Every year, before the first autumn leaf had fallen, my husband would return home from the office with his list of “football picks” for that season.  Known solely by him and a handful of co-workers, my hubbie and his buds would select the teams they projected to win, and by how many points (“spreads”).  The winnings were miniscule; the guys played for fun rather than money.  I, meanwhile, snuck off to copy my spouse’s list and make my own picks, never once placing a monetary bet.  Averaging better than six times out of ten, my selections — chosen completely by instinct — were dead on!  My husband cracked, “If you ever decide to play for money, we guys are in trouble!”

Obviously, my instincts are good, and it would be nice to make a little money on them.  But, I didn’t even know where to place a bet on sports, nor did I know how to do so legally.  So, I searched online and thankfully found sportsbettingspot.com.

The site is designed for “newbies” such as me.  It is a comprehensive resource for all online sports betting sites, also known as sportsbooks.  Sportsbettingspot.com researches, monitors, and reports on each of these sportsbooks to ensure that their operations are completely legitimate under U.S. law.  If they are not, potential betters are warned off; they turn to the many legal sportsbooks verified by sportsbettingspot.com.  People placing bets on major football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, and other professional teams are thus protected against theft and fraud.

In addition to this valuable information, the site offers a comprehensive guide to the betting process, including enlightenment as to the basics of sports odds calculation.  A perusal of this terrific, helpful, easy to navigate site also provides the most current news in the world of sports — and so much more!  Check out sportsbettingspot.com today for the safest, easiest, best way to bet online.

To some people, going for a jog seems like torture or punishment.  Many average Joes unconsciously think this because when they were younger they were forced to run never-ending sprints across fields or courts for underperforming during a game or practice.  It has a negative connotation.

Then there are those who head out to pound the pavement for a few miles just to feel good about themselves to stay in shape.  Some of these people are a bit vain and do it for the looks, and others are out there because their doctors prescribed them to get some exercise.

I’m “here” today to talk about the select few that actually enjoy running long distances and without it would be grumpy, depressed, and downright miserable people.  Long-distance runners come from every corner of the world, which is evident in the huge presence of Ethiopians and Kenyans in marathon racing today.

On more of a personal note, I got into longer distance running at the beginning of 2010 after I signed up for a 7 mile obstacle course race called Tough Mudder.  I had never run 7 miles consecutively in my entire life and it seemed daunting.  Nevertheless, I trained up to the distance and completed the event.  Subsequently, I have competed in races all the way from a 5k (3.1 miles) up to my most recent 50k (31 miles).

Most serious runners would say there are 2 groups of people when it comes to motivation.  One half trains to complete a race or goal and the other half runs purely for the adrenaline of being out on the road or trail.  I would say that I’m a mixture of both, because I almost always have the next race or adventure planned out months in advance, but I also find time to enjoy the moment – being outside gliding along effortlessly.  Effortless running is a goal for many long-distance runners and some achieve it each time they head out and some only once in a long while.  This can be compared to the so-called “runner’s high” people talk about.  It’s a sense of euphoria where you feel like you are floating along your path and you could keep going on forever without any aches or pains.  This brings me back to the people who can’t live without running. These people are searching for that “high” in their journey.

In terms of physical health, running is an excellent way to stay active for the normal individual.  Running longer distances only comes after one has created a base training level to work from.  If anyone tries to go run 10 miles after only running 3 miles every other day, they are bound to injure themselves.  On the other hand, if done correctly, longer distance running can be a time to reconnect with your surroundings, ponder life questions, and ultimately increase your cardiovascular health.

Another common misconception with running is that it is only a solo sport.  This is untrue, except for those who can be seen listening to their iPod entranced like a zombie running down the street.  Since running is so accessible, there is an enormous community to connect with practically anywhere you are in the world.  Small running clubs and national memberships are a huge part of the running world, and it’s very simple to find a partner in crime to head out for a long weekend training run.  I’ve personally found a small trail running group that frequently organizes group runs through the local forests.  It’s a great way to find new running routes and people with whom to share my passion.  Plus, running 20 or so miles can get a bit boring if you only have yourself to talk to.  You can learn a lot about someone after spending 4 or 5 hours with them and maybe even make a new friend!

In terms of the costs associated with long-distance running, race entry fees as well as all the gear we all love to acquire can certainly add up over the years.  However, most runners would agree that every penny is well spent.  The physical demands on the body are also a pertinent topic for anyone who considers themselves a long-distance runner.  Injuries are a given unless you are one of the select few that have dodged every bullet.  Younger runners feel invincible and with age they become more mature and take care of their bodies a bit better.  There will always be a little hitch or a tweak along the way.

I encourage anyone to explore the world of long-distance running if they are curious as to what they can achieve and where it can bring them.  There is a world of runners waiting to welcome you in.

It’s over. And it hurts….

My first ultra marathon is complete and all the training and preparation paid off.  Many of you will probably wonder what an ultramarathon is and why someone would compete in one.  An ultra marathon is a footrace any distance beyond the typical 26.2mile marathon.  The events normally include 50k (31miles), 50 mile, 100k, 100 mile and even up to 500 miles for multi-day events.  They are usually run on dirt trails and single-track paths through the woods and mountains around the world.  Some are held on roads, but holding races of this length with traffic involved is quite a hindrance.

The answer to WHY someone (me) would attempt such a race is easy but confusing to some.  I say “why not” but others have their own reasons.  I’ve heard other ultrarunners say that they do them to see how far they can push their bodies.  I would guess that is a rational thought in the minds of ultrarunners. This is an account of my running the Bimblers Bluff 50k on October 23^rd.

I began training for my first 50k back on August 15^th and tracked every single day up until race day.  The day before the race, I did everything to keep my mind off the race so as to not psyche myself out (worked on the car for a few hours, did mass amounts of laundry, etc.).  Thankfully, it worked, and I went on to prepare my list of medical supplies, food and gear for the race.  Once that was done, I felt much better about toeing the line the next day.  I also woke up with a pinched nerve in my neck, and I couldn’t look left which put me in the dumps a bit about my condition for the race.

5 am arrived and I popped out of bed like a kid on caffeine.  Coffee brewing, eggs boiling, got showered, packed the car and was off!  After about an hour drive up to Guilford in the dark, my crew and I got to the school where the start/finish area was.  I checked in and began with my pre-race preparations which included gobs of Vaseline, stuffing my packs with Gu’s and fighting with my bib number to put it on my shorts straight.

An hour later, everyone (about 125 people) was corralled into the start area where we all join in on singing the national anthem together, and then with very nonchalant “on your mark, get set, go,” we were off.  One guy was singing away some classic rock song (I think) while we looped the school field to break up the runners before hitting the single-track trails.

I was pretty familiar with the 1st part of the race (the stick) as I had run it a few times in sections with the trail running club I found a few months back.  The course was in a lollipop shape.  We raced north up “the stick” to the single loop and then back south down the “stick.”  As the field spread out a bit and we passed by the first aid station 2.5 miles in, I tried to tell myself to slow down so as to not kill myself in the first parts of the race, but the adrenaline was flowing. My ego was trying to fight back as I let runners pass me but I swallowed my pride and knew I could pass them later on.  It was going to be a long day out on the trails of Guilford, CT.

The single track turned into a dirt road for about 5-7 miles until we reached the 2nd aid station at Bluff head.  This is the infamous uphill climb that usually breaks down many participants.  I had Bridget and my sis, Julia, as my crew with my bags of food/materials, and I saw them at the first station cheering me on, but didn’t see them at #2.  I shrugged it off, filled up my bottle and continued on.  I made the turn back onto the course and all I saw was a 45 degree climb up the side of the mountain.  I battled my way halfway up and, to my surprise, the crew girls were waiting for me!  I waved them off as they attempted to toss me some food and continued the climb up to the Bluff head summit.

This part of the race, the top of the lollipop, was much more technical than the rest of the course.  Walking was a necessity in many parts just so I

didn’t dive-bomb onto a bed of sharp rocks.  At this point I met up with a guy from Rhode Island, Kenny, who was doing his second 50k.  From that point on, we ran together until the last aid station.  The 3rd aid station (the race’s midway point) showed up after a short bit that passed through some horse farms and a quick road section.  A small Bichon dog actually followed us at this point for about a quarter mile which provided some entertainment for a while and sparked a few more conversations.  About 2 minutes after I left the 3rd aid station, I realized I had lost my iPod which was tracking my mileage.  I cursed the trails but accepted that it was gone forever.  I didn’t have the energy to turn around, but thankfully it was returned to me by a fellow runner!!!

After some more rocky sections and winding through more thick woods, aid station 4 appeared out of nowhere and my crew had literally just gotten there with my gear.  I took another

Gu and Advil from them as my left knee had begun to bother me.  At this point, my legs were beginning to cramp intermittently, and I needed to keep moving.  Kenny took almost no time here and gained about 100 yards on me.  I kept him within view until we reached the stick again, and I caught back up for some less enthralling conversations as both of our energy reserves were currently being used for more important reasons.  From aid station 4 to 5 was 8 miles, and it seemed like an eternity.  The company of another runner really helped, and as we approached the last station, I had a bit of adrenaline kick in and I created a cushion between Kenny and me.  Some of this was due to the 2-3 water crossings where I blasted right through the water while others tried to tip toes on the small rocks to cross.  This is how I passed a number of runners during the race.

I arrived at aid 5 with the crowd cheering, cowbells ringing and signs telling us that there were only 2.5 miles left. LONGEST 2.5miles of my LIFE!  I powered through the parking lot, crossed the street and back into the single track.  By this point, my right leg was stiffening up and I was praying I wouldn’t trip in this last section.  I spoke too soon.  I had a slight trip but didn’t quite fall, thanks to a very sturdy tree that caught me halfway to the dirt.

As I neared the finish line, I could hear cars passing by on the parallel road, and I saw several hikers on their way out into the woods.  As I came into the finish, I took a last look at my watch and realized that I had accomplished my goal of racing under 6 hours with a time of 5 hours 42 minutes.  I felt beat up but accomplished.  I got 20th place overall and 2nd in my age division!!!  I was being fed pretzels, candy corn, apple cider and an assortment of other great foods; however, my stomach was not up for a feast at that moment.

Not until later that day was I able to put down some solids without upsetting my stomach.  I felt zombie-like hobbling around the rest of the day.

My first ultra was a great adventure, and I hope to do more in the future. My appreciation for those who do 50 mile and even 100 mile races has increased tenfold, and I aspire to be at that level one day.

I thank the race director, and my crew, Bridget and Julia, for supporting me and cheering me on the whole race.  It really meant a lot that they came to keep my spirits up.  And now that I’ve had a few days to recover, I’ve set

my sights on my next goal of completing a 50 mile ultra in the spring.  Wish me luck!!!

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about the world of ultrarunning, or even train to complete one, you can follow my blog Instinctual Running or email me at jgnuara@gmail.com.

What Yankee fan wouldn’t love the opportunity to win two free tickets to watch the World Series at the Yogi Berra Museum in Montclair, New Jersey — with the added thrill of watching the game with the famed Mr. “It ain’t over til it’s over” himself?  If you were impacted by the tragedies that struck New York City on September 11, 2001, you’re eligible to win those tickets.  Here’s why.

On that fateful morning in 2011, two brothers prayed fervently that their mother, employed in the World Trade Center, was spared the horror of the terrorists’ attacks.  After eight hours and numerous unanswered voice messages, Jeff and Greg Vrecenak’s prayers were answered: their mother was alive and well.  But they were well aware that 3,000 other families were not as fortunate.

Never forgetting their blessings, the two brothers searched for a way to give back to the community, particularly children who love spectator sports but cannot afford the high price of tickets.  In 2009, while enjoying a live Yankees game, inspiration struck.  The brothers formed Baseball Santa Claus (www.BaseballSantaClaus.com), a charitable organization that gives free baseball tickets to deserving children.

As of this writing and incurring the bulk of the costs themselves, the Brothers Vrecenak have awarded more than 450 tickets to major league and minor league games.  They’ve also instituted a $500 college scholarship fund and plan to give away free seats to NFL and NBA games as well.  Donations from organizations and individual donors are welcomed, to help spread the joy that Baseball Santa Claus brings.

For the two tickets the brothers are giving away to the World Series, they’ve joined with the Yogi Berra Museum and Mr. Berra himself to make the event extra special.  To enter the contest, there are two simple rules.  Your life must have been affected by 9/11, and you must write and submit an essay on that topic.  The Yankees’ “Bald Vinny” is one of the contest’s judges.  Simply visit the website to learn more about the contest and the mission and good works of Baseball Santa.

Amy King, daughter of the legendary Bucs announcer Nellie King, is flanked by, at left, Doug and Jim Sadowski, of the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, at the book signing and discussion of A Bitter Cup of Coffee that was held at the Barnes & Noble in the South Hills Village Mall, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Baseball is a great game that has had many “Ahhh!” moments throughout its history.  As a thirty-seven year season ticket holder for the Philadelphia Phillies, I can attest to that personally.  I witnessed one of those jaw-dropping moments when Roy Halladay pitched the second no-hitter in post-season history.

Players of phenomenal achievements, such as Halladay, deserve to be compensated properly, as do other top-performing players.  Players’ salaries in general, however, have escalated beyond normal increases as owners of the teams continue to spend more money on free agents and top draft picks.  Inflated salaries are not the only injustices in this greatest of American sports, as illustrated by Doug Gladstone in his book, A Bitter Cup of Coffee.  Gladstone’s passion for righting a wrong and telling a compelling story transcends baseball, for it speaks to the humanitarian in all of us.

In his book, Mr. Gladstone points out that there are approximately 874 players alive today who played Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1947 through 1979.  None of them, he states, qualified for post-retirement health benefits or a pension, because they played less than four years.  Because of the threatened players’ strike in 1980, the vesting requirements changed from four years to one day of service credit for health benefits; it included 43 days of service credit to reap a retirement allowance.  The bitter pill here is that the aforementioned athletes, who played from 1947 through 1979, were not included retroactively in the amended vesting requirement.

Legally, it appears that the Players Union or Major League Baseball do not have to compensate these men who made contributions to the game for a span of more than thirty years.  Morally, however, these two groups have committed a grievous error.  They have more than dropped the ball.

Let’s look at the facts.  In 1997, MLB’s Executive Council created a pension plan for approximately 85 African-American players who did not play major league baseball long enough to qualify for a pension or did not have the opportunity to play MLB.  The council also gave pensions to a group of non-African-Americans who retired before 1947, the year the pension began.  Based on these facts alone, it morally behooves MLB to compensate the forgotten players.

Now let’s take a look at what has transpired since Doug Gladstone penned his magnificent book, which has received widespread attention.  On April 21, 2011, Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig announced that players who had appeared in the major leagues for less than four years, from 1947 through 1979, would receive payments of up to $10,000 each for the next two years. According to the MLB Players Alumni Association, 904 players will receive a sum of money, the amount of which will depend upon their quarters of service.  If Mr. Gladstone did not expose this most grievous slight in his book, would anything have been rectified for the forgotten players?  I will let you good readers answer this question.

Of course, given the overflowing coffers of MLB and the Players Association, much more could be done to make things right for the ’47-’79 players.  As Gladstone so eloquently stated after Commissioner Selig’s announcement, “What was announced today doesn’t provide health insurance coverage, nor will any player’s spouse or loved one receive a designated beneficiary payment after the man [player] passes.  Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction.  But if Mr. Selig and Mr. Weiner want to do right by these men, they ought to retroactively restore them back into pension coverage.”   

Will this occur?  If only I had a crystal ball, I might tell you.  All I have to go by is history.  Case in point:

In 1884, America’s 18th President and greatest general, Ulysses S. Grant, lost his money in a Ponzi scheme as he lay dying of cancer.  After this was reported in the papers, General Grant received a check for $100 in the mail from a private citizen.  That citizen enclosed a note that read, “For services rendered between the years 1861 to 1865.”  So much for rewarding greatness and dedication!

It is time for MLB and the Players Association to retroactively restore the forgotten players back into pension coverage.  They can write the players checks that include notes saying, “For services rendered during the years 1947 to 1979.”   Hopefully, the checks will be a lot bigger than the one received by President Grant.

If Doug Gladstone is, by some quirk of fate, reading this, I would like to congratulate him.  Mr. Gladstone, you and your remarkable book get my highest, ten-star recommendation! 

Is the thought of playing poker on line as frightening as it is exhilarating?  If you answered, “Yes”, your fear probably stems from not knowing enough about the online process or even the game itself.  To the rescue comes macpokeronline, a site that independently and objectively reviews online casinos for US Poker players.  Operating in a completely legal manner, all casinos are ranked in terms of security measures designed to safeguard your account, variety of games, and user-friendliness/layout.

Every site surveyed deposits your funds, and pays out, in U.S. dollars.  Are you still leery about playing with real money?  The good news is that you can play all of the games at all of the casinos, against real players, free of charge!  If you decide to try your hand at winning a real jackpot, you have that option as well.  Many online poker rooms offer Poker Deals.  Some are as high as 200% of your initial deposit, reflective of the size of that deposit.

The casinos offer a plethora of games, not limited to Five Card Stud, Five Card Draw, Texas Holdem, and Chicago Poker, as well as rules and strategies for playing each game.  In addition, macpokeronline keeps you current with up-to-the-minute news about this alluring and enduring form of entertainment.

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Now that you’re informed and worry free, you’re all set for the fun and ease of online poker! 

Did you know that China introduced the first true scaled operational remote controlled helicopter?  Amazing isn’t it?  But only the rich can afford such a thing. Flying a remote controlled helicopter is perhaps the most thrilling experience anyone desires, and if you want to fly one, and not incur  a huge sum of money, try to procure our RC helicopter, and you are like flying the real one.

Our web site http://www.Xenonproject.com offers a wide variety of RC helicopter toys at very attractive and affordable prices.  So what are you waiting for?  Visit us now and be the pilot of your own helicopter!  We also offer a wide range of RC toys for your recreational satisfaction.  Categories to choose from are RC planes, helicopters, cars, buggies, battle ships, battle tanks, trucks, and speed boats.  Parts and accessories are also available for these products.  You will for sure enjoy our quality RC products with your entire family once you have tested them.  So hurry now while it’s still on the market.

Pictures:

The thermostat in my car read 32 degrees this morning; it was Monday.  By Friday, we’re in for an un-seasonal 70 degrees.  After a long hard winter and seesawing temperatures, I’ve developed Spring Fever.  I’d love to do a road trip, but with work restraints and a tightened budget, that’s just not in the cards now.  To work off some of this antsy energy and the need to break out from these four walls, I’ve turned to acheapseat.com.

Acheapseat.com is a ticket broker that capitalizes on its volume buying power to secure, well, as the name suggests, cheap seats to prime concerts, sporting events, and theatrical productions.  They then pass the savings along to their customers: consumers like you and me.

I took a look at their home page and was delighted by the variety that they offer.  For instance, I can get John Edward Tickets and take along a dear friend whose chief interest is all things metaphysical.  If you’re not psychic but the name John Edward rings a bell, I’ll clue you in.  John is a psychic who had a very popular program called “Crossing Over.”  He is said to channel the loved ones, now passed over, of audience members.  I found tickets for $185 each, in Connecticut, and wonder if I should call another person close to me, whom I know for a fact paid close to $300 a ticket to see John Edward — several years ago!

If I’m in the mood for music, but not the usual concert fare, I can snag some Kevin Hart Tickets and get a little comedy with my R n’ B.   But I think I’m really leaning toward Million Dollar Quartet Tickets.  Due to the explosive popularity of this theatre production, tickets have been hard to get — but acheapseat has them!  And, if I want to upgrade to premium seats, acheapseat gives me that option.  I had the pleasure of visiting the famed Sun Studios’ second location in Nashville, Tennessee a few summers ago. There in that storied place, I picked up a CD featuring, among other seminal rock n’ roll greats, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins.  Stupidly, I gave the CD to my brother-in-law for his birthday, but now I can relive those glory days of rock at the theatre, through acheapseat.com

If I want to have my husband eating out of my hand for the next solar year, I’ll get him Lewis Black Tickets.  He loves this acerbic comic who serves up the foibles of our political leaders with no bi-partisan sentiments.  And, if I want my sister-in-law to be beholden to me for about the same time period, I’ll take my five-year-old terror of a niece to see a kid crowd pleaser on Broadway, courtesy of Mary Poppins Tickets.

Acheapseat.com has ‘em all.  Hmmmm.  Eeeny, meeney, mynee, moe.  Off to a fun event I go! 

Lady Luck was on your side.   While on vacation in America, you hit the jackpot in a casino and won 4,500 in U.S. dollars.  However, U.S. tax legislation determined that you only took home $3,150.  If you are a resident of Canada, Austria, Denmark, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, or other nations, you are legally eligible to receive a portion of your winnings back as casino tax refunds.   ”How do I do this?” you may ask.  The answer is, “By engaging the trusted, experienced services of Casino Tax Rebate.”

Founded in 1979, Casino Tax Rebate has, for more than ten years, helped non-U.S. residents recover their gambling winnings taxes.  As an IRS-authorized Certified Accepting Agent, the company is empowered by the U.S. government to establish individual tax identification numbers on behalf of their clients and apply for casino tax rebates.  If they are unable to reclaim that part of the casino winnings taxed by the United States, clients are not charged for their services.

In 2006, the company responded to the increasing demand of its clients by offering their services online.  Because the company has been meticulously screened by and accepted as a member of the BBB (Better Business Bureau), the integrity of their practices is assured.  Engage them with confidence.

Their fees are exceptionally competitive and are based upon the amount of that time their professionals devote to your case.  The normal turn-around time to receive your casino winning taxes back are 8 weeks if you already have an individual tax ID number, and 12 to 18 weeks if you do not.

Canadian residents are required by law to validate their winnings.  The U.S. government will accept diary entries, with information clearly stipulated in the website.  If you are in possession of substantiating documents, such as wagering tickets and “buy in” receipts to poker tournaments, Casino Tax Rebate will also submit these as proof. 

Please see the Home Page of the website for the complete listing of nations serviced by this reputable, customer-centric firm. 

When I was a child, I was taught that Limbo was the place where souls go, after they die, to await their ascension into heaven.  After the dreadful winter that we just experienced, which is still lingering, and with spring not yet here, I feel as if I’ve landed in Limbo.  I’m itching to do something fun, but the mercurial weather prompts me to stay close to home.  My favorite musicians are not yet touring, the comedy show I have tickets for is still a month away, and there’s nothing in the theaters that interests me.  So, I’ve decided to kiss my boredom goodbye, grow some new brain cells, and hopefully make a little money in the process — all by having fun!  You see, I’ve discovered a great Online Casino site: gamblecraft.com.

I don’t want to roam too far in this unpredictable weather to get to the live casinos, so Internet gambling is a perfect diversion.  As someone who considers herself a dilettante, but who has enjoyed gambling now and then at live casinos in the Northeast and abroad, I appreciate gamblecraft’s links to easy-to-comprehend tutorials.  With data concerning the mechanics and rules of roulette, video poker, and slots online, these will teach me more about how to play, including strategies for winning.

The site also offers in-depth Online Casino Reviews to help me select the Best Online Casinos for my own personal needs.  Examining the history of the top Internet casinos, the site’s wealth of information includes a full list of games played at these real money casinos, some of which number as many as 60!   Obviously, there is something for everyone at gamblecraft.com.

The site also clues me in with respect to welcome bonuses (also called signing bonuses, for registering/downloading the casino software) as well as loyalty bonuses, tournaments, and payment options.

Some online casinos also provide customer service telephone numbers for North America and all points around the globe.  Live support!  You just can’t beat that!  Well, I’m off to get started learning, playing, and with Lady Luck, winning.  Maybe I’ll meet you online at one of the casinos!