Fishing is a sport that most people have tried at least once in their lives. It seems that no matter where you live there is some type of fishing available; whether it is freshwater, deep sea, stream or pond. The techniques that are used vary greatly, as well as the equipment that is needed. The equipment and techniques depend upon the species that is being fished. My husband and I do a great deal of freshwater fishing. I love the action of fishing for pan fish and bass, but you cannot beat walleye fishing for the great tasting fillets.
There are many people that do not like walleye fishing because it does take practice to learn the techniques and the techniques vary from lake to lake as well as the time of the year. The walleye is available in larger lakes in Minnesota, Wisconsin and in Canadian waters. They can get up to nine pounds, but the best eating walleye is in the pound and a half to four pound range. Their fillets are white and flaky and very mild tasting. They are delicious baked, grilled, fried or poached. The main reason people go walleye fishing is for the great tasting fillets.
Walleye fishing is very popular on the lake where we live. In fact it is called the walleye capital of Minnesota. We are located in the central part of the state so we are only a ninety minute drive from the metropolitan area. This means that there are many people fishing on the lake year round. For walleye fishing you needed to fish close to the bottom. Depending on the weather patterns they tend to bite best in the early mornings and at sunset. Early in the season they tend to feed at night so night fishing is when most of the large fish are caught. In the spring of the year when the fish are spawning they feed so heavily during the night that the department of natural resources has ban fishing from ten o’clock at night until six o’clock in the morning for the first three weeks of the season. This is done in an effort to keep some of the larger fish in the lake for breeding. The walleye fishing season runs from the second week of May until the middle of February. The walleye tend to follow the bait fish, so where ever there are schools of bait fish the chances of hooking a walleye are good. They will bite on both live and artificial baits. In the early season we seem to catch more on plain hooks with leeches and later in the season we use minnows on colored lead head jigs. No matter how you catch them they taste wonderful. Walleye fishing provides a great treat for the family.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Boat Racing
Boat Racing
Boating is very popular as a recreational activity and as a competitive sport. There are various types of boat, which means that there are different forms of boat racing. Competitions and regattas take place all over the world. Some races can be as potentially dangerous as races on land as more powerful machines are made.
Sailing is a very old pastime and yacht racing has a long tradition. The sport is divided into two categories; racing round buoys in harbor areas and offshore races across open stretches of water. The craft used includes dinghies, catamarans and other raceboats. The yachting world is dominated by a few prestigious boat racing events, such as the America's Cup, the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and the Transpacific Yacht Race.
Drag racing on land, with custom built cars is an exciting spectator sport. The water equivalent is just as thrilling and drag boat racing is growing in support. The race is usually over a quarter mile and involves two boats, competing against each other. The highlight of the drag calendar is the IHBA World Finals, held at Phoenix in Arizona.
Lakes and rivers are the setting for hydroplane racing. The sport has both class and open competition and junior divisions are very popular. Outboard engine versions also race in their own class. The sport is particularly well established in Japan, where it is called kyotei. This kind of boat racing was controversial in its early days as there were a number of injuries and deaths. Safety features have recently been introduced, including protected cockpits and safety belts.
One of the most thrilling spectator sports on the water is jet boat racing. Competition is divided into two engine classes and races run through channels, measuring between 3 - 5 meters wide. It's a two person crew, with one member driving and the other navigating. Offshore Powerboat racing involves ocean going powerboats, traditionally racing point to point or, in recent times, in circuits. There are several classes and speeds of up to 170mph can be attained.
One of the older sports is rowing. This sport requires strength, stamina and a high level of fitness. The best rowers compete at the Olympic Games and at the World Rowing Championships. This type of boat racing is also well supported at college level. The United States rivals, Harvard and Yale race against each other each year, as do the British universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
Boating is very popular as a recreational activity and as a competitive sport. There are various types of boat, which means that there are different forms of boat racing. Competitions and regattas take place all over the world. Some races can be as potentially dangerous as races on land as more powerful machines are made.
Sailing is a very old pastime and yacht racing has a long tradition. The sport is divided into two categories; racing round buoys in harbor areas and offshore races across open stretches of water. The craft used includes dinghies, catamarans and other raceboats. The yachting world is dominated by a few prestigious boat racing events, such as the America's Cup, the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and the Transpacific Yacht Race.
Drag racing on land, with custom built cars is an exciting spectator sport. The water equivalent is just as thrilling and drag boat racing is growing in support. The race is usually over a quarter mile and involves two boats, competing against each other. The highlight of the drag calendar is the IHBA World Finals, held at Phoenix in Arizona.
Lakes and rivers are the setting for hydroplane racing. The sport has both class and open competition and junior divisions are very popular. Outboard engine versions also race in their own class. The sport is particularly well established in Japan, where it is called kyotei. This kind of boat racing was controversial in its early days as there were a number of injuries and deaths. Safety features have recently been introduced, including protected cockpits and safety belts.
One of the most thrilling spectator sports on the water is jet boat racing. Competition is divided into two engine classes and races run through channels, measuring between 3 - 5 meters wide. It's a two person crew, with one member driving and the other navigating. Offshore Powerboat racing involves ocean going powerboats, traditionally racing point to point or, in recent times, in circuits. There are several classes and speeds of up to 170mph can be attained.
One of the older sports is rowing. This sport requires strength, stamina and a high level of fitness. The best rowers compete at the Olympic Games and at the World Rowing Championships. This type of boat racing is also well supported at college level. The United States rivals, Harvard and Yale race against each other each year, as do the British universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Sports News And Reports In Sports Magazines
Sports journalism in dedicated sports magazines offers reports on events like competitions and tournaments and related sports news. There are many sports magazines that have been mocked and called "toy magazines" for showing no concern for the 'serious' topics covered by various news desks. Today, sports coverage has grown in importance, just as the different sports themselves have grown in wealth and influence and a lot of subsequent power and recognition.
Sports journalism in sports magazines is an essential component of the news media organization. Sports journalism in sports magazines includes a sports department that is devoted solely to diligent sports reporting. Some of the world renowned magazines dedicated to sports are Sports Illustrated and Sports Round Up.
The reporters of various sports magazines have a tough time with sports teams from around the world. While some are not always very accommodating with sports journalists, others are known to allow sports reporters into locker rooms for interviews and some extra information. There are also sports teams that provide extensive information support, even if the reporting proves unfavorable to them. There are certain countries where sports coverage is often barely tolerated by the clubs and players.
Sports journalists who work for the various sports magazines are like any other reporters. They too have to find the story rather than simply rely on information that is generated by the sports teams or institution or the dedicated coaching staff. The reporters on sporting events are expected to first and foremost be conversant with the particular game they are covering and the nuances involved. Sports journalists have to verify facts given to them by the teams and organizations they are covering, before getting the content into the sports magazines.
Often, the coaches of the different games and teams and players and even the sports organization management rescind the access credentials of the reporters covering a particular controversy or sporting event. This is done entirely in retaliation for printing accurate, but disparaging information about a team, player, coach or the organization in question.
Today, sports reporters cover extensively sports journalism for professional and intercollegiate sports such as American football, ice hockey, basketball, baseball and football. The sports magazines are segregated to either cater to the target 'reader' group for a particular sport or into sections within that cover different sports and offer better coverage to the sports enthusiasts. The sports magazines are headed by a team of professionals either from the games themselves or avid enthusiasts from around the world, who have followed the games religiously.
Sports magazines all over the world have now become a part of the integrated world online. The online sports magazines are increasing in popularity due to the private and comfortable access to live news and reviews possible because of the internet technology. There are many sports magazines that cater to both, the online and virtual segments successfully.
Sports journalism in sports magazines is an essential component of the news media organization. Sports journalism in sports magazines includes a sports department that is devoted solely to diligent sports reporting. Some of the world renowned magazines dedicated to sports are Sports Illustrated and Sports Round Up.
The reporters of various sports magazines have a tough time with sports teams from around the world. While some are not always very accommodating with sports journalists, others are known to allow sports reporters into locker rooms for interviews and some extra information. There are also sports teams that provide extensive information support, even if the reporting proves unfavorable to them. There are certain countries where sports coverage is often barely tolerated by the clubs and players.
Sports journalists who work for the various sports magazines are like any other reporters. They too have to find the story rather than simply rely on information that is generated by the sports teams or institution or the dedicated coaching staff. The reporters on sporting events are expected to first and foremost be conversant with the particular game they are covering and the nuances involved. Sports journalists have to verify facts given to them by the teams and organizations they are covering, before getting the content into the sports magazines.
Often, the coaches of the different games and teams and players and even the sports organization management rescind the access credentials of the reporters covering a particular controversy or sporting event. This is done entirely in retaliation for printing accurate, but disparaging information about a team, player, coach or the organization in question.
Today, sports reporters cover extensively sports journalism for professional and intercollegiate sports such as American football, ice hockey, basketball, baseball and football. The sports magazines are segregated to either cater to the target 'reader' group for a particular sport or into sections within that cover different sports and offer better coverage to the sports enthusiasts. The sports magazines are headed by a team of professionals either from the games themselves or avid enthusiasts from around the world, who have followed the games religiously.
Sports magazines all over the world have now become a part of the integrated world online. The online sports magazines are increasing in popularity due to the private and comfortable access to live news and reviews possible because of the internet technology. There are many sports magazines that cater to both, the online and virtual segments successfully.
The Top Sports News Centres
There are literally thousands of places on the web to get your sports news information. Whether you want the latest headlines, up to the second scores, editorials, or in depth analysis, there are a myriad of choices for you. While some sites only offer one or two of those things, there are several that offer all of those and more. My Top 5 are below:
5. Yahoo! Sports (sports.yahoo.com) - this site is all substance and no flash. It looks essentially the same as it did five years ago. That's not necessarily a bad thing, it just doesn't knock your socks off. Any information that you need is readily available and up to date. Columnists aren't as well known as the top sites, but they are solid.
4. FOX Sports (msn.foxsports.com) - a few years ago this site was a mess. It was the anti-Yahoo! - all flash and no substance. In the past few years they've toned down the flash and increased the substance. The live gamecasts at the top of the page are extremely innovative. For example, for a baseball game you not only see the score, but also an overview of the diamond and what runners are on base. If you are interested in a specific game you can roll your mouse over it and get more details. If FOX keeps innovating like that, they won't be number 4 for long.
3. Sports Illustrated (sportsillustrated.cnn.com) - this site excels in two things - editorials and rumors. They have THE best writers (they are Sports Illustrated after all) and they do an excellent job of providing tons of content. Peter King's Monday Morning Quarterback column is absolutely priceless. They also compile a 'Truth and Rumors' section for each of the major sports. It's essentially a compilation of all of the rumors from local newspapers across the country. The best part about it is it's free, unlike ESPN's rumors.
2. CBS SportsLine (cbs.sportsline.com) - everything is great about SportsLine - they are often the first to break news, gamecasts are innovative and effective, and for what it's worth the fantasy sports are the best on the web. Well, they are great at everything except editorials and analysis, and they are horrible at that. Tony Mejia, Dennis Dodd, Pete Prisco, and Greg Doyle are the worst group of sports writers on the web. Where are the editorials from their on-air personalities like Jim Nantz and Billy Packer? ESPN and FOX manage to get their on-air personalities to write, maybe CBS should consider it. Read the comments at the bottom of any article by any of the aforementioned writers and you'll realize that I'm not the only one that thinks they are horrible.
1. ESPN (www.espn.com) - they are consistently ahead of the curve in every one of the important aspects. They are the worldwide leader in sports and they show no signs of giving up that crown on the web. I commend them for getting their best personalities - John Clayton, Steven A. Smith, Barry Melrose, and Peter Gammons - to write consistently good articles. The only downside is that too much information is hidden in the 'Insider', ESPN's paid service. It's frustrating to read a headline, click, and then realize that you can't read the story because you have to pay for it.
5. Yahoo! Sports (sports.yahoo.com) - this site is all substance and no flash. It looks essentially the same as it did five years ago. That's not necessarily a bad thing, it just doesn't knock your socks off. Any information that you need is readily available and up to date. Columnists aren't as well known as the top sites, but they are solid.
4. FOX Sports (msn.foxsports.com) - a few years ago this site was a mess. It was the anti-Yahoo! - all flash and no substance. In the past few years they've toned down the flash and increased the substance. The live gamecasts at the top of the page are extremely innovative. For example, for a baseball game you not only see the score, but also an overview of the diamond and what runners are on base. If you are interested in a specific game you can roll your mouse over it and get more details. If FOX keeps innovating like that, they won't be number 4 for long.
3. Sports Illustrated (sportsillustrated.cnn.com) - this site excels in two things - editorials and rumors. They have THE best writers (they are Sports Illustrated after all) and they do an excellent job of providing tons of content. Peter King's Monday Morning Quarterback column is absolutely priceless. They also compile a 'Truth and Rumors' section for each of the major sports. It's essentially a compilation of all of the rumors from local newspapers across the country. The best part about it is it's free, unlike ESPN's rumors.
2. CBS SportsLine (cbs.sportsline.com) - everything is great about SportsLine - they are often the first to break news, gamecasts are innovative and effective, and for what it's worth the fantasy sports are the best on the web. Well, they are great at everything except editorials and analysis, and they are horrible at that. Tony Mejia, Dennis Dodd, Pete Prisco, and Greg Doyle are the worst group of sports writers on the web. Where are the editorials from their on-air personalities like Jim Nantz and Billy Packer? ESPN and FOX manage to get their on-air personalities to write, maybe CBS should consider it. Read the comments at the bottom of any article by any of the aforementioned writers and you'll realize that I'm not the only one that thinks they are horrible.
1. ESPN (www.espn.com) - they are consistently ahead of the curve in every one of the important aspects. They are the worldwide leader in sports and they show no signs of giving up that crown on the web. I commend them for getting their best personalities - John Clayton, Steven A. Smith, Barry Melrose, and Peter Gammons - to write consistently good articles. The only downside is that too much information is hidden in the 'Insider', ESPN's paid service. It's frustrating to read a headline, click, and then realize that you can't read the story because you have to pay for it.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Media and Sports
Sport is one of the well-published issues in the Net. Sport issues gain a lot of publicity and discussions in the media. The examples are numerous: thousands of football news article depict the reactions of trainers to a particular event. Important soccer games are an everyday issue in TV channels. New technologies are used everywhere in coverage of sports: tennis streaming video presents the particular strokes of favored tennis stars, such as Rafael Nadal and Maria Sharapova. At the days of serious matches, fans enjoy watching the game of their favored teams in tennis or football online. We might ask ourselves: what is the role the Media plays in Sport?
One probable answer would be that the media successfully exploits the public need for entertainment. People have always felt the need to be entertained, starting from the days of gladiators, when the public' general demand was to see people die in front of them in exchange for their money. As the years went by, the forms of the entertainment changed and became less cruel, but the principle of the crowd asking for Panem et circenses (i.e. "bread and circuses") remained the same. In this matter, sports news is the best possible entertainment, and watching sport online or on TV is the best possible way to witness the actual thing happening.
And here comes the next possible answer: media adheres to the needs of the wide public, fulfilling the desire to watch the "actual thing" on-line. Although a football match might occur in Milano, and tennis game may take place in Moscow, media brings the tennis game and the football match straight to your living room, without the need to get up from sofa and buy the ticket to Milano or wherever you want to get to. Media makes use of our need to witness the actual thing by serving as a mediator between the sporting event, which happens somewhere out there, and us, the viewers.
Being a central part of our everyday experience, media brings sports coverage to our living room and shows it to us whenever we choose. I'd say it's a good thing, but you - choose for yourselves.
One probable answer would be that the media successfully exploits the public need for entertainment. People have always felt the need to be entertained, starting from the days of gladiators, when the public' general demand was to see people die in front of them in exchange for their money. As the years went by, the forms of the entertainment changed and became less cruel, but the principle of the crowd asking for Panem et circenses (i.e. "bread and circuses") remained the same. In this matter, sports news is the best possible entertainment, and watching sport online or on TV is the best possible way to witness the actual thing happening.
And here comes the next possible answer: media adheres to the needs of the wide public, fulfilling the desire to watch the "actual thing" on-line. Although a football match might occur in Milano, and tennis game may take place in Moscow, media brings the tennis game and the football match straight to your living room, without the need to get up from sofa and buy the ticket to Milano or wherever you want to get to. Media makes use of our need to witness the actual thing by serving as a mediator between the sporting event, which happens somewhere out there, and us, the viewers.
Being a central part of our everyday experience, media brings sports coverage to our living room and shows it to us whenever we choose. I'd say it's a good thing, but you - choose for yourselves.
Curling - Olympic medal sport
Curling, even though being recognized as an Olympic medal sport, is still unfamiliar to many. Just what is this sport and how is played? Simply put, curling is a sport that is played on ice where players slide granite rocks down the playing field. As the rocks travel, they have will often curve, or ‘curl,’ during play. This is why the sport is known as Curling.
This unique sport first came into existence on the frozen ponds and lakes of Northern Europe. During a Curling competition, two teams of four players will slide hefty granite rocks across a 130' x 15' sheet of ice. The rocks travel down the ice toward the center, which is similar to an archery format. The designated areas are painted just below the surface of the ice at both ends, which allows the rocks to be played back and forth during a series of competitions.
Each Curling game will consist of sixteen rocks being thrown and, following the conclusion, a score is tallied. Each team will score one point for each rock that is determined to be closest to the center. Very similar to the strategy of baseball, only one team can score during any given play. One of the most unique features of curling is the incorporation of sweeping. When a player sweeps the ice, they are essentially brushing it at a rapid pace in order to keep the rock moving. The process of sweeping helps to polish the ice and helps to promote a more distant, straight moving rock.
Curling is a popular sport that is actively played in over 20 countries, including North America, Asia, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. A large majority of curling players reside in the United States, Scotland and Canada. Mostly played indoors, curling is a popular sport for fans who prefer to be protected from mother nature while enjoying a sports event.
Even though many are still unfamiliar with curling as a sport, it’s awareness has increased since the 2002 Olympic games, which were held in Salt Lake City, Utah. Cable television covered the events worldwide and many sports enthusiasts were drawn to the unique aspect of curling. In fact, curling was also a popular sport in the recent 2006 Olympic Winter Games, which were held in Turin, Italy. For more information on curling as a sport, player biographies and how to get involved, athletes and fans may visit usacurling.org.
This unique sport first came into existence on the frozen ponds and lakes of Northern Europe. During a Curling competition, two teams of four players will slide hefty granite rocks across a 130' x 15' sheet of ice. The rocks travel down the ice toward the center, which is similar to an archery format. The designated areas are painted just below the surface of the ice at both ends, which allows the rocks to be played back and forth during a series of competitions.
Each Curling game will consist of sixteen rocks being thrown and, following the conclusion, a score is tallied. Each team will score one point for each rock that is determined to be closest to the center. Very similar to the strategy of baseball, only one team can score during any given play. One of the most unique features of curling is the incorporation of sweeping. When a player sweeps the ice, they are essentially brushing it at a rapid pace in order to keep the rock moving. The process of sweeping helps to polish the ice and helps to promote a more distant, straight moving rock.
Curling is a popular sport that is actively played in over 20 countries, including North America, Asia, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. A large majority of curling players reside in the United States, Scotland and Canada. Mostly played indoors, curling is a popular sport for fans who prefer to be protected from mother nature while enjoying a sports event.
Even though many are still unfamiliar with curling as a sport, it’s awareness has increased since the 2002 Olympic games, which were held in Salt Lake City, Utah. Cable television covered the events worldwide and many sports enthusiasts were drawn to the unique aspect of curling. In fact, curling was also a popular sport in the recent 2006 Olympic Winter Games, which were held in Turin, Italy. For more information on curling as a sport, player biographies and how to get involved, athletes and fans may visit usacurling.org.
Monday, March 3, 2008
NBA Sporting Action In March
If you're like most people, the season has snuck up on you. March Madness is right around the corner. Everywhere, basketball fans are scrambling to find a way to watch their favorite teams battle their way through this popular elimination style basketball competition. So, do you have your plans set yet? Do you know who carries March Madness? Or how much you'll have to pay to get it or even if it is available in your area?
One of the hottest new options is actually an online option. CBS inked a deal with Yahoo! in 2003 to allow March Madness on Demand for a charge of around $10. The idea was a hit with consumers and the subsequent years actually saw the fee wiped away. In 2007, On Demand games were available through Yahoo free of charge and this year looks to be the same. What if you don't have a computer, though? Or you don't have broadband or are still relegated to using a 14 inch CRT monitor (do they still make those?)
While you can get NBA League Pass through both Dish Network and DirecTV, DirecTV offers the Mega March Madness package; you won't find this option with Dish. NCAA basketball is technically the purview of CBS, though they have licensed DirecTV to carry the majority of games. There are quite a few other options available to catch the excitement of March Madness, though.
If you are one of the computer challenged, you'll find that you have to go that extra mile to get your NCAA fix. Switching to Direct TV is an option. This would actually give you the best benefits, allowing you to see the largest number of games. There are several HD options available, as well for those with HDTVs and HD programming packages. Another option is to catch CBS coverage through a local channel. CBS will continue to broadcast a large number of March Madness games from all different levels of the competition.
The most compelling reason to watch as many games as possible is for the talent level of the young players. We get to prepare ourselves for the NBA draft prospects for the upcoming season. As armchair scouts we are able to get a better understanding of what players will be the star rookies and what Juniors may abandon their college careers to try and go pro. March is by far the best month for basketball on all levels.
The single best option for your March Madness needs, though, is DirecTV. Subscribing to their Mega March Madness package is much less costly than some other options and you can get it in HD. If you don't have an HDTV yet, now is the perfect time. Get your system well in advance of the beginning of the competition, though, so you don't miss any of the fierce battles for dominance. Also, before you even purchase your television, contact DirecTV and let them know that you want to add HD programming, or you'll be watching the same old TV on a larger scale. Just because you have an HDTV, does not mean that you're watching HDTV! Find out from your provider what kind of install time you are looking at so that you can have everything in place before the beginning of March Madness. Getting your NCAA basketball fix is a great reason to upgrade that old TV anyway.
One of the hottest new options is actually an online option. CBS inked a deal with Yahoo! in 2003 to allow March Madness on Demand for a charge of around $10. The idea was a hit with consumers and the subsequent years actually saw the fee wiped away. In 2007, On Demand games were available through Yahoo free of charge and this year looks to be the same. What if you don't have a computer, though? Or you don't have broadband or are still relegated to using a 14 inch CRT monitor (do they still make those?)
While you can get NBA League Pass through both Dish Network and DirecTV, DirecTV offers the Mega March Madness package; you won't find this option with Dish. NCAA basketball is technically the purview of CBS, though they have licensed DirecTV to carry the majority of games. There are quite a few other options available to catch the excitement of March Madness, though.
If you are one of the computer challenged, you'll find that you have to go that extra mile to get your NCAA fix. Switching to Direct TV is an option. This would actually give you the best benefits, allowing you to see the largest number of games. There are several HD options available, as well for those with HDTVs and HD programming packages. Another option is to catch CBS coverage through a local channel. CBS will continue to broadcast a large number of March Madness games from all different levels of the competition.
The most compelling reason to watch as many games as possible is for the talent level of the young players. We get to prepare ourselves for the NBA draft prospects for the upcoming season. As armchair scouts we are able to get a better understanding of what players will be the star rookies and what Juniors may abandon their college careers to try and go pro. March is by far the best month for basketball on all levels.
The single best option for your March Madness needs, though, is DirecTV. Subscribing to their Mega March Madness package is much less costly than some other options and you can get it in HD. If you don't have an HDTV yet, now is the perfect time. Get your system well in advance of the beginning of the competition, though, so you don't miss any of the fierce battles for dominance. Also, before you even purchase your television, contact DirecTV and let them know that you want to add HD programming, or you'll be watching the same old TV on a larger scale. Just because you have an HDTV, does not mean that you're watching HDTV! Find out from your provider what kind of install time you are looking at so that you can have everything in place before the beginning of March Madness. Getting your NCAA basketball fix is a great reason to upgrade that old TV anyway.
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