Choking: performance anxiety in sports

Posted on Minggu, 11 Maret 2012 | 0 komentar

Picture the scenario, if you want.

You're at the big one, playing Madison Square Garden. You're in front of a sold-out crowd, thousands of people chanting your name, with half of them wanting you to choke and the other eager to see you deliver the goods. You're down to the last few seconds of the game and you can feel yourself buckling under the pressure. Then, just as you see the perfect opening you can exploit to land that right cross, take him down for the count, and grab the championship, you choke. Your performance anxiety gets the better of you and you choke. You pass on the opportunity and, for just a split second, leave yourself open. It isn't much of a window, but you're up against an experienced hitter, and he takes the shot. A split second later, you're out.

It is far from pleasant, but for some boxers, this is a harsh and real possibility. The slightest opening you afford your opponent can result in you being taken down for the count. However, boxers aren't the only ones that end up in this sort of situation. Athletes will always experience a certain degree of nervousness while playing, though the reasons may vary. For some, it is the pressure to excel and prove oneself worthy of their place in the team. For others, they have a reputation that they have to uphold. Anxiety can, really, be caused by a number of reasons.

Performance anxiety can literally cost you a championship. However, the problem isn't just a one-time thing that strikes at the most critical point of a match. performance anxiety is at its most annoying when it becomes a constant problem for the athlete while he's performing in that all-important game. It is that twitching in your nerves that causes you to miss that crucial three-point shot. It is that miscalculation in your mind that makes you strike out when your team desperately needs a home run. Performance anxiety is that single mistimed step that gets you trampled by the opposing team as you're going for a touchdown.

Of course, performance anxiety does not necessarily have to be limited to one's performance come the big game. Several of history's greatest sports superstars, from Michael Jordan to Wayne Gretzky, from Muhammad Ali to Babe Ruth, all experienced it at one point or another. For some, it is when facing off against their infamous rival, like that third bout between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frasier. For others, it is that first away game of the season, far from the support of the hometown crowd and right in the middle of what can be considered enemy territory. For some athletes, the anxiety comes when they know that people important to them are watching them in the arena, such as family or a significant other.

For many experts, it is no longer about how to prevent performance anxiety. In many ways, athletes will always be nervous about performing, even if the game is a low-pressure one. The focus right now is finding ways to help the athlete be effective despite the anxiety and fear he's feeling. There is really no way to prevent being nervous, but there are ways that coaches and players can utilize to get around the impediments presented by that anxiety. The most common way is to train the player to see his own anxiety as a challenge, using it as motivation to push him to excel despite his fears that he may not be up to the standards expected of him by the crown and his teammates.


Chicago Cubs Pitcher Mark Prior Re-signs

Posted on Sabtu, 10 Maret 2012 | 0 komentar

After many trips through the rumor mill, Mark Prior accepted the Chicago Cubs’ offer on January 27 to a one-year, $3.65 million contract. That is $900,000 more than the salary he would have earned under the contract he voided in November. Since Prior's definitive season in 2003 (18-6), he has cooled off somewhat, and has only managed to go 17-11 over the past two seasons. The Cubs were within five outs of reaching the World Series in 2003, due, in part, to Prior's performance. A sore elbow put him on the disabled list early last season, and when he entered the normal rotation again, he was hit on the same elbow by a scorching line drive. He finished the 2005 season going 11-7 with a 3.67 ERA over 27 games.

The Chicago Cubs’ pitcher, whose name has been mentioned as possible trade bait this off-season, said that he was not too upset at the rumors because he figured they were just that -- rumors. Rumor had it that he was going to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for outfielder Bobby Abreu, but that wasn't to be. During the holidays, he was supposed to be traded to Baltimore for shortstop Miguel Tejada. That also did not happen. "It's part of the game," Prior said. "Obviously, when somebody requests a trade, a team has to look into it. I don't really validate the rumors a whole lot unless I hear that '[general manager] Jim Hendry' says or '[team president] Andy MacPhail says' or '[manager] Dusty [Baker] says' -- otherwise, they're just rumors. It seems like there are a lot of MLB sources this year. Unless somebody calls me up and says, 'Hey, we're serious about doing this,' there's not a whole lot for me to think about because I don't have a whole lot to say."

If the fans had any say in it, Prior would never wear another uniform besides his Cubs No. 22 jersey. When the right-hander was introduced to the crowd jammed inside the Grand Ballroom at the Hilton Chicago during opening ceremonies for the 21st Cubs Convention, he was greeted with the chant, "No trade, no trade." Most Cubs fans remember that Prior's 10 strikeouts in his very first start was the most by any Cubs pitcher in over 30 years. "I've never been ticked or anything," Prior said. "I felt if anything was going to be done, somebody would've called me and said something. Otherwise, it was business as usual. I was obviously going to pitch for somebody this season, and I had to get ready."

There was also a rumor that Prior decided to void the last year of his contract because he was angry at the Cubs. That also was not true. "That was something that was written in the contract," he said of his ability to be eligible for arbitration. "That was in the negotiations five years ago. We felt it was fair at the time. It was basically the last two years [of the contract] - if I'm eligible for arbitration, I have the privilege to go to arbitration." Prior will make more money in 2006 thanks to this foresight.

"I've been spending this off season trying to iron out some things and correct some habits that I fell into because of what happened with my elbow," Prior said. "One thing I did learn, and after I've been reflecting, is how fortunate and valuable the time is when you're healthy. At any moment, anything can happen. "The other day I was home watching [NFL quarterback] Drew Brees get hurt, and I see Carson Palmer go down two plays into the game. It's a very fragile existence from that standpoint." He's well aware of the business side of baseball, too. "As far as everything I've heard, they weren't dangling me out there and trying to get rid of me," Prior said. He'd like to stay with the Cubs. "I love playing here. I have no desire to leave," he said. "I love playing in the city of Chicago; I love this town. I don't think I could've been as fortunate as I was to fall here out of college. Not too many people get the luxury of coming to a city like Chicago. It's a great city, a great town and I love being here. It's a great town to play baseball in."

Prior had become arbitration eligible when he used his option to void the final year of his original contract signed in 2001. Under the original terms, he was to make $2.75 million this year. Prior had asked for $4 million, while the Cubs countered with an offer of $3.3 million. Arbitration arrived at the $3.65 million figure. "We're certainly glad to have it done," said Cubs’ general manager Jim Hendry. "Our stance is always to try to work with the representative, John Boggs, to a conclusion of fairness to avoid the process if we can. This was something we wanted to do, and hopefully Mark will have a great 2006."

Other current Cubs arbitration-eligible players include infielder Jerry Hairston, outfielder Juan Pierre, and pitchers Will Ohman and Carlos Zambrano. Cubs’ general manager Jim Hendry and team president Andy MacPhail have never gone to arbitration with a player. Hendry said he is continuing to negotiate with the players' representatives in hopes of reaching an agreement.

Players with at least three years seniority in the Major Leagues, plus the longest active 17 percent of those with between two and three years service, are eligible for salary arbitration. Mark Prior, for example, now has three years, 131 days of Major League service time.

How does arbitration work? Players and teams exchange figures, and if no agreement is reached between the two, the case is referred to an arbitrator. Pierre, 28, whom the Cubs acquired from the Florida Marlins for three Minor League pitchers, made $3.7 million in 2005. He is coming off a season in which he hit .276 with two homers, 47 RBIs and 57 stolen bases in 162 games. The center fielder asked for $6.5 million, while the Cubs offered $5 million.

Cubs’ pitcher Zambrano earned $3.76 million last season and led the Cubs in wins with 14. He established career highs in starts (33), innings pitched (223 1/3) and strikeouts (202). Zambrano asked for $7.2 million, while the Cubs countered with an offer of $6 million. In his first season with the Cubs, Hairston, 29, made $1.8 million last season. He batted .261, hit four homers, 25 doubles and had 30 RBI. Hairston requested $2.6 million in 2006, while the Cubs offered $1.95 million. Ohman, 28, is seeking $775,000, while the Cubs offered $500,000. Ohman, who has three years, 40 days of Major League service time, made $320,000 in 2005 in his return to the big leagues. The left-hander, who has spent much time on the disabled list because of three elbow surgeries, was 2-2 with a 2.91 ERA in 69 games.


Chicago Bears 2006 Preview

Posted on Jumat, 09 Maret 2012 | 0 komentar

The Chicago Bears had a great season in 2005. They finished 11-6 and went to the playoffs. Their one problem was scoring. Many in the media have touted the Bears as the NFC North champions. Are they correct? Let’s take a look at the 2006 Chicago Bears. Fortunately for them, their division is not that tough.

Key Moves

One major move by the Bears was the addition of Brian Griese. The offense was up and down last season. Griese will be fighting for a job. He comes in as a backup, but if Grossman fails to impress, Griese could take the reins. Their defense loses a good player in Jerry Azumah. Despite being only 28, he had to call it quits. His body got the best of him.

Quarterbacks

One of the issues last season was the health of Rex Grossman. He’s expected to be healthy this season. Grossman could help the Bears offense soar. The signing of Brian Griese gives the Bears a solid backup. Even is Grossman goes down, they won’t experience a horrendous drop. Neither quarterback is upper echelon. The Bears QB situation is just above average.

Running Backs

The Bears are sitting pretty in the running game. Thomas Jones should have another great year. They also have Cedric Benson in the wings. The running game of the Bears is the offense’s strong point. Throw in the tough blocking Bryan Johnson and you have a ground attack that will eat up yards. Thomas Jones had 1,335 yards last season. As nice as that is, Cedric Benson is expected to be better when he’s ready.

Receivers

The receiving core is a bit lackluster. Sure, there’s Muhsin Muhammad, but he’s not getting any younger. Aside from Muhammad, there’s not too much to be excited about—yet. The young Bears receivers do have talent and could blossom into solid contributors on the field. Right now, the receiving core is just average.

Defense and Special Teams

Last season it was all about the defense. The Bears defense constantly made critical plays and kept their team in the game. The 2006 Bears defense is above average again. The best component of the defense is the linebacker unit. They are off the charts. The weak part of the defense is the secondary. Losing Jerry Azumah didn’t help any. The Bears did pick up cornerbacks Ricky Manning and Dante Wesley. The secondary will have to step it up in 2006. The special teams unit has its ups and downs. Punter Brad Maynard needs to have a better season. The Bears hope that Robbie Gould, kicker, was not just a one year wonder. On the plus side, the Bears did add a couple return men that could be home run type of guys.

2006 Prediction

It’s possible that the Bears win their division, because the division is weak. However, I believe they will be an 8-8 team. The schedule is not too tough, but it’s not the walk in the park it was in 2005. In 2005, the Bears had a 2-4 record against really good teams. This is why they faltered in the playoffs. They were not as good as their record indicated. In 2006, they have 8 games that look to be pretty tough, 2 that are middle ground and 6 that are against lower tier teams.


Chess Over the Years

Posted on Kamis, 08 Maret 2012 | 0 komentar

Over the years, chess spread throughout the world and enjoyed massive waves of popularity. Undoubtedly, reality is reflected in the idea that chess originated either as an aid or substitute for warfare. This stemmed from the notion that chess was invented as a war game and so, that is the manner in which it should executed. In fact in order to be knighted, it helped if you played a good game of chess.

And finally, a mention should be made of pawns; those so adequately named pieces which are even denied the status of chess 'men'. Pawns were sacrificial pieces.

While chess might have originated as a war game, it was seen as a game of nobility and education in Europe in the 1500s. It can be seen that from actions in Europe around the year 1500 that chess had become strongly ingrained in western society. Within European Aristocracy, the concept behind chess became a royal court rather than a battlefield. However, the game's popularity was helped by its social cache: a chess set was often associated with wealth, knowledge, and power. As a result it became fashionable for aristocrats to have live-in chess masters. In fact during difficult times in Protestant Europe there were massive attacks on "ungodly pursuits," but chess was often defended while other pastimes were denied.

As a result chess has long been considered the ultimate test of intellectual activity. Some feel that because of its difficulty and boorishness, chess diminished in its traditional appeal. However, most will agree that the chess community has traditionally been more enlightened than the larger society.

Mass production of chess sets helped introduce chess to the lower class. The low cost to produce the Staunton set allowed the masses to purchase sets and helped to again popularize the game of chess. But chess is more than just a game of skill. Chess stood a turn in education as teachers noted that students' behavior improved upon learning chess. How far beyond chess such aptitude can be expanded is the next big question.

One that is still argued today. Playing chess by computer began in the early 1950s, nearly as soon as computers became available. The rules of play early intrigued computer scientists-MIT wrote the first chess program in 1957. Some programmers believe that work on computer chess led to important software techniques still in use today. The worldwide fascination for chess has been astonishing. It has been said that there is more literature devoted to chess than for all other games combined. Today, chess is played world wide with international appeal.


Chess Is All About Strategy And Tactics

Posted on Rabu, 07 Maret 2012 | 1 komentar

Chess is all about strategy and tactics. Each chess player commands an army of 16. In beginning players bring out their forces to prepare for combat. Players maneuver to carry out attacks and counterattacks. At the end of the game there are fewer pawns and pieces left on the board. This is when it's safe for the king to come out and take part in the battle. Here are some tips to improve your chess game.

1. Planning. Is important that you plan your attack. Your opponent will have an easy time defending themselves if you attack here in one move and do something totally different in the next. All the pieces must work together to be effective. Think of your chess men as a team and you are the coach. They must work together using their strengths and weaknesses to support each other.

2. Know the values that you place on your pieces. Consider carefully any time that you think about giving up one of your pieces to your opponent.

3. Pay attention to what your opponent is doing. Every time your opponent moves stop and think about what their strategy might be. Are there any threats that you should be on the watch out for? Is one of your men in danger? The only to successfully defend yourself is to understand what your opponent is doing.

4. Develop quickly and well. Timing is very important in chess. If your men are ready for action and to move quickly you'll be able to control the course of the game.

5. Keep your king safe at all times. The object of the game is to capture the king. Your opponent is seeking to hunt down and capture your king. Make sure you have a plan to protect your king.

6. Always make the best possible move. You should ask yourself some questions before making a move. Will this move improve my position by increasing the effectiveness of my piece? Does this move help to defend against my opponents threats?

7. If it is pawn, consider how you can keep it protected from attack.

8. If it is another piece that you're moving consider whether the enemy can drive it away.

9. The alert. Once you've reached a good strong position in the game it is important that you do not relax. This is a common mistake. You must always be watching for your opponents threats.

10. Know when to trade pieces. The best time to trade pieces is when you can capture a piece worth more than the one you're giving up.

11. Consider the end of the game. Always remember that every move you make can affect your chances in the end game.

12. Control the center. The player that controls the four squares in the center of the board will have the advantage in the game.

If you practice and consider these tips you'll improve your chess game.


Chess - Its Origins And Development

Posted on Selasa, 06 Maret 2012 | 0 komentar

Chess is one of the world's great board games. For centuries chess players around the world have been mesmerized by its challenges, and its great masters have been revered as superstars of a different order -- superstars with brains.

** Origins and background of chess

Like many of our popular board games, such as checkers (draughts) and backgammon, chess originated sometime in the first millenium AD, somewhere along the Silk Road that ran between Europe, Egypt, India and the Orient. Most historians trace its origins back to northern India or Afganistan sometime around 600 AD.

As one might expect, there is a good deal of controversy among chess historians about both the date and place of the origin of chess. While some place its origins in China, the most common theory is that the version of chess we are familiar with evolved from a game played in northern India called ashtapada. This game used an 8x8 board (like ours), but had 4 players, and moves were determined by the throw of dice.

As some historians point out, the unique features of ashtapada, and its successor called chataranga, were deeply embedded in Indian culture of the time. The fact that it was a "four-handed" war game was consistent with the division of the country into many kingdoms. And the use of dice to determine moves was a reflection of the importance of Karma in Indian religious thought.

** Evolution into modern chess

The gradual appearance of different types of Indian military forces in the Indian board game known as chataranga -- elephants, chariots, cavalry and infantry -- was consistent with the transition of the game from a relatively simple "race" game to that of a war game.

In a race game players do not capture or extinguish their opponents. If a player lands on the same square as an opponent, the opponent would simply have to go back to the beginning and start over.

But when the principle of capture or extinction was accepted -- where the captured opponent's piece is taken off the board -- this involves a different game concept -- a different "mind set". And it was then just a matter of time before different types of military forces, with different powers and values would be introduced.

This transition from race game to war game is important. But perhaps the most significant evolutionary step -- and the one most difficult to explain -- was the elimination of the dice as the means of determining moves. As Yuri Averbakh, a Russian chess historian, points out, this was not something that would happen "naturally" within a pure Indian context.

As he says, "To change the Indian war game into chess it was necessary to throw away the dice. Unlike the previous stages which were typical for the evolutional way of the game`s development and were not contrary to the customs of the Indians and their religious beliefs, giving up dice was a radical, a revolutionary step forward that not only changed the game itself but also its philosophy. In fact, that step meant the withdrawal from the principle of Karma - the basic principle of the Indian philosophy. Now the result depended entirely on the players' will, on their choice. They became complete masters of their destiny."

According to Averbakh this would not have happened without the influence of Greece upon northern India. This influence stretched back to Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC and developed even further within what historians call the Indo-Greek Kingdom. This was a large area including much of Afganistan and northern India which was conquered by the Greco-Bactrian kind Demetrius in 180 BC.

This kingdom lasted for about 200 years in which time the region underwent a profound synthesis of Greek and Indian religion, culture, languages and symbols. As Wikipedia says, "The Indo-Greek kings seem to have achieved a level of cultural syncretism with no equivalent in history, the consequences of which are still felt today."

The Greek influence was felt for hundreds of years after the demise of the Indo-Greek Kingdom. According to Averbakh it was this Greek influence that "helpd the Indians to make the final step for chess to appear." In particular, he mentions that Greeks brought with them the war game petteia. Although it was a simpler game, it had two of the features that chess would eventually gain -- players could "kill" each other, and there were no dice. "It was the player himself who decided where and which pieces should move. He had complete freedom of choice."

** Chess in the Kushan Kingdom

Another writer goes even further in placing the origins of modern chess in the Afganistan/Northern India region, but places that development much earlier than 600 AD. Gerhard Josten, in his article "Chess - A Living Fossil" claims that modern chess is an amalgam of a number of different games. We know this, Josten claims, because of its completely unique feature of having three different types of characters:

1. A relatively immoble center piece -- the King -- the capture of which is the object of the game.
2. A number of pieces that can make varying long moves -- moves that cover more than one space.
3. A number of pieces that can only make short moves -- moves that cover only one space.

Josten claims these different pieces originated in different games, and were amalgamated in what we know as modern chess. He claims type 1 pieces originated in Chinese games, type 2 pieces originated in Mesopotamian divination rites -- in particular, the Babylonian astrolabe, and type 3 pieces originated in Indian race games.

According to Josten, chess did not spring fully developed into existence in 600 AD but evolved over the first two or three centuries of the first millenium -- in particular between 50 BC and 200 AD. This development took place in a number of places -- India, China, and all along the Silk Road to Europe -- and each of the areas would have influenced the others.

But the most likely place where it all came together was the Kushan Empire, the eventual successor to the old Indo-Greek Kingdom. This was the central Asian area encompassing much of northern India, Pakistan, and Afganistan.

As we saw with the Indo-Greek Empire, this area stood at the crossroads of Europe, India and the Orient, and was deeply influenced by Greek culture. Most importantly, the Kushans were cultural, religious and linguistic synergists. They took elements from various cultures and forged these elements into something new and different.

This, according to Josten, is exactly what happened to the game of chess in the early centuries of the first millenium. It is also why we have so few hard facts about this influential period. As he says,

"Following the gradual disintegration of the Kushan Empire, the neighbouring conquering states each claimed to be the intellectual authors of chess, with no mention of the losers of the battles, the Kushans.... The fall of the Kushan Empire may thus be the main reason why so many facts have been lost and so many unbelievable legends have arisen around the genesis of chess..."


Checklist Before Starting a Home Based Business

Posted on Senin, 05 Maret 2012 | 0 komentar

When you are looking for a home business opportunity, it is important to make sure that you are aware of all that you will be required to bring to the equation. This can help save you a lot of confusion and money by avoiding opportunities that require too much from you to get started. Here is a checklist of thing that you should consider before selecting a home business opportunity.

1. Do you need to get a license to run the business? Many states require that businesses get a license before they are allowed to open. This includes home businesses in many locations. Check with your local government agencies to see what you will need to have in place to start your own home business.

2. Do you need a zoning permit? If you have a home business opportunity that requires doing actual business with the public, you are going to need to make sure that you will not be in violation of any zoning laws. Most cities have very strict residential zoning requirements and it is not hard to violate them. Make sure that the type of business you want to start will be acceptable to run at your current location.

3. How much equipment will you need to buy? You’ll need to know exactly how much money you’re going to have to spend to get your business operational. While some home business opportunities require just a computer, others may need a special printer, extra software, additional gadgets or even heavy equipment. This can add up in a short period of time. Make sure that you are aware of all the expenses that you will incur before you start up.

4. Do you have enough space in your home to devote to your business? Running an informational company is one thing, but if you are going to be stocking products in your home, you’re going to need enough space. For tax purposes, you’re also going to have to have a room that is completely devoted to your home business. This means no kid’s toys, or anything from your normal family life can intrude on this room. If you don’t have this kind of space you may need to add on to your home to accommodate your business.

5. Will you need to purchase any insurance? If you are doing business with the public at your home, you will need to get liability insurance. This will help protect you if anyone falls on your property or injures themselves in anyway. If you will be storing products, you will need to have them insured in case there is a flood or they get damaged in any way.

Lastly, you may want to consider business protection insurance that will help you in the event of any copyright infringement claims or other common complaints. Don’t forget your own health insurance, or any insurance that you may need to provide for employees. This can add up quickly and increase your overall start up costs.


Cheap Paintball Gear And Accessories

Posted on Minggu, 04 Maret 2012 | 0 komentar

Paintball Masks

V-Force Pro-Vantage Thermal Paintball Goggles: V-Force Pro-Vantage paintball masks range from $19 to $25 according to color and design. This one features ProGrille bounce area (bounces without jawbone slap); thermo-Cured, anti-Fog and anti scratch lens; and a Goof-Proof lens/strap retention system for safety lock.

Proto Switch EL Mask: The Switch EL paintball mask is constructed with a 1/4-turn, twist-lock technology. The lens is built from advanced anti-fog materials and is capable of quick-change. Other features include multi-directional venting and 250-degree of peripheral vision. The Proto Switch EL Mask costs around $25 to $30.

JT USA Headshield Mask: This is an entry-level paintball mask that provides full-coverage protection. The main feature is the fully-adjustable rear occipital plate designed to protect the head against possible random paintballs striking from behind, or from on top. The Headshield costs around $30.

Paintball Barrels:

Tippmann Pathfinder: This is a 14” long-range barrel, designed to provide long-range accuracy. It is honed and ported, and constructed from lightweight aluminum. It is specially designed for 98 Custom and Custom Pro paintball markers but also fits with most markers. Price starts from $30.

32 Degrees Ice Cold: This paintball barrel is constructed from two-piece nickel-plated aluminum. It is air-rifled ported and available in 12”, 14”, and 16”, and supports paintball markers such as Autococker, Automag, Spyder/Piranha, Tippmann 98 Custom/Model 98, ProCarbine/Pro Lite, and the BE Raptor. It costs around $35.

PMI Razzor 14" Barrel: This is one of the cheapest paintball barrels available, costing around $29 only. It is constructed with lightweight aluminum design and roller burnished interior finish. The PMI Razzor supports Piranha/Spyder and Model 98 paintball markers.

Empire Twister Barrel: The Twister is made from polished 6061 composite aluminum. Main feature is the Twist system that creates a spin on the ball as it leaves the barrel for more predictable ball trajectory. The Empire Twister paintball barrel costs around $50.

Hoppers:

Viewloader 12-volt Revolution: This paintball hopper features a 12-volt electronic agitating system, sun-proof electronics, moisture-resistant protection, internal anti-jam mechanism and a spring-loaded flip cap. Variable feed rate is 10-12 balls per second, and costs around $60.

Tippmann 200 Round Hopper: This 200-count feed hopper is designed to be used with the Tippmann A-5 paintball marker. It features a spring-loaded flip cap, and cots around $8.

Extreme Rage Overdrive Motorized Hopper: This is an overdrive motorized paintball hopper with a 190-round capacity that costs around $25. The Vortex feed system uses a cyclonic action allowing rapid flush of paint into the chamber. It can feed 7-9 balls per second.

Empire Reload Hopper II: This hopper features a magnetized lid and contained battery door. The optical loader basically acts like a regular gravity fed loader, but when it senses a “misfeed”, it then rotates the paddle. The Reload Hopper costs around $60.

Drop Forwards:

Psycho Ballistic Drop Forward with UFA: This drop forward has on/off switch that is compatible with any screw in tank such as those in nitro tanks or standard CO2 tanks. Features precision milling for looks, and costs around $40.

32 Degrees Flame Drop Forward: Made in a flame-shaped design, this drop forward is constructed from machined aluminum, and costs around $30 only.

Tippmann Drop Forward: This $50 drop forward is designed for the Custom 98 and Custom Pro paintball markers. It features an angles tank to shorten the length of the marker set-up.

Maintenance:

Tippmann Rear Cocking System: This cocking system allows you to cock the marker from the back instead of the side, and features a side plate that covers the cocking handle to protect the marker from the elements. It’s designed to be used with use with the Tippmann Custom Pro and Model 98 markers, and costs around $50.

Hoppe's Deluxe Paintball Gun Cleaning Kit: This kit comes in a soft - sided pouch with belt loop for ease of use during play. It includes a 4-oz spray container of anti-fog solution for face mask, a cleaning cloth, lubricating oil, cleaning rods, squeegee, swab and slotted end, tank o – rings and cleaning patches. The cleaning kit is available for $20.


Certain Players Facing “Make Or Break” Season In 2006

Posted on Sabtu, 03 Maret 2012 | 0 komentar

The career of an NFL player can be a long and twisting road. There are no formulas for success and no tangible formulas for failure. However, every season, certain players have to know that if they don’t perform that year, their future earning potential could be seriously hampered to the point where they are either out of the league altogether or they must begin to view themselves as “journeymen” who will never sign that elusive enormous free agent contract that sets them up financially for life.

We’ve identified five such players whose situations will be most interesting in 2006. Surely there are more than five players in the NFL who must perform this season in order for their high earning potential to remain a real possibility, but we feel that these five present the most intriguing situations.

1. J.P. Losman

It seems awfully early for this year to be Losman’s make-or-break season, but the young QB is facing the possibility of being traded, released or being relegated to a long-term backup role if he doesn’t show improvement early in the 2006 season. The Bills gave up a lot to earn the right to draft Losman in 2004, and the team jettisoned established starter Drew Bledsoe last year to give Losman the opportunity to start. Losman struggled mightily, and was replaced by Kelly Holcomb. This offseason, the Bills signed Craig Nall from the Packers and currently have Holcomb listed at the top of the depth chart. Losman needs to grab hold of the job immediately and hold onto it, lest he be cast to the scrap heap.

2. Chad Pennington

Pennington was seen not long ago as the possible “next Joe Montana” given the similarities in style, statistics and leadership he appeared to have in common with the 49ers’ legend. However, his throwing shoulder was shredded twice, and his ability to stay healthy and viable in the long-term is in serious doubt. The Jets have a new coaching staff and have no prior commitment to Pennington, who needs to show that he is healthy and can be durable in order for him to stick with the Jets. If not, the team will almost assuredly look in a different direction for a QB.

3. Aaron Brooks

Brooks took the league by storm in 2000 when he lead the New Orleans Saints to the playoffs, and his career seemed destined for certain stardom at that time. Since then, his long-term outlook, as well as his play, has regressed dramatically. The Saints let him go after last season, and he was signed by the Raiders. The Saints replaced Brooks with Drew Brees, another QB with shoulder questions, and Brooks must perform with the Raiders in order to prevent his new team from turning to a young and promising QB currently sitting behind Brooks on the depth chart, Andrew Walter.

4. Jamal Lewis

Lewis was one of the most feared RBs in the NFL as recently as 2003, when he rushed for an astounding 2,066 yards. His career has taken a turn for the worse since then as a result of injuries, legal problems and a baffling decline in production. Lewis was a free agent after the 2005 season, but after getting no big-time offers, returned to the Ravens with a relatively modest one-year contract. Although Lewis doesn’t turn 27 until August, he has taken a beating in the NFL and must show that he can still carry the load if he’s to get a big payday in 2007.

5. Charles Rogers

Rogers was the second overall pick in the 2003 draft by the Detroit Lions, and he came into the league with enormous expectations. Since then he has done nothing but disappoint his team and their fans. Rogers has been hurt repeatedly, and played in only six games in his first two seasons. Not only has his health been questioned, as he broke his clavicle several times, but his work ethic has also been assailed by various officials associated with the team. The Lions have many other WRs on the roster who came into the league with the same expectations, and if Rogers doesn’t show something immediately, he may not even make it to training camp.

Over the course of history in the NFL, many players face the same situation in a given year as the five mentioned above. Some have seen the writing on the wall and excelled, and others have faded into the sunset. History also tells us that some of the players listed here will go on to successful careers and others will not. What is certain is that each of these situations bears watching in the coming weeks and months.


Catamarans Shopping

Posted on Jumat, 02 Maret 2012 | 0 komentar

The internet has been such a blessing in so many ways to those that have taken the plunge and accepted the fact that it is the future and have jumped on board and started using it to their advantage even with larger purchase such as people wanting to buy catamarans online. There are so many ways that it brings all of the necessary services that you normally would have to either take a personal day to take care of during the work day and/or drive across town or the country to accomplish without on the internet capabilities.

What then are the advantages of choosing to buy catamarans via the internet that supersede the risk of not being able to personally check the catamarans and see it with your own two eyes? Well there is the amazingly powerful advantage of searching this saves you time and therefore money and lots of it. There are also systems set up to on the internet reduce fraud and cheating that are not necessarily available when buying catamarans, especially from private sellers. There are licenses that certify the credibility of the seller. There are also systems set up that hold sellers accountable for misinformation, and it is now becoming more and more popular to offer warranties that ensure customer satisfaction for a reasonable length of time.

The question then is, “is the risk of making the purchase on the internet less than the benefits that you gain?” My answer is a quick and resounding YES! Let me first dispel the myth that the internet lacks the safety and security necessary to exchange private financial information that you need to purchase something on the internet as serious as a vehicle. You must understand now that the technology is presently online to insure that you can do business including the necessary exchange of sensitive information over the internet. So there is really no difference in security whether you choose to buy catamarans off the lot or on the internet.

So what are some of the advantage of online catamarans shopping? Well, for one thing there is the convenience of shopping in your own home and ability to communicate easily with the seller that only comes with continuous connectivity that you get with the World Wide Web. But isn’t it too risky to make such a large purchase over the internet, especially when you have no way of checking out the catamarans for yourself to protect yourself from fraud and rip offs? This is a real concern that many people have, and one that I want to address as well as offer many offsetting bonuses of choosing to “buy catamarans on the internet.”


ou Culture, Singapour Attire les Touristes

Posted on Kamis, 01 Maret 2012 | 0 komentar

Depuis que Singapour a réduit ses exportations de composants électroniques, cette dernière cherche aujourd'hui a développer son activité touristique pour compenser. Pour cela Singapour mise sur ses casinos et jeux vidéo importés.
Selon le co-fondateur de Lonely Planet Guides, si Disneyland a réussi travers le monde à s'imposer et à réunir chaque jour des millions de touristes, la Chine peut espérer alors prospérer grâce à ses casinos.

Toutefois, Singapour dispose d'un important handicape: elle n'a pas de Angkor Wat ou de Taj Mahal comme investisseur. Depuis longtemps, cette ville est surtout réputée pour ses innombrables centre commerciaux et ses promotions annuelles "Singapore sales".

Vis-à-vis des étrangers, Singapour dispose d'une image peu flatteuse en matière politique. En effet, elle est surtout connue pour ses passeurs de drogue, son taux important de vandalisme, ses coups d'état politiques et son interdiction de vendre des chewing gum. Culturellement parlant, son développement a surtout été refreiner par les multiples restrictions dont notamment la liberté d'expression et la censure de films et pièces de théâtre.

Toutefois, avec la nouvelle génération de chinois et l'influence des indiens et autres asiatiques qui commencent à voyager partout à travers le monde, Singapour a commencé à travailler sur le projet de nouvelles attractions, incluant deux nouveaux casinos ou encore un parc sur le thème du Studio Universal, et un équivalent des bateaux mouches français, même si aucun de ces projets n'est particulièrement singapourien.

Ainsi, Singapour se "démocratise" et se modernise avec l'ouverture de clubs et de ciné-clubs où l'on peut voir le film new zélandais Lord of the Rings. De plus, la fameuse société de location de films Blockbuster a ouvert ses portes et l'on y trouve à Singapour nombre de films indiens de Bollywood, afin d'attirer d'avantage de touristes indiens.

Ce même mois, quelques jours auparavant, Singapour a autorisé les courses automobiles équivalentes aux célèbres Formule 1, espérant ainsi attirer les touristes de l'autre continent. Citigroup, le groupe en charge de ce projet, espère générer un bénéfice compris entre $150 et $200 million par an, et montrer par là même que Singapour a changé.

Mettre un circuit de Formule 1 est une idée brillante mais reste encore loin d'être une idée typiquement nationale, ce qui, au final, risquerait d'enclencher une réaction inverse à l'objectif tant attendu.

Quant aux casinos, ces derniers devraient ressembler à ceux déjà présents à Macau afin d'obtenir un bénéfice de près de $37 milliards de dollars par an.

Face à ce changement radical, la population locale reste sceptique, voir pessimiste.
Pour eux, la mise en place d'un circuit de Formule 1 n'est qu'un moyen d'obtenir une publicité gratuite. Concernant les casinos qui devraient voir le jour d'ici quatre ans, ces derniers se sont réunis pour signer une pétition allant a l'encontre de ce projet, justifiant les méfaits des jeux sur les familles et les joueurs compulsifs, en ajoutant par ailleurs que ce concept attirerait d'avantage la population locale que les touristes.

Des intellectuels et représentants de communautés tels Paul Théroux , romancier et écrivain pour l'équivalent du Guide du Routard, déplorent cet engouement de la part de la ville. Pour eux, Singapour cherche à devenir une ville moderne et effacer toute son histoire et culture, pour faire place à une ville "que l'on trouve partout" , ce qui représenterait également la fin du quartier de Chinatown, célèbre pour ses magasins .


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