Why is Jiu-Jitsu so Effective?

Why is Jiu Jitsu so effective? This is a commonly asked question that many people who are familiar with mixed martial arts ask. The answer is quite complex and consists of numerous factors including the history of this practice, philosophy, and techniques.

One of the things that makes BJJ so unique is that it not only allows you to become a stronger version of yourself but a better one as well. What do we mean? Well, much like Kyokushin Kai and Judo, it comes with a unique philosophy that has its connection to Buddhism and Taoism, and thus may help you achieve the inner peace you have been looking for. Plus, BJJ is one of the best ways to grasp your life and take full control over it.

Traditional Jiu Jitsu originated back in Japan, as the sports that were practiced by Samurai and other notable fighters. At first, it was a mix of yoga, fluid movement, and fighting techniques. At one point, around two centuries ago, a practitioner moved to Brazil, and that is where, combined with Judo techniques, BJJ found its way to the international ground.

The practice of BJJ is unique and accompanied by equipment highlighted by GI — we recommend you to take a look at this guide that will help you make the right decision. Without further ado, let’s take a look at all the advantages connected with practicing BJJ.

Effective Self-Defense

This doesn’t come as a surprise as BJJ was initially founded to be a self-defense martial art that will allow a weaker person to overcome a stronger one. This practice is a combination of grappling and on-the-ground fighting techniques. Now, you will probably say that this wouldn’t be effective in a street fight, but believe it or not, most encounters of this kind, end up on the ground.

What this means is that as long as you are not heavily outnumbered, and your opponent doesn’t have a weapon, you will be able to get into a dominant position and come out on top. This doesn’t mean that it excludes striking — in fact, it will act as your second line of defense, as most people are not comfortable with wrestling and fighting on the ground.

It Can be Universally Practiced

One of the best things about BJJ is that it has no restrictions. What we mean is that whether you are a man or a woman, a kid or an adult, if you have the will to learn new fighting techniques, BJJ will welcome you.

In fact, it is recommended to be practiced by those that feel insecure about themselves, as the philosophy that accompanies it will increase your physical and mental strength. While BJJ sparring is intense, it is a rare martial art where you are not at risk of serious injuries or strains (unlike boxing and MMA).

Intense Workout

Another reason why BJJ fighters are so effective when it comes to an encounter is because of the stamina they have. As a combination of fighting, fluent movement, and yoga, BJJ is a great way to stay fit and get into the perfect shape. A typical BJJ practice consists of warming up, cardio, practicing techniques, sparring, and stretching, which will result in a physical advantage over your opponent in the long term.

Superb for UFC Cage

Last but not least, BJJ is a superb martial art when you are in a UFC cage. In fact, many of the great fighters like Nate Diaz, Charles Oliviera, and Demian Maia are perfect examples of how effective this practice can be in an MMA environment. It teaches you how to be dominant when on the ground, and with all techniques, including rear-chokes and guillotine, there is no other outcome than for the match to finish in a submission!

Conclusion

We always like to emphasize the importance of practicing any martial art, as it is good for your body, mind, and soul. Out of all the available options, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu seems to be the most effective due to the combination of striking and grappling techniques that it uses.

The whole concept is based on one opponent submitting to the other, no matter whether one is bigger than the other, which makes it accessible for anyone who wants to learn self-defense and be prepared for an encounter of any type. With BJJ in your life, you will be on a constant self-improvement path that has benefits in every area of your life.

Edelman’s Training Camp Injury May Benefit the Patriots

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Julian Edelman will be sidelined for the first three weeks of training camp with a thumb injury. Edelman’s injury has caused speculation about the abilities of the Patriots receiving corp. Currently, only Phillip Dorsett has caught a pass in an NFL game from Tom Brady. However, Edelman’s injury could be a much needed kick start to the team’s passing game.

Developing Rapport

Edelman will miss the first three weeks of training camp with a reported thumb injury. (Credit: Getty Images)

With Edelman sidelined, the Patriots receiving corp for camp includes Philip Dorsett, N’Keal Harry, Braxton Berrios, Maurice Harris, and Dontrelle Inman. As previously mentioned, only Dorsett has caught passes in a game from Brady.

How is this positive?

For the first three weeks of camp, Brady needs to get on the same page with these new receivers. His ability to click with new and young receivers has been heavily criticized in recent years. The initial absence of Edelman can accelerate the development of trust between Brady and the rest of the receiving corp. Additionally, it’s a tremendous opportunity for those receivers to prove themselves as viable options in the passing game.

Back to Basics

It’s obvious how great Tom Brady is. That does not mean he is invulnerable from criticism. Particularly, Brady has always been associated with the “favorite receiver is the open receiver” cliche. In recent memory, this hasn’t always been the case. There have been egregious forced passes to Josh Gordon and Rob Gronkowski, multiple times ignoring an open Chris Hogan on downfield routes, and perhaps the most notable moment was missing an open James White on the sack-fumble that ultimately cost the team Super Bowl 52.

Why rehash these sour moments for fans? Without Edelman in training camp, it’s a chance for Brady to revert back to that basic principle of “my favorite receiver is the open receiver.” Developing that rapport with the rest of the receivers will allow him to trust those players when they create separation or get open.

Kick Start, Not Replacement

The Patriots are not a better team without Julian Edelman in the receiving corp. His return will bolster both the passing game and run game due to his impact on defenses. His absence at the start of training camp has the chance of being a great kick start to the potential development of the rest of the offense. It’s up to the other receivers and the greatest quarterback of all time to do the rest.

How to Research About a Used Car before Buying?

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A used car might be a cost-saving proposition, but can be a risky investment unless you make proper research into it and find out whether it has everything together still, and is ready to drive and perform on the types of roads that you want. As a buyer, it is easy to fall for the looks or some other aspect of a vehicle. But not considering its background and history can soon make you regret your purchase decision. It is important that you conduct enough research about a used car before purchasing it. Here are some smart tips to help you do that easily.

Go through reviews

It is highly recommended for you to carry out some research about the used car of your choice. You can get ample opportunity on the Internet to get more details about the car model that you plan to purchase. Go through reviews and feedbacks of those who have bought it for similar usage, so as to get an idea of whether it will satisfy your expectations. The internet abounds in many auto-related websites where you can go through reviews about hundreds of car models and makes, which include ones that are used. It can require some time and effort on your part to do this, but going through feedbacks of regular buyers as well as professional reviewers who have been driving cars can actually assist you in deciding which car to go for.

Check out its history

When you are buying a used car, especially from a private seller, it is wise to try and obtain information about the history of the car that you are planning to buy. There is a back story for every used vehicle, which should never be ignored. It is important to have information, such as the service history, in order to detect any potential issue. Carry out a Revs Check, and also use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to get an idea about the car’s possible accident history, repair history, history of possible stealing and more. It is a good idea to take a mechanic along for an independent examination, so that you can find out about the problem areas in your used car.

Carry out a price evaluation

During price evaluation, the purchase cost is not the only thing you should focus on. You should obviously consider the car price, as well as take into factor various considerations such as running costs, road taxes, insurance expenses etc. You need to have a proper idea about how you are going to finance your vehicle.

Most people are unable to take home a car by paying from their own pockets. Thus, they have to research about financing of cars as a priority. This can be done via the vehicle dealership that you are purchasing from, family, specialized car financing, bank loan etc. Keep in mind that when you buy a used vehicle, you should put aside some money for the services, inspections and components that might be required.

How to know if McAfee is Really that Good?

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Of the major manufacturers, there is no one antivirus solution that can provide for all of your potential needs. They all have instances where they may not have advanced features or are not as effective as other competitors in detecting or eliminating a specific infection or threat. In addition to firewalls, Modern Security Suites that have many features such as Parental Control, Site Adviser, Game Mode, Spam and Email Protection, Identity Theft protection, Anti Spyware and many other features such as rescue disks, data shredders, personal data encryption, and back-up utilities are now stacked in the best paid antivirus. While there are many good Antivirus solutions and tens of manufacturers all vying for your personal or business use, which would you pay to get what you most desire?

In this article, we will compare few most popular antiviruses to find out if is McAfee good.

NUMBER 1: TOTAL AV

TotalAV is one of the newest antivirus manufacturers today. This software is user-friendly, intuitive, and offers a free version that will still effectively protect your device no matter what. TotalAV is designed to defend your PC, constantly check for issues with performance/speed and helps it work better and faster. The interface is simple and easy to use. TotalAV also promises to protect you from malware, Viruses, Trojans, phishing scams, and clickjacking. The VPN offers enhanced protection, allowing the user to surf the web seamlessly. TotalAV does lack some advanced features and functionality but at the same time, it is a light and simple program. Besides, it frees up a lot of space on your drive and doesn’t require too many resources to function.

Pricing

The basic package can be yours for just $19.95. However, the TotalAV Pro Antivirus for Multiple Devices Protection costs $39.95 while Total AV Ultimate for Five Devices goes for $59.95.

NUMBER 2: NORTON

Norton is one of the leading antivirus companies. At 99.3%, it outperforms a vast majority of its competitors in detecting and blocking threats – a tremendous result. Norton would warn and stop the downloading process of an infected file. The Norton is designed to block access when you try to open a website with malware in it. Viruses are immediately moved to the quarantine folder to prevent them from harming the computer. Every time an infected file is stopped, Norton would inform you where the threat was going to install itself on the computer. A major downside to this solution is the lack of secure web-browser and also sometimes the antivirus wouldn’t block detected viruses meaning, users may have to manually block and move detected threats to the quarantine folder.

Pricing

Norton antivirus solution is relatively expensive but you are sure to get what you pay for. For instance, the Premium plan is jam-packed with features, backup solution, including 25GB of storage online.

Norton Antivirus Plus goes for $39.99/year
Norton 360 Standard goes for $49.99/year
Norton 360 Deluxe goes for $59.99/year
Norton 360 with LifeLock Select goes for $99.99/year

NUMBER 3: McAfee

As one of the leading antivirus solutions on the market, McAfee offers better performance than its competitors. When it comes to the major concern (which is security), McAfee outperforms its rivals. It’s easy to use and the interface is attracting. The main window is very informative and navigation is fast and intuitive. McAfee doesn’t have anything to do with your PC resource. It’s easy to install and you don’t have to reboot the antivirus or the device after installation. It works flawlessly immediately after installation. The user interface allows you to get access to parental control, tune the anti-spam settings, configure the firewall, and schedule future virus scans that will automatically launch when the time comes. The McAfee scanning is average in terms of speed – first scan is thorough and may last up to 30 minutes however; subsequent scans will take significantly less time to complete.

Many users complain about the price – they believe McAfee is slightly overpriced than what most rivals on the market can offer.

Pricing

There are two packages to choose from:

1. McAfee Total Protection

1 Device – $34.99
5 Devices – $39.99
10 Devices – $44.99

2. McAfee LiveSafe costs $104.99 but it covers an unlimited number of devices.

Mobile users can enjoy using the free versions for iOS and Android.

In a nutshell, it can be said that McAfee can provide a pretty solid protection for all your devices: phones, tablets, PCs and Macs. It also makes it a great investment when you a running a small business (10 device protection for less than $50 is definitely a go). So, answering the question “is it really good”? We’d say “yes.”

How bread maker appliances are useful to us

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Bread is a global food and is eaten in almost all countries. Even those countries where bread was not very popular have now become popular, but, with very different names and varieties. With the arrival of bread and specialty bread recipes, so much bread is open now that it is understood that bread making recipes along with bread are also in the market. This is because many baking recipes have reached the market and are still not used in homes. Bread Makers actually vary in prices and rates but we can arrange a good piece of bread for routine use.

Find out new recipe

Now many chefs are busy finding new recipes for their baking recipes lists. Even bread making recipes are available on the market in the form of a booklet and a wide list of bread recipes. However, human bread makers have discovered many recipes for making, preparing and baking. In fact, it depends first, on the society and then on the environment.

Bread maker with recopies

For example, in the Eastern Society, the recipes for bread making and bread making are exclusively for the women of the family, apart from the fields, and men know nothing about cooking or bread except cooking. However, in the case of hotels, there are some things different, for chefs and machine bun makers, and baking recipes are a special barrier to hotels. But, the issue of Western society is quite different.

With the spread of expertise in every field, bread-making and bread-making recipes have become fields. Many bread makers have discovered many different recipes and their recipes have only become popular with accounts. Includes bread is making and bread maker recipes. You want to take the ingredients of your favorite recipe, put it in your bread maker and your favorite bread is ready in a minute.

Recipe depend upon taste

In addition, the name of the bread recipes and their popularity also depends on the taste and taste. For example, French bread and Italian bread immediately remind us of the best bread recipes, as they are associated with the so-called taste and no bread experience.

Similarly, garlic bread, pumpkin breaks, carrot bread and other such breads immediately tell us about ingredients that have been mixed, and they have become a specialty for bread makers. Such bread recipes are not naturally transformed from one generation to the next.

Proportion of ingredients

Their recipes were discovered, especially in proportion to their ingredients, and then spread among the people. The same has happened with rye baskets, black rye bread, Western twist classic rye bread, black pumpernickel bread, palm bread and many more. In addition, the recipes of the bread making process depend on the taste and the exercise of the diet. They also depend on the bread types. In this regard several birds are prepared through various machines and bread maker recipes. Many other recipes are created manually and the recipe is broken at this time.

Five Players that can Solve the Patriots Tight End Problem

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It’s fair to say that Rob Gronkowski is not coming back. Given that Benjamin Watson will be suspended for the first four weeks of the season, the Patriots still have a gaping hole at the Tight End position with the regular season a mere two months away.

Here are some options the Patriots can consider to fill this void. Whether they be a natural Tight End or a big Wide Receiver, all of the players on this list would fill in just fine.

DEMARYIUS THOMAS:

Demaryius Thomas is a Wide Receiver that is bulky enough to fill in at the Tight End position. He is big enough to hold his own against a Linebacker and quick enough to outrun a Defensive Back. Thomas is a solid temporary solution until Benjamin Watson returns from his suspension in Week Five.

DEZ BRYANT:

Dez Bryant is another big Wide Receiver that the Patriots could use to fill in until Watson returns. In fact, the addition of Bryant makes sense even with Watson. Like Rob Gronkowski, Bryant is a big body that naturally causes mismatches. He would be the most physically gifted Wide Receiver the Patriots have had since Randy Moss if he’s healthy. A little bit of work on his blocking and he would be perfect.

BRING BACK AUSTIN SEFERIAN-JENKINS:

Last month the Patriots released Austin Seferian-Jenkins due to “personal issues”. Thomas and Bryant have the potential to be great, but Tight End isn’t their natural position. If he feels physically and mentally healthy enough come September, the Patriots should definitely welcome him back as he is easily the most talented Tight End on this list. He is a big bodied underrated pass catcher. He’s not as dynamic as Gronk, but Tom Brady would easily be able to use him in the same manner.

LANCE KENDRICKS:

Just three seasons removed from a breakout 50 catch campaign with the Los Angeles Rams, Lance Kendricks is a considerable option. Kendricks is a Tight End that catches passes like a Wide Receiver. He stands out as a potential small money move that pays big dividends (moves that the Patriots are known for).

MICHAEL HOOMANAWANUI:

The Patriots would have everything to gain and nothing to lose by bringing back old friend Michael Hoomanawanui. Hoomanawanui spent four years with the Patriots and won a Super Bowl with the team in 2014. He would come to New England with a knowledge of the Patriots offense that is deeper than any other player on this list. If they choose to add a Tight End, the Patriots would likely prefer to keep him even after Watson’s suspension, and that’s where Hoomanawanui’s experience makes sense. He should fit right in upon arrival. If Josh Gordon gets reinstated in time for the regular season, this move makes perfect sense because it allows the Patriots to shift towards blocking Tight Ends as opposed to primarily pass catchers. Although Brady is familiar enough with Hoomanawanui to use him as a pass catcher when needed.

Patriots Players To Consider Heading Into Fantasy Season

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As football season fast approaches, so does fantasy season. For the Patriots, their fantasy options seem a little more scattered than everyone is used to. The departure of Gronkowski and suspension of Watson leaves a gap in the position. Injuries also bring with them questions on who will be ready to go by the team’s first game. When it comes to picking up a Patriot for your fantasy roster, great consideration must be taken.

Best picks

Julian Edelman

Heading into this season, Edelman will surely be the receiver with the most catches and fantasy points for the Patriots. Currently he is out with a thumb injury and is expected to miss most of camp. Edelman being out is not much of a concern when it comes to him being on the field week one. Expect him to not only be back, but back to solidify his Super Bowl 53 MVP title.

In both PPR and Standard fantasy leagues, Edleman is a solid choice and will contribute great numbers each week. Chances are he will remain available through the entirety of the first round and second, but if you’re trying to establish a strong wide receiver duo, plan accordingly.

James White

The Patriots did a good job of utilizing White and Michel in the back field last season. White will be participating in camp and with the possibility of Michel’s injury impacting the start of his season, White will obviously share more of the RB responsibility.

While there are other running backs that will be snatched before White, he is a great second back to keep in mind. Last season he had 87 receptions for 751 yards, and 94 rush attempts for 425 yards. He maintains solid numbers that will surely contribute to any good RB duo.

Tom Brady

There is not much to be explained here. Brady is consistent, and that is why he has six Super Bowl rings. The man’s numbers are not always top of the fantasy leaderboard, but he is reliable in almost any game and for many rosters this season, that is enough.

Mid-Round

N’Keal Harry

Grabbing a rookie early is (almost) always a nerve-racking move. Harry’s film doesn’t lie, the kid is bound for great things in New England. However, given that this is the former Sun Devil’s first year in the league, fantasy-wise, you should not put all your eggs in this basket.

Drafting Harry as your second WR or someone to rotate in is the better choice. Being behind Edelman, he is surely not going to be Brady’s favorite target from the jump. Give the kid some time to adjust to the league, and the points may start to reel their way in.

Sony Michel

Most know by now that Michel is out on PUP for what looks like most of training camp, if not more. Michel had a breakout rookie season rotating in with White, which makes him a quality second back. If he comes back from injury in top shape, he could be a good guy to have on your team.

What might be the threat to Michel’s RB-2 status in fantasy and on the Patriots roster may not be an injury, however, it may be the guy up next.

Damien Harris

The Patriots third-round 2019 draft pick is a solid back from Alabama. Harris is undoubtedly using Michel’s injury as an opportunity to try and snag that RB-2 spot. Michel missing from camp might be the chance for Harris to show Belichick and McDaniels what he can do.

This also creates an opportunity for Harris to show fantasy drafters what he can do. It seems unlikely at the moment that Harris is going to replace Michel under any circumstance, but then again, anything is possible in the NFL. Harris is a kid to keep your eye on this training camp because he might just surprise you.

Other guys to keep in mind

Benjamin Watson

With the departure of Gronkowski, the tight end spot blew wide open. Veteran Ben Watson came out of his brief retirement to sign with a team newly in need of some big-man help. The pros of a veteran tight end is the experience, but the cons is the wear and tear on the body.

Watson is a risky take because he will be serving a four game suspension to start the season for a substance violation. It seems likely that he will be utilized when he is back, but the question becomes how much and how often?

Phillip Dorsett

A reliable guy, but by no means Brady’s favorite target, Dorsett might be a late round guy to think about. Dorsett has come up clutch in many situations and proven a solid man in the WR-3 spot. If you’re looking for a receiver to keep around on your bench, he might be a good choice.

Matt LaCosse

With Watson’s suspension to start the season, tight end Matt LaCosse might slip into the first spot on the roster. He’s 26, played on a few different teams, but has not seen the results that Patriots fans would hope for in a starting guy.

The upside to LaCosse is that he is joining one of the most solidified offenses in the game. If he can learn the system well, connect with Brady but be the big man up front when needed, he might find his place in New England. He is not a guy to fight for, just someone to think about in the later rounds of your draft.

The Amazing Fit of Horse Racing

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Horses- these magnificent animals have played a massive role in our lives as humans and will continue to do so. It is a thing of a wonder that such a resilient and incredibly strong animal could be tamed to the point that it will never intentionally do any harm to any human.

Horses and humans have shared a blissful and rewarding history. I say rewarding both for the horses and the owners.

Horses in the past have suffered in the wild from several diseases and droughts until humans started adopting and taking care of them….! And in return they act as a very good medium of transportation.

But humans have had an even more rewarding bargain out of their relationship with these outstanding beast. I’m sure you are wondering, how have we gained more?

Well, we have gained more, in terms of horse racing. This type of racing is very different from any type of racing, and here are some reasons why:

1. It requires an intimate bond and connection between rider and horse

2. Unlike other races between humans and machines, this involves both the horse and the rider feeling exhilarated after the race.

3. It is always an exceptional sensation to watch, both for participants and fans alike.

For more information on horse racing, see the infographic published by Umbingo.

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Can you bet and play online casino in Massachusetts?

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When it comes to online gambling, Massachusetts is one of the more progressive states. Lawmakers in the state are steadily behind an expansion of the state’s gambling industry but in a slow but progressive way. More brick and mortar casinos are bound to find their way into Massachusetts but currently the state has only four land-based gambling facilities.

In the year 2011, there was a go-ahead for casino construction fuelled by the Expanded Gaming Act. The Act was seen as a way, i.e. a new way to regulate in a safe manner, gaming, while the state gets to benefit through huge gambling tax revenues. In regard to online gambling, it is clear from all indicators that it is unavoidable. But, caution is been applied by lawmakers in the state of Massachusetts to further understand the workings of the online gambling industry before moving ahead with legislation towards making it legal in the state.

The question therefore is, what types of gambling is legal in Massachusetts? Most online gambling found in casinos are not authorized in the state even with various casino-styled games within its gambling establishments. Despite this, the state has made provisions for the placing of legally recognized online wagers by its residents through a few different gambling avenues.

Residents in the state of Massachusetts can place bets on horse and greyhound racing events online or they can place their bets through the three land-based gambling facilities. For sports enthusiasts, you can get a piece of some gambling action by legally placing bets through online fantasy sports betting. This form of popular sports gambling alternative is a huge wave that has spread over the country and is largely based on well informed game skills rather than chance. There are other online skill game platforms which residents of Massachusetts can play to win real cash prizes and even jackpots.

Most online casinos which are run by offshore gaming websites are not safe for you to play as they operate outside the US legal jurisdictions and so, your investments are fair game to them if lost. Although their sites are accessible by US citizens, this is not any indication that they are safe to play. There is a high tendency for the site owners to walk away with your funds or even any winnings your make on the site. This is in addition to it been a crime to play on any of these offshore gambling sites in the state of Massachusetts. You shall forfeit double of the value of the money or goods spent as long as it exceeds five dollars.

Online poker is illegal to play currently in the state of Massachusetts although there are indicators that a legislation will soon go through to make it legal. Many United States residents are already registered members and playing in offshore online poker rooms. The wideness of the internet makes it impossible to control what people can do when they turn on their computers and visit any site they want to. This has further pushed for making online gambling legal within the state.

When it comes to traditional sports betting, it is illegal in almost all states of the Union. Online sports betting is restricted to the sports betting alternative of fantasy sports. The state although steadily moving forward towards making online poker legal, does not seem to be making any headway towards making online sports betting legal. The state also prohibits this type of gambling in its physical casinos and it does not seem to be changing its mind in the near future.

Although as a Massachusetts resident you can’t currently enjoy online poker gambling rooms, online sports betting, all under online casinos, there are some places where we can place bets like online horse and online greyhound racing. The state has two live horse and greyhound racing tracks and these facilities with one more are available for residents to place their wagers. These racetracks all through the state Massachusetts history hold a huge sentimental value in the greyhound and horse racing industry. The Massachusetts Racing Commission in addition to the state’s Gaming Commission oversees the establishments. Although these race tracks are exciting and give residents a historical experience, enthusiasts can enjoy the fun and place bets from home.

Bets and play on online casinos are illegal in the state of Massachusetts. Even the best online casino reviews are not enough to make lawmakers pass the necessary legislation to let residents play and place bets on any online casino without attracting a punishment for it. It is presently a crime which is punishable by forfeiting all wins, in double their value to the state. Although the wave of online casino gambling is steadily moving even towards Massachusetts, it still isn’t legally acceptable. This is cushioned by other avenues by which residents in the state can bet and play. There are horse and greyhound online play, there is also the sports betting which can be done on fantasy sports. Sports betting is illegal in most states in the Union and Massachusetts is no different.

So, head on over to one of the regular brick and mortar casino establishments to get the casino gambling experience you want whether the possibility of punishment like when you play online casino. There is still a ray of hope in the horizon for residents of Massachusetts when it comes to legislation towards making online gambling legal. It might not extend to sports betting at traditional sports but other avenues for online gambling are sure to be available.Hope your question has been answered and remember that taking as part in placing bets on offshore online casinos like online poker is an act that is punishable by law in the state of Massachusetts. Keep this in mind when you feel the need to gamble on any online platform. Instead, head over to the physical casinos and place your bets assured that your winnings will not be seized by the state.

RED SOX – RAYS SERIES PREVIEW

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Well, that series with the Orioles could not have gone much worse. Coming into the series the Red Sox would have been hoping for a sweep. At the very least they would have been hoping to win the series 2-1. Instead, they lost the series and are now left heading to Tampa in a really tough situation. These next 14 days will shape the Red Sox season, be it for better or worse.

7/22 Eduardo Rodriguez vs. Jalen Beeks (L) 7:00 pm NESN

7/23 Chris Sale vs. Yonny Chirinos (R) 7:05 pm NESN

7/24 David Price vs. Charlie Morton (R) 12:10 pm NESN

NOTABLE NUMBERS

PITCHERS

All eyes will be firmly on Price after his mini-implosion against the Orioles (4 IP, 6 ER, 2 HR, 4K). In that matchup, he was up against the extremely impressive John Means, and he wilted under the spotlight. Well, that spotlight only gets brighter in this outing as he goes up against the even more impressive Charlie Morton. With an 11-3 record and a 2.61 ERA, Morton is firmly in Cy Young contention.

For his part, Morton is also coming into this game off the back of a tough outing. He took his third loss in his last seven starts against the Yankees, allowing five earned runs in 5 2/3 innings. However, the rest of the season has been, for the most part, really good. Out of 21 starts, he has allowed three earned runs or less in 18 of those starts. He had two mixed outings against the Red Sox earlier this season. In Boston, he shut them out through six innings, but in Tampa, he allowed five earned runs in six innings. The Red Sox will be hoping for a repeat of that home performance this time around.

Jalen Beeks should be a familiar face to the Red Sox organization. Having spent the best part of five years in the organisation they should know all about him. This will be just his second major league start, having been a starter throughout the minors, but transitioning to a relief role in 2018. This season he has a 2.78 ERA, with 56 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings. This season he has gone three or more innings 15 times, over four on six occasions, as long as 6 2/3 on one occasion.

HITTERS

The Rays rank 15th in the league this season in batting average, 12th in OBP, 19th in slugging and 17th in runs scored and home runs. Interestingly they have been slightly better on the road, ranking 17th in batting average, 18th in OBP and home runs, 22 in home runs and 23rd in slugging. This is the best place to pitch against the Rays, and with the Rays coming to Fenway next week the Red Sox need to take advantage.

The Red Sox have been marginally better hitters at home, but it the change is fairly negligible. However, against the Rays they have been somewhat of a disaster this season. In nine games they are hitting .212, with a .345 slugging percentage, eight home runs and 90 strikeouts in 63 innings.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Pitching: The Red Sox once again have three lefties on the mound. The Rays are middle of the league against left-handed pitching, so the Red Sox will be hoping for a successful series. Right now these three pitchers are the best bet the Red Sox have for a playoff series. They also need these three guys to provide the majority of their wins in the coming months. This series is going to tell us a lot about the direction of this team.

Hitting: Let’s take a look at who are the best Red Sox hitters on the road this season. Rafael Devers has 14 of his 20 home runs on the road, while hitting .322 and striking out just 37 times in 205 AB. J.D. Martinez is hitting .301 with nine home runs, and Brock Holt is hitting .328 but with just one home run. In contrast, Jackie Bradley Jr. is hitting a woeful .202 on the road, but does have six of his 11 home runs away from Fenway Park.

EXPECTATIONS

The hope was that the Red Sox would be coming into this series with momentum. Instead, they are coming in off the back of a humiliating loss to one of the worst teams in the Majors. There are not many worse ways to head into a 14 game gauntlet against your two biggest divisional rivals.

It is not an understatement to say that the next fortnight is make or break. At the end of this not only could the Red Sox be out of the divisional race, but they could be in an uphill struggle for the wildcard spots as well. This series is one the Red Sox really need at least two wins from, and one of those wins will need to come off either Charlie Morton or Yonny Chirinos. It will be hard but the Red Sox are defending World Champions and now is the time to show it.