FlashPlayerPro.com announces the release of Flash Player Pro 3.1, a handy utility for the Windows operating system that plays, downloads and manages flash movies with ease.
Nowadays, flash movies are used everywhere in the Internet.
Flash player provided by Macromedia only has simple functions, it can only play flash movies. It can't download flash movies, make flash screensaver and convert flash movies between swf type and executable type.
Flash Player Pro is a handy flash tool kit designed as Macromedia flash player and manager . It has several powerful flash tools: download flash movies from the Internet, preview and browse flash movie, capture flash image and set it as wallpaper, create flash screensaver with ease, make conversion between SWF and EXE flash movies etc. All of these features will help you enhance and extend the using possibility of existing flash files. And with friendly user interface, Flash Player Pro offers you a fantastic animated flash world! Flash Player Pro is the right choice for flash player and manager. It is both affordable to every computer user and a real value.
System RequirementsFlash Player Pro will run under Windows 98, Me, NT, 2000Find Article, XP and 2003 on an Intel-based 586 PC or greater. The program requires 32 MB of RAM and 2 MB disk space to install.
Price and AvailabilityFlash Player Pro is available now. The price for single user license is $29.95 USD. A trial version is available from the flashplayerpro.com web site at: http://www.flashplayerpro.com
EVALUATION COPIES ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
software developer
Monday, May 7, 2007
How to Improve your PvP Skills in World of Warcraft
Player versus player (PVP) action in World of Warcraft is very exciting and one of the best ways to obtain some of the best equipment and armor in the game. There are some simple things you can do to dramatically increase your skill in this aspect of the game.
Relaxed Play
This is, hands down, the most important thing you can do when playing pvp action in warcraft. Try to take the long-term view that you will be in hundreds of combat situations and you will be resurrected hundreds of times. So don’t worry about this. Focus on what you will learn in the combat encounters. Try to think of your next hundred resurrections as a learning experience. Combat in Warcraft is very frantic and often only lasts five to fifteen seconds. If you are calm during these encounters you will be able to make clear decisions and choose effective spells, buffs, and damage skills.
Set up your tool bar for PvP action
Player versus player action is much different than normal game play and you have to use a very different set of skills to be successful with it. One of the dramatic differences is the need to capture and control your opponent. When playing against a game generated beast or humanoid you typically stand and fight and the movements of the foe are predictable. But if you face another player you may be facing running, jumping, circling, toe-to-toe bashing and a whole host of weapons and spells. So you have got to tailor your defense and offense to this very different set of challenges. I recommend you set up at least three different sets of tools for pvp. The first set would be for facing tanks and close fighters where you would focus on breaking down defense and dealing fast damage. The second tool bar would be for the ranged fighters where you would want to slow, stun, control, close in and deal damage. The third tool bar set up would be for large melee action where there are a lot of players in a small area. You would set up a lot of area of effect spells that would damage multiple opponents and buff multiple allies.
Set up a routine that you practice and use on every encounter
I play a warrior so I have a routine that I do upon first encounter. It is a charge, a hamstring, a step through and turn, then a heroic strike. In a few keyboard strokes I have stunned, slowed, and dealt signinficant damage to my opponent before he has even had a chance to respond. You should set yourself up a series of keyboard strokes and practice them over and over again until it is flawless.
Use the Game Resources
A lot of people approach pvp in a haphazard way but understanding some of the options of the game is something you really should do. It will dramatically improve your playing. Make sure that in the game play options screen you set display enemy cast bar to on. This will allow you to see what spell your targeted enemy is about to cast. And when you are in the cemetary waiting to be resurrected be sure to take a look at your combat log so you can understand what type of damage you took during the melee. This will help you to decide which armor, weapons, rings, and trinkets will be best for you.
Player versus player action in World of Warcraft is fast and furious. It is also the only way to get some of the best armor and weapons in the game. You can significantly improve how fast you get these items by staying calm, setting up your tool bar correctlyBusiness Management Articles, and using the resources that come with the game.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Relaxed Play
This is, hands down, the most important thing you can do when playing pvp action in warcraft. Try to take the long-term view that you will be in hundreds of combat situations and you will be resurrected hundreds of times. So don’t worry about this. Focus on what you will learn in the combat encounters. Try to think of your next hundred resurrections as a learning experience. Combat in Warcraft is very frantic and often only lasts five to fifteen seconds. If you are calm during these encounters you will be able to make clear decisions and choose effective spells, buffs, and damage skills.
Set up your tool bar for PvP action
Player versus player action is much different than normal game play and you have to use a very different set of skills to be successful with it. One of the dramatic differences is the need to capture and control your opponent. When playing against a game generated beast or humanoid you typically stand and fight and the movements of the foe are predictable. But if you face another player you may be facing running, jumping, circling, toe-to-toe bashing and a whole host of weapons and spells. So you have got to tailor your defense and offense to this very different set of challenges. I recommend you set up at least three different sets of tools for pvp. The first set would be for facing tanks and close fighters where you would focus on breaking down defense and dealing fast damage. The second tool bar would be for the ranged fighters where you would want to slow, stun, control, close in and deal damage. The third tool bar set up would be for large melee action where there are a lot of players in a small area. You would set up a lot of area of effect spells that would damage multiple opponents and buff multiple allies.
Set up a routine that you practice and use on every encounter
I play a warrior so I have a routine that I do upon first encounter. It is a charge, a hamstring, a step through and turn, then a heroic strike. In a few keyboard strokes I have stunned, slowed, and dealt signinficant damage to my opponent before he has even had a chance to respond. You should set yourself up a series of keyboard strokes and practice them over and over again until it is flawless.
Use the Game Resources
A lot of people approach pvp in a haphazard way but understanding some of the options of the game is something you really should do. It will dramatically improve your playing. Make sure that in the game play options screen you set display enemy cast bar to on. This will allow you to see what spell your targeted enemy is about to cast. And when you are in the cemetary waiting to be resurrected be sure to take a look at your combat log so you can understand what type of damage you took during the melee. This will help you to decide which armor, weapons, rings, and trinkets will be best for you.
Player versus player action in World of Warcraft is fast and furious. It is also the only way to get some of the best armor and weapons in the game. You can significantly improve how fast you get these items by staying calm, setting up your tool bar correctlyBusiness Management Articles, and using the resources that come with the game.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The author has blurred the line between reality and Warcraft by building a virtual reality chamber in his living room where he plays warcraft after work. You can see this Warcraft pod and his other projects at:
The Warcraft Virtual Reality Pod - The Ultimate Game Experience at StormTheCastle.com
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Games to Play With Tarot Cards
The lighter side of Tarot deals with games played using this deck of uniquely peculiar cards. These range from the highly complex to those a four-year-old can play. “Zarcana,” a complicated game encompassing battles, voyages, life, death, love, loss, and more can be played indefinitely – or until one player in a winning position decides to declare the game finished. Another game appeals to the younger set because of its much simpler rules. Each player is dealt a card and whatever image is on the card, the player must enact a semblance. This can be quite humorous and fun for younger children. Imagine the delight when a player is dealt The Fool!
There are as many Tarot games as there are Tarot aficionados, and a quick look through the Internet can locate more Tarot games than a person could humanly attempt to play in one lifetime. But this is the joy of Tarot – and of the Internet!
As with games, Tarot deck designs run the gamut as well. After all, these cards have been around for hundreds of years, and each culture has contributed its own version. Sometimes even individuals have come forth with their own versions of the game, and some of these have become quite popular. The Waite-Smith Tarot version (also known as “Rider-Waite”) of the cards, created during the early part of the 20th century, has become probably the most popular design used today. Along with Waite-Smith, some of the better-known and still-used Tarot versions include the Visconti-Sforza, the Marseille, and the Minchiate. These latter decks often feature elaborate artwork without a great deal of occult imagery and, depending on personal tastes, can sometimes be construed as masterpieces of Renaissance design.
Many teachers of Tarot recommend using the Waite-Smith version until the novice has become familiar with all the image meanings and representations. At this point, the student can then proceed to select from the many Tarot designs available the deck that appeals to him or her personally. It is not unusual for even a long-time practitioner of Tarot to continue using the Waite-Smith version because, as one Tarot reader says, “It is simple, forthright, and appeals to the pragmatic side of my personality.”
Tarot card decks can be purchased many places both online and at brick-and-mortar retailers. Because the stigma of “devil worship” has left the Tarot in many parts, sometimes one can find a deck in as innocuous a place as Wal-Mart. Other areas may only carry decks in out-of-the-way fortune-teller supply shops and other “underground” markets.
Tarot serves to entertain as well as to gain insight, much as it did hundreds of years ago. So invest in your own deck and begin today to reap the rewards of learning Tarot. You may gain more than you ever imagined!
(c) All About Tarot
All About Tarot is an information packed website that features loads of useful links and articles! Visit now at: http://www.all-about-tarot.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
All About Tarot is an information packed website that features loads of useful links and articles! Visit now at: http://www.all-about-tarot.com
There are as many Tarot games as there are Tarot aficionados, and a quick look through the Internet can locate more Tarot games than a person could humanly attempt to play in one lifetime. But this is the joy of Tarot – and of the Internet!
As with games, Tarot deck designs run the gamut as well. After all, these cards have been around for hundreds of years, and each culture has contributed its own version. Sometimes even individuals have come forth with their own versions of the game, and some of these have become quite popular. The Waite-Smith Tarot version (also known as “Rider-Waite”) of the cards, created during the early part of the 20th century, has become probably the most popular design used today. Along with Waite-Smith, some of the better-known and still-used Tarot versions include the Visconti-Sforza, the Marseille, and the Minchiate. These latter decks often feature elaborate artwork without a great deal of occult imagery and, depending on personal tastes, can sometimes be construed as masterpieces of Renaissance design.
Many teachers of Tarot recommend using the Waite-Smith version until the novice has become familiar with all the image meanings and representations. At this point, the student can then proceed to select from the many Tarot designs available the deck that appeals to him or her personally. It is not unusual for even a long-time practitioner of Tarot to continue using the Waite-Smith version because, as one Tarot reader says, “It is simple, forthright, and appeals to the pragmatic side of my personality.”
Tarot card decks can be purchased many places both online and at brick-and-mortar retailers. Because the stigma of “devil worship” has left the Tarot in many parts, sometimes one can find a deck in as innocuous a place as Wal-Mart. Other areas may only carry decks in out-of-the-way fortune-teller supply shops and other “underground” markets.
Tarot serves to entertain as well as to gain insight, much as it did hundreds of years ago. So invest in your own deck and begin today to reap the rewards of learning Tarot. You may gain more than you ever imagined!
(c) All About Tarot
All About Tarot is an information packed website that features loads of useful links and articles! Visit now at: http://www.all-about-tarot.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
All About Tarot is an information packed website that features loads of useful links and articles! Visit now at: http://www.all-about-tarot.com
Discover How Golf Schools Can Help You Play Better
The objective of joining a Golf school is to learn the golfand become a good player if not a great player.
Swing is most important for every golfer. A more powerful,consistent golf swing is attainable for every golfer. Thelearner must know how to get more distance with all clubsand increase accuracy at the same time.
Swing Technology helps in learning the golf swing and otheraspects of the sport.
Services Offered
The learner should always focus on the services offered byGolf Schools and not on their tall claims like "We have wonMaximum number of Teacher of the Year award" or we havenationwide training schools etc. One should see and ifpossible take the opinion of somebody, who has alreadytaken training from that school. Some salient features thatmust be part of the services offered by golf school, whiledeciding the training school.
1. The class size should range between 4 to 16 students andthe teacher ratio should not be more than 4-1. However, 2-1would be ideal, if possible.2. The coach must be an ace golfer and should haveexcellent communication skills to make the learnerunderstand the game and feel comfortable and secure.3. The skills and the requirements must be clearlyunderstood by the coach and he should be able to tailor itaccording to the needs of the individual. The groups ofstudents must be made according to the abilities.4. Apart from a good coach the institute must also haveother facilities like:i. Latest Video Analysis Equipments,ii. Launch Monitor Technology,iii. Swing Learning Aids, iv. Should be able to scientifically measure a golfer'scurrent swing and pinpoint his or her weaknesses,v. Help develop a plan for measurable improvement.vi. The staff should know the game and should be able toteach; so all golfers get all benefits where it reallyneeds - on the golf course.
5. Last but not the least, the price. The cost of learningmust be justifiable.
Thus, one should analyze the Services offered by GolfSchools taking the points mentioned above intoconsiderationFree Articles, before deciding on the Golf School.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bud Bradley is a freelance writer, working long hours at a computer. His main relaxation is golf, and over many years he's visited many golf schools in an attempt to improve his game. This series of articles relates his experience.
Swing is most important for every golfer. A more powerful,consistent golf swing is attainable for every golfer. Thelearner must know how to get more distance with all clubsand increase accuracy at the same time.
Swing Technology helps in learning the golf swing and otheraspects of the sport.
Services Offered
The learner should always focus on the services offered byGolf Schools and not on their tall claims like "We have wonMaximum number of Teacher of the Year award" or we havenationwide training schools etc. One should see and ifpossible take the opinion of somebody, who has alreadytaken training from that school. Some salient features thatmust be part of the services offered by golf school, whiledeciding the training school.
1. The class size should range between 4 to 16 students andthe teacher ratio should not be more than 4-1. However, 2-1would be ideal, if possible.2. The coach must be an ace golfer and should haveexcellent communication skills to make the learnerunderstand the game and feel comfortable and secure.3. The skills and the requirements must be clearlyunderstood by the coach and he should be able to tailor itaccording to the needs of the individual. The groups ofstudents must be made according to the abilities.4. Apart from a good coach the institute must also haveother facilities like:i. Latest Video Analysis Equipments,ii. Launch Monitor Technology,iii. Swing Learning Aids, iv. Should be able to scientifically measure a golfer'scurrent swing and pinpoint his or her weaknesses,v. Help develop a plan for measurable improvement.vi. The staff should know the game and should be able toteach; so all golfers get all benefits where it reallyneeds - on the golf course.
5. Last but not the least, the price. The cost of learningmust be justifiable.
Thus, one should analyze the Services offered by GolfSchools taking the points mentioned above intoconsiderationFree Articles, before deciding on the Golf School.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bud Bradley is a freelance writer, working long hours at a computer. His main relaxation is golf, and over many years he's visited many golf schools in an attempt to improve his game. This series of articles relates his experience.
Friday, May 4, 2007
MP3 Player Shopping Guide
MP3 players are definitely not a one-size-fits-all product. They come in a range of shapes and sizes, use different types of memory, and support different formats. You should choose the player that both meets your needs and suits your personality. A player can have every feature in the world, but if the design doesn't match your lifestyle or if the interface is impenetrable, you still won't enjoy it.
Though the first MP3 player used flash memory, it was the hard drive that really drove the digital audio player up the ranks of the digital jukeboxes. The cost per megabyte for hard drives today is still far cheaper than flash memory.
MP3 players come in two major storage flavors--flash memory and hard drive. Common sense would tell you to get a hard drive version if big storage is what you crave for, and flash if something small swings to your beat. More advanced models have integrated video inputs and support real time encoding, making them a potential VHS recorder replacement. Others have a similar feature set to a palmtop computer or PDA thanks to their operating system and application support. These portable media players are really more than just an mp3 player.
Most likely, a high-capacity, hard-drive-based player can accommodate every song you've ever purchased. Hard drives run from 10GB on up, and large players such as the 60GB Apple iPod can hold around 17,000 songs, assuming an average file size of 3.5MB per tune.
Display
Most MP3 players display title and artist information about the song that's playing. Most have a backlit LCD for reading in the dark. Many high-end hard disk players have a colour TFT LCD screen for song info and for viewing your digital photos.
Storage Space
MP3 players have good storage capacity and we can store audio files according to their memory capacity. The following are some of the standard memory units used by most of the players.
Battery
Hard disk MP3 players have a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which typically last up to four years, though this varies from make to make. Other types of player use AA or AAA batteries, and some have an internal rechargeable cell.
Key features:-
• If the intention is for the MP3 player to double as a mass storage device as well, it makes sense to get a player with a built-in USB jack.
• There are huge differences between mp3 players in terms of size and weight. Players range in weight from around 40 grams for small integrated memory players to over 300 grams for a large multimedia player.
• What's the battery life like? Batteries would ultimately have to be replaced in the end. So it's best to buy an MP3 player with a long playback time. A good bet would be in the realm of 18 hours or more. Sony's MP3 players are renown for a rated battery life of up to 50 hours.
• A remote control offers usability advantages, especially for hard drive and multimedia players which are usually impractical to take in and out of your pocket. The remote controls for MP3 players can either be compact and limited to just the essential functions, or feature rich and equipped with a small LCD screen displaying track information.
Optional Extras
• Radio: FM radio reception is more common on Flash MP3 players than in the more common hard-drive models. Some even feature FM recording and presets.
• Remote control: A control area in the middle of the headphone cord is useful for larger hard disk MP3 players that you can keep in a bag. Some players come with a infra-red card remote control
• Voice record: Some MP3 players have a small internal microphone - great for conversations or lectures, but not for high-quality music recording. These can be used as dicta-phones. The analog voice is compressed in any of the audio compression formats and stored in the player.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Though the first MP3 player used flash memory, it was the hard drive that really drove the digital audio player up the ranks of the digital jukeboxes. The cost per megabyte for hard drives today is still far cheaper than flash memory.
MP3 players come in two major storage flavors--flash memory and hard drive. Common sense would tell you to get a hard drive version if big storage is what you crave for, and flash if something small swings to your beat. More advanced models have integrated video inputs and support real time encoding, making them a potential VHS recorder replacement. Others have a similar feature set to a palmtop computer or PDA thanks to their operating system and application support. These portable media players are really more than just an mp3 player.
Most likely, a high-capacity, hard-drive-based player can accommodate every song you've ever purchased. Hard drives run from 10GB on up, and large players such as the 60GB Apple iPod can hold around 17,000 songs, assuming an average file size of 3.5MB per tune.
Display
Most MP3 players display title and artist information about the song that's playing. Most have a backlit LCD for reading in the dark. Many high-end hard disk players have a colour TFT LCD screen for song info and for viewing your digital photos.
Storage Space
MP3 players have good storage capacity and we can store audio files according to their memory capacity. The following are some of the standard memory units used by most of the players.
Battery
Hard disk MP3 players have a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which typically last up to four years, though this varies from make to make. Other types of player use AA or AAA batteries, and some have an internal rechargeable cell.
Key features:-
• If the intention is for the MP3 player to double as a mass storage device as well, it makes sense to get a player with a built-in USB jack.
• There are huge differences between mp3 players in terms of size and weight. Players range in weight from around 40 grams for small integrated memory players to over 300 grams for a large multimedia player.
• What's the battery life like? Batteries would ultimately have to be replaced in the end. So it's best to buy an MP3 player with a long playback time. A good bet would be in the realm of 18 hours or more. Sony's MP3 players are renown for a rated battery life of up to 50 hours.
• A remote control offers usability advantages, especially for hard drive and multimedia players which are usually impractical to take in and out of your pocket. The remote controls for MP3 players can either be compact and limited to just the essential functions, or feature rich and equipped with a small LCD screen displaying track information.
Optional Extras
• Radio: FM radio reception is more common on Flash MP3 players than in the more common hard-drive models. Some even feature FM recording and presets.
• Remote control: A control area in the middle of the headphone cord is useful for larger hard disk MP3 players that you can keep in a bag. Some players come with a infra-red card remote control
• Voice record: Some MP3 players have a small internal microphone - great for conversations or lectures, but not for high-quality music recording. These can be used as dicta-phones. The analog voice is compressed in any of the audio compression formats and stored in the player.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vinay ChoubeyContent Writer
For more details on MP3 Player visit us at, www.ShoppingSoLow.comFor information about colleges in India visit; www.FindCollegesIndia.com
How Jumping Higher Will Ruin Your Game
There are many ingredients that are required to become a solid basketball player. The total player is a combination of knowledge, skill, and work ethic. Today's player often looks for a short cut along the way. Ask any good player at the college level about short cuts and they'll laugh at you. Yet, many players get trapped into gimmicks that promise great results. One of these is increasing your ability to jump. Unfortunately, every second spent on become a fantastic leaper will rob you from being the player you need to be.
One fundamental truth has remained the same for many years and is very evident today. There is one and only one path to becoming a good basketball player. Hard work! This truth has been proved over and over for the past century and remains a proven template for basketball players.
Young people are besieged by products, gimmicks and advertising that proclaim secrets to success. Our society as a whole would rather use the drive up window to pick up dinner than get out of the car. Our world attempts to take every task and make it easier. Certainly there are benefits of the microwave oven and more efficient cars. The problem lies in an athlete's approach to athletic success as they grow up in this fast food world.
I am often amused by the ads for jumping shoes or machines. These ads claim incredible results and rapid increase in vertical jump. I don't doubt that these products and claims are legitimate and sound. What strikes me about it is that jumping is one of dozens of skills a player must have to excel or just to reach his potential. Of these dozens of skills, I would rate explosive jumping ability at the bottom of the list.
The following list will explain why players waste their time pursuing the goal to be a great jumper.
1. Joey Johnson is a household name in basketball, isn't he? No, of course he isn't. In fact, I doubt whether you've ever heard of him. I saw video of Joey in high school and he is probably the greatest leaper in the history of high school and college basketball. His problem was that jumping defined his game and led to average ball skills, knowledge, and shooting ability. Show me a player who is described as a great leaper and I'll bet the rest of his game is lacking.
2. In my 18 year college coaching career I recruited hundreds of players. Not one of them was recruited because of his jumping ability. Unfortunately, I saw many players who could jump but could not play and never made it to the college basketball arena.
3. Steve Nash has been the NBA's MVP for the past two seasons because he knows how to play and has an incredible desire for the game. You won't see him on the list of great leapers anytime soon.
4. According to fans of the game, leaping ability will enhance rebounding and shot blocking ability. This is a fallacy. Great rebounders will tell you that position, balance and lower body strength are the keys to getting the ball around the basket. Charles Barkley proved that for years at Auburn and in the NBA. The art of shot blocking is one of the most overrated skills a player could have because most blocked shots end up out of bounds.
5. Developing into a good player is still about passing, dribbling, and shooting. If this is the case, why does todays player work so much on dunking the basketball.
What is most disturbing about young players is their inability to grasp the true elements of the game that need attention daily. If a young man wants to increase his jumping ability I'm all for it. Too often, though, it comes at the expense of working on the fundamentals of the game. Good players have balance and have mastered the pivot. They can handle the ball in every game situation without turnovers. They don't leave the floor to pass and make sure passes that arrive safely at their destination. Shooting is worked on daily hundreds of shots at a time. The good player is a devoted viewer of video tape to critically analyze his own game and how it can be improved. Footwork is an anchor for all good players and must be worked on daily. Reading screens, penetrating, sealing to rebound, cutting, and communication are cornerstones of the game.
Players become good because they have a game plan and put that plan in action. Hard work is the only thing between any player and the end result. Today, just being a good high school player does not guarantee a college scholarship. Hundreds of excellent, hard working players are passed up every year for the opportunity to play in college. If your goal is to become the best high school player you can be, then go for it. If college basketball is your desireBusiness Management Articles, set a goal and persevere until your goal is reached. Work only on the skills that will truly make you better. Avoid the quick fix method to basketball success. The temptation is there for those who are not willing to work for their goals and dreams. Stay true to yourself and work your dream everyday.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Randy Brown has dedicated his life to the game of basketball. His 18 years in college basketball highlights a successful 23-year career. Coaching positions at Arizona, Iowa State, Marquette, Drake, and Miami of Ohio fill his resume. Mentored by Basketball Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson at Arizona, he learned the game from the best. At 39, Randy became the head coach at Division I Stetson University in Deland, Florida. His efforts have helped develop 12 NBA players including Steve Kerr, Sean Elliott, and Jaamal Tinsley. His passion for mentoring young coaches and developing youth programs is known and respected throughout the country. Over the years he has authored over 50 articles on coaching basketball and has taught over 24,000 young players in summer camps and clinics. He works as a basketball consultant and mentor for coaches. He is also an author and public speaker. For free articles and questions, Randy can be reached at coachrandybrown@yahoo.com.
One fundamental truth has remained the same for many years and is very evident today. There is one and only one path to becoming a good basketball player. Hard work! This truth has been proved over and over for the past century and remains a proven template for basketball players.
Young people are besieged by products, gimmicks and advertising that proclaim secrets to success. Our society as a whole would rather use the drive up window to pick up dinner than get out of the car. Our world attempts to take every task and make it easier. Certainly there are benefits of the microwave oven and more efficient cars. The problem lies in an athlete's approach to athletic success as they grow up in this fast food world.
I am often amused by the ads for jumping shoes or machines. These ads claim incredible results and rapid increase in vertical jump. I don't doubt that these products and claims are legitimate and sound. What strikes me about it is that jumping is one of dozens of skills a player must have to excel or just to reach his potential. Of these dozens of skills, I would rate explosive jumping ability at the bottom of the list.
The following list will explain why players waste their time pursuing the goal to be a great jumper.
1. Joey Johnson is a household name in basketball, isn't he? No, of course he isn't. In fact, I doubt whether you've ever heard of him. I saw video of Joey in high school and he is probably the greatest leaper in the history of high school and college basketball. His problem was that jumping defined his game and led to average ball skills, knowledge, and shooting ability. Show me a player who is described as a great leaper and I'll bet the rest of his game is lacking.
2. In my 18 year college coaching career I recruited hundreds of players. Not one of them was recruited because of his jumping ability. Unfortunately, I saw many players who could jump but could not play and never made it to the college basketball arena.
3. Steve Nash has been the NBA's MVP for the past two seasons because he knows how to play and has an incredible desire for the game. You won't see him on the list of great leapers anytime soon.
4. According to fans of the game, leaping ability will enhance rebounding and shot blocking ability. This is a fallacy. Great rebounders will tell you that position, balance and lower body strength are the keys to getting the ball around the basket. Charles Barkley proved that for years at Auburn and in the NBA. The art of shot blocking is one of the most overrated skills a player could have because most blocked shots end up out of bounds.
5. Developing into a good player is still about passing, dribbling, and shooting. If this is the case, why does todays player work so much on dunking the basketball.
What is most disturbing about young players is their inability to grasp the true elements of the game that need attention daily. If a young man wants to increase his jumping ability I'm all for it. Too often, though, it comes at the expense of working on the fundamentals of the game. Good players have balance and have mastered the pivot. They can handle the ball in every game situation without turnovers. They don't leave the floor to pass and make sure passes that arrive safely at their destination. Shooting is worked on daily hundreds of shots at a time. The good player is a devoted viewer of video tape to critically analyze his own game and how it can be improved. Footwork is an anchor for all good players and must be worked on daily. Reading screens, penetrating, sealing to rebound, cutting, and communication are cornerstones of the game.
Players become good because they have a game plan and put that plan in action. Hard work is the only thing between any player and the end result. Today, just being a good high school player does not guarantee a college scholarship. Hundreds of excellent, hard working players are passed up every year for the opportunity to play in college. If your goal is to become the best high school player you can be, then go for it. If college basketball is your desireBusiness Management Articles, set a goal and persevere until your goal is reached. Work only on the skills that will truly make you better. Avoid the quick fix method to basketball success. The temptation is there for those who are not willing to work for their goals and dreams. Stay true to yourself and work your dream everyday.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Randy Brown has dedicated his life to the game of basketball. His 18 years in college basketball highlights a successful 23-year career. Coaching positions at Arizona, Iowa State, Marquette, Drake, and Miami of Ohio fill his resume. Mentored by Basketball Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson at Arizona, he learned the game from the best. At 39, Randy became the head coach at Division I Stetson University in Deland, Florida. His efforts have helped develop 12 NBA players including Steve Kerr, Sean Elliott, and Jaamal Tinsley. His passion for mentoring young coaches and developing youth programs is known and respected throughout the country. Over the years he has authored over 50 articles on coaching basketball and has taught over 24,000 young players in summer camps and clinics. He works as a basketball consultant and mentor for coaches. He is also an author and public speaker. For free articles and questions, Randy can be reached at coachrandybrown@yahoo.com.
MP3 Players - Buying Guideline
The articles describes the main types of MP3 player and some guiding points of choosing an MP3 player: which are the main features of an MP3 player, what should one pay attention to when choosing a player and other issues.
MP3 is today one of the most popular acronyms, the complete name of which not many know. At the same time it is the most popular audio formats for the time of traveling. Many, many people buy new MP3 players and get rid of their old CD MP3 players. Why does this happen? Because the new players, based on flash cards, mini hard disks or had disks are more 'portable' and in most cases are able storing more information, i.e. more music and more hours listening to your favorite tracks.
So what should one pay attention to, when buying an MP3 player? There's actually not much to know about, but there are some key moments everyone should mind.
There are three main types of MP3 players, which are distinguished by the type of storage they have:
* Flash-based;
* MicroDrive-based;
* HDD-based.
A Flash-based MP3 player means the gadget has an integrated flash memory with a fixed amount of memory. However, some devices are equipped with a slot for additional flash cards of a certain type, whether SD (Secure Digital), MMC (MultiMedia Card) or any other multimedia flash cards, compatible with MP3 players.
The storage of such gadgets starts with 128 megabytes (this is not the minimum of a flash card, but having less megabytes is absolutely useless for an MP3 player). This is however very little for today and it is a rarity. You can only store about 20-30 files (depending on the quality and length of the tracks). Maximum storage is limited only to what the manufacturer of the player limits it to. On the other hand the storage is limited to the capacity the gadget is able to read. For example today many manufacturers start producing 8 GB and more Secure Digital flash cards, which would not be read by every device. So when buying any device with flash cards slot, be aware of what is the storage limit of the gadget.
Such a device would be perfect for working out, as there are no movable parts within and the player doesn't need any buffering, as the old CD players did.
An MP3 player with a Micro Drive will store, in most of the cases, more files, i.e. up to 6-10 gigabytes, but the ability to store files is more convenient, and it would be rather enough to have all the favorite tunes at hand.
HDD-based MP3 players are able storing a great amount of files, which is actually not that necessary. A person can hardly have so much favorite music: such a gadget can store from 20 to 60 gigabytes. This is rather much for a media player, which is able to play only audio files. Yet there are players, like iPods, which can playback video files and show them on the small screen. This function of the media player is rather useful for traveling long distances.
Since the HDD and the Micro Drive based players are actually based on hard drives, it is strongly not advisable to use them during workouts, as there are movable parts inside the hard drives and they could be damaged when shaken.
All the MP3 players, whatever their storage is, have a USB compatibility with the PC, as there should be a place to copy music from. However, some players are able downloading music from the internet via a wireless connection.
It should be also taken into consideration the power supply of the gadget: the flash-based devices will be delivered with disposable batteries, mainly AAA or AA (but a pair of rechargeable batteries can be always found), whereas the other two types of players would be delivered mostly with a rechargeable battery, compatible only with this particular model.
Modern MP3 players are not limited only to playback of MP3 files, as some can also playback WMA files, audio tracks from WMV files, AAC files, and other formats. So be sure to find out he exact list of formats the player you chose can playback.
Be careful to choose a gadget, which suits your lifestyle. For example if you like to travel a lot, then a micro drive player (or even one with a HDD) is the one for you, because so you can store all your important files near you. But if you often work out and music is an important part of the exercise, the flash MP3s are right for you.
Once again, be careful what you choose. Even if an MP3 for someone is a small thing, keep in mind that small things build up you lifeHealth Fitness Articles, so be wise when you choose them.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The author of this article is supporting the new gadgets' site www.usb4ever.com, which is eShop for, but not limited to, USB-based gadgets.
MP3 is today one of the most popular acronyms, the complete name of which not many know. At the same time it is the most popular audio formats for the time of traveling. Many, many people buy new MP3 players and get rid of their old CD MP3 players. Why does this happen? Because the new players, based on flash cards, mini hard disks or had disks are more 'portable' and in most cases are able storing more information, i.e. more music and more hours listening to your favorite tracks.
So what should one pay attention to, when buying an MP3 player? There's actually not much to know about, but there are some key moments everyone should mind.
There are three main types of MP3 players, which are distinguished by the type of storage they have:
* Flash-based;
* MicroDrive-based;
* HDD-based.
A Flash-based MP3 player means the gadget has an integrated flash memory with a fixed amount of memory. However, some devices are equipped with a slot for additional flash cards of a certain type, whether SD (Secure Digital), MMC (MultiMedia Card) or any other multimedia flash cards, compatible with MP3 players.
The storage of such gadgets starts with 128 megabytes (this is not the minimum of a flash card, but having less megabytes is absolutely useless for an MP3 player). This is however very little for today and it is a rarity. You can only store about 20-30 files (depending on the quality and length of the tracks). Maximum storage is limited only to what the manufacturer of the player limits it to. On the other hand the storage is limited to the capacity the gadget is able to read. For example today many manufacturers start producing 8 GB and more Secure Digital flash cards, which would not be read by every device. So when buying any device with flash cards slot, be aware of what is the storage limit of the gadget.
Such a device would be perfect for working out, as there are no movable parts within and the player doesn't need any buffering, as the old CD players did.
An MP3 player with a Micro Drive will store, in most of the cases, more files, i.e. up to 6-10 gigabytes, but the ability to store files is more convenient, and it would be rather enough to have all the favorite tunes at hand.
HDD-based MP3 players are able storing a great amount of files, which is actually not that necessary. A person can hardly have so much favorite music: such a gadget can store from 20 to 60 gigabytes. This is rather much for a media player, which is able to play only audio files. Yet there are players, like iPods, which can playback video files and show them on the small screen. This function of the media player is rather useful for traveling long distances.
Since the HDD and the Micro Drive based players are actually based on hard drives, it is strongly not advisable to use them during workouts, as there are movable parts inside the hard drives and they could be damaged when shaken.
All the MP3 players, whatever their storage is, have a USB compatibility with the PC, as there should be a place to copy music from. However, some players are able downloading music from the internet via a wireless connection.
It should be also taken into consideration the power supply of the gadget: the flash-based devices will be delivered with disposable batteries, mainly AAA or AA (but a pair of rechargeable batteries can be always found), whereas the other two types of players would be delivered mostly with a rechargeable battery, compatible only with this particular model.
Modern MP3 players are not limited only to playback of MP3 files, as some can also playback WMA files, audio tracks from WMV files, AAC files, and other formats. So be sure to find out he exact list of formats the player you chose can playback.
Be careful to choose a gadget, which suits your lifestyle. For example if you like to travel a lot, then a micro drive player (or even one with a HDD) is the one for you, because so you can store all your important files near you. But if you often work out and music is an important part of the exercise, the flash MP3s are right for you.
Once again, be careful what you choose. Even if an MP3 for someone is a small thing, keep in mind that small things build up you lifeHealth Fitness Articles, so be wise when you choose them.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The author of this article is supporting the new gadgets' site www.usb4ever.com, which is eShop for, but not limited to, USB-based gadgets.
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