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Posts filed under 'play'
Fairness, justice, and the essential nature of cheerleading
Varsity cheerleading is not a sport. Or so says a federal judge in Connecticut, who today issued a 95-page opinion that "Quinnipiac University violated Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 by failing to provide equal opportunities for athletics participation to female students." The Chronicle of Higher Education reports:
The ruling said that a varsity cheerleading team, which the university created this past year, may not be considered a varsity sport for purposes of complying with federal gender-equity law.
Members of the women's volleyball team, along with their coach, had sued Quinnipiac last spring after the private university said it would cut the team—along with men's golf and men's outdoor track—to save money. District Judge [Stefan A.] Underhill later ordered the university to reinstate the volleyball team while the case was pending.
That a judge would deliberate about which activities are considered a sport reminds me of the Supreme Court case PGA Tour v. Martin. See the below TED talk by Harvard political philosopher Michael Sandel — around the 5:15 mark, he engages the audience in a provocative exercise about justice by tracing the logic of Supreme Court Justices who wrestled with the question about whether walking is an essential, or simply an incidental, feature of golf.
Literary sport
Lapham's Quarterly is among my favorite publications and the summer issue on Sports & Games deserves special mention. (I urge all those interested in either the history of games or ideas about human movement to invest $15 in this handsome magazine.) From Lewis Lapham's introduction:
One not need be American to know that sport is play and play is freedom. It's not a secret kept from children in Tahiti or Brazil. Dogs romp, whales leap, penguins dance. That play is older than the kingdoms of the Euphrates and the Nile is a truth told by the Dutch scholar, Johan Huizinga, in Homo Ludens, his study of history that discovers in the "primeval soil of play" the origin of "the great instinctive forces of civilized life," of myth and ritual, law and order, poetry and science. "Play," he said, "cannot be denied. You can deny, if you like, nearly all abstractions: justice, beauty, truth, goodness, mind, God. You can deny seriousness, but not play." [...]
The glory of [sports and games] isn't the winning or losing, the bombastic Rooseveltian beating of the others; it is Einstein's equation made flesh, the unity of energy and mass seen in a movement of light. Huizinga expresses something of the same thought. Play as the making of civilization, which becomes possible only when "an influx of mind breaks down the absolute determinism of the cosmos," not serious and yet entirely serious, brimming with possibility and tending to become beautiful.
LQ's literary treatment of sports makes for a nice segue to reference kottke's post about the novelist Nic Brown, who challenged his friend and professional tennis player Tripp Phillips in a game to win a single point. Writes Brown:
What I can't do, no matter how hard I try, is win a single point. Not one. "You have no weapons," he tells me two days later, over a lunch of cheap tacos and cheese dip. He reviews the match in this specific analytical way I've experienced with other professional athletes. To them, match review is engineering, not personal nicety. The performance is fact, not opinion. "No matter what," he says, "I was going to have you off balance. And no matter what you did, I was going to be perfectly balanced. I knew where you were going to hit it before you hit it. It's the difference between me and you. But if I played Roger Federer right now, he'd do the exact same thing to me."
Kottke observes, "That bit reminds me of David Foster Wallace's article on tennis pro Michael Joyce (Esquire, July '96). Specifically, how much of a skill difference there was between Joyce (the 79th best player in the world), the players he competed against in qualifiers, and the then-#1 ranked Andre Agassi."
Tinkering Outside
On Tuesday, First Lady Michelle Obama officially kicked-off the White House Summer Exercise Series. Eighty-four local children hopped, skipped, and jumped with the First Lady on the South Lawn as part of her Let's Move campaign.
Let's Move! has an ambitious but important goal: to solve the epidemic of childhood obesity within a generation. [This initiative] will give parents the support they need, provide healthier food in schools, help our kids to be more physically active, and make healthy, affordable food available in every part of our country.
I wonder if FLOTUS was aware of—and if so, whether she endorsed—"Take Our Children to the Park… And Leave Them There Day." Spearheaded by Lenore Skenazy, author of Free-Range Kids, May 22 (this past Saturday) was promoted as an opportunity to help our children reclaim the childhood most of us fondly remember (though have sanitized and stripped away from them):
The crime rate in America is back to where it was in the early '70s. Crime was going up then, and it peaked around 20 years later. By the mid '90s it was coming down and continues to do so. So the strange fact — very hard to digest — is that if YOU were playing outside in the '70s or '80s, your kids today are safer than you were! I know it doesn't feel that way. In fact, here's an interesting poll about how the majority of people feel crime is going up when actually its going down. But anyway, the point is:
Most of us used to play outside in the park, without our parents, without cell phones, without Purell or bottled water and we survived! Thrived! We cherish the memories! And if you believe the million studies that I'm always publishing here, kids are healthier, happier and better-adjusted if they get to spend some time each day in "free play," without adults hovering.
I know there will be shrill voices insisting, "Predators are gonna love this holiday!" but keep a level head. Crime is down. Awareness is up. There is safety in numbers, which means getting kids outside again, together. This won't happen until we actually start DOING IT.
So spread the word and be not afraid. Free-Range Kids never says there is no risk in the world, only that the risk is small and worth taking, as it always has been. The trade-off is kids who make up games, who solve problems, who discover nature and get moving (to coin a phrase). Kids who don't need a screen to entertain them. Playing outside, on their own, is what kids all over the world do. We have forgotten how vital and wonderful it is.
Walk around your neighborhood. Do you see empty sidewalks? Empty yards? Empty playgrounds? It's a waste — of childhood.
My thought on Leave Your Child at the Park Day is simply to make it more than an annual exercise — let children run outside, scrape their knees, and indulge in exuberant, sometimes reckless, free-play every single day. But why let children have all the fun? This coming weekend, or after work or school during the week, try and honor the makeshift "Take MYSELF to the Park and Leave Me There Day." We could all use some smiles and sunshine.
Finally, this theme of engaging in outdoor and hands-on play reminds me of a great program called Tinkering School, which provides kids with a collaborative and safe environment to build things—as well as a safe place to fail, one of the most important aspects in the cultivation of creativity. In his short but motivating 10-minute TED talk, Gever Tulley, the founder of Tinkering School, explains the benefits of doing "5 Dangerous Things."
See you outside!
The new three R's: Reading, writing, and running
A recent ABC News story profiles an exercise-based learning readiness program at Naperville Central High School, near Chicago, that is credited for helping students to achieve "astounding" academic achievement — a doubling of reading scores and an "increase of math scores by a factor of 20."
I've highlighted the action-based learning program at Naperville a number of time (here), but this provides an opportunity to again promote PE4Life (the developer Learning Readiness Physical Education) and John Ratey's book Spark! (an explanation of "the revolutionary new science of exercise and the brain").
Below is a story that aired on CBS' "The Early Show" in 2009 about the LRPE program at Naperville — with enough exposure to research about the relationship between body and cognitive development, programs like this might begin to take root at schools throughout the country.
Get out!
A recent analysis of 10 studies that involved more than 1,250 participants found that physical activity in the presence of nature—known as "green exercise"—has a tremendous influence on mental health. The positive effects on self-esteem and mood were magnified when people were actively engaged in a physical task (e.g., walking, gardening, cycling) near a body of water.
One of the more interesting discoveries is that it only took five minutes (!) of movement in a park, along a trail, or in a garden to achieve the greatest effect on mental health.
Jo Barton and Jules Pretty at the University of Essex, authors of the study, explain some of the implications, especially for the treatment of stress, depression, and other types of mental anguish. An excerpt:
The results show acute short-term exposures to facilitated green exercise improves both self-esteem and mood irrespective of duration, intensity, location, gender, age, and health status….
The findings also suggest that those who are currently sedentary, nonactive, and/or mentally unwell would accrue health benefits if they were able to undertake regular, short-duration physical activity in accessible (probably nearby) green space. Such doses of nature will contribute to immediate mental health benefits. As with smoking, giving up inactivity and urban-only living results in immediate and positive health outcomes, even from short duration and light activity such as walking….
The outcomes do suggest a new priority for frontline environmental and health professionals—a regime of doses of nature may be prescribed for anyone, but will have a greater effect for the inactive or stressed and mentally ill, or at presurgery (source) or for recovery (source). Employers, for example, could encourage staff in stressful workplaces to take a short walk at lunchtime in the nearest park to improve mental health, which may in turn affect productivity. A particular focus should be on children: regular outdoor play brings immediate health benefits, and may instill healthy behaviors early in life (source)…. And outdoor free-play is vital for development and cognitive skills (source).
"What is the best dose of nature and green exercise for improving mental health? A multi-study analysis."
Jo Barton and Jules Pretty
Environmental Science & Technology, Article ASAP
DOI: 10.1021/es903183r
Publication Date (Web): March 25, 2010
Online access:
"I want to solve the demon"
Jure Robic is perhaps "the world's best endurance athlete."
Over the past two years, Robic, who is 40 years old, has won almost every race he has entered, including the last two editions of ultracycling's biggest event, the 3,000-mile Insight Race Across America (RAAM). In 2004, Robic set a world record in the 24-hour time trial by covering 518.7 miles. Last year, he did himself one better, following up his RAAM victory with a victory six weeks later in Le Tour Direct, a 2,500-mile race on a course contrived from classic Tour de France routes. Robic finished in 7 days and 19 hours, and climbed some 140,000 feet, the equivalent of nearly five trips up Mount Everest.
To achieve such success, Robic trains 335 days each year, for five and a half hours per day, "logging some 28,000 miles, or roughly one trip around the planet."
As explained in this NYT profile, however, it's Robic's insanity "that sets him apart from the rest of the world."
The craziness is methodical and Robic and his crew know its pattern by heart. Around Day 2 of a typical weeklong race, his speech goes staccato. By Day 3, he is belligerent and sometimes paranoid. His short-term memory vanishes, and he weeps uncontrollably. The last days are marked by hallucinations: bears, wolves and aliens prowl the roadside; asphalt cracks rearrange themselves into coded messages. Occasionally, Robic leaps from his bike to square off with shadowy figures that turn out to be mailboxes. In a 2004 race, he turned to see himself pursued by a howling band of black-bearded men on horseback.
''Mujahedeen, shooting at me,'' he explains. ''So I ride faster.''
His wife, a nurse, interjects: ''The first time I went to a race, I was not prepared to see what happens to his mind. We nearly split up.''
As kottke notes, Robic's story is "awesome and disturbing." Kottke also points us to another fascinating episode of RadioLab, this on the limits of the human body:
Jad and Robert talk to two Ironman competitors, Julie Moss and Wendy Ingraham to find out how they do what they do. Physiologist Dr. David Jones tells us how to trick the voice in your head that tells you you're exhausted. Then we follow two men, Patrick Autissier and Jure Robic, as they bike across the country as fast as they can in a crazy race called The Ride Across America. Producer Lulu Miller brings us their story and New York Times writer Daniel Coyle walks us through the process of physical and mental breakdown RAAM competitors face.
Also worth checking out—Discovery produces an interesting video series called "Human Body: Pushing the Limits."
UPDATE: Here's the clip of Julie Moss' epic body breakdown in the 1982 Hawaii Ironman referenced on RadioLab:
A strong body, strong mind
Discover magazine explains "Why athletes are geniuses":
This past January Claudio Del Percio of Sapienza University in Rome and his colleagues reported the results of a study in which they measured the brain waves of karate champions and ordinary people, at rest with their eyes closed, and compared them. The athletes, it turned out, emitted stronger alpha waves, which indicate a restful state. This finding suggests that an athlete's brain is like a race car idling in neutral, ready to spring into action.
Del Percio's team has also measured brain waves of athletes and nonathletes in action…. The athletes' brains were quieter, which means they devoted less brain activity to these motor tasks than nonathletes did. The reason, Del Percio argues, is that the brains of athletes are more efficient, so they produce the desired result with the help of fewer neurons. Del Percio's research suggests that the more efficient a brain, the better job it does in sports.
MindHacks explains the methods of the brain scanning research and concludes:
Rather than becoming 'relaxed' the brain seem to become more 'finely tuned' with practice. It's not that the whole brain just becomes 'quieter' (although you could say this about some specific areas) but that it seems to reconfigure the distribution of work.
Play is the beginning of knowledge
From a review of Melvin Konner's The Evolution of Childhood: Relationships, Emotion, Mind in this month's The Atlantic:
Konner is especially interested in play, which is not unique to humans and, indeed, seems to have been present, like the mother-offspring bond, from the dawn of mammals. The smartest mammals are the most playful, so these traits have apparently evolved together. Play, Konner says, "combining as it does great energy expenditure and risk with apparent pointlessness, is a central paradox of evolutionary biology." It seems to have multiple functions—exercise, learning, sharpening skills—and the positive emotions it invokes may be an adaptation that encourages us to try new things and learn with more flexibility. In fact, it may be the primary means nature has found to develop our brains.
Update: Andrew Sullivan explains why play matters:
Once one leaves the reductionism of evolutionary biology, can we not see play as also, well, play? And play is defined by its uselessness, its freedom, its ability to resist productivity. It is a form of ultimate freedom – in my view, the freest human beings can be. Because a game has no known winner in advance, if it has any winner at all. It is about being together and engaging together without an ulterior purpose.
That's why I see play as something close to the divine. That's why I believe Jesus loved children. Because, in play, they had found a way to be with each other without any other over-arching purpose.
Domesticated gym rats
From "A Wild Workout for the Real World":
And with that one word — "practical" — Erwan Le Corre [founder of MovNat] exposes a key weakness in modern exercise: Our workouts are domesticated, while the world out there is still plenty wild…
"Being fit isn't about being able to lift a steel bar or finish an Ironman," Le Corre says. "It's about rediscovering our biological nature and releasing the wild human animal inside."
A video of Erwan in motion:
The documented first year of four babies in four different corners of the world:
Update: This NYT Magazine story on the moral life of babies is a great complementary reading to the movie:
The mental life of young humans not only is an interesting topic in its own right; it also raises — and can help answer — fundamental questions of philosophy and psychology, including how biological evolution and cultural experience conspire to shape human nature. From Sigmund Freud to Jean Piaget to Lawrence Kohlberg, psychologists have long argued that we begin life as amoral animals. One important task of society, particularly of parents, is to turn babies into civilized beings — social creatures who can experience empathy, guilt and shame; who can override selfish impulses in the name of higher principles; and who will respond with outrage to unfairness and injustice.
A growing body of evidence, though, suggests that humans do have a rudimentary moral sense from the very start of life. With the help of well-designed experiments, you can see glimmers of moral thought, moral judgment and moral feeling even in the first year of life. Some sense of good and evil seems to be bred in the bone. Which is not to say that parents are wrong to concern themselves with moral development or that their interactions with their children are a waste of time. Socialization is critically important. But this is not because babies and young children lack a sense of right and wrong; it's because the sense of right and wrong that they naturally possess diverges in important ways from what we adults would want it to be.
Learning to play: Exuberant Animal workshop in San Francisco
Frank Forencich, Chief Creative Officer of the health leadership organization Exuberant Animal, is hosting a workshop in San Francisco on Saturday, April 10 at the Diakadi Body personal training and wellness center.
The daylong event will include presentations on human evolution, functional exercise, and the power of play. (Earlier in the month, Frank will deliver a similar talk to the Stanford University School of Design, in presentation with the design firm IDEO.) The EA San Francisco Jam will also include movement sessions and games that practitioners, educators, athletes, trainers, coaches, and athletes of all fitness levels can incorporate into their lives and work.
Anyone interested in functional fitness, play-based fitness, and evolutionary movement is encouraged to attend. Click here to register.
Skye Nacel is a friend whom I met at an EA event in Seattle — he is the founder of Mocean365, an action photography and video production firm based in Vermont that also organizes a fantastic series of action workshops. Skye recently produced 10-minute video that leads viewers through the Exuberant Animal Short Form movement sequence — a perfect way to start the day or warm-up before any strenuous physical activity.
In mid-April, Frank will lead a two-day seminar with Wildfitness in London's Regent Park:
American movement guru Frank Forencich is one of the leading experts in the growing field of evolutionary fitness and his books have been a major influence on the philosophy of Wildfitness and our holiday programme. The seminar is a fantastic opportunity for forward-thinking fitness and movement professionals to get an insight into the new trend in fitness towards 'natural movement' and to gain inspiration from one of the key voices and proponents of this culture shift.
The seminar is ideal for personal trainers, therapists, martial artists, dancers and physical educators, as well as non-professional fitness enthusiasts.
Finally, trail runners, endurance athletes, and barefoot enthusiasts should check out the Misty Mountain Foot Quest, in partnership with Mick, The Barefoot Sensei. This is an EA-sponsored multi-day run in Washington state from Quinault to the Elwah, up the spine of the Olympic Mountains. The Foot Quest party kicks-off on Thursday, August 12 and the two-day run includes sherpa support. Sign up with Eventbrite.
Key takeaways from a fitness trainer
Mike O'Donnell, a professional health and fitness coach, shares insights from his career as a trainer. A sample:
- Pushups are the best upper body workout designed….no machine can replace that…you don't need any equipment and you can do them anywhere.
- If you eat whole foods that have been around for 1000s of years, you probably don't have to worry about counting calories.
- If I had to pick one sport for a child to start with it would be gymnastics, the strength/speed/balance/body control they will learn can be applied to any sport down the road.
- I hate to jog…. I love to run.
(via kottke)
Sexy Gaia
Frank Forencich shares the story of his first "earth orgasm" — a humorous and thoughtful reflection on the sexual energy of mother nature.
For my part, I can vividly recall a number of earth-shattering earth-orgasms, mostly from my days as a climber in the mountains of California. Climbing, like many outdoor sports, is all about getting your body into intimate contact with the natural, tactile world. Exposure promotes vivid sensation, anticipation and engagement. Gravity provides focus and sharpens attention to the here and now. Tactile awareness deepens as fingers and toes probe for subtle variations in form and texture. Skin becomes alert and aware. Every sense comes alive, passionate, desiring ever more. Long summer days of perfect rock, perfect weather, powerful physicality and the sweet caress of a gentle breeze.
There was usually a climax of course, when we reached the safety and panorama of the summit, but this was but a single orgasmic moment surrounded by hours of caress and erotic pleasure. Even the moonlight descent, with our bodies scraped, bruised and fatigued by our efforts, was sensual magic, a feast for eyes, ears and spirit. Only when we reached the highway would the spell be broken.
Read the entire post at the Exuberant Animal blog.
Picture this: Run hard and get dirty
PatitucciPhoto produces some of the most beautiful and inspiring outdoor sports photography I have ever seen. Check out this collection of trail running pictures.
Also worth browsing — their gallery of images divided into thematic categories for movement, endurance, living, and travel. Via DolomiteSports, you can also view galleries of photographs by activity, such as hiking, road biking, mountain biking, and skiing. It's enough to make me save for an adventure vacation to the Italian Dolomites.
The barefoot professor
Harvard professor Daniel Lieberman has ditched his trainers and started running barefoot. His research shows that barefoot runners, who tend to land on their fore-foot, generate less impact shock than runners in sports shoes who land heel first. This makes barefoot running comfortable and could minimize running-related injuries. Read more here and find the original research here.
Related: The science of going barefoot.
Also — check out "Everything you need to know to become a barefoot runner", a great list of resources compiled by MassageTherapySchools.net.


text: With all this talk about the big east and the seven basketball schools leaving has created some interesting options for the broncos. i keep seeing everywhere about how a media rights holder is interested in televising boise states home games. Who do gou guys think would be interested? I know the local market isnt giant but im sure there is a growing national market who wants to watc games on the blue. Could it be nbc or cbs trying to build their sports programming more? Or maybe ESPN, trying to get the best product the big east has to offer but wothout having to shell out entire confrence $$. What do you guys think?

subset: commoncrawl


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As of right now, if you were to walk into an abortion clinic and ask for an abortion because of the sex of the fetus, you could receive that... up to 14 weeks. That has people talking from both sides.
House Bill 1162 is the first abortion-related bill of its kind to hit the legislature. Primary sponsor Rep. Jenna Haggar thinks it will make a difference.
"I felt this was discriminatory against females. If you were to look at ratios, nationally, it's the females who are victimized by this," Rep. Jenna Haggar said. "I think sex discrimination is wrong at any age so when we have any statistic that lead toward the female unborn, it's time to protect them."
South Dakota Right to Life says the bill is timely because of, what they call, a growing problem.
"I don't think anyone knows for sure how frequently this is happening. The whole idea behind the bill is that it's going to prevent this in the future," Right to Life lobbyist Debbie Pease said.
Groups supporting a woman's right to choose are concerned with gender discrimination.
"NARAL Pro-Choice South Dakota is very concerned with gender discrimination. Although veiled as a bill that would eliminate gender preference, House Bill 1162 is a blatant attempt to chip away at women's reproductive freedom. This bill is just one avenue anti-choice forces in South Dakota are taking to reach their ultimate goal, which is to completely ban abortion access.
NARAL Pro-Choice South Dakota works every day to protect and expand a woman's right to make her own reproductive health care decisions. We should be focusing on legislation that truly combats gender inequality in our society, such as promoting equal pay and eliminating gender-based violence. This bill is not about gender inequality; it is about taking away a woman's right to choose."
"We have laws so that you can't discriminate against people because of their sex, disability or whatever. We don't apply that to the pre-born. We need to be consistent and say this is not a good reason to have an abortion," Pease said.
If this bill passes, South Dakota will join seven other states in enacting this ban.


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book: Ashtown Burials #1; The Dragon's Tooth
Just finished reading 'The Dragon's Tooth' on my iphone. This was an easy, excellent read. Some of the story was a bit glossed over, in the latter half, with a lot of story momentum, and not enough detail. This did not, however, detract from the enjoyment value of the book. It smacked a bit of a certain Potter universe, but not in a negative way. The beginning of the book started off slowly, and just when I'd guess at where it would go next, it would turn and take a new direction.
Overall, an enjoyable read I recommend for a quick escape...but you don't have to take my word for it.
Oddly enough, there's an HD trailer for the book that is just awesome. The only drawback is that you totally want to see this as a movie after watching the trailer. I watched this trailer before reading the book and it really didn't do much for me, but after reading the book, it was amazing how many sections of the book were showcased rapidly, giving the sense of an entire movie's length. It's a genius way to sell the book in today's world.
netflix UI sucks across the board
Netflix, why hast thou forsaken me? I have been a member of netflix since 2001, and have seen many changes over the years. I was slightly annoyed when Netflix secretly released their most recent incarnation of the watch now interface (June, 2011). Only slightly annoyed because it affected my computer usage of netflix, which I could still navigate around a bit. Are we now catering solely to the short attention span theater market, replacing those bulky text titles with cover art only? Who needs those pesky words? The motion of the side scrolling makes me feel like my eyes are about to give birth to an angry, epileptic honey badger.
Just seeing pictures of the old interface makes me shed a tear in mourning, as if a loved one has died. No, it's closer to if a loved one had died, and was reincarnated into a Justin Beiber hair style. A spokesperson for Netflix stated that they were happy with the current layout, which they feel provides a newer, cleaner look that has been well received, with little complaint.
I have to call bullshit on this one, since Netflix markets to an inherently lazy (i.e. I want to watch it now, at home...in my undies) demographic. Of course you're not going to see complaints--that would take effort on the part of your customers.
This brings me to the mobile device interface. For the iphone, the interface is annoying as hell. Where are the movies? I'm missing my 'watch it again' category. From someone who has rated 6,000+ titles, I find myself more than willing to watch titles a second or third time.
My reason for this entire article actually had to do with netflix on the AppleTV--who the hell put this together?! After all of the drawbacks mentioned above, which are present in the AppleTV, I have the following two complaints: movies previously rated DO NOT SHOW, and some genres are completely missing. Movies you have rated in the past may only appear in a search, if you're lucky. This leaves hundreds and hundreds of titles completely missing when browsing all categories, if you rate movies regularly like I do. Genres like Music and Musicals, to name a few, are missing from the genres list. Where are they? They have become ninja, mastering the art of invisibility, because I sure as hell can't find them anywhere.
As I mentioned, the changes to the computer interface for watch now were generally annoying when first released, but now the horrible discrepancies, and general interface suckage across the board are driving me up the wall. FUUU!!!
what'd you do?
There are no king's horses, or king's men. It's just me, and I'm putting things back together again. Content will be added as I get to it, you know, with my busy schedule ("shed-yule") keeping me occupied. Someone has to save the world, right?
I'm hoping to make this more of a repository of my useless creations, talents, and evidence of my most awesome adventures, seasoned with a bit of my own take on things. There will most assuredly be commentary on some of the tech toys I mess with, or even the food I'm enjoying.


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FIORENTINA (4-3-1 in Serie A, T-5th; 2-0-0 in Europa League Group E, 1st)
Well, if you are like me you're still not entirely sure where exactly you are after the heroics against the "Old
Something Inappropriate Lady" and are still watching videos like the following on repeat...
CS Pandurii Târgu Jiu (6-2-3 in Romanian Liga I, 4th; 0-1-1 in Europa League Group E, 3rd)
Clubul Sportiv Pandurii Lignitul Târgu Jiu - to give them their full name - are enjoying the best moment of their existence so far. The Romanian club, located in the regional capital city of Târgu Jiu, have been in Liga I for less than ten years, and last year achieved their highest-ever finish as runners up. Head coach Cristian Dumitru Pustai has Pandurii off to another strong start, but remain five points behind league leaders Steaua Bucureşti, who also have two games in hand. The team boasts a mainly Romanian line-up, and has a very good away record. Watch out for amazingly-named Lithuanian striker Deivydas Matulevičius, who already boasts 6 goals to his name, and Brazilian midfielder Eric de Oliveira Pereira, who scored twice in their 6-1 thrashing of Botoşani.
When drafted into Group E, I think most commentators (myself included) overrated Paços de Ferreira and underrated Pandurii, but I don't think Montella is doing the same in chopping and changing. The stadium will still be rocking after Juventus on Sunday, and the players given a chance to shine in this starting XI will be eager to make a positive impression as the season begins to wear on. Let's hope that Matos can score in Europe again, and if we are ever in doubt, just keep calm and pass to Borja Valero.
Projected Lineups
FIORENTINA (4-3-3) Neto; Tomovic, Gonzalo, Compper, Alonso; Fernandez, Bakic, Valero; Joaquin, Matos, Iakovenko
Pandurii (4-2-3-1) Stanca; Ungurusan, Christou, Erico, Sipo; Buleica, Cristea; Pereira, Anton, Distefano; Matulevičius
Kick-off is 3:05 p.m. EST, and will not be televised, but will be available on Fox Soccer 2Go? I think?


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Saturday December 14, Bloody Elbow presents live fight coverage of Adrien Broner vs. Marcos Maidana. Showtime Boxing Broner vs. Maidana airs live on Showtime this Saturday, December 14, with a fight time of 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT. Bloody Elbow will have live fight coverage, including results and discussion, right here.
When he walks into tonight's main event, Adrien Broner will be the betting favorite by a margin of roughly -500 - a pretty sizable gap. Broner's position as the favorite has been reflected in the pre-fight hype, much of which has focused on the brash, undefeated Broner. This is understandable. Again, Broner is undefeated, he's seen as a possible superstar in the making, he possesses real talent, and he makes good headlines.
It may be understandable, but it's also short-sighted because of one man - Marcos Maidana. It's easy to look at Maidana's three losses and the fact that he has more often than not stumbled when faced with the highest level of competition and decide that yes, this is Broner's fight. But if that is all you see when you look at Maidana, you are missing some key details of tonight's fight.
More Broner vs. Maidana coverage:
Bloody Elbow | Bad Left Hook
Broner is in the testing portion of his career, and this is a major test. Maidana is a powerful puncher, a man who knows how to stop opponents. Broner's last test came against Paulie Malignaggi - a talented fighter, but a man no one would ever accuse of being heavy-handed. This will be the first time Broner faces someone with this level of talent and power. If there's been a knock on Broner so far, it's that, while he models his style on Floyd Mayweather's famous shoulder roll, he doesn't do it as well, and so can get hit. Against Maidana, if he gets hit, Broner very well may go down.
It will also test his ablity to stay in a fight all the way until it's over. Maidana is the kind of fighter who can pose a threat at every moment thanks to both his power and his mental toughness. If Broner lets off the gas in the later rounds, Maidana again will make him pay.
More than any other fight he's taken so far, this is the one that stylistically will truly reveal who Adrien Broner is. If he is that great one he claims to be, he wins this. If there is any chink in his armor, Maidana will find it, exploit it, and end the Broner story, for now at least.
Me, I'm a believer in Broner, and I think he handles this. But I am also a realist, and know that it won't be easy. We'll find out tonight.
Join us here at Bloody Elbow for Showtime Boxing Broner vs. Maidana results, discussion, and live fight coverage this Saturday, December 14.
- Broner vs Maidana live fight online, fight time, live streaming results Showtime Boxing December 14
- UFC on Fox 9: Demetrious Johnson vs. Joseph Benavidez Dissection
- UFC on Fox 9 Factgrinder: The Wrestling of Chad Mendes and Nik Lentz
- UFC welterweight Jake Ellenberger says he wants to rematch Carlos Condit
- Josh Thomson: 'I could be kissing away my dreams, but I still love fighting'


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What Our Clients Say
– Stuart P, Norwich
We'd been wanting some blinds for our living room for ages, but we really weren't looking forward to fitting them ourselves – so I'm really glad we found Victoria Blinds!
– Lucy S, Norwich
We live in a 1925 terraced house with very wide windows, so we needed 3 blinds accurately fitted to fill the space – Vicky came round and took us through the options, we chose the style we wanted and a week later she came round and fitted them for us.
It was as simple as that!
– Sally C
Thank you both so much for the super blinds & all the jobs you did for me, I'm very grateful.


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We will be happy to provide all the information you need to buy or sell real estate in Keokuk, Hamilton, IL, Warsaw, IL, Nauvoo, IL, and surrounding areas. As the premier real estate agents in Keokuk, we look forward to serving you and will be happy to help at any time. Learn More About Us
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Finding the right mortgage is one of the most important steps of buying a new home. To help you prepare for what may be your biggest purchase ever, we're launching "Ask Nick!" This Q&A series is designed to help teach you all about shopping for and finding a mortgage.
Nick Peacock, Beazer's Vice President of Lender Choices, will answer your questions about shopping for a mortgage and comparing the information that you receive.
Nick has more than 27 years of experience in the mortgage industry. More importantly, he knows a lot more than the average Joe when it comes to navigating the mortgage waters. Nick is devoted to helping consumers understand our Mortgage Choices program, which encourages everyone to shop around for the home loan that best fits their needs.
We're kicking off our first "Ask Nick!" with a few questions about the mortgage process from our own employees who are currently going through the home buying process. In this edition, Nick explains the differences between lenders, and the upcoming changes to FHA loans.
Q. Sarah: Do different lenders really make a difference – aren't they all the same?
A: They are definitely NOT all the same! They vary in terms of their loan programs, underwriting guidelines and processes. While most lenders underwrite their loans according to agency (FHA, VA, FNMA, etc) guidelines, many have unique "overlays" that make it more difficult for a borrower to qualify. For example, some lenders may offer FHA loans to borrowers with credit scores of 600, while others will not approve borrowers with scores below 640. Rates and fees can also vary from one lender to another. It definitely pays to talk with several lenders to find the one that is right for your personal circumstances and needs.
Q. Bonnie: Explain the new regulations on FHA loans that are coming up. Who qualifies? What are the advantages compared to a conventional mortgage?
For example, we were able to get a conventional mortgage while only putting 3.5% down, but we had to pay mortgage insurance. What are the pros and cons to doing that?
A: The major changes that have been made to the FHA loan program impact the cost and duration of the annual mortgage insurance. After June 3rd, FHA borrowers will be required to pay mortgage insurance for the life of the loan, and at a rate of 1.35% – which is much higher than on a conventional loan. While interest rates are generally lower on FHA loans, the higher mortgage insurance often will make them more expensive. Borrowers with excellent credit will likely do much better with a conventional loan.
Now is the time to tell us what you want to know about mortgages. Not sure what APR is? Ever wonder why people shop around to find the best deal on a new car, but don't shop around to find the best kind of mortgage? Did you know you CAN shop around for a mortgage?
Let's hear from you!
We're always taking your questions. You can email them to us at firstname.lastname@example.com. Nick answers every question, so you'll be sure to get a personal response.
Even if you don't have a specific question for Nick, you can still learn more about buying a mortgage. Every week, we'll post some of the "Ask Nick" questions and answers on our blog, Facebook, and Google Plus. Don't forget to follow along on Twitter with the hashtag #AskNick.
We're looking forward to your questions!
* Beazer Homes is not acting as a mortgage broker or lender. Homebuyers should consult with a mortgage broker or lender of their choice regarding mortgage loans and mortgage loan qualification. ©2013 Beazer Homes
One Comment
Hi Beazer,
Great post. It is important.
Thanks for sharing.


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On an island of glitzy hotels, Bon Ton and its sister resort
Temple Tree are unique Langkawi gems.
Consisting of traditional Malay kampung houses restored by Bon Ton's owner, the atmosphere is one of low-key luxury.
Each house's rustic look belies a stylish interior of dark wood, bright textiles and antique furniture. The resort is situated alongside a lagoon surrounded by coconut palms.
By night the sounds of crickets and water buffalo, heard from the comfort of your muslin-swathed four-poster, provide a hypnotic lullaby.
Bon Ton excels at excursions with flair: a day on the Damai Indah, a teak boat, cruising the Langkawi archipelago, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
WOW FACTOR: Breakfast (breads, cakes, fruit and the
like) is placed in your fridge in the evening for you to enjoy the
next day.
Go: Book with Turquoise Holidays; call 01494 678 400 or visit www.turquoiseholidays.co.ukfor more details or email firstname.lastname@example.com


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Rifle Earns Victory In NCAA Qualifier
Feb. 16, 2013
TCU fired an impressive mark of 2,329 in smallbore and backed it up with a 2,353 in air rifle to ensure the win. The Frogs' move to 10-0 on the season and stretches their winning streak to 23.
In preparing for the upcoming NCAA Tournament in March, head coach Karen Monez's five-member team featured Sarah Beard, Catherine Green, Megan Lee, Caitlin Morrissey and Sarah Scherer.
Beard paced all shooters in smallbore, shooting a 587. She shot a 586 in air rifle to finish seventh. Scherer was the top shooter in the match with a second place finish in smallbore and a first place finish in air rifle. The senior fired a 584 in smallbore and a 593 in air rifle.
Green continued her strong second half of the season, shooting a 582 in smallbore for a third place finish and a 586 in air rifle to finish sixth. Caitlin Morrissey had a strong outing, firing a 576 in smallbore and a 588 in air rifle. Rounding out the team counters was Megan Lee who shot a 574 in smallbore and a 583 in air rifle.
Hannah Black had a good day at the range as she finished second in air rifle after shooting a 590. Claudia Duksa recorded a top 10 finish in the smallbore as she shot a 573 to finish ninth. Kelly Bogart posted a top 10 finish in air rifle after shooting a 580.
TCU figures to be one of the top teams when the field of eight for the NCAA Championships are announced on Wednesday. The national championships are set for March 8-9. Ohio State will be the host.


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Industry professional, Nagpur
Expert in
- Industry knowledge
- Implementation support
- Technology or scientific research support
- Training and guidance
- Industry contacts
- Marketing and sales support
- Financing or investment assistance
Areas of Interest
- Ocean Energy
- Natural Gas
- Solar Energy
- Wind Energy
I read a lot and I write a lot. I like it.
write to me about the latest news. in renewable energy.
Write to me about new ideas.
I am writing in the pen name of aathmika.
Once i touch a million viewers for my blogs in all my names, i will surface.
Aathmika has 37 appreciations. view all
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Buff-Bellied Hummingbird Figurine by Lenox
One of the least studied hummingbirds native to the United States, the buff-bellied hummingbird is truly a jewel of the garden. The red bill with dark tip, and the cinnamon-buff toned underbelly make this little bird truly distinctive. Masterfully sculpted of bisque porcelain and painted entirely by hand, the hummingbird is shown hovering near a cowboy rose.
- Crafted of hand-painted bisque porcelain
- Width: 5 1/2"
$84.00 $49.95
Other products we think you'll love.
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Top 5 Dead Or Alive: "He's An Incredible Rapper In A Group W/ The Best Rapper"
Friday, Aug 3, 2012 12:10AM
[Each week, SOHH asks two entertainment personalities to name their Top 5 rappers of all-time. To make things tricky, we've created a "Hall of Fame" of emcees (see right) who are universally respected and therefore may not be mentioned. After Tha Bizness revealed their fave five, Hot 97 radio personality Cipha Sounds chucks out his top choices.]
Outkast. The problem with Big Boi, I told this to his face, the problem with Big Boi is that he's a f*cking dope rapper, incredible rapper, in a group with the best rapper. So no matter what, he gets the short end of the stick. But that motherf*cker can rhyme his a** off. He's just in a group with someone who can rhyme a little better. It's a f*cked up situation. Outkast.
Dead Prez.
Mos Def.
T.I. I think T.I. is incredible and doesn't get the credit he deserves. It's probably his music choice.
Rick Ross. I like Ross because again, he's the type that, he's making music that fits right now incredibly, but he's also one that I feel clicked down his rap skills to feed the masses, where I know he could f*cking really rap and write some sh*t and his albums show it, it's just that his singles are just club bangers. But his albums, he'll have some deep f*cking real songs. Boom.


text: Tyler Skaggs was hit by a line drive either in the chest or on his pitching arm. The announcer wasn't sure. Skaggs was unbelievable , twice working out of a bases loaded no out situation. He only went 3 innings and failed to come out for the fourth. Skaggs had 6 K's out of the 9 out he recorded. After he was hit by the line drive it seemed he was having trouble with his command. Anybody have an update ?


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Camille (1936) is an American romantic drama film directed by George Cukor and produced by Irving Thalberg and Bernard H. Hyman, from a screenplay by James Hilton, Zoë Akins and Frances Marion. The picture is based on the 1848 novel and 1852 play La Dame aux Camélias by Alexandre Dumas, fils. The film stars Greta Garbo, Robert Taylor, Lionel Barrymore, Elizabeth Allan, Jessie Ralph, Henry Daniell, and Laura Hope Crews. It grossed $2,842,000.
List of links to Camille fansites:
Register to update information, save favorites, post photos, news stories and comments. A LucyMe.com login allows you to edit our four websites.


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Ladies, find out what's important to your husband in your relationship. Men, find out what you can do to help her meet those needs. read more
Charisma Magazine
All Stories in Men
Page 26 of 75
5 Ways You Should Never Talk to Your Wife
Here are some strategies that men should avoid when talking with their spouses. read more
How to Decipher the Gender Code
God made men and women the way we are. Find out how, if we pay attention and realize the motivations of our spouse's heart, we can crack the mysterious and often elusive gender code. read more
2 Dating Truths for God's Man
How do you handle potential relationships—your way or God's way? Here's how to handle them God's way. read more
6 Ways a Dad Can Develop True Grit in His Child
Do you have the ability to show toughness in the face life's challenges? Find out how you can pass that trait on to your children. read more
10 Things I've Learned After 26 Years of Marriage
Marriages certainly have their ups and downs. Find out from LifeWay President Ed Stetzer some secrets to one that lasts a lifetime. read more
How to Avoid the 'Evil Ooze'
Satan's plan is to destroy every man, especially those who are loyal believers of Jesus Christ. His devouring traps are everywhere, but read how you can avoid them. read more
4 Simple Phrases to Help Your Relationships
Are you getting what you want out of your relationships? If the answer is no, do any of these reasons apply? read more
Is There a Megalodon in Your Marriage?
What relational predator looms large in your marriage, ready to attack at any moment? What are you doing about it? read more
Tony Morgan: Jesus and Football
The Bible doesn't mention anything about sports, but Jesus is present for our conversations about them. Find out why we should mindful about what we say. read more
So What Do We Do Now With Mark Driscoll?
The pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle has been accused of spiritual abuse. How do we respond?
Chuck Pierce: We Are in a Time of Major Warfare
The prophetic voice is sounding the alarm and warning saints to be alert and watchful.
How to Raise Self-Righteous, Selfish Christian Kids
Do you ever wonder why Christian kids who are home-schooled or attend Christian schools break away ...
13 Contrasts Between American and Biblical Christianity
Sometimes American preaching can sound more like the 'American Dream' than what Jesus or ...
Mark Driscoll, Spiritual Abuse and Cultish Ministries
It takes courage to confront spiritual abuse—and help to escape it.
Ashamed About Masturbation No More: The ABCs to Victory
In a follow-up to his recent article about masturbation, Larry Tomczak lays out a strategy for ...
6 Easy Dietary Ways to Lower Cancer Risk
Backed by scientific research, the 'Anti-Cancer Diet,' if followed, can help you avoid the ...
Are We Living in the Fifth Seal of Revelation?
We're seeing Bible prophecy fulfilled before our eyes. Where exactly do we stand in the ...
A Christian Leader Whose Husband Has ALS Sounds Off on the Ice Bucket Challenge
The videos and pictures of people dumping buckets of ice on themselves has gone viral. Here's ...
Ulf Ekman Faces His Accusers After Catholic Conversion
'Some wondered how I, who seem to have been standing strong for so many years, could fall for ...
When 'Til Death Do You Part' Becomes a Touching Reality
As Joyce Strader goes on to glory, it's moving to see her husband, Karl, and their children ...
God Is Always Working, Even When You Don't See Prayer Answers
Are your knuckles red from pounding on heaven's door? Are you discouraged because no matter how ...
I Caught My Spouse Cheating: What Now?
Such a revelation may hit you like a ton of bricks. Here are some suggestions on how you should ...
'Prayer Mountain' Site of Mysterious Healings and Miracles
One couple's obedience to buy a mountain and build a prayer center at its summit has led to ...
When You Feel Alone
There was a woman in the Bible who experienced being lonely as she was banished. Here's how God ...
Birthing Your Prophetic Dreams May Mean Changing Direction
Are you growing weary waiting for God to do that new thing in your life? Charisma News Editor ...
How to Fight That Pesky Cellulite
There's a reason why those pockets of fat collect around the thighs. Here are some tips to help ...
Three Faith-Releasing Secrets the Devil Doesn't Want You to Know!
In order to live a lifestyle of sustained victory, there are a few things that you and I, as ...
When True Prophets Completely Miss It
How can you tell a true prophet from a false one? That's a big question, and it ...
Are You Struggling to Receive From God?
God wants to help you in all things. But this one thing causes Him to take His hands off.


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Cricket was a major sponsor of Monster Jam in Phoenix on Saturday, January 28th. We sponsored the Party in the Pits pre-show as well as the Quad Wars during the show.
As part of Cricket's sponsorship of the Party in the Pits, local stores gave away passes for two weeks leading up to the event. There were 16,000 attendees at the party- up 8,000 from last year.
If you were one of the over 47,000 fans that attended the event, we hope you had a great time and were able to stop by one of our booths to say hello to our Android and win a prize. If not, we hope to see you next year!
Android™ is a trademark of Google, Inc. The Android Robot is reproduced or modified from work created and shared by Google for use according to terms described in the Creative Common 3.0 Attribution License.


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Canine Estates, a dog rescue operation in Palm Harbor, is looking for the public's help to care for a sick dog that it rescued in Polk County.
Her name is Freedom, and she was taken in by Canine Estates just before the fourth of July.
The vet says she has holocaust syndrome, which means she was neglected and starved by her previous owner.
The little miniature pincer is diabetic and is just now starting to eat and drink on her own.
If you would like to help you can contact Canine Estates through their website www.canineestates.com .
200 South Parker Street, Tampa, FL 33606
Telephone: 813.228.8888
Fax: 813.225.2770
Email: email@example.com


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As fantasy baseball owners, we like cool names. Domonic Larun Brown has that covered.
We like hearing about five tools (to the cynics, we're not referring to the set of an NFL studio show). Brown, according to scouts, is a five-tool prospect.
He seemed to be in line to battle for the right-field job that opened in Philadelphia when Jayson Werth was signed to a shockingly huge contract by the Nationals. That was until Brown broke a bone in his hand after getting his first hit in spring training 2011.
Brown had surgery March 8 and is expected to miss three to six weeks. The guess here is we won't see him in a Phillies uniform until at least mid- to late April, which shouldn't dampen your enthusiasm for the outfielder's future.
Brown is a top-five prospect by most major scouting services, and he cracks our top eight for fantasy purposes. As we mentioned in the debut piece, we started this project with three rules of thumb: 1. Each player must be under 24 years old. 2. A position player has to have fewer than 100 at-bats in the majors, and a pitcher must have thrown fewer than 40 innings in the bigs. 3. The top 10 are ranked according to how effective we think they will be in fantasy baseball. The 2011 season would be nice, but we're more focused on how they will perform in the future and their staying power.
Next up: Brown, who tore up Triple-A in 2010, before he got the call to the big leagues.
8. Domonic Brown, OF, Phillies
- Height, weight: 6-5, 205
- Bats/throws: Left/left
- Born: Sept. 3, 1987 (23 on opening day)
- Rank on Baseball America's top 100 for 2011: 4
Two quotes to remember
- "I'm ready to win this job. Physically and mentally, I'm ready to go. I'd run through a wall right now." Brown to CSNPhilly.com, less than three weeks before he broke his hand
- "That's not a problem. If I have to go to Triple-A, I'll go to Triple-A. I'm only 23 years old." Brown to reporters, now that it appears as if he'll begin the 2011 season on the Phillies' disabled list
Essential information
Brown had 62 at-bats with Philly last season, batting .210 with eight runs, two homers, 13 RBI, two steals and a .612 OPS. A sure sign he was overmatched: He struck out 24 times.
He was anything but out of his element in the minor leagues in 2010. In 343 at-bats in Double- and Triple-A, he batted .327 with 65 runs, 20 homers, 68 RBI, 17 steals and 22 doubles. Brown has 1,593 at-bats down on the farm, and he's a .296 hitter who has produced 48 homers, 232 RBI, 89 steals and 265 runs. He'll likely spend more time in Triple-A in 2011, but it shouldn't be long before he returns to the Phils.
He seems to be a near-certainty to hit for average and steal bases, and scouts believe his power will catch up, too. You don't get any fantasy bonus points for his strong arm, but you can always brag to your buddies about how you know how to spot a five-tool prospect.
PREVIOUS: No. 9, Matt Moore
NEXT: No. 7, Shelby Miller
2011 fantasy baseball rankings:
Catchers, First basemen, Second basemen, Shortstops, Third basemen, Designated hitters, Outfielders, Starting pitchers, Closers, Top 100 overall, Guide to our 2011 fantasy rankings, Guide to the top keepers
For updates, analysis and links during the season, follow Kevin Kleps on Twitter.


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Barbara Butler Photography
Welcome and thank you for visiting Barbara Butler (FireCreek) Photography - Bakersfield, CA. I would love to hear from you if (1) you have any questions concerning additional sizes, (2) are looking for a certain color or style and (3) the most important - suggestions on how to make this site easier for YOU THE VIEWER, to navigate. Want to reach me? No problem, just use the CONTACT tab located at the top of the page. I am always adding new images, so be sure and check back often................Barbara


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Prince Artist Profile
'80s superstar Prince has continued to work consistently for more than 30 years, even if he's never reached the commercial or critical heights he scaled during his most successful decade. Here's a look at the career of one of pop/rock's most fascinating and talented musicians.
Top Prince Songs of the '80s
Here's a countdown of the most essential tunes from the extraordinarily varied '80s catalogue of the true American original who at that time went by the simple but striking name of Prince. Find out why he still stands today as a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist of the highest order.
Prince Top 40 Artist Profile
A look at the career of one of the most successful and versatile artists of the '80s, an accomplished musician who fused funk, pop, R&B and rock into a highly potent hitmaking potion.
Top Covers of Prince Songs
Out of all the artists in popular music, few have been as generous as Prince when it comes to letting other artists cover and remake his songs. Because of this, Prince is one of the most-covered artists in all of music.


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Smoking And Its Associated Dangers
This article aims to provide enormous information about evils of smoking so that people start to take measures to quit smoking. If you get to know the facts regarding smoking habit then you will certainly get astonished. One fact is that 80% of the smokers are very well aware of the evils of smoking and still they dont quit it. This is because of the addiction of nicotine which forced them to retain their smoking habit. There are several problems attached to the smoking which can affect your health in a negative way. Some of the problems are:
Lung cancer- Smoking can lead to the accumulation of tar in the lungs of the human beings which can cause lung cancer. The smoke can paralyses the cilia and can affect your lungs in a negative way.
Heart disease- Most of the heart diseases are caused due to narrowed arteries which prevent the blood to pass through the heart. Smoking is one such habit that increases the risk of blood clotting which stops the blood flow to the heart causing heart attacks.
High blood pressure- If you are a smoker then your heart has to pump hard to supply oxygen to body parts. As the pressure of the blood of the blood vessels walls will increase, your heart will beat faster.
Aging- Smoking can also lead to aging. If you smoke on a daily basis then you will find that your body will start to get wrinkles and will loose charm and glow.
These are some of the problems which can attack a smokers health if he does not quit smoking. The best way to quit smoking is to employ a good quit smoking program. One such good program is Cig-arette stop smoking program. This system does not test the patience of the smoker and give favorable results within a week. This system is composed of natural ingredients and therefore is free from any side effects.
You can buy this program from credible online companies. There are several companies operating over the World Wide Web which offer quality herbal products for quit smoking but not all companies are trustworthy as there have been cases where few companies have ripped off the money of consumers by offering them inferior quality products.
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Author's Bio:
Author also writes on Quit Smoking. It is committed to provide visitors with complete information on Quit Smoking, Quit Smoking Systems, Cig-Arette, Anti Smoking Pills and Quit Smoking Products. For more information visit our website www.e-pillsstore.com/


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Welcome to Rose Park Elementary..a Community Learning Center!
A Message from our Principal
Welcome to Rose Park Elementary, home of the Raptors! As a student at Rose Park, it is important that you come to school every day. It is also important that you do your best work, are an outstanding citizen and friend, and that you ask for help when you need it. I recently read something that I want to share with you because it captures what I believe is important in education: "When you enter this school you are explorers, scientists, mathematicians, readers, and artists. You are important. You are loved. You are respected. You are appreciated. You are a friend. You are the reason we are here."
Ms. Warren
News & Announcements
Upcoming Events
Miss Jacqueline, and her assistant in our pre-school have been moved to a new and exciting position at the Mountain View Glendale location. Please join us in thanking her for her wonderful years here at Rose Park in pre kindergarten. Also, in wishing her well in her new assignment. We will miss you!
Rose Park "Grumpmeter" program on KSL news!
Grumpmeter at Rose Park Elementary
Parents Register for Pre-kindergarten program at Rose Park
Registration is now open for next year's Salt Lake City School District pre-kindergarten program. Children must be four years old by September 1 to qualify for this program. To register, please visit the Glendale/Mountain View Community Learning Center at 1388 South Navajo Street, or call (801) 974-8396 for more information.
Ms. Holden's 3rd Grade presents a play "Let the Sun Shine"
We learned many things about the sun and the moon from 3rd grade!
Rose Park Elementary School Community Council Meeting May 1, 2014
Agenda Rose Park SSC 5-1-2014
For Minutes of Past meetings click Parents & Volunteers link above
Sage Testing begins!
The state end-of-year testing is on a new program. All students will be tested in Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. Please be sure they have plenty of sleep and get to school on time for the next 5 weeks.
Kindergarten Learns all about Thailand
Congratulations, Ms. Kaly, 4th grade teacher!
Kris Kaly, a 4th grade teacher at Rose Park Elementary, has been awarded the Utah Water Watch Volunteer of the Year award. Kris and her students have been going to the Jordan River every other Friday with their wagon full of data collection devices to collect water quality data that is used by Utah Water Watch to monitor the health of the Jordan River.
April 8, 1:00 p.m. MUSIC PROGRAM performed by Kindergarten through third grade.
Early Childhood program at Rose Park Elementary for four-year-olds, Monday-Thursday 3 hours. Tuition $75.00 per month. Questions, call 801-974-8396, or visit website
To view agenda and minutes of past School Community Council meetings, click Parents & Volunteers
in the menu above.
Sometimes children may feel exhausted while dragging a heavy load of books to school, but students at Rose Park Elementary enjoyed lugging boxes of donated books on Tuesday.
Barnes and Noble at The Gateway delivered more than 2,700 books to Rose Park Elementary. The bookstore partnered with the school and encouraged parents and community members to help support the school by donating or purchasing books. The books will be distributed for use in classroom libraries.
Rose Park 3rd grade November- Month of Service!
"My experience of going leaf raking that I got to help people that couldnl't do it themselves, I like to help people a lot because they feel happy and I feel proud and that makes me feel proud and that makes me feel good. It was a very great day for me because I had a very great time that day. I felt really happy and good that good day. I love to feel proudness in my heart and I think that was something I liked".... (Jarely Cruz, Ms. Cologna's 3rd grade class).
Students participated in reading at the senior center, sharing baked goods, and raking leaves.
November 22 - ZUMBATHON!
Last night there was a Zumbathon at the school. The students who take Zumba in Rose Park Academy performed first. Then 112 people Zumbaed until they couldn't anymore. 405 dollars were raised to go toward RPA.
Rose Park Fourth Grades go to Great Salt Lake with Westminster students to learn some science!
Raptors believe in being drug free!
Monday: get wrist bands/writing. Tuesday: Wear RED. Wednesday: crazy socks/Drawing. Thursday: Crazy hair day.
Friday: Pajama day.
University of Utah Students teach Earth, Moon, Sun and Planets Lessons to 6th Grades
For the third year in a row, Rose Park's Sixth Grade Students are benefitting from a partnership with the Honor's College at the University of Utah. Using kits from the Clark Planetarium, honor's college students work alongside sixth graders to help them gain a deeper understanding of astronomy core concepts.
Rose Park Elementary School Community Council welcomes new Council members for 2013-14.
The new voting members are: Genny Campbell, Laura Hernandez, Maria Erica Munoz,
Joe Rodriguez, Jr. Christina Stanley, Nicole Phillips-Cunard.
Rose Park Elementary was given the opportunity to install solar panels on top of the building. They will provide energy and students can learn about alternative energy sources. Teachers can actually download information from the panels to use in classroom learning experiences. Click on the link to find out more information and see pictures.
Back to School night is an opportunity for the students and parents to meet their teachers. It will be held at Rose Park Elementary School, Monday August 19, 5:30 p.m. All students from Kindergarten to Sixth grade are invited!
Click here for Registration instructions and policies
Posted: April 22, 2013
Rose Park 6th graders promoted
Families gathered to honor Rose Park 6th graders as their promotion to junior high was celebrated in a special ceremony on the last day of school. Several students spoke, the students sang, and promotion certificates were handed out. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all these students have accomplished in their time at Rose Park Elementary and to wish them well as they continue their education.
Posted: Date
Art Night brings joy to all who attend
Two incredible leaders and many volunteers came together to provide an incredible evening of art and entertainment for the Rose Park Elementary Community on Tuesday, May 21, 2013. Kathy Coulter, 6th grade teacher, and Genny Campbell, PTA Art Chair, designed an evening focused on sharing student work while also raising more than one-thousand dollars to continue art programs at Rose Park Elementary. Thank you to all who volunteered at and attended this wonderful event.
Posted: May 2013
Rose Park Elementary welcomes incoming Kindergarteners
Rose Park Elementary held a Kindergarten Round-Up on Thurs., April 25, 2013, to welcome next year's Kindergarteners and their families to the Rose Park Elementary community. It was an opportunity to learn about the school and have a little fun. Principal NicoleWarren shared important information about registering for school and general school information helpful for new parents. Ms. Grist, Kindergarten teacher, led the future Kindergarteners through a scavenger hunt through the school to help familiarize them with important locations around the building. Mrs. Clyde and Mrs. Andrews, Kindergarten teachers, delivered a section just for parents on how to help prepare their students academically and emotionally for full-day K. Students and parents left with a parcel of school readiness goodies to help them prepare for the adventure ahead.
Posted: Date
Rose Park students present artwork for new Pioneer Precinct Community Art Gallery Exhibit
Salt Lake City, UT – The Salt Lake City Arts Council announces the opening of Rose Park Student Views, a new exhibit at the Salt Lake city Police Department's Pioneer Precinct building located in Poplar Grove (1040 West 700 South).
This exhibit features digital photographs taken by fifth grade students at Rose Park Elementary. Students worked with photographer John Schaefer on a two part project.
The first part of this project included instruction in photography basics including framing, process, and composition. John had each student take two photographs with no people in them. Once complete, the class reviewed all of the images together. As John projected the photos, he said what he liked most about each picture. This was a verypositive experience for the students as a professional photographer was publicly praising their work. Next, cameras were loaned out to half of the class to take home with them and take pictures. The following day the other half of the class did the same thing. John came back and again the class viewed all of the images. Students then voted on their favorites to have printed and displayed in this exhibition.
The second part of the program, the MAPS Travel Wise aspect,will start at the end of April. As part of Children's Media Workshop's programming, John, will work with the same students to explore personal artistic development and communication using visual, spatial, and media literacy. With support fromUDOT's Travel Wise program and withEsri mapping software there is a special emphasis on critical thinking to develop an aesthetic around student travel, exploring a sense of artistic and community place as well as personalresponsibility for travel issues, taking into consideration safety, empowerment, and the environment.
The exhibit will be on display through June, 2013 and is free and open to the public during regular precinct business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Community Art Gallery at the Pioneer Precinct building is managed by the Salt Lake City Arts Council. Thank you to the following for their cooperation in this community art project: Salt Lake City Arts Council, Salt Lake Art Design Board, John Schaefer, Peter Martin, Rose Park Elementary School, Salt Lake City Police Department, and the artists in the fifth grade class at Rose Park Elementary.
See examples here.
Posted: Date
Information for incoming Kindergarteners
We want to make sure that the parents of all of our 2013-2014 Kindergarteners have the information they need to help their students be successful as they start their school experience. There are specific state requirements for immunizations that apply to all students attending public school. Parents can read more about the 2013-2014 Kindergarten Entry Immunization Requirements here.
Informacion para los futuros alumnos del Jardin de niños (kinder)
Queremos estar seguros que los padres de losalumnosdeljardin de niños(Kinder) del año escolar 2013-2014tengan toda la información necesaria para ayudar a sus estudiantes a tener exito en su primera experiencia escolar.
Hay requisitos especificos por parte del estado acerca de las vacunas que los alumnos deben tener para poder entrar al Jardin de niños(kinder).
Aquí ustedes pueden leer e informarse sobre las vacunas requeridas parapoder asistir a el año escolar 2013-2014.
Posted: Date
Recycle and help our school
Please consider helping our school earn money by bringing your paper recycling to the school and depositing it in the GreenFiber collection container located in the front of the school. Through our partnership with GreenFiber our school earns $30 per ton for all paper collected. You can bring your junk mail, old yellow page directories, newspapers and any other paper you would otherwise recycle at the curb. Bundles can be bound with twine or placed in paper bags. District-wide results are yielding an average of over 100,000 pound (50 tons) each month generating more than $1,300 that goes directly to the schools".Por favor considere ayudar nuestra escuela a ganar dinero por traer su papel para reciclar a la escuela y ponerlo en el recipient GreenFiber que está en el estacionamiento. A través de nuestra asociación con GreenFiber, nuestra escuela gana $30 por tonelada de papel recogido. Usted puede traer el correo propaganda, guía telefónica, periódicos y otros papeles que normalmente reciclan. Los puede tener atado con cordel o en fundas de papel. Los resultados del distrito normalmente entregan más de 100,000 libras (50 toneladas) por mes. Eso nos gana más de $1,300 que ayuda las escuelas directamente.
Posted: Date


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San Francisco, CA (Sports Network) - Josh Donaldson hit two home runs and Oakland routed San Francisco, 8-1, in spring training play Wednesday.
Donaldson finished 4-for-5 with 5 runs batted in and three runs scored, Kila Ka'aihue also scored three times and Jonny Gomes hit a solo homer for the Athletics, who will resume the regular season on Friday when they host the Mariners.
Giants starter Yusmeiro Petit was tagged for six runs on seven hits, including the three home runs, over 3 1/3 innings. Buster Posey knocked in Pablo Sandoval for San Francisco's lone run. The Giants begin the regular season in Arizona on Friday.
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GalleryGeorge McGovern Back to George McGovern
Source: George McGovern on Freebase , licensed under CC-BY
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The Nuclear Regulatory Commission held a public meeting Monday night at the Monticello Community Center to discuss its latest safety review of the Xcel Energy nuclear power plant.
The NRC's 2013 review of the Monticello plant had one "yellow" finding involving the failure to maintain a procedure in the event of a major flood, and regulators downgraded the plant from the its highest performance level to the yellow level, which is second from the bottom on the 4-step scale.
The agency found Xcel Energy wouldn't have been able to build a protective levee within the required 12 days, but Xcel said it now has materials on site and the NRC acknowledges that corrective action has been taken.Monticello has a boiling water reactor, similar to the Fukushima nuclear plant hit by the tsunami in Japan nearly 3 years ago. If a flood, tornado or other disaster were to strike, Xcel Energy, the state and federal agencies have emergency plans that would include detailed mass evacuations within a 10-mile radius.
FOX 9 ARCHIVE: How is nuclear waste stored in Minnesota? | Minn. nuclear reactors ready for disaster?
NRC regional administrator Cynthia Pederson and other staff gave an update on the plant's safety and answered questions about the report Monday night.NRC assessment letter: http://www.nrc.gov/NRR/OVERSIGHT/ASSESS/LETTERS/mont_2013q4.pdf
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Tora! Tora! Tora! blu-ray coverCopyright by respective production studio and/or distributor. Intended for editorial use only.
Directed by: Richard Fleischer, Kinji Fukasaku, Toshio Masuda
Cast: E.G. Marshall, Martin Balsam, Joseph Cotten, Wesley Addy, Richard Anderson, Eijirô Tôno, James Whitmore


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DeForest House is a 1920's Byrdcliffe style private residence located on five wooded acres with in-ground pool within walking distance of Woodstock's Town Center. Your front bedroom with private bath overlooks the woods where deer and turkey come to feed, and the rear bedroom with private bath has its own terrace overlooking the woods. There are lounge areas at the pool and two outside patios, or if you prefer a large living room with fireplace. The library area features lots of books on local attractions and the history of the Hudson Valley. Wifi and cable TV are available in the bedrooms.
Score Breakdown based on
27 Reviews
4.6 on August 24, 2014
My husband and I recently ( AUGUST 2014) brought our daughter and her husband on a weekend getaway from NYC. We were VERY pleased with DeForest House and especially with our hosts, Catherine and John Mason. The Mason's warmly greeted us when we arrived and were extremely gracious and helpful throughout the entire weekend. Oh and by the way, this B&B serves the MOST AMAZING breakfast ever!! It is visually beautiful while being bountifully DELICIOUS! The rooms are both spacious and comfortable and the location was convenient to many nearby attractions. We saw deer in the yard as an added treat! We would highly recommend DeForest House!
5 on June 16, 2014
My wife and I really enjoyed our stay with the Masons. They're lovely people, and they really took care of us. The rooms are both great, there's a very cool living room with interesting decor. We brought our dog, and our hosts treated him like their own pet. They let him come watch TV with them while we were at dinner one night. The house is central to Woodstock, but it's surrounded by trees and a stream so it feels very secluded. It's an old house with a lot of history, but it's been maintained and renovated over the years to be very modern. Breakfast in the morning was a huge spread of fresh local foods. The coffee is french pressed. Honestly it was one of the best B&B's I've ever stayed at.
5 on April 30, 2014
I recently stayed at the DeForest House with the intention to get plenty of rest. With that in mind, I didn't do any planning other than just reserving the room. I was glad that Catherine offered to coordinate my dinner plan, and was pleasantly surprised by the various breakfast selection the next day. It is these light touches that made it feel welcoming. Also, the beautifully done room, when combined with the peaceful environment, induces me to truly rest. Thank you, Catherine and John.
4.6 on April 20, 2014
My husband and I recently spent a perfect weekend at the DeForest B&B in Woodstock. I couldn't recommend it enough! It feels tucked away when you pull up the drive way full of gorgeous trees and when you enter their beautifully decorate home, you immediately will feel welcomed and relaxed. Cathrine and John, the owners, were key in making our vacation so lovely. Their breakfast was amazing, full of homemade treats, and it felt even more special because Cathrine customized it just for us! They had great recommendations for the area. The house is two-minute drive to town, although the walk is also beautiful and only 20-minutes. We highly recommend this B&B for a relaxing trip with friends or with your loved one!
5 on January 25, 2014
While visiting Woodstock last month, I was recommended the DeForest House. What a great choice! John and Catherine were lovely hosts who welcomed me into their exquisitely decorated home which combines French decor with local Woodstock art history. I stayed in the Moroccan room with its warm colors and its own outside patio - which I didn't use given the cold winter. Catherine prepared a delicious breakfast with home made quiche and fresh croissants from the local baker that gave me a taste of Paris. The house is within easy walking distance of the center of town, but is located on a ridge surrounded by woods which makes it feel secluded. Staying with John and Catherine felt like staying with good friends who were attentive to my personal needs but who respected my privacy. Couldn't recommend a better B&B for a weekend get-away.
5 on October 20, 2013
When we arrived at the house we felt as if we entered a different era, a different time zone and a different state of mind. Everything about the house and it's owners, John & Catherine, represented elegance. Our room was authentically Victorian and was impeccably clean and comfortable. We immediately felt at ease and were eager to explore the breath taking scenery around the house. We felt like royals at the Mason's dinning table and enjoyed a delicious variety of offerings. When it was time to leave, we knew we would definitely return. For us, this was not an ordinary stay at a B&B house but a retreat experience.
5 on November 29, 2012
Catherine & John are the perfect hosts in every way - very welcoming and accommodating to all your needs. Their house is beautiful, located just outside the center of Woodstock, surrounded by all the nature has to offer - I even saw a deer right outside their house as I drove up the driveway. The breakfasts are delicious and abundant - and served at the time you want it - not within a certain timeframe which other B&Bs do. I had a wonderful stay and highly recommend this B&B!
5 on November 09, 2012
John and Catherine (innkeepers) were very accommodating by allowing us to bring our pets since we lost power due to hurricane Sandy. They are very friendly, helpful, and recommended the best places to visit in the area. Clean room and delicious breakfast. TOP notch and can't wait to return!!!
4.8 on October 01, 2012
We were visiting from NYC for the weekend and we found this beaut off the beaten path in Woodstock. It's minutes from the heart of the town, very elegant and enchanting. Catherine and John, our hosts, were extraordinary! Very helpful, very accommodating, lovely people. I will definitely return to this place and highly recommend it to friends and family. It actually exceeds your expectations and it is worth every dollar.
4.8 on October 01, 2012
The DeForest House is a gem hidden away in Woodstock. Our hosts were extremely gracious and very helpful with background information about the area and the local attractions. The rooms are very clean, very elegant, on the top floor of this lovely house. It's a Boutique B & B. It may be a bit pricey for folks traveling on a budget, but it is worth every single penny and more! Book it now and expect to be treated like royalty in the Colony of the Arts!
Mountains, Village
Albany, NY (ALB-Albany County) 45 miles
Take New York State Thruway south to Saugerties (Exit 20) Turn on to Rt 212 and proceed 9 miles to Woodstock. Turn on Rock City road off of 212 at the Town Green.
Antique Shopping, Art Galleries, Concert venue, Gourmet/Fine Dining, Historical interests, Lake, Live Music, Movie Theater, Museum, National/State parks, Nature area, Clairmont Manor House, Kingston Roundout Waterfront, Kingston Stockade District, Montgomery Place Manor House, Hurley Stone Houses, FDR Home, Hyde Park, Performing Theater, Picnic area, Religious Services, River, Ruins, Vineyard, Winery
Private Home Bed and Breakfast
Ceiling fans, Fireplace , Complimentary Occitanie Soap and Shampoo, two touring bicycles available for guests
Air conditioning, Alarm clock, In-room internet, Internet Service, Library, Satellite/Cable TV, VCR, Videos, Wi-Fi
Bicycle rental, Bicycles, Bird watching, Cross-country ski trails, Downhill Skiing, Fishing, Hiking trails, Horseback riding, Hunting, Kayaking, Mountain Bike trails, Shopping, Sight-seeing, Snow shoe trails, Swimming, Swimming pool, Whitewater Rafting
John G. Mason/Catherine C. Mason
English, French, Spanish
2 Cats , 1 Dog
Catherine, French National-Interior Design, Foreign Travel, French Language Teacher. John, American National- History of the Hudson Valley. Environmental policy. PH.D.in European Union politics and political economy.
BedandBreakfast.com Diamond Collection


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Listen I was in the same place as everyone else prior to yesterdays game but man o man did I see some things i haven't in YEARS!!! which makes me believe we can still have a winning record if not make the plays offs
Next week JAGS @ home this game is were DMC will get back on track he was able to bust a few yesterday and a few got called back for some ugly holdings (due to willie smith) WIN
@ K.C normally this is a toss up but if there is a more dismal team in the league its this team, they have QB controversy there only weapon is Charles WIN
T.B. comes in to town still tons of bad blood between these two franchise and V. Jackson will have a big day (which he always does for some reason against us) but still a WIN
4-4 here is were it gets tricky
I believe we will split the next two games
@Balt LOSS
@ CIN This will be C. Palmer of old he will have one of his best games of the season if not his career he will have all sides of the ball fired up to re-pay his former team WIN
CLEV @ home this should be a pretty easy game and riding a two game winning streak we continue WIN
DEN @ home Payton manning will lite us up but not enough to beat us WIN
K.C 4 game winning streak is a miracle enough 5 i doubt it LOSS
The next two games we spilt again
Car @ home cam newton rushes for 100 yards and throws for another 100 but DMC takes us for a big W with a late game TD WIN
S.D. TOSS up with the playoffs in the balance which team of the raiders will show up the team of last year or do we make the promise land this game again will decide are playoff faith TOSS UP
9-7 or 10-6
Cheers go Raiders!


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35 super useful wordpress plugins that you may ever need
You will never have to search for a wordpress plugin again. All that you need to do is bookmark this page. That is a promise.In this post I shall be listing most useful plugins that will help you in
- Search Engine Optimization (8)
- Effective Internal Linking (3)
- Commenting (Including spam protection) (8)
- Social Media Marketing (Digg, stumbleupon, plain email) (6)
- Caching (1)
- Navigation (3)
- Advertisement and Monetization (6)
WordPress plugins for Search Engine Optimization
- Google XML Sitemaps: Slap yourself and slap hard if you do not have it already. The plugin creates a sitemap for your blog and keeps updating it automatically everytime you make a new post. Super useful plugin that needs to be installed immediately.
- Sitemap Generator: Highly useful for effectively passing link-juice to the important blog-posts. It produces an html sitemap for your blog that your human visitors can see. You can see it in action here. It provides you with the ability to group your posts into categories, choose which posts to show in the sitemap and which ones to hide. Use the plugin to list your most important posts and then build significant links (internal and external) to this page.
- Canonical URL Plugin: Makes use of the canonical tag feature supported by Google, yahoo and msn and thereby avoids the dreaded duplicate content issue. A must have plugin right in the category of Sitemap generator and All in one SEO Pack.
- All in One SEO Pack: A super useful and most popular wordpress plugin. Automatically optimizes the title,meta description and meta keywords for your post. Allows you to customize them if you want.
- Platinum SEO Pack Similar to the All in One SEO Pack. However some bloggers seem to prefer this one
- Ultimate Tag Warrior : Tags are extremely helpful for targetting long-tail keywords. I know keywords in the title are important. However I can not write a title as "wordpress plugins for seo | wordpress plugins for comment management | ………….." even though I want this post to rank for all those keywords. The best solution is then to add those keywords as separate tags and then I shall have one url pointing to this page with title wordpress plugins for seo and another url with title wordpress plugins for comment management.
- Plugin to solve canonical url issue : Google treats http://binaryday.com, http://www.binaryday.com, http://binaryday.com/index.php and http://www.binaryday.com/index.php as 4 different urls !!!!!!! This splits the external link juice amongst the urls and creates problem of duplicate content. The www-preference (linked above) solves the issue by doing a 301 redirect of all 4 urls to a single url.
- Permalink Migration plugin : Permalink structure determines the format of url for individual posts. The structure of your permalink has significant impact on seo. The problem is if you change your permalink structure then old bookmarks and external links will stop working. This plugin solves the problem and allows you to optimize your permalink structure for best seo result.
- Search Meter : Your blog is the best place to conduct keyword research. It tells you what are the keywords yours users are searching for so that you can create content that satisfies their need.
- SEO Friendly Images: More people search for images than you think. Image search has become even important after Google's universal search roll out put image into standard Google SERP. It is common knowledge that having good alt and title tag helps a lot in image search. The seo friendly images plugin will autmatically assign an alt and title tag in situations where you have forgotten to put one.
WordPress plugins for Effective Internal Linking
Internal linking is very often the most neglected SEO aspect. Considering that this is the single most important reason for wikipedia pages ranking so high, I am surprised that not many bloggers use it. Effective internal linking keeps your olders posts fresh on google index and builds new links to them, thereby protecting flow of traffic to them.
- Yet another related posts plugin Shows related posts at the bottom of each post. Increases number of pageviews per user.
- Show your best work to visitor: It calculates popularity based on pageviews, comments and trackbacks. Helps you display the most popular posts to visitors thereby increasing the probability of them getting impressed and subscribing/ linking to you.
- Internal Linking: The plugin lists the most widely used words and against them you can specify a url to link to. Then whenever you use any of those words, it automatically inserts a link to the relevant post. Great for keeping content fresh in Google-cache.
WordPress plugins for better Commenting and spam protection
- Akismet: You can not allow commenting on your blog without installing this plugin.
- CommentLuv This plugin shows a link to the latest blog post of the commentator. Definite encouragement for other bloggers to leave a comment on your blog especially if your blog gets decent traffic.
- Top Commentators widget Shows the top commentators of your blog. You can select the duration over which the top commentator is calculated. Avoid the temptation to set it to 1 day as then only spammers will show up. If you set the time period to 7 days or a month, regular commentators on your blog get a free link from you.
- Show an email to first time commentator : It does exactly what it says i.e sends an email to the first time commentator on your blog.
- Most recent comments Displays the recent comments on your sidebar. Keeps the discussion alive by getting attention to posts where discussion is going on.
- subscribe to comments plugin lets a user know when someone has replied to a comment that she has posted. Works like a charm in getting some passionate discussion going.
- Nested comments is a great way to keep different threads of discussion among the users separate. Not necessary for smaller blogs with less than 10 comments per post though.
- comment highlighter allows you to make the comments by the author stand out by highlighting the same in a different color.
WordPress plugins for Social Media and plugins to help your blog go viral
If you have a relatively new blog, then you will do well to focus more on social media sites like Digg and Stumbleupon, rather than waiting for google to start showing you some love. Social media tends to treat each individual post on its merit. Hence if you can write good and interesting topic then you can attract traffic.
- Addthis : This is one of the few plugins that I use on Binaryday. Adds a button to the post. As the users clicks on the button, it opens a page with large number of social media sites links. Keeps your site clutter free while providing the user an option to add your site to any social media he likes.
- diggZ-Et : It puts the familiar digg button on your posts. Works like a good reminder to your visitors to digg up your post. Hope you will remember to digg this post by seeing that big digg button at the bottom of this post.
- Stumble-It : Puts a stumble button at the bottom of your post. Great for reminding users to stumble you.
- Stumbleupon for wordpress : It allows users to read more similar posts from your blog. Really helpful at increasing pageviews/user.
- WordTwit: Highly useful plugin for publicising your blog on twitter. It automatically pushes your published post to your twitter account.
- email this: Allows users to email your post to their friends. You will be surprised by how useful it can be.
WordPress plugin for efficient caching
If you have done the above steps (SEO, internal linking and social media marketing) correctly then there is a good chance that your server will be having tough time serving up your blog to the massive traffic that is flowing in. Wp-Super-Cache reduces the load on your server by caching your blog pages and then serving static html pages to subsequent users.
WordPress plugins for Better Navigation
- Pagination Plugin : Display clear and beautiful links to the inner pages of your blog. Offers the ability to style the page bar according to your choice with little bit of coding.
- Horizontal Dropdown Menu : This is not a plugin. Rather this is a code sample explaining how to create a magazine style horizontal menu. I could not find a good plugin for this functionality. If you hate coding, here is a plugin. But then the fact is the demo looks little messy.
- Sticky Post : Adds a sticky post feature to your blog.
WordPress plugins for Advertisement and Monetization
- All in One Adsense and YPN and adsense deluxe allow you to insert adsense ads into your blog post. Can help in increasing CTR significantly.
- AdSense Sharing Revenue and Earnings System enables you to share revenue with blog authors
- Now Reading Display books from amazon and earn commisson
- Paypal Donate Add a link to your paypal account so users can tip you
- chitika plugin helps you integrate chitika ads to your blog.
WordPress plugins for Everything else
- Contact Commentators : It allows you to contact the previous commentators on your blog. You can now thank your new commenters for their comment, appreciate long term active commenters for their continued support, inform all commenters about new services, send greetings on special occasions or events, analyze the commenters' contribution etc
- Wp-Security-Scan It scans your wordpress installation for security vulnerabilities like 777 file permission and offers corrective measures
- Wp-DB-Manager: Automates the backup, repair and all other admin functionalities related to wp database.


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I saw this on Twitter and thought I would share it here. Rumor has it that the Bulls are exploring a deal that would bring Jeremy Lin to Chicago.
Here's the link
[Best I can tell, there's no actual source for this rumor. It mentions 'Fox Sports reports' but there's no such report. -yfbb]
I took a trip to the Trade Machine, and here's a possible trade between us, the Rockets, and the Hawks.
I like the idea of us getting Lin as a 6th man off the bench for (hopefully) a contending Bulls team next year, but this doesn't exactly follow the widespread idea that GarPax is asking for a player + 1st rd pick for Deng. Thoughts?