LeBron James, Miami Heat ballin' out of control

LeBron James and the Miami Heat looked incredible against the Orlando Magic, avenging their earlier loss to Dwight Howard and company. King James led the way for the Heat, dropping 23 points in the very first quarter. James finished the game with 51 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, while shooting 68% from the field.

The Miami Heat jumped off to an early lead, thanks to James' strong start. By halftime, they led the Magic by 10 points. The Second half started like the first and the Heat continued to dominate the Magic. They stretched their lead to 16 at the end of the third, but got sloppy on defense. The Heat allowed 37 points in the fourth quarter, and the Magic comeback brought them within three points. Luckily for the Heat Ryan Anderson was unable to hit the three pointer, and Miami went on to win the game. The Heat are once again building up momentum, and increased their winning streak to four games with Thursday night's victory.

Chris Bosh especially struggled on the Feb 3 game, only making 3 of his 12 field goal attempts. Bosh finished the game with 13 points and 6 rebounds. Dwyane Wade (missed most of the third quarter due to a hard foul from Dwight Howard) also shot poorly going 5-12 from the field. He ended the night with 14 points and 4 rebounds. Eddie house was the only other player on the Miami roster to reach the double digit mark. He went 4-9 for the field and managed to pull as many rebounds as Bosh. House has been the one player on the Heat bench that consistently delivers for his team.

LeBron's amazing performance was definitely needed by the Heat, since the other two members of their "big three" didn't have the type of performances one would normally expect from them. Still LeBron performance was enough to give the Miami Heat a 104-100 victory over a solid Magic basketball team. No time to rest yet though, the Heat have another game in less than 24 hours against the Charlotte Bobcats.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 15 years
 
Sources:
Associated Press, " LeBron James scores 23 of his51 points to lead Heat "
All stats and game information from espn.com

5 Best Online Tutoring Services

There are a number of reputable online tutoring services that can provide you with a decent education on a wide variety of subjects. These online services allow you to learn even complicated subject matters from the comfort of your own home. Here are some of the best online tutoring services available online for you to choose from.

Smartthinking.com
This is a good online tutoring service that covers a wide variety of subjects, from grade school to college. Students are not just given notes to study on their own, they actually have certified instructors that provide direct instruction and feedback to the students. Smartthinking.com also works very well with students who seldom need tutoring services, as their tutoring plans are very flexible. Tutoring services start from $35 per hour.

E-tutor.com
This tutoring service, allows students to customize their learning plans according to their abilities. For those who learn well on their own, they offer a cheaper program in which they provide notes and learning material, and the student learns on their own. They also allow those on this program to contact tutors on topics the student needs assistance. In addition, E-tutor.com offers an assisted program which gives the student access to instructors, and even guarantees personal time. Programs usually start around $99 a month, and assisted programs typically charge an extra $100 fee.
TutorVista.com
Best for those that require a significant amount of tutoring, this services offers students unlimited tutoring services for a flat monthly fee. They also have certified instructors who are knowledgeable in a wide variety of fields. They offer discounts up to 50 percent, for students that enter a long term commitment. The only downside to this service is that students must pay for at least a month's worth of tutoring to use their services, which might not be appropriate for those who only need a few hours of tutoring every now and then.

Tutor.com
Another good tutoring service, that covers a wide variety of subjects. They are one of the few top online tutoring services that mainly hire North-American instructors. Their program works well for all types of students as they do not require any commitment. Services can be purchased for as low as $30 for an hour.

Yoursuccesstutor.com
With instructors to help young and older students alike, this service offers students unlimited online tutoring services for a flat fee. With prices starting as low as $24 per month for unlimited tutoring, it is a good option for all students.
These are the top online tutoring services that are available right now. Any one of them will be beneficial to you or your family in your journey towards a proper education.

LeBron James, Miami Heat too hot for Cavaliers

No serious basketball fan can claim to be shocked watching LeBron James and the Miami Heat light up the Cleveland Cavaliers for the third time this season. The Cavaliers were traumatized after the first meeting between the two teams which resulted in an easy victory for the Miami Heat. The Cavaliers went into a severe depression after that meeting, and were on a 20 game losing streak prior to facing LeBron and company for the third time. Sympathy must not be in the training manual for the Heat as they showed no mercy on the spiraling Cavaliers.

The Miami Heat jumped off to an early lead thanks to Dwyane Wade, and finished the first quarter with a 15 point lead. The Cavaliers did manage to outscore the Heat in the second quarter, and kept the lead within single digits at halftime. Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, LeBron was on fire late in the third quarter and he ended any hopes of a potential Cavalier comeback.

Dwyane Wade led the Heat assault, scoring 34 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. LeBron had a decent showing as well with his 24 points and 8 assists. Former Cavalier Zydrunas Ilgauskas also got his licks in against his former team finishing with 12 points and 14 rebounds. Mike Miller led the Heat from three point range, making two of his three long-range attempts. He finished the game with a double-double, scoring 10 points and pulling down 11 boards.

The Jan 31 win over the Cavaliers, put the Heat ½ a game ahead of the Chicago Bulls for the second spot in the eastern conference. The Heat bench stepped up once again and three players besides the "big three" finished the game scoring in double figures. The Miami Heat have really improved their team basketball play, and doubts surrounding their bench are slowly beginning to fade away. The next game for the Heat will be on Thursday against the Orlando Magic, a game that will surely be played with playoff intensity. A win for Miami against a tough Orlando team; currently ranked fourth in the eastern conference, will boost team morale even further.

David is a Miami Heat fan who has followed the team for the past 15 years.

Sources:
Associated Press, " Dwyane Wade, LeBron James help heat deal out 21^st straight... "
All stats and game information from espn.com

Best Destinations for Fitness Travel

There are many places fitness enthusiasts can go in the pursuit of greater challenges, and these locations will satisfy all fitness fanatics. There are several places I've been to in the past that I would highly recommend to any fitness enthusiast seeking new thrills.

Galveston, Texas
Galveston beach; 45 minutes from Houston Texas, is a destination I frequent when it comes to fitness travel. In Galveston, there are free ferry services that transport you to the nicer sides of Galveston such as Crystal beach. Crystal beach is a prime location for those new to surfing, since the waves are relatively small compared to other popular surfing locations. This makes it an ideal location to learn surfing. Shark attacks aren't common there either, so you don't have to freak out every time you see a weed floating around. Admission to the beach is free, just bring your board and you're ready to go.

Mount Diablo
If you're up for traveling to the San Francisco bay area, you will probably enjoy a visit to this beautiful landmark. There are many activities to do at Mount Diablo like running, hiking and biking until you're ready to drop. The best part is that it only costs 10 dollars for admission into the park.

Yellowstone National Park
Good location for many leisure activities such as climbing and hiking, this fitness travel destination offers some really good horseback riding as well. With multiple resorts, and locals all too willing to take you riding for around 50 dollars an hour, you can enjoy the wildlife and scenery Wyoming has to offer.

Las Vegas, Nevada
Better suited for hardcore fitness fanatics, many top gyms are located in Las Vegas Nevada, mostly due to the strong UFC presence. In Vegas, you can test your fitness levels in top gyms like "xtreme couture" and "Cobra Kai". With lots of options from aerobic kickboxing to cardio drills, you don't have to be into martial arts to have fun at these gyms. Another perk to Vegas is the fact many of these gyms let new-comers train for free.

San Marcos, Texas
This is a good location for those that enjoy water sports. Here you can kayak on the San Marcos river and enjoy a thorough workout without any worries. There are many companies available in the area that will loan you all the required equipment for as low as 30 dollars. Feel free to catch up on your swimming as well, the water is cleaner than any pool you have ever swum in.
These are the top fitness travel destinations I would recommend for any fitness minded person, seeking new challenges.

Properly Test Driving a Used Motorcycle

When shopping around for a used motorcycle, it is rather important to take the bike for a test drive before finalizing the purchase. Doing this reduces the chances you end up buying a motorcycle that is in poor condition, which ends up causing you more problems than you anticipated. Here are a few tips for test driving used motorcycles you should keep in mind.

First thing you should do is to visually inspect the motorcycle for any signs of exterior damage. Minor things like damaged paint, can indicate a bike has previously been in an accident. You should also check belts if possible, and ensure they aren't loose. Inspect fluid levels and keep an eye out for leaks.

If the bike looks safe enough, you can go ahead and take it for a test drive. When driving the bike, check for excessive smoke from the exhaust pipe. Play around with the throttle and listen carefully for unusual sounds such as rattling or clinking. Such sounds can be a sign the motorcycle engine is damaged.

Also check for vibrations when test driving the motorcycle, as that might be a sign of a faulty suspension system. You should also test the brakes out, and be sure to include a few hard brakes. Make sure you test all gears and listen for unusual sounds when shifting.

Accessories included with the Motorcycle should also be inspected. If the bike has an in-built radio, make sure it works. Also ensure turn signals, brake lights and other lightning accessories work properly.

Don't forget to get a good feel for the bike, and ensure it actually provides what you're looking for in a bike. There is no point getting a good used motorcycle, if at the end of the day you're still unhappy with the purchase.

If you're new to motorcycles and have a friend that is significantly more experienced, bring them along and have the person test drive the motorcycle as well. Experienced motorcycle lovers are more likely to notice problems with a bike so don't be shy and take advantage of their experience. If necessary, bribe them with a beer or whatever else motivates them. In the long-run, it's still a lot cheaper than paying for unforeseen repairs.

By following these simple tips, shopping around for the right motorcycle shouldn't be as difficult as some people think. As long as you take your time, you should be able to detect major flaws in motorcycles, less savvy shoppers might miss.

Miami Heat slide past Oklahoma

Chris Bosh made his return to the Miami Heat roster, after being out of the line-up, due to an ankle injury. With the recent Miami injuries, the Heat have struggled a bit but their role players did get more playing time, and a few like Eddie House and Mike Miller have started finding their roles on the team.

On Sunday afternoon, the Miami Heat were able to defeat the Oklahoma Thunder, in what turned out to be a highly contested game. Dwyane Wade led the Heat players scoring 32 points and bringing down 9 boards. LeBron James finished the game with a double-double, putting up 23 points and 13 rebounds. Bosh who had been sidelined for the past 4 games didn't miss a beat with his 20 points and seven rebounds. Even with the solid performances put up by the "big three", the role players on the Heat roster still managed to steal the spotlight from their superstars. In a tough game that required a total team effort, every single player that checked in the game for the Miami Heat put points on the board. The Entire Miami team shot 52 percent from the field, and 44.4 percent from three point land.

Despite the solid performance of the Miami Heat players, the game remained competitive until the very last minute. Kevin Durant and company, who shot rather poorly throughout the game at 40.5 percent, managed to keep the game close thanks to their free throw shooting and the Heat's turnovers. Fortunately for the Heat, Eddie House was able to make a big three pointer with 22 seconds left, which carved out the path to a Heat victory. Not really surprising given the fact House has been playing really well the past couple of games, especially from three point range.

With a tough win like this, the Miami Heat continue to show the world just how committed they are to playing solid team basketball. With months still to go before the playoffs, the Heat have ample time to improve their chemistry. Their next game is on Mon 31^st against LeBron's former team the Cleveland Cavaliers, a team that lost its' way the day it lost its' king.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 15 years.


Sources:
Associated Press, " Dwyane Wade leads Heat past Thunders as big three combine for 75 "
Player stats and game information form espn.com

10 Best External Memory Cards

Memory cards have become increasingly popular with recent advances in technology. Most new electronic devices, from smartphones to net books typically give users the option of using memory cards for increased storage space. Here are some of the best memory cards circulating the market.

Transcend Compact Flash
This 32GB memory card is barely half the size of a pack of cigarettes. It offers decent transfer speeds, and is available for purchase at around $170.

SanDisk 16GB Micro SDHC
With half the storage capacity of the Transcend memory card, the SanDisk 16GB storage device comes at a significantly lower price. It is typically priced around $20.

Lexar Memory Stick
This is another quality memory card that offers 32GB of storage room. The memory stick is extremely light weighing only 0.2 ounces. Prices for this storage device start from $89.

HP4 4GB Memory card
Small and capable, the HP4 has enough storage room to store even the largest of files. Priced at $3 and above, it is one of the most economical storage devices out there.

Eye-Fi Pro
This is a 4GB wireless storage device that might just impress your friends. However, it is expensive at $39.99, especially given the fact that other memory cards with similar storage capacities sell for as low as $3.

Sony Pro HG Memory Stick
With 32 GB of storage space, this memory card is also known for its speed. It is also recommended for storing pictures and videos. Being a brand name product, it is a little pricey at $112.

Kingston 4GB Micro SDHC
Designed for your Smartphone or other compatible devices, the Kingston micro SDHC gives you enough storage room to save your essential apps and files. Weighing only an ounce, carrying this memory card around is no different than carrying your cell phone in your pocket. It is moderately priced at $8.99

Olympus 2GB Memory Card
This storage device is faster than other similar cards, and is great for storing and transferring pictures. Compact and easy to transport, the Olympus memory card only weighs 0.2 ounces. It is a little bit pricey at its standard price of $17, given the fact that it only offers 4GB of storage.

PNY Optima
This is a fast 16GB flash memory card that is great for storing all media files. Its' only drawback is its' bulkiness, since it weights 1pound (heavy by storage device standards). It is moderately priced at $24.

Dane-Elec 2GB Compact Flash
Small, yet sufficient enough to handle most data transfer needs, this 2GB memory card can handle all sorts of data. Small and compact, it is well priced at $8.
These are the top memory cards currently available. From the list, you should be able to find the right storage device that addresses all your needs.

Miami Heat streak against New York ends

The Miami Heat suffered their first loss to the New York Knicks in six years. LeBron James did not dominate like he has been known to do in Madison Square Garden. James went 7-24 from the field and finished the game with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Luckily for the Heat, Dwyane Wade picked up the slack and tried his best to make up the difference. Wade went 14-22 for 34 points to go with his 16 rebounds and five assists. Mike Miller, who was coming off his best game of the season, was unable to put any points on the board, shooting 0-3 from the field. James Jones ended up being the only Miami player besides James and Wade to score in double figures.

The Knicks had offensive problems of their own with a team field goal percentage of 36.1 percent. The best player for the Knicks was Amar'e Stoudemire, who was able to shoot the ball well in the absence of Miami's Chris Bosh (ankle). Stoudemire went 10-17 and finished the game with 24 points.
The main difference for the New York Knicks was their ability to shoot the ball well from the free throw line. The Knicks finished the game shooting 82.1 percent from the free throw line, compared to Miami's 69.7 percent.

Up until the end of the third quarter, the Heat looked like they were on their way to another win against the Knicks. Unfortunately, the Heat struggled offensively in the fourth quarter and the Knicks were able to get back into the game. In the final 2 minutes of the game, the Knicks were able to answer LeBron James's attempts to steal the game with big three pointers from Danilo Gallinari and Landry Fields.

Not to make any excuses for the Heat, but Chris Bosh was surely missed during the Jan 27 game, as Miami struggled to contain Stoudemire in the paint. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade (still suffering from migraines) carried the team on their backs, and they still managed to put up a strong performance against a New York team that is playing their best basketball in years.

David is a fan that has followed the Miami Heat for the past 15 years.
 
Sources:
Associated Press, " Amare Stoudemire keeps Knicks close before... "
All stats and data from espn.com

Catapult Used to Smuggle Drugs

Mexican drug smugglers have once again made the headlines, this time due to their newest transporting technique. According to ABC news , a border patrol camera captured several suspected drug traffickers flinging packages of marijuana over the US-Mexico border. The men were using what looked like a medieval-style catapult to propel the drugs over the fence.

Border patrol agents contacted their Mexican counterparts and the men subsequently fled the scene before Mexican drug officials could apprehend them. On a positive note, Mexican officials were able to secure the drugs left behind by the suspects, their car, and the catapult they were using.

This isn't the first time drug dealers have left us astonished with their industriousness. Last November, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), discovered a 1,800 ft tunnel used to transport Mexican drugs into the US. The tunnel linked a warehouse in California to another in Tijuana, allowing drug smugglers to transport drugs and people freely between both nations. Thanks to the discovery, DEA officials were able to seize 30 tons of cannabis, estimated at around $20 million.

As unusual as using a catapult or digging a tunnel between two countries are, they are not the most technologically advanced techniques drug smugglers have come up with. Several years ago, authorities in Costa Rica stumbled upon a 50 ft submarine loaded with cocaine. In an interesting twist, it turned out the submarine was actually made by the drug smugglers themselves. Made out of wood and fiberglass, the submarine was capable of operating 6ft below the surface. Luckily for the authorities, they were able to spot one of the breathing pipes installed on the submarine, and apprehend all four passengers on board. They also recovered 3 tons of cocaine.

Some unusual drug trafficking stories simply make one laugh and wonder what goes through the minds of these smugglers. Such is the case of the 32-year-old Guatemalan apprehended by officials at Dulles airport. While having his belongings inspected, officials found 60 grams of cocaine hidden inside a cooked chicken. While the amount of cocaine isn't something law enforcement would consider significant, it was another indicator of just how far smugglers are willing to go in order to get drugs into the country.

With drug smugglers constantly improving their smuggling techniques, law enforcement officials have their work cut out for them. If only some of these smugglers would turn their creativity into more positive outlets, they could end up living decent lives without having to deal with the constant pressure of law enforcement.

Sources:
Jessica Hopper, " Drug smugglers use catapult to launch ..." ABC News
MNBC news services, " Submarine with cocaine seized off Costa Rica " MNBC
Huma Khan, " Man arrested for cocaine in chicken " ABC News

Information on the Latest Toyota Recalls

After a rough 2010, and the ensuing damage to their reputation, Toyota vehicles in various parts of the world are being recalled due to fuel leaks. According to ABC news , 1.7 million Toyota vehicles in multiple countries will need to be modified in order to address the problem. Several Lexus models, RAV4 and Avensis, are some of the cars affected by the new wave of recalls. A complete list of all Toyota vehicles involved in the recalls can be found on Toyota's website.

There are multiple reasons for the faulty fuel systems in the recent Toyota recalls. A poor sensor might be the culprit in one instance, while irregular fuel lines might be the problem with others involved in the recalls. While Toyota claims the defects in the cars recalled are not significant enough to lead to a fire, they will be inspecting models involved in the 2001Toyota recalls and addressing the issues.

This recent wave of recalls for Toyota comes while the company is still trying to rebuild its image. In late 2009, Toyota suffered a severe blow to their reputation due to faulty floor mats and accelerators; which eventually lead to major recalls. While the 2011 Toyota recall does not in any way compare to the 2010 recalls, it is yet another smear on Toyota's reputation.

If you're worried about your Toyota vehicle being involved in the recent recall, and don't want to wait around for Toyota to contact you, you can run your car's VIN number through Toyota's VIN recall tool. If your car does end being one of the recalled models, all you need to do is visit your local dealership and the defects in your vehicle will be fixed at no charge to you.

Bottom line, if your car has been involved in the recent Toyota recalls, there is no need to panic. With all the bad publicity Toyota received last year, you can be certain they will be taking all steps necessary to keep their customers satisfied. One good thing going on for Toyota is the fact their share holders aren't panicking like they did during the previous recalls; and their stocks have not suffered significant losses. Perhaps is the fact that Toyota has already engrained their brand as one of the best car manufacturers in the world. One thing for sure, if many more recalls are issued down the road, Toyota customers might find themselves looking to other car makers.

Sources:
Akiko Fujita, " Lexus models among Toyota recalls... " ABC News
Toyota.com

Top 5 teams in the NBA right now

With the 2010-11 NBA basketball season past the halfway mark, the best teams have started differentiating themselves from the rest of the pack. Here is a list of the top five teams in the NBA right now, in my opinion.

1. Los Angeles Lakers
The defending champion Lakers are still the team to beat in the NBA. With Kobe Bryant (arguably the best player in the NBA since Michael Jordan) leading the way, the Los Angeles Lakers lead the Pacific division with 33 wins and 13 losses.

2. San Antonio Spurs
With the best record in the NBA (38-7), the San Antonio Spurs have played excellent basketball all season long. With starters and bench players contributing alike, the Spurs are one of the top 10 teams in scoring, rebounds, and assists.

3. Miami Heat
Undoubtedly the most hated team in the NBA; thanks to LeBron James, the Miami Heat have already proven their three main superstars can co-exist. Even with questions still surrounding the productivity of their bench, the only real threat to Miami are the Lakers; who happen to have an impressive big three of their own, and the Spurs who have the one thing Miami is still working on; depth. Unfortunately, only Heat fans like me are even willing to give this team their proper respect.

4. Chicago Bulls
Young and often underrated, the Chicago Bulls have been a force to be reckoned with, especially when playing at home. With wins over the Lakers, Heat and Celtics, it's about time people start giving the Bulls their proper respect. They currently lead the central division at 31-14.

5. Boston Celtics
While many have been quick to hand over the eastern conference title to the Celtics, I have not been impressed by their play. Even with their high caliber veterans and deep bench, the Celtics have lost games to lesser teams like the Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons, and even the Cleveland Cavaliers! Don't get me wrong, they still have the best record in the east at 34-10; I just question their ability to stay motivated, especially in games everyone assumes they'll win.

While other teams like the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and New Orleans Hornets have also impressed me, these top teams are the most likely to succeed down the road.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for the past 15 years
 
Source:
Stats and team records from espn.com

Pros and Cons of the Viewsonic Viewpad Tablet 7

The Viewsonic Viewpad 7 has brought some much needed competition to Apple's IPad and other tablets currently available. Upon completing a thorough review of the tablet, it is rather apparent this device will give all other existing tablets a run for their money.

A solid difference between the Viewsonic Viewpad and the IPad is this tablet's ability to function as a wireless phone. It comes with a built in sim card slot that allows it to work with multiple wireless carries. It also comes with 512 MB of ROM, allowing you to access your apps and other programs very quickly.

Simply trying to figure out all the tricks the Viewpad is capable of, will keep you occupied for days. I was truly impressed when I inserted my cell phone sim card into the tablet and saw how easy it was to use it for my calling needs. While the Viewsonic is more functional that it's competitor the IPad, it is just as easy to use.

The Viewpad also has all the connections we have all come to expect in our communication devices. It has Wi-Fi connections, as well as Bluetooth connections. With USB, memory card and pretty much any other connections available on other tablets, this tablet is best described as a cross between a net book and a cell phone.

Price is probably the Viewpad's biggest advantage over its' competitors like the IPad. The tablet is available for as low as $350, much lower than the IPad; which typically sells around $600 dollars. That was my main attraction towards this device, and it will be probably be the same for many other consumers.

A disadvantage I noticed while conducting a Viewsonic Viewpad tab review, is its' limited storage capacity; a problem its' main competitor the Apple IPad doesn't have. Many users like me will probably end up buying an external storage device, if they plan on storing all their videos and music on this device. Luckily, there are such storage devices available for this tablet.

While the Viewsonic has some advantages over the IPad and Dell Streak, the reality is that they all share a lot of similarities. The main advantage this tablet has is its' affordable pricing. For a buyer, it comes down to what you can get for you money. With the numerous tasks that can be performed on the device, there's no point paying double when you can get the same job done with a Viewpad.

If you feel the Viewsonic Viewpad tablet 7 address all your needs, order one today!

Best Cars at the Detroit Auto Show

The 2011 Detroit auto show, was an incredible day for those who can't get cars of their mind. It featured cars from multiple manufacturers, trying to outshine their competitors. Whether you're into green cars, or prefer the high performance variety, the 2011 Detroit auto show had enough for all eyes to feast upon. Here are some of the most impressive vehicles, featured in the 2011 Detroit auto show.

2012 Honda Civic
Very impressive car from a manufacturer many of us have high expectations of, the 2012 Honda Civic has its own unique personality. With a very sleek body style; different from all earlier modes, the 2012 Honda Civic definitely pulls of the sports car look. With its' fuel efficiency (up to 40miles per hour), and price at $18,000 and upwards, the 2012 Honda Civic is expected to be successful when released later on this year.

Ford Vertrek
Named the best concept of the Detroit auto show, the Ford Vertrek comes with an aggressive looking body style. Big enough to fit an entire family, it is stylish enough to please younger consumers. With is 6-speed transmission and 1.6 liter engine, the Ford Vertrek should have no problems outperforming its' predecessor the Escape.

Tesla Roadster Sport
Tesla once again lived up to my high expectations with the Tesla Roadster sport, and won many new fans at the Detroit auto show. In my opinion, this is the best electric car ever created. Fully electric, this beast of a car reaches 60 miles per hour in only 3.7 seconds! Capable of storing a full charge in four hours, with a 250 mile range, the Tesla roadster sport is highly recommended for anyone with $150,000 to spare.

2011 Jeep Cherokee
Mean and luxurious looking, the Jeep Cherokee body style is a fierce competitor to all other sport utility vehicles. The new independent suspension system this car has, makes the Cherokee one of the smoothest driving vehicle in its' class. Its' V-6, 290 horsepower engine (with a V-8 option available), allows it to provide a smooth ride regardless of terrain. Priced at $36,000, the Jeep Cherokee is within reach for the average consumer.

2011 Ferrari 458 Italia
With a slightly bigger frame than the earlier F430, the 458 Italia comes with a 562 horsepower V-8 engine. It does have a few turnoffs though like its 18 mile per gallon fuel efficiency (even a heavy-duty truck like the 2010 Dodge Ram has a 20 mile per gallon efficiency), and its' $220,000 price tag.

These are just a few highlights of the 2011 Detroit auto show; an event that was filled with truly magnificent cars.

Sources:
Car specifications from caranddriver.com and cnbc.com

Best 5 External Hard Drives

There are a number of top external hard drives available to both computer newbies and experts alike. Here are some of the best external hard drives currently available in the market.

Seagate Black armor PS
One of the very best external hard drives for average computer users, the Seagate external storage systems offers consumers 500GB of storage room, while remaining economically priced. With 500GB of storage, this Seagate external hard drive should be more than enough for any normal
computer user's needs.

Verbatim Quad-Interface professional
With twice the storage capacity of the Seagate external hard drive, the verbatim professional hard drive offers 1000GB of storage capacity. That amount of storage is not only enough for the needs of the average user; it will satisfy the needs of many small businesses as well. Priced a little over $100, the verbatim is probably the most well priced top external hard drive. While it could have been created smaller, it is still a very good external hard drive.

CMS Desktop Backup System
Another highly recommended storage device, this external hard drive offers the same 1000GB storage capacity as the Verbatim storage drive. While it isn't as bulky as others systems with the same storage capacity, the software installed on the CMS system has been known to give users a few problems. It is a little bit overpriced at $150 and above.

Western Digital Studio Edition
Strictly for the big boys, this powerful external hard is designed for those with serious storage needs. With a breathtaking storage capacity of 4TBs, the Western digital external drive will not reach maximum capacity anytime soon. Another surprising feature of this hard drive is the fact it only weighs 5 pounds despite its supersized storage capacity. While the price is high at over $380, it is still a very good deal for those with extremely high storage requirements.

Apricorn Aegis ADT 1000
For those with medium storage needs, this is probably the best external hard drive currently in the market. With no significant flaws, this 1000GB external hard drive is clearly one of the best external storage hard drives available for purchase. Priced around $180, it is a solid investment for any computer geek.

These are some of the best external hard drives available for your computer. Depending on the size of your storage needs, you should have no problems finding the right external hard drive that satisfies your computing needs.

Sources:
Hard drive specifications and pricing taken from pcworld.com

Best Safety Tips for Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is one of the most fun filled events anyone can participate in. If you're into large crowds, unusually friendly people, and beer funneling, Mardi gras might turn out to be one of the most memorable events you have ever been a part of. Like anything else that is fun, there is always a possibility of things going bad. Here are some Mardi gras safety tips that will reduce the possibility of you becoming a victim, during your vacation.

Travel in groups
One of the best Mardi Gras safety tips to follow is to always travel in groups. A would be mugger is less likely to rob a group of people, than a single person walking down the street. Members of the group should stick together throughout the night, and all should have cell phones just in case they get separated from the group.

Don't be too cheap
Try not to compromise your personal safety, just to save a few bucks. Book a hotel in a well known area of New Orleans such as the French quarter. Don't make a reservation with some hotel in an area you've never heard of before just to save money. If you end up getting a little tipsy, don't hesitate on calling a cab and coming back the next day to get your car. Not only will this Mardi Gras safety tip save your life, it might just save you from spending Mardi Gras in the back of a police cruiser.

Be Alert
As with all activities involving big crowds, always pay attention to the people and structures around you. If people around you are getting a little too obnoxious, consider moving to a different place. Also evaluate the security presence wherever you go. Security is increased during Mardi Gras, and many respectable establishments will usually have some type of police presence.

Avoid excessive flashing
When partying at Mardi Gras, you should avoid displaying huge amounts of cash in public. Use credit cards when possible and if you must use cash, make your ATM run before you head out to the Strip. Avoid excessive jewelry, as that can also attract unsavory characters. Valuable accessories like chains and watches can easily be ripped of your body. With the huge crowds present during Mardi Gras, the perpetrator can easily run of with your item and blend in with the crowd.

While nothing is absolute, these simple safety tips for Mardi Gras will significantly increase the odds your visit to New Orleans, is a pleasant experience.

Miami Heat demolish Toronto Raptors

The Miami Heat might have had their best performance of the season, coming together as a team and putting an end to the teams four game losing streak. In the Heat's 120-103 win, LeBron James was his usual impressive self, dropping 38 points and 11 rebounds. However, the most exciting player during the game was not LeBron James, but rather his teammate Mike Miller, who finally had the breakout game fans had been waiting for.

Playing without Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, no one expected the Heat to put up 120 points on the Raptors. Miller and other players on the Miami Heat must have been irritated, by talks the Heat bench was not up to par with other contending NBA teams.

On Saturday, Miller had his best game of the season, scoring 32 points and 10 rebounds in 33 minutes! He also went 6-11 from three point range. James Jones, Mario Chalmers, and Eddie House also had good performances, scoring 15, 10, and 13 points respectively. Even with Andrea Bargnani's and DeMar DeRozan's respectable attempts to keep the Raptors in the game, Toronto simply had no chance against a Miami Heat team that played extremely well as a team.

The biggest flaw the Miami Heat has showed this season is their lack of depth. Like I stated in an earlier article , the minor injuries suffered by the Heat's big three might turn out to be the best thing for the team, and fortunately that has been the case. With LeBron James missing a couple of games last week, and the ankle injury to Chris Bosh, the role players on the Miami Heat roster finally got a chance to find their rhythm.

With a tougher challenge coming their way against the New York Knicks on Thursday, the Heat will have another chance to show the world, their bench is not as ineffective as critics have declared. While the Heat bench is obviously not comparable to that of the Boston Celtics or the Los Angeles Lakers, the Miami Heat bench is definitely capable of complementing their superstars all the way to the NBA championship.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 15 years.


Sources:
Associated Press, "LeBron James, Mike Miller pick up slack..."
All stats and game information from espn.com

Top 5 Video Gaming Podcasts

Podcasts have had a huge increase in popularity in recent years, and the video game industry is already taking advantage of this new trend. A large number of video game companies are already producing podcasts on a regular basis, and many have already developed a significant fan base. There are a number of top video gaming podcasts that can keep you well entertained during your down-time. The following podcasts are the best video gaming podcasts, currently available for the entertainment of avid gamers.

Podcastle
This is an interesting video game podcast that is targeted towards hardcore gamers. Hosted by Jim Sterling, it has a very loose structure which makes it one of the more entertaining top video gaming podcasts out there. However, it is not necessarily well suited for older audiences, who might find the language and humor of the show's voices, rather immature. Even with the shows flaws, it is still one of the best video gaming podcasts available. It is available for download every two weeks at the Destructiod's website.

The Brainy Gamer
Just like the name suggest, this top video game podcast is target towards more mature gamers, who demand more factual information in their gaming podcasts. While host Michael Abbot has a tendency to take game details a little bit serious, it definitely holds its' own against any of the best video game podcasts around. It is available once every month at Brainygamer.com.

Rebel FM
Another good choice for video game lovers, this podcast features casual discussions on games currently in the market. It is geared towards fans who want more gaming content and less small talk in their video game podcasts. It is updated bi-weekly and is available for download online.

Retroforcego
This top video gaming podcast is geared towards old school gamers like me, who still remember the days of the Atari. With weekly episodes covering classics you grew up playing, this show will entertain you, and reawaken your passion for the older gaming consoles. While the humor can be irritating every now and then, I would still recommend it for anyone whose first video game console was an Atari. It is available for download at Destructoid.

GFW Radio
One of the best video gaming podcasts currently available, this show covers PC games as well as standard video game consoles. This show is highly informative, and entertaining at the same time. Produced weekly, this show is highly recommended to anyone interested in video gaming podcasts. It is available for download online.

The shows above are my favorite video gaming podcasts; I would recommend them to anyone new to gaming podcasts or video games in general.

2010 Dodge Ram Review

The 2010 Dodge Ram is one of the best received full-size trucks to hit the market in the year 2010. The 2010 Dodge Ram, with its exaggerated grill, definitely has the toughness one would seek in a work vehicle. Review after review, the 2010 Dodge Ram keeps holding its weight against other similar heavy-duty trucks currently in the market.

A feature of the 2010 Dodge Ram that is constantly marveled upon is its superior handling abilities. The Dodge Ram defies all expectations one would normally have for a heavy-duty truck, and handles as well as many smaller cars.

The interior of the 2010 Dodge Ram is also another pleasant surprise when examining the Ram. The interior comes with cool options, such as: Wireless network capabilities, navigation systems, and even leather seats. With its capability to seat up to six passengers, the Dodge Ram has no problems doubling as a family car.

Another thing that constantly stands out in 2010 Dodge Ram reviews, is the fuel efficiency the truck possesses; especially when compared to other big trucks in its weight class. While it is not yet comparable to the fuel efficiency of the Honda Civic or other highly efficient cars, the 2010 Dodge Ram's 20 miles per hour fuel efficiency, definitely helps it differentiate itself from the crowd.

One thing that might rub truck lovers the wrong way about the Dodge Ram is its weaker engine; which might have difficulty pulling heavy loads. While the makers of the Ram do give buyers the option to get a V-8 engine, the smaller 210 horsepower V-6 engine will have problems pulling anything of significant size. The automatic transmissions offered with the new Ram models, also doesn't sit well with many truck enthusiast; many of whom prefer manual transmissions on their heavy-duty trucks.

Besides its few flaws, the Dodge Ram is still one of the better heavy-duty trucks available in the market. With its five year or 100,000 mile warranty, the Dodge Ram is a good investment for anyone seeking a powerful work truck. It is affordable at just below $20,000.

Upon review of the 2010 Dodge Ram, it is rather apparent the folks at Chrysler are really making an effort to improve the functionality of their trucks. While it still has a lot of similarities to the earlier 2009 model, it definitely has a few new additions that move the Dodge Ram series in the right direction.

Sources:
Car specifications from Caranddriver.com

Houston Astros spring training schedule

Having lived in Houston, Texas, for the past decade, I have slowly developed a bond with our very own Houston Astros. I became a fully committed fan of the Astros, after their 2005 playoff run; which resulted in a World Series loss to the Chicago White Sox.

The Astros spring training home games are held in Kissimmee FL. These games are the best opportunities to get closer to the players on the Astros roster. Fans also get to meet up and coming prospects, some of whom might even end up making the team. Thanks to the minor league feel of spring training, ticket prices for the ball games are significantly less than regular season prices.

It would be nice for me to go down and enjoy some of these games, but unfortunately, my schedule will not allow me. Attending spring training games in the past has usually been well worth it. I got to see the more relaxed side of my favorite players while enjoying first class seats.

Spring training is more of an evaluation period, where coaches can assign players to roles that complement their skills the most. They also get to scout young players they want to add to their team's roster. Besides the young players trying to prove themselves, most of the players take it easy and just try to have a good time.

The Astros are scheduled for their first spring training game on February 28^thagainst the Atlanta Braves, and will play a total of thirty-five games during the spring training period. Here is the spring training schedule for the Houston Astros, taken from the team's website .

February 28 @Braves
March 1 Braves
March 2 @Tigers
March 2 @Yankees
March 3 Marlins
March 4 Cardinals
March 5 Tigers
March 5 @Cardinals
March 6 Yankees
March 7 @Nationals
March 8 Mets
March 9 @Mets
March 10 Nationals
March 11 @Nationals
March 12 Orioles
March 13 @Braves
March 13 @Tigers
March 14 Phillies
March 15 @Orioles
March 16 Nationals
March 18 @Marlins
March 19 Cardinals
March 20 Pirates
March 20 @Braves
March 21 Tigers
March 22 @Nationals
March 23 @Pirates
March 24 Rays
March 25 @Yankees
March 26 Nationals
March 27 Tigers
March 28 @Phillies
March 29 @Red Hawks
March 30 @Red Sox
March 31 @Red Sox

Hopefully, you'll be able to check out a few of these games, and enjoy a personal experience with the Houston Astros.

Best Cars for College Students

There are many cars out in the market, suitably designed for college kids. When searching for the best cars for college kids, you should consider several factors such as: the mileage on the car, its durability, and the car's safety ratings. The following are some of the best cars for students.

Honda Civic
This is an affordable car that addresses all the needs of a college student. It is very fuel efficient, saving students lots of money they don't have to begin with. The Civic is also low maintenance, which is good for college students who do not always follow the proper maintenance schedule. With its' small and compact design, the Honda civic easily earns its' spot as one of the best cars for students.

Nissan Sentra
This Japanese made car has all the features you would expect from one of the best cars for students. With its' 34 miles per gallon highway mileage, it is as efficient as a non-hybrid car gets, and is comfortably priced at $17,000. The Sentra also requires minimal maintenance and can endure lots of abuse.

Toyota Camry
Very popular car among college students, this car provides a very high level of fuel efficiency at 33 miles per gallon. It is one of the most efficient cars in the market, and rarely breaks down; even when not maintained properly at all times. Priced around $17,000, investing in this world-wide top selling car is always a good choice.

Nissan Versa
The Nissan versa is one of the most economical cars in the market. Priced at $10,000, it also saves you money at the pump with its' 34 miles per gallon fuel efficiency. While it might not be the flashiest car in the market, the Versa is definitely reliable enough to get any student through the years in college, where reliable transportation is a must.

Ford Focus
This is another affordable car, capable of getting any student through those college years. While it is not the most fuel efficient car in the market, it is definitely far from being a gas guzzler. One of the best things about the Focus is its' pricing at $15,000, and its' decent overall safety ratings. However, the Focus isn't the most reliable car on the market. Parts for the Focus are typically cheap though, and that compensates a bit for its lack of durability.

Toyota Yaris
This is one of the best cars for any college student. With its' very impressive 36 miles per gallon highway mileage, the Toyota Yaris will save you lots of money at the fuel pump. It is also very durable, and only needs a little maintenance to remain in top condition. Priced as low as $13,000; it is definitely a great buy for anyone seeking a cheap, yet high quality car.

The cars listed above, are some of the best cars in the market for college students. Anyone interested in purchasing an efficient, yet affordable car; should consider making a visit to the dealership and taking them out for a spin.

How to get Houston Astros spring training tickets

A little bit over a month from now, the Houston Astros will be starting off their 2011 spring training exhibition games in Kissimmee, FL. Players get to work off the rust they acquired during the off season, and fans of the Astros get an opportunity to watch their favorite players up close and personal, for very cheap prices.

Tickets for the Houston Astros spring training games are as low as $10 a piece. They can be purchased anytime from January 22nd. Dugout box tickets are priced at $24, and can be purchased from the official MLB Houston Astros website . One of the best deals the Astros currently have on their spring training tickets is the $24 dollar all you can eat until the seventh inning special. Available only on select days, you not only get an outfield reserve seat, you also get unlimited hotdogs, popcorn and sodas until the seventh inning; perfect for those who love pigging out at the ballpark.

Ticket Network is another good place to secure Astros spring training tickets. Suited better for those who prefer to buy their tickets right before the game, they are a good place to start when looking for hard to find tickets. While their prices are slightly higher than those from the Astros official website, they are still very reasonable. A $27 ticket from Ticket Network puts you right behind the catcher.

Stub hub is another popular place to get tickets for Astros spring training games. With their large inventory of tickets, you are sure to find any Astros tickets you're looking for. A little bit more expensive than the official team website or Ticket Network, Stub hub still gets you the best seats in the ball park for around $30.

For serious baseball fans, the opportunity got get up close and personal with their favorite baseball players, is something that should be jumped on. Tickets that sometime sell for hundreds, even thousands of dollars, sell for as low as $10. With spring training starting late in February, why not take advantage of the low prices and enjoy the weather on a nice spring day.

Moving Tips for Small Businesses

Moving is one of those tasks owners of small businesses dread. For one, there is always the nostalgia involved with staying in a particular place for an extended period of time. When I had to move my small business, there were a few steps I took, which helped make the moving process a lot easier.

Planning ahead
You definitely want to handle all your moving requirements ahead of time, and not wait till the last minute like many small businesses often do. Leave a few days for errors when moving your power, telecommunications and other services. Provide your employees with clear instructions on what their responsibilities are.

Think outside the Box
As a small business owner, you should already be used to thinking creatively, and should do the same when it comes to moving your small business. Large moving companies might be better for larger small businesses, but if your small business is on the smaller size, you might want to consider hiring people from a temp agency to do your heavy lifting.

Don't procrastinate
Many small businesses end up waiting till their moving date, before packing up the items to be moved. Items should be stored in cardboard boxes ahead of time. Item too large to fit in a box should have tags, displaying their destinations to the movers. On moving day, all you and your employees should be doing is supervising the movers, and unpacking at your new location.

Moving date
You should try your best to select a slow or non-work day for your moving date. If your small business is operational Monday to Friday, and closed on the weekends; it only makes sense to schedule a weekend for your moving date.

Relax
Even with the best planners, things are still bound to go wrong. Instead of losing your composure and making matters worse, try to think positively and look for solutions.

Inform clients
Obviously, you don't want to move without giving your clients your new address. Send your new information to clients via email lists or other systems you use. If possible, leave a sign at your old location, with your new business address information.

By simply following the steps listed above, you should be able to minimize the stress of moving your small business. Even with the best planning, moving is never fun. However, with proper planning it shouldn't be the worst experience in the world either.

Miami Heat lose fourth consecutive game

The Miami Heat suffered a fourth straight loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Tuesday night. LeBron James returned to the line-up, after missing two games due to a sprained ankle. Despite the fact he hadn't played in almost a week, LeBron James came back ready to go, putting up 34 points and 10 rebounds. Chris Bosh who suffered an ankle sprain in the team's last outing against the Chicago Bulls, did not suit-up for the game. Dwyane Wade had a decent game, but struggled from three point range shooting 0-4. He finished the game with 27 points and 6 rebounds. Both superstars struggled with ball control, turning the ball over 6 times a piece.

The lowlight of the game was when the Miami heat started fading away, during the last few minutes of the fourth quarter. The Heat blew a 5 point lead, and allowed the Hawks to close up the gap. The Heat did have a chance to win the game during the last few minutes, but the team seemed hesitant and LeBron James ended up having to settle for a long three point shot that missed the mark.

Towards the end of overtime; with the Heat down by two points, the Heats final chance to tie the game went out the window when LeBron settled for a long three point shot. It was surprising to see LeBron take the shot, since there was still time on the clock for a much safer play.

With the Heat now losing their fourth game in a row, the Heat need to pull together and reestablish their dominance. Luckily for them, this is a good time to do just that, as they get three days to rest and prepare for their next game. Their next game will be on Saturday, when they host the visiting Toronto Raptors.

Even with the recent struggles of the Miami Heat; they still have the second best record in the NBA eastern conference. Hopefully, Joel Anthony can turn the 16 rebounds he pulled down tonight into a regular habit, and establish the inside presence the Heat have been missing.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for the past 15 years.
 
Sources:
Associated Press, " LeBron James returns but Heat drop fourth straight... " ESPN
All stats and game information from espn.com

How I Survived a Stretch of Unemployment

Unemployment is something I never had to think about, until the final months of my senior year in college. It was obvious at that point that the unemployment numbers repeatedly being broadcast in the news were for real. During the recruitment period of my senior years, very few big corporations sent their staffers out. Most of the companies there were unknown, and some even tried to take advantage of the unemployment situation. One of those "insurance companies" that promised quick riches, only after you paid them to hire you and provide training, had the nerve to come out and try to recruit us! It was then I realized unemployment was a possibility in my near future, and started making plans to deal with it.

I've always been smart when it comes to personal finance, and I already had a small nest egg I've been working on since high school. Being an Economist, I decided to take advantage of irrational behavior by the stock market in an attempt to make some money. During the BP oil crisis, many investors lost confidence and started selling of their shares of BP. The results were a dramatic drop in share prices. I did some analysis, and from what I saw, I was very confident BP stock would return to its' original value in the long run. I invested my entire life savings in BP, and bought all the shares I could at $35.44.

I also started working as a freelance writer, to bring in some extra cash. It also didn't hurt, since instead of telling people I was unemployed, I could just say I'm was writer! I started making a few bucks here and there, but more importantly, it reminded me of just how much I enjoyed writing. If I had never had to deal with unemployment, I probably would have never decided to become a writer. Between the extra cash I raised from writing and scaling back my bills; to only include things I really needed, I was able to come out on top of my monthly bills.

A year after my initial investment; I had made approximately 35% return on my initial BP investment, and the stock is now trading at $49.23. My earnings were enough to pay my bills for approximately a year, which allows me to dedicate myself to writing and investing. Strange as it seems, but unemployment actually turned out pretty good for me. It forced me to figure out how to earn a living on my own. Now less than a year after my graduation, I no longer spend my entire day filling out job applications, and when I say I'm a writer it's no longer code.

Miami Heat loses second straight game

The Miami Heat suffered their second straight loss Thursday, two days after LeBron James's "karma" comment. LeBron haters must have felt good watching him sprain his ankle on Wednesday; and must have felt even better watching the Heat get manhandled by the Denver Nuggets. As a Miami fan (thus, de-facto LeBron Fan), allow me to rain on their parade and establish the facts. The Miami Heat have historically performed poorly in Denver, and haven't won there in nine years. Therefore, a loss at the Pepsi center with LeBron sitting on the bench doesn't really say anything.

Dwyane Wade also had a poor game, leaving Chris Bosh to carry the team all by himself. Bosh was able to put up 24 points and 6 rebounds, but that wasn't enough to stop Carmelo Anthony and the rest of his crew.

If I had to give an award for the most impressive player of the game, it would go to Heat's back-up point guard, Eddie House. House looked really motivated Thursday night, scoring 15 points in 17 minutes. He went 4-8 from three point range and played the way I wished the remaining role players would. Mario chambers performed well off the bench as well, putting up 14 points; twelve of which came from three pointers. Carlos Arroyo scored the least of all the points guards, making 5 or his 7 shots for 10 points.

Hopefully, LeBron missing a few games will end up being a blessing in disguise. The rest of the bench will emulate the performances of all three point guards last night. We all know the big three can easily go for 80 points on any given night. It's now time for the rest of the guys to figure out what their roles are, and deliver for their team consistently.

The Heat will have the opportunity to do just that against the Chicago Bulls on Saturday. The Bulls are 17-3 at home, and the Heat have their work cut out for them. Weirdly enough, I'm actually hoping LeBron sits out the game and gives his teammates another opportunity to find themselves.
*David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 15 years.

Sources Associated press, " J.R. Smith, Carmelo Anthony help Nuggets drop Heat " ESPN All stats and game information from espn.com

Third consecutive loss for Miami, despite 33-point Wade performance

The Miami Heat suffered their third consecutive loss to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday. With the Heat's LeBron James sitting out the game, Miami managed to stand their ground against a young Chicago team that has been extremely dominant at home. Even though they ended up losing the game by three points, the Miami Heat were able to prove their ability to remain competitive; even without LeBron.

Dwyane Wade rebounded nicely from his sub-par performance last outing against the Denver Nuggets. Wade struggled with his shot at Denver, making 7 of 19 shots for a total of 14 points. He also converted two free throws for a game total of 16 points.

Saturday Night was a whole different affair for Wade. He shot the ball extremely well, converting 10 out of 20 shots for 33 points. He also made 4 out of 7 three point attempts, in contrast to going 0-3 the previous game. The best part of the game were the last few minutes when Wade and Chicago superstar Derrick Rose traded baskets, in what ended up being one of the best finishes of the season.

Chris Bosh rolled his ankle towards the end of the third quarter, and was unable to get back in a rhythm upon his return. X-ray results were negative, and Bosh is scheduled to be reevaluated before Tuesday night's game. Even with all the injury troubles, Bosh still managed to put up 17 points against the Chicago Bulls.

Eddie House continued his improved play, going 5-7 for 13 points. Best of all, he was 3 for 3 from three point range. House is definitely stepping up his game, and I won't be surprised to see him get some more playing time in the near future.

Mike Miller was another player that had a decent performance. Miller went 3-6 for 8 points, and 2-3 from three point range. While this is just a taste of what Miller is capable of, it is nice to see a resemblance of his old self again.

The Heat will play the Atlanta Hawks next on Tuesday, and LeBron James should be ready to go. Regardless of whether Bosh plays or not, the Heat should be able to regroup and reestablish their winning ways.

*David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for the past 15 years.
Sources:
Associated press, " Bulls send LeBron James-less heat to 3^rd straight loss ..." ESPN
Brian Windhorst, " Chris Bosh, LeBron James banged up " ESPN
All stats and game information from espn.com

Michael Steele Steps Down as RNC Chairman

Michael Steele stepped away from his job as the Chairman of the Republican National Committee. According to the Washington post , Steele announced his decision right before the fifth round of balloting for the position of RNC Chairman started.

Many observers were not surprised by Steele's concession, as few thought he had any chance of winning the ballot. He had been openly criticized by members of his own party, such as Gentry Collins. Others have even gone as far as to refer to him as a token figure who was given the position of Chairman to counteract the 2008 Obama tsunami.

Steele was never up to the task of becoming an orator like President Barack Obama, and he wasn't able to generate the levels of sponsorships the Republican National Committee would have liked. While the Republican Party enjoyed tremendous gains during the 2010 elections, very few Republicans seem to be willing to give Steele the credit for it.

Even though Steele had indicated his support for Maria Cino, the Republican National Committee ended up electing Reince Priebus as the new Republican National Committee Chairman. Priebus, who is currently the Republican National Committee chairman for the state of Wisconsin, comes in with a solid background in law and the legal system.

Time will tell whether Priebus does a better job than Michael Steele. While Priebus has spent a majority of his career dealing with the legal system, his ability to connect with donors and cajole them into giving generous donations is yet to be tested on the large stage.

All things being equal, Priebus should be able to do a better job than his predecessor, just from his past career experiences. The experience he has speaking and getting his point across is a sharp contrast to Michael Steele's poor oratory abilities.

It is even arguable that how well the Republican National Committee chairman does is not the most significant task facing the Republicans. After all, even the multiple blunders of Michael Steele, such as his claim the war in Afghanistan was of President Obama's choosing, seemed to go unpunished in the mid-term elections last November.

Republicans would be better served figuring out who to nominate for the 2012 presidential election, rather than dwelling on the fact that they have a new RNC chairman. They now control the House, and will now have to take a share of the responsibility, whichever way the economy goes.

Sources:
Chris Cillizza, " Michael Steele bows out of RNC Chair race, endorses Maria Cino " Washington Post
Huffington Post, " Michael Steel e says war in Afghanistan was 'war of Ob....." Huffington Post

Top Software Programs for Photo Albums

There are many photo album software programs in the market, and the truth is that many of them are capable of taking care of all your photo album needs. The days of taking rolls of camera film to the pharmacy for development are almost over, and you'll be surprised by the different tasks many of the best photo album software programs in the market are capable of. Here are some of the best photo album software programs that are currently available.

Corel PaintShop Photo Express
This is a very simple program that requires minimal computer knowledge to operate. It allows you to add special effects, edit pictures, or even create sideshows of the pictures stored in your photo album. With the free trial offered by Corel, it is definitely one of the best photo album software programs available in the market.

PhotoPlus
This photo album software program performs all the tasks you would expect in a photo manager. It also has an in-built help guide that makes learning the intricacies of this program a lot easier. This program can satisfy both the needs of the professional and the amateur, but is a little expensive; when compared to other similar programs.

Picasa
Produced by the folks at Google, this is a very good program that can perform many of the same tasks the other top photo album software programs can perform. Best of all it free, which makes it that much better than the competition. If you are a non-professional just trying to edit personal pictures and create photo albums, you should definitely give Picasa a try before spending your money on a photo album software program that you don't actually need.

Wonder share Slideshow Builder
This is a loaded photo album software program that handles videos in addition to pictures. In addition to the normal tasks you would want to perform on a photo software program, this program allows you to convert your photo albums into DVD slideshows and many more. For the high range of capabilities this program has, it is very reasonably priced.

Jalbum
This is another free photo album software program that is very similar to Google's Picasa. It's very easy to use and even has apps for use on your Smartphone. Good enough for even professionals, it has an online community you can interact with. Jalbum is surely a photo album software program that is worth checking out.

These are some of the best photo album software programs available, and you should have no problems finding the right one for you.

Maximize Your Free Weight Workout

If you're trying to figure out how to make the most of your free weight workout, you are already on the right path to improving your body. Many people get sucked in by workout machines, which provide you with support while performing exercises. Don't get me wrong, machines can be effective; but you'll typically see better results with free weight exercises. This is because free weight exercises force you to use your stabilizer muscles while machines do not.

For my personal routine, I lift mainly for size and strength. Most of my workouts consist of 4 sets of 6-8 reps. I work each muscle once a week, and usually go to the gym 3 days a week. I dedicate 45 minutes for each session, and have attained solid results with my free weight workout.

Day 1
On my first workout of the week, I target my chest, triceps, and shoulders. For my chest, I start with 4 sets of 8 flat bench presses. I then move over and perform 2 sets of decline presses. Next I push out 3 sets of dumbbell presses for my shoulders; I also put in 2 sets of shrugs, to tone my shoulders. To end my workout, I squeeze out 4 sets of tricep raises.

Day 2
For my second workout, I only exercise my legs. I perform 5 sets of squats, followed by 4 sets of dead lifts. I finish up my workout with 5 sets of calve raises, and I'm done for the day.

Day 3
The third day is when I target my back and biceps. It's also the shortest of my workout days; and rarely takes longer than 20 minutes. I simply perform 4 sets of dumbbell rows, 4 sets of biceps curls, and I'm done for the week.

I have stuck with the same workout routine for the past 4 years and I've had some pretty good results. I weighed 155 lbs when I started this free weight workout, and gained 40 pounds of muscle within the first year. Take it from me you don't have to go to the gym every single day to get the body you want. You just need to develop a free weight workout like mine, and never miss a workout. The human body loves consistency; as long as you stay committed, it is not that hard to sculpt your body into whatever you want.

Top 5 Tech Cars

If you've been on another planet and have no idea which cars are considered the best tech cars in the world, this article should help bring you back to reality, and help you avoid those embarrassing moments your lack of car knowledge gets exposed. The following are the top five tech cars you should be drooling over.

Audi A1 E-Tron
This is one of the newest hybrid cars Audi has been working on. It comes with an electric motor that powers the car up to 30 miles. It takes the battery six hours to store a full charge, but the car does come with a generator that can power the car an extra 120 miles. The E-Tron is expected to hit the market in 2012. It's hard to predict how well it will do in the market, as it might come off a little "too green" for hardcore car lovers.

Tesla Roadster
Very impressive sports car that can hold its own anywhere it goes. Propelled by electric motors, the roadster reaches 60 miles per hour in 4 seconds; very impressive for an electric car. It also has a range of 220 miles and can be recharged in a few hours. The Roadster is the perfect car for anyone that would love to go green, but just can't imagine themselves in some weak little green car.

Lotus Evora 414E
This a slick looking high tech sports car, powered by two electric engines that combine for a max output of 408 horse power. Thanks to its' gasoline powered generator, it has a range of over 300 miles. Like the Roadster, this car definitely pushes the limits when it comes to electric cars.

Mercedes Benz C350 Sport
This addition to the Mercedes line up, comes with a 201 horse power; V6 engine. With a sporty yet classy body style, it is one of the cheaper high tech cars currently available (very surprising for a car made by Mercedes!). While it doesn't have an electric motor like many of the top tech cars, it compensates for it with the state of the art navigation system, and other cool toys it comes with.

Ferrari 599 GTB
This has to be the most impressive tech car ever conceptualized. With its 661 horse power engine, it definitely lives up to the high expectations most of people have, when they think of a Ferrari. Sold at over $350,000, it is unfortunately out of the reach of most car enthusiasts.

The cars listed above are some of the top tech cars available. You should consider taking a visit to the dealership, and experiencing them for yourself.

Sources:
Car specifications and other information from Car and driver.com

Top bowling balls for kids

If you're introducing your kids to the world of bowling, you're probably wondering which bowling balls are the best for your kids. A couple of things you should keep in mind when shopping for the right bowling ball are: the weight of the ball and the type of finishing the ball has. Heavier balls are not the best for kids as they can be too much for kids to control. The price of the ball is also important, since you don't want to break the bank buying a bowling ball your kids might only be interested in for a few months.

Here are some of the balls I would recommend to those who are trying to initiate their young ones into the amazing world of bowling.

Ebonite Maxim Captain Midnight
This ball has a very cool finish that glows in the dark and is perfect for kids who love shiny, glowing things. It is lightweight with a very low hook potential, making it the right fit for those who are new to bowling. You can purchase it online for only $49.

Brunswick T-Zone Green Envy
This light bowling ball is very well polished and comes wrapped in polyester. It also has a low hook potential which can makes it easy to learn with. It has a very nice design and is a cool accessory your kid would enjoy showing off. It is available online for $47.99.

Columbia White dot
This is another excellent starter ball for kids new to bowling. It has a very kid-friendly design and is very easily to handle. Available in multiple colors, you can buy this bowling ball for $48.99.

KR Transformers ball
This is a well designed ball that features characters from the "transformers" series. The solid black background really brings the characters to life. It is a little expensive though, and you probably want to get this only if you're sure your kids will be into bowling for a decent amount of time. It currently sells for $99 and is available at retailers.

Brunswick Hello Kitty Ball
This is a glow in the dark ball with the "hello kitty" character printed on it. It has a low hook potential which makes it a good fit for beginners and advanced kids alike. Highly priced, it is a better ball for those whose kids are committed to the sport of bowling. It is available online for $99.99.
The above list of bowling balls for kids should help you find the right ball for you and your children.

LeBron James, Miami Heat, shocked by Clippers

Less than 24 hours after LeBron James commented on his former teams embarrassing 55 point loss against the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron got a little taste of embarrassment himself; at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers. Earlier on Wednesday, reports on the tweet LeBron James sent out after watching the Cavaliers get smacked, caused a stir on the internet.

Unfortunately, the Miami Heat let their selves get distracted by the commotion. They ended up having their team's current road winning streak of 13 games, snapped by the Clippers. In all fairness, LeBron actually had a pretty decent game; finishing the game with 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. He did however give me a serious scare in the fourth quarter, when he hurt his left leg while driving to the basket.

Miami fans can breathe easier now though. According to ESPN , James told reporters he took an X-ray after the game, and the results were negative. The Miami Heat have another game within 24 hours against the Denver Nuggets, and I hope LeBron will be able to play by then.

The biggest disappointment for me in the unexpected loss on Wednesday was the lackluster play of the supporting cast. The big three: LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh combined for 84 points, that's 27 more points than the entire Cavalier team put up against the Lakers. The other players on the Miami heat roster combined for a measly 21 points.

Wednesday's loss brings up a concern that many devoted Miami fans like me have had since the beginning of the 2010 NBA season. After a slow start, the big three have developed chemistry with each other, and have powered the team through some very big games. They even stepped up during their biggest test of the season, and defeated the almighty Lakers on Christmas day.

What I'm yet to see is the rest of the team step up and play their part. By now it is obvious the decision to sign Bosh and James was as good as it gets for Pat Riley. Now it's time for guys like Chris Arroyo and Joel Anthony to step up to the plate. They only need to pick it up a bit, and the Heat will be the undisputed kings of the NBA.

*David is a devoted Heat fan that has followed the team for the past 15 years.
 
Sources
Twitter.com
Associated Press, " Blake Griffin, Clippers end Heat's road streak at 13 " ESPN
All stats and game information from ESPN.com