I am going to be in town for a weekend and some Tigers games. I was thinking about trying to find a library with a LARGE mathematics section to visit on Saturday before the game. Or is there another library closer that would have a nice sized math section that a univeristy would have?

Also how much whould a taxi cost me to get from Downtown Garden Inn to Wayne state?

Watching Manny Pacquiao train in the Philippines

The next time somebody says that it’s a small world please ignore him. Take it from me, having just done a whirlwind tour to the Philippines, then to New York, followed by a trip to Tampa, it’s still a very big world.

I recently visited the training camps of both pound-for-pound champion Manny Pacquiao in the Philippines, and WBO titleholder champion Miguel Cotto in Florida. Since my first visit was to Baguio in the northern part of Luzon, where Manny is training, I will tell you about my impressions of Manny’s preparations in this article. In my next column, I’ll do the same about Miguel’s training base in Tampa.

To get to Baguio, one must first fly to Manila, the country’s capital. Philippine Airlines has a regular daily flight direct to Manila that includes a one-hour stop in Vancouver, Canada. Its rates are reasonable and the service is excellent.

The plane arrives in Manila at approximately 5 a.m., and the drive to Baguio takes four to five hours, depending on traffic. Only part of the drive is on a regular highway, after which the road continues through one small town after another with traffic moving very slowly. About one hour before arriving in Baguio, the scenery becomes spectacular. Green mountains and valley vistas highlight beautiful scenic views of the China Sea.

Baguio itself is a mountain town 5,000 feet above sea level. It was built by the United States after taking control of the Philippines from Spain after the Spanish American War. Our government constructed Camp John Hay, a beautiful recreational area with huge pine trees, a great golf course and other amenities. It served as a rest and recreation area for U.S. servicemen in Asia until 1990, when it was transferred to the Filipino government.

Camp John Hay now houses the Manor, a luxury hotel constructed entirely from Canadian logs. This is a very popular summer vacation resort for the Manila elite. Freddie Roach, Manny’s trainer and Alex Ariza, his conditioning guru, were both ensconced at the Manor when I arrived.

Pacquiao, on the other hand, chose to stay in a hotel in town which housed the gym in which he was training. If Freddie’s hotel rated five stars, which it does, Manny’s hotel was so awful it would not even get one star. If there was a minus category, it would rate a minus five. But there is no accounting for taste. Manny was happy as a clam at his hotel and refused constant requests to move to the more luxurious Manor Hotel where the rest of us stayed.

The gym that Manny trained in was not much different from the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, California, so I could see right away why Manny and Freddie felt so comfortable training there. The residents of Baguio respected the rules with regards to private workouts, enabling Manny to train in relative solitude. On the other hand, the morning runs were quite different. Manny would start at five in the morning and soon, hundreds of runners would materialize out of the darkness and run with Manny up and down the hills and roads. It was quite a scene.

Manny’s workout at the gym can only be described as awesome. In more than 40 years as a boxing promoter, working with Hall of Fame fighters like Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, and Roberto Duran, I’ve never anything like it. His training sessions go on for about four hours without a break. After the usual warming-up exercises, Manny boxes most days with two or more sparring partners, then hits the mitts with Freddie for at least 10 more rounds.

This display of energy and stamina exhausts anyone watching, Manny doesn’t stop. He skips rope and works the heavy and light bags continuously for more than an hour. Only then does Manny finally stand still, which allows his Filipino trainer Buboy Fernandez to pound his midsection with a bamboo pole for about twenty more minutes. The brutal workout finally concludes more than four hours after it starts.

In the sparring sessions, Manny trots out his entire arsenal of tactics and weapons. I was amazed once again to see him attack from one side and then the other. When his sparring mate reacts, Manny’s no longer there but is either right in front of his opponent or on the other side entirely. This unique tactic of disappearing in plain sight is the “Siegfried and Roy” weapon in Manny’s arsenal.

The shear athleticism that Manny brings to his workouts reminds me of the great martial artist Bruce Lee. The more one reflects on Manny and his ring performances, the clearer it becomes that he is the Bruce Lee of boxing. This athletic style is unique in boxing to Manny. In more than four decades of promoting fights, I have never seen anyone like Manny Pacquiao and his Bruce Lee style of boxing.

The mitt sessions with Freddie were also revealing. While Manny hits the mitts Freddie coaches him in moves he will undoubtedly use when he faces Cotto. It is fascinating to watch the teacher and pupil converse while Manny pounds on Freddie’s leather pads.

Three years ago, the mitt session would have consisted of Freddie giving instruction to Manny. Over time Manny the pupil, having learned so much from Freddie, takes an active and important part in the dialogue which sets out the plan Manny will use in fight night against Cotto. Watching the two of them interact now is like being at a boxing ballet, so well attuned are they to each other.

After three days in Baguio I headed down to Manila to catch my plane home. It left at 5 p.m. Sunday and arrived in Las Vegas at about 6 p.m. Sunday. Somewhere, somehow, I picked up a day which seems only fair since I lost one when I flew to the Philippines.

I also came away with the impression that Manny is getting better, improving all the time. Bottom line, Manny is getting into great shape as he prepares to give us another Pacquiao-Bruce Lee type of performance. He knows that in Cotto he faces his toughest foe ever, a real tough, determined opponent.

In my next column I will discuss Cotto’s training and just what he is doing to counteract the typhoon that is Manny Pacquiao.

Source: lasvegassun.com

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Top 5 Summer Rental Areas Of Nj

The coastline of New Jersey is no stranger to tourists and does not require an introduction since it is notoriously famous for its beautiful seaside and cool breeze. Nor is it threatened by the sandy beaches of Florida and California since it stands out quite remarkably on its own.

Summer rentals are all the rage during the summer season. Hundreds of thousands of tourists and locals flock to the coasts to enjoy the high waves and open skies. There are numerous cities along the New Jersey coastline that are great for outdoor fun and summer rentals. This article will focus on five such locations in order to better inform the readers and potential visitors about the beaches of New Jersey.

1. Loveladies, NJ – Home of the LBI Foundation of Arts and Science:

The city of Loveladies is famous for two things namely its unique name and for being flagship home of the Long Beach Island Foundation of Arts and Sciences. Founded in 1948, this establishment provides numerous recreation programs for local residents as well as visitors. This neighborhood is located between Barnegat Light and Harvey Cedars and is famous for its large-scale elegant homes often rented by celebrities from time to time.

2. Barnegat Light, NJ – Home of the “Old Barney”:

The city Barnegat Light is famous for historical reasons. It is home to the Barnegat Lighthouse also known as “Old Barney” created back in 1859. It is located at the northern tip of Long Beach Island at what is now the Barnegat Light State Park. It also borders the Atlantic Ocean and has a population of about a thousand residents.

3. Beach Haven, NJ – Hot Summer Resort:

Beach Haven prides itself as being ranked ninth in the 2008 Top 10 Beaches Contest.  Located in Ocean Country, on the southern part of Long Beach Island, this borough has a population of a little over one thousand people. The city is also famous for its great attractions some of which are:

Surf light Theatre
Bay Village Shopping Center
Long Beach Island Museum
4. The Dunes, NJ – Fertile Real Estate:

The Dunes has it all when it comes to beach front rentals and shore property widely regarded as the finest on the Long Beach Island. It is an excellent place to both buy and rent.

Situated between Haven Beach and Beach Haven Terrace, The Dunes was founded by James and Elizabeth Brogdon and is one of the Island’s small communities under the control of Long Beach Township.

5. Brant Beach, NJ – More than A century Old:

Established in 1909, the town of Brant Beach lies between Ship Bottom and Beach Haven Crest. It is home to the Long Beach Township head quarters also known as James J. Mancini Municipal Building. Its main park known as Bay View Park is located alongside the ocean. During the summer months, lifeguards patrol all of the township’s beaches and Bay View Park. It is regarded as one of the most popular spots to launch windsurfers and kit-boards.

The above mentioned locations are some of the best the Garden State has to offer. Anyone planning a summer vacation should definitely take up New Jersey and witness nature at its best.

Mexico – Something For Everyone

Mexico is one of the top vacation spots in the country. It is located between the Gulf of Mexico on the Pacific Ocean, bordered by the United States on the north., and Belize to the south. It is divided into six regions.

Northern Mexico is made up of deserts, nature reserves, and beautiful mountain ranges. Cities in this region are populated by key industrial companies and businesses. Central Mexico is also known as Mexico’s heartland. It has an abundance of natural surroundings and quaint towns.

Southern Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico offers plenty of marshes and forests. This region appeals to those who fancy exiting outdoor adventures.

The Yucatan Peninsula is paradise. Here is where one can find stunning beach resorts and the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. You can also have the pleasure of scuba diving along the world’s second largest coral reef. Submerged caverns in this area create wonderful fresh water pools to swim in. These pools are also called cenotes.

The most well known destination in the Yucatan Peninsula is beautiful Cancun. With it’s beautiful beaches and resorts, it is Mexico’s top vacation spot. In addition to the beaches you’ll also find nearly nineteen miles of villas, malls, and five star hotels. Dining is fabulous in your choice of over five hundred different restaurants. Temperatures in Cancun average between 81 and 95 degrees and is mostly sunny throughout the year.

On the Pacific Coast you will find a region that is full of culture and delectable cuisine. The Pacific Coast also has some of the best beaches perfect for swimming and fishing. The Baja California Peninsula contains world-class golf courses . You can also explore and discover the Sea of Cortez. It is here you can witness the beauty of the Grey Whales. The capital of Mexico is Mexico City. It is home to two volcanoes, Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuati. It has some of the best weather in the world with the average temperature of 72 degrees. It also offers a wide variety of museums, such as the Museo Nacional de Antropologia and the Museo Nacional de Arte. At the Museo Nacional de Historia you can also take in an exhibit that chronicles the nation’s history and art ranging from the pre-Hispanic era to present day.

Located northwest of Mexico City, Guadalajara is the second most populated city in Mexico. It’s temperatures range from 52 to 79 degrees. Guadalajara ranks among Mexico’s three most important cities. It is home to such famous symbols like mariachi, tequila, and the hat dance. You can enjoy beautiful architecture as well as may historic and religious buildings. Whether it’s swimming, sunbathing, or exploring, Mexico has a little of something for everyone.

Reasons Why San Diego is a Top Tourist Destination!

San Diego which is eighth largest city in the United States and the second largest in the state of California is a hot destination for tourists from across the globe.

San Diego boasts of a rich military history, sun kissed beaches, lush parks, rocking nightlife, wonderful museums, architectural wonders, open air restaurants, multicultural festivals, charming neighborhoods, shops and galleries along with good quality and affordable lodging and accommodation facilities.
Following is a discussion of what makes San Diego such a hot spot for tourists.

Climate

One can plan a vacation in San Diego in almost any time of the year due to its idyllic climate. As the area has a temperate Mediterranean climate, tourists enjoy a mild, sunny weather throughout the year. Such is the topological diversity of the place that one can enjoy coastal, mountain and desert environments within the span of just one day.

Territory

In eastern San Diego one can find a wide variety of terrain ranging from gentle foothills to the high mountains and the historic mining areas. This part offers nature-conscious visitors endless opportunities to hike, camp, fish, observe wildlife and dabble in other such adventurous sports and activities.

While traveling in the northern part one can come across plenty of wineries and harvested fields. Along the west, the miles and miles of Pacific Ocean coastline allow the tourists to enjoy water sports such as surfing, boating, sailing and swimming.

Art and culture

To witness the artistic side of San Diego, the most visited place is the Balboa Park. This largest urban cultural park in the U.S., is proud of its 15 museums, plenty of art galleries, beautiful and well maintained gardens, theatre houses and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
Popular attractions
San Diego offers an expansive variety of things to see and do, appealing to visitors of all ages from around the world. Major attractions in San Diego are the world-famous San Diego Zoo, Sea World San Diego, 92 golf courses, Gaslamp Quarter, Old Town, Little Italy, Coronado, La Jolla Village, Del Mar, Balboa Park, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach and much more.
Lodging
San Diego offers plenty of lodging options matching all pockets. However, for a good San Diego accommodation it is better to book in advance as there might be difficulty in finding one during the peak season.

Cuisine
In San Diego one can taste foods of different cuisines such as Mexican, Vietnamese, Moroccan, Ethiopian, Thai, Afghan, Japanese, Indian, Spanish, French, British, Chinese, Persian, Italian and Cuban etc. The culinary delights can be enjoyed throughout the city as there are as many as 6,400 eating establishments here offering a wide variety of lip smacking foods and delicacies. Major restaurant chains are found in almost every district.
No wonder, San Diego is truly a remarkable place for a memorable vacation experience for everyone.

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Hi I am going to Pismo Beach California in the end of may and the begining of june. I will be doing plenty of shopping and sun tanning. What all should I pack for this trip. I am already buying some new bikinis, butI am stumped on what i will need and what to put in my actual suitcase. And I am not flying I am going in an RV with family. Thanks

We just installed new sod a few days ago in Northern California. We’ve been watering it according to recommendations (3 times a day, one inch of water each time). But, it’s got tinges of yellow at the base of the blades and want to make sure it won’t get worse. We’re going away on vacation next week and want to make sure we don’t return to a dead lawn!