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The only guarantee going into the 2008 NCAA National Championship Game was that one of two very good coaches-Bill Self of Kansas or John Calipari of Memphis-would win his first national title.

In an NCAA first, the four No. 1 seeds in this year's tournament made it to the coveted Final 4. Both coaches managed to thump their competition in the semifinals as Kansas turned back North Carolina 84-66 and Memphis ripped UCLA 78-63. Both games were about as exciting as watching an ashtray wait for a cigarette butt.

North Carolina had no chance ultimately against Kansas as the Jayhawks went on an early 25-2 run after leading 15-10. The Tar Heels would cut the lead to 4 points-54 to 50-with more than 11 minutes remaining, but then Kansas continued its hot hand, shooting 53% to North Carolina's 36% from the floor. Jayhawk Guard Brandon Rush led all scorers with 25.

Kansas just escaped from Davidson to reach the Final 4 and then dusted off the Tar Heels despite their all-everything player Tyler Hansbrough. It was a tough night for North Carolina Coach Roy Williams, who coached Kansas to national prominence for 15 years before returning to his alma mater in 2003. Williams never won a national title at Kansas but led the Tar Heels to the national title in 2005.

Memphis' 1-2 punch of guards Chris Douglas-Roberts (28 points) and Derrick Rose (25 points) ran UCLA ragged, outscoring the Bruins 14-2 on the fast break. The Tigers put the game away with 10 consecutive free throws (20 of 23 for 87% in the game), well above their season average of 61%.

UCLA's freshman wonder Kevin Love, the Pac 10 Player of the Year, was held to 2 points in the second half and 12 for the game after averaging 21.8 points per game coming in. Love, who is 6-10, ran smack into the Tigers' 6-foot-9, 265-pound Joey Dorsey, a big presence that kept Love at bay. Dorsey also pulled down 15 rebounds.

Memphis Coach John Calipari was giddy with joy moving into the championship game and UCLA Coach Ben Howland was no doubt disappointed after reaching the Final 4 three consecutive years without winning the title game. Memphis' victory was its 38th this year, setting an NCAA record for most wins in a season.

The championship game was a beauty, close as close could be and excellent to the very end of regulation time, when Kansas' Mario Chalmers drained a 3-pointer over Derrick Rose to tie the game at 63 with 2 seconds left. Chalmers' shot would earn him the Most Valuable Player honor.

Memphis had a 9-point lead with 2 minutes left but could not connect on 4 free throws by Chris Douglas-Roberts down the stretch and lost control of the game. Kansas would outscore Memphis 12-5 in overtime to win 75-68 to give Coach Bill Self his first national title Monday night (4-7-08) in one of the best played title games in NCAA history.

Standout freshman Derrick Rose took over the game for Memphis in the second half, scoring 14 of his team's 16 points to build the 9-point lead.

Kansas Coach Bill Self summed up the game best, saying "If we played 10 times, it'd probably go 5 and 5. We got fortunate late."

There were a lot of upsets early on in this year's tournament and a great final game. All in all, a very good year for NCAA basketball and a fitting end to March Madness for 2008.

2008 NCAA Tournament Results for Round 5 - The Final 4

#1 Midwest Regional Champion Kansas eliminated #1 East Regional Champion North Carolina 84-66

#1 South Regional Champion Memphis eliminated #1 West Regional Champion UCLA 78-63

2008 NCAA Tournament Result for Round 6 - National Championship Game

#1 Midwest Regional Champion Kansas beat #1 South Regional Champion Memphis 75-68 to win the National Championship

Postscript on the Final 4 Coaches:

The coaches of the Final 4 teams this year brought a combined 143-9 record, a winning percentage of .941. When you can win 94% of your games you do not compare yourself to others, they need to compare themselves to you because, trust me, you are setting a standard this season that not another 4 coaches in America can match.

The dean of the coaches was North Carolina's Roy Williams, who averaged 28 wins a year for 15 years at Kansas and took the Jayhawks to 4 Final Fours before coming back to his alma mater and leading the Tar Heels to a National Championship in 2005.

Only 5 other coaches in history have led their team to 6 Final Four appearances-John Wooden (12), Dean Smith (11), Mike Krzyzewski (10), Denny Crum (6) and Adolph Rupp (6). It is perhaps no coincidence that Williams honed his craft for 10 years as an assistant coach to Dean Smith at North Carolina.

North Carolina won National Championships in 1957, 1982, 1993 and 2005 and had been among the Final Four 17 times coming into this year's tournament.

Ben Howland marked his 3rd straight Final Four appearance this year. His UCLA Bruins were runner-up in the National Championship game two years ago. He led Pittsburgh to two Sweet 16 appearances before coming to UCLA, and has had the Bruins in the NCAA tournament 4 straight years.

Howland hoped to add to John Wooden's legacy at UCLA but came up short again. Wooden's UCLA teams won 10 national titles and 7 consecutive titles from 1967 to 1973. This year marked the Bruins' 18th Final Four appearance.

Wooden's UCLA record during his 10 National Championship years was 291-10 (not a misprint); it rounds to a 97% winning percentage and includes no less than 4 perfect 30-0 seasons. In short, there is Wooden and everyone else when it comes to winning basketball games and national titles.

Memphis coach John Calipari had never won a national title but did built two smaller conference teams-Massachusetts in the Atlantic 10 and Memphis in Conference USA-into national powers, reaching the Final Four with both. His Memphis Tigers won 103 games during the last 3 years, only 1 win shy of Kentucky's national record from 1996 to 1998.

Since Calipari's last appearance in the 1985 Final Four match-ups, the other 3 teams in this year's field combined for 19 Final Four appearances and 4 national titles-Kansas in 1988, UCLA in 1995 and North Carolina in 1993 and 2005.

Kansas coach Bill Self could not claim a national title coming into this year's Final Four. In 15 years as a head coach, Self averaged 23 wins a season, won 8 conference championships and had taken 4 teams deep in the tournament, but none of them to the Final Four until this year.

Until this season, Self had more NCAA tournament wins-18-without reaching the Final Four than any other active coach. Only two other coaches have more wins than Self without reaching the Final Four-Temple's John Chaney with 23 and Purdue's Gene Keady with 19.

Copyright 2008 Ed Bagley

Ed Bagley's Blog Publishes Original Articles with Analysis and Commentary on 5 Subjects: Sports, Movie Reviews, Lessons in Life, Jobs and Careers, and Internet Marketing. My intention is to inform, educate, delight and motivate you the reader.

Read my additional NCAA coverage on the "First 2 Rounds in 2008 NCAA Tournament Produce 1 Major Upset in Every 6 Games" and "The Final 4 for the 2008 NCAA Tournament: North Carolina, Memphis, UCLA and Kansas" plus my 4 basketball articles on last year's 2007 NCAA Basketball Tournament detailing Florida's National Championship run. Click on my Sports Section to find these articles.

Find my Blog at:
http://www.edbagleyblog.com
http://www.edbagleyblog.com/Sports.html

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L.A. Rugs TSC-152 Supreme Basketball Court Sports Rug

L.A. Rugs TSC-152 With its extra high pile and hand carved design, the Supreme Collection offers a high quality option for your child's room. This 100% nylon machine made rug is durable and very easy to clean and is a non-skid rug for additional safety. Because of the unique design of each rug, one is sure to be right for your child. The Supreme Basketball Court Sports Rug is a basketball court design, perfect for your little basketball star. Features: -Machine made in the USA with 100% nylon -Kids rug with non-skid backing for extra safety -Extra high pile -Hand carved -Image of a basketball court -Available sizes: 3'3'' x 4'10'', 5'3" x 7'6" Note: Please be aware that actual colors may vary from those shown on your screen.

The foundation - and a flimsy one it may turn out to be - of the proposition to raise the legal age limit of the NBA to 21 is that both the league and the colleges will be best served by the restriction.

The colleges will benefit because the great players that would otherwise be pros will be plying their talents for their dear old schools for an additional year, raising the level of the college game. And the NBA will benefit because rookies coming in will be armed with the requisite skills and savoir-faire to better represent themselves and, by extension, the NBA's product.

These seem to be sound arguments, on both sides. The only thing they ignore is the voice of the one in the middle - the athlete himself.

Let's say you are a 20-year-old college basketball player, and gifted. You're six-eight or six-nine, you can run like a horse and fly like a bird, and you're busting at the seams to test your mettle in the crucible of the NBA.

But the powers-that-be say you need to wait another year - for your own good, of course. Even though you're old enough to be sent overseas to fight and possibly to die, you're not quite mature enough for the rigors of professional basketball.

Another year of school is what you need, they agree - another year of seasoning and sophistication. Never mind that you have yet to see the inside of a classroom - that the only two buildings on campus you've visited are the field house and the cafeteria.

Your university is all for you staying - at least your coach and the fans are - but you can't see how hanging around for another year is going to make you any smarter. And for the life of you, you can't see how one more year at State U will satisfy the people who are always shouting about the importance of higher education.

No, you're no scholar, but you can't help but get the idea that you're being used.

You see that your college is getting your services for another year when you could be offering them on the open market. And you figure out that the NBA is keeping its future labor down on the farm, cultivating it at the college's expense. But since the college is raking in millions in revenue from its basketball program...

The age-limit restriction is patently unfair to the athletes, and maybe even an illegal violation of their right to earn a living.

I'm a writer living near Nashville, and maybe the only one within a 50-mile radius who's never written a song. Writing fiction is my preference, but journalism provides my daily bread. I'm from the Clark Kent school of journalism -- I never carry a pad to take notes, but rely on my super-memory. Actually, in my stories I make up quotes, making people sound more interesting and well-spoken than they are, so they never object. You know how Truman Capote ("In Cold Blood") gave birth to the "non-fiction novel?" I'm working on popularizing the "fictional news" story.

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Highland Mint San Antonio Spurs Tim Duncan 24KT Gold Coin Photo Mint

Tim Duncan is one of the NBA's® best players. You can show your passion for Duncan's play on the hardwood by hanging this Highland Mint® San Antonio Spurs Duncan photomint with 2 gold coins. An 8-in x 10-in action photo of Duncan during the 2007 NBA® Finals against Cleveland is stationed above a 24KT gold overlay team coin and a 24KT gold NBA® Finals coin. The entire piece is double matted and presented in a 13-in x 16-in frame.

Serious basketball coaches are always looking for ways to get an edge on the competition to gain an advantage. It's why you spend so much time researching methods of training that will make your players faster and stronger and jump higher without taking up too much time to get results.

That's why I believe that running hill sprints (which includes running bleachers and stairs) is a must for any basketball player.

This is because hill sprints provide a number of benefits to the basketball athlete. Here are the Top 6:

1. Hill sprints provide the perfect combination of strength and speed training.

It's like lifting weights and sprinting at the same time. The hill gives resistance to your athlete's sprints, making them more difficult while being shorter in distance and duration. Including hill sprints in your training program can bring great results in as little as 15 minutes 1 or 2 times per week.

2. Hill sprints build stamina.

Endurance is something that every basketball player needs but it is a special kind of endurance. If you want your athletes to perform at their peak, then low, slow distance types of cardio just won't work. Their endurance training needs to mimic the demands of the game. Those needs being short bouts of intense exertion broken up by periods of lower intensities.

Hill sprints provide just this type of interval training. They will take your players' hearts and lungs to intensities far greater than those found in jogging or traditional types of endurance training. Their body will become used to reaching these higher levels, and recovering quickly in between the "sprints."

More and more scientific studies are showing that VO2 Max (the traditional measure of aerobic endurance) is improved as much or more- by using high intensity interval-type exercise like hill sprinting.

Want your team to have their "wind" at the end of the game? Hill sprint.

3. Hill sprints increase ankle strength helping to prevent one of the most common injuries in sports the ankle sprain.

Ankles are made stronger due to the need to push off harder when sprinting up the hill. Because of the incline, more drive is needed than when sprinting on a flat surface. Improved ankle strength also leads to the ability to push off harder during the game benefiting a player's important "first step" and lengthening their stride when sprinting in a breakaway on the court.

4. Hill sprints increase basketball players' speed and explosiveness.

This is because hill training promotes two key factors in running faster and jumping higher. First, it forces proper knee lift essential for driving the legs downward and back for more force. Second, hill sprinting makes the sprinter dorsi-flex their foot while running. The closer the toes are brought to the shin, the more force they can apply on ground contact. Think of dorsi-flexing as loading your foot then unloading it into the ground - pushing you forward.

Explosiveness is also shown in the way hill sprints can increase your players' vertical jumps a key measure of power. Jumping is really the same as sprinting pushing your body forward (or up) against gravity. The more power you can generate from your legs when pushing, the farther or higher you will go.

5. Hill sprints provide a way to safely train your athletes.

In addition to protecting your ankles, hill sprinting protects your athletes' from other types of injuries as well. The last thing you want to do is to injure your athletes while conditioning.

Hill sprinting provides safety in two ways: One, the slightly shorter stride length while running a hill sprint is a great way to protect hamstrings. Most hamstring pulls and strains result from over-extension something which rarely occurs when sprinting hills.

Second, hill sprints can decrease the pounding on your players' legs. Studies have shown that even a slight grade added to sprints can decrease the impact on the runner's legs by as much as 25%. Shin splints, foot problems and sore knees can be greatly reduced by getting on the hills for your sprints.

6. Hill sprints as mental training

Besides all of the physical benefits of hill sprinting, they also promote mental toughness and goal-setting behavior in your athletes. Looking up at the hill can be daunting when your players are fatigued and nearing the end of their sprint session. By using the hill as a metaphor, you can show them the importance of having a goal (the top of the hill), taking the steps necessary to reach it (one step at a time up the hill), and celebrating their success when they reach their goal (their very own Rocky imitation at the top of the hill). Looking back down the hill after their workout, your athletes can feel the satisfaction of accomplishing something that may have seemed an impossible obstacle.

With all of these benefits for your basketball team, adding hill sprints to your training program should go to the top of your To Do List. It's no coincidence that we found out that this year's NCAA player of the year Kevin Durant made hill sprints a key part of his training. You can develop your own "special" players the same way.

Make your athletes stronger, faster, better conditioned, injury resistant and mentally tough with this "old school" training. You, your team and your fans will be glad you did.

Tim Alan Kauppinen, or Coach K, has over 20 years experience as an athlete and coach. He has worked with athletes of all ages and abilities in track and field, basketball, speed training and strength and conditioning after graduating from the University of Wisconsin - Madison with a coaching emphasis. This has given him the privilege and the opportunity to coach athletes who have become conference champions, state champions and Division I college players. Coach K is the author of the Uphill Fitness Training, Ultimate Insider Speed Training Secrets and Iron Shins programs. He also publishes a FREE daily training email newsletter.

Tim can be contacted through his website at
http://www.makesyoufast.com/power_hill_sprint.html

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Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lo Top Toddlers Optical White

Classic look that has not changed in years and years. Have your kids try them for the first time.

Washington is a state of shear beauty with lush green landscapes, amazing waterways and towering mountains. RV lodgings in Washington are hit and miss, so here are some good choices.

High up along the West Coast of the continental United States lies a state that's full of wonder and majesty. Washington may be the northernmost state on the West Coast, but there is nothing chilly about the reception you will get from the residents here. Forget what you've heard about the rainy weather and dreariness Washington offers some of the most amazing climbing, hiking and nature activities in the entire country. If you have ever wanted to see a volcano up close, or just explore the many coffee houses of Seattle, this is the place to be. The RV lodgings in Washington are ideal for any family looking for a place to stay in this state.

The San Juan Islands are located just 90 miles away from Seattle, in the middle of Washington's biggest inlet. The islands are actually four separate islands, some of which can only be reached by ferry or plane, while others are drivable due to bridges. While on these islands, you can enjoy life the way that Pacific Northwesterners always have in fact, the town of La Conner, which is in the San Juan Islands, has been awarded the title The Town that Best Captures the Northwest Spirit. Other spots here are havens for artists and antique shops, as well as being a great place to go whale watching and to see the local wildlife.

When searching for RV lodgings in Washington that are located in the San Juan Islands, there are not very many. Some of the smaller islands do not allow large vehicles on their roads. There is one RV park, however, that is easily accessible by tourists wishing to stay in the area. The Pioneer Trails RV Resort and Campground is located in Anacortes, Washington which is on Fidalgo Island. From here, you can explore all that the islands have to offer. The campground itself has 60 sites available for tent and RV camping, with 50 of the sites being full hookups (which include water, electric and sewer services).

There are other amenities to be found at the Pioneer Trails RV Resort and Campground, besides the wonder of the Evergreen forest that the site is located in. Each RV site here is what the park calls a super site, meaning that it is larger than a standard RV spot and also includes a private cabana for your use. Additionally, both cable TV and wireless Internet are offered at each site, and there are spotless bathrooms and shower facilities for guest use. A full service laundry center offers easy access to this need, and swimming pools, playgrounds, tennis courts and a basketball court make your stay here even more fun.

Traveling to the Pacific Northwest is a vacation that is on many families' to do lists. RV lodgings in Washington are set up so that you can easily stay in the wilderness that is Washington State, all while enjoying the amenities that make a vacation relaxing.

Find more information on RV campgrounds at RVRentalsforyou.com.

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Gambling is one of the oldest professions in the world. It is estimated that millions of dollars exchange hands everyday at casinos worldwide. In modern times, due to an increased spending capacity the tendency to play at a casino has also increased. Despite the fact that casinos are all over the world, the casinos in the United States are a class apart.

A number of people plan their vacations in order to be able to experience casino activities. It is also important to realize that most of these vacations are enjoyed by the affluent. The need for high-class accommodation has given rise to the growth of casino hotels.

Casino hotels, as the name suggests, are hotels or resorts that house casino activities. These accommodations allow people to experience a holiday and at the same time engage in casino games. Some of these hotels have the reputation of being mini financial institutions. A number of casino hotels even provide cash advances to regulars and old timers of the hotel. This is favorable for the hotel as a cash advance is cash spent at the casino.

Compared to earlier times, the casino experience is no longer related to playing a few games and then returning to separate hotels. Nowadays, casino hotels are built to cater to every whim and fancy of a player. These hotels are designed to pamper customers. This is done keeping in mind that a prospective player or guest at the hotel will play large stakes at the hotels casinos.

Modern casino hotels offer luxury accommodation suites and rooms. Most of these hotels are very expensive. However, some casino hotels may provide moderate rates during an off-season. Casino hotels are complete hotel experiences, as they house swimming pools, multiple cuisine restaurants, spas and beauty salons. These hotels also have shopping centers, which house a wide range of goods.

Casinos provides detailed information on Casinos, Vegas Casinos, Casino Gambling, Casino Poker and more. Casinos is affiliated with Casino Gambling.

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CHARMS FOR CROCS

Motorcycles are popular and are going to keep being popular on every road that you see today. You can find them in many different models and makes whichever you would like to have. Although finding exactly which kind of bike you may want can be hard you can find whatever kind you want for under $15,000 unless you want an insane custom bike.

Perhaps the most well known custom bike builder is Jesse James of the west coast choppers. Jesse James has loved everything about bikes since he was seven years old. Jesse has built bikes for a lot of celebrities with them ranging in price from $50,000 to $150,000.

Even though this is going to be a very expensive bike to buy you can still get a good bike like a custom from other makers for a good price. The first thing you want to ask yourself what do you need a custom bike for that you cant get from a regular retailer? If you just can't find the color you want then you can just get the company to repaint it and have it met to your standards.

A lot of the time a person will want to have the bike custom to fit them and their needs. Just think of an example like a tall basketball player they probably will not fit on a stock bike so they will have to make simple and minor adjustments to fit them. The builder will just have to take measurements of the person so they can build the bike to size. Custom bikes are good if you have the extra money and want exactly what you want no matter how much it is.

If you want a custom bike but you can't think of which make to buy from then just go online and look at the many different brands and models. Just keep in the back of your head that it can take a long time to get the bike you want especially if you want it custom.

When you are thinking about getting the bike you want it is good to do a little research about the maker just to see the feedback on the bike you want and what it has to offer. Just look up simple things like the Horsepower, how much they are price wise, just research them in general get to know the bikes you like.

Having your very own bike is good to have with spare money and time it can be a good hobby to have when you have a lot of free time. Having a custom bike will allow you to have exactly what you want. Having a bike that you like and that fits you will last you longer then a bike that you like and doesn't fit you. You will be less likely to get in a bike accident if you fit the bike rather then having a bike that is fast and doesn't fit you.

Gregg Hall is an author living with his 18 year old son in Jensen Beach, Florida. Find more about motorcycles as well as automotive care products at http://www.5starshine.com

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With stretch side panels and pink caddy color, adidas brings to the female NBA fan a player jersey that's just as flattering as it is flashy! The adidas Pink Caddy Jersey is made of 100% nylon micro mesh with rib knit neck trim and dazzle side piping. The woven jocktag and embroidered NBA logo and adidas logo add to the authenticity while the screenprint with dome glitter application adds to the femininity. Imported.

Golf is an expensive game, it is much more expensive than playing basketball or even baseball, you need to get some lessons and golf apparel, and on top of that you got the equipment which is pretty pricey. A good set of irons may cost a couple of hundred dollars without shocking anyone. This is the main reason why you should consider a golf club head cover.

This is the main reason that most golfers take very good care of their equipment, shoes and balls, it is simply too expensive to lose them or damage them for any reason. If you are a golfer you are probably aware of this, and you probably know that there are many things you can use to protect your golf clubs.

Golf club heads, in particular, have to be taken cared of more than any other golfing accessory. This is because this device is what gets in direct contact with the ball and spells a win or a loss. Thus, golfers take great pains protecting their golf clubs' heads with the right covers.

No matter how meticulous you are with protecting your golf club heads, rust is inevitable. However, you can slow the problem down by getting the right shield - a golf club head cover, that is. Club heads are manufactured using chrome-plated carbon steel. Constant use of the club exposes the steel to moisture, abrasion, and friction, resulting, eventually, to rust (and a poor hit).

Using golf club head covers to protect the iron will help keep the area dry and delay rust formation. Some people say using club head covers will only trap the moisture in. But there are different schools of thought to this practice, so it's really up to you which you prefer to follow.

For the stylish, funky golf club head covers could be a status symbol. Designer golf club head covers are available for sale to give your clubs that sophisticated look. If you're into fun stuff, you can also buy golf club head covers that have character designs. You can even have them custom-made, depending on what design you want. If you're a fan of Bugs Bunny, there isn't any reason why you couldn't have a Bugs Bunny golf club head cover if you want to.

Again, golf, while criticized as being a game for the frail sportsman, is actually an activity that calls for more effort than it seems - intellectual effort, that is. However, none of the precise calculations would bring any golf game justice if the tools of war are not in their best shape. Golf club heads are the most sensitive of all the golfing gear. Thus, they should be taken cared of and protected well with club head covers.

Golf clubs are something that ever golfer chooses along the path of his game and the years he spends on the golf course. The clubs are usually expensive and once the golfer has a few months of practice they become so personal that no one wants to even consider parting from his beloved 5 wood or 7 iron. Learn about Golf Training Aids and much more at golftrainingaids.zupatips.com

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Snow and sleet pummeled my pickup truck as I inched westward on the Eisenhower Expressway. In the rear view mirror of my Mazda truck, I could the shining towers of the Loop. My friends laughed at me when I bought my truck, but no one ever laughed when I kicked it into four-wheel drive on an icy road.

Only a call from Jennifer could bring me out on a night like this. She sounded cold. Said she was standing on West Madison Street in front of United Center. There was no reason for her to be there at ten-o'clock at night. Hell, neither the Bulls nor the Blackhawks were in town. Not that she cared about either one; she cared about the Cubs and the Bears period. Everything else was filler she said. The others were like going to the circus.

Pulling off the expressway, I headed north on Damen. Turning the corner onto Madison I was startled by the flashing lights of a dozen police cars. A cop stood in the middle of the street. I could either swing left around the cruisers or pull up to the curb. Choosing the later, I got out of my truck and spotted Jennifer half-a-block up. She was stamping her feet to stay warm swaddled in her winter coat. Even though her dark hair covered her ears, I could imagine they were red and stinging from the cold. Her back was to me, as she watched the cops.

Coming up from behind, I wrapped my arms around her. "You call for a cab lady?" I asked.

She turned and faced me, her nose red from the cold. "Thank goodness you're here." She turned and pointed back toward the cops. "You won't believe what . . ."

"Happened?" I finished her sentence. Following her finger, I watched the cops. They seemed to be wandering up and down the street. No flashlights out, no sense of urgency in their movements. I rested my head on Jennifer's head. I'm about six-feet tall and Jen's is easily six-inches shorter. Despite the sub-freezing temperature, she felt warm and soft.

"I was in a cab, headed back downtown," she said. Glancing around, she said, "Well, I guess the cabby left."

"Let's sit in my truck and get warm," I suggested. Taking her hand, I led her to the passenger door and held it open for her.

As she climbed into the cab, she smiled with her blue eyes. "Okay, here's what happened. I saw a light!"

"A light?" I asked.

"Yes, a light. Not very bright, but it was there right in the middle of West Madison."

"And . . ." I studied her face. "That was it?"

"No silly, that is not just it," she replied. "It's what the light meant."

As much as I loved Jennifer, I began wondering what I was doing on the West Side on a cold winter night. "Have you been watching those X Files DVDs again?"

"No, Richard, no," she replied. "It's not some spooky Area 51 thing or a religious experience. Give me a little credit here. It's all about the light."

"Okay, if it's not Dreamland or St. Kevin behind the light, then what's going on? Why are the cops here? Why are we here?"

Jennifer began digging around in her huge Coach purse for a cigarette. She found one and I gave her a hit off the truck's lighter. "Richard," she began, "here's what happened. I was in a cab heading west along here. When we got to United Center, there was a light in the eastbound lane. Not a bright one, but enough to get our attention." She paused.

"Go ahead," I encouraged her.

"For some reason the cabbie swung over to the curb and stopped. I'm pretty tired so I thought maybe he saw some kind of emergency vehicle. But it was just this, this . . ."

"Light?"

Jennifer took a deep drag on her cigarette and blew out the smoke. "Yes, the light. So he pulls the cab over, gets out and goes over to where we saw the light. I got out of the cab and followed him."

"What did you see?" I asked.

Jen took another hit off her cigarette. "I could sure use a Cosmo. Is there a bar around here?" she asked.

"There's hundreds of them," I replied. "Let's here the story first."

Jennifer stubbed out her cigarette and fiddled with the radio. "Where's NewsRadio 78? Maybe there's something on the air about it."

I reached over and snapped off the radio. "Jennifer, c'mon, I've got work tomorrow."

Jen began to fidget with her bag again, and then stared out the window for several moments. "Remember the time we road you motorcycle out west? It was like that Bob Seger song, what's it called, Roll Me Away? Anyhow when I got in the middle of the street that was how I felt, like I had been rolled away."

"Away from?" I asked.

"Everything I knew about myself," she answered.

Suddenly, she began to cry. I reached over to hold her and she began shaking. "What is it? What's wrong, baby?" I asked.

Through her sobs, she told me she felt like an abandoned child. Like the time as a child, she was lost for two hours at Lincoln Park Zoo. Like no one would ever come and hold her again. Finally, the sobs subsided and the tears stopped. "Let's get back to what you saw," I gently asked. "If it wasn't some sci-fi thing, or a religious experience, what was it? What was the light?"

"Oh the light," she waived her hand dismissively. She had changed now into the logical attorney that was climbing the ranks of one of Chicago's largest firms. She looked at me, and shook her head, "It was only a bicycle light."

"A bicycle light, you're kidding? This is what this is all about?"

Taking off her glasses, she polished them on the hem of her skirt and smiled. "I wish it was that simple. Oh look, the cops are leaving."

I glanced at the street. One by one, the cruisers turned off their flashing lights and disappeared down the street. In a few minutes, we sat alone as a gentle snow fell around us.

Jennifer looked out at United Center. "Why do you suppose people like basketball and hockey?"

"You mean, why do I like basketball and hockey?"

"Yeah."

"Well," I sighed. "The competition."

Jen's eyes lit up, "Exactly!" she said. "That's what we saw, me and the cabby, pure competition."

"For what?"

Jennifer shrugged her shoulders. "It's hard to put my finger on it. Life, death, good, evil," she shook her head. "I know you're an engineer, Mr. Practical, and all. Some things," she shrugged her shoulders, "can't be defined by logic though. What would you say if I said I saw . . .?"

I nodded my head, "Go on."

"If I said I saw my father."

"Jennifer, you're father's been dead for ten years. Besides, why would he be riding a bike on the West Side on a night like this? What would make the cabby stop?"

"Oh, the cabby stopped because he was waving his hand. My father that is." Now she dug out another cigarette and lit it with her lighter. Cracking the window, she blew out a stream of smoke. "How long have we known each other Richard?"

"Since our freshman year in college," I replied.

"Right and you were at Dad's wake and funeral. So how do you explain him out here on West Madison in the middle of the night?"

"He died in a construction accident, there was a closed casket. Remember?" I asked.

"Like I could forget," she replied. "So what if he isn't dead."

"Well, where's the body. Did the cops take it away?"

"No, he fell off the bike and just . . . walked away. I sat in the street and cried. I guess the cab driver figured I was whacked and he took off." She blew a steam of smoke, "Can't say that I blame him. Anyhow, I called the cops."

"There was a heck of a lot of them."

"Oh, you know how excited they get," Jennifer replied. "So they get here, and no body, no bike. They wanted to take me to the loony bin for a while 'till I told them I was a lawyer. So?"

"So what?"

Jen stared at me, "Have you been drowsing during this story?"

"No, but what can I say. Your dad is dead for ten years, and now he's riding a bike in the middle of winter. What is there to say?"

"I say, turn around and let's find him. C'mon Richard, now."

"Okay Jen, which way?" Jennifer pointed west down Madison. I put the truck in gear and made a U-Turn. By now, the snow was falling as if a blizzard was brewing out on the prairie. We were the only vehicle in sight. Slowly I made my way westward. The cross-streets slid by: Damen, Western, Sacramento. As we approached Garfield Park, I turned to speak to Jennifer and saw a light out of the corner of my eye. When I looked back the light was in the center of the road bearing down on us.

Yanking the wheel hard to the right, I lost control and the truck skidded into a lampost. The passenger door and Jennifer took the brunt of the accident. When I came to minutes later, I heard the wail of sirens in the distance. My left eye was swollen shut and my nose felt broken.

Reaching to my right, I felt Jennifer's hand. It was cold. Blood coiled from the corner of her mouth. Gently I touched her shoulder and said her name. For a second her eyelids fluttered and her mouth twisted into a smile. "Daddy," she said.

Edward Fadden is a native of Chicago. He has worked for over 20 years in a variety of industries including pharmaceuticals and banking. In addition to professional writing, he is working on his first novel.

Edward and his wife Deborah reside in Chicagoland. He holds a Master's degree from Shorter College in Rome, Georgia.

Please visit my web site: FaddenWriter.com

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Inside the Boxscores is a weekly feature from Matt Fargo that has been widely recognized as the best summation in college football. He takes an in-depth look at each game and pulls out the most pertinent information that will help you handicap games in the future. College football is filled with quirky plays, misleading scores and surprise endings. Fargo takes you inside the action.

(24) GEORGIA TECH 24 Virginia 7

Georgia Tech outgained the Cavaliers 335-166 with 124 of those total yards coming on two touchdown tosses. Virginia scored its only touchdown off a fumble recovery after being forced to punt on its first eight possessions. The Cavaliers also missed a field goal and fumbled at the Yellow Jackets 39-yard line. Following its first drive of the second half, Georgia Tech had only 34 yards in its final five possessions.

NEVADA 31 Northwestern 21

The Wildcats actually outgained Nevada 368-353 but they committed five turnovers that led to 24 Wolf Pack points including an interception return for a score that sealed the win late in the fourth quarter. Northwestern finished 3-4 inside the redzone but were just 3-7 when crossing the 35-yard line. Northwestern threw for only 122 yards but rushed for 246 yards on 37 carries (6.6 ypc).

(8) Louisville 24 KANSAS STATE 6

The Cardinals put up 401 yards of offense but had three turnovers and also turned the ball over on downs that kept their point total down. Kansas St. had numerous opportunities to score but was stopped on fourth down twice, missed a field goal and threw an interception at the Louisville 14-yard line. The Wildcats finished 3-16 on third down conversions and were 0-2 inside the redzone.

(18) CLEMSON 52 North Carolina 7

Clemson racked up 504 yards of offense and scored touchdowns on five of its first six possessions. The Tar Heels had only 68 total yards in the first three quarters before driving 80 yards in the final period for their only score. The Tigers controlled the clock for over 16 more minutes thanks to 324 yards rushing on 58 carries (5.6 ypc). North Carolina finished with just eight first downs.

(11) VIRGINIA TECH 29 Cincinnati 13

The Bearcats were outgained by just 55 total yards and held a one-point lead heading into the fourth quarter before the Hokies pulled away. Virginia Tech scored on its next two possessions and then returned an interception 72 yards to put the game out of reach. Cincinnati controlled the time of possession by over 10 more minutes but its three turnovers were the ultimate difference.

(6) MICHIGAN 27 Wisconsin 13

Wisconsin and Michigan were tied 10-10 heading into the fourth quarter before the Wolverines scored 17 unanswered points to pull away. Michigan held the Badgers to just 12 yards rushing on 27 carries (0.4 ypc) while going only 4-19 on third and fourth down conversions. The Wolverines were hurt by two interceptions occurring in Wisconsin territory while also missing a fourth down play at the 19-yard line.

PURDUE 27 Minnesota 21

Both teams finished with 421 total yards but the turnovers were the difference as Purdue forced two including an interception in the endzone right before the end of the first half. The Gophers pulled to within six points but the Boilermakers took the ensuing kickoff and drove 93 yards to put the game out of reach. Purdue held the potent Minnesota running game to 194 yards.

(13) Iowa 24 ILLINOIS 7

Iowa only outgained the Illini by 29 yards but Illinois was hurt by four interceptions inside its own territory. 220 of Illinois 315 yards came on its final five drives after Iowa had built a 24-0 lead. 17 of the Hawkeyes points came on drives of 35 yards or less. The Illini defense did stiffen in the second half as they forced Iowa to punt on five of its six possessions while allowing just 139 total yards.

(10) GEORGIA 14 Colorado 13

Georgia staked Colorado to a 13-0 lead through three quarters but the Bulldogs rallied and scored the game winning touchdown with just 46 seconds remaining. The Bulldogs missed another opportunity in the fourth quarter as Colorado stopped them at the 12-yard line. The Buffaloes finished with only 46 total yards in the second half after accumulating 267 yards in the opening half.

Kent State 38 BOWLING GREEN 3

Kent St. picked up its second straight upset road victory thanks to six turnovers by the Falcons. 24 of the Golden Flashes 38 points came by way of turnovers. Bowling Green finished with 282 total yards but four drives that totaled 193 yards resulted in just three points. The Golden Flashes rushed for 216 yards on 38 carries (5.7 ypc) and they were a perfect 4-4 inside the redzone.

Tulsa 24 NAVY 23

Tulsa outgained the Midshipmen 444-356 but it took a blocked extra point in overtime to pull out the victory. The Golden Hurricane could have jumped ahead early but missed a 29-yard field goal on their first possession while turning the ball over on downs at the Navy one-yard line on their second possession. Both teams ran well withTulsa gaining 5.3 ypc and Navy gaining 5.5 ypc.

(25) MISSOURI 31 Ohio U 6

Missouri outgained the Bobcats 428-188 but took just an eight-point lead into the break before pulling away in the second half. The defense allowed only 26 total yards in the second half while forcing two turnovers. The Bobcats controlled the time of possession despite having just 43 yards rushing on 30 carries (1.4 ypc). The Tigers did have three turnovers but none resulted in Ohio points.

(2) AUBURN 38 Buffalo 7

Buffalo was able to hang around for a half, going into the break down just 10 points. Auburn came out strong in the second half however as it scored touchdowns on its first three possessions. The Bulls pulled to within 10 points again in the third quarter but the Tigers clamped down on defense, forcing four straight punts and allowing just 17 total yards. Auburn finished with 261 yards rushing on 36 carries (7.2 ypc).

B-Y-U 38 Utah State 0

BYU scored on it first four possessions and never looked back as it outgained the Aggies 441-242. Utah St. had four opportunities inside Cougars territory to avoid the shutout but a missed field goal and two turnovers kept them at zero. BYU gained only 21 yards in its first five possessions of the second half before putting together a 99-yard drive on its final possession. Utah St. was 2-14 on third down conversions.

(20) CALIFORNIA 49 Arizona State 21

Arizona St. actually outgained California 414-409 but mistakes and special teams killed the Sun Devils. Arizona St. took the opening kickoff 76 yards for a touchdown but the Golden Bears scored the next 35 points to put the game out of reach. Overall, California scored 28 points off turnovers including two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns. The Bears also returned a punt 80 yards for a score.

Connecticut 14 INDIANA 7

Connecticut was responsible for the only offensive touchdown in this game as its other score came on an interception return while the lone Hoosiers touchdown came on an 87-yard kickoff return. The Huskies finished with 257 yards rushing on 53 carries (4.8 ypc) while Indiana had zero net yards on 27 carries. Connecticut had three turnovers and a missed field goal while Indiana had four turnovers and two turnovers on downs.

(19) FLORIDA STATE 55 Rice 7

Florida St. finally got its offense in gear as it generated 500 total yards including 287 yards rushing on 38 carries (7.6 ypc). The Owls tied the score at seven after their first possession but they were forced to punt on eight of their next nine possessions. Their final three possessions resulted in two turnovers and a turnover on downs, all in Seminoles territory. Florida St. was in Rice territory in 11 of 13 possessions.

(1) OHIO STATE 28 Penn State 6

Penn St. took a 3-0 lead into halftime and then pulled to within eight points late in the fourth quarter before the Ohio defense took over. The Buckeyes picked off two passes on consecutive possessions and returned both of them for touchdowns. Overall, Penn St. was outgained by only five total yards but two short field goals and a missed field goal took away a possible 21 points.

(7) TEXAS 37 Iowa State 14

This game was delayed for 70 minutes at the end of the third quarter but it mattered none as Texas was already well on its way to victory. Iowa St. passed for 302 yards but could get nothing going on the ground, gaining only 21 yards on 27 carries (0.8 ypc). The Cyclones pulled to within two points midway through the second quarter but Texas scored the final 21 points to seal the win.

Central Michigan 24 EASTERN MICHIGAN 17

Central Michigan outgained the Eagles 452-345 but it took a touchdown and a defensive stop in overtime to pull out the victory. The Chippewas took a seven-point lead with just 1:44 remaining but Eastern Michigan tied the game with only 13 seconds left following a 70-yard drive. This was the third consecutive year that the game was decided in overtime and the first time Central Michigan came out on top.

ARKANSAS 24 Alabama 23

Arkansas won in double overtime thanks to a missed extra point and overall, Alabama missed three field goals from 37 yards or less. The Tide outgained Arkansas 361-269 but 105 of those yards were lost due to the missed kicks. The Razorbacks took a seven-point lead after returning a fumble for a score but Alabama drove 73 yards on the ensuing possession to send the game into overtime.

(15) TENNESSEE 33 Marshall 7

Marshall pulled to within two points late in the second quarter but the Volunteers scored the final 24 points to pull away. The Thundering Herd were able to cross midfield three more times but fumbled once and also missed a field goal. Tennessee was in Marshall territory in all but three of its drives as it finished the game with 434 total yards while the defense allowed just 236 yards.

Air Force 31 WYOMING 24

Air Force never trailed but it had to hold off a late second half rally by the Cowboys to pull out the victory. Wyoming scored on a fumble return in the third quarter and then scored on its next two offensive possessions to pull within a touchdown. The Cowboys got the ball back with 1:32 remaining but coughed it up to end the game. The Falcons finished with 327 yards rushing and 40 yards passing.

(4) West Virginia 27 EAST CAROLINA 10

The Pirates did a great job of slowing down the Mountaineers rushing game, allowing just 153 yards on 42 carries (3.6 ypc) but late miscues on offense killed any chance of an upset. East Carolina was inside the West Virginia 14-yard line on four of its last five possessions but came away with just a field goal. Two turnovers and a turnover on downs left the Pirates with three points on 180 yards.

Washington St 36 STANFORD 10

Washington St. jumped ahead 22-0 and never looked back. The Cougars outgained Stanford 468-195 and held the Cardinal to just 22 yards rushing on 31 carries (0.9 ypc). Washington St. did fumble the ball twice in its first three possessions, both times inside the redzone. Stanford didnt cross midfield until the second half as it generated only 32 total yards in the opening half.

Matt Fargo is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League. Read all of his articles at http://www.procappers.com/Matt_Fargo.htm

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The first baby boomers, born in 1946, turn 60 this year. But 60 isn't what it used to be. The generation that changed society when it was young is now changing and redefining aging. And since the baby boom generation wields the greatest buying power in history, companies that pay attention to and heed the desires and needs of boomers stand to reap enormous rewards.
For investors, as well as marketers, it's smart to look at the baby boom market (people born between 1946 and 1964) in terms of a number of themes and subthemes that tap into the generation's psyche and socioeconomics.

VANITY
A big part of the baby boom psyche is feeling and looking youthful. Research studies say baby boomers see themselves as 20 years younger than they really are. In fact, according to Yankelovich Partners, the polling company, "Baby boomers literally think they're going to die before they get old." One study found that "boomers defined old age as starting three years after the average American was dead." Boomers want their appearance to reflect the youthfulness they feel, so they're turning to new aesthetic improvement procedures to smooth out wrinkles, remove hair from unwanted spots, improve their skin tone and eliminate unsightly veins.

Combine the desire to look youthful and energetic with today's acceptance of cosmetic procedures and you have a big reason for the growing boom in cosmetic laser procedures. And it will only get much bigger. Not only are laser procedures very effective and noninvasive, but they're fast - most can be done within a half hour at the doctor's office.

Laser and light-based gear are not only being snapped up by dermatology specialists, but also by general practitioners who want a piece of this lucrative business. The growth in laser business extends beyond America to Europe and Asia. Major players in aesthetic laser procedures include Candela (NasdaqNM: CLZR), Cutera (NasdaqNM: CUTR), Laserscope (NasdaqNM:LSCP) and Syneron (NasdaqNM: ELOS).

PHYSICAL REJUVENATION
To a certain extent this is tied to vanity, but it's also linked to a change in attitude. Unlike previous generations, many baby boomers expect to continue the activities they've enjoyed all their lives as well as take up new challenges, including jogging, kayaking, basketball, working out, skiing and tennis, to name a few. But it is inevitable as people age that joints wear down and ligaments tear. Instead of giving up and retreating to an inactive lifestyle, many boomers will decide to undergo hipand knee replacement and other surgical procedures that enable them to continue a very active lifestyle.

Look at companies that offer the latest orthopedic medical devices, including Stryker (NYSE:SYK), Biomet (NasdaqNM:BMET), Zimmer Holdings (NYSE:ZMH), Smith & Nephew (SNN:NYSE ADR) and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) - the company's orthopedics division has exclusive rights to sell mobile-bearing knees in the U.S.

And while baby boomers are involved in a wide spectrum of sports, golf will be among their favorites. Look for companies that offer advances to make the game easier. Golfers are notorious for being on an endless and often futile quest for anything that might help make them play better. Adams Golf (ADGO.OB) offers a variety of hybrid clubs which are easier to hit with than long irons. GPS Industries (GPSN.OB) offers Wi-Fi and GPS-enabled multimedia communications and management solutions for golf courses.

WELLNESS
Boomers want to feel good, and remain alive to the possibilities of life. It's one of the reasons they continue to be the largest consumers of wellness products and services. They are interested in nutritional supplements, nutraceuticals, diet products, spas, yoga, meditation and other activities which offer physical and spiritual benefits. Look for companies that are actively incorporating wellness targeted programs in their products and services. For instance, Amica (ACC:TO), a developer of retirement residences is specifically targeting this audience with its Wellness & Vitality Residences.

Aging comes with a host of related illnesses. But boomers don't expect these diseases to stop them. Yankelovich notes, "They fully expect that advances in healthcare and genomics are going to enable them to live past 100."

TRAVEL AND LEISURE
Baby boomers not only have more money, they also have the time to spend it on travel and recreational activities. On the hotel front, look for resorts that offer the amenities and activities baby boomers enjoy. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: FHR) owns a large basket of luxury resort hotels. Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide (NYSE: HOT) have many resorts in their property portfolios.

Hotels that offer gaming have enjoyed healthy growth in the past 5 years, and will continue to grow as they attract gambling boomers. Possibilities include Harrah's Entertainment (NYSE: HET), Park Place (NYSE:PPE), MGM Grand (NYSE: MGG), and Station Casinos ((NYSE:STN). And certainly Steve Wynn (Nasdaq: WYNN) knows a thing or two about appealing to people who like gambling in style.

Many boomers will choose to take their vacations to the seas. Keep an eye on Carnival Corp. (NYSE: CCL) and Royal Caribbean (NYSE: RCL). And a growing number of boomers are attracted to the new mobile home lifestyle, featuring updated and more luxurious recreational vehicles from companies like Monaco Coach (NYSE:MNC), Fleetwood Enterprises(NYSE:FLE), Thor Industries (NYSE:THO), Winnebago Industries (NYSE:WGO), Coachmen Industries (NYSE:COA)..

As for travel services, Cendant (NYSE:CD) was a company to look at. Now it's more than that, having recently split off into 3 public companies, focusing on real estate, travel services, and hotels and car rental.

RETIREMENT LIVING
The old concept of "retirement" may soon become pass. Many boomers will decide either to continue working or work part-time. And with the growth of the Internet and broadband, expect the small home office market (SOHO) to boom. Even home architecture will change. Studies show that the homes in retirement communities that have been built in the past 30 years don't suit the tastes of baby boomers. Look for edgier, loft-like spaces.

Builders like Pulte (NYSE: PHM) and Toll Brothers (NYSE: TOLL) are changing their floor plans to accommodate changing tastes. Del Web, a builder of "retirement communities", has opened up a community near Chicago for boomers who want the amenities of retirement but don't want to quit working. Floor plans have been designed to accommodate home offices.

These are just some of the themes and companies to keep an eye on as baby boomers redefine aging and retirement, and wield their awesome spending power.

Leon Altman is the founder of http://www.InvestingIN.com , a website that explores opportunities in sectors and themes, such as baby boomers. To be notified of the launch of the upcoming email newsletter on investing opportunities in baby boomers, go to http://www.investingin.com/BabyBoomers/BoomerSign.htm

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Hockey equipment includes all the gear and other equipment one needs to be ready for a match. This includes the hockey stick or pads, suitable shoes, jerseys and jackets, and socks to be worn inside the shoes. A sport that has been loved for over ten decades has seen many changes and today the players sport the best Hockey equipment and there are the latest technology which is used in the game as well. Whether you are playing the game for fun or seriously, you need to have the right equipment to protect themselves. This way they will learn about safety and prepare themselves for the future in case they want to become professional hockey players. The hockey equipment available in the market cater to both normal hockey and ice hockey players and so keeping in mind the needs of the game, they have created suitable gears. A game that involves lot of running around and heavy duty playing, and it requires strong sturdy shoes and protective gear as well.

Some are interested in basketball, some others are into baseball, but there are a select few who enjoy the game of Hockey. And for them, having the best gear and sports equipment makes a world of difference, helping them play their best and be comfortable in what they are wearing. The hockey sticks, pucks, skating shoes that are available for ice hockey. Similarly, there is a whole range of sports gear available for floor hockey. The big brands such as Reebok and Nike have an exclusive line of clothes and sports wear for people who are into sports and play hockey. For those who are into championships, they have high quality durable long lasting hockey gear. If a person is in school and interested in hockey but is yet to start playing seriously, he can pick up a hockey stick,a ball and a simple goal post and practice in their backyard.

Amongst the best hockey equipment, the ones that have a CSA certification and where the helmets are made with good quality plastic shells are the best and ideal. And if the gear or helmet is damaged, they should be instantly replace the same. The hockey equipment found in most sports goods stores are sold on the basis that you can try them on and if they are not suitable your money will be refunded. Since people are of different shapes and sizes, the apparels and shoes,etc are made to fit all sizes. This makes it easy for the players to find something they like and that fits them well. The stores that deal with equipments are where coaches, managers and other sports enthusiast to choose appropriate gear for their players from. Practice makes perfect as they say is what these stores believe in, some of them have an area cordoned off for interested people to try their hand at a shot at the goal and see if they have it in them to succeed in the sport.

Article written by Cassaundra Flores, owner of Sports Fan Store,skyfireproducts.com.

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Happy people dont just wait for chancethey focus on and generate happiness. They know what makes them happy and engage in activities that put them in the zone. They also give generously of themselves.

Use these 4 techniques to experience more happiness in your life.

1. Set out to be happy.

Intend. Decide. Plan to be happy today. What meetings, events and work do you have scheduled? How can you enjoy them?

Leadership trainer, Gayle, learned how to set out being happy early on. She grew up on a farm and helped with milking the cows and feeding the pigs. Each morning, her mother would open the blinds and say, "Its going to be a great day today, Gayle! Gayle would roll out of bed excited, put her boots on and work on the farm before school. One rainy morning when her mother entered her room smiling with her daily greeting, Its going to be a great day today, Gayle snapped, No its not! Its raining! They went back and forth like that for a few minutes. Then Gayles mother turned off the lights and closed the blinds. You might as well go back to bed. If youve already decided its going to be a terrible day, it probably will be. Sure enough, that day turned out to be pretty long and boring.

I really got the message my mom was trying to teach that day, Gayle remembers. Its affected my whole outlook on life. Now I focus on making every day a good day, and I pass this message on to my students. Gayle is a highly enthusiastic and happy person who loves her work. In her seminars, she passes out rocks painted by her 92-year-old mother that say, Its a great day!

Gear yourself toward happiness first thing in the morning. Run through the events of the day in your mind and imagine being happy. Some days will be happier than others, but at least youll begin with a running start. That single act of deciding to generate happiness will bring you greater joy.

2. Know what makes you happy.

What makes *you* truly, authentically happy? You. Not your family, friends or co-workers. What makes your day? Take a moment right now to jot down 10 things that make you happy. Let your thoughts range freely. Maybe some things you havent done in a long time will pop-up on your list, such as watercolor painting or playing tennis. A flight attendant, Rebecca, gains happiness from fresh-cut flowers, knitting, gardening and walking her two dogs. George enjoys number puzzles, creating movies for fun and hiking. Large or small, know the exact things that make you happy.

A database manager applies her recipe for happiness every day. Laughing makes me the happiest, she says. I try to do it early in the day. I finish visiting with my co-workers and doing my comedy routine and the rest of my day is filled with the vibrations from that joy. Her co-workers benefit as well. Her humor is contagious. Because a sense of rapport filters through the group, co-workers can rely on and rally behind each other on projects when needed.

Whats on your list? Prioritize things that make you happy. Sprinkle them into each day. Youll benefit. Your family and co-workers will benefit too. And happiness almost always increases productivity.

3. Engage in what you do.

Its important to do what you love. Its equally important to find ways to engage fully in what you love to do. Whether its knitting, running or designing a websitefind those activities that pull your whole focus into them.

One working professional, Jeff, finds time to engage in his passion for basketball. Every Tuesday and Thursday night from 8 to 10 p.m., I get together with the guys and play basketball. Its my escape. For those two hours, I dont think about anything but crossover dribbles, rebounds and jump shots. I lose myself in the moment with the rest of the guys. We dont talk about what happened that day or what went wrong. Its therapeutic.

What activities stop you from thinking about everything else when youre immersed in them? What things absorb you in the present moment? The key is to find something in which you have some skill or mastery, but which also challenges you. The balance between challenge and mastery leads to what psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi calls flow. Your brain and your body synchronize for an optimal experience. It doesnt matter what the activity is, it only matters that you do it. The more you engage in flow at work, in your free time and at home, the greater your happiness.

4. Contribute.

In what ways do you like to give? Your life is bigger than just you. When you give of yourselfyour gifts, time and talentyou make a difference for others. Whether its a small project at your kids school or a lifelong commitment to a cause, such as Hospice or Habitat for Humanity, make an effort to contribute to others.

Busy professionals can still find time to contribute. For example, Janice takes one hour a week to tutor a student. A full-time civil engineer, John, volunteers for Save Our Shores. Maya, a working mom, volunteers on fundraisers at her daughters school. I get to use my skills in a way that gives to these children. I have a lot of fun with the projects, I like to get involved, and I see the difference it makes in terms of providing things like art supplies for the kids so they can express their own budding interests.

Contribution can come from how you spend your free time and volunteer hours. It can also come from your chosen profession.

The highest form of giving is when you give freely, without expecting anything in return, rather than giving out of obligation, guilt or pressure. Its not about giving so your name will be framed on a plaque. Its giving for the sake of giving, because you care.

What can you do today to increase your happiness? Start by setting out to be happy. Then take a moment to remember and list the things that make you happy and start doing them. Engage in activities that put you in a state of flowperhaps running, playing music or sculpting. Also remember to contribute to others, even in simple, everyday ways, such as paying the toll for the person in the car behind you. Pursue and increase your happiness. Youll be happy you did.

Sue Brenner, Performance Coach and Author, wants you to get the most out of life and work. Thats why she wrote The Naked Desk: Everything you need to strip away clutter, save time and get things done - http://x.actionsymphony.com

While youre there, get her free eZine, Ignite Your Life.

Copyright 2007, Sue Brenner. Editors, publishers & webmasters: You may reprint these articles free of charge if you follow our reprint guidelines at our web site, under the tab articles.

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There have been evidence from many ancient societies such as the Chinese, Greek, Maya, and Egyptian, reveals that kicking games were a part of those cultures. The modern game of soccer (for the Americans but football to the international scene) began in the 19th century in England, when a variety of football games developed, all of which involved both handling and kicking the ball. Australia, being one of the colonies of the United Kingdom, also developed an enjoyment and love for the said game.

However, the actual origin of the sport is still both in doubt and in dispute since there had been numerous accounts that the aborigine natives of Australia have already been playing the game even before the English came to colonize the area. On the other hand, some accounts also suggest that the convicts who were moved to Australia for their crimes and other immigrants started the game by playing some crude version of football. One thing that is certain though, in regards to the existence of football, or footy for some, in Australia is its rules which are better know as the Australian Rules or simply Aussie Rules.

It was in 1858 when Tom Wills and Henry Harrison formally codified ten rules from the various games that were being played in the colony. This said code has features common with the traditional English football, the Aboriginal game named Mam Grook and Gaelic football. The aim in solidifying the code for the Australian football, as stated Wills letter in Bell's Life in Victoria & Sporting Chronicle, is to keep the cricketers fit during winter. (Cricket is another different sport that is also being played in Australia.)

The Aussie rules are unique in a sense that both the ball and their playing field are oval in shape and in addition to that are the following Aussie rules:

• No more than 18 players of each team are permitted to be on the field at any time. Up to four interchange (reserve) players may be swapped for those on the field at any time during the game.
• There is no offside rule nor are there set positions in the rulesunlike many other forms of footballplayers from both teams disperse across the whole field before the start of play.
• A game consists of four quarters. The length of the quarters can vary from 15 to 25 minutes in different leagues. In the AFL, quarters are 20 minutes, but the clock is stopped when the ball is out of play, meaning that an average quarter could last for 27 to 31 minutes.
• Games are officiated by umpires.
• Unlike other forms of football, Australian football begins similarly to basketball. After the first siren, the umpire bounces the ball on the ground, and the two ruckmen (typically the tallest man from each team), battle for the ball in the air on its way back down.
• The ball can be propelled in any direction by way of a foot, clenched fist (called a handball or hand pass) or open-hand tap (unlike rugby football there is no knock-on rule) but it cannot be thrown under any circumstances.
• A player may run with the ball but it must be bounced or touched on the ground at least every 15 meters. Opposition players may bump or tackle the player to obtain the ball and, when tackled, the player must dispose of the ball cleanly or risk being penalized for holding the ball. The ball carrier may only be tackled between the shoulders and knees. If the opposition player pushes a player in the back whilst performing a tackle, the opposition player will be penalized for a push in the back.
• If a player takes possession of the ball that has traveled more than 15 meters from another player's kick, by way of a catch, it is claimed as a mark and that player may then have a free kick (meaning that that the game stops while he prepares to kick from the point at which he marked).
• Apart from free kicks or when the ball is in the possession of an umpire for a ball up or throws in, the ball is always in dispute and any player from either side can take possession of the ball.

Australians like to do things their way so its little to no wonder how they were able to come up with a game that is internationally played and well-known but they still managed retain their own identity by incorporating their own sets of rules.

Now that you know the basics of one of the well-played game in the land down under, why dont you go outside and play some footy now?!

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