Novella Review - Judith Ortiz Cofer, "The Myth of the Latin Woman"

In "The Myth of the Latin Woman" Judith Ortiz Cofer breaks down the many stereotypes America has against Hispanic women. She cites a couple of common incidents that happened to her, and many other Latino's, because of the stereotypes people have against Hispanics. The author met a man who recited "Maria" from West Side Story and another time she walked in a boat-restaurant to give her first poetry reading, and an older woman mistakenly thought she was a waitress.

Novella Review - Judith Ortiz Cofer, "The Myth of the Latin Woman"

Atlantis Thule Society and the NWO 1 of 8

Video Clips. Duration : 9.93 Mins.

Atlantis Thule Society and the NWO 1 of 8

The story of Atlantis and the Illuminati who's influence has manipulated the course of history.

Atlantis Thule Society and the NWO 1 of 8

Atlantis Thule Society and the NWO 1 of 8

Atlantis Thule Society and the NWO 1 of 8

Atlantis Thule Society and the NWO 1 of 8

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TOP TEN Pound 4 Pound Best Boxer Ever

Before we start our list, I wanted to take some time to comment on 2 fighters that may have strong support in certain communities for being among the best ever, but truly do not have a place on the list.

TOP TEN Pound 4 Pound Best Boxer Ever

Atlantis Thule Society and the NWO 1 of 8

Tube. Duration : 9.93 Mins.

Atlantis Thule Society and the NWO 1 of 8

The story of Atlantis and the Illuminati who's influence has manipulated the course of history.

Atlantis Thule Society and the NWO 1 of 8

Atlantis Thule Society and the NWO 1 of 8

Atlantis Thule Society and the NWO 1 of 8

Atlantis Thule Society and the NWO 1 of 8

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Kayak Transport and Carriers

Ok, you did your homework and got the right kayak - now you need to make another decision. How are you going to transport your new kayak?

Kayak Transport and Carriers

Atlantis Thule Society and the NWO 1 of 8

Video Clips. Duration : 9.93 Mins.

Atlantis Thule Society and the NWO 1 of 8

The story of Atlantis and the Illuminati who's influence has manipulated the course of history.

Atlantis Thule Society and the NWO 1 of 8

Atlantis Thule Society and the NWO 1 of 8

Atlantis Thule Society and the NWO 1 of 8

Atlantis Thule Society and the NWO 1 of 8

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The story of Atlantis and the Illuminati who's influence has manipulated the course of history.

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Some kayaks are heavy and cumbersome - especially rigged fishing kayaks. You'll need to put some thought into what will be the best transport method for you, your kayak, and your vehicle. Various vehicles will create different situations to contend with. For instance, if you have a very tall vehicle it may not be practical for you to load your kayak on the roof - maybe a trailer is the way to go, or a Hullavator. Maybe you have a health problem or an injury that will prevent you from lifting a kayak. Or maybe you just don't feel like lifting a 60+ lb kayak over your head. All of these issues can be addressed.

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Kayak Transport and Carriers

Let's go over some of the different methods to transport your kayak(s).

Kayak Transport and Carriers

Transport Methods

Rack Systems

Most kayak transport needs can be satisfied by adding an after-market rack system. A rack system includes the bars and feet (adapters) that attach the system to your particular vehicle. The bars can be used alone or they can serve as the base for additional kayak carriers and accessories. The most widely used systems are made by Thule and Yakima. These types of racks offer the most weight capacity and are the safest way to transport kayaks on a vehicle.
Factory Racks

Many vehicles come with factory bars (usually the flat oblong shaped ones) and these can work fine to transport your kayak and can usually be fitted with most kayak carriers, but they lack the carrying capacity and long term strength of a good after-market rack system. So if you need to carry multiple kayaks or even one heavy single kayak, investing in a good rack system will be your best option.
Foam Blocks

This method is kind of like the duct tape approach to kayak transport. With this system the foam blocks are placed on the roof of the car and the kayak is strapped down sandwiching the foam between the roof and the kayak. The reason foam blocks are so popular is that they are a very economical transport system. However, care needs to be taken to make sure the kayak is secured properly to prevent any problems and or damage to your kayak and/or vehicle.

foamblock

Car with with foam block carrier system

Trailers: This is fast becoming a popular alternative for individuals who are tired of lifting or for the family that needs an easy way to haul the fleet. Many trailers are well made, perfect for kayaks, and in some cases can be close to cost of an aftermarket rack system. We recommend Trailex Trailers.

Trailex makes a single kayak version that is light enough to unhook and use as a dolly to get right up to the water. For those who want to carry more than one kayak they also make multi-kayak trailers.

Rack Accessories

Rack Pads

Rack Pads were originally designed for surfboards but work well for kayaks. The pads wrap around your factory or after-market bars and are held in place by Velcro straps. Rack pads are a very good choice if you transport you kayak face down (the seat area facing the roof), by carrying face down you are placing the load on the gunwales (the strongest part of the kayak) and it is the way many kayak companies recommend to carry the kayak to prevent distorting or damaging the hull.

Pros: Like foam blocks, it can be a very economical set up, especially if you already have bars on your vehicle. Unlike foam blocks rack pads can't fly off the vehicle.

Cons: Pads usually don't have a lot of cushion and can dent some kayaks if transported with the hull down or if you over tighten the tie-down straps.

Cradles and Saddles: A very popular way to carry a kayak designed to carry the kayak right side up (just like it is on the water). Some examples of these are the Thule Set-To-Go and the Malone Seawing.

Pros: These tend to keep kayak in place and protect the hull from damage. These systems usually work well with other pieces of equipment that aid in getting your kayak on your vehicle like rollers and glide pads (we will discuss these later).

Cons: These set-ups are designed to transport your kayak right side up, not the ideal way to avoid distortion, but with care this will not be an issue. Also, if you are going to transport 2 kayaks, cradles do limit the usable space on your rack bars.

J-Carriers: These work by carrying your kayak(s) on their side in J-shaped racks.

Pros: J-carriers work well to protect the kayak hull from damage when tightening the straps. They will also maximize your roof space to allow for extra kayaks or other accessories.

Cons: It can be tough to maneuver the kayak on top of your vehicle and into the side position of the J-carrier, especially if your vehicle is tall. Also, be careful in parking garages as the added height could be a problem. Some examples of J-carriers are: Thule Hullaport and the Malone Autoloader.

Vehicle types

Cars

Cars with short roofs can be a challenge - especially 2-door cars. The shorter the distance between the straps/bars the less secure the system will be. Always, use bow and stern lines when transporting by car or any vehicle with a short roof span - a favorite of ours is the Thule Quickdraw.

While foam blocks will work, we strongly recommend putting a rack system on your car - this will make life easier, protect the roof of your car, and leave you more room for other accessories & gear. Most rack manufacturers make special rack adapters for 2 door cars with shorter roofs. Both Thule and Yakima make good system for cars.
SUV's and Mini Vans

The longer roof frame of an SUV or a Mini Van does give you some advantages over cars, but sometime the added height of an SUV can make getting your kayak on top a little harder. Most SUV's come with factory racks that work well to receive most kayak carriers and transport accessories. Factory racks systems do have weight limits, but most can handle 1 or 2 medium to light weight kayaks without a problem.

A popular way to transport two kayaks with a factory system is to transport one in a J-type carrier and the other flat or face down on the bars. You can really maximize space by using two J-Carriers.

Of course, adding a quality rack system to a SUV or Mini Van will offer the most room for accessories and carrying capacity. Note: It's OK if the bars extend out past the roof. According to the law, they can extend as wide as your side-view mirrors. On tall vehicles this works well, on shorter ones make sure you won't be hitting your head on the ends of the bars when you enter or exit the vehicle.
Pickup Trucks

Nothing is easier than strapping a kayak into the bed of a pickup and hitting the road. If the kayak is hanging over the end of your tailgate you must hang a flag on it for safety. Another option which makes this method of transport safer and more practical is a bed extender. An extender is a device that plugs into a standard 2- hitch mount and will give you up to 4' more of support under your kayak. (An extender can also be reconfigured to support your kayak over the bed, with one end resting on the cab roof and the other on the extender in the vertical position.)

Helpers & Load Assist Devices

No matter what system you are using you will still have to physically set the kayak into or onto it. This may seem difficult and awkward at first, but you will find that it will get easier with repetition and ultimately you will find what works best for you and your situation. But a little help doesn't hurt. So here is a list of products that can help make bearing the weight a little easier.

Thule Hydro Glide: helps when loading your kayak from one end of your vehicle and also acts to hold the kayak during transport. The kayak slides easily on felt covered pads.

Thule Roller Coaster: a roller attached to a set of saddles that allows you to push the kayak up onto the roof from the rear of the vehicle.

Loading Bars: Thule as well other companies make a bar that extends out so you can lift one end of the kayak on the bar and then lift the other side onto your rack. Thule makes the Outrigger

Lift Assist Accessories: Companies now make accessories to help you get your kayak unto your roof. One such product is the Hullavator by Thule, this hydraulic assist rack folds down the side of the vehicle where the kayak is loaded at waist height and the whole thing folds back onto the roof with the aid of mechanical assistance - Nice! We've had many customers tell us that without this system they wouldn't have been able to continue kayaking because of physical limitations brought on by age or injury. Sure it's expensive, but worth every penny.

Roller Loader: This little device works to help you get your kayak up on your vehicle. It basically is a dolly that suctions on to the back of your vehicle and you just roll the kayak on or off.

A very low-tech option that works particularly well with mini-vans, SUV's and station wagons is a rubber backed bathmat. Just to place the mat (with rubber backing down - so it won't slide) on the rear of the vehicle and place one end of the kayak on the mat and slide onto the rack. Here is a video clip of a kayak being loaded using a bathroom mat.

Tips for Transport:

Always give the kayak a good push and pull before driving away to make sure you are secure. As a general rule if you can rock the vehicle without the kayak shifting on its perch than you are fine. If the kayak is sliding back and forth on the bars or in the carriers than you need to go back and tighten the straps.

If using straps with auto-lock buckles, always put a half hitch in the strapping after tying down to insure that even if the buckle loosens the strap will not come lose.

If using ratchet style tie downs it is very easy to over-tighten and do damage to the kayak. So make sure that the kayak is snug, but don't go overboard.

When transporting in a flat bed pickup don't choose places on the kayak to fasten to that can fail - like the handles. We recommend passing the straps through the scupper holes of the kayak and tying that off in the bed of the truck.

Some cars roof areas can compress/dent in when using foam blocks, these dents usually pop back out. Always try to place foam blocks on the strongest part of the roof (this will be the areas closer to the front and rear windows)

Also, if you find that some part of your kayak is making contact with the roof after you tighten it down then placing a piece of rug or padding there is a good idea to protect the car from scratching.

Racks and kayaks will decrease your vehicles MPG. If you are not using your racks on a regular basis, it may be a good idea to remove them. Quality rack systems, such as those made by Thule and Yakima are often as easy to remove with the turn of a key. (Bars can even be kept in the vehicle so they remain handy, but won't be affecting your mileage)

With the right equipment and techniques, loading, transporting, and unloading your kayak is very manageable.

Kayak Transport and Carriers

The story of Atlantis and the Illuminati who's influence has manipulated the course of history.

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NOT RANKED

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TOP TEN Pound 4 Pound Best Boxer Ever

Rocky Marciano - Won 49 Lost 0, 43 KO

TOP TEN Pound 4 Pound Best Boxer Ever

Ask any Italian who the greatest boxer ever was, and you will never hear the names Ali, Louis or Sugar. Nope. You will only hear the name Rocky Marciano, the only heavyweight champion to retire undefeated. To his credit, Rocky Marciano did make a habit of beating up his opponents in the ring. Add the fact that his most notable victory was over his childhood idle, Joe Louis, whom he sent back into retirement. But Joe was well past his prime. He also beat Archie Moore, but he also was already in his early forties. So to the entire nation of Italy and her children I say to you, Rocky Marciano could not beat any of the champions in my Top T.E.N.

Lennox Lewis - 41 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw, 32 KO

Lewis will most likely go down as one of the most intelligent, calculated champions ever. But that is not what pound for pound is based on. Lennox was able to capitalize on Tyson's jail term to reign as champion, then got out before the Klitchko brothers could undo the legacy he has manufactured for himself. He stayed an extra 4 years as an amateur to win a gold metal against younger opponents (Riddick Bowe for the medal bout). He then became champion only because Bowe gave up the title. He backed out of Tyson's way (accepting a huge multi-million dollar payoff from Don King as payment for Tyson taking his ranking) as he was climbing back up to regain the championship that was handed to him. I believe that history will judge him for the fake that he truly is.

And now, to the top ten best pound for pound boxers:

10 - Mike Tyson - 50 wins, 5 losses, 2 no contests, 44 KO

No other fighter has been called "the baddest man on the planet". Mike Tyson was perhaps the most feared person in boxing history. Up until Buster Douglas embarrassed Iron Mike, Mike Tyson made fighters give up. Going up through the amateur ranks, boxers actually lost on purpose so as to not fight Tyson in tournaments. How ironic that Tyson's worst defeat was not to a boxer, but to a beauty pageant contestant named Desiree Washington. There is a great chance that had Tyson not suffered a 3-year setback, he would have easily moved up and be universally recognized as one of the best ever.

9 - (Big) George Foreman - Won 76 lost 5, 68 KO

Foreman's biggest enemy opponent has always been himself. He could not accept defeat. After making his name as one of the most dominant fighter ever, his loss to Ali took him out of professional boxing for over a year. He made his first comeback attempt in 1977, knocking out his next 5 opponents (including Frazier, again), only to retire after losing a 12 round decision. A decade later, Foreman made an improbable comeback at the age of 38. Foreman made it again near the top of the boxing rankings, and despite suffering setbacks against Holyfield and Tommy Morrison, Foreman shocked the world when he stunned Michael Moore with a knock out in the 10th round. His next few bouts further proved that even unto his late 40th, Foreman was still a formidable force.

8 - (Sugar) Ray Leonard - 36 Wins, 3 Loss, 1 Draw, 25 KO

Leonard has to be on this list if only for the pure psychology he was able to inflict on his opponents. Only Ali could get into his opponents head more. Add to that all the titles his has own, in multiple weight divisions, and you have your number 8 all time. Like most great fighters, he just did not know when to quit, so you will have to ignore the last few fights of his career. Sugar Ray beat them all, from Duran (No Mas, No Mas), to Hagler, then Hearns, Sugar Ray's stock only dropped because of his own issues. He first retired due to a detached retina, and it can be argued that a serious cocaine habit between 84 and 89 further damaged his career.

7 - (Marvelous) Marvin Hagler - 62 Wins, 3 Losses, 2 Draws, 52 KO

Yes, we have the Marvelous one ahead of Leonard, even though Leonard beat Hagler in their one encounter. Hagler was so distraught by that loss that he left before, and even refuses to talk about that fight today. Hagler's only 2 losses were early on in his career, and he responded to them by beating both fighters. He would have continued to dominate the middleweight division had he not suffered the mentally debilitating loss to Leonard. While Hopkins has been middleweight champion longer, with more title defenses, it can be argued that he never faced opponents the caliber of Duran and Hearns, both of whom Hagler defeated.

6 - Archie Moore - 181 wins, 24 losses, 9 draws and 1 no contest, 145 KO

Looking at the record, it is easy to see why the "Old Mongoose" or "Ancient Archie" has made it to the list. Archie's career spanned over 4 decades, and it the only fighter to have faced by Rocky Marciano and Muhammed Ali. Archie was a better Light Heavyweight than he was a pure Heavyweight. He had his light heavyweight title stripped from him twice because he was too busy fighting at a higher weight class. No other fighter has knocked out as many professional opponents as Archie.

5 - Roy Jones Jr - 49 wins, 3 losses, 38 KO

This particular selection is highly debatable, and may end with Roy's removal from the list completely. While there is no denying his talent, there is question as to if his showmanship and opponent section unfairly propelled him into his status. Winning a championship fight after playing paid basketball the same day was previously unheard of. As was becoming a champion at middleweight all the way up to heavyweight. Before his last two fights, Jones' only defeat was a bogus call after he was disqualified against Montell Griffin, which he quickly avenged. Jones has at least warranted due considering, and an initial entry to the list.

4 - Joe (Brown Bomber) Louis - Won 68 Lost 3, 54 KO

While there seems to be some dispute over whether 5 of his victories by KO were exhibition matches or not, there is a consensus not take seriously 2 of his 3 losses in failed comeback attempts. The last, and most humiliating defeat was an 8th round KO through the ropes by Rocky Marciano. The Brown Bomber was so much in debt, that he tried to come back well past his prime. The fact that so much cultural identify was thrust upon his shoulders, made Joe Louis not only one of the greatest pure fighters, but a true icon for America's 2nd class citizens. Joe will be best known for his 1st round KO over Germany's Max Schmeling in 1938. Schmeling beat the favored Louis in 12 years only a few years earlier. Even when Joe won the Heavyweight title by knockout, he refused to be called champion until he settled the score with Schmeling. It is this attitude that made him a national hero despite his color.

3 - Julio Cesar Chavez - Won 104 Lost 5, 2 draws, 80 KO

Julio is a Mexican world champion boxer who won world titles in 3 different divisions. Among the world champions that Chávez defeated in his career are Edwin Rosario, Jose Luis Ramirez, Rocky Lockridge, Meldrick Taylor, Roger Mayweather, Sammy Fuentes, Héctor "Macho" Camacho, Juan Laporte, and Tony López. Chavez went 13 years before not winning a fight, with a draw to Pernell Whitaker, and it was another year later before he suffered his first defeat which was avenged 4 months later. Only in his last 8 years of his 24 year career did Chavez acount for 4 of his 5 losses to 3 different oppenents. He was able to avenge his lose to Willey Wise, but failed in second attempt to Oscar De La Hoya.

2 - Muhammed (Louisville Lip) Ali - won 56 Lost 5, 37 KO

In my book, Ali will also go down as one of the greatest human beings of all time. As purely a boxer, only a "what could have been" during his 3 year lay off after refusing to go to Vietnam prevents him from being the best ever. He came back after 3 years to lose his first of three asking Joe Frazier. Both were undefeated at the time. The same happened with Ken Norton. In both cases, Ali came back to whup them in the next 2 fights. Although the two became friends later on, Ali is also credited with knocking Foreman out in the ring, out of boxing, and onto the pulpit. Leon Spinks got Ali during his declining years, but Ali still come back to beat him in 1979. What happened to Ali in the next two fights against Holmes and Berbick is eerily similar to what is happening now with Roy Jones Jr. In neither case, should those 2 fights be included into what was an otherwise spectacular career.

1 - (Sugar) Ray Robinson 179 wins, 19 losses, 6 draws, 2 no contests, 109 KO

While many fighters have held that nickname over the years, none have been as sweet as Ray Robinson, whose real name was actually Walker Smith Jr. Robinson won the middleweight title an unprecedented 5 times. Even Muhammed Ali referred to Sugar Ray as the greatest fighter ever (it is rumoured that Robinson actually refused to give Ali an autograph when Ali met him while Ali was still young, and Clay). Unlike Moore, the majority of Robinson's losses came at the end of his career.

Honorable Mention

Floyd Mayweather Jr - 32 Wins, 0 Losses, 21 Knockouts

Now regarded (arguably) as the best active pound for pound boxer

Roberto Duran - 103 Wins, 16 Loss, 69 Knockouts

He will forever by scarred by his 8th round quit job on Sugar Ray Leonard.

Evander (Real Deal) Holyfield - 38 Wins, 7 Losses, 2 Draw, 25 KO

Was undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight champion of the world. He also was the man that destroyed the aura that was Mike Tyson. He will have his place in boxing history, but not as one of the greatest ever.

(Smokin') Joe Frazier - 32 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw, 27 KO

Also one of the most feared fighters ever, but 2 losses to Ali and Foreman will keep him off this list.

Thomas Hearns - 59 wins 4 Loss 1 Draw, 46 KO

AKA "the Hit Man" and "the Motor City Cobra", Hearns won seven world championships in six weight classes during his 22 year pro career. But losses to Leonard (his first ever) and Hagler will keep him off the list.

Bernard Hopkins - 45 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw, 1 NC, 32 KO

More so than Hagler, Hopkins had a slow start to his career. When he finally won the belt, he has defended against the best of the 90's and 2000. He may end up considered in the 10 top yet.

TOP TEN Pound 4 Pound Best Boxer Ever

The story of Atlantis and the Illuminati who's influence has manipulated the course of history.

Keywords:

The way Latino's dress comes from a tradition in their culture. In Puerto Rica, there are many different colors all over and thus, the girls were colorful clothes and show a lot of skin because it's hot. However, in America, people think that Latin girls were colorful clothes and show a lot of skin because they are whores or easy to get with. The author proves this is untrue after going to her first high school dance with a boy who tried to kiss her. She rejected the kiss and he mentioned something about Latin girls maturing early. The author, having learned how to deal with these situations, simply walks away.

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