Introduction

Cycle ball, if you are not familiar with this game, is otherwise known as Rad ball. It is said to be a combination of cycling and football and was invented by a German-American, named Edward Kaufmann. It is considered an unusual sport in the United States, but has been around since the late 19th century. It first gained popularity in Europe and reached the far flung shores of Asia, like Japan.

How the Game is Played

Cycle ball is a fun game to watch. It is played around a basketball field with an area of 36 x 46 feet. The play-off consists of two teams with two players per team. The players ride around the field; and using their heads and front wheels, they shoot a ball through their opponent's goals to score a point. The team that has the most number of goals wins the game.

The Professional Player

Unlike other sports that you see on sports news, there is no money to be made in Cycle Ball. Players normally have full time jobs, and trains only during competitions. These games can cost the players a lot of money in terms of bike expenses. Since these matches call for unavoidable contact with each other, these oftentimes result to a lot of money expended by the players for cycle ball bikes alone. Still, the game is exciting and spectacular. Players normally spare no expenses in getting the best and top-of-the line bike wheels that are available in the market today.

The Equipment Used

The cycle ball bikes used for these games are specially constructed and optimized for Cycling Ball. These bikes are more durable than the bikes that we used in going to school. The cycle ball bike's reconstructed features include: the seat is positioned at the back tire; use of single gear for ease of movement and mobility, and; the handlebars point straight up. The bikes are heavier than ordinary bikes and costs around 2,000 Euros or around $2,534 U.S. Dollars. For the games, players are required to have lots of practice and experience in riding so as to keep their balance during shootouts and gametime.

What are Cycle Ball Bicycles

Cycle Ball Bikes are extra-ordinary bikes, unlike the bikes that we normally see on the streets. They are especially designed for extra strength and special movements. These special movements would include turning, shooting, dashing and outright breaks and stopping. This bike is a powerhouse, with one piece construction for its handlebars that are welded straight into the stem. This allows for forceful shooting during competitions and play. Other features would include:

1. The saddle is attached to a seat post that extends to the rear side to enable you to pull your hips back when you are playing. This feature is particularly useful when a powerful kick is necessary so you don't tumble over.

2. The front rear and gear ratio is fixed at 1:1 for better control and acceleration of the bikes. This would allow you to make sudden breaks, back-ups, dashes and other movements without fear of tipping over.

3. The chains used are thicker than ordinary bikes and can withstand the rigors of play. Frames are likewise thicker so as to absorb the extreme strong forces generated during turning and shooting once you join these matches.

4. These bikes do not have brakes unlike the bikes that we ordinarily use. To stop the bike, players or you would have to used both feet in order to stop it.

5. The gears are capable of moving the bicycles from 2.5 to 3 meters per full pedal revolution, so it would be less tiresome for you to pedal it.

6. The cap nuts make used of acorn nuts that are capped at the ends of the hub to prevent injury. These bikes also uses 24 teeth chain wheel and 22 teeth fixed gear for ease of mobility and biking comfort.

The cycle ball bikes have been tested for comfort, durability and safety. You can have one of those without fear of toppling over, and a guarantees that it would last for several years to come!

Consolacion S. Miravite is a Certified Public Accountant, Real Estate Broker, Lead Farmer, Trader, Accounting Professor, Free Lance Writer and Blogger. She has written for various publications and organizations on subject areas that include - Finance, Accounting, E-marketing, Computers, Reviews, Academe, and crafts among others.

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Torn Apart By a Tornado

It is hard to put into words what it is like when your world is torn apart by a tornado. I live in Carthage, Missouri near Joplin, where on May 22, 2011 my family and I survived an EF-5 tornado. Unfortunately, 161 people and over 7,000 homes did not.

The pictures on television cannot accurately portray the reality of the city after that storm. Much of the city's infrastructure and landmarks were destroyed. I am a US Naval Academy graduate, Class of 2000 ('00 for short). As it happens, during this time a team of midshipmen (the name for Academy students), led by one of my classmates, LCDR John Woods '00, were in the area for a USNA summer training evolution through the Oceanography Department called SWIFT (Severe Weather In-Field Training). Two days after the storm, the training group diverted to the Joplin area to assist with Search and Rescue before returning to Annapolis. During their search in the debris field just outside of town, the team found a tattered American flag in the woods and took it with them back to USNA.

Those mids never forgot Joplin or the aftermath they witnessed of the storm. Four of the members of the original team, along with six other members of MAG (Midshipmen Action Group), decided to return to Joplin in March 2012. Led by Midshipman Stephanie Migut '12, this group of ten mids gave up their spring break. My guess is they gave up a lot to come to Joplin, but looking back on it, I bet they were glad they chose "the road less traveled."

The storm was ten months ago. Joplin has come a long way since then; yet there are still jarring reminders of what happened. Houses still in shambles and businesses are still torn apart; the rebuilding of lives continues. The midshipmen were put to work with a local Lutheran church-based foundation called Transform Joplin. The team worked on cleaning glass and debris out of yards for people who were unable to do so for themselves, re-shingling roofs and preparing housing foundations for new homes. The mids worked very hard for Joplin, and the families they helped are incredibly grateful.

As a Blue & Gold Officer for the Four States area (SW Missouri, SE KS, NW OK and a tiny bit of AR), I jumped at the chance to support these mids when they offered to visit a local school to promote the USNA STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Math) program. At a local elementary school, Stephanie Migut '12, Ryan Schmidt '13, Marhall Liu '14 and Lucille Lu '14 conducted science experiments with the kids and answered their sweet, very honest questions. Who knows? Maybe one of these young fourth graders will become a midshipman one day.

Remember the flag the mids had found during shortly after the tornado hit? John Woods arranged to have the flag delivered to CDR Timothy A. Rexrode, CO of the USS MISSOURI (SSN 780) to fly over the submarine in honor of Joplin. A case was made specifically for the tattered flag at USNA which was then presented to the Mayor of Joplin, Mike Woolston, during the mids' trip. The Mayor is a former Marine Corps officer who was touched not only by the fact the midshipmen brought the flag back home but that they were helping Joplin's citizens. There is a plan to build a museum in Joplin dedicated to the tornado, and the flag will be prominently displayed there.

Toward the end of the trip, the mids and I travelled south of Joplin to Bentonville to meet with the Arkansas alumni, most notably RDML Luke McCollum '83, at Wal-Mart headquarters. There we had a short leadership symposium with other Walmart alumni where we told sea stories and some lessons learned for the mids. After a wonderful lunch together, we all visited Crystal Bridges, the brand new Museum of American Art in Bentonville. Again, the visitors to the museum were amazed to see midshipmen in uniform. It was uplifting to have civilians, adults and children stop the midshipmen to ask them about where they were from and their experiences. The more we can promote the Naval Academy the better!

To bring this story to a close, I can only say I was intensely proud of the midshipmen. As we transit through the Academy and leave its hallowed halls, we can only hope that the classes that come after us will continue to uphold the traditions and honor of our school and the Navy. This team showed the Southwest Missouri area the best of what the United States Naval Academy stands for.

It should be noted that funding for the trip was made possible by the USNA Alumni Foundation, and assistance with lodging and food were provided for by alumni from Missouri and Arkansas.

Lori Buresh
CEO, The Professional Development Team

Learn more about how leadership training and process management can make a difference for your business! Visit us on the web athttp://www.the-pdt.com or email info@the-pdt.com

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Tankless Water Heaters Vs Traditional Water Heaters: What's the Difference?

You use your hot water for myriad household tasks, from washing dishes and laundry to bathing. It's important to have a hot water heater that's up to the job of providing enough hot water for your family's needs. In addition to choosing from a variety of brands and models, you may be given the option of a tankless water heater. So how does the tankless version differ from the traditional water heater designs that have been available for homes for over a century, and how do you know if one is right for your home? Talk to your technician about the pros and cons for your specific situation and consider what matters to you: energy efficiency, cost and monthly bills, hot water capacity, or other factors.

What Is a Tankless Water Heater?

Traditional water heaters keep a supply of hot water in a reservoir, the size of which can vary depending on your hot water needs and the size of your home. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, heat water on demand. They have long been more popular in Europe than in the U.S., but over the last few decades more Americans have become interested in transitioning to tankless technology for their hot water needs. Whether you can easily upgrade to a state-of-the-art tankless unit may depend upon your building's existing pipe structure; older buildings in the U.S. may not be equipped for tankless water heating without a major plumbing overhaul.

Benefits of Going Tankless

While traditional units can run out of water if you decide to shower, do laundry, and run the dishwasher all at the same time, tankless water heaters are designed to provide a continuous supply of hot water, but only when it's called for. This eliminates the energy being used to keep water hot and ready 24/7, which can lower your energy bills. Additionally, tankless units are much smaller than their tanked counterparts, so they don't take up valuable real estate in your home. Tankless units are available for use with gas and electric power, and your water heater technician can advise you on the right unit or units for your hot water needs.

Cons to Consider

Tankless models aren't appropriate for all climates, particularly very cold areas. They also tend to cost more than their tanked counterparts, which means it could take you a while to recoup the extra money in energy bill savings. Installation itself is also more expensive, as you'll need to find a technician who specializes in tankless technology. Retrofitting a building with old plumbing for a brand-new tankless model only adds to the cost. If you want to upgrade your old water heater to a more energy-efficient and effective model without spending a fortune, it's possible to do so without going tankless; speak to your water heater installation contractor about your options. A professional, experienced, and reliable technician should be honest with you about what's best for your home.

The moral of the story is that while tankless units use is on the rise--and for good reason--there's no one-size-fits-all solution for every building. You have to do your research and hire a plumber or water heater expert who will advise you on the best course of action for your needs. Whether you go tankless or stick with a traditional unit, the end goal is to have enough hot water without breaking the bank either initially or on monthly energy bills.

Kelly Robertson is a home improvement buff and a senior Internet marketing strategist at the SEO firm Prospect Genius.

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The Truth Revealed About the American Express Gold Card

The American Express Gold Card has been around ever since I can remember. Growing up in the 1980s having this plastic gold card in your wallet was a real status symbol. Times have changed and other more prestigious cards have come out such as the Platinum Card. The Black Card has become some sort of an urban legend as well. These products have always represented some sort of affluence. Even though, other cards have been introduced, the American Express Gold Card remains to be one of the best reward credit card on the market. Take a look at some of the features and benefits that this card offers and decide if what they offer fits your lifestyle.

The Amex Gold Card has been known for its excellent reward offers ever since the inception of the rewards system. Today, you can earn 10,000 membership reward points as soon as you reach your fist $500 of spending within 3 months of being an account holder. You can use your points earned for gift certificates at restaurants and participating department stores. Earn 1 bonus point for almost every dollar that you spend in addition to the 10,000 introductory offer points. Furthermore, American Express will offer you triple rewards for shopping at participating merchants that are available through their BonusPointsMall.com. Many American Express partners include but not limited to giants such as Home Depot, The Gap and Ticketmaster. You also get Gold Card Events which gives you exclusive tickets access to events such as concerts, sporting events, movies and shows.

You can redeem your rewards by contacting customer service or going to your on line account and following the instructions. Knowing that you can use your rewards points for all sorts of activities such as vacationing or restaurants will make you happy. Office expenditures that are reimbursed will rack up rewards for employed professionals. These rewards can than be used at a later date for fun activities such as dining out or taking a vacation.

Amex Gold Card account holders are required to pay their balance in full every month, so be prepared. No pre set spending limit is set, however, this does not mean that you can spend without limits. In order to determine your creditworthiness, Amex will look at your spending history, your credit as well as other resources. An extended payment plan is offered to those that qualify. The option to interest free or in the future with a low rate is up to you. The annual fee is $125 for the card. For the points, the fee is definitely worth it. Rewards points will be in abundance, especially, if you pay your bill on time every month. Lastly, remember to always use any credit card product responsibly or you will end up with big problems.

To apply for the American Express Gold Card please visit the following URL:www.creditcardsmadesimple.com/View-Cards/Charge/American_Express_Gold_Card/

Also check out Low Interest Credit Card

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Marathon Training Program

You can find books about marathon training and plenty of websites online that provide training programs. Regardless of your level of experience, there are programs that are designed for your ability levels.

Before you begin training, beginners should take a cautious approach and start small. Doing too much too soon is placing more demands on your body that it's capable of handling. Running a marathon should not be taken lightly; finishing one requires dedication and a lot of training. In fact, ideally one should be a runner for at least a year in order to prepare the mind and body for marathon training.

Regardless of where you get a marathon training program, be sure that it's very structured and detailed. It should break down into phases: build-up, taper off, and recovery once the race has been completed. A program should always be followed exactly as it's laid out; each phase plays an important role in getting the best results. Deviating from it in anyway or having a lack of focus during any part of the training could have an impact on the results you get.

The build up phase is fairly self-explanatory; it involves building up stamina at a steady pace. Dramatic increases in distance should be avoided; the distance you run early on in your training should be consistent for awhile. A 10% increase is a good number to shoot for.

Dramatic increase of distance will not give the body ample time to adjust, which could increase the risk of injury. Having a structured program takes the guesswork out of your training and prevents you from doing too much on a given day. You could run short distances during weekdays, and one long run on the weekends.

The shorter distance running throughout the week will give the body a break from the long-distance running.

The next phase of the marathon-training program is the taper period. The month before the race is when your training should be tapering off. It's designed to help the body recover just a little bit so it's not too tired for the race. The rule of thumb is to cut back your mileage by 25% during this time. During the final week, you should be running only a few short distances. You will feel the results of the tapering off during the day of the race when you are flexible, well-rested, and in peak condition.

Once the marathon is over, then the recovery phase begins. This period includes rest so your body can recuperate from all the training and the competition. The success of any marathon training program is measured can ultimately be measured by the level of commitment made by the participant.

Casio Sports Watch Reviews
Timex Sports Watch Reviews

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Can Alternative Therapies Cure Cancer?

Cancer claims more than 8 million lives each year. For the past 50 years, scientists made drastic discoveries that positively affected many aspects of our lives. Yet, since 50 years, the diagnostic and treatment of cancer remains the same.

Conventional cancer treatment includes surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Doctor John Cairns from Harvard declared that "Chemotherapy drugs are of benefit to at most 5% of cancer patients they are given to, but are routinely given to 50% of patients". On the other hand, there are thousands of persons diagnosed with cancer who successfully managed to beat their disease through alternative and non-conventional treatments. Most of alternative cancer treatments are purely based on herbs decoction and the intake of natural food particularly organic fresh vegetables and fruits that are rich in antioxidant, minerals and vitamins. More and more scientific studies prove that vegetables and fruits are indispensable for an optimal health as they give a boost to the immune system helping it heal the body.

On the other hand, there's an herbs decoction promoted by Rene Caisse that proved to cure cancer. It all started in 1922, when Rene Caisse, a Canadian Nurse, found a scare in an elderly patient. When she asked her about it, the women told her that in the 1890s she was diagnosed with breast cancer but having no money to undergo a breast surgery, an old Indian medicine man from the Ojibwa tribe gave her a mixture of herbal tea claiming that it will cure her breast cancer. Following his advice, the lady took the herbal tea and was still alive, cancer free, for almost 30 years later. Rene took the recipe just in case she might need it herself one day. In 1924, she tested the decoction tea on her aunt who was diagnosed with stomach cancer and was given 6 month to live. Her aunt lived for another 21 years old cancer free. The four herbs Caisse used were burdock root, sheep sorrel (whole herb including the roots), slippery elm and turkey rhubarb. She branded her formula and began successfully treating patients.

Furthermore, laboratory research prove that mistletoe has an anti-cancer properties and greatly stimulates the immune system.

Let's hope that more serious and objective studies are undertaken by official organizations such as the FDA and the AMA regarding alternative cancer treatments so that one day cancer becomes history or a simple ailment that can be cured through widely available and affordable treatments.

Tina has over 18 years of work experience and is currently working as a freelance translator and Business copywriter in English, Arabic and French.

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Choose Good Summer Car Tires

At some point or the other, one needs to replace their car tires. This ensures safety and also enhances the handling ability and fuel economy of the car. Tires should be inspected regularly for wear and tear, preferably by professionals. A general rule of thumb is: If the tread depth has worn to 1/16 mm (2/32"), it is time for a replacement.

The all-season tires are marked as M+S which stands for mud and snow. They are made for spring and winter weather conditions. That apart; there is a numeric code (for e.g. 175/70R13 82T) which signifies the width in millimeters, as well as the aspect ratio and tire's load and speed rating etc.

The new replacement tires should also have these same numbers except for the last letter that indicates the tire's speed rating. Letters like T, H and S etc indicate the speed limits that should not be crossed when using these tires. The higher the number preceding this letter, indicates a more stable and rigid tire at high speeds. Naturally, you also need to pay more for such tires.

If you live in a region where summers tend to get extremely hot, then summer tires are a must. Such tires are made with special compounds that allow for better grip on heated roads. Summer tires also enhance the performance and handling efficiency at the same time, keep the car safe by improving the braking and handling aspects.

That apart, the summer tires must also be able to handle the weight of the vehicle. So, the new tires should not be undersized. For most cars and vans, the diameter change of plus/minus 3 percent is acceptable. For SUVs and pickup trucks the engineering can handle a 15 percent oversized tires. For the sake of convenience, tire manufacturers have come up with Plus Sizing, which accounts for available sizes in tires and wheels. Based on this, one can choose the right tire width for adequate load bearing capability. Many websites have a convenient feature of allowing you to enter the make, model and year of your car based on which you are recommended the correct tire size. The owner's manual may also guide you on the right sizing of summer tires and many times this information is stamped on the door jam or gas cap.

Finally, before purchasing the tires, one must always consider the worst weather conditions that one might need to drive in. Based on this, one can choose all weather tires or purchase separate sets of wheels for the summer or snow.

Choose good summer tires for your car, and you can also buy other car parts, Honda prelude accessories, Honda Jazz accessories at reliable car parts store.

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