28712

The city of Orlando, located in the U.S. State of florida, is known all around the world thanks to its theme parks. Featuring some of the world's best theme and amusement parks, this tourist destination offers to million of visitors annually the opportunity to take a close portrait photograph with Mickey or see Shrek hugging dad while he waits in line to purchase tickets. The famous walt Disney World resort, the sea World and the Universal Orlando resort, offer thrilling rides, 3D movies, and all sort of extreme adventures, based mainly on cartoon or movie characters known to us since the time we were kids. But if one does not have kids, is there a reason to spend a small fortune for just a ride?

Well, I wish the answer was a simple yes or no. Allow me to argue before casting a stone. Last christmas (no, not the one I gave you my heart as Wham mentioned in their famous 80s song) I was visited by my folks who decided to spend their christmas and New years vacations in United States for the first time. Since my brother is currently a resident of South florida, it was inevitable for us to go where the weather conditions would be better. Thus, after taking care of some personal business, I flew to South florida to join my family and spend my winter vacations in a sunny climate for the first time. Since my brother was really excited that we were all together again, he proposed a short journey to one or Orlando's theme parks as none of us had ever visited one. We immediately agreed and two days later we drove to discover the islands of Adventure and jump into the actions of the Universal studios movies.

To my surprise, I really enjoyed our visit there and although I was really glad to have the opportunity of experiencing yet another of our legendary family trips, I was secretly worried that the whole experience would prove to be a really boring one, apart for myself, for my parents, who I regret to admit are now of a certain age that does not permit them to experience an excitement as a ten year old would. But to my astonishment, my father was the one dragging us from venue to venue, insisting to visit every single place in the theme park -the daily tickets must have been on sale- and was always pointing something new, something fun we should not miss to explore. I will not mislead you by saying that he or my mother decided to get on those "terrifying trains" as they called them, but they did not go up against our determination to ride them again and again or to laugh while listening to our happy screams.

So, yes it is true. I really enjoyed my first visit at a theme park. Perhaps I have excuses, like the fact that I have not seen my parents or brother for a long time, or that I was under tremendous stress for more than six months and this was my first chance to let myself again relax and enjoy the ride. So, regardless if you are accompanying your nephew or daughter, you should take some time off when you get the chance and experience how it feels to see earth while hanging upside down at 125 feet over the ground ridding the Fire or Ice Dragon as they narrowly pass within inches from each other, on a roller coaster running at a speed of 55 mph.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Recreation, Fitness, and Travel

// posted by 58378 @ 10:54 AM 0 comments

For the first time since 2001, a full compliment of six players was elected into the Pro Football Hall of fame. I'm 45 and was able to see and remember each during his career. In my opinion, four selections are solid (Reggie White, Warren Moon, John Madden, Rayfield Wright), one leaves me ambivalent (Harry Carson), and then there's Troy Aikman.

Reggie White was the most dominant defensive lineman of his era and retired with most sacks (198) in nfl history at the time. The "Minister of defense" started in the USFL but in his 15 year nfl career went to 13 Pro Bowls. No Brainer.

Madden and Wright were senior-committee selections and both have merit. Madden has the highest winning percentage (.759) of ANY coach with 100 wins and won a Super Bowl, probably long overdue. Rayfield Wright was considered the "linchpin" of the offensive line for the great Cowboy teams of the 70's - no problem there.

Warren Moon's nfl numbers are staggering. His CFL/NFL numbers are mindboggling! In 23 years of organized football, Warren Moon threw for 72,184 yards and 457 touchdowns, 51.061 and 313 in the nfl. By comparison, Dan Marino finished with 61,361 and 420. The hall didn't hold Moon's vagabond final years and lack of Super Bowl ring against him.

Harry Carson in my eyes was one of the parts of the sum in that great "Wrecking Crew" defense of the giants Parcell's Giant era. Lawrence Taylor deservedly got all the pub but lets not forget that Brian kelly and Brad van Pelt were both excellent linebackers and Jim Burt and Leonard marshall vastly underrated defensive linemen. Nitschke, Butkus, Lambert, Carson ???

Troy Aikman's career stats: 61.5%, 32,942 yards, 165 TDs, 145 Ints, QB rating of 81.6

There have been six other quarterbacks inducted into the Hall of fame since 2000 (Montana, kelly, Elway. Marino, young, and Moon), and everyone's number other than Steve Young's dwarf Troy Aikman's. So lets start with Steve Young.

Steve Young is another I would consider good but not great yet compared to Aikman, young is first ballot. Despite spending half his career in the USFL, Tampa bay, hurt, or sitting behind Montana, young still threw for slight more yardage and 67 more touchdowns than Aikman. young could also hurt you with his legs rushing for 4238 yards at 5.9 yards per carry with an additional 33 touchdowns.

Of the seven, Aikman's completion percentage is lower than all but kelly (60.1%) and Moon (NFL number 58.4%). Aikman's 165 touchdowns pales in comparison to everyone else's 237+. The others all threw for 40,000 plus yards and only Moon (80.1) and Elway (79.9) had lower quarterback ratings.

Call me old school but I think the Hall of fame should be reserved for the truly greats of the game. I realize that HOF criteria is not strictly numbers based and involves many intangibles including leadership and winning but Troy Aikman was clearly not great. This is an argument generally reserved for baseball but applicable here.

Let's look at some players that are coming up soon, just retired or will retire soon. most I consider good but not great. Perhaps the closest analogy to Aikman is Scotty Pippin, decent numbers, 6 championships, Does he deserve to get in ??? In my eyes - No/Maybe. Regardless of situation, ANWHERE, Scotty Pippin was good 17/9 player that played excellent defense. He's a slam dunk to go but if on fringe, the defense would send him through.

Jerome Bettis. The Bus. He's top 10 rushing all-time but if Steeler's hadn't won, where's Jerome. Does he deserve to go? A marginal yes, Will he get in? Maybe down the line during a thin year. Could anybody in good conscience mention his name in the same breath as Earl Campbell. I don't think so.

Baseball is the most fun. In an age of Roids and Juiced balls, how about these guys, Juan Gonzalez (420+ HR's), Jeff Bagwell (430+ HR's), Tom Glavine (260 wins), Frank Thomas (420+ HR's). Cobb, Ruth, DiMaggio, Aaron, Bagwell. Rolls right off your tongue doesn't it

A lot of great players get dogged about their careers for not winning a championship, Ted Williams, Dan Marino, Maravich, Barkley, and Karl Malone. Some get dogged for not winning enough, Wilt Chamberlain. There are lots of good players considered great because they won and in this instance, Troy Aikman can step to the head of the class.

// posted by 58378 @ 1:30 AM 0 comments

If you've been trying to lose weight but is still unsuccessful? Why don't you try the Medifast weight Loss Center's program?

Medifast is one of the many centers in the US right now that offers a weight loss program promising to deliver great results. What makes it 'unique' is that it offers different diet plans for different people.

weight loss plan for women

This plan was specifically designed to meet the special dietary needs of women and is guaranteed to be a safe and effective program for losing weight. The plan involves a very low-calorie diet that when taken with the center's specially formulated shakes results to a weight loss of 3 to 5 pounds a week. Weight Loss Plan for Men

This plan is developed especially for men but can also be used by sporty and very active women who engage in daily strenuous exercise. Compared with the women's plan, this plan provides more protein and a modestly higher calorie count.

Medifast Weight Loss Plan for Diabetics

Diabetics have special dietary concerns which makes it important for them to have a diet plan that's meant just for them. This plans not only helps in controlling blood sugar but can also help type II diabetics lose unwanted pounds. Meanwhile, the Medifast weight Loss Center recommends type I diabetics use Medifast products as an occasional meal replacement only, unless prescribed by their doctor.

Other weight loss plans in the Medifast' product line includes the Medifast Plus for Appetite Suppression, Medifast Plus for Joint health, and Woman's Wellbeing menopause Relief.

To speed up their client's progress, the center recommends them to combine exercise with their diet plans and drink 8-oz glasses each day.

As with any other diet plan, you must consult first with your doctor.

Phillip England is a weight loss expert and Author of the popular report "The Ultimate Weight loss Secret". To receive your free information on the secret that doctors, and health companies either don't know, or don't want you to know, please see http://www.theultimateweightlosssecret.com/secret

// posted by 58378 @ 12:59 AM 0 comments