NFL Superbowl Odds: Public Perception Will Skew the Line
las Vegas sports Consultants (LVSC) is the source and creator of most, if not all, of the betting lines of sports games. Casinos and online sportsbooks rely on LVSC to set the odds, thus ensuring a universal line among all sportsbooks. During the early days of the sportsbooks, many different casinos had different lines, thus enabling the savvy gambler to middle, a practice that ensures a virtual low risk, but high return gamble. So, what is the main purpose of a line? Contrary to popular, public belief, most lines set by LVSC does not really predict the final outcome of a game; for if this were true, parlaying favorites on the moneyline would never be a losing proposition. What then is the line?
The line, which can refer to the side/spread (betting on a team) or total (betting on the final score of the game to go under or over), is a quite interesting thing. It is mostly based on the oddsmakers handicapping the general public. In general, the line is not the true power rating between the two sides of any game; it is theoretically set to divide the general population to take side A and side B equally.
However, in high-profile games, such as the SuperBowl or a national championship game, the line is mostly skewed, so as to make one side REALLY attractive. How many of you thought the usc line of 7 was such an easy bet? In this matchup you have the defending national champion playing in their own backyard, with two Heisman winners against a good texas team who is yet to prove itself in the national spotlighthow could the Trojans not possibly cover that 7 spread, let alone lose the game? Well, we know what happened in that game. Well my friends, in the next couple of articles, I will try to explain how the line is formed, and offer my insights and tips into beating the sportsbooks.
New York Yoga Studio
Three Branding Lessons I Learned From Inside the Yoga Temple
I'll let you in on a little secret...I've recently become addicted to Yoga! It's a great way for a type-A personality like me to unwind, get centered and focus on something other than the next task on my list of to-do's. The added benefit is that I've gained more physical power and strength and an abundance of clarity in all aspects of my life.
I've been practicing yoga now for several months and have been so focused on my movements that I failed to notice there is much to be learned about business success in the midst of the 'om'. Here are 3 lessons we can all learn from:
1. Let your inner voice guide you
Unlike competitive sports, Yoga practitioners don't compete with the rest of the room or even themselves. Instead, they honor where they are at in the moment and stretch not based on what the rest of the group is doing but based on how far they can go that day. This requires really listening to your inner voice, honoring where you're at and not imposing preconceived judgments on yourself.
In business, instead of moving at the pace of the pack, or making decisions based on what others are doing (or not doing), develop a strategy that honors your brand statement. When you are clear on your brand, and the value it represents, you are able to make decisions that point back to what really matters and is right...for you.
2. Expect to get out of balance
One of the moves I had the most difficulty with in the early stages of my yoga practice, is called 'Tree pose.' As a yoga newbie, I didn't have the focus I have today and balancing on one foot while my hands floated in the air above me was challenging. I'd fall out of the move, and became frustrated.
No matter the size, or age, of your business there will be times when what you forecasted doesn't go as planned. It's easy to just throw your hands up in the air and give up or change your course completely - your brand isn't built on that now is it? Before you become frustrated, take a moment to readjust and try that marketing strategy or sales tactic again.
3. Model the actions of those that are achieving what you want
Whether you practice yoga in a studio with other people or prefer to move into downward-facing dog in the privacy of your own home, it helps to model someone who is performing the moves successfully. I'm always keeping an eye on my instructor when she introduces a move I'm not familiar with so that I can copy her movements.
As a small business owner, you don't have to go it alone! Look for role models that are achieving the success you want and learn from them. The trick is to avoid taking advice from those that aren't more successful than you. Beware of 'wanna-be' mentors that position themselves as know-it-alls when in fact they are do-nothings.
The most enjoyable part of my yoga practice is the 'Salutation Seal' when we place our hands near our heart and reflect on our accomplishment. As part of your business' practice honor your accomplishments and remember, tomorrow is another day.
Namaste.
2007 Liz Pabon. All rights reserved.
about the author: Liz Pabon, The Branding Maven, is inspiring, motivating and empowering - but most importantly, shes effective. A speaker and author on the topic of personal branding, Liz delivers insights and principles that are proven to achieve WILD SUCCESS. Liz publishes the weekly Keys 2 Wild Success! ezine. If you're ready to ATTRACT amazing clients, set yourself APART from the pack, make a lot more MONEY, and have a lot more FUN in your small business, get Lizs FREE WEEKLY TIPS by going NOW to http://www.thebrandingmaven.com!
Luminaire Yoga Bags
