Del Mar Racetrack: ‘Where The Surf Meets The Turf’

Though it is sometimes overshadowed by more famous tracks back East like Churchill downs and Belmont Park, Del Mar Racetrack in Southern California has a rich and fascinating history. Located 20 miles north of San Diego and known for its iconic slogan “Where The Surf Meets the Turf”, Del Mar has not only hosted the best horses and jockeys on the planet but a ‘who’s who’ of show biz elite.

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club was founded in the mid’30s, and they immediately turned their attention to building a world class horse racing venue. The names that were instrumental in the creation of Del Mar include a whos who of American entertainment–most notably Bing Crosby, Oliver Hardy (of Laurel and Hardy) and Jimmy Durante. At the time the facility opened thoroughbred horse racing was the second most popular sport in America behind major league baseball, and Del Mar’s show biz roots further helped secure its place as an important stop on the racing circuit.

The show biz legends that have been Del Mar regulars could fill a book. Bing Crosby was one of catalysts behind the building of the facility, and he personally greeted guests on opening day. During the late 30’s/early 40’s it hosted stars such as W.C. Fields, Edgar Bergen, Red Skelton, Ava Gardner and Paulette Goddard.

Del Mar was the site of the’38 match race between Seabiscuit and Ligaroti. Seabiscut won the $25,000 winner take all challenge by a nose, and this race set Del Mar betting and attendance records and remains one of the most famous races in history. The racing at Del Mar continued to flourish until the start of WWII, when the track went ‘dark’ for racing. It was used at times by the military for, among other things, a training ground for Marines and later a production facility for bomber parts.

After the war, Del Mar reopened with a bang. The track reopened the day after Japan formally surrendered to Allied forces, and on that day Del Mar attracted over 20,000 fans through its gates who wagered what at the time was a record $958,476. The postwar prosperity was also a boon to Del Mar, which also benefitted from the Santa Fe Railroads daily Racetrack Special that brought bettors down from Los Angeles to enjoy a day at the track. During the latter part of the decade a new crop of Hollywood glitterati would flock to Del Mar, including Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Mickey Rooney John Holmes, Frank Sinatra and Jimmy Durante. Durante would become such a regular that the turf course at Del Mar would later be renamed in his honor.

The annual race meet at Del Mar remains a highlight of the summer to this day. Del Mar remains one of the top tracks in the country, and have recently upgraded their facility with a state of the art grandstand and was one of the first tracks to install a new synthetic racing surface.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and highly respected authority on baseball betting. His writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and a kangaroo. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.

A Short Synosis Of The Dead Or Alive Trilogy By Takashi Miike

The Dead or Alive Trilogy belongs on your must see movie downloads list simply because it’s so crazy. You’ve seen action movies, you’ve seen over the top action movies, but you’ve never seen anything quite like these three flicks from Mike Takashi . Every one is out to top the last in terms of sheer craziness.

The first film in the trilogy, Dead or Alive, was conceived simply to get two of Japan’s biggest cult legends together, Sho Aikawa and Riki Takeuchi. These two are sort of the Japanese cult film answer to DeNiro and Pacino, so Dead or Alive is sort of the Japanese cult answer to Heat. It was also focused on solving one of the primary problems with that movie: The anti-climactic ending.

We won’t spoil the ending of Dead or Alive, but let’s just say that it’s certainly not an anti-climax. The entire movie is a thrill ride, starting with a rock video style montage that gets you into the movie’s world fast, and culminating in an ending that you will not believe.

Dead or Alive 2 is both a sequel and not a sequel. The two leads are recast as two entirely different characters, but they sort of parallel the original two characters. In the original, they were a cop and a gangster after one another’s throats. This time, they’re best friends. They grew up together in an orphanage and now work as hitmen who donate all their proceeds to fighting disease in third world countries.

Interestingly, while the movie is very positive in its outlook and portrays its heroes in a positive light, the reality of violence is not simply glossed over. The first is a wild action movie, the second is a little more honest about the weight of violence on a person’s heart.

The third of the trilogy, Dead or Alive Final, takes the series in an all new direction, getting into a science fiction setting akin to Blade Runner. It might not be the best of the trilogy, but it has to be seen so you can see how it ties the whole trilogy together in a strange way.

Check out Deadly Outlaw Rekka if you want more Miike. It has the same sort of over the top, insane attitude towards the story, and recasts Riki Takeuchi in the title role, as he seeks to avenge the death of his surrogate father. What really makes that movie work is the style. The story is standard revenge stuff, but it’s all set to an alternative rock album from the seventies by the Traveling Sunflower Band, and the action is all out stuff. Takeuchi also turns in an interesting performance as the unstable and unpredictable Rekka.

The first movie’s trailer proudly declares that Miike is the dog with rabies of the Japanese film world, and it’s true, it’s not just a clever tagline for the trailer. The guy makes something like five or six movies a year, and has made about one hundred since his debut some years ago. He is one of the most prolific directors out there, and while the quality varies, if only one in ten is any good, he’s already one of the greats.

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Great Vacations At Home

Keeping an eye on your budget during your time off from work can be a challenge, particularly during a sluggish economy. It used to be that families traveled on vacation, spending money on airfare, hotels, and restaurants while away from home, but more and more people are keeping it low-key. You might find that the answer for you is to look into a staycation this year instead of a vacation.

You might actually enjoy the process of renovating your home, preferring to do improvements instead of hiring professionals. Since you’ve got a week off from work, why not take one room and work on changing it into something bold and new. There are so many options to explore, including painting it a vibrant color with accent trim, shining up light fixtures and fans, and moving furniture around.

Make it a day of culture by visiting museums, libraries, and local art galleries. Tour historic sites in your area and read up on what your city or state is famous for. If you’re in New Jersey, look into why it’s called the “Garden State.” For Missouri, check out why your state is called the “Show me State.” There’s always a story worth hearing, so make a day of it and get an education in the process.

Schedule a day of you-time by going to a day spa, perhaps even getting a manicure and pedicure. Make time for a massage, and get your hair done in a different, dramatic style. You might consider changing the color of your hair or adding highlights. If you’re open to the idea, you may want to try out a henna tattoo.

Try a theme for each night of the week. On “picture day,” you can see a movie, take pictures of the sunset, and then rent a movie for later on that night. On “animal day,” you might consider visiting a zoo or local farm and then watching animal shows on television. Perhaps you could go root for a local baseball team on “sports day,” then watch “Field of Dreams” later on at home.

Get outdoors and get active, weather permitting. Hiking is a great way to soak in beautiful scenery while also getting a nice workout. Camping out with friends under the stars can make you feel connected to nature for an old-fashioned and low-tech adventure. See if your group can do it without any of the usual luxuries that have become necessities, such as cell phones, PDAs, and portable games. Try to connect with each other and the wild at the same time.

Even if money is tight for you right now, it is certainly possible to enjoy your time off from work without traveling far or spending a fortune. Looking around the area in which you live, you’ll find interesting sights to visit and things to do that don’t require much travel. Take a chance on a staycation instead of a vacation, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much fun you’ll have.

Ellen Parsons has written dozens of articles on accredited online colleges and online universities for mid-career professionals.

Keeping Your New Baby Happy & Safe In Your Vehicle With The Benefits Of Child Car Seats

Regardless of how many kids that you have, you never know all that you need to when it comes to the Benefits of Child Car Seats. Many parents today claim that they are experts when it comes to their baby and providing the best care for them. There are still some benefits that you would be surprised at knowing when it comes to benefits.

The fist is obvious and that is the safety issue. It is a proven fact that when it comes to a child being involved in a wreck there is a greater chance of survival with the use of a car seat. This also helps to lessen the damage that a child suffers in an accident. This is many times the most important benefit that a person can use for this.

The next benefit is the fact that your child will not be left in the backseat to wander around and potentially get hurt, This keeps them confined and safe from you having to slam on the brakes. A child will not be able to brace themselves in case of a quick stop.

Posture is another thing that needs to be considered when making the decision to use a car seat. There is a lot of advantages that are able to be experienced later in the child’s life when they make the decision to use a car seat. This helps greatly in developing good posture that will help the child later in their life.

When a child is in a car seat, there is an increase in their posture when they are sitting in a car seat. This better posture helps to ensure that a child will have better posture in their later years and will not develop serious problems later down the road.

Many of the car seats on the market today allow for the child to be entertained while they are sitting there. This helps in regards to the child becoming bored and making the drive for you worse than it really should be. This is a benefit that a parent will be able to enjoy all the time.

These are just a couple of the Benefits of Child Car Seats, there are plenty more if you know where all to look in the future. It is all about the safety of your child, this is an important factor that needs to be considered carefully.

Learn the child seat laws that you need to follow by searching online. There you can find anything you need including a birth injury lawyer if needed. Go online and learn more now.

September Is An Incredible Month Of Fun In The Tropical North Queensland

The Tropical North Queensland is filled with wonderful activities all year round with a multitude of festivals and events that can fill your days and evenings with pleasure. It is a bountiful land rich in beauty and adventure and the many festivals of September can help you fill in the gaps between the fine dining and relaxing on the beach. Many of these events are free or relatively inexpensive which makes them an excellent way to spend time while in Australia .

September is a time for fun and festivals like the Sunwater Burdekin Water Festival and the Port Hinchinbrook Fishing Classic you’ll find that the fun does not stop immediately. The Water Festival is a week long event that offers a festival parade and Mardi Gras type festival that begins with incredible food from around the world. The Classic is a fishing competition which temps the fisherman with a prize of about $ 50,000 in cash and trophies in many competitive categories. Both events are great fun for those who want to participate and for those who just want to go out and look.

Sunferries Magnetic Island Race Week is an incredible five day event and one that you’ll really appreciate if you are in the region in early September. This event is an annual sailing regatta which takes place at the beautiful Magnetic Island and all races are held from Peppers Blue. This amazing event is a lot of fun with many activities for spectators to attend as well.

Cairns is a great city to visit and if you like music and history then you will definitely want to be sure and attend the Reggae Town Festival. This event is a 12 hour celebration and takes place in the Aboriginal Cultural Park which allows you a chance to visit and learn about one of the original cultures of the earth while taking in some fun Reggae music as well. Three stages will host performances during this day long event and will include a variety of bands from Jamaica , New Zealand , and Africa in addition to some local bands as well. This is a fabulous outdoor event that is fun for the entire family.

The incredible thing about the Tropical North Queensland is that there are always different events and festivals taking place over the region, so if you can not visit during the many festivities in September, do not worry. There are many events in this region throughout the year.

If you are planning a getaway to Cairns you should www.tropicalnorthqueensland.com. Here you will find everything you want on cairns hotels. You can also use this site to look at and reserve palm cove hotels and much more.

Hall Of Famer Coleman Pink Slipped By UFC

Not too long ago, Mark Coleman headlined UFC 109 facing Randy Couture. Several days later, he’s apparently no longer good enough to remain in the UFC at all. On Wednesday, following a lopsided loss to Couture the UFC released Coleman from his contract and cut the veteran heavyweight. Coleman is now free to sign with any other promotion, but at 46 years of age his most likely-and most advisable-course of action is retirement. Retirement is a tough thing for any pro athlete to swallow, however, and fighters in particular have had difficulty in ending their career gracefully.

Coleman became the first UFC fighter to be cut immediately after headlining a PPV event. Others have left due to drug test failures or for other opportunities, but none have ever been cut from their contract. Sources close to the UFC suggest that it was a decision no one wanted to make, but that all felt was unavoidable due to Coleman’s age and deteriorating skills. On the other hand, its interesting that the UFC sees fit to keep any number of other aging fighters with deteriorating skills on the payroll but not a Hall of Famer in Coleman.

While the fact that Coleman is a shell of the fighter he was at his prime, the UFC’s suggestion that they have his best interest at heart is somewhat duplicitous. He was kept around and booked into last Saturday’s fight–a fight that no one particularly had any interest in seeing in the first place–simply because he was a fighter that Randy Couture could beat. Were the UFC interested in the well being of their aging fighters there’s several others on the roster that should also be cut for the same justification as Coleman. Couture, Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell are all well past their prime but they’re still under contract and will all likely fight again. No one really wants to see these relics fight, but the UFC has long had a policy that what their fan base wants to see is of minimal importance.

Coleman’s age has never been a secret and his diminished skill level was evident to anyone who has watched his recent fights. If the UFC was really interested in his physical well being, the main event against Couture should have never taken place. The fight itself wasn’t exactly one that UFC fans had been clamoring for and one that met with derision from the MMA media from the time it was announced.

While retirement would be in Coleman’s best interest, he may attempt to fight in a smaller US promotion or in Japan where he’s well known from his time in PRIDE. He’s already a member of the UFC Hall of Fame with a 26-10 career record and has fought the best in the world including Fedor Emelianenko, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Mirko Cro Cop.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and highly respected authority on baseball betting. His writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and a kangaroo. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

Advice On Lightweight Travel Trailers And Where To Find Them

There is a big disappointment when you want to get a small camper but you realize that lightweight travel trailers compatible with your truck are very scarce. Weight is the problem not the variety of the RVs, since most of the existing designs are too heavy to get pulled by a car or a pick-up truck. A closer analysis of the market offer will show you that even the RV companies no matter if we are talking about rental agencies or dealers have shown little interest in purchasing lightweight travel trailers. The reasoning for such a sales policy is very simple: the demand is lower for such recreational vehicles, and therefore it is not profitable to keep them in stock.

The problem with some lightweight travel trailers is the bathroom since all the plumbing adds up to the overall weight of the vehicle not to mention that the ceiling has to be higher. Therefore, some lightweight travel trailers have a rudimentary form of bathroom or lack it completely. There are four groups of lightweight travel trailers and they are divided as follows: the teardrops, the fiberglass eggs, the ultra-lightweights and the pop-up tent trailers.

Each of the models has its advantage and downside: thus, the pop-ups are suitable for warmer climates, the fiberglass ones have a specific smell inside because of the materials they are made of, and the teardrops have offer pretty little space.

Lightweight travel vehicles of around 2,000 pounds could be the most convenient, but that very much depends on the individual choices and preferences. In terms of size, the interior of lightweight travel trailers looks like a small or medium-sized bedroom in the most fortunate of cases, which is between ten and twelve feet. This should be enough to accommodate a couple, but not for a family. The various models come ready furnished from factory with basic appliances including a stove and a microwave, with a very simple bathroom, with or without shower.

The amenities included as well as the overall features of the vehicle determine the price for new and used lightweight travel trailers; the costs usually reach $10,000 or somewhere around this figure. The manufacturing year and the technical inspection remain key points to check when you want to buy a used recreational vehicle. In the absence of a dealer in your local area, you can always try the Internet for more comprehensive resources. Always go through updated databases, otherwise you may be looking at items that are no longer in stock.

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A Powerful Synopsis Of The Movie The Last Dragon

The Last Dragon was actually a film produced by Motown Records back in the eighties. It seems that one of the primary concerns of the film might actually have been to promote new talent, particularly that one song, “Oh Sheila”, you know, “Let me love you til the morning comes”. But that doesn’t change the fact that it’s really a fun, exciting Kung Fu movie, and one of the must download movies of the eighties.

The story follows a young man nicknamed “Bruce Leroy”, a Harlem martial artist who teaches Kung Fu to the local kids. He works at his father’s pizza place, delivering pies on foot and deals with his rival, Sho’Nuff, the Shogun of Harlem… Yep. Sho’Nuff… The Shogun of Harlem. This incredibly goofy martial arts tale takes place on the real streets of modern day Harlem and creates a really quirky, one of a kind movie.

Sho’Nuff is really one of the all time great screen villains. Everything about him is just… Wild, ridiculous and hilarious. He walks around with a crew of lackeys, and wherever he enters the scene, he’s preceded by a little call-and-response speech between himself and his crew, as if they were the mirror on the wall, he asks them if he is the prettiest, the meanest and the baddest, and Sho Nuff, he is. He wears shoulder pads, visor sunglasses and hakama, those baggy pants worn by samurai. For style and attitude, he’s really one of the funniest heavies of all time.

If there’s one downside to the movie, it’s the whole subplot about the Cyndi Lauper wannabe singer and her promoter/boyfriend. He’s trying to play hardball in order to get her played on the local music show, and… Well, it’s just not really the high point of the movie. It’s not too much of a distraction, but you’ll find yourself wishing they’d just get back to the kung fu already.

But don’t worry, it gets back to that soon enough when the promoter hires the meanest hombres in town to take Leroy down, culminating in a massive brawl with Leroy and his students on one side, and a gang of colorful thugs on the other, including a great big fat white guy with a gray Mr. T mohawk and a gold colored jumpsuit… Strange characters, indeed.

There are also some really fun, corny moments along the way. At one point, Leroy tries to seek wisdom from the guy who writes the fortune cookies at the local Chinese restaurant, only to find that they’re written by a computer. Therein he finds that zen wisdom of emptiness and being.

Could the movie have been better without the weird subplot about the record promoter? Sure, but even so, it’s one of the all time classic eighties flicks, and one of the best attempts at spoofing the Kung Fu genre while at the same time honoring it. It’s also just plain a whole lot of fun.

Next time you want a goofy, fun eighties flick, and you want to see a little kung fu while you’re at it, go ahead and give The Last Dragon a download.

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Super Times For Spring Break 2011 Happen At Spring Break South Padre Island, Texas

Get your reservations set now for Spring Break 2011. Not sure where to go? How about a beach vacation at Spring Break South Padre Island, Texas?

Located at the tropical tip of Texas, this beach resort area is fine. Its hotels and condos supply you with the greatest accommodations, and the restaurants and dance clubs will extend your fun into the wee hours of the morning. There are also campgrounds for the nature lover, as well as bed and breakfast stays for those on the go.

If you love the water, the activities on this beach are absolutely endless. You can take a cruise and go snorkeling or watch dolphins. Maybe you prefer kite boarding, or jet skiing, or parasailing. You can rent all of these for fun on the beach, including every ones favorite, the boogie board. If you love horses, you can ride them along the beach, as well. If you prefer sports that take place on the ground, there is golf and tennis, too. Maybe you like flying kites. There is a kite shop that has it all. And have you heard of sandcastle lessons? They have these on the beach, too.

Rentable things are abundant here. That is because they want you to have the greatest time possible on this island. Beach chairs, beach umbrellas, binoculars, fishing poles, kayaks, boats, and more. And if you are still hungry for more water fun, visit the water park, located between the wetlands and dunes on the island. You can have additional fun with their uphill water coasters, slides and tube chutes.

Friday night is fireworks night. The Texas Senate has voted this place the Fireworks Capital of Texas, so enjoy the show. After a day of endless fun, top it off with a relaxing spot on the beach watching the event. And Sunday is the day of the Farmers Market. The fresh fruits and other produce available is irresistible in this tropical-like area.

Bird watching, boating and fishing are more things you can do. But you can never do it all in one vacation, so you will be back. There is just so much to take advantage of and be a part of at this paradise on the beach. And you will not want to miss the sunsets at Laguna Madre Bay.

So for your Spring Break 2011, book your reservations today at Spring Break South Padre Island, Texas. The fun and activity is never ending.

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The Ideal While To Fly On Your Next Family Vacation

One of the hardest things there is to do as a parent is to fly with little ones in tow. Usually they will remain calm at the beginning of the travel day, excited about the flight experience. If you meet delays or hassles in your day, the kids may already be a bit off kilter before the flight even leaves the ground and trying to keep the children under control so that they don’t bother the other passengers can be a daunting task.

Anyone who has flown with children realize that although some children may be quiet with a bottle or nursing, but on a flight, when your ears pop, many feel they are being attacked and most of regrets flight. A baby crying in front of the angry look of the passengers whose flight is interrupted can be a difficult struggle, especially for a new mom and sometimes there is absolutely nothing you can do to keep a baby quiet.

Toddlers and young children can usually be calmed during the short flight but on a long flight, a parent can really struggling to provide enough stimulation for them while they are sitting in the seats and many times, even in children this age become whiny and even throw tantrums character. It can be a difficult time for children and their parents.

Many parents who have the luxury of chartering a private jet find that it just truly brings peace to them to allow their children to just be kids. The freedom to turn on their favorite movie or have their favorite games on board can really help to ease the tension. Parents find it very freeing to not have to worry about the other passengers on board and this allows them to begin enjoying their holiday a little bit earlier than expected. As a matter of fact it truly brings peace to a family holiday.

When traveling with children there is no better way to get to your destination, then on a private jet. It is the best way to fly without having to worry about keeping the kids quiet and under control for hours. And with a private jet charter, you can even choose to fly at night on a flight that has a rest area. Then everyone can sleep during the flight and arrive at their destination ready to have fun.

Traveling with a charter jet for your next trip is a great way to travel conveniently and in style. charter jets are offered in various sizes from small groups of 2 to larger groups of 100. To find out more about how to travel in style go to www.privatejetscharter.net.