Rugby League Memorabilia Tips

Collectors need to follow some specific guidelines for determining the value of sports collectibles as well as finding legitimate sources to purchase authentic rugby league memorabilia.
For the definitive collector, the wonderful thing about rugby league memorabilia is that it increases in value. If you are a collector of vintage souvenirs, your main concern is protecting them from damage and deterioration.
You probably started your collection with the intent to keep it forever, never expecting to sell even one piece. That is commendable, but things are always subject to change as time passes. Knowing that you can get a gainful return on the items you have collected is a comfort in uncertain times.
Any sports memorabilia autographed by former players or coaches is a good basis for starting a collection, and it is hard to make a bad choice as long as an item is legitimate. However, more value is placed on items actually used or worn by famous players, especially those who have died.
Of course, the most sought after rugby league memorabilia consists of items that were of limited issue and not expected to be re-released. Signed sports memorabilia from players who do not typically give their autographs is another highly attractive venue for collectors.
If you reside in England, Australia, France, or New Zealand it is easier for you to find rugby league memorabilia than in countries not famous for the sport. Buying items from countries where you do not live can be risky if these purchases are not protected in some way. Of course, eBay is one place where sales are ongoing for signed sports memorabilia.
Unfortunately for collectors, there are some people looking to rook buyers by offering items that appear to be authentic rugby collectibles, but are in fact clever forgeries. Any purchase you plan to make from unknown sources requires research on your part before you spend your money. About the only way to lose on sports memorabilia is for someone to trick you into paying for phony keepsakes.
Online shopping is a great way to get the items you want if you are dealing with legitimate companies or individuals, but with all the choices available, it is easy to fall prey to charlatans and tricksters. You may find some traders who offer a grace period in which you can check any purchase for authenticity.
Most true collectibles come with a seal of authenticity from a reputable appraisal company. Any posting of collectible items should provide this information, or make a note that no verification will be produced. Costs for uncertified signed sports memorabilia should be much less than items with the seal.…

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How to Kickflip Like a Pro

Skateboarding – How To Kick Flip
Are you on the go for extreme sports? What about the adrenalin rush that will come into your veins every time you go for the hype? Well, if you love all these, then this article is for you.
Skateboarding is one of the famous extreme sports that most boys and men love doing. It might look so easy using the skateboard, doing stunts, kickflips and many more but in reality it is more than a board.
To give you an overview of what skateboarding is, well, it is the act of using a skateboard to perform certain tricks or simply riding on it. The rider is referred as “skater”. You might be familiar with the song of Avril Lavigne “Skaterboi”. For sure, you will now have an idea on how a skater is perceived by the public and how misconceptions destroy everything. But this has dramatically changed a lot with the introduction of extreme sports, and how competitions make a skater famous and the envy of many.
There are quite a lot of skateboarding tricks and techniques to name a few: ollie (off curb), caveman, ollie (downstairs), 360 ollie, ollie 180, 360 flip, powerslide, bert slide, boardslide, kickturns, pop shuvit, heelflip and many more.
Well, if you are on the verge of starting up your skateboarding career, you must learn one of the hardest techniques ever that is the kickflip. This is the most popular of all, and audience would always be amaze if someone does this trick smoothly. So are you ready to learn this very complicated skateboard technique? If yes, read further.
How to kickflip? You need to know how to do an ollie first. After which, you have to flick your skateboard with your feet and spin it while you up on the air. For a simple kickflip, the board should flip and spins once, and then lands on the ground smoothly, wheels on the ground and eventually you ride away. All these will have to happen in a matter of seconds. Before you know it, you have done a kickflip already. It is quite normal if you experience some bruises or failures in doing this famous trick. But hey, practice makes perfect!
It’s fascinating when you will bring along your skateboard out on the streets together with your buddies and start skateboarding. You can use the stairs but be very careful. To keep you protected and safe from incurring injuries or bruises when you do skateboarding, use helmet and knee pads.
Want to try extreme sports? Try skateboarding; take new heights into different levels. You will certainly love to be on top, on the air with your board, doing some tricks, impressing a lot of chicks and fellow skaters plus tagging the trophy when you win contests for skateboarding. Convert a simple hobby of skateboarding into something worthwhile. You can bond with your fellow skaters, be famous for winning competitions, and be involved with a sport that is extremely fun. …

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The Ice Breaker

I had moved from my sleepy little hometown to the city, about twenty-five miles away. Fresh out of our tiny college, I was making my way as a junior copy-editor at a small magazine. Small magazine, small salary, small apartment… and a lot of homesickness. It’s not easy being truly on your own. Even through college, I’d stayed close (about five miles, actually) to my family. Now, although twenty-five miles is not technically a long distance, I was really separated from them. I couldn’t just run over to Mom’s for dinner after a long day of classes. When I called the house, everyone was busy, following their usual routine. Their lives were clearly still in motion in my absence. But mine was stalling a little, in theirs.
Still, I adored my job. It was so much fun, and I was gradually making friends, waiting to meet people who really shared my interests. And… I had my eye on one of my co-workers, who happened to be English. Fabulous accent, of course. He seemed really, really nice, and I was pretty sure from the office gossip that he was single. My only trouble was meeting him. I know this is bad, but I have a tendency to let people come to me. It’s really hard for me to be “outgoing,” and when I try, I feel like I’m acting the role of the ultra-friendly girl.
Unfortunately, it seemed that Mr. Nice was also on the reserved side. Actually, it seemed more like he just didn’t notice me, which was discouraging. But an awesome icebreaker was to come my way, in the shape of a tiny gold cufflink.
Something of a classy dresser, Mr. Nice always sported a pair of engraved gold cufflinks in a classic, old-Hollywood font. It was one of those little details that you kind of obsess about when you don’t really know someone. I was mentally building up this image of him as a young Orson Welles. So when I passed him in the hallway one day, I paused once I had gotten past the corner (this is embarrassing), just so I could peep around it for a second look.
I peeped. Thinking back, I am extremely glad he wasn’t taking a second look at me. Well, actually, that might have been nice. But I digress. I peeped, and noticed a little golden shiny object on the floor. A cufflink! Slowly I picked it up, imagining myself returning it in a Jane Eyre-type scene, full of witty, yet moving dialogue. Then my pragmatic self stepped in. ‘This is ridiculous. Stop being so goofy-he’s just an ordinary guy, no big deal, definitely not Orson Welles. Return the cufflink, or put it in the Lost and Found, for Pete’s sake! But do NOT cast yourself as Joan Fontaine or you’ll make an idiot out of yourself, in front of him!’
Ha. Resolute. That was me. I walked confidently, briskly down the hall to his office, rapped smartly at the door, …

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Which is the Easiest Football Betting System?

Sitting and watching the football game with the boys just lifts the spirits of most guys. Over the years, the typical guy party has extended to using many a football betting system to increase the pleasure of healthy competition off the field. That is why it is important that you read this review to understand that there is an easy system that you can use without risking your bank account in the process.
The easiest football betting system is by far one with fixed odds. In fact, such a system allows you to identify patterns in varied matches and add in necessary data by using simple and proven mathematical type formulas. Instead of wishing and hoping, you use simple logic and methods that are affordable and well-recognized by most bookmakers. In fact, most bookmakers recommend this type of system. So, let’s have a look which ones stand up to the test of time and proven profits:
• Compiler System – works best over the long-term using odds-on, short-priced picks on all football games; it doesn’t guarantee getting rich fast, but works by giving you an easy to use system for getting that edge on betting on games
• Football Maestro System – offers a proven striking rate around eighty percent with the ability to generate steady, but proven and legitimate profits over the long-term; can be easily programmed for small to high payouts; encourages money management and controlled gambling which is key to making consistent types of wins
Both of these hold the number one position as the easiest systems to use. If you want consistent winnings over the long-term, and are willing to be patient, either one of these will do as a good football betting system. In fact, you can find them online and try them out for at least a month to see if they work for you. Best of all, both are very affordable which means you can earn back your investment in the software systems as you slowly reel in your winnings.…

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Tips For Choosing the Best Protein Powder For Bodybuilding

Professional bodybuilders are required to follow a low-carb, high protein diet in order to maximize muscle gains and improve their performance. A high quality nutrition program ensures optimal recovery after intensive training sessions and competitions, which in turn boosts performance over time. Making sure the right type of protein powder is being consumed at regular intervals throughout the day is essential for overall health and metabolic efficiency.
There are several different types of protein powders available on the market, and the final choice depends on whether the athlete is on a vegan diet, an ultra low-carb diet, or if they are allergic to milk or soy products. The most common types of protein powders and shakes available are: soy protein powders; whey protein powders; calcium caseinate protein powders; and rice protein powders. Individuals who want to add these powders to their nutrition program can ask the following questions to determine which types will be the best fit with their specific dietary needs:
1. Is the protein powder available in a ready-to-drink format? Many nutrition supplement companies make protein powders that can be consumed as a shake after adding water or juice, or in a ready-to-drink formula that can be consumed on the go. The ready-to-drink option can be valuable for those who lead very busy lifestyles and do not have the means to make a shake at home or at the office.
2. What amino acids does the protein powder contain? Read the ingredients list to find out what amino acids are included in the formula. Amino acids are essential for protein synthesis and muscle repair, and although some forms of protein have naturally occurring amino acids, many shakes and supplements contain more of these nutrients which can be valuable for the average athlete. John Hansen, author of the book, “Natural Bodybuilding” points out that consuming whey protein after a workout provides the most important amino acids for muscle cell repair and growth.
3. What flavors are available? Most brands of protein powder are available in plain, vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and tropical flavors, making it easier for the average bodybuilder or athlete to enjoy a varied diet. Consider the different flavors or a particular brand, and taste test several varieties to make sure you enjoy the taste and texture of the product. This is especially important if you plan to buy the powder in bulk.
4. Is the powder designed to be a meal replacement or a snack? Selecting a meal replacement powder means you may need to make significant changes to your diet to accommodate for the new food item. Protein powders designed to be snacks are usually lower in calories than the meal replacement variety, and may be a better option for you if you are trying to stick with a low-calorie diet.
5. How can it be used? While most protein powders and supplements can be mixed easily with juice and water, some may not dissolve easily in shakes and soups. Try different brands and varieties to …

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A Good Sports Bra is Good For Your Back and Your Breasts

You’ve probably heard that you should wear a good bra but do you know how important it is when it comes to you exercising and working out? If you want to keep yourself in good shape, part of this will require getting the right bra. A good sports bra will help you in more ways than you imagine. The right sports bra is good for your back and for your breasts.
The right sports bra can prevent saggy or dropping breasts and it can help prevent back pain and other damage caused by the motions of exercising. Whether you are going for a jog, working out in the gym or playing your favorite sport, you need to be sure you have the right sports bra for the occasion.
To understand why a good bra will help you, it’s important to know something about your body. Your breasts do not contain anything to support themselves naturally. Even if you work out and build chest muscle, there is little in the way of support for the breasts which are made up of mostly fatty tissues. There is something called Cooper’s Ligaments which helps you naturally support your breasts and also the skin which will stretch over time. So you need something additional to help you support your breasts.
Exercising without the proper support can cause pain, especially with larger breasts that move around during exercise. A sport bra is made to support the breasts, fit snugly and not allow for movement of the breasts while running or exercising. This prevents one thing that most women dread- sagging breasts. It also prevents pain that can come after exercising and stretching of the skin. Breasts that are not properly supported, especially larger breasts, have been known to cause back and neck problems as well.
Any type of bra will give you more support than none at all but if you want maximum support, you want a sport bra designed for use in exercise and activity and you want to be sure it is in the proper size for you. An incorrectly sized bra can cause discomfort. Sports bras as specifically designed to be more supportive, more absorbent and are usually created with breathable, stretchable fabric.
They help reduce irritation by pulling sweat away from the body. A good sports bra will have cups to support the breasts and prevent movement from side to side. This also prevents the dreaded uni-breast effect that comes from cheap sport bra that squishes both breasts together in the middle.
A good sports bra will also have wide, non-elastic straps and any fasteners will be coated or covered to prevent running against the skin or body. They come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors to suit your needs. When you choose the right sports bra, you are doing your body and your breasts a big favor.…

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Beef Up Your Team Or Business With Sports Shaped Stress Balls

Promotional sports balls have emerged as one of the most popular tools for building up a brand. Their appeal lies on the fact that they are more affordable compared to the traditional modes of advertising. Giving out sports shaped stress balls brings out the fun in promoting your business or team to the industry. They can ensure continuous promotions for your business because the customer will most likely use the merchandise during stressful conditions.
Sports shaped stress balls come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most popular types of balls are from various sports such as soccer, rugby, cricket, football, baseball, among others. Balls have even been patterned after popular sports figures, such as coaches or referees. According to a 2009 survey, American football has emerged as the most popular shape of stress ball.
When considering sports shaped stress balls, you need to make sure that it will be compatible to what your team or business represent. If your squad is playing football, then choose a shape or design that is associated with the sport. In the choice of color, it should not be dominant to your team logo. They are not only ideal to give out during sporting events but also excellent corporate gifts.
Sports balls can ensure continuous promotions for your business because whenever your customer uses them to cheer for their favorites, your business will surely be promoted. There are different varieties of sports balls available at your disposal so you can choose the one that suits your budget. Chocolate sports balls can make watching a sporting event more enjoyable and sweet.
Sports balls are more affordable than billboards or newspaper advertisements. For optimum results, you can order them in bulk. This will free you from having to worry about what item to give out on your next campaign. However, provide at least four weeks for your order so provide ample time for the production and delivery with the date of your event.
Finding the most appropriate stress balls for your business is easy with the proliferation of so many promotional products suppliers. It will always be best to shop around and compare various offers before settling with one supplier. Feel free to ask for a sample to help you make a sound decision. This is one way of checking the quality of the products of the supplier.
Despite the minimal investment, promotional sports balls can deliver optimum results for your business. You could be enjoying the benefits sooner than expected. Market with sports balls and make a difference in your industry.…

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Things Parents Should Never Say to Athletes

In my many years of teaching baseball and softball, coaching and parenting, I have noticed that parents often put pressure on kids without even realizing that is what they are doing. This pressure leads to tension between parents and their sports playing kids that may never go away. Parents feel like they are just trying to help their kids but the kids are getting a different message.
Of course, it is important to realize that small amounts of tension between parents and kids are unavoidable because of the various emotions that playing youth sports creates for all. Occasional tension, frustration and failure to meet expectations is normal and does not threaten long-term relationships. However, parents often overdo their scrutiny of their child’s play and stain their relationship with their kids.
Following are things parents should observe that will help them to know if they are putting excessive pressure on their kids.
1. Kids get mad every time you say something about their play.
2. Kids will not practice with parent or always leaves practice mad at their parent.
3. Kids are constantly looking to parent when they do something good or bad on the field.
4. Kids seem to perform better when parent is not at game.
Additionally, some parental statements seem pretty innocuous on the surface but eventually they create tension and resentment. At the very least, these statements and questions can take the fun out of play for kids. (Listed from bad to worse)
1. Why did you do that?
2. What were you thinking out there?
3. Why didn’t you do what I told you to do?
4. When I was your age, I could already do
5. You have to practice more
6. Look at me when I talk to you
7. I thought you wanted to play
8. That was embarrassing
9. You will never get anywhere doing that
10. Do what I tell you and not what your coach tells you to do
11. I am not paying for you to play if that is how you are going to play
12. Forget it; I am not coming to your games anymore
Once again, some of these may seem like legitimate questions but the emotional way they are said or asked, automatically create tension in kids. The good news is that positive parents, who avoid using these statements, will eliminate unnecessary tension with their kids.…

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Turning Your Weaknesses Into Strengths to Become More Successful and Happier

Tom Dempsey was born with a partial right arm, and only half a right foot. To most, that would have ruled out a life in football, but Tom had a different belief system.
He developed a custom kicking shoe that fit his disfigured foot, with a flat toe about three inches in diameter. With hard work, Tom mastered the technique of his special equipment. He would swing his leg and drive the ball like a polo player using a mallet, propelling a football long distances.
Unbelievably, Tom made it to the NFL and landed a job as kicker for a new team, the New Orleans Saints. The Saints were finishing up a dismal season. With only one win to date, they were playing a much better team, the Detroit Lions. With just two seconds remaining on the clock, Tom Dempsey had a chance to kick the game winning field goal. But, there was much more than just the game on the line: history was at stake. Dempsey hit a 63 yard field goal through the uprights-the longest field goal ever, propelling the Saints to a 19-17 victory. That kick was a defining moment in his life. Using his special strength, Dempsey became an inspiration to millions on that day in 1970.
All true winners have learned to turn an apparent weakness into a strength. David Meador is a champion in his own right; David won the U.S blind golf championship. But that is not what makes him special-David has learned to turn his blindness into a platform for his professional speaking business. David speaks around the country about focus-yes focus. He shares with his audiences that blindness has allowed him to remain focused on the important aspects of life. His blindness does not allow him to be distracted by television, YouTube or text messaging, aspects of everyday life that can deter many of us from achieving our potential. As David puts it, he is the only guy in America who can walk into Home Depot and not be distracted by anything on the shelves. David’s blindness is his strength. In fact, his message is so powerful that he usually receives a standing ovation; David’s apparent weakness is his most poignant ally.
Voltaire likened life to a game of cards. Each player must accept the cards dealt to him. But once those cards are in hand, he alone decides how to play them to win the game. Tom Dempsey and David Meador took their cards and played a great hand. What cards have you been dealt?
Drill: Playing your cards
Most people run away from their weaknesses, or just deny their existence. Sometimes it is too painful to acknowledge them or just too energy draining to work on them in our high paced lifestyle. What is not realized is that many of our weaknesses can become a great strength–it all depends on our perspective.
President Andrew Jackson turned an apparent weakness of having an overly hot-temper into a negotiating strength. Andrew …

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Tips For Picking the Right Golf Driver For Your Game

One of the most frustrating aspects of golf is the idea that you can shave off a few unneeded strokes, but you don’t know how. Sometimes, you can take a look at your driver; the driver is crucial in setting up each hole. Here are some tips for picking the right golf driver for your game.
1. The club head – The best club head size for your game is determined in your decision in the balance between control and the size of the “sweet spot”, which is the area that provides the best hit in a shot. The smaller sizes range from 150 to 155 cubic centimeters and are considered standard; they provide the most control but have a smaller sweet spot. Midsized club heads are about 195 cubic centimeters and are moderate in both control and sweet spot size. Oversized heads are any ones larger than midsized. They give the largest sweet spot, but are harder to control, partly because of the sheer weight.
2. The shaft – Choosing a shaft is a two-step process. First, you must decide between graphite and steel shafts. Then, you must choose a flex level. The decision between materials relies on your experience and end goals. Steel shafts are strong, durable, and offer control; however, you must be strong in order to produce the same distance that graphite does. Overall, stronger players should use steel shafts if control isn’t quite up to par. Graphite shafts are versatile but expensive. They are less durable and offer less control, but require less strength.
Flex, as the name implies, is the flexibility of the shaft. There are five basic levels of flex in golf: L for Ladies, A for Seniors, Regular, Stiff, and Extra Stiff. Flexible shafts provide more power, which is a great aspect for beginning players as well as those with weaker swings. However, as shafts become less and less flexible, there is more control available. This is why stronger players should drift towards the Stiff and Extra Stiff flex levels; that is, if you have a 90-110 MPH swing, try out the stiffer two levels. Average swings are around 75-90 MPH, and players with those swings should stick with the regular level for now.
3. The weight and length – Obviously, the basic characteristics of weight and length should be considered. Basically, lighter clubs give faster swing speeds and farther hits. This translates into a simple concept: Players with stronger swings choose heavier clubs for more control. Lighter drivers work better for those without stronger swings.
The length of the driver is another decision in the balance between control and distance. Drivers with a length of 43 to 44 inches are considered traditional. Drivers 45 to 46 inches long can give a slightly longer distance. Any longer than 46 inches poses the opportunity to have a greatly increased potential for distance as well as a greatly decreased range of control.
Many of the aspects that must be considered depend on your swing …

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