Real Estate Investing – Not A Solo Sport

Real Estate Investing is not a solo sport, but a team effort. It is so important to select your teammates well and constantly evaluate each player’s performance against the overall goal you are working toward.

The scout is the person who helps you locate the deal. This person knows what you are looking for and brings you the deals for evaluation. A scout can be a real estate agent, another investor, a reputable wholesaler or even consistent advertising medium. You should be prepared to compensate your scout and provide incentives to bring you great deals. If they aren’t giving them to you, they are giving them to someone who will compensate them accordingly. Be generous so that you will always be top of mind.

The next team member is an accountant. Your accountant should be someone who specializes in real estate practices. Ideally, they should own real estate themselves. This person helps you take advantage of the tax savings that comes along with buying real estate. We suggest that you interview several. A good accountant will save you much more than their hourly rate, so don’t be intimidated by high fees. They are well worth it if they can do the job properly.

You will need a good real estate attorney. Most people have a closing attorney. Remember that the closing attorney in a transaction works for the mortgage company – not you. You will want an attorney you can depend on to represent your interests. They should be able to advise you with any title issues, assist you with land trust formation, help you with entity selection and provide general council for real estate transactions.

Home inspectors are worth their weight in gold. A good home inspector can help prevent you from purchasing a poor investment, give you a realistic picture of the repairs and give you a general picture of the costs required, as well as alert you to safety concerns. Our home inspector has saved us thousands of dollars by helping us chose not to invest in properties that required more renovation than we had estimated in the deal.

Once you have found a property, financing your real estate investment is the key to a successful real estate career. Helping you determine the best way to finance an investment based on your overall strategy is very important. The majority of the benefit of real estate comes from using leverage. With all the various types of loans available now, you will want a mortgage partner who understands investing, can help you determine which loans are best for a particular piece of property and provides long term strategies that will enhance your credit standing – not hurt it.

As with any team, it takes a while to work together to make sure that you have all the right players. At times, you will find that players need to be traded and sometimes it is good to have alternates.

I encourage all of my investors to interview their teammates in advance. Have a series of questions prepared in advance and determine who you feel most comfortable with. We have found that it takes a couple of plays sometimes before they really understand you and your goals, so be patient. If however, you don’t feel confident with their ability – trade them. This is your future – not theirs.

Sports Marketing And Its Applications: Why Communicate Through Sport?

Passion for sport is constantly growing, both in terms of numbers of fans, and numbers of active participants. At times of big international sports events such as the Olympics or the World Cup, it is easy to see how the number of companies that decide to allocate their advertising budgets to sports sponsorship or other sport-related activities increases. Advertising agencies themselves often pin their strategies on a sense of sporting spirit in order to enhance the appeal of the message conveyed.

RTR believes that the strength of sports marketing lies precisely in its capacity to leverage the passion that consumers nurture towards sport. Sponsorship is not merely a question of appearing with one's logo on a competitor's shirt or on the advertising hoardings at an event. Above all, it means projecting the specific values of the sport onto the company and its brands and ensuring that this association registers with the target group in question.

Sport is an extremely flexible tool, as it allows businesses and advertising agencies to communicate with different types of target and to put together modular campaigns that can be shaped according to the specific requirements of the sponsor. It is also an effective medium because it permits actions to be measured on a case-by-case basis and to transform the activity into promotional campaigns whose purpose is to leave their mark on different types of public, off the field of play as well as on it.

Yet this is not all: sport is one of the few tools which, as well as ensuring repeatability and continuity, offers the opportunity to engage in co-marketing, B2B and public relations ventures, the relevance of which is stressed by all advertising agencies.

The tradition of sports marketing shows how, until now, throughout the entire sponsorship world, two different models have been applied. The first is the classic model, in which the sponsor purchases a package that has already been devised and is only involved in the final stages of the event. Another model, which is certainly more current, is the one in which the sponsor plays an active role in the creation of the event, taking part in the planning stages and fashioning it around its own goals and values. The latter model, if it is coordinated effectively by a competent advertising agency, is without doubt the best, as it allows event-moments to be crafted that are rich in meaning for the consumer.

The prevailing trend, then, is to move away from the “Buy” model – mere sponsorship of an event – to the “Create” model – the creation of an event. For each sponsorship project RTR carries out an analysis of the market and of current trends at an international level. What is emerging at the present time is the fact that the state of the art is moving towards a model that is different yet again, a model that we might define as the “Create and Manage” model, in which not only is the event created, but all activities pertaining to it are managed too.

It is clear, then, that when operating in this kind of universe, it is necessary to turn to organisations which are in possession of an extremely high level of expertise, which are perfectly familiar with the rules and which are able to maximise the returns obtained from a sports marketing campaign through the total management of a carefully crafted sponsorship campaign. In short, the advertising agencies to which companies turn must be able to deal with the most disparate requirements by offering an all-round service.

RTR's approach is to pursue this direction, which maximises the capacity of the events that are devised or sponsored to capture their audiences. This is possible through careful monitoring of media coverage, an extension of the timescale of the event that enables the pre- and post-event stages to be lived and, still further, through the creation of a community that garners consumer loyalty and engenders a sense of belonging.

In this context, the role of the advertising agency as consultant becomes fundamental. We at RTR have 10 years of experience in dealing with the market in this field and an international portfolio of clients, and we are confident of our ability to provide made-to-measure services for those who intend to use sport as a communication tool to reach the relevant markets in a targeted manner.

Combine Your Next Vacation With The Great Sport Of Kayaking

A vacation is a great time to learn a new activity. You can quickly learn to kayak on one of the many kayak tours available in both tropical and non-tropical locations.

Kayaking is an activity that you can do almost anywhere you go, especially on tropical vacations. Sometimes you will find the best kayaking tours in the tropics or the ocean. These tours teach you how to kayak in great weather, take you on a thrilling adventure and much more!

In tourist locations such as Costa Rica, Belize, Florida and other tropical islands, you will find many kayaking tours.

On these tours, you are accompanied by a professional guide who will assist you in case you have any problems. Of course, they know the area and are familiar with their location.

Tours in the U.S. and Canada are less tropical. But there, you will get to go whitewater kayaking, and participate in competitive kayaking, as well as the recreational and relaxing kayaking activities that everyone enjoys. Where you find tours, you will also find that lessons are available. The lessons can often be a part of the tours. On the same day, you can learn to kayak and go on an exciting tour and try out your new abilities!

You will be able to find a great kayaking holiday no matter where you go! Even if you are not an experienced kayaker or have never kayaked at all, these tours are perfect for you. You can quickly learn kayaking and will immediately fall in love with it!

Kayaking is an activity that you can combine with many other hobbies. That is the best part of it! On your next vacation, find a kayaking tour and you will find lots of various options for your family and yourself. You can easily take advantage of this awesome sport and its variety.

There are many web based resources that will help you find combine a holiday with a kayaking adventure. You will soon be relaxing and taking part in a great sport.

Fly Fishing – Where Sport And Craft Combine

There is no sport as versatile or as widespread as fishing. It is a sport that can be undertaken as cheaply or as expensively as you wish. Five year olds in bare feet and overalls can attach a piece of string to a stick, bend a paper clip, and attach a worm and have as much fun as the billionaire fishing enthusiast with a deep sea fishing boat, lines, tackles, rigging, harpoons, shades and champagne. Fishing is a hobby and a living, a sport and a serious occupation.

One of the most popular methods of fishing is fly fishing. Fly fishing is done with a specially designed rod and reel combination that allows the sportsperson to cast their line in the direction of the water and then slowly reel it back in.

Fly fishing is appropriately named. In contrast to lure fishing, fly fishing requires the fisherman to fool the fish into thinking that the fly is one of the fish’s favorite meals skimming along the surface of the water. Lure fishing appeals to the lazy underwater fish, often attracted by shiny metallic objects and enticed to bite on the hook with some piece of edible or edible appearing bait.

Fly fishing is designed to attract fish at specific times of day by their feeding instincts. The lures for fly fishing are called flies, and are in fact a cheaper way to go, generally speaking, than the lures needed in lure fishing. Fly fishers often tie their own flies, using bits of hair and cloth around the house or farm.

Flies are designed to appear as the kind of prey that fish in the specific area are feeding on at a given time. This can include all manner of insects and insect larvae.

Though it rankles on the lure fisher to have it said, fly fishing is a much more challenging form of the sport. The fly fisher must constantly have her arm in motion, casting the line, playing it out and reeling it in patterns made to emulate the movement of the prey species. When a fish is hooked, it takes a skilled fisher to land the animal.

Fly fishing also involves a certain amount of study, in order for the venture to be successful. Fishers must do their research into what kind of species they are hoping to catch, and in turn what kind of species their targets are feeding on. This information can change seasonally, day to day, and even has different applications during different feeding times.

Fly fishing is an excellent way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air while participating in an enjoyable sport and getting some exercise. It takes some practice, but is highly addictive and a sport that never gets old.

Easy Guides To Choose Different Sport Shoes

Wearing the right shoes is an important aspect of foot health. Better to be careful when choosing shoes. If you buy wrong shoes it can cause foot problems. Even though, that doesn’t mean the right shoes can correct your problem. It can only prevent problem on your foot.

If you like sports -- basketball, golf or just walking -- choose the best shoes. Bad shoes can lead not only to foot and ankle problems, but leg, hip, and even back pain as well. That's because alignment begins with your feet and moves up to influence the rest of your body.

Sure there are other activities you do during your life time. Starting with walking around the house or traveling to work or maybe doing exercise and other activities, there are always shoes for all situations. Each shoe has their own characteristic such as look, feel, smell and how the shoes react to you, the wearer.

Here are some checklists you need to know when buying shoes.

- Check the shoes closely by touching it.
- Check whether the soles is strong and flexible when gripping the surface
- Insoles should be cushioned to absorb the jolts of walking on hard surfaces.
- Arch supports distribute weight over a wider area.
- Shoes made of leather are best because leather breathe like skin and mold to your foot.
- Don’t buy shoes if not comfortable.
- Don't plan on shoes stretching with wear.
- Try shoes for both feet. Each foot is often different size.
- Do shoes shopping at the end of the day because feet swell to their largest at that time. That’s why always buy shoes for the biggest foot.
- Size depends on shoe make and style, too. Don't insist you always wear one size if the next feels better.
- The heel should fit snugly and the instep should not gape open.

If you already know what you should do before buying shoes, another thing you have to consider is deciding which shoes for what occasion. Obviously you would not play tennis wearing your high heel dress shoes, right?

Here are some of the shoes that most people would have:

1. Dress shoes: This include dress boot, bridal shoes, prom shoes etc. You can wear dress shoes to formal occasion such as to a dinner, job interview or school event. At least you need one pair of dress shoes, specially the simple traditional dressy shoe which is a mid height heel at about 2.5 or 3 inches high, black and opened toe.

2. Casual Shoes: This includes sneaker, sandal, boot, etc. This is for more relax occasion. It can be any shoes with various colors, style and for any occasion. This shoe is more reflecting your taste, your favorite colors and your interests. Casual shoes can be inexpensive, since it is made of different material, not merely leather. The color is so various, that you can choose what ever color you like. You can wear it for shopping, relaxing, to cinema etc.

3. Athletic Shoes: It includes all sport shoes. There are so many brands that you can choose, but there are a few brand which specialize in sport footwear such as Adidas. You wear athletic shoes during your exercise, jogging, walking, running and other sport activities. However, currently there are some people also consider this type of shoes as casual shoes, so they wear it everyday for their activity. That’s okay too.

Shoes not only influence how others perceive you but they also influence how you views yourself. From the style you chooses and how well you are maintained, people can determine the stock your places on their appearance. Show yourself that you are a classy person by wearing the right shoes!

Positive Self-development For Sport, And Life: What’s In It For You?

Self-development for sports has been around for a long time already. Athletes have been benefiting from this mind set for years and they integrate other forms of exercises into their sports training to help supplement it. People need a guide to positive self-development for sport, and life to help us achieve the goals that we have set for our bodies.

Most people have a sport in which they excel. This sometimes comes out even when they are young and it is developed through the years as a sport where they have fun. Some children are adept at running or batting or maybe jumping than others. Several children are also good in water sports and this helps them develop their affinity for water from the very start of their lives. In sports however, it is important to bear in mind that when we are having fun we tend to perform better and we are under less pressure to excel. We just enjoy the time we are spending with out buddies and the time we immerse in the fun sport. Athletes need to have a passion for the sport they excel in so they commit all their effort and energy into it.

As we train for a specific sport, the need to strengthen our muscles, joints and bones is also there. This helps the athletes or just common individuals avoid serious injury when playing. Many kinds of exercises help us improve our body’s performance. For one, strength training builds our over all body strength and helps develop joint and bone strength. The usual strength training requires the use of weights or resistance. We just need to do repetitive exercises to make our muscles, joints and bones strong. In strength training using weights and resistance, we usually need the guidance and input of a properly trained professional to achieve our goals.

Resistance training is just the same as strength training. It utilizes elastic or hydraulics to build a person’s strength and improve their bones and joints. This is exercise is basically done in a gym where trainers monitor the progress of an individual. One must be careful when doing this kind of training because the weights used are heavy and may cause injury when not used properly.

Aerobics exercise, on the other hand, is intent on developing flexibility and improving cardiovascular stamina and strength. Conditioning the heart for strenuous activity can improve the performance of an athlete or any ordinary individual. Making the heart ready for stress and acceleration is vital because the heart can handle the exercise required in sports. Aerobics also promote flexibility and helps the body reach more goals by toning it and making it well developed for stretching and reaching.

Our minds benefit from an active lifestyle by helping it become more active and more alert. It activates the sense and raises our perception. A healthy lifestyle and diet of the right kinds of foods can bring us to the height of our abilities. Food is a factor that helps develop and maintain healthy lives. Proper diet and nutrition gives us the right foundation for good health and better physical fitness. We should avoid foods that make us unhealthy and sluggish. Consulting a certified dietician to know which foods can be good for us can do this.

The proper diet and good exercise supplemented by the sports training can build our stamina and health. Strength training, aerobics, Pilates and other exercise that promote good physical health are needed by ordinary people to help our self-esteem and self-respect. Our view of ourselves may be influenced by the feelings that we have for our body. When we are physically fit, this means we respect and we take care of our body. Go for better physical endurance.

The Brief History Of The Sport Utility Vehicle

Most of us are familiar with the birth of the automobile and Henry Ford's Model "T," but we often overlook the creation of one of the most popular vehicles on the road: the SUV. As time marches on, so does everything else and at one point the need for a larger, more rugged vehicle emerged paving the way for all the SUVs on the road at this very moment.

Necessity is indeed the mother of invention, or in this case, evolution. Many believe the modern Sport Utility vehicle evolved from a vehicle known at the time as a "depot hack" (also referred to as "suburbans" or "carryalls"). Depot hacks were larger vehicles that transported people (and usually lots of luggage) to and from the train depots back when the rail line was the way to travel long distances.

As more and more people used their cars for longer distance driving, and people began to move further away from family members creating the need to drive longer distances more often, car manufacturers looked for a way to position themselves in the automobile market in the 1920s and 30s.

Jeep ultimately produced the "Jeep Wagon" which they described in marketing as the "utility vehicle" for the family in the 1940s. And so the term was coined. Jeep continued to develop its SUV line, producing the popular Wagoneer in the early 60s, while Chevy wound up with the official name "Suburban" for one of its models. In the 60s, when the surf scene and surfing lifestyle became popular, wagons began to take off and the ever popular "Woody" gained recognition.

As far as we can tell, these types of "carryalls" were truly the precursor to the modern SUV. As the baby boom generation grew up and started having kids of their own, the desire for sporty vehicles that could haul the whole family plus some started to grow. At that time, the average was 2.7 kids per family, a population that was still growing and as urban sprawl began to take hold, people found themselves in their vehicles more often than ever before. SUVs became the popular alternative to the stuffy station wagon, with more power and a sexier style.

The 70s brought high gas prices causing larger engines and high performance vehicles like the SUV to wane in sales. People began to gravitate toward fuel-efficient mini-vans, keeping the "carryall"
alive long enough to wait for the 80s to roll around. As the economy boomed, so did the American need for big, high performance vehicles again and big they were. Many SUV manufacturers went to extremes with 10-cylinder engines (the Ford Excursion is one). It was about size and power.

That trend, however, lost momentum for a variety of reasons during the 1990s and 2000s. SUVs came under scrutiny for being unsafe both to passengers inside and to smaller cars on the road. As urban space began to decrease, parking spaces became smaller and behemoth SUVs became less practical for city driving. A new awareness of fuel-efficiency based not on the economy, but on environmental awareness also came about and people started questioning the ownership of such vehicles.

The automobile industry responded by creating "compact SUVs" and cross-overs. Toyota came out with the smaller "Rav-4" – an SUV with a wheelbase the same size as a car. Isuzu the popular Ascender 5-Passenger. SUVs also became safer during this time with manufacturers including both passive and active safety features.

Most recently, SUVs have tried to jump on the environmentally- and economically-sound bandwagon of electric powered vehicles and hybrids, hoping to stay competitive with the newer "green" cars. With SUVs evolving continuously to meet the market's demands, it doesn't look like they'll be going away any time soon.

Proper Use Of Sport Dog Collars

Sport dog collars are designed to help your sport dog understand the necessary things you require him to do without having to yell or do ruthless things on your pet.

And to prevent these unwanted behaviors, try the following tips on the proper use of sport dog training collars!

Sport dog training collar is another good contribution purposely made to help and train dog, the man’s best friend. Sport dog training collars have actually the same purpose with “dog trainers” because this outstanding system gives your dog the idea of being trained while wearing it.

Here are the top secrets to fast results using sport dog collars:

1. Always condition your sports dog to the sport dog training collar by allowing him to wear it at all times instead of only putting it on directly before training. At the same time, keep the transmitter with you even when you are not training so that you can prevent your sports dog from associating the stimulation he receives to the collar or the transmitter.

2. Since the correction pulse from the sport dog collar is non-directional, always use it away from people and other animals to avoid unnecessary signal interruptions. Assisting your sport dog with the training everyday will also help him learn faster.

3. For effective training, always use the level one or the lowest stimulation on the first training days of your sport dog. Then if your sport dog shows no reaction, go on the next level until you find the proper level for your dog. Try not to make your dog panic or vocalize during the stimulation because if this happens, the stimulation level you provide is too high.

4. Don’t depend or do not use the dog training collar to eliminate any form of aggression or biting behavior of your sports dogs. It’s better to contact a qualified professional sport dog trainer in your area when your sport dog is exhibiting such aggressive behaviors.

5. Do not use dog training collars to reinforce commands that have not yet been covered. Always start with behaviors your sport dog already recognizes. Please be reminded that every time your sport dog gets confused, give him assistance and praise him every time you see improvements. It is better to reinforce a command with a correction because it is unsafe that you do so without emotion. After that, praise and reward your sport dog for making the right decision because it really affects the attitude of your sport dog towards training.

6. As much as possible, keep your training session positive and short. Take note that your sport dogs are always agitated so you must make a way for them to focus their attention on you. Try to look for the positive changes and always end your training session on a high note. When your sport dog already accomplishes a new level, stop training and play with the sport dogs.

7. Try to train your sport dog in specific location like in your hunting place or sport-related area so that he will not be distracted. The stimulation level may also need to be adjusted up or down, depending on the exercise or distraction level.

Improving Your Career – A Contact Sport

Shaping Your Career

You need to have great career skills to climb the corporate ladder successfully. Career skills are also crucial if you want to switch jobs within your field. Your skills play a vital role in differentiating you from many others who probably have the same educational qualifications as you. Marketing and negotiation skills and public speaking and leadership skills are some of the skills that if mastered, can help you excel in virtually any career field.

“Networking” To Advance Your Career

Social networking is one of the most popular ways of connecting to people across the world through the Internet. Networking enables you to stay in touch with the right people and develop good business contacts crucial to your career growth. After all, getting a great job is all about being at the right place at the right time. And networking gives you a phenomenal power to stay connected with the right people to advance your career in the right direction. If you love to talk and make friends, networking wont be difficult at all.

Networking simply requires that you interact with people effectively. You don’t need to be a close friend of someone to get a job or ask for a favor. “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” is the overriding principle for getting favors through social networking. There are a number of social networking sites you can choose from. Another way to network is to join a local organization or a social club. Once you get into the habit of socializing and meeting people on a regular basis, you will be able to develop good contacts that can help you progress in your chosen career.

Set Realistic Goals

To be able to enjoy career success, you have to set realistic goals. Impossible, unattainable goals often become the cause of disappointment, dealing a blow to your self-esteem in the bargain.

Work With A Career Coach

A well-rounded career necessitates a good balance of interpersonal relationships, recreation and work. All these ingredients in the right proportion will make your career more meaningful than just a series of jobs. Work with a career coach, partner, or mentor who can motivate you and guide you on your path to success. A career coach can help give you the necessary tools to hone your business skills and encourage you to stick to your plans. You can also be a part of a support group or a group of likeminded people with similar business objectives and career interests.

There are many effective ways to improve your career. Always remember that career improvement is a journey – there isn’t necessarily just one destination.

Money - The Ultimate Team Sport

Imagine if you will that you are NASCAR driver. (Now don't overextend this metaphor-just go with the flow!) You start the race and put the pedal to the metal. The crowd is flying by in a whirl of colors. You're exhilarated by the speed. You're starting to pass some of the other drivers. You are feeling pretty confident about this race. "Eat my dust!" you yell to no one in particular. Just when you're at the top of your game, you suddenly realize your fuel is getting low. You pull over to the side, turn off the car, get out, refuel it yourself, get back in and restart the car, and off you go once again, having lost valuable time.

A few laps later and things are looking up. You're starting to cut down some of the lead that the other cars have had on you. Next thing you know you blow a tire, which you had forgotten to check at your refueling pit stop. So once again you exit the race, turn off the car, get out, change the tire, get back in and reenter the race. Now you're only 30 laps behind, but you think, "This baby's got power-no problem!" You hit the gas pedal and try to make up for lost time. After only a few laps, though, you're low in fuel-again! Once more you exit the race and refuel your car yourself. As you watch your competitors flying by, you are beginning to realize that this is a race you cannot win.

You compare yourself to the winner of the race and wonder what the difference is. Is it your car? No, it's the same model as his. Is it his accessories? Wrong again. You've got everything he does. Is it your skills? Who knows? You seem to drive just as well as he does. Then what seems to be lacking? He must have something you don't. You rack your brain and finally conclude that the only thing he has that you don't is a "small" thing called a TEAM. His team takes care of his refueling and tire changing and all those necessary details, allowing him to focus on the task at hand - winning. You, on the other hand, have been trying to do it all yourself.

A team makes all the difference between winning and losing. The losers of this world are those people who take it upon themselves to do everything single-handedly. These are the do-it-yourself-at-all-costs folks. They believe that nobody can do things as well as they can. Winners, however, understand the importance of synergy (1+1 = more than 2). Winners assemble a team.

How do you win the Super Bowl, Stanley Cup, World Series, NBA Championship, World Cup, or any other athletic event for that matter? With a team consisting of coaches, players, staff, and a whole lot of other supporting people. Nobody wins on his own. A great coach is nothing without great players. A great player gets nowhere without a great coach (and probably a great agent, too!). Great coaches and players can do nothing without facilities and the people to take care of them; without doctors and nutritionists, physical therapists and other sports medicine professionals; without team owners and financial backing from advertisers. The list could go on endlessly.

You see, everything you do is inherently connected to a team: eating your food, reading your newspaper, buying a home, driving to work. Think about all the teams involved in each of these situations. In fact, the world is so dependent on connections that we cannot function without teams. And yet when it comes to money that is exactly what many of us try to do. We think we know everything we need to know about handling our finances, and no way are we going to pay someone to help us, even if it nets us more in the long run.

Like the winners of the world, the wealthy of the world assemble teams to help them build their financial futures and keep them. The wealthy see their team as an investment, an investment to protect their investments, so to speak. Their team consists of (but is not limited to): a good honest attorney, a tax consultant, an accountant, and many others whose job it is to keep them [the wealthy] wealthy.

So, how would you go about building a team whose job it is to lead you on to financial victory? The first place to start is a mentor, who is probably the most important part of your team. A mentor is someone or something that guides you along your path to wealth (and presumably he or she has already walked that road). Mentors don't have to be actual people (although this is extremely useful for feedback and one-on-one support). Mentors can also be books and other information. Experiences can also serve as mentors. You may have many mentors at different points in your life; often they show up just when you seem to need them. Mentors can also be key to introducing you to other potential team members, such as attorneys, planners, consultants, investors, accountants, etc.

Using a team to achieve your goals is really much simpler than doing it yourself. Nobody can know everything about everything, which is why there are different jobs for different people. There is no way you could learn in your lifetime everything you need to know to achieve financial success if you try to learn it all by yourself, one piece of information at a time. Using the collective resources of your team will greatly simplify your life and infinitely expand your returns. Truly, a team is the only way to win. GO, TEAM, GO!

Kickboxing: An Ancient Sport, Or Is It An Art?

The art of kickboxing has been known in Asia for over 2,000 years. It became very popular in the United States in the early 1970’s. Kickboxing is considered to be a form of martial arts. It is very appealing to many individuals because it allows more contact kicks and punches than other forms of martial arts. Other moves include kick blocks, shadow boxing, sparring, and wood breaking. Due to the risk of injury, kickboxing has more safety rules for competition than other forms of martial arts.

Many people choose to take up the sport of kickboxing for their physical health rather than for competition. A kickboxing workout will get you in shape with the various moves and kicks involved. Your stamina will increase and you will get more flexible. It is also a great cardio workout. Kickboxing is a great sport for parents and children to do together.

It is a good idea to work into a kickboxing routine, especially if you are out of shape. Make sure you stretch properly before you start and do a cool down at the end of the workout. Since kickboxing is so intense, beginners can hurt themselves it the do too much too fast.

If you are interested in kickboxing as a sport or as a workout, you can choose from taking classes to buying tapes that allow you to do them in your home. Make sure which ever option that you decide is at your skill level. If you aren’t sure about a kickboxing class, ask the instructor if you can come in to observe one before committing to it. For the best experience in a kickboxing class, train under an instructor who has a black belt in some area of martial arts and who is also recognized as a fitness instructor. The more experienced your teacher, the more likely that you'll be able to learn quickly.

Fly Fishing: A Worldwide Sport

Fly fishing is a great sport enjoyed by fisherman all over the world. This method of fishing requires artificial flies, and a rod that is very flexible. The sport of fly fishing has been around since at least 200 A.D. The first knowledge of the sport is found in books written during that time period. Today the sport remains very popular. Most people fly fish for trout, salmon, and bass.

Fly fishing differs from regular fishing because you don’t use a heavy lure and a light line. Instead, using a fake fly on the end of the line, you cast out a heavy line with a thinner leader on the end. Often a color of ribbon, thread, or fur is tied to the fly. This gives fish the impression that what they see is a bug that they eat. Fly fishing lines are much heavier than regular fishing line, but are often designed to float.

There are two types of fly fishing. Dry fly fishing involves the fly remaining on the surface of the water. Wet water fly fishing involves sinking the fly down into the water. Both methods are very effective. The use of the techniques is up to the person fishing and the circumstances.

Fly fishing is practiced throughout the United States and Canada. The most common states for fly fishing are Montana, Utah, Idaho, Colorado, California, and Alaska. This is because of the amount of fish flowing through the Rocky Mountain area. West Yellowstone is considered the major hub for great fly fishing. More fish are caught here than any other location. Areas of Canada including Alberta as well as other water areas throughout the world are great locations for fly fishing.

This sport of fly fishing continues to be very popular, with no sign of letting up any time soon. Fly fishing enthusiasts spend lots of time and money fly fishing. They buy the best equipment and travel to the best fishing locations, hoping to be lucky enough to catch that great fish swimming upstream.

Boxing: A Great Sport Even For Kids

Boxing is a very demanding sport that can bring great rewards to someone that gives it everything that they have and more. If you can stick with boxing, then you will learn many very important life skills that will help you to be a better person. Also you can make a great career out of boxing, and might even become rich and famous. However if the proper respect and effort is not given, then the sport can eat you up, and spit you back out again. I started my boxing career in the Junior Golden Gloves in my city. I believe that the lessons I was taught during this time have helped to shape me into the man that I have become today.

During my experience in Junior Golden Gloves, I was not the best boxer of the group, but I worked hard everyday to get better and become the best boxer that I could. Boxing kept me away from drugs, gangs, and many other bad influences that some of my friends fell into during this time. I also believe that the Golden Gloves taught me the value of determination and hard work. As a boxer you can easily see what training and hard work can do for you in life. I believe that I have carried this throughout my life, and I try to let that hard work and determination translate into other things in my life.

You should definitely try to get your kids started in boxing when they are young, because it will keep them out of trouble, and also help them learn the skills that will make them leaders for the rest of their life. Also if your child is very good then they might even be able to make boxing into a very lucrative career. Boxing will also help kids learn how to stand up for themselves, and give them confidence that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives. I really enjoyed my time in boxing, and am very appreciative of the lessons I learned while I was boxing.

Finding Sporting Gear For Your Sport

If you are looking for ways to dress the part when you are into surfing and skating and the lifestyle that it brings, you are going to need to look for items that will not only keep you comfortable, but also let everyone know you are serious about your sport. Finding the right types of gear for your sport can be a challenge however. Researching the gear that you need before heading out to search for it is usually the best idea when it comes to sporting gear.

One of the most popular stores that specializes in sporting gear is Tilly's. Items such as surf and skate shoes, which you can use to do your favorite sports, are carried by the company. However, Tilly's doesn't only carry sporting goods items. The company also carries regular shoes and sandals as well, that will help you look and feel the part and stay comfortable, both on and off the beach.

At sporting goods stores, you can find many varieties of surfwear and skatewear to fit any sport you are interested in. Most athletes go to a sporting store, such as Tilly's, to find items that not only are for their specific sport, but also items that are for everyday wear. Everyday gear for an athlete can often be much like their athletic gear. Athletes enjoy being comfortable and enjoy many accessories that are found in sporting stores as well.

Tillys is a company that has been around for several years. They have gained a steady reputation all over the country for their products and customer service. They are a company that indeed does specialize in sporting gear and specialize in surf and skating gear, to be more specific. However, they too carry accessories and other items that can be used outside of the realm of sports and sporting events.

When you are a serious athlete you understand that your gear can make or break you. Most beginning athletes don't understand fully what gear means, however as they get more involved in their sport, they begin to understand that sporting gear is something that can enhance their game overall. Finding the right sporting gear for your sport can often be best done with a trial and error method. Most sports experts only know they love a particular piece of equipment after using it for a game or two. So, if you don't like the first set of equipment you choose, don't give up. You may need to try something else.

Basketball: The Team Show-off Sport

Everyone loves basketball. How could you not, what with the fast pace, the team coordination, and of course, those slam dunks. NBA basketball is the only sport that has special contests that highlight individual players, instead of the organization as a whole. NBA players are encouraged to not only work as a team, but also express their individual style. Pretty cool no matter how you look at it.

While the dual nature of NBA basketball players is certainly something to be encouraged, it can be taken too far like in the Olympic game between the US team and the Greek team. Basketball is about fundamentals in passing, shooting and lay ups, and of course team coordination. The US team seemed to lose their focus on the team as a whole and really just focused on dunking. While that may be somewhat entertaining to watch, it was useless against Greece. The Greek team had a remarkable passing game, and just scored lay up and 3 point shot one after another, while showing the world their awesome grasp on the fundamentals of the game. We now know that the Greek Olympic basketball team knows the drills.

Basketball fans always love to support their favorite team and of course, their favorite players. That is why you constantly see fans wearing their favorite player's basketball jerseys. Fans don't just go for the jersey's though. They love finding basketball collectibles like these: http://www.sports-collectibles-store.com/NBA_Player_Snow_Globes-p-1-c-53.html of their favorite player.

Basketball is also one of the most popular "pick-up" games around. If you can find a court in a neighborhood, you are likely to see a game in progress. Players give each other great basketball tips and drills, so everyone involved learns and gets better and better. Such a sport of cooperation!

The Popular Sport Of Airsoft Gaming

High intensity, high adrenaline, non-stop energy all leading into head-to-head competition! All this while keeping yourself and your team focused on the single objective at hand, “take no prisoners”. Airsoft Gaming, very similar to Paintball gaming, is becoming widespread and at the same time a worldwide sport. There are many forms, regulations and simulations that the Airsoft enthusiast can participate in but nothing compares to the realistic features and experiences involved in Airsoft Gaming.

Airsoft Gaming took its roots in the East and has been moving to the West for the better part of 20 years. While slowly becoming popular in the US, one can find dedicated Airsoft Gamers from California to Florida and everywhere in between. This sport has become a great event for big corporations to offer to their employees as a fun adventure day, and is even found at small events like birthday parties hosting only ten people. Men and women, old and young alike, can participate in a great heart racing, strategy-involving, team-building activity.

Many Airsoft enthusiasts participate in standard Skirmish games, Mil-Sim games, or impressive Mock Battle games. Skirmish’s are usually run like the following: two teams trying to kill off the other team in any variation ranging from capture the flag, siege fights, or last-man standing. While Mil-Sim’s look like the following: role-playing variations and focus on strategy and tactic rather than speed. Finally, Mock Battle’s look like the following: they are structured to simulate a famous battle. Whether the battle mimics something from WWII or something from the Gulf War, it can look like the real thing. Because Airsoft guns are replicas, the participants can put regulations on the Airsoft gun and equipment correlating with the specific time period.

So what does it cost? Well, depending on where you decide to go you can pay anywhere from $15-20 for gun and equipment rentals, plus an extra $5-10 for ammo, and, finally, a small fee of $20-30 to use the property. These are not set prices for any one Airsoft Gaming location just estimates. There are typically discounts for group’s or special occasions. All in all it is a great way for bonding, team building, or just having fun. Whatever worries you have you can blow off your steam while unloading a magazine of 6mm plastic BB’s firing up to 600-900 rounds-per-minute in a safe, non-lethal environment.

It is important to note that with Airsoft Gaming come necessary precautions; all Airsoft Gaming locations will have specific safety requirements. Some general safety precautions and highly recommended safety equipment are for eye and face protection. Wearing some form of heavy clothing is advisable for the rest of your body. Some enthusiasts even use a scarf or handkerchief to protect their necks, while others just go commando wearing only shorts and a T-shirt. It depends on the player, but always remember eye protection is imperative no matter where you are playing.

Finally, I don’t endorse using public property while participating in your Airsoft Gaming experience, although I have heard of teams playing in abandoned buildings, golf courses, and fields. If one wants to participate in this sport in a public place, keep in mind that a group of people flashing 1:1 scale replicas of real firearms could potentially get themselves into trouble. Always remember to make sure that your orange tip on your Airsoft gun is visible and easily seen by spectators. To those who choose to participate in a private closed field, enjoy your Airsoft Gaming and continue to support the fastest growing sport in America.

Roller Skating Is An Artistic Sport

Many roller skaters will custom order roller skates because they have an artistic flair that they want to share with family and friends. Those skaters might be conscious of improving the environment and will have roller skates that are made of earth friendly materials that do not pollute the air. They might order roller skates that are made of cowhide, but will hide that fact by painting them.

A skater will often display their artistic abilities while out on a roller rink floor. If they are wearing new skates, they might wait a week or two before they try to perform flying camels and it might be several weeks more before they are confident enough to try some ballroom dancing with their best beau. A roller skating artist is one that fears nothing but still possesses the sensibilities to realize when dangers are present. They would never test out their artistic dancing styles if small children are present because they know they will most likely hit them if their movements fail.

It is possible to perform many aerial maneuvers while wearing roller skates and many do at weekly events that are sponsored by the local skating rinks in the community. Children will often watch figure skaters on television and then they will venture onto the roller rink floor and mimic the moves to the best of their memory. The roller skating artist will concentrate more on form than style because when they have a solid base to hold on to, they know that their own natural artistic style is sure to follow through on the roller rink floor.

Many roller skating champions got their start at a roller rink in town. They might have found their first roller skating coach on staff at the roller rink, or they might have relied on the local skating champion to show them some artistic movements that they will use one day when they are trying out for a college roller skating team. Some roller skaters will switch to inline skates at some point in their training because that style of roller skates is what most competitive roller skating tournaments will require them to wear.

The artistic abilities of a roller skater will change from year to year. As the roller skater discovers that their confidence levels have increased due to growing older, they will naturally become more motivated to try new stunts out while they are roller skating with friends on any given night of the week. A parent might be alarmed to find out that their child has started to test out their artistic abilities with more extreme forms of roller skating. In time, the parent might realize that this is a natural process that will produce an excellent skater who is well on their way to becoming a world class roller skating champion.

When a roller skater reaches this stage of their artistic growth is not uncommon for parents to realize that the roller skater will need professional guidance if they are to compete in championships throughout the local area. A trainer will be located quickly and the money spent for this training will serve as a method of resolving fears that a parent has that their child be injured because they were not trained to roller skate properly.

Add Power To Your Sport Using Your Hips

Did you know that 90 per cent of all body movements and efforts originate, not from arm or shoulder muscles, but from the hips down?

This is the secret of ancient masters who were able to perform athletic feats even in old age. People noted that veteran players who have mastered their sport performed gracefully and with apparent ease, though mostly average in body size. This is especially observed among martial arts experts in the East who bested opponents often bigger and taller than they were.

It will help even non-athletic people in their daily chores to know that so much physical effort and muscle strain could be avoided if they only realize that true physical power starts from the hips down. Activities like pushing, pulling, lifting, walking, and running can all be made easier if we use our hips correctly—and even avoid body aches that often accompany wrong body maneuvers.

Swinging a baseball bat or golf club, pitching a ball, spiking a volley ball, shooting a basketball, delivering a hook or throwing a jab in boxing, doing a dead lift—all these depend on the use of the hip.

Without the correct use of the hip, the move becomes powerless and quite frequently awkward. Besides, it may end up straining your back or tearing a muscle.

A body motion, especially one made to exert excessive effort, should be timed to cause a smooth body flow and coordination. That’s why we often count 1 to 3 before we give a heavy task all we have. This timing need not always be consciously numbered; it often goes on automatically in us when we set out to do a skill.

Now here’s the secret: the timing and the smooth body flow should always coincide with a good sway of the hip. The force applied must always be supplemented with a hip sway. Without this, the timing and smooth flow will all be outward show, lack any real power, and even worse, may cause injury.

But with a good mix of timing, flow, and enough hip movement, the performance becomes dynamite! Hence, masters often say you should put yourself into the punch, or go with the force.

But make sure the hip sway is just enough to send a bolt of power, and not throw you off balance. A power “surge” (or a full sway of the hips) can also help at times, but be sure that it does not compromise your stance and balance.

Try throwing a ball with a stiff body posture, with only an arm moving to throw the ball. Then, try throwing it again with your arm swinging as your hip sways (in the same direction) and your legs giving way to your hip sways. You’d see the obvious difference. Power is mostly in the hip.

The next time you grab, lift, or do anything, remember that the hip bridges the body to the legs. Without the hip, neither body nor legs are hooked up to real power.

Choosing The Right Knife For Your Outdoor Sport

There are many different types of knives available, and as with many other tools, if you don't have the right one, it's likely to cause problems. Here are a few tips for choosing the right knife for your outdoor sport.

Hunting
Most hunting knives are designed for skinning. If you want your knife to be good for skinning, the main thing you should pay attention to is the blade shape. You want a rounded or drop point so that when you are “ripping” the skin, the point of your knife will not dig into the meat.

Also, you'll probably want a fixed blade knife, as folding blades have to many crevices to trap blood and mess in.

Camping
Choosing a knife for camping can be tough, because you need a versatile knife. For this reason, you'll often find that a swiss army knife or multi tool may fill your needs best. Also, you may want to add a saw, hatchet, or machete to your pack before you leave, for tougher cutting jobs.

Fishing
You should probably get a fillet knife for fishing. A fillet knife is well designed for cleaning fish, and it can also cut fishing line well, which is the other main task for a fishing knife. If you plan on fishing in salt water, be sure your knife is designed to withstand the corrosion of saltwater.

Trapping
Trappers will generally want a a skinning knife, much like a hunting knife. Tougher tasks are normally done with an axe, so a second knife isn't normally necessary.

Boating
A boaters main need for a knife is cutting line. You'll need a sharp knife, that is easily accesible and quickly deployed, in case you need to cut a line in a hurry. Be sure that the knife will stand up to wet conditions, too.

Enjoying Competition Sport Fishing

What is sport fishing? You could be competing for a trophy or you may be looking to catch the largest fish from all of your friends. Competitions are by far the most popular reason for sport fishing though. You can go both still fishing or fly fishing. You’ll have a specific time frame and depending on the weight and the species that you catch, you may just bring home the big one. The type of line that you use is also important here. The heavier the line, the fewer points you’ll get.

There are different types of sport fishing. Bass fishing, shore fishing, fly fishing, big game fishing, troll fishing and ice fishing are some of them. The competitions are based on the group of anglers, the conditions and the type of fish they are after. There is a wide range of options out there. You’ll be able to catch fish like marlin, walleye, salmon, shark, tuna and a wide range of others.

Equipment You’ll Need

The equipment you need depends on what type of fish you are after as well as what type of fishing you are doing. You’ll need to have the basics of rod, reel and tackle. Some will allow you to bring along your fish finder while others will not. Make sure you take a moment to see what the rules say.

For bait, you’ll need to take with you’re the bait that works for the fish you are after of course. You can go from simple things such as lures and spinners to wet and dry flies, shrimp or live fish and other live bait.

Understanding Fishing Line

The type of line used in these tournaments is often lighter than the force that the fish applies to it. Why? It's more of a challenge of course! You should purchase a high tech drag mechanism on your reel to compensate for this. This will keep the right tension in the line when the fish takes off. Only when the fish gets tired of running will you have the ability to land him. It can be quite challenging but that is what makes it so fun, right!

How To Fight The Big Guy

There are several methods that are used to fight hooked fish. One is the use of a game chair. The fisherman sits there and places the butt of his rod in a gimbaled mount. You’ll need quite a long rod for this and it needs to be bent correctly to fit properly. This is not an easy task and you’ll need experience to get it right. Or, you can go with the stand up method. You’ll use a harness this time around. You’ll need to eat your Wheaties for this one though.

Ready to give it a try? You may find yourself shocked by the price of it all. It can cost you up to $25,000 if you purchase everything. You can take advantage of charter services though which will cut down on the supplies (especially your boat!) and you’ll get everything that you need. Take the time to learn with a professional to help you to make the most out of every tournament you enter. Winning the prize can help to lower these costs and make it all well worth it!

Base Jumping: A Truly Extreme Sport

BASE jumping is not a sport for the faint of heart. Athletes who practice this extreme sport climb to the top of tall buildings, canyons, or other structures; jump off; enjoy a period of free falling; then open a parachute and coast to the ground.

The acronym BASE stands for building, antennae, span, and earth; which make up a comprehensive list of what kinds of fixed objects BASE jumpers plummet from. Span is a term that includes all sorts of bridges, or any other structures that span over a valley or chasm. Earth means anything from cliffs to mountains to canyons.

BASE jumping is very dangerous for a variety of reasons, but the most common causes of injury and death have to do with failure to maintain a clear area around the athlete during the jump and/or the landing. If the wind is against them or if they make a mistake during the launch of their jump, athletes sometimes collide with the object that they have jumped from. Because BASE jumping areas are usually not designated for this guerilla-style sport, the makeshift landing targets that jumpers aim for are rarely large enough to allow for a safe jump. As a result many BASE enthusiasts meet with serious and sometimes fatal injuries because they haven’t been able to steer themselves to the landing area in time.

Many people compare BASE jumping to bungee jumping without a bungee cord, but it is actually much closer to skydiving without an airplane. Jumpers practice many of the same techniques that divers use to maintain stability and altitude awareness while they are in the air. Before becoming a BASE jumper, an athlete must complete a full course of skydiver training. Once they have their full skydiving certification, the next step for anyone interested in BASE is to find a mentor in the jumping community who can teach them how to take on these ambitious freefalls. Only experienced divers can even contemplate a BASE jump because this kind of unguided and somewhat unpredictable activity requires razor sharp awareness of altitude, along with stellar free fall technique.

BASE jumping is one of the most dangerous sports practiced today. Every year, BASE jumping leads to several fatalities, and most major BASE societies and clubs have seen at least one member perish in pursuit of the sport that he or she loved. Because no two jumps are alike, it is very difficult to predict what will happen once you start plummeting towards the ground. This means that to survive a BASE jump you need to have a very level head, an ability to react to surprises without panicking, and lightning speed reflexes that will allow you to make instantaneous adjustments in your position or your trajectory. However, no amount of experience can guarantee that you will complete your jump without mishap, so even very accomplished jumpers are taking serious risks every time they prepare to hurl themselves off of a building, antennae, span, or natural cliff.

Sailing: An Ideal Sport For Families

For many years, the stereotype persisted that sailing was primarily the province of young, hearty men with large, tattooed biceps. However, in recent years, the demographic of who enjoys sailing has become much more diverse.

Sailing is becoming an increasingly popular recreational activity for families, and with good reason. On a sailboat that requires someone steering at the helm, someone navigating from a map, and even someone swabbing the deck, there is a lot to be done, so there can be a role for everyone from grandpa down to the smallest tot. Sailing as a family encourages the kind of lighthearted cooperation and communication that can help any clan of kin grow closer while having a lot of fun.

Spending an afternoon on the water is a great way to get away from the stresses of everyday life. Sharing this kind of experience with your loved ones can be a great way to have some quality bonding time.

If you are thinking about exploring this great and soothing sport with your family, it is a good idea to start small. Taking on difficult waters or a very long journey when you and your kin are still getting your sea legs can lead to tension and arguments that can sour the whole experience.

To keep everybody in a good mood, make sure that you and your nearest and dearest have all of the training you need in order to have a calm and safe journey. While it may be tempting to charter a boat and head for the Bahamas right away, try starting with a course in water safety along with basic sailing terminology and techniques.

Even if your family doesn’t fall in love with this uniquely peaceful sport, you will all be likely to have a great time trying it out. The fact that learning to sail is half the fun explains why growing numbers of sailing schools offer classes that are specially designed to suit the needs of families with varying ages of children. So with a little bit of effort you are sure to discover a class that is right for you and your kids.

Private sailing classes can cost quite a bit, with beginning courses starting at one hundred dollars or more per person. But if you have the resources to splurge on these sailing classes for your family, you are all but guaranteed to have fun and learn the basics of boating.

If your recreation budget can’t accommodate this kind of one-on-one instruction, you can still manage to learn the difference between port and starboard. Many shore towns and cities offer municipally subsidized sailing lessons for residents at prices that are well below the market rate for this kind of instruction. With a little research and creative planning, you and your family should be able to hit the high seas without breaking the bank.

Soccer - The World's Most Popular Sport

Soccer is perhaps the world's favorite spectator sport, popularly known as "Football" in Britain and other European countries. This game can be as frustrating as golf, as physical as football and hockey, as erratic as baseball, and as exciting as basketball. No simple word can describe the popularity of the game, with a global television audience of 49 billion people for the 2002 World Cup alone. The game is exciting and highly addictive to watch and play.

Professional game rules require 11 players per team, 10 playing the field and one goalkeeper. With the use of a round ball, the matched is player with the two teams wearing shirts of different colors with distinctive soccer patches. The game is divided into two sets, each for 45 minutes long with the referee adding "extra time" based on time being wasted or play being stopped during the original 45 minutes. Usually, the extra time will be about one-to-three minutes.

A maximum of three substitutes may be used in any match played in an official competition organized under the auspices of the World Governing body Federation International Football Association (FIFA), the confederations or the national associations. However, in other competitions the rules must state how many substitutes may be nominated, from three up to a maximum of seven.

The decision regarding a match ending with a tie score usually depends on the actual type of game being player. There are times when the just simply ends in a tie score after the regular 90 minutes game plus any added time. On the other hand, a game ending with a tie score may lead into an overtime with an allotted time of extra play leading to penalty kicks, this usually occurs during a deciding game of a tournament. Each team is given five attempts to score on the opposing goalkeeper, the team with the highest score wins the game.

During a game, players are only allowed to wear soccer equipment and are prohibited to wear anything that may harm him as well as the other. This includes any kind of jewelry and other accessories. The basic soccer equipment of a player include a jersey or shirt with their distinctive soccer patches; shorts, if thermal under shorts are worn, it has to be the same main color as the shorts; stockings; and footwear, soccer shoes, boots, cleats.

There are instances that players may use extra equipments such as shin guards and headgears. The shin guards protect the leg below the knee and are completely covered by the stockings. These are either made of rubber, plastic, or similar substances. While the head gear are available to protect younger players when heading the ball.

For goalkeepers, they must wear a color that separates him from the other goalkeeper, players, the referee and the assistant referees.

There are four important details that one should know about the game before he is ready to play soccer. The first is that only the goalkeeper is allowed to use his hands, and this is only within the confines of the marked-off area surrounding the goal. When a player uses their hands on a ball, the opposing team gets a free kick from the spot of the violation.

The second vital information that you should remember about the game is that players are generally penalized for rough or unfair play with the use of cards. A yellow card is considered a stern warning, while a red card signifies a serious violation. Once a player receives a red card it means that he had been ejected from the game and cannot be replaced and that leaves the player's team with less players. Meanwhile receiving two yellow cards will equal to a red card, meaning the player will receive the same penalty.

Four Good Reasons To Take Up Golf As A Sport

The Exercise

Golfing is one of the best exercises that you can do. I taught this fellow about ten years ago how to play golf. He had bypass surgery done on his heart, and his doctor told him to walk for exercise. So he asked me to teach him how to golf. He was a retired carpenter. Think about it for a second. There is 1760 yards in a mile. The average golf course is anywhere from 5000 yards to 6500 yards on some of the bigger courses, depending on which tee box you are playing from. They say the shortest distance between two points is in a straight line. Can you imagine the amount of walking you can do on any given course, if you’re not a straight hitter? Some golf courses make you take a golf cart because of the steep terrain. Golfing can keep you’re heart pumping at a good pace depending on the golf terrain. So if you have not walked a country mile. Take up golf and you will have you’re fair share of walking a country mile.

The Challenge

A lot of people would ask the same question over and over again, and probably still do today. Why would anybody want to chase a little golf ball around? I use to think and ask myself the same question until that very first liftoff from a fairway lie. Oh yes! It is a great feeling when you finally lift it off the fairway and watch the ball fly towards the green and watch it land and roll towards the flagstick, especially if you are a long distance from the green and hitting the green in regulation. The feeling of success is amazing and the challenge to do it again brings you back time and time again. Once you catch that feeling, the challenge to come back and repeat the same golf shot makes you a better golfer in the long run. The challenge you have now sticks with you the more you play. The frustration of not being able to do it over and over again, and then finally once again there goes that beautiful golf shot again, makes you come back for more. Golfing has more than one challenge. The challenge within yourself to play better golf, and the challenge to play better than you’re competitor. A lot of times the challenge to beat your own game can be a real uphill battle. Go ahead and try the challenge.

The Scenery

Golf courses truly have some of the best breathtaking scenery, depending on where you reside. A lot of the golf courses have rolling fairways and trees of all colors that stretch out on both sides of the fairway, creeks that split fairways in half. Lot of golf courses have greens that are surrounded by huge trees, rock formations, and rolling mounds, and many other natural beauties. Most golf courses surround their greens with water and sand traps. The tee boxes on some courses are perched up on a hillside overlooking a valley, or body of water. Flowers and plants, and or more trees surround a lot of tee boxes. Sometimes the tee boxes and greens are in the wilderness, and or near cliffs. There is a lot of great scenery on golf courses that will want you to say. This is amazing scenery!

The Peace and Tranquility

The best part of golf is the relaxation you get out it, depending on how you’re game is going of course. Just imagine yourself nestled on a tee box first thing in the morning, and all you hear is the chirping of the birds and the sound of the trees blowing around you. Another good feeling is standing in the middle of the fairway with the sun beating down on you with a cool misty breeze coming from a nearby body of water. I like the late afternoon just before the sun goes down and the trees are swaying a bit more. Sometimes all you hear is a plane going by overhead and the crack of another golf ball going off a tee box. A lot of the golf courses take you away from the clubhouse and land you out in the country, and or fairly wooded areas where the peace and tranquility of mother nature truly makes you sit up and take hold of it’s natural beauty it has to offer.

Softball: Olympic Sport No Longer?

Softball has been around since a man named George Hancock first invented the game in 1887 in Chicago. It took over 100 years, but women’s fast pitch softball became an Olympic event in 1996.

Fast pitch is different from the looping, relaxed pitch often used in recreational softball leagues. Fast pitch players must hit a ball traveling at about 70mph. This is slower than baseball, but certainly much faster than the meandering slow pitch game. However, since the pitcher’s mound and the home plate are much closer than in baseball, (40 feet versus 60 feet) the player must react to the pitch just as quickly.

The first softball, a spur of the moment creation in that long-ago first game, was a boxing glove tied into the shape of a ball. Today’s softball is 12” in diameter, significantly bigger than the standard base ball at 9”, and all white. Softball is actually a misnomer, as the ball used in the game is no softer than a baseball, just larger.

The playing diamond is much smaller than baseball’s, with only 60 feet between bases. Baseball diamonds have 90 feet between each base. This makes for a faster, more active game than baseball, a fact that many softball enthusiasts cite as one of the reasons they enjoy the game so much.

Softball games are also two innings shorter than baseball games. However, like baseball, softball seems to inspire devoted fans and players. Many truly love their softball and pursue the game with an almost fanatic passion.

In 1996, women’s fast pitch softball made its first appearance at the Atlanta Olympic Games. The United States team took the first gold medal in the sport, beating China in the gold medal game 3-1. An orthopedic surgeon from Florida, Dot Richardson, hit the first Olympic softball home run ever to win the game for the United States, an achievement she calls her most memorable.

After being an Olympic sport for the 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympic games, softball was recently dropped from the 2012 London Olympics by a tied vote of 52-52 with one member abstaining. Only a simple majority of 53 votes were needed to keep softball in the Olympics, and softball supporters are trying to get the vote reconsidered.

Unfortunately, the Olympic committee doesn’t seem very interested in recasting this important ballot. Although the softball federation will certainly have something to say about this, the situation doesn’t look hopeful for girls fostering an Olympic fast pitch softball dream.

Perhaps confusion on the part of the Olympic committee caused them to drop women’s fast-pitch softball from the London games. There has been speculation that the committee members thought that women’s softball was just a female version of baseball, and not popular enough to matter. Whatever their motivations, we hope that the committee will reconsider and reinstate women’s fast pitch softball.

Sport Arena Lighting

Sports arena lighting can give all fans something to cheer about. Many sports arenas encompass extremely large areas and having the proper type of lighting is essential. Illumination devices for sporting events should provide enough light over parking lot areas, so that security remains high for the duration of the game. Sports arena owners need to feel confident about the quality of the product, so that personal safety is never put in jeopardy by faulty equipment.

RLLD has a variety of arena products that focus on function and safety. Our sports-lighter devices are perfect for illuminating any arena or outdoor location. These lights are similar to floodlights and will offer ample illumination over parking lots, outdoor tracks, and tennis courts. We also have sports arena lighting fixtures for metal or wooden poles. Our angle iron cross arm comes in two, three, or four light adapter versions. Horseracing fans can also enjoy the brilliant illumination offered from Residential Landscape Lighting and Design. We have horse sports lighting packages, which provide an even source of illumination over the entire track.

There are different styles to choose from also. Some of our sports lights for horse tracks and arenas are box shaped and can be mounted on wooden poles for a spread out illumination display. These lights are commonly seen at outdoor tracks and other venues. Players will be able to enhance their skillful abilities under the bright illumination these lights provide. These floodlight fixtures are also perfect for highlighting stadium steps and other dark areas, when fans leave their seats to go to the restroom or grab a refreshment.

RLLD also has several sports lighting fixtures for outdoor basketball courts. We have full court and half court light packages that will allow your players to practice during the evening hours. These packages typically come with several light poles, brackets, illumination fixtures, and mounting hardware, as well as lamps. These lights can also be used for smaller sports arenas, as well.

Many stadiums and arenas around the country want to give their fans the best sporting experience every time they attend the event. Besides being able to see the actual event or game, fans have to feel comfortable about their safety once they leave their car and upon returning. Residential Landscape Lighting and Design (RLLD) is a top-notch illumination retailer, who has a large-scale inventory of sports arena products produced by some of the best manufactures in the country. Sports owners can go to our online venue and select the right product the first time for their event. The lighting professional staff is always available to provide award-winning service and can assist you with any question you may have about your new illumination equipment. RLLD is also a leading retailer in home and commercial lighting products. We are constantly updating our online venue to give every homeowner and commercial owner the finest illumination products for their unique surroundings. So whether you are at home or out at the big game, experience the magic of RLLD!

Online Sport Betting

Online sport betting has been around since the mid nineties. And betting on sports has evolved into a pastime of millions of people around the world. The sole reason for this explosion in sport betting is the result of the proliferation of the worldwide web. In the last decade betting on sports at an online sports book has emerged as a respectable and sought after betting alternative by millions of sports fans.

Now a new explosion in the online sports betting scene is upon us with the mobile cell phone and PDA. Now you can place sports bets from your cell phone or PDA from anywhere at any time.

Most people think that the only way to make a wager on a sports game is to be at the betting establishment in person or online, but now there is a third way, from anywhere you are. With the new wireless formats you can be betting from any country or location. If your cell phone or PDA has an internet connection, place your bet!

The sports books that have wireless access are by far miles ahead of the traditional online sports books. With your mobile phone or PDA, when you see a betting opportunity you can immediately make a bet on that line. You have access to all the lines and odds at your finger tips. These lines are real time and updated within seconds. This way you can make the best bets possible.

Millions of dollars each day are bet on sporting events and horse racing from around the world. People are making money on their bets and are making better bets using their mobile phones and PDAs.
If you bet on sports events or on the horses than you should try this new way to place your bets. I have used this method for over a year and would not trade it. I commute over 2 hours a day on the train and now enjoy every minute of it.

Each day you will have you hobby or passion at your finger tips anywhere and anytime you want to pursue your hobby. For the office worker you have a link to your sports book without having to worry about the company firewall. This is a completely private connection, you and your bookie.

As technology continues to develop, your mobile phone or PDA will get out dated. But this new technology will allow you to have fun now and for many years to come. If you are not into sports books try playing casino games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat and of course slots. Your mobile phone or PDA can give you many hours or fun and entertainment.

Technology is changing everyday and it’s time you keep up with it. Using your mobile phone or PDA to its fullest, for your enjoyment and profit is the name of the game. If you are a sports fan and enjoy betting on sports then you should try this new way of playing the lines. You will enjoy every moment of fun you can get from this little device.

Cornhole Is Becoming A Popular Sport

Most people would not think of the cornhole game as an actual sport, but it is fast becoming a very popular one. It has evolved from a simple backyard game to something that has developed a strong following. Tournaments are organized in many areas of the country, and the individuals who play in them take their cornhole game seriously. They spend many hours practicing, and they are very careful to ensure that their bags and boards are all regulation. It helps them to be ready to compete when a tournament is organized in their area. In addition, there is a lot of enjoyment of the game, making the sport more popular than people would have originally expected.

Since the cornhole game is not difficult to learn to play and not physically demanding, almost any person of any age can play the game and therefore participate in the tournaments. There are tournaments for children and for adults, and men and women are often divided as well. In addition, some tournaments are organized for individuals to play, and others are organized for cornhole teams. No matter how the tournament is organized, though, there is something for everyone. The entry fees are usually very inexpensive, and the prizes are good. The tournaments can also be organized to help raise money for charities and other good causes, and some people have tournaments just because they are enjoyable and people like them.

There are areas of the country where cornhole is very popular and areas where it is not heard of nearly as often. Organizing a tournament in an area where the game is not generally played might take some doing, but there are people all over the country who do enjoy the game. It is simply a matter of finding people in one’s immediate area who enjoy the game, which can be done through advertising and asking questions of others in the community. For those who play cornhole quite often, it is already seen as a sport. Whether it will be seen that way by others, however, may still take some time. It has been suggested by some people who play cornhole as a sport that it might eventually end up on major sports networks and be televised like bowling and other activities which some people consider sports and some people do not.

If a person starts out playing cornhole at a young age, he or she may only see it as a game. Those who are a bit older often take it more seriously, because they have a better chance to network with others who also play the game, either for fun or more seriously. It is not yet possible to make a living playing cornhole as it is for some sports. However, people can win money and other prizes. Eventually, the sport may become popular enough that professional players will make their living off of the game. Until that time, however, cornhole will continue to be played in many areas of the country for both fun and profit.

Enjoying The Sport Of Climbing

Some people might not think of rock climbing as a sport until they have had a chance to climb a few mountains or spend time in the great outdoors with friends who want to teach them what they love to do the most in the time they have off from work. After people have tried rock climbing in a class, they are more than ready to take on the challenges of the great outdoors.

Some rock climbing classes teach all the basic techniques that a climber will need. Others focus on more advanced skills that are strictly reserved for the more experienced climbers in the group. Some groups are divided by age group and level of expertise. A primary concern among all trainers is to make climbing a sport that is enjoyable but safe for everyone involved. No trainer will task a climber to attempt a maneuver before they are ready for it, and many novice climbers feel elated just by climbing a few feet by themselves while others climb higher and higher.

Some of these people might even have their eye on a certain mountain in the distance that they have always wanted to climb. They might not be sure where the urge to climb rocks comes from but they do know that they do enjoy the adventure that outdoor climbing offers them and they want to experience those thrills as often as possible. They might take short trips to gyms that have rock walls in them to satisfy the urge for climbing until they can go on a rock-climbing trip with friends.

Some climbers might not want to spend a lot of money on equipment until they have practiced climbing and made the decision to make it a lifetime sport. These people have found renting equipment for short weekends is the best method they can find for testing their skills without bothering friends with borrowing what they need everytime they feel the need to head for the mountains. Climbing is an affordable sport to participate in and one that families can do together.

Most people get into rock climbing because they love being tested. Rock climbing will put people to the test by testing their endurance and their thinking abilities. People realize very quickly that they are able to think on their feet when they must negotiate a sandstone cliff that towers 100 feet above them, or when they find themselves dangling from a rope over a cavern that has a small river running through it.

These life and death situations are not for the faint at heart by any means and climbers learn to work around all obstacles to get up a mountain by sundown. For those that are unable to meet that goal, they will be challenged even more. They must learn to sleep at a vertical angle with only a rope supporting them. They might bed down on a rock crevice with a safety line attached and wake to a view of a beautiful sunrise that they have never seen before.

Climbing Is An Invigorating Sport

Climbing is a competitive sport that requires people to be in good physical and mental condition. The rugged terrains that are often encountered while out rock climbing in the wild, have the tendency to test a person's endurance levels past anything they have experienced before in their life. Rock climbing leaves people with a heightened sense of awareness and a greater appreciation for the outdoors.

They learn to enhance their self-esteem just by completing simple climbs that to a professional might seem boring, but once they have conquered that small task, they have built up confidence in their own abilities. While they are testing those abilities during the various stages of their training, they are also becoming more familiar with the equipment that could very well save their life one day. Every climber will gain experience and learn from everything they do that involves rock climbing.

People will get so stimulated by climbing rocks that they will choose to participate in rock climbing competitions to achieve more thrills. There are rock-climbing courses that are fashioned for beginners in the sport, and others will meet the needs of climbers who have perfected their talents to the intermediate and advanced levels. A person can achieve a good sense of well-being from just completing one course in the competitions and the true winners will be the ones who had the courage to sign-up in the first place. Some people learn a lot about themselves and others while participating in climbing competitions.

Climbing is a sport that grows on a person. It is certainly not something that is done without prior planning or thorough training. One of the first things that climbers will learn is that they never climb alone because beautiful scenery up in the mountains is meant to be shared by family and friends. Some families get interested in climbing when they go on whitewater rafting trips and see people climbing rocks above them along the river's path.

Some people do not have the discipline it takes to enjoy rock climbing on a continual basis. These are the people who are not wiling to listen to experienced climbers and think that they can accomplish a rock climb without having the necessary techniques under their belt to do it successfully. These people are the ones that guides have trouble managing and will not ever take up a mountain again until they display considerable progress on being able to work as a team member while climbing.

Rock climbing can be an invigorating but dangerous sport. Every member of a rock climbing group must have their wits and sensibilities about them at all times. Mistakes can cost people their lives and climbers who are not ready for various tasks should be comfortable with letting others know about it without just automatically doing it to save face in front of friends. No two climbers will see things alike and being an individual is still an important feature of climbing even if the person is in a group.

4 Ways To Do Sport Also On Holiday

Dynamism and physical activity are the fundamental requirements of a true sporting holiday. Sport lovers are often demanding of an active holiday with plenty of physical activity and well-being for the body and the mind.

Doing physical activity also on holiday is the special mission of the Hotels for sport enthusiasts. From triathlon to bicycle racing, these hotels propose the active holiday and make sure that every sports need is satisfied.

The hotels on the Adriatic Riviera offer four ways of practicing sport while on holiday:

- Cycling holiday
- MTB holiday
- Triathlon holiday (Cycling + Swimming + Racing)
- Holiday in the swimming-pool (swimming)

The Hotels for sport enthusiasts offer targeted services for each type of holiday.

Hotels for riders and bike services for road racing holidays and mountain bike holidays: technical equipment, specialized guides, cycling-tourism tracks, and participation in the various cycling races organized locally.

These are the bike facilities:

- bicycle storeroom
- Pre and post-training buffet
- A minibus
- Cycling itineraries (maps of the itineraries in the inland area) selected and divided according to level of difficulty.
- Technical assistance - Tailor-made bicycle hire
- Fitness and massages
- Laundry service.

For the triathlon enthusiasts, there are special cycling/swimming/racing tracks to train every body part and experience the adrenalin of sport at 360°.

The service for triathlon are:

- bicycle facilities
- bicycle guides
- swimming facilities
- running facilities

The hills over Riccione, for example, are particularly suitable for cycling and the Province of Rimini can provide cycling-tourism maps that will guide bike lovers.

For those who feel like “fishes”, Riccione offers the opportunity of swimming in the heated swimming-pool with swimming instructors.

The swimming services are:

- Large pool:
- Olympic-sized pool
- Packed lunch
- Assistance (for example advanced swimming lessons)
- Towels and bathrobes
- Special agreements

In addition to all this, relax treatments, from massage to sauna, are the best way to relax the muscles after the tiring but enjoyable sports activities.

The Adriatic Riviera and the Hotels in Riccione are the ideal dimension for sports people who, while on holiday, want not only to enjoy the inland, the food, the beaches and the entertainment offered by the local area, but also and, first of all, want to keep in shape through the many chances of doing sport.

To live a special sportive holiday the Sport Hotel in Italy and especially in Riccione propose a lot of event during the evening to relax an to be ready for the next sport activity.

This kind of holiday is very diffused in Italy and every year a lot of cycling lovers choose a bike holiday to live between sport and nature.

Italian Regions offer a lot of bike itineraries, from the mountain to the sea and during their journey the guest could participate to important cycling races in Italy. The Nove Colli for example is one of the most famous race that gives fame to Marco Pantani.

Italy and Italian bike hotel could offer an complete sport holiday full of activity, history and emotion.

To be diffused with Creative Commons license (the article source must be mentioned with a link in html).

The Sport Sunglasses Triad

Sports have become serious business in the 21st century. The differences between professionals and those who play for recreation and exercise have not disappeared altogether, but amateurs seek out higher performance levels all the time. There is a new culture of fitness around us that demands that we work hard at our favorite sports even if it is not our source of income. Consequently, sport sunglasses are not limited to the world of fashion alone, although who would not like to look his or her best when competing?

You may be generally aware that the game you love and practice most needs a particular kind of specs to help you do better. But are you aware of specific product features that should figure in a purchase decision? Cut through advertising hype and get the relevant facts filtered through. Online shopping is a special challenge when you need help, because there is no salesperson or optometrist around for you to badger. Here are three easy things to guide you to buy the brand and model that will serve your purpose best:

* Materials of construction. Learn as much as you can about the modern stuff used to make frames and lenses, because you want a mix of durability and flexibility without weighing yourself down. Lightweight frames that you can hardly feel should fit snugly and give you reliable service for reasonable periods of time. This should be kept in mind as you browse through collections of sport sunglasses on a website. Similarly, opt for strong plastic lenses that offer visual qualities similar to glass but that pose low risks of shattering and damaging your eyes.

* Tints. Some of the most technically made tints may not match your dress or may even make you look a bit like an alien from another planet, but pay no attention to such superficial factors. Every tint has a unique role in cutting out glare, sharpening contrast, and enhancing your vision in tough conditions. Money spent on interchangeable lens systems will provide handsome returns if your sport involves a variety of changing light conditions.

* Fit. Now, that is a small word for a whole lot of things when it comes to the competitive world of sport sunglasses. Your temples and the bridge of your nose are the vital points to keep eyewear precisely in place as you swerve, collide, hit, and make all the other sharp movements that distinguish you as a sports person to watch. Clear vision, no matter what the circumstances, is what you want. How well do grips and pads work on the brand you want to buy? The best frames and lenses in the business are of no use if they are not precisely in place as you go through the most critical milliseconds of a sport.

Technical Gear, Inc., offers various sport sunglasses you need at http://www.technical-gear.com. The website includes sales support and popular brands, with descriptions of each pair to help you find what you want. The company also offers accessories.

What Is Sport Karate? Part 1

What is Sport Karate?
Fighting Divisions

In today’s terminology, Sport Karate (or Sport Martial Arts) is the application of competitive martial arts in a sporting environment, and has been around for a few decades.

The two main categories/divisions of competition are Fighting and Forms, with this article focusing on the Fighting category. Part 2 will focus on the Forms category.

Within those two categories, there are various areas of competition – such as weapon forms, musical forms, team forms, team fighting, continuous fighting, and many more divisions (depending what sanction an athlete competes in). Sport Martial Arts is quickly evolving as competitors continue to push the envelope of what people are physically capable of doing. This not only has increased the level of competition, but also allows martial art athletes to be more innovative in their traditional and competitive training.

Fighting

MA athletes that compete in fighting have implemented new fighting techniques and moves that were previously only seen in boxing and other arts, along with training habits of professional mainstream sports players. This has heighten the level of fighting, and made the sport more exciting to watch and be apart of.

All of the various divisions at a Sport Karate tournament are broken up into age categories and levels of martial art experience to even out the competition. Age groups vary from event-to-event, but experience is usually the same. Less then 1 year is considered a beginner, 2 – 3 years is intermediate, 3 or more years is advanced and Black Belts are segregated from all other under belts (non-black belts).

Fighting division can be pictured as tennis matches, except they are not as lengthy. Matches are usually 2 to 3 minutes long and the winner is determined by either total points scored (first one to 5) or whoever is ahead in points when time runs out. Ties are sent into sudden death overtime – first person to score, wins. Keep in mind these rules do not apply to every Sport Karate sanction.

Typical matches are single elimination with no opportunity to fight again unless a competitor makes it to the quarterfinals (the loser, will compete for 3rd and 4th place). Winners of their respected division, as in Forms, sometimes have the opportunity to compete for an Overall Grand Champion against other division winners.

Will I get hurt? Well, you are fighting another person, so chances are you’ll end up with a bruise or two at the end of a match. But Sport Martial Arts wouldn’t have gained the popularity it currently has if athletes kept on getting injured. Almost all sanctions require the athletes to wear protective gear to prevent injury and judges are always close by to monitor the match. Think of a sanction as a league, there are different types and different levels. Be sure you know what the rules of a particular sanction are before you join to ensure it is the type of competition you’re looking for.

To see part 2 of this article, go to www.experiencemartialarts.com, click on "Learn More" and look in the "Sport Martial Arts" section.