First Look: The 2004-05 NBA ScheduleWritten by Dave Fitzpatrick
Admit it, first thing you did when 2004-05 NBA schedule came out last week was check to see when Shaq and Miami Heat would visit Kobe Bryant and Lakers. It probably didn't take long to find that game, though, as we all know NBA marketing machine would slate it for big time ratings on X-Mas day. Kobe and Shaq won't be only hyped-up, intriguing match-up of season, though, that's for sure. With such an active off-season, 2004-05 season is sure to be loaded with must-see games. Here are some of games I'm looking forward to... November 2, 2004 - Opening night always brings some interesting games, but, with this year's season opening on first Tuesday of November in an election year, I'm sure a lot of viewers are going to be watching something else. That's too bad because they'll be missing a solid lineup of 3 games to start season. The new-look Rockets, headlined by Yao Ming (now in his third season) and last year's scoring champ and newest Houston arrival, Tracy McGrady, will head to Detroit to take on Rip Hamilton, Ben Wallace, and defending champion Pistons, who will be receiving their rings. We'll also get to see Kings with-or-without Peja Stojakovic take on Nash-less Mavs. And, Kobe and new-look Lakers host Denver. November 4, 2004 - Francisco Elson apologized for making some derogatory comments about Kevin Garnett during playoffs, but it's safe to say KG's probably got payback coming in form of a huge game as his Wolves face off agains Nuggets. Also, it's worth noting Charlotte Bobcats tip off their franchise history against Washington Wizards. November 16, 2004 - Just halfway into first month of season and Steve Nash will head back to his old stomping grounds to take on Dallas Mavericks. The good money says Mavs owner Mark Cuban and Nash won't be bickering by then, and Nash should be well-received. Nash might wonder why he didn't get a better offer from Cuban, though, when he sees his former owner giving a million bucks away to a complete stranger sometime this fall on The Benefactor.
| | Geocaching: A Great Way To Get OutdoorsWritten by Chuck Fitzgerald
If you’re tired of hiking same trail or picnicking at same park, then Geocaching may be exactly what you’re looking for. Geocaching, pronounced gee-o-cashing, is high tech version of a treasure hunt. Armed with nothing but a handheld GPS unit and a thirst for excitement, you’re off for new adventures and likelihood of finding a hidden cache.Here’s how it works. Geocachers seek out hidden treasures utilizing GPS coordinates posted on Internet by those hiding cache. So to geocache, you’ll need a handheld GPS receiver. GPS, which stands for Global Positioning System, is only system today able to show you your exact position on Earth anytime, in any weather, anywhere. GPS satellites, 24 in all, orbit at over 11,000 miles above Earth. The satellites transmit signals that can be detected by anyone with a GPS receiver. Using receiver, you can determine your location with great precision. But just as important, you’ll be able to locate other things too, such as a geocache. There are a variety of GPS receiver models to choose from starting at about $100. Once you’ve got a GPS unit, you’ll need to know where caches are hidden (hint: they’re everywhere). When a cache is hidden, cache’s coordinates are submitted to a website for all to see (www.geocaching.com). Enter coordinates into your GPS and you’re ready to go. Did I mention there are more than 100,000 caches in over 200 countries?
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