29
April
2009
The probabilities of scooping up the Euro millions jackpot is a far-off 1 : seventy-six million but the chances of acquiring a cash prize is a somewhat decent 1 : twenty four. If the jack-pot is not won in a given lottery draw, it is carried forward to the following lottery draw which results in an ever increasing jackpot prize. Recent rules added on the 9/02/2007 limit the amount of successive roll-overs to 11, with the jackpot rolled down to smaller value levels in the 11th draw if the prize is not collected.
The Euro millions lottery or the Euro Lottery, as it’s commonly known, pools the ticket receipts of the 9 partaking European countries delivering a giant Euro Lottery jack-pot. With the quantity of nations joining the EU on the increase, that will without a doubt lead to more countries partaking in the European lottery. A growth in the amount of individuals partaking in the euro lottery international draw will lead to a continuing growth of the already large EuroMillions jackpots.
The new regulations likewise initiated Euro Lottery Super Draw which come about twice annually and offer jackpots in the region of 100 million pounds. The difference with Super Draws is that the jack-pot has to be collected during the week of the draw; this means, when there is no lottery ticket matching, all the drawn numbers then the top prize will then be allotted to the lottery ticket holder(s) on the next winning prize level.
Each and every participant must pick out five main numbers from 1 to 50 and two Lucky Star numbers from 1 to 9. During the lottery draw, 5 main plus two lucky-star numbers are then picked out at random from two lotto draw machines containing numbered lottery balls.
Posted: Bookmakers Stuff, Casino Stuff, Great Lifestyle Tips
29
April
2009
The budget announcement about government aid to the Digital Britain project has drawn a lot of criticism from the broadband industry. In the announcement, Alistair Darling said that the government would be financially supporting the Digital Britain project of providing high-speed broadband to every household in the country.
Charles Trotman, Head, rural business development of the Country Land and Business Association, said that Darling’s promise has a major failing. As per the government proposal, the amount promised would only be fully released by 2012, by when the project should have actually concluded.
In a statement to The Guardian, he said that the announcement is confusing and does not give clarity on a number of issues. He had found the above-mentioned discrepancy only after looking through the entire financial report. Apparently, the amount being promised is actually the money saved from the switch to Digital TV. In this context, it is impossible for anyone to say how much would really be left. He said that the amount might in fact be less that the £250 million, which has been estimated in the report.
The plan of Universal Connectivity has already drawn a lot of negative reactions, and some are even saying that the speed limit of 2Mb is too low.
The chief of broadband analysis company Point Topic says that the investment mentioned in the budget was small when compared to the A$22 billion in Australia. He said that there weren’t enough details in the recent report and that he would be watching out for Lord Carter’s final Digital Britain report for more clarity.
Posted: Consumism, Technology Tips + More, Telecommunication Management
27
April
2009
What scares you the most about your upcoming ironman race? What’s your fear-factor?
As fit as a person is going into their first career Ironman, the fear-factor is always in the equation as the big day creeps ever closer.
As cool and confident as many participants may appear, there is almost always something that fills them with a certain amount of misgiving and anxiety.
For many, the fear-factor will be overwhelming self-doubt as they wonder what on earth they have gotten themselves into. Its almost like diving off a high cliff. Once you’re committed, there’s no turning back. After all, everyone in your circle of friends, family and co-workers know all about it. For months they have observed as you’ve immersed yourself in the rigors of Ironman preparation. How can you possibly back out and face the people who have supported you as you’ve prepared for the race of your life?
Well, some people can and do back out. I recall one story in the early 80’s that took place in the Hawaii Ironman.
As the story goes……..At the conclusion of the swim portion of the race and all the swimmers were off the course, it was discovered that one person was missing. In other words, someone who was signed in for the swim had not arrived. Apparently they searched the entire course looking for the missing swimmer fearing the worst.
As it turns out, the missing swimmer had never entered the water. He decided he just couldn’t do it and left the transition area and went for breakfast. When he returned for his gear, he asked someone what all the fuss was about and then, much to the relief of all concerned, the mystery was solved. If you EVER decide to drop out of an Ironman race, be sure to let the organisers know as soon as possible!
It seems that the swim is particularly terrifying for many first time Ironman athletes. People have been known to stand on the shore in tears, unable to face the swim even long after the gun has sounded.
In my first Ironman in Hawaii, I’ll never forget the amazing euphoria in the transition tent after the swim. More than anything, I believe it was relief, because for many, myself included, a very big hurdle had been cleared. As far as I was concerned that day, there was nothing that would stop me from crossing the finish line once I conquered the swim. There was no doubt, the water was my fear-factor.
I believe that most who are considering their first Ironman are runners. Also, pretty well everyone has biked at one time or another in their life, but really few have had the opportunity or reason to swim in the open water. So it stands to reason that a lot of first time Ironman triathletes are going to be extremely apprehensive about the Ironman swim.
Some I suppose may fear the bike. Maybe steep hills or cycling around so many others will cause some concern. At least in the bike and run you have complete control. You can just stop or slow down. I think its fair to say, that in the swim, once you’re half a mile out in the open water you’re pretty well committed.
Personally, I think much of the fear-factor grows all out of proportion as the race nears. Ironman preparation is much more than swim, bike, run. You must also prepare yourself mentally.
When you begin to have doubts about your ability, or when the fear of failure begins to haunt you, its time to take a step back and consider how far you have come.
It may not seem like it on race-day, as you are surrounded by hundreds of athletes, but in the big scheme of things, few people in the world will ever attempt what you’re about to do. Believe in your training, your preparation and ability. When the fear-factor is overwhelming as the race nears—regardless if its the swim or the bike or just fear of failing—remember this:
There are hundreds of other athletes who will feel the same as you on race morning. Thats one of the things that makes the Ironman so amazing. You are all on the same journey together. The goal is a common one. It is this united spirit that will help calm the fear-factor and take you through the day. You’ll understand what I mean as your first Ironman race-day unfolds.
There will be several thousand volunteers and thousands more spectators and friends and relatives who will all play a part in your amazing journey.
They will be behind you when your fear is greatest, your inspiration when you doubt and your strength when you tire.
You are truly amazing just to reach the start line of an Ironman triathlon. Just to have gotten to that point makes you a resounding success, so how can you possibly fail?
My name is Ray and I’m a veteran of 14 Ironman triathlons. I’ve created a site full of training and racing tips that the first time Ironman may find helpful.
The name of my site is “Ironstruck”
The address is http://triathlon-ironman-myfirstironman-ironstruck.com
You can also contact me with comments or questions at….
http://triathlon-ironman-myfirstironman-ironstruck.com/contact-me.html
Posted: Sports For All
26
April
2009
Responding to criticism of being unemotional and boring, Pete Sampras was
once quoted as saying: “People have this perception of when I win majors that I don’t look very ecstatic.”
“By the same token, if you just look at what I have to give up and sacrifice in my daily life to compete at this level, it would be very weird if in my own way I wasn’t feeling ecstatic about winning.”
While not doubting for a second that ecstatic is how Pete feels when he wins a major, I do question what he has given up in order to become the best, possibly of all time, has been a sacrifice.
As with any athlete’s career, the amount of time and effort a professional devotes to his sport is a matter of choice. Those choices are determined by the value the athlete attaches to being successful, to reaching the standards he has set for himself.
For instance, in the case of Sampras, it’s been well documented that even as a young boy he held the dream of becoming a top tennis player. This, of course, is not unusual — most sports begin with such dreams.
As a youngster, between the time switching from a two-handed to a one-handed backhand, Sampras would study videotapes of former Australian great, Rod Laver, hoping one day he would be good enough to emulate him.
Sampras established very early on in life exactly what he wanted for himself, and then proceeded to make choices in his daily life — choices like watching videos of Laver — that would take him closer to achieving his long-term goals.
He did so because he knew that that is what would make him happy; that the time spent investing in his future happiness would, he hoped, lead to the ecstasy he now experiences when he wins a major tennis event.
This is why I disagree with Pete when he says that such time has, in some way, involved sacrifice.
For instance, imagine if as a teenager, Pete had said to himself when deciding what to do with his day: “Yeah, I really would love to go to the movies with my friends. I think i’ll forget about practising today, and shelve, for the moment, my dream of becoming a top tennis player, along with the happiness that will come with it. “After all, it’ll be a whole lot of fun at the movies, and not going would be a real sacrifice.
But would it? Or would going to the movies with friends be the sacrifice?
What, to a person whose ambition is to become the best in the world, is more important — going to a movie with friends, or spending time perfecting a shot on the practice court?
Because it is the answer to this question, and others like it, that determines whether or not a sacrifice is to be made.
It is questions like this that every serious athlete, not just Pete Sampras, faces every day. The questions amount to: time devoted to being the best I can be in my chosen career versus time devoted to other areas of my life that I condsider to be either less important or more important than my career.
Any time devoted to being the best, and not to other less important areas of life is NOT a sacrifice.
In the context of a serious athlete who is pursuing a dream in the face of competition from other equally ambitious, driven athletes, there is very little that compares, in the hierarchy of things, with the importance that such an athlete attaches to his or her career.
Which is why it is never a sacrifice for someone who is pursuing his career to choose to spend his time doing just that — instead of other, far less important things.
Copyright 2006 — Chris Lewis is a former Number 1 ranked junior tennis player in the world (1975), and Wimbledon finalist (1983). During his playing career, his coaches were Harry Hopman and Tony Roche. You can read more of Chris’s articles and tennis tips at his website, Expert Tennis Tips.
Posted: Sports For All
26
April
2009
Any library is characterized by a dominating bookcase. Bookcases help in stashing away literature and saving them from wear and tear. A bookcase, also known as a bookshelf, is a furniture piece and has horizontal shelves to keep books. These bookshelves sometimes come with glass doors for convenient access to the contents.
Barristers or attorneys demand to make use of several heavy and tremendous books in the course of their practice. such citation manuals cost alot and are necessary often. A barrister bookcase is a kind of bookcase especially built for stashing away such bulky volumes utilised by barristers. These attorneys bookcases are usually created using oak wood, cherry wood in different finishes and tinctures.
How did individuals store volumes when barrister bookcases did not exist?
Volumes were not found commonly, so nobody thought of how to store them. Books utilised to be penned by hand in the past. wealthy individuals who owned them stored them in ready to hand containers.This is because books were very costly and only rich families could afford to purchase them and carry them while travelling.These containers served as a bookcase for them.
After a while, these hand-penned volumes were seen in many loaded individualss houses. These volumes found a place in the cupboard or on a shelf. these cupboards gave rise to strong bookshelves found Today.
What technique was employed for stacking away books?
The old technique was unlike than what it is Nowadays. books were stored with their bounds facing us and the covers to the wall. A band of vellum or leather was utilised for inscription of the title and also closed the book. the books edge showed its name and thats why they had to face outwards.
anybody who liked reading could purchase books due to the publishing design.Another added gain of publishing was that the publishing firms published the title on the back of the book so that the edges were placed inwards.
Which materials were mainly employed?
In the past years, barrister bookcases were produced of oak primarily. there were other choices of maple, cherry and pine wood if you liked. You can also go for economical choices such as steel in creating a barrister bookcase. The oldest bookcases are said to exist in England in the Bodleian Library at Oxford University.They are located here since the sixteenth century.
The two major bookcase designers were Chippendale and Sheraton who built stunning bookcases glazed with little tablets wrapped in latticework frames.These bookcases indeed added to the elegance of the room.
How are the latest bookcases contrasting?
taking into account the number of times a barrister demands to move in a new chamber, a portable barrister bookcase is like a boon. this barrister bookcase is made after joining the various shelves that come individually. after you add a pedestal and hood, the barrister bookcase is ready. This is genuinely movable as you dont need to remove anything from the shelf to move it to different place!
Posted: Library, Net Design, Shopping + More
25
April
2009
The Basketball Association of America (BAA) started the first basketball season in 1946. In 1949, the BAA agreed to merge with the National Basketball League to become the National Basketball Association (NBA). At the start, there were seventeen franchises in the nation. However, in 1950 the franchises were consolidated to eleven. In 1950, the NBA became integrated, accepting the first African American players. Chuck Cooper joined the Boston Celtics, Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton joined the New York Knicks and Earl Lloyd joined the Washington Capitols. The Minneapolis Lakers won the first NBA Championship in 1950.
The NBA was at its smallest in 1954 when it had only eight franchises, all eight of which remain today. These are the Knickerbockers, Celtics, Warriors, Lakers, Royals/Kings, Pistons, Hawks and Nationals/76ers. 1954 also saw the introduction of the 24-second shot clock to increase the tension of the game.
The NBA played with the six-team format until 1967 when it expanded by adding two teams. This expansion was in response to the founding of the American Basketball Association (ABA) in an attempt to tie up the best cities. The following year the Division Semifinals was changed to a best-of-seven playoff. Two additional teams were added each in 1975 and 1977. In 1976, the NBA reached a settlement with the ABA, which added four ABA franchises to the NBA, raising the total to 22.
The current sixteen-team tournament was not started until 1984. The First round was then changed to a best-of-five playoff, to accommodate the new teams. It wasn’t until 2003 that first round became the best of seven we have today. During the last 2004 to 2005 season, the NBA underwent additional changes. There are now thirty NBA franchises and the division structure has been realigned. There are now three divisions with five teams each.
Check out our NBA Betting Systems if you want to be a successful sports investor. We recommend you check out the Bodog Review to bet on the games.
Posted: Sports For All
25
April
2009
A great many companies get really jumbled-up when the theme of conversation boils down to exchange rate insider terms, even so, the industry jargon remarkably is fairly unsophisticated. So regardless of whether you are an individual or a firm looking to change overseas money; what follows are some unambiguous and elementary definitions that will with a little bit of luck dispel nearly all of the obfuscation & make the oftentimes misunderstood process of making significant extra monetary income by exchanging overseas currency a great deal less trouble.
Starting off with the most elementary of definitions an exchange rate is the current price at a specific nationalities currency may be swapped to another’s. So that, for example the exchange rate would be the amount of Cuba Pesos you should buy for every Guernsey Pound.
Fixed exchange rates are furthermore known as ‘pegged exchange rates’; they are put to good use to stabilize the value of a countries currency; especially during times when that currency is fluctuating heavily; this really helps to support international trade & investment.
Floating exchange rate – this is when a currencies value is calculated by market forces. This is a more hazardous way to conduct business but don’t forget this is the situation wherein you should enjoy the opportunity to make a profit,
You might often additionally hear talk of animals in currency circles; a bull is an individual who foresees that market values will go upwards conversely a bear is a person that thinks market values will go down. A bull market is a marketplace where prices are at present going upwards and a bear market is the opposite – a market where prices are actually going down.
A currency broker is someone who acts as an intermediary person between yourself and the market place – they are actually oftentimes in a position to get you the choicest price at moments when you are looking to buy or maybe sell. Maybe you’re a seasoned veteran and want to exchange foreign currency straight away, this guide may not be for you.
The dollar rate is the value that a single unit of any currency has against one unit of the US Dollar; this is a very useful indicator for a currencies value.
This is obviously by no means an extensive group of terms – it is merely a starting point; but with a small fraction more fact finding you might be very much on your way to becoming a financial expert in no time.
Posted: House Of Loans
24
April
2009
1. NFL Quarterback – Peyton Manning, Colts
This is a no brainer. If this review was based solely on athletic ability, Manning wouldn?t be number one. But we are talking about all around quarterback and there is no one that compares to Manning. He is the smartest quarterback, one of the most precise quarterback, and easily one of the best quarterbacks to come around in a while. Look for Peyton to challenge his own TD record again this year.
2. NFL Quarterback – Tom Brady, Patriots
Again, not the most athletic quarterback in the league but one of the smartest. This guy knows how to win. He has three super bowl rings to prove it. May not always have the big numbers like other quarterbacks like Manning or Favre, but it’s hard to go against a guy who knows how to win. When you have a quarterback that?s a proven winner, the confidence of the entire team goes up. Brady, just like Manning, makes his team that much better.
3. NFL Quarterback – Daunte Culpepper, Vikings
The new age quarterback of the NFL: can beat you with his arm and legs. Had a great year last year and will only get better this year. A very accurate quarterback who is prone to make a few mistakes but with all the big plays he makes it up in a big way. Even with the loss of Moss, Culpepper?s numbers will increase from last year. Look for Culpepper to have another great year and help the Vikings be contenders.
4. NFL Quarterback – Donovan McNabb, Eagles
Finally, McNabb got the monkey off his back and got his team past the NFC championship to the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, the Eagles were beat by Brady and the Patriots. Now, McNabb knows how to win and look for him to get better. With the addition of Owens last year, McNabb was able to open up the arsenal and throw deep. McNabb is another one of those new age quarterbacks who can beat you many different ways. The Eagles will contend again this year and look for McNabb to have another superb year.
5. NFL Quarterback – Brett Favre, Packers
Easily one of the best quarterbacks ever to play the game. This man has a cannon for an arm and makes some hard passes look easy. Of course, he is a risk taker and does make some mistakes but you can always count on him in the clutch. He is one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the league right now and it?s hard to keep him off the list. Look for yet another solid year for Favre.
The Rest:
Michael Vick, Falcons
Still more of a running back than a quarterback. One more year playing and he?ll be a top 3 QB.
Byron Leftwich, Jaguars
Still learning the ropes of a NFL quarterback but may be one of the strongest quarterbacks in the league.
Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks
Needs to regain his confidence he had from 2 years ago. If he does, the Seahawks will contend
Drew Brees, Chargers
Needs to show that last year wasn?t a fluke. If he does, the Chargers will be for real again
Leo Mendelsohn
Richard Peraldo
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Posted: Sports For All
19
April
2009
Leyton Orient failed to take full advantage of a host of teams not playing this weekend but moved to within one point of an automatic promotion place. The O’s let a two goal lead slip at Shrewsbury Town to draw the match 3-3.
A 30-yard free kick from Matt Lockwood and a low strike by Paul Connor put Orient had put 6/4 Orient 2-0 up after 26 minutes. The Shrews hit back with three goals in six minutes to lead at the break through Mark Stallard after 39, Dave Edwards on 41 and Sagi Burton on the stroke of half-time. Adam Tann levelled matters for the visitors two minutes into the second half.
Wycombe Wanderers missed a glorious opportunity to oust Carlisle United from the top of the table when they slipped 2-1 at Cheltenham Town. Roger Johnson gave the 8/5 Chairboys the lead after 16 minutes but Gavin Caines equalised on 72. Wycombe’s Kevin Betsy was sent off for foul and abusive language two minutes later and the 6/4 play-off chasing Robins struck a dramatic injury time winner through Steven Gillespie.
A 1-1 draw did neither relegation strugglers Rushden & Diamonds or promotion hopefuls Grimsby Town at Nene Park. Ben Futcher headed the 13/10 Mariners in front on the hour but teenager Simeon Jackson hit back for bottom-but-one placed Diamonds after 72 minutes.
Stockport County stay out of the bottom two on goal difference despite losing 2-0 at Peteborough United. Dean Holden broke the deadlock for 7/10 Posh after 70 minutes while Ryan Semple added a second two minutes from time to keep the club in the play-off zone.
Wrexham came from two goals behind to steal a point at Barnet, themselves looking over their shoulders at the relegation trapdoor. Jason Norville and Tresor Kandol gave the 8/5 Bees a two goal cushion after 37 minutes before Mark Jones handed the North Wales outfit a lifeline one minute before the break. Matt Derbyshire netted the equalised six minutes into the second half.
The mid-table clash between Notts County and Mansfield Town also produced a 2-2 draw.
David Walker runs free bets and UK poker websites. A free email course: “Seven Days to Better Betting” is available at both of these websites.
Posted: Sports For All
18
April
2009
Among the most highly prized possessions that any college basketball player can hope for is their college basketball jersey. The college basketball jersey represents a feeling of pride and belonging to the team.
But the feeling is not restricted to the team. Jerseys are also prized by fellow students, who show up at college games dressed in the same colors to cheer on their team.
Anyone who loves the game will have a favorite team and player. Wearing their jersey creates a special bond.
Some Like It Hot
Due to the heat of indoor playing conditions, basketball jerseys are made of thin material, mostly of mock mesh, dazzle, tricot mesh or pro mesh materials. Jerseys are always sleeveless because long sleeved jerseys would cause the players to sweat too much, creating not only uncomfortable conditions, but unhealthy ones as well. The jerseys are also worn long and loose with large armholes for ventilation.
The NCAA is very strict about the way basketball jerseys are worn on the court and requires all players to tuck in their jerseys.
Color, Numbers And Styles
The tank top jerseys are worn with shorts, which are long and baggy with stretchable waistbands and drawstrings. Each jersey is embossed with the team logo, player number and team name. Every college team likes to customize its basketball jersey, and comes up with a unique color plan.
There are a number of manufacturers who produce wonders with the jersey designs and styles. Reversible jerseys use contrasting fabric on both the inside and outside surfaces, so that they can be worn either way.
The player’s number is required to be on both the back and the front of the jersey. The height of these numbers is required to be 8 inches on the back and 6 inches on the front side. The names of the players are printed in 2-inch high letters. Shortly after 9/11, the NCAA began to allow players to wear the American flag on the jerseys using a 4-inch side insert for this purpose.
Collector’s Items
The demand for replica college jerseys always goes up when the NCAA tournament season begins. There is also a big demand for jerseys worn by the top basketball stars. These replica jerseys, available at several online stores, make a great collector’s item for the avid basketball fan.
Visit Fan Jerseys to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer, visit his website at Articles for authors
Copyright 2006 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.
Posted: Sports For All
