Lyon Beats Real Madrid In Champions League Play

By Ross Everett

Jean Makoun scored early in the second half to give Lyon a hard fought 1-0 victory in the first leg of their round of 16 Champions League matchup against Real Madrid. The Spanish champions lost for the third straight time on Lyon's Stade Gerland home field and will now have an uphill battle when the teams meet at Bernabeu to advance to the next round. With the Champions League final slated to be held in their stadium, an exit this early in the competition would be nothing short of an embarrassment for Real Madrid.

Lyon controlled the play in the first half and held a decisive possession advantage. Unfortunately, they didn't get many accurate scoring chances with a number of them going wide or high of the net. Despite Lyon's time of possession advantage in the first half, Madrid actually got the best scoring chances in the first half. Following Makoun's goal just 2 minutes from the start of the second half, Madrid controlled play but could not score the equalizer. For the game, Madrid held a 66% to 34% time of possession advantage.

Real Madrid has won the Champions League title 10 times, but now must rally from this 1-0 deficit when play resumes on their home field in May. Despite their tradition of success, Madrid hasn't made it past the round of 16 for six straight years. Cristiano Ronaldo isn't particularly worried heading into the home half of the matchup:

"In football anything is possible. We've lost here but we have a game at home in which we can repeat what they did here. I'm calm. In this competition you have to suffer. I'm sure that we will give a good answer in the return game and that we will win. The Bernabeu will help us. We will have to give to give it everything from the first minute until the last. The tie is not lost."

Madrid General Director Jorge Valdano added:

"It's been a bad night in general, especially the result. We had ups and downs during the match, but at no moment were we ourselves. The result means we have to really concentrate at the Bernabeu. Lyon barely stepped out of their half in the final minutes, but they made things very difficult for us for a long time, especially in midfield."

Real Madrid will have to do without a couple of starters in the rematch. Marcelo and Xabi Alonso are suspending for the May contest due to bookings in previous contests. - 39815

About the Author:

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

Ginger Sugarsnaps - A Fine Cookie Recipe

By James Cameroone

Ginger's Sugarsnaps. My grandma Ginger just died in a tragic hang-gliding accident but I don't want you to be sad. She died doing what she loved. For nearly 80 years my lovely grandma Ginger would hang glide over the most destitute sections of America's inner cities and shower them with her internationally famous sugar snap cookies, also known as Soundsnaps.

If you live in a destitute urban area of the United States then you likely know the distinct graupel-like sound of grandma Ginger's cookie storms all too well. That's why by 1960 people from areas of intense urban decay began to call these fantastic cookies "Soundsnaps."

As her only grandchild she took favor upon me and bequeathed me her sugar snap recipe which I share with you here today. You might ask why would I share this prized and closely-guarded family recipe? The reasons are two: 1.) I am a humanitarian at heart and don't see the sense in denying the slums and ghetto's of the world the intense pleasure grandma Ginger's scrumptious sugar snaps and the delightful Soundsnap they make; and 2.) I was born without arms or legs and though I have tried several times I have found that my condition prevents me from hang-gliding long distances. Since I can't hang-glide, I can not continue grandma Ginger's seven decade tradition of gentrification via inner city cookie showers.

If you can hang-glide and you can bake I implore you to take the recipe below and continue grandma Ginger's legacy. Don't let the Soundsnap die with grandma Ginger.

Without further ado here it is: Grandma Ginger's Soundsnap Recipe.

Yield 5-6 dozen

Ingredients:

1 and 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cornmeal, 1 tablespoon ground ginger, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground allspice, Chiffonade of 2 skins of extra-crispy fried chicken, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup shortening, 1 cup white sugar, 1 egg, 1/4 cup dark molasses, 1/3 cup sugar

Directions: Heat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees Celsius). Sift the flour, ginger, baking soda, allspice, and salt into a large bowl. Stir the mixture to blend evenly, and sift a second time into another bowl, make sure it is really smooth. Place the shortening into a large bowl and beat until nice and creamy. Gradually beat in the white sugar. Beat in the egg, and dark molasses. Sift 1/3 of the flour mixture into the shortening mixture; stir to thoroughly blend. Sift in the remaining flour mixture. Remove the extra-crispy skins from 2 fried chicken breasts and proceed to chiffonade. Add the chicken skin to the bowl with the other ingredients. Mix together until a nice pliable dough forms. Pinch small amounts of dough and roll into 1 inch diameter balls between your hands. Roll each ball in sugar, and place 1 and 1/2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake in oven until the tops are rounded and slightly cracked, about 10 minutes. Cool cookies on a cooling rack. Store in an air-tight container or use your favorite vacuum sealer like a Food Saver, until you are ready to shower the inner-city of your choice with these Ginger's Sugarsnaps. Soundsnaps! - 39815

About the Author:

Learn everything you need to know about baking the best Soundsnaps !

1977 Triple Crown Winner Seattle Slew

By Ross Everett

Seattle Slew died on May 7, 2002 at the age of 28. One of only 11 winners of horse racing's prestigious 'Triple Crown' he is by default considered among the all time greats in thoroughbred racing. Of the eleven horses to win the Triple Crown, he is the only one to do so with an undefeated record. He was also notable due to his humble beginnings, and is the only Triple Crown winner to have been purchased at public auction. He retired to stud in'78 and sired over 100 stakes race winners including'84 Kentucky Derby champion, Swale. Slew's offspring have earned a combined $76 million dollars at the race track. Slew wasn't the most majestic looking creature by the lofty standards of race horses, but was possessed with the heart, toughness and courage of a professional prizefighter.

The Seattle Slew story started at a public auction in Kentucky--not exactly a venue expected to produce a future champion. Slew, in particular, was an unlikely heir to greatness. He was somewhat clumsy looking due to a front right forefoot splay and had a shuffling gait at trot. Slew wasn't a beautifully majestic creature like his Triple Crown winning predecessor, Secretariat. In fact, he could have been considered borderline ugly--to the extent that he was nicknamed 'Baby Huey' by the Keeneland staff. What wasn't apparent at the time was Slew's mixture of championship intangibles--competitive desire, toughness, heart and enthusiasm. His owners had unwittingly stumbled onto an equine Muhammad Ali, and his competitive fire quickly became apparent to his trainers and jockeys. His first race came at Belmont Park in'76, and he entered--and won--three races as a two year old giving a glimpse as to what like ahead.

As a three year old, he quickly gained notice by winning his three Derby prep races, including the prestigious Wood Memorial. In the Derby, Slew got off to a terrible start as he stumbled from the gate much like War Emblem did in the 2002 Belmont. Unlike 2002's Triple Crown contender, however, Slew was able to recover from that miscue and basically force his way through a pack of other horses to position himself at the front of the field at the quarter mile pole. He went on to win the Derby by a length and 3 quarters. Another tough victory in the Preakness set up his Triple Crown winning run at the Belmont, which he won by 4 lengths.

Slew ran in a few races as a 4 year old but in the pre-Breeders' Cup days there wasn't as many opportunities for an older horse. He retired to stud in'78. We've already discussed his prowess in the breeding shed, siring a number of first rate horses such as the aforementioned Swale, and the'92 Belmont champ AP Indy. Slew stood at Three Chimneys Farm in Midway, Kentucky from'85 until early 2002 when he was moved to Hill 'n' Dale Farm in Lexington, KY following a spinal operation.

Slew was in someways overshadowed during his prime by his predecessor--and arguably the greatest thoroughbred race horse in history--1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat. In hindsight, however, it has finally been noted what an exceptional horse he really was. Jockey Angel Cordero, who rode Slew during the twilight of his career noted "If I had a chance to take any horse in the world, if someone said your life is depending on riding one horse to win, I would take (Slew). I rode 44,000 horses, but he was special, he was different. He was muscled, like a wrestler. He ran different than any other horse. It was like he came from another planet."

Slew was laid to rest at Hill 'n' Dale Farm in Lexington, under a statue. - 39815

About the Author:

Ross Everett is a widely published freelance sports writer and noted authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.

How To Tell Your Mom You Love Her

By Leila Fish

With all the difficulties that come with carrying, bearing and raising children it's a wonder that women choose to go through it all. Yet, despite all the trials, mothers all over the world extol the joys of motherhood.

Today mothers have it tougher than ever. More and more women are expected to maintain their jobs after having children. They have all the responsibilities of raising their children while holding down a full time job outside the home.

Amazingly, most women are able to juggle work and motherhood quite well, even though it means twice the work. On the flip side, the situation also means twice the potential for fulfillment.

Women have always faced challenges when becoming a mother. Much of motherhood is learning as you go and it can be a scary time until a woman becomes comfortable with it. It takes strength and courage to preserve as a mother.

Mothers know that they face obstacles in raising children in today's world but they choose to do it anyway. They deserve our thanks.

When Mother's Day comes around, be sure to give yours special recognition for all she does. Don't let the day go by without telling her how much she means to you. It's always nice to give her a meaningful gift, as well.

Most women enjoy gifts of jewelry but the gift is less important as the sentiment behind it. Buy her what you can afford and make it something thoughtful. After all she has done for you, shouldn't you remember her in a special way?

Every mother wants to be appreciated for what they do for their family. Take the time to let her know what she means to you. Buy her a gift. Call. Visit. Tell her you love her. It will mean the world to her and you'll be glad you did. She won't be around forever. - 39815

About the Author:

Refer to various other tips written by this same writer covering areas including tablecloths and dental insurance cosmetic dentistry.

Zero Cost Movie Downloads Are Not Necessarily Free

By Pauline Williamson

You are maybe informed of all the great ways that you can save money and get the video you really would like by going to one of the numerous online sites that offer you the option to download motion pictures right from the ease of your own home. This modern technology and these beneficial websites are providing remarkable offers and deals. Occasionally when you enroll in one of these download websites you may even be able to download videos for no cost occasionally as well.

You'll find numerous movie downloads sites presented online so you can be certain to discover something to suit your particular motion picture entertainment needs. There is no need to rush right out to the video store to get the new releases and you need not ever be bothered about returning the movie on time. When you pay for a film download from the Internet, the file is yours forever and you can enjoy it anytime.

Once you enroll in a remarkable video download website you will no longer need a membership to your local DVD store or mail-in service. Since the movie is yours to keep, you never need worry about getting the video back on time and you can be certain that you will each time receive a quality product, you don't have to be bothered about broken DVD's or a oversight in returning the movie. You each time have the best product and of course, it is yours to keep.

Once you have made your selection of the service that you would like, it is simple to sign up and commence downloading the motion pictures that you want. Be sure that you have plenty of storage room on your computer because videos do take rather a lot of memory but it is worth it to have these good motion pictures yourself. You will as well be able to reassign the video files to any transportable viewing devices that you have, so you can take the movie with you.

For anyone who is hesitant about joining a service, you can take advantage of a free membership trial from some of the services. Additionally, there are special offers, coupons and innumerable other discounts that you can take benefit of. A free trial period is a great way to start out as you can learn how it all works and how useful it can be.

The free of cost services use file-sharing technology that presents a much lesser sound and image quality in the files and also potential bothersome trojans for your personal computer. Additionally, you risk the prospect of legal problems and troubles if the owners of the copyright decided to pursue it and that has occurred in the past and could very well take place again.

Evaluate the services offered in the memberships of the services that you are interested in. Some services provide music and games in addition to movies. Furthermore you will find services which will still permit you to obtain a hard copy of the DVD via mail if you so request. Purchase a package that offers everything that you desire and enjoy, confirm the price and have fun. - 39815

About the Author:

Are you aware purchasing a film in the present day has options. Look into digital movie downloads besides check out watch movies onlie. Anyone can get all the same entertainment advantages of a regular movie.

6 Person Family Tent And 8 Person Family Tent Review

By Adam Girnet

Having been designing and building family tents for more than 120 years, Wenzel are certainly familiar with what works and what doesn't. They have a comprehensive range of different tents to suit all sorts of families and vacations.

Their largest 8 person family tent, the Wenzel Grand Lodge, offers over 160 sq.ft. of usable floor space. It's very practical and has a 2 room layout.

Set up is quick and simple for 1 adult without assistance. The walls can be opened to become a complete screen room or zipped closed for privacy and warmth.

The Grand Lodge is definitely one of the best 8 person family tent available.

An excellent 3 room family dome tent is the Wenzel Sycamore. Three doors provide excellent access so no clambering over bodies or gear to get at things.The Wenzel Sycamore is a 3 room family dome tent

Setting up this tent really need 2 people but one of them can be a child over 4. In the main central room you can stand and each of the rooms is large enough for a full size queen air bed so you can divide your party to suit yourselves.

From user reviews, this 3 room family tent seems to be the leader in it's class.

If you're wanting a 6 person family tent consider the Wenzel Mackinac.

With it's full height attached screen room there is plenty of bug free space for playing, cooking or just chilling out.

Setting up takes 2 adults but is not difficult. The screen room has canvas walls that can be zipped up to give a cozy porch feel or left open to mesh for maximum light and airflow.

Another choice of 6 person family tent is the Wenzel Cottonwood. This tent also has 2 rooms but no screen room. It is much lighter at just 20 lbs so with a family of teenagers you can split the load between you can go trekking if you like. - 39815

About the Author:

You can read full reviews on the Wenzel family tent range including further detail on their 8 person family dome tent and others. You'll also find a comprehensive summary of user reviews for each one.

Affordable Hotel Kyoto

By Zoey Giguere

Japan is one of the most expensive countries you can ever think of travelling to and therefore finding cheap hotels in Kyoto region can be a nerve-racking affair for any traveller. The peak travel seasons run from March to May and from October to November. However, during the other months of the year, weekends are obviously costlier as many Japanese and tourists tend to travel here for a weekend getaway. Kyoto is also known as the cultural capital of Japan and is loaded with many attractive temples, Zen gardens and traditional restaurants.

The journey from Tokyo to Kyoto is expensive, whether by train or air, so it is imperative for many budget travelers to find cheap accommodation. The cost here is comparable to that in Europe, with a day's sightseeing and food costing about US$50 for a backpacker. Here are some really good options for cheap Kyoto accommodation:

1. Green Peace House- traditionally styled in a tatami- guesthouse pattern, this authentic hotel extends a homely feel to its invaluable customers. Guests are supposed to book a room for minimum three-nights at this hotel. Prices for the three nights start at US$50 for a dormitory bed, US$73 for a single room and US$96 for a double.

Here you will be eating in a traditional Japanese style and sleeping on tatami mattresses. From the major train station, it takes just 18 minutes to get to the Green Peace, situated in a peaceful residential neighborhood to the North of the city.

2. Budget Inn Kyoto - More modern than the Green Peace, the Budget Inn is affordable, clean and stylish. The interior has traditional Ryokan-style futon furnishing. The lobby, the kitchen and the dining area are all attractive without appearing ostentatious. There are three kinds of rooms here - the three persons room (costing each person US$38 per night), the four persons room (US$35) and the five persons room (US$32). If your stay is longer than four nights, the daily rate will come down. This hotel, walking distance from all the famous attractions in Kyoto, is perfect for young travelers.

3. Nagomi Guesthouse - this guesthouse extends a perfect feel of coziness and friendliness to its customers. The rate of dorm bed is US$27 per night, for double room its US$32 per person and for single room its US$37. This hotel is placed at a drive of 30 minutes from the main train station by bus.

4. Capsule Ryokan Kyoto - This extraordinary place is the first capsule hotel in the world. Here you go to bed on tatami mats, in a tiny capsule for a room. It really is an unusual experience to live in a capsule fitted with an LCD TV and a traditional futon bed. Luggage space is available too. A capsule will cost you US$37 per person for a night, a very low rate.

If you have spare money, check yourself into the Ryokan ensuite room, which, all of 10 square meters, is fitted with a shower, a TV, a table and a double futon bed! This certainly is the most interesting Kyoto cheap hotel you can find. - 39815

About the Author:

Learn more about Kyoto Vacations. Stop by Grace Berrios site where you can find out all about it and what it can do for you.