The Features of The Gobi Arabian Flex2 Saddle

The Gobi Arabian Flex2 Saddle is jam packed with great features for Arabian horses as well as any horse with a shorter back. The saddle has a shorter skirt to accommodate the shape of the arabian and, additionally, features three distinct inskirt riggings which let you choose the position which is most suitable for your specific horse. This customization is a key feature that provides more comfort for the horse and more control for the rider. All of this comes in a compact, lightweight package that weighs a mere 28 pounds. It is comprised of Gunmetal hardware and the special flex2 technology. Flex2 refers to the flexible tree design of the saddle as well as the shock absorbing neoprene that fills its core.

Benefits of Master Design

The skirt on the Gobi Arabian Flex2 Saddle is fourteen and a half inches deep by twenty six inches long. Any Arabian horse lover will tell you that this is the perfect size for horses from the region and a necessary buy for any horse with a shorter back. However, aside from the breed specific benefits, the saddle contains many marks of master craftsmanship that reveal a love of horses. The tunnel skirt design allows for an even distribution of pressure on the horse so that much of the pressure that is usually focused on the spine is dispersed. For the rider, the Circle Y Softee reduces the strain that is put on the rider's joints over the course of a normal ride.

How A Good Saddle Offers Freedom

You'll love how the Gobi Arabian Flex2 Saddle feels when you ride. The tree on the saddle allows for a greater range of motion through the shoulder area on your horse so that movement is effortless and unrestricted. This also offers a feeling of close contact for the rider that increases rider confidence and potentially control. Feeling this close contact connection is a great way to grow the bond between you and your horse.

Recommendation

Simply put, a regular saddle won't do if your horse has a short back or is an Arabian. With imprecise saddling the rider loses precision control, but also, a great deal of harm can be inflicted upon the horse as well as the joints of the rider. A Gobi Arabian Flex2 is a great investment in years of safe and comfortable riding. Thankfully, the saddle is known for its durability so you won't have to give it up. Even through long rides and extreme weather, the saddle holds together and the master craftsmanship shines through. Whether you are a dedicated rider or someone who casually rides the trails, this saddle is a great pick for your special Arabian horse. A great saddle offers much more than comfort for you and your horse. Namely, through comfort and a precision fit less material gets between the rider and the horse. This natural feeling allows for the fostering of a stronger bond between horse and rider which is perhaps the most satisfying thing about trail riding.

Are you in the market for Circle Y Saddles? At Horse Saddle Comparison, we do in-depth reviews of the top horse riding saddles on the market so you can make an informed investment. Read our circle y horse saddle reviews before buying a saddle.

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What Is Paracord? And How Do You Tell The Real Stuff From The Fake Stuff?

What does the term 550 paracord mean? What is it used for?

The term paracord itself comes from the cord used on the parachutes in WWII. The term 550 simply meant that it had a breaking strength of 550 pounds. Giving it it's full name of 550 paracord or 550 cord. When soldiers landed in the battle fields they would cut the paracord off their parachutes and pack it up for later use. This particular cord would come in handy for the soldiers during battle. Whether it was used to strap gear to humvees, help build a shelter, or lowering gear down ledges, the cord could be used in endless ways.

What types of 550 cord are there?

Commercial: Ever since paracord started becoming popular amongst civilians, there has been plenty of knock off types of paracord made. This particular type of paracord can be called "commercial 550 paracord".

Genuine MIL-C-5040 Type III: This particular 550 cord is the real deal, and there are only a handful of companies that make it for the government. One well known company, is E.L. Wood Braiding Company. They make a number of cords and ropes for the government which are used for a number of things throughout the military.

What's the difference?

Well the difference is pretty slim. Commercial 550 cord has the same breaking strength, and is the same diameter as well, so you must be careful when purchasing as there are many fakes out on the market that claim to be the real deal. The US military has a number of parameters and specifications which the MIL-C-5040 Type III paracord must pass before it's ready for use. The commercial 550 cord does not have to pass these same parameters, making it different in another way.

How do you tell the two apart? Well the only way to actually tell the two types of 550 cord apart is by cutting it in half and looking at the inside "guts". The "guts" or the inner strands of the paracord are different in commercial paracord then they are in the genuine Type III cord. Most commercial paracord will have 7 or 8 inner strands each consisting of 2 inner strands of themselves. While the genuine military issued cord has always been made with 7 inner strands, each consisting of 3 inner strands of themselves. In addition to this, one of the 7 strands is yellow and black in color, and all the other strands are white.

When buying paracord be sure to watch out for what you are buying. If you want the genuine stuff, make sure it follows all the parameters listed in the article above.

Visit http://www.paravival.com/ for all your paracord, paracord supplies, and paracord products.

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STX Proton Power Lacrosse Head Review

The Proton Power lacrosse head from STX is without doubt one of the most popular lacrosse heads in the sport. The lacrosse head has an excellent shape for maximum ball control with deadly accuracy when catching and shooting the ball. The lacrosse head is molded with an aerodynamic and streamlined style that guarantees the head stays light-weight and strong and provides greater performance in the game. The best part about this lacrosse head is that it is constructed with STX Forward Cant for straightforward ball release, faster passing and faster shooting. This lax head is highly recommended for attack players and is NFHS certified.

Good features

Firm fit with STX shafts

As a general rule, I've found that the STX lacrosse heads attach more tightly on lacrosse handles than heads from other brands. It barely attached to a STX handle, and I could hardly fit it on a Maverik handle. The Maverik shaft was slightly larger. The rule of thumb is that all lacrosse heads fit on all shafts, but more brute force or tape may be required when you mix the brand of head and shaft.

Mid and high pocket, ideal for shooting

I strung up a mid-pocket which was more or less straight forward. The ball felt very nice and it was extremely smooth when transitioning from cradling to winding up for a shot on the cage. The pinch is fairly nice and made for even better ball retention. A shooters pocket would also function pretty well too. Don't insult this lacrosse head by stringing a low pocket. This lacrosse head was designed to shoot, go a high or mid pocket.

The scoop is sort of bendy, but this is to provide the shooting flex. This, along with the STX Forward Cant, means you get great hold and you feel the "whip" while cranking.

Accurate passes from a great channel

You only need to look at the face of the head to see it isn't NCAA certified. The lax head does not include the longer parallel side walls extending from the throat. The steadily diverging catching area performs well and the mid-pocket I had strung up was awesome. All of my feeds and shoots were very accurate.

The tip of the Proton Power scoop results in a nice combination of being ground ball friendly and precise. Some lacrosse heads have a really pointy tip which leads to a great pocket channel but you are not able to grab a ground ball. While others are designed with a tip like a spade, making ground balls a breeze, your feeds do not have the accuracy you'd like. This head is pretty decent, but if the scoop were less curved I don't think the pocket would be as accurate.

Great for ground balls

The back side of the scoop is sleek enough so that there is no lip to elevate the top of the lacrosse head off the ground when getting ground balls. The face is broad enough which provides you a greater area to scoop up the ball with. You can get some bend if you go strongly for a ground ball.

Made for attackers

The Proton Power lacrosse head is created for shooting and feeding and for that reason is highly recommended for midfielders and forwards. If you're not generally a finisher, there are better midfield heads available in the market.

A fantastic choice for faceoff

If you take the odd face-off here and there, this head should hold up well. The streamlined sidewalls sit near to the ground, which surely is a benefit. The low amount of rigidity means you won't be able to take the most intense faceoff, but slicker face off maneuvers ought to be fine. The head can hardly hold its shape for too long in a faceoff, but the lacrosse head is quite easily forced back into shape, if it won't revert naturally.

Things for STX to work on

Relatively easy to string, but difficult to string legally

My first try at stringing this head ended up being illegal. The ball wasn't able to roll out of the throat when held upright and tilted forward. I had to change the side-wall laces near the throat to make sure they didn't hinder the ball and also restring the bottom laces to be certain the ball couldn't get trapped behind the ball stop. These were minor modifications, but with the likelihood of further pinching from the expected wear and tear this may well end up being something you will have to address on a consistent basis. Stringing up a low pocket isn't highly recommended.

For lovers of traditional stringing, you'll be a little bit annoyed to discover that you have only two openings at the bottom. You will have to put two leathers through each hole or devise another option. The stringing holes are quite tight so you really have to work to get the string through most of them. If you are melting the lace ends you must ensure that they're narrow because if you make a fat knob it won't fit in the slots. But when your pocket is set and the nylons are tied off, they're fixed for good.

What's the idea with the ball stop?

I'm not quite sure exactly what the actual aim of the island ball-stop is. I haven't been able to find any kind of real gain. The brand say it's intended to make this lacrosse head more lightweight, but it'd be only one or two grams at most.

Keep an eye on the pinch

As a rule with heads that feature a defined pinch, you'll want to ensure that it won't pinch excessively, resulting in it being illegal. You can put a bit of wood just a bit wider than a lax ball between your side walls around where they pinch to keep it compliant. Field hockey balls work just as well.

Not necessarily the sturdiest head going around

The Proton Power head from STX is not the strongest head going around. The scoop has actually been designed to bend, so if a somewhat inflexible lax head is what you feel will suit, this may not be the lax head for you.

Not really ideal for defense

This lacrosse head is simply too flexible for defense. You get no real effect from a poke check, aside from the top hourglassing right out. But it's not created for defense so I don't see this being an issue.

Summary

So if you are an attacker, how can you not absolutely love this lacrosse head? There certainly are various other heads stronger, lighter, stiffer and that of the like. But the Proton Power lacrosse head from STX symbolizes everything that lacrosse is about. This lax head is a goal-scoring weapon of mass destruction.

This lax head is not built with All Climate Performance so be aware in case you are playing in the heat or cold. The heat mainly, as the head currently flexes quite a lot. The lightweight factor and the extra flex might have an effect on its longevity, but still this is a super lacrosse head.

For more information about the best lacrosse heads, visit our website for the latest lacrosse gear reviews.

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Athletes Looking for the Psychological Edge by Training Emotion

"I visualized where I wanted to be, what kind of player I wanted to become. I knew exactly where I wanted to go, and I focused on getting there." Michael Jordan

Many, many famous athletes credit visualization for being the difference between losing and winning. For example, the greatest boxer of all time Muhammad Ali claims to have visualized winning a fight over and over again in his head before a match, in his words "the man with no imagination has no wings." What we get from visualization and imagination is actually just an emotion, in the case of great athletes the peak emotion being the emotion of winning. When we feel like a winner, we play like a winner.

If we visualize going into a dark room and then getting attacked by a ghost, and we do this over and over again, feeling the fear each time. The next time we go into a dark room most of us will naturally feel a small rush of adrenaline or even in some cases fear. Similarly if we imagine walking onto a tennis court, and winning over and over again. When we walk onto the tennis court we will feel like a winner. When we feel like a winner, we play like a winner.

When our friend or family member is depressed, can we tell that this person is depressed? Most of us can immediately identify this, because our unconscious mind acts differently based on our emotions. Now, similarly if we feel like a winner and we are competing in a sport, we will play according to our emotion, like a winner. This occurs in primarily three ways.

1. We try to prove our emotions right. (For example, if we feel like a loser we will walk around proving to ourselves that we are a loser. Similarly, if we feel like a winner, we will put in all we have to prove that we are a winner by playing at an unconscious level our best.)

2. Our emotion affect us at a hormonal, and chemical level. (For example, when we win a sport game, it is very common for most people to feel a burst in the hormone testosterone.)

3. We behave differently depending on how we feel. For example, happiness equals smiling, sadness equals frowning, and feeling like a winner equates competing like one.

Tigers Woods asserts that emotional control is a major reason for his success. And I believe that all of us can benefit from further developing emotional mastery. Whether it is feeling more like a winner whilst playing a sport, feeling more attractive when dating, or feeling more intelligent when winning, these emotions help us in time of competition where it is either win or lose.

So go out and train, feel like a legend during the competition and break the records.

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For more information on simple techniques for controlling your mind, hit up my site! http://www.cocomack.com/. I am currently 23 years old, study psychology and everything I write comes with study backup and practical utilization. I just want to share the great things that work when it comes to influencing our own mind with the world.

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Brief Introduction to Futsal

Futsal is a sport that is not well known among the common public. You may see some similarity in its name to Football. Well, it is not just in the name that there is a similarity. Even the way it is played is quite similar to football. Please note that when I say football, I am not talking about American football. I am talking about soccer. Let me give you a brief idea of how futsal compares with soccer further in this article. I also talk about which countries know about and play this game and the competitions that have been conducted for Futsal.

Futsal can be called a smaller version of soccer. To be more specific, it is played the same way as soccer as in there are two teams competing against each other to score more goals than the opposing team. Just like soccer, International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) is the association which governs this sport and the rules are quite similar to those of soccer. However, there are some striking differences as well between futsal and soccer. First of all, it is an indoor game unlike soccer which is completely an outdoor game. Also there are just five players in each team as compared to the eleven players forming a team in soccer.

Coming to the countries in which futsal is played, I need to make it clear that it is not as popular and widespread as soccer. Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. Just like soccer, futsal is popular in Brazil. Brazil is one country which laps anything related or similar to soccer. However, Uruguay is the country in which futsal was first played. The year in which it was first played goes back to early 1930s. Some of the notable countries, apart from Brazil, which play futsal include Argentina, Spain, Italy and Japan. The list is not limited to these countries though. It is covered by many countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and America (north and south).

There are also a good number of competitions that have been held by FIFA for futsal. The most prominent one among them is the world cup conducted by FIFA. However, only 7 editions of futsal world cup have been held till now with the latest one in 2012 at Bangkok.

After reading this article, you might have gotten an idea of what this game is all about so that if someone says futsal, you would not blink your eyes in bewilderment.

If you are based in Singapore and want to access to an indoor soccer court to play futsal, then you must know about a company called Playlor based in Singapore which deals with indoor soccer Singapore.

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What Are the Benefits of an Inflatable SUP

Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Boarding is considered to be one of the fastest growing pastimes in the world. There are a variety of reasons for this, but it is primarily because it doesn't require much equipment to get started and is an activity that everyone can participate in, regardless of age or ability. When selecting a SUP, there are two fundamental options - inflatable or rigid. Both have their own set of benefits and drawbacks to consider.

Inflatable SUP Boards

Inflatable SUP boards first became popular because they are so easy to transport. Unlike their rigid counterparts, inflatable boards can easily fit into a backpack when deflated. This makes taking them on cruises or through an airport extremely easy. Not only can they be deflated and made extremely small, but this also makes them easy to pack. Carrying around a rigid SUP would not only be an inconvenience, but nearly impossible in a crowded airport.

While it does take a little time to use a hand pump to get the inflatable SUP ready to ride, it shouldn't take more than 5 or 10 minutes. One thing to keep in mind is that getting the ride amount of air pressure is critical. If the inflatable SUP does not have enough air in it, the section being stood one will often bow. This raises the front and back sections, while potentially pushing the center below the water level. Taking the time to inflate the board correctly can make or break how well it handles in water.

A hidden benefit of an inflatable SUP is its durability. This has been proven particularly true on shallower rivers and lakes. If an inflatable SUP hits a rock, it will most likely simply bounce off of it. If a rigid SUP hits a rock, it could end up receiving a huge dent in the bottom of the board.

Rigid SUP Boards

The primary benefit of rigid boards (fiberglass) is that they can be faster and more agile. If the SUP is being used to catch waves, then a rigid board is often a better choice. Along with greater speed, rigid boards tend to have longer fins, which greatly improve agility.

Another benefit of a rigid SUP is that it can be customized to fit personal specifications. While this is not an option most people will ever require, it is something to keep in mind.

Overall, inflatable SUP models provide a variety of benefits which are not available with the rigid alternative. While they may not be quite as fast or agile, the gap in performance is quickly closing. With the added benefit of easy transportation and improved durability, it is obvious why some people consider the inflatable SUP to be one of the best innovations in recent history.

Mike Funes invites you to take a look at Woosung I B Co. With the added benefit of easy transportation and improved durability, it is obvious why some people consider the Inflatable SUP to be one of the best innovations in recent history.

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How To Gain A Mental Edge Over The Competition

While many people quickly chalk up being a superior athlete to simple physical prowess, one thing that must not go overlooked is the mental component of thing. Physically you can be the absolute best athlete out there, but if you fall apart mentally when push comes to shove, you aren't going to be winning any races, games, or competitions any time soon.

Having a mental edge of your competition is one of the key factors to get in place for success, so this is something that you should be training for as well.

Let's look at a few of the key points to keep in mind for how you can put yourself on top from a mindset point of view.

Practice Visualizations

One of the absolute best techniques to be using as an athlete training hard is mental visualizations. For these, you're going to find some place quiet where you can sit or lay and then close your eyes and imagine yourself performing to your best of abilities.

When you actually 'see' yourself doing this in your mind, you'll boost your confidence level that you can actually do it and it'll be more likely to take place in real life.

Furthermore, since your mind does actually control all the movement patterns you make, by rehearsing the mental element of execution, you can also boost your performance as well.

The mind is a very powerful tool and when yours is in the right place and confident, your body will perform that much better. You can also use these visualizations to see yourself overcome obstacles as well, so it can help out in that regard also.

Tune Out Distractions

The next thing you must do to overcome your competition is to tune out distractions. Before a big game or race, go someplace where it's very quiet where you can focus in on what you need to do.

Some athletes will listen to music that serves to motivate them and get them in the mood to work hard. Do whatever is right for you - but try and center yourself and your body. The less distractions there are around you, the easier this will be to do.

Use Motivational Devices

Finally, consider using motivational devices to gain a mental edge over your competitors. This could be watching videos of superior athletes perform for inspiration or simply re-reading your own personal goals and self-boosting statements.

Or, maybe you have inspirational quotes that you need to read to remind you of certain things to help keep you focused and performing your best.

Try a few different things and see what works best for you. As silly as some of these may sound, they can really help out.

So make sure you aren't neglecting the mental aspect of your game. It really is critical to your success.

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Reduced Playtime At School Means Classic Lawn Games Must Rule At Your House!

Recess periods are shrinking. Homework is increasing. Tag, soccer, and even running are being banned at schools everywhere... Cities are building new schools without playgrounds. Playing classic lawn games at your house could easily bridge this gap.

These simple statements, facts actually, make the case for the need for more outdoor play and more classic lawn games in motion. The need and value of creating play time at home in your own back yard with classic lawn games is more important than ever.

More and more kids aren't getting enough space and time to play during the school day. This status continues in spite of innumerable studies documenting that play is vital to children's learning and health.

I am an ardent and very vocal advocate about why we need to save play in our schools and, if the schools can't or are financially unable to save it, why we, as parents, have to do it ourselves. Enter the emerging importance of playing classic lawn games at your house.

Consider these facts:

Since 1990, American creativity scores have been declining, due to the lack of "creativity development" in our educational facilities. At the same time, an IBM poll of 1,500 CEOs named creativity as the primary indicator of "leadership competency" for the future.Finnish elementary school kids-who benefit from an average of 75 minutes of recess a day-consistently rank higher than U.S. children in International Student Assessment Scores.Two major studies of of more than 180 homework practices document very little correlation between the amount of homework and achievement in elementary school.Childhood obesity is directly connected to the decline of play time, increase in ADHD and behavior management issues as well as delayed cognitive, social and creative growth.Increasing physical activity during a child's school day improves attention span, classroom manners and ultimately, achievement test performance.

If these straightforward, documented facts from reputable studies don't make the case for backing off from video games and TV and going outside to play, then I can't think of what possibly will. You don't need to spend a lot of money.

Purchase a few classic lawn games and get in the swing of true, old-fashioned, quality outdoor play. Make your back yard the welcoming haven for the neighborhood children. Classic lawn games (being the classics they are) do tend to have that kind of appeal.

Just getting a badminton or speedminton game going in your back yard can make yours the popular place to hang for the local kids. They'll be having so much fun playing the various classic lawn games they won't realize that their brains are being wired to improve their studies, their creativity and their behavior. The fun is so good that they won't care.

All this from playing classic lawn games? Absolutely yes!

Is your school feeling the pain of budget cuts and reduced playtime for the kids? Enter the world of classic lawn games and fill the gap! A fast paced game of speedminton might rock your world and your child's! Get your game on today!

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Is Your American Flag Design Accurate?

We display our country flags on our homes, recreational vehicles, boats and on our vehicles. We love patriotic flags because they reveal who, what, where, and maybe even why. By displaying our country's flag through either a decal or freestanding design we are announcing WHO we are; WHAT we believe in; WHERE we came from; WHY we drive, or think the way we do. As an American, when I display an American flag or decal I'm showing that I think, feel and believe that I'm from the United States of America. To show off this flag states that I'm proud to be where I come from: for our freedoms. All of this deductive reasoning is made from the simple design of a flag.

However buying a country flag or decal requires research. For example, an American flag must meet certain dimensions in order for it to be considered a true, accurate "American Flag". Not all manufacturers place emphasis on the design of their product. This severely compromises the actual value of their product. For example, the American flag is required to have fifty stars, seven red stripes and six white stripes. If the flag design is modified to show only eleven stripes or thirty six stars then it's not a true American flag. Its colors may be accurate, but accurate colors alone are not ample to support a truly proportionate patriotic flag. Who determined this? President Eisenhower prescribed the direct proportions of the American flag on August 21, 1959. There are no exceptions.

So how does a buyer know if a flag is proportionate? Conduct your research on the internet. There are several references on the internet that state the absolute dimensions of the American flag and flags from other countries. By researching "(country) flag dimensions" you will find the specifics that you are looking for. Compare these references to the flag or flag decal to be sure that the product you are buying represents accuracy. If you can't seem to find the information with the manufacturer that you are interested in buying from then contact the manufacturer directly and inquire into their design requirements.

Displaying patriotic flags and flag decals can certainly convey an important message about who you are, where you come from and what you believe in. Be sure that your flag or flag decal is accurate in design. If it is then you'll feel confident showing off what you stand for.

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Attention Ballroom Dancers, Have You Tried The Argentine Tango?

The Argentine Tango is actually a classic dance which emanated on the roads of Buenos Aires during the completion of the 19th century. This dance has actually developed in appeal over time with both social and professional dancers. The music is both varied and also more contemporary than the usual ballroom tango tracks thanks to added components and instruments, which is actually why at some get togethers the Argentine Tango alone is danced all evening.

The movements consist mainly of walks with the feet making close contact with the floor at all times. The follower normally walks with her legs outside of her partners. It is danced counterclockwise around the floor, and cutting across the middle of the floor is strongly frowned upon.

Argentine Tango is a bit different, a bit dangerous and a bit more exciting than the normal tango. The reason for this is that the woman must allow the man to utterly 'control her body.' It is danced in an embrace which can vary from wide at arms length to a very close chest on chest.

Apart from having to balance herself perfectly with his frame, she has to feel the slightest hint of him stepping forward, so that she can shoot her corresponding foot backwards and be ready for any sudden changes.

The lady can occasionally choose to decorate him with her foot or leg, but mostly she is his mirroring puppet. This I know won't suit a lot of strong-willed woman. It's like he is doing all the talking for once.

Some woman will struggle to come to terms with this imbalance, but this type of connection is very necessary to allow for the correct execution of the Argentine Tango.

With the right partner the Argengine Tango can be extremely sexy as well as strangely spiritual. The dancers have to give the audience the impression that they have been lovers for ages.

In Buenos Aires it is the custom to have milongas or gatherings where the Argentine Tango is the dance of the evening. There are however a few rules you need to follow if attending one of these Milongas.

Firstly you have to dance with a partner for at least three songs, even if he dances like a 'hefalump.' Woman are never allowed to ask the men to dance. Men tend to try and avoid rejection by simply looking at you and jerking their heads towards the dance floor if they want to dance with you.

Whatever way you choose, the Argentine Tango might just be the dance for you, and if you enjoy ballroom dancing, then you simply have to give it a whirl.

For more on dance related matters, please visit The Dancers Forum

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Classic Outdoor Games: Why Do They Matter?

A recent survey commissioned by a well known clothing catalogue company revealed surprising results: Classic outdoor games like hopscotch, foursquare and even marbles are on a serious decline.

In the U.K., a well known radio commentator, also a father of two, has joined the bandwagon by supporting the return to 'rough and tumble' play campaign. Many of us who are over forty will mourn this loss because most of us have such fine memories of... a croquet game that got us laughing hysterically, a badminton game where the 'birdie' got stuck in a tree and we had to get it down... fill in the blanks with your own here.

But there's something much more important at stake than a simple loss triggered by such memories. It's not just corny nostalgia. Adults do need to get involved.

Outdoor games are simple and elegant in their simplicity. The equipment is not outrageously expensive, especially when compared with all the techno games out there today. We should not dismiss the waning of classic outdoor games as misplaced nostalgia. We need to breathe new life into outdoor activities that build human interpersonal skills and relationships.

One commentator remarked, quite pointedly, that "outdoor games... provide children with valuable rehearsals for everyday life." I couldn't agree more.

Just choosing up sides for teams requires organization, consensus and basic team building skills. Fair play is essential; this is a concept many adults participating in today's business world could go back and relearn.

The basic physicality of an outdoor game, volleyball for example, compels accurate risk management. Whether on the offensive or defensive, strategizing is in play. A player may want to smash the ball but it's certainly not clever to keep smashing into another player.

Many classic outdoor games cut across gender and cultural lines. The symbol for 'time out' is pretty universal. Pretty cool when you think about it.

But mostly, classic outdoor games are about simple, basic, essential fun. They create an invaluable opportunity for physical immersion, mental stimulation off computer and the building of the purest human connections that soothe the soul and build character.

We cannot and should not deny our children, our families and our friends the time, space and opportunity to continue to participate in the kind of play offered by classic outdoor games. The loss would be incalculable. And, do note, that the classic outdoor games have kept up with the times.

Equipment is safer, more ergonomically designed for better, even faster play. Some games do have 'bells and whistles' added, like LED lights for night time play but the basic skills underlying the original games survive.

When you consider that many of these skills originated from pre-Greek Olympic times, that's considerable food for thought.

Let's not mourn the loss of outdoor play time. Let's make time for it. Despite budgetary cuts plaguing many schools today, this is one thing that a family of moderate means can do, together, with benefits that are priceless.

Go outside and play! Pick up classic outdoor games and start your fun! Party at your house! Play today!

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Garden Jenga - Fun to Play With Your Family

When you are looking for an option that can keep you, your family and your friends busy or that can get all together, you might just think about some activity that one can perform in his garden which is capable of occupying everyone around. A game would be a better idea as this is something that people among all ages enjoy. From kids to the middle aged, all enjoy getting involved in games. So, it would be a good get together or family time for all.

There are a number of games that one can take up in the garden. But keeping in mind the age factors as well, there is one game that everyone would be keen on trying. This game is known as Jenga. Leslie Scott was the founder of the game. Since then, it has been widely acclaimed by people all over the country and around. The garden Jenga involves a lot of physical and mental skills. One needs to be calculative to be a winner of the game. The number of players to this game is not limited. The greater number of players you have, more fun would you have.

The kit that you receive on buying the game would include minimum 54 blocks and a tray. The size of the blocks may vary depending upon the manufacturer. The general ratio of the size of each block is three times the width of the block to its length; and one-fifth of the length is its thickness. Depending upon this ratio, different companies have different sizes for the blocks of the game. To start with, you have to arrange the blocks in the given tray in a tower of 18 levels.

The blocks should be arranged in such a manner that if at the first level, the blocks are placed in the north-south direction, then the next level should be in east-west direction. As the game progresses, each player has to take out one block from the tower at each turn. The first player, to start with the game is the one who built the initial tower. The player must use only one hand to pull out the block. He can place that block back in the tower at the same place if he feels he needs to pick up a different one. But this must be done within 10 seconds of picking it up or before the other player touches the tower. Once a block is pulled out, it has to be placed on the top level.

If the tower falls or partially falls, i.e. if either of the blocks fall out, the game is supposed to have ended. The winner of the game is then declared to be the one who placed the last block successfully in the tower. It is calculated that the maximum number of moves that are possible in this game is 6 * (X - 2) +2, where X is the number of initial levels that were set out at the beginning of the game. If you wish to purchase a set of garden Jenga for yourself then you can either look for it in a local store or even order it online.

The Author of this article show you exactly how garden jenga involves a lot of physical and mental skills. If you wish to purchase a set of garden jenga for yourself then you can either look for it in a local store or even order it online.

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3 Lessons Our Female Athletes Should Learn

While I wouldn't necessarily call myself a feminist, I do think there are certain things that coaches of female-athletes must talk to their athletes about. I don't mean sit them down at a team meeting and talk, but it can be an in the bus talk or a between tournament games talk... you know, casual.

What are those things? Title IX for one. This is a great time to do it because it's the fortieth anniversary of the amendment this year. I've found that women don't understand that we didn't always have fancy pants uniforms and stay at nice hotels like the guys. We didn't always even have the same access to athletic facilities... our women need to know and appreciate these things.

As coaches, we're trying to prepare our athletes for the next stage... of athletics and of life, so that's where these other three things come in. With the goal always being creating a group of young women who are so informed and confident that they're ready to take over the world (seriously!), here are three areas where we can affect their growth.

3 things we should try to teach our female-athletes

It's okay to talk about being a woman. Sheryl Sandberg is the COO of Facebook and was recently named the first woman to its board. Beyond all of her amazing accomplishments, she's been quite vocal about being a business woman. You can click here to hear her great TEDtalk. She says that early on she felt that she shouldn't focus on the differences and that she was actually counseled to not talk about it. In the past, I had similar reservations about talking to my team about female specific issues. Now, I feel that I'm doing them a disservice if I don't talk to them about it.
There can be work/life balance. Life is all about choices. I give private lessons to a Division One athlete who says that I should move up to that level. I've gotten numerous calls from folks at bigger and higher level institutions than mine and my answer is always the same: I'm happy here. I'm not saying all of this to toot my own horn, but to show our players that they have a choice. Luckily I've got plenty of people to use as examples for my team: myself... I've chosen to stay at a manageable level for myself. But I've also got friends who are higher up corporate big-wigs who have families (and probably a lot more money than me!) and love their life. We've also got to let our players know that not wanting it all is okay too. But they should be warned, there's no work/life balance for a stay-at-home mom... it's work/work balance!
Women are good enough. My sister-in-law is a big shot with a major corporation and is in charge of leading hundreds, if not thousands, of people. One of the things she's talked to me about since I was in college is that women don't advocate for themselves. She would tell me about entering the negotiation process with women and not having to do much, even though she had additional thousands available to offer, because women just take what is offered. Whereas men would negotiate for salary, stock options, and vacation time. She's not alone, check out this post about negotiating salary. I tell my players this story because I want them to understand that they're not being rude by negotiating... it's expected!

This post was inspired by this great article about Sheryl Sandberg, Sheryl Sandberg's lessons on women and success, check it out!

Dawn Redd is the Head Volleyball Coach at Beloit College. Come visit Coach Dawn's community of coaching nerds and team leaders over at her blog, http://www.coachdawnwrites.com/, where she teaches how to become an excellent coach, motivate individuals, and build successful teams.

Her book, Coach Dawn's Guide To Motivating Female Athletes, is available for purchase on her website.

Follow Coach Dawn on Twitter: @CoachDawnWrites

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Improve Strength Today With These 4 Simple Techniques

As an athlete, one thing that you must be sure you're not missing out on is strength development. Being strong is going to allow you to exert more power, meaning that you can perform better as each movement you execute will be done more easily and with greater speed.

In order to improve your strength, you must pay attention to technique. There are a few key points that you should remember as doing them will enhance your strength in any exercise that you might perform.

Breathing

Nothing will sap your strength faster than a build-up of carbon dioxide in the body. To prevent this from happening, make sure you maintain regular breathing patterns throughout the entire exercise. Many athletes get into the habit of holding their breath, which just causes a build-up of pressure in the body and can even cause you to feel light-headed.

Mental Focus

Next, you also must sustain good mental focus. This means thinking about each contraction that's taking place. As you move through the strength exercise you're performing, imagine the muscles shortening and then lengthening with each move that you make.

Doing this will instantly boost your strength and help you put in maximum intensity to the exercises you're doing.

Time Under Tension

Time under tension is a training technique factor that refers to the speed in which you execute a given exercise. For optimal strength gains, you want to maximize your time under tension.

Do be sure that you're doing this throughout your workout, focus on executing the reps you perform in a slow and controlled movement pattern, taking at least 2-3 seconds to lift the weight, pausing at the top for a second or two, and then lowering the weight over a 2-3 second time period (or longer!).

This will stimulate more muscle fibers with each rep you do, increasing your overall strength gains dramatically.

Note that in some instances you may want to perform the first section of the exercise faster as this can help to improve your power abilities, but always be sure that you are slow to lower the weight so that you can sustain a good amount of time under tension.

Core Support

Finally, the last technique factor that you must make sure that you have in place is good core support. If you have a strong core behind you as you execute each and every exercise you do, this will significantly ensure that you are preventing injuries and able to maximize your power output.

To achieve good core support, think of contracting the abs throughout the entire movement pattern.

Never allow your stomach to go weak or un-flexed. There should always be some minimum level of contraction being held in the core muscles throughout every exercise you do.

So keep these simple yet highly effective strength technique tips in mind and watch your workouts progress dramatically.

Go Pro Workouts https://www.goproworkouts.com/ collaborates directly with the world's most decorated athletes in their respective sport to create 8-week sport-specific training programs geared specifically for athletes. These aren't cookie-cutter programs. These are the exact same routines the pros do to stay in elite shape. Have you ever wanted to train just like your favorite NFL running-back, NBA point guard, or Olympic skier? Now you can. To try a Go Pro Workout absolutely free go to https://www.goproworkouts.com/.

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The Ultimate Telescope Equipment Checklist for Astronomy

This is used as the ultimate checklist for anyone who intends to head out for a night under the stars. The article is structured into 4 Sections. The Basics, Optional Accessories, Telescope dependent Accessories & Astrophotography Accessories. All of which is available at most specialist stores.

The Basics

Telescope of any kind. If you have not purchased a Telescope yet and still shopping around. I would strongly recommend that you visit a specialist (Online or in Store) and not a Department Store. I would recommend an Aperture of 130mm and above for Reflector or 90mm and above for a Refractor.

Eyepieces. Minimum of 2. You should have received 2 Eyepieces with your telescope anyway. If you are a beginner, the brand is not vital but Plossl eyepieces are highly recommended and well worth the money.

Appropriate clothing. This is often looked over by people starting out. Remember, you will be out in the open field with no roof above you and in the middle of the night. Dress appropriately. If you are unsure, dress as if you are going for a hike in the middle of the night.

Binoculars. This may seem odd but you will most likely be doing this with a companion and they need to be entertained as well. With a Binoculars, at least both of you can share your observations. I recommend 10x50 or 15x70 Binoculars.

Optional Accessories

Barlow Lens. This acts as a doubler and will multiply your eyepiece collection by 2. I would classify this as a Basic (Must Have) but some people may not need it. Buy one that is of similar quality to your Eyepiece. If you have a Televue Eyepiece, don't buy some chinese OEM Barlow Lens and vice versa. When you are using the barlow lens, it becomes part of your eyepiece and if you buy an inferior quality one, you will notice it.

Red Flashlight. That feeling you get when you get dazzled by a High-Beam while driving. You do not want that in the middle of looking at a planet you've just spent 15mins tracking down. It will take you 15mins for your eyes to adjust back to the darkness before you can see anything meaningful. A Red Flashlight reduces that dazzled feeling.

Sky Maps. Whether it is an iPhone, Star Disc, Night Sky Guide. You will need something to use as a reference. If using an iPhone, remember that you will want it at the dimmest setting preferably with a Red Cellophane paper over the screen to minimize the glare.

Compass. Everything is pitch black and it will be very hard to get your bearings. You will need this as a Reference Point.

Telescope Dependent Accessories

PowerSupply. If your Telescope is computerised. Remember that your AA batteries are only going to last a couple of hours in heavy use. Bring Spares or buy a Power Adapter like a Celestron PowerTank.

Dew Shield. If you have a large Cassegrain and it is very cold. This is a must. Store bought or DIY is fine.

Wooden Board. If you have a Dobsonian. Remember, your telescope needs something flat to stand on to be stable and usable. A large piece of MDF works well.

Astrophotography

Adapters and T-Rings. Don't forget it. Check that the T-Ring fits on your camera before you leave and the threads are all compatible.

Lens. Its not all about the telescope. Trust me. A good 70-200mm Lens will do wonders when you are out in the dark skies.

Laptop/Memory Cards. If you are a keen photographer, you will be shooting RAW. Remember, they are very big files and you will fill your card fast.

Camera. Pretty obvious. Also bring Spare batteries.

So there you have it. The ultimate checklist for your Astronomy Trip. Use this list and you will truly enjoy the experience.

Missing something from this list? Not to worry. In Australia, OpticsCentral is a leading retailer and will have everything in this article. OpticsCentral - Australia's Optics Superstore stocks  Telescopes, Binoculars, T-Rings. Everything. Most of these items are in stock and they have a shop in Melbourne. They offer professional and helpful advice. My personal favourite brand is Celestron Telescopes.

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Here Are Some Excellent Safety And Exercise Tips To Keep You Playing Sports

Sports and exercise safety is important for everyone, but any who's already suffered an injury has to be extra careful. Safety concerns then become even more important than usual, as you definitely don't want to experience another injury in the same spot. Any injury in the foot area can be especially stubborn when it comes to healing. A bad ankle sprain, for instance, isn't something you can quickly recover from, as anyone who's had this experience knows. An injury to a critical area such as the spine can be quite severe and have an impact on basic motor functions. Another, related area that's prone to injury is the neck, and this type of injury can make movement very difficult. Sports and exercise safety are important for active people, and the following are some tips on how to engage in these activities as safely as possible.

Annually there are mishaps in all areas of the sports field, including damages to the head and neck. Unfortunately, sometimes young athletes are paralyzed due to severe neck or spine damage. Wearing the right gear is not a guarantee. Using standard precautionary measures will reduce the risk of serious injury. Saving a few dollars should not be a concern when you buy your sports helmet. Helmets are required to show a sticker by which the helmet design has been approved for safety. We know you want to play hard, so just always be careful with how you use your head. You always want to be sure that your eyes are adequately protected, and if you're involved in sports that involve contact you have to be especially careful. Younger participants, and those just starting out at any age are usually given special protection in many sports. The quality of any eye protection must be good enough to ensure your safety. Use all such safety products as directed at all times. When you are buying on your own, be sure to look for the appropriate and applicable safety certifications by reputable associations. Your eyes are a part of your body that can't be replaced, so take good care of them.

Lots of people, including those training for various sports, engage in weight training of one type or another. Football obviously comes to mind first, but there are others such as basketball, baseball, swimming and others. When weight training, make sure you always include stretching, and you should also stick to a regimen that's appropriate for your particular sport or exercise objectives. Different types of workouts will yield different results, so you have to focus on your own goals. So, as an example, you do not want to get huge and bulky if you are a basketball or baseball player. While weight training causes your muscles to grow, it also makes them shorter; that's why you should include stretching in all your workouts. You can avoid tears to ligaments, tendons and muscles by keeping them limber and stretched. The above are some of the sports and exercise safety tips that can help you enjoy your favorite sports and other activities in the safest possible manner. Always take the time to do proper warm-ups and cool-downs to give your body the greatest advantage possible.

Gregory Avery is a professional and a well inspired writer of different clothes and dresses. He is fun of seeing for that stuff and makes some articles about it. But among those clothes, the one that he loves writing the most is all about the GTM Sports Wear. The reason behind it is because he loves sports. As a matter of fact, he sees to it that he is present in every sports event. He has many collections of Italian Sportswear Brands as his inspiration in doing his work. To get more information, just click here.

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Truck Tents and Tailgate Canopies Make Great Vehicle Accessories

Truck tents and tailgate canopies are gaining popularity in the world of sports and outdoor enthusiasts. These accessories are perfect for SUVs as well as pickup trucks, and some models even fit cars. The great thing about truck tents and tailgate canopies is that they can be utilized in a variety of situations, from camping to tailgating and beyond.

Using a truck tent for camping saves campers from having to prepare a tent site. With a normal tent, campers have to find or prepare a dry, level surface large enough to set up camp. This can take up a lot of time and energy and also require extra tarps to keep moisture and insects out of the tent. With truck tents, campers can easily avoid these things, making camping quick and easy. Even better, sleeping in your pickup bed will better protect you from cold temperatures and windy conditions. Truck tents are also great space-savers. Whether you are in a campground or on a hunting trip in the middle of nowhere, these unique accessories allow you to consolidate your campsite significantly.

Tailgate canopies also make great portable vehicle shelters. Unlike truck tents, tailgate canopies aren't usually fully enclosed. Instead, these accessories provide overhead protection and are perfect to use at tailgate parties, picnics, barbecues, or for a day trip to the beach. Most tailgate canopies are lightweight, portable and very easy to set up and take down, making them virtually hassle free.

As I have said before, these vehicle accessories are gaining popularity and more companies are coming up with their own product lines to answer consumer demand. This means there is a wide variety of products to choose from, ranging in size, price, quality, materials and more. When shopping for a tailgate canopy or a truck tent you should take durability, versatility, and size into consideration.

If you plan on using your canopy or tent often, it is important to buy a model that is durable. Look for models made with rip-stop fabrics and aluminum poles. Products that offer waterproof, UV inhibiting, and fire retardant materials will also offer the best protection against heat, sun, and rain. Higher-quality models will also come with a warranty or a guarantee from the manufacturer.

It's also important to look for models that are versatile, just in case you don't always use the same vehicle for different events. This is an important variable, especially with tailgate canopies as they tend to be made for the type of tailgate your vehicle has - including lift gate, cargo or barn door, and drop gate styles. For truck tents, options might include long bed and short bed or even drop gate models. They might also vary by vehicle make, so look for a Ford truck tent or a Chevy truck tent if you want a tent made specifically for your truck brand. If you can't find a model that fits various tailgate styles, then finding one that fits your vehicle is the next best option.

Size is a big factor in choosing tents and canopies for your vehicle. Take into consideration not only the set-up or in-use size, but also the space it takes up when stored. When shopping, keep in mind the number of people who will be using the product, as you won't need to buy a large model for just two people and you won't want a small model if your group is large.

Truck tents and tailgate canopies are the must-have new accessories for any outdoor enthusiast. No matter what the recreational activity, having these vehicle accessories will provide you convenience and protection. Take the time to shop around for the right truck tent or tailgate canopy for your needs. There are many stores online that offer a wide range of these products, making side-by-side comparisons much easier.

Renee Christenson invented the Bumperchute®, a tailgate canopy that transforms the rear area of an emergency responder vehicle into a mobile incident command post. These EMS vehicle tents were designed specifically for first responders, but have been finding popularity as recreational truck tents for events as well.

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Ten Tips For First Time Nudists

For some people, nudism is just a way to enjoy recreation without the constriction of clothing. For others, it's a way of life. But for all, it fosters the acceptance of their own bodies, whatever age or shape. If you're ready to experience the freedom of clothes-free recreation and learn to stop hating your body, start by reading these ten tips for first time nudists.

1) Do some research. There are different types of nudist places, and one type may be more comfortable for you than another. You may choose to visit a non-landed nudist club, a nude beach, a nudist resort, or any of a number of venues. Just be sure that the place you're considering is not a lifestyle club that covers up its swinger activities by using the term "nudist" or "naturist." Nudism is a wholesome activity that has nothing to do with sex.

2) Enlist a friend. Anything new is easier when you do it with someone you know and trust. But if you don't have any friends who would like to try nudism, go ahead and venture into it alone. You'll soon have new friends who already enjoy clothes-free activities.

3) Make concrete plans. Decide which nudist place you feel you would like to visit. Make a reservation if one is required. If not, set a date to visit and write it on the calendar. This makes it more like a commitment, and you'll be more likely to follow through.

4) Keep it to yourself. If you are at all nervous about visiting a nudist place for the first time, don't tell anyone else you are going. Even if you're not embarrassed about it, other people might be. If they don't understand naturism, they might try to talk you out of going. Don't let their objections deter you.

5) Show up. As the date for your planned visit approaches, you may start to get cold feet. Don't let fear stop you. If you're going with a friend you can encourage each other. If you are going alone, see if there is someone at the entrance who can show you around so you don't have that awkward feeling of not knowing where everything is.

6) Sit on a towel. One of the most common rules of etiquette at a nudist place is to never sit directly on any surface. Always have a towel with you so you can respect this hygienic practice.

7) Be friendly. It doesn't matter where you are or what the situation - if you stay in your shell and don't talk to anyone, you're going to feel conspicuous and uncomfortable. Once you're in the midst of the group, introduce yourself and let people know you're a first time nudist. Everyone has a "first time" story, and soon you'll realize that your initial nervousness is not unique.

8) Don't make inappropriate jokes or comments. Nudism is about enjoying life in a natural state, and participants want to feel they can do so in a safe and respectful environment. Jokes of a sexual nature or disparaging remarks about people's bodies can make the others feel uncomfortable, and you won't be welcome.

9) Show respect for others. At first you may worry about keeping your eyes above or below a certain point when you look at other people. Relax and let your eyes drift naturally. It's okay to look around, but don't stare. Also, don't photograph people without their permission. Some folks don't mind, but others do. Always ask first.

10) Respect the boundaries, both of the location and of the people. Once on the nudist grounds, don't wander outside of the established nude areas. Don't be a pest. Just as in any situation, there are times when people want to have their own space. If you sense someone wants privacy, leave them alone. Refrain from sexual activity. That is not the purpose of a nudist place. Nudity does not equate to sex, and if you overstep this boundary, you will be asked to leave.

Bonus tip for men - Sexual arousal is frowned upon at nudist places, but it is understood that any number of things can cause involuntary arousal in a man. If it happens to you, simply go for a swim or cover up with a towel until things relax.

Go ahead and take the plunge. You'll find that nudists are just like anyone else. They enjoy the same activities as anyone anywhere - they just don't have the usual hang-ups about their bodies. Nudism naturally leads to better acceptance of ourselves and others. Follow these ten tips for first time nudists and learn to be comfortable in your body.

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When News Sounds and Fury Propaganda Infiltrates Major Sports Media Venues

Not long ago, I was at Starbucks talking to a graduate student in broadcast journalism. The gentleman I was talking to loved sports, and rather despised the news. We talked quite a bit about the Olympics, and the various commentary along with how that sporting event was being characterized by the mainstream media. He explained to me that all too often the news of sound and fury, and propaganda infiltrates such major sports media venues, where armchair coaches and political pundits chime in on things they know nothing about. Indeed I agree, as probably you do to, but let's talk about this for second shall we?

My acquaintance said that he didn't trust the news, and didn't want to have anything to do with it. He didn't like the business news, nor did he like the TV news which had disaster of the day somewhere around the globe, or all the negative stuff they put on prime time. He wanted to stay away from that during his career, and as an intern he was working hard in the sports venue, and he liked that quite well. He also noted that many of the local TV stations simply cannot afford the staff levels of before. In broadcast journalism he learned how to give an interview, interview himself, and cover a sporting event without any help.

Often he would go to multiple sporting events in the evening, watching one game until half time, and then going to another. He would set up the camera on a tripod, write it up, do the announcements, prepare the highlights, and then deliver it to prime time TV. He did it all, mostly because the TV station has cut their staff to bare-bones due to budget cuts, as fewer and fewer advertisers are paying the big bucks they once were. Many of the advertisers have gone to the Internet, major cable stations, and divided up their remaining advertising and marketing dollars amongst newspaper, radio, TV, and Internet.

When you are working as a sports media personality the competition is tough, and this gives him the advantage because he is younger and is able to work cheaper, and some of the old-timers are retiring. Nevertheless, he is working three times as hard as they ever did, without the support staff to get it done, as now he has to do it all. Because of all this it allows prime time news casters to make comments about sporting events, and they often get the story wrong. That's always been common for news events let's just hope it doesn't continue in the sports venue. Please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow is the Founder of the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow hopes you've enjoyed today's topic. http://www.worldthinktank.net/ - Have an important subject to discuss, contact Lance. Currently, Mr. Winslow is working on a non-fiction eBook about the Future of Human Sports.

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Push Scooters - A Kick for Kids of All Ages

In recent years we have seen a resurgence in the use of kick or push scooters. Once considered a play toy of kids, kick scooters are now being used by college students to move around campus, inner city commuters, kick sport enthusiast and well, kids of all ages.

Along with this resurgence comes a growing competition among kick scooter manufactures. In this article we break down this competition and list our top five scooters on the market today.

Xootr MG Pro - One trip to New York's Central Park and you will quickly see why this scooter makes our list. This is perhaps the number one scooter for adults and kids alike. Strong, durable, flexible and one of the safest scooters out there.

Razor 3.0 and 4.0 - This has become Razor's (an industry leader) transition scooter for those that want to combine usefulness with sport. The 3.0 and 4.0 are attractively priced for kick scooters in this category.

Madd Gear Pro VX2 Team Edition - Made by an Australian manufacturer that is intent on producing the best scooters for the serious enthusiast. The Pro VX2 Team scooter is not your mother's push her way to work scooter. Made with the pro in mind the Pro VX2 comes with a slew of extras. This scooter is durable and tough to stand up to tricks and stunts.

Grit Fluxx Pro Scooter - This is another transition scooter for those looking to move up from beginner to more advanced rider. Produced by another Australian company the Grit Pro is an excellent value for the money, is light weight and extremely strong. Still a little hard to find in the USA, the Grit is sure to see increased riders as new distributors pop up.

The Micro Black - The Micro Black along with its sibling the White are made in Switzerland from the people who bring you the Swiss Army Knife. Perhaps the most comfortable scooter in the five we reviewed, the over sized wheels offer an almost effortless ride. Think maximum ride with minimum effort.

All five of the above mentioned scooters are available at Amazon and you can expect to pay anywhere from $150.00 to $250.00 for these items.

Before you run out and buy your new scooter, take a little time to consider how you plan on using your new toy. Is this a weekend recreation scooter to enjoy with the kids? Are you thinking about kicking your way to work a few days a week? Perhaps you are already an enthusiast and looking to upgrade to a more professional model? Be sure to consider these factors and the specific features of your scooter before you buy.

Hopefully now you are armed and ready to enjoy this new recreation. So get out there and kick some scoot, a sport or casual activity that is enjoyed by kids of all ages.

To learn more about the scooters we profiled here, go to http://www.happyscooterreviews.com/ for a more detailed look at our top five kick scooters.

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Pole-Ish Horseshoes Is Not an Ethnic Game - It's for Everyone Who Likes to Have Fun!

It's not all that hard to believe that Pole-ish Horseshoes developed as a dormitory game with a few, quite possibly, beer imbibed students. Far greater exploits have developed from much less. Pole-ish Horsehoes ("PH") is, undeniably, a simple blast to play, at just about every age.

The game is competitive, primarily for outdoors. Using a frisbee, your tossing abilities are key to success in PH so you might want to get in a bit of frisbee practice in advance.

The game concept is to score points by tossing your frisbee at the other team's pole and knocking the wiffle ball enthroned on that pole--off. A win occurs when a score of 21 points is reached.

One of the reasons, this game is such a hit is because it is easy to pack and go; it can be played virtually anywhere-the beach, your backyard, camping and it's a great tailgate pastime during football season. It could even be played indoors but not near Grandma's priceless Ming vases!

Usually played in teams of two each, the game is set up with the end poles spaced 30 feet apart or some other mutually agreed upon distance. A wiffle ball is placed on top of each pole.

Each team takes turns tossing the frisbee; the throwing team is offense and the receiving team is defense. You must stand directly behind your pole when throwing your frisbee.

Defense only has to catch the frisbee and throw it.

Scoring: If the frisbee is thrown and nothing is hit but the other team catches the frisbee, no points are awarded. If the frisbee is thrown, nothing is hit but the receiving team drops the frisbee-offense scores one point.

If offense throws the frisbee, knocks it off the pole and it is not caught, offense get two points. If the defensive team catches both the frisbee and the wiffle ball, no points for the offensive team.

Penalty shots are also award if a frisbee is thrown short of the pole. The rules in play are a lot simpler than they sound.

The real challenge is the precision play required and your ability to toss the frisbee with consistent aim.

After a certain point, you just can't stop laughing. That's the best part about Pole-ish Horseshoes: it has the priceless ability to make you laugh and forget about that bad day at school or the office.

It's definitely an outdoor adventure break that keeps stress in check and reminds you that you definitely need to do 'stuff' like this much more often!

If you have never tried Pole-ish Horseshoes don't miss the chance! You'll never know what you've been missing and fun waits for no one!

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Ladder Golf Is Making Headlines on the Late Night Shows!

You've seen it somewhere. Maybe at a Barbecue. Maybe at a park picnic. Perhaps you've seen a number of celebrities trying it on a talk show or late night tv. Wondered about it. Thought it looked like fun but didn't quite get up the nerve to go over and ask, "What game is it that you are playing?"

If there was a ladder and a golf ball attached to a nylon rope, a/k/a bolo, what you were seeing is the increasingly popular game of Ladder Golf a/k/a Bolo Toss.

Played with 2 or more players, a starter line is set up 5 paces from the ladder target. This line is called the 'toss line.'

After a coin toss to determine the starter, the first player tosses 3 bolos. There is no required form to toss so people are making up their own incarnations based upon ever evolving theories of physics, personal co-ordination, or whatever.

The idea, however executed, is to wrap your bolo around a rung of the ladder. Each ladder has three rungs for the taking..

Scoring is determined by the bolos remaining 'hung on the rungs' of the ladder at the end of the round. It's possible to knock a bolo off a rung during the game. Knocking off hanging bolos is highly encouraged in ladder golf.

Only hanging bolos that are 'up there' at the end of the game count for scoring purposes. A game is 21 points, going through overtime with a tie-breaker until someone scores a lead of 2 points. The 2-point rule for winning applies only in overtime play.

Since Ladder Golf is attaining such popular cache, you won't be surprised to learn it has its own rules of etiquette. No comments, humorous, snarky or otherwise, are permitted during play. Touching a tosser is unacceptable. No one approaches the ladder during play.

More about scoring: The top rung of the ladder is worth 3 points, the middle rung is 2 and the bottom is only 1 point. If all three of a player's bolos are hanging from the same rung, they get a bonus point. A bonus point is also awarded for a player who lands a bolo on each rung of the ladder.

Four players can play ladder golf by alternating each round. It is also possible, and frankly, recommended, that you purchase enough bolos so up to 4 players can play individually on the same ladder. In our neighborhood, we use 4 ladders and have multiple sets of bolos and there's a lot of tossing going on at once--all with entirely different 'techniques.

In all, the method of the toss and the challenge of 'ringing it' are so much fun and such a fine departure from everyday work, school, life, that everyone loves to get out there and play. And laugh. And bolo. It's just good fun.

Perfect your bolo toss! What's your technique?

Click ==> here <== to get your bolo toss on! Get in on the fun now!

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3 Recommendations for Running Coach and Volunteer Background Checks in Youth Sports

No child should ever have to suffer from sexual abuse, especially while participating in a sports organization that is supposed to be about having fun, making friends and learning new things. While it takes a continued and dedicated effort from sports organizations, coaches, parents, volunteers and the rest of the community at large to protect youth athletes from sexual abuse, volunteer background checks can stop a lot of would-be predators from ever entering a youth sports organization. Here are a few things to consider:

1. All adult volunteers must complete a background check prior to working with any youth sports organization, including criminal history and sex offender registry checks. This includes anyone that might work for the league such as a coach, official, groundskeeper and so forth. Anyone who might have any contact (or opportunity to interact) with the children should be required to complete a background check, no matter how unlikely it seems that they would be a predator. The youth league is ultimately responsible for who is allowed into the organization and it's much better to be extra strict on making sure everyone passes a background check than risk letting even one potential predator slip through the cracks.

2. It's important that the league determines what offenses that could appear during a background check would automatically disqualify a volunteer from being allowed to join the organization. While someone with a history of abuse or violence is easy to disqualify, should people with DUIs on their records be allowed to volunteer? The league needs to decide that. Look at things in black and white; when everyone knows where the line in the sand is it's much easier to create a safe environment for youth athletes. No one should be exempt from this "no go" list, no matter what their qualifications may be.

3. Fingerprint-based screening is often considered the "gold standard" of background checks; however it is not permitted in some states and can be too expensive for many sports organizations to implement even if they do have legal access to it. While the laws from state to state may vary, each organization should make use of the most comprehensive screening available. Keep in mind that different states may have different information on the same person. Someone volunteering in California might have a criminal past in Pennsylvania, but that information might show up in the California state check.

It's important to remember that many instances of child abuse go unreported, so it's possible that even with a thorough volunteer background check the wrong kind of person can be allowed to volunteer for your youth sports organization. This is why all sports organizations should train their employees to recognize the signs and symptoms of sexual abuse in young children. Background checks are a necessary precaution, but there is no end-all solution that can guarantee safety.

SportsSignup's ( http://www.sportssignup.com/ ) mission is to make it easy to manage sports programs and events by providing organizers with an online sport registration system that allows them to automate sport management tasks and allows members to complete registration and purchase team gear from any internet-connected computer.

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Are You a Recruit-Worthy Lacrosse Goalie?

For many lacrosse goalies, the idea of being recruited and playing at a top Division 1 school is a dream that starts at a pretty young age. In my opinion, this is normal and shouldn't be discouraged. Great big dreams start as little dreams. You never know where they're going to take you!

When I was in junior high school the top lacrosse teams in the country were Syracuse and Cornell. These were the showcase college teams that everyone was trying to beat. Naturally they got the most press and the most t.v. coverage. So it's natural that I wanted to go there too.

To start, it was just a dream. But that dream helped feed my work ethic, and it was something that I could focus on. "Someday, I'm going to play for Cornell!"

Now along the way I realized that my SAT score probably wasn't going to get me into Cornell. And then I realized that I wasn't really interested in living in Syracuse, New York. But I still wanted to play in college, and I still wanted to be recruited to play at a big time lacrosse school.

Here are four tips to see if you're on your way to becoming a recruitable lacrosse goalie:

Step 1) Make sure you're the best on your team!

This may seem a little obvious. But the point is, you want to set the first stepping stone along the way to reaching your big goal. And that is to be the best on your team. Start here. It's important to start small on the road to the big time.

Step 2) Avoid "Cream of the Crap" Syndrome. AKA, "Top of the Bottom of the Barrell" Syndrome.

Once you have established yourself as the top player on your team, it's time to go on to be the best in your league. Then the best in your state. Then the best in your region, country, and so on.

I see a lot of athletes who think they are fantastic because they are the starter on their team. But they never go out and test the waters and see just how good they really are. That's something I did quite early when I started to play lacrosse. I played in summer leagues, and with college age players to test myself and to see just how good I really was.

My idea was that, if I was the best goalie on the field in enough games that eventually I'd be one of the best goalies around. And if I were one of the best goalies around, I would have to be good enough some day to be recuited, and I was.

Step 3) Know What Schools Your Grades Are Going To Allow You To Go To

Your favorite colors might be Black and Orange. Your dad may be from New Jersey. You may have a tiger as a pet. But if your SAT is 1500 you're probably NOT going to Princeton.

Being recruited and ultimately going to University or College depends on a lot of factors but the number one dream-stealer I see is a bad SAT score.

A bad SAT score, or bad grades in general, may derail your dream completely, or it will just force you to redirect your efforts. So you're not Ivy League material. Not a problem. There are a ton of other schools on the planet for you to go to. Don't sweat it, reload, aim, fire again.

Step 4) Make sure the school you want to go to even needs a goalie!

When I was being recruited there was one school who was after me heavily but they already at 6 goalies at the school! Now I was flattered, but I was a little worried that I was going to be on the bench for three years before I could see the field. Another school that I wanted to go to had six goalies and they didn't really want me.

These situations can change your school plans too. So be flexible. The sport of lacrosse right now is exploding. But the number of Division 1,2, and 3 schools isn't really growing with it. That means less spots for more kids.

Bottom line. Have a dream. Go with it. Let it drive you to work harder and harder than the other lacrosse goalies on the field.

But be flexible. While your dream may be one school, the world may not align so perfectly that it's going to happen for you.

OR, you may find that something better arises for you that you never even expected.

Keep your lacrosse recruiting dream alive by being flexible, always working, and being really good!

Jonathan Edwards is "The Goalie Guru" to thousands of lacrosse goalies, parents and coaches. His website http://www.lacrossegoalietips.com/ is read in over twenty-two countries and you can subscribe to his free lacrosse goalie newsletter there. So for the latest tips and tricks to be the best lacrosse goalie you can be go to http://www.lacrossegoalietips.com/

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Flying Remote Control Planes (Part III)

Welcome back to part 3 of this series. Part 1 covered location and pre-flight check lists. Part 2 covered Resources to help you. This article will focus on the next step of learning to fly.

You have an established location and your plane and controls have checked out, and hopefully you have developed a relationship with an individual that can be your coach and keep you from crashing. So what is next? Your instructor may override what I am about to present but encourage them to allow you this experience as it is vital to proceeding to the next step.

Touch-and-Go Landings: Flying a remote controlled plane is very much like flying a real aircraft. The basic concepts apply. One of the first things (after flight school which you have not benefited from) is to practice Touch-and-Go Landing. This involves a maneuver that is common when learning to fly. It involves landing on a runway and taking off again without coming to a full stop. This is important because it gives you the confidence as well as experience to be sure that you are proficient with your air craft as well as proving out all the controls.

This process involves powering down the runway and slightly lifting off the ground. Remember that you must use the trim controls to ensure you plane is not drifting. Correct any issues here first by adjusting your trim or actual linkage. Also remember that if you are at full power (which is not needed for take-off) you may overpower the ability to land softly.

There is another technique known as Stop-and-Go where you lift off, then land and stop your plane. I recommend this approach in the beginning. You will move on to the Touch-and-Go next depending on the length of your runway. Power your plane down the runway and gently bring yourself to a flight mode no more than 4 feet off the ground. Power back on the throttle and gently adjust your aileron and rudder to put yourself in a landing position. Remember that flying the plane is the easy part, the hardest part is landing. This will give you experience that you will need when you come in for a real landing. You need to know the control sensitivity and this exercise will allow you to obtain this touch and relate your plane and controller together. There are always 2 devices that you have to balance. Do not over drive the servos of your plane... Gentle adjustments are the best way to become familiar with your controller and the response of the plane. Hard over adjustments of the controls are the best way to crash. Ensure you have a runway long enough to allow you some margin. If you don't, then you will most likely have to react to a difficult landing. You would be better off in this situation to climb and come back in for another chance.

Back to Touch-and-Go... Some resources that you may use may suggest that this is a step that is not needed; Instructors who favor the use of Touch-and-Go and Touch-and-Stop offer the possibility for you to practice more landings per session. Remember, you can do whatever you want in the air but If you cannot land without damaging your plane then you will end up buying a new plane. (Hopefully from Us)

Part IV in the series will focus on Flight (keep it simple).

Good luck (skill) to you and expect more to follow on this subject.

RC Planes Easy to Fly

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