How Hustling & Being in Shape Contributes to Scoring More Points

Way too many basketball players underestimate the power of hustling and being in top physical condition. It seems like a no-brainer but that's not the case at all. It's usually the more talented and skilled players that overlook this important aspect of the game too. What happens is these players basketball use to dominating their peers at a young age and because they didn't condition a lot then they have this idea in the back of their mind that it's over-rated. They eventually get to a level (usually High School or College) where they are matched up with equally skilled players and they get their lunch eaten because they have never had a true belief in getting their bodies in top physical condition. Don't ever let this happen to you. The fact of the matter is, whatever level of play you are at, you need to understand the importance of hustling and conditioning. It has a gigantic impact on your level of play and it especially has a lot to do with your ability to score points. I don't care how well you can shoot, how well you can dribble or how fast you are - if you are out-hustled you are going to end up looking like a very average player.

Why You Will Score More Points

Way too many basketball players underestimate the power of hustling and being in top physical condition. It seems like a no-brainer but that's not the case at all. It's usually the more talented and skilled players that overlook this important aspect of the game too. What happens is these players get use to dominating their peers at a young age and because they didn't condition a lot then they have this idea in the back of their mind that it's over-rated. They eventually get to a level (usually High School or College) where they are matched up with equally skilled players and they get their lunch eaten because they have never had a true belief in getting their bodies in top physical condition. Don't ever let this happen to you. The fact of the matter is, whatever level of play you are at, you need to understand the importance of hustling and conditioning. It has a gigantic impact on your level of play and it especially has a lot to do with your ability to score points. I don't care how well you can shoot, how well you can dribble or how fast you are - if you are out-hustled you are going to end up looking like a very average player.

Hustling also creates a lot of opportunities to get easy baskets. If you have the energy to put some intense pressure on the players you are defending then you are going to cause some turnovers, get some steals and have some easy fast break lay-ups. I know some players that are obsessed about scoring points so they try and preserve their energy while on defense so they can be explosive on offense. This is not only against everything the game of basketball is about, it's flat out stupid. You are more likely to increase your scoring average if you have more high percentage shots during games and lay-ups are as high percentage as they get. And we haven't even talked about loose balls. It's the scrappy hustle players that always get the loose balls and those almost always turn out to be transition scoring opportunities. You can easily add 6-10 more points to your scoring average by hustling because of the added scoring opportunities you'll be presented with.

Then there's the common sense factor. If you are in better condition you are going to perform better on the court. It's a given. Your legs won't get tired in the 4th quarter, you won't get winded and you'll be able to beat your defender off the dribble. It's a sad thing when I see really talented players not be able to score on their opponents simply because they are too tired to make their move. Don't be the player that thinks your talent and skill can carry you all the way to the top. If you ever start to think that it's only about how well you can shoot or dribble go research how much the Harlem Globetrotters get paid vs. players in the NBA and then breakdown the difference in their game.

How Bad Do You Want It?

Hustling and conditioning go hand in hand because you can't hustle for very long if you aren't in really good condition. It doesn't take special skill or natural born talent to hustle. It takes sheer will and determination. It takes the type of self-discipline that guys like US Olympic Swimmer Michael Phelps has. basketball isn't known for having some secret talent that not very many other swimmers have. He is known as a man who works his guts out and wants to be a winner more than one could possibly imagine. Do yourself a favor and take a lesson from his book. There is nothing but good things that will come from you getting yourself in top physical condition and deciding that you are going to be known as the player that is constantly hustling. Players will hate defending you and you'll be presented with a lot more scoring opportunities than you ever have.

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How To Create An Outdoor Family Room

More and more families are enjoying time spent outside. The back yard can now be thought of an extension of the space inside your home. Here are some things you will want to keep in mind when creating an basketball family room at your home.

Consider Your Family's Needs

The ages and interests of your family members will need to be taken into consideration when you plan your outdoor space. A family with young children will have different priorities than a household made up of two retirees or a single twenty-something. The best way to proceed is to basketball a list of who will be using the space and in what way.

For example, is the space a place to sit and read? Will young children be playing there? Do the owners enjoy gardening or hosting friends? If so, how much time do they have to spend on these activities?

If you still need some ideas, check out some decorating magazines or visit a retailer to see what is available. Leave room in your outdoor decorating plan for flexibility. Decide what elements are "must haves" and which ones can be relegated to the "would be nice to have" list.

Set a Budget

Now that you have come up with a wish list of what you want your outdoor living space to do, you need to decide how much you can afford to spend. Your plan can be implemented in a number of installments, so don't think you have to do everything in one season if that is not feasible. Consider buying items for your yard at the end of the season, when you can get them at a better price.

Include Seating Areas

Whether the family includes young children or not, you will want to include one (or more) seating areas. Patio furniture comes in a variety of styles and colors, from simple tables and chairs to a chaise lounge with colorful cushions. Whatever style of chair or bench you choose, position them near points of interest in space.

If you have a beautiful flower bed, you will want to position your seating so that you can see and appreciate it. The same is true if the back yard includes a pool, fountain, or a fire pit for visitors to gather around.

Consider Cooking Outdoors

Being able to eat outside is an important consideration when planning an outdoor family room. Many people enjoy cooking over a BBQ and you will want to position this item close to the house to make it more convenient when carrying food back and forth. Likewise, you will want to place a table and chairs nearby.

When considering where to put your BBQ and patio table, you will want to take into account which parts of your yard get direct sunlight at the times of day you are most likely to be entertaining. Adding a patio umbrella will make eating outside more enjoyable on sunny days, while a chiminea will chase away the chill of a late night gathering.

Planning is key to getting the outdoor family room that will fit your needs. So take the time to think about what the space is being used for before you start shopping.

Another great thing to add to your yard is the addition of a basketball hoop. An outdoor basketball goal is a fun way to get the family together and keep the kids around. Shop from all sorts of basketball hoops at this great online store.

Graphic Novels Review - Comic Classics

Comics are a culture all by themselves. No other medium is capable of combining so much in one hit. To anyone who never had the fortune to lose themselves in a graphic novel, they really are missing out on a gem. To the uninitiated, those seemingly static picture boxes appear as lifeless drawings. Make no mistake, in the way your imagination takes hold when reading a story. Your entire being gets drawn in when reading a graphic novel.

A good graphic novel will beat a film hands down, nine times out of ten the plot is a hell of a lot better, the characters are more three dimensional (yes there are two dimensional drawings but forget the irony) and the general pace and rhythm of a graphic novel far exceeds most of the pulp available on the big screen today.

The beauty of the comic industry is that all involved aren't doing it because it is a job that pays. You know that each and every sketch artist, inker, writer and editor sweats over their work with obsessive passion. Comic book artists don't just jump on the gravy train and start knocking out comics because it is easy and doesn't require any thought or skill on their part. You know that each novel has had a lot of time and energy put into it. On the other hand, any number of major players in the movies industry don't even need to have a passion basketball films. They just need to be good at number crunching and making the board meetings on time. Take a look at some of the soulless rubbish that makes it to the big screen and you start to realize it is more to do with a formula than a piece of art. The right A list celebrity, continual bombardment advertising, soundtracks, games, poster, mugs etc.

Graphic novels on the other hand are purely a stand basketball affair. Nothing else exists to prop up a latest release, yet the fan base is big enough to keep comics alive.

Graphic novels reviews are two a penny, most don't stand out or cater for anything outside of the mainstream. Visit http://www.holycr4p.com for more.

Books By Presidential Losers

In 2004 - John Kerry lost to George W. Bush

The New Soldier was written in 1971 by John Kerry and the Vietnam Veterans Against the War. It contains excerpts of testimony about war crimes committed during the war. Only 5000 copies of the book were originally printed driving the value of the book up to $1250 for a signed first edition.

In 2000 - Al Gore lost to George W. Bush, although Gore did win the popular vote losing by the Electoral Collages

Gore as authored a number of books including Earth in the Balance which was written in 1992 and became the basis for his much acclaimed An Inconvenient Truth which became a bestseller and was turned into an Academy Award winning Documentary, prices for signed copies of the former top out at $595 while the Inconvenient Truth is offered for up to $449 when signed.

In 1996 - Bob Dole lost to Bill Clinton

After losing the 1996 election Bob Dole wrote a book about his run at the presidency in an effort to show that just because he lost the election it didn't mean he lost his sense of humour. A signed copy of Great Political Wit is offered for up to $436

In 1988 - Michael Dukakis lost to George H. W. Bush

Though not at all collectible Dukakis helped write How to Get Into Politics and Why in 2006, you can buy it for under $20

In 1984 - Walter Mondale lost to Ronald Regan

Mondale's most collectable work would be his first book The Accountability of Power: Toward a Responsible Presidency, written in 1976 as an essay against the excesses of the Nixon administration. You can pick up a signed copy for only $50.

In 1976 - Gerald Ford lost to Jimmy Carter

Gerald Ford is the wildcard in this list since he did serve as president; however he did so having never won an election. Rather then win his way in he was given the Vice Presidency after Spiro Agnew's resignation and then catapulted to the position of President the following year after Nixon resigned during the Watergate scandal. He attempted a second term in office but was beaten by Jimmy Carter in 1976. Following these events Ford wrote his Autobiography A Time to Heal in 1979, a title which remains his most collectible book, as well as the most collectible book written by a presidential candidate who never won an election. A signed copy will cost you up to $2800.

In 1972 - George McGovern lost to Richard Nixon

McGovern has written a number of books: The Great Coalfield War which depicts the struggle for unionisation among early Colorado Coal Miners , A biography titled Grassroots which was published in 1977, and in 1997 he wrote Terry; the story of his daughters struggle with Alcoholism - All of which hover around the $150 range.

In 1968 - Hubert Humphrey lost to Richard Nixon

Written in 1976, The Education of a Public Man basketball Humphrey's long political career, the book has undergone re-printings and signed early editions are offered for up to $100.

In 1964 - Barry Goldwater lost to Lyndon B. Johnson

Apart from being known as Mr. Conservative Goldwater was also highly interested in basketball Three books with his photography are People and Places, Delightful Journey and Barry Goldwater and the Southwest which contains a forward written by Ansel Adams, a signed copy of the latter can be found for up to $450.

In 1956 and 1952 - Adlai Stevenson lost two consecutive elections to Dwight D. Eisenhower
Titled after part of his speech that won him the democratic nomination at the 1952 convention The Stark Reality of Responsibility is Adlai's most collectable work with only 1000 copies in its initial printing the book is offered for up to $200.

In 1948 and 1944 - Thomas E. Dewey Lost consecutive elections to Harry S. Truman and Franklin D. Roosevelt

After losing the Republican nomination in 1940 on an isolationist policy Dewey put up a good fight against the incredibly popular Roosevelt only to lose again the following election to Harry Truman by frittering away a mammoth lead in the polls with quotes like his famous `You know that your future is still ahead of you.` Dewey was so favoured to win the Chicago Tribune even hedged their bets declaring him the winner in their headline only to have to change it after 150,000 papers had been shipped out. Dewey's most collectable book is a signed copy of Journey to the Far Pacific which contains writings about his trip though east Asia visiting revolutionary and war ravaged countries of Korea, Indo-China, Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia which is offered for up to $468.

In 1940 - Wendell Willkie lost to Franklin D. Roosevelt

Willkie ran against FDR despite having never held a prior elected political office, he lost the Electoral College's by a landslide but his book One World became a New York Times bestseller, not only did it predict China's eventual rise to the status of superpower but also touted the importance of international peacekeeping after the second world war. Signed copies of the first edition are offered for up to $389.

Fernando Bessega is an ecommerce expert specialized in the book market. You can find the featured books here.