Is a Greyhound Handicapping System Worth the Money?

Are you your own worst enemy? Are you working against yourself when you go to the track? Or do you have a good grasp of how to pick winners and bet them to your best advantage? If so, this article won't tell you much that you don't know.

But if you're not doing as well at the track as you'd like and can't seem to figure out how to pick and bet dogs, read about why a greyhound handicapping system might be just what you need to put you on the road to cashing tickets.

Sometimes, we don't realize that we're being penny-wise and pound-foolish. Maybe you're one of the people who won't invest in a system, because you don't want to spend "all that money." Think about it.

If you keep spending money on dogs that don't come in, how long will it take before you've spent way more than the cost of a greyhound handicapping system? A week? A month? Well, for some of the reasonably priced systems, you could spend more in a day than you'd have to spend to buy it.

Sure, there's a chance that you'll get better at handicapping with time and - if that's the case - you don't really need a system, do you? Well, only if you want to take a big shortcut to making more money than you lose.

Or maybe you're just going to try this betting on dogs thing for awhile and if it doesn't work, you'll quit going to the track and try something else to have fun and make money. If so, you shouldn't waste money on a system, of course.

But if you're going to continue to go to the dog track and bet money, either you should get good at it - fast - or plan on putting a big dent in your bankroll. Most of us don't have that much money to lose. Most of us would rather pay a little now to make more later.

If you're in that category, shop around and get the best deal you can. Don't throw a wad of money at a high-priced system that promises the moon. Handicapping isn't an exact science, although it can be learned and can make you a nice little pile of money if you go about it the right way.

Event-Driven Trading

The Importance of News

· Exchange rate fluctuations are highly correlated with news.

· News that is unexpected tends to have a major impact on the market.

The most important aspect of interpreting news and its impact on the foreign exchange markets is the determination of the market's expectations for that news. In the financial world, this is commonly referred to as the "market discount mechanism". The correlation between currency markets and news is pretty clear. Expected news has little impact on exchange rates while unexpected news, especially when pertaining to potential changes in monetary policy, may have an immense impact. Short-term traders need to closely monitor financial publications like The Financial Times and The Wall Street Journal, as they are excellent gauges of current sentiment towards potential news events. Being aware of events and expectations allows traders to be fully prepared for, and profit from, the discounting of potential market moving events.

Event-Driven Trading

· It is difficult to determine the effect of news on currency movements.

· Traders need to avoid analyst bias and take special care when trading during economic releases

Event-driven trading is a fundamental based methodology that attempts to exploit the volatility associated with economic releases and political announcements. Often times it is quite difficult to determine the effect of news on currency movements, and because of this traders need to avoid biased analysis and adopt a defensive posture during these events. Generally, as fundamental news becomes available, the market as a whole will assimilate the news and move the exchange rates to more appropriate levels as market perceptions adjust accordingly. The event driven trader seeks to profit from this ensuing shift in price. Timing of event driven trades is obviously a key factor to success as positions entered prematurely or belatedly can have significant adverse impacts on P&L. For this reason, profitable event-driven traders usually incorporate some form of technical analysis that helps to validate the merit of the fundamental catalyst.

A Common Error

· News releases can lead to sharp volatility in FX, but this volatility can begin well in advance of the actual announcement.

· Much of this volatility occurs in the days leading up to the announcement.

Economic releases can lead to sharp increases in volatility in the currency markets. This rise in volatility can begin days in advance of an announcement and end days later. The most common mistake made by most novice traders is to enter positions after a particular announcement hits the new wires in an attempt to profit from the perceived good or bad news. What they fail to realize is that if an economic release meets expectations, there will likely be no reaction to the news because it is already 'priced in' to the market. The reaction of the market is based on the market's expectations, not on whether the news was intrinsically good or bad.

Buy the Rumor, Sell the News

· Rather than trade on the announcement itself, some participants prefer to trade on the rumors that circulate before its release.

Bank dealers and institutional traders often adhere to the old Wall Street adage of "buy the rumor, sell the news". Rumors of a positive report will typically begin to circulate among trading desks and hedge funds days before an expected release date. The institutions will then use this information to position themselves on the long side. When the news comes out as expected, they then sell their positions to a frantic public, profiting from the run-up to the announcement as opposed to guessing the reaction to it.

New Memoir Recounts Jesus' Ministry Through His Wife's Eyes

For years, people have speculated about Mary Magdalene and her role in Jesus' life. While many scholars and enthusiasts have argued that she could have been Jesus' wife, such theories have been dismissed and even suppressed by the orthodox Christian establishment. But author June Kerr begs to differ with them. In her daring new novel "Rabboni, My Love," Kerr envisions Jesus and Mary Magdalene as husband and wife and parents, and as partners in Jesus' ministry.

Although writing fiction, Kerr has spent years researching the Bible and studying with scholars to recreate her depiction of Jesus and Mary's life and marriage during the years of his ministry. In the process, Kerr has made a powerful argument for their relationship and the idea that God would want His Son to have a full human experience, which would include love and marriage and fatherhood. The result is a portrait of Jesus and Mary's lives which no work of nonfiction could ever accomplish.

Using their Jewish names, Joshua and Miriam, Kerr depicts Jesus and Mary as having been happily married for many years and with three children at the time Jesus begins his ministry. Kerr also is well-aware of the creative impulses behind the stories people tell, and how they are often based in one's life experiences. In "Rabboni, My Love," Jesus' ministry is spurred on by an encounter he has with a Samaritan who saves his life after he is attacked and left to die. This act of kindness becomes the impetus to Jesus understanding how he can spread his message of God's love to people, fulfilling the ancient prophecies and the promise of a savior that the angels made at his birth.

Throughout the novel, Kerr assembles various incidents of Jesus' life and his parables to recreate the stories behind the gospels, taking what were often confusing, seemingly contradictory, or simply fragmented pieces of Jesus' life to sew them into a whole. She also highlights aspects of Jewish life and traditions in the early first century, illuminating details of which Christians today are largely ignorant. I was especially impressed by the conclusions and connections she drew about the various people mentioned in the gospels, many of whom often seem like little more than names to us; insights are given into people like Barabbas and the two thieves who died with Jesus at the Crucifixion, as well as Jesus' relatives, his family's roles within society and the Jewish priesthood, and his interactions with the Roman government.

Kerr's style is moving, especially in the scenes between Mary and Jesus, showing how loving their relationship is. She depicts how as a married couple they praise God by reciting the Psalms together, and how they are true partners in their desire to spread Jesus' ministry, even when Jesus warns Mary that after he dies, people may turn on her, making her a scapegoat.

Doubtless, religious critics will raise eyebrows, if not complain and condemn Kerr's book, but she answers their charges in an interview included in the back of the book where she discusses her writing process, research, and reasons for writing "Rabboni, My Love," stating:

"unless the organized church can grasp the wisdom of their way and honor both men and women as full partners in the faith, it seems to continue to dissolve in divisiveness. I hope this story of love and faith will help people of all faiths and of no faith understand the power of love."

Kerr also states that she was inspired to write this book after first hearing stories in France, where she resides part-time, about Mary Magdalene living there. Kerr is currently working on both a prequel and sequel to the novel to complete Mary's story.

No one may ever know the truth about Jesus and Mary Magdalene, but I feel that Kerr offers a very plausible interpretation of their relationship. Plenty of people have written novels about Jesus' life, and I've read several of them, including Anne Rice's "Christ, the Lord" series, which I think pales by comparison. No one to my knowledge has tackled the relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene or depicted his life with such reverence as well as imagination. I hope readers will be open-minded and read this moving story of faith so they can make up their minds for themselves about Mary Magdalene's life and relationship with Jesus.

A Useful Google Map Help Guide

If you want simple, no-nonsense directions, then MapQuest might be the best site for you. The website is very user-friendly and easy to use. On the other hand, the maps Google create can be easy as well, but there are many options for tinkering and having fun as well. You can create your own one, browse other people's maps, change your driving direction route and take a virtual sightseeing tour in a faraway place, even Mars or the Moon! This is a map help guide for Google, showcasing a few of the hints, tips and tricks to making your mapping experience more enjoyable.

Many people are looking for map help to print or save their directions. The default print option is the step-by-step directions with a tiny one that is barely legible. For you map-mongers, you can get a larger full-size one by canceling out of the print dialog box (in Firefox), at which point a new window will pop up, allowing you to check a box that says "Show original map view."

The preview then changes to a full overview of street maps and driving directions, where you can modify the zoom level on your print window. When it comes to saving your directions, it may be surprising but you can't actually just save your driving directions map on the Google map site; you can save place-marks and maps but not the full shebang. Instead, you have to click on and copy the link to the map (on the top right corner of the map that says "Link to this page"). If you save that link as a bookmark or in a Word document, then you will be able to access the exact same set of directions for next time.

Perhaps you need map help customizing your own map on Google. Did you know that you can change the place-mark icon? This can be very helpful if you are creating a map of your city or a road trip one that features several different kinds of places. For instance, you can use a comedy/tragedy mask icon for theaters, a martini glass icon for bars, a bed icon for hotels or a burger and shake icon for eateries.

Once you drag and drop the basic icon and place it on the map, you can click on it and select "Edit" to change your place-mark. Here you can also change the title that appears on it, the description and the icon (by clicking on the upper right-hand picture of the icon). The My Maps feature is pretty straightforward, but you can share yours with others by selecting "copy link location," emailing your map or embedding the map to your website or blog (by clicking on the "link text" button, copying and pasting the embedded link.)

Travelers often need map help finding notable landmarks. You may not necessarily know the address of the Eiffel Tower, but you can zero in on the location by typing in "Eiffel Tower." Now say you are in the car driving but you have no idea where you are. You can turn your cell phone into a GPS device using Google Maps for Mobile right on your cell phone. (Check out the video for this on the Google Maps site). You may also want to explore the country of Japan to decide where you would like to visit, just by typing in "Japan." You can also search for zip codes, airport codes, latitudes and longitudes.

Profit From Horse Racing - Gambling - Three Essential Qualities You Must Have In Order To Make Money

PATIENCE: You sometimes need the patience of a saint when waiting for the right time to bet. However, its essential to have this quality, especially nowadays with the endless bombardment of gambling related products tempting you to part with your hard earned cash. Think of the time waiting as money in the bank. The wait for the right selection will lead you to eventual profit when you are following a system/service that is proven to deliver.

CONFIDENCE: This plays a major part in helping you to become a good professional. I have heard of countless stories of punters spending thousands buying systems or subscribing to many of the services on offer. However, many give up if there chosen system or services has not produced 10 winners out of 10, or if they encounter a losing run. Put simply, they may well have overlooked a perfectly good method of making spare cash, but due to their impatience they move on and succumb to another tempting offer promising them untold overnight riches. So their search continues with them still stuck on the merry-go-round. Confidence is a must, and more importantly confidence in the system you are following. You must have or acquire the ability to 'Follow Through' especially when you hit a bad patch.

DISCIPLINE: Whether you win or lose on any given day using your chosen system, and there are no more selections for that day - CEASE BETTING!..Many punters are tempted to either 'Play-Up' their winnings or chase their losses. This is a sure way of going broke. You are then playing into the bookmakers hands, and that's precisely what you don't want!

I have been researching and publishing systems on various investments strategies for many years. I always look at ways for investors to profit without them having to experience the drastic highs and lows that come with most forms of betting. Solid and steady growth is what you should aim for. You will be amazed how small gains can quickly snowball into tidy sums!

The Weight Loss Support System That Never Fails

Do not launch off on a low carb or any other type of diet unless you surround yourself with the weight loss support system that never fails. You don't think you will need one? Forget it! We all stumble along the way. We all need moral support at some time during this journey. We all need to be told the truth or lied to if necessary, at some point to maintain our motivation.

It makes sense that the process of reducing your weight, which can be a challenge at best, will be eased somewhat if you have people and tools available to you that provide a positive effect. I admit in advance that my weight loss support system may be unconventional BUT IT WORKS!

Before we begin to detail this support system, there are some givens. We must assume that you are committed to specific methodology of the diet you have chosen. In addition, you must have a clear understanding of expectation and affects of the particular diet. It goes without saying, that you have received medical clearance to proceed. Also, you must have done your homework regarding preparing your household properly. For example, if you have chosen Atkins or South Beach, you have followed the plans' advice regarding eliminating all unacceptable high carb foods and beverages from your home. Lastly, you have passed through the "I'm psyched" period. When you are in this state of mind the last thing on your mind is a weight loss support system that never fails.

OK. Let's get started.

Inner Voice - The pillar of your support system has to be your inner voice. It is the most intimate voice that you will hear AND listen to. But, it is not always positive or appropriate. Work on it. Train it to communicate to you that you deserve to succeed. Failure, which may very well happen along the way, is not terminal, but a temporary bump along the path to success. Ensure that it will remind you that you deserve to be healthy and yes, sexy, if you must. Remember, this voice is one that you will hear at any time, any place under any conditions. It can own you so make sure it is your friend.

Reasonable Goals - Trust me this can make or break your low carb weight loss program. Choosing the most reasonable goals is a major part of your overall support structure. What do I mean by reasonable? Your goal should be attainable with challenge. It should be a healthy goal, meaning acceptable to your health care professional. It must not be easy to reach but "reachable" with effort and commitment. Do not do this at your own peril. This is an issue that will definitely play with you emotionally and easily could end your weight loss program.

Best Friend - Non Family - You need a friend who you can turn to if you feel that you are about to stumble. This is a person who cares for you, wants the best for you, will be truthful and thoughtful. Preferably your friend will anticipate that you may be having problems with your diet and step in to remind you of the reason you committed to this process originally. You have the confidence that your friend is not going to lie about your situation just to make you feel good but will be direct about their observations and provide you with how you should proceed.

Best Friend - Family - What's the difference? They will lie to you when the truth is the last thing you need to hear. This is a person you trust; who cares for you and won't leave your side when you need them the most. A family friend knows your history. They will know that you are a serial dieter or a commitment weakling. They know your strengths as well. Basically they know who you are and what you really need at any given time even if they have to strength the truth. You know what I mean. Sometimes you just need hear what you want to hear for now, knowing that they will be back to you tomorrow to let you know what you REALLY need to do. Pick wisely.

Induction - If you are an Atkins devotee you know what I mean. If you follow some other diet program chances are they will have a similar phase. In the Atkins program, induction is the phase that is used to "induce" weight loss. It is the 14 day phase that changes your body chemistry to get you start. It can also be the 14 day phase that can get you back on track if you "fall off the wagon". Talk about support! So, if you loose momentum or have that wild vacation you've earned and have lost your way, consider Induction to get you back on track. First of all, you have already done this before so you are no stranger to the requirements. You have also felt the benefits of a 5-10 lb. reduction in weight. Do this and you will quickly get back on track, turbo charge your weight loss and recommit yourself to your low carb weight loss.

Again, admittedly the weight loss support system that never fails is somewhat unconventional but why should that matter. Why should it be complicated or even original. Sometimes it just needs to be stated and considered. Utilize this approach. You will not regret it.