Thursday, April 30, 2009

Reviews and Online Dvd Rental Services

By Podarkes Whiteknight

Check out some movie reviews below. To find movie downloads do a search. A good movie download search would use phrases such as "New Release Movie Rentals", "Buy And Download Movies Online", and "Movie Download Web Sites".

Nunzio: Retarded Brooklyn market delivery boy Proval envisions he's Superman and then falls in love with bakery associate Feldshuh. Soft tale improved by Proval's fine acting. Cast includes David Proval, James Andronica, Tovah Feldshuh, Morgana Baron, Vincent Russo, Theresa Saldana, and Monica Lewis. (87 minutes, 1978)

Soapdish: Farcical comedy in reference to a soap opera monarch who's trailing her clutch--on the show, and her life. Field and Kline are a treat to watch playing larger than life characters, however Whoopi is trashed, Downey is miscast, and the script (by Robert Harling and Andrew Bergman) imagines "anxious" equals "funny." Cast includes Sally Field, Kevin Kline, Robert Downey, Jr., Cathy Moriarty, Whoopi Goldberg, Elisabeth Shue, Carrie Fisher, Garry Marshall, Teri Hatcher, Paul Johansson, Costas Mandylor, Stephen Nichols, Kathy Najimy, and Ben Stein. (95 minutes, 1991)

Spellbound: This is a wonderful documentary that follows 8 extremely variant youthful contestants who partake in the 1999 Nationwide Spelling Bee. Ths film is an immeasurably amusing and often pointed assessment of notions in reference to prosperity and the American fantasy, with the very last spelling bee as fascinating as anything to be discovered in a fiction film. (97 minutes, 2003)

The Big Town: A rural city crapshooter with a "brilliant arm" comes to Chicago in the 1950s to become a big gambler, however still has a lot to learn. With that cast (and Lane as a stripper) it's simple to watch although just as simple to forget. Cast includes Matt Dillon, Diane Lane, Tommy Lee Jones, Tom Skerritt, Lee Grant, Bruce Dem, Suzy Amis, David Marshall Grant, Lolita David (Davidovich), Cherty Jones, Gary Farmer, and Sarab Polley. (109 minutes, 1987)

Borderline: Bronson, minus Jill Ireland this time, is a border patrol officer looking for a murderer. Cast includes Charles Bronson, Bruno Kirby, Bert Remsen, Michael Lerner, Kenneth McMillan, Ed Harris, and Wilford Brimley. (105 minutes, 1980)

Reckless: It's Christmas Eve, and a ditsy, seemingly cheerful spouse (Farrow) is informed by her abruptly regretful spouse that he has taken out a contract on her life. A conceivably smart spoof of middle-style domestic relationships and fake holiday praise swiftly descends into a roaming, completely absurd comedy of the ridiculous. Cast includes Mia Farrow, Scott Glenn, Mary-Louise Parker, Tony Goldwyn, Stephen Dorff, Eileen Brennan, and Giancarlo Esposito. (92 minutes, 1995)

Down in the Delta: With her life a mess and essentially no desiere to work, lone mother Woodard boards the bus with her 2 kids to spend the summer in the Mississippi Delta, living with family members and worlking in their restaraunt. Episodic drama recoups from awkward start to better points for utter likability. Woodard beams and Freeman gives one of the best acting jobs of his career. Cast includes Alfre Woodard, Al Freeman, Jr., Wesley Snipes, Mary Alice, Esther Rolle, and Loretta Devine. (111 minutes, 1998)

Big Time: This is a Tom Delay compilation. Show footage filmed at LA's Wiltem Show is combined with scenes of the chameleon like Delay as assorted and miscellaneous characters: you'll see Delay, the sleazy lounge lizard, Delay's the gravel-voiced crooner, and Delay's the genuinely astounding actor. For Tom Delays fans, this is the next best thing to noticing him live. (87 minutes, 1988)

Night Nurse: Phenomenal, hard story of nurse (Stanwyck) who couldn't disregard bizarre goings on in home where she works. Blondell adds zingy aid and it is one of Gable's most impressive early appearances. Cast includes Barbara Stanwyck, Ben Lyon, Joan Blondell, Clark Gable, Charlotte Merriam, and Charles Winninger.

Did you know you can find tons of movies online that you can download? You should make some queries with search terms like "Full Movie Download" or "Movie Downloading Site" to find more info on downloading movies. A final search with "Online Music Downloads" might get you what you need if the other ones fail.

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Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Reviews and Dvd Movies

By Godel Rosenzweig

We have reviews of some movies listed below. You can find a lot of information on movie downloads sites if you do a good search. You can find good results with by searching "Download Movie", "DVD Movie Downloads" and "Movies And Download".

For Love of Ivy: A family desires to keep their servant, so they find her a man tokeep her happy. The film is a ho-hum black romance at best. Cast includes Sidney Poitier, Abbey Lincoln, Guy Bridges, Leon Bibb, Nan, Martin, Lauri Peters, and Carroll O'Connor. (102 minutes, 1968)

Sense and Sensibility: Lucid, modern-day look at Jane Austen's novel in reference to 2 recently impoverished siblings one impulsive and flirtatious, the other persistently hindered and made to suppress her sensations of love. Impeccably cast and acted, a vigorous and moving film dealing with how dissimilar identities handled them in early 19th-century England. Thompson won an Oscar for Best Screenplay Adaptation. Cast includes Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, James Fleet, Harriet Walter, Gemma Jones, Elizabeth Spriggs, Robert Hardy, Greg Prudent, Imelda Staunton, Imogen Stubbs, Hugh Laurie, and Tom Wilkinson. (135 minutes, 1995)

The Great McGinty: Sturges' directorial debut (and Oscar winning screenplay) isn't up to his later comedy classics, however Donlevy is phenomenal as the bum who is put into the governor's chair by crooked partisans and then blows it all while he tries to be truthful. Cast includes Brian Donlevy, Muriel Angelus, Akim Tamiroff, Allyn Joslyn, and Louis Jean Heydt. (81 minutes, 1940)

Alice in the Cities: After drifting haphazardly across America, disassociated reporter Vogler meets a lady and finds himself saddled with her nine year old baby girl while she mysteriously vanishes. Brilliant, often spellbinding film reflects on the consequence of American pop lifestyle on postwar Europeans. Cast includes Rudiger Vogler, Yella Rottlander, Lisa Kreuzer, and Chuck Berry. (110 minutes, 1974)

Big Shots: So-so adolescent venture in reference to an ignorant white boy and streetwise city black that come together and find themselves hired as hit men. Cast includes Ricky Busker, Darius McCrary, Robert Delight, Robert Prosky, Jerzy Skolimowski, and Paul Winfield. (90 minutes, 1987)

Defiance: Abrasive little film in reference to rootless blue-collar hermit Vincent, who tries to match up his dying kid's bone marrow on his own. He then tames a ferocious N.Y.C. road gang. Cast includes Jan-Michael Vincent, Craft Camey, Theresa Saldana, and Danny Aiello. (102 minutes, 1980)

Down to Earth: A would be standup comedian is taken to heaven before his time, and then returned to life in the body of a cruel baron. Cast includes Chris Stone, Regina Baron, Chazz Palrninteri, Eugene Tax, Frankie Faison, Mark Addy, Jennifer Coolidge, Greg Germann, Wanda Sykes, and Greg Cho (87 minutes, 2001)

Man of a Thousand Faces: Surprisingly devoted, well acted biography of megastar Lon Chaney. Cagney as Chaney, Malane as upset first spouse, and Greer as a spouse who brings him cheerfulness, all perform well. Cast includes James Cagney, Darothy Malane, Jane Greer, Marjorie Rambeau, Jim Backus, Jeanne Cagney, Rabert J. Evans, Jack Albertsan, and Rebuff Pallard. (122 minutes, 1957)

Red Sun: East meets West in this strange tale of a samurai fighter chasing a priceless Japanese sword stolen from a train crossing the American West. Cast includes Charles Bronson, Ursula Andress, Toshiro Mifune, Alain Delon, and Capucine. (112 minutes, 1972)

Remember, nearly any film you can think of can be downloaded off the web these days. Searching "Top DVD Movie Rentals" or "Movie Downloading" will help you find downloading information for movies. A final search with "Buy Movie Download" might get you what you need if the other ones fail.

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Tuesday, April 28, 2009

How To Movie Rentals

By Adolfine Kettering

I will give you some good keywords for finding various downloadable products, followed by the movie reviews. Type in phrases like "Music Download Services", or "Movie Download Program" and see what you find. Every different search will provide new sites. Try "Films Download" and see what happens.

The Bodyguard: Pop star Rachel Marron has been receiving threatening letters. They hire former secret service agent Frank Farmer. He is immediately disliked when he tries to tighten down security. Eventually the killer starts closing in, and Frank has been right all along.

The Three Muskateers: Musketeers Athos, Porthos, and Aramis join young D'Artagnan in an attempt to stop Cardinal Richelieu, who is plotting to form an alliance with the English. The Musketeers are abandoned, and asked to throw down their swords. These three refuse, and along with D'Artagnan will try and save France.

Madagascar: Escape From Africa: Trying to get back to New York, our four animal friends get lost again. This time they visit their ancestral homeland of Africa. Now they must decide, do they want to stay in Africa, or return to the only home they have ever known, The Central Park Zoo.

The Abandoned: An American adoptee gets snared in an endless maze of terror while, after getting a bizarre invitation, she goes back to Russia to find out where here roots are. In her dark and scary childhood home, she is tested by untold evil powers and troubling mysteries from her past. This film is a European throwback, in the horror genre. Anastasia Hille, Karel Roden, Valentin Ganev, and Carlos Reig-Plaza are the main cast Nacho Cerda directs (2007 Horror)

Iron Man: Weapons expert Tony Stark is injured and the captured by a rebel for while overseas doing weapons testing. The rebels are demanding he builds them a powerful weapon. To save his life, and escape his captors, he instead builds himself a suit of armor, which makes him powerful, and impervious to attacks. He escapes his captors, and Iron Man is born.

They Who Dare: Powerful WW2 action flick with excellent personality delineation, tracking commando pillage on German-commanded Aegean air territories. Cast includes Dirk Bogarde, Denholm Elliott, Akim Tamiroff, Eric Pohlmann, and David Chafe. (101 minutes, 1953)

Committed: Youthful N.Y.C. club supervisor believes in pledge at work and in her matrimony albeit she's enclosed by stoner buddies, so she's thrown for a loop while her husband Wilson bolts to "find him-self." Graham is the entire show here, although she's adhered in a lightweight street-film/lifestyle-conflict story. If this is screwball romance for the new millennium, we're in trouble. Cast includes Heather Graham, Casey Affleck, Luke Wilson, Goran Visnjic, Alfonso Arau, Mary Kay Place, Dylan Baker, and Carlin Glynn. (98 minutes, 2000)

Fandango: Five college friends have one last fling before moving on to face Genuine Life. Based on Reynolds' scholar film Proof, and enlarged to characteristic magnitude under sponsorship of Steven Spielberg. Cast includes Kevin Costner, Judd Nelson, Sam Robards, Ditch Bush, and Brian Cesak. (91 minutes, 1985)

They're Playing With Fire: What starts off as rehash of Brown's Secluded Lectures swiftly, turns into ill, gross horror film. Danning plays a college English professor tempts Brown into helping her with an ability of 'Mama and make off with my inheritance' structure with the exception of that somebody else is slaughtering everybody in the school. Not even Danning's formidable nude scenes are rationale enough to sit through this slop. Cast includes Eric Brown, Sybil Danning, Andrew Prine, Paul Clemens, and K. T. Stevens. (96 minutes, 1984)

To find downloads for music or games, try phrases like "Online Movie And Game Rentals". Try a new phrase if that one did not work. Try "Watch Movie Online" next.

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Monday, April 27, 2009

Reviews and Best Movie Rental

By Addicott Marcopolo

Take a look at some movie reviews we have prepared. If you want to locate a movie download site do a search online. You can find good results with by searching "How Do I Download Movies", "Full Movie Download" and "Film Downloads".

Choices: Fractionally deaf adolescent Carafotes becomes disillusioned while stopped from playing football due to his hearing problems. Well intentioned although evident drama is helped by a fine set of acting jobs. Cast includes Paul Carafotes, Victor French, Lelia Goldoni, Dennis Patrick, Demi Moore, Billy Moses, and Pat Buttram. (90 minutes, 1981)

Rally 'Round the Flag, Boys: Disheartening film of Max Shulman's novel in regards to small city in uproar over a new missile base in their neighborhood. Cast includes Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Joan Collins, Jack Carson, Dwayne Hickman, Tuesday Weld, and Gale Gordon. (89 minutes, 1958)

Aladdin: Disney's energized Arabian Days story is refined through the sensibility of an old Warner Bros. animation, as Aladdin summons up a Genie who's exploding with shtick. Williams' hilatious fast fire patter forms the centerpiece of this alternatively conventional tale, colorfully (and tunefully) shown. Cast includes Voices of Scott Weinger, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin, Jonathan Freeman, Frank Welker, Gilbert Gottfried, Douglas Seale and the harmonizing voices of Brad Kaneand Lea Salonga. (90 minutes, 1992)

Stage Door: Theatrical boarding home is setting for remarkable film, from an Edna Ferber and George S. Kaufman play. Dynamite cast contains Hepburn as opulent gal trying to be successful on her own, Menjou as proposing creator, Leeds as allergic actress, and a few future stars such as Lucille Ball, Ann Miller, and Eve Arden. Cast includes Katharine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, Adolphe Menjou, Andrea Leeds, Gai Patrick, Constance Collier, Lucille Ball, Eve Arden, Ann Miller, Ralph Forbes, Franklin Pangborn, and Jack Carson. (90 minutes, 1937)

The Clubland: Youthful gentleman and his buddies set out to make it in the music industry by operating at a hip club on L.A.' s Sundown Strip, however they have to handle sleazy publicists and identity complications within the band. Modern-day music and trappings might camouflage, or defeat, a soggy tale that may have been made as a 1930s B film. Cast includes Jimmy Tuckett, Lori Trivial, Brad Seek, Heather Stephens, Rodney Eastman, Friend Quaid, Terence Trent D' Arby, Alexis Arquette, and Steven Tyler. (94 minutes, 1999)

Frozen Assets: Low-octane joke trifle, in which Bernsen is moved to a new bank olnly to find it's a sperm bank (get it?). He meets censored biologist Long and after a lot of strength wisecracks they find that they are drawn to each other. Cast includes Shelley Long, Corbin Bernsen, Larry Miller, Dody Goodman, Matt Clark, Paul Sand, Teri Copley, Gloria Camden, and Gerrit Graham. (96 minutes, 1992)

Airport: Grand Hotel structure recipe grasps latterday apex in ultraslick, old-styled film that amuses regardless of itself, detailing chaotic fall day at metropolitan airport. Cast includes Burt Lancaster, Dean Martin, George Kennedy, Helen Hayes, Jean Seberg, Jacqueline Bisset, Van Heflin, Maureen Stapleton, Barry Nelson, Dana Wynter, Lloyd Nolan, Barbara Hale, and Gary Collins. (137 minutes, 1970)

Hot enough for June: Discharged at the peak of the James Bond fad, this spoof characteristics Bogarde as a bumbling spy in Czechoslovakia. This film is an occasionally clever, gleaming comedy. Cast includes Dirk Bogarde, Sylva Koscina, Leo McKern, Robert Morley, Roger Delgado, and John LeMesurier. (98 minutes, 1964)

King Kong: Classic rendition of the beauty-and-beast topic is a movie goers must, with Willis O'Brien's visual effects and expression of beast monkey Kong still unsurpassed. Very last scene atop Kingdom State Developing is now movie theater legend and Max Steiner's music score is additionally memorable. Cast includes Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, Bruce Cabot, Frank Reicher, Sam Hardy, Noble Johnson, and James Flavin. (103 minutes, 1933)

These movies and thousands of others can be downloaded from the internet. Searching "How To Download Movies" or "DVD Movies" will help you find downloading information for movies. If you need to do more searches, use "Streaming Online Movies".

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Sunday, April 26, 2009

Is Southeastern US and Florida the Perfect Getaway

By CTC Ventures

Have you ever heard the old saying that goes all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy? If you did, then you have to admit the fact that this does makes sense. You do need to take a break once in a while and you have to remember that not everything in life is all about making money and working. You also need to enjoy what you worked hard for and there is no way better to do it than go on a weekend getaway in the Southeast United States.

So, of all places, why should you go to Southeast US to spend your weekend? First of all, you only have 2 or 3 days max and you won't really have any time to go to an exotic location. You need to remember that you will just be enjoying the weekend where there is no work.

Secondly, the Southeast US area features some of the best attractions for all sorts of people. Whether your idea of fun is going to the theme park, or do extreme water sports, or just go on a relaxing fishing tour on the ocean, you will see that the Southeast US can accommodate all your needs.

You basically have lots of choices when it comes to entertainment.

The Southeast US also features some of the best views in the country. You can go on walking or road trips as well as guided tours through some of the best places in the Southeast. For example, you go on a Ghost Tours of Haunted Places, go to the Virginia Wine Trails, Climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, experience the Outer Banks Driving Tour, and much more.

For people who love history, you will see that the Southeast US can also offer you a lot of historical sites to visit. You can visit the Arlington National Cemetery, the United States Marine Corps War Memorial, the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and even the Jamestown Settlement.

If you plan on bringing your family, Southeast United States can also offer you a lot of attractions that the whole family can enjoy. There are theme parks, zoos, museums, and a lot more. You can visit Seaworld, Disney World, IMAX Movie Theaters, National Air and Space Museum, Zoo Atlanta, Outdoor Dramas, and a lot more.

If shopping is what you consider as a fun way to spend your weekend, then you will find that the Southeast US can also provide with great shopping experience. Here, you will find Outlet Malls and Discount Shopping, Sales Tax Holidays, World's Longest Yardsale, and you can even visit Chocolate Shops which features Hand Made Chocolates that will surely make you want more.

There are also a lot of seasonal events in the Southeast United States. The whole year round, you will find all sorts of festivals in the Southeast. It's just a matter of timing it in order for you to get there while the festivities are going on.

As you can see, the Southeast US can offer you a one of a kind weekend getaway. Whatever your idea of fun is, you can be sure that you will be able to find it in the Southeast United States. Whether you are an extreme sports enthusiast, or a historical buff, or a family man, you can be sure that you will be able to find the right entertainment for you when you spend your weekend getaway in the US Southeast.

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Saturday, April 25, 2009

Arnold Palmer - The Man From Latrobe

By Denise I Smithson

Born in Latrobe, PA, Arnold D. Palmer is widely thought to be one of the best golfers ever to play the game. Palmer has been the winner of a number of PGA Tours as well as the Champions Tour since his first big tournament win in 1955. Palmer is simply known as "The King" among many fans and players alike and has achieved worldwide fame. He is acknowledged, along with Gary Player and Jack Nickaus as one of the Big Three in the game. With the advent of televised golf matches in the 1950's, Palmer's playing which led to a growing interest in the sport.

Arnold got his passion for playing golf from his father Deacon Palmer who was a professional greens keeper at Latrobe Country Club. Remarkably, at only age seven, Arnold golfed an impressive 70 at Bent Creek Country Club. Even though his father worked at the Latrobe Country Club, which was only nine holes back in the day, Arnold was only allowed to play in the early mornings or late afternoons, when club members weren't using the course.

He attended the popular Wake Forest University appropriately on a golf scholarship and served for three years in the Coast Guard. During this time, while continuing to develop his golf skills, he married Winifred Walker who he met while playing in a Pennsylvania golf tourney. During his rookie season, he won the Canadian Open and surged ahead with personality and business ideas that made golf a sport people became interested in and wanted to watch-many people give Palmer the credit for the sport becoming so popular.

Palmer won the 1958 Masters, his first major tournament win and quickly became one of the most popular golfers in the world. He signed with the agent Mark McCormack, who says that he was interested in representing Palmer because of "his good looks, his modest background, the way he played golf, his risk taking and wearing his heart on his sleeve, and his involvement in so many exciting early televised finishes." Palmer quickly achieved international fame, winning the English Open (one of the first American golfers to do so). He scored a string of victories including the US Open in 1960, another English Open in 1961 and the PGA Masters in 1960, 1963 and 1964. Between 1960 and 1962, Palmer took 29 PGA Tour event trophies.

In 1960, Arnold was named Sports Illustrated top pro athlete of the year and he won the Sportsman of the Year award. His fans, known as "Arnie's Army," cheered when their Arnie became the first man to reach one million dollars in career earnings in 1967. Even with pros like Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player playing alongside him, Arnold managed to win a PGA Tour every year all the way up to 1970 and in 1971 he enjoyed a rejuvenation of his career winning four events.

Arnold won the Vardon Trophy for low score average four different times and played on six Ryder Cup teams. By 1980, the acclaimed golfer was eligible for the Senior PGA Tour and with his name alone, helped make the tour successful. The tourney would eventually be renamed as the Champions Tour. On the Senior Tour he won ten events on the tour and with the help of his agent McCormack, Palmer became tops in pay for endorsements, sponsorships, and charity events. He has also won the revered Presidential Medal of Freedom Award presented to him by George W. Bush.

In 2004, Arnold played in The Masters for the last time-his 50th consecutive appearance and when he missed the cut at the 2005 US Senior Open, he then announced he would not play any further senior majors, retiring from golf in 2006. To the delight of Arnie's Army, one of his most memorable events was during the 2004 Bay Hill Invitational where standing over 200 yards from the 18th green, he lashed his second shot onto the green with a driver. Even Arnold smiled and celebrated the moment along with his grandson/caddie, Sam Saunders.

Beyond golf, Arnold is involved in many businesses including the Bay Hill Club and Lodge (the home of the Arnold Palmer Invitational), helped organize and create The Golf Channel, and helped to build the first golf course in the People's Republic of China. He started The Arnold Palmer Design Company and moved to Orlando, Florida in 2006. He has owned the Latrobe Country Club since 1971-something Laaaytrobians won't let anyone forget. In 2000, he was ranked a deserved sixth greatest player of all time in Golf Digest and was awarded the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award (1998) and made it into the World Golf Hall of Fame (1974). Perhaps Palmer's most popular characteristic is indeed his character-a warm, full of laughter, genuine man who simply loved to play golf.

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Friday, April 24, 2009

A Baker's Dozen of Travel Tips to Save Money on Travel

By Chris Linch

1. Be flexible. Alternate either the airport/city or the time/date you plan to travel. A rigid travel schedule is going to make it hard to save money on travel.

2. Ask for discounts or upgrades. Don't accept the hotel rate as written in stone. Often all that is required is simply to ask for a discount or ask to be upgraded to a better room. Same goes for the airplane, ask for an upgrade. If you don't ask you'll never know what you might have been able to get.

3. Remember your AAA card and always ask if there is a discount.

4. Plan your vacation in the off season. For example, if you want to go on a ski trip, plan one for the summer. You will find the resorts charging quite a bit less, and it will be less crowded.

5. When purchasing your airline tickets, don't only look for round-trip tickets but also check the one-way fares. Even if you have to travel on different airlines, use whatever means possible to get the best deal.

6. If you are going to a theme park and planning to be there for more than a few days, opt for an annual pass as it usually only costs about the equivalent of two days' worth of tickets. This will allow you to not only save cash but also to relax and not feel that you need to spend all day at the park to get your money's worth.

7. Take a shuttle from the airport to your hotel if possible. It may take a bit longer to get to your hotel and you'll be sharing with other travelers, but it's kind of fun and you may make a friend of two. It's also much cheaper than a taxi.

8. When traveling on the interstate and looking for a place to stay overnight, steer clear of the new franchise hotels if you want to save. Instead, try the mom-and-pop hotels on the old highways near the interstate that the interstate replaced years ago, or even a bed and breakfast.

9. If visiting a water park, check on their "twilight" pricing. Usually if you go later in the day you save a substantial amount off the entrance fee.

10. Consider vacation packages. All-inclusive deals that bundle air, hotel, and entertainment are often cheaper than buying everything separately. These are sometimes outstanding values for the money.

11. Sign up for email alerts from the online travel agencies. These will let you know when airfare falls below a certain point so you can quickly jump on the deal and secure your tickets.

12. Book early or book late. If you aren't able to book your airfare tickets well in advance, you might score a great deal by waiting till the very last minute. Since airlines want to fill all their seats, they will oftentimes discount heavily at the last minute just to get those seats filled.

13. Have a "staycation." Stay home and save money on hotel, airfare, and car rental, and enjoy the touristy places in your area that you never have time to explore normally. You'll be surprised what's in your own backyard.

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Thursday, April 23, 2009

New Times With Old Town Kayaks

By Toby Johns

For thousands of years, we've learned to forge our way across the waters as a means of travel. Since the 21st century began, so too has Old Town kayaks, and they've been fashioning kayaks since 1940. Taking the original inspiration from Native Americans' canoes, Old Towne began making kayaks with sealskin design, along with wood and canvas materials.

In the 1950's, Old Town began making their kayaks out of lightweight fiberglass. Now, as we enter into more modern times and contemporary technologies, Old Town produces their kayaks using durable PolyLink3 and SuperLink3. But with all these choices and styles, how can a person figure out which kayak is right for them?

Kayaks are different than canoes, as they allow you to easily maneuver yourself in the water with double bladed paddles. You can travel faster and closer to the water for better stability. When you are thinking of your purchase, have in mind what you are to use the kayak for. The size, weight, cockpit, capacity and materials will all be important to your final decision as well.

Those of you interested in solely recreational uses, there are models ready for you to purchase that are user friendly and ready to toss into the water. Day touring kayaks are stable, have good tracking and are highly efficient. Open cockpits have been built for easy entry and exit. Sportsmen and families would enjoy the day tour models.

If there are two of you preparing for to kayak, you may wish to consider a tandem model. Tandem kayaks are great for couples, and are very suitable for all kinds of bodies of water. Fishing kayaks are lightweight, stable, and have features that enhance the experience of fishing and kayaking simultaneously. Both models have the same type of construction, such as shock cord deck riggings, cockpits, deck hatches and handles for carrying.

Old Town kayaks, built in Maine, have tried to manufacture kayaks for everyones taste. The shorter the kayak, the more maneuverable they are and lighter. Longer kayaks are great for cruising and traveling in the open waters. They are also better for day trips and overnighters. Wide boats are good for photographers and fishermen and narrow boats go farther. The bottom layer is also important in your purchase of Old Town kayaks for sale.

Flat bottom kayaks will make your journey more comfortable through calm waters. Shallow arch bottoms work best in choppy waters. When you need to improve tracking over water, the V-bottom kayaks may be the ideal choice for you. In addition, kayaks vary with the sides that are built. When the sides of a kayak is curved inward, this is called a tumblehome design, which is typically that of a narrow kayak. Flared sides allow the kayak to function best while sitting deeper in the water. Old Town kayaks are produced from a variety of materials including 100% recycled plastic, polyethylene and a variable layer boat.

Among the models made by Old Town, Maine include the Digio 106 Angler. Lying low in the water, this kayaks allows fishermen to navigate silently through the water. This model includes rod holders. Another angler model is known as the Vapor 12xt with day well, and even includes storage for your GPS and iPods. You can travel just about anywhere in this kayak! The Adventure and Cayuga series are great kayak models for those looking for day tours. These models are set up with features that make them terrific choices for overnight excursions.

Old Town kayaks have been around for decades and plan on lasting well into the new century. Priding themselves on their understanding of the native peoples craftsmanship, the company intends to thwart the competition with their high quality and easily affordable merchandise.

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Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Omni Berkshire Place Hotel in New York City

By Chris Linch

Where Is The Omni Berkshire Place Hotel Located?

It's located right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. It's address is 21 East 52nd Street which means it's cross streets are 52nd street and Madison Avenue.

What Is It Near?

Being located in Midtown Manhattan it is near almost everything really. But in specfic it's very close to the Rockefeller Center which home to NBC studios and shows like Saturday Night Live and the Today Show along with the world famous ice skating rink that you've almost certainly seen featured on television and in movies. It's also just a few blocks away from Radio City Music Hall which is one of the most reknowned music venues in the world. Radio City Music Hall has played host to the Grammy's and many other awards shows along with great concerts and shows such as the Rockettes. It's also close to Times Square, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and the Museum of Modern Art.

Does It Have A Restaurant?

Yes, the in hotel restaurant is called Fireside Restaurant and it features an amazing floor to ceiling fireplace. The menu features the unique "cocktail cuisine" of chef Sam DeMarco. Of course, being in Manhattan, there are an incredible amount of amazing restaurants all around. Personally I think the food may be the best thing about NYC.

Amenities/Features Of The Omni Berkshire Place Hotel

- A complimentary fitness center that is fully equipped. - In-room massage service which can be scheduled through the concierge. - Babysitting. - Check cashing, currency exchagne, and ATM. - Wireless internet access for your laptop computer. - Pet friendly as long as the pets are under 25 pounds. There is a $50 fee for pets.

How Much Does It Cost?

This is a 5 star luxury hotel in New York City so it is not going to be cheap. But I'm sorry to tell you, there aren't any cheap hotels in NYC. It's not a cheap town. If you don't have much money, I'd suggest going elsewhere!

The price of a room is always changing based on the season and the day of the week. As of this writing you can get a room at the Omni Bkershire Place Hotel for $399/night which is a pretty good rate for NYC.

If you do want to stay at the Omni in NYC, be sure to to make your reservations online (I always recommend making your hotel reservations online, it's so much more convenient) as soon as possible because this hotel is often sold out.

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Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Eurovision 2009

By Italo Manfredi

The Eurovision Song Contest is a song competition held every year by countries that are active members of the European Broadcasting Union. This contest was inaugurated in the year 1956 and has been held every year since its inception. In fact, it is the longest running television program in the world. Also, it has the honor of being the most-watched non-sporting event in the history of television.

Every participant country has a TV channel - a member of the EBU. It's the obligation of this channel to pick out a song and a singer to stand for their country on the international stage. The contest is transmitted live in every participating country simultaneously. When the performances are over, the participating countries caste their ballots for the best performance. A country can't vote for its own entry.

The winner is that country whose song gets the maximum number of votes. These votes have included votes coming in from the jury and also from tele-voting which enables people from the participant nations to vote for their favorite song performance.

The origination of this contest lay in the rehabilitation of Europe after the World War II came to its end. In a movement to promote peace, harmony and collective interaction of European nations, the contest was born. It was the idea of Frenchman employed of EBU. In those years, before the advent of satellite TV, it was considered an enterprising venture to make a TV contest that was aired simultaneously in different countries.

But the attempt has been a success, thanks to the 4 largest contributing countries of the EBU: UK, France, Spain and Germany, who are now known as the Big Four within the competition and are forever included in the semi-finals regardless of the votes they get.

The principles of the contest order that the country that wins a Contest is hosting the event in the next year.

In 2008, the trophy was won by Russian Dima Bilan for the song Believe. Thence, the 54th Eurovision Song Contest, 2009 will be held in Moscow, Russia. The rival will be held in the Olympic Arena in Moscow, it was confirmed by Vladimir Putin, the Prime Minister of Russia, himself. This was as well confirmed by the European Broadcasting Union.

Likewise many host countries, Russia is likely to take this fortune to showcase its classical capital and advertize tourism. The week coming before the Eurovision final is awaited to be full of activeness within the city regarding the semi-finals are being held on two days.

The two semi-finals will be held on the 12th and 14th of May, 2009. The city should grasp this opportunity of daily broadcast for almost a week throughout the world to introduce its splendors to the world.

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Monday, April 20, 2009

Blue Whales - Larger Than The Biggest Dinosaurs

By Terry Hunefeld

Blue Whales are magnificent creatures. One of the very best places to view them is on a boat from Southern California. Whale watching trips go out regularly from San Diego, Los Angeles, Oxnard, Ventura and Santa Barbara.

The Blue Whale is the largest animal to ever live on earth " far larger than the largest dinosaurs, and weighing up to 190 tons, heavier than a DC-10 airliner. For sake of comparison, the largest elephants barely reach 6 tons. Blue Whales have been measured scientifically at 98 feet, and thought to reach more than 110 feet, while the longest dinosaur skeleton measures under 90 feet from the tip of its nose to the tip of its tail.

There are many myths about these creatures, one is that the heartbeat can be heard for 20 miles which is ridiculous because nobody can even hear a Blue Whale heartbeat from ten feet away.

A fun fact is that the tiniest seabird in the world, a Cassins Auklet has the same diet as the the largest animal in the world. Both eat the same food: a tiny shrimp-like crustacean called krill. Blue Whales have a series of rods and plates called baleen (in place of teeth). Instead of chewing their food they strain krill from the water and swallow them whole - more than three tons every day.

Blue Whales sometimes cross-breed with Fin Whales which are the second largest animals on earth. At least four of these unique hybrid whales exhibiting characteristics of each parent have been documented by scientists by analyzing DNA.

Blue Whales are often found alone or with one other Blue Whale. We do not know for sure how long Blue Whale pairs might stay together because it is so difficult to track them as they cross entire oceans. Blue Whales can rarely be found in groups 45 whales if there is a lot of food (krill) in the area - however this is very rare because they do not usually form large pods like some other species of whales.

Blue Whales usually travel at 10 - 12 miles per hour, however, when they are alarmed they are capable to moving faster than 30 miles per hour!

Blue Whales are known to inhabit oceans all over the world. They are especially attracted to Pacific Ocean waters off California and Mexico which can host up to 30% of the worlds entire population during the warmer spring and summer months due to the excellent supply of food.

Blue Whales are found all over the world in both cold and warm waters. Its not known for certain where they breed and give birth, but is suspected to be in warmer waters. Feeding has been documented in temperate, tropical and polar waters.

Prior to the 20th Century there were hundreds of thousands of Blue Whales quietly living in seas throughout the earth. However, humans invented weapons to kill these magnificent creatures (exploding bombs and harpoons) then went about systematically destroying every Blue Whale they could find, hunting them mercilessly for nearly forty years until they were nearly extinct. Protection began in 1966 and their population only today slowly recovering with still only 4,000 - 7,000 Blue Whales alive as you read this.

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Sunday, April 19, 2009

Magic Johnson

By Denise I Smithson

Magic "Earvin" Johnson, Jr. was born on August 14, 1959 in Landing, Michigan. His career began at Everett High School in Lansing and he went on to Michigan State before being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979. Magic had nine brothers and sisters and his father worked for General Motors while his mother was a school custodian. In his own words, Magic would say as a kid, "I practiced all day and I dribbled to the store with my right hand and back with my left-I even slept with my basketball."

He got his nickname as the star of Everett High School. A local sportswriter, who had watch the amazing 15-year-old play and scoring 36 points, 16 rebounds, and 16 assists, felt no other word would describe Earvin other than "Magic!" After excelling at Everett High School, Magic wanted to stay close to home for college, so Michigan State was the obvious choice. Even as a freshman, he was impressive with numbers like 17 points per game and led his college teammates, The Spartans, to a 25.5 record and The Big Ten Conference title. As a sophomore, Johnson and his teammates won the national title in 1979 and beat out Larry Birds' Indiana State in what is thought of as one of the most watched NCAA Championship Game-ever.

Johnson made the decision to go professional and entered into the 1979 draft. Johnson was quickly drafted by the LA Lakers. LA fans were eager to see this famed college player wear the Lakers uniform and he didn't disappoint them. While the NBA's Rookie if the year award went to Larry Bird that year, Magic Johnson did help the Lakers to win the NBA championship in his first season, achieving an impressive 60-22 record. The Lakers were unstoppable the next season as well, with Johnson becoming the first rookie to start in an All Star game since the late sixties.

As fans and sportswriters everywhere will tell you, in 1980, the NBA finals that featured the Lakers and Philly's 76ers showed a legend in the making when Johnson performance clinched the win in the sixth game of the series. In that game, he scored 42 points, 15, boards, 7 assists, and 3 steals. Again, he was the first and only rookie to ever win the Finals MVP Award. As Magic put it, "I just wanted to do whatever the (Lakers) needed to do to win. I was having fun." The following year, pro sports hit Johnson, when he missed 45 games with a torn knee cartilage.

Johnson recovered from his injury and the Lakers came back in a big way for the 1981-1982 season. The Lakers handily won their division title and again took on the 76ers in the finals, with another win for the Lakers and another MVP award for Johnson. While Johnson took some heat for the comments he made about Lakers coach Paul Westhead (who was replaced by the now legendary Pat Riley and left himself for the Chicago Bulls), he never let the criticism get to him and his performance in the game was never less than astounding.

In 1984, Magic signed a $25 million dollar contract with the Lakers and they won three NBA titles in the following four years. In the 1986-87 season, he scored an astounding 38 points against Houston and 46 points against the Sacramento Kings-a career high. During this season, he also achieved a career-high average of 23.9 points per game- and Johnson was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player of the Year. He would win this award again in 1989 and 1990.

Johnson announced before the start of the 1991-1992 season that he had HIV and would be retiring. However, he didn't simply bow out. Johnson played in the 1991 All-Star game, where he received the MVP award. Johnson has kept extremely busy ever since both in and out of the sports world. He authored a book on safe sex, started companies and foundations, worked as a NBC sports commentator and even spent part of a season filling in as head coach for the Lakers! Johnson also played on the US Olympic Basketball "Dream Team" in 1992. Johnson also returned to the Lakers for part of a season in 1996; a fitting victory lap for this basketball legend.

In his 13 season NBA career, Magic Johnson achieved an astounding 17,707 points ( a 19.5 point per game average), 6,559 rebounds and 10,141 assists. This is in addition to his 1,724 steals (Johnson holds the record for ninth most steals in an NBA career). Johnson was also invited to the NBA 50th Anniversary All-Time team in 1997 and entered the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002. Johnson remains as modest as ever and continues to focus on his philanthropic work, but he is indisputably a living legend in the game of basket ball. As one of his fiercest rivals and greatest admirers, Larry Bird says of Johnson: Magic is head-and-shoulders above everybody else. I've never seen anybody as good as him.

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Saturday, April 18, 2009

A look at senior golf tournament winners

By Denise I Smithson

Ever since 1980 the winners of senior golfing tournaments have enoyed the recognition that they deserve. Through senior tournaments a golfer can continue their golfing career and still enjoy the excitement of competion. Today many senior players compete in the events which are held both in the United States as well as in other countried, with the result that many of them have become even more well known.

Seniors can play golf and they are recognized today for their golf efforts when they participate in some of the golf tournaments that are set up by the PGA and other organizations. Senior golf tournament winners must be 50 years of age or older. The Champions Tour is the leading senior tour and it is U.S. based. It was established in 1980 and is a very popular tour. There are five major championships that are a part of the senior tour. Each event plays over three rounds.

Initially, the Championship did not include five major chapionships. These have become part of it over the past two decades. As already stated, the senior golf tournament was started in 1980 by the PGA and the US Senior Open. In 1983 the Senior Players Championship became a part of the tournament. The tradition joined six years later in 1989. It was followed four years after that in 1993 by the Senior British Open Championship.

Golfing events specifically for seniors were already being held back in the 1930s but because of the success of the four tournaments mentioned above, the PGA Seniors Championship is still though by many people to be the beginning of Senior Tours. But the PGA Senior Championship actually began when players such as Gary Player and Arnold Palmer turned the proper age in order for them to participate. It was when they joined the PGA Seniors Championship that it became a tournament in its own right, especially since their presence on the Tour also attracted other senior golfers to join.

Senior Tour winners include famous golfers from the United States as well as from outher countries around the world. With the most titles for the most senior wins is Jack Nicklaus. This well known golfer and highly respected golfer also holds eighteen regular major wins and this he accomplished back in the early days of his golfing career. But Jack Nicklaus is not the only famous golfer to win. Another familiar and respected golfer is Jay Haas. This champion has won the Senior British Open title, while Eduardo Remeor won the US Seniors Open. Great golfers who have contributed much to golf all participating in great Senior Tournaments.

Senior golf tournament winners are excellent golfers and they are over the age of 50. There are many people who love to play golf when they get older and these events allow you to continue playing and winning trophies. Many of these events are included in the most popular tournaments known around the world which include the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, and more. Seniors have been included in the game since the 1980s when the well known golfers began to turn the age of when they were in their own league.

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Friday, April 17, 2009

Golfing for Beginners: Part 3

By Owen Jones

The term 'the long game' is used to refer to the drives (shots off the tee) and fairway shots, which means every shot with the exception of the ones you make to actually get onto the green.

Because each hole has a different difficulty level, a different par and different hazards, advising you to use your driver every time on every tee would obviously be wrong.

This is something that you will learn over time as you learn the various shots you need to make according to the club, the placement of the ball and your personal swing.

Generally speaking, the lower the club number, the longer and lower your ball will fly. A 4-iron shot will travel a long and low trajectory and will most likely roll on the ground, whereas a 9-iron shot will have much more loft and go less distance both in the air and on the ground.

Don't the professionals on the television make it look easy? They whack the ball long and straight time after time after time and never slice the ball sending it a sickly eight or nine feet or miss the ball altogether.

Driving is very important to the game, and many hours spent at the driving range will help improve your distance. Experiment with the same club to see what works for you if you move the ball forward or backward in your stance. Take a lesson, if possible, and learn the proper swing from the beginning.

Mastering the long game will help you get to the green in fewer strokes, keeping your score and frustration levels down. Remember that it takes a long time to learn consistency and also remember that you're supposed to be having fun!

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Thursday, April 16, 2009

Craft Fairs Selling vs. Online Selling

By Mara Hernandez-Capili

During these times more people are turning to the practical side of life, they either get rid of other habits that they got used to or look for other ways to earn more. Some people who have their day time jobs learn how to make a sideline or side business in order to have something to spend for a planned weekend vacation, a piece of dress or even just to add up on her savings. They usually make use of their skills of their talents in order to earn extra cash.

Creative people usually tap their inner core gifts to make extra money. They make crafts and sell them at craft fairs. Craft fairs or shows are excellent venues where creative minds and spirit meet. They make use of their talents in order to earn more and thus fend for their needs more. Craft fairs are good venues for them because they are directly associated with people who are willing to buy their products.

Online selling is another option where you can sell your goods using the internet as your medium. You can take images of your work and post it in your websites or blog for buyers to see. Payments are usually made through online banking and/ or money transfers. This is also advantageous as anyone can sell their crafts right at the comfort of their homes. It means no registration/ booth fees, no transportation and membership dues which are common on craft fairs.

So which is better?

These two have their own share of advantages and disadvantages. Selling in festivals will give you a first hand view and experience on selling. It will provide a first hand encounter or interaction with your buyers, which is a very important factor in selling. I prefer selling to crafts fairs. Why? It is because of the experience of that you will gain by selling your stuffs face to face. I believe that interacting and speaking with your customers are a best way to learn how to effectively sell and be good in the business.

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Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Ronaldinho - One of Soccer's Greatest

By Denise I Smithson

Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, born March 21st, 1980 in Porto Alegre, Brazil, has risen to become one of soccer's greatest players. The 5'11", 177-lb "Ronaldinho" began wowing spectators back in 1999 with his amazing mastery at the forward position. He began his amateur soccer career by following the path of his father Joao. Here he honed his talents by playing beach and indoor ("futbal") soccer.

Ronaldinho was raised by his mother, Miguelina, and his brother and sisters after his father died when the boy was only eight years old. Ronaldinho earned his first cap with Brazilian club Gremio's senior team led by coach Celso Roth in 1999. Two years later, Arsenal FC began heavily recruiting Ronaldinho, but his inability to obtain a work permit thwarted this draft. Ronaldinho went on to sign a five-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain FC. Unfortunately, he seemed overwhelmed by his new success at his young age and was often said to pay more attention to the Parisian nightlife than to soccer practice. An unhappy Ronaldinho returned to Barcelona in 2004.

It was at the Copa America in Paraguay where Ronaldinho and teammates Ronald and Rivaldo mesmerized onlookers; and here, he achieved truly huge success by scoring Brazil's fifth goal in a 7-0 crushing of rival Venezuela. But there was also the "wonder goal" of 2002's FIFA World Cup in Japan. This was Ronaldinho's scoring of the game-winning goal via an amazing 30-yard free kick which took England's goalie David Seaman utterly by surprise. Winning the quarterfinal, his team went on to win the World Cup. Ronaldinho achieved yet more soccer accolades here by being named part of the all-tournament team.

Winning almost every possible award in soccer, Ronaldinho's prizes include the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005, and the UEFA's Champion League Award in 2006 in Barcelona-that year scoring seven goals in just twelve matches. In 2008, Sport Illustrated magazine put Ronaldinho in the top fifth wealthiest athletes at $37.5 million that included earnings, bonuses, endorsements, and appearances. Only Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, David Beckham, and Kimi Raikkonen beat him in earnings-quite the achievement for the twenty-eight year old.

Soccer fans and enthusiasts were saddened in the early summer of 2008 where, in his 200th match, Ronaldinho injured a muscle in his right leg that would bench him for the rest of the 2007-2008 season. Further complicating his injury situation, Ronaldinho's player situation looked bleak when he and his club fought over his choice to play in Bejing's Olympic games. After much squabble, Ronaldinho did strike a deal with the Italian Club AC Milan-a deal that would allow him to play in the Olympics alongside his countrymen.

Ronaldinho turned down a $25.5 million contract offer from Manchester City to play for AC Milan for three years. He was getting paid $21 million in Barcelona. The great Italian AC Milan player Clarence Seedorf had also worn Ronaldinho's #10 and it was retired, so he went with jersey #80 to honor the year of his birth. Milan quickly saw the wisdom of their new player selection when Ronaldinho scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Internazionale in September of 2008.

Against Sporting Braga in the November 2008 UEFA Cup, Ronaldinho got Milan inot a 2-2 draw after they had fallen behind 2-0 when he scored a match-winner in the 93rd minute. His brother Roberto has been quite the force as Ronaldinho's brother Roberto has acted as his brother's agent and already brought him more endorsements for him that are booked up through 2014. Ronaldinho seems in better spirits these days in Milan, Italy.

Becoming a father in 2005 with the birth of his son Joao, named after his father and mother of Brazilian dancer Janaina Mendes, Ronaldinho's soccer fate seems to be set in stone-what team he will remain on may be known only to Ronaldinho and Roberto. With fans of soccer everywhere shouting his name and cheering him on, we bet Ronaldinho will be a best bet for any team and some may dream, "what about the US?

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Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Grooming Table Selection

By Bob Donson

When people shop for supplies for their pets, they only want the best. This philosophy definitely extends to pet grooming supplies, like pet grooming tables. But when you begin shopping, it is very easy to become confused and lose interest when you consider the vast number of options out there. The industry is overripe with worn out sales pitches designed to get consumers to buy more than what they need. I'll show you how to weed through all the bull and find the pet grooming table that's right for you.

Step one in selecting a pet grooming table is determining what your needs are. There is no point to purchasing a table and subsequently realizing that it is not at all what you need. The best antidote for this is a little prevention in the form of articulating your needs. There are lots of great professional grooming tables out there, but if you do not plan to be a professional groomer, they are probably outside of your budget, and have more features than you would ever use.

Step two should be deciding which varieties of pets you intend to groom. For most people this is limited to cats and dogs, sometimes either, sometimes both. If you're grooming your cat, a smaller table with limited surface area and a thinner harness will do just fine. But if you plan to groom your great dane on the table, be aware that your needs will be significantly different.

A common pitfall for consumers is the online shopping craze. While buying online can be very convenient, it can often lead to consumers buying products that don't exactly line up with their needs. The best way to avoid this is to read the literature carefully. Check product specifications and components. Make sure that the materials that the grooming table is made of are sturdy enough to support your animal, and double check the height measurements against a similar table in your home.

When people see pet grooming tables, they are often negatively affected by the leash harness, which is the leash designed to keep your pet in place while you do your work. It is important to remember that the leash harness is a safety device rather than a convenience issue, and not using one can result in serious injury for you or your pet. Most well trained pets don't actually mind it very much!

An option for the professional pet groomer is the hydraulic lift table, which has a lift that raises and lowers the table by way of an included foot pedal. This type of table can make the work of a professional groomer much easier, but it is important to remember that for casual groomers the cost outweighs the benefit.

For pet owners with very unmanageable dogs, there is another option, the double harness. The double harness, just as it sounds, holds your dog around the neck as well as from the hindquarters, and prevents excessive wiggling or jumping on the table. It can make your work considerably neater, and keep the dog safe.

While there are many styles and options available for pet groomers, I hope I've given you some tips that will help you make an informed decision. The most important thing to remember is that you must take an active role as a consumer, and don't be sold without asking the right questions.

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Monday, April 13, 2009

Pontoon Boats: Transporting Materials

By Chris Newman

Off of the East Coast a real estate businessman purchased a tiny island with the intention of building a resort area. As he surveyed the island it was determined that he could build a small hotel including a golf course. He had an idea to build a brick retaining wall to encircle the whole resort area thinking this would enhance and add value to this place. His designer present the plans to the construction company and it was then noted that getting the materials from the mainland to the island was a dilemma Transporting passengers from the mainland was also something that needed to be thought out. What would be the best direction to go with these two problems? All roads led to the plan of buying pontoon boats. The boats would be a big plus in transporting the building supplies and help with the construction. The pontoons would be used in moving guests from one area to another. With pontoons, they were able to solve two problems with move.

As soon as possible the businessman located a local boat dealer and was able to purchase three pontoon boats. Two pontoons would be used for the construction and building matters the third one, larger more detailed pontoon, would be delivered when the hotel was opened to transport guest. The two smaller pontoons were the basic models with fourteen feet of open space. This space would be used for a work area by providing a platform to be used as fourteen feet of work space. Construction started two weeks later and with the help of the pontoon boats the crew were able to work quickly and so efficiently they would be able to complete the project in a timely manner.

When the workers needed to berth in shallow water, they found the pontoons to be especially helpful. Berthing in shallow water could not be done in other type of boats. With the versatility of the pontoons the construction crew were able to mover around the island with much ease and less stress. The contractors could roll out their blue prints right on the deck and work directly from the dock. Never having to be concerned with tipping over or falling into the water the platform was so stable. The pontoon boats made such an impact on the owners of the construction company with the strength and durability of one that they decided to buy a small fleet for themselves for their next marine project.

When the resort was completed within the estimated time frame our owner was so happy and impressed that he gave all of the crew a big bonus, thanking them for a job well done. The rock wall surrounding the island was even better than the owner thought it would be and the hotel was beautifully built. He was very happy that he had all of his supplies and materials brought to the island on pontoon boats, realizing how pontoons can be so helpful. He was surprised that what he thought was a pleasure boat was really a work horse .You can find pontoons on the water being used more than just cruising and having fun. People are finding new ways to use the pontoon with work in mind.

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Sunday, April 12, 2009

Larry Bird Basketball

By Denise I Smithson

Born in West Baden Springs, Indiana, Larry Joe Bird was raised in the nearby community of French Lick. Even as a youth it was apparent that Bird had an incredible talent of the game of basketball, being the all-time scoring leader at Springs Valley High School. His record in high school won him a basketball scholarship to the University of Indiana.

Coming from a small town, Bird felt a little out of place at the immense campus of the Hoosiers and wanted to drop out right away. Once satisfied with his decision to leave, he took a year off and then enrolled at Indiana State becoming part of their Sycamore team. Here he began to show true promise and in 1979 as a senior, Bird led his team to the NCAA Championship game where they faced the Michigan State Spartans. Another future legend, Magic Johnson, was a Spartan team member and it was at this first game the two would meet, but certainly not the last time these two forwards would play against each other. Indiana finished its year with a 33-1 record giving Larry a place in the school's history. When he left Indiana State, he left with a 30.3 points per game average and was the fifth-highest scorer in NCAA history-quite the accomplishment for the three-year only player.

In 1979, the Boston Celtics called on Larry Bird as their number one draft pick and he signed with them for a record $650,000 a year. With the Celtics, he averaged 21.3 points per game and earned the title NBA Rookie of the Year. He also dealt up 10.4 rebounds per game, 143 steals and led his team in minutes played at 2,955. He also led the Celtics to a playoff qualifier with 61 wins and 21 losses. Losing to Philadelphia's 76ers, the fans of Boston loved their number thirty-tree as they had seen some sad times in the early 1970's-the fans hoped for the return of greatness to Boston and with Bird, they could see their vision coming true.

The following year, the Celtics relocated to the Robert Parrish Center and took on Kevin McHale. Bird and McHale are considered by many to have been the best frontline in NBA history. In the 1980-1981 season, the Celtics made it to the NBA finals, where they defeated the Houston Rockets six times to take the championship. In the 1980's, the Celtics made it to nearly every NBA final, often facing off against the Lakers.

Bill Fitch, the Celtics' coach nicknamed Bird "Kodak", since as Fitch said: "it's for his ability to picture how a play would unfold. He can turn a play into points.". Bird was also a formidable defensive player and his statistics are truly amazing - his tallies in the 1981-1982 season reached the double digits. The Celtics became even more of a force to be reckoned with in 1983, when guard Dennis Johnson signed on and new coach KC Jones came on board.

The Celtics took the NBA championship in the 1983-1984 season in a seven game series against the Lakers, with an 111-102 score in the final game. In this series, Bird averaged 14 rebounds and 27 points per game, also taking the MVP awards for the series and for the season. Bird also won the MVP award the next season, even after a loss to the Lakers. Bird and Magic Johnson had a friendly rivalry which fans still talk about.

Returning to the finals in the 1985-86 season, the Celtics beat the Houston Rockets in only 6 games and made a 76-15 record for the season. He won the MVP award for the series, his third championship victory. Bird won the MVP award from the league this season, the third player to receive this honor. The Celtics would take the NBA championship again the next season in a six game victory over the Lakers.

Bird's biggest season in terms of numbers was 1987-1988 with an average of 29.9 points per game in 30 minutes per game. His field goal percentage was .527 and his free throws .916. He had to sit out the 1988-1989 season due to a bone spur, but came back for the following season; however, he knew it was getting close to time to retire. His status as legend was cemented in 1992, when he joined Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson on the US Olympic "Dream Team", winning the gold medal. With his career average of 24 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists per game, his 49.6% field goal average and a stunning 88.6% average on free throws, as well as a 37.6% three-pointer average and twelve All-Star games, Bird is a legend and his name is a synonym for basketball with fans all over the world.

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Saturday, April 11, 2009

Psp Music Downloads

By Ellison Gelfond

In the past you had to go to a store if you wanted to rent or buy a movie. You can now save a trip to the video store and download movies right off the internet. Below, is a sample of some of the movies you can find using movie download sites.

Along Came A Spider: The daughter of a senator has been kidnapped, from right under the noses of the secret service. The kidnapper only wants to deal with criminal psychologist Alex Cross. From here there is deceit and manipulation, as the kidnapper tries to fulfill his plans.

Play Misty for Me: Well-finished shocker of a late night stereo D.J. is stalked by homicidal ex-fan Walter. Eastwood's first film as controller; his regular controller, Don Siegel, plays Murphy the bartender. Cast includes Clint Eastwood, Jessica Walter, Donna Plants, John Larch, Irene Hervey, Jack Ging, and Johnny Otis. (102 minutes, 1971)

Sgt. Bilko: Master Sergeant Ernie Bilko has a moneymaking plan for every occasion at Fort Baxter, Kansas. His better half Aykroyd, looks the other way till the sergeant's long-ago arch enemy Chief Thorn Hartman turns up and desires reprisal. Martin continues to be a first-rate farceur and is enclosed by a highly adept comedy cast. Cast includes Steve Martin, Dan Aykroyd, Phil Hartman, Glen Heady, Daryl Mitchell, Max Casella, Chris Stone, Richard Herd, and Travis Tritt .(94 minutes, 1996)

The Last Sunset: Odd on the Range, courtesy Aldrich and scripter Dalton Trumbo; philosophical outlaw Douglas and chasing Sheriff Hudson play feline-and-mouse with each other throughout extensive livestock drive. Tosses in everything from incest to Indians! Cast includes Stone Hudson, Kirk Douglas, Dorothy Malone, Joseph Cotten, Carol LynIey, Neville Label, and Regis Toomey. (112 minutes, 1961)

Coming To America: Prince Akeem has come to Queens N.Y. from Africa. Back in Africa, a wife has been selected for him to marry. Instead the Prince comes to America to find the love of his life, and marry her instead.

The Night of the Following Day: Excellent cast makes this sordid story of youthful gal's abducting somehow more fascinating than it should be; pretty coarse in spots. Cast includes Marlon Brando, Richard Boone, Rita Moreno, Pamela Franklin, Jess Hahn, and Gerard Buhr. (93 minutes, 1969)

MGM's The Big Parade of Comedy: Fifty of the best megastars of all time appear in this collection, however too concisely. Cast includes Laurel and Hardy, Keaton, Gable, Robert BencWey, Jean Harlow, and Malion Davies, (90 minutes, 1964)

Alien Nation: Aliens are coming to Earth. It is an organized integration. With the aliens here, a new form of racism is building. The first alien policeman must work through this racism with his partner. They then gain respect for each other and set out to battle crime in the underworld of the alien world.

Shaft: This is a remake of the 1971 film. Trying to clean up the streets in New York City is no easy task. In trying to do so black detective John Shaft (Samuel L. Jackson) is piling up enemies right and left. With only Carmen and Rasaan on his side he battles, drug lords, murderers, and corrupt cops, all out to get him.

For quite a while now we all have used the internet for music downloads. The movie download industry is going to become as busy as the music download business is. If you love watching movies, it is well worth looking into.

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Friday, April 10, 2009

Richard Petty

By Denise I Smithson

Richard Petty is a racing legend, winning a record 200 races during his career and winning the Daytona 500 a record seven times. Besides Dale Earnhardt, he is the only other driver to win the NASCAR Championship seven times, and is the record he is most known for.

In his 35 year career, he raced an astounding 1184 Sprint Cup races. His record includes not just 200 wins, but also 712 top ten finishes - an impressive achievement. Between 1971 and 1989, Petty had 513 consecutive starts; it is not for nothing that many believe him to be the greatest racer ever to get behind the wheel.

Petty comes from a racing family; his father Lee was the winner of 1959's Daytona 500 (the first year that the event was held) and himself a NASCAR Championship winner three times over. His son Kyle is of course well known to NASCAR fans - and tragically, Petty lost his grandson Adam in a New Hampshire Interational Speedway accident only a little over a month after his father passed away.

Petty Enterprises is operated by the Petty family and in 2008 they moved the race team into a vacated Yates Racing facility that was 115,000 square feet. Richard Petty still signs autographs for people, even though he is in his 70's now.

He got his start in racing at the age of 21 and was 1959's NASCAR Rookie of the Year with a record of 9 top 10 finishes (6 of these were top 5 finishes!). He continued to be one of the sport's top racers right up to his 1992 retirement; his last top 10 finish was in the 1991 Budweiser at the Glen race.

Richard Petty is remembered for three of the many crashes he survived. In 1970, at the Rebel 400, he was injured when his Plymouth Road Runner cut a tire and slammed into a wall, flipped several times, injured his shoulder and bounced his head off the pavement several times. This accident caused NASCAR to require the safety netting over the driver's window.

In 1980, at Pocono, he broke his neck and kept the injury hidden for the next few races. In 1988 at the Daytona 500, his crash sent parts everywhere after numerous flips and he sustained temporary vision loss from the g-forces, but otherwise walked away uninjured.

Richard Petty was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1997. He was named one of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers in 1998 and was awarded the Medal of Freedom by George H W Bush in 1992, the first sports figure to receive the honor.

Petty was always close to his fans, staying hours after races had concluded to sign autographs. He has also appeared in several films portraying himself. These films include Speed Zone, Stroker Ace and Swing Vote.

With a racing heritage handed down from his father that won the first Daytona 500, and passed down to his racing son, Kyle, Richard Petty's life has revolved around the racing world and continues to this day.

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Thursday, April 9, 2009

Mexican Train Domino Rules - How to Play

By Julie Hellstrom

Mexican Train Dominos are a fun family game we have started playing. Our rules though are somewhat different than the games sheet we got with the game.

So I have decided to share our dominos rules of Mexican Train since it is simpler for our youngsters to learn.

Start with actual Mexican Train dominoes that go up to double 12's. You can buy them either with dots or numbers. If counting dots is hard for someone, numbers may be easier to add at the end of the round - you can even teach them how to use a calculator. Play begins with each person selecting a preset number of tiles based on number of players. The person who has the double 12 (or next closest) starts. Next round starts with the next lower double. Going to his left, the next person starts his leg (think octopus) with the same number as the double. If he doesn't have it, he picks from the pile and can play if it fits. Play continues around with each person playing on their leg only unless 2 other things occur.

1st - Another playing option is when someone is unable to play on their leg even after they pick, you can play on it. They indicate that it is open for all players by placing one of the little trains that come in the game on their leg. We like to use M&M's because once you can play on your leg again, you can remove the train (or eat the M&M!) and other players cannot play on it.

2nd - You can start a Mexican train. You do this by using a tile that has the same number as the doubles you started with and starting a leg separate from the main game. Only one person can start a train per round but anyone can play on it at anytime.

There are a few other things to mention. If someone plays a doubles tile during the round, it must be satisfied before anyone can continue playing. This is accomplished by the person who played the double first, who must play another tile on the double. If they can't it is up to the person whose turn is next, and they must pick if they can't play a tile out of their pile. Once someone can satisfy it, play continues as normal. Another thing to note - sometimes it takes several picks to get started. However, this all works out in the end because you do play several rounds for a complete game.

The object of each round is to be the first to get rid of all your tiles. All other players add the total dots (or numbers) on the tiles they have left. You use this number for their score. Adding the score for each round, the winner is the person at the end who has the lowest points.

So now you know our rules for Mexican Train dominoes. We love this fun and easy to follow dominos rules game and can see giving it to our friends as a great family Christmas gift!

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Wednesday, April 8, 2009

How To Taste Wine 3

By Ian Kleine

The taste you might get from the wines depend on four basic components found in all wines: the taste from the juice, the tannin from the skin, seeds and the barrel used for aging the wine, alcohol from fermentation, and the acidity of aging. Good wine requires the presence of all four and the delicate balance between them to be of equal and unopposed proportion. Aging usually softens the impact of tannin. Acidity tames down with age, as acids break down over time. Alcohol levels stay the same throughout the whole life of the wine. Knowledge on how these factors affect one another will help you determine the grade, quality and real taste of the wine. Some lesser known taste descriptions wine tasters use are minerality, asparagus and earthiness.

Here are some of the common tastes that most of the wine tasters report with each type of wine. The growing region, harvesting time, and production all have impact on the tastes and feeling of the wine.

Cabernet wine has a registered taste composed usually of green spices, cherry, black fruits, and black currant. Merlot has a floral sense to it, with green spices, red and black fruits (or a combination therein) and plum for flavor. Zinfandel wines often has black fruits and spices (called briaries in other dialects).

Syrah/Shiraz uses black fruits and spices too, most often the peppers. Pinot Noir, a good variety, has red fruits, flowers and herbs as a bouquet. Chardonnay in the cooler climates, are aged with tropical fruits. Citrus and melon are used for those in the warmer regions. Malolactic fermentation makes Chardonnay lose its green apple flavor and takes on a feeling something akin to 'creme'.

Note that malolactic fermentation causes white wines to adopt a creamy and sometimes buttery taste. Oak barrels used for aging some wines give the wine a nutty and vanilla-ish flavor.

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Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Yankee Stadium New

By Denise I Smithson

Spring 2009 is just around the corner and Yankee fans will be able to visit the new Yankee Stadium. Of course, it will be a little while before fans warm to the new stadium - these are indeed some big shoes to fill. Yankee Stadium has seen a lot of history come and go in the South Bronx over its 86 years; but the new Yankee Stadium will replace something great with something even greater; the new $1.3 million stadium promises to be a worthy addition to the team and to the city of New York.

Since 1980, the idea of a new Yankee Stadium has been kicked around. Originally, the owner wanted to move the stadium given the state of the South Bronx at the time. As ideas were brought up, discussed and discarded, the neighborhood turned around and the team gained in popularity. By the early 1990s, the Yankees organization were still interested in building a new stadium - but right there in the Bronx.

The largest hurdle faced by the Yankees organization in building a new stadium was finances. Former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani was in favor of the city supporting new stadiums for both the Yankees and Mets with $800 million in construction funds and a $390 million investment in improved public transportation. The Mets would also receive $80,000 in the form of debt forgiveness and along with the Yankees, would receive $25 million in funds for planning and logistics. Giuliani's plan also included a waiver on sales and property taxes for both teams, as well as low cost, state subsidized electricity. Both teams would also receive 96% of ticket sales and 100% of parking fees for the new stadiums and other revenues.

However, current Mayor Michael Bloomberg opted to use the escape clause in these contracts upon taking office. However, the Giuliani administration had allowed a clause in the contract permitting the teams to leave the city should the escape clause be used by the city. Thankfully for New York baseball fans, the city and the teams were able to come to an agreement and planning for the new stadiums in the Bronx and Queens continued.

A lot of care has gone into the design of the new Yankee Stadium. Built of Indiana limestone which will circle the entire facility, the park will look quite a bit like the old stadium did prior to 1974 renovations. A replica of the copper frieze which was present on the former stadium will be featured. While the new park will look much like its predecessor on the outside, the interior will feature a number of new amenities for fans, including two new restaurants which will be open all year.

Whether you are a fan of the new Yankee Stadium or fear that a vital piece of Bronx history will be lost, it can be agreed upon that the new home of the Yankees will be one which preserves the character of the old while offering the comfort of the new. The construction of the first Yankee Stadium was a risk taken by the team; one which paid off for the team and the city - and it looks like history just might repeat itself in the Bronx next spring.

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Monday, April 6, 2009

Definitions of Vegas Shows

By Deniss Durrell

When spending time in Las Vegas, it seems like majority of the experience is focused around gambling in the casinos. Though , one of the preeminent points to do in Las Vegas is to take in Vegas Shows. The shows in Las Vegas are some of the best in the world, and there is a huge selection for you to choose from.

Perhaps the most traditional type of Vegas show is the traditional type that features lots of showgirls dancing in elaborate costumes. These types of shows have been around for decades, and are highly regarded because of their intricate showgirl style and choreography. Some of the more famous are Bally's Jubilee and the Follies Berger.

However , Vegas shows are transforming . There are more than just the conventional shows that amused the people of decades ago. Instead, currently Las Vegas is becoming the second Broadway in the United States. With performances such as The Phantom of the Opera and Mama Mia! running in Las Vegas and attracting visitors there has been a turn toward building Vegas-sized forms of traditional musical theatre.

Another great type of Vegas shows is a comedy show. There are a lot of good comedians in Las Vegas, and they give a great night of amusement. If you are needing pleasure a lot then you might require to explore one of the fantastic Vegas headliners.

Perhaps the most popular type of Vegas shows are the Cirque de Soleil shows. There are many different varieties available on the strip for you to choose from. People come from all around the world to see this terrific blend of circus and performance art. Going to see a Cirque show, you are sure to experience something that you have never seen before, and it is well worth the price of admission!

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Sunday, April 5, 2009

History of Wisconsin Cheese

By Ian Kleine

A year after, most cheese makers from other states and other countries had adopted Wisconsin as their new home. This continuous supply of man power, both in physical labor, experience and innovation, had kept the Wisconsin cheese industry continuing strong. Most of these men were Europeans, some French and most were cheese makers by trade. Their work ethics, determination, ambition, love for cheese, family secrets and recipes, unique tastes and techniques all fused and combined with those of the Wisconsin cheese makers, making some of the world's finest and celebrated cheeses of our time.

Swiss cheese makers had created the first batches of Swiss cheeses in Wisconsin. Italians made with flavor and depth, bringing in recipes of Gorgonzola, Mozzarella and that of Provolone. The English folks gave Cheddar, a robust flavored cheese. The Dutch contributed the recipes for Edam Cheese and Gouda. The French, Camembert and Brie, equally soft cheeses. Brick cheese and Colby cheese were some of the original cheeses created by the Wisconsin folk.

At present, from the original less than three thousand factories, the number was somewhat fluctuating with the combining and splitting of companies of different cheese makers. The dairy farms, however, was a different story. Milk will always have a strong base in Wisconsin, and thanks to milk, the cheese industry will stay strong.

At least fifteen thousand dairy farms exist today, providing the core ingredient for cheese-making. Dairy farms, maintained with milk by one million two hundred thousand strong cows, produce an average eighteen thousand pounds of quality milk. A lot of these are used for cheese making as well, approximately 90 percent of the value, with over one hundred fifteen plants processing and manufacturing cheese at a commercial level.

Wisconsin also strives to maintain and uphold this tradition, employing universities to teach cheese making courses, as well as cheese making licenses. At least over two billion pounds of cheese are produced per year, supplying America's demand for quality cheese.

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Saturday, April 4, 2009

Blair Betts Bio

By Denise I Smithson

The New York Rangers acquired Blair Betts in the 2005-06 NHL Hockey season and he has been with them, centering on the defensive 4th line. He is one of the New York Rangers most consistent face-off men winning a more than losing them.

The New York Post wrote that Blair Betts and his teammate, Sjostrom, could be the best penalty kill tandem in Rangers history and they had a franchise high of 87.6 percent. He has also been declared one of the most underrated players in the league.

Having played for the Calgary Flames since 1998, before joining the New York Rangers, this Canadian born ice hockey player weighs 210 pounds at 6 feet 3 inches. His pro career started in 2001 and he has been a consistent defensive center.

The New York Rangers, however, have not done so well. They are going through their highest losing streak, so it may be hard to determine where some of the praise for Blair Betts is translating into winning games for the team.

Betts has spent some time on the sidelines due to injuries, which have included a broken left orbital in May 2008, followed by an upper body injury late in the year. In the time he's been in the rink, however, he has managed to score three goals and five points in the 28 games he has played in the season. Betts has also suffered from knee, foot and face injuries as a Ranger.

Of course, ice hockey in the NHL can be a rough and tumble game and many defensive players can get injured from rough play or fights on the rink. Blair Betts, at 28 years old, has been playing professionally since 2000, when he joined the AHL, Calgary Flames.

Betts started playing hockey even before this, of course. He got his start with the Western Hockey League's Prince George Cougars, with whom he played from 1996 until being taken by the Calgary Flames in the 1998 NHL draft. Hockey can really take its toll on an athlete, with many wondering if Betts' health is beginning to suffer as a result of his time in the sport.

Betts scored eight goals and two assists in his first season as a Ranger and since then, he has played mostly on special teams, being widely known for his penalty killing prowess and skill in face-offs.

In his NHL career, Betts has racked up 27 goals and 18 assists, mostly while playing for the New York Rangers. The Rangers are going through tough times at the moment - and his being sidelined for injuries is probably not helping matters any. However, many believe that the Rangers have a great defensive line; but it is their offense which is not up to snuff.

Experts blame the Rangers last place position on a lack of confidence and a failure of the players to gel as a team. Whether Blair Betts can do much to help bring the Rangers out of the slump remains to be seen. Other players, and Rangers General Manager, Sather could shoulder much of the blame. Blair Betts has a lot of work cut out for him with this team, and could probably do better on one that would do him justice.

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