2013年9月29日星期日

Travel Like A Pro By Following This Advice

Travel is one of the greatest activities that humankind can engage in. For many of us, the experience does not come as often as we would like it to, and for some, large trips are a once in a lifetime experience. Therefore, this article is meant to familiarize you with all the travel advice necessary to maximize your experience while at the same time minimizing your cost.

A plastic shoe organizer over your hotel door can keep you organized. It is difficult to stay organized away from home, with little to no storage space except your suitcase. Put an organizer over your bathroom door when you arrive, the kind with the clear pockets is best. You can use it to store your essentials and keep them where it's easy to locate.

Try to read up on the customs and traditions of a country before you travel there. Even the simplest things can happen differently depending on where you are. If you show that you are prepared to totally envelop yourself in the culture, people will welcome you with open arms. This will make your vacation much more enjoyable.

When packing for your trip, make a list of the essentials and stick to that list. Pack in advance if you can. If you simply throw all of the items you think you'll need into your bag the night before, you'll end up with over-sized heavy luggage that will be difficult to transport.

Don't take the whole bottle of shampoo and conditioner when going on a trip. Buy some small containers first that are sold in the travel size toiletries section of your local store. Pour some shampoo and conditioner into the small containers and take those instead. This will free up some much needed space in your duffel bag or suitcase.

Travelers are a common target of theft, but you can protect your luggage with a few simple tactics. Put Christmas bells on your suitcases and carry-on luggage, to alert you if someone tries to take them. Insert your foot through the strap or handle of your luggage when sitting in an airport lounge during a layover. Be aware that a distraction around you may be a deliberate attempt to divert your attention from your belongings.

Bring your own comfort items on the plane. With airlines trying to recoup costs wherever they can while keeping ticket prices low, many have resorted to charging for many of the comfort items that used to be free. A travel pillow, blanket, music and headphones can save you precious money that is better spent on your vacation.

Do not take your sleep aids until the aircraft has actually left the ground. The last thing you want to do is have a technical issue that requires you to change planes after you have taken sleep medication. Carrying your luggage halfway across the airport while trying not to fall asleep is not a pleasant endeavor.

Travelers on cruise ships should purchase any tickets, shore excursions or accommodations once they are on board. Many people feel like they should book these things ahead of their vacation, but due to unpredictable circumstances, they may not be able to use them when the time arrives. Waiting until they are on board helps ensure that they can participate and often saves a little money.

After you decide on a travel destination, be sure to check user reviews on local hotels before you secure your reservations. Gather these from multiple sources, including magazines, websites and guidebooks. Also ask the hotel to send you pictures of the type of room that you will be staying in. Doing your research will help you avoid unexpected surprises when you get to your destination.

As was discussed in this article, due to the poor economy you might be wanting to put off going on vacation this year. If you use the advice that was provided to you in this article, you are taking the first steps of planning an affordable vacation.

Step out of the crowd with Fantasy Football Shirts

If you are a real Fantasy Football lover, then you definitely should wear something to show your passion for this activity, something that would let people know how much you are into this hobby. In the same time, it would be perfect if you just find some Fantasy Football Shirts containing fun messages, shirts which are made of quality materials. Then, other items required by this activity are the Fantasy Football Trophies which are the living proof of victory. They represent the reason why a team plays against another; trophy equals success, so the product purchased should make the winning team be proud of it.

Yes, this competition takes place online but, as long as you are into it for a long time, why not showing how involved are you in this activity? If you can have this big logo together with a hilarious message on an appealing shirt, why ignoring this chance? Fantasy Football Shirts are worth purchasing since their price are not high at all and you don’t even have to make any physical efforts. There is no need to wander through various stores, asking for a custom shirt, when Fantasy Football Shirts can be ordered online at a simple click. All you have to do is to know the right size.

We all have a passion and, if yours is fantasy football and you did a lot of efforts to carry out your researches as to make your choices, why not moving further? Since this activity is part of your life, Fantasy Football Shirts are the best to describe your hidden pleasure. Some catchy messages and vivid colors can do that. Who knows? Maybe you will find some other passionate fans of this activity and you will start playing together. Therefore, don’t hesitate as there are no disadvantages of this purchase.

Fantasy Football Trophies have been designed for those who take seriously this hobby, for those who want to have some proofs of their victories. Still, many fear that these Fantasy Football Trophies cost too much and that they are not worth the price. This is a misconception; amazingly designed items can be found online, ordered and received at the blink of an eye. As a result, why being drawn back when you have no reasons to be doubtful about?

Indeed, these Fantasy Football Trophies differ as price and size. It all depends on the importance of the game, on how far a team has reached. It is clear that a championship trophy will be more expensive than the one of a less important game. Its price also depends on the material this product is made of. Therefore, there are some factors such as the size of one game you have to take in consideration before you make up your mind. Once you find a website with pretty advantageous offers, take all the time you need to read the information provided. By doing this, you avoid unforeseen surprises. Thus, sit back on your chair, take your laptop and start your research.

Where To Start To Become A Great Basketball Player

This is why basketball is enjoyed by so many people; the game is fast and exciting. To be good at it, you have to understand the game. Here you're going to get some advice that can help you do better at basketball.

Try learning how to hit free throw shots. This kind of shot seems easy, but it really is not. Use the following directions to perfect free throws and practice often. Begin by bringing the ball up to eye level. Have your eyes on your goal and picture your ball going into it. Next, shoot with just the trajectory you saw.

If you want to improve your basketball game, you must identify and intensify your strengths. The best talent you have isn't going to have you starring in every highlight reel, but having a good skill set can benefit your team. Know the things you're great at and keep practicing until there is no one better than you.

Any good basketball player needs to know how to make a layup. Eighty percent of the shots taken in a game are layups. When you practice, be sure to run at the goal with full speed, jumping and shooting in a smooth series of motions. Practicing this technique helps you learn to make layups during a game.

Making a free throw takes mental concentration as well as physical prowess. You can practice for hours on how to make the shot, but if you over think things or get distracted you will miss every time. Relax and focus on your shot, and you can make it.

One thing to consider if your shooting percentage drops is that your shoulders may be inconsistent when you are shooting. You won't be able to make a shot if your shoulders aren't in the right position. Be sure to keep the shoulders squared up to the hoop. Your dominant shoulder should also be lined up perfectly with the rim.



Have someone record the games you play so that you can watch it to check out your form. Are you able to see what you've missed or things that you could improve on? Be honest with yourself but don't be too harsh. The reality of your play is often very different from your perception.



Would you like to completely fool the opposing team, making them look silly? How about the behind the back pass? If you wish to try this pass, get the ball in your dominant hand. Keep control of the ball while it is behind your back. Then, quickly snap your wrist toward the location where you want the ball to end up. This will confuse the opposition.

To get the rebound from the free throw your teammate is making, you need to do some fancy footwork. The defender that's below you will move towards you, so try to slip by them to obtain the ball. This allows you to grab the rebound legally.



Building core muscle is key to playing great basketball. They should train their lower back, hips, and abs. The core links both the lower and upper extremities. Without a strong core, they will have limited athletic performance. If your core is solid, you will have greater strength in your legs. This helps with fast running and high jumping.

It can help you when you pass through your legs. Practice dribbling the ball between your legs. Mastering this skill will provide you with a major advantage on the court.



You can improve your shooting skills by practicing with shots from different spots on the court. For even better results, practice the run-up to your shot in addition to the actual shot. Focus on the target when airborne, but never before. You will increase your level of accuracy and create an experience closer to real game play.



Perform drills in which you move the ball up the court in just five dribbles. While this is a challenging goal, working toward it will make you a much better player. Mastering this skill can help you to really improve your game.

To enhance your skills at shooting the ball from the outside, run drills every day from different locations on the court. To improve further, work on fast dribbling just before shooting. Hone in on your target while you are jumping, but not before you leave the ground. This will mimic game conditions and help improve your accuracy.

Everybody that plays basketball tries to master certain skills to help them improve their game. After going through the article above it shouldn't be hard to know what needs to be done if you want to be better at basketball. Read it again if necessary; just be sure to use the tips provided here.

2013年9月26日星期四

What Is The Best Pregame Meal For Various Sports?

Proper nutrition is vitally important for any athlete who wishes to compete at his or her highest physical capability. A daily diet that focuses on well-balanced and healthy meals is the best way for competitors to keep their bodies in peak form. However, the pregame meal is just as important as it becomes the catalyst for a winning or losing performance. Athletes need to understand what foods will help them and what foods may hinder their game day performance.

The meal that is consumed before the game or competition is by far the most important of the day and there are some general guidelines that should be kept in mind during preparation. These meals should not only focus but emphasize carbohydrates. Carbs are quick and easy to digest which allows the athlete's stomach to be settled in time for play. Foods that are high in fat, fiber or protein should be avoided due to the fact that they take much longer to digest and can actually slow down emptying of the stomach. This may leave a competitor feeling too full and even bloated. Foods that are undigested can also lead to heartburn and cramping. Obviously these ailments could be detrimental to a sports star. Carbohydrates can be immediately transformed into energy, a crucial boost before an athlete takes the field. Large amounts of fluid should also be consumed and like food, they should be loaded with carbs. Sports drinks, fruit smoothies, 100% fruit juice and water are excellent choices.

While the general outline of a pregame meal is somewhat universal, there are some significant variations depending on the sport which is being played. For instance, a football player should be pay close attention to what he consumes before play. In fact, the timing of the pregame meals play a crucial role in the success he will have in the big game. It is most beneficial to start with a carbohydrate packed meal hours before the start of the event. An evening game would warrant a breakfast packed full of carbs. Foods should include eggs, fruit and whole grain pancakes or waffles. If play will be conducted in early afternoon, then the previous night's dinner should become the main focus. A great choice would be pasta dishes made of whole or refined grains. Sauces are best if they are meatless, in order to avoid the protein. As with any physical activity, fluid intake is essential. A light snack should also be consumed within an hour or so of kick-off.

Tennis players should also choose their meals carefully. The general rule of high carbs and low fat still applies and is significantly important to remember for this sport. Intense matches force the body to burn high amounts of glycogen which can only be counteracted by the intake of carbohydrates. Tennis matches can sometimes by incredibly long so proper nutrition is a must in order for the athlete to remain competitive. Competitors should not use the pregame meal as a time to try out new foods or drinks as this can lead to performance altering reactions. Players who have early matches will benefit from a breakfast that combines carbohydrates with dairy products that are low in fat. A banana is a wonderful addition to the meal as it contains potassium. High levels of potassium are lost during a tennis match as players sweat. A starchy lunch will keep energy and endurance at peak performance. An example could be a simple baked potato, without the use of any fatty toppings such as cheese or bacon. Players who are competing in the evening should make sure they have an afternoon snack and early dinner. This will keep them from feeling too full and sluggish. Whole grain pastas, rice, vegetables and lean meats are optimal choices. Fruit salads are also a tasty yet extremely useful dessert.

Athletes of any age should be committed to consuming pregame meals that will adequately fuel their upcoming activity. Even children who are competing should be on a diet that is healthy, well balanced and centered around performance boosting foods or drinks. Blood flow and oxygen levels should be fully accessible to the body during competition, not being diverted from the muscles and brain to digest stubborn foods. Sports allows individuals young and old to be physically active, participate in healthy competition and socially interact at a higher level. However, athletes need to give themselves the best chance at success and this begins with something as simple as the pregame meal.

The Right Equipment Really Does Prevent Injury

Sports can be a lot of fun, but they can also lead to a sleuth of injuries. With modern research behind athletes, injuries are farther and few between. This is largely because of the equipment athletes use in their chosen sports. Using the proper equipment for each sport is a very important part of preventing injuries to the players. Here are a few examples.

-Helmets
Helmets are used in a variety of sports including football and baseball. In football, players often take hard hits to the head either from the impact of other players or from the ground itself. Baseball players are always in danger of being hit by the fast ball when they are up to bat. Because of modern research and technology, helmets are about the best protection athletes have against concussions and other head injury issues. Helmets, according to business week, distribute the impact that forceful hits would take on the skull. While not all concussions and head injuries can be prevented by helmets, the overall degree of severity and the number of occurrences is greatly reduced.

-Safety Guards and Pads
A number of different sports also require players to wear safety guards or pads of some kind. Those sports include football, hockey, volleyball and plenty of others. Any time the athletes are going to be engaging in high contact sports or will be falling to the ground with a lot of force, they may need padding to help alleviate the impact. Even inline skaters sometimes wear such standard equipment. These pads can prevent a number of things such as cuts and scrapes, major sprains, fractures, breaks and other injuries. They cannot prevent every circumstance, but they certainly reduce the number of sports related injuries coaches see.

-Proper Shoes
When participating in any sport, the athletes also need to have the right shoes. Shoes can help those playing enjoy better games, but they can also prevent injuries. Cleats are common for field sports like football, baseball and soccer. They can prevent the players from slipping and twisting an ankle or causing another injury. Cyclists need special cycling shoes to reduce foot pains that can develop with the repetitive motion. And runners need the right running shoes in order to reduce the risk of overuse injuries. The right shoes are also a good idea for basketball and racquetball players. These shoes are called court shoes and they have good support and great traction that can prevent slipping as well. Shoes cannot prevent every injury, but they greatly reduce the injuries that athletes rack up, especially when it comes to repetitive motion and slipping.

Other Ways to Prevent Injuries

When it comes to the right equipment, athletes need to be advised of what they should wear at all times. Not only do the sports players need to have the right equipment, but they need to ensure that it fits correctly.

Ill-fitting equipment is just one of the things that can lead to injuries on the field or in the court. Here are some other ways athletes can prevent injuries.

- Ensure the protective gear required fits properly.

- Warm and and cool down to prevent muscle over extension or sudden exertion. This can also help prevent strains and sprains as well as tears or even breaks.

- Understand the rules of the game so no one acts improperly causing an injury to him or herself or another player.

- Play for others so that each player is watching out not only for his own game, but also for the game of others so that he or she can avoid sudden impacts or other mishaps. Watching out for others is a huge part of preventing injuries.

- Avoid playing when injured. If an athlete already has an injury, he or she should step away from the game until that injury is completely healed.

- Stay hydrated with water, especially in higher temperatures when the athletes are working hard.

- Observe a safe playing environment and do not engage on a field or court that is uneven or has something wrong with the playing surface.

- Never do too much too soon and increase activity levels in a gradual manner so that the body does not go into overdrive and cause an injury.

- Watch the temperatures to make sure they are not too high or too low. Weather can cause injuries just because of the temperature.

There are a lot of things to consider when participating in any sport. The right equipment is a great start to preventing multiple possible injuries.

Girls Get Concussions, Too By Ed B Kravitz

A concussion refers to a brain injury that results from hard blows to the head or sudden/ intense body shaking that moves the neck and the head roughly. Concussions can happen to both males and females, especially those participating in violent activities such as sport and gymnastics. Motor accidents, falls, close-by explosions and sudden body movements comprise other factors that cause concussions. Concussion denotes a head injury and other terms used to refer to the same include mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), minor brain trauma (MBT), mild head injury (MHI), mild head trauma (MHT) and mild brain injury (MBI) among other names. Adequate treatment and return-to-play rely on appropriate diagnosis.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Immediate and short term effects of an MTBI may include visible head injuries (wounds, scratches, cranial cracks and bleeding), consciousness loss, headaches, blurred or double vision, nausea, vomiting, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), emotional outbursts, sleeping disorders, amnesia and behavior change. These signs help in the diagnosis of an MHI, but their absence, after a head trauma, does not mean absence of an MTBI. Further brain injury diagnoses tests include assessment of a person's consciousness, his/ her breathing and eye functioning as well as a head scan. Long term effects of a concussion, which may result from inappropriate treatment of initial trauma or recurrent brain injuries, may include recurrent amnesia, dementia, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Mental breakdown, mostly, worsens with age advancement.

Female Vs Male Concussions

Several studies show that females suffer more concussions than males. The researches also show that females suffer mild head injuries symptoms longer than males. While those results are not conclusive, experts believe in some theories that explain this phenomenon.

Anatomy

Women have smaller and weaker necks than men. The neck absorbs blows to the head and the weaker the neck, the more impact of the blow the head receives. In addition to a smaller and weaker neck, women have smaller heads and less hard skull; making a similar magnitude of a blow, on a male head, harder on a female head, hence more damage.

Frequent reporting

Women report head injuries, and other accidents, more frequently than men. They, thus, get early diagnoses and consequent treatment of a TBI. Males, on the other hand, may let fall and head blow incidents pass, largely, due to neglect, or the fact that the society expects them to tough it out. Women also get more pampering than men after an injury.

Increase in vigorous physical activity

The higher prevalence of female TBI may also have come to the limelight as the nature of traditional cheerleading, which mostly involved chanting, changed to involve gymnastics; increasing occurrence of falls. The number of women participating in rough sports such as basketball, football, rugby and boxing has also risen significantly over the years as institutions and governments encourage participation of women in these sports. Some women rarely protect their heads as they assume their fellow women cannot engage as much force as men do in their sports, and this can result in concussions when accidents happen.

Hormonal changes

The female body undergoes many hormonal changes, significantly the reproductive cycle. Concussions may blow out of proportional the typical female mood swings; making these concussion symptoms more pronounced. Some reports indicate that females experience MTBI symptoms longer than males.

Treatment

MTBI treatment aims at giving the brain time and space to heal. Treatment entails both physical and mental rest. Physical movements should be minimized, especially those which cause abrupt/ violent head movements because the brain may be rammed against the insides of the cranium again, causing more damage, and mental activity should also be reduced. Since the human brain rarely rests when the person is awake, sleeping drugs can be administered to induce sleep. Drugs that can cause further bleeding of the brain, such as aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided, but drugs that manage the symptoms may be used.

Return-to-play

Unless a concussion has totally disabled a person, physically or mentally, he/she will, almost, always, want to get back to his/ her activities as soon as possible. Sports women/ men or their coaches may want them (sports men/ women) to return to the field as soon as possible. However, a return to play plan/ formula should be worked out in the interest of the patient, by the patient, his/ her coaches and doctors. Getting back to the field/ pitch before a MHI has totally healed can cause more brain injury.

Summary

Much concern about concussions aims at male athletes, but female athletes also need to be protected from these sports-related injuries.

The number of concussions reported by female athletes has significantly risen. Experts have several theories as to why this increase has occurred.

2013年9月25日星期三

Electronic - You Can Enjoy The Thrills Of Deep Sea Fishing

When you experience the thrill of deep sea fishing you will realize why so many people enjoy it. You’ll find a number of excellent fish are prime for the choosing, many of which you won’t find elsewhere. Some of your choices include swordfish, shark, tuna, marlin, and sailfish. You will find that there are some specialized tools that you need to enjoy the sport though. Here are some of the options that you have.


Your rod and reel are your backbone. You’ll need heavy equipment that means a reel that can hold up to 300 yards of line. The line itself should be between twelve and thirty pound test weight. You’ll need to make sure your rod, your reel and your line all are balanced in size. For hook size, look for 3.0 to 6.0 and the leader should be between ten and fifteen feet long. Double line them. You’ll want leaders that are 30 to 50 pound test.

Bait For Deep Sea

A good choice for most deep sea anglers is live ballyhoo especially for sailfishing. For bigger choices, consider blue runners, speedos, googleyes, dead bait rigs and lures. If you can, provide the type of bait that is natural prey for the fish that you are after. For example, sure hermit crabs, shrimp, squid, and threadfin for sea fishing. You’ll find that your grouper, kingfish, snapper, wahoo and tuna will take these baits well.

A couple of rules of thumb when it comes to bait include not touching it with sunscreen and touching it as little as possible. You’ll find a lot of bait near the locations that they are cleaning fish. You can even use the seabirds to help direct you to were bait is plentiful.

For gear, make sure that you take into consideration where you plan to fish.. You’ll need things like rain gear and warm clothing. You can ask your charter for more information.


One of the wisest things that you can do to learn to deep sea fish is to take a chartered service out. This way, you are being taken to where the fish are and you are likely to have a few people to help you to learn the tricks of the trade. Make sure that the charter is a reliable, trustworthy company and you can’t go wrong. Whatever you do, get out there and enjoy the beautiful water and the gorgeous fish!

Rc Cars - Rc Car Racing - The Basics

For a beginner, the sheer amount of brands, varieties and specs of RC vehicles can be overwhelming. There are literally hundreds of types of RC cars and trucks, all with different engines, performance levels and completely customizable details. This puts hobby quality RC cars on a whole different level than toys and replicas, and is what makes them so much more interesting and exciting to play with.


While the actual mechanics of how each RC vehicle works can vary greatly from one to the next, the basic principles remain the same. Once you understand how RC cars work, you’ll have a better idea of just what’s involved, and which one would be right for you.

There are four main parts to an RC vehicle:

• Transmitter: This is the control you hold in your hand, usually powered by a 9-volt battery. Using radio frequencies, the transmitter relays the steering and control commands you give it to the receiver.

• Receiver: There are two parts to the receiver- an antenna and a circuit board inside the car. The radio frequencies sent by the transmitter are picked up by the receiver and relayed to the various appropriate parts of the vehicle.

• Motor(s): RC cars and trucks feature a variety of different types of engines, all with varying degrees of difficulty and output. The motor is often said to be the heart of the RC car and is the most intricate part of building your own RC.


• Power Source: Of course power is needed for acceleration, steering and overall engine output. Aside from the 9-volt battery in the transmitter, the power source depends on the type of car: electric cars run on rechargeable, replaceable battery pack while nitro cars use a fuel mixture similar to what runs a real car.


What does RC Stand For?

If you’re new to RC it can often be confusing just what is meant- radio or remote control cars. Though the two are often used interchangeably, this is incorrect; they are not the same thing at all, since the way they transmit signals is completely different. You can spot a remote control car by the wire connecting the controller to the car itself. Radio control vehicles, on the other hand, use radio frequencies to send messages from the steering controls on the transmitter to the receiver in the car.

There are FCC regulations for all consumer electronics that use radio frequencies, in order to properly allocate the frequencies on the band without too much interference. Usually RC vehicles operate at 27MHz or 49MHz frequencies- the same as your walkie talkie or garage door opener. More advanced RC models like planes require a higher frequency, and are regulated to 72MHz or 75MHz. Always consult your manual to make sure you’re using the correct frequency, and for instructions on how to change frequency.

As long as you’re running your RC by yourself, all you need to do is follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to choose the correct frequency for your vehicle. But when it comes to race time or even just practicing with friends, you’ll need to make sure every one has their own frequency or the signals will get crossed. If you’re at an official race, the organizers take care of this by providing each racer with a specific frequency and a flag with which to mark your car. In order to avoid crossed signals, you’ll need to make sure when practicing that you follow a similar process.

Wakeboarding - Essential Wakeboarding Equipment: What You Need For A Great Wakeboarding Experience

Wake boarding is such a great sport that many people are getting hooked. It provides a new dimension of opportunities where you can express themselves. An exciting sport giving you a whole new excitement, thrills, and fun all rolled into one. Almost anyone can experience this relatively new sports craze.


Getting the right gear together is the first step in wake boarding. Make a start by knowing the basic equipment essential to wakeboarding. You can get familiar with those by getting in with the riders who have already their own gear. Alternatively there are some great resources online. Here are the basic equipments used in wakeboarding.

Wakeboard Boat

Have your boat modified before even trying to be a wake boarder. Water skiers and wakeboarders have entirely different goals when it comes to wakes. Skiers, of coarse want no wakes. Wake boarders want maximum wakes. You’ll be surprised how much better you’ll be if you give yourself a good wake.

Almost any boat can be a good wake boarding boat, but if you have a good tournament inboard you can make an especially good wakeboard boat. Ski boats have the ultimate power and handling – all you need is "wake-making matter". Wake-making matter - literally matter that makes wake - is weight. Mostly all serious wakeboarders use a few giant bags of water that they generically refer to as Fat Sacs (which also happens to be a brand name). Two sacs, one on each side of the engine, is a good starting point. That will add about 600 pounds to your boat and at least a foot to your wake. If you find yourself just skipping across the wake like a stone on a pond, you need a bigger wake.

The next key to getting air is using an extended pylon. Most riders refer to these poles as Skylons (also another brand name). An extended pylon can get you good air on your half-cabs by providing a dramatic upward pull with little to no effort on your part. It will give you extra float time to really pop that move and the appearance of hang-time you’re searching for. A big wake plus skylon equals real wakeboarder - automatic acceptance on the lake.


Ropes

Wake boarding ropes made of Spectra, Spectra-Fusion and Tak have zero stretch, look virtually like shoestrings and weigh almost nothing. Nearly all-standard ropes come at 60 feet, which is a full 15 feet shorter than a ski rope, but can be custom-ordered to accommodate longer lengths.

Boards

Wakeboarders have their own boards. Like lawmen of the Old West had their own guns, you come to the boat all set - with your own board. Don't settle for the group board. It'll never feel quite like yours, and with the definition in styles today, you'll look like a kook riding your buddy's Mini Squirt if you weigh 100 pounds more. Also, the more you want to be a wakeboarder, the newer the board you should ride. Models get outdated quickly and so will you. New school rules!

Boots

It is not recommended to share boots just like sharing boards. You wouldn't wear your buddy's Air Jordans would you? And don't think that surf-straps are acceptable 'cause they're adjustable. They are antiquated relics, and unless you're doing tow-ins in Hawaii, you'll look stupid. Real wakeboarders wear boots, preferably high-tech models like the CWB Vert boot and Fulltilt XTC (very futuristic), custom boots like Bad Ass Bindings or Wiley's or top-of-the-line Hyperlite Storm Troopers or Liquid Force Super Suctions.

It is important to have them all if you’re really serious to being a real wakeboard rider.

2013年9月24日星期二

Mma - Chuck Liddell And His Mixed Martial Arts Role

Chuck The Iceman Liddell was born on December 17, 1969 in Santa Barbara, California and is a mixed martial artist, a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and a former UFC Light Heavy weight champion. Liddell is known for his standup fighting techniques and take down defense and knockout ability within MMA circles. Liddells fighting versatility and stamina have earned him the nickname The Iceman, and have furthered his budding acting career, which includes, among other things, a recently released commercial for Dell Computers and an appearance in a music video for the band Nickleback.


Liddell began his training at the age of twelve, starting with Koei-Kan karate, and went on to become a four years starter on the football team of San Marcos High school, and later a Division I wrestler at California Polytechnic State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business and Accounting in 1995. Liddell made his UFC debut in 1998 after a decision victory of Noe Hernandez, and was considered the number one contender for the UFC Light Heavyweight title, which he later won, catapulting him to a career of further renown.

Liddells platform, the UFC, began as a tournament with the goal of locating the worlds top fighters, and was based on Brazilian vale tudo fighting. Originally known as a no holds barred and often violent style of fighting, the UFC has since established and reformed rules and regulations that have resulted in a wider mainstream appeal.

From these beginnings, Liddell has become a mainstream celebrity, in addition to one of the most well known MMA fighters. In 2005, Liddell appeared in the first season of the Spike TV reality show, The Ultimate Fighter, which featured new UFC fighters competing with one another for a contract with UFC, the largest MMA promotion worldwide. Liddell was coach of team Liddell, and both of the shows winners, Diego Sanchez and Forrest Griffin, also team Liddell members, have gone on to successful careers of their own. Liddell also has a successful fan club, his own line of apparel and other merchandise, and has made guest appearances in several movies and television shows. Liddells signature fight move, the Octagon, a wide, swinging punch, is a crowd favorite.

Liddell, who described himself in an interview with ESPN as mellow and laid back, has two children, Trista and Cade, and a brother, Sean Liddell, who has also fought in the MMA.

Castaway Cay - Disney Magic Island Castaway Cay

Tell people that you are going on a Disney vacation holiday and they will inevitably ask you which of the Disney theme parks you are visiting. Unknown to many people, Disney actually own a private island in the Caribbean Sea in the Bahamas called Castaway Cay. However, accessibility to this Mickey Mouse shaped exotic magic island is only through Disney cruise ships. Yes, Disney operates cruises too and in fact owns two of the most fun and luxurious cruise ships.


As a matter of fact, Walt Disney Company President and CEO Bob Iger announced in early 2007 that the company has signed a letter of intent with Meyer Werft Shipyards of Germany to build two 122,000-ton cruise ships, each with room for up to 4,000 guests. The unnamed ships will be delivered in 2011 and 2012 respectively taking the Disney fleet to 4 ships.

Castaway Cay, the beautiful Pacific island is lined with pristine beaches dotted with colorful umbrellas. Under each of these huge umbrellas are two adjustable lounge chairs and two beach chairs to relax in. There are also hammocks scattered around the beaches for visitors to doze off in the cool sea breezes.

There is a "Family Beach" for wholesome family fun and in Serenity Bay is the "Adult Beach" for those above 18 years old and a "Teen Beach" for teenagers. As you disembark from a Disney cruise ship, you can simply walk or head to the Tram Station for a tram ride to all three Castaway Cay beaches.

The water around Castaway Cay is crystal clear and is also comfortably warm for most of the year. As the beaches are sheltered, the tides rise and ebb with barely a ripple. This is certainly an excellent water condition for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. If you do not wish to plunge into the water, you can book a Stingray Adventure excursion and interact with these fascinating sea creatures.

Feeling hungry? Your hunger pang will be satisfied with a smorgasbord of seasonal fresh fruits and delicious barbecue meats, mouth watering seafood and the best potato salad you have ever tasted.


Naturally, there is also a souvenir store for you to get some Disney mementos to remember this island paradise fondly. Exclusive Disney Castaway Cay merchandise is sold here as well as any essentials you may have forgotten such as swim wear, sunglasses or sun blocks. There are also stores which sell Bahamian handicrafts, however the prices for these handicrafts are much higher than in any Bahamian port of call.

Hair braiding is a very popular vacation activity in Castaway Cay. Everyone wants to look like a Rastafarian or be a Jimi Hendrix look alike. Another relaxing activity is to head over to Serenity Bay open air massage cabanas for some body pampering.

There are many other excursions to choose from such as going on guided jetski tour, a banana boat ride or go parasailing. Just about everything you can expect to do at a beautiful beach, Disney's Castaway Cay has them all and more.

If spending a full day under the sun is not your cup of tea, then do head for Groupers Pavilion's sheltered area where you can play foosball, table tennis, basketball, golf, chess and checkers. There are also be favorite Disney cartoon characters making appearances and mingling with the children.

So if you are taking a vacation, why not take a Disney cruise instead and enjoy sailing to Disney's magic island, the Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.

Car - Axarquia - The Mudejar Route

On the easternmost part of the Costa del Sol, near Malaga, protected from the cold northerly winds by the mountain ranges of Alhama, Tejeda and Almijara, and open to the African continent across the Mediterranean we find a region called La Axarquia. Mountain and coast, warm and fertile, rural and cosmopolitan, white and blue are all terms to describe this region.


The Axarquia is a land of history and legend, the mark of its past is still present in the many watchtowers dotted along its coastline. Its priviliged location and climate attracted many cultures who chose to settle here: Romans, Phoenicians, Carthaginians and above all Moslems.

The Axarquia offers some splendid tours to discover the many secrets of the area. One of the most interesting itineries is the Muedejar Route. The route passes through the immense heritage left by the last inhabitants of the region. This is reflected in the wonderful buildings in towns that date back to the 16th century. The same inhabitants also left an interesting farming activity that continues to this day, such as Moscatel wine, famous and appreciated, which is produced from the region's raisins using traditional methods.

The Mudejar Route covers five towns in the inner part of La Axarquia, which still preserves the most outstanding examples of Mudejar architecture in the area. Arenas, located in a small depression surrounded by hills, boasting Arab Baths and the Castle of Bentomiz, which the Arabs constructed on a previous Iberian settlement. Nearby you will find a minaret, the Alminar de Daimalos, in the town of the same name.

Archez, a village of only some 400 inhabitants, preserves the enchantment of its 'Morisco' roots, since we can admire the architectural treasures the Moslems left before being expelled, such as the Minaret Tower of the Church from the 14th century and now crowned by a Christian Belfry. In Salares we will come across another beautiful example of Mudejar art in the Minaret Tower (14th century) of the Parish church of Santa Ana, to which a belfry has also been added. In this town we have the chance to try a wine that is different to any other, since it is produced from a type of grape that is unique and unequalled: the Rome grape.

Passing through Sedella, a pretty whitewashed town with many springs, we come to Canillas de Aceituno, at the foot of the Sierra de Tejada mountain range. There is an impressive view of the Velez and Rubite river valleys, where the interesting route comes to an end.

Golf Bag - What To Look For When Choosing The Right Golf Bag

When you are gearing up for that first school experience, there is one thing that you do not want to be without: the perfect bags. Gear bags are not only essential in that they hold your clubs, shoes, and other accessories, they are also, like any other type of luggage, a reflection of your individual tastes, style, and personality. Some people carry very little in their bags, while others like to show up for their school lessons with an extra set of clubs, four bottles of water, two pairs of shoes, four towels, and a first aid kit. This is why taking the time to discover which type of carrying case is right for you is so important.


For those who prefer a walking game, there are several lightweight models and designs available that are strong and user friendly. These are designed to carry just the basics, and allow for the versatility of a walking game with the ability to carry clubs with greater ease. The style you choose can be anything from a basic, no frills color scheme, to a bright, bouncy hue, although you should keep in mind that while on the fairway, austere colors are really considered to be more par for the course, particularly for the professionals and those who aspire to become professionals.

For those who know that you prefer a cart, then you will want to find one that is specially designed for this purpose, i.e. to fit securely in the cart without tipping over. In this case, the weight of the bag does not matter as much, since you will not be carrying it around on your back, but it is usually a good idea to carry a small, lightweight carry style bag for just the bare essentials so that you will not have to drive your cart to every hole.

The lucky ones have caddies to carry their gear for them, but for most of us, while at school and otherwise, do not have this privilege. If you do, then the weight is not an issue unless you notice that your caddie is having trouble lifting it. Otherwise, remember that even if your bag is strapped to your cart, and especially if you choose a carry bag for your walking game, less is always more.

Last, but not least, price is always a factor. Though it goes without saying that the more money you spend, the more special features and customization options your bag will likely have, but remember, it is not a direct part of your game, its just an accessory to enhance your game presence and keep you from having to carry an armload of clubs across the course.

2013年9月22日星期日

Peyton's Next Place

John Elway, Peyton Manning, John Fox
AP Photo/The Denver Post, John Leyba
After evaluating several NFL teams, Peyton Manning should end up in many more pictures with John Elway and John Fox.
You need advice, Peyton Manning. We need a column. It works out.
You seem to have whittled your Stick Your Neck Out Tour down to four teams: Denver, Arizona, Tennessee and Miami. These teams all want you the way Chelsea wants vodka, yet none of them is even sure you can play anymore. Who cares? You are The Bachelor, and they are four blondes in five-inch heels with daddy issues. Let's do this.

You need an unbiased, objective system to break this down. We will work with the time-honored plus/minus system, going from minus-5 to plus-5. Get your calculator out. May the best town win.

Divisions

Denver plays in a division that could be taken by a team of girl scouts armed with Pez dispensers. The Broncos won it last year with a guy who tossed more dirtballs than a Hooters bouncer. Tennessee has a chance to beat Houston if the Titans get you, I suppose. Arizona -- even with you and your brother -- is not going to beat the 49ers. Miami, going up against Tom Brady twice a year? You'd get to Saturn before you'd get to the playoffs there.

Points: Denver +5, Tennessee and Arizona 0, Miami -5.

Wide receivers

In Arizona, you could throw to Larry Fitzgerald Jr., which is like a chef cooking for Vince Wilfork. Hard to beat. But he is only one man, and the Cardinals don't have much beyond him. In Miami, you could throw to Brandon Marshall, if you can throw all the way to Chicago. He just got traded. Denver has Demaryius Thomas, who is only 24 and already a ball-gobbling glutton. Plus, the Broncos have a possible star in Eric Decker. Tennessee has receivers even people in Nashville don't recognize. In uniform.

Points: Arizona +5, Denver and Miami 0, Tennessee -5.

Weather

Arizona is paradise in the fall. Miami is sweet, too. Tennessee isn't bad, but neither is Denver. Do you realize the average Denver high in December is 46? That's seven degrees higher than in Indianapolis. Denver also gets about 250 clear, sunny days a year. There's a reason there's no dome in Denver. The Broncos don't need one. Only problem is, if you get Tim Tebow benched, you're going to need a steel umbrella for all the frogs that will rain down.

Points: Arizona and Miami, +5, Tennessee and Denver 0.

Cap room

It's not as though you're Tom Brady. You can't throw and catch the passes yourself. You're going to need some help. Denver has by far the most cash to buy help with -- nearly $45 million. The Broncos could pay you and sign ungodly talented Chargers WR Vincent Jackson. Or maybe Reggie Wayne? Or maybe you'd like to bring in your old center, Jeff Saturday? (One career -- one rump.) The Titans have a lot, too: $28M, but you'd have to stop after Vincent. The Dolphins have only about $12M. That will barely pay for you and some towels. The Cardinals are $16M over. Maybe somebody forgot to explain to Cards owner Mike Bidwill that the NFL is not a trust fund?

Points: Denver and Tennessee +5, Miami 0, Arizona -5.

Super Bowls

You and your brother Eli have always had a dream to play against each other in a Super Bowl. Can't do that if you go to Arizona.

Points: Tennessee, Miami and Denver +5. Arizona 0.

Crime

Here's the 2010 murder rate per 100,000 people. Hey, you have to consider these things. Denver 3.6; Phoenix 7.6; Nashville 8.9, Miami 15.4. So, in Denver, your chances of being murdered are low. In Miami, you're basically a metal donkey at a shooting gallery. How good is your flak jacket?

Points: Denver +5, Arizona and Tennessee 0, Miami -5

Coaches/Front office

You're practically a coach already, but you can't make all the decisions. Miami's rookie head coach Joe Philbin has been in the NFL for just nine years. You have wristbands older than that. Tennessee has Mike Munchak coming off his first season as a head coach. Arizona has a good one in Ken Whisenhunt. Denver has a 10-year head-coaching vet in John Fox, who is a player's coach. Also, you might like to end up running a team after you're through playing. What better guy to watch every day than John Elway? And don't forget, Elway won his two Super Bowls at 37 and 38. You're 35. He'll know what you need. Miami, meanwhile, changes GMs the way Gold Club dancers change outfits.

Points: Denver and Arizona +5, Tennessee and Miami -5.

Golf

I believe you're a very tough 5 handicap. And you're obsessed. So I'm sure you think the Phoenix area has the best golf of the four cities. Maybe. But the Denver area actually has more courses in Golf Digest's top 100 rankings than any of the other three towns -- Castle Pines (29th) and Cherry Hills (67). (Not going to be hard to get you on, either -- Fox and Elway belong.) Scottsdale has Estancia (62nd), but that's it. Miami has a bunch of courses owned by Donald Trump. Are you a stickler for the rules? Nashville has bubkes, but some of the courses there have twilight leagues.

Points: Denver and Arizona +5, Miami 0, Nashville -5.

Comfort

Phoenix is the sixth-largest city in America. It's a nice place if you like 1.5 million people and only three highways. Nashville and Denver are smaller, fly-over cities, even smaller than Indy. Miami feels like home if your home is in Caracas. Besides, you have a vacation condo in Miami. If you start working there, too, vacation becomes work. No good.

Points: Tennessee and Denver +5, Arizona 0, Miami -5.

Lifestyle

You have twins, a boy and a girl. You need to think about where you want to raise them. Do you want them to grow up to be singers (Tennessee), skiers (Denver), golfers (Arizona) or assisted-living nurses (Miami)?

Points: None. No judging. Just saying.

And finally …

Arizona ranks first in the nation in number of ant species. (Your two 1-year-old girls aren't going to like that.) Nashville ranks first in the nation in Internet shopping. (Uh-oh. No real shopping. Your wife isn't going to like that.) Miami ranks first in international freight. (Do you like barges?) And Denver ranks first in beer production per capita.

Points: Denver +5, everybody else 0.

We take care of our own

Tiger Woods, shown in 1995 with his dad Earl, is one of Earl's four children. Since their father's death in 2006, the others have not heard from Tiger.
In San Jose, Calif., this week, Kevin Woods will sit in his wheelchair a few feet from his television, watching his half-brother play the Masters. He has to. He can't see otherwise.
Can't stand much lately, either. Can barely use his left arm at all. He can feel his hands and feet going a little more numb every day. Kevin was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2009, and it's not getting better.

"I'd say 60 to 70 percent worse now," says Kevin's brother, Earl Woods Jr. "He's not going to be able to keep his house much longer."

All three men had the same father, Earl Woods, but Earl Jr. says they haven't heard from Tiger since they buried Earl's ashes in Kansas six years ago.

"I leave messages," Earl Jr. says. "I leave updates on Kevin, but for whatever reason I don't get a response. … Kevin loves Tiger. A call from Tiger would really pump Kevin up. When he doesn't call, it just makes him feel worse."

Earl Jr., Kevin and sister Royce are the children of Earl Woods and Barbara Gary, of Kansas. They're 20, 18 and 17 years older than Tiger, who is the offspring of Earl's second marriage, to Kultida Punsawad. Though they lived in different houses, the four kids visited often and say they remained close until Tiger turned "about 15 or 16," Earl Jr. says. "But the more universal Tiger got, the less we heard from him."

Royce, who also lives in San Jose, stayed close with Tiger during his two years in college, fixing him meals and doing his laundry. In thanks, Tiger bought her a house. But since the funeral, none of them have been able to contact him.

"I would live in a shack," Royce told author Tom Callahan for his 2010 book "His Father's Son," "literally a shack, if I could have my relationship with my brother back."

Woods
Since his MS diagnosis, Kevin Woods has had to quit his job and is in danger of losing his home.
When contacted regarding Kevin now, Royce would only say, "He has an illness and we're dealing with it the best we can."
The three have stayed almost entirely out of public view. None of the three have written a book, and they are rarely quoted.

"We haven't asked Tiger for a dime," says Earl Jr., who lives in Phoenix. "Not even tickets to a tournament. But Kevin's losing his home. He needs a caregiver and he can't have a caregiver and keep his home at the same time. And we can't do that, we don't have the means. He can't move into Royce's house because of the stairs. And he's got a dog.

"Nobody's asking for money here, but [a caregiver] really would be nice for Kevin. It would make Kevin comfortable. He wouldn't have to leave his house. … But we'd at least like to be able to find out how Tiger is, to find out if he's OK, and to let him know if we're OK."

A spokesman for Tiger said that he's preparing for the Masters and wouldn't be returning my call to talk about it.

Tiger is not without a heart. His Tiger Woods Foundation has reached millions of young people around the world. But there has clearly been a falling out between Tiger and his half-siblings, and nobody seems to know what caused it. Tiger is close with Earl Jr.'s daughter, Cheyenne Woods, who attends Wake Forest and won the 2011 ACC women's golf championship.

"Tiger had Cheyenne down to Florida for three days to spend Thanksgiving on his boat," Earl Jr. says. "I asked her [afterward], 'Did he ask about us?' She said, 'No.'"

Royce is Kevin's caretaker now, taking him to his appointments and seeing to him. She also tended to Earl Sr. in his last years as he fought pancreatic cancer, even moving into his house in December 2005.

Since his diagnosis, the 52-year-old Kevin hasn't been able to work. MS is a genetic disease that often comes on later in life. One of Kevin's cousins also got it, in his mid-40s.

"We see him suffering," says Barbara Gary Woods, 78, who lives in Modesto, Calif. "He can hardly walk. Can't hardly hold things. … I'm very disappointed in Tiger. Before he got all famous, they were in touch a lot."

The wall that's up between Tiger and Kevin burns Earl Jr.

"I'd like to [slap] Tiger, wake him up," he says. "I'd like to say, 'Don't come knocking on the door when you need a bone-marrow transplant.' To see this is the response we get? Maybe when you see the world like he does, you don't see what other people are going through. But, seriously? You've got problems with your knee? That's nothing compared to what Kevin is going through. Nothing."

I can't help wondering what things would be like if their dad were still alive.
"A lot different," insists Earl Jr., who looks a lot like his father. "My dad was a bonding agent. He encouraged us to keep in touch, protect each other, circle the wagons."
For Kevin's part, he tells his siblings that Tiger must be busy. He has not asked Tiger for anything and has not tried to contact him. He remains a Tiger fan and will have his face close to the TV as Tiger attempts to continue his comeback at Augusta.

Of course, some comebacks are harder than others.

Speech recognition

What you're about to see is the most agonizing, amazing, emotional, funny and absolutely gripping award speech you've ever watched.

It happened Wednesday night in Augusta, when 38-year-old LPGA star Sophie Gustafson was presented the Ben Hogan Award from the Golf Writers Association of America.

Gustafson, who was divorced from former LPGA commissioner Ty Votaw in 2010, won the award for "overcoming a physical handicap." But the Swedish player's handicap isn't a bad knee or injuries from a car crash. Gustafson has a severe stutter.

When she got up to accept in a room of 350 people, surely everybody in the crowd -- which included Luke Donald, Tom Lehman and Brad Faxon -- wondered how she was possibly going to give a speech. Gustafson's stutter makes ordering pepper an adventure. That's when the writer presenting her the award, Golf World's Ron Sirak, told the audience Gustafson would be accepting by video, even though she was standing 10 feet from the screen.

Gustafson had taped the speech herself, in her Orlando home. It was six minutes, 35 seconds in length. It took eight hours to shoot."I wanted to be in control of it," she says. "I'm a bit of a perfectionist."

The lights went dark. She stood there watching us watch her. She wasn't embarrassed. She was proud. And we, in turn, were blown away by her bravery.

"I truly thank you all for giving me this opportunity through the Ben Hogan award," Gustafson said.

That sentence alone took 28 seconds.

"I hope we can all agree that this [the videotape] is the best way of doing this," she said, "if we all want to get out of this room before the first tee time in the morning."

It was excruciating waiting for the end of her sentences. But exhilarating when she would get to the end because there was always a surprise punch line when you got there.

"I've never seen [my stutter] as a handicap," she tried. "In fact, thinking about it, maybe I should try to get a handicap sticker for my car. The shorter walk would make up for the time I take at the deli counter ordering cheese."

"I was actually approached to do a radio show the other week. Seriously? Radio? Nuh-uh. I don't think that's gonna happen."

She was funny and sentimental and utterly charming. At the table in front of her, LPGA Player of the Year Yani Tseng was crying.

In emails to me, Gustafson said she did it to give kids who stutter a role model. "And I was so proud to win the award," she wrote. "It's cool."

Gustafson had tried all kinds of therapy, acupuncture and even drugs, which sabotaged her golf game, so she gave them up.I asked her how long her speech would've taken if she'd been forced to give it live.

"I would probably faint of exhaustion before I'd finish," she wrote.

Votaw, her ex-husband, was in the crowd. He's now an executive with the PGA Tour. Gustafson once said part of the problem in their marriage was Votaw wanting to help her through awkward speaking situations, finishing her sentences, protecting her. She said it was "paralyzing" and undermined her self-esteem. Was she uncomfortable having him in the crowd?

"No. He came up and congratulated me afterwards, which was nice," she wrote. "He knows all he's done, so nothing comes as a surprise to him."

Gustafson's coach of 20 years, Pia Nilsson, said the speech "makes my heart sing. She's got so many qualities as a human being. I'm so happy she found a way to communicate that more."

Gustafson, who has won 26 pro tournaments, closed with this: "When reporters ask me what advice I have for people who stutter, I tell them, 'Do what you want to do. Granted, phone salesman might not be the job for you.'"

Phelps ready to dry off for good

Athit Perawongmetha/Getty Images
If you are looking for Michael Phelps after the Olympics this summer, try a golf course.
Michael Phelps can't wait for these coming Olympics -- to end.

"I'm so sick of the water," he says, rubbing his face. "Even when I go to the beach with my friends. They're like, 'Why won't you get in?' And I'm like, 'Do you have any IDEA how much of my life I've spent in the water?'"

I not only don't think he'll compete in the 2016 Rio Olympics, as his mom told "60 Minutes" she hopes he does, I don't think he'll ever compete again. Neither does his coach.

"I think he'll be done competitively after London," Bob Bowman says.

The Human Fish is ready to try land.

"I want to play all the great (golf) courses," says the 26-year-old Phelps, who is even taking lessons from Hank Haney. "(Bowman) gave me a poster with the 100 greatest courses in the world on it, and every time I play one, I put a little pin in it."

How many pins so far?
"Zero."

He wants to travel. He wants to stay out late and not worry about 5:30 a.m. endurance drills. He wants to see more of the world than the bottom of its pools.

"People say to me, 'You're so lucky. You get to see the world.' But I don't. I go to the hotel and to the pools and back again. That's it."

But you were at the World Aquatics Championships in Shanghai. What'd you see there?

"Nothing."

Rome?

"Zero"

Athens?

"Almost nothing."

If it's possible to feel a teeny bit sorry for a man with 14 gold medals, you should for Phelps. To win them, he's given up so much, like his youth. And when -- after his eight golds at the Beijing Olympics -- he finally stopped to take a breath, somebody caught him taking it out of a bong. He was digitally crucified and probably lost millions.

Being the greatest swimmer in history is a job you do even in your sleep. Literally. For the past year, Phelps has slept every night, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., in a hyperbaric chamber set to 8,000 feet.

"I call myself The Boy in the Bubble ... I get the most interesting reactions. People are like, 'Wait? What is that? Do people come out of there alive?'"

It'd be tough on your romantic relationships, you'd have to admit.

You think Phelps made up incredible time to win the 100 meter fly in Beijing? Wait until you see the rest of his life.

"I want to go to the World Cup. I want to go to the Masters. I want to go ... anywhere. Really, if you invite me somewhere after this, I'll go."

This is not new. Phelps and pools have always glared at each other. It's like Gallagher hating watermelons.

"Even in high school, I'd tell my mom I was sick of swimming and wanted to try to play golf. She wasn't too happy. She'd say, 'Think about this.' And I'd always end up getting back in the pool."

If it were me, I'd have quit four years ago. After Athens and Beijing, what is left for Phelps to prove? What do you paint after the Sistine Chapel?

As it is, Phelps and Bowman and the swimming media have had to sprain their brains dreaming up motivations for London.

[+] EnlargePhelps
Al Bello/Getty Images
Michael Phelps with his eight gold medals from the Beijing Olympics.
What events will Phelps swim in 2012? The secret everybody wants to know!


Can he pass 1960s Russian gymnast Larisa Latynina's 18 medals and become the most decorated Olympian in history? What do you mean you never heard of her?

Can Phelps take back the role of America's Best Swimmer from Ryan Lochte, who won four individula golds to his two at the World Championships? Knuckles-in-teeth!

In reality, Phelps is the guy patting his stomach as he leaves the all-you-can-eat joint when somebody walks up and offers him a large pizza.

"If you want to know the truth," Phelps says, "the first three years after Beijing my training was really kind of a joke. I couldn't find any motivation. But then, in June (2011), I found it again. I just decided if I'm going to do this, I'm going to have fun. And I am having fun. This is the happiest I've been since Beijing."

That's been a relief to his legendary coach, Bowman, who has been with him since Phelps was 11.

"You can lead a Phelps to water but you can't make him swim," Bowman says. "Actually, the first three years, you couldn't even lead him to water."

From Athens to Beijing, Phelps probably had four days off. Total. From Beijing to today? "Probably 200," says Bowman. "And then, last June, he just started showing up again."

I'd just love to see Phelps swim his last event in London, rip off his goggles and go, "I am SO going snowboarding."

This year, Australia's five-time gold medalist swimmer Ian Thorpe, nearly 30, tried an Olympic comeback in Australia but failed to make the team.

Can you see yourself making a comeback in your 30s?

Phelps looks at the question like you just presented him with the head of his dog on a platter.

"Me? At 30? Swimming? Oh, no. Oh, God, no! At 30, I'll be playing golf every day."

No more spending his life with his head down, staring at wide blue lines. No more hair turning green from chlorine. No more life lived on a stopwatch. The boy is leaving the bubble.

I'm glad for him. And I hope he plants a bunch of those little pins in his 100 greatest courses poster.

Avoiding the water as he goes, of course.

2013年9月21日星期六

He then withdrew, later saying he was bothered by tooth pain.

"I have been suffering with a sore wisdom tooth, which is due to come out in the near future," a statement by McIlroy read. "It began bothering me again last night, so I relieved it with Advil. It was very painful again this morning, and I was simply unable to concentrate. It was really bothering me and had begun to affect my playing partners."

According to the Associated Press, though, physical pain wasn't the only factor in McIlroy's decision.

"There's not really much I can say, guys," the AP quoted McIlroy as saying in the parking lot. "I'm not in a good place mentally, you know?"

McIlroy, who shot an even-par 70 in the tournament's opening round, struggled in cold, wet conditions Friday. After starting the day tied with 19 other golfers for 61st place, McIlroy collected a double bogey on No. 11, a bogey on 13 and another bogey on 17.

His worst hole was the par-4 16th, where McIlroy sent two balls into the water before finishing with a triple bogey that sent him plummeting into a tie for 136th place.

Both of his playing partners, former Honda champs Ernie Els and Mark Wilson, said neither noticed McIlroy to be in pain.

"He wasn't playing the way the world No. 1 plays normally," Wilson said. "He was upset with his golf, and I guess he had enough for the week."

Added Els: "That's the last thing he wants to do is walk off. Obviously something was seriously bothering him and he was not going to make the cut, and probably didn't want to continue playing that way."

Friday's withdrawal was McIlroy's third early exit this year. He missed the cut in January's Abu Dhabi Championship, and was eliminated in the first round of last week's World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship.

It was definitely the most nerve-wracking thing I have ever done

"It was definitely the most nerve-wracking thing I have ever done," Collins said. "I can't really compare the feeling to anything else. I have played through nationals and all of that stuff, and the emotions aren't quite the same."

Kenoyer and Collins competed against each other in junior and high school golf in Fort Lauderdale. The duo renewed that rivalry in the third episode when they competed against each other in a stroke challenge event won by Collins.

"I couldn't have done anything better," Kenoyer said. "Taylor just outplayed me. She is a great player. We've been going back and forth beating each other since high school and through college. I knew that she was going to be a competitor when I came out here and she rolled one in."

Kenoyer returned home from Mexico with a different feeling than most competitors who participate in the show.

"A lot of people will go on as a last-ditch effort before they end their careers, but for me, it was a jump-start for my career," Kenoyer said. "I was just kind of starting out my first full season on tour, and I thought this would catapult my career to the next level. My college coach (Sara Lynn Sargent) had been on it."

Collins said the reality show routine took some getting used to as the contestants had to get up each day at 4:30 a.m., have microphones put on and then go through a routine that kept them in front of cameras until 10 p.m.

"You were really exhausted," Collins said. "You were sitting out in the sun all day. It was a mental thing because you knew everyone else was doing it, and it was your only option, and you just had to stay strong."

Collins, who helped coach St. Thomas Aquinas' girls' golf team this past year, enjoyed being in a team environment for the first time since college.

"It was a different approach to golf," Collins said. "It wasn't just you that you were playing for; you didn't want to disappoint your teammates. It was also tough because you also had no control when your teammates were performing."

Neither golfer was allowed to divulge the results of the show. Kenoyer said she hasn't even told her parents.

"I want people to be interested," Kenoyer said. "I want it to be exciting. I don't want to tell my family or my closest friends because I want people to be on the edge of their seats every episode. It is more fun that I know the results and nobody else does."

The show began airing at 9 p.m. Mondays starting May 13

The show began airing at 9 p.m. Mondays starting May 13. There are 12 episodes.

The contestants followed a mixed-team format featuring various golf-related skills challenges, with the ultimate winner receiving his or her "big break" — an exemption to compete on the pro tour.

"The pressure on 'The Big Break' is high because in a normal golf tournament, you have 54 holes or 72 holes to make up for your mistakes," said Kenoyer, 24, who played high school golf at Cardinal Gibbons and Westminster Academy. "On the show, you literally had one chance, and your team is counting on you. I felt more pressure (than when) I played in the U.S. Open."

Kenoyer, the lone contestant on the show to have competed in a major championship — the 2009 U.S. Women's Open — knows what it is like to play in front of large crowds and cameras, yet this was a different experience altogether.

"I still felt my hands shake and my heart beat out of my chest," said Kenoyer, who is playing full-time on the Symetra Tour with a renewed sense of confidence and passion following the experience. "I can't tell you what a positive experience (the show) has been for my career."

Collins, who turns 24 this month, had to keep her selection a secret from December to April. She told friends that she went to England to visit a friend.

"It was really difficult because I disappeared for four weeks, and no one knew where I was and I couldn't tell them," said Collins, who played at St. Thomas Aquinas High School and helped Nova SoutheasternUniversity win three National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II titles.

Collins, who set a scoring record with her 10-under 278 while winning the national championship in 2011 as a member of NSU's women's golf team, said the spotlight seemed much brighter in Mexico.

"It was a lot more stressful than what I expected," Collins said. "The first few challenges, I thought, 'Wow, this is intense.'"

Collins said having as many as 15 cameras and 50 crew members following your every shot and wearing a microphone daily during filming also was a challenge.

There's a buzz over the beginning of the new PGA Tour season

There's a buzz over the beginning of the new PGA Tour season, but for all the wrong reasons.

Controversy arose right from the start at the Mercedes Championship in Hawaii two weeks ago.

That's where Golf Channel announcer Kelly Tilghman created a tempest with her comment about Woods. The fallout cost Golfweek's long-time editor his job this week, and Woods himself is taking some heat.

If you missed it, near the end of the second-round Mercedes telecast, color analyst Nick Faldo and Tilghman were trying to be funny in suggesting ways young players can mount a challenge to Woods' dominance. Tilghman suggested they "lynch him in a back alley."

News of her racially charged language spread slowly, escalating after reaching political activist Al Sharpton, who called for her firing.

Tilghman apologized to Woods the day after she made the comment and two days later apologized to viewers. Woods' agent, Mark Steinberg, released a statement saying: "Tiger and Kelly are friends, and Tiger has a great deal of respect for Kelly. Regardless of the choice of words used, we know unequivocally that there was no ill intent in her comments. This story is a non-issue in our eyes. Case closed."

Not hardly.

Debate has steadily grown over the proper response the remark required, not just the Golf Channel's response, but from Woods, too.

Five days after Tilghman made the statement, the Golf Channel suspended her for two weeks.

Tilghman's suspension is scheduled to end with Woods making his debut this week, but it's unclear if she'll return to her lead announcer's chair when the Buick Invitational begins Thursday, or whether she'll be reassigned.

Though Woods was the target of Tilghman's remark, he's also being scrutinized. His lack of outrage offended more than one commentator nationally, stirring old questions about whether Woods should take a prominent public role in social issues.

"Tiger was too quick to dismiss lynching comment."

That was the headline above DeWayne Wickham's column in USA Today. "This is not something Tiger Woods can simply blow off," Wickham wrote.

Barry Saunders of the News & Observer of Raleigh was among those taking Woods to task.

"Even if Tiger Woods doesn't have historical sense enough to know what words mean, the rest of us do," Saunders wrote. "And we shouldn't let it slide."

Golfweek heightened the debate last week when it carried the photo of a hangman's noose on its cover with the headline: "Caught in a Noose ... Tilghman slips up and Golf Channel can't wriggle free." On Friday, Golfweek Vice President and Editor Dave Seanor was fired. The news came with Golfweek releasing a statement apologizing for offending "consumers, advertisers and subscribers."

2013年9月17日星期二

Martial Arts As a Hobby

But we also adjust the martial art, one additional man or woman can now express that plan. The artwork changes as a outcome.

Manifestation
The place of connecting to an notion is so that we can convey it. The reason of deepening our connection to an thought is so that we can study to communicate it in unique techniques, or so that we can specific it more competently, additional freely or in any circumstance attainable.

As an example, say we are drawn to the idea of understanding a martial artwork like Wing Chun. We may go to a martial arts hall (I won't say "Dojo" due to the fact that is a Japanese term though Wing Chun is a Chinese martial art) and observe folks working towards. It is only if we give the notion much more interest by planning to class that we can definitely commence to link to the plan. We learn the idea by going to classes and working towards. We may possibly study tiny tactics which we can set together in any imaginable order or we learn a program to exercise tactics in an arranged manner. Once we've realized the primary shape of what we are studying we can follow and establish our understanding, our link to every single little notion that we are mastering.

The big notion of Wing Chun is the sum of the smaller thoughts that make it up.

The plan we link to could be the plan of dancing, or the idea of a person we may develop to enjoy. It could be the idea of a household. The a lot more interest we give an notion that we want in our lives, the much easier it is to link to it. The far more interest we give an notion once we are related, the far better we realize the concept and the less complicated it is to proceed to categorical the notion and make the concept actual.

Unity
We can follow our martial art by concentrating on the sections of our routine and creating them additional fluid. We can learn our partner to higher degrees so that we can develop a really stable relationship. With frequent exercise, we discover an concept properly sufficient that we can convey that notion in any circumstance.

Studying a martial artwork to that place we can use it in any preventing circumstance properly. We can cope with modify devoid of getting torn aside. In this kind of a circumstance we can say that we discuss a middle with the concept that we have figured out. Rather of staying linked to the floor of an plan, we are one particular with it. We can categorical the concept freely.

Yet another way that we could watch this is that we are related to a different thought nicely plenty of that we variety a steady romantic relationship which in turn is another plan. We reveal a middle that is exterior of ourselves.

Comprehension
Gravitational forces pulls inwards. Pulling inwards in the direction of the middle of an thought we can liken gravitational pressure to consciousness. If we want to comprehend some thing we pull it in in direction of ourselves. When we realize what we are searching at we can use this knowledge to form the energy we set out.

We can consider of Gravitational forces, Consciousness and Knowing as facets of the identical point.

Historic Historical past Brought To Existence - Existence Along The Silk Highway by Susan Whitfield

Everyday living Along The Silk Highway by Susan Whitfield presents a hugely unique version of background. In some techniques it is historical fiction, but she doesn't make everything up. But then neither does she merely explain occasions. It is not seriously fiction, but then it is really not a totally factual account of a turbulent time period in the history of Central Asia.

In 1999 when the guide was revealed Susan Whitfield ran the Intercontinental Dunhuang undertaking in the British Library. This gave her access to tens of thousands of documents, scrolls and books that were learned in sealed caves at the turn of the twentieth century. The texts present an admixture of substance, some of it non secular, some administrative. Some of it is trivial, consequently materials of invaluable contextual importance for the historian, though some is poetic, and that aids the creation of fiction.

Making use of the contents of this composed materials, Susan Whitfield has assembled a established of stories. She creates individuals who illustrate modern existence as they live through, if they are blessed plenty of to survive, the fantastic functions of their occasions. We meet up with merchants, soldiers, courtesans, artists, monks, nuns and officers. Their lives intertwine as they span the eighth, ninth and tenth centuries, a time period when overland trade via the Silk Road flourished and then commenced to decrease. It was also a time period when in China the Tang gave way to the Track and when several religions competed for adherents.

Skilfully Susan Whitfield employs every single of her figures, just about all of them at least partly genuine, the relaxation made by amalgam, to illustrate how lives are transformed by the good occasions of their periods. They witness the tried Arab conquest. They trade alongside the Silk Street. They pay a visit to Chinese emperors in their cash Chang'an, the modern-working day Xian. They offer with Sogdian rulers, communicate Chinese, Turkic, Mongolian and Tibetan, and offer every day with Manicheans, Nestorian Christians, Buddhists, Confucians, Hindus and Muslims. Their historical past thus comes alive.

Dunhuang, with its stunning intricate of Mogao caves, is central to these stories. At the end of the Tang dynasty in the tenth century, some of its artwork and statuary was currently outdated adequate to be in require of restoration. I have experienced the privilege of going to the web page and I fee the encounter amongst the most remarkable of all I have observed on all my travels. Susan Whitfield's guide took me back again there and introduced the encounter to existence. It's an uncomplicated go through, but then it requires to be because the matter matter is rather challenging for somebody who is unfamiliar with the period and its activities. The e-book is unquestionably entertaining and at the very same time useful. Through it, the reader can be a part of these people in their own time and practical experience a tradition and way of lifestyle that will be right away international, but finally understood.

Host Like A Professional With These Tricks

Have you ever wanted to allow your customers to sign up for opt-in emails that you send automatically? Picking a good web host means you will be able to. The following article will show you how to find a web host that offers the features you need at a price you can afford.

Find out if your host backs up your data for you or if you're required to do it yourself. This is absolutely necessary to ensure your data is safe besides complying to what your server's requirements. Should any problems arise, you will still have a copy of your site.

Will monthly payments or a one-time payment best suit your budget? You never know what the future will hold when it comes to your business or the web host. You may lose money if your host's service declines, it closes altogether or your website becomes larger than what the host is designed to handle.

Try to find a host that includes SEO features to improve traffic. This will get your site registered on search engines. If traffic is of utmost importance to you, register the site on your own so that you can add in detailed descriptions of your site to help increase your rankings.

Whenever possible, choose a paid web host over a free one. While most of the sites that sell domains also offer free hosting, you want to keep your site professional by opting for the best available host. Free hosts will pepper your site with their own ads. These types of ads are usually intrusive or annoying, and can turn off your visitors and make your site look unprofessional.

You should choose a service that has been around for a long time. A company with a long history of customer satisfaction won't sacrifice their reputation readily. When issues arise, these companies will be more experienced in remedying them. For common problems, there will be standardized procedures in place. This way you won't have to worry about a newer company trying to solve your problem through trial and error.

Which do you need, shared or dedicated hosting? If you run a large website with a lot of traffic, a shared server might limit you and lead to a lot of downtime. Find a dedicated host for more space and bandwidth.

Don't join a free host just because they're free. Most free hosting services post banner ads on all the websites they host. The ads will be wherever the host wants to put them, and you won't be able to control their content. Also, these random ads placed on your site give it an unprofessional look and feel.

As you've seen, web hosting companies offer different things that can fit your needs and maximize your service. The tips listed here will allow you to find the best web host and grow your site to its maximum potential.

Wedding Images During History

The initial marriage ceremony photograph was a daguerrotype studio posed portrait on a little sheet of copper.

Before long after the start of photography people started to use it to capture the reminiscences of their wedding ceremonies. At initial they typically experienced to recreate the wedding scene in a studio, though some would merely pose in their greatest outfit (not the marriage ceremony gown!) both just before or after the wedding ceremony. As cameras grew to become far more transportable, the photo began to be taken on the real wedding day, but however with studio excellent lighting which the photographer would carry alongside with them.

You may well believe that with the advent of colour photography in the commencing of the twentieth Century, marriage ceremony photographs would start to be in colour, but you would be improper. For a long time colours would swiftly fade, so folks stuck with black and white. It wasn't until eventually soon after the 2nd planet war that marriage ceremony photography commenced to alter far more dramatically and wedding parties began to be recorded with much more than 1 photograph the ceremony and celebrations would be captured also.

Throughout this put up war time period, photographers (regularly beginner types) would generally just turn up, get images of the wedding ceremony and then test to promote them to the bride and groom. This is what initially stimulate the studio marriage ceremony photographers to carry all their tools to the venue and shoot photos there, however until eventually the seventies, these had been nonetheless predominantly posed pictures even when they have been so-called 'candid' shots.

The seventies experienced the greatest transformation of the wedding pictures business with the introduction of a journalistic fashion of wedding images. This is nonetheless a substantial aspect of wedding ceremony photography right now, though it is now also conventional to have a collection of posed photographs of the satisfied few and their new family.

More just lately, electronic photography has enabled wedding ceremony photographers to take a lot of more pictures above the training course of the day, and even to examine every single shot just before the posing couple and attendees shift away. It also will allow for more correction of the photographs right after the party working with photo modifying software program.

The foreseeable future? Who knows, probably wedding ceremony shot completely by smartphone and instantly uploaded to a social networking internet site are not in the far too distant foreseeable future!

Not obtaining an exceptional wedding pictures portfolio could be the make or break for any photographer. Enterprise is difficult in today's financial local weather and every single work counts, losing a single job mid marriage ceremony time, could simply set a marriage ceremony photographer out of organization. Afterwards, when the wedding requires place get the very same photo in the very same spot dressed up in your marriage ceremony attire. When placed aspect-by-side, the impression tends to make a fantastic introduction site to your marriage ceremony album.

The Arial Shot - This is a quite straightforward thought. Take a photograph of the attendees from a substantial put. The photograph can be normal with company mingling and dancing, or it can be staged with the entire team clustered and hunting up at the digital camera. The shot you select will count on your wedding album concept.

2013年9月16日星期一

Work Towards A Better Future By Following These Personal Development Tips

Being honest with yourself and acknowledging that you need work is a huge step forward. The following article is going to provide you with crucial information for helping yourself.

Succeed at everything you set your mind to. If you are passionate enough, you can become truly great. Now, you cannot be the complete best at everything you do, but it does not hurt to try. Trying for greatness helps inspire others to adapt to the same mindset, giving them a boost of self-worth. You should always try to be the best you can be in your profession; your self-esteem will rise as a result.

For many people, faith and love are the core components of personal development. Faith seldom exists without the accompanying emotion of love. Do not stop doing things to strengthen your and faith. Do something nice for someone else, or for your community. Love yourself, love others, and let your faith mean something.

The secret to unlocking your happiness could be taking a few short jaunts outside of your comfort zone. When you take risks, you may end up feeling like you've failed or been rejected. But if you just stay in your comfort zone, you will eventually become dissatisfied. It takes bravery to take risks, and bravery can be vital in building yourself the kind of life you really want.

You cannot provide care for others unless you care for yourself. No matter where you are in life, allow yourself time to recover and rejuvenate yourself.

Try talking to the pastor at your church, or a therapist; it can help. These individuals are trained to listen to your problems and are highly skilled. They can help you get on the right path to enlightenment by analyzing what is going on in your life. Talking out your problems with a professional can make you much happier and healthier.

Try to make the most of your time at work and get more done. One thing that you should do is to take frequent breaks from your tasks. It can seem like the opposite would be true, but taking mini breaks frequently will allow you to feel less bored, and get more done during the times you are working.

Quit worrying so much. Most of the things you worry about never materialize, and creating them in the present is of no value to your personal development. Worry isn't productive. Instead, determine the worst that could happen and prepare to address that situation should it arise. Instead, you might feel prepared and more at ease in your mind and day-to-day life.

A great suggestion to enhance your personal development is to make certain that value is placed on those things you think of as being the best. If you always endeavor to do your best, you'll never be disappointed in yourself.

Try challenging yourself as much as possible. Trying new things makes doors open up for you. Think about learning something or acquiring new skills. You could end up creating something new or doing something no one else has done. Don't just copy what others have done, find something original.

Make the most of your work time to accomplish more. The simple trick is to take more breaks when you work. This may seem wrong, but the truth is that more breaks give you a chance to relax and recharge yourself; when you return the work at hand, you can be more focused and get many things accomplished.

You are unique, and therefore, you'll need to adapt different tips to your situation than others will. As the old G.I. Joe cartoons used to say, "Knowing is only half the battle." You need to apply what you learn to make any progress. Don't hog the knowledge, though. If you have friends or relatives that could use these tips, be sure to point them to this article.

Tips To Make Your Trip Unforgettable!

For novice travelers, some tips regarding how to get started with traveling are welcome. The following tips will help you make the right choices when you travel so you know how to plan for your trip. Not planning a vacation well enough could lead to some stressful situations and ruin your trip.

Workout at the gym the day before you take your flight. Long flights can be tedious. Your legs and back can cramp up from sitting a long time. If a workout is out of the question, then at least do a little stretching before you board.

When planning your travel wardrobe, choose pieces that can be used more than once. You can wear different clothes with the same shoes or coats. This can lower the amount of items that you carry for your trip.

Wear simple slip-on shoes for flying. Remember that shoes need to come off at the security checkpoint. Your comfort should be a priority. There is a bit of walking at the airport, but also a lot of sitting, so they don't need to have a great deal of support. A perfect type of footwear for travelling is sandals.

If you bring your kids along while traveling, each child should carry identification. Make sure they also have enough money to make use of a pay phone. Parents need to keep a current picture of each of their children with them at all times. Make sure to note their height and weight.

These cables will allow you to use your computer through the television in your room. This way, you can enjoy streaming video, saved media files, and DVDs for free instead of relying on pricey hotel entertainment services.

If you are planning on going out of the country, you should buy an electrical adapter from a discount store. If you wait until you get to the airport to buy one, know that you will pay a huge traveler's markup.

Make a packing list. Create this list either a few months to a week before your trip. Even if you won't have time to pack until the last minute, having a list will keep you organized.

When you go on a trip, plan your itinerary beforehand, and only pack what you need to fulfill that itinerary. Planning will allow you to be sure that you will have as much fun as possible during the trip.

Keep in mind that while staying in a hotel, there are guests on either side of you who are also on vacation. When you are at the hotel, do not slam doors, nor be so loud that you disturb others. People at hotels may be trying to sleep at any time of the day or night. You don't have to whisper and tiptoe, but it's always welcome if you keep the volume down.

Never wrap the presents. They TSA is required to unwrap gifts on occasion for inspection to ensure there is not something harmful inside. Pack the wrapping paper for later, but do not wrap the gifts until you reach your destination.

The tips laid out here have hopefully provided insight about where you should begin and how to start planning for your travels. Put these tips to use the next time you go on a trip, and you will have the adventure of a lifetime.

Mother to be gifts

Gifts for a mother to be can operate wonders

Currently being a mother is the huge position in each and every woman's lifestyle. Some girls can't wait to be mothers, some are not positive what motherhood would be like and some new mothers are as well scared. A distinctive day for mothers to be is a child shower wherever the mother to be is showered with gifts and blessings and this is her day to bask in the attention of all her loved ones. When you feel about buying one thing for the baby, it is not a large undertaking. There are scores of items in the marketplace, which a infant desires and when you run out of concepts, you can play risk-free by shopping for toys or a stuff toy. However when you believe of purchasing anything for the would be mother, things may not be so simple. You would want to acquire some thing, which is be practical and would appreciate the efforts and time the mother spends with her child. But when you set out to invest in issues your mind gets a blank slate, as none of the gifts look exclusive or personalized adequate. Very well if you ever encounter a crisis like this, here is a listing of gifts for mother to be.

A spa treatment - Right after the infant is born the mother will hardly have any time for her very own self. Grooming will be out of the query but even uncomplicated rest or a few hours of sleep would seem to be like a luxury. So practically nothing would excite her like some time to chill out and rejuvenate at the spa before the child is born. This is a single present, which will definitely earn you a good deal of brownie factors with the mother to be as it has a private touch, and also nicely considered of.

Pregnancy and parenting books - This would be an perfect gift for initially time younger mothers who are clueless about parenting and also the alterations that are taking location in their physique. A book that explains and helps make one particular prepared for the big purpose is a blessing in disguise for the new mom.

Comfort put on - With the ever expanding stomach and body size, it becomes tough to match in your outdated garments, so a couple of easy comfort wear like dungarees or dresses would retain the mother to be relaxed as well as make her look superior too. Also cozy slip on's or soft flat sandals would be a excellent thought too as the mom would not slip in to heels anytime quickly after the baby is born.
A DIY kit for a spa or beauty treatment - If you can't afford to give a spa bundle, you can toss in some aromatherapy candles and lotions, some massage cream, an eye mask in a wicker basket with some ribbons and make a do it on your own aromatherapy spa kit which the mother and father-to-be could delight in in some absolutely free time. This can be made use of after the child's birth too.
A stylish diaper bag - Although it will hold all the points for the child, it would be basically made use of by the mom so shopping for one thing stylish and fashionable would certainly be put to superior use later.