Sunday, August 23, 2009

Tiger Woods Blows it for Himself and the PGA

By Ryan Bruce

Golf fans were all stunned today when Tiger Woods was defeated by an unknown Y.E. Yang at the PGA championship. The lead was all Tiger's, and to have seen him blow it, well, many weren't expecting it to put it lightly. Yang is the first ever Asian golfer to ever win a major event, and this is the first time Tiger Woods ever lost a major on the last day after having held the lead.

Yay? I don't think the PGA, it's sponsors, or the casual golf fan are very happy. Tiger Woods in the starter, middle reliever, and closer for the PGA. Without Tiger, as we saw last year, no one cares. Now, people are getting the feeling that Tiger has lost it. He didn't win a major this year and pretty much choked away the PGA Championship after missing the cut at the British Open.

Woods is by no means past his prime. After returning from an injury that ended his 2008 campaign, Woods has bounced back with wins at five tournaments. Some of these involved some vintage Woods Sunday comebacks. Unfortunately, the majors are far more watched than the other tournaments, so the typical sports fan doesn't realize that all's not lost in Tiger's corner.

While everyone loves to talk about Yang and what he did today, this was a crippling blow to the PGA in 2009. There were simply no exciting stories that capped off the year of majors. Tom Watson nearly became the oldest golfer (by far) to ever win a major, before losing it on the final day. Woods went the entire year without a major, virtually unheard of during his career.

Yet, this pushes it to another level. You're talking about the greatest golfer on Earth, losing to some no-name from South Korea who probably won't win another major. If Tiger had won, it would've given hope to next year, a hope maybe he finally does what he was destined to do, win all the major in the same year and pass Jack Nicklaus for the most Major wins ever.

While there are a few more months of golf left, there are no majors, and only serious golf enthusiasts will track these events. Fringe fans will go back to watching other sports, and will be far from enthused about the 2010 golf season.

Tiger must bounce back in 2009. He is the face of the PGA, and any story lines lacking Tiger Woods will do anything but help the sport grow.

Here's to hoping that 2010 brings us a Tiger resurgence, and most notably, a major or two. The sport really needs it.

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Our Experience With the Head Liquidmetal Radical

By Trey McDowell

The Head Liquidmetal Radical has been a staple in the tennis world for most of the decade now, and a classic racquet at that. Used by advanced amateurs and professionals alike, this is one of the more popular racquets in the tennis world, and with good reason.

While this racquet is a bit on the heavy side, it actually lends itself well to smooth ground strokes as a result. Everything feels steady and firm due to the racquet's weight, and the spin it puts on the ball is great.

When serving, the Liquidmetal Radical mid-plus gave us excellent control over the ball, and each serve felt great coming off the racquet. Returning serves at high speeds was no problem either.

Perhaps our favorite element of the racquet was the effect that it had on our ground strokes, as the control and spin the mid-plus allowed us to put on the ball was really one of the best we've ever experienced when testing a racquet. No wonder it's such a popular seller!

While the mid-plus has a somewhat small frame, which gives the racquet its excellent sense of control, anyone looking for a larger racquet head should strongly consider the over-sized model.

While most experienced players will generally frown upon an over-sized racquet, we had no qualms with it here. The control that's usually sacrificed with an over-sized racquet didn't seem to be much of an issue this time around.

Serving is extremely comfortable with this racquet. It packs a good deal of power with an easy swing weight. The control is there, and with the head size, the Head Liquidmetal Radical could become a nice weapon for a serve and volley player.

The only drawback we noticed while trying this Over-sized Liquidmetal Radical was it didn't quite generate as much spin as we wanted. This is obviously not a problem if you tend to not hit with a ton of spin, but just don't expect to slice and top spin your way to victory with this racquet.

Anyone looking for a steady racquet to complement their advanced game will be really happy with the Head Liquidmetal Radical. We certainly were.

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Where To Go For a Canadian Biking Adventure!

By Patricia Williams

If you're looking for a biking adventure, Canada is the place to go! Experienced bikers will particularly love Canada's rugged terrain and demanding trails to test their skill levels and challenge them. There are, however, some trails in Canada suitable for less experienced bikers, as well. Take a look at what I found!

Beginners may want to try the singletrack route from Old Fort Point going to Valley of the Five Lakes. Located in Alberta, Canada, this 14-mile track provides easy entrance and exit points on the trail so newbie riders can avoid some of the more technical sections of the trail if they desire. Experienced riders will enjoy the technical inclines and challenging descents in a few areas, as well. This is a busy place in the summer, though, so stay alert to other biking traffic on this trail.

The Mont Ste-Anne Ski Area near Quebec City has dozens of trails of different lengths and experience levels. There is a $6 fee to get in and fees if you use the chairlifts. There is some incredible scenery to be viewed from the top and you might even be fortunate enough to see some large wildlife (moose, bear, etc.). For the more experienced bikers, there are plenty of technical trails to choose from that will keep you hopping!

A favorite of bikers in British Columbia is the Burnaby Mountain trails. There is a wide variety of trails, some paved, some gravel. There are some technical spots and fast descents for the experienced biker. Try to get a map of the area to find out the different names of each trail and what each entails.

Another ski area located near Bathrust, New Brunswick, also offers biking trails. With just about 10 miles in singletrack trails, you can select from steep inclines, fast descents, and bridges to navigate if you're an experienced biker. More trails are constantly being added, and they are very well kept. The locals highly recommend this area! A group ride is held each Tuesday evening, and you can join in if you like.

Porcupine Ridge near Bracebridge, Ontario is a fun ride for the experienced rider. There are 8 miles of trails to choose from. You won't find a lot of climbs or descents, but there are lots of rocks, roots and some incredible drop-offs to keep things interesting. It's a very technical ride, but lots of fun!

You may also want to check out Air Supply, a small 1-mile track for experts only! Located in North Vancouver, British Columbia, anyone who isn't a pro will want to watch from the sidelines, but it's exciting even just to watch! This trail features high wall rides, high skinnys, huge ladder jumps and ladder drops, gaping 10-20 foot gaps, and both a double teeter totter and a swivel teeter totter!

Hopefully you will find something here that fits your experience level and location. Always have your camera ready when riding in Canada. You never know when you'll run across some incredible vista or some friendly wildlife! As always, happy biking!

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Saturday, August 22, 2009

Who Has Scored The Most Goals In World Cup Soccer History?

By Amy Nutt

Almost every culture around the world has some type of connection to the history of football/soccer. Such cultures as the Ancient Greeks, Persians, Vikings, The Chinese, Japanese, and much more, played a game that is much like todays football/soccer. For instance, The Chinese played "footballer" games dating as far back as about 3000 years ago. However, it was in England that soccer / football really began to grow in popularity. After becoming popular in England, soccer became a widely loved sport throughout the world. The celebrated FIFA World cup led the way to the rise of soccer stars, and conferred world soccer records holders such as the player who has scored the most goals in world cup soccer history.

Brazilian professional footballer Ronaldo Nazario de Lima has scored the most goals in Fifa World Cup history. Ronaldo Lus Nazario de Lima, more generally known as Ronaldo, was born in September 18, 1976. In 1993, Ronaldo began his professional soccer/footballer career playing for Cruzeiro. In his single year with Cruzeiro, he accumulated 12 goals in 14 games and led the team to win their first Copa do Brasil championship. After playing with Cruzeiro, in 1994, he joined with the Dutch football team PSV. In 1996, in his final year with PSV, Ronaldo aided the team to win the Dutch Cup.

Ronaldo is also an established national footballer for Brazil. He has played in 97 international games, accumulating 62 goals and standing 15 goals away from the Brazilian national scoring record. He was a member of the Brazilian team that won the 1994 and 2002 World Cups. During the 2006 World Cup soccer game, Ronaldo became the highest goal scorer in the history of the World Cup with his fifteenth goal. "The Phenomenon" in English, Ronaldo made the number 9 famous and made it tantamount with the position of center forward. During his footballer career in Europe, Ronaldo became one of the most celebrated strikers throughout the world after he won his first Ballon d'Or as the European Footballer of the Year in 1997, and then once more in 2002. He is also one of only two players to have won the FIFA Player of the Year award three times. In 2007, he was named as one of the best starting eleven of all-time by France Football and was named to the FIFA 100, a list of the greatest footballers compiled by his fellow Brazilian soccer star, Pel.

To many contemporary footballers, Ronaldo is a living icon who has been credited with encouraging a stronger marketing interest in soccer throughout the world, particularly because of his relationship with Nike who had in the past spent their marketing resources and time primarily on Basketball.

The soccer that we know today was shaped during the 1960s. Increased media coverage and TV broadcasts has made the game more popular than ever. With soccer stars such as David Beckham in the spotlight, the popularity of soccer will continue to grow.

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Breckenridge Tops the Best in Summit County

By Monique Mertrandes

I stand by my belief that anyone looking to find the best dining, golfing and a lot of recreational experiences in Summit County will find them in Breckenridge. The claim is without any prejudice, as it is supported by facts, like the choice of the residents of Summit Country, expressed through a survey conducted by Summit Daily News. Breckenridge ranked on top in the following categories:



Truly the Best Ski Mountain: And to make the visit to Breckenridge eventful, make sure you take the time to visit the slopes. And Breckenridge Ski Resort is the locals favorite suggestion for skiing destination. Why Breck? you may ask.

At Breckenridge Ski Resort, just the availability of various skiing runs, whether you are a novice, or an accomplished adventure seeker, makes you feel an important and welcome guest. As a guest you will feel as if your host is providing you with personalized service. The title is, no doubt fitting for a place where you can view fantastic scenery at the highest spot in North America in addition to its exciting runs whatever your skiing level of expertise is.

As expected, there are celebrations for being awarded as Best Ski Mountain by both the locals as well as the guests in the many watering holes on the mountain.

Best Place for People Watching: When on the mountains of Summit County do not fail to visit Breckenridges Main Street, chosen as the finest place to relax or enjoy in the county. No matter if you go there to buy food for breakfast or you are enjoying a few drinks before calling it a day, take note of the interesting view aside from the mountains.

Finest Hiking Trail: Should you visit the Summit County when skiing is off season, do not fuss because there are many other activities you can enjoy, like the 7 mile Mohawk Trail hike. So, bring enough food and hit all seven miles of the trail that will bring you past the ruins of an old mine, the Continental Falls and the Mohawk Lake. As you turn north, you will see a fantastic view of Breckenridge

Best Park for Everyone: While Breckenridges Carter Park is popular among dog owners, there were many other reasons why Summit County residents considered it their best park. The idyllic Breckenridge Park on High Street is the multi-purpose setting for those enjoying a picnic, playing tennis, volleyball, soccer, or just running around as a form of excise. Carter Park is everyones park.

Top Rated Golf Course: The municipal, 27-hole Golf Course designed by Jack Nicklaus in Breckenridge is Summit Countys best for various reasons. Located at 9,234 feet from sea level, it offers the uncommon experience of high-altitude golfing while enjoying the magnificent view of the mountains. You need not depend on the locals judgment that Breckenridge Golf Course could be your greatest challenge yet considering that the Colorado Golfer magazine named it the Toughest Mountain Course.

Breckenridge offers many more bests or top ranked establishments in entertainment, shopping, dining that cannot be accommodated in this list. Breckenridge vacation rentals are another best in Summit County when you are searching for the accommodation that provides real value for the price.

However, do not just rely on my list. After visiting Breckenridge you may have a longer list of bests.


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Choosing The Righ Tattoo Designs - What You Should Know

By Otis Alston

Before you get yourself a tattoo, be it for the first time or the fifth time, you should always remember to do your research. Remember that the tattoo design that you choose is going to be "stick" with you for the rest of your life so it is better to be safe than to be sorry. So, don't let the excitement of getting a tattoo take over your rationality of choosing the right tattoo design for yourself.

On top of that, here are a couple more tips to help you along you tattoo process.

1. Always check that the studio that you are going to do your tattoo is hygienic and the artist sanitizes their equipments. Sanitary is very important because if any equipment is not clean, you might get infect by some disease. You don't want that to happen do you. Also, never get a tattoo unless you are 100% satisfied with the tattoo design you choose. If you are not satisfied with anything, don't be afraid to communicate with your artist. It is after all you skin and most tattoo artist will be glad to comply.

2. Keep yourself relax when you are getting tattooed and try to focus your mind on something else besides the pain, this will make the pain more bearable. And if you are women and had given birth to a child before, remember the nurses asking you to breathe in and out to keep relax. The exact same technique can be use to keep yourself calm when getting a tattoo.

Each time someone comes to me asking for advice if they should get a tattoo done, I will always ask them to consider twice before they get a tattoo done. And unless you are totally sure that you are not going to regret getting that tattoo done, don't do it.

Always remember, removing a tattoo is not only going to cost more, but also hurt more than getting one. Therefore, be sure about yourself before getting a tattoo done!

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Friday, August 21, 2009

What You Can Learn From Free Slot Games

Some people tend to believe that nothing in life is free. Well, that may have been true in the past but not anymore since the arrival of free slot games. But can anything that is free, truly be of any value or worth pursuing? The answer is short, sweet and simple and that answer is yes, it is worth it.

If you are not used to gambling online, or even gambling in any sense, playing the free slot games is the perfect way to get your feet wet. What is there to lose? You are essentially playing with someone else's money. The online casinos want you to come to their site and play their online slots. But there are a lot of different online casinos out there. In order to grab your attention, they offer you free money.

One thing that you will quickly learn with the free slot games is that it is mostly chance. There are some things that you can do to increase your chance of winning such as playing with a reputable and popular gaming site. You can also play more often which should better your odds at winning but you do not want to spend all of your own money doing this in order to avoid going broke. More will be explained about this free money will be explained shortly.

Not only can you learn the ins and the outs of the game by playing with free money, but you will also be able to learn just how the whole virtual casino works. It is not all that hard, but there are certain things that you will be curious about and what to get the hang of before putting down your own money from your personal bank account.

The learning curve will still be fun, even though you will be learning a bunch of things about the game. One thing that you do not have to learn though is losing your money too early in the learning process. By taking advantage of all of the different free slot games you will be able to play for free, learn everything there is to learn and have fun doing it. There is certainly a certain thrill that comes from gambling with someone else's money.

And don't forget, you really do not have to stick with one particular online casino while using their free money. You are not tied into a contract. By sampling a little bit of everything that is out there for you from the various online casinos, you will be able to truly judge which games and slots are right for you.

Once you get the hang of the free slot games you may find yourself sharing your experiences with your friends and family who in turn may find themselves interested in learning about the slot games that you play. Feel free to help them out so that they too can have fun with the free slot games and possibly even win a nice chunk of change.