Betting on sports ‘futures’ is an enjoyable and potentially profitable way to wager, but there are several potential risks that can lead to losses. Here’s a rundown of things to avoid:

Search for the best price: A common mistake is to assume that the price on a specific futures wager position will be the same at every sportsbook. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, you’ll often see a greater degree of difference between futures prices from book to book than any other form of bet. This is because that books aren’t as worried about what price other outfits are offering as they are about keeping their own financial position balanced.

Don’t try to pick the winner in a competitive marketplace: This may sound sort of counter intuitive since the general idea of betting on futures is to determine the actual winner but it’s really not. Like everything else, its essential to always be mindful of the value you’re getting. In a futures market with several legitimate contenders at the top the price offered is seldom high enough to properly compensate for the risk you’re assuming. Here’s an example: in a hypothetical NCAA hoops tournament Duke is +200 to win the national championship. They’ve certainly got a shot, but at a payback of only 2/1 its hard to justify a wager at this point with the potential for so many interceding events that can make a championship more problematic. Such events as injuries, a tough tournament draw or even just going into a slump at the wrong time can happen to any team but when you bet a higher priced team–a ‘dark horse mid major at 15/1 for example–you’re getting “compensation” for assuming the “risks” of betting on a proposition with so many unknown variables.

In mathematical terms, we’re simply not being offered odds on a favorite that offer a good value in comparison with the ‘true odds’ of the event occurring. Let’s say we bet Duke at +200 to win the NCAA tournament. If we could magically play the NCAA tournament over 100 times, would Duke come out on top more than 33 times? If not, they’re a poor value at the price. At a higher price, I might be interested but at +200 the value is simply not there.

In a less competitive field, there can be instances where even a big favorite is a good value. For example, lets say a book was to take action on a bikini contest between a Victoria’s Secret supermodel and three members of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The model would essentially be a 100% probability to win the contest, meaning that even a high chalk price would be a good value. Risking a lot of money to win a little is a tough thing to justify, however, even if the math makes sense.

Don’t go for the big killing: Sports wagering is not a good arena in which to make a ‘big killing’. It may happen from time to time, but it is extremely rare. A perennial doormat can come out of nowhere to win a championship at a big price, but the fact that it happens from time to time doesn’t make it a good value. If you’re a recreational player and want to throw a few dollars at a big long shot, no real harm. If you aspire to any degree of seriousness as a sports better, however, you need to maintain your discipline and commitment to value at all times. If you want to hit a big jackpot play the lottery or the slot machines, but don’t try to do it in a sports betting paradigm.

Simply stated, the concept of value works the same at the bottom of the wagering ladder as it does at the top. Even if you’re betting a big underdog at a huge price make sure that it accurately reflects the ‘true odds’ of the event occurring.

Don’t waste your money on ridiculous prop bets: Occasionally sports books offer ridiculous bets to get press or to be funny. For example, a book once offered odds on Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher and Bruce Willis all hopping into bed together and releasing a video tape of the proceedings. You’d no doubt get a huge payback were this to happen, but the ‘true odds’ of such an event transpiring far exceeded even a big potential payback.

Ross Everett is a experienced freelance writer experienced in travel, poker and sports handicapping. He is a consulting handicapper for Anatta Sports where he is responsible for providing daily free sports picks. In his spare time he enjoys fine dining, fencing and deep sea diving. He lives in Las Vegas with four dogs and a pet coyote.

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Ingemar Johannson died at a nursing home in his native Kungsbacka, Sweden at the age of 76 early in 2009. No official cause of death was given, but Johansson recently returned to the nursing home after a difficult bout with pneumonia. Johansson had moved to the nursing home on the Swedish coast from Stockholm over ten years ago after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Johannson rocketed to international fame and rock star like superstardom in Sweden by virtue of his 3rd round knockout victory over Floyd Patterson on June 26,’59 to become only the 5th heavyweight champion born outside of the US. Johannson was considered the underdog going into the matchup, and due to the perception that he wasn’t training particularly hard entered the bout a 5/1 underdog. Johansson was frequently seen in Catskill nightspots during his training camp with his attractive young secretary in stark contrast to Patterson’s disciplined regimen in preparation for his title defense.

His performance against the champ that night in Yankee Stadium shocked the boxing world”after a tentative first two rounds, Johannson floored Patterson with a short right early in the third. The champ never recovered and with no three knockdown rule in effect was knocked down a total of seven times before referee Ruby Goldstein called a halt to the proceedings and awarded the Swede the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world.

Patterson would regain the title just under a year later, becoming the first man to ever regain the heavyweight championship. Patterson was on top of Johannson from the opening bell, and eventually knocked his opponent out cold in the fifth round with a devastating left hook. After the fight was stopped Patterson was more concerned with Johannson’s well being and cradled his vanquished foe’s head while medical staff attended to him.

Johannson would again face Patterson less than a year later, with the champ retaining his title via 6th round knockout after an exciting slugfest that saw both competitors taste the canvas. Eventually, however, Patterson’s superior conditioning prevailed and he earned the victory. Johannson would fight only four more times after that, all in his home country of Sweden, before retiring for good in’63.

Patterson and Johannson remained lifelong friends, and would travel to visit each other yearly until Patterson’s death in 2006. Johannson made a number of film appearances in Sweden, and spent time in Miami every year. He enjoyed good health well into his 60’s, until a variety of physical ailments took their toll.

Ingemar Johansson is considered one of Sweden’s greatest sports heroes, and was a crucial element in fueling the popularity of boxing in Europe and Scandinavia. He was married and divorced twice, and is survived by five children.

Ross Everett is a widely published freelance writer who covers travel, poker and sports handicapping. He is a staff handicapper for Anatta Sports where he is responsible for providing daily free sports picks. In his spare time he enjoys fine dining, fencing and scuba diving. He lives in Las Vegas with four dogs and a pet coyote.

The ‘new look’ Washington Redskins offense under Sherm Lewis looked much like the old offense under Jim Zorn, and the Philadelphia Eagles had little trouble as they opened a 27-10 halftime lead en route to a 27-17 victory on Monday Night Football. DeSean Jackson scored a long touchdown both rushing and receiving, and Donovan McNabb threw for 156 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions in the victory.

The Eagles also rewarded NFL betting enthusiasts with the pointspread cover as -8′ road favorites. Philadelphia is now 4-2 against the number while the Redskins continued their struggles against the NFL pointspread dropping to 1-6. The 44 combined points went OVER the posted total of 38. The Eagles have gone OVER the total in five of six, while this was only the second OVER of the year for the Redskins with 5 games UNDER.

Jackson’s only complaint after the game was that a sore ankle undermined the artistry of his post touchdown tap dance:

“I was out there having fun, man, honestly. My ankle was kind of hurting. I really didn’t feel it, but it did kind of affect my dance a little bit. I could put it to perfection a little bit better than that.”

Redskins’ defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth suggested that this team has to learn to play as a unit:

“You can say but so much. You’ve got to actually want to. So once we get to that point — where we want to do something — then we’ll do something. But if we just keep going our separate ways, then we’ll just keep getting slaughtered like we have.”

Jim Zorn was apparently more interested in playing ‘gotcha’ with the management that replaced him as the Redskins’ offensive play caller than in analyzing the game:

“Well, the result was the same. We got 17 points. It was difficult for me. It was difficult to stand and watch. The hard part is to keep your mouth shut.”

Washington running back Rock Cartwright expressed Washington’s struggles in a philosophical light:

“You have to take the bitter with the sweet. And right now we’re at a bitter moment.”

The Eagles will host the New York Giants this Sunday, with the game currently ‘pick’em’ and the total posted at 44. They’ll host the Dallas Cowboys the following Sunday before hitting the road to play the San Diego Chargers on November 15. The Redskins have a much needed bye week before they travel south to play the Atlanta Falcons on November 8.

Ross Everett is a respected freelance writer specializing in travel, casino gambling and sports handicapping. He is a staff handicapper for Anatta Sports where he is responsible for providing daily free sports picks. In his spare time he enjoys fine dining, falconry and scuba diving. He lives in Las Vegas with four dogs and a pet coyote.

Horseback riding requires more than just equipment. Indeed, it also includes proper attire and the right horse riding clothes to make you feel comfortable and safe. There are also horse riding wear standards that you need to take into account, because you cannot just wear anything when you go riding.

This article reveals the right answers about different horse riding clothes. Here, you will discover what you should wear and why. Hence, read each line carefully to make your riding time really safe and enjoyable.

Q1: What kind of hat or helmet to wear?

A hat or helmet serves as protection for your head in case you fall off your horse. Western riders wear cowboy hats, while European riders generally wear helmets, derby hats, or caps with a button on its top. Whichever protection you want to wear for your head, just make sure that it is SEI/ASTM (Safety Equipment Institute/American Standard for Testing Materials) approved for your safety.

Q2: What kind of jackets should you wear?

Rather than making sure that you are well-clothed and look good while riding, you should care more for a horse riding jacket. Indeed, it plays the role to make you feel comfortable while sitting on your horse. In this manner, you should wear a jacket that has a vent at its back or gusset so its bottom parts could spread or lie back on the saddle. This way, the clothing would not get in your way of riding your horse.

Q3: What kind of gloves should you buy?

Horse riding gloves come in a variety of designs and are made from different materials. Simply, choose one that makes you comfortable while riding, roping, carriage driving, or whatever activity you want to do with your horse.

Q4: What kind of pants to wear?

Horse riding breeches, Jodhpurs, or jeans provide you protection from the rough leather saddle. In addition, thanks to the seat patches, they offer you the best convenience and comfort while riding. These items also protect your legs and knees from other things you might encounter while riding.

Q5: What kind of riding boots should you opt for?

Wear footwear that has about one and half inch heel and low threads. Adding to this, make sure that the heel and sole are appropriate enough to fit with the stirrups. Trainers are alright to wear while riding, while hiking boots are big enough to get you stuck in the stirrups.

Make sure that you have reliable riding apparel and not just cheap horse riding clothes. Do not compromise, when it comes to the quality. Adding to this, it is strongly recommended to check online forums to see what others say. This way, you will shorten your learning curve.

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This is part two in a sequence of four articles.

In our last column we discussed the coastal yucatan region south of Playa del Carmen as well as in the area of Tulum. In this piece we are going to center of Playa plus the activities around this prospering beachfront Caribbean township. What originated as a quiet and tiny Caribbean fishing hub, has rapidly evolved into one of the top travel destinations in the yucatan. Back in the early 90’s we visited that sleepy little village and I can say first hand it is a far cry from what it is today. Popularity causes advancement and change, but if you are looking for a wonderful get-away and tons of action, Playa is the place.

Playa nowadays represents a Caribbean destination that has it all. From world class shopping on the famed 5th Avenue to a number of adventure parks, first class Playa del Carmen hotels and all-out resorts to hip-hop clubs and dining alternatives to satiate even the most sensitive appetites. Whether by daylight or night, you should find no shortage of things to do in Playa del Carmen!

Playa is a lot more than just kilometers away from the small Tulum hotels and eco-chic cabana resorts you will discover further down the seashore, although it still continues to be a charming, dynamic and culturally rich place to visit. By day, Playa del Carmen gives you some of the greatest people observation to be found in Mexico, regardless of whether on the broad yucatan beaches or on the 5th Avenue walking mall you should see a extensive range of visitors from all over the world. There is a lot to do and experience in this centrally situated little city, being a quick ferryboat ride to Cozumel for a terrific day trip for snorkeling or scuba or going up the coastline 30 minutes to the city of cancun for even more options.

Playa del Carmen during the day means beach runs, snorkel and SCUBA tours, day trip jungle safaris, adventure theme parks, golf and great shopping. The night time brings out the untamed side in nearly all who start out out beneath the light of the moon. In addition to the world class dining options there are at a minimum a dozen dance-clubs that cater to the late night dancing and adventurous crowds. Commonly accepted as a fun family vacation choice, it is rapidly establishing itself as a competitor for Cancun with the dance party entertainment options. A handfull of places you may get the urge to visit for the nightlife include; CoCo Bongo for entertaining stage shows with gifted music cover bands, The Blue Parrot for the fire shows on Friday and Saturday nights, OM Playa for a drink in comfort and La Santanera for a hip dance club.

Whether by daylight or nightlife, with family, a duo or single traveler, Playa del Carmen really offers something for everybody that is looking for a little or a lot of the caribbean in their vacation. In our next article we will go inland and discover the wonders of the mexican world and culture of Merida and the adjacent areas. There is zero shortage of fun and positive energy when it comes to vacations on the Yucatan!

Ron Williams is a senior vacation journalist dwelling year round in Tulum, Mexico specializing in news about tulum hotels along with experiences within the Yucatan Peninsula. Feel free to drop a line to Ron directly if you would like resident ideas as well as information for experiencing a tremendous excursion in to Yucatan.

Every year, bpong.com hosts the most popular tournament in the world, “The World Series of Beer Pong” in Las Vegas, Nevada. The World Series of Beer Pong features two styles of beer pong tables built to specific dimensions. These Tables feature the official logo of the WSOBP imprinted on the beer pong table top. One style, the light design table, is sure to catch attention. Its bright and vivid design is perfect for drawing a crowd. The dark table is more of a sleek black design; serving two functions, looking awesome and showing your competition that you are serious. Both tables are of competition status and available to the public.

The tables both have mirrored wave patterns on the left and right of the table that resemble an ocean wave and compliments the logo nicely. The World Series of Beer Pong logo, a red and blue background with a white silhouette of a player shooting, is easy to identify and is a nice simple design. Do not be fooled by knock offs and imitations, this trademarked logo has a vast number of copycats.

High grade aluminum is resistant to rusting and allows some structures to be lighter than an empty pony keg (about 21lbs). An just by coincidence (more like strategic construction) that’s what the official World Series of Beer Pong tables are made out of. If you are worried about durability and performance, these beer pong tables have six legs that are evenly spaced to prevent wobbling and sagging. The official beer pong table is also portable. It folds up nice into about the size of a briefcase. Once broken down, the table locks in place securely using two handles for easy transportation. The open position size of the table is 2 feet wide by 8 feet long and 27.5 inches high. This is the exact size used in The World Series of Beer Pong tournaments.

Previously stated, these beer pong tables are the same used in the tournament championships and satellite tournaments all over the United States. Ron and Pop from team “Smashing Time” picked up the championship title in the last tournament; taking home the $50k first prize. If you crave a competitive edge, the best way to practice for the next tournament is with one of these beer pong tables.

It doesn’t matter if you are a professional beer pong player, just someone who loves the game or both, these official beer pong tables should be a part of your arsenal. These are awesome tables that you can practically take any were you can party. Just remember to have fun and steal some car keys.

Before you choose the wrong beer pong table, check Niel “Beer Pong” Stone’s World Series of Beer Pong equipment, and for other great products check out everything else.

Manchester United is in good shape to advance to the Champions League soccer quarterfinals following a 3-2 win over AC Milan at the San Siro. The competition itself was overshadowed by the fact that it was the first time that David Beckham had played against his old team since leaving Old Trafford in 2003, and Wayne Rooney squashed Milan’s early hopes with two goals to put the game on ice. Clarance Seedorf scored at the 85 minute mark to make the score respectable, but Man U controlled play after the halftime break.

AC Milan got on the board first just three minutes into the game as Beckham set up Ronaldinho’s goal that sent the San Siro into a frenzy. Paul Scholes evened the score at the 36 minute mark and the teams went into the halftime break tied at 1-1. Rooney would net his first goal at the 66 minute mark and would score again just 8 minutes later to give Man U a 3-1 lead.

The 24 year old Rooney is becoming recognized as one of the best strikers in soccer. He’s now got 25 goals on the year with 19 games left to play. He’s also received high marks from the soccer press for his playmaking, heady play and overall attitude. The consensus is that he’s already one of the best in the world and is only getting better.

After the game, Beckham graciously complimented Rooney on his play and suggested that he receive consideration for the World Player of the Year award:

“I hope he is a contender for the World Player of the Year and the Ballon D’Or. I would love to see him win every title possible. I have seen Wayne from being a young lad. I played in his debut for England and I have watched him score goals week in and week out ever since. It is amazing to see.”

“He looks after himself and works hard. The way he plays is the way he trains. That is why he is so good and why Wayne is ready for any game. It doesn’t matter how many games he has played or how many he will be involved in to the end of the season, he will be ready for anything.”

There’s a good chance that Beckham and Rooney will be teammates on England’s World Cup team this summer. Beckham made note of that fact:

“I wouldn’t want to see him do it again against us in a few weeks but of course I’d like it in the World Cup.”

Rooney’s sizzling play and Beckham’s veteran leadership and dominant free kicks are a big reason why England is among the World Cup betting favorites before the team has even been made official. England will start World Cup play on June 12 against the United States. England is a +600 choice to win the World Cup, third favorite behind Spain and Brazil.

Ross Everett is a freelance writer specializing in sports handicapping, horse racing, soccer handicapping and falconry. He is also a well known expert on NFL football betting and has made many broadcast appearances on TV and radio. He lives in Reno, Nevada, Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and a wombat.

Kansas City Chiefs QB Matt Cassel missed the first game of the NFL regular season, and his status remains questionable for the teams second game of the year against the Oakland Raiders. Although he appeared to be running more briskly and favoring his knee less in practice this week, Chiefs coach Todd Haley maintains that hes still a game time decision. The Chiefs offense has looked pitiful ever since preseason and their ineptitude cost coordinator Chan Gailey his job. In addition to playing without their starting quarterback, Kansas City is woefully lacking in playmaking wide receivers.

The bright spot in all of his misery was the play of Brodie Croyle in the opening week loss to Baltimore. Croyle completed 16 of 24 passes for 177 yards and two TDs. Still, Haley is anxious to get his #1 quarterback in the lineup and says that Cassel is working hard to make that a reality:

“Matt is doing everything he can to be ready. I would hope I would know a little sooner this week, although right now I can’t give a definitive answer. But the player’s doing everything he can to be ready, which generally helps speed the healing process.”

Haley also spoke of the teams struggles at the wide receiver position:

“We’re looking and digging all the time. If there’s somebody out there we think makes us better, we’re going to do what’s necessary to get that done. I’m looking for guys that do it the way we want it done. Talent is the great separator. There may be some guys who are doing everything the way we want it done, but maybe they’re just not good enough. Then there’s some guys who potentially can be really good, but they’re not doing it the way we want it done.

“I want physical receivers just like I want physical players at every other position and guys that help block in the run game and are football players, not just pass-catchers.”

That comment was a thinly veiled reference to the teams top receiver, Dwayne Bowe, who was demoted to third string in the preseason”reportedly for a bad attitude and poor work ethic.

Cassel commended his backup on his performance:

“I think Brodie played the type of game he had to play to give us a chance to win.

After facing the Raiders on Sunday, the Chiefs face a pair of tough NFC East opponents as they take on the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles in successive weeks. Several reports suggest that Haley is now weighing his options and trying to decide whether Cassel would benefit more from an extra week of rehab or getting a game under his belt.

Ross Everett is a respected freelance writer who covers travel, casino gambling and NFL football handicapping. He is a consulting handicapper for Anatta Sports where he is responsible for providing daily sports picks. In his spare time he enjoys fine dining, flower arranging and scuba diving. He lives in Las Vegas with four dogs and a pet coyote.

Brady Quinn outplayed Derek Anderson, giving himself an edge in the Cleveland Browns QB battle, and his team outplayed the Tennessee Titans earning a victory in NFL preseason action. Quinn threw a touchdown pass as Cleveland used a 17 point third quarter to beat Tennessee 23-17. The Browns improved their NFL preseason record to 2-1 with the victory, while Tennessee dropped to 2-2.

Browns backers who bet on NFL preseason action were pleased with the outcome, as Cleveland easily covered as a -1 home favorite. The Browns are now 2-1 against the spread in the NFL preseason, while the Titans dropped to 1-2-1 against the number. The 40 combined points just managed to make it OVER the posted total of 38. Cleveland is now 2-1 O/U in the preseason, having gone OVER in two straight games. Tennessee has gone OVER in all four of their NFL preseason contests.

The battle for the Cleveland starting quarterback job was the big storyline of the game. Browns coach Eric Mangini conceded that the battle was very close but declined to give any indication of which way he was leaning:

“I’ll look at the tape tomorrow, talk to the coaches and continue to evaluate it. When the decision is made, I’ll let everyone know.”

Both signal caller aspirants have posted similar stats, but Quinn has thrown the only touchdown pass of the preseason for the Browns and this may make the difference. Anderson sounded as if he knew that he’d fallen short in his postgame comments to the media:

“It’s out of my hands. Let the chips fall.”

Quinn suggested that whether he’s the starter or a backup it made no difference in the way he approached his job:

“I expect to practice on Monday. Derek and I are mentally tough guys. If our coach wants us to go forever, I’m sure we can go forever.”

Wide receiver Braylon Edwards refused to take sides or handicap the quarterback battle:

“That’s up to coach. Whatever decision he makes we’ll support. Right now, they both look good.”

Despite the loss, Titans coach Jeff Fisher commended the play of his starting QB Kerry Collins:

“Kerry spread the ball around quite a bit. We got some things accomplished that we didn’t see last week. I was pleased with the drives. We gave up a couple of plays, but I thought we handled the run with the starters”

Cleveland will conclude their 2009 NFL preseason schedule on Thursday night, traveling to Chicago for a game against the Bears. Tennessee will wrap up their exhibition slate on the same night as they welcome the Green Bay Packers to Music City USA.

Ross Everett is a freelance writer specializing in sports betting, harness racing, fencing, fantasy role playing games and model railroading. He consults with a number of sports handicapping services and has made numerous TV and radio appearances. He lives in Southern California with his Asian houseboy, 3 dogs and a retired racing wombat

Now that the Detroit Lions have ended their losing streak, the St. Louis Rams are officially the worst team in the NFL. The Rams extended their losing streak–now the NFL’s longest–to 13 games on Sunday with a 36-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers on their home field at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis. The Packers Aaron Rodgers threw for 269 and two touchdowns and rushed for a third as Green Bay pulled away in the second half. The victory snapped a five game road losing streak for Green Bay and improved their 2009 NFL regular season record to 2-1.

Green Bay easily covered as a 6 road favorite, in the process earning their second pointspread cover in three NFL regular season games this year. The Rams dropped to 1-2 against the spread. The 53 combined points scored went OVER the posted total of 42. The Rams have only covered 12 of their last 36 lined games.

Rogers had been sacked a league high ten times in his first two games, but only went down twice in the victory over the Rams. Afterwards, he praised his offensive line for giving him the time he needed to complete big plays:

“They really gave me some time. I was able to move in the pocket.”

Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo blamed the loss on the lack of big plays generated by his defense:

“It’s the big plays on defense that kill you and the turnovers — we didn’t get any takeaways.”

Packers coach Mike McCarthy, meanwhile, praised the big play ability of his offense in earning the victory:

“Big plays equal points in this league. We say it every week. It was evident today. We have the ability to play that way.”

Green Bay quarterback Rodgers continued to explain the teams big play ability, suggesting that much of it stemmed from the Rams man to man coverage of Greg Jennings and Donald Driver:

“If they are in press coverage on Driver and Jennings, we’re going to take our shots. I was able to put the ball in the spot.”

The Rams will look to end their ending streak next weekend, but wont receive any help from the schedule maker as they travel cross country to play the improving San Francisco 49ers. Theyll return home the following Sunday to play the Minnesota Vikings before taking to the road again, traveling to Florida to play the Jacksonville Jaguars. Green Bay will head to Minnesota for a Monday Night game against the Vikings next week. Theyll then enjoy a bye week before hosting the Detroit Lions on October 18th.

Ross Everett is a experienced freelance writer who covers travel, casino gambling and sports handicapping. He is a consulting handicapper for Anatta Sports where he is responsible for providing daily free sports picks. In his spare time he enjoys fine dining, fencing and deep sea diving. He lives in Las Vegas with four dogs and a pet coyote.