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Posts Tagged ‘leisure’

Kobe, Iverson Miss NBA All Star Game

17 Jul

The NBA All Star game was played without a couple of high profile participants this year as the Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant and Philadelphia 76ers’ Allen Iverson would not play due to injury. Kobe and ‘AI’ were the latest in a string of injuries to All Star players that also claimed Portland’s Brandon Roy and New Orleans’ Chris Paul. The NBA has been much more strict about attendance at the All Star game since a number of players skipped out with dubious injuries.

Kobe Bryant has been plagued with minor injuries all year, but missed the Lakers’ last three games prior to the All Star contest due to an ankle sprain. Los Angeles is hopeful that by not playing in the game that Kobe will be able to return to action immediately after play resumes following the All Star break. Bryant did travel to Dallas to participate in All Star game festivities. Kobe is always the center of attention wherever he goes and presided over the annual slam dunk contest as well as a benefit appearance for retired racing wombats.

Iverson has missed Philadelphia’s past five games due to an illness suffered by one of his young children. Unlike Kobe, Iverson wasn’t expected to be in Dallas this weekend due to the nature of his situation. It’s debatable that Iverson deserved an All Star game nod in the first place. He quickly wore out his welcome in Memphis to start the year, and eventually landed back in Philadelphia where he’s averaged 14.4 points per game since his return. He was voted in to the starting lineup by NBA fans, and this renewed calls from the media to revise the procedure for selecting All Star game participants. Unfortunately, many of the All Star voters are dimwits and pick players based on their ‘name recognition’ rather than their in-season performance.

Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks was chosen to replace Bryant in the Western Conference lineup, while New York’s David Lee was the East’s fill in for Iverson. The West already had two ‘fill ins’ named to their roster as Denver’s Chauncy Billups and the LA Clippers’ Chris Kaman took the place of Chris Paul and Brandon Roy respectively.

NBA betting enthusiasts had several options on the menu beginning with the annual ‘rookies vs. sophomores’ game on Saturday. The Sophomores were a -12 point favorite with the total set at 245′ but were crushed by the rookie team. As usual, defense was in short supply at both the ‘rookie v. sophomores’ game and the actual All Star event.

Ross Everett is a freelance writer and highly respected authority on World Cup betting. His writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Southern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

 
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The Importance Of Discipline To Sports Betting Success

17 Jul

Books on other ‘winnable’ gambling pursuits like horse racing and poker are good resources of theoretical information for the sports gambler. While for some reason there hasn’t been much written specific to the sports handicapper that deals with the discipline from a serious theoretical level, there are countless books devoted to a thoughtful discussion of horse racing and poker.

On one level, this is likely due to the fact that poker”like sports gambling”is a pursuit in which the knowledgeable and skillful practitioner can overcome the theoretical odds against him. To paraphrase the great poker theoretician Bob Caro, there are some professional blackjack players and sports gamblers in addition to professional poker players. There may even be a few professional horse players (though the house edge against the horse player is a hefty 17% or so). In the entire world, however, there is not one professional roulette player.

Basically, this is because that no combination of skill, strategy or money management can negate the house edge in roulette and many other casino games. While Caro likes to stress the importance of the decisions that a poker player makes to his long term profitability, in roulette player decisions simply don’t matter over the long haul. Red or black, even or odd, the house edge remains the same.

Caro stresses the paramount importance of discipline to a poker player’s long term success and profitability. It’s important to keep in mind that to succeed as a professional gambler that you need to approach a trip to the casino with a diametrically opposite mindset to that of the recreational gambler. A recreational gambler heads to the casino to *avoid* discipline and ‘unwind’. The professional uses discipline to his advantage.

Caro’s emphasis on discipline in poker is also true for the serious sports gambler. The foundation of a professional sports bettor’s long term success is to approach it with the same discipline, rigor and professionalism that he would any other job. If you continue to think about it in the same terms as the recreational gambler does, you’re in for a difficult road. The more seriousness that you bring to your sports betting, the higher the likelihood that you’ll be successful.

Now, I have no problem with recreational sports gamblers”or any other recreational gamblers for that matter. Recreational sports gamblers are, in fact, crucial to the survival of those of us who do this for a living. Theyre not our prey”like they are for the poker professional”but a thriving recreational sports gambling industry keeps the sportsbooks in business, and what I do is utterly useless if my book doesnt pay me.

If you want to bet recreationally, thats fine and unless you have the dedication and discipline to do it right its probably better for most people. You might be able to win more often and lose less frequently with some enhanced discipline. Ultimately, however, as a recreational gambler the only discipline you really need to know is the same as for other casino games or any hobby”just dont bet more than you can afford to lose. After that, youre on your own.

Ross Everett is a widely published widely published freelance sports writer and highly respected authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and World Cup betting sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.

 
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Posted in Finance

 

The Services Provided By Property Management Firms

25 Jun

When considering property management there are many variations available. The different clients include commercial, industrial and residential. The client will establish needs and the firm will provide the service.

Why would you hire a property manager? Anyone owning a large operation with a good revenue base would believe that the expenditure for this service would be worth it. We are aware that these services using apply to apartments, condos, and portfolios. This is not always the case as in some cases the beneficiary of a large estate does not have the time so may need assistance in administering the estate.

When you have decided that you need a manager then it is time to choose the company. There are many responsible companies you can choose to manager your property. They are professionals so you might be able to confirm references with real estate agents. There are often signs on buildings or on the grounds with the names of the firm managing the building. The real estate segment of the newspaper may also have some helpful information.

You now have names of companies that you want to consider. What is the optimum course of action now. An important question want to ask is what their rates are and what services are provided for this rate. If you have a rental property then you would like to know if there are additional charges if there is a showing or the firm must go to court on your behalf because of an eviction. What are their business hours and is the weekend covered by qualified staff.

When is your approval needed as to the amount of money for expenditures? Are you the marketing agent for available units or are they? Who sets the fees for rental? When you question them all in this way you can evaluate if one of the companies will fill your expectations. When you express your goals to them be very precise and be absolutely sure that they understand and acknowledge what is expected of them.

Once you have agreed to hire the company they are responsible to maintain accounts and provide reports to you, weekly or monthly, whatever you had decided. They pay your taxes, collect rents, lease units, and set rental amounts. When maintenance or repairs are required they must contract this to be done expediently. Their responsibilities include obtaining the utilities and insurance for all possible contingencies.

It is possible that you have hired a management company for investment management. This is quite different than a regular property manager. This company will be responsible for acquisitions and disposition of assets. They will provide development and rehabilitation probability studies. All financing and income tax accounting are executed by them and reported to you.

The firms act on your behalf and liaise with everyone dealing with your company. It could be a tenant, an insurance agents, a contractor, or lawyers hired for any litigation. They are accountable for knowing all the state, county and municipal regulations and procedures. In all of these cases your management firm is your liaison who deals with issues, companies, and tenants on your behalf.

When hiring a firm be absolutely sure of your priorities and requirements. They provide the service and are actually an employee and must report to you. You, in turn, have the responsibility of choosing the firm that is best for you.

Looking to own properties in a location near you? Then contact your local real estate agent or broker to manage your own land and increase your equity!

 
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Las Vegas Poker Superstar Stu Ungar

19 May

Too often amazing talents are given to those people who are not able to handle them. Such was the case of poker legend Stu Ungar, who had skills at the card table unrivaled in history. Unfortunately, his ineptitude at every day life and self destructive behavior was equally legendary. Ungar would eventually succumb to his demons, and was found dead in his room at the Oasis Motel in Las Vegas in late’98.

For those unfamiliar with the big guns of high stakes poker, the only way to describe Ungar’s abilities is a metaphorical comparison to sports. With a green felt table and a deck of cards involved, Ungar was ‘Jordan-esque’. With Ungar, his greatest accomplishment was undoubtedly three World Series of Poker victories-a feat not unlike MJ’s six NBA titles. Texas Hold-em poker, the game of choice for the cognoscenti, is a seemingly simple game that belies its deceptive complexity. The successful player needs to be able to instantaneously plan strategy based on a number of ever shifting variables. Countless volumes have been written on the subject, but Ungar was able to perform complex analysis and strategy with amazing speed-almost instinctively. Between his three WSOP victories, and countless more informal victories and profitable poker room sessions, Ungar won millions of dollars playing poker. The amazing subtext to Ungar’s sheer mastery of Texas Hold’em was the fact that it was the third card game he had mastered. Ungar first came to Las Vegas as a gin rummy prodigy; he had beaten all of the good players on the East Coast and moved to the desert mecca in search of new opportunities. He had soon run the table of Nevada’s gin players, and then turned to blackjack out of necessity. He was quickly barred as a card counter at a number of Southern Nevada casinos. Needing a new vocation, he took up poker.

Ungar’s problem was that he was awful at basic survival skills. He fought a number of addictions-most notably to drugs and sports gambling. After his WSOP win in’97, he was nearly broke and wasted away from drug use by the time the’98 tournament rolled around. Vegas casino owner Bob Stupak provided the $10,000 he needed to defend his title, but as the games began Ungar cowered in his darkened hotel room unable to pull himself together enough to play.

Other stories of Ungar’s troubled life away from the poker tables evoke the same theme: buying a new Mercedes with cash after a WSOP victory and driving it until it fell apart from lack of maintenance; signing mortgage papers as he played in the Dunes poker room; losing 1.5 million dollars betting on sports or golf in the course of a weekend on more than one occasion.

Sadly, Ungar’s death came as a ray of hope had entered his life. Noted casino owner and longtime friend Bob Stupak had stepped in to help Ungar pay off his debts, clean up his life, and provide the stake money to enter the major poker tournaments. Ungar was found two days after the two had formalized the agreement in a contract. Ungar also left behind an ex-wife and a teenage daughter, who still live in Las Vegas. The official cause of death was listed as “coronary atherosclerosis” and a mixture of drugs including cocaine, methadone and Percodan were found in his system.

Most of the famous gamblers of Las Vegas legend-guys like Puggy Person and Doyle Brunson– have been tough, larger than life individuals with a healthier than normal dose of self-preservation skills. In this respect, Ungar was an anomaly among gambling greats-he was physically frail and almost completely helpless away from the poker table. With a handful of cards and a pile of chips, however, he became a ruthless and indomitable warrior. His story is certainly not one that the modern day, publicity conscious Las Vegas will celebrate. He will be remembered, however, as part of the tradition that gives the city its unique character. From the mobsters that pioneered the city, to the Rat Pack that civilized it, to the corporations that cleaned it up, characters like Stu Ungar have provided the spice that makes Las Vegas America’s ‘Paris in the desert’. Ungar may never have a statue on Fremont Street, but his spirit will live on.

Ross Everett is a respected freelance writer specializing in travel, poker and sports handicapping. He is a consulting handicapper for Anatta Sports where he is responsible for providing daily free sports picks. In his spare time he enjoys fine dining, flower arranging and deep sea diving. He lives in Las Vegas with four dogs and a pet coyote.

 
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Hacienda Hotel Near LAX Is The Choice For The Park And Go Traveler.

24 Apr

The Hacienda Hotel and Conference Center at LAX , California near Los Angeles. It’s a great choice for travelers of all types. Business or pleasure, meetings or shopping, conferences or entertainment can all be found in close proximity. Not only that, Hacienda is extremely convenient to airport,

Air travelers journey only one mile to get to the Hacienda, plus they can do so via the hotel’s free all-hours shuttle service. The hotel’s “Park, Room and Fly” and “Return, Park and Fly” should make many of its air travel customers very happy.

The Hacienda provides a lovely and convenient convention or meeting location for all those looking for business when in the Los Angeles area. The hotel seats 5 to 500 guests and offers catering and/or the essential business services – high speed Internet and audio/visual equipment. Schedule your upcoming trade show, convention, training session or business meeting at the Hacienda using the help of the hotel’s event planners for a picture perfect and professional experience.

Then there are the many restaurants, theaters, museums and art galleries to appeal to a wide range of tastes. Sports-lovers will find all sorts of options too – beaches, mountains, golfing, tennis, hiking, fishing, skiing (water or snow), or attending a sporting event at a nearby arena. Check with Hacienda’s concierge desk to find the best option for your party.

Then there are the many restaurants, theaters, museums and art galleries to appeal to a wide range of tastes. Sports-lovers will find all sorts of options too – beaches, mountains, golfing, tennis, hiking, fishing, skiing (water or snow), or attending a sporting event at a nearby arena. Check with Hacienda’s concierge desk to find the best option for your party.

And don’t disregard that the Hacienda is simply a lovely location to visit and stay. It is a full-service hotel with deluxe space for 630 guests. It delights its visitors with its beautiful courtyards and fountains, an attractive lobby featuring early California murals and one-of-a-kind art, and classic California and Latin-inspired architectural features. The Hacienda is a vintage hotel with a fresh look.

Before you make any hotel reservations online for a hotel in or around LAX, make sure you hacienda hotel for best comfort and service hotel . Article developed by Global Clic Marketing for SEO and hotel marketing

 
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Rio De Janerio Becomes First South American City To Host Olympic Games

06 Feb

South America will host the Summer Olympic Games for the first time in 2016, as Rio De Janeiro, Brazil was awarded the honor on Friday. Rio beat out the US choice of Chicago, Illinois along with Tokyo, Japan and Madrid, Spain to earn the right to host the games. Despite a high pressure effort from the American power elite–including President Barak Obama and TV gabfest queen Oprah Winfrey–Chicago was the first city eliminated from contention. Tokyo was the next to go, before Rio got the nod over Madrid in the final round of balloting.

Bookmakers offered odds on the host city choice, with Rio listed as second favorite at +200. Chicago had been the wagering favorite at most books, particularly after President Obama got involved personally in the US bid effort. Chicago was bet as high as a -300 favorite, while Madrid and Tokyo were priced in the +250 range. Some suggest that Tokyo didnt deserve to have such short odds, but was the beneficiary of regional pride from the notoriously enthusiastic betting population of Japan.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, got the better of his US counterpart with a passionate speech that stood in marked contrast to Obamas typically baleful collection of talking points. The Brazilian leader stressed the unfairness that South America had never hosted the games in his speech to the committee;

“It is a time to address this imbalance. It is time to light the Olympic cauldron in a tropical country.”

The Olympic committee was apparently swayed by this presentation and paid no mind to Rios many downsides. It is without a doubt the most dangerous of the finalist cities, where drug cartels and armed bands of thugs roam without impunity. Well do to Rio citizens are used to removing watches and jewelry before they drive anywhere lest they be targeted by carjacking brigands. Rios murder rate is also one of the highest in the world. Brazilian bid officials have stressed that security will be a priority at the games and it better be lest the Olympics turn into a bloodbath.

Some IOC members suggested that the summary dismissal of Chicagos bid was more of a rebuke of the notoriously corrupt USOC. The last two Olympics held in the US were tainted by crime and corruption. The’96 Atlanta Olympics were disrupted by a terrorist bombing, while the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Games were marred by a well known bribery and corruption scandal.

Ross Everett is a widely published freelance writer and noted authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Northern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.

 
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