Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

5 Tips for Successful Bird Watching

Can you name the number one spectator sport in North America? It’s not baseball, figure skating or racing. It’s bird watching. That’s right, more people are watching birds than football and hockey combined. With so many people hoping to see a bird they’ve never seen before, it’s not surprising to see a clamoring for the latest tips and tools to get the job done. Here are my top five tips f. . .

Night Vision Devices -- The Ultimate in BackCountry Toys

Many nights in the backcountry are far from dark. A bright moon and a sky full of stars can throw off enough light to allow for reading a book, but add cloud cover, mountains or trees and it gets dark awfully fast. When you need to see in the dark, you have two choices - you either turn on a light, or use one of the many available night vision devices (NVD). The NVD could be the ultimate ba. . .

NHL Hockey Fans Left Out In Cold As The NHL Owners Lock O...

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has halted the start of the NHL hockey season by locking out its players. Can the impasse between the NHL owners and its players ever be mended? Bettman reports that the NHL league has a desolate bottom line that lost $224 million US last season. The NHL hockey league is reported to have lost $1.8 billion over the 10 years of its collective bargaining agreement.. . .

How to Clean Your Civil War Uniform

How necessary is cleaning your Civil War Uniform?The every day Confederate or Union soldier’s uniform was actually never made to be washed. They wore out so fast that many of them were never cleaned - ever. This leaves us with the question – Do you really need to wash or dry clean your Civil War uniform?Some reasons for cleaning a uniform may be1. To prevent it from smelling really bad. (Some h. . .

Play Euro Millions or the UK Lotto in a Syndicate

Want To have Your Jackpot Dreams Come True?They can!With up to 3,600% greater chance of scooping a big win when conveniently playing online with us in two of the world's richest lotteries: the UK NATIONAL LOTTO and EUROMILLIONS from as little as £5 GBP A WEEK. Want To Make A Business Out Of The Lottery? You may smile, but you'll see it’s not as fanciful as you may think. It's all possible with . . .

3-Pointer by Gary Whittaker

1 - Red Sox World Series win anti-climaticYawn.... apparently, sometime between Boston's history making series comeback victory over the Yankees, and me falling asleep in front of the television, the Red Sox actually won their first World Series championship in 86 years. So the curse of the Bambino is lifted, albeit in a less than thrilling fashion...at least for the baseball fans outside of Bo. . .

2004-05 NBA Season Preview

If there was one single theme to this off-season for the NBA it was ‘change’ not only was there quite a bit of significant player movement, but the league itself underwent a makeover of sorts, finally expanding to a 30th franchise, and realigning to six divisions of five teams each. Of course the biggest headlines this off-season surrounded the ongoing saga that has become the Los Angeles Laker. . .

Organize a Cat Skiing Trip, Ski at a Discount

What’s better than backcountry powder shared with a couple of good friends? What beats chasing your buddies through the trees, sharing great lines on open slopes and watching your mates “pop” off bumps into the “pow”? Now, if that though brings a smile, broaden the picture to include 12 good friends. Think about a day of great powder shared with the 12 people you most like to ski or ride with. . . .

The Filthy Five - Five Things You Thought You Knew About ...

With the 2004-05 NBA season underway, there's not a more suitable time to explore what it takes to emmulate the high-flying antics of our favorite NBA stars.If you ask any young basketballer around the world what they want to do, every single one of them will tell you they want to dunk on their opponents. And for those of you who can't dunk already, there's only one way of ever getting there: i. . .

Bingo – It’s Birth and Beginning

The true origin of bingo dates back as far as the mid 16th century and is connected, strangely enough to the unification of Italy in 1530. This unification saw the introduction of a National lottery system, known as “Lo Giuoco del Lotto d’Italia” held each week. Interestingly, this lottery is today a major source of income to the government, contributing over 75 million dollars each year to the. . .

The Dangers of Bingo

Let’s face it; bingo is hardly going to arouse a thrill-seeker into taking it up in attraction to its high risk stakes. Over sixties, playing bingo in a community hall does not seem to register with the seedy possibilities of a stake-out associated with poker for example. But do not be fooled. There are hazards to the game of bingo and whilst they may be small and hardly worth deterring a playe. . .

Blind Skiers See the Light

About three hours west of Denver lies Snow Mountain Ranch, one of the top cross-country ski centers in the United States. Known as the "YMCA of the Rockies", it boasts a large ski chalet and over 90 kilometers of packed and groomed trails. From January 30 to February 6, 2005, the center will host the 30th annual Ski for Light International event, a week that brings blind and mobility-impaired. . .

Success Doesn't Always Come Easy

On a raw, cold day in the European Alps, Lance Armstrong steered his bike into the sleeting snow, then stopped. His partner riding in the car behind him urged Lance to give it up for the day and return to the comfort of his shelter. But Lance Armstrong considered himself a winner, and a person who was willing to do whatever it took to accomplish his goals. With the frigid cold and wailing wind . . .

Bingo – Good for the Mind?

When we think of bingo, genius and brainpower don’t always spring to mind; these attributes have tended to be reserved for poker and other games of skill and luck. The image of a grandparent sitting in a community hall with a cup of tea and a card of bingo does not lend itself to the intrigue of psychology and mental agility. However, according to a study by the University of Southampton’s Psyc. . .

Stay Young- Play Bingo!

Exercise, intellectual stimulation, surgery, meditation or detox – you name it, we love it. Let’s face it, we live in a society obsessed with staying young. So, when you mention to someone that bingo may well be a key to youth, the image of pensioners playing in a retirement home may well prompt them to ask a few questions. It’s not chess or bridge, but researchers insist that bingo can keep yo. . .

The Bingo Renaissance

Little old ladies in slippers, playing for pennies and cents in a converted community hall is no longer the reality of bingo. The game has in recent years and now more than ever undergone a rebirth in its popularity and status and now looks set to boom in the coming years. In the UK alone, bingo comprises a total annual stake of around £1.1 billion. It’s now big business and not just for the bi. . .

Sports Views for November

Baseball season is finally over. Would anyone really complain if they cut about 12 games off the season (is 150 not enough?). Now at least we wont have to hear about the curse, now we just have to take care of that goat and all will be well. Is there really any doubt that Carlos Beltran is going to wind up a Yankee? He has gone from being one of the most underappreciated players in the game wit. . .

Humor Under The Keyboards

For me, the piano is the symbol of what is stiff, proper and elegant. It doesn’t have faults, it is perfect. Pianists are the most perfectionist people in the world. They should not and can not make mistakes especially when performing. That is how I viewed the piano and the pianists. But then, I just found out I was wrong. A few researches and I have once again proven that appearances can be de. . .

Monaco Yachts

Sea and rich people: where else to find a better combination than in Monaco! A real yacht parade can be admired throughout the year in the Hercule Port besides the local yearly yachting events. From imposant, big-sized ones to neat, small, jewel yachts. If you are a yachting amateur or if you are hardly interested in the matter (as I was before seeing this impressive display) you will find some. . .

3-Pointer: Nov 9

1st Point - When victims attack!Let me see if I understand this. The accuser in Kobe Bryant's alleged rape assault, who was allegedly so traumatized by the event that she could have sex again within 48 hours, also feels that a cap of 2.5 million dollars is not sufficient enough to ease her pain and suffering. So, instead of continuing a criminal trial, that would see both her attacker behind ba. . .

Digital Camera Macro Mode

The digital camera is a wonderful device that allows a diverse variety of applications with its even diverse spectral collection of utilities. As technology progresses it brings along with it those intense pleasures that human beings have only thought of. Now the digital camera has opened up the dimensions for the people and the photographers in providing with the liberty of capturing whatever . . .

Exposure Compensation

The digital camera is in reality a great possession with many facets of its utilities and not only that knowing these utilities makes the understanding the digital camera complete. The utilities are also so very diverse that they too offer further introspection of details in their varying applications. Such an area is digital camera exposure compensation. Only knowledge of digital camera exposu. . .

Black & White Photography

Photography is a diversified field of creating a spectral variety of art. It is a specialization that deals with different experimentations with colors, however it is also a fact that only shades of black and white can also do wonders in this zone of creative art. With the advent of the digital camera the scope of this wonderful business has opened up new horizons for the users and photographer. . .

The Ubiquitous Woolly Bugger

The ubiquitous Woolly Bugger, never quite spelled correctly to my eyes, appeals to the eyes of every gamefish imaginable. If I had one pattern to fish the rest of my life, no matter what the fish, no matter what the conditions, this would be it. Steelhead, Trout, Salmon, Bass, Shad, Pike, you name it, they will hit this pattern. And the best thing? Usually the fish will be bigger than average, . . .

Soccer Live Betting

Live betting is one of the main sources of income for the bookmaker why?Well before the match starts there is always large publicity about the coming fixtures for Live matches. They are often 2 strong team facing each other and they are most likely to be telecast throughout the world. Why? It is because a lot of people likes to bet on sports that they are able to view live especially those recr. . .

Gambling Interesting Facts

SoccerbettingIs there such thing as "kangtao" or surewin tips? I have seen alot of people debating over the issues of this "kangtao" or surewin tips. In actual fact there"IS" however very few. But why does it fails us when it is surewin. It is because some of these so called kangtao are "false information" released by the smaller bookmakers themselves to balance their balance sheet. For instanc. . .

Guide To Be A Successful Soccerpunter

Why becomes a soccer bettor one may ask? Where it is considered a negative occupation where it is often regarded as non productive, immoral behaviour. Well as for every other thing everything there is the pros n cons. If you able to use it to your advantage it could be becomes your full-time occupation or a second income. Morever, soccer betting is a big thriving business where it is prevalent . . .

Do Fish See in Color

Fish do indeed perceive color. Every fly fisher knows that or ought to know that. Like humans, the retina of a fish have rods and cones. Cones are used in the day and rods at night. Color vision evolved to help fish identify potential food. In the environment of the fish, the background will either be the bottom, the water itself, or if looking up for food it could be the sky. The bottom is nor. . .

Great Falls Montana skateboard park grand opening event

It was Friday night in Great Falls, Montana, and I was on my way to pick up Josh Evin and Ben Krahn at the airport. Josh and Ben had come to skate under the Big Sky at the new 25,000 square foot park designed by Grindline (fine tuning by Shaggy in below zero temperatures earlier this year) and Tim Altec. First order of business was a session. Ben and Josh were loving the park and drawing lin. . .

One for Ten Cabin Fever in Haines Alaska

Mountains, massive piles of rock and earth shaped by glaciers, erosion, and weather; can conjure feelings of awe, enlightenment and fear in people. For millions of years weather systems have shed soft crystals of snow on these massive peaks, and now we stand as mere specs in the history of these giants, aloft on their high ridgelines. As we descend a sensation secretes from our brains pulsing t. . .

5 Easy Steps to Giving the Perfect BackCountry Gift

Does the thought of buying a gift for a friend or relative make you smile or does it stress you out? Is there a hiker or camper on your gift giving list? What can you give to the someone who already has everything? The secret of gift giving is not always the “what.” Many times the “why, when and how” make an ordinary gift the Perfect Gift. Continue reading to discover 5 sure-fire steps to givin. . .

Do You Know What a Didgeridoo Is?

Do you know what a didgeridoo is? Do you want to do or learn something different? Find out about it and do it on the Web.Do you know what a didgeridoo is? There are so many things in this life that are unknown to us. I bet you could find out about something outside your normal sphere of vision and experience everyday for the rest of your life and still not get close to knowing about everything . . .

Surf Waves With Jack Johnson

Like a laid back, relaxed beach vibe? Surf waves in reality, musically, and on the Net with Jack Johnson.Lately I’ve been listening to some pretty cool music by some beach bum named Jack Johnson. The tunes he plays really touch a chord within me. They are just so honest and selfless, like stories being told by a wise old palm tree that has endured countless days of peaceful monotony, and yet ha. . .

Building A Good Relationship With Your Guitar

The guitar is considered the friendliest musical instrument there is. It is because the guitar is the handiest musical instrument that could stand on its own. A group can enjoy music with just a guitar even without the accompaniment of winds and percussions. The term “acoustic” is referred to, in the music context of today, the rendition of songs in all the glory of guitars. No percussion and p. . .

General overview about Trout Senses

When fly fishing for trout, it is of crucial importance to understand their senses. Trout are fish, after all, and make different use of their senses than we do. Understanding these senses can greatly increase the prospects of a successful fly fishing trip. Many anglers make the common mistake of thinking trout are not very smart. As far as hatchery born fish are concerned, this is mostly corr. . .

Trout Species – Cutthroat Trout and Golden Trout

Cutthroat Trout: Cutthroat Trout are generally found only in high alpine lakes or in some selected areas of the Pacific Northwest. The Cutthroat Trout is the original trout of the Rocky Mountains. Unlike Brown Trout which were originally introduced to the Eastern United States, Cutthroat Trout are originally from the Western half of the United States.What separates the Cutthroat Trout from othe. . .

Trout Species – Brook Trout

Brook Trout: Frequently gullible, yet extremely tasty, Brook Trout are wonderful trout to fish for - especially since they frequently inhabit the most beautiful stream settings in the U.S. The Brook Trout was originally found in the Midwest and along the East Coast. It is sort of the Eastern counterpart to the Western Cutthroat trout – with its range extending all the way from Canada down to . . .

Ideas For Fun Things To Do On A Date

Need an idea for what to do on a date? Here's how to go about finding ideas for new and unusual dates that are enjoyable and memorable.The three most usual choices for what to do on a date are dinner, a movie, and a public event such as a sports game or concert. Those activities often give the couple several hours of time to enjoy each other's company. But relying on those same activities too o. . .

Why Coach Soccer? And How To Have Fun.

Warren Buffet might not know soccer, but when he said, "Tell me your heroes and I'll tell you how your life will end up", he was onto something.When it comes to coaching, everyone wants a say but few are willing to turn their words into action and take a team… even under 8’s which is where yours truly started. How can You enjoy coaching soccer? Let me count the ways: 1. Coach your kids and you . . .

Do-Sa-Do For Mindfulness

When I was 12, one of my best friends was a square dancer. Twice a week, her family would pile into the Country Squire station wagon and head to the Grange Hall, where they'd gather with their square dancing club for an evening of music, friendship and do-sa-do. (That's the correct spelling, by the way. Visit www.dosado.com)As a regular guest, I was fascinated by the form but, in the height of. . .

US Women Soccer Superstars - Victims of Their Own Success

With the imminent retirement of long-time veterans Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy, and Joy Fawcett from the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, I often find myself thinking how fortunate my family has been to witness their heroics on the field and their positive influence off of it.But the last game we saw in person stands out as a very different experience from the first game we saw nearly nine years ag. . .

A New DVD Format War

Just when you thought it was safe to buy a nice new all-singing all dancing DVD player/recorder, along comes a new format war to add to an already confusing marketplace.Once the original DVD standard settled down, DVD players quickly became one of the most successful consumer items of all time. The new format revitalised the home entertainment market, and hardware manufacturers benefited both d. . .

Pele's Identity Revealed

Hi,Pele is one awesome man and soccer player, Contents: Description of Socio-cultural Group of the Family of Origin Historical Event: Professional Football in Brazil 1933Don’t be fooled these reports are robust and between the two of them deliver everything promised and a little more…So enjoy them and share them with friends (please include all links).I have written them from my passion for Pe. . .

Wildlife Scouting Cameras

For years I wondered how big the bucks were that were roaming our property in the dark of night. After all, I knew that monster bucks had to be eluding me during the daylight hours only to roam the woods at night. In an attempt to reveal these mysterious nocturnal monsters I purchased a scouting camera in 1996.After a couple of years of using the camera I was very disappointed. The camera wo. . .

Selecting the Right Tackle

One of the most important things to consider when fly fishing is choosing your tackle the right way. Many people overlook this important factor and start with the wrong assumptions. They first buy the rod, then the line to match the rod, then the reel and then they buy the flies they will need to fish. The fact is the flies are the most important in determining weather or not you will be catchi. . .

3 - Pointer by Gary Whittaker

Point 1 - Red Sox Win! Red Sox Win! There will NOT be a bigger sporting event this year than the saga that was the 200 ALCS between the little Red Sox team defeating the big bad Yankees. The stories involve Pedro Martinez calling the whole damn Yankees as his "Daddy", to Mariano Rivera coming back to pitch in game 4 after 2 "shocking" deaths in his wife's family. From Schilling making baseball . . .

All about Minibikes and Pocketbikes

For those who were too small or too young to grip the handles of a motorcycle, minibikes were a worthy alternative. Minibikes were about 4 feet tall, weighed as little as 65 pounds, and had wheels about 10 inches in diameter. With a frame like that, they didn't go very fast - but no one seemed to care. As minibikes progressed, they soon came available with engines, brakes, suspension and headli. . .

“How to Choose the Right Sportsbook!”

So you have decided to start betting online – or maybe you just want to find a new trustworthy sportsbook – what do you need to look out for?Well I am in a position to speak from some experience – I did at one time hold accounts with about sixty bookmakers in Europe, UK, Australia and offshore – the latter catering mainly to the US market. I have had at least three online sportsbooks go broke o. . .

What's In Your Hiking Pack?

Every time I leave the pavement, I take along my trusty hiking pack – even if I have no intention of hiking. Doing this has become a habit rather than a conscious decision. My pack goes with me when a hike, camp, hunt, fish, bird watch and even when I drive out of town. I’ve been a boy scout and a United States Marine so I suppose I have learned to be prepared for almost anything. My pack is fu. . .

The Fine Print Behind Online Gambling Bonus Offers

If you have never opened an account with an online casino, poker room, or sports book you may be wondering if the bonus offers are legitimate. We are all aware of the wisdom in the sayings, “If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is” or “There is no such thing as a free lunch”. So what’s the catch? When a casino offers you $100-$1000 in free money should you dismiss it, assuming th. . .