The Giants are probably going to be on my list of teams to look to bet on. They had a disappointing 75-87 season last year but that was because Bonds did not play the entire season. These Giants have won their backers money in every season for the previous 6 seasons. A total of 91 units!

With Bonds expected back in 2006, they will more likely resemble the Giants that won their backers money than the losers of last year. With a weak National League West, watch out for these Giants to do damage if Bonds can get back to his late 2005 season

In particular, I will be looking to bet these Giants against left handed pitching. Even in the 2005 season, they were a +6 units against lefties. They were undervalued by about 20 points over the past 3 seasons in this spot.

Beware them on the road though. Over the past several seasons, the Giants are dismal on the road versus lefties. In the past 3 seasons, they were 32-32 +2 units. But at home against lefties, these Giants were 49-17 +27 units in those 3 years. Big difference? Oh yeah.

This is one of our key betting angles for the San Francisco Giants in the 2006 season.

Profit like us by checking out our Free Baseball Gambling Systems at our site.

Ty Cobb

His lifetime batting average of .367 is awesome. It is downright baffling.
Year after year of hitting over .300. His first year was the only year he hit less than .300
Nine years batting .380 or higher.
Including and after age 40 he batted .343
When he finished the year he turned 22
he had 765 hits

Lou Gehrig

Knocking in over 150 runs in a year seven times.

Rogers Hornsby

Hitting over .400 for a five year period.
From 1921 to 1925 he hit .401
He even batted .424 in 1924

Cy Young

Winning 511 games or
Losing 316 times or having 815 complete games.
Or pitching 7354 innings in his career.
Imagine if he had a reliable bull pen.

Barry Bonds

232 walks in 2002 with 120 of them being
intentional base on balls. Maybe the opposition was
nervous about pitching to him.
He also has 604 lifetime intentional walks.
Hank Aaron is number two with 293 intentional walks.

Hank Aaron

755 home runs in his career
He never hit 50 in a season.
6856 total bases
Stan Musial is number two with
6134 total bases
1477 extra base hits - # one rank
This is 100 more extra base hits than
# 2 - Stan Musial

Alex Rodriguez

From 1998 to 2003 (six seasons)
281 home runs - average 46.8 home runs per year
762 RBIs - average 127 per year
1100 hits - average 183 per year
Plus every year he had at least 100 runs scored

Jimmy Foxx

13 straight years of at least 100 RBIs
Four years with at least 150 RBIs

Bob Gibson

1968 season
1.12 ERA, 13 shutouts
4 wild pitches, 28 complete games

Walter Johnson

110 career shutouts
11 years of at least 290 innings pitched

Warren Spahn

Won 21 games eight times
He had a total of eight wins by the time
he turned 25 years of age.
He wins 62 games from age 40 to age 42.

Babe Ruth

In 1920 and again in 1927
He hit more home runs than every
team in the American League.

Mel Ott

In the year he reached his 22nd birthday
Up to and including age 22
He had the most runs - 463
Home runs - 115
Total bases - 1233
RBIs - 485
Bases on Balls - 362
Times on Base - 1089
Extra base hits - 266
Of any 22 year old Major Leaguer
I guess Mel got an early start.

I am sure there are some other astounding years
These accomplishments are a few of my top
productions in baseball history.

Aron Wallad has been a baseball lover for over 45 years. You will love his honesty and his passion.. You will be touched by the heartwarming stories. The unusual statistics will amaze you and the quotes will make you laugh..

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We ordered a cheese and a onion, I figured I knew I had a growler of the Winter Magi so I needed the pizza to flow with the flavors found in the brew. My friend Paul was over, he is a wine guy which I discuss with him in detail but not tonight, I wanted him to try the beer. He kind of gets scared when it comes to anything darker than the standard macro. But he was open for trying it which is more than I can say for most people. He thought the beer was ok, but in trying to convert my friends in general this would not be the beer to start with.I would normally go with a Czech Pils or a Wheat Ale since it is less offensive. As a matter of fact I’ll review in this entry a perfect cross-over beer from Martha’s Exchange.My choices for cross over beer:Gumballhead-This beer pours a cloudy golden color, with a thin almost tan lace. The smell is of wheat, lemon, honey, some grass essence. The taste is very smooth, kind of sweet from the honey and a little tart from the lemons. It really goes well together. This is a great wheat ale one that I could drink all year around.Volstead 33-pours a blonde straw color and leaves a white lace. This is def a beer that could convert some people onto craft beer. This beer is smooth very drinkable easy on the palate and has some slight complexity in the aroma. The aroma is fruity(strawberry, blueberry). The taste is somewhat sweet, the malt really takes hold of this ale bringing in some fruit flavors…It hits the palate with a slight hop/floral bitterness enough so you feel balanced followed by a very faint alcohol presence finished with some sour grape taste.Pairing of the night:Magi Winter Warmer-This beer pours dark red closer to brown with maroon highlights as the light breaks through this brew. It leaves a beige head that hangs on top. The aroma is cocoa powder, birch beer brewing, very spicy(nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, allspice). The taste actually starts hoppy, followed by a caramel sweetness and finishes with a bitterness similar to fruit rind. This is a smooth beer, one that I will have to purchase every winter. I paired this beer with onion pizza.

You will find many Internet websites that you can not merely do occupation searches and post your CV on. These sites are very competitive, so getting your CV right is important. Most of these sites have an web based form you can finish but you can also upload your CV in Microsoft word or text format. There are other ways to get your CV out to prospective employers, sending them direct via emails could be one of them. Keep in mind that requirements for accepting files via e-mail can vary with each employer or headhunter.

Often, employers will accept resumes in Microsoft Word format, which is why it is important to get the formating right, remember just because it looks All Right on your computer doesn’t mean it will on theirs. Make sure to open it and review how the spaces, tabs, and bullet points have transferred over even though you may need to do some edits in order to format the CV to fit the file type. Note that the plain text file doesn’t allow for bolding, italicizing or underlining so Make sure that all your text is left justified and that the spacing is correct.

When an employer asks you to include your CV in the body of an email, treat it as a text file and format it. Copy and paste your whole CV in an email but keep the font styles basic, so use Arial or Times New Roman fonts and keep the size at 10 or 12 points. Align the bullet points and adjust the spacing if appropriate. A good rule to follow is to keep the email simple - avoid bolding or italicizing text since you don’t really know the type of email software your recipient is using or if the accept HTML or text emails only.

A lot of people find that starting their resume with career goals and objectives is better than starting it with their address. If you are placing your address at the top of the email, they know who you are already, so give them something that is new right off the bat. Much like proofing is critical in perfecting your curriculum vitae, testing how it is displayed in a body of an email or how it opens as an attachment via another computer is important. This will provide a great chance for you to ensure that your CV is reaching your potential employers in the format that is clean and professional.

Click on Consultant interview for more information

I love it when I wake up in the morning and it is still almost dark and very foggy. I can spend an at least an hour at the window watching the changing colors of gray and black. The pine trees are very dark against the back light of the morning fog and then the bare branches of trees appearkind of like an Etch-a-Sketch, and you wonder who is working the knobs. Before long, you can see the complete outline of a tree or a roof, and as it gets lighter you can see a sparkly mist falling from the sky. That is the best time. Rather like meditation when you try to block everything out and then as you come back to reality, everything becomes slowly clear again. And if you are able to wait and watch long enough, and even luckier if there are the makings of a sunny day, then the lifting of the fog is even more spectacular, like the curtain rising from a vibrant painting. Then maybe you will see the first birds of the morning flitting through the early morning light and then suddenly the sunlight pops through the trees, and the scene changes from quiet and tranquil to a sudden vibrant green portrait. I love drinking my morning coffee and watching the view from my backyard almost any day, but a foggy day is the best and worth setting the alarm for.

Eriksson has chosen three goalkeepers for his England squad to go to the Fifa World Cup - Germany 2006:

Paul Robinson
Must be regarded as England’s number 1 after a very solid season with Spurs. Has improved over the season after looking a little indecisive at times early in 2006. Robinson Appears to be going to the World Cup at the top of his game and must surely give confidence to his defence. It is hoped Robinson keeps his fitness throughout, as the other two potential ‘keepers do not inspire much confidence.

David James
James’ nickname is Calamity, and with good reason. Many England fans will hope David doesn’t take to the pitch, as he is prone to the odd catastrophic error.

Robert Green
It’s a little disheartening, given England’s tradition of producing goalkeepers, that Green is in the squad. He has not performed at the top level in England and really is only there to make up the numbers. There are, however, few other candidates who could have gone in his place.

Eriksson has good strength in his defensive department, and has called up an experienced and capable back line of seven defenders as follows.

Gary Neville
Has always been solid and dependable in defense for England, and his International experience is not in doubt. He will start at Right back in all the matches he’s fit for.

Ashley Cole
It’s good to see Ashley Cole back to peak fitness in good time to make the World Cup squad. He’s a class act and his attacking left sided play is very important to England’s chances. His pace is a definite asset. A sure starter at Left back.

Wayne Bridge
A little Surprising to see his inclusion in England’s squad because he’s hardly had any match football recently, due to injury. Bridge can only be going as an understudy for Cole. Should not be needed to play unless injuries necessitate.

Rio Ferdinand
Rio has the chance to prove to everyone that he is truly world class. He should revel in the big occasion and has got pace and ability. The only worry with Rio is that mentally he’s not the strongesty. Ferdinand will start in central defence but must be in confident mood to produce his best.

John Terry
Will start alongside Ferdinand at the heart of the England back four, and must step up to the plate as a leader. He needs to organise and boss the defence, because Rio certainly won’t. Terry will need to be vocal in his organisation of the defence. Minor concerns with Terry are his lack of pace, and his robust style, which may lead to disciplinary problems.

Sol Campbell
Sol has had a crazy year, but has come to form just when it matters. He will not let England down. Even if he starts ahead of Terry or Ferdinand (which is very unlikely), he will be dependable. Should be preferred to Carragher, should injuries or suspensions make changes necessary.

Jamie Carragher
Jamie must only play if absolutely necessary, due to injuries e.t.c. He is an average performer in several different positions and is in the squad as cover. Will get found wahting at the top level.

Erikssons real strength lies in his midfield, which is undoubtably England’s strongest area. However, one or two eyebrows were raised by some of his selections. He has picked a total of nine midfielders.

David Beckham
The captain of England’s World cup team must provide his best in this tournament. Beckham is possibly the World’s best known face of football, and this will probably his last chance on the world stage. If he performs to his ability, he will raise the whole team.

Michael Carrick
It’s difficult to see Carrick in the starting lineup as Sven has not used a five man midfield. Carrick will however be a big success if he is used, as he can orchestrate proceedings from deep midfield, giving others license to roam forward. Carrick may prove to be England’s man of the tournament if Eriksson uses him wisely.

Frank Lampard
Lampard will surely start in central midfield and should be allowed to venture forward at will. He has a devastating shot and frequently gets on the scoresheet. England will need his goals if they are to progress a long way in the tournament.

Steven GerrardWorld’s best midfielder? Stevie G can possibly win the World Cup on his own, he really is that good. Sven must get get him forward and make him into a goal threat. Gerrard needs to be involved in everything for England. Carrick in the side would definitely release him forward to do so.

Jermain Jenas
It’s hard to understand why Jermaine is going, he’s a very lucky boy. He’s a good player, but I can’t see where he fits into the plan, as all the other midfielders bar one command their places. It’s difficult imagining how he will be required.

Owen Hargreaves
Hargreaves is clearly a favourite of Eriksson, but many English fans will be hoping he does not set foot on the pitch in Germany. With all the quality midfielders in the squad Hargreaves is an absolute waste of a squad place.

Joe Cole
Cole is the most improved English player of the season, and his skill and trickery can defeat any side. A possible star if he is allowed a free reign to express himself. If Sven makes the most of him he could be a match winner.

Stewart Downing
It’sood to see Downing in the squad, as without him the English are lacking in width. He may be an unlikely starter if the 4-5-1 formation is employed, and should provide crosses from the left for the front player(s).

Aaron Lennon
Similar to Downing, Lennon gives England width, pace and trickery. He may be an efffective bench man if used late in games to attack down the right. Untried at International level, but has impressed in the Premiership.

Eriksson has produced a strange mix of players as front men and has also made gambles that may backfire on him. He has only picked four forwards, which seems to leave England a little under strength.

Wayne Rooney
England’s best player, and possibly the World’s. Unfortunately he’s injured at the moment, but the latest reports show he is ahead of his recovery schedule. All England is hoping he will be ready for thefirst game, but realistically, he will probably miss at least the first two. This makes Sven’s decision to take just 4 strikers all the more puzzling.

Michael Owen
Owen now becomes England’s biggest hope for goals, but is still worryingly unfit. Owen will probably start up front alone with 5 midfielders providing support. International defences know all about Owen and fear his pace, so he will be an important man for England.

Peter Crouch
There’s a distinct possibility that Crouch will start as England’s main striker if Rooney & Owen both remain unfit. If that happens, England are in deep trouble. Crouch is not up to the standards expected of the World Cup, and will struggle to score. At 6 feet 7 inches he is too ungainly and awkward.

Theo Walcott
17 years old and has not played for his team Arsenal, yet alone England. His inclusion, at the expense of more experienced strikers was bewildering. From what I’ve seen of him,which is very little, he looks encouraging, and he maybe useful coming off the bench in late bursts - as Owen used to be.

Overview: Eriksson seems to have left England without too many options up front, which seems to suggest he is favouring a 4-5-1 system instead of his usual regimented 4-4-2.
4-5-1 would allow Gerrard, Lampard, Beckham & Joe Cole licence to attack at will from midfield, and nobody - not even Brazil would relish that prospect.

It has to be said that Jenas & Hargreaves could have been left out of the squad, because of the excellence of all the other midfield players selected. This would allowed for Jermaine Defoe plus another striker to be in as attacking options. As it is, with only the untried Walcott on the bench, England may be found wanting in front of goal.

Norbert Wartle covers stories on the England Football Team for the website Football England

Are You Safe Ordering Online?

Even this day and age people
are very insecure about ordering anything online. Even though many people
order and give their credit card information over the phone they still are
hesitant upon ordering online. This article will show you what to look for
to see if it is safe to order online, the general process on how things are
processed online, and the securities involved. Knowledge is the key for
security and I want you to gain security by reading this article.

What The Web User Should Know:

Everyone knows to look for the padlock on the bottom
of the browser, right? If not that tells you that the web page is secure.
Along with that padlock on the bottom of the browser your web page SHOULD
display https:// instead of http://. (The s stands for ’secured’)

“How is a web page secure?”

HTTPS is the use of Secure Socket Layer (SSL) as a sub-layer under its
regular HTTP application layering. If you view a HTTPS page and see a
warning pop up about the certificate of the site read the warning carefully.
Here are a couple of warnings that I came across when setting up a SSL
certificate for my site. Such as . . . Certificate is for
https://theinternetpresence.com
butthe page is for
https://www.theinternetpresence.com. (When I edited the hyperlink and
left out the www, it resolved the issue.) Certificate points to
hsphere.com instead of theinternetpresence.com. (Again, a simple setting
resolved this issue.) Hsphere is the hosting control panel I use that
controls my site. But look carefully at warnings that point to a web site
that you are not familiar with and warnings that state there is no SSL
certificate at all. For an example of these warnings you can visit my site at

https://www.theinternetpresence.com,because currently I’m switching from a
Windows Server to a Unix Server for added stability and security. If you
did not receive a warning then it means that the move was completed.

For a brief description on what the requirements are to obtain a SSL
certificate look below under “What’s the process involved for getting a SSL
Certificate?”

“What about types of Browsers?”

Internet Explorer used to control 90% of the market for web browsers, so
naturally hackers and cheaters were attracted to attacking that browser to
obtain information. So the safe alternative was to use a different browser
like Firefox that was not very popular. But as Firefox gains popularity
they will become a target as well. Their goal was to gain 10% of the
market, and they are now pushing 20% according to statistics of people visiting
my site.

You would be interested in knowing that with a
properly configured web site with the correct shopping cart script for
collecting credit card information that connects to a merchant account gateway,
the credit card number is never seen by the webmaster. It’s true! I
cannot see the process of filling out the information, and when I visit my
merchant account online to view transactions I’m not shown the full credit card
number. “But be warned on how people can work around this!”

“How can they process a credit card that is insecure and/or see my
credit card number?”

1. If the page is unsecured. (http instead of https and the lock is open on
   the bottom of the browser)
2. If they use a simple online form to ask for the information instead of a
   script. (When the information is emailed out instead of processed)
   Even if the form is on a HTTPS page it would still be secured, but as soon
   as it is mailed it becomes unsecured and if anything happens the web
   site owner could lose his merchant account and not be able to apply for a
   new one EVER AGAIN! I’ve seen customers use this way to process cards
   and manually enter them at their store. Needless to say I refused to
   create a site that operates this way for liability issues.

What the Online Store Owner Should Know:

“What’s the process involved for getting a SSL Certificate?”

1. Fill out the required information of name, address, phone number, etc.
2. Certificates range from $39 to $1499. Typically the $39 one will
   work fine.
3. You will get a ‘phone authentication’ call recording your voice stating
   your name for security and asking you to enter a 4 digit code that would be
   provided for you.
4. After that has been verified you can install the SSL Certificate.

“What alternate ways are there to accept payments?”

1. Check. But this way takes longer to achieve payment.
2. COD Will you get the payment after it’s delivered?
3. PayPal Secure, but viewed as unprofessional. (I still offer
   it as an alternative though)

If you have a business that you would like to move
online you should get a merchant account or have your ‘brick and mortar’
merchant account upgraded to online by adding a gateway. If you have any
questions at all on anything about merchant accounts talk to
Corey
Bryant. He has an enormous amount of information on merchant accounts
and setting up your business online. You can email him at

crbryant@loudhost.com?subject=Internet_Presence_sent_me.Youcan also find a
wealth of information about SSL certificates at

http://www.theinternetpresence.com/ssl.htm.

In Conclusion:

It is possible to have an unsecured transaction over the internet, but by far
it is MUCH SAFER than handing your credit card over to someone who can jot down
the number and verification code on the back of the card, or stating the card
number over the phone for an order. I sincerely hope that I did not scare
anyone off with this report, but gave them the knowledge on how to protect
themselves.

Until the next article have a great day!

Copyright © Michael Rock

(You have permission to copy this article as long as it remains intact with the
author’s byline)

Webdevelopmentcontractor (Web Design and Hosting)

Internet Presence

www.TheInternetPresence.com

About the Author

Internet Presence was founded in 2003
from a desire to become independent. Less than 1 year later Internet Presence
has had accounts in three different states ranging from a locally owned auto
collision repair shop to a glass packaging industry that sells its product
worldwide.

Colorful passionate flames of masochism and anger danced around her body and soul. Her face turned the color of grey ashes left over from a smoldering winter fire. From within the internal self, blossoms forth the flowers of revelation. As the waves of the Atlantic ocean unfolds , spumes a white foam of epiphany. Revelation spumes from the spiritual light of her eyes. Verses of epiphanic visions spume in from between her indelible lips. Her invisible aura was to be sewn on the tapestry of life where threads of gold, white, and black meander in many directions. As night approaches like a timid lover, She wears the black cloak of Darma. Having drunk from the wine of sin, the innocence of a child dies in her. In shedding the cocoon of masochism and passion, spills forth innocence and wisdom on to the velvety surface of introspection. As the skin of her cheek and the membranes of her lips drooped down with the death of love, the wings of her solitary existence fly into the sky of creative expression and love for the world.

http://www.originalpoetry.com/passionate-love-and-its-aftermath
When any feeling or emotion completely masters the mind, we call it a passion; as, a passion for music, dress, etc.; especially is anger (when thus extreme) called passion. The mind, in such cases, is considered as having lost its self-control, and become the passive instrument of the feeling in question.

Like many hockey fans, I was just happy that hockey was back this year. I didn’t care that ESPN didn’t renew their TV contract with the NHL - I figured OLN might have a few hiccups, but overall they would do fine. I was wrong. OLN has been a disaster all season long and it’s not getting better.

I understand that they have never done the NHL before and that they only had a few months to hire announcers, camera crews, build a set, etc. But the worst part about it is that they haven’t been improving and learning from their mistakes. The broadcasts are still as mediocre as they were on opening night.

After watching the opening weekend of the 2006 NHL Playoffs, here are my thoughts:

• The camera angles are mediocre at best. The camera for the first 10 minutes of the Red Wings vs. Oilers Game 1 was zoomed out to the point where I could see the entire ice. This would be great except for the fact that it’s IMPOSSIBLE to see the puck or read a jersey number (and no, I’m not watching on a 13″ TV). They fixed it a few minutes later, but are these the things that we should have to deal with in the post season? Shouldn’t they have figured out how to film a game at Joe Louis Arena during the regular season?
• Jack Edwards should not be doing play-by-play for nationally televised playoff games. I miss the days of Gary Thorne/Bill Clement and Steve Levy/Darren Pang on ESPN and ESPN 2.
• Speaking of Bill Clement, he’s not a studio guy, he’s a color commentator. Next season please find a studio guy so you can move Clement back to the booth where he belongs.
• It’s not OLN’s fault, but not having another network (i.e. ESPN 2) hurts the fans. We used to get to watch two playoff games at once, now we get one.
• The score takes up far too much of the screen on top. Do we need to see gigantic logos of each team at all times? All that does is eat up space and force OLN to put a black bar across the top of the screen so the logos can fit, wasting more space. Good luck trying to find the puck when score updates and advertisements pop up (which is quite frequently) eating up even more space.
• With two minutes left in the Red Wings vs. Oilers Game 1, with the score tied at 2, the camera cut out…for at least thirty seconds. This is unacceptable. Period.
• Game two of the double header on Friday, Anaheim vs. Calgary, was ‘bonus coverage’, i.e. OLN just broadcasted CBC’s feed. Weak guys, weak. What, you can’t afford to send out more than one camera crew a night? Maybe the NHL should have given coverage to a network that could handle it (of course, if the NHL didn’t demand so much money from ESPN we wouldn’t have this problem in the first place).

And that was only the first weekend of coverage. It’s going to be a long playoff season…

Adam McFarland owns the SportsLizard.com Network - a network of sports sites including collectibles, movies, books, video games, and more.

SportsLizard.com was recently awarded honorable mention in the Microsoft Start Something Amazing Awards.

Thoroughbred racing is not the only thing Saratoga Springs, NY is famous for. Presently, four nights a week there is a thunder of hooves and wheels amid the screams of drivers and cracking of whips, under the brilliant lights at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway. Since 1941, Saratoga Raceway has hosted live harness racing at their night track. It was among the first tracks in the U.S. to offer pari-mutuel wagering. Currently, racing is going on anywhere from three to five times a week (depending on the season), mostly year-round, usually consisting of thirteen fast-paced races.

Although no longer part of Grand Circuit racing, video lottery profits have enabled the racing plant to boost purses. Purses have climbed in the past few years from three million dollars more than triple that amount being projected in the upcoming racing seasons. Additionally, the track has replaced Grand Circuit races with local races: the Virginia O’Brien Pacing Series, and the Harold Story trotting series brought out the very best top local racers behind the starting gate this spring. Additionally, the raceway hosts New York’s finest Standardbreds by featuring New York Sire Stakes races from June through September.

From its inception, the mile oval has been considered to be one of the loveliest tracks in the country. Recently, the track was professionally re-graded and resurfaced. This will hopefully enable horses from the 5th to 8th holes to better compete with horses on the inside. It may also allow for even faster times in the upcoming seasons. Perhaps a horse may soon come along who beats Horse of the Year Bunny Lake’s track record of 1:52.2.

But the track is not the only thing that has been improved upon lately. Since the advent of video lottery terminals in the new “racino,” the track grounds are continually being updated and upgraded to enhance their beauty. Flowers brighten not only the infield, but are profuse throughout the grounds. The infield also boasts two fountains and shrubbery in the forms of “Saratoga” and a horse head, and there’s still also a few of the traditional evergreens towering over the scene. Besides this, the track still has on its grounds its own Hall of Fame, which is an interesting tour of some of the best drivers and horses to grace the track over the years–from daring driver Stanley Dancer to the champion horse Albatross. Whether you are a race fan, horse lover or just want to learn more about the sport, this little gem is an excellent place to visit. It is located at the back of the grounds, next to the Jefferson Street entrance.

Saratoga Raceway is making a comeback, but the track still has a ways to go to regain some of its former glory. The raceway saw its heyday in the mid-1970’s, drawing huge crowds and the top Grand Circuit drivers. In 1984, the track introduced simulcasting to induce thoroughbred bettors to the harness races. Gradually though, with competition from outside simulcasting outlets–such as Off Track Betting, and other new age diversions, the raceway began winding down. At the time of this writing, the lower clubhouse and other areas related to racing have seen no significant renovations in many years–despite the millions being pumped into the adjoining casino.

For instance, the ladies lounge in the lower clubhouse remains unchanged since the 1970’s., and the overall décor–although recently re-touched with paint–also retains its same old tired character. The old outdoor betting windows on the north side of the track had been undergoing construction (now stalled), and for months have looked like something left over from Hurricane Katrina. Although the grounds staff is superb at what they do, there doesn’t seem to be enough of them to keep the paddock area as spiffy as it once was. Peeling paint and a general run-down appearance is what greets visitors to the north side of the track, giving the impression of a grand old dame that has fallen on hard times. Instead of a family area on paddock side of the grounds, there is now space for a beer tent.

Which highlights yet another problem: it is that the track is not as family friendly as it used to be. Sunday racing is a thing of the past, and matinees are only run on the occasional holiday that falls on a weekday, making it difficult for families to bring their children to the track. Family fun day’s, with tours of the backstretch and treats for the kiddies, seems to have been pushed aside in favor of the money adults are bringing in to the facility. In the past, one of the advantages of patronizing the lower clubhouse was that ladies and children were not readily exposed to coarse language, gross behavior and close encounters with obnoxious drunken louts. This is no longer the case–particularly in the bar area. The “F” word is heard with tiring frequency, as well as every other conceivable foul word in the book. Sometimes the gamblers get so noisy and rowdy, that it’s virtually impossible to hear yourself think. These days, there’s really no difference at all between crowds in the general grandstand and the clubhouse–or for that matter, the bar patrons in the clubhouse and the livestock in the backstretch. In other words, the old-time clubhouse standards of respectability and class are long gone. Apparently, with the withdrawal of admission fees, certain basic behavioral standards–which “guests” were expected to adhere to in the past–have also flown out the window.

One of the unfortunate side effects of a race track turned casino, may possibly be that management becomes more interested in the money people bring in, rather than creating a family/community friendly (and a simply more polite and respectable) atmosphere. Additionally, since the coming of the “racino,” the raceway no longer hosts equine-related charity events or other community events. Harness racing patrons cannot purchase racing-related gifts and souvenirs. No longer are there music festivals or craft fairs. Sadly, the impression many older track patrons and horsemen alike seem to hold, is that it’s all about the gambling now. Most of the money being pumped into the track for future investment seems to be pointed to the slot gamblers, with plans in the works to add a hot new trendy night club and an additional food outlet. But racing continues to bring out the die-hard fans, and the bigger and bigger purses being offered, and dedicated work by long-time staffers, are continuing to draw better horses and drivers–which means (to quote an old advertising slogan) that in the near future, perhaps once again at Saratoga Raceway, race fans will be saying: “harness racing is action!”

Miss Golash works in Saratoga Springs, NY and resides with her cats in Lake George, located in New York’s beautiful Adirondack Mountains. She is a small town girl, a native of Menands, NY. Nancy graduated from Adirondack Community College in 2003, and continued with her education in Public Relations/writing at Castleton State College in Vermont. A lifelong horse lover, Nancy enjoys getting to see trotters and pacers working out and racing daily at Saratoga Raceway.