Used pop up buying tips

Shopping for a used pop up camper? If you answered yes then you need to consider a few things before making a purchase. Being prepared before going out camper shopping can save you money and potential headaches down the road. Some things you should research are: what will you tow with, how much are you going to spend, what camper layout suits you and what to look for in a used pop up.

First and foremost, make sure you have the appropriate tow vehicle to safely pull a camper. Check the manufacturers towing recommendations in you owners manual. Sometimes this information is not clear in the manual so a call to the dealer may be in order.

A visit to an RV dealer may be your best choice, as the first question they ask you is "What will you be towing with?". A dealer always considers safety first before selling someone a travel trailer, so they have the resources to give you the correct information.

It is a very good idea to set a budget for you purchase prior to looking for a camper. Since you are buying used it is also a good idea to allot ten to twenty percent of your budget for small repairs and redecorating. You may not think it is such a great idea now, but you will thank yourself in the long run.

You will want a floor plan that works for you, so it is a good idea to take a look at what is available. A visit to a RV show or dealer will give you the opportunity to walk through the various styles available. Be prepared to compromise on the floor plan, since you are buying used. Just be sure that whatever you purchase makes you happy.

The condition of the used camper you are looking at should be high on the list of priorities. The number one problem with pop up campers is water and moisture. Left untreated water can quickly ruin the structure of the camper. If you see any signs of water intrusion, make a very thorough inspection of the surrounding areas to look for damage. This type of damage is very costly, if not impossible, to repair.

The canvas and mechanical systems are next on the list. Inspect the canvas and screens for rips, holes and mold. Check that the lift system works properly and that the roof seals tightly when lowered. Run all the systems in the pop up, such as heating, cooling, water and electrical. On the outside check that the lights function properly and that the tires are in good condition.

If any major problems are discovered, consider walking away from the deal. If not then you need to make an offer based on your inspection. Take into consideration any defects or damage that you noted. Remember your budget and that any repairs will be taken from the balance. Give the seller your offer, if he/she refuses to budge on the price you may want to consider walking away. Remember you are trying to get a good deal and stay within budget.

Punching bags

Heavy bags and standing bags

Free standing bags are heavy bags that have large rounded bases and rest on the floor rather than suspended from the ceiling or hung from wall mounts. Free standing bags make a great choice for anyone who will be both punching and kicking the bag, this is because the foam on free standing bags begins close to the base and provides more useable striking surface for kicks. Another good feature of free standing bags is that, even when filled, that can be easily rolled away for storage or just rolled to the corner of the room. Standing bags can be filled with either water or sand. In most cases water is preferred; this is because water provides some energy feedback and adds a more realistic feel when hitting the bag. Sand will make the bag weigh more, but will have generate a thick, unyielding feel. Standing bags are usually designed to weigh between 250 and 300 lbs. when filled. Hanging bags are heavy bags that are suspended from wall mounts or from the ceiling through the use of chains and hooks. Heavy bags are known to be extremely durable and provide you with an intensive, fluid workout that develops stamina, strength and overall cardiovascular fitness. Hanging bags also provide some sway, which is good for developing coordination and improving reaction time.

Choosing the correct weight

The more weight a bag has, the less sway it will produce. Too much will make the bag hard to hit, and too little sway will make the bag feel like a rock, and fail to absorb impacts which will cause damage to bones and tendons over time. A 5'8" male with a weight of about 170 lbs. should look for a bag weighing between 60 and 70lbs. More skilled or heavier hitters might want to look for something closer to 100lbs while those looking for a bag with more sway might want to consider something near the 40lb. mark.

Choosing the right hanging bag

The market is almost overflowing with heavy bag manufactures; however there are a few who stand out. Heavy bags from TKO are generally considered to be very high quality and are known for there durability. Their bags are sought after by gyms and boxing schools alike. Everlast, while at the high end of the price range, makes very high quality equipment and should be considered when looking for a heavy bag.

Leather bags are extremely long lasting and will have a more comfortable feel when struck. Vinyl bags can mimic the feel and look of leather while remaining more affordable. Water-core hanging bags are adjustable in weight; this adjustability is attained by under-filling the water core.

Hanging a heavy bag

Unlike free-standing bags, hanging bags need additional hardware before they can be used. There are a variety of wall mounts and hooks that you can buy to mount your heavy bag virtually anywhere you need to. Common places to hang the bag are garages, workout rooms and basements. If you are interested in keeping the bag outside, you may want to look into a weatherproof, or indoor/outdoor heavy bag.

From snowboarding zero to hero basic pointers to learn

There is much debate as to where snowboarding originated. But whether snowboarding descended from skiing or skateboarding, snowboarding is a legitimate sport that requires a descent on a snowy slope using a snowboard. It is difficult to really point out who started this fun-filled sport, but one thing is for sure: somebody will always have the idea of sliding down a snowy slope on a board or sled.

The growing recognition of snowboarding around the world is evidenced by its establishment as a sports discipline in 1995. As such, snowboarding has been included in events in Winter Olympics and Winter X-games. It even has a US Open tournament of its own. The growth of snowboarding as a sport is undeniable as more and more people get hooked on it.

Now that you are among the countless ones who want to try out the fun and excitement that only snowboarding can give, it is high time that you learn the basics of making your very first downhill ride on a snowboard. So how do you begin?

First, you need to procure the necessary snowboarding equipment. You need to have the right snowboarding gear, clothing, boots, and of course, snowboard. Make sure that your snowboard is the right size for you; not too expansive or narrow.

If you already have the necessary equipment, you can start learning the basics of riding your snowboard. Here are a few important things to remember as you start to find your destiny in snowboarding.

Keep in mind that snowboarding is similar to snow skiing. The body movements that enable you to control and stabilize your snowboard are the same as the movements in skiing. Therefore, if you are already a skilled skier, there will be fewer problems for you ahead. A skier will have easier time than a skateboard thrasher to learn snowboarding.

Always be in a relaxed position. Like any sport, snowboarding requires a calm and hang-loose mindset. Most accidents and injuries in snowboarding happen when one is in tensed position. As you mount your snowboard, keep your knees bent; a stiff stance will only make you absorb impacts between your snowboard and snow.

Do not start learning how to snowboard by immediately riding down the snowy slope during the first time. Instead, begin with snowboarding across a small patch of snow. Get a feel for the sport. Be conscious of your snowboard and your movement. Are you comfortable in your getup and equipment?

Try steering the snowboard over the small area you are in. Practice making turns, learn the finer points of toe-side turns, which means turning by lifting your heels up while pressing your toes to the snowboard; or heel-side turns, which make use of your heels for your turning. Once you have mastered the basics of balancing and steering your snowboard, you can move to a bigger patch of snow, but do not try a long and steep slope just yet.

Now that you have actually moved on your snowboard, you have to learn how to stop your snowboard. Stopping a snowboard basically requires making more turns until you find your self going for an uphill position. An uphill direction will certainly slow your snowboard down until you are in a complete stop.

After learning all the basic riding movements, you can now try a full-scale ride down a longer and steeper snow slope. Good luck!

Rc cars

Fast and furious, these cars rule the race track. They burn fuel like there is no tomorrow. They are charged with electricity to make them move like lightning. They burn their gas in a rough revolution of their engines!

They may sound like the real deal, but these are far from joining the NASCAR, these are just remote control cars (just not yet)!

Remote control cars are among the best source of adrenalin rush that knows neither age nor gender! It's one ride you that anybody can figuratively take to heaven and hell, without dangers or fear on being involved in crash.

Controlling an RC car can in fact be a lot more exciting than having a good road trip on a sunny day. Riding through a remote control can give you a feeling of security, while keeping your freedom to overdrive and over speed!

In all of remote control hobbies, many regard RC cars to be still the best and easiest to master. No one is too new or too expert to grab that joystick and start driving.

Operating an RC car is quite basic; one only needs to know the fundamentals of RC driving. Using a joystick, a wheel or a trigger should be really easy, accompanied by a few buttons then you are all set.

Remember how you father used to tell you that drivers don't pick their cars, it's the car that picks the driver? Well that is not the case in RC cars, because in RC cars, you always have the power to choose. There are numerous types of RC cars parked in virtual garage that you can choose from. The simple RC cars that can be simply described as a "stop and go" type should be the easiest to use, and you could say that it is the best for starters. Then there is also the RC race car that has superb features of complexity and maneuverability. They even have customizable small parts.

Types in terms of engine specifications are also available. One can choose to control between an electric and a fuel type RC. The other parts on an RC might also impress you, as many RC cars are now fully customizable, one can make a simple smooth cruising type and a mean, real fast and with suspensions just like a real race car.

The road for you and your RC car is waiting. You don't need a license. You don't need protective gears. The only thing you need is your guts to press that gas button and speed on! The race has started, will you let yourself be left behind?!

Stu unger rise and fall of a poker genius

Stu Unger is one of the biggest superstars to have immerged from the professional poker world. Besides being a true poker genius and a three time World Series of Poker champion, Stu Unger had a fascinating life story. It was not surprising that after his death Stu was the subject of a biography and a biopic.

Stu Unger lived the life of a rock star including the quick rise to fame, the drugs, the comeback and the unavoidable death at an early age. Here you can read about the life story of the legendary poker player Stu Unger.

The Beginning

Stuart Errol Ungar was born in 1953 to a Jewish family who lived in Manhattan on the Lower East Side. Stus father was a well known bookmaker and his mother was too ill to fight against her sons fascination with gambling. After the death of his father, 13 years old Stu had found a father figure at his neighbor Victor Romano, one of the infamous Genovese family soldiers.

Stu and Romano had at least one thing in common: they both had an incredibly sharp memory, which was mainly used in poker and gin games. By that time, Stu was already an accomplished gin player who had gained vast experience in winning gin tournaments. Stu dropped out of school to become a full time gin rummy player. The Genovese family had benefited from Stus talent. In return, they provided him protection from other gamblers who found themselves offended by his harsh and arrogant playing style.

The Rise

As a professional gin player, Stu had managed to beat all the professional gin poker players around. According to the rumors, Stu caused Harry Yonkie Stein, one of the best players around to stop playing gin completely after beating him in a gin match. Since he was out of proper competition, Stu decided to focus on playing poker professionally. In 1976, he and his girlfriend relocated to Las Vegas where they got married and had a girl, Stephanie.

In 1980, Stu won the World Series of Poker Main Event after beating experienced poker pros such as Doyle Bronson. Stu was the youngest WSOP champion in history and was nicknamed The Kid. Even though Stu won the 1981 WSOP Main Event, he still considered himself more a gin and rummy player than a poker player. After winning his first WSOP championship title, he was quoted saying that the poker world would meet better no limit players than him, but no one will ever be able to play gin rummy better than he does.

At the same time, Stu had tried to use his skill to grab money at the blackjack table. Nevertheless, the casinos were not happy with Stus presence around the blackjack tables and he was constantly barred. In 1982, he was fined by the New Jersey Gaming Commission for cheating, although Stu has not done anything illegal but using his natural skill and phenomenal memory.

The Fall

In 1990, Stu made another appearance to the WSOP. This time, he was heavily into drugs. He was a chip leader for the first three days of the event and then disappeared. He was found lying at his hotel room, unconscious from a drug overdose. However, it did not stop him from finishing ninth and earning enough money for his future cocaine supply.

The Comeback

After seven years of disappearing from the professional poker circle, Stu had returned to the WSOP. In 1997, he was broke, with damaged nostrils from cocaine abuse, addicted to horseracing and sports gambling, but still in shape to beat all the new contestants and gain back his WSOP Championship title. The local media was happy to embrace The Comeback Kid, but his success did not last long.

The Death

Stu Unger did not attend the 1998 World Series of Poker since he could not get the money to pay the entry fee. Seven months after Scotty Nguyen won the 1998 WSOP, Stu Ungar was found dead at his motel room in Las Vegas with 800 dollars in his pocket. Apparently, he died of a heart condition caused by years of drug abuse.

The Biography

Read: One of a Kind: The Rise and Fall of Stuey The Kid Ungar, The Worlds Greatest Poker Player written by Nolan Dalla, Peter Alson, Mike Sexton.

Watch: High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story directed by A. W. Vidmer and starring Michael Imperioli, Christopher Moltisanti of The Sopranos, as Stu Unger

Watching volleyball videos

The videos of observation of volley ball can seem as the majority of pre tedious aspect of preparation of play but as the majority of the things just must know to you TO DO the work for you to HIM.

Usually there are two basic reasons for which a trainer has you to observe videos of volley ball... in preparation of a nearest play or with becoming better to carry out a particular fundamental principle of volley ball. It easy to obtain alleviated in or lost in the moment of the play on the small screen but instead of observing each play right to say the hey I finished observing to it video selection a particular fundamental principle of volley balls which you must improve and observes best one or two players to still carry out this fundamental principle on several occasions.

If you must improve your service of volley ball receive competence or of the pass the ball the better part then that of the play which you must concentrate on observing of other more experienced players made. Unless your trainer of volley ball informed you to observe something (as the manner a team plays the defense or the manner of the transitions from a player in addition to net) concentrate in particular on observing a better player carry out the competence which you need to work at the maximum. How does it do that?

What do they make? How are they held while the waiter always has volley ball? Do they have a stage of stammering or jump to bell-foot jump while the ball crosses the net? Which foot is forwards? Is their higher body directly to the top or tapi more? Are they with legs right or are in light position squatted when they are useful receive?

It is what arrives at me when I'm observing a video of volley ball...

I'm observing some one be useful receive... the watch de. I this player carry out the good competence or technique of volley ball several time and more still. I want to take that the scene and the catch that visual with me thus I start to play this scene on several occasions in my head. I start to visualize this player making the same thing in my spirit after the observation stopped by I've. When I go to the house, when I go to the bed, when the dishes of washing of I'm, before practical that I obtain used to see this player make the service receive correctly in my spirit.

Then... I start to hear that the words of my coach on the way in which with made this competence correctly. So much then I hear my trainer of volley ball, I hear that my trainer say the step to the ball , present my platform , with the use my legs , and I maintenances to hear the words of my coach of volley ball on several occasions like a tape recorder in my spirit. It is really pleasant well with easy because when you aren't carrying out a competence correctly WHICH IS when your trainer starts to howl with you in any event? What they howl with the top of their lungs already exists in your spirit thus you beginning right playing this mental videotape of volley ball, on several occasions.

Then little by little two what I SEE in my spirit and what I hear in my principal beginning gearing together. When I rejoue this without interruption in my spirit these two things start to come together where I form a mental film of volley ball of my clean. When this mental film starts to play then afterwards during some time my body starts to answer the mental voice which I hear and the mental one to describe playing I've.

My body starts to make the things which I had prepared on several occasions still in my spirit. I start to see me - replace this player and in my spirit I see myself carrying out the passage correctly on several occasions.

And the aspects of the play which I play on several occasions the beginning to become automatic and of me start to make these things physically not simply mentally but really in the true life.

That how I do the work of observation of videos of volley ball for me.

Large It when you can hear a champion of volley ball which played for the commentate of years on the play. Singin Smith, Karch Kiraly, Mike Dodd and houx McPeak make to the comment of color with Chris Marlowe for plays of excursion of volley ball of beach of AVP the pro to television. All these champions of volley ball represent some of the largest players in the history of the AVP and all are after the Olympian ones with the multiple gold medals, silver plated and of bronze in the volley ball of interior and beach. To listen they speak about the play is like going to the school of volley ball. To more do it you... more the player of volley ball better than you can become... les. and that with single direction to make the volley ball of the videos improve your match of volleyball.

Practice is what it takes to become a complete baseball player

Baseball is primarily a game of skill and therefore the best athlete doesn't always make the best baseball player. This is especially true if they don’t have the skills needed to be a complete player. Baseball is a game of pitching, catching, base running, throwing, and hitting. If you want to improve in these areas you must practice, practice, practice. It can be particularly helpful to practice very quickly going from one drill to the other. But you must stay focused on getting the most out of every drill session. If you just go through the motions you're surely develop bad habits. You have to focus on quality practice. Therefore practice as much as you can while seeking quality training sessions. Here is some information and tips for you to keep in mind while you practice. These will surely help you improve your game.

Throwing the ball

Grab the ball with your index finger and middle finger along the seams of the baseball while keeping your thumb underneath it. As you prepare to throw square up your shoulders, move towards a target and throw with a ѕ arm action.

Fielding the ball

In order to maintain good balance keep your feet spread and get down. You do not want the ball to go down between your legs. You should have your glove in front of you so you can block the ball and see it go into the glove. Then raise the ball up your midsection to throw.

Catching fly balls

In order to catch a fly ball from the outfield you should be striding toward your target and you want to be behind the wall. First of all, you can see the ball and secondly, you can get into your stride to throw to your target. Finally, be sure to catch the ball above the shoulder with your elbow bent. This will help cushion as you catch.

Batting stance

For the most part, you want to balance your stance with your feet shoulder length apart. In order to keep your balance keep your toes pointed inward slightly. You should be looking at the pitcher with your head level.

Pitching

A good pitcher wants to achieve consistent strikes using proper mechanics in order to reduce the chances of an injury. Vary the speed of your pitches and you'll keep the batter confused and off timing. You should learn to find the ball inside, outside, up and down.

Base running

You should always run in a way to give yourself optimum top speed. For example, if you're running for more than one base you need to keep your steps so you hit the base with your right foot as you get less arc and therefore you keep a more consistent stride and don't lose speed towards next base.

These tips are just the beginning when it comes to learning how to improve your baseball game. Practice, practice, and practice is what it takes to become a complete baseball player.

Major league baseball players in japan - strangers in paradise

The final match-up of the World Baseball Classic featured two teams from countries where baseball is a beloved sport - Cuba and Japan. Both countries are noted for producing fine players, some of whom are enjoying stellar careers in America. Presently, Ishiro and Matsui from Japan are two of the best and most consistent players in the majors. Making it in the big leagues in America is a big deal in Japan, a country that loves baseball and embraces its own professional teams.

American teachers first introduced the game to the island country in the 1870’s, and it firmly took root. By the turn of the century, it was a sport throughout the nation and in 1936 the first professional teams were established. The current professional structure was created in 1950, with teams playing in either the Pacific League or the Central League.

The exchange of players between the Japanese leagues and Major League baseball is not a one-way street. The first American to play baseball in post-World War II Japan was Wallace Kaname Yonamine, a Nisei Japanese American who had played NFL Football but never had a spot on a Major League Baseball club. Yonamine had a Hall of Fame career in Japan.

When major leaguers from America first started to compete in the Japanese League, they were often at the end of their careers. In 1962, right-handed pitcher Don Newcombe became the first MLB player to sign and play with a team in Japan. During his 10 years in the majors, Newcombe posted a 149-90 mark, with 1129 strikeouts and a 3.56 ERA. He is still the only player to win Rookie of the Year, MVP and the Cy Young. Newcombe was the first of many Americans to go to the Far East to play what many consider "the" American sport.

In the past decade something has changed concerning the emigration of professional players from America to Japan. The men who go to the Japanese League are no longer at the end of their careers. They are now, more often than not, mid-career players who can’t seem to find an everyday role on a major league team. Often, these players decide to go to Japan because they will have a chance to contribute every day.

Some players find a home away from home in Japan, while others go and get some daily experience and come back to parlay that into a starting role in MLB. Still, others struggle in their foreign environs and come back looking to play in the big leagues, even if it’s as a utility player.

Alex Cabrera is an example of the first type of player, while Lou Merloni seemed as though he might fit the bill for the second category but didn’t quite get a break in Japan or make the cut when he came back to his homeland. Gabe Kapler illustrates a player in the final and least desirable of the three groups.

First baseman Alex Cabrera, who spent nine seasons in the minors with the Chicago Cubs, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and Arizona Diamondbacks, finally got his chance to play Major League Baseball in 2000. In 31 games he hit 5 homer runs, scored 10 runs, knocked in 14 RBI and accumulated a .262 BA. Then, in 2001, the Seibu Lions of the Japan Pacific League bought his contract from the Diamondbacks. For Cabrera it was the perfect move at exactly the right time.

Cabrera immediately became a star in Japan. In his first season he hit .282 with 124 RBI and 49 HR. In 2002, his second season, he won the Pacific League’s MVP award and tied the single season homerun mark (55) set by the Babe Ruth of Japan, Sadaharu Oh. (Tuffy Rhodes, another former MLB player also tied the record in 2001.)

In 2004, Cabrera hit two homeruns in game three, including a grand slam, and a massive dinger in the seventh game of the Japan Series to help the Seibu Lions defeat the Chunichi Dragons 7-2, leading his team to their first championship since 1992.

Cabrera totes a .308 BA with 413 RBI and 147 HR in his first four years with the Lions. Life is great for the first baseman and he loves Japanese ball. Except for one thing. In an interview with ESPN. com he acknowledged his frustration at not being allowed to break the record set by Sadaharu Oh.

Cabrera noted, "All my teammates wanted me to break the record. A lot of the players on other teams wanted me to break it, too. The pitchers want to throw me strikes but the managers and coaches don't let them."

"They didn't want me to get the record," he acknowledged. "All records are for the Japanese. The last 20 at-bats of the season, I think I only saw one strike."

There are aspects of the game with which MLB players have difficulty. Cabrera said it very clearly, when he complained, "Here, if you hit a home run your first at-bat, they walk you the next three. In America, you get a chance to hit more home runs. They challenge you."

In the same article, former Japanese player and present Yankee Hideki Matsui observed, "In the past there has been more of that sort of unfairness," Matsui said, sympathizing with Cabrera. "But it has been decreasing in the last couple years and I just hope that in the future it will get better."

Although Cabrera has found a home with the Lions, he’s certainly willing to come back and play in America. In fact, he’s anxious to prove that he can hit big league curveballs - something scouts claim he can’t do - and pound 40-plus round trippers per season in the majors.

Lou Merloni and Gabe Kapler both did their time in Japan for the same reasons and with similar results. Merloni and Kapler were enticed by the chance to play every day, something that had eluded them when they were both with the Boston Red Sox.

In 2000, Merloni went to the Yokohama Bay Stars with the understanding that he would be the team’s regular third baseman. But the player he was supposed to replace decided to stay with the team, and so Merloni spent much of the season on the bench. Although he found it to be a frustrating season, he also thought it was a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience.

The game is pretty much the same, except there’s a rule prohibiting tie games from going more than 3 extra innings, which means the game ends in a tie. First, there are the pre-game workouts and warm-ups, lasting hours. Then there’s all the cigarette smoke - Japanese players light up a lot. Also, there’s the fact that when the club is on the road everyone has to dress for the game at the hotel because there are no visiting locker rooms.

The media never tired of asking the third baseman if he’d like to marry a Japanese woman. When Merloni answered questions, he often felt his translator was editing his comments along with reporters’ queries.

Along with the possibility of being an everyday player, there’s the bump in salary a player who’s been in the states realizes. Usually they’re making six to 10 times what they made in MLB! That’s quite a payday. After Japan, Merloni came back to the Red Sox and played for them and the AAA team for the next three seasons before going to various other major league clubs. He seemed like he might have found a starting role with San Diego part way through the 2003 season, but after 65 games, they dealt him back to the BoSox.

Gabe Kapler was offered a similar opportunity in 2005, and like Merloni, he took it. With a contract valued at approximately $2 million, the utility outfielder was excited about getting to play every day and experience an entirely different culture. But after being a part of Boston’s first World Series winning team in 86 years, Japanese ball seemed to lack the spark of the game played in his homeland.

Missing were the overly expressive fans, the rich heritage, and the knock ‘em down rivalries. Kapler also didn’t perform up to expectations and found himself sitting on the bench by the second-half of the season. When he got back to the states and was signed by Boston for the rest of the 2005 season, he was overjoyed as were many Red Sox fans, who always admired Kapler’s hustle, work ethic and intelligent play.

In a strange twist of fate, the outfielder, who was on first base when Tony Graffanino hit a homer, ruptured his Achilles tendon after rounding second. As Kapler lay in the base path unable to get up and in agonizing pain, it was clear that his 2005 season was over.

In 2006, he was no longer on a major league roster and neither was Merloni, who had played a utility role with Cleveland in 2004. For both players, Japan never panned out, while Alex Cabrera has achieved more than most Japanese players. The irony for Cabrera is that despite his winning ways, the Japanese League will never accept him. That non-acceptance, which seems to affect every foreign player, is one thing that definitely separates baseball in Japan from baseball in America.