Strike or Strong Blog27910

Reaching Your Potential

2007-05-28T15:47:00.000-07:00

In todays pressured world, many teens are afraid to failand evenafraid to succeed. They dont want to stick out, whether for good or bad. They want to be accepted, and just fit in. This type of mentality will lead you nowhere but the path to mediocrityand that is nothing to be proud of or content with. As Douglas Malloch so aptly wrote:

If you can't be a highway then just be a trail,
If you can't be the sun be a star;
It isn't by size that you win or you fail-
Be the best of whatever you are!

Each of us have different talents and different abilities, so dont get me wrongits not about being the bestbut rather about being the best YOU can personally become. The hockey great Wayne Gretzky has said You miss 100% of the shots you dont take. Think about that. If you dont try, you have a 0% chance of success! But if you put all your heart into something, and work hard, you can and will succeed in whatever you will. And if it turns out your best wasnt good enoughthen at least you triedand will have no regrets and no wonders of what could have been. The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them, into the impossible.

With that in mind, let me share with you what basketball legend Michael Jordan has said:

I have missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot... and missed. And I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why... I succeed.

So from one teen to another: I encourage you to do today what others wont, to have tomorrow what others never willAnd never be afraid to fail!

Better Marketing Tricks

Cooling Down Phase for Soccer Training - A Coach's Perspective and Focal Point

2007-05-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

Cooling down,I term this the reflection phase. It is a time to prepare for physical and mental relaxation. This includes stretching and flexibility work as well as light group jogging and limbering down exercises.This is the time of mental reflection of the practice, game or even the day's events.This is especially neccesary while at and during tournaments

This important phase is usually over-looked by most teams as they are trying to either celebrate the win or discuss the loss and any related issues. If this aspect is incorporated every practice then it will be a natural process after the games as well. Yes the practices need to incorporate warm up as well as cool down. Apart from the physiology of increasing strength through stretching regimes. This helps the team members understand their bodies and it's needs.

It is also a great time for the coaches to get feed back on the events. This gets the team to contribute to their immediate experiences, whether is be a competition or practice. It helps everybody paint a mental picture of their collective accomplishments.

When a group of individuals gets together and focuses on something other than the immediate task at hand then the task becomes another routine within the training regime.This is switching the focus from the actual cooling down process and focuses on the socialization aspect of cooling down. It deals with the fresh experiences that have just occured. Let the team discuss the events first before the coach talks or the meeting is held in the locker room. Young minds need to also voice opinions to each other before they talk to the larger group. This helps build unity within and a power of responsibility throughout.

It is a time to also talk about the other aspects of sports activities. These are nutritional and additional aspects of concentrating on mental focus.

The Departed

Dealing With Negative People Made Easy

2007-05-26T13:35:00.000-07:00

I was playing tennis today with one of my tennis buddies. We play once a week and we usually chat about work, professional tennis players and local news.

Today he was very negative about the people of the area we live in. According to him they are all thieves and crooks.

Now this makes me really angry when I hear him talking like this since I have had very positive experiences with the people I have dealt with locally. I find the locals to be very friendly, helpful and considerate.

So we disagree on the facts. What can I do about his negative thinking? What can you do when dealing with negative people?

Three Ways To Deal With Negative People

1. Get specific

When someone is caught up in negative thinking they will often generalize their statements. It is a good idea to ask them questions to clarify what they mean.

For example if my friend says all dogs are aggressive I will ask him:

Small dogs or big dogs? All dogs or certain breeds? According to who? In what kind of situations?

By doing this you can shift the perspective of the negative person from a generalized over reaction to a highly specific opinion. This will ease some of the negativity and the intensity of their outburst.

2. Let Go

Let go of wanting to control the opinions of the people you deal with no matter how negative they are. By all means talk to the negative person and use your persuasion skills to help give them a more positive outlook.

However remember that each of us is entitled to be negative, wrong and inaccurate! Once you accept this you will not get so stressed about wanting to change people who are negative.

And ironically when you stop trying to change people they can almost sense that you accept them and so your words have more impact.

3. Choose to Be Positive

When people around us are negative sometimes the easiest thing to do is to join in. You do not have to. If you want to just go ahead.

Otherwise find ways to maintain a positive attitude. Look for the positives in the situation and point them out to people. Ask yourself how you can use this opportunity to become better.

And refuse to get dragged down by others into the murky waters of negativity no matter how bad it gets.

Being positive is a choice even when those around you have slipped into negativity.

The Departed

Championship Betting Review - 5 February 2006

2007-05-25T00:30:00.000-07:00

Reading saw off rock-bottom Crewe to set a 31-match unbeaten record for the second tier of English football. Reading have not lost a league match since their opening day defeat against Plymouth and even at 2/5 will have had plenty of support from punters. Crewe managed to take the lead after 14 minutes but found themselves 3-1 behind at the break, with Reading edging the match 4-3 at full time.

Leeds United maintained their position in third place with a 2-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers. Leeds, who had won their last three fixtures at Elland Road, could be backed at 4/6 and goals from Richard Cresswell and Paul Butler sealed all three points.

Aki Riihilahti marked his first start for Crystal Palace since September with the winning goal against Cardiff City. Palace, at 4/5 took the lead after 70 minutes and an equaliser for Cameron Jerome was disallowed for an earlier foul.

Preston were the only play-off team to slip up, being held to a goalless draw at Stoke. North End, now unbeaten in 22 matches, will have disappointed backers at 7/5 after Paul McKenna missed a penalty with three minutes remaining.

Luton let an early lead against visitors Hull slip, with the Tigers winning at large 10/3 odds. Keith Keane gave Mike Newells side the lead after eight minutes but Hull fought back with goals from Stuart Elliott, Daryl Duffy and Jon Parkin to lead 3-1 at half time. Chris Coyne headed in a second for Luton with four minutes left to set up a tense finale.

Managerless Leicester edged out of the bottom three with an unlikely 9/5 win over play-off chasers Wolves. Matty Fryatts goal in the 70 minute earned the Foxes their first back-to-back victory of the season and their first home win in six attempts.

Sheffield Wednesday boosted their battle against the drop with a win at Millwall. Frank Simeks goal secured a win for the Owls at 2/1 and sees them four points clear of relegation.

On Sunday, the Old Farm derby between Norwich and Ipswich produced an away win at tasty 11/4 odds. On loan Jonatan Johansson opened the scoring on his Canaries debut after 33 minutes but Jimmy Juan equalised five minutes later. The match ended in controversy as Danny Haynes appeared to use his hand to bundle in the ball although the goal was officially given as a Gary Doherty own goal.

Ringtones

Tucson Land for Sale - Investing in the Future

2007-05-24T23:24:00.000-07:00

Nearly everywhere you look on the outskirts of the metropolitan area, you will find Tucson land for sale. Whether you are considering building a home or a business, you will probably find a piece that is to your liking. There are commercially zoned lots, residential lots, manufactured home lots, and even horse properties. When looking for Tucson land for sale there are some things that you need to be aware of before you buy, so that you wont end up making a costly mistake.

Driving around the metro area you will find all different types of neighborhoods and developments with Tucson land for sale . There are luxury home communities in the mountains and foothills of the Catalinas, and Tucson Mountain Park, and family oriented communities like those in South Tucson and Oro Valley, and even some adult communities in the outer areas of the city. Manufactured homes are also becoming extremely popular as a way to use Tucson land for sale. Not only do these areas have land for sale for home builders, but for the shopping, entertainment, and recreation needs as well.

Newcomers to the area looking for Tucson land for sale for a home or a business need to be aware of certain features of the land in the Tucson area. As Tucson is a desert, the soil is sandy and may have to be treated if you want to landscape with grass. Many homes and businesses use desert landscaping to conserve water. However, when it rains, because of the sandy soil and poor drainage, washes that were dry for years can become flooded. Your Tucson land for sale should be carefully inspected for flooding danger.

You will also need to be aware of any easements, liens or deed restrictions on the Tucson land for sale you are considering purchasing. An easement is something on your property that is used by another individual or business. An example would be a neighbors driveway that goes through your property. A lien is the same as on a home or car. If there are outstanding judgments or debts on the home, they will need to be cleared up before you buy. A deed restriction is something that a seller stipulates. They say how the Tucson land for sale can and cannot be used.

When you are looking to purchase land for your home or business in Tucson, a realtor can help to guide you through the process to help you avoid any mistakes. Find a realtor that specializes in land buying and you can be more confident that the purchase you are making is a wise one and a good investment.

House Decorating Ideas

Do You Know The Art Of Love?

2007-05-23T22:19:00.000-07:00

If youre in a relationship where everyday is like Valentines Day then youve pretty much mastered the art of love. However, if youre like most people in a relationship, you might think that men are from Mars and women are from Venus. Well, just in case the latter is true, Ill share a separate heart-to-heart with each of you in the spirit of Valentines Day.

Earth to Men from Mars:

Men are great at many things: lifting boxes, killing spiders, loosening jars. Valentines day is your chance to really play up your romantic side, (you know you have one). If you love someone, theres nothing more manly than letting her know it. And if you really want to put hair on your chest: show her that you love her.

In even the healthiest relationship, you and she will have different interests. She loves Formula One racing. You love daisies. This is all a great thing because if you show off a little of your feminine side, chances are you will certainly score--points, that is. She asks you--all the time--to tell her why you fell in love with her, right? Then she actually expects you to come out with a brilliant answer on the spot. Goodness, I feel for you--even Shakespeare couldnt give you a sonnet in demand. But dont worry, this Valentines Day, youre going to come up with some eloquent gesture of love that will make her want to leave Venus to come live with you on Mars. Youre probably saying to yourself, How am I going to do that? Well, allow me to warm you up to some outside-the-box ideas.

Look through the photos youve gathered throughout your time together. Find some that speak to you. Dont worry about what they say just yet. This is the manly, hunting-and-gathering part of the gesture. Once youve found the photos you like, put them in the album in no particular order. Now look at each photo and ask yourself: How does this picture remind me of why I love her? For example, if you chose a photo of her making a silly face, its probably because you love the way she makes you laugh. So write the answer on a Post-it and stick the note on the photo. Do this for all the photos. In no time at all, you will create a lasting testament to your love for her. If by chance shes a tough cookie to crumble, then plant some daisies (or her favorite flowers) so they spell out the words "I love you." This is a romantic gesture that will last an entire season and return every year--if you have a green thumb. It will surprise her as the words start to appear, and it will surprise you if it actually works.

And yes, in case youre wondering: its ok to make her think you made up your romantic gestures even if you got the ideas from an article.

Earth to Women from Venus:

Diamonds arent always a girls best friend. Youre probably saying to yourself, What are you talking about? Diamonds bring a twinkle to your eye, when your significant other cannot. However, diamonds cant give you backrubs, kill spiders, or open jars. It is truly rewarding to be with your significant other when you both click, are on the same page, on the same level intellectually, and can make each other laugh. Thats when hes your best friend and diamonds dont compare. Diamonds are said to be forever, but when both of you are using your minds, hearts, and uniqueness to have a romantic future together, thats what really lasts. So this Valentines Day, youre going to come up with some cute and sexy performance of love that will make him want to leave Mars to come live with you in Venus. You probably already have some outside-the-box ideas of your own, (you go girl!). However, if youre stuck for ideas, please allow me to warm you up to a few of mine.

Get home well before he does if its a workday. Gather all your lingerie and use them to shape hearts trailing from the front door, into the bedroom and onto the bed. Leave a note on the bed that says "Pizza is on its way and cold beer is in the fridge." Make sure the pizza is delivered before he gets home because youll need to put on some sexy lingerie and actually deliver the pizza yourself. Time it so you wait outside the house and leave him to discover the trail of lingerie and the note when he returns. Hell be disappointed not to find you at home, but thats when you ring the doorbell with the pizza in hand, sexy lingerie and all. You get the idea. Have fun, use your imagination and make this work however you prefer.

Some of you may feel like this is a little too much work. Dont worry, you can simplify the idea. Men are much easier to please than you think and would be just as happy if you cut to the chase, skip the opening act and jump to the part where you show up in sexy lingerie (save the pizza and beer for later). After all, just think about it: Pizza? Beer? You? in sexy lingerie? Hockey night in Canada will have to get in line.

Frank Ward - The Hero

Bremen Clubbing Guide

2007-05-22T21:13:00.000-07:00

First of all I have to say that for getting to any reasonable club in Bremen you need at least 25-30 minutes (That is, the time to need to get to Bremen Hauptbahnhof). If you turn right and you go past the Cinemaxx for about 600m you will get to Gleis 9, situated at the old Guterbahnhof. This is mostly a House Club, but it also has Hip-hop and a bit of Latino House. People are pretty select, mostly students and people with an average age of 22-25. It has got one dancing floor, stools, tables and armchairs and you can have a drink even on the top floor. The place is famous for various motto parties (Allegria, Ibiza, etc. when they also have movie projections). Usually, the club gets full between 1 and 2 oclock in the night and dancing starts at about 1 oclock. Entrance costs about 6-8 euros but you usually get a free drink included in the price.

If instead of turning to right at Hauptbahnhof, you go straight and cross the tramlines and you get to Rembertistrasse (the street under the autobahn) you will find the Tower Club (on Herdentorsteinweg). This is a place decorated in a Gothic Style with old walls and little light. It has two floors: downstairs one can also dance and upstairs one can play some table football. As I was told by one of the bodyguards, the music is better upstairs, but theres a dancing floor only downstairs. This is the perfect place for rock (softer, not very hard), alternative, new wave, crossover, and hardcore music genres fans. Sometimes it also has house parties. The place is especially popular among students because on Tuesdays it has Student parties with free entrance and Fosters beer at half price. Even if you are not a gothic fan you might want to drop by if you do not have anything important to do on Wednesday morning and have a chat with some students.

The first club on Rembertistrasse is Rosige Zeiten. This is again a mostly house club, but on some occasions they also have 70s parties. It has got a pretty impressive reddish decoration. Unfortunately in the last years the club has lost its popularity and if you go there before 1:30 you will find very few people. Entrance costs about 5 euros and it is useful to ask how many people are in (because sometimes there are quite many, especially when DJ-s from London come there).

The next club on Rembertistrasse is Neue Welt also known as nine-nine-one (on Fridays). On Fridays the main genre played is trance and other non-commercial techno genres (but not house). The atmosphere is not spectacular and there are not too many people on Fridays. On the other hand, the club seems to be totally different on Saturdays when the music played is varied (mostly charts). The place even seems too crowded and small and the people seem a bit too immature (starting from 14 year old people). Personally, when I was there on a Saturday with Akhil, Azim and Timur we felt that it was not the place for usbut maybe its not like that every Saturday From 3 or 4 oclock in the morning the place reopens for the Morning Beats trance party (Sunday morning, entrance 5 euros). So, if trance is your religion you might want to try this.

Walking further on Rembertistrasse, you will get to Woodys. They put all kinds of music, anything that is in vogue for any taste (less house). The entrance is 3 euros, the average age is 18 (it means there are also people who are 15 and people who are 25) and the drinks are pretty cheap. It has got one floor and nothing too spectacular.

The most famous club on Rembertistrasse is Stubu/Coconut. This is the club about which you will hear most things from the other pioneers. Some of us went there so many times that we are disgusted when we hear the name of the place but we still go thereI dont know why but the place is a magnet. It probably owes its popularity to the fact that it is open all week, entrance is only 3 euros on Friday and Saturday night and free on the other days. You wont believe but there are actually parties everyday there. The student party is on Thursday when the place gets sometimes as full as in the weekends (also because of the happy hour- drinks at price till 10 oclock). It has two floors: Stubu-mixed, charts, techno, German Schlagers and Coconut-hip-hop, RnB. Theres a great variety of people you can meet here: from students to factory workers, all races and different nations.

On the other side of the Hauptbahnhof if you are a trance fan you could go to Schlachthof and if you like house more you might want to try Swutch Club.

Closer to the city center, near the banks of River Weser (on Schlachte Street) there are several good clubs and restaurants with foreign food. One of the good clubs is Rio where they occasionally have Latino parties, like the one called 36 Grad (the place to practice your salsa, merengue, cha-cha-cha, mambo and rumba skills).

On the same street you may find on the Weser a boat where they hold parties: Shark Lounge. It is mostly famous for the student pa:ti-s which take place about once a month. The main genres played are house, UK Garage, Hip-hop, Latin House and some house/RnB mixes. People are also very select, clean and decent. The entrance fee ranges between 5 and 7 euros (might be up to 10 for very, very special occasions). A small advice: Check online if the place is open on the day you want to go there because it is not open every weekend.

The biggest multi-taste disco inside Bremen is Modernes. This is the place for many motto parties (Studio 54, Heartbreakers ball, Robbie Williams Night, etc.). These motto parties are guaranteed to bring more fun because people are dressed up, there are movie projections, games, live stage entertainment. The entrance costs from 4 to 9 euros. The dancing floor is among the biggest I have seen in Bremen, although there are much bigger places outside the city.

There are also two very big clubs in the Sebaldsbrck area, close to the Mercedes-Benz factory but these ones are more specialized. Their names are Aladin and Tivoli and they are right one next to each other. This is a big advantage on special occasions when the walls between them are removed and everything transforms into a huge 4-floor party complex (with a yard where one can breathe some fresh air). During normal weeks (weekends and some working days) Aladin hosts parties for rock, hardcore, alternative, hard rock, heavy metal, punk and related tastes while Tivoli hosts parties for Trance & Techno fans (entrance 10 euros). However, Tivoli does not get full during normal weekends. One can have the best time partying in Bremen at the big Jungle, Old Skool, 2step, Drum n Bass and House events. These happen about once a month or once in two months. This is when the two clubs (each one having two floors) unite giving birth to an impressive complex with floors for all tastes.

Usually at these parties there are about 15 to 20 DJs and 5-6 MCs (famous ones, from Germany and England) and also 2-3 LJs (for all the lasers, vortexes and projections). This is why the entrance price is situated around 20-25 euros (depending on the number of celebrities), but one can get a 3-5 euro rebate if the tickets are bought before the event (Vvk. i.e. Vorverkauf). Even before opening at 10 oclock one can see long cues at the entrance and the place gets full in about one hour. Dreamland and Junglemania are two famous events that take place several times a year. Personally, I have had my best clubbing time at these parties, so if you enjoy the genre you should not miss it! Remember a thing: Good parties dont take place too often! (Thats why it might be a good idea to put some money aside some time before.)

To sum up, I may say that Bremen is not a huge night-life center like Frankfurt, Berlin or Hamburg but still for a busy IUB student trying to forget for a few hours a week about assignments, study and student jobs, there are enough places to acquire new memories and experiences. I am telling you this because after you will graduate you will have less free time than you have now. We will all be preoccupied by career and then family, we will be really mature people and we will be fully responsible for our actions. And then we will ask ourselves: Didnt I miss anything from the beauty of being young and restless? So, my advice would be study hard and learn well but dont forget to chill out a bit because Bremen is not a village after all J!

So, Viel Spass!

Travel Guides

Wholesale Basketballs

2007-05-21T20:08:00.000-07:00

Purchasing basketballs wholesale is a good option for basketball leagues, training centers, schools and institutions promoting basketball. Buying basketballs in bulk is a good way to get a large number of basketballs without spending much money.

The reason non-individual users prefer buying basketballs wholesale is the sheer cost effectiveness. Almost all wholesale basketball dealers and retailers will give discounts with an increasing number of balls bought. The more orders placed, the heavier the discount. While an individual person will not need to buy more than one or two basketballs for normal usage, a coaching center, for example, may need dozens of basketballs for training its students. Basketball wholesalers offer heavy concessions keeping these users in mind.

Atafa.com, the website of ATAFA Sporting Goods Store, for example, wholesales many basketball products like basketball nets, smaller indoor nets, and other sports equipment. The cost of the basketballs become cheaper as the number of balls bought increases. If an order is placed for a minimum of 500 balls, each colorful indoor/outdoor basketball will come for around $4-$5. Orders over 2,500 basketballs are entitled to still heavier discounts. The single colored outdoor basketball can be ordered for $3 per piece for 500 basketballs. This scheme is ideal for large basketball retailers.

Apart from sports merchandisers, basketballs can be ordered in bulk from wholesale dealers who retail all kinds of sports and non-sports goods. LiquidationStock.COM, for example, retails store returned or overstock clearance goods. Basketball here come with double discounts, firstly because of the low price on overstocked or rejected goods, and secondly because of the discount offered on bulk purchases. Opentip.COM, for example, offers basketballs on factory outlet prices if bulk purchase is involved. A Spalding Infusion Composite Basketball, for example, retails for $40 if purchased in large numbers. CloseOutCentral.COM retails Rawlings Basketballs at $3 each for 24 or more balls.

Purchasing basketballs in bulk is therefore ideal for those who want to save money and be spared the hassle of ordering repeatedly or ordering from many different stores if they need a large number.

Mortgage Refinancing

Copywriting's Free First Step - The Home-Based Writer's Guide

2007-05-20T19:02:00.000-07:00

Whether you have a full-time job or spend much of your time raising your children, theres no doubt that a little extra cash can come in handy. There are many freelance and part-time opportunities that can prove to be fruitful. On the other hand, many of those opportunities may seem enticing, but ultimately provide little money. If youve ever had a passion for the written word, whether it be college courses in journalism, a collection of short stories in your journal, or a daily blog you like to update, then you can bypass many of the part-time offers and head straight to the top. Dabbling in freelance copywriting is one of the most effective ways to earn extra cash and you get to indulge your passion for writing at the same time!

Whats involved with being a freelance copywriting? Lets break it down. Copywriting means literally writing copy. This generally means marketing copy, but can touch on a variety of areas, including ghostwriting, technical writing, and press releases.

As for the freelancer part, freelancing is both a blessing and a curse. As a freelancer, you have the freedom to pick and choose projects as you please, control your schedule, and control your rates. Of course, the other side of that is that you must search for work. However, if youre only looking for a part-time situation that earns you extra money, freelancing is a smart way to go.

Now heres the secret why is freelance copywriting so lucrative? Think of the many part-time work-at-home opportunities you hear about. Most likely, its telemarketing or some other task that only pays $15 - $20 an hour, if that. With copywriting, you can start at $50 per hour and no one will wince.

Now do you understand why writers have a big advantage in the world of work-at-home business? Just one project could pay for an entire weeks groceries while on big project can pay a weekend getaway. Arent you glad you took all those writing classes in college now?

Of course, the question remains: how does one learn what works and what doesnt work in copywriting? After all, you cant jump into the copywriting pool without knowing your stuff, regardless of how good your writing skills are. The best way to learn is from example. Guess what? Examples are everywhere around you!

Think of every brochure youve looked at. Think of every billboard or magazine ad youve seen. Think of all of those websites you visit everyday. Chances are, theres been a time when youve read the writing on those items and thought, I could do better! There are so many mistakes on there!

This is your free classroom. You can learn what works and what doesnt work in freelance copywriting simply by taking in the world around you. Be mindful of what grabs you and what doesnt grab you with brochures, sales letters, direct mail, ad copy, and website writing. Youll soon notice a pattern of what is good and what is bad. Heres a hint selling with honest facts beats hype hands down every time. Little spices such as clever humor and fancy wordplay never hurt either, as long as they fit the situation.

By noticing that the world around you can teach you the beginning lessons of freelance copywriting, youve already taken the first steps to a lucrative new side career. Best of all, this classroom is free. All you need to do is to take the time to notice and learn from everything you see and read. Once you begin to see the patterns of success, youre on your way to launching your freelance copywriting journey.

For more about the next steps in a freelance copywriting career, including finding clients and building a portfolio, download Make Money Writing!, available at http://www.makemoneywriting.biz, by freelance copywriter Mike Chen.

Referential Offers

2007-05-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

It is not inconceivable, when marketing a property in an environment of multiple offers, that a Seller might come across what it is generally referred to as a referential purchase price offer. A multiple offer situation arises when a subject property is simultaneously appealing to multiple Buyers, which then proceed to submit their respective bids. As Buyers are unaware of the price and terms of competing offers, a referential purchase price clause may seem like the optimal solution but,in fact, it is not.

The thrust of the referential purchase price offer is to piggyback on the next highest bona fide offer that is acceptable to the Seller. The offer contains a clause that reads, in general lines, as follows: The purchase price is $1,000 above the price offered in the nearest competing bona fide offer acceptable to the Seller to a maximum of $350,000. The Seller agrees to provide a copy of such nearest competing offer on acceptance of this offer. The referential purchase price offer, therefore, is a clever way by which the Buyer endeavors to establish a purchase price by reference to prices contained in competing offers. As it can be reasonably anticipated, there are many variations in the wording of referential purchase price clauses.

The problem with this kind of offers is that there is a very good chance that neither the Seller nor the Buyer may pursue a legal remedy should either of them default at completion, due to the wording of the referential purchase price clause. The leading case is a 1985 decision of the House of Lords in England, which held that referential offers are invalid. This case has since been adopted at Common Law, at least insofar as it applies to referential bidding. The general principle of law holds than an offer by one bidder which is dependent for its definition on the offers of others is invalid and unacceptable. The rationale is that this type of offers is inconsistent with and potentially destructive of the very tendering process in which it is submitted.

Whether the focus is on the referential purchase price offer or on the bidding tendering process, there are enough similarities for a Seller to be concerned when dealing with referential offers. An approach that could be employed to circumvent problems involved when confronted with referential purchase price offers would be for the Seller to counter with an Addendum, which deletes the referential purchase price clause and inserts a fixed price for an identical amount in its stead. The benefit for the Seller is, of course, that he will not find himself in a position to have to disclose to the Buyer the nearest highest offer, but whether this will be acceptable to the Buyer is an entirely different matter.

What this all means in a multiple offer scenario is that in the eventuality that a referential purchase price offer comes around the Seller will have to assess its legitimacy, the enforceability of the offer and the bona fide of the contract. Unquestionably, therefore, the Seller that accepts such an offer will take an extra risk, the measure of which may very well lie in the offers that the Seller has decided to disregard in favor of the referential purchase price offer. A risk this that ultimately may not be warranted.

Luigi Frascati

Mortgage Refinancing

Soccer Jerseys - A Fad among Soccer Lovers

2007-05-18T16:51:00.000-07:00

Soccer players are not the only persons who wear soccer jerseys. These days more and more people are wearing jerseys of their favorite soccer team. Wearing authentic jerseys to promote their favorite teams and display their affiliations is not a new concept among sports lovers. However, off late wearing authentic jerseys of popular teams has acquired the status of passion. Even though you will find people of all ages wearing replica jerseys, young and college going crowd displays and added inclination towards soccer jersey.

Soccer Jersey- Reasons for Increasing Popularity

Soccer has always lagged behind as sports apparel-merchandising opportunity in America. Traditionally soccer uniforms were not as popular as football, basketball, hockey and baseball sports gear. However, the World Cup Soccer in 1994 has added a new dimension to the popularity of this sport. Thereafter sports apparel of soccer has gained extreme popularity and sports equipment manufacturers are overwhelmed by the continuous expansion in demand for authentic jerseys and replica jerseys.

Authentic jerseys of soccer are not only popular during the soccer season but people prefer to wear them even otherwise. This jersey is a short sleeve T-shirt type jersey and is very comfortable. Since the official gear of soccer teams has bright and vibrant colors, it is more of a fashion statement and display of style for the younger generation.

You can shop for a jersey of your favorite soccer team or player at the nearby sports apparel store, departmental store or online sports apparel stores. If you are on a lookout for authentic jerseys, you should contact the sports store or the team's store selling the official gear. It is better to buy sports apparel at least two months before the start of the soccer season. That time the stores have fresh stock of sports merchandise and you can pick a good jersey of your favorite soccer team.

Self Improvement Blog

Who Are These Dish Network Satellite TV Guys?

2007-05-17T15:46:00.000-07:00

Dish network service is offered all over the U.S. including Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico. It is not viewable outside US. To catch the proper signal for Dish network proper size of dish is required. Usually a local retailer is able to help the consumer for suggesting the correct size of the dish required to catch proper signals in the local area.

Dish network broadcasts mostly all types of sports channels that show baseball, basket ball, college football, soccer, English Premier League. It also broadcasts all national channels such as ESPN, ESPN2, Fox Sports World, ESPN Classic, USA, WGN, TBS or TNT, etc. Dish network also offers pay-per-view option for various sports channels. It also offers Horse racing TV and TV games. All premier American track races are available on TVG featured by Dish network. Along with the interactive and sports program, dish network also airs regular HDTV Channels under the HD Pak. This pack includes HDNET, HDNET Movies, ESPN HD, Discovery Theater and TNT HD, for $9.99 per month. The VOOM original pack offers Rush HD, HD News, Gallery HD, Rave HD, Animania HD, Ultra HD, Equator HD, Monsters HD, Guy TV HD, and The Majestic HD.

The price reception and channel selection is better than cable but in some area customer service and access to local channels can cause problems. Dish network offers wide range of channels to select from their laid out menu. The TV comes in quick with excellent reception of channels without any snow or fuzz.

Dish network offers one year warranty on their products. The receiver and the remotes also works in superb manner. Remote is capable of multi-tasking. The picture quality and the reception of the signals are unprecedented as compared to the cable network. The satellite TV offers DVD quality of picture and perfect sound quality as well.

Dish network offers a wide variety of channels to view. It is suggested to activate the parental lock immediately after the purchase of the dish network system. Dish network also offers various shopping channels for the ones who love shopping from home. It has lesser commercials to air which is quite pleasant as compared to the cable TV network.

Dish network allows you to watch separate programming on two televisions with one Dish TV network receiver. This can be achieved with the help of dual-tuner Dish player that allows watching programming on two televisions. It also allows to record, pause and replay live TV. Some of the Dish players also support Picture-in-Picture support.

Some people do not like the steel colored dish and like to paint the dish to blend with the color of the house. It is definitely not at all recommended as painting the dish results in loss of signals. Moreover, obstruction due to building, trees, mountains, high tension power lines also result in loss of signals. Dish should be installed in such a place where it receives clear signals free from any obstruction.

The Colorado Connection

Hello from Toronto: The City Viewed Through the Eyes of First-Time Visitors

2007-05-16T14:42:00.000-07:00

So my brother is in town, together with his wife and 2 friends from my little home town in Austria. It is everybody's first time in North America and their initiation to Toronto. Just to give you ideas of dimensions: Austria has a population of about 9 million and the country extends about 900 km from east to west while the Greater Toronto area nowadays probably has about 4 to 5 million people and Lake Ontario alone is over 300 km long. The first thing my visitors noticed was the difference in size: the size of the city, the size of the lake, the size of cars, the size of supermarkets, and even of refrigerators.

On Sunday we started off with a little driving tour of Toronto where I first took my visitors down to the lakefront by the historic Art Deco style R.C. Filtration Plant. All of them love water and to have a lake as big as an ocean so close by fascinated them. After a leisurely drive on Queen Street through the quaint Beaches neighbourhood we parked the car close to the St. Lawrence Market and started our walk around.

Since my brother is a chef and always loves to purchase market-fresh food, I initially took him to the St. Lawrence Market which always has an antique sale on Sunday. The food market is actually closed on Sunday. We checked out the wares from old furniture to cameras to various knick-knacks.

Our exploration continued westwards along Front Street past historic 19th century houses and of course past the famous triangular-shaped Flatiron Building which has a mural on its west side. Approaching Yonge Street we walked past the Hockey Hall of Fame, a historic Beaux-Arts former bank building, the magnificent Royal York Hotel, built in 1929, once the largest hotel in the British Commonwealth.

One of the things that fascinated my visitors most was how old and new can coexist right next to each other: shiny skyscrapers are located right beside historic sandstone churches. Our walking tour continued past Union Station, Toronto's impressive central railway station, built between 1914 and 1927 as a joint construction project by the Canadian Pacific Railway and Grand Trunk Railway (now the Canadian National Railway). Its monumental scale, classical detail and rational, ordered planning were hallmarks of the style. The station is massive and takes up an entire block on Front Street between York Street and Bay Street. The Great Hall of the Station is 250 ft. long and 84 ft. wide.

Our walk continued further west on Front Street past the Convention Centre to the base of the CN Tower and the entrance to the Skydome, Toronto's multi-purpose stadium with a retractable roof, now called the Rogers Centre. We then snaked our way up through the Entertainment District to Queen Street where we admired Osgoode Hall, built in the 1830s, and now an oasis of green in the city. An ornate iron fence, built in 1867, renowned for its peculiar "cow gates," surrounds the property and its beautiful gardens. The cow gates in particular fascinated my visitors.

Our next stop was at New City Hall and Old City Hall, opened in 1899, which racked up construction costs of more than $2.5 million at the time which caused great controversy in those days. Continuing past the Bay Department Store on Queen we passed the Metropolitan United Church, an English style cathedral dating from 1872, whose churchyard was filled with people enjoying the warm day.

Once back in the car we drove through the U of T campus, my Alma Mater and we stopped briefly to check out Hart House and Kings College. Then we headed down to Chinatown at Spadina and Dundas and my visitors marvelled at this exotic, busy market area. Our last stop on the tour was Kensington Market, a lively little neighbourhood full of food and clothing stories and restaurants where we ended up picking up fresh vegetables, dry beans, and a variety of cheeses for some of the scrumptious meals to come. My brother, the chef, marvelled at the variety of food avialable here, combined with the inexpensive prices a food lover's dream.

We took our loot home where my husband was waiting for us with a big brunch to strengthen ourselves for attending a birthday party of one of my friends that had the motto of "let out your inner child". The party was unique in that it involved such time-honoured Toronto traditions as hitting a piada while a bunch of adults were playing with water guns, chasing one another around the house with buckets of water dropping on the combatants from the second floor.

I think our visitors had a full day, from getting a first taste of Toronto, to participating in a rather eventful birthday party, their first impressions were very positive and they were looking forward to exploring more of this exciting city.

Computer Repair Blog

Dealing With Negative People Made Easy

2007-05-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

I was playing tennis today with one of my tennis buddies. We play once a week and we usually chat about work, professional tennis players and local news.

Today he was very negative about the people of the area we live in. According to him they are all thieves and crooks.

So we disagree on the facts. What can I do about his negative thinking? What can you do when dealing with negative people?

Three Ways To Deal With Negative People

1. Get specific

When someone is caught up in negative thinking they will often generalize their statements. It is a good idea to ask them questions to clarify what they mean.

For example if my friend says all dogs are aggressive I will ask him:

Small dogs or big dogs? All dogs or certain breeds? According to who? In what kind of situations?

2. Let Go

However remember that each of us is entitled to be negative, wrong and inaccurate! Once you accept this you will not get so stressed about wanting to change people who are negative.

And ironically when you stop trying to change people they can almost sense that you accept them and so your words have more impact.

3. Choose to Be Positive

When people around us are negative sometimes the easiest thing to do is to join in. You do not have to. If you want to just go ahead.

Otherwise find ways to maintain a positive attitude. Look for the positives in the situation and point them out to people. Ask yourself how you can use this opportunity to become better.

And refuse to get dragged down by others into the murky waters of negativity no matter how bad it gets.

Being positive is a choice even when those around you have slipped into negativity.

Affiliate Marketing

6 Internet Marketing Myths

2007-05-13T23:30:00.001-07:00

Every day thousands of people go online to make money but most of them fail miserably because they either truly believe one of the 6 Internet Marketing Myths or or all of them. You can read them below and discover the grain of salt in all of them.

Myth #1: Internet Marketing is EASY

This is probably the biggest myth of all, and let me tell you Internet marketing is hard, takes time, effort not mention money and anyone who suggests otherwise is trying to sell you a bunch of horse hockey. Granted that it's comparatively easier to brick and mortar in that there's no inventory to carry, no shipping of goods no sales staff and virtually no overhead, but a lot of work is still involved.

Myth #2: ANYONE Can Make Money Online

Folks, this is simply not true. Unless someone gets off their lazy boy recliner and download/read everything they can about internet marketing, and put an action plan in motion, they will never make a dime on the internet. DO NOTHING, MAKE NOTHING.

Myth #3: You Can "GET RICH QUICK" On the Net!

This is the trap that a lot of newbie internet marketers falls into including myself when I first started, why? because scammers make it sounds so easy and let me tell you, chasing "get rich quick scheme" is a WASTE OF TIME!, money and energy. It just won't happen overnight, instead do some research and find out what people really want and need then give it to them especially a sense of reality.

Myth #4: It's FREE to Do Business Online

This is one of my favorite myths because I believed it during my first year of internet marketing and it just wasn't true then, it isn't true today. Compared to opening your first coffee shop or gift shop in downtown Los Angeles, internet business start-up cost and maintenance cost is pretty low. Once you have your domain set up, you only pay for internet connection, advertising and ongoing educations, that's it. You can't expect to make money selling free stuff and ask others to do the same. Folks! it takes money to make money.

Myth #5: It's TOO LATE to Start an Internet Business

Most super affiliate marketers would love to hear people say "It's too late now, too many competitions, I should just pack my bags and go home, the internet is too complicated, etc...". You know why? the less people they have to compete with the better which in turn will make them more money.

The fact is, it's never ever too late to start anything and that includes internet business. I firmly believe that the internet is not going anywhere and you should too. Every year the stats will show you the number of people shoppingonline are increasing, their spending dollars are growing and the number of people going online is increasing also.

Myth #6: The BIG Money Talk is JUST HYPE

As I've told you before, "it takes money to make money?" Well it's true, although you will be hard pressed to find experienced internet marketers to tell how much they spend on promoting and advertising. Sometimes, you have to dig a little deeper to find the truth in every hype you read. It's a fact that the people that makes alot of money online also spends alot of money on advertising, tools, resources and know how to get the job done.

If you are willing to take the necessary action to make 'big money' happen for you - it will. It takes time. You can criticize, be skeptical and sure that 'big money' can't happen for you - and it won't. Sit down and write a financial and a sound business plan. Local Chamber of Commerce can give all the info you need to get started.

If you believe that you will succeed you're right, if you believe that it won't work, you're right also.

To summarize, you have heard people's story how they're making a fortune on the internet and how easy it is but the reality is some stories are NOT out of this world or unrealistic but it just doesn't happen overnight. You just have to apply a bit of common sense into it, find what you love to do, have a game plan, stay focus and you my friend might find the right opportunity to make all your dreams come true.

Dating Help

Soccer Cleats Guide - General Tips on Soccer Cleats

2007-05-12T23:25:00.000-07:00

Soccer cleats are athletic shoes that are specially designed for soccer players. Soccer shoes have large studs or cleats on the bottom that assist players in gripping the surface. These studs help players to be easily moved in the desired position.

Generally the cleats are made up of molded plastic because metal cleats are illegal as they cause danger to other players. Plastic studs are round in shape that offers excellent grip on the hard mud of the basepath. Soccer shoes or football shoes can have both plastic as well as metal cleats on the sole whereas golf shoes have metal cleats.

Replaceable cleats are the best option for soccer or football players. Cleats of soccer shoes can be removed and replaced with another kind. Players can choose cleats as per their requirements. These studs or cleats are designed to provide exact traction or grip but these studs should not be so long because extra long suds can pose a risk for the player like knee injury.

Different manufacturers provide soccer cleats of great quality so the players should buy the best fit. Players should keep certain points in mind at the time of buying soccer cleats. They should find a soccer specialty store near their home. Players must know the exact shoe size so that they can play comfortably. They can also get information from the supplier about current and upcoming sales on soccer shoes.

Athletes should use soccer cleats for two or three months before finals. They can easily get all about their shoes with regular practice. They can talk, to salesperson or the coach, about which type of soccer cleats suits them. They must choose few pairs for trail basis and then select the best out of them. Whenever youre going to try the shoes on, dont forget to wear socks. You should check whether your heels are comfortable or not.

Dating Help

79 Ways For Kids To Exercise- - Indoors Or Out

2007-05-11T22:20:00.000-07:00

79 Ways for Kids To Exercise Indoors or Out

Do you spend all your free time watching TV or playing video games? Two hours of TV or video games a day should be your limit, if you want to be healthy and strong and develop your creativity. Here are some exercise ideas!

1. Walk your dog

2. Walk your neighbors dog (with permission from your parents and your neighbor, of course)

3. Fly a kite

4. Toss a Frisbee

5. Ask your parents or grandparents to take you to a state park or other area where you can take a nature hike. Look for unusual plants, insects or wildlife and take samples or pictures for your science class or show and tell

6. Ride your bike

7. Skate

8. If you have a yard, pick up sticks or trash

9. Pull weeds

10.Rake the yard or garden

11.Play tag 12.Play hopscotch

13.Have a hula hoop contest, and see who can keep the hoop up the longest

14.Learn to juggle

15.Jump rope (boxers do it, and look how strong & healthy they are!)

16.Visit the zoo, amusement park or museum (lots of walking)

17.Wash the car

18.Have every family member wear a pedometer, and have a daily challenge to see who can take the most steps. Losers do winners chores the next day!

19.Shoot hoops

20.Play soccer

21.Play softball

22.Play badminton

23.Have a water balloon fight

24.Put on your bathing suit and run through the sprinkler

25.Go swimming (never without an adult to supervise!)

26.Give the dog a bath. The bigger the dog, the more exercise you'll get!

27.Sign up for a charity walk-a-thon with your parent, grandparent, or other relative. Youll help raise money for a good cause and get in shape at the same time. If your town doesnt have a walk-a-thon, start one for your favorite charity

28.Do jumping jacks

29.Do push-ups

30.Put on an exercise video and get a good workout

31.Do sit-ups

32.Learn to play golf, or caddy for someone else

33.Play tennis

34.Play miniature golf

35.Go bowling

36.Learn to twirl a baton

37.Take a class in martial arts and learn to defend yourself

38.Build a fort and play cowboys and Indians

39.If you have a two-story home or a home with a basement, carry out-of-place items up or down stairs, one item at a time

40.Run the vacuum

41.Wash windows

42.Clean your room

43.Ride your skateboard

44.Learn yoga, either at a class or from a video

45.Race-walk

46.Have relay races with your friends or family

47.Play touch football

48.Learn ballroom dancing

49.Learn hip-hop dancing

50.Take classes in ballet, jazz or tap dancing

51.Join a clogging or Irish step-dancing club

52.Learn to play an instrument and join the marching band

53.Join a gym or work with a private fitness trainer

54.Practice turning cartwheels in the yard

55.Walk on the beach and collect shells

56.Set up an obstacle course in your back yard, and practice going faster and faster through it

57.Have a tug of war

58.Get several parents & kids together and have one-legged sack races

59.Learn to water ski (again, make sure you have adult supervision at all times!)

60.Learn to surf (same as number 59)

61.Play hockey

62.Climb the monkey bars or a climbing wall

63.Go horseback riding

64.Learn gymnastics

65.Play volleyball

66.Play table tennis

67.Use normal household items and form a rhythm band. March around the house or neighborhood playing your instruments

68.Pull your little brother or sister around the yard in a wagon

69.Play croquet

70.Have a long-jumping contest with your friends, and see who can jump the farthest

71.In the winter, you can ice skate;

72.Ski- - either downhill or cross-country

73.Build a snowman

74.Build a snow fort and have a snowball fight

75.Go sledding

76.Shovel snow off your sidewalk or driveway

77.Take your dog outside and play fetch in the snow. Most dogs love snow!

78.Take a walk in the snow, then try to step in your own tracks all the way back

79.Shovel snow off someone elses walk, either as a favor or to earn money

What are you waiting for, kids? Start moving!!

Ringtones

A Relationship Begging For A Way Out

2007-05-10T21:14:00.000-07:00

At what point is it time to bail out of a relationship?

We often hear of relationships which start out bad but straighten out in the end. We even hear of relationships which start out good but then turn sour. But when a relationship starts off with all the romantic overtones of a documentary on the Asian flu, develops with the smoothness of an intoxicated chimpanzee doing a waltz on roller skates, then blossoms with the colorful brilliance of a malnourished vegetable, you know something's wrong. Such was my nine-month relationship with Sally. (Sally was not her real name. But that didn't come as a terrible shock, since her age and hair color weren't real either.)

That we were headed for rough times, was somewhat obvious on our first date. We had just seen a Broadway musical. Walking towards the car, I tried starting a conversation somewhere along the lines of "music," "dance," "scenery." How I failed so miserably I'll never know. Instead, she asked me if I could do her a favor and take her dog to the veterinarian the next day. I said, "But we hardly know each other."

She said, "So? Does my dog have to suffer because we hardly know each other?"

As we drove to a restaurant, I sensed her attitude turning somewhat hostile. I started feeling guilty about not agreeing to take her dog to the vet. Her dog, I said to myself, probably had two broken hind legs, and Sally probably had to visit a sick aunt in the hospital. How could I be so inconsiderate? But when I found out her dog was going in for his annual chest X-ray, and she had an appointment with her hair dresser, it made me furious. Was her hair more important than her dog's health? And I couldn't help wondering how, many packs a day did her dog smoke?

This is when it occurred to me that this date was not on the right track. Here we were between a play and a restaurant, and she was hostile and I was furious. I had a more cordial relationship with my parole officer.

I thought, maybe we ought to go back to her house, start the date over, and see if we can get it right. Then I realized what an unrealistic thought that was. What if her parents moved out while we were out on our date? She could become my responsibility. At least in the restaurant there was a chance she might fall in love with the waiter and I'll go home alone.

We headed straight for the restaurant.

I had a feeling the hostility did not end in the car. As we looked over the menu, she suggested I order large portions for myself. I asked, "Do I look that hungry?"

She said, "No, you look lean and undernourished."

I asked, "Why do you say that?"

She said, "Your toupee is loose."

"I don't wear a toupee. My hair is just a little messed up from keeping the car window open."

"Well, my ex-husband wore a toupee and he looked just like that."

"Like what? Lean?"

"No, messed up."

"Where did he buy his toupee?" I asked. "In Mop-City?"

She replied, "Who cuts your hair? Jack the Ripper?"

And so, the mood was set for a romantic dinner. I ordered lamb chops, she ordered well-done steak. When we got our orders, she insisted her steak was not well-done and had the waiter take it back. While we waited for her steak, we tried discussing a topic which could not possibly lead to any kind of dispute or resentment -- we remained silent.

A couple sitting at the next table looked at us, obviously amused. I said to them, "Would you believe this is our first date?"

As they both laughed, the guy asked, "What would you two do if you were married?"

I replied, "We'd probably shoot Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles at each other."

When Sally's steak arrived, I was a little embarrassed when she insisted her steak was still not well-done enough. The waiter looked quite irritated. In an attempt to avoid a scene, I whispered, "Sally, please, don't give the waiter a hard time."

She said, "Don't worry about it. I can handle him."

I said, "Don't be silly, he has a day job as a demolition expert for the Parking Violations Bureau. Your car'll never be safe in this town."

"I don't care if he's a Swat Team coordinator for the B'nai Brith," she replied angrily. "That steak is not well-done and I want him to take it back." Sally and the waiter looked at each other like two disgruntled hockey players about to strike each other with a puck. It was not a pretty sight. At that moment, it became painfully clear to me that my chances of going home alone that evening were unfortuntely rather slim.

As the waiter grudgingly took back Sally's steak once more, I knew I must be strong enough not to let little setbacks turn into major obstacles. There's always a light at the end of the tunnel. We were still on good terms with the busboy.

In a short few minutes our waiter returned from the kitchen, carrying a tray with two plates. One plate contained a small stack of ashes, the other plate contained a steak and a blow torch. He leaned over and said to Sally with a smirk, "Which one would you like? This one," pointing to the plate with ashes, "is already well-done, and this one," pointing to the other plate, "you have to well-do yourself."

In disgust, Sally turned to me, "Do you believe this?"

I said, "Take the ashes -- the blow torch is extra."

Our meal up until this point raised some serious questions in my mind: If a date ends between the main course and dessert, does the guy have to pay the entire check? If he does, does this restaurant have a back exit?

When I finally did pay the check at the end of the meal, I got this strange feeling that the owner wanted us as far away from his restaurant as possible -- I got my change in Mexican currency.

Believe it or not, this date had a happy ending. I finally took Sally home -- and her parents were there! I was never so happy to see a girl's parents wait up for her. And I didn't even mind hearing her father, who was apparently used to her coming home earlier, say, "You should've been home an hour ago."

I was tempted to add, We should've been home four hours ago.

Strangely, I called her again only a week later. Despite all the things our first date left to be desired, one thing it was not -- dull. And that ain't small potatoes.

Three months later, we were still trying to get that first date right. Depending on how you look at it, things got a lot worse or very exciting. Agreeing on what to do on a night out always turned into something between a legal litigation and the Jerry Spriger Show.

On one particular rainy Saturday night I decided, rather than make the first suggestion as to where we should go, and start an argument, I'd leave everything up to Sally. The moment I stepped into her house, I said, "Tonight we go anywhere you want to go."

She asked, "Anywhere?"

I said, "Anywhere."

She shocked me with, "I want to go wherever you want to go."

I said, "Look, if you're not feeling well we can stay home and watch TV."

"No, I'm feeling okay. Anywhere you want to go is fine."

"Okay, let's go bowling."

She gave me a funny look, "Bowling?"

"Yes, tonight's a good night for bowling."

"You're in a mood to go bowling?"

"I thought you want to go wherever I want to go."

"I do. I just want to make sure that that's where you want to go?"

"Yes," I replied, "that's where I want to go."

"On a night like this?!" she screamed. "It's raining and disgusting out there!"

"Bowling is indoors!"

After several moments of silence, she said, "Why don't we go to a movie?"

Sarcastically, I said, "We can't go to a movie. My dentist says I shouldn't eat popcorn."

"Who says you have to eat popcorn? Why don't you suck a toasted marshmallow?"

By the time we finally left her house, half the night was gone and we were no closer to a decision as to where to go. The only reason we left was because we couldn't even agree on which room to argue in.

Driving while engaged in a heated debate and having no idea where you're going is next to impossible. You begin seeing every corner as a logistical dilemma. Do you turn left, right, or go straight ahead? It doesn't really matter. But it could if you eventually decide where to go. Do you jump yellow lights? You don't even know if you're in a rush.

We finally reached a big intersection. No matter which way you looked there were about six choices -- main roads, divided roads, service roads, dirt roads, etc. It drove me crazy. I pulled the car over and, in a rather loud tone, said, "That's it! I've had it! We can't go on like this! We make one wrong turn here and we wind up in Yukon. You know what's in Yukon? Nothing! No movies, no bowling, no restaurants, absolutely nothing -- just more roads! You want to wind up in Yukon?!"

A little shook up, she took a deep breath and said, "Hey, calm down. What are you getting so excited about?"

I said, "We have to make a decision now, before we enter that intersection."

She said, "I already said I wanted to see a movie."

"We can't see a movie anymore -- it's too late. No movies start at one-thirty in the morning."

"Okay, then let's go bowling."

"Are you sure?" I asked. "Let's not rush into things. There are still plenty of options open. We can go to the park and watch the dew settle on the leaves. We can take the Times Square Shuttle back and forth sixty-eight times and pretend we went cross-country. We can even go upstate to a farm and watch the hens crow at the full moon."

She said, "Hens don't crow."

I said, "After listening to us for a few minutes there's no telling what they'll do."

"And there's no full moon out."

"By the time we make a decision there will be!"

Some friends of mine were getting together in a nearby bowling alley that night. We headed in that direction. We arrived only to find out that my friends had already left and the entire bowling alley had been taken over by a group of Japanese tourists having a tournament. We were informed that the only way we could play is if we joined one of their teams.

Ever get the feeling "this is your last chance?" Well, I had a terrible feeling that this tournament was the last thing going on in the entire city that night. I decided we're not taking any chances -- we played.

The only one on our team who spoke english was the captain. And he had laryngitis. This was the first time in my life I bowled and played "charade" at the same time.

Although they were all a bunch of nice people, the disappointment of expecting to spend an evening with old friends in a local bowling alley and winding up in Japan, took its toll. My bowling was not quite up to par. In the first game, while Sally got five strikes, I got eleven gutter balls. Sally asked, "Didn't you once tell me you were a good bowler?"

I said, "'Good' is relative. The people I normally bowl with get quite a bit of gutter balls -- in other people's lanes!" She didn't buy my definition of 'good.' So I tried convincing her that in Japan gutter balls are worth more points than strikes. She didn't buy that either. I felt crushed.

As the night wore on, I racked up so many gutter balls, I was sure the bowling alley was on a slant. But I said nothing. I knew the guy who built the place and I didn't want to get him into trouble.

As I drove sally home, I couldn't help thinking how the prospects of my becoming a professional athlete in Japan got shot right out of the water tonight. But I didn't let it bother me. In Brooklyn, Pac Man still carried some weight.

By the time I walked Sally to her front door, I had almost forgotten that the night started in anger and hostility. It's amazing what frustration can do to you.

As she searched through her pocketbook for her keys, she looked up and said, "You know, I had a rotten time tonight."

I said, "Thank you. So did I."

She said, "I don't think I want to see you again."

"I wasn't about to ask." I turned and walked towards my car. As I opened the car door, I looked back "What time you want me to pick you up tomorrow night?"

She said, "Eight o'clock." We tried not to smile. I got in my car and drove off.

And this is how the relationship lasted nine months. Such relationships get too involved to end quickly. And they're far too strife-ridden to last forever.

by Josh Greenbergerfrom shopndrop.com

Dating Advice

NFL Divisional Playoffs Matchup: Washington RedSkins At Seattle SeaHawks

2007-05-06T22:31:00.000-07:00

The latest NFL Football Odds has the Seahawks favored by 9.5 points.

The road-weary Washington Redskins go into the hostile territory of the Seattle Seahawks this Saturday afternoon. At first glance, the skins look like a solid bet. They are 40-21 ATS as road dogs of 3.5 to 9.5 since 1992, are 6-0 against NFC West teams, and are 6-1 after 2 consecutive SU wins. Plus, the advantage of having one of the greatest NFL coaches in history also sweetens the skins side. But, teams who are playing their third game in a row, especially entering the 2nd round of the playoffs are quite dismal.

Psychologically, theyve proven themselves to be a good team by beating their first opponent as a road team. This may give them a false sense of superiority, and given the skins inefficiency in scoring, Seattle will give them fits on both sides of the ball. The skins will have to face a well rested hawks team that is coming off a loss and seeking to avenge its 20-17 loss against these same skins last October. Teams in this situation are a glaring 8-0-1 ATS. Add to the fact that the home teams in the second round of the playoffs win SU and ATS at about an 80% rate, its tough to go against Seattle in this spot.

Online Dating

Never Let Go of Your Dreams or Goals: Compliments are Kryptonite, Doubters are Fuel

2007-05-06T17:24:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had someone doubt your abilities? Even subtly?

A friend, family member, a work mate and yes, maybe even someone you look up to.

The winter after my senior season I had one of these experiences I'll never forget. A conversation with my college linebacker coach, Steve Telander is a good example.

Ever since I was a young chap, I always wanted to play professional football.

In a discussion with T (as I called him) regarding playing at the next level he felt it his duty, to sit me down and have a talk. I wasn't getting the calls I expected from pro teams to play professionally. He felt it was his duty to break the news to me in a soft way by telling me a story. Story telling was one of 'T's' favorite ways of teaching.

Essentially, he was easing me down from perch of playing at the next level. And maybe to hang up my cleats and move on with my life.

You know, soften the blow a bit. Little did he know; he did the opposite.

Here's the story he shared with me.

There were three micro-organisms clinging to a rock in the middle of the Amazon river.

One day one micro organism said to the others. "Where we currently live is great but I want to explore new lands and live somewhere else. I hear just down the way is a wonderful place to live filled with lush vegetation and beautiful life forms."

When the other two heard this, they were appalled. No one ever left their rock - ever.

In anger one responded by saying, "Why would you ever leave this place? We have it so well. A beautiful view of the Amazon seeing for thousands of millimeters in all directions, a good source of food everywhere. Plus, let's say you let go of the rock, I heard there are several plankton and other horrible creatures that will eat you up. If you get past them, their is a terrible waterfall that you are surely not to survive if you go over."

The adventurous micro said, "Well those are the chances I'll just have to take."

Night fell and a few days went by. Nothing more was said regarding the subject. Then one morning the two micros looked around and didn't see the third. He had let go of the rock.

Cut to the adventurous micro floating down the river. Yes, he had let go and let the current take him down the river.

What he discovered as the current quickly moved him down the river was a plush new greenery. The color was vibrant and new. He passed by beautiful coral colored fish.

There were nothing up the food chain that devoured him, no water fall. He was so happy he had let go of the rock and instantly began enjoying his new life.

"Vince," Coach T said, "Maybe it's time to let go of the rock?"

"Rock, rock, rock..." I can still hear those words in my head today and they send chills down my spine.

This shook my foundation because here I looked up to T and respected him greatly. This was the last person I thought I'd hear it from.

At that very moment, I discovered something about myself I never knew.

This talk energized me. I don't know how you are with people doubting you but when I hear someone doubt my goals, it stirs something inside.

It's fuel for my fire. Compliments are the opposite they're like Kryptonite for me.

I smiled at T and thank him for all his help over the last year.

That summer I got a call (out of the blue) to play professionally over in Germany.

Unlike the advice given to me I HELD on to my vision of playing after college and ironically similar to that micro-organism, I discovered new lands both internally and externally. Plus, I met exotic and interesting people and ate delicious new foods. And made a great living doing so.

It was a defining part of my development.

Let people doubt you. It's okay. Make it your fuel for your fire. Les Brown says, "I make no my vitamin."

When you have this kind of attitude you become a man or woman on a mission.

This is easy to do when you hold a vision in your head so clear you could vividly pull it up on your radar screen- literally and figuratively.

If you think and imagine a new life this builds your foundation for success.

Silence the critics and go after your dream - even if they are people you trust and respect.

Then one day you can write an email about them and you'll enjoy typing every word in your message.

Conceive, Believe Achieve,

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League Two Betting Review - 26 February 2006

2007-05-06T15:39:00.000-07:00

A late strike from Simon Hackney kept Carlisle United at the top of League Two. An own goal from Derek Holmes gave hosts Barnet the lead after 53 minutes but Michael Bridges restored parity just 20 seconds later. Hackney netted the winner for the 13/10 Cumbrians with 15 minutes remaining.

Wycombe Wanderers remained level on points with Carlisle after a 2-1 win against Oxford United. Kevin Besty after 17 minutes and veteran Tommy Mooney on the hour secured the points for the 4/6 Chairboys while Yemi Odubades goal after 72 minutes was just a consolation for the Us.

Northampton Town consolidated third place in the league with a hard-fought win over Wrexham at the Racecourse Ground. The 7/4 Cobblers struck a decisive winners through Ryan Gilligan after 68 minutes.

Grimsby Town kept up the pressure on the top three and condemned Mark Wright to a losing start as Chester City manager. Gary Jones goal three minutes before the break was enough to secure all three points for the 8/13 Mariners.

Leyton Orient continued their promotion push with a narrow victory against Darlington. Shane Tudors goal after 13 minutes proved decisive for 4/5 Orient.

A Richard Hope own goal after two minutes gifted Bury a precious 10/3 victory at Shrewsbury Town, their first win since January 14 which sees the Shakers three points clear of relegation.

Drewe Broughton handed Rushden & Diamonds a relegation lifeline with a winning goal against Macclesfield Town nine minutes from time. Diamonds had two goals disallowed but Broughtons counted to earn a vital 6/4 win.

Stockport County failed to edge further away from the drop zone after slipping to a 1-0 defeat at home to Stockport County. Julian Joachims header after 67 minutes for the 11/5 Pilgrims proved decisive.

Mansfield Town sent Torquay United to the bottom of the league with a 2-0 win at Plainmoor. On loan Sheffield Wednesday striker Danny Reet broke the deadlock after 11 minutes and Simon Brown secured a 19/10 victory with seven minutes remaining.

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Homework: Six Strategies to Prevent Your Child from Getting Into Overwhelm

2007-05-05T20:46:00.000-07:00

Once overwhelm sets in and your child is melting down under a confusing to-do pile, it is can be a frantic challenge to dig her out and settle her down. Here are six pro-active strategies; so start now to see them really work!

1. Plan ahead. Shift gears before homework burn out sets in. We adults need quick pick-me-ups through the day; coffee breaks, power naps, a few deep stretches to keep alert. So do our kids. Work with your kids to help them discover their personal strategies to refresh and refocus.

2.Take many mini breaks. Plan for them so your student can look forward to a periodic relaxer. This is a good strategy to help kids with ADHD or Asperger Syndrome, or High Functioning Autism. If focus and concentration on a non preferred activity is a challenge, you can build time on task. Break every 15 minutes or every 5 minutes if thats where you can start with success.

3. Use their talents and interests to motivate at work time and enjoy at break time. At the pre-determined break time, it might be one round of table hockey or ten minutes with the colored markers or.just be sure to establish the rules ahead of time, something like this is a mini break and a privilege and I trust you to stop and get right back to work when the time is up. A minute timer is handy to keep nearby and you might be pleasantly surprised at how your child monitors his own breaks.

4. Just stop working for a while or for the day. Let the brain recharge. Loosen up on your homework rules when you know it makes sense, but make it a rare event. You know your childs limits: when she will respond well to an extra push and when she is unable to push forward another bit.

5.Begin to handle a small piece of long-term projects as soon as the assignment comes in. Bigger projects are an opportunity to help your child learn to organize with mind mapping techniques.

6. Keep in steady contact with teachers. Be pro-active in preventing overwhelm in the form of an avalanche of assignments. Incomplete homework may suddenly show up, buried in folders or at the backpack bottom, and it all comes out as the grading period is coming to a close. Most teachers are happy to work on homework systems with parents to avoid late-semester chaos when it is too late anyway to catch up on those lost grades. If your child has an IEP, work together with the school to help your child make the best of his modification plan. Or follow that model; create a working relationship with your childs teachers; set up a weekly meeting or phone call for a homework progress review or communicate in writing daily through a planner book.

Very Important Final Tip: Practice these steps before you have a homework crisis on your hands!

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