Will the democrats be able to reverse the online gambling ban

Many people were hoping that if the Democrats won control of Congress they would reverse the online gambling ban, but experts doubt they will even try or that if they do that the will be successful. Once the bill was passed and signed into law by the president, it became much harder to reverse the law. The democrats would need to bring up the law and get it to a vote, then after the vote passed it needs to go to the president for his signature. The problem with this is that the current president is the one who signed the bill into law in the first place. Another problem is because the gambling ban was attached to another bill, it means that to reverse the law the entire bill needs to be reversed, but the other part of the bill is for an increase in port security, so any congressmen who recommends reversing this law, will be going on record as trying to reverse the increase in port security. Because of this trying to get the law reversed could ruin a congressman’s chances of ever getting elected to public office again for the rest of their lives. It is more likely that it will have to wait till the end of George Bushes term in office and then get an amendment to the law that reverses only gambling ban part of the law. So if you are on Online Gambling enthusiast and you were hoping that after the election the online gambling ban would just disappear I am sorry to say you were mistaken and that you are going to have to wait a little longer, but that does not mean you need to sit quietly by. The key is to make sure that you are heard, write letters to congressmen, and attend protest rallies anything that will keep this issue in the front of the minds of the politicians so they know that just as the Republicans lost the house so can they. The republicans used the online gambling ban to try to gain votes for them in the last weeks before the election, but it backfired on them and lost them more votes then it brought in. Hopefully the Democrats will learn from the mistakes of the Republicans and will understand that banning something never works, and that it is only thru regulating the online gambling industry that will ensure that it is safe and honest to play and that no underage children manage to play. Other wise I am sure that the Democrats will also see the wrath of the American voters when it comes time for the next elections. The American people are tired of having the government controlling every aspect of their lives and I think this election may have made their point for them. So if the question is will they try to reverse the law I am sure they will try, but how successful they will be is still up in the air, and no one can really know what the outcome will be.

Los angeles lakers basketball team history

The franchise for the Lakers was first started in Detroit before it was moved to Minneapolis. That is when the team received the famous title that they are known for and which the state is nicknamed - Land of the 10,000 Lakes. The infamous team won 5 different league championships before the were than moved to Los Angeles. The Lakers team was first created back in 1944 when Morris Chalfen and Ben Berger decided that they were going to purchase the Detroit Gems (a part of the National Basketball League) for a total of $15. Because the Gems had the worst record of all the teams in the NBL - the Lakers were able to be the first to pick out the players they needed from the 1947 dispersal draft from the Professional Basketball League of America. From this draft they chose George Mikan who later in life became one of the basketball’s greatest center. With the help of coach John Kundla the Lakers team was able to the NBL championship during the ‘47-’48 season. It was during this time that they were selected along with three other teams to compete in the Basketball Association of America. From this they won the ‘48-’49 BAA championship. George Mikan wasn’t the only player that would help to bring greatness to the Lakers. Vern Mikkelsen, Slater Martin, Jim Pollard, and Clyde Lovellette all played big roles and together with George Mikan they all reached the NBA Hall of Fame during the years of 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, and 1954. When the team moved to Los Angeles in 1960 their game only got better. It was than that Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, and Gail Goodrich all made their way into the Hall of Fame also. Even with this success the Lakers they always seemed to be thwarted by one team - the Boston Celtics. They went up against this team six times and each time they lost the championship. It wasn’t until the late 1970’s, early 1980’s that they would finally take the championship away from the Boston Celtics and become the most dominant team in the NBA. Fans were sure that the Lakers would finally secure their win against the Celtics in 1972 when Bill Sharman had taken charge of the team. Sharman was one of the best coach (he won Coach of the Year award) and together with his best player - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - the team seemed unstoppable. Yet, the Lakers were still unable to win a championship. That is until Earvin “Magic” Johnson joined the team. In 1979 Johnson (who at the time was only a rookie) had to take over for the injured Abdul-Jabbar and made an amazing 42 points, 7 assists, and 15 rebounds to secure the championship. Under Coach Pat Riley the Lakers were able to head to the championship finals eight times during the 1980's. They won 5 of those championships out of 8. Even though they were able to make it once again to the championship finals in 1991 they spent most of the 1990’s playing against teams that most did not consider to be legitimate title contenders. Things started to look up for them in 1996 when they signed on the rookie from the Charlotte Hornets - Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.

How to choose binocular power

The first step in selecting a pair of binoculars is determining the power you want. Binocular power is represented by two numbers, as in these examples: 6x24, 7x50, 8x42, 10x42, and 12x36. The two numbers are not directly related; the first indicates the magnification and the second expresses the diameter of the objective lens. -- Magnification -- The first number, which is always the smaller of the two, expresses the amount of magnification that the binoculars allow for. This is an indication of how much nearer the viewed image will seem when looked at through the binoculars. Even though bigger sounds beneficial, this is not always the situation with binoculars. Picking the correct magnification will vary depending on your intended usage. Lower magnification binoculars—typically those that are 7x and lower — allow for a larger field of view which makes targeting objects far away—like animals, ships, or birds—easier. A larger field of view also makes it easier to follow movement of the object being observed. Since lower magnification binoculars take in more of the scene, they collect more light. As a result, the resulting image will usually be easier to see and brighter even though it is not as greatly magnified. Because of the reduced magnification, they also tend to be less sensitive to movement or vibration. If you intend to be in the field making use of your binoculars without a tripod, this can be a critical consideration. Lastly, lower magnification binoculars are typically able to focus on objects that are closer by than comparable higher magnification binoculars. But of course, lower magnification binoculars allow for less magnification, and consequently reduced detail when compared to higher magnification models. If you genuinely want high magnification binoculars, typically 11x and above, for your use, make sure you additionally get a tripod or get binoculars with image stabilization. The greater the magnification, the more affected the binoculars are to vibration. Once you starting thinking about 10x magnification binoculars, they will be nearly unusable without an image stabilization system or a tripod. Larger magnification binoculars are also almost always heavy. So if you plan on using them for an extended length of time, a tripod may be a more comfortable choice than binoculars with image stabilization. As for cost, it's probably not surprising that higher magnification models tend to be more expensive than equivalent lower magnification binoculars. Unless you really want or need high magnification binoculars, a good middle-of-the-road magnification amount is 8x. Binoculars at this magnification level result in a reasonable trade-off of magnification while providing low weight, good brightness, and reasonable cost. -- Objective Lens Size -- The second number in the power corresponds to the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters (mm). The objective lens is the lens on the front of the binoculars, furthest from your eye. Smaller objective lens usually indicate binoculars that are smaller in overall size. Binoculars with objective lens sizes of 30 mm and under are usually found on pocket and compact models. While pocket and compact binoculars tend to be lighter and easier to carry, the downside to reduced lens size is that the smaller lenses allow less light into the binoculars. This can result in darker images that are more difficult to see. If you intend to use your binoculars at night, models with smaller objective lenses will not be a good choice. If nighttime use, or brightness is important, objective lenses that are 50 mm or larger will work best for you. However, binoculars with large objective lenses will most often be large and heavy. If you are going to use binoculars that have large objective lenses, you should definitely have a tripod available, independent of the magnification level. The most frequent objective lens sizes used are between 35 and 50 mm. Since the magnification level also affects the brightness of the image (higher magnification is darker), the objective lens sizes tend to go up as magnification increases to balance out the lost brightness. For a good general rule, shop for binoculars that have an objective lens diameter that is at least 5 times larger than the magnification. For example, 6x30, 8x40, 12x60, etc. While there are some binocular manufacturers with exceedingly good optics that will result in excellent brightness at a ratio under 5, the safest thing is to stay at or above this ratio for good brightness.

Football world cup the most wanted trophy

The World Cup is a small gold trophy representing the hopes and ambitions of every footballing nation on earth. Since the advent of the World Cup in 1930, there have been two trophies awarded to the winners. The Jules Rimet Trophy was the original prize for winning the World Cup. Originally called simply the World Cup or Coupe du Monde, it was renamed in 1946 to honour the FIFA President Jules Rimet who in 1929 passed a vote to initiate the competition. Designed by Abel Lafleur and made of gold plated sterling silver on a blue base of lapis lazuli, it stood 35 cm high and weighed 3.8 kg. It was in the shape of an octagonal cup, supported by a winged figure representing Nike, the ancient Greek goddess of victory. During World War II, the trophy was held by Italy. Ottorino Barassi, the Italian vice-president of FIFA, hid it from the Germans in a shoe-box under his bed. Just before the 1966 World Cup Final in England the trophy was stolen during a public exhibition at Westminster Central Hall, but was found just seven days later, wrapped in newspaper at the bottom of a suburban garden hedge in Norwood, South London, by a dog named "Pickles". As a security measure, FIFA secretly manufactured a replica of the trophy for use in the post-match celebrations. The replica was also used on subsequent occasions until 1970. The replica was sold at an auction in 1997 for $425,015.There were many replicas on eBay at that time. The Brazilian team won the trophy for the third time in 1970, and were rewarded by being allowed to keep it in perpetuity. However, the cup was stolen again in 1983 in Rio de Janeiro and never recovered; it may have been melted down. The Brazilian Football Confederation commissioned a replica of their own. The replacement trophy, officially known as the FIFA World Cup Trophy, was first presented at the 1974 World Cup. Designed by Silvio Gazzaniga, it stands 36 cm tall and is made of 5 kg of 18 carat (75%) solid gold with a base containing two layers of malachite, and depicts two human figures holding up the Earth. The name of the country whose national team wins the tournament is engraved, together with the year, in the bottom side of the trophy. It is not known whether FIFA will retire the trophy after all of the name plaques at the base are filled in; this will occur after the 2038 World Cup. FIFA's regulations now state that the trophy, unlike its predecessor, cannot be won outright: the winners of the tournament receive it on loan for four years and receive a replica to keep.

Ballet dancing the ideal physique

Are you a ballet dancer, thinking about taking ballet dancing to the next level? First, let me say that I truly believe that whatever you put your mind to, and become completely focussed on that goal, you can achieve... This article is just highlighting some of the centuries-old beliefs as to what constitutes an ideal physique for a ballet dancer... It is well recognized that a ballet dancer MUST possess a physique that can be trained to the finest degree of coordination, combined with complete flexibility, endurance, and great strength from head to toes. In spite of this all important fact, some students train till well on into their teens before being defeated by some physical characteristic which undoubtedly existed at ten years old, but overlooked or ignored by their trainers at that time... So what is the ideal physique, you ask? Well, most experts agree that your body’s proportions are critical to having an ideal physique. Apart from aesthetic considerations, a well proportioned body will weather the stresses and strains of the exciting work required of it with greater ease than one in which there is some disparity in the relative length for instance, of limbs to torso, of width to length of the body, or of the relative size of shoulders to hips and so on... Unlike the musician, the ballet dancer cannot tune their instrument by lengthening or shortening their strings, increasing or decreasing the tension until the exact pitch is achieved. In the world of ballet dancing, your body is your instrument, infinitely complicated and it becomes your servant only after many years of desperately hard training... At best it becomes an instrument of great beauty, but it will fall short of this if it is endowed with that extra inch here or too short a length there to fall into that perfection of line and form that the art demands. In the well-informed, well-proportioned physique there is less likelihood of muscles thickening in unwanted places, and less proneness to the minor and sometimes major mishaps caused by the effort to overcome obstacles which are inherent in the build of the body... The neck line is important, rather more on aesthetic grounds than from anatomical point of view. To conform to the ideal physique the neck should not be too square, and above all not too short; the head should not be disproportionately large nor too small... The ideal ballet physique embodies a perfect balance between the upper and lower halves of the body. A good guide for the best proportions may be taken from ancient Greece where the length from the crown of the head to the pubic arch or fork is equal to that from the fork to the ground. Following the same pattern, the length from the fork to the lower border of the knee cap should be equal to that from the lower border of the knee cap to the ground... According to the classical tradition, the shoulders of the man are broader than the hips, in the woman they are somewhat narrower. Here we diverge somewhat, for it has been found by experience that the ideal ballet figure is the better for some slight extra width across the shoulders, whether male or female... Limbs are next on the list. Pretty arms and hands are naturally an asset; extra arm length or lack of it is not a really a problem, but for the lower limbs the standard of beauty is set high. The ideal leg will of course be straight and shapely, showing little or not muscular development when standing, with smooth line from the back view, and knees which do not protrude too much from the front... There will be a straight line down the center of the thigh, through the center of the knee, down the front of the leg to about the middle of the foot. The foot will be flexible, showing at least a potential arch. With toes of medium length only and preferably with the first two or three approximating the same length... Finally the perfect candidate will have an upright carriage and well-poised head. Hopefully this gives you a little insight into some age-old views on the physique of ballet dancers and the art of ballet dancing.

Leisure for pleasure

Today, pressure is part and parcel of work and can help keep us motivated, driving us to do better, but it has also become one of the most devastating side effects of modern living. With the anxiety of exams or the onslaught of dealines, you certainly deserve your leisure time. So What Does 'Leisure' Mean To You? From a recent survey conducted by gate14.co. uk the results came down to three basic areas: Leisure means doing your own thing; Leisure means spending time enjoying yourself; Leisure means simply not having to work. Free Time Getting out of the house and doing something new doesn't have to mean forking out lots of money. London based travel website Gate 14 have teamed up with a leading leisure service provider to bring Gate 14 visitors an ingenius collection of substantial discounts, 2 for 1 specials and free offers, so you can make the most of your leisure time. This deal catcher of the summer comes in the form of a leisure discount pocket book that everyone in the UK can use. Value For Money Spend your leisure time, the way you want to, without worrying about the costs. Being cost effective needn't mean being stuck indoors. With this handy sized booklet, you'll find a range of fantastic things to do this summer. Choose from over Ј5000 worth of discounts valid at participating venues throughout UK and Ireland. Working with well established suppliers the leisure discounts offered provide you with opportunity to spend this summer doing fun-filled things. What's your idea of the perfect day out? Could it be spending time with the family at a theme park? How about catching up with the latest gossip and share a special pampering day with your best friend? Certainly your partner would appreciate a hotel break for a relaxing weekend get away. Find fun activities and destinations for the whole family, no matter where you're based. We have vouchers to help keep the kids entertained with unlimited DVD rentals for a month, half price pizza offers and family meal deals, free admission to over 100 venues throughout the UK including London Dungeons and Legoland. For the grown ups, you can enjoy smart discounts with: Warner Breaks specialising in quality breaks for adults, book your hotel easily and securely with guaranteed discounts at over 100 other hotels throughout the UK including Thistle Hotels, free wine, money off your next UK and foreign holiday, half price British holidays and soak in the soothing pleasures of a free health and beauty treatment that will leave you looking and feeling a million dollars. The great thing about the book is that you can also use it the whole year round, not just for summer, so you'll have plenty of time to experience fun adventures and make hard work a distant memory.

Divisional outlook for june al east

Well, we’re looking like geniuses based on our last report on this division. It’s still more than the traditional two-horse race, as the Red Sox and Yankees have a party-crasher still hanging on to hopes of a division title in the form of the Toronto Blue Jays. Although the standings are the same as last month, there have been more than a few twists and turns since we last visited the AL East, and it still looks like any of the top three teams could emerge as the champ come October. Boston Red Sox Currently: The Red Sox are holding on to the lead by the slimmest of margins, but they’re still on top, and that’s what matters. The Red Sox have been mediocre in the past month, posting a 15-13 record, and David Ortiz and Mike Lowell are continuing their strong seasons. Manny Ramirez is also having another Manny-like year. The team’s pitching has fallen off a bit, though, as Josh Beckett has struggled. Outlook: The Red Sox have too much talent and heart to simply fade away, and if their pitching comes back around, they’ll be there at the end. New York Yankees Currently: The Yankees have been similarly mediocre in the past month, putting together just a 15-14 record and failing to gain much ground on the Red Sox. They have also been inconsistent, as they’ve enjoyed a five-game winning streak and dealt with a four-game skid during this time. Derek Jeter and Robinson Cano are still going strong, but the Alex Rodriguez drama has been a distraction. Outlook: If Rodriguez can win back the fans by turning it around, this team could surge. Mike Mussina is still going strong, and Randy Johnson is coming around. They’ll be around all year. Toronto Blue Jays Currently: Apparently, it’s been mediocrity all around for the contenders in the AL East, as the Blue Jays have also gone 15-14 in the past month. It seems that no one is making a move these days in a division that could be had. The Blue Jays are still getting offense from Alex Rios and Vernon Wells, but their pitching outside of Roy Halladay remains suspect. Outlook: If the Blue Jays can get some pitching help either from their current roster or with a trade-deadline move, they could shock the world and win this division. Baltimore Orioles Currently: The Orioles had a disappointing month, going only 14-17. Their bats have gone cold recently, and that spells big trouble for the Orioles, who continue to struggle with pitching. Only the Royals have given up more total runs this season than the Orioles. Outlook: It’s getting late rather early in Baltimore. If they don’t turn it around soon, they’ll be planning for next year very soon. Tampa Bay Devil Rays Currently: After a somewhat promising start, the Devil Rays stumbled last month, going 13-18. The team started the month on a four-game winning streak, but lost that momentum with a six-game skid soon thereafter. The team really doesn’t have much offense, as only the Royals have scored fewer runs in the AL this season. Outlook: This is a team that needs to be viewed in the big picture. They are building a young foundation, and in a year or two could contend, but not this year.