Surfing continues to be a popular sport and hobby for people all over the world. Those who do go surfing will enjoy the excitement and solidarity that can come with being out on the open water and catching a great wave. A great place for anyone in the country to go to enjoy surfing is North Carolina, which has a busy surfing season throughout the year. One individual that has continued to love surfing is Brook B. Taube. There are various great spots throughout North Carolina that all surfers should try. 

Hatteras on Outer Banks

When it comes to surfing in North Carolina, Brook Taube and other enthusiasts will immediately start thinking about the Outer Banks. This part of the state, and its beaches, get some great waves, and the city of Hatteras offers various convenient beaches for visitors and local residents. The strong surf makes it a great option for more experienced surfers and strong swimmers. When you are done, there are many great places to grab a meal or go shopping in the immediate area. 

Nags Head

One of the most popular spots to go surfing in North Carolina is Nags Head, which is located on the Outer Banks. Nags Head is located near Kitty Hawk, which continues to be among the most popular vacation destinations in the state. Brook Taube and other surfers continue to love coming here for the great waves and convenient location to all of the restaurants, fishing, and other activities in the area.

Ocracoke Island

One of the popular vacation destinations in North Carolina is Ocracoke Island. This is a standalone island located just off the Outer Banks. While there are some consistent tourists here, the beaches and surf waters tend to be quieter than the areas near Kitty Hawk. Further, it can have some of the strongest surf and waves along the Atlantic Coast. The open space and strong waves continue to make it a top destination for Brook Taube and other surfers.

Wrightsville Beach

Brook Taube lives in the Wilmington, NC, area, and a top surfing option for anyone in this area is Wrightsville Beach. This beach is located a short drive away from downtown Wilmington and is known for offering great waves throughout the year. When the surf is rough, it is best left to more experienced surfers and swimmers. When you are done, you can relax on the beach or head to one of the local restaurants near the oceanfront. 

The state of North Carolina has continued to be a great place to enjoy some surfing. One of the reasons for this is that there are plenty of great places to go and try and catch waves. Surfing enthusiasts have continued to find great surfing spots throughout the state. These include a great mix of acclaimed and popular surfing destinations as well as lesser-known options for all to enjoy. 

Donald Mihalik has been an accomplished professional in the real estate industry for a long time. Over the course of his career, he has worked in real estate sales, real estate management, and the mortgage industry. While his real estate career has kept him busy, he does continue to have many interests. During the winter months of the year, he enjoys skiing due to the excitement and natural beauty that comes along with it. For those that are looking to start skiing, various tips should be followed.

 Get Some Lessons

For experienced skiers, such as Donald Mihalik, one of the most common tips that will be provided would be to ensure you get some lessons before hitting the ski runs for the first time. While skiing can be fun for everyone, it does take some skill and technique to maximize your experience. Even spending a few hours in a ski school can go a long way. Not only will you learn more about how to use your equipment and proper techniques, but you can also learn more about etiquette and mountain rules that help keep everyone safe.

 Start Slow

Another tip that Donald Mihalik and others will provide is to start slow. When you are going to a larger mountain range for the first time, you may be excited when you see the high slopes at the top. While you may want to try a blue or black run to start, it is often better to spend some time on the green runs. These will help you get warmed up and will help you build up your skills so you can tackle the more challenging ski runs later on.

 Get the Right Equipment

You must be adequately equipped when heading to the local ski resort. Some items that you will always need, no matter what, will include skis and ski boots, ski poles, goggles, and a helmet. In most cases, renting this equipment is a good idea. When you do rent this equipment, the sales professionals can help you select a set of skis that are right for your experience.

 Donald Mihalik and others also believe that it is essential that you wear the correct type of clothing. You will always want to have water-resistant outer layers that are designed to keep you warm and dry. You should also try and have a quality set of ski socks and gloves on at all times. This can help to keep you safe and avoid frostbite and windburn that otherwise can come with skiing at high altitudes in the winter.

 Be Alert and Aware

The most important thing that you need to be when skiing is alert and aware. As a lot of people can be moving at high speeds on the mountain, there is always a risk of collisions. Due to this, you should be alert and focused on the hill in front of you. Donald Mihalik and others would suggest you be cautious and avoid listening to music when going downhill.

 Skiing continues to be a very popular activity for many people and a passion for Mihalik. If you are new to skiing, following these tips can help you become better and have a more enjoyable time.

The most optimistic of Napoli fans won’thave dreamt about the status of their team as Italian Serie A leaders at this stage of the newseason by the end of last season. Ahead of the final day of the last season, Napoli had the final spot for Champions League qualification in the bag and needed to beat Hellas Verona at home on the last day of the season to secure it. In the end, Napoli lost that final Champions League spot to Juventus as they fluffed their lines with a 1-1 draw. On their part, Juventus thrashed hosts Bologna 4-1 to maintain their strong Champions League qualification record.

The aforementioned Verona clash turned out to be the last game for Gennaro Gattuso as Napoli manager as the fans have to contend with another Europa League campaign. Milan legend Gattuso left Napoli at the end of his contractthis summer and his exit ushered in the Luciano Spalletti era at the club. Ex-Zenit Saint Petersburg and AS Roma manager Spalletti has been able to turn Napoli into title contenders ahead of favourites like Inter Milan, Juventus and AC Milan.

Spalletti and Napoli have been dominant at the start of the new season with eight straight wins thus leading to a two-point lead over Milan at the summit. The current Napoli squad equalled the record of the eight-game winning start set by the 2017/18 squad at the club. During the 2017/18 season, Napoli made it eight successive league wins at the start with an impressive 1-0 away win over Roma and they will face the same fixture on Sunday in the quest to continue their perfect record this season. A goalless draw at home to Inter stopped the winning sequence from above three seasons ago. Napoli will face their second biggest test of the season till date when they take on Roma at the start of next week. In their biggest test this season, they came from behind to beat Juventus 2-1 at home in their second league game.

Napoli are the only team with a perfect record in the top five European leagues. It remains to be seen if they can maintain their strong form until the end of the season in the bid to win a first Serie A title in 32 years ahead of more established clubs like Inter and Juventus.

Kyle Vandermolen: Participation in adaptive scuba diving creates a more inclusive underwater world.

Efforts to spur inclusion across sports and recreational activities create dynamic opportunities for individuals to share their hobbies and athletic pursuits with interested individuals with physical or cognitive impairments. Through programs like the Mary Free Breed Adaptive scuba diving clinic, a more diverse underwater experience is emerging.

Kyle Vandermolen is an experienced chemical engineer with a passion for scuba diving. He is a technical scuba diver fully trained in the use of rebreathers and is a full cave diver. In his spare time, he pursues recreational cave diving, shipwreck diving, and open ocean water diving.

In recent years, this has also included participation in a unique, inclusive event.

Kyle Vandermolen on adaptive scuba diving

As a scuba diver, Vandermolen fully understands the joy and freedom a person can experience underwater and enjoys sharing it with others. Traditionally, scuba diving is not necessarily conducive to those with limited physical or cognitive abilities.

However, the Mary Free Bed Hospital found a way to let interested applicants and participants in existing rehabilitation programs experience the joy of diving with the help of qualified individuals like Kyle Vandermolen.

Through the use of a high school pool and helping hands, participants in the Mary Free Bed program could enjoy adaptive scuba diving in a controlled environment. For some, the training was an opportunity to pursue the activity one time, but it’s also a repeat option as an annual event.

Participants were suited up and dived with partners who helped them engage in underwater activities, such as a Frisbee toss and swimming through hula hoops. They also experienced the unique feeling of breathing with a tank and the weight of gear.

For Kyle Vandermolen and other volunteers, the event helped them learn new ways to help others interact with activities and connect with patients of the rehabilitation clinic.

Many found the event exciting and look forward to new and similar experiences. These events help patients reinforce previously acquired skills, such as swimming and swimming underwater, exercise, develop dexterity and flex social skills around new friends and instructors.

The exchanges are meaningful for all involved and can help create more inclusive opportunities in the future.

Sports injuries are so common that they often seem inevitable, says Darrin Eakins, a former orthopedic surgeon. Sooner or later, most athletes will sustain an injury. Whether from a soccer ball to the knee or a misstep on the treadmill, there is no such thing as complete immunity against sports injuries. 

Depending on the severity of the injury and how it is treated, it may take anywhere from weeks to months to heal properly. Luckily, some simple exercises can help treat sports injuries–or prevent them in the first place!

The Reverse Lunge with Back Extension

This exercise strengthens the glute muscles to create more stability for the pelvis and lumbar spine during physical activity. The exercise is also great for improving hip, ankle, and foot flexibility, says Dr. Darrin Eakins.

To do the reverse lunge with back extension, start with feet hip-width apart in a standing position. Step back with one foot until there’s a feeling of tension in the front of the thigh. The other leg should stay straight or flexed (depending on how much support it needs). 

Slowly bend both knees until there’s tension in the front of the rear thigh. As the lunge deepens, breathe in deeply through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Hold this position for three seconds, then slowly come up to a standing position while breathing deeply. Repeat 10 times on each side three times a day.

The Standing Hip Flexor Stretch

The standing hip flexor stretch is a simple way to stretch the muscles in the front of the thighs. It will help maintain good hip flexibility, which can reduce future injuries, explains Dr. Darrin Eakins. Here’s how it’s done:

Stand with feet about hip-width apart and raise one leg behind the body. Turn the foot out so that the toes point away from the body and lean into the leg until a comfortable stretch is felt in the thigh muscle. 

Hold this for five seconds before switching legs and repeating the exercise on the other side.

Repeat three times on each side or until the muscles feel loose. 

The Seated Hamstring Stretch

This exercise is perfect for strengthening the hamstrings and glutes, says Dr. Darrin Eakins. Begin by sitting on the ground with legs stretched out in front of the torso and the arms at rest. 

Extend one leg backward and grab behind the knee or ankle with the hand (whichever feels natural). Keep the other leg bent and pull the extended leg toward the chest. 

Hold this position for 15-30 seconds before switching to the other side. Repeat if tightness continues.

Don’t Forget to Give the Body Time to Heal

Whatever sport they prefer–be it running, cycling, or badminton–people are bound to get some kind of injury. When stress is repeatedly put on the body, it’s almost inevitable, says Dr. Darrin Eakins.

And while it can be hard to forego a favorite sport because of pain, doing so can actually speed up recovery time. The body must be allowed to heal, or one risks damaging it further. Ice, rest, and anti-inflammatories are essential tools for athletes, and recreational sportsmen alike, says the doctor. 

Luckily, there are a variety of exercises that can be completed at home to help manage pain in-between visits to the doctor.

Martial arts, MMA, and wrestling are all known for being great combat sports that allow people to compete at the highest level. While this can be a great sport to participate in if you like to compete, it can also provide other benefits as well. Those who participate in these sports at any age will learn good self-defense strategies, get in a great workout, and build confidence. While you can participate in these activities, your progress and success will be highly determined by the quality of your coach. One individual who has continued to be a top coach in these sports for a long time is Henry Agallar, who continues to have a successful career and well-rounded interests.

 Various Forms of Martial Arts

For more than a decade, Henry Agallar has been a top coach for martial arts and other types of contact sports. He is well known for being an expert in both NoGi grappling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. As these are two very popular forms of fighting in mixed martial arts, he is also a great coach for someone that would like to get into MMA fighting. While he continues to coach both highly-competitive fighters and adults, he still likes to work with young adults and kids as well. Throughout the course of his career, he has also been a high school wrestling coach.

Benefits Extend Beyond Being a Better Fighter

Becoming a better fighter in competitions is one goal for people that come to Henry Agallar for coaching. However, that is not the only benefit that you can receive through his guidance. When meeting with new students, he focuses on helping them reach their own personal goals. This can include developing better coordination, losing weight and getting fit, and developing personal defense strategies. Many people that come to him for coaching will also develop improved self-confidence as a result of the progress they make.

Education and Credentials

Henry Agallar has had a long and successful career as a coach. Over the course of his coaching career, he has been named Coach of the Year in the Racine, WI, area two times. Outside of coaching, he also has a strong mind for finance and economics. He has a degree for the University of Wisconsin and earned his Master’s degree from Olivet Nazarene. Some of his interests in the business world include real estate, the stock market, and long-term financial planning.

Dedication to Philanthropy

While he is best known for his success as a martial arts and wrestling coach, Henry Agallar also always looks for ways to give back to the community. One area of his philanthropic focus is on being a participant with the United Way in his hometown of Racine. He also is an advocate for Ronald McDonald’s House of Charities of Southern California, which provides support to children and their families dealing with various medical challenges.

Agallar has been a leading wrestling and martial arts coach for over a decade. Beyond being a top coach, he also has various philanthropic interests, excellent credentials, and academic achievements.

Frank Bagnasco, love for outdoor adventure sports keeps him motivated. Not only is Mr. Bagnasco an avid spear fisherman and certified scuba diver, but he also enjoys participating in endurance sports such as the St Anthonys Triathlon, the Nautica Triathlon, and the Tour de Cure bike race that supports the American Diabetes Association.

Support for the American Diabetes Association

According to the CDC, 37.3 million people have diabetes and it is likely that 8.5 million more people have undiagnosed diabetes. This disease is the 3rd largest cause of death by chronic disease in America, with heart disease and cancer being number one and two. Frank Bagnasco knows that the sad part is that when diabetes is well managed, patients can live long and healthy lives.

This is why Mr. Bagnasco cycles for this invisible and symptomless disease that is often a result of high blood sugar. To raise money for more research more diagnostic testing, and more community awareness of a medical condition that can be prevented or managed with a healthy diet, regular exercise, the right medications, and consistent monitoring of your health numbers like blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.

Frank Bagnasco participates in the Tour de Cure

The American Diabetes Association has a critical mission to raise the funds needed to help a massive community of people, many of that are medically underserved in the diagnosis, prevention, and management of diabetes. Mr. Bagnasco also enjoys participating in the Tour de Cure because of the high level of endurance it takes to complete the race. As the charity’s signature fundraising event, about 50,000 cyclists in nearly 80 cities around the country participate each year.

Frank Bagnasco participates for charity, for the challenge, and for camaraderie as he cycles the entire 10 miles each year. Along with his riding gear, Mr. Bagnasco also brings encouragement and motivation from his family and friends. He offers some tips to new cyclists that are eager to participate in their first Tour de Cure bicycle race.

Tips to prepare for the Tour de Cure

• Choose a training route that will be similar to the actual tour path
• Make sure you do a full stretching routine before any long-distance bike run
• Fuel up with plenty of carbs, proteins, and even some healthy fats
• Switch training sessions between frequency, distance, and strength (uphill)
• Never long distance bike without enough water and a sports drink

Frank Bagnasco suggests that before the race begins, you have a bicycle gear check, and you know the race course rules like cyclists cannot deviate from the race route. Most cyclists would do well to learn the techniques of positioning. The tuck position is the best way to take advantage of aerodynamic movement.

Next, it is the speed you cycle that must be considered. It can be challenging to maintain a consistent speed with riders near you which can also create crosswinds. This is the mental challenge of participating in a long-distance cycle like this, you must keep your cool, keep your balance, and keep pedaling! It is a joy for Frank Bagnasco to help support this important work while doing something he truly loves.

As a native New Yorker, Dr. Melchiore Buscemi has seen firsthand the importance of a bicycle-friendly city. The NYC DOT permits bicycling on all main and local streets throughout, as long as the cyclist obeys the same laws applicable to drivers of motor vehicles. But, what really makes a city bicycle-friendly is one that has a topography that is relatively flat, one that features many days of mild and dry weather, and one that has an on-street infrastructure that makes commuting or sightseeing by bicycle safer and easier.

The best cities to tour on a bicycle will also feature bicycle parking, public transportation that supports bicycle travel, and lots of designated bicycle lanes with good signage. There are many cities with dual bicycle and automobile road networks that can take a cyclist through major metropolitan hubs, along scenic routes, and between great entertainment and dining experiences.

Dr. Melchiore Buscemi Suggests A Scenic NYC Bike Tour

There are many established bike touring service providers in the city, but you can go it alone by renting bikes from one of the 750 stations that exist across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Jersey City. Next, Dr. Melchiore Buscemi suggests taking advantage of the hundreds of miles of designated bike lanes that include cycling along the Hudson River Greenway or taking the 11-mile path from Battery Park to the southernmost tip of Manhattan.

Visit National Landmarks on a Bicycle Tour in Washington, D.C.

Actually, riding a bicycle is one of the easiest ways to eliminate the traffic jams and full parking lots while vacationing in Washington, D.C. Take advantage of the over 1,800 bicycles for rent as part of the Capital Bikeshare Program then cruise along to view the impressive memorials and monuments or tackle the beautiful 185-mile-long C&O Canal trail that stretches from Washington, DC to Cumberland, MD. For a more family-friendly bicycle tour, ride along the picturesque Mount Vernon Trail that features breathtaking views of the Washington DC skyline and the Potomac River, and travel right through Old Town Alexandria.

View Amazing Architecture and Urban Beaches in Chicago, IL

Dr. Melchiore Buscemi believes most people would be surprised to learn that Chicago, IL is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the US that boasts a flat terrain and hundreds of miles of new bike lanes. Consider traveling along multi-use roadways and scenic trails that include the Lakefront Trail, Burnham Greenway, or a quick spin along the many bike lanes in Chicago’s Northwest Side. While cycling through downtown, don’t forget to admire the iconic buildings that boast Art Deco and classical architecture like the Carbide & Carbon Building and The Rookery, along with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Charnley-Persky House Museum.

Dr. Melchiore Buscemi enjoys the great outdoors as an avid cyclist, mountain climber, and alpine skier. He is also an accomplished Cellist and had played in a variety of Off-Broadway shows in various locations throughout New York City. As a medical physician, Dr. Melchiore Buscemi treats a lot of urologic issues associated with biking.

The Texas Longhorns have dominated the headlines this off-season. Yet Jeffrey Maddox and other diehards are most interested in what’s happening on the field.

With a move to the SEC looming shortly, the chatter has centered around conference realignment, revenue sharing, and the future of Texas football. With all this noise, it’s easy to forget the Longhorns cratered to a 5-7 record last season, including a six-game losing streak in Big 12 play. 

Jeffrey Maddox hopes to hook a few more wins in 2022.

And he has a vested interest. While he isn’t a coach or coordinator, Jeffrey Maddox is a proud University of Texas alumnus. After earning his Master’s degree, he immediately began working in accounting. He currently spends his days as an investment banking director in Houston. But he spends his Saturdays at Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium.

That’s why, like most other fans who bleed burnt orange, Jeffrey Maddox looks at the upcoming season with rose-colored glasses. With this in mind, he shares three key storylines that he’s looking forward to most in 2022.

Competing at QB

Who’s under center? No, this isn’t a bad spin on the classic Abbott and Costello routine. In fact, it’s not a joke at all. With the team struggling to find consistent leadership a year ago, the answer will likely define the team’s entire season. 

And it won’t be Arch Manning yet. While the team will have to wait one more year for the highly-coveted recruit to arrive on campus, there are more than capable options at the helm. Incumbent starter Hudson Card will get the first crack but expect Quinn Ewers to inevitably take over. The Ohio State transfer, who enrolled early, is the highest-rated quarterback prospect ever to step foot in Austin. He’s the odds-on favorite to win the job.

Running it back

In any Steve Sarkisian offense, the passing game always gets top billing. Receiver Xavier Worthy is returning after a 12-touchdown, All-Big 12 First Team campaign. With fellow starter Jordan Whittington and Alabama transfer Jahleel Billingsley as his running mates, the Texas Longhorns will undoubtedly look to air it out yet again.

But don’t sleep on Bijan Robinson. The third-year rusher has been heavily featured on most pre-season watch lists, including the Walter Camp Player of the Year, Maxwell Award, and the Doak Walker Award. He averaged a staggering 5.8 yards per carry behind a patchwork offensive line. If this unit improves as expected, Bijan Robinson will be running amuck all over the Forty Acres.

Welcoming new faces

Casual fans might need to check the program on Week 1. The Longhorns are infusing the sidelines with even more talent, says Jeffrey Maddox.

Texas closed out the recruiting cycle with the nation’s No. 5 class, headlined by a pair of five-star offensive linemen in Devon Campbell and Kelvin Banks. The team was also able to flip top-ten ranked cornerback Terrance Brooks, who previously committed to Ohio State. In addition to Ewers and Billingsley, Sarkisian also added elite transfers, like cornerback Ryan Watts and former Wyoming receiver Isaiah Neyor. These new arrivals should have an immediate impact.

Cade Bradford Knudson loves to trade in his suit and tie at the end of a long day to enjoy what the outdoors has to offer, often mentioning that it balances out the stress of managing multi-million dollar portfolios, and puts things into perspective. Cade is a magna cum laude graduate from a prestigious graduate school in Denver, where he was able to quickly grasp terms and aspects of his current expanded financial acumen. Since the age of 26, he has conducted quantitative, macro-economic, and relative valuations for portfolio models at some of the top hedge funds in the country. The weight of the decisions he has been making has been further compounded by the poor market performance at the beginning of the year.

The true mettle of a financial professional is tested only when the market is down, as most are exposed to their winnings only during periods of robust economic development and high percentage gains. Through this, Knudson has been able to take the lessons that mother nature teaches. If you can weather the storm, then clear skies are on the horizon.

From Financial Slopes to Ski Slopes

As a hedge fund portfolio manager, clients view him as the cream of the crop, and he has the ultimate fiduciary duty to them. Having the financial responsibility for the life savings of multiple clients would make anyone shudder at the thought. After many years, Cade Bradford Knudson has formulated a way to get away from it all and put things into perspective when things get tough. It is not enough to create a proper analytic instrument if there is no executive. After much deliberation and examination, Cade must still make the final call, despite the panic of his colleagues and clients.

Cade is a Colorado native who is very attached to his home state. It is a place of pristine beauty, with just enough metropolitan centers to make a hybrid life of city and country possible for its residents. perhaps the thing that Colorado is most known for is its beautiful mountains, where many of the domestic and international elites travel to take advantage of the rock climbing and ski/snowboard slopes available in such places as Aspen. Cade, of course, partakes in the sport at any chance he can get. He also uses this time for professional networking, as most industry professionals love to take some time away and visit the mountains of Colorado during their peak season.

Knudson doesn’t stop there. He loves to challenge himself physically year-round with such things as a gym subscription, riding his mountain bike, hiking through the natural sites that Colorado has to offer, and fly fishing. There are many other things that he would love to explore, as long as it gets him away from his desk and corporate suit and tie outfit. When a problem seems too large to handle, or a decision must be made, you can bet Cade will go fishing for answers.