How To Run Your Best Marathon

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by Michael Stapenhurst

After all the training, marathon day is finally here! You look out the window to see what the weather looks like, and check the local temperature. Will you meet your marathon goal? Or will you be struggling into the finish…?

A well thought-out race strategy will help you run the best marathon you can. There are many things that can affect you during this long event. If you have thought about them previously then you will be make the right adjustments during the run and complete a successful marathon.

The main factors that will affect your performance during the race are:

* Your marathon goal
* Your pacing
* Your conditioning and fitness level
* The weather
* The marathon course

Your marathon goal
An over-optimistic target time and race pace is the primary cause of marathoners running into problems such as leg cramps, hitting the wall and running out of energy well before the end of the race.

One of the most important things you can do at the start of the race is take into account the main factors that can affect your performance and modify your target time if necessary. For example if the weather is extreme, especially too hot, you would do well to add 10 – 15 minutes to your goal. I usually add 30 seconds to my pace, which equates to 13 minutes extra.

This is a hard choice to make after all your training, but it's better to be realistic up front than to 'crash' at the 18 mile mark and limp into the finish line.

Your Pacing
It's usually better to start out at a slower pace than your intended race pace. Don't expect to run the complete race at exactly the same pace – it just doesn't happen that way.
"But if I go slower at the beginning" you say, "I'll never meet my goal". Wrong! The common belief that you will slow down in the second half is only true because you went out too fast in the first half!

So, if it's a warm day, or a challenging course, take those first few miles easy (30 seconds to one minute slower than your "intended" pace), and see how things work out.
If the weather is hot, you definitely need to go slower for the first few miles. Your body will adjust to the conditions, and you will be able to gradually pick up the pace.

Your conditioning and fitness level
If you haven't done enough training then you are probably going to have a tough time, unless you take it really easy. On the other hand if you have done too much hard training you could also get tired long before mile 26. This is difficult to judge at the start of a race, but you should look back over your training anyway. Did you run a 20 miler less than three weeks prior to the marathon for example?

Have you caught a cold recently? I normally monitor my pulse rate on a regular basis during training. If this is elevated on race day, it's a sign that your body might be fighting an infection. Remember if you are not feeling 100% fit, you should modify your target finish time.

The weather
The weather can have a huge impact on your race. It is most important that you start out slower to compensate for adverse weather until you are used to the conditions. Then you can gradually pick up the pace. If you are running into a headwind, you will be using more energy than normal, and will tire too soon if you keep pushing the pace early on.

The Marathon Course
It helps a lot if you are familiar with the marathon course, either because you have run it before or you have driven it. Many marathons boast of a 'flat' course but when you're at mile 18 even a slight incline can feel like a mountain if you are struggling. If the course is known for having some challenging spots like Heartbreak Hill at Boston, my advice is to ease up before you get there so you have some energy in reserve.

Conclusion
There is a lot more to running the marathon than just completing the 26 miles. This is a long endurance event that can wear down even the best-trained athletes. If you follow the pointers above, you'll increase your chances of finishing the race without too much difficulty.

Mike is a fitness enthusiast, runner and walker. To learn more about running the marathon, download a copy of his Free report 'Marathon Race Strategies' Mike is also the developer of customized training logbooks. To get your own personalized Running Log, visit Mike's web page Custom Running Logs. His website about marathon information and training can be found at: 26.2 - The Marathon Website.

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Martial Arts Equipment – Progress in Martial Arts

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by Phil Burney

The first and last thing you need to remember about martial arts is that it is a field of discipline that is supposed to prepare you for combat. It is not simply a set of movements that look great to spectators. Every movement, every breath done by the martial artist is meant to accomplish something during a combat encounter. If you are ready for the idea of using your martial arts skills for combat situations, then you are ready to train and progress in martial arts.

Inasmuch as the term "Martial Arts" literally means "the art of Mars" (Mars being the god of war in Roman mythology), you should be prepared to invest in martial arts equipment to train for highly combative situations. Though some cultures frown upon women taking part in martial arts, there are other cultures that expect women to learn martial arts too – like in ancient Japan, wives of samurai warriors were expected to defend the home if attacked in the absence of their husbands.

Martial arts can be subdivided as to what skills they seem to prioritize – this will tell you what types of martial arts equipment you need to use. For striking, you may need the "wooden dummy" that is used as Chinese martial arts equipment – this type of Chinese martial arts equipment tries to train your mind to anticipate where angles of attack would come from. For kicking sports like Taekwondo, the necessary martial arts equipment to use would be a mouth-guard and a head-guard (for both male and female jins or fighters.) Male jins need other martial arts equipment like a crotch guard or sport cup so that their groin is not exposed to injury. Chest protectors are standard martial arts equipment for amateur matches and Olympic-level matches. However, in real life you should expect such protective martial arts equipment to be absent so some sparring matches involve absence of any protective gear, so you get used to being in real-life combat situations.

Uniforms are standard martial arts equipment for nearly all martial arts nowadays. Often, you can distinguish what type of martial arts is being done based on what the fighters are wearing. But uniforms are not just pleasant to look at – since they are made of thick material, they are pretty durable so that they can withstand constant strikes and friction during combat situations. Uniforms nowadays are also made of breathable material like thick cotton so that fighters don't overheat or feel too uncomfortable in the heat of a match.

Since martial arts were developed for combat, often fighters or martial artists might be members of the military. In the Western context then, it may be necessary to have access to important martial arts equipment such as strength training equipment. Though in the past, the weight of your opponent may have been enough to workout with, nowadays many martial arts recognize that strength training is quite important too. So if you can find a way to buy your own gym equipment (as your investment into necessary martial arts equipment) or at least rent them by the hour, that would help you develop strength and power for your matches.

In many Chinese martial arts, there are other forms of martial arts equipment that Western martial arts do not require. Some Chinese disciplines will require you to break wooden blocks or planks with your fist. This simple yet staple among Chinese martial arts equipment tests your power, focus, and ability to marshal your chi (energy) into your fist where it meets the wood. Another type of necessary martial arts equipment for the Chinese martial arts would be concrete blocks. Some instructors may ask you to break these concrete blocks with your fist, feet, or even your head.

As you can see, the Chinese martial arts require a different set of martial arts equipment compared to the Western type of martial arts. Do invest in the type of martial arts equipment appropriate for your discipline. Martial arts equipment will help you be a stronger, better and more confident fighter in the end.

http://www.Prokarate.com offers a full online catalog of MMA supplies, Boxing Equipment, and Martial Arts weapons.

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Whitetail Deer Hunting Tips

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by Joshua McNiel

Whitetail deer hunting has been a popular sport of hunters for countless years. However, if you are a novice, you should read this article for valuable whitetail deer hunting tips.

The whitetail deer is a medium sized deer found throughout Canada, Mexico, Peru, and most of the U.S., with the exception of Hawaii, Nevada, Utah, and California. When deer populations rise they can cause massive damage to crops, and a large number of vehicle fatalities, which is why it is important for hunters to keep the population regulated.

The best whitetail deer hunting tips will be made by yourself over time, but these tips will help you during your whitetail hunting times:

* Scout - Every hunting area and terrain is different, and you need to know the land before you head off to find the monster whitetail. Go out during the day and look for paths which look like they were cleared by deer, tracks, and look for any whitetail deer markings on the ground or trees. Bucks like to rub their antlers on the bark of trees, this is easy to spot. Also look for water and food sources. Whitetail deer will stay wherever the can find their food. If you have a GPS device, you can mark these areas.

* Practice Shooting - It doesn't matter if you hunt whitetail deer with a bow, rifle, or shotgun, you need to target practice. Nothing will compare to an actual deer, but target practicing will definitely give you an edge and it's always good to make sure your rifle scope is set correctly.

* Start Early - Whitetail deer are generally more active and move around sunrise and sunset. This doesn't mean you won't see a whitetail during the day, but alot of bucks I've taken down have been during those times. If you hunt from a tree stand, I recommend getting up the tree and set up 30 minted before sunrise.

* Quite and Still - It's important to remain quite and still when hunting for whitetail deer. You never know when that monster buck will walk up to you, and all it takes is a cough or ruffle of your clothes to scare him away. If you need to move, take a close look around you to make sure there are no whitetail nearby.

* Visibility - If you hunt from a stationary position, such as a tripod, or tree stand, you need to have good visibility around you. If you don't, you won't be able to get a clear shot off and you might as well find another spot. Always bring a small handsaw with you, oftentimes clearing branches away will give you added visibility.

These are just a few tips for hunting whitetail deer. Just be patient, safe, and have fun!

For more information on deer and deer antlers, visit DeerAntlersForSale.com

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All About Famous Golfers

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by Kelly Renaul

Patty Berg is nationally recognized as one of the most accomplished women golfers. Born on February 13th, 1918 and was a golf school instructor, founding member and leading player on the LPGA, Ladies Professional Golf Association in the 1940's, fifties and sixties. Berg began playing golf in 1931 at the age of thirteen, and her amateur career in 1934, winning her first title in the Minneapolis City Championship.

Berg turned professional in 1940, after winning twenty-nine amateur titles, and served as a lieutenant in the Marines during WWII. In 1948, she played an integral part in establishing, and later presiding over the LPGA. Throughout her career, Berg won fifty seven events on the LPGA and WPGA circuit, was the runner up in both the 1956 and 1959 LPGA championships, and achieved wins at the 1953, 1957, and 1958 Western Opens.

In addition to her impressive list of victories and wins, Berg was also well known throughout the pro golf circuit for her work within the golf school clinics she conducted on behalf of Wilson Sporting Goods, and she herself estimated that had led more than ten thousand of these clinics during the course of her career.

The LPGA tour began in 1944 as the Women's Professional Golf Association or WPGA, founded by Hope Seignious, Betty Hicks, and Ellen Griffin. The organization struggled until nineteen fourty eight, when Wilson Sporting Goods began sponsoring it, and in 1951, the LPGA tour was founded, and Patty Berg was elected as president. A year later, the organization had a twenty-one event schedule, and Hall of Fame member Betty Jameson donated the Vare Trophy to the tour in honor of amateur great Glenna Collett Vare. A few short years later, in 1959, the LPGA Tour prize money totaled two hundred thousand dollars.

Without the talent, dedication, and effort of players like Patty Berg, women today would not have the benefit of LPGA affiliation, or the many women's golf school opportunities that exist. For women who wish to improve their golf game, there are many great golf school opportunities available. In Arizona, golf schools like Wild Horse Pass, Phoenix Goodyear, Prescott, and Napa, in affiliation with the Eagle Golf School, offer three, four, and five day options, all taught by LPGA professionals. These packages include lodging, unlimited practice and play at the courses, daily lunch with an LPGA professional, and all applicable taxes. If you are ready to improve your golf game, Eagle Golf School is a great place to start.

For more information about golfing and private golf lessons visit out site.

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Playing smart with online casinos

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by Steve Briggs

Recent events in the online poker world which I will elaborate later upon, have echoed what I have been telling players for years about financial matters with online casinos and it is obviously good advice to this day. To be diligent about your banking when dealing with online casinos and poker rooms. Never leave more money in your account than is likely to be needed in the near future, although its fine to leave that much in there without too much worry. However if you accumulate a considerable amount or hit a big win all at once its best get a good amount out but to not withdraw all of it at one time. This is just to always take the most cautious and wisest approach to withdrawing large sums of money from online casinos or poker rooms. The reason for this is that unscrupulous establishments will often evaluate your proven gambling history with them and if they summize the money you are withdrawing is more than they think would ever be gained back from you then they simply do not pay. Of course this is not the norm but it is good advice to plan for the worst when handling your financial matter to help assure no problems will arise.

Yes there are those players who will insist they have the right to take all their money when they want ... and they are correct. But my experience of over eight years in the online gambling niche tells me that you take the approach of standing up for your rights and endure a bigger chance of not getting paid or you can be a little smarter than the average bear and let somebody prove a point while risking their money. One of the reasons for only withdrawing a portion of your large accumulation is that if you are playing a casino that evaluates players as mentioned in the first paragraph is that the casino is much more likely to pay you the half because they will be thinking you are planning on playing off the remaining funds.

While this is not the case to which i first eluded, the results are without doubt proof that you shouldn't keep any more funds in an account than what you can afford to have tied up for a period of time in case of unexpected problems arising.

The incident in the poker world is with those places using the "Poker Dream" platform which according to their own officials have been victim to a credit card scam covering the globe but sadly it has led to the freezing of legit player accounts as well as those who may be guilty. This writer assumes those funds will eventually be released but who knows when this will happen and then there is always the risk that the scam could lead to bankruptcy in which case any accounts frozen will have even less chance of recovery. Some of the poker rooms by name are "Poker Retreat", "Ducks Full", "Kruz Radio" and "Dawwgs Hold'em".

One last thing about being diligent with your banking at online casinos and poker rooms is it keeps you on the cutting-edge of the direction your chosen gaming establishment is headed in the future. If payments become slower or harder to meet cash-in requirements then it may be time to tighten your belt at that specific place in order to reduce any possible future losses if your suspicions are correct. There is certainly no downside to keeping your money close other than the cost of transfering funds back and forth from your ewallet but that may prove a small price in comparison to losing a big bankroll that your "little voice" had warned you to get out.

Steve Briggs is the author of this article on Online casinos. Find more information at www.casino-high-roller.com

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Choosing a Proper Fishing Light

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by Ben Anton

Fishing is a popular activity. There are commercial fishermen who depend on their catch to provide an income for them and their family. There are amateur fishermen who simply love the sport of fishing, who spend weekends in search of the perfect lake, pond or river. No matter why an individual chooses to fish it is important to have the right fishing gear. There are many choices available to an angler. Different people prefer different lures, lines, flies, leaders, hooks, weights, reels and rods. Fishing gear that works well for one individual doesn't necessarily work well for another. There is one common denominator among all fishermen – their tackle box is filled with their favorite fishing gear.

When packing a tackle box, a flashlight or torch is a useful addition. Fishing does not always end when the sun goes down. In fact many people enjoy night fishing and for specific species fishing at night is almost necessary. Outdoor lighting equipment is essential for this type of fishing. Even for anglers who fish during daylight hours, packing a flashlight is definitely a good idea to help avoid getting lost or trapped in a muddy or boggy area along the river banks. No one ever wants to get lost after dark. LED flashlights or any piece of equipment with LED lights are terrific lighting options for fishermen. LED lighting provides hours of bright, clean light perfect for outdoor activity.

There are many terrific lighting options for fishermen on the market today, many of the best of which are available through online retailers. LED lights serve to provide the best overall value for fishermen. They have a longer battery life than any traditional flashlight or torch available. The technology used in these lights creates a bulb that is much more durable and longer-lasting than an incandescent bulb. This makes them perfect for outdoor use. Commercial fishermen that need professional level LED lights can find flashlights that will suit their needs. Amateur fishermen will find a great selection of quality LED lights at a lower price. There are lights available to suit any level of need.

Besides basic LED flashlights, fishermen can find headlamps, keychains with LED lights and compasses built in, tackle box lights and more at their disposal. Headlamps and flexlights are ideal for fisherman that want to keep their hands-free for casting, baiting hooks and rowing. Keychain lights add convenience - a bright light that can be connected to a fishing vest, jacket, belt loop or other piece of clothing, making it easy to carry and use. Different LED fisherman lights also offer different light beams, from broad floodlight, precise white light beams to red or blue light.

Preparing to go fishing, whether for commercial reasons or simply for sport, involves time and consideration. If choosing to venture out alone, it is even more important to be prepared for unexpected situations. Besides packing the usual fishing gear in a tackle box, fishermen must consider what light source will help them while outdoors to stay safe and successful while on the lake or river. Even if planning to fish in the daytime, a flashlight is a necessary item for any tacklebox or survival kit.

~ Ben Anton, 2008

Ben Anton lives in Portland, OR.
Find fishing and camping equipment including LED headlamps, flashlights and other high-powered lights on the Coast website for outdoor sporting lights for fishing, camping and hunting.

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No Bikes Allowed - Skate Parks

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by Bobby Hanswell

It's early Saturday morning and the local skate park appears to be empty? It just so happens that your BMX bike is in the back of your car, how lucky! A quick U-turn and your car grinds to a halt in the skate park lot. With great excitement, the car door flings open and your bike hits the gravel parking lot. You ride through the gate and take one last glance, nope - the park is empty. Selecting your first line, your front tire leaves the lip as you enter the park. Suddenly, you hear screams from the back fence, "no bikes allowed"! Chills climb down your back and your heart sinks. Looking back, two kids just over 10 years old are screaming at you while holding their skateboards. Been there?

"No Bikes Allowed" at public skate parks is a growing issue across the country. Tax payer money is spent every year to the "tune" of hundreds of thousands of dollars to support one sport and exclude another. Is this really fair? Worst yet, is there a legitimate reason? When challenging skaters and public officials about the no bikes policy, they express concern regarding damage, safety, and user conflicts. Is this accurate?

Damage Caused by Bikes is the number one response that we continually hear from skateboarders. We can believe this statement to be true for older parks that have not been designed for BMX use. However, what about all of the new parks being built? In some parts of the country, cities are building parks that co-integrate bikes and skateboards. These cities spend a little extra money to construct a higher density cement to withstand pegs and pedals. This is the solution and the way to spend tax payer money. Also, there are pegs and pedals that are designed to be "skate park friendly". So, obviously there are solutions for reducing damage at newer skate parks.

Safety Concerns are a major worry expressed by most municipalities. It is believed by many that the speed and weight of a BMX bike would cause collisions to be more severe. This is a perceived liability for most cities. While we can't say that collisions will not happen, we can say that collisions can be avoided by teaching simple skate park etiquette. For example, users should call out their line verses entering blindly. Most skateboarders hate to admit that when an experienced BMX freestyle rider is present, they get along just fine. The problem tends not to be the type of user, but the experience of the user. Collisions, whether they be skateboard to BMX or skateboard to skateboard are typically caused by a young or inexperienced user jumping blindly into someone's line or run. By simply dedicating a few hours a week, new riders and skaters can be introduced to skate park etiquette and learn how to ride and skate safely.

Another method used by some cities is to share time between skaters and bikers. Typically, bikes are allowed every other hour. This also seems to be a successful way of managing time between skaters and bikers.

The last conflict seems to be the growing "turf war" between BMX riders and skaters. Most skaters feel strongly that BMX freestyle riders are infringing on the efforts put forth by the skating community to get the municipalities to construct skate parks. These strong emotional efforts often give skaters a strong sense of ownership over these parks. As BMX riders who share these parks, we owe these skaters a big thank you for all of their efforts. The truth is that a decade ago, the sport of skating was in the minority. These skaters have fought their whole lives to have legitimate places to skate. What skaters need to realize is that BMX freestyle riders are now facing the same difficulties that skaters dealt with a decade ago. This is good reason for BMX riders to gain the support of local skating communities to aid in constructing high density concrete parks and establish sharing guidelines so that all users can enjoy these parks.

The bottom line is that a public skate park is paid for by the public via tax payer dollars. Tax payers are not only skateboarders, but also BMX freestyle riders. We often hear that skateboarding is not just a sport, but a way of life. Well, BMX freestyle riders and other aggressive bike riders feel that same passion.

Bobby Hanswell is a contributing author of http://www.pedalcrunch.com PedalCrunch offers a community for aggressive cycling enthusiasts. At PedalCrunch you'll find Reviews, How-to Guides, Rants & Rights, News, Videos, Great Deals on Products and more! If you're into Mountain Biking, Downhill Mountain Biking, Dual Slalom, Dirt Jumping, or BMX, check us out at http://www.pedalcrunch.com

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How To Run Your Best Marathon

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by Michael Stapenhurst

After all the training, marathon day is finally here! You look out the window to see what the weather looks like, and check the local temperature. Will you meet your marathon goal? Or will you be struggling into the finish…?

A well thought-out race strategy will help you run the best marathon you can. There are many things that can affect you during this long event. If you have thought about them previously then you will be make the right adjustments during the run and complete a successful marathon.

The main factors that will affect your performance during the race are:

* Your marathon goal
* Your pacing
* Your conditioning and fitness level
* The weather
* The marathon course

Your marathon goal
An over-optimistic target time and race pace is the primary cause of marathoners running into problems such as leg cramps, hitting the wall and running out of energy well before the end of the race.

One of the most important things you can do at the start of the race is take into account the main factors that can affect your performance and modify your target time if necessary. For example if the weather is extreme, especially too hot, you would do well to add 10 – 15 minutes to your goal. I usually add 30 seconds to my pace, which equates to 13 minutes extra.

This is a hard choice to make after all your training, but it's better to be realistic up front than to 'crash' at the 18 mile mark and limp into the finish line.

Your Pacing
It's usually better to start out at a slower pace than your intended race pace. Don't expect to run the complete race at exactly the same pace – it just doesn't happen that way.
"But if I go slower at the beginning" you say, "I'll never meet my goal". Wrong! The common belief that you will slow down in the second half is only true because you went out too fast in the first half!

So, if it's a warm day, or a challenging course, take those first few miles easy (30 seconds to one minute slower than your "intended" pace), and see how things work out.
If the weather is hot, you definitely need to go slower for the first few miles. Your body will adjust to the conditions, and you will be able to gradually pick up the pace.

Your conditioning and fitness level
If you haven't done enough training then you are probably going to have a tough time, unless you take it really easy. On the other hand if you have done too much hard training you could also get tired long before mile 26. This is difficult to judge at the start of a race, but you should look back over your training anyway. Did you run a 20 miler less than three weeks prior to the marathon for example?

Have you caught a cold recently? I normally monitor my pulse rate on a regular basis during training. If this is elevated on race day, it's a sign that your body might be fighting an infection. Remember if you are not feeling 100% fit, you should modify your target finish time.

The weather
The weather can have a huge impact on your race. It is most important that you start out slower to compensate for adverse weather until you are used to the conditions. Then you can gradually pick up the pace. If you are running into a headwind, you will be using more energy than normal, and will tire too soon if you keep pushing the pace early on.

The Marathon Course
It helps a lot if you are familiar with the marathon course, either because you have run it before or you have driven it. Many marathons boast of a 'flat' course but when you're at mile 18 even a slight incline can feel like a mountain if you are struggling. If the course is known for having some challenging spots like Heartbreak Hill at Boston, my advice is to ease up before you get there so you have some energy in reserve.

Conclusion
There is a lot more to running the marathon than just completing the 26 miles. This is a long endurance event that can wear down even the best-trained athletes. If you follow the pointers above, you'll increase your chances of finishing the race without too much difficulty.

Mike is a fitness enthusiast, runner and walker. To learn more about running the marathon, download a copy of his Free report 'Marathon Race Strategies' Mike is also the developer of customized training logbooks. To get your own personalized Running Log, visit Mike's web page Custom Running Logs. His website about marathon information and training can be found at: 26.2 - The Marathon Website.

Don't forget to download Indocquent's free social bookmark utility at http://www.indocquent.com/social_bookmark/social_bookmark_landingpage.html.

Can Martial Arts and Self Defense Training Prepare Our Children for a School Shooting?

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by Singair

The subject hits home to everyone. At one point our biggest safety issue in school was bullying. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. Over the past few years, school shootings have been increasing in frequency and in violence. Imagine, there you are, going through your every day routine, thinking about your next class, upcoming test or joking with your friends and then all of the sudden you are in the middle of a war zone, your world is turned upside down as you try to put your mind around what is happening around you. In the wake of the aftermath, the discussion is always the same and the conversation always leads to two main questions: can this be prevented and how can we deal with it when it occurs? The first solution is always increased police and security on campus. Unfortunately when this starts to happen, the issues of civil liberty violations and rising costs of funding the added security arise. As time goes on, the farther away from the atrocity, the urgency for a solution goes away. At the end of the day our children are left to fend for themselves while they wait for the authorities to respond.

The school system can only do so much. They can plan evacuation and increase points of communication; install cameras in all the public areas, but our youth will need an immediate plan of action for the eternity that is the time of the initial contact and the time help arrives. Children are our most precious resource and a little preparation and a little practice goes a long way. The answers you need are there. They are proven in combat. All you need to do is look at what happened to see what will help them. You don't need to be a hero, you only need strategies that will make you a survivor not a victim.

Before I continue, my thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of these gruesome atrocities. I only hope to provide this information so that these types of events can be minimized or avoided.

The first place to start is where all good self defense and martial arts training starts: your instincts. If you notice something suspicious or someone acting odd let someone know. You might just prevent something horrible from happening before it ever starts. I'm nt talking about holding inquisitions, but a little investigation and asking a few questions can be all it takes to deter someone.

The very next tactic any good martial arts and self defense training program will teach you is to put as much space between you and your threat as possible. Your first instinct should be to run if you have the chance. If you're see someone who's armed, leave the scene. If you are temporarily trapped or out-numbered going for cover is fine (you will naturally do this), but you can't give the give the gunman a second chance, so you need to keep moving. Even at close range the assailant is almost 10 times more likely to miss you than hit you so make a run for it as soon as you can. If your school has plans to deal with an attack, study them and memorize multiple escape routes. Some people have proposed staying where you are, this is not good advice unless the room you are in is completely secure and you are isolated from the assailant. Hiding in plain sight, in unsecured areas or just lying in a compliant position is a big mistake. The vast majority of victims froze where they were, hid under tables and desks or simply lay face down in a compliant position. Remember, the further away you're from the shooter the better off you're. No matter how scared you are, the last gross motor skill to leave is the ability to run. Trust your instinct and get as far away as possible. Practice now by telling your children to run at the first sign of trouble.

Unfortunately, when you can't run, and you can't hide the only thing that remains is to fight, and keep fighting until you can escape. This is a last resort, but when people around you are being executed, there is no reasoning. No time for a debate, you need to survive and history tells us that when all other options are exhausted, your only choice is to fight

Martial artists have a variety of interesting theories when it comes to armed attackers. All of which you will not be able to recall in a life or death situation. In reality, you only need a handful of simple techniques and the will to survive (easier said than done). But throwing objects like desks, chairs and over powering the gunman with sheer numbers will increase your chances exponentially. Now no school administrator will ever suggest fighting back because they're worried about being liable by recklessly endangering a child, but that doesn't mean you can't train to fight back.

In 1998 at Thurston High School in Springfield Oregon seven students (five of them boy scouts) overpowered Kip Kinkel who had four guns, a knife, and over a thousand rounds of ammunition. The shooter had already wounded 25 other students before wounded student Jacob Ryker and several others, tackled Kinkel. If you have the presence of mind and you will have an opportunity when they reload like the students did at Thurston.

In the case of Virginia Tech, student's recalled watching him reload and continue shooting. At Virginia Tech many students did run and others barricaded themselves in class rooms, but it wasn't enough. The shooter, Cho Sueg-Hui continued on his rampage until he killed 30 and wounded 17 and finally took his own life.

The Columbine High School massacre, the Platte Canyon High School shooting, and the Virginia Tech massacre, are just a few examples of what a crazed individual is capable of doing. We need never forget those who died, but we need to look at these situations and put into place strategies that will stop these types of attacks from every happening again.

We all need to stop the trend of passiveness and denial and plan. The only way to take down these cowards is to prepare through basic practice and mental preparation. It isn't about courage; it's about practice and training. With the proper training you don't have to think, you just act. When you train in martial arts you learn how to perform simple tasks in extraordinary situation. You discover how to be proactive and look for solutions. Martial arts trains you how to react when fear grips your mind.

As a parent you don't need to be told that there is a lot to be concerned about, but you can't let denial or fear keep you from doing everything you need to do to keep your children safe. Take time out and talk to the children and make sure go over some basic self defense and survival techniques. Also teach them not to be a bully, and to respect everyone around them. Be aware of their peers and sensitive to things out of the ordinary. You don't have to like everyone you go to school with, but you need to respect them. That being said if things become violent it doesn't really matter how it happen it is time to go into survival mode and do whatever is necessary.

Most people think that martial arts training will enable them to defend against any assailant or defeat any attacker. This could not be farther from the truth. For these types of survival situations it takes a little commonsense, a little preparation and awareness to increase your chances of survival. This type of self defense training won't take away from study time or from sports, and the training will help you and your kids stay safe in and out of school. Don't wait for another tragedy to occur, be ready to survive, and protect those around you. Survival is something that is earned through hard work and having the right mindset. School is a place to learn and have a good time, but when terror strikes you need to be ready to fight. Be remembered as someone who took action and helped others not as another victim.

This article is courtesy of the Self Defense Network featuring Martial Arts in Renton Washington and Martial Arts in Alberta Canada.

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What Makes A Great Golf Course?

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Some people believe a golf course comprises of nothing more than a large green field or lawn. Although it may accept this visual aspect from a distance, a great golf course represents more than that. The mode the land is arrayed is really important to someone awaiting to purchase land to build a golf course. Whenever they select an extensive flat part of land, they will have a lot of hard work and expense in front of them whenever they want a golf course that golf players will prefer to keep getting back to.

While hills could be something that golfers dire on the course from a game, they're also significant for the course to attend to do the game more provocative. A few hills will influence absolutely. If on that point were just one hill, a few of the more skilled golfers would get it mastered very fast. Trees, those exacerbating trees, as well bring a good golf. It takes an actually good golf player to be capable to snap around the trees! There ought be a good area for the fairway, a set aside area for the rough and some traps. A few golfers hate traps and arrogate they could get along without them, simply they add to the game.

The golf hole along the course involve to be everywhere the place and not just in a flat row. If every hole were the similar distance and direction, the golfers would go bored rapidly. Even while some golfers quetch some certain courses being real hard to get over, these are the precise golf courses they would like to keep coming back to improve their game. These are the cases of disputes that bring in the golfing fun. Whenever playing golf Is not stimulating, where's the play?

The sort of grass that's used is of import, as well. Bent-grass green work the finest because the balls are as probably to reel off the green as with some other sort of grass. Right care of a golf course is really important in continuing it course golf player's will delight. Keeping stones and rocks away the course not just helps the visual aspect but as well will make it improve for playing. Numerous golf courses have groundkeepers only for preserving the course. Talking of care, the tracks for the golfcarts need to be maintained in good shape also. When the golfers are driving the golfcarts, they should get as smooth a ride as realizable.

The best experience for a golfer is playing without having to face difficulties related to the golf course itself. The golfer needs to be able to concentrate on is game and skills rather then avoiding unpleasant surprise due to a poorly maintained golf course. Bad lawn, spots of dead water or tree debris in the fairway are just example of what could be unpleasant.

Most considerable is the customer service the golf course proprietor and crowd show to the clients. This is the major thing that will maintain the golfers pleased and eager to come back.

John Gregory is the owner of http://www.findagolfcourse.info . A great golf portal about golf courses located in the USA. Find informations about Las Vegas golf courses and other popular golf courses in America.

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Swiss Slow Down Extreme Skiers

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by Paul la Vella-7925

Recent reports in the UK press on Swiss plans to enforce speed limits on ski slopes are inaccurate. Yes, they're planning a voluntary program to get skiers to slow down. No, they will not perform clandestine operations to trap speeders and fine them. That means no radar, police, cameras or fines.

The government-controlled Swiss Accident Insurance (SUVA) wants skiers to take responsibility for their actions. They prefer self-control to be the order of the day on the slopes. They also prefer that common sense need not be legislated. Their initiative's aim is to educate skiers on the dangers of excessive speed on crowded slopes.

Winter ski vacations are increasingly popular in this land of natural, unadorned beauty. This rise in ski holiday tourism presents a continuing problem though. Resorts with no room for expansion find themselves with more skiers trying to manoeuver down their slopes. Limited space with more speeding skiers equals increased accidents.

Suva's "Check the Risk" program is an innovative remedy to this concern. As a provider of compulsory coverage, they see the need to prevent injuries and fatalities. Along with the human cost are the financial cost and the reputation of Switzerland as a safe skiing destination.

Their campaign involves their employees situating themselves on a marked ski or snowboard run. As skiers and snowboarders approach the area, they ask them if they want their speed clocked. They can perform an emergency stop procedure when they reach the bottom of their run if they want. The voluntary participants then try to guess their speed. A measurement of their stopping distance results from the whole scenario as well.

This program gives skiers and snowboarders an indication of how speed is deceiving. Many skiers go with the flow, not realizing the risk injury to themselves and others when they push the limit. The whole program is about awareness and keeping skiing exhilarating and accident-free.

Switzerland's ski resorts accommodate skiers of all levels. It's an industry vital to the nation's economy. Every year winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world descend on this country because of the wide array of slopes to choose from. The British skier especially likes the Swiss ski holiday facilities, and are catered for by specialist ski companies like Thomson Ski

Two popular regions are the Davos and Zermatt resort areas. Davos contains five ski regions: Jakobshorn, Parsenn, Pischa, Madrisa and Rinerhorn.

Jakobshorn, known for hosting many international events, offers quaint ski huts for skiers. Parsenn, the largest of the five regions in Davos offers the longest downhill ski run. At 12 kilometers long, it lures many thrill seekers its way.

Pischa and Rinerhorn are splendid areas for family skiing. Klosters, linked to the Davos network, shares the Parsenn ski field with Davos, and Madrisa is its own specific area. Klosters, well known as a destination of Prince Charles and his sons on their yearly ski vacations is breathtaking. It sits at 1200 meters above sea level and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

Zermatt, towered over majestically by the Matterhorn, is vacation central for skiers and climbers alike. It boasts the Klein Matterhorn, the highest ski lift in Europe. This area has nine of the 10 highest mountains in Europe and the longest winter skiing season. All of this in what is still a mountain village that's car-free and great for walking around.

The ski area - the Matterhorn Ski Paradise has 313 kilometers of marked pistes or runs. They run the gauntlet from easy, intermediate, to steep, as well as "free ride" or unprepared. You can enjoy the alpine view of the glacier fields on a Zermatt area vacation as an added bonus, another reason for skiers to slow down.

A reasoned approach to this wonderful winter sport ensures a safe, exciting experience. With all the benefits a ski vacation in this country has to offer, common sense dictates slowing down just a touch.

Information about skiing in Switzerland and other countries is available at yourandorra.com with ski Andorra companies already looking to the 2009 season. Details include a map, Andorra weather forecast and an Andorra snow report

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How To Run Your Best Marathon

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by Michael Stapenhurst

After all the training, marathon day is finally here! You look out the window to see what the weather looks like, and check the local temperature. Will you meet your marathon goal? Or will you be struggling into the finish…?

A well thought-out race strategy will help you run the best marathon you can. There are many things that can affect you during this long event. If you have thought about them previously then you will be make the right adjustments during the run and complete a successful marathon.

The main factors that will affect your performance during the race are:

* Your marathon goal
* Your pacing
* Your conditioning and fitness level
* The weather
* The marathon course

Your marathon goal
An over-optimistic target time and race pace is the primary cause of marathoners running into problems such as leg cramps, hitting the wall and running out of energy well before the end of the race.

One of the most important things you can do at the start of the race is take into account the main factors that can affect your performance and modify your target time if necessary. For example if the weather is extreme, especially too hot, you would do well to add 10 – 15 minutes to your goal. I usually add 30 seconds to my pace, which equates to 13 minutes extra.

This is a hard choice to make after all your training, but it's better to be realistic up front than to 'crash' at the 18 mile mark and limp into the finish line.

Your Pacing
It's usually better to start out at a slower pace than your intended race pace. Don't expect to run the complete race at exactly the same pace – it just doesn't happen that way.
"But if I go slower at the beginning" you say, "I'll never meet my goal". Wrong! The common belief that you will slow down in the second half is only true because you went out too fast in the first half!

So, if it's a warm day, or a challenging course, take those first few miles easy (30 seconds to one minute slower than your "intended" pace), and see how things work out.
If the weather is hot, you definitely need to go slower for the first few miles. Your body will adjust to the conditions, and you will be able to gradually pick up the pace.

Your conditioning and fitness level
If you haven't done enough training then you are probably going to have a tough time, unless you take it really easy. On the other hand if you have done too much hard training you could also get tired long before mile 26. This is difficult to judge at the start of a race, but you should look back over your training anyway. Did you run a 20 miler less than three weeks prior to the marathon for example?

Have you caught a cold recently? I normally monitor my pulse rate on a regular basis during training. If this is elevated on race day, it's a sign that your body might be fighting an infection. Remember if you are not feeling 100% fit, you should modify your target finish time.

The weather
The weather can have a huge impact on your race. It is most important that you start out slower to compensate for adverse weather until you are used to the conditions. Then you can gradually pick up the pace. If you are running into a headwind, you will be using more energy than normal, and will tire too soon if you keep pushing the pace early on.

The Marathon Course
It helps a lot if you are familiar with the marathon course, either because you have run it before or you have driven it. Many marathons boast of a 'flat' course but when you're at mile 18 even a slight incline can feel like a mountain if you are struggling. If the course is known for having some challenging spots like Heartbreak Hill at Boston, my advice is to ease up before you get there so you have some energy in reserve.

Conclusion
There is a lot more to running the marathon than just completing the 26 miles. This is a long endurance event that can wear down even the best-trained athletes. If you follow the pointers above, you'll increase your chances of finishing the race without too much difficulty.

Mike is a fitness enthusiast, runner and walker. To learn more about running the marathon, download a copy of his Free report 'Marathon Race Strategies' Mike is also the developer of customized training logbooks. To get your own personalized Running Log, visit Mike's web page Custom Running Logs. His website about marathon information and training can be found at: 26.2 - The Marathon Website.

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Madrid Masters: The Favorites

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by Julie Smith

There are only two ATP Master Series remaining to determinate the absolute winner. Madrid and France will be the two scenarios to gather the tennis stars. The 2007 season has been a breathtaking year and the Madrid Masters as part of it; promises to offer a great show for Tennis Lovers.

The 21-years-old Rafa Nadal is one of the favorites to win this tournament since he had a great early season and he is aiming to recapture the glory, he also has the advantage of playing at home where he obtained the title two years ago. However, the task ahead will not be easy, as in order to get the title the Spaniard will face the defending champion and world number one Roger Federer who has achieved five Wimbledon titles.

While Nadal is coming back from a rest after suffering a knee injury, the Swiss Federer has been in a great form this year. Actually, his last appearance in the hard surfaces was when winning his third grand slam of the year and 12th of his career at the U.S. Open last month.

Third seed Novak Djokovic winner of the Canada Masters in July is also a strong contender; he reached the quarter finals last year in Madrid. As well as Nadal and Federer, the Serbian has already assured his place in Shangai.

But things are very equal and the favorites are taking nothing for granted. The list of favorites includes others figures like: Davydenko, Andy Murray and France number one ranked Gasquet.

Julie Smith is one of the most recognized copy writers on Sports Betting and currently writes for Instant Action Sports. Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety on your site, make sure to leave all links in place and do not modify any of the content.

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Mallorca Golf Holidays 2008

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by John Palma-7925

If you're thinking about taking a 2008 golf vacation then Mallorca could be the perfect place to head for a round or two of golf in the sun.

A great night life, year round sunshine and great shopping aside, Mallorca has made a name for itself in the tourism industry as a paradise for golf enthusiasts - so what is it about Mallorca that makes it the perfect golf holiday?

Alcudia, Mallorca is home to Pula, one of the world's finest golf resorts and first class for Mallorca holidays - founded in 1995, Pula has become an internationally acclaimed golf course.

Thanks to a world-class upgrade which began in 2005, Pula is now ranked number one in Alcudia out of 14 golf courses, boasting the longest and most demanding links and a par 70. Nestled at the foot of a majestic mountain range, golfers of all skill levels will get a thrill out of playing the scenic course at Pula. Pula also features a stunning driving range and two putting greens for golfers who want to fine tune their skills at one of the world's most astounding golf courses.

The upgrades that were made in 2005 were undertaken in part to bring Pula up to professional golf standards and now Pula has been put on the map for one more reason - the Mallorca Classic. The last of the European PGA tour stops on the circuit before the Volvo Masters, and the Mallorca Classic draws the best PGA players from Europe every October. In fact, the Mallorca Classic at Pula is the last chance for PGA players to make the top 115 on the Order of Merit and hold onto their spot for the next season's tour.

Last year's Mallorca classic wrapped up in October and those who were lucky enough to get a ticket were able to see Gregory Bourdy of France win his first Mallorca Classic title. It appeared as though Robert-Jan Derksen of the Netherlands would edge Bourdy out in the last few rounds. Perhaps the fact that play was suspended for several days in a row due to uncharacteristically inclement weather threw Derksen's game off. Bourdy managed to slip ahead for a 3-under par win, becoming the 18th first time winner on the tour and setting a new record for the European PGA for the most maiden tournament winners in a single season.

Bourdy's maiden win at the Mallorca Classic last October only served to boost the image of Pula even more. Golfers from Europe and elsewhere can count themselves in an elitist class when they make a round at Pula a part of their vacation itinerary. While in Mallorca, tourists would also do well to take in as many of the other thirteen local golf resorts as they can too. Although many of them have not had the exposure of Pula, they are still well worth including during a Mallorca golf holiday.

Golf aside, there are many other reasons to visit Mallorca. Mallorca is rich with cultural heritage, rife with top-notch night clubs and restaurants and has plenty of family-oriented destinations for those who are travelling with children.

YourMajorca.net is a guide for Mallorca - also known as Majorca - travel and includes a map of Majorca Mallorca (or Majorca) is well known for her villa holidays, and the guide includes villa companies who offer Majorca holiday villa information.

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Card Counting in Blackjack

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by Andy Fullard

Blackjack is a game that is geared to the house or dealer in a variety of ways. A player must go first and if they go bust their stake goes to the dealer even if he or she subsequently goes bust. Players have always tried to find a way to beat the system and card counting in blackjack is one of the most common strategies used.

Card counting is a system or strategy used mostly in blackjack games, it takes a lot of practice to do however it can be used in other card games. The principal of card counting has been around since live blackjack started, and as soon as the game moved online as soon so did the card counters. Card counters try to memorise the cards that have come out so they can lower the casino edge by having a good clue which card will come out next, hoping to eventually memorise the order of each card in the deck. For example knowing if all of the high cards already been dealt out would logically lead you to believe the remaining cards are of lower values.

Card counting was often easier during an online game as no one was watching you as long as you are quick to memorize the card or write it down - games give a limited amount of time to respond with hit or hold. Many have used this to their advantage and learned online before taking their skills into real casinos.

This is a risky strategy to use in a land based casino as unlike virtual casinos staff will be on the look out for card counters and though not illegal the casinos owners may ask you to leave.

So how has the latest gambling craze live webcam games responded to prevent players counting cards. Common methods include using multiple packs of cards, splitting the deck into 2 and shuffling them far sooner than it would happen during a game in a real casino. Casinos can often deliberately hide the remaining decks to put off card counters.

It must be noted that card counting takes effort but is it rarely worth it; firstly you have to have a fantastic memory, and statistically it gives a 1% advantage to an experienced player under the best circumstances. Yet this is still not enough or only just enough to cancel out the house advantage in most cases.

The author of this article plays poker. Visit this live card games website. Remember to keep the hyperlinks working if you publish this article.

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Does the Dreamer Design Stroller Line have Quality Issues?

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by Kerry J

The Dreamer Design stroller is not a well-known brand. The brand was originally owned by an American manufacturer but was sold to a Chinese company in 1996. Although there have been questions about quality in the past, Dreamer Design strollers have improved in quality over the years. Even though you don't see many Dreamer Design strollers on the street, there are still many satisfied owners who are pleased with their purchase.

The whole idea behind the Dreamer Design stroller is more for less. The original manufacturers used to work for Baby Jogger and wanted to design a stroller with more bells and whistles than the average stroller. So the Dreamer Design models have many different features packed into one stroller.

Dreamer Design's key selling feature is their 'bubble canopies'. These canopies are large, independently retractable, and provide complete coverage when fully extended. These canopies are probably the best on the market. Every Dreamer Design stroller purchase includes a free weather shield for running in rainy weather. There is also very generous storage on most models with mesh and zippered pockets underneath the handlebar and inside the cabin. Also, for the fashion conscious, the 2007 line of strollers have very unusual color schemes and are quite flashy. Finally, many models come with a whopping 20-year warranty on the frame, while others have 5 years.

You will hear a variety of complaints about many Dreamer Design models. Generally, the Dreamer Design strollers are designed to be roomy but when it comes to their double strollers, this creates a large frame that is hard to get through standard doorways. There is also an issue with the harness straps being fully adjustable for larger toddlers. If you have a large child, they are likely to outgrow the harness straps before they outgrow the stroller.

The 'Manhattan' is the swivel wheel model meant for suburban use. It comes in a straight and deluxe version. The deluxe version has the usual upgrades: aluminium wheels, a higher weight capacity, and greater variety of colors. The Manhattan line competes with the Bob Revolution, Baby Jogger City Series, Phil and Ted Sport, and the Mountain Buggy Urban series. At about $320, it is less expensive than almost all of the top line names.

Dreamer Design strollers offer many features at a discounted price. You are giving up some quality and durability, but the models improve year after year. If you don't anticipate heavy use, you may consider a Dreamer Design stroller.

Kerry is a mother of three and a runner. She writes jogging stroller related articles to various websites. Visit us for pictures and specs of the Dreamer Design Stroller Line

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The Meaning of Mixed Martial Arts

by Jim Liu

Mixed Martial Arts is a sport that was created by Rorion Gracie who brought it up from Brazil. IN Brazil the sport was called Vale Tudo. In the United States, the sport is the culmination of all of the different martial arts. Fighters need an edge win in their matches and MMA type of martial arts is what is looked upon as the best.



MMA is a growing sport and will get more popular with time. The idea of mixing different fighting techniques in one competition was born in the 1920's and originated in martial arts tournaments in Brazil. Other early mixed martial arts tournaments began in Japan in the 1970's and used the same combination of many different fighting styles. The idea of combining different fighting styles gained popularity overseas in the 1970's as famous martial artist Bruce Lee embraced the idea of combining different martial art styles in one fight. It was not until the formation of the ultimate Fighting Championship in 1993 that Mixed Martial Arts gained a foothold in the United States.

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Although Mixed Martial Arts has become popular world wide, there is no sanctioning body for the competition and rules can vary from each Mixed Martial Arts organization. MMA techniques fall between several categories. Grappling techniques are used such as takedowns, throws, pinning holds, submission holds, and cinch holds. The techniques used in MMA are punches, jiu jitsu, knees, and elbows. Although the rules of mixed martial arts competitions are lax compared to other combat sports, there are some moves that are illegal in mixed martial art competitions. Fighters are not allowed to bite, fish-hook, eye-gouge, manipulate small joints (fighters must have control of at least three digits), or strike at the groin. There are some techniques that are questionable such head butts, elbows, and spinal locks.



Victories in a mixed martial art fight are determined by judges' decision, knockout, tap out, or the fight doctor or referee stopping the fight due to serious injury. Despite the huge popularity of the sport, many critics and the media consider mixed martial art competitions to be extremely brutal. However, there have never been any deaths in sanctioned fights in the United States. While boxing and wrestling are considered by many to be acceptable combat sports, the no-holds-barred approach that mixed martial arts competitions take make the sport out as brutal, when in actuality mixed martial arts fighters are some of the most well trained and disciplined fighters in the world. Even though many consider the sport to be barbaric, it has climbed to the top of combat sport popularity and has a strong following of fans as well as aspiring fighters.


For more information and to read an interesting blog please go to www.ocjj.com

Training Duck Hunting Dogs

by Jean Smith

Training a good duck hunting dog is a pursuit that builds an unbreakable bond between the owner and the dog. To begin with the dog must have a solid foundation of obedience once it has matured beyond the puppy stage. It is helpful to ensure the dog spends as much time as possible in the outdoors, getting plenty of exercise and honing its native curiosity.



The hallmark of a well-trained duck hunting dog is the ability to locate a bird the dog did not see fall. This requires a unique trust between master and dog. The dog must learn to trust that the handler will direct him to the fallen game.



Hunting dogs are first taught how to fetch the bird and return directly to the handler. After that the dog is taught to take a straight line to the bird. The importance of this skill is to teach the dog to take the most direct route to the bird. It is also the means in which you can keep control when he is far from you in the field. It will be well worth your time and effort to teach this skill as the results will reward you over and over again in all kinds of hunting situations.



To begin the process let your dog watch you put a dummy in the field. Walk back about 30 feet from the planted dummy and send you dog to retrieve it. Repeat the exercise backing up further each time until your dog is able to take a line across the field.

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To challenge your dog more, add an additional line, your dog will be tempted to return to the original site, but teach your retriever he must go and come back on the new line.



If you have a started puppy at about 6 to 8 months line drills can be introduced. These lessons help reinforce basic obedience as well as teaching your dog to go where you send him.



Teaching your dog to respond to hand signals is another important skill for duck hunting dogs. for example, your dog suddenly veers off course the dog can be stopped by a whistle command and wait until the hunter gives a hand signal which directs him back on line. It is important that the handler place the dog in the most advantageous location to retrieve the bird. Learning to work together as a team is the ultimate communication which results in the greatest satisfaction for both dog and handler.


Jean Smith competed in field trials during the 1970s turning professional in the early 1980s. She has condensed years of retriever training experience onto two DVDs. Jean focuses on the fundamentals, detailing each step on how to train a retriever.

Powered Parachutes

by Online Education Sites

Wrong timing and faulty equipment can cause you falling to your death from thousands of feet in the air. Fortunately there are other options for those with faint of heart.



Fortunately powered parachutes were created. They provide a better and more controlled landing. This is a good alternative for those who are afraid of heights and don't want to jump off a plane. Compared to skydiving they are far safer and very easy to learn.



Powered Parachutes



It's a parachute equipped with motor and wheels. It can carry one or two passengers. It's also considered as the most inexpensive motorized air vehicle. A new one person powered parachute costs about ten thousand dollars. A top notch two-seater on the other hand costs about fifteen to twenty thousand. A motor scooter can also be converted which costs around six thousand.



Its airspeed is twenty five to thirty five miles per hour (that's forty to sixty kilometers per hour) and can fly of up to one thousand five hundred feet. It can also go as high as eighteen thousand feet. The world record for the lowest flight is 10 inches. It can support up to five hundred pounds. One person variants don't need a license to operate. They can be learned in five to seven days by an average student. They only need one hundred feet (thirty kilometers) of land to be able to take off and land.

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They are safer than conventional fixed wing aircrafts because they are more stable, few control inputs and less stall resistance. They can be controlled by engine or moving its steering bars. The engine controls the rate of vertical climb while the steering bars cause deflection which initiates horizontal turns.



Landings are relatively safe as long as the pilot as has a suitable landing site. They often have square wings which are more stable, resistant to stalls and chute collapse. Other designs have elliptical wings which have more air cells than the square winged variant. Most collapses are due to pilot and error.



The only setback is weather conditions. They cannot be used when wind speeds are ten to fifteen miles pre hour. Other hazards include rotors and wake turbulence crated when other aircrafts are passing by. The pilot must also avoid obstacles such as power lines, trees, and other things that can be found in low terrains.



Powered parachutes fly near the ground so it's much safer to fly upwind of obstacles. They cannot be forced to land on water because the pilot gets tangled with the parachute.



They can be used for photography and great for sightseeing. They are also used by flight organizations such as ELLASS (Emergency Low Level Aerial Search and Surveillance). It's a search and rescue organization. They only need small airports, yard strips and mown hay fields for take off and landing.



Powered parachutes are good alternatives for those who prefer to stay close to the ground. They can be easily learned and safe for anyone.


To read more about Sky Diving, head over to www.learninghow.com.au and find all the educational resources you need.

Crappie Fishing Lures - What To Use

by Arthor Pens

If you are ready to step up your crappie fishing you will usually catch more using crappie fishing lures rather then using live bait. Of course this statement is based on knowing what artificial lures to use. When you use crappie fishing lures smaller is better. Look for lures in the 1/4oz or smaller size.



List of crappie fishing lures to use:



· Curly Tail Jigs



· Marabou Jigs



· Weedless Spinners, (they have a jig attached) smallest you can find



· Willow Leaf Blades: Silver Colorado Or Gold Blades



The above listed crappie fishing lures can be bought at any department store, bait shop, or online . Most of these lures can be purchased for very little. Make sure when comparing prices you compare prices on crappie fishing lures that are in the ¼ oz or smaller range.



Suggested ways to use crappie fishing lures:



When Fishing Curly tail Jig crappie fishing lures - This uniquely designed jig head takes your bait to the bottom where the big ones are. It allows you to thread a plastic lure onto the corkscrew and hook it through the tail. The innovative flat-bottom jig head helps the hook stand up at a 60° angle. Your hooked bait stands up straight off the bottom and is free I recommend you use a karlins lunker curley tail. This crappie fishing lure is a good choice to use when using a slip bobber rig.



When Fishing Marabou crappie fishing lures - use the 1/4oz size a good way to fish this crappie fishing lure is use a slip bobber , place a split on the line so the jig falls to a set depth.



When Fishing Weedless Spinner crappie fishing lures use the 1/16oz size . Use when fishing low water visibility muddy or murky water.



When Fishing the Willow Leaf Blade crappie fishing lure – fish the lure very slow, slow if you use the 1/16oz lure the hook will bend before you loose your jig, you can use over and over again. The larger sizes work well but they break the line when snagging. Also , put on a karlins plastic Curly tail 2" long.



There are no guarantees that you will catch crappie with the crappie fishing lures shown above, but if stick with purchasing small crappie fishing lures you up your chances of catching a good batch of crappie.

Well, good luck and good fishing!


For complete crappie fishing lure information visit http://www.oldfishinghole.com

Mountain bike riding the secrets and not so secrets

by C S Liner

While you are slowly putting on weight or going to the gym there is a growing thought that mountain bike riding is one of the best ways to increase your cardiovascular health and become health while having fun. Instead of being stuck in a gym looking at the wall you can be out living an exciting life with some great fun.
Mountain bike riding has now come a little main stream and you can once experienced take tours over some great countries. In fact the tours now cater for starters as well as well as experienced riders. So you should be able to find some great places to go with something to suit your experience level.



As a form of transport in itself bike riding is great but because of the design of these bikes you can travel over harsher terrain which will lead to you tossing in your old bike and traveling to work on your newly discovered fun machine. Which when you come to think about it is a great way to loose those stubborn pounds.



If you are thinking of taking up this form of biking it is important to choose the right bike. We have a couple of ideas to start your search.



1. When starting out on any sport and looking for equipment it is important to get your self a budget because as with any sport you can spend any amount of money , for instance if you wanted you could probably get a gold plated bike.

2. Go to a place that knows bikes , keep your budget in the back of you mind and go to the local bike shop for a couple extra dollars you will get a much better bike , but remember YOUR BUDGET.

3. Get a bike that is the right size , yes as with shoes and shirts you need to have a bike fitted , or at least get one that’s not that big or not that small , which can be done at a bike store but not a supermarket general store.

4. Don’t get the cheapest bike possible the reason for this is there is every likely hood it will break the first sniff of rough terrain which will be disastrous and can possibly hurt you.



Starting your mountain bike ridding , is not a case of going straight to the extreme track and trying you luck start of on the road or foot paths and work your way up. Many a person has been discouraged by jumping straight to a hard to do track and hurting or exhausting themselves even before they have experienced the outdoor joy of mountain bike riding.



There you have some great ideas and “secrets” so that you can happily start this exciting form of exercise and finally get off hat boring stationary gym bike. Which up till now may have served as your fitness tool but once you hit the exciting open road and live the “wild Way” you won’t be back.

Mountain
Bike Riding is a passion of CS Liner who writes about it at his website
Health and fitness ideas a great place to find out and improve your life style
and health visit http://healthandfitnessideas.com/category/mountain-biking

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Benefits of a Custom Fit Golf Club

by Robert B. Carlton

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Just as golf balls, your golf club is essential to the game of golf. If you are under the impression that any golf clubs will suffice, then you clearly have not been on the course trying to use a club that is too short or too long. Trying to compensate for an ill-fitting golf club can not only make a shamble of your game but also leave you aching afterwards. Further, you are probably not hitting the ball at your best and, certainly, not enjoying the game as you would otherwise.



Is this to suggest that you must spend hundreds of dollars on custom fit clubs? This is not necessarily the case, though custom clubs are one solution. Most golfers can find proper clubs at a well-stocked golf shop or sporting store. Some factors should be kept in mind, though, when choosing the right club.



The length of the club is one of the most important factors, but not the most important. The size of the club’s grip is also important and should be comfortable for your hands, which is why young golfers as well as female golfers often have a smaller grip on their clubs.



If you prefer to get a custom set of clubs, the process is definitely not like being measured for a suit. The goal of the fitting is not only for the club to reach from the end of your outstretched hand to the ground, but also to allow for accommodate your strengths and weaknesses making the most of your body. Do not schedule a fitting session for your golf clubs and simply expect to be measured with a tape measure.



A quality custom fit session will probably take you outside as well as inside. Custom clubs with the best fit will be tailored to consider your swing also. Yes, it can easily turn out to be a fairly high golfing expense, but there are some options.



Some major manufacturers of golf clubs charge only for the actual fitting, while many offer the fitting for free with a commitment to purchase their clubs. Many custom clubs are more expensive than clubs purchased from your local golf store or even a well-stocked shop at many golf courses. But, their effectiveness will be obvious once you are on the golf course.



If you are still in the decision-making stage, take a minute to consider the many shots you have been compensating for during the last few years of golf. This is especially true if you are shorter or taller than the “average” golfer, or have muscle strengths or weaknesses causing golf to be somewhat more challenging. Custom clubs are designed specifically to compensate for such needs.



If your game is still struggling, pricey lessons at golf schools may not be the answer. It could very likely be that you need to focus on providing yourself with the proper equipment. If you are going to invest in a good set of clubs, you may as well take one extra step and invest in a set of custom clubs to ensure your game is at its best!


Rob Carlton very often writes papers on areas related to golf courses around alicante. His comments on alicante golf courses are found on his site .



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Make More Putts With These 5 Simple Steps

by beartoes

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There are some keys to success when you are on the putting green, and we are going to go over those. When out on the course playing golf and you want to make more putts, you must keep your putting system and your routine as simple as possible. If you ever watch what the pro's do on TV when they are putting, you should notice that putting is the part of the game that is totally a personal thing. This is really the way that it should be.

There are some basics in putting that will help you, for example having your eyes directly over the ball, but after that there is really not a right way that you have to setup or stand over the ball. Look at how Sam Snead used to putt, with the side saddle style. One thing that you don't want to do is to have a bunch of mechanical thoughts running through your head when you are about to putt. You really just want to think of the pace you want the ball to roll at and how far to the right or left side of the hole the ball should start.

Try and start to think about what you do when you putt this way. Try to get the ball as close to the hole as you possibly can. There is a good part to this thinking and it is really a nice part. If the ball goes in the hole, that is a bonus. But if you could get rid of those 3 putts, your score is going to go down. If you are an avid golfer as I am, and you have watched the some of the best putters on the tours, you will notice that there have been some really different and radical styles. This just shows you that they all work, if you let them.

What this lets you know is that you can be yourself when it comes to putting.

Want to be a better putter? These putting tips will help you do that.

1.) First and foremost you must learn to be relaxed and comfortable before you start to putt. Tense arms, that are stiff, grip pressure that would crush a can, are not going to produce a smooth stroke. The chances of success are very slim. Loosen up and more than anything...try and stay relaxed.

2.) If you want to make more putts, you need to strike the ball in the middle of the putter face. You can usually hear and feel a solidly struck putt. This should be your #1 goal, to hit the ball in the middle of the putter face.

You have to understand this. Most putts are missed, not because you picked the wrong line or the wrong speed. It is because you did not strike the ball in the middle of the putter face. Thus not getting the ball at the right speed or line.

3.) What you must try to do each time you putt is to hit the ball solid. Don't go switching up your putting stroke all the time. Hit the putt solid more often will help you more.

4.) A main key to making more putts is your tempo. Your back and through motion. It is a main ingredient to successful putting. Your's may be fast, or slow or maybe somewhere in between. Just try to be as consistent as possible.

5.) Try not to get to anxious and see what the ball is doing, stay down and through the putt. Don't PEEK. Chances are if you PEEKED, you probably watched another putt miss the cup. This is another reason putts miss, is because you get quick picking your head up.

Another problem that PEEKING will do is you will probably not hit the ball in the center of the putter face as mentioned earlier. You have to realize that everyone has this problem. The pro's do this on occasion also, but not as often as we do. Everyone want to see what the ball is doing. Avoid this as much as you can. Here is a tip to help you. Try and count to one after you hit the ball before you pick your head up. This is going to help you to keep your head down.

If you watch Anika and Tiger, they could have a 5-10 ft putt, and their heads are barely coming up when the ball is going into the hole. That should tell you something right there. Keep that head down and the rest of the body will follow by also staying down.

Follow the steps above and your putting is going to improve. It worked for me and others. Remember the most important step is that all you are trying to do is to see how close you can get the ball to the hole.

I have created a putting method that will reduce 7-10 strokes the very next time you play, visit the site now to discover some Putting Tips and get a free copy of Sam Snead "Golf My Way" by clicking Golf Putting Tips



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