It’s hard work being a sports-writer-type guy, people. You get pulled in a lot of different directions. And despite the fact that I love watching racing at Bristol more than at any other track on the Nextel Cup circuit, and despite the fact that night racing is clearly superior to events held in the daytime, for something like the fourth consecutive year, I’ll have to find out what happened at Bristol via someone’s sports pager at 2 a.m.

You see, this is the weekend my longest-standing fantasy football league holds its draft. Every year on the last weekend of August (not intentionally; it just works out that way), we congregate in a different city for a weekend of boy stuff: drinking beer, smoking cigars, going swimming, talking about sports and sitting around a draft table for five hours trying to decide between Charles Rogers and Mike Williams. It’s really the one weekend a year when I can honestly say that one of my other geekeries fully eclipses my NASCAR geekery.

This year, we’re headed to Austin, Texas, my former home for five years, where folks actually care about racing (well, a little bit more than in Massachusetts, anyway). Why, driving from the Austin airport, I’m well nigh guaranteed to see a dozen “Dale Earnhardt Jr.” bumper stickers, and “#6″ air fresheners and little cartoon Calvins pissing on the #24. Yet when the green flag waves at Bristol this Saturday night, it’ll do so without me once again. I’ll probably be playing poker, half-in-the-bag, wondering fondly how my selections (see below) are doing in the Sharpie 500. However, should I mention such interest, I’m guaranteed to get empty beer cans thrown at me (the fantasy footballers with whom I congregate sigh and shake their heads at stock-car racing).

So alas, alas, one of these years I’ll watch the actual night race at Bristol. Not in ‘06, but someday. Somebody write me a letter and tell me how it was.

Last Week: In last week’s column, I bragged that I’d officially had the smallest winning week in my history as a picker. Doh. Then the guys hit the track at Michigan, and I actually posted an even smaller winning week. I picked the race winner, Matt Kenseth, who came in at +825. Unfortunately, I lost my head-to-head pick (stupid Greg Biffle), which nullified all but a sliver of my winnings. For the record, it was a win, but it was a win that profited us exactly .04 of a unit. I guess it beats a sharp stick in the eye (as did the .06 units we made two weeks ago). But let’s go for a little something bigger this weekend at the mythical Bristol night race, shall we? By the way, for the season, I’m still at a profit of 14.6 units.

Note: The odds for the following selections will be updated late on Friday or early on Saturday, at which time I’ll also make the head-to-head selection for the week (i.e., when the online books post their odds).

Take Kurt Busch (+511), 1/6th unit. It’s not an exciting wager, because Busch is the hands-down Bristol favorite every time the Smokeless Set comes here. But in an otherwise lackluster first season driving the #2 for Penske, Busch was still able to come here in the spring and post a dramatic come-from-behind victory, his fifth win in the last nine Bristol events. You might be thinking that it’s unlikely that the beaky Busch could make a sweep of this track, but you only have to go back to 2003 to find a season when he did exactly that. Also in this wager’s favor is the fact that Busch is all but eliminated from the Chase for the Championship, so he can afford to go balls-out and try to win this thing at his best track.

Take Matt Kenseth (+775), 1/6th unit. Last week’s winner at Michigan is a model of consistency at Bristol. He won this event last season, and finished third here in the spring. All told, Kenseth has eight top-10 finishes here in the last nine Bristol events. He also won earlier this year at Dover, which is a good indication that his Bristol setup could be close to right-on; experts refer to Dover as a “Big Bristol,” because they both have tight, high-banked turns that require great torque.

Take Kevin Harvick (+828), 1/6th unit. The tendency here is to think about taking Jeff Gordon (+757), because Gordon was pretty thoroughly robbed here this spring: he was leading Kenseth, but Milwaukee Matt snuck up behind him, pounded his bumper, and took off for the front, whereupon Gordon jumped out of his car (wearing a precious pink driver’s suit) and shoved Kenseth for the nation to see. But I’m going to take Harvick instead; he’s a really big threat to win his first points title this year, and he probably had the second-best car (after Busch) here in the spring. Like Kenseth, Harvick is a model of Bristol consistency (say that five times fast): he’s got seven top-10 finishes here in the last nine events, including a win last spring, two seconds, two thirds and a fourth. If he can stay away from mechanical problems (and the RCR cars did show a slight chink in their armor when Jeff Burton (+1971) and Clint Bowyer (+1169 as part of field) blew up at Michigan last weekend), he’ll be around the lead late. Anyway, I say Harvick makes a real run at this thing, like the short-track specialist he is.

Christopher Harris is a featured writer for the Professional Handicappers League. Read all of his articles at http://www.procappers.com

Author: Christopher Harris
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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2010 Fantasy Football Sleepers

QB: Kevin Kolb (Philadelphia) – The Eagles think highly enough of Kevin Kolb that they let Donovan McNabb go. Kolb did put up solid numbers in the few games he played last year. He is stepping into a great situation as a QB. He has a wealth of talented receivers in DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant and Brent Celek at tight end. Also, he plays for a coach that loves to throw the ball. He will be around the 12th QB off the board, which won’t happen until around the 10th round.

RB: Justin Forsett (Seattle) – Forsett put up decent numbers in a part-time role last year. On the surface, 2010 looks like more of the same as the Seahawks still have Julius Jones and then acquired Leon Washington and Lendale White. White looked like a potential Sleeper until he ended up getting kicked off the team. With Pete Carroll running the team now, I expect to see a different offensive philosophy and Forsett is the best running back on the team. Very few teams run a one-back offense, so getting a primary ball carrier out of a multi-back offense in the 9th or 10th round is a steal. Forsett runs circles around Jones and Washington is coming off of a knee injury. With 619 yards and 4 TDs running the ball and 41 catches for 350 yards and a TD in 2009, he is ready to assume a much larger role in 2010.

WR: Devin Aromashodu (Chicago) – With Mike Martz running the team, the Bears will throw even more than they did in 2009. Aside from having the most enjoyable name to announce, Aromashodu has the highest upside of any team’s number 3 receiver. He played 4 games at the end of 2009 and caught 22 passes for 282 yards and 4 TDs. Martz is looking at Devin Hester, Johnny Knox and Aromashodu as the re-incarnation of his “Great Show on Turf” receivers with Aromashodu playing the role of Torry Holt. If you can get a 2001 version of Torry Holt in the 11th or 12th round of your draft, you can put some champagne on ice.

TE: Heath Miller (Pittsburgh) – Tight End is a position that is very deep and turns out Sleepers year-in and year-out. Not every Sleeper has to be a young kid. It can be a solid veteran that is overlooked in a deep position. That defines Miller. He is solid year-in and year-out but gets no press. With 789 yards and 6 TDs last year, you would think he would be a top-10 tight end, but nooooooo. With 8 tight ends putting up over 800 yards and 9 tight ends catching 6 or more TDs, he gets lost in the shuffle. He should see more action this year with Big Ben out for the first part of the season and the receiver corps down a notch due to the departure of Santonio Holmes and injury to Limas Sweed. You should be able to get Miller in rounds 13-14, which is incredible considering he will put up excellent numbers this year.

D: Chicago Bears – After a disappointing 2009 in which this defense gave up 375 points, we expect a big bounce-back this year. The Bears had issues with injuries and being on the field much too long due to many extra possessions given to the opposing offense due to Jay Cutler’s mistakes. Cutler will have a better year, the Bears will put up more points and the defense will have better production. As long as Brian Urlacher and Charles Tillman stay healthy, the addition of Julius Pepper will help everyone on defense. He is a monster to block, which will help the weak-side rush and give the linebackers and defensive backs less time to have to have to cover their men. If you get credit for special teams returns, having Devin Hester, Johnny Knox and Danieal Manning returning kicks is a nice bonus.

K: Shayne Graham (Baltimore) – Considering kickers should not be taken before the last two rounds, I have a hard time filling in a kicker as a Sleeper. However, I will recommend Graham. He is in the lower tier of kickers being selected, plays for a team that can move the ball but kicks a lot of field goals and has been very accurate over his career (85%, including 50% from 50+). His Bye week is week 8 so that gives you a reason to only draft him and then to find his replacement after the mid-point in your fantasy season.

Bill Parsons is the owner of http://www.MaximumFantasySports.com and a rabid fantasy sports participant. He began creating his own football and baseball fantasy leagues at the ripe old age of seven; tracking stats and standings on paper. Bill decided to create a real-time fantasy football league website that includes all of the best features and some of which have never been attempted at any other website. Maximum Fantasy Sports offers Free Fantasy Football leagues, Free Pools and Public Fantasy Football Leagues with cash payouts.

Author: Bill E Parsons
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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In The Beginning – AKA “The Draft”

So, it all begins with the draft. No not the kind that comes in a pint (later after we’ve won), I’m talking about the selection of players for your team. Having a great draft, really comes down to a couple of things. Current statistics, and past performances. The trick is to balance the two, and to know what weight to apply to each so you make the optimal picks. This of course requires a good knowledge of past performance, and experience. The past performance is easy to get, just ask your best baseball buddy, where he gets his info, or do some internet searches. Is there anything not on the net these days? I can’t really help with the experience part, actually nobody can, not even the internet. Your just going to have to get out there play a few fantasy baseball games, and lose some of your hard earned cash to gain good experience. After all, it’s not winning or losing that counts . . . it’s how much money I win off you that really matters.

Research – Rocket Science for Fantasy Baseball Nuts

This could kinda go back under the draft section (no not the pint draft – later, much later), but it’s really important enough to warrant it’s own section, and since it’s my article, that’s how I’m gonna do it. Experience is beneficial here, but even if it’s your first time, you should still do it, as it will be something to build upon in future years. At the very least you’ll learn what now to do from your abysmal past disasters. Come up with some sort of grading system utilizing factors such as the worth of a player to their team, and not just how well they play as an individual. Flexibility is key here, so as some of your choice selections are grabbed by other players, you can react and still put together a winning team. Spontaneity is what makes life (and Fantasy Baseball) interesting you know.

Ouch! Hey That Hurts.

Yep, injuries happen, and yes, it hurts. But hey, if there were no surprises, what fun would that be. Everyone has to deal with injuries at some point. Players, owners, managers, coaches, and fantasy baseball fanatics. While it can be exasperating at best, there’s always a good and bad way of dealing with things. Maybe it’s time to consider trades. Perhaps, there’s some unproven guys on the bench you could swap for a great player, that’s just dying to play for your team. Maybe there’s someone on waivers who could step it up, and play like a start for a short period of time. Just keep an eye on those fantasy baseball future Rookie of The Year hiding on your bench, I’d hate to be the one that let him get away.

Bottom Of The 9th

Just a couple of things to remember before we head off for that pint. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the free agent pool. Of course you won’t be the only one keeping tabs on it, strategy is important here. Also when you do decide to make trades, use the ole’ noggin. That’s what your momma gave it to you for. There’s nothing worse then making a bad trade, that lets the other guy grab all the glory. Keeping track of the rising and slumping hitters will be a big help here.

Time to head off for that pint, but if you need more help about Little League Baseball Practice Drills, check out my site at Fantasy Baseball.

Author: Chris Campbell
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Five Insider Secrets

1. Why has 3,000 miles become the standard for oil change frequency in cars? This is an insider secret that is hidden in plain view. It’s right there in your owners manual for your car. Auto makers recommend an oil change every 5,000 or 6,000 miles. Since most cars are under warranty through many oil changes, they wouldn’t recommend such an interval if they thought it wasn’t often enough.

Getting an oil change every three thousand miles is a marketing idea from the oil change industry. Of course you could reduce wear on the engine if you changed the oil every 100 miles, right? The problem with that is that the small extra savings on wear couldn’t compare to the cost of the changes. The appropriate balance for cheapest overall maintenance is the manufacturer’s recommendation. Drive your car for 100,000 miles and this little secret can save you $500.

2. Sunflower oil is used, along with parsley, in at least one commercial bad breath treatment. They also both work individually, in their natural forms. Chewing on a sprig of parsley will freshen your breath immediately. Eating raw sunflower seeds will freshen your breath, and the oil absorbs odors that may emanate from your stomach as well. Roasted sunflower seeds tend to cause bad breath, by the way, so stick to the raw ones.

Try brushing your tongue too. One experiment showed that brushing just teeth reduced odor by 25%. Brushing the tongue reduced odor by 75%. Do both to reduce odor by 85%.

3. Why do real estate agents sometimes advertise their listings without prices? Is this a better way to sell the client’s house? Not at all. Many home buyers will skip right over the ads with no prices. There are enough to look at that don’t waste their time, because they do have the prices.

The reason agents do this is to get people to call out of curiosity. They know that most who call will not be interested or qualified to buy that particular home, but they can be sold something else. In other words, this is a prospecting tool for the agent! Demand that the price be put in the advertisements for your home, if you want the best chance to sell it.

4. Here is an insider’s secret from the beer industry. In numerous blind taste tests, researchers find that draft beer tastes better to most people than the bottled version of the same beers. The bottle in front of them as a matter of identity for consumers (“I’m a Bud man”), or so they don’t appear cheap. Unless telling the world your brand of beer is important to who you are, why not drink the better beer for less?

5. Good salesmen often use a technique called “mirroring and matching.” They match the pace of your speech, sit like you do, use your words, and even try to mirror your facial expressions. This is a highly effective technique for establishing rapport and trust. You just feel better about a person who seems a lot like you. You can try this technique yourself, or at least remember this insider secret, to protect yourself the next time you buy a car or other expensive item.

Steve Gillman has been hunting down obscure knowledge and useful secrets for years. Learn more, and get a free gift at: http://www.TheSecretInformationSite.com.

Author: Steven Gillman
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Highway Toll Secret

The passes (such as E-ZPass) that allow you to quickly bypass the normal toll booths do more than just speed up your trip. They also can result in a speeding ticket or be used to track your movements. Some states are issuing tickets if you travel too quickly between tolls, and the information recorded has even been subpoenaed in civil lawsuits, including divorce cases. If you want more privacy, you may want to have more than one pass, and alternate their use, or occasionally just use the regular toll booths.

A Little Stock Broker Secret

When opening a stock trading account, especially with a discount broker, check for conflicts of interest. Ask if they are paid for “order flow” (they may use other terminology). Some brokers are paid to direct your orders to a particular “specialist” on the trading floor. This means they aren’t necessarily getting you the best price. Verify that they always execute your trade at the best price available.

Better Beer

Here is a little insider’s secret from the beer industry. In numerous blind taste tests, researchers found that draft beer tastes better to most people than the bottled version of the same brand of beers. Why do they order a bottle then? Apparently, that bottle in front of them is a matter of identity for consumers (“I’m a Bud man”). Also, for some, it is so they don’t appear cheap. The bottom line is that unless announcing to the world your brand of beer is important to your identity, why not drink the better beer for less money?

Low Fat Isn’t Always Low Fat

To comply with FDA rules, a product that is advertised as “low fat” must have 3 grams or less of fat per serving. The FDA rules, however, do not specify what a “serving” is. If the serving size chosen by the manufacturer happens to be a fourth of the amount you typically eat, then you are may actually be getting 12 grams of fat per serving. Look at the size per serving listed on the package, and consider what amount you’ll actually eat at once.

Secrets Of Influencing Others

Salesmen trained in subliminal techniques watch for any words, phrases or expressions that a person repeatedly uses, and then uses those same words and phrases to influence the customer and make the sale. For example, if a person often says, “I see,” or “I can understand that,” he’ll start a sentence with, “You can see how…” or “You can understand how…”
Try it. If you hear an acquaintance say “that makes sense,” several times, try saying, “You can see how this makes sense,” when you want to gain agreement on a point. Or try it to get your children to cooperate. Using a persons own words creates rapport. The person feels that you are more like him or her, and that you can be trusted. This is a simple but effective persuasion technique.

Getting Insurance Claims Paid

Many insurance companies have a policy of denying claims if there is any possible way to do so. They count on the fact that most people will not challenge the denial. If you do challenge it, they will often then pay the claim. Get your records in order, make a clear case for why they should pay the claim, and hint at legal action if they don’t. I once had a $2,700 medical claim paid a year after the deadline for filing the claim had passed. Persistence, and having a lawyer write a letter is what did it. Some little secrets can be worth a lot of money.

Copyright Steve Gillman. For more Secrets You Aren’t Supposed To Know, go get your free “secrets” course at: http://www.TheSecretInformationSite.com

Author: Steven Gillman
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Expressions

Greetings

Cariocas are very kind people. They’ll normally greet you first or they’ll pleasantly respond to your greeting. If they’re meeting you for the first time, they’ll shake your hand firmly and say “prazer” (pleasure), followed by their name.

If the person you’re meeting is a woman, do expect to be kissed on both cheeks. If you’re in a city other than Rio, it is common to exchange a third kiss (on the cheek, of course), for good luck, though this is beginning to change (unfortunately). The initiation of a group gathering can be quite a lengthy process as each person is expected to kiss every other person at least twice. Once it’s over, don’t try to leave in a rush, as the ritual is repeated to conclude a gathering as well. You’ll also notice that Cariocas like to touch, hug and pat each other on the shoulder quite often-including the men. This is the world famous Carioca human warmth in action.

Other common greetings you’ll hear are “e ai, como vai?” (“…and how are things?”), “Fala!” (“Speak!”) or “tudo bem” (“everything okay?”).

‘Valeu’

Literally translates to “It was worth it”. It is generally used when thanking someone, and is generally used by the younger generation. A common example of when to use this word is when a vendor on the beach is trying to sell you something, and you’re not interested. A polite, “não obrigado” and “valeu”, lets the seller know that you’re not interested.

‘Gringo’

This is how Cariocas will refer to you, a foreigner, whether they you or not, either to your face or behind your back. It’s not meant in a derogatory way but rather as a form of identification (especially if they don’t know your name or can’t pronounce it).

Portuguese

Although known for having perfected the Portuguese language, Rio is also a slang-factory. You won’t notice the seasons changing, but slang expressions come and go quite often. When at work, the Carioca forces himself to use the language correctly, but when off duty, Cariocas like to let their tongue loose, as they say. When drinking, it is common to hear a lot of swearing, which is normal in most countries of the world.

Culture

Women

Like many other Latin-American countries, Brazil is a ‘manly’ country, but don’t let that deceive you! Brazilian women are known to be very strong and demanding and not easily pushed around! Beauty is a common attribute to a Carioca woman, and she won’t mind if you look at her as she passes by, and sometimes even whistle or whisper a comment. But don’t get carried away, they will bite back! Another common attribute is possessiveness. This applies to either sex, who won’t tolerate you looking at “their property”, so always be careful and try to notice if their patroa or patrão (boss, as they call their companions) is around.

Men

As with many Latin-American cultures, the men can be surprisingly forward, depending on where you have come from. It may be shocking at first to have someone blatantly stare at you or make comments as they pass by. This is not meant to be offensive, but is actually just an expression of appreciation. There is no need to be rude, but also no need to pursue them. It is fine to simply continue on with what you were doing. If you find that the line has been crossed, and you are truly uncomfortable, pop in to a nearby store or café and take refuge for a few minutes.

Promptness

If you are the type of person who needs to keep to a schedule, Rio is not the place for you. Virtually no event starts on time. No service personnel will ever see the fault in making you wait while they finish up gossiping on the phone. Even your friends aren’t immune. If you invite people for dinner, don’t expect to see anyone for at least two hours after the specified time. That’s just the way it goes.

Tipping

Tips at restaurants and bars are typically included in the tab and amount to 10%. Sometimes the tab will indicate ’serviço não incluso’ which means that tips have not been included and you should leave a 10% tip for your server. Taxis fares are typically rounded up to the nearest Real, but no formal tip is required.

Soccer fans

A Carioca isn’t a true Carioca if he or she doesn’t cheer fanatically for a team. There are 4 main soccer teams in Rio. The most popular team in Rio is Flamengo, wearing red and black colors. Flamengo is adored by all classes, and hated by the other 3 teams. A “clássico” (extremely important game) is played between Flamengo and Fluminense, also called “FlaFlu”. You’ll see people drinking and cheering at bars, restaurants and streets when a FlaFlu is on. Fluminense is one of the oldest teams in Brazil, and is said to be cheered for by upper-class people, as Flamengo is predominantly of the lower classes. Vascaínos, as the Vasco crowd is called, is another legion of great soccer admirers and Flamengo haters. Botafogo is the fourth largest team in Rio, mostly made famous by its soccer genius Garrincha (better than Maradona, many Brazilians will say).

Food & Drink

Brazil is a continental country with an enormous variety of dishes, all sharing one thing in common: the amount. A Brazilian plate is a always a big plate. Some of the common ingredients in all regions are rice, beans and meat. Farofa – a flour-like substsance – gives the plate a thick texture, similar to poured concrete, perfect for those who plan to stuff their stomachs.

Up north, where refrigerators were traditionally less common, meat was salted and dried in the equatorial sun, making the transformation into the famous carne seca — salty, a little tough on the texture, but delicious with some farofa, fried manioc and, of course, something to drink (preferably a caipirinha).

Down south is where the European immigrants arrived with their carnivorous appetites. They must have gone nuts when they discovered the cows breeding like bunnies in the vast “pampas”. The famous churrascos that you see in Rio and São Paulo (and now internationally), originated from the south, where it is said the best “churrasqueiros” (barbecuers) in the world reside.

It would be cruel not to mention the food from Minas Gerais, which has maintained its integrity throughout the years. Beans cooked in clay pots over a wood-fed stove, served with soft rice and meat (either chicken or beef), is the typical “mineiro” meal.

Bahia’s most famous snack is the Acarajé. This fried biscuit made of beans is often stuffed with shrimps, tomato and okra paste. The moqueca is another dish not to be missed. This rich stew is made with fresh fish or seafood, coconut milk, spicy peppers and dendê palm oil, which can wreak havoc on a tourist’s stomach.

On nearly every street block in Ipanema you will find sucos, which are the original Jamba Juices. These are fresh fruit shakes featuring all of Brazil’s exotic fruits (passionfruit, mango, guava… hungry yet?). Be sure to try out Açai – a little purple berry grown in the northern states (primarily Pará), added with Brazilian’s unique guaraná extract, and packed with energy (not to mention a great treat when served with granola!). Be warned – this invigorating snack has approximately the same amount of calories as an entire meal.

Another great mid-morning or afternoon snack is the Pao de Quejo – cheese bread originated from Minas Gerais’ grandmothers – which is a sumptuous donut-hole-looking snack that melts in your mouth.

Feijoada

A long time ago, in the era of slavery, the rich would eat the best of what was harvested. The slaves were given what was left over, including pig’s tails, feet, nose and ears, cow tails and tongues, etc. Famous for making the best out of the worst situations, these slaves learned to cook the leftover meat with beans, creating feijoada.

Beer

Beer in Rio is also called “gelada” (cold one), “gelo” (ice), “cerva” (short for cerveja) or “loirinha” (blondie). Whatever the name, the key is that it should be frosty and cold when it hits your mouth. Before they can even talk, most Cariocas are taught the all-important “beer-brand-list”. This means that if you’re going for draft beer, choose Brahma, for canned beer, choose either Skol or Antarctica, and if you’re going for a bottled beer (a Carioca’s favorite), definitely strive for Skol. Stick to this rule and you’ll fit right in.

Local drinks

Start by ordering the world famous caipirinha, which loosely translated means the little, short redneck. The drink is composed with a good dose of cachaça (a Brazilian liquor), freshly squeezed limes and sugar. Some adaptations resulted in the “caipiroska” – substituting vodka for cachaça. As the drink became more popular, bartenders started to change some of its ingredients for experimentation, often substituting passion fruit, orange, strawberries, kiwi, mango or other typically Brazilian fruits like jabuticaba and acerola in place of lemon or lime. These equally delicious “caipifruitas” can be ordered at most bars and are refreshing on those especially hot days.

Coffee

If you prefer your coffee ‘au natural’ be sure to ask for it ’sem (pronounced “seng”) açucar’, otherwise it will come loaded with sugar. Most restaurants serve traditional Brazilian coffee (very small cups of strong coffee) for free after a meal; however espressos and other coffees will be added to your bill. It is not customary in Brazil to drink coffee with the dessert, so if that is when you want it, make sure the waiter understands.

Jen Hamilton is the founder of On The Road Travel, www.ontheroadtravel.com , an online travel guide for culturally-focused independent travelers. On The Road Travel’s local editors provide up-to-date advice and travel recommendations you can trust.

Author: Jen Hamilton
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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“He is the one honey that wants to take a long bath. He’s one of the security police at the compound.” He said to his wife. She looked at me,

“What a strange request,” she commented.

“I have not taken a bath since I was drafted into the Army, ten-months ago, I’m sick of showers. I really miss it.”

“Incidentally, Chick,” asked John, “when is Tony, Shelly and Barb, coming?” It was 6:00 PM.

“They said they’d be over at 8:00 PM for the party, Chris is coming also,” John knew Chris, but not well. John worked in the mess hall, and was really one of Tony’s friends more than mine. He was a different John, not the same John at the Security Barracks I knew.

I put down a bottle of wine and a huge bottle of beer on the table, my contribution to the party, while Jane took me into the bathroom.

“Have fun,” she commented.

I got undressed and listened to the water filling the tub. I hesitated in the room wondering whatever reason did I suggest this for, like a wish come true, and when it happens, you seem, or I should say feel, dumb for asking for it. But I appreciated it. For a moment I tested the water with my toes to see if the water was just right, moving them a little, impetuous I was, then I jumped in, slowly allowing my body to slide down the back of the tub. In the Army you get showers and that is that, no more to say, like it or not. All my life I had baths. I really missed it. Now I was lying down comfortable in the water up to my neck.

An hour went by.

“Anyone in there,” called Jane…”…are you ok in there?”

“Do you have to use the bathroom?” I answered.

“No, not yet, just checking.”

I then leaned over to see what time it was, I had put my watch on the floor next to the tub and then leaned back for over thirty-minutes or so, I then heard a door open, it was Tony’s voice, and Shirley.

“Uppppppuu…” the party is starting early.

With that I jumped out of the tub, my hands looked white and wrinkly like an old mans, just like back home. I loved it. I felt a little disappointed that I had to stop the bath, but I had no time to deliberate, soon Chris would be here.

By the time I got out, and put my civilian cloths back on, a dark pair of pants, and auburn t-shirt, my black waist-level leather jacket, combed my wavy hair, I was out among the others.

“I do so agree with you Chick,” said Jane, “you look happier now?” We both smiled as she went and opened the door for another guest. It was Barb, — Shelly’s girlfriend. And right behind her was Chris. Jane was pregnant three months, had been at the base for about thirty-days now, and Jane had just arrived a week ago. So it was kind of a get together. Everyone brought something to drink. And no sooner had everyone introduced himself or she, the booze started to flow down everyone’s throats.

Everyone liked Chris, even though she spoke with a marked reserve.

“Miss Shirley,” commented Tony her boyfriend, whom was hiding her in the backroom of the security barracks, was gone for six weeks to Rome and Greece, had comeback this way [Augsburg] to be with Tony for a week, then she was on her way back home to the states. She was really simply traveling around Europe with Barb, she was not really looking for an ongoing relationship, or so it seemed, it just happened to be she got involved like Chris with a GI and now she was back for a little more action, maybe we were all simply familiar with one another and that made her want to spend her last week with friends.

“Let’s hope we all get tipsy with all this booze. And how was Italy?”

Replied Shirley, “We didn’t see all of Italy, only Venice and Rome. But I liked Venice and all its waterways, and Rome, well, we went to the Spanish Steps, and sat around and talked to the hip kids, you know like us,” then she looked at Tony. Tony was a Buck Sergeant who had been to Vietnam as a helicopter assistant of some kind, and was serving six-months of his thirty-six month military commitment in Germany. Then he was going back to Arkansas to put his life together. He was a little resentful that Shirley would not stay in Europe with him but she wanted to go back to California and finish her law degree. I knew Tony felt that would be it for them if she did. Oh well, once I left it would be that way for me also.

Gently every one started to drink the beer, wine, and scotch. Chris brought some Jack Daniels whisky, John brought a case of beer of Miller High Life, Tony brought a big bottle of wine most all the GI’s got it at the Commissary or PX [military commercial stores on base].

“You’re not much use to anyone sober Chick, let’s see who can put a beer down quicker,” said Tony, he was only twenty-one years old, and often used to smoking pot instead of drinking but a high was a high for him. I guess I’m not much older.

“Ready Chick?”

“I’m ready.”

Doooooo wnn

Nnn

Nnn it went. “Awww…who’s got it, who won,” asked Tony. But as he looked at me I already had my bottle sitting on the end table.

“I should have known better, no one could beat you Chick.” They all laughed.

It was now 10:30 PM, and Chris, myself and Tony were all laying back on the sofa, both of us guys had our hands around Chris’s shoulder, drunker then a skunk, slurring our words, while Jane watched from across the room laughing at everyone.

“We should try another beer contest Chick?” asked Tony.

“Nooooooooppp…” I replied, “I’m too drunk to try another one.”

“We should all take care,” said John.

“Take care of whatttt?” asked Tony, “Take care of this boozeeee that is all I want to take care of.”

Tony when drunk acted the drunk. “Nobody said you had to stop drinking,” said Shirley “but no more contests like Chick said, otherwise you’ll be too drunk to walk home.”

“Isn’t that the purpose…Miss lawyer to be,” she smiled at Tony, and the night went on.

Now Tony moved over to the other side of me, and I had my arms around both Chris and Tony; Tony was holding onto a glass of beer, he could hardly keep his eyes open.

Chris was dressed in a tight white dress, very lovely I thought, with real pearls, three roles of them; she was smiling, laughing, and her eyes were like they were pinned shut. I looked at Chris, “John,” I called, “take a picture of us,” he pulled out a camera from his jacket, “Here,” ‘Snapppppppppp…!’

See Dennis’ web site: http://dennissiluk.tripod.com

Author: Dennis Siluk Ed.D.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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One of the biggest brewers in the nation sits right in the middle of downtown Milwaukee, the Miller brewery. Although recently merged with Coors and known officially now by the staggeringly creative name Miller Coors, everyone still just knows them as Miller. Miller is the brewer of some of the more popular beers in the country such as Miller Genuine Draft, Miller High Life, and Miller Lite. Recently, Miller has even come out with Miller Genuine Draft 64 which has a mere 64 calories and is in fact one of the lightest beers in the world. Furthermore, for people who like the taste of beer but not the effects of alcohol there is Miller’s brand of non alcoholic beer called Sharps which is also on sale at most bars.

Another popular beer around the area is Leinenkugel Brewing Company which is located near Milwaukee in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. While Miller produces beer on a huge, national basis there is more of a local feel to Leinenkugel’s, who produce craft beers that are mainly found in their area of the country. Among the different types of beer produced by Leinenkugel’s are craft brews such as Leinenkugel’s, “Summer Shandy” which features beer with a subtle but omnipresent lemonade flavor to the beer. Also in Leinenkugel’s wide array of brews is their Berry Weis which includes an interesting mix of Logan, elder, and blueberries to go with their beer that results in a taste almost similar to a liquid version of the cereal Fruit Loops.

Finally, although somewhat further away from Milwaukee, there is a brewer called Stevens Point Brewery in, you guessed it, Stevens Point Wisconsin. Stevens Point is similar to Leinenkugel’s in that they typically make craft, local brews as opposed to the massive conglomerate that is Miller and their beers have proven to be very popular within the state of Wisconsin.

One thing for certain is that Milwaukee and Wisconsin residents will continue to purchase beers from their local breweries and possibly move Milwaukee further up on the list of party cities in the future.

Connor R. Sullivan recently researched Milwaukee bankruptcy attorney files for an article he is writing on the subject. He consulted with a Milwaukee bankruptcy lawyer regarding his sister financial problems with her business.

Author: Connor R Sullivan
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Needless to say that Johnson was an integral part of my team last year on a weekly basis. Johnson splashed onto the NFL scene with 1228 yards and 9 TD’s and also chipped in with 43 receptions for 260 yds and 1 TD. Amazingly, there could have been so much more but Johnson continuously lost goal line reps and subsequently TD’s to Lendale “Cheeseburger” White. Week in and week out I would just sit him and wonder what kind of numbers Johnson would have if White were not around. Cheeseburger himself accounted for 773 yards on the ground but scored an astonishing 15 TD’s. As much as fantasy owners hated Head Coach Jeff Fisher for this the bottom line is that the Johnson/White platoon scenario (eloquently nicknamed “smash and dash”) proved to be extremely successful for Tennessee and because of that success don’t expect much to change this year. Can Johnson repeat his extraordinary rookie campaign? In the mock drafts that I have been doing recently Johnson has been going anywhere from 8th to 16th overall and as I have mentioned in other posts I am not really sold on any of the top rated backs. They all have major questions including Johnson. First, Johnson will not sneak up on the NFL this year as he did in 2008. Furthermore, White will surely continue to steal the majority of goal line touches meaning Johnson will likely have to break a long run to score. If in my draft it comes down to taking him or say Larry Fitzgerald I will be taking Fitz just because it is a safer pick. Regardless, Johnson is a great pick but if you select him know that you will be losing a lot of TD’s to White so be prepared for that. As for the Cheeseburger himself, I actually like him more than Johnson this year simply due to the aforementioned reasons.

Bottom line is that you are looking for TD’s in fantasy football and White scored 15 of them last year and most likely will post at least 10 more this year. Moreover, White can be had at a far greater value than Johnson as he has been going in the neighborhood of the 5th-6th round in the drafts I have participated in thus far. In summary, both these guys will produce. Tennessee is a run first team and I have not heard anything coming out of Nashville indicating a change is forthcoming even with the acquisition of WR Kenny Britt from Rutgers. Treat Johnson is a number 1 back and White is a low end number 2 or high end number 3 RB.

Historically, when discussing the Titans receiving corps fantasy owners utilized that time to do various family chores such as taking out the trash or reading stories to their children rather than participate in the discussion. Basically what I am trying to say is that Tennessee’s WR’shave been non-existent in terms of fantasy production for some time. The Titans are desperately hoping that Britt starts to change all of that. Fisher usually refrains from taking receivers in the first round but even he realized how desperate the situation had become at the position. Britt is an immense talent and is a nice choice in keeper and dynasty leagues however, he will more than likely go undrafted in most traditional formats. Keep an eye on him but keep expectations to a minimum. In terms of the other Titan receivers it is quite simple: Justin Gage may be worth a late round flier but no other Titan receiver including TE Bo Scaife is worth spending any type of draft selection on come August.

The Titans DST was a solid unit in 2008 but suffered a huge off season loss with the departure of DT Albert Haynesworth who signed with the Washington Redskins as a free agent. Keith Bullock still anchors down the defense but anyone who thinks the Titans will not miss Haynesworth is dreaming. Consider the Titans DST a number 1 option but keep expectations realistic without the big man in the middle. That concludes my examination of the AFC South. Next up: The AFC North and I will be starting with the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburg Steelers.

Chris Limburg is the fanatical purveyor of gothicfootball.com: A Oakland Raider and fantasy football blog that provides commentary on everything that is the NFL and fantasy football. Sign up for my free newsletter at: [http://www.gothicfootball.com]

Author: Chris Limburg
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Host : Our guest today on The Program is Dr. Benjamin Franklin. Dr. Franklin is a native Bostonian, but his adopted cities are Philadelphia , London , and Paris . Dr. Franklin is an entrepreneur, inventor, journalist, publisher, and statesman.

As an inventor and a man of science he invented the Franklin stove, the bifocal glasses, the lightning rod, and he verified that electricity and lightning are one and the same. Dr. Franklin’s many experiments with electricity were published in 4 languages and brought him international fame.

As an entrepreneur he founded the University of Pennsylvania , the first lending library in America , a fire department, a hospital, and an insurance company. He also owned several pieces of valuable property in central Philadelphia .

As a publisher he is famous for Poor Richard’s Almanac, which published for 25 years, and he became wealthy as a journalist and the owner of the Pennsylvania Gazette.

As a statesman, Dr Franklin presided over the Constitutional Convention in 1776 and was one of five committee members who drafted the Declaration of Independence. During the Revolutionary War Dr. Franklin spent many years in Paris securing financial and military help for the war effort. At the end of the war he was appointed to negotiate the peace treaty with England .

Welcome to The Program, Dr. Franklin .

Franklin : Thank you for the opportunity. As I once said, “To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions.”

Host: First of all, how important was your role in founding our country? The French Finance Minister, Jacques Turgot, said that you “snatched the lightning from the skies and the scepter from tyrants.”

Franklin : I do not feel that I should take too much credit for America ’s founding. The revolution was the work of many able and brave men, wherein it is sufficient honor for me if I am allowed a small share.

Host: That’s very humble.

Franklin : As I once said, “Humility makes great men twice honorable.”

Host : Tell us something about your role in drafting the Declaration of Independence.

Franklin : I was the oldest member of the committee of five who were assigned to draft the Declaration. John Adams seemed the most likely candidate to draft the document, since he had the most experience with writing such documents. But I liked young Jefferson ’s style the best, and in the end we decided to let him write the draft. Later in June of 1776, while I was at home recovering from the boils and gout, Thomas Jefferson asked for my advice about his draft of the Declaration. He invited me to read it and to suggest any changes that I thought necessary. I only made a few changes, though I did strike out the words “sacred and undeniable” and replaced them with “self-evident,” as in, “We hold these truths to be self-evident.”

Host: Tell us a little bit about your experiments with electricity. They made you famous, but I’m not sure that I know the whole story about your kite experiment.

Franklin : For several years I had been fascinated by electricity. Our Library Company had received an electricity machine from one of my friends in England . My friends and I devised numerous ingenious experiments involving observation and measurement which we described in letters sent to the Royal Society of London. Those letters were later collected into book form and translated into other languages. I actually had to invent many of the terms that are now commonly used with electricity in order to describe my experiments. Some of the words I coined are battery, charge, condenser, conductor, positively, negatively, and armature.

In 1752 it had occurred to me that lightning was an electrical fire discharge between one body with an overquantity to a body with an underquantity which equalized the difference between the two. I wanted to do an experiment with the spire of Christ Church in Philadelphia but I became impatient waiting for them to build the spire. It occurred to me that a kite could get closer to the thunderstorm than the spire ever could, so I devised a plan to launch a kite during a storm to see if I could detect electricity emanating from the storm.

Weather being what it is in Philadelphia , it didn’t take long before storm clouds approached and my opportunity to test my idea was given. My son William, who was 21 at the time, was the only one who assisted me with raising the kite because I didn’t want too many people knowing about what I was doing. A nearby field had a convenient shed where I could sit during the storm and wait for a suitable cloud to approach. A considerable time passed before any promising clouds appeared and all of them proved to be wasted effort. Finally, one good cloud caused the loose threads on the hemp kite string to move and stand up. I touched my knuckle to the key that was within reach and felt the electric spark for myself. This confirmed my belief that lightning was a form of electricity.

Host: Wow, that lightning stroke was a stroke of good fortune.

Franklin : Good fortune, maybe, but maybe good planning. As I once said, “He who waits upon fortune is never sure of dinner.”

Host: The story about how you met your wife is a funny story. Can you tell us about that?

Franklin : Certainly, and this is a story that you can find in my book, Autobiography, which you can find at Amazon.com and local bookstores everywhere. I remember the day well. It was a Sunday, October 6, 17 23 . I was just a young man of 17 and I had not been having much luck in gaining reputable and sufficient employment. I had left Boston in favor of New York , but when nothing seemed providential in New York I went to Philadelphia to become a printer.

On my very first day in Philadelphia , and with only a few coins in my pocket, I stopped at a bakery and for three pennies received three great puffy rolls. I had one loaf under each arm and was munching on the third while I walked up Market Street . As I approached the residence of the Read family their daughter, Deborah, saw me from their front door. I was a frightful sight. As Deborah later remarked, I made a most awkward ridiculous appearance. But seven years later we formed a common-law marriage. We had to do it that way because Deborah had become married while I was in England during the intervening years and then her husband deserted her and completely disappeared. Deborah and I were happily married for 44 years and we raised two sons and a daughter.

Host: Dr. Franklin, we want to thank you for coming on our show today. But before we part I want to ask you one last question if I may. Did you really say, “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy?”

Franklin : I’m glad you asked that, because I’ve been misquoted on that for many years. What I really said was in a letter to my friend Andre Morellet in 1779. Here’s what I wrote: ” We hear of the conversion of water into wine at the marriage in Cana as of a miracle. But this conversion is, through the goodness of God, made every day before our eyes. Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards; there it enters the roots of the vines, to be changed into wine; a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy.”

With that parting bit of wisdom I wish you and your listeners and readers a gracious good day.

Host: Thank you Dr. Franklin. It’s been a pleasure having you on The Program.

Garry Gamber is a public school teacher and entrepreneur. He writes articles about politics, real estate, health and nutrition, and internet dating services. He is the National Director for Good Politics Radio and the owner of The Dating Advisor.com

Author: Garry Gamber
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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