Showing posts with label Essay Tennis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Essay Tennis. Show all posts

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Austria casinos

As one of Europe's premier winter sports destinations, Austria welcomes millions of foreign visitors every year, and many of them enjoy a visit to a casino as part of their stay. Austria casinos are to be found throughout the country, not only in the capital, Vienna, and other major cities, but also in popular tourist destinations like Salzburg and Baden, and ski resorts such as Kitzbuhel and Innsbruck. Additionally, Austria casinos are very popular with Austrian nationals, who share the German love of card games that has made casinos so popular in that country in recent years. Austria casinos are owned and operated by Casinos Austria, which was founded in 1967 and based in the Palais Ephrussi in Vienna. In addition to 12 casinos in Austria, Casinos Austria also operates casino facilities in other countries, including several European countries, but also Canada, Argentina, Egypt, and South Africa, and even a casino in the Palestinian territories, though this is currently closed due to the security situation. Casinos Austria also offers online gaming facilities, which are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of use and convenience. Austria casinos, like casinos in most other European countries, usually have a dress code for players at the gaming tables. Admission is free, and most casinos offer a "bonus ticket," which gives guests a small number of additional chips to play with when they purchase a certain amount of credit. As with many other countries, a photographic ID is required for registration purposes, though this can be done on the spot, and guests must be over 18. Several Austria casinos are situated in hotels, and special packages are available for visitors. Austria casinos are open every day except Christmas Eve, apart from the seasonal casino at Bad Gastein, which only opens during the winter months to cater to the foreign tourist trade. Many casinos have "teaching tables," where novices can learn the various games without risking their shirt on the spin of the wheel! All the usual games are available, including American and French Roulette, blackjack, poker, and baccarat, and of course, the usual range of slot machines. The largest casino in Austria is the Casino Baden, which has 36 gaming tables and over 300 slot machines. In addition, there are casinos in Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, and Vienna, which are popular with visitors and locals alike. Austria casinos are extremely professionally run and a worthwhile addition to any visit to the country.


Sunday, September 25, 2016

Nebraska football tickets allow fans to see the long road back to the top

Nebraska football tickets have been impossible to find for games in Lincoln for decades. The Cornhuskers are beloved by their home state, and every game they play is a big-time event. The ‘Huskers were THE dominant team in college football in the mid-1990’s, but a few seasons of “struggle” led to the dismissal of Frank Solich, the successor to the legendary Tom Osborne. Below we’ll take a look at how Nebraska is doing in their march back to the top of college football. New Coach Bill Callahan took over the program after a mercurial rise and fall with the Oakland Raiders. He led the Raiders to the Super Bowl after the 2002 season, but completely lost the team the following year, a season in which his players openly questioned his competence, and was fired following the 2003 season. Callahan came to Nebraska with a set of beliefs that were about as foreign to Nebraska football lovers as beliefs can get. Nebraska was always known for their powerful zone running/option offense, and it was a tradition as rich as the school colors. Callahan brought his West Coast Offense with him to Lincoln, and set about rebuilding the program in his mold. Fans were nervous to say the least, and Nebraska football tickets were never more of a curiosity than during the 2004 season. As was expected by many, the team didn’t really have the players to fit Callahan’s system yet, and the Cornhuskers struggled to finish 5-6. It was Nebraska’s first losing season since 1961, and this result did not sit well with fans. However, the team improved the following season, and finished 8-4. The Cornhuskers topped off their season of improvement with a dramatic win over Michigan in the Alamo Bowl. That led to high expectations for the 2006 season. Another Progressive Step The Cornhuskers came into the 2006 season ready to continue their climb, and fans got an early measuring stick when the team faced USC on the road. Nebraska lost, 28-10, but it was a competitive game and showed that Nebraska had indeed been getting better. The ‘Huskers rolled through their next few games, but fell in a close game to Texas and then in another nail-biter to Oklahoma State. As of this writing, the game in Stillwater was their last loss. Overall, the ‘Huskers finished 9-3 in the regular season and won the Big 12 North division to earn a spot in the Big 12 Championship game against Oklahoma. If Nebraska wins that game, they’ll be back in the BCS with a chance to win 11 games. That equals a fast turnaround for a team that appeared to hit rock bottom only two seasons ago. Where They Stand Now If one looks at the Nebraska program with a big-picture perspective, it seems that Nebraska is on the way, but not all the way back to their level of dominance from recent seasons. They’re starting to beat the teams they’re expected to beat most of the time, but they’re still looking for that first big, signature win that will clearly establish the Cornhuskers as “back.” Regardless of their progress, Nebraska football tickets are always going to be hard to find, but in coming years they could represent entrance to a team that’s once again among the elite of college football.


Saturday, September 24, 2016

Turkmenistan casinos

Turkmenistan is one of the states that came from the falling apart of the Soviet Union. While it has a long history from being an offshoot of the Hunnish Empire in the 6th century, it's never been much more than a backwater of history. This has changed in recent years as the country's huge gas reserves have been discovered and exploited. It is still, however, distressingly poor and according to Amnesty International has the third worst press freedoms in the world. In common with much of the CIS, Turkmenistan's casinos have been legalized. There was always underground gaming, but in the interests of regulating (and taxing), licences have been granted for the two casinos in the capital Ashgabat. List of Turkmenistan's casinos includes: Ashgabat: Grand Casino - Ten game tables and 150 slot machines. Ashgabat: Ak Altin Casino - Four game tables and 15 slot machines. In common with all areas of the ex-Soviet Union, there will be other gambling games available, from the legal, such as betting on horse races, either official or unofficial, to the both illegal and highly dangerous, like underground casinos. It is very strongly advised that foreigners do not get involved in these alternatives to Turkmenistan's casinos. The first and most obvious reason is that they will be extremely dangerous. The economy of Turkenistan is hugely buoyed by the natural gas industry. However, there isn't much else to talk about that makes any wealth. Business life therefore centers around how to get a cut of that gas wealth: it does not help that the country is run by President Niyazov who has declared himself both President for Life and "Turkmenbashi," that is, Leader of the Turkmen. This has been followed by his insistence (and laws to the effect) that days of the week are to be named after members of his family, that the Rukhana, his self-penned book of wisdom, be the primary text in all schools, or that some of the cities are dominated by gold-plated statues of him. It might be fair to state that he is not the most democratic (nor sane) of people running a country today. If Turkmenistan's casinos are anything like those in other corrupt parts of the CIS, they will feature a few bored Westerners playing aimlessly to while away their expatriate contracts, a large number of prostitutes, and further numbers of Mafiosi and government officals (often indistinguishable) flaunting their new and illegally found wealth. The illegal alternatives to Turkmenistan's casinos will be, if anything, worse.


Saturday, September 17, 2016

Important facts for the stamp collector

Everyone knows that a stamp is a small piece of paper that is glued to the exterior of a letter or parcel sent via the post office. It is used both locally and internationally as proof of paid fee for the service rendered. Stamps represent something more for the collector. They represent significant valuable pieces to a large imagined puzzle to be assembled physically in the collection according to the concept within the collector's mind. It is important to note that a distinction exists between philately and stamp collection. The philatelist both collects and studies stamps, postmarks, and related materials where a stamp collector does not study them. Stamp collecting often begins by cutting out stamps that come from letters the collector receives. While some may come locally, others can come from friends and family abroad. Next the collector often beings going to the post office and buying stamps in bulk in order to add more to the collection. Collecting stamps can only go so far without involving other people. A collector can ask friends and family members to also contribute the stamps that come on their incoming mail. Another option is to look for stamps offered for sale in the classified ads of the newspaper. As usual, the Internet is an especially good source to find and obtain stamps. There exist many Web sites designed to do exactly that, making it simple to expand an existing stamp collection. If the goal is to collect rare, old, or foreign stamps it is advisable to join philatelic exhibitions and bid at auctions. The savvy collector should be able to find some good deals that would be ideal additions to their collection. Purchasing stamps is just one way to deal with other collectors. Another common method is to trade stamps within both collections with each collector's goal being to create a more complete collection. The acquisition of stamps is just one aspect of what stamp collectors do. They must also take care of the stamps in their collection so that the appearance and value of each stamp is maintained. This not only keeps the collection worthy of display, but also ensures the stamps within it are tradable or saleable if the collector should desire to do so. The proper way to take care of a stamp is placing it in an album designed to protect stamps. Stamps should never be placed on facing pages as this can harm or even destroy them. If absolutely necessary, a plastic sheet placed over the stamps will allow the stamps to be placed on the facing page. However, a new album should be purchased in this case, as the purpose of collecting stamps is to maintain their worth, not risk damaging them to avoid the cost of an additional album. Stamps should be handled with extreme care. Human hands are dirty and oily. Tongs should always be used when handling stamps to minimize the chance of causing damage. Tongs are a tool similar to tweezers but with thinner edges, making the safe handling of a stamp easier. Even when using tongs, handling stamps should be strictly minimized. In order to properly remove a stamp from an envelope cut a small portion of the surrounding area and put it in water. Once the stamp is free, use tongs to extract it from the paper underneath and carefully air dry before inserting it in the album. Many things can harm stamps. The most common culprit is sunlight. The UV rays in sunlight can change or fade the colors on the stamp and when heated the gum on the back of the stamp may adhere it to the album making it difficult to remove without damage. Stamps must always be stored at room temperature. Food and drink never belong in the area when stamps are being handled. A stamp collection should be kept well separated from any tobacco smoke to prevent the odor from being captured by the paper in the collection. Failing to take these steps, regardless of the degree of caution exercised, can result in devastating damage from just a single accident. Stamp collecting can be an easy and rewarding hobby for many people. The potential rewards of the hobby increase dramatically if key facts are known and care is taken to ensure the collection will be as remarkable in years to come as when each piece is added.


Thursday, September 15, 2016

Useful tips to survive an avalanche

A little forethought and organization will payoff in a great memorable adventure for that next outdoors excursion you may have planned. Gas lanterns give off bright light but are noisy and will be the most expensive of all lanterns to operate. You will have to pack extra propane bottles Then you have the glorious Sunset and after that why not get together with your neighboring campers for a story telling session and singsong round the campfire. If you thought a Camping Vacation would be 'roughing it' and 'hard work' then think again, yes it will take some planning but that's half the fun and it won't be that much work. Lets see first you will need some type of shelter a plastic trap 8 by 10 will make a good tent some rope 50 ft will be lots the ј inch nylon rope will work. Tie the rope between two trees and place the tarp over the rope. Stake down each side of the tarp with screw driver numbers need 6 to 8 I buy them at flea markets and garage sales. There’s no avoiding the weather when camping. “The United States has the most extreme weather conditions in the world, second only to China,” says Susan Weaver, of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service. “Weather can change quickly and is very specific to each area.” Check with the state fishing regulations for exact dates and detailed fishing information, including proper license requirements. Some fishing opportunities will require overnight backcountry use permits. It is always important to respect the park you are fishing in, in order to maintain the quality waters that protect the natural fish populations and food sources for bald eagles, ospreys and otters among others. A large van called an RV in employed by many campers, or more commonly in the UK a caravan is attached to a car. Both of these serve as basic mobile homes, with beds, gas and sometimes electricity. A definite upcoming trend is more and more people seeking untouched locales and wilderness. Are your kids begging you to take them camping, but you just can’t find the time to take them on a camping trip? Or would you like to introduce your kids to the fun of camping for the first time, but aren’t sure if they will enjoy it, or might get scared? Either way, camping out in your backyard will be a fun way to spend the evening and night with your kids. Useful Tips to Survive an Avalanche You may be an adventurer or mountain climber wanting to conquer some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mt. Everest. You may simply be skiing in the Alps or somewhere in Colorado. If so, then you’ve encountered snow and know what it’s capable of. In saying “capable of”, it can be used for fun or can be a source of danger. Accidents can always happen in the snow, where the white color and cool temperature makes it more dangerous. Avalanches are often a possibility, and should that happen, you have to know some survival tips because you have to act quickly and decisively. An avalanche is something that you cannot really prepare for, since you don’t know when it will strike. But knowing these survival tips when it occurs and when trapped under an avalanche is a matter of life or death. Here are some of the tips: Close your mouth. Closing your mouth during an avalanche when you are caught in the flow of the snow will prevent the snow from entering your mouth and will not hamper your breathing as much. Hold your breath for as long as possible until the snow sliding stops. The point is to treat your family to an unforgettable outdoor adventure, so it doesn't matter how you plan to camp or where you intend to go. There are many websites that cater to campers with information on where to find the most affordable camp gear as well as the most popular items to buy and use when camping. Given below are the kind of clothes you should get from the stores in order to keep you comfortable during your trip and the technologies following these clothes. Both sports demand having the proper equipment and knowledge for safety reasons. Many National Parks offer established climbing routes that will have a wide range of difficulty levels; usually no permits are needed, unless an overnight stay in backcountry is involved. It is important to check weather conditions beforehand and use caution, never climb alone. If you are going to use candles you will have to be very careful that you do not start a fire. Rememer that the hot wax of the candle can burn you if you get it on your skin. The thought of camping alone can be very intimidating, especially if you’re a woman. Ideally, it is not something recommended to women new to camping. Some of the functions of these websites include being able to search by state, campground, lake, or forest name. You can access maps of each campground to see the layout of the grounds and how close each site is to shower, bathrooms, playgrounds, beaches, etc... This feature is great because you may choose which site you would like to reserves and check for availability. Other things to bring candles will work if you do not have a flash light but be very careful as a candle can start you tent bedding on fire and will cause a forest fire so never leave a candle un attended. Camping mixed with outdoor activity is a great way to get ourselves involved with nature. National Parks can provide an excellent backdrop for some of your outdoor activities. Swim through the snow. Like in a swimming pool, you can swim through the snow even if it’s more difficult than in water. This constant movement may help you prevent from being trapped underneath a large pile of snow where that is nearly impossible to get out of. Drop the stuff. Let’s say you are skiing when the avalanche occurs, or are carrying something heavy. This added weight will drag you further down into piles of snow, which you don’t want to happen. If it does happen, it will be harder to get out since you’re under a greater amount of snow to start with, and you also have to lift yourself along with the added weight to get out. Make air pockets. This is extremely useful when trapped under the snow, since it will allow you to take in some air while you are trying to make your way out. You just simply cup both hands around the nose and mouth and breathe normally. This cup will prevent you from taking in snow as you breathe. Be innovative. If it seems impossible for you to get out, think clearly. Merely thrusting an arm to the surface can be a factor. A man once urinated his way out of the avalanche, with his urine melting the snow. If he thought of that, you can think of something too. Finally, if you’ve survived the ordeal, be sure to report to the proper authorities. Others might be trapped as you were. You’re their hope for survival. Don't forget sunscreen, bug spray and hygiene items. Toilet paper and paper towels are absolute necessities. Bring along some soap and toothpaste, but leave the hair gel and makeup at home. Mother Nature doesn't care what you look like. She just wants you to enjoy your stay. Camping is a great way to enjoy amazing outdoors and be close to nature. It is not just another holiday; it's a way of life. While camping out, one is surrounded by nature and serenity. It is a good idea to know what you should and should not do when coming across animals. Parks often will have signs up if animals have been sighted in the campground. Looking Good--Last but certainly not least: If you've never set up your tent before, it's best to practice at home until you can do it in your sleep (bit of an exaggeration...but you know what I mean). This will save you any embarrassment later on in the 'Real World'. Nutrition, nutrition, nutrition. You’re number one priority when you’re camping should be to have a good time and enjoy nature – something that is difficult to do when you’re sick and exhausted. Be sure to take camping food with you that will keep you well fed and your energy level up. Energy bars and gels don’t usually weigh a lot and pack a serious nutrition punch, making them great for the trail. If you don’t cook a lot at home and don’t plan to while you’re camping, do yourself a favor and eat more than candy bars and licorice. Just about anyone can boil water, so just about anyone can take some prepared camping foods on their trip and eat well. More on Wilderness Survival Tips. When you know where you will be going you have to select the type of shelter you will need. Are you sleeping in the open or using a tent? What type of tent you select will have a direct impact on how comfortable and dry you will be if it rains. You may need to get a tent with windows and ventilation and waterproofing. As I rounded a bend blasted through granite, just wide enough to accommodate a horse-drawn wagon, I braked suddenly and gasped. Then we had enough space for dressing or cooking. The bench-seat in back folds out into a comfortable bed, so we were all set for camping. Instead of going up to other campers and saying, “Hi, I’m Kerry and I’m here by myself” ask questions like “How can I contact you if I experience a problem” or “is this campground regularly patrolled?”Don’t advertise you are by yourself by finding campsites away from walking trails


Monday, September 5, 2016

Self defence what do you think

I am not a lawyer, I have no legal experience or skills. These are my opinions, but I hope they may be of use to you. To help you avoid problems. As a keen sports (wo)man your interest may be cycling, running, gymnastics, whatever. It may even be the martial arts, karate, aikido, or any of a wide range of systems. My concern here is that you may be out training by yourself, without a partner. Thus – at risk of being mugged or worse. Possible? These days, probably Probable! Consideration Number One – you are most definitely not allowed to carry a weapon to protect yourself against the risk of attack, or anything which can be construed as a weapon. Legal Fact! The measure is: Reasonability. Is it reasonable for you to be carrying a baseball bat when out on your bike? Or that ninja sword when going to the public swimming baths? Would a jury consider it ‘reasonable’ … A carpenter with a screwdriver, Yes; but a road runner with the same – No! If you are carrying anything which could be construed as a weapon as you go to the gym or an event, you’d better have a damn good reason for having it with you, particularly if you happen to use it to flatten a would-be mugger or rapist on the way. There are several factors for a successful self defence 1 You must have the TECHNICAL knowledge to defend yourself; 2 You must have the mental DETERMINATION to do so; 3 A Court must NOT be able to find you Guilty of an ASSAULT, 4 Nor of actually taking part in a FIGHT; 5 And your ‘victim’ must not be able to sue you for DAMAGES in respect of the severe injuries you gave him while defending against his assault. It is easy to lose control and go overboard. You are legally allowed to defend yourself with ‘appropriate force’. The Law says so. But what is reasonable, appropriate force? If a yob tries to hit you with a brick, I suppose it would be reasonable to say “Look up at that Star!” as you kick him in the goolies. But it surely would not be reasonable for you then to smash his head in with his own brick? But what if there were TEN other yobs about to join in? What then? What do YOU think? Self defence must STOP when the threat or attack ceases. And the mugger goes (or runs!) away. At that point you are probably legally secure. But if you now chase after him and smash him on the head, things get awkward. You are aggrieved, enraged indeed, and want revenge. But you will have upgraded the confrontation into a FIGHT! If you enter a fight, the Law will have you, find you guilty and punish you. No question about that, no matter how good your (expensive, oh so expensive) private Counsel is. This brings to mind the case of Tony Martin, the farmer found guilty of shooting dead an intruder – in the back. Martin (poor Tony!) was found guilty and sent to prison. Because the threat had been abated - the ‘victim’ was actually running away. There was no further danger to the farmer. But in his rage he fired. This manifestly was not a killing in self defence. But any of us could find ourselves in a similar situation. It is important that you realise this. What do you think? And it is important that self defence instructors carefully explain these considerations to their students. As I’ve already said, It’s not only a case of learning what to do It’s also a matter of being actually morally and mentally able to do it. But secure in the knowledge that a jury will find that your actions were reasonable. And giving your ‘victim’ no chance whatsoever of suing you for huge financial damages. Consider this scenario: running through the woods, a total stranger jumps out from the bushes and grabs you. With amazing self reliance and initiative you kick him in the groin… Down he goes, swearing. Now, the Law says you must escape, run away fast from the danger which is no longer threatening you. Your adversary is rolling on the floor, swearing fiercely and clutching his groin. Out of action for at least five seconds. But you are an athlete, you’ve never had such a physical confrontation in your life. What do you do? Legally, to stay out of jail you must beat a quick and hasty retreat. Remove yourself from the battle situation. But if you stay and keep on hitting him, you are taking an active part in – A FIGHT! Jail looms large in your mind. So as a good law-abiding citizen, off you dash. But you are shocked and confused, your legs won’t function properly. Your breath comes in gasps, in your panic you’ve lost your sense of direction – which way is safety? All is confusion and unreal! Help! He’s getting up. Eyes watering with the effect of the kick to his privates and his hate for you! Faster than you, despite his injury, swearing horribly, he catches you, knocks you down and … Full stop! Now here is the question. Here is the legal obscurity. Here is the jury’s problem. Here is YOUR desperate decision: while he was down and temporarily incapacitated, were you correct legally to run away. Or should you have seized the moment and waded in, jabbed your thumbs in his eyes, rabbit-chopped the back of his neck, then smashed his head in with that big stone over there? To put him away. Well away. For Real! What do you think? Quick, your answer. You’ve got five seconds to decide before he recovers enough to get up and …. DO YOU RUN or …? Is a problem! Is YOUR problem. What do YOU think?


Friday, September 2, 2016

Break in a baseball glove

One of life's greatest lessons is learning how to break in a baseball glove. The secrets to conditioning a glove are passed along to little leaguers like an heirloom watch is entrusted to a new generation. This was a time-honored tradition in my family. Each winter, come later October or early November, when the fallen leaves had been raked up and the air smelled like smoking chimneys and snow, my dad would take me into the garage. With a few old stained rags, a secret batch of ingredients and our elbow grease, we would set to work breaking in a new glove. By April, the glove would be ready for a game of catch. Everybody's dad probably has their secret formula for the homespun compounds, ointments and techniques used to break in a baseball glove. Regardless of the method used, the end always justified the means. A broken-in baseball glove means that is has been tenderly softened up, creating comfort and flexibility. The glove, now soft and supple, also has a worked-in pocket ready to catch fly balls and tag runners. There are so-called experts who will argue that your dad's baseball glove alchemy was all hocus-pocus. They'll tell you that there are no secret methods and mixtures to break in a baseball glove. These people will say that the best and most logical way to do it is simply apply oil specifically designed for this purpose. If you choose to follow logic, you can buy baseball glove oils in sporting good stores. Rub the oil over every part of the glove, including the laces and inside surfaces. Oil helps to keep the leather moisturized so it won't dry out and crack. It will also help to keep the glove webbing taut. According to the experts, this specially formulated oil will not damage the glove, as some compounds will. "Experts be dashed", dads everywhere exclaim. Their homegrown solutions are devised from things that only a dad can come up with. Dads will break in a baseball glove using Vaseline, saddle soap, foam shaving cream, mink oil, or tanners glove oil. Some secret glove recipes even call for you to put the glove in the oven for a few minutes to bake in the oils and foams. Whether you choose to follow modern science, or rely on your dad's tried and true traditions, hopefully you'll come out of hibernation in the spring with a baseball glove that's broken in, soft and ready to play ball.


Saturday, August 27, 2016

Playing darts

Playing darts is easy to learn and a lot of fun. Though there are certain variations on the game, basic rules and standards apply. Whether you are an avid darter, a recreational player or a first-timer, playing darts is a great way to relax and socialize. Before you play, there are some important things that you need to know. Like any other sport, playing darts involves its own set of standards and rules. If you want to play a proper game of darts, follow these guidelines: Dartboard Layout To familiarize yourself with the game of darts, you must first understand the layout of the dartboard. Regulation dartboards measure 18 inches in diameter and are divided into 20 numbered sections or "wedges". Each wedge includes single, double and triple sections, and all sections meet at the bullseye at the center of the board. The wedge segments (single, double, triple) differ only in the point values. The bullseye is considered the main target on the board and holds the highest value at 50 points. The wedged marked with a "20" is always centered at the top. Basic Rules Playing darts involves just a few rules. First and foremost is the position of the board. Under the basic rules of darts, the board is hung with the bulls eye located exactly 5 feet 8 inches from the floor. According to World Darts Federation guidelines, the throwing line, or "oche", is to be marked on the floor, exactly 7 feet, 9.25 inches from the face of the board. The oche is commonly marked using non-skid tape. When throwing darts, a player may not step past the oche. He or she may step on the line, but not over it. Each player throws three darts to complete a turn. To decide who throws first, all players shoot one dart. The player shooting closest to the bullseye gets the first turn. Players are usually allowed to warm up before a game begins. Each person takes turns throwing nine darts. Once the game is in play, each shooter throws three darts. The score is tallied and the darts are removed before the next player takes a shot. Points are counted depending on where the dart lands on the board. Each segment has its own point value, with doubles and triples bringing twice or three times that segment's point value. If a dart misses the board entirely or falls from the board before a count of five, that dart's score is counted as zero. Play alternates in this manner until one player reaches the designated score. There are a number of variations on the basic game, but they all hold one common element: playing darts is a fun way for players of all skill levels to relax with friends.


Friday, August 26, 2016

Golf and the art of concentration

Concentration is the root of human performance. It is much more than the ability of not being distracted or even visualizing the shot. Granted, hardly any of the authors of ANY golf training book have comprehensive training in golf psychology, so let me give you some tips for peak concentration on the golf course. I’m not talking about “grinding” out on the course...this will burn you out early in the round and mentally deplete you. First off, dance with which you brought to the course...in other words, don’t try to fix your swing out on the course. There is plenty of time to fix your swing on the range after the round. Your job on the course is to play golf, not play swing...you need to score! Your thoughts need to be focused on getting the ball into the cup in the least amount of strokes possible...the object of the game! (How soon we forget this fact) The only things you should be thinking about while you plan your shot is the target, distance, direction, wind speed, your lie...and any other factor that comes into play. Forget about your last shot and what score you might shoot... Concentrate on the shot at hand... You need to discipline yourself to stay in the moment...this takes time to master...if you want to become an accomplished golfer you MUST master this skill. Once upon a time your ability to concentrate was incredible. Before you could think or understand what words are. This was when you were a baby. Your brain was a sponge. As a baby you could hold your attention on anything in your field of vision without any distracting thoughts. As you got older and learned how to talk and to think you soon became aware of that little voice inside your head that seems to be with you during every waking moment. It is that little voice that you can’t quiet no matter how hard you try. It is always telling you that the golf shot is too hard, or the other guy is better than you. Zen master Dogen-Zenji teaches not to stop negative thoughts in your mind...let them stop by themselves. If some negative thought comes into your mind, let it come in, let it go out. It will not stay long if you are not attached to the thought. When you TRY to stop your thinking of a negative thought, it means you are bothered by it. Do not be bothered by anything. It may appear as if negative thoughts come from outside your mind, but actually they are only waves of your mind, and if you are not bothered by the waves, gradually they will become calmer and calmer. In five or ten minutes your mind will be completely serene and calm. At this time your breathing will become quite slow. Now that your breathing is slow and your mind is calm, you can nourish your mind with positive thoughts. Your mind follows your breathing, if you are breathing slowly; your mind is ready to focus on only the thoughts that will allow you to play the shot at hand. If your ego gets in the way and you are thinking of how to impress someone, this thought will get in the way of your objective to play the shot at hand. Let the thought come and let it pass...do not try to get rid of it, let it pass on its own, like a wave on the ocean! Hit 'em Long & Straight! John Lynch