As mentioned above, in the opening paragraph of this article, there are many slots tips and strategies that are pure conjecture and myth. It is completely untrue that “if a slots machine has not paid out in a while it will pay out soon”, and the same can be said of “if a slots machine has just made a big payout it will not payout anytime soon”. This is because random number generators do not take these factors into consideration when a spin on a slots game is made. They are as the name says, purely random.
The best possible strategy that an online slots player can use is to ALWAYS play at a reputable online casino. That is why we always recommend you play at JackpotCity Play UK slots, or any other casino game for that matter, at JackpotCity.com and you will always be assured of a safe and secure online casino environment. If you do decide to play at any other online casino please ensure that you are happy with the rules of the site and the pay-out rates. If you are aware of the pay-out rates you are less likely to be disappointed by your winnings.
This last strategy is actually also a VERY BIG TIP! Do not play slots if you have had a lot to drink as this can impair your decision making ability. It is also important to ensure that you have a budget in mind and you stick to it. Many unsuspecting players have logged in while “under the influence” and have woken up the next morning to an empty casino account. Never ever place a bet on ANY game if you can’t give it your full, undivided attention.
Many a player has spent more than he should have at a slot machine. The trick is in knowing when to walk away from a slot machine or the computer.
About The Author:
Terry Maverick started Jackpot City way back when in 1998. As a leader in the Online Gambling review industry, this wonderful and exciting to learn about online casino review resource has Top Online casino, Poker, Bingo, Betting and Skill sites available. There is now fantastic news and that comes in the form of a brand new Forum, Blog, and Player’s Club along with a brand new design as well!
Online Slots Strategies
There is a wealth of information, both printed and on the internet, regarding online slots strategies and how a player can use them to affect the outcome of a slots game. Many of them are pure speculation and superstition, but there are a few online slots strategies that CAN improve one’s chances of winning. According to our friends at JackpotCity Casino these slots strategies cannot directly influence the slots game because of the random numbers generator used by casino games, but they can improve the types of slots jackpots and quality of play enjoyed by individual players. Below is a list of common slots strategies that’ll help you maximise your slots playing and winning experience:
Always remember that all slots games are a game of luck. No single person, entity or event can directly influence the outcome of a spin. Even JackpotCity slots games, which are some of the most generous jackpot games around, are set to the whim of random number generators. This is the ONLY way to ensure that the online slots game offers free and fair slots games play. It is important to note that the same rule holds true to offline slots. In fact, many online software providers also provide random number generator systems to the offline casino industry.
As mentioned above, in the opening paragraph of this article, there are many slots tips and strategies that are pure conjecture and myth. It is completely untrue that “if a slots machine has not paid out in a while it will pay out soon”, and the same can be said of “if a slots machine has just made a big payout it will not payout anytime soon”. This is because random number generators do not take these factors into consideration when a spin on a slots game is made. They are as the name says, purely random.
The best possible strategy that an online slots player can use is to ALWAYS play at a reputable online casino. That is why we always recommend you play at JackpotCity Play UK slots, or any other casino game for that matter, at JackpotCity.com and you will always be assured of a safe and secure online casino environment. If you do decide to play at any other online casino please ensure that you are happy with the rules of the site and the pay-out rates. If you are aware of the pay-out rates you are less likely to be disappointed by your winnings.
This last strategy is actually also a VERY BIG TIP! Do not play slots if you have had a lot to drink as this can impair your decision making ability. It is also important to ensure that you have a budget in mind and you stick to it. Many unsuspecting players have logged in while “under the influence” and have woken up the next morning to an empty casino account. Never ever place a bet on ANY game if you can’t give it your full, undivided attention.
Many a player has spent more than he should have at a slot machine. The trick is in knowing when to walk away from a slot machine or the computer.
About The Author:
Terry Maverick started Jackpot City way back when in 1998. As a leader in the Online Gambling review industry, this wonderful and exciting to learn about online casino review resource has Top Online casino, Poker, Bingo, Betting and Skill sites available. There is now fantastic news and that comes in the form of a brand new Forum, Blog, and Player’s Club along with a brand new design as well!
Always remember that all slots games are a game of luck. No single person, entity or event can directly influence the outcome of a spin. Even JackpotCity slots games, which are some of the most generous jackpot games around, are set to the whim of random number generators. This is the ONLY way to ensure that the online slots game offers free and fair slots games play. It is important to note that the same rule holds true to offline slots. In fact, many online software providers also provide random number generator systems to the offline casino industry.
As mentioned above, in the opening paragraph of this article, there are many slots tips and strategies that are pure conjecture and myth. It is completely untrue that “if a slots machine has not paid out in a while it will pay out soon”, and the same can be said of “if a slots machine has just made a big payout it will not payout anytime soon”. This is because random number generators do not take these factors into consideration when a spin on a slots game is made. They are as the name says, purely random.
The best possible strategy that an online slots player can use is to ALWAYS play at a reputable online casino. That is why we always recommend you play at JackpotCity Play UK slots, or any other casino game for that matter, at JackpotCity.com and you will always be assured of a safe and secure online casino environment. If you do decide to play at any other online casino please ensure that you are happy with the rules of the site and the pay-out rates. If you are aware of the pay-out rates you are less likely to be disappointed by your winnings.
This last strategy is actually also a VERY BIG TIP! Do not play slots if you have had a lot to drink as this can impair your decision making ability. It is also important to ensure that you have a budget in mind and you stick to it. Many unsuspecting players have logged in while “under the influence” and have woken up the next morning to an empty casino account. Never ever place a bet on ANY game if you can’t give it your full, undivided attention.
Many a player has spent more than he should have at a slot machine. The trick is in knowing when to walk away from a slot machine or the computer.
About The Author:
Terry Maverick started Jackpot City way back when in 1998. As a leader in the Online Gambling review industry, this wonderful and exciting to learn about online casino review resource has Top Online casino, Poker, Bingo, Betting and Skill sites available. There is now fantastic news and that comes in the form of a brand new Forum, Blog, and Player’s Club along with a brand new design as well!
Breakfast Party of 2011 Super Bowl
Early in sunny weather, fuel combustion of the NFL fans, the enthusiasm of more than five o’clock, nearly a hundred enthusiastic fans gathered in the well-known sports bar Brass Monkey in Taipei outside, waiting for a hard to find opportunities to participate in ASN Brass Monkey sports channels and organized restaurant watching the 2011 Super Bowl Breakfast party.
This is the ASN second consecutive year the Super Bowl held at the Brass Monkey party, knowledgeable fans back in a month ago, booked all the seats, the scene was packed, each country competing cable news station reported that Taiwan has become a Spring Festival during the sports event of the year.
Enthusiasm with everyone to enjoy the Super Bowl feast, more than three hundred fans in the New Year early May, gathered howling scream in a restaurant to support their favorite teams, field sharply divided, refueling the air.
ASN wearing a warm NFL jerseys girls, seven o’clock before the war but also show some live music and dancing, so full of fans who stare, opened a Super Bowl today, a prelude to war.
Two teams reached the Super Bowl is traditionally strong teams, with up to six league champion Pittsburgh Steelers, will once again challenge the records of a young quarterback Rodgers led the Green Bay Packers, this is Steelers the third time in six years, is the second time in three years, advancing the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl last year, the number in the United States to watch up to one hundred and six million people, have a TV set in the history of the highest ratings on record. The annual Super Bowl worth up to $ 420,000,000, compared to four years once everyone knows the Olympic Games (2.3 million) and the World Cup (1.2 million) also add up to higher advertising costs for every thirty seconds up to three million dollars.
Powerhouse Green Bay Packers have a lot of fans, for the first time reached the Super Bowl Rogers, a young quarterback, but he is not feeling Sentimental, came three touchdowns to lead the Packers in the first section of 14 : 0 a head start, although the team bronze in the second quarter in a row has three touchdowns, gave chase but eventually lost by 6 points. Packers to 31:25 win over the Steelers, winning a fourth Super Bowl in team history, the first time in nearly 14 years, won the championship.
This is the ASN second consecutive year the Super Bowl held at the Brass Monkey party, knowledgeable fans back in a month ago, booked all the seats, the scene was packed, each country competing cable news station reported that Taiwan has become a Spring Festival during the sports event of the year.
Enthusiasm with everyone to enjoy the Super Bowl feast, more than three hundred fans in the New Year early May, gathered howling scream in a restaurant to support their favorite teams, field sharply divided, refueling the air.
ASN wearing a warm NFL jerseys girls, seven o’clock before the war but also show some live music and dancing, so full of fans who stare, opened a Super Bowl today, a prelude to war.
Two teams reached the Super Bowl is traditionally strong teams, with up to six league champion Pittsburgh Steelers, will once again challenge the records of a young quarterback Rodgers led the Green Bay Packers, this is Steelers the third time in six years, is the second time in three years, advancing the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl last year, the number in the United States to watch up to one hundred and six million people, have a TV set in the history of the highest ratings on record. The annual Super Bowl worth up to $ 420,000,000, compared to four years once everyone knows the Olympic Games (2.3 million) and the World Cup (1.2 million) also add up to higher advertising costs for every thirty seconds up to three million dollars.
Powerhouse Green Bay Packers have a lot of fans, for the first time reached the Super Bowl Rogers, a young quarterback, but he is not feeling Sentimental, came three touchdowns to lead the Packers in the first section of 14 : 0 a head start, although the team bronze in the second quarter in a row has three touchdowns, gave chase but eventually lost by 6 points. Packers to 31:25 win over the Steelers, winning a fourth Super Bowl in team history, the first time in nearly 14 years, won the championship.
2013年9月25日星期三
Caping
A knife that is often overlooked is the caping knife. It is used for "caping" big game animals for mounting. When preparing a trophy for the taxidermist, it is important that the hide be preserved for a neck or shoulder mount. Some beautiful trophy animals have been ruined by a hunter using the wrong knife to prepare the animal. Caping knives are dedicated to this task. They are a relatively small knife with a very fine blade.
A note about caping is in order. Do not wait until you have an 1100 pound 6 by 6 elk down to attempt caping for the first time. Practice on smaller animals before you try it on your trophy. It would be a shame to have to to to an antler or skull mount because you messed up. Caping is not difficult, but to do it well requires practice.
Gut Hook Variation
One of the variables you will see in blade design is the gut hook pattern. The gut hook is used by making a small incision with the main blade and then by using the hook to cut open the abdomen. The hook prevents the hunter from "paunching" the animal and possibly affecting the quality of the meat. They do work and it is strictly a matter of personal preference as to the need for one. In the event that you do want the added security that the gut hook provides, they are very similar in price to non-gut hook knives. Be careful when using the gut hook for field dressing. A slip upwards on the handle is an occasion for stitches.
An alternative to purchasing a knife with a gut hook blade is to purchase a separate unit. Some manufacturers offer relatively inexpensive, easily transported units with replaceable blades.
Handle Material
Many hunters put a lot of thought into the blade design of their hunting knife, but put very little thought into the material of the handle. The classic wood, bone, or leather handles are very functional and appealing to the eye. However, don't overlook the newer handle materials, although not as pleasing to the eye, rubber and other composites merit a look. The newer handle materials offer greatly enhanced control in adverse conditions offering the hunter a greater degree of safety.
Sheath Material
After the blade material, blade design, and handle material are decided, we now move on to the sheath or scabbard. Again, traditional leather is very functional and pleasing to the eye, however, in damp or wet conditions the man-made materials are much more durable. The chemicals used to tan leather will stain most carbon steels and some stainless steels. If you opt for leather, do not store your knife for long periods in the sheath.
Final Thoughts
Your choice of a hunting knife is a very personal one. That being said, you may decide a single knife will not do everything you need to do on your hunt. You might opt for one of the multi knife packs offered by some manufacturers. These are an option bearing in mind that you will have to carry them with you to be of any service.
Hunting Knife - Choosing The Right Hunting Knife
Choosing the right hunting knife can be a difficult challenge. If you choose wrong you end up with a paperweight that is more likely to end up in your junk-drawer than on your hip when you need it.
First ask yourself a few questions: What kind of hunting do you do? Do you go after big game or small? Do you trophy hunt or do you meat hunt only? What is the largest animal you envision using the knife on? The smallest? How often do you hunt, are you looking for a knife you can easily carry when you are not hunting?
Seems like a lot of questions but if you don't know what you are looking for, you will never find the correct one for your personal preferences.
Stainless versus Carbon Steel
This is far too short an article to get into the metallurgy of steel composition. Lets just say that some steels are too soft to hold an edge very well. Some are so hard as to be almost impossible to sharpen in the field. Do some research into the various steels and their grades. Sometimes the difference between a carrier and a drawer-sitter is the blade material.
Folding versus Fixed Blades
Let's look at the two basic knife styles: fixed and folding blade. A fixed blade knife is just that, fixed in place. Meaning that the blade is permanently fixed in the open position. Due to this design, these knives normally come with a sheath so they can be carried safely. These knives are normally stronger than the folding variety because the steel of the blade runs into or through the handle.
There are no moving parts with a fixed blade knife so they are very reliable. Several manufacturers also produce hunting knives that allow the user to change the blades very quickly.
Folding knives have a pivot point and lock mechanism which allows the blade to close into the handle. A folding knife without the lock should not even be considered for hunting. These are more for the occasional hunter who may also want to carry the knife for daily use. Folding knives are not as strong as a fixed blade by design. However, they are much easier to carry in a pocket or on the belt in a small sheath.
Blade Styles
The next issue we'll address will be blade style. The four main hunting blade designs are the drop point, clip point, skinning, and caping designs.
Drop Point
The drop point knife is an excellent design for the big game hunter. This design generally features a robust, curved blade of relatively thick steel. These features allow the user to cut the skin off the animal using the entire edge of the knife, rather than just the point. This allows for quick skinning and very little damage to the meat. The design of the drop point also allows for other field cleaning tasks such as gutting and the splitting of the rib cage or pelvis, although a saw or hatchet is the preferred method for the latter two tasks.
Clip Point
Another style of hunting knife is the clip point. The clip point has a somewhat thinner blade than the drop point and has a much more defined point. Most bowies are examples of clip point knives. The flatter blade is more utilitarian in nature and will fit the needs of the majority of hunters, especially those wishing to use the knife as a general duty work knife and not a dedicated hunting knife. The clip point design will perform all of the tasks the drop point will, only not as efficiently. For the occasional hunter this is the perfect design.
Skinning
The skinning knife is designed to aid in the removal of the skin of big game animals. They tend to have a highly sweeping blades that are designed to effortlessly separate the flesh from the skin. A dedicated skinning knife can be a real time saver for those big game hunters that do the butchering themselves. An added bonus is that the skinning knife can do most of the other game cleaning chores as well as the clip point or the drop point designs.
First ask yourself a few questions: What kind of hunting do you do? Do you go after big game or small? Do you trophy hunt or do you meat hunt only? What is the largest animal you envision using the knife on? The smallest? How often do you hunt, are you looking for a knife you can easily carry when you are not hunting?
Seems like a lot of questions but if you don't know what you are looking for, you will never find the correct one for your personal preferences.
Stainless versus Carbon Steel
This is far too short an article to get into the metallurgy of steel composition. Lets just say that some steels are too soft to hold an edge very well. Some are so hard as to be almost impossible to sharpen in the field. Do some research into the various steels and their grades. Sometimes the difference between a carrier and a drawer-sitter is the blade material.
Folding versus Fixed Blades
Let's look at the two basic knife styles: fixed and folding blade. A fixed blade knife is just that, fixed in place. Meaning that the blade is permanently fixed in the open position. Due to this design, these knives normally come with a sheath so they can be carried safely. These knives are normally stronger than the folding variety because the steel of the blade runs into or through the handle.
There are no moving parts with a fixed blade knife so they are very reliable. Several manufacturers also produce hunting knives that allow the user to change the blades very quickly.
Folding knives have a pivot point and lock mechanism which allows the blade to close into the handle. A folding knife without the lock should not even be considered for hunting. These are more for the occasional hunter who may also want to carry the knife for daily use. Folding knives are not as strong as a fixed blade by design. However, they are much easier to carry in a pocket or on the belt in a small sheath.
Blade Styles
The next issue we'll address will be blade style. The four main hunting blade designs are the drop point, clip point, skinning, and caping designs.
Drop Point
The drop point knife is an excellent design for the big game hunter. This design generally features a robust, curved blade of relatively thick steel. These features allow the user to cut the skin off the animal using the entire edge of the knife, rather than just the point. This allows for quick skinning and very little damage to the meat. The design of the drop point also allows for other field cleaning tasks such as gutting and the splitting of the rib cage or pelvis, although a saw or hatchet is the preferred method for the latter two tasks.
Clip Point
Another style of hunting knife is the clip point. The clip point has a somewhat thinner blade than the drop point and has a much more defined point. Most bowies are examples of clip point knives. The flatter blade is more utilitarian in nature and will fit the needs of the majority of hunters, especially those wishing to use the knife as a general duty work knife and not a dedicated hunting knife. The clip point design will perform all of the tasks the drop point will, only not as efficiently. For the occasional hunter this is the perfect design.
Skinning
The skinning knife is designed to aid in the removal of the skin of big game animals. They tend to have a highly sweeping blades that are designed to effortlessly separate the flesh from the skin. A dedicated skinning knife can be a real time saver for those big game hunters that do the butchering themselves. An added bonus is that the skinning knife can do most of the other game cleaning chores as well as the clip point or the drop point designs.
Dolphins - The Fascinating World Of Dolphins
A lot of people consider dolphins to be one amongst the fish - as they swim in the water. But in reality unlike fish who lay eggs, dolphins are warm-blooded mammals that give birth to baby dolphins and breathe air. There are many more unique characteristics that make dolphins an interesting creature on the earth.
If you're ever had the opportunity to be near a dolphin you'll understand why they are as unique as they are. Dolphins, just like whales, are considered to be cetaceans and are part of the grouping of whales that are called odontocetes, which means that they have teeth. The teeth found on a dolphin are shaped like cones. Other whales fall into the group called mysticetes, in which case they don't have teeth to use for feeding.
You'll be able to find dolphins living in tropical, warm waters around the world. Unknown to most people is that there are a few species of dolphins that live in rivers and freshwater. These dolphins, however, are few in number and are now considered to be on the endangered list.
Fifty-seven different species of dolphin make up the world's population today. Dolphins have sleek bodies and their noses, called "rostrum", are long and beak-like. Many of us think that dolphins and porpoises are related, when in fact they are not. One thing that makes them different is their teeth. As mentioned the dolphin's are cone shaped and the porpoise have teeth that look more like spades. This enables them to dig for food among rock. The other major difference is the fact that porpoise are able to live in water that's colder than a dolphin can even tolerate.
Orcas are the most easily identified and best known dolphin. They are more commonly known as killer whales. People tend to think of the Orca as among the most violent and frightening sea animals. This is probably due to the fact that they are large and seem fearless in the water.
Female dolphins are pregnant for twelve months before delivering their babies, or calves as they are known. The calves weigh between 30 and 40 pounds and are about 30 inches long. They will nurse from their mothers until they are two years old.
Unlike other species of animals where the mother gives birth and the young leave her side after a short period of time, the dolphin calf will stay with its mother for five to seven years. During this time the young dolphin will learn many skills from its mother, including how to feed and how to get along with other dolphins.
Dolphins live in groups known as "pods" and travel together. The females interact with the young, while the males keep more to themselves and don't participate in parenting.
Dolphins are amazingly intelligent and curious. These traits make them intriguing to us, along with the fact that dolphins love to interact with humans. They are always ready to tell us all about what's going on in the waters around us, but unfortunately we aren't able to understand them.
If you're ever had the opportunity to be near a dolphin you'll understand why they are as unique as they are. Dolphins, just like whales, are considered to be cetaceans and are part of the grouping of whales that are called odontocetes, which means that they have teeth. The teeth found on a dolphin are shaped like cones. Other whales fall into the group called mysticetes, in which case they don't have teeth to use for feeding.
You'll be able to find dolphins living in tropical, warm waters around the world. Unknown to most people is that there are a few species of dolphins that live in rivers and freshwater. These dolphins, however, are few in number and are now considered to be on the endangered list.
Fifty-seven different species of dolphin make up the world's population today. Dolphins have sleek bodies and their noses, called "rostrum", are long and beak-like. Many of us think that dolphins and porpoises are related, when in fact they are not. One thing that makes them different is their teeth. As mentioned the dolphin's are cone shaped and the porpoise have teeth that look more like spades. This enables them to dig for food among rock. The other major difference is the fact that porpoise are able to live in water that's colder than a dolphin can even tolerate.
Orcas are the most easily identified and best known dolphin. They are more commonly known as killer whales. People tend to think of the Orca as among the most violent and frightening sea animals. This is probably due to the fact that they are large and seem fearless in the water.
Female dolphins are pregnant for twelve months before delivering their babies, or calves as they are known. The calves weigh between 30 and 40 pounds and are about 30 inches long. They will nurse from their mothers until they are two years old.
Unlike other species of animals where the mother gives birth and the young leave her side after a short period of time, the dolphin calf will stay with its mother for five to seven years. During this time the young dolphin will learn many skills from its mother, including how to feed and how to get along with other dolphins.
Dolphins live in groups known as "pods" and travel together. The females interact with the young, while the males keep more to themselves and don't participate in parenting.
Dolphins are amazingly intelligent and curious. These traits make them intriguing to us, along with the fact that dolphins love to interact with humans. They are always ready to tell us all about what's going on in the waters around us, but unfortunately we aren't able to understand them.
2013年9月24日星期二
Thoroughbred Horse Racing - It'S Hard Out Here For A Jockey: The Classic Years
With the publication, in 2001, of Laura Hillenbrand's bestseller Seabiscuit, a new generation of Americans learned about the unremitting hardness of life in the early days of American Thoroughbred horse racing - for horse and rider alike. Hillenbrand's book will tell you all you'd ever want to know about the dietary depredations self-inflicted by jockeys - the anorexia and bulimia, the 900-calorie-per-day diets, the constant physical pain, mental fatigue and irritability brought on by slow starvation; the courting of diarrhea and intentional ingestion of tapeworms.
But these self-inflicted threats, made necessary by the physical requirements of horse racing (to pack the maximum of horse-driving muscle into an inhuman minimum of weight burden for the horse), pale in comparison to the physical risks faced by veteran jockeys, for whom the slightest strategic miscalculation can risk limb or even life. (One of the scariest moments in Hillenbrand's book occurs when a jockey, clinically dead for several minutes after a collision but miraculously revived after his heart is stimulated by electricity, insists on returning to the field for a race later that day.
Those old jockeys were tough. But for them - at least for many of them - the hardship was worth it.
For example, let's start with none other than Seabiscuit's own rider - John "Red" Pollard (1909-81). Somewhat tall for a jockey (5'7"), and blinded by a stray rock to the skull during a crowded training ride (this was in the days before helmets), Pollard loved horses from his childhood days in Edmonton, Alberta, where the well-read, poetry-quoting, boxing-enthusiast left home at fifteen to live his dream of riding Thoroughbreds professionally. He made his way through his teenage years chiefly alone, tramping from one racetrack to another and hoping to talk some enterprising horse owner into letting him ride. (He also earned some income by boxing, always a passion of Pollard's.)
His years riding losing horses at pockmarked, pitted tracks paid off when trainer Tom Smith, coming upon Pollard soon after a car accident had left them stranded outside Detroit with next to nothing, matched him up with the temperamental, cantankerous Seabiscuit. The two, complementing each other with the finesse of a Gilbert and Sullivan or a Lennon and McCartney, rode their way into racing history, with Seabiscuit enjoying a fame that would not be seen again, say some historians, until Secretariat.
The 110-pound Steve Donoghue (1884-1945) lacked the advantage of so many contemporary jockeys. He didn't start until he was, by today's standards, too old. But he won his first race, at 23, in 1907, riding Turkish Delight (a horse named for the same candy that features so prominently in the classic fantasy novel by C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe). He gained fame with his Cambridgeshire-at-Newmarket win three years later, and especially with his 1921 Epsom Derby victory riding the 6-to-1 shot underdog (well, underhorse) Humorist who was so unprepared for the effort Donoghue coaxed from him on the track that day that he died of heart failure six weeks later.
Donoghue's success with such an unlikely candidate made him a legend of British racing. He won again the following year on a lame mount, Captain Cuttle. Such exploits so augmented his fame that, after a routine 1930 broken leg, he merited a personal get-well-soon note from no less than King George V.
Then there's Bill Hartack (1932-2007), or, as the press called him, "Willie" - not to be confused with archrival Willie Shoemaker, whom he hated throughout his long US racing career. Growing up on a farm in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, the naturally small-in-stature Hartack seemed made for jockey stardom, with knowledge of horses and low weight. He didn't disappoint, winning the Kentucky Derby five times - a record equaled only by Eddie Arcaro - and taking top-jockey-of-the-year honors on four separate occasions, beginning in his third season. In a US career that spanned twenty-one years (1953-1974), Hartack rode in 21,534 races, winning 4,272 of them. He then went on to race in Hong Kong from 1978-80. In good years, his purse earnings went as high as $3 million.
Hillenbrand's book will tell you all you'd ever want to know about the dietary depredations self-inflicted by jockeys - the anorexia and bulimia, the 900-calorie-per-day diets, the constant physical pain, mental fatigue and irritability brought on by slow starvation; the courting of diarrhea and intentional ingestion of tapeworms.
But these self-inflicted threats, made necessary by the physical requirements of horse racing (to pack the maximum of horse-driving muscle into an inhuman minimum of weight burden for the horse), pale in comparison to the physical risks faced by veteran jockeys, for whom the slightest strategic miscalculation can risk limb or even life. (One of the scariest moments in Hillenbrand's book occurs when a jockey, clinically dead for several minutes after a collision but miraculously revived after his heart is stimulated by electricity, insists on returning to the field for a race later that day.
Those old jockeys were tough. But for them - at least for many of them - the hardship was worth it.
For example, let's start with none other than Seabiscuit's own rider - John "Red" Pollard (1909-81). Somewhat tall for a jockey (5'7"), and blinded by a stray rock to the skull during a crowded training ride (this was in the days before helmets), Pollard loved horses from his childhood days in Edmonton, Alberta, where the well-read, poetry-quoting, boxing-enthusiast left home at fifteen to live his dream of riding Thoroughbreds professionally. He made his way through his teenage years chiefly alone, tramping from one racetrack to another and hoping to talk some enterprising horse owner into letting him ride. (He also earned some income by boxing, always a passion of Pollard's.)
His years riding losing horses at pockmarked, pitted tracks paid off when trainer Tom Smith, coming upon Pollard soon after a car accident had left them stranded outside Detroit with next to nothing, matched him up with the temperamental, cantankerous Seabiscuit. The two, complementing each other with the finesse of a Gilbert and Sullivan or a Lennon and McCartney, rode their way into racing history, with Seabiscuit enjoying a fame that would not be seen again, say some historians, until Secretariat.
The 110-pound Steve Donoghue (1884-1945) lacked the advantage of so many contemporary jockeys. He didn't start until he was, by today's standards, too old. But he won his first race, at 23, in 1907, riding Turkish Delight (a horse named for the same candy that features so prominently in the classic fantasy novel by C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe). He gained fame with his Cambridgeshire-at-Newmarket win three years later, and especially with his 1921 Epsom Derby victory riding the 6-to-1 shot underdog (well, underhorse) Humorist who was so unprepared for the effort Donoghue coaxed from him on the track that day that he died of heart failure six weeks later.
Donoghue's success with such an unlikely candidate made him a legend of British racing. He won again the following year on a lame mount, Captain Cuttle. Such exploits so augmented his fame that, after a routine 1930 broken leg, he merited a personal get-well-soon note from no less than King George V.
Then there's Bill Hartack (1932-2007), or, as the press called him, "Willie" - not to be confused with archrival Willie Shoemaker, whom he hated throughout his long US racing career. Growing up on a farm in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, the naturally small-in-stature Hartack seemed made for jockey stardom, with knowledge of horses and low weight. He didn't disappoint, winning the Kentucky Derby five times - a record equaled only by Eddie Arcaro - and taking top-jockey-of-the-year honors on four separate occasions, beginning in his third season. In a US career that spanned twenty-one years (1953-1974), Hartack rode in 21,534 races, winning 4,272 of them. He then went on to race in Hong Kong from 1978-80. In good years, his purse earnings went as high as $3 million.
Hillenbrand's book will tell you all you'd ever want to know about the dietary depredations self-inflicted by jockeys - the anorexia and bulimia, the 900-calorie-per-day diets, the constant physical pain, mental fatigue and irritability brought on by slow starvation; the courting of diarrhea and intentional ingestion of tapeworms.
Thoroughbred Horse Racing - Great Racehorses Of The Forties
We remember the 1940s this way: as the decade when America stepped up, and everything changed. As the decade began, the US was an isolationist emerging world power hoping to avoid the latest bloody European conflagration; as 1945 closed, it was the dominant Western nation. The stories of the decade's greatest racehorses reflects this moment of upheaval, with an injured horse and a filly winning the sport's highest acclaim and Citation achieving a dominance not seen since Man O'War in the twenties.
Assault
As writer Kathleen Jones observes, this horse's first big move was an inauspicious one: "Assault's first act of note was to spear his right front foot on a surveyor's stake." But this seeming disadvantage, which was initially thought to have ended the horse's racing career before it began, ended up conferring a weird sort of advantage: it hurt Assault when he walked but not when he ran.
Assault (1943-71) took a Flash Stakes win during his two-year-old season but didn't attract serious notice until his victory over 9-1 odds in the Wood Memorial. Muddy boots (with the added weight) hindered him at the Kentucky Derby trial during his three-year season. At the Derby itself, however, he put eight lengths' distance between himself and the heavily favored trio of Lord Boswell, Knockdown and Perfect Bahram (the best of whom eventually sank to a fourth-place finish).
Lord Boswell hindered him at Preakness, where he barely held on to victory in the face of a blazing kick from the former; thus Boswell was again the favorite as Belmont loomed. But Assault, who seemed to perform the best when his backers had the least faith in him, took Belmont by three lengths.
His subsequent career was illness-plagued, with a kidney infection and a seeming lack of confidence, but he overturned both to win Pimlico and "Horse of the Year" honors. He was later put to stud, but found to be sterile. Trainers, however, remembered his vivacious personality - often leaving inattentive exercise riders in midair, or charging grooms who failed to feed him. He died at the relatively ripe old age of 28 at the same King Ranch, in Kingsville, Texas, where he'd taken, for better and for worse, that fateful step on the surveyor's stake.
Busher
It's fitting, and pleasurable, to know that in the years of Rosie the Riveter, 1944 and 1945, not only did women fill the places in the American economy left vacant by enlisted men, but that fillies left their best male rivals in the dust.
In 1944, filly Twilight Tear won champion three-year-old and Horse of the Year honors, setting a precedent for the following year's new three-year-old Busher. This young horse, a granddaughter of Man O'War born in 1942, was sold by her owner Colonel E.R. Bradley after winning five of seven starts in her two-year-old season. Bradley was frustrated by the horseracing ban instituted early in 1945, and Busher was sold alongside many of Bradley's other horses, winding up in the hands of movie producer Louis B. Mayer, the sultan of MGM (he put the "Mayer" in "Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer"). This proved to be Mayer's wise investment, as the racing ban lifted in the aftermath of V-E Day.
In the resulting race season, Busher often outraced male horses who outweighed her, achieving an especially memorable upset over Armed, a heavily favored Calumet Farm horse, in the Washington Park Handicap, where she also set a track record.
Busher was the last three-year-old filly to win Horse of the Year. For her unusual achievement, her name has been memorialized - since 1978 - in the Busher Stakes Race for three-year-old fillies at Aqueduct.
Citation
Who's the greatest racehorse of them all? The question can't really be answered, of course; its only purpose is to start a fun argument. But as long as there are American racing fans, there will always be those who suggest's Citation's name in answer to this question.
At age two, the Calumet Farms standout - a powerhouse in a stableful of powerhouses - won eight of his nine starts. (The race he lost was informally thrown by Calumet trainer Ben Jones, who ordered that the first horse to reach homestretch be allowed to win.) During his three-year season - still technically only two years old at the start (his birthday being in April), but racing against older horses due to the Jockey Club rule that registered Thoroughbreds born in the same year all be assigned a birtdate of January 1 - he destroyed a Horse of the Year and several four- and five-year-olds, an achievement that resembles a junior-high track star suddenly winning the NCAA championships.
The victories piled up, the plaudits mounted, and comparisons were made to Man O'War, the 1920s legend. He eventually won 19 of his 20 1948 starts, including a Triple Crown, one of few in the post-World War II period: possibly the greatest season of the century.
Assault
As writer Kathleen Jones observes, this horse's first big move was an inauspicious one: "Assault's first act of note was to spear his right front foot on a surveyor's stake." But this seeming disadvantage, which was initially thought to have ended the horse's racing career before it began, ended up conferring a weird sort of advantage: it hurt Assault when he walked but not when he ran.
Assault (1943-71) took a Flash Stakes win during his two-year-old season but didn't attract serious notice until his victory over 9-1 odds in the Wood Memorial. Muddy boots (with the added weight) hindered him at the Kentucky Derby trial during his three-year season. At the Derby itself, however, he put eight lengths' distance between himself and the heavily favored trio of Lord Boswell, Knockdown and Perfect Bahram (the best of whom eventually sank to a fourth-place finish).
Lord Boswell hindered him at Preakness, where he barely held on to victory in the face of a blazing kick from the former; thus Boswell was again the favorite as Belmont loomed. But Assault, who seemed to perform the best when his backers had the least faith in him, took Belmont by three lengths.
His subsequent career was illness-plagued, with a kidney infection and a seeming lack of confidence, but he overturned both to win Pimlico and "Horse of the Year" honors. He was later put to stud, but found to be sterile. Trainers, however, remembered his vivacious personality - often leaving inattentive exercise riders in midair, or charging grooms who failed to feed him. He died at the relatively ripe old age of 28 at the same King Ranch, in Kingsville, Texas, where he'd taken, for better and for worse, that fateful step on the surveyor's stake.
Busher
It's fitting, and pleasurable, to know that in the years of Rosie the Riveter, 1944 and 1945, not only did women fill the places in the American economy left vacant by enlisted men, but that fillies left their best male rivals in the dust.
In 1944, filly Twilight Tear won champion three-year-old and Horse of the Year honors, setting a precedent for the following year's new three-year-old Busher. This young horse, a granddaughter of Man O'War born in 1942, was sold by her owner Colonel E.R. Bradley after winning five of seven starts in her two-year-old season. Bradley was frustrated by the horseracing ban instituted early in 1945, and Busher was sold alongside many of Bradley's other horses, winding up in the hands of movie producer Louis B. Mayer, the sultan of MGM (he put the "Mayer" in "Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer"). This proved to be Mayer's wise investment, as the racing ban lifted in the aftermath of V-E Day.
In the resulting race season, Busher often outraced male horses who outweighed her, achieving an especially memorable upset over Armed, a heavily favored Calumet Farm horse, in the Washington Park Handicap, where she also set a track record.
Busher was the last three-year-old filly to win Horse of the Year. For her unusual achievement, her name has been memorialized - since 1978 - in the Busher Stakes Race for three-year-old fillies at Aqueduct.
Citation
Who's the greatest racehorse of them all? The question can't really be answered, of course; its only purpose is to start a fun argument. But as long as there are American racing fans, there will always be those who suggest's Citation's name in answer to this question.
At age two, the Calumet Farms standout - a powerhouse in a stableful of powerhouses - won eight of his nine starts. (The race he lost was informally thrown by Calumet trainer Ben Jones, who ordered that the first horse to reach homestretch be allowed to win.) During his three-year season - still technically only two years old at the start (his birthday being in April), but racing against older horses due to the Jockey Club rule that registered Thoroughbreds born in the same year all be assigned a birtdate of January 1 - he destroyed a Horse of the Year and several four- and five-year-olds, an achievement that resembles a junior-high track star suddenly winning the NCAA championships.
The victories piled up, the plaudits mounted, and comparisons were made to Man O'War, the 1920s legend. He eventually won 19 of his 20 1948 starts, including a Triple Crown, one of few in the post-World War II period: possibly the greatest season of the century.
Ski Gear - Austria- The Worlds Most Famous Skiing Spot
Austria is the worlds most famous skiing spot and it is the best place for everyone who enjoys skiing. Austria is an ideal tourist destination, because of its culture and fresh alpine slopes which merges with beautiful landscapes.
Austria is home to a large range of ski resorts, catering for all abilities and tastes. From the abundantly expensive to the bargain basement, Austria has it all, from the highest peaks, to the snowiest landscapes, and with a speck of research you can find a number of great deals.
The dream of many skiers, the Alps span several European countries, and is a must-ski for a fanatic. Spend a few days in Austria, and contribute at least one of them in skiing the Alps. You wont be unhappy.
If you make some inquiries work before you leave, you will normally be able to find some superior quality accommodations at low prices. Whether you are booking within a ski resort, or nearby, you must check with the internet to find last minute deals which may help you to save money. An excellent tip to keep in mind is that the star rating given to accommodation does not point out the quality of the place.
You might be better off in a one star than a three star for example, given that the star only signify the level of services. Moreover, lower star ratings are generally cheaper, so you can gain from quality, reduced price accommodation if you know where to look. Does not matter what type of accommodation you choose for, if you are supple enough to leave for your holiday instantly you will benefit from good deals.
Among all these, the internet is the home to a large variety of low cost airlines which run no add-ons, no ticket services. These airlines considered to be as good as their more expensive competitors, and just as resourceful and comfortable. One important thing you must bear in mind about any airline: make sure they are prepared to handle skiing equipments. Most companies will charge extra for your skis, so it is vital to ask before you book, for bulky or large and delicate goods.
A further highly suggested purchase is, insurance for both, for your equipment and for yourself. Things may go wrong, on a holiday as well as at home; therefore it is important to make sure that you are covered. Generally, when you are placing your equipment in an airplane hold, or when you are coddling in a dangerous sport like skiing, insurance is very important for ensuring you do not end up high and dry. You may find good deals if you shop around, and it actually is worth the few bucks to get that piece of mind, and actual backup in case things go wrong.
Austria is home to a large range of ski resorts, catering for all abilities and tastes. From the abundantly expensive to the bargain basement, Austria has it all, from the highest peaks, to the snowiest landscapes, and with a speck of research you can find a number of great deals.
The dream of many skiers, the Alps span several European countries, and is a must-ski for a fanatic. Spend a few days in Austria, and contribute at least one of them in skiing the Alps. You wont be unhappy.
If you make some inquiries work before you leave, you will normally be able to find some superior quality accommodations at low prices. Whether you are booking within a ski resort, or nearby, you must check with the internet to find last minute deals which may help you to save money. An excellent tip to keep in mind is that the star rating given to accommodation does not point out the quality of the place.
You might be better off in a one star than a three star for example, given that the star only signify the level of services. Moreover, lower star ratings are generally cheaper, so you can gain from quality, reduced price accommodation if you know where to look. Does not matter what type of accommodation you choose for, if you are supple enough to leave for your holiday instantly you will benefit from good deals.
Among all these, the internet is the home to a large variety of low cost airlines which run no add-ons, no ticket services. These airlines considered to be as good as their more expensive competitors, and just as resourceful and comfortable. One important thing you must bear in mind about any airline: make sure they are prepared to handle skiing equipments. Most companies will charge extra for your skis, so it is vital to ask before you book, for bulky or large and delicate goods.
A further highly suggested purchase is, insurance for both, for your equipment and for yourself. Things may go wrong, on a holiday as well as at home; therefore it is important to make sure that you are covered. Generally, when you are placing your equipment in an airplane hold, or when you are coddling in a dangerous sport like skiing, insurance is very important for ensuring you do not end up high and dry. You may find good deals if you shop around, and it actually is worth the few bucks to get that piece of mind, and actual backup in case things go wrong.
New Zealand Travel - Vacationing In The Wilderness
For a unique New Zealand Vacation destination, Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki stands out above the rest. Owner Gerry McSweeny, a biologist who also heads the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand, created the lodge together with his wife Anne.
When we established the lodge in 1989, says McSweeny, the immediate concern was to create jobs with ecotourism as an alternative to the timber industry, which was logging 1,000 year old podocarp trees. Now weve moved on to other conservation efforts.
The lodge, located in the lakeside clearing in the historic podocarp forest, is run entirely on hydroelectric power courtesy of the nearby Moerkai Rapids. Guests can enjoy guided treks to the Tasman Sea coast, to view fur seals and Fiordland penguins, take a canoe ride along Lake Moeraki and hike the nearby trails.
The neighboring Te Wahi Pounamu Reserve makes up more than 10% of the total landmass of the country, and is the perfect place for an eco friendly New Zealand vacation. These days, going green is all the rage, and what better place to do so than at one of New Zealands premier eco tourism destinations.
With 24 new Rainforest Rooms, each with private facilities, the lodge itself is the pinnacle of eco luxury. The forests, mountains, rivers, and wildlife around and within Lake Moeraki are protected as property of the South West New Zealand Te Wahi Pounamu World Heritage site, and offer visitors a myriad of sights to see and experiences to enjoy.
The Monro walk, a four hour trek in an exotic rainforest, is perfect for do-it-yourself naturalists and eco adventurers. On the way, the Giant Rimu lookout, with its breathtaking and picturesque views is not to be missed. There are also shorter walks to the Paringa historic cattle track, the Hapuka estuary, and the Cascade Valley glaciers.
Where can you explore a rainforest, view penguins and seals in their natural habitat, explore the cultural origins of the Maori tribe, hike a canyon to a waterfall, and so much more?
New Zealand, of course, and the Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki is the perfect place to begin. Book your trip early, as the lodge does tend to fill up fast, particularly during the peak tourist season. Your travel agent will be able to assist you with all of the final details of the planning the perfect New Zealand vacation, and help you chose the itinerary that is perfect for you, so make sure to avail yourself of their expert opinions when it comes to travel.
When we established the lodge in 1989, says McSweeny, the immediate concern was to create jobs with ecotourism as an alternative to the timber industry, which was logging 1,000 year old podocarp trees. Now weve moved on to other conservation efforts.
The lodge, located in the lakeside clearing in the historic podocarp forest, is run entirely on hydroelectric power courtesy of the nearby Moerkai Rapids. Guests can enjoy guided treks to the Tasman Sea coast, to view fur seals and Fiordland penguins, take a canoe ride along Lake Moeraki and hike the nearby trails.
The neighboring Te Wahi Pounamu Reserve makes up more than 10% of the total landmass of the country, and is the perfect place for an eco friendly New Zealand vacation. These days, going green is all the rage, and what better place to do so than at one of New Zealands premier eco tourism destinations.
With 24 new Rainforest Rooms, each with private facilities, the lodge itself is the pinnacle of eco luxury. The forests, mountains, rivers, and wildlife around and within Lake Moeraki are protected as property of the South West New Zealand Te Wahi Pounamu World Heritage site, and offer visitors a myriad of sights to see and experiences to enjoy.
The Monro walk, a four hour trek in an exotic rainforest, is perfect for do-it-yourself naturalists and eco adventurers. On the way, the Giant Rimu lookout, with its breathtaking and picturesque views is not to be missed. There are also shorter walks to the Paringa historic cattle track, the Hapuka estuary, and the Cascade Valley glaciers.
Where can you explore a rainforest, view penguins and seals in their natural habitat, explore the cultural origins of the Maori tribe, hike a canyon to a waterfall, and so much more?
New Zealand, of course, and the Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki is the perfect place to begin. Book your trip early, as the lodge does tend to fill up fast, particularly during the peak tourist season. Your travel agent will be able to assist you with all of the final details of the planning the perfect New Zealand vacation, and help you chose the itinerary that is perfect for you, so make sure to avail yourself of their expert opinions when it comes to travel.
2013年9月22日星期日
An Absolute Imperative
I have long believed in the value of custom club-fitting. So back in 2005, when I first heard about a fledgling Scottsdale company named Hot Stix Golf, I quickly assigned a story on it (See the story here.) I loved the idea: a high-tech, state-of-the-art fitter who would put you in any clubheads and shafts, no matter who made them, to maximize your game. The company even recommended balls. In my view, such a highly specific, manufacturer-agnostic approach just had to lead to a better-performing bag.
Well, it took me three years to heed my own advice, but I’ve finally been through a Hot Stix fitting and, I must say, it exceeded my high expectations. Frankly, it blew my mind.
I had been fit for my clubs, of course, but not holistically—when my fitter tested them, he discovered I had ended up with a mismatched set. The shafts and heads did not all complement each other and, more importantly, none of them were maximizing my potential. For example, for years I had been struggling to hit my irons higher—that problem was solved in a half hour of matching shafts and clubheads to my swing. Same story for woods, hybrid and wedges—all my major ball-flight issues were solved in one afternoon on the range.
Significantly, the clubs I ended up buying are made by a variety of companies, and all were assembled and tested by Hot Stix to make sure they matched manufacturer specifications. (Yes, they “pured” the shafts, too.) Take it from me, the $400 you spend for the fitting and testing service will be one of the best investments you’ll ever make in your game.
Today there are many ways to get fitted for clubs. Agnostic fitters such as Hot Stix are popping up all over, and if you can’t get to one of them, there’s nothing wrong with the manufacturer-specific approach—see Nick Faldo’s “Super Fit” for more on that process. Nick’s conclusion, and mine, is pretty simple: If you’re serious about improving, you can’t think of custom fitting as merely beneficial.
Well, it took me three years to heed my own advice, but I’ve finally been through a Hot Stix fitting and, I must say, it exceeded my high expectations. Frankly, it blew my mind.
I had been fit for my clubs, of course, but not holistically—when my fitter tested them, he discovered I had ended up with a mismatched set. The shafts and heads did not all complement each other and, more importantly, none of them were maximizing my potential. For example, for years I had been struggling to hit my irons higher—that problem was solved in a half hour of matching shafts and clubheads to my swing. Same story for woods, hybrid and wedges—all my major ball-flight issues were solved in one afternoon on the range.
Significantly, the clubs I ended up buying are made by a variety of companies, and all were assembled and tested by Hot Stix to make sure they matched manufacturer specifications. (Yes, they “pured” the shafts, too.) Take it from me, the $400 you spend for the fitting and testing service will be one of the best investments you’ll ever make in your game.
Today there are many ways to get fitted for clubs. Agnostic fitters such as Hot Stix are popping up all over, and if you can’t get to one of them, there’s nothing wrong with the manufacturer-specific approach—see Nick Faldo’s “Super Fit” for more on that process. Nick’s conclusion, and mine, is pretty simple: If you’re serious about improving, you can’t think of custom fitting as merely beneficial.
At the Lake of the Ozarks, golf worth discovering
In the dire days of the Great Depression, a utility company dammed the Osage River in central Missouri and filled more than ninety-three square miles of hills and hollows with water. The water attracted campers and fishermen, who later built cabins on its 1,150 miles of shoreline. The cabins multiplied. So did the number of visitors eager for a quiet, hickory-scented getaway. When the bass and catfish sank to the depths for their long summer nap, the tourists required another pastime, and Robert Trent Jones Sr. was commissioned to bring golf to the area.
The Lake of the Ozarks now beckons as many golfers as anglers to the three counties that border its graveled banks. The quaint cabins of yesteryear have been rebuilt as million-dollar mansions with picture windows facing wake-controlled coves and docks with sedan-bridge yachts in the slips. Far enough from both Kansas City and St. Louis to seem like the wilderness, the region heaves through the middle of the state like folded cake batter. The landscape is abrupt and rugged, creating dramatic landforms that are perfect for tournament-tested golf. Zoysia fairways bend through patches of brilliant-red royal catchfly and thick forests of high-canopy hardwoods and shortleaf pines. Bent-grass greens thrive in Missouri’s balanced climate, which stretches the golf calendar to nine months or longer. Now that modern course designers like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf and Arnold Palmer have planted flagsticks in the path of the pioneering Jones, the once-sleepy center of the Show Me State rivals anything in the lower Midwest for a golf experience worth sampling at least once.
Or more. Missouri just might show you enough that you’ll find yourself going back time and again.
Day One
The Lake of the Ozarks bustles during the summer, especially around Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. Even then, there’s enough room around the enormous lake to accommodate weekenders and zealous golf trippers alike. The airports in Kansas City and St. Louis are about three hours away, but by flying into the regional airport in Springfield you can shave ninety minutes off your travel time.
Settle in your room, one of over three hundred at the Lodge of Four Seasons. Pause on your balcony at the forty-four-year-old, family-owned resort, a Shawnee Bend hallmark that maintains splendid Japanese gardens and the fifteen-thousand-square-foot, world-class Spa Shiki. After savoring the view, it’s just a five-minute shuttle to The Cove, the first of the resort’s two eighteens.
The Cove, designed by Robert Trent Jones, will reopen in May after being outfitted with redone greens and greenside bunkers and a new clubhouse. The course’s short but arresting doglegs once beguiled contestants in the national club-pro championship. Glimpses of the lake arrive early in the round, but you really know where you are at number thirteen, a 227-yard par three that plays over an inlet on the wide main channel. Stop and stare for a while—especially if a forty-foot Sea Ray is churning through the chop.
Finish your day with some batter-fried lobster tail at the historic Blue Heron, which has the lake’s most refined wine cellar and a sweeping view of the water. The Heron has a rustic air, but the restaurant has been serving the area’s most interesting dishes for decades, and there’s good reason it attracts a loyal band of foodies.
Day Two
Start your morning with breakfast in the lodge’s atrium at Breezes or Soleil, two of the resort’s three restaurants. Depart at dawn on a guided fishing trip, booked through the Lodge, or sleep an extra few hours and visit Bridal Cave, an onyx-laden cavern where escorted tours last an easy hour and the temperature hovers at about sixty degrees.
If you’d prefer to spend the entire day with a club in your hands, arrange an early-morning tee time at The Ridge, the second course built at the Four Seasons. Ken Kavanaugh carved a generous, sporting layout of 6,447 yards with tree lines so close that drives echo like jackhammers. With 180 feet of elevation change, shots seem to ride the jet stream.
Stop for lunch at JB Hook’s, order the grouper sandwich and take in a panoramic view of the water. Then head to the Club at Old Kinderhook in Camdenton, the largest town on the west side of the lake and a thirty-minute drive over the Community Bridge from the resort. Inviting fairways lead to some of the smoothest putting surfaces in the state. A striped tee shot on the 516-yard par-five final hole gives you a chance to punctuate—or redeem—your round, provided you can summon the mettle to carry the water in front of the green.
For dinner, don’t even start your car. Just order some whiskey steak bites with wild mushrooms at the Trophy Room, which sits next to the golf shop. Anything from a golf shirt to a coat and tie is appropriate attire.
The Lake of the Ozarks now beckons as many golfers as anglers to the three counties that border its graveled banks. The quaint cabins of yesteryear have been rebuilt as million-dollar mansions with picture windows facing wake-controlled coves and docks with sedan-bridge yachts in the slips. Far enough from both Kansas City and St. Louis to seem like the wilderness, the region heaves through the middle of the state like folded cake batter. The landscape is abrupt and rugged, creating dramatic landforms that are perfect for tournament-tested golf. Zoysia fairways bend through patches of brilliant-red royal catchfly and thick forests of high-canopy hardwoods and shortleaf pines. Bent-grass greens thrive in Missouri’s balanced climate, which stretches the golf calendar to nine months or longer. Now that modern course designers like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf and Arnold Palmer have planted flagsticks in the path of the pioneering Jones, the once-sleepy center of the Show Me State rivals anything in the lower Midwest for a golf experience worth sampling at least once.
Or more. Missouri just might show you enough that you’ll find yourself going back time and again.
Day One
The Lake of the Ozarks bustles during the summer, especially around Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. Even then, there’s enough room around the enormous lake to accommodate weekenders and zealous golf trippers alike. The airports in Kansas City and St. Louis are about three hours away, but by flying into the regional airport in Springfield you can shave ninety minutes off your travel time.
Settle in your room, one of over three hundred at the Lodge of Four Seasons. Pause on your balcony at the forty-four-year-old, family-owned resort, a Shawnee Bend hallmark that maintains splendid Japanese gardens and the fifteen-thousand-square-foot, world-class Spa Shiki. After savoring the view, it’s just a five-minute shuttle to The Cove, the first of the resort’s two eighteens.
The Cove, designed by Robert Trent Jones, will reopen in May after being outfitted with redone greens and greenside bunkers and a new clubhouse. The course’s short but arresting doglegs once beguiled contestants in the national club-pro championship. Glimpses of the lake arrive early in the round, but you really know where you are at number thirteen, a 227-yard par three that plays over an inlet on the wide main channel. Stop and stare for a while—especially if a forty-foot Sea Ray is churning through the chop.
Finish your day with some batter-fried lobster tail at the historic Blue Heron, which has the lake’s most refined wine cellar and a sweeping view of the water. The Heron has a rustic air, but the restaurant has been serving the area’s most interesting dishes for decades, and there’s good reason it attracts a loyal band of foodies.
Day Two
Start your morning with breakfast in the lodge’s atrium at Breezes or Soleil, two of the resort’s three restaurants. Depart at dawn on a guided fishing trip, booked through the Lodge, or sleep an extra few hours and visit Bridal Cave, an onyx-laden cavern where escorted tours last an easy hour and the temperature hovers at about sixty degrees.
If you’d prefer to spend the entire day with a club in your hands, arrange an early-morning tee time at The Ridge, the second course built at the Four Seasons. Ken Kavanaugh carved a generous, sporting layout of 6,447 yards with tree lines so close that drives echo like jackhammers. With 180 feet of elevation change, shots seem to ride the jet stream.
Stop for lunch at JB Hook’s, order the grouper sandwich and take in a panoramic view of the water. Then head to the Club at Old Kinderhook in Camdenton, the largest town on the west side of the lake and a thirty-minute drive over the Community Bridge from the resort. Inviting fairways lead to some of the smoothest putting surfaces in the state. A striped tee shot on the 516-yard par-five final hole gives you a chance to punctuate—or redeem—your round, provided you can summon the mettle to carry the water in front of the green.
For dinner, don’t even start your car. Just order some whiskey steak bites with wild mushrooms at the Trophy Room, which sits next to the golf shop. Anything from a golf shirt to a coat and tie is appropriate attire.
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