Archive for October, 2009

Product Description
This book provides a fascinating insight into the stars, horses and spectators of a hundred years of this much loved sport. It offers a visual tribute to the 20th Century, with photographs from PA Photos’ archives. It is a beautiful gift idea, alone or part of this invaluable series. This book offers a visual history of horse racing – the sport of kings. It contains 300 photographs from PA Photos’ huge archives, spanning the whole of the 20th Century. Fans of horse … More >>

100 Years of Horse Racing

If you are a beginner planning to buy yourself a new pair of skates then here are some basic tips to get you started:

1.) Sizing Factor

Hockey skates should be a size or two smaller than your regular shoes. Buying hockey skates that are the same size as your running or athletic shoes may result to injury such as blisters and sprains. Too much space for your foot to move about in a loose hockey skate means that there are more possibilities of a blister forming or inaccurate movements during games or practice sessions. This possibility of inaccurate movement can affect the game and the way that you play.

It is better to have snug fitting ice hockey sticks than loose ones. Bear in mind when fitting hockey skates that your toes need to be able to feel the front end of the skate while you are positive that your heel is backed up into the back part of the skate as well. It is important that you lace up the hockey skates before even trying to move about with them to see how they fit you. You should also try to stand with the hockey skates laced up and then try to bend your knees to a point where you are almost squatting. In this position, you can feel the toe area loosen up a bit. This may be the right skate size for you. The reason for this exercise is due to the fact that when one skates, the knees are usually bent hence the need to concentrate of this particular position to be comfortable.

A few tips to keep in mind:

a.) Never make the mistake of buying skates to grow into. This will put you in a risk of injury.

b.) To test the skates make sure your toes feel the front end of the skate while your heel is backed up into the back part of the skate

c.) Different brands have different sizing guidelines. So make sure to check them out before you go for the buy.

2.) Length and Width

Both the length and width of the hockey skate can affect its fit. Do not try to compensate the length for the width or vice versa. You should have the right length and the right width to have the right hockey skate size. Some people think that they can compensate a wider skate for feet that actually need a longer length. This will give you an inaccurate skate size and may cause serious injury.

3.) Radius of the Blade

Radius of the blade is the amount of blade that is in direct contact with the ice. If you are a beginner skater it is recommended that you go for a larger blade radius. A radius of 5 inches should be a good choice. A larger radius increases stability and aids easy maneuverability along the ice surface.

4.) Break-in period

Break-in period of a skate is the amount of time it takes for the padded lining of the skate to get molded and adjusted to the shape of your feet. How soon the break-in happens depends on a lot of factors like the quality of lining and body-weight of the player among others. A heavier person will generally have a faster break-in period than a light person. So if you have lighter body mass, try to go for skates with a softer lining.

5.) New or Used Skates?

Hockey skates are supposed to be stiff. This is something that you should be aware of before buying hockey skates. Some people might opt to buy the less expensive used hockey skates instead of the more expensive brand new ones. Bear in mind that used skates may have lost their stiffness factor which is essential for more powerful skating action and support for the legs, feet and ankles.

Some cheap hockey skates may be less stiff than the more expensive ones. Buying cheaper hockey skates is only beneficial for those who have not made up their minds regarding playing hockey or not or for children who outgrow a skate easily within a year.

6.) Your Budget

A good pair of skates would cost you anything around $100 to $650. It is recommended not to buy expensive skates for your first pair. Until you play in a league you won’t know what position you are playing or what kind of skate with best accommodate it. Consider the first pair of skates as skates used for practice and introduction to the sport.

Good luck and play hard!

I have always been a fan of air hockey tables and the game played on them. While they have, throughout memory, been something I’ve seen nearly everywhere – church basements, arcades, bowling alleys and college dorms – I’ve sort of always taken them for granted. But what is the truth behind them? Is what I know fact or fiction?

Air hockey tables have been around since God. — This is fiction. The game of air hockey, along with the table on which to play it is only about 30 years old. Invented in 1972 by an engineer named Bob Lemieux at Brunswick Billiards, air hockey is fairly new in the world of games tables.

All air hockey tables use air. — This, too, is fiction. In reality, there are many different types of surfaces on which one can play a game of “air hockey”. Since the name itself is patented, producers of other tables which feature a slick surface, but no air. This is especially true in the smaller, tabletop models and the portable ones as well.

Air hockey is a casual game. — Nope. Not true at all. In fact, soon after the game was invented, leagues began popping up and today tournaments are played internationally.

Air hockey is an American game. — Wrong again. While the game itself was invented in Cincinnati, Ohio, its popularity has spread throughout the world. Russia, Venezuela, the Czech Republic and Spain have all had players win or place in world tournaments.

Everyone has always played air hockey. — Again, not true. While the game was an instant success, with leagues springing up all over the place and sales going through the roof, air hockey fell out of favor for a few years in the early 80s, when video game arcades became popular.

Air hockey can be played by anyone. — True. Air hockey is a fun game that anyone can enjoy. Grandkids can play with their grandparents. Husband and wife can spar off in a friendly game. Siblings, cousins and friends can all play and have fun while doing so.

Air hockey tables are big and expensive. — Well, this one is a yes and no answer. If you are looking for a regulation, 8-foot table, it can get fairly pricey – around $2,000 – $5,000. If you have the space and budget for it, that’s great. But there are tables available in everything from a 4-foot table top for about $100 up to the big 8-footers.

You have to know ice hockey rules to play air hockey. — Not at all. If all you’re interested in is knocking the puck around for awhile, that’s great. Play until someone has scored 7 goals and you’re done. If, however, you want to “play by the rules”, check out the USAA (United States Air Hockey Association), where you can find out all the rules.

Air hockey has a surprising rich history and devoted fan-base. People all over the world love this game and enjoy it. Can you count yourself among them?

For any serious baseball collector this one of a kind baseball CD collection of interviews can be found at http://baseballhalloffameinterviews.meg.com. Here you can listen to some short sample interview clips by Ted Williams, Cal Ripken Jr., and Pete Rose. These candid clips were captured by ex-minor leaguer Dale Shellman in 1985 during spring training. They are an accurate time stamp, exhibiting America’s favorite past time of professional baseball, at a time of unprecedented change.

With the “Shellman Talks Baseball” collector’s edition CD you get 11 tracks featuring interviews that can presently only be listened to at the baseball hall of fame in Cooperstown, NY. The “Shellman Talks Baseball” collector’s edition CD features rare candid baseball interview clips with a who’s who of baseball greats like Ted Williams, Cal Ripken Jr., Johnny Bench, Carlton Fisk, Kirby Puckett, Pete Rose, Tony LaRussa, Billy Martin, Tom Seaver, Sparky Anderson, and Dave Parker.

Get these crack of the bat sounds of spring training packaged in a great looking collector’s edition CD stamped in the image of a baseball tucked into a handsome jacket, all for a bargain low price. Timing could never be better for any serious collector.

Feel doubly good about your purchase when donating to a popular charity. For each CD bought we will make a donation in your name of $2.00. Your donation will be warmly appreciated being put to good use by these wonderful charities.

This CD makes a great gift for any occasion for any baseball fan. Here are some of the responses we have had to this wonderful interview collection.

“I bought this for my father, a long-time Boston Red Sox fan. He loves the CD, especially the authentic background ‘sounds of the game’. He listens to it often.” Karen H., Cambridge, MA

“These interviews are wonderful. Interesting to be reminded what was going on in baseball some 20 years ago.” Jeremy F., Houston, TX

“What a great gift. I bought one for my brother, my father and my 4 uncles. They love getting together and reminiscing.” Susan P., Columbus, OH

“Wow, these interviews really take you back to a different era. Thanks for putting this together and sharing.” Alan T., Los Angeles, CA

Again you can find the baseball CD interviews at http://baseballhalloffameinterviews.meg.com.

• ISBN13: 9780736044110
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Product Description
The Football Coaching Bible features many of the game’s most successful coaches. Each shares the special insight, advice, and strategies they’ve used to field championship-winning teams season after season. The 27 chapter contributing coaches span six decades of the sport and reach into every corner of the United States. The impressive list of contributors: Joe Paterno Hayden Fry Phil Fulmer Dick Foster Grant Teaff Gene Stallings Jim Tressel R.C. Slocum … More >>

The Football Coaching Bible

Ice hockey is a sport that is favored in colder climates during winter and has fans all over the world. It is believed that hockey is tied to prehistoric times, although the word hockey has only been used since the 16th century to describe the game. In 1893, the first of the matches were held at both Yale University and John Hopkins University and in 1903. The first professional team formed was called the Portage Lakers in Michigan.

Since those times, indoor Ice hockey has become a popular sport. With the hard surface of the ice, pucks flying at over 100 miles per hour at times and the rough way that the game is played by teams opposing each other, Ice Hockey can be very hazardous for the people playing it.

Safety Gear

Safety gear has been introduced to the game to keep players from sustaining serious injury. Some of the main safety gear that is used by professional and amateur players alike is:

Helmets,

Shoulder pads,

Elbow pads,

Mouth guards,

Gloves,

Padded shorts,

Breezers,

Shin guards,

And, often, neck guards.

Goaltenders also need specialized equipment such as masks and extra padded equipment to keep them safe from flying pucks while defending the goals. All of this safety equipment is a must when playing the game and most of it is considered mandatory.

Ice Hockey Skates

Another bit of equipment that is used for playing ice hockey are ice hockey skates. These are made from a base of leather or nylon boots. Professionals prefer not to use nylon as they are said to make it harder to manoeuver in them. The thick leather or nylon in the boots helps players to protect themselves from being hit in the shins and ankles.

There is also a blade used at the bottom of the skates. This blade helps to make moving on the ice easy. Ice hockey skates are much the same style as figure skates, although ice hockey skates have a rounded blade on them to help avoid injury to other players.

Ice Hockey Sticks

Ice hockey sticks are one of the main tools used in the game and are generally made of wood. The hockey stick is around 200cm long and has a flat extension at the bottom of the stick known as the blade. Blades and sticks can vary in size depending on the player who is using them. Many professional players have their sticks customized to suit them.

The blade is curved in the same direction the ice skater moves, the stick has been designed that way to assist in lifting and keeping the puck off of the playing surface.

Ice Hockey Helmets

The ice hockey helmets need to be measured by the size or circumference of the player’s head just above the eyebrows to ensure a proper fit. An ideal ice hockey helmet will fit comfortably and not shift around the head. There should never be rotation or looseness in a helmet as this may cover the player’s field of vision.

The inside of a helmet is made of a material called Vinyl nitrate. Vinyl nitrate is especially useful for absorbing force or impact from direct hits to the head from pucks, hockey sticks or direct contact with the ice.

Helmets are often fitted with visors. This is mainly to protect a player’s eyes. With younger players and in some leagues, it is mandatory to use a visor while playing. Other mandatory equipment includes special masks, especially for young players or those who play ice hockey at a university. These players are required to use a mask made from metal or thick plastic attached to their helmets to protect their face from injury.

The 1973 Kentucky Derby won by the immortal SECRETARIAT in the record-smashing time of 1:59 2/5 that stands to this day.

• ISBN13: 9780071384889
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Product Description
A PAPERBACK ORIGINAL A games-based alternative to tedious rote exercises, guaranteed to keep practices fun, engaging, and productive Great Soccer Drills provides soccer coaches with a great way to make every soccer practice active, fun, and productive. Coaches get 125 games guaranteed to keep kids moving and excited while teaching them basic skills, sharpening their reflexes, and building their confidence and decision-making ability. Written by t… More >>

Great Soccer Drills : The Baffled Parent’s Guide

With the developing scenario games and sports have become a common craze among the recent generation. Players have developed the true sportsmanship traits to prove their individuality to the entire world and this is achieved when they are confident and relaxed while playing some sport or game. Their self-reliance rises if they are at ease and their comfort level increases when they feel comfortable in their sports-wear. Let it be any game football, badminton, soccer, tennis, cricket, basket ball, polo, golf or any other from the list of sports game, their self-reliance is revealed to great extent from their easy clothing. A sports game like soccer that involves continous running and chasing of players to score a goal need the most comfortable and appropriate wear. With the rising trend and fad for soccer there are a number ofseveral companies which manufacture soccer jerseys and soccer shirts to fulfill the rising demand for these clothes. Obsession for playing soccer has risen significantly like other international and local games and so has its popularity increased which in turn has increased the demand for soccer jerseys uniforms and soccer shirts. Not only do the players wear the soccer uniforms but the soccer uniforms are also worn by thousands and millions of fans worldwide during the games, to cheer and motivate their particular teams. This reveals their harmony in their clubs for that team. By wearing the soccer uniforms they reveal value and appreciation towards their country teams. The demand for soccer jerseys and soccer shirts is on steady increase typically because of admired demands by soccer fans. Time to Time there are a few changes in the soccer shirts and soccer jerseys to make it look and sense most relaxed while playing the game. Initially the soccer uniforms were made of cotton cloth, which was a big disadvantage for the player as the more they used to sweat the more the cotton soccer uniforms became bulkier and muggy due to the sweat. With too much of concern and research the jersey material was found to be excellently suitable for the soccer players. Jersey material was light and less porous to sweat. You even need to appear elegant with the soccer uniform and this is worn even during the match practices along with the matches played. Wearing soccer jerseys and soccer shirts by the soccer players and their great number of fans, is a trend set from a long period. With the rising enthusiasm, wearing soccer jerseys and soccer shirts has become a fashion not just amongst soccer players and fans but even among the college students and the youngsters, also enjoyed by the elder age group and the school children. This shows the real sentiments for the game. There is a huge variety of superior soccer jerseys and soccer shirts in all the sports shops available all over the world. It is readily presented in all sizes and colors to match everybody’s need. Thus soccer uniforms are worn by lot of the people to boost and support the soccer teams during the current soccer matches.

If you have always loved professional baseball, then it is possible for you to become involved with the industry in one way or another.  One avenue to pursue is employment with a team or league in the independent baseball league section of the pro baseball industry.  Independent baseball leagues and teams are not affiliated with any specific Major League Baseball organization, and their ultimate goal is to become a profitable enterprise.  Front office and league personnel have more flexibility in hiring people to help them reach that aim.

The question then becomes, “In what other way can I work in the professional baseball industry without being a player, manager, coach, or owner?”  Here are several starting points, each with a short description to help you better understand what is available to you:

League-level:  It is possible for you to work with an independent baseball league at the league office level.  Skills here include media relations, strategic planning, marketing, attracting major sponsors for league-wide exposure, and other similar duties. Entry-level (team):  Many independent baseball teams need help with game-day operations, ticket sales, community relations, and many other tasks to entice local organizations and individuals to spend money with the team.  You will need interpersonal, computer, phone, and event-planning skills.  In addition, the hours may be long and some physical effort will be required, especially if you work on game-day operations. Specialty skills:  You can join an independent baseball team with a number of specialty skills.  These could include online radio broadcasting, public address announcing, statistician, dealing with local and regional sports media, promotions development and implementation, online marketing, grounds keeping, stadium management, concessions skills, and merchandise/inventory management.  Even higher-level specialty skills include stadium design, graphic design for logos and sponsorship obligations, game scheduling, and raising capital for teams. Management (team):  You will need to be able to manage employees, interns, and have a good ability to deal with other executives, team owners, and the league executives.  You also will be working long hours overseeing items dealing with concessions, merchandise, stadium operations, stadium construction/renovation, speaking at the local service organizations, dealing with player contracts, and many other tasks.  You should have the ability to run a small/medium business, including accounting/payroll understanding, budgeting, networking, and many other senior-level tasks.

With over 50 independent baseball teams scheduled to play in 2010, there are several opportunities to join this industry.  Remember that your love for the game has to be tempered with the understanding that the team owner, league president, and general manager all want to turn a profit while maintaining a high standard of excellence in the local market.  If you are willing to do what you can to offer professional quality while focusing on making a profit and obtaining new fans then you have the first step needed to join independent professional baseball.