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On Tuesday we announced the launch of the annual #UnionTop10 series arrives Wednesday.
Here we are.
We kick off week one of the five-week "Best of"series with a pairing of two firsts this season. We pit scoring stalwart Sebastien Le Toux against fellow teammate Andrew Wenger. In Le Toux' it was the goal he scored to kick off the 2014 Major League Soccer season at home with a 1-0 win over New England, finishing off a great run from midfielder Leo Fernandes and scored his first of 12 League goals this season.
What's really significant about this goal is that Le Toux extended his mark of scoring in Union home openers to four.
In 2010, it was a trio at Lincoln Financial Field against D.C. United, followed up with a penalty kick goal in PPL Park's opener against Seattle in June of that year. In 2013, Le Toux got the ball rolling in the black third kits against Sporting Kansas City and of course this beauty on March 15 this season…
We pair that with Andrew Wenger, the Lancaster, Pa. native who arrived just before the April 12 match against Real Salt Lake via a trade from Montreal for Jack McInerney. People wondered with Jack Mac coming off a 12-goal season the year before if Wenger could come in and follow suit. Not only did he follow suit, but scored this goal against Real Salt Lake that put the stamp on his arrival to Philadelphia with authority.
What's significant about this goal is that just minutes before Wenger scored, McInerney in his debut for Montreal, scored to put the Impact up one. But before the grumblings could begin on the loss of Jack Mac and his production, Wenger left no doubt with this thing of beauty.
Now you decide.
Which moment moves on to the Final Five? Will it be Le Toux keeping the streak going or Wenger's authoritative PPL Park debut? Cast your vote below. Voting is open until Tuesday, Nov. 18 so make sure you have your say on which moment moves on. We'll host the next pairing right here on philadelphiaunion.com on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
Contact Union digital editor Kerith Gabriel at email@example.com
So you're probably wondering where the Daily Doop has been…
And judging by the emails, we've received we know you have.
Well, much like our fans the shock and awe of Saturday night's loss to the Crew resonated among our staff, so much so that we really didn't know what to say.
While spirits are still high as players look to end the season on a high note, the idea that we actually had something meaningful to say after Saturday, would've been a lie.
When you get punched in the mouth like that it's hard to speak for a few days, you know?
However, the show goes on as the home finale looms large as Sporting Kansas City is up next this Saturday (7 p.m., purchase tickets) and the first two days of practice have been quite positive with the Union players still jockeying for position as to who will crack the starting XI this weekend.
One thing that doesn't look likely is the notion that interim manager Jim Curtin will play a lot of reserves in these final two.
When asked that during his weekly press conference Tuesday, Curtin told reporters:
"I'll always be a guy who will play young players. I'll play old players. I'll play the best team. [Sebastien Le Toux] got an ankle injury so there might be a spot that opens up. I'm going to play the best team. It's not a charity – its pro sports…I'm not just going to give guys games because the season is over. I still believe in playing guys who earn it during the week in practice."
You could call it "coach speak," but Curtin doesn't really do coach speak very well, so…
Moving on…
The players were off Wednesday (except for rookie goalkeeper Andre Blake and Harrisburg City Islanders goalie Brian Sylvestre both who came in for an extra training session today), but two of them were gracious enough to spend their off day giving back to fans via social media. Both midfielders Danny Cruz and Amobi Okugo were active on the Philadelphia Union Twitter and Instagram accounts, with Cruz taking over Instagram showing his day off:
Coffee shop selfie in university city ...about to catch a movie...any suggestions??
And giving a lucky fan a pair of field seats for submitting this awesome photo:
So many great photos thank you all for sending them in! @tyronej146 a lot going on in this pic and I love it ...you are the winner of 2 field seats to this weekends game...we will get in touch with you! #DOOP
Meanwhile Okugo was Day No. 3 deep into his Trivia Week:
Wednesday's question: how many times has @amobisays worn captain's armband? Prize: Chance to win four (4) field seats pic.twitter.com/RCYkILom5y
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) October 15, 2014
Both are giving away field seats for this weekend's match against Sporting Kansas City, so log on, play along and they could pick you. Even if you aren't picked today, Okugo's contest runs through Friday, and the prizes include four (4) tickets for Saturday (Thursday's prize) and a $50 gift card to Tilted Kilt (Friday).
On Wednesday, Union CEO and operating partner Nick Sakiewicz sat down with CSNPhilly.com on-air personality Marshall Harris for a two-part interview to discuss all things Philadelphia Union past, present and future:
Taping the next @CSNPhilly "State of the Union" now with a sit down with @NSakiewicz. You'll wanna watch this one... pic.twitter.com/YdS73sgVO1
— Kerith Gabriel (@sprtswtr) October 15, 2014
Couple interesting things discussed in the sit down that will air Friday, Oct. 24 (7 p.m. on The Comcast Network; 11:30 p.m. on Comcast SportsNet):
Sakiewicz says getting bona fide attack minded striker is "number one" offseason priority.
Alludes to the fact that our contingent of goalkeepers "need to get games" under their belt.
And that he knows "the shelf life of Philly fandom" is short and that doing all it takes to get wins and only wins is the main mindset going into offseason preparation.
Now this is cool…
In conjunction with Major League Soccer, Chipotle, a major league sponsor created a series of videos showing behind the scenes at the inaugural Chipotle Homegrown Game during MLS All-Star weekend. Here's the first post below. You can check out to the entire four part mini-series here.
That's all for today; we WILL return tomorrow and Friday with our weekend wrap now that the sting is finally gone.
Catch you all tomorrow.
Contact Union digital editor Kerith Gabriel at firstname.lastname@example.com
We all know the feeling.
The alarm clock goes off and we hit snooze. After 3-4 rounds of pressing reset on the clock we know that we need to wake up and start the day. We stumble out of bed and begin our day. Depending on your situation you may have kids that you need to get ready for school which always adds stress to your morning routine. If you don't have kids you may have a few extra minutes that allow you time to get a fresh cup of coffee and start your day.
Whatever your situation, I believe your morning ritual is such a key factor in how your day goes. I admit I'm guilty of coming downstairs and reaching for my cell phone. I know that it's not the best thing for me since it will most likely initiate a stress response and that is not an ideal to start the day.
Below are five (5) ways you can start your day that can have a positive impact on your health:
1. Take ten deep breaths before you jump out of bed. Many of us wake up worrying about what we need to do for the day. By taking ten deep breaths this allows you to tap into your parasympathetic system (rest and digest) which is a good way to start your day.
2. Before you reach for the coffee grab a large glass of fresh water. By adding some sea salt and lemon this will kick start your hydration for the day.
3. Get in a quick workout. If you are short on time, here is a circuit workout (videos included) that you can do with only one kettlebell or one dumbbell. Set a timer for 15-20 minutes and rest as much as you need to. Warm up with some foam rolling for five minutes and add in some mobility work (i.e. ankle mobility, hip mobility, thoracic spine mobility as well as 10 body weight squats and 10 push-ups). Keep this workout short and as always focus on good form.
One important note: Do not do this work out without FIRST warming up.
- A1. Kettlebell swing: six (6) reps (Note, if you do not know how to do a proper deadlift do not do a kettlebell swing. First learn how to do a deadlift and hinge at your hips.)
- Video: Kettlebell swing
- A2. Kettlebell goblet split squat: six (6) reps/side
- Video: Split squat- Goblet
- A3. Kneeling kettlebell lift: six (6) per side
- Video: Kneeling kettlebell lift
- A4. Kettlebell single leg RDL- six (6) reps per side
- Video: Single leg RDL
- A5. Turkish get up: 3 reps/side
- Video: Turkish get up
- Rest 60 seconds and repeat
4. Eat some fat and protein with a small amount of carbohydrates. By doing this early in the day it will allow you to experience the following:
a. Steady sugar levels
b. Satiety. You will feel comfortably full as you start your day. It won't be a feeling of being bloated but rather a feeling of being satisfied as you start your day.
Here are two options for you:
Two (2) eggs (organic if possible), cooked in grass-fed butter with red peppers and some cheese mixed in. Add in a side of strawberries.
A smoothie with Hemp or whey protein, spinach (leafy), frozen raspberries and coconut oil (melted). Add in some ice and blend it up.
5. Mix in some Yoga. The morning is a great time to clear your mind and by adding in a 5-10 minute routine it can help you later in the day.
Please keep in mind that you don't have to do all five of these things listed above. Pick one of these tips and implement them into your routine. Over time develop your own routine that will allow you to have a minimum of twenty minutes each morning for yourself. I know this will seem impossible for some but if you look at your schedule I am sure that you can carve out time for yourself. That may mean that you need to go to bed earlier or put down your cell phone. Your morning ritual is a key player in your health and well being.
Good luck with your training!
Follow Union fitness coach Kevin Miller on Twitter: @kmillertraining and on Instagram: kevinmillertraining. Also, Miller is a featured panelist on Philly.com's Sports Doc blog: http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sportsdoc). For best practices along with additional health and fitness tips, check out: Philly.com/Health
It was a busy weekend that spilled into a relatively routine Monday here at Philadelphia Union HQ.
The players trained at PPL Park today, as they prepare for Thursday's match against Chicago at PPL Park (8 p.m., purchase tickets).
A pleasant sight was Sebastien Le Toux in training gear and cleats as he joined his teammates for practice. Le Toux left the field at RFK Stadium in Saturday's game against D.C. United in what early reports cited as a right ankle sprain. He later returned to the field with crutches, which appears to merely be a precaution as Le Toux was back out on the training pitch today. He will undergo an MRI and more information will be known once the results are in.
You can hear what Union interim manager Jim Curtin has to say about it during his weekly press conference which has been moved to Tuesday at noon given Thursday's match. Watch LIVE by logging on to philadelphiaunion.com/live.
Moving on…
Congratulations are in order for the Philadelphia Union Special Olympics (Pa.) team which took part in the first ever "unified match" after playing D.C. United's group from Special Olympics (D.C.). The Union team battled back from a goal down to win 3-2 over D.C. United.
Want more insight on the impetus of this match and annual plans to keep it going? Check out this piece that appeared on the Union website last week.
Also, congrats to Union midfielder Michael Lahoud as his #KickEbolaintheButt campaign continues to get exposure. On Sunday, Lahoud along with Temple professor Thilo Kunkel teamed up to hold an event at the university, best attended by a few of Lahoud teammated and even better explained via subsequent articles written locally by CBSLocal.com and the Philadelphia Inquirer and even a broader piece in Monday's Washington Post.
Thanks for the support at today's @STHM sponsored event to: "@amobisays: #KickEbolaInTheButt pic.twitter.com/4cthdeH04y
— Thilo Kunkel (@ThiloKunkel) September 29, 2014
Stuff you should read…
We all do it, but there is no reason to hit the panic button on a season that is far from lost. And in this piece, yours truly explains why…one of my favorite pieces of the day is the weekly Public League soccer roundup the guys over at Philly Soccer Page have took to doing. This week, contributor Josh Trott breaks down each division and even looks at the Catholic League…finally, Dave Zeitlin explores the remaining Union schedule and more in a push for the playoffs.
Wanted to put in your head now about our next Union Day this Sunday at East Norriton Middle School in Norristown:
Meet @PhilaUnion players, enjoy fun games and a free soccer clinic all on Union Day (10/5)! http://t.co/bn2vRLC2kT pic.twitter.com/7LFm9iWlWN
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) September 29, 2014
And finally…
You know Ray Gaddis. Chances are you probably love Ray Gaddis.
Well with that said, the Union defender desperately needs your help. Take a look at what he wrote Sunday afternoon. If you can help and if you don't already, please follow Gaddis on Twitter and give him some tips:
A true Southern (and Midwestern) gentleman, we can guarantee you he'd be "much obliged."
I really want to learn how to make a good chili and jambalaya.
— ray gaddis (@raygaddis) September 28, 2014
Catch you all tomorrow.
Contact Union digital editor Kerith Gabriel at firstname.lastname@example.com
"The opportunity of a lifetime."
That's how Philadelphia School District special education teacher Nastassja Falterbauer described Saturday's Special Olympics Unified Soccer match at RFK Stadium for students at Martin Luther King High School.
Thanks to a partnership between Philadelphia Union, D.C. United and the Special Olympics organization, a 5v5 soccer match between Special Olympics Pennsylvania and Special Olympics District of Columbia will take place immediately following the Union-United match. The two teams will be honored at halftime and then are scheduled to kickoff around 6:15 p.m.
In total, 11 players will make the early-morning road trip to Washington, D.C. The 5v5 match consists of two 15-minute halves. Falterbauer said she hopes the two teams can play again next year at PPL Park, allowing the D.C. players to also have the opportunity to play at another stadium outside of their home city.
"It's a really great experience for the players," said Falterbauer, who also serves as team coach. "Opportunities like this don't present themselves often. It's great to be able to go to another city and play against other players."
Falterbauer and her players received the opportunity by winning the Philadelphia Regional district championship. The team was honored at PPL Park at halftime when the Union hosted the Houston Dynamo, Saturday, Sept. 20. But for many of them, all aged 17 or 18, taking in the action was their first MLS experience.
"The kids were elated," she said. "They had never experienced anything like that – to be able watch them play, be down on the field… they were just in awe of everything.
But now, for a chance to share the same pitch as Union players?
"That excitement of [watching the Union play] is great," she continued. "But to be able to play at the same stadium is even more incredible. It's all they talk about."
This is the first year of the Unified Soccer program within Special Olympics. So it's a new experience for everyone, not just Falterbauer and the players. And that experience has been just as important for the Philadelphia Union.
"The relationship that has been developed these past six months between MLS Works, Special Olympics DC, Special Olympics PA, DC United and Philadelphia Union has truly been a lesson in camaraderie and single mindedness of purpose," Rick Jacobs, executive director of the Philadelphia Union Foundation, said.
"That purpose has been to provide an opportunity for young people to share in a common goal while using the game of soccer as a conduit to reinforce all that is good about sport," Jacobs continued. "We are proud to participate in this inaugural unified match. We are excited because the authentic experience coupled with the inclusive nature of the participants, speaks to who we strive to be each and every day at Philadelphia Union."
Added Falterbauer:
"The Union and MLS have gone above and beyond what we expected them to do. From supplying uniforms and equipment, they've really given these players an unbelievable experience. We hope we can make the partnership grow from year to year."
For more information about Special Olympics Pennsylvania, visit: http://www.specialolympicspa.org/
- Article written by Chris Winkler, Philadelphia Union Communications
Special Olympics launched a partnership with Major League Soccer (MLS) last fall and the cornerstone of its relationship with them includes a Unified Sports® soccer exchange program. Unified Sports® is an inclusive sports program that puts athletes with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. Through the soccer exchange, Unified soccer teams receive training from MLS players and coaches in preparation for exhibition matches with their Special Olympics counterparts. Each game, scheduled in conjunction with MLS club matches, features Unified Teams from local Special Olympics chapters and takes place immediately following the professional game on the field.
On Saturday, Sept. 27, Special Olympics Pa. (Philadelphia Union team) will take on Special Olympics D.C. (D.C. United team) immediately following the Philadelphia Union vs. D.C. United match at the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C.
Unified matches provide MLS fans with an opportunity to witness first-hand, the talents and abilities of Special Olympics soccer players. The partnership between Major League Soccer and Special Olympics North America promote awareness, respect, inclusion and acceptance of Special Olympics athletes amongst MLS players, clubs, supporters and partners, creating new participants, coaches, and fans needed to grow the sport of soccer within Special Olympics North America programs.
The Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) Unified Team is comprised of athletes from Chester Upland School District and the School District of Philadelphia.
Join Special Olympics for a fun filled day of soccer on Sept. 27 as the Philadelphia Union takes on D.C. United in two great matches.
What: D.C. United vs. Philadelphia Union / Special Olympics (Pa.) vs. Special Olympics (D.C.) Unified Match
When: Sept. 27th. Starting immediately upon conclusion of the MLS match between the Union and rival D.C. United.
Where: RFK Stadium (http://www.dcunited.com/matchday/stadium/directions-to-rfk-stadium)
Tickets: https://oss.ticketmaster.com/html/go.htmI?l=EN&t=dcunited&o=189&g=2856, use promo code: SODCU14
The club was back in training on Friday as preparations for Sunday's match against San Jose continued – this time with an anticipated face returning to the fray.
New Union goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi participated in the full hour long session Friday morning at PPL Park, joining Zac MacMath and rookie Andre Blake in a session of instruction with goalkeeper coach BJ Callaghan before integrating with the rest of the club for a series of drills.
When asked how it felt to be back, Mbolhi smiled and told philadelphiaunion.com:
"It's good to be back, nice to be with my teammates and get going with my new club."
While yet unknown, given the week he's had it seems unlikely Mbolhi will feature Sunday. On Wednesday, Union manager Jim Curtin told reporters that it was important the two-time FIFA World Cup veteran felt 100 percent both mentally and physically before heading back out on the pitch. Curtin also mentioned before that happened that he would have a "good sit down" with Mbolhi to see where he's at.
Both Mbolhi and Blake remained to train with Callaghan for close to an hour post practice, so right off the bat it was impressive to see the Algerian eagerly putting in the work.
The team will have a short walk through Saturday to prepare for Sunday. Friday was more of getting the players back out on the pitch after a much needed day of rest Thursday. Also out on the pitch with the players this morning was the inspirational story of eight-year-old super fan Harry Kane Jr. who got a chance not only watch but participate in training exercises this morning.
Harry's father, Harry Kane Sr. praised the generosity, in awe that Harry was able to hang and get so involved with the "big boys" for a day.
What was also special is that Harry got a chance meet and chat with his favorite player, forward Conor Casey.
"This is something he won't forget for the rest of his life," said Kane Sr. "I know my son and this is a memory that will stick with him. Everyone was so great with him and it really speaks to the volume of just how great of an organization this is."
Mr. Kane, on behalf of all of us here at the Philadelphia Union, it was our pleasure…
Moving on…
If you missed it, defender Ray Gaddis had a one-hour "ask me anything" session Friday afternoon on Reddit. Ray was asked a variety of questions, all of which he graciously answered. To check out the full transcript of Gaddis' AMA, click this link.
And if you wondered whether or not Gaddis had fun with it, just look at that smile...
Odds and endlines…
Season ticket holders, you have until Sunday to order your tickets to the Sept. 16 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final if you would like to sit in your seats. If you have additional questions, contact our Fan Services department at 877-21-UNION, press (1) for tickets followed by (3) for Fan Services. You can do the same if you have any questions pertaining to the revised parking setup for Lots B and C, with the ongoing construction of what will be a multi-field practice facility for the club...Be sure to check out the Match Preview and Match Preview video ahead of Sunday's match with San Jose...Still have yet to reserve your seat to see FIFA World Cup (2014) veteran Chris Wondolowski get after FIFA World Cup (2010) veteran Maurice Edu? One click right here will solve that problem.
And finally…
The #ALSIceBucketChallenge has been going on for a while now to the tune of over $41 million dollars in charitable donations raised to the cause. Last week, the Union front office did it and on Friday, Union technical director Chris Albright was next up to get dunked on...with the help of players Andrew Wenger and Carlos Valdes, who were eager to have the chance to dump mostly crushed ice on the former MLS and U.S. national team stalwart.
A birdie tells us that Union CEO and operating partner Nick Sakiewicz is up next...Check Monday's Daily #DOOP for that one including reactions and much more from Sunday's match.
Contact Union digital editor Kerith Gabriel at email@example.com
For the second day in a row, major Union news was made public.
On Tuesday, it was the confirmation that a minor car accident in France had less of an impact of goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi returning to the States and rejoining his Philadelphia Union teammates more over the current State Department glitch that is affecting the thousands that are trying to obtain passports and work visas.
However, Union manager Jim Curtin shed light that Mbolhi's flight was schedule to arrive Wednesday and that he is slated to return to training on Friday. The club is off Thursday, but will train Friday and Saturday before Sunday night's match against San Jose at PPL Park (8 p.m., purchase tickets).
"As soon as we get him, we'll be happy," Curtin said during his weekly press conference Wednesday. "He has passport in hand, he's is on flight and officially ready to go. He'll do something on his own (Thursday) we have something set up for him to work with our goalkeeping coach B.J. Callaghan, but with the quick turnaround he's a guy that said he needs to be 100 percent before he debuts and debuts are special…he wants to be 100 percent sharp and I totally get that."
But the big news of Wednesday was the announcement of a multi-year contract renewal with baking giant Bimbo Bakeries USA. News of the deal was first reported by Philadelphia Business Journal writer John George Wednesday morning with the Union confirming the report later in that day on philadelphiaunion.com.
"Bimbo Bakeries USA has had a tremendous four year relationship with the Philadelphia Union," said Vince Melchiorre, senior vice president of marketing at Bimbo Bakeries USA. "Everyone at the Union – from Nick Sakiewicz, to the front office, to the coaches and players--support our efforts and value our partnership. That high level of support and trust made it an easy decision for us to continue our jersey sponsorship with the Union. During the coming years, the Union will work with us to strengthen the connection for consumers between Bimbo and several of our great brands."
The beauty of this revamped deal with Bimbo is that the proceeds of this longer term deal directly benefits the Union as best explained via this interview from Philly.com soccer writer Jonathan Tannenwald that featured both comments from Union and Bimbo officials.
Back to the team side…
If he is feeling any effects of a hamstring injury you wouldn't know it as Union midfielder Cristian Maidana had a really strong training session Wednesday morning. The crafty playmaker even ended practice on the final drill. In a short-sided, short field drill, Maidana took a pass, used a great move to elude his defender and hit a ball as he was falling down that curled around the goalkeeper and into the far post.
It was world class…in practice.
"He looked great today," said Curtin. "He looked like the Chaco Maidana we all know. We need to get him back if this team wants to make the playoffs, not just the playoffs but to go far in the playoffs. He is a guy that is a big piece, whether it is centrally or wide left. He sees the game differently and guys like that are few and far between in our league and in the world right now."
Odds and endlines…
Join Union defender Ray Gaddis for a one hour chat this Friday at noon as he does an "Ask Me Anything" session on Reddit. For our fans on Reddit, you can click here to chat with Gaddis or follow along on http://www.reddit.com/r/mls
He'll answer. You just have to ask. Catch @philaunion defender @raygaddis for a Friday chat at noon on @reddit #DOOP pic.twitter.com/CdTERRqcah
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) August 21, 2014
If you haven't seen it yet, our video team sat down for this feature with Union midfielder Danny Cruz, who coaches a youth club in his spare time.
Again, the team is off Thursday, so all is quiet, but be sure to visit philadelphiaunion.com Friday as we get you ready for Sunday's showdown with San Jose with match previews, scouting reports and of course another edition of the Daily #DOOP.
Contact Union digital editor Kerith Gabriel at email@example.com
As a coach I have heard all of the excuses as to why people can't commit to a training program. I understand that everyone is overbooked and has very hectic lives but when it comes to our health we need to find the time. Here are some of the more common responses I hear from people as to why they are unable to start a program and improve their health and fitness.
- I don't belong to a gym.
- At the end of the day the last thing I feel like doing is exercising.
- It costs too much to eat healthy.
- I use to be in good shape back in high school but now I don't really have any reason to exercise.
- I have kids and I just can't find the time to exercise.
- I am too old.
- I don't want to get big and bulky so why should I lift weights.
Blah, blah, blah!!!! Now that you are done making these excuses I am going to share with you TEN ways that you can improve your health in less than TEN minutes a day by implementing some of these ideas into your routine. Now, these tips are not going to get you in shape to do an Ironman, however, they will get you headed down the path towards feeling better and hopefully convince you that you do not need to spend hours upon hours exercising to see gains in your overall health.
Are you ready? Here we go.
1. Have a morning ritual
When you pop out of bed tomorrow instead of reaching for your cell phone to "update your status" take ten minutes for yourself. By simply talking ten minutes it can have a big impact on how your day goes. Instead of reaching for your phone that will most likely stress you out and raise your cortisol levels, here is what you can do:
Get a big glass of water with lemon (good for digestion)
Walk outside barefoot and get some sunlight (it helps set your circadian rhythm which is critical to your sleep cycle)
Meditate for 5 minutes and take some deep diaphragmatic breaths.
2. Go for a walk without your cell phone
Walking is so good for you. It can improve your mobility, posture as well as strengthen your heart. However, when I see someone walking with their cell phone I can't help but think that they are not moving efficiently. Unless it's an emergency put the phone down and WALK. Move your arms with a purpose. Don't just "simply fall forward". Pick up your feet, move your arms and clear your head for 10 minutes and watch what happens to your attitude as well as your energy.
3. Do ten (10) minutes of pull ups
Pull-ups are so good for you. They can improve your posture as well as your grip strength. They can develop a strong back and improve your speed when you run. Here is how you can do it: Find a pull-up bar and set a timer. Do as many as you can in ten minutes. If you can't do any than use a resistance band (buy them here with this link: https://rbt.infusionsoft.com/go/bd/kevinm). Rest whenever you need to rest. Record your number and do this for eight (8) weeks and see how much you improve from week to week.
4. Run hill sprints
Hill sprints are great way to build strength and endurance. Plus, it's a safe way to run when it comes to hamstring pulls and other soft tissue injuries. Find a hill that takes anywhere from 10-30 seconds to run up. Walk back down and repeat.
5. Bear Crawl
If you want one exercise that can improve mobility, stability, flexibility, strength, gait as well as your endurance than head out to a park or field and do some bear crawls. Simply get down on all fours and crawl. I would recommend that you crawl for 30 seconds and then rest for 30 seconds. Do this 10 for a great workout.
6. Resistance Band Training
If you don't belong to a gym resistance band training is the perfect option for you. Simply purchase a set of bands (red, black or purple) and head to a park or your own backyard. Set the timer and try these 3 exercises.
- Band chest press: 10 reps
- Band rows: 10 reps
- Band resistance runs: 15 seconds
Rest for 30 seconds and repeat.
7. Yoga
I have only done yoga a handful of times, however, I always feel better at the end of the session than I did at the beginning. A great way to add this to your routine is to take a class with an instructor and implement some of the movements into your own routine. Yoga can be a great way to relive stress as well as improve mobility. Men, especially, can really benefit from adding yoga to their routine.
8. Walk barefoot on the grass
Over the past couple of years the topic of "earthing" has become more and more popular. A simple way to "ground" yourself is to walk barefoot on the grass either first thing in the morning (wet grass is best) or any time of day. It can help with jetlag, sleep disturbances, recovery as well as muscle aches and pains. Give it a shot. All of you have to do is walk or sit on the grass or sand (the beach is a great place to do this. Think about it, don't you always feel better on the beach?)
9. Play with your dog
When it comes to having a dog there are so many benefits. One of the best things that you can do for both your dog and yourself is to play in the backyard or park. Dogs love to run short sprints and then relax (sounds like the perfect interval to me). Get outside, run with the dog and then relax. Do this for 10 minutes and you will have worked on your speed, mobility, and agility.
10. Walk with a loved one
I don't think I need to explain this but I will. All of us are so busy (myself included) and we need to stop and spend time with our loved ones. A simple 10 minute walk can have tremendous health benefits for you. Put the cell phone away, hold hands (you will get some great hormone benefits by holding hands by releasing Oxytocin) and walk and talk.
Well, there you have it. Ten ways in ten minutes to improve your health. Nowhere on this list do you see anything about a gym membership or boot camp instructors screaming at you. Get outside today and implement these tips and watch your health improve.
Good luck!
Follow Union fitness coach Kevin Miller on Twitter: @kmillertraining and on Instagram: kevinmillertraining. Also, Miller is a featured panelist on Philly.com's Sports Doc blog: http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sportsdoc). For best practices along with additional health and fitness tips, check out: Philly.com/Health
Life wasn't always easy for Raymon Gaddis and Andre Blake.
Professional soccer has always been a dream but getting here was half the battle.
Gaddis and Blake were born worlds apart, one hails from a small town in Jamaica while the other calls the American Midwest home. From the outside these may seem like opposite ends of the residential spectrum but dreams manifest themselves no matter the circumstances. But for these two being a professional soccer player was the only occupation they believed in.
As both players find themselves productive members of an American professional soccer team it would be understandable for them to think their jobs were done but this could not be further from the truth.
This sense of responsibility led both players to the Boys and Girls Club of Delaware on an overcast Wednesday evening to share their stories with a group of young Wilmington, Delaware children whose circumstances bear a striking resemblance to the player's upbringing.
"Everyday that I play for the Philadelphia Union I don't take it for granted and I feel a sense of responsibility to the community because I made it out of my circumstances," Gaddis said during a recent interview
Most of the children in the crowd were members of Mike's TEAM a mentoring program where volunteers from the surrounding area come once a week for an hour session where the volunteer helps a child with homework, academic practices, and life-skills. Many of the children come from low-income families and Mike's TEAM provides them with a positive environment where they can focus on achieving their goals.
The organization has a three-fold mission statement that promotes the self-worth of youth, enables youths to make positive life choices, and finally strives to improve their lives, and communities.
A place like this oozes positivity, but reinforcement from those that have lived that life is what can make all the difference for these aspiring young minds.
Enter Raymon Gaddis and Andre Blake.
When Gaddis and Blake arrived at the event many of the children had a vague idea of who the Philadelphia Union were and what the club stands for. Like most young people the minute they heard professional athlete their ears perked up and they became fully invested in what the players had to say.
Andre Blake and the kids of the Wilmington Boys & Girls Club share a laugh during a meet and greet Wednesday
"To see successful, professional athletes and hear stories about the adversity they encountered as young people was very powerful for the Club's youth. It was moving to see the kids understand that these players faced challenges similar to their own," said Mike's TEAM Executive Director Megan Kneisl-Faulkner.
Looking around the at the young, impressionable faces, many sat wide-eyed listening to the two players speak, for the kids it was a moment they won't soon forget, but the same goes for both players.
"I feel like I can relate so much to these kids, and I hope that my message can stick with them whenever they are going through tough times or facing adversity. They can think back to today and what I have gone through to get here," said Blake.
The key word from the entire day was adversity, and not simply how to deal with it, but how to overcome it. Both Ray and Andre used the word extensively in their discussions with the kids, because they understand the importance of succeeding through the hard times.
For them success isn't necessarily all about becoming a professional athlete, it's also about becoming a good person. Both players made sure to remind the kids that while it may have been their dream to be professional athletes, it's not only about what you want to be, but the journey you take to get there.
The players stressed that this journey is going to be full of adversity, and sacrifices are going to have to be made. Ray described keeping his "eye on the prize" while some of his closest friends were making the wrong choices he had to remain stalwart in his mission.
Both players admitted it can be hard because often what others are doing around you is more "fun" then extra time in the weight room or a weekend study session, but these are what make you successful.
Success isn't measured by the car you drive or the house you live in, true success is defined by the person you are, both players know that events like this are where they can truly articulate this message, and why they are so inclined to come to places like the Boys and Girls Club.
Ray and Andre were once the kids they spoke to, they grew up facing challenges on a daily basis that required them to make tough choices, but the right choices.
"My senior year of high school a group of guys that I hung with decided to rob a store, I told them it wasn't right, and I literally walked the other way," Gaddis recalled. "A couple of them got caught and I was grateful I chose to turn the other way. That's a prime example of choices, and I always had ambitions of doing more."
This type of experience has a profound impact on a human being, you look back in life and value the right choices you made because they are what make you into the person you are today. It's also experiences like this that make Ray and Andre want to give back to the community.
They have seen people close to them make the wrong choices and let adversity define their lives.
It's the mission of both players to communicate to all young people they come in contact with how to take that adversity and use it as motivation to do well in life.
A significant California trip where points are vital and a recent Jamaican national team call-up remain the focus of both players but these professional responsibilities don't take away from the profounder parts of the job description.
"These guys are great! I think the Union is my new favorite team," said Jaseem, a young Mike's TEAM participant.
The children of the Boys and Girls Club of Delaware and Mike's TEAM are the real teammates on this day.
- Written by Philadelphia Union digital media intern Doug Ammon


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Hamas is "objectively even if not subjectively" the best friend of the Israeli settlers, right-wing Israeli extremists, and the Netanyahu government. Hamas leaders know very well that their bombs are not getting through Israel's missile shield. There is no possible military advantage to continuing these futile attempts to rectify the imbalance in casualties between the 200 Palestinians already killed by Israeli attacks and the one Israeli killed by Hamas shells. But the extremists in Hamas, like the rogue band of criminals who murdered three Israeli youth, have succeeded in their goal: to create fear among Israelis that leads them to rally to those racists who wish to punish the entire Palestinian people for the actions of a few. Such reactionaries wish to thereby "prove" to the Palestinian people that there is no possibility of peace with Israel and to discredit the strategy of the Palestinian Authority that has renounced violence for the past 8 years.
Still, the Palestinian Authority achieves little in the way of independence and dignity for all its efforts at negotiations with Netanyahu. Hamas' actions, particularly its bombings of Israeli civilian targets, are as unethical and outrageous as the human rights violations carried out by Israel in its bombings of Gaza that have caused widespread death and injuries, even while Israel's seven-year blockade of Gaza leaves the Gazans, most of whom have never endorsed Hamas' policies, without the medical supplies necessary to heal the wounded.
The message to Hamas from Spiritual Progressives is this: Stop the attempts to bomb Israel. These acts are immoral, ineffective, and counter-productive toward the only legitimate goal: peace and openhearted reconciliation among the people of the region.
Yes, I know that Israel's policies over the past three decades have set all this up. We at
Tikkun have been consistent critics of Israel's Occupation of the West Bank, its blockade of Gaza, and its talking of peace while building more and more settlements thereby "creating facts" on the ground that make it harder and harder for there to be a place for an independent Palestinian state. We criticize Israel's violation of the dignity and human rights of the Palestinian people. Israel could change all this by adopting humane policies toward the West Bank and Gaza. Instead, its recent actions terrorizing the Palestinian population gives Hamas the support it needs. But the Israeli government is more concerned to destroy the alliance between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas than to provide a reasonable life for Palestinians. So the tragedy continues and Israelis and Palestinians both suffer.
This is not to minimize the pain of Israelis-rushing to shelters to avoid missiles that are thankfully being intercepted. If such attacks were to happen in the U.S., the result would be a right-wing triumph even worse than the one after 9/11. Netanyahu's recent statement essentially confirming that he will never accept an independent Palestinian state show how foolish the U.S.'s calls for "more negotiations" are, because the U.S. just adds fuel to the fire by simultaneously asserting that it supports Israel's right to defend itself when in danger. Israel's legitimate fear of ISIS, Iran, and fundamentalist forces in the Middle East, does not excuse the state from confronting those of us who argue that the strategy of "power over" is not one that will strengthen Israel in the long run-it will weaken it. It is a strategy of generosity of spirit and generosity of action that could undermine the emerging anti-Israel coalition.
Hamas Must Stop Attempting to Bomb Israel
By Rabbi Michael Lerner
Tikkun Daily, July 16, 2014
Straight to the Source

subset: commoncrawl


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Trying Not to Try The Ancient Art of Effortlessness and the Surprising Power of SpontaneityBy: Edward Slingerland (author)eBook
£11.99 RRP £14.99 You save £3.00 (20%)Buy eBook
DescriptionWhy is it hard to fall asleep the night before an important meeting? Or be charming and relaxed on a first date? In all these cases, spontaneity is elusive. What is it about a comedian whose jokes fall flat or an athlete who chokes? In Trying Not to Try, Edward Slingerland shows us how we can harness its power and become more effective. We've long been told that the way to achieve our goals is through careful reasoning and conscious effort, but recent research suggests that many aspects of a satisfying life are best pursued indirectly. The early Chinese philosophers knew this, and they wrote extensively about how we can achieve wu-wei (ooo-way) - an effortless, spontaneous way of being in the world. Through stories of mythical creatures and drunken cart riders, jazz musicians and Japanese motorcycle gangs, Slingerland effortlessly blends Eastern thought and cutting-edge science to show us how we can embody a spontaneous way of being and live more fulfilling lives.
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- publication date: 03/04/2014
- book language: en
- publisher: Canongate Books
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High Definition Band
Serving NY, VT, CT, MA, RI, NJ and PA
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 | map
Website: Visit my website »
Agency or Band: Band
Band size: Large (6+ musicians)
Genres: 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, Big Band, Classic Rock...
My husband and I wanted a wedding band that would keep our guests on the dance floor all night long! High Definition did exactly that! They played everything we wanted to hear such an amazing talented band! Dave and his band members were so accommodating to my requests. Dave also played guitar for my ceremony which was beautiful! You have to check out High Definition this band is amazing!!!
Wedding: 10/18/2014
Services Used: Band, Ceremony Music
WOW! Awesome Band!
These incredible talents had our group dancing and tapping their toes with a popular variety of rock & contemporary music for our annual Halloween party. We could tell the entire band enjoyed what they were doing and their enthusiasm was contagious. Very professional, punctual, and a pleasure to do business with the added pleasure of listening to their harmonious talents!
Wedding: 10/31/2013
Services Used: Band
High Definition Band was an amazing addition to our perfect wedding! My (new) husband and I are both professional musicians, so we wanted nothing but the best, and boy did they deliver! All of our friends are professional classical musicians, too, and they raved about how wonderful the band was. I would not hesitate in booking them for any events- they are professional, extremely talented, and will surely add a wonderful touch to your event!
Wedding: 10/13/2013
Services Used: Band
Our daughter and son-in-law were married on June 1, 2013 at the Otesaga Resort in Cooperstown, NY. High Definition was amazing! The beautiful ceremony music was perfect and the cocktail hour music set the tone for the entire evening. Dave and the other band members did such an amazing job keeping everything on schedule and they played through most of dinner and then got everyone on the floor for the entire evening! The music never stopped and our guests had such a wonderful time! So many guests remarked on how incredible the band was and how professional they were! Our daughter and son-in-law had the most wonderful time at their wedding and they were so pleased with High Definition!
Wedding: 06/01/2013
Services Used: Band, Ceremony Music
High Definition Band did an exceptional job providing wonderful music for our daughter's wedding. The dance floor was packed from the first dance until the last song. Dave, the band leader was very personable and the comminicated with the bride's partents and the bride and groom to ensure the entire evening went well. Their website has a huge selection of songs to choose from and they play all expertly! Nadine, the lead singer spent time with the bridal party to make sure everyone was introduced correctly and names were not mispronounced.
The band was PERFECT for Crooked Lake with a large dance floor and stage area for the band. They could not have been more pleasant, professional and talented group to work with. THANKS HIGH DEFINITION! for a wonderful time!!!!
Wedding: 05/25/2013
Services Used: Band
Private User 6 Reviews
High Definition are amazing!! They made our wedding truly special and kept the dance floor full all night. On top of being tons of fun, they also were easy to work with and open to all of our requests. The band learned a Bruce Springsteen song that I had specially requested and also played other favorites. The lead singer sang "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" and sounds like an Irish tenor, and an hour later, they led us all in song to "Sweet Caroline" and other great dance songs. Dave was great to work with and the rest of the band were great as well. I am so glad that we used High Definition for our wedding, I would recommend them for any type of event but especially for a high-energy wedding!!!
Kate L.
Wedding: 1+ year ago
Services Used: Band, Ceremony Music
High Definition played at our wedding in September 2012. Dave played guitar for the ceremony and was very flexible with our song choices. They were a lot of fun at the reception and all of our guests were raving! The dance floor was full all night!
Wedding: 09/29/2012
Services Used: Band, Ceremony Music
The High Definition Band did an excellent job performing at our wedding ceremony and reception. They were talented, lively, and fun; all while being classy and not going overboard. They got everyone dancing at the proper times, but kept attention on the bride and groom. They were also very flexible and perfectly accommodated our requests... which was especially important since we choreographed our first dance, and were very specific about how it was to be played. Honestly, I was amazed at how the dance floor appeared to be full all night!
Wedding: 09/08/2012
Services Used: Band, Ceremony Music
Dave and the High Definition Band kept everyone dancing all night. We enjoyed their music so much that we had them play overtime. For the ceremony they played classical music, cocktail hour- jazz, and reception-rock/dance music. Dave Perrotta was patient with my daughter and I as we planned the music and timing for the wedding in the Adirondacks. The vocals were great. The bands timing at keeping people on the floor was excellent.
Wedding: 09/08/2012
Services Used: Band, Ceremony Music, Ceremony & Reception Venue
The band was fantastic! We've received countless rave reviews from our guests. We had high expectations and the band managed to exceed them. And what a tremendous value! Most importantly, the bride and groom were thrilled with the band's performance and feel that the band was a key contributor to making their wedding reception a huge success.
Wedding: 06/23/2012
Services Used: Band, Ceremony Music
We booked High Definition Band for our October 29, 2011 wedding in Lake Placid, NY. Having listened to some samples and reading reviews online, we knew that the Band would deliver, but we had no idea just how fantastic they would be. Within moments of the Band starting to play, our guests were up dancing, and the party never stopped until the final song; how could it - each time the Band finished one song, they rolled into another one that you just couldn't miss!
It is also worth noting that Dave and the Band were a pleasure to work with in the months and weeks leading up to the wedding, being incredibly flexible with our musical requests and helping us to figure out details such as the timing of the evening. On the night of the reception, the Band played a critical role in helping the event to "flow". In fact, one of my guests thought that one of the band members was a wedding planner, she was so on the ball!
In short, we could not have been more pleased with our decision to book High Definition Band.
Wedding: 10/29/2011
Services Used: Band
High Definition played at our daughter and son-in-law's cocktail hour and wedding reception at the Crowne Plaza Golf House in Lake Placid on October 29, 2011. To say they were amazing is an understatement - they had the dance floor over-flowing for the entire evening. Guests were even dancing between dinner courses. They played continuously except for one very short break to eat! I strongly recommend booking High Definition for your next party! We certainly would!
Wedding: 10/29/2011
Services Used: Band
High Definition was great from the very beginning, such a wonderful vendor to work with during the wedding planning process. Dave made everything so easy and stress free. They provided very elegant music for us during our cocktail hour, and then played our whole Wedding Reception. The night was so much fun! We still get compliments on how amazing our band was. The flow of the night was so organized and just how we wanted it, the songs they learned for us were perfect, Nadine did a great job announcing and making sure all the names were correct, and they had our dance floor packed the whole night! They really listened to our requests, and just strived to make the night exactly how we wanted it......and they made our night a dream come true! It is obvious that they really care about the people they work with. We would highly recommend High Definition to anyone planning an upcoming event! Thank you again High Definition!
Wedding: 10/22/2011
Services Used: Band
High Definition went above and beyond to make our wedding unforgettable. I had never been to a wedding with a live band and was a little hesitant but as soon as I met Dave all of my fears were put at ease. Dave was great to work with - he was so professional - and I knew exactly what to expect from them on my wedding day. Hearing them perform - I was blown away! All night I heard comments like "that was the best cover of that song I've ever hear" or "I've never heard a band this good at a wedding". High Definition exceeded all of my expectations. Don't hesitate to book these guys!!!!
Wedding: 10/15/2011
Services Used: Band
High Definition was an excellent choice for our wedding. Having a band (instead of a DJ) was one of my high-priority items, and I don't regret it! Dave was really great to work with leading up to the wedding. He helped me plan out the schedule of events and was very kind the whole time, reminding me that I could have it how I wanted it since it was my special occasion. During the wedding, Nadine did a great job as Master of Ceremonies, double checking that she had the wedding party announcements absolutely correct.
The band was flexible with on-the-fly changes, and fabulous at keeping the energy up. They followed the crowd's energy. For example, if the crowd was still dancing a lot, they didn't throw in a slow song and kill the buzz. They knew when to play which songs. And they played them really well! They even let one of our friends who is a talented singer join them on stage for a song.
The next day, all our friends commented on how fun the wedding was and how great the band was. I think those two things are certainly connected!
The investment we paid for High Definition was more than worth the value it brought to our wedding celebration.
Wedding: 10/08/2011
Services Used: Band, Ceremony Music
High Definition was great!!! Our wedding was 3 months ago, and we are still getting compliments from friends and family about how great the band was. They were great to deal with beforehand, very flexible and accomodating to everything we wanted to do. They brought an incredible energy to our reception, and got everyone on the dance floor!
Wedding: 07/17/2011
Services Used: Band
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text: 12/27/11 December 27, 2011 ~ pyjammy 12/27/11, a photo by pyjammy on Flickr. I was playing with the new remote shutter release I got for Christmas. Here's me and my friend Anne, who came over with her little boy (who is the same age as the boys.) Share this:EmailLike this:Like Loading... Related


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Stream Donnie Darko
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Published: November 8, 2014 // 12:00pm
by Tyler Coates (@tylercoates)
Published: November 6, 2014 // 1:00pm
by Conrad Doucette (@conrad)
Published: October 30, 2014 // 10:30am
by Olivia Armstrong (@itslivarmstrong)
Published: August 20, 2014 // 3:00pm
Published: August 1, 2014 // 10:00am
We wish we could say a lot happened but, well, it didn't. The good news? Next week is the mid-season finale!
Everyone's talking about 'Big Hero 6,' but Whitney Matheson has some superior suggestions for sci-fi shows you can stream with your kids at home this weekend.
The twins return to the freak show, and Del finds himself caught in a trap and the only way out is murder.
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"PetSmart, Petco To Stop Selling Dog And Cat Treats Made in China"
"PetSmart and Petco will stop selling all dog and cat treats made in China."
Jump to navigation
"PetSmart and Petco will stop selling all dog and cat treats made in China."
"When a mile-wide tornado roared through Joplin, Mo., it killed 158 people and injured thousands. And it also kicked up toxic remnants from the city's industrial past that are still haunting its residents on the third anniversary of the disaster."
"The Obama administration issued rules that give operators of power plant and factories an array of options to prevent fish from being killed when water is used to cool machinery."
"The government has no way of fully knowing which U.S. chemical facilities stock ammonium nitrate, the substance that exploded last year at a Texas fertilizer plant and killed 14 people, congressional investigators say. Outdated federal policies, poor information sharing with states and a raft of industry exemptions point to scant federal oversight, says a new report obtained by The Associated Press."
"It's widely used nationwide as a germ-killing ingredient in soaps, deodorants and even toothpaste, but it's being banned in Minnesota."
"A proposed Canadian nuclear waste site near the shores of Lake Huron is facing mounting criticism from Michigan lawmakers who say it's dangerous and called on the federal government to intervene."
"President Barack Obama plans to announce a new national monument on Wednesday, protecting nearly half a million acres in southern New Mexico."
"Louisiana Republicans work to quash lawsuits seeking oil and gas industry funds to restore the coastline."
"Thirteen per cent of household water tests conducted in Toronto over the past six years showed unsafe levels of lead, according to city data obtained by the Star."
"When 39,000 tons of coal ash spilled into North Carolina's Dan River in February, it grabbed national headlines and raised the ire of environmentalists. But by sheer numbers, the 14 coal ash ponds spread across North Carolina pale in comparison to the nearly 3,000 various waste sites across the state. That includes decommissioned industrial facilities, abandoned dry cleaners and old landfills."
"Q'eqchi Mayan families vow to fight construction, which they say will destroy their livelihoods and flood ancestral land."
"As North Carolina moves to tap potentially rich natural gas reserves, some warn that the drilling process is fraught with environmental hazards. The Fayetteville Observer explores the debate, and how this new industry could transform the Cape Fear region, in a six-day series this week."
"The devastating wildfires scorching Southern California offer a glimpse of a warmer and more fiery future, according to scientists and federal and international reports."
"Centuries from now, a large swath of the West Antarctic ice sheet is likely to be gone, its hundreds of trillions of tons of ice melted, causing a four-foot rise in already swollen seas."
"The removal of a 2,500-ton deposit of coal ash in the Dan River from a spill in North Carolina has begun."


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This blog includes news about City Hall, city schools and other 22401 news.Pamela Gould reports on City Hall. You can reach her at 540-735-1972 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Robyn Sidersky reports on city schools. You can reach her at 540-374-5413 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Visit our Facebook page.Follow @fxbgcitybeat
New council members will be sworn in on Tuesday
The three newly elected members of the Fredericksburg City Council will take the oath of office at noon Tuesday at the Fredericksburg Area Museum.
The museum, at 907 Princess Anne St., is the former Town Hall. The event, which is open to the public, will take place in the former Council Chambers.
Former Mayor Lawrence A. Davies, the retired pastor of Shiloh (Old Site) Baptist Church, will deliver the invocation.
Rep. Rob Wittman will give the keynote remarks following a welcome by museum president and chief executive officer Susan Glasser.
Circuit Judge Gordon F. Willis, presiding judge of the Fredericksburg Circuit Court, will deliver the oath of office to incoming members Timothy P. Duffy, Charlie L. Frye, Jr., and William C. Withers Jr.
Afterward, the council will elect the vice mayor, adopt the meeting calendar and appoint the city attorney, clerk of council and deputy clerk of council.
Council members Fred Howe, Bea Paolucci and George Solley were honored last Tuesday during their last council meeting.
Permalink: http://news.fredericksburg.com/citybeat/2014/06/30/new-council-members-will-be-sworn-in-on-tuesday/


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Sneak Peek: Two Defectives- MAD #528Tuesday, June 17th, 2014
On the Stands: MAD #528Monday, June 16th, 2014
In comic book shops, on the iPad and in subscribers mailboxes now, on news stands everywhere Tuesday:
- Cover (Mark Fredrickson)
- The Fundalini Pages (Matt Lassen, Ward Sutton, Tim Hamilton, Jeff Kruse, Rick Tulka, P.C. Vey, Dick DeBartolo, John Caldwell, Kenny Keil, Anton Emdin, David DeGrand, Tom Bunk, Rich Powell, Kevin Pope, Mark Fredrickson, Bob Eckstein, Stan Sinberg, John Kerschbaum)
- Two Defectives (A MAD TV Satire) (Arnie Kogen, Tom Richmond)
- How Kimye Stacks Up Against Other Famous Married Couples (Uncredited)
- Planet TAD!!!!! (Tim Carvell)
- Appy (Mike Morse, Sam Sisco)
- MOtowNOPOLY (Stan Sinberg, Mike Loew)
- Monster Marriage Poster (Mark Fredrickson)
- A MAD Look at Captain America (Sergio Aragonés, Colorist: Jim Campbell)
- MAD's Celebrity Acronyms (Matt Lassen, Rick Tulka)
- The MAD Vault- (From MAD #409, Sept. 2001: John Caldwell)
- The Strip Club (Eugen Erhan & Tudor Muscalu, Dakota McFadzean, Phil McAndrew, Josh Mecouch, Jason Yungbluth, Nathan Cooper, Christopher Baldwin)
- A Minor League Baseball Flyer That Tells it Like it Is (Jeff Kruse)
- Reality Show Rejection Letters (Kenny Keil)
- Spy vs. Spy (Peter Kuper)
- The Puffington Host (Matt Lassen & Scott Maiko)
- The Best of The Idiotical (various)
- 7 Easy Ways to Defeat Godzilla (Mike Morse, Hermann Mejia)
- Another Ridiculous MAD Fold-In (Al Jaffee)
- Drawn Out Dramas (Sergio Aragonés, appear throughout the issue)
I did the art on the parody of the HBO TV series "True Detective" (incorrectly listed as "A Mad Movie Satire" in the issue's table of contents), a six pager written by Arnie Kogen. Look for a sneak peek of my art from that in tomorrow's post.
Well . . . What are you waiting for, clod?!? Go out and buy a fershlugginer copy already!
Interweb MADnessSaturday, June 14th, 2014
If you don't frequent MAD's website often, you are missing out on some original and funny stuff. They post daily content that is often all new and very timely stuff that is more than a few notches above your typical meme. They also sprinkle in classic features like Don Martin, Dave Berg, Spy vs. Spy and more.
Lately they have really been on a roll with political satire ala these two recent posts:
Back in the early 2000s when I started for MAD, I heard a lot of right-wingers accusing MAD of being a "liberal rag" because all they did was bash Bush and his cronies. I would defend MAD in saying they go after the people in charge, left or right. That, of course, held no water for the Limbaugh crowd… if you aren't with them you are against them.
Now, the lefties are all crying about MAD being an extension of Fox News and accusing them of having been bought out by Rupert Murdoch. See my same argument from 2001-2009. You go after the people in power, and regardless of your personal political views if someone does something stupid, you point it out with gusto. The only difference is that a good political satirist tries to separate the spin from the real stupidity.
Monday MADness: Multiple MAD #1!Monday, June 9th, 2014
As promised, here's the first of seven times I ended up having two different pieces in the same issue of MAD:
MAD #463, March 2006:
I did the art for the TV parody of "Everyone Hates Chris" written by Arnie Kogen. Here's the pencil roughs and the final splash page art:
I also did the art for a Russ Cooper written feature called "MAD presents iToons" which were gags riffing on the at-the-time Apple ad campaign featuring silhouettes of people dancing around with white iPod earbuds in:
Sunday Mailbag: Multiple MADness?Sunday, June 8th, 2014
Q: A few issues ago you had two different pieces in the same issue of MAD. Has that ever happened before?
A: The issue Richard is referring to is MAD #525, which included both the Arnie Kogen scribed parody of "The Following" I did the art for, and the "Abysmal House" piece (written by Jay Rath) I drew for the "MAD 20″.
Having more than one piece is the same issue is a rare thing for me… for any illustrator really other than Sergio. More often than not these days I am doing "continuity" features for the magazine (i.e. the movie and TV parodies), and as these are long and time consuming I am seldom asked to do anything else for a single issue. It has happened occasionally, though. Seven times in fact. Most of the time I had done one substantial feature and then a spot illustration or some smaller piece for the Fundalini Pages, but occasionally I illustrated two multi-paged articles.
In issue #525, MAD asked me to do the art on the "Abysmal House" piece largely because I has just done a similar thing for another client, so they knew I could pull it off. Luckily I had just enough time to squeak it in under the deadline after having done six pages of "The Swallowing". Here are the other issues I did multiple pieces for:
MAD #463: I did the art for the Arnie Kogen parody of "Everyone Hates Chris", and a gag article called "MAD presents iToons" by Russ Cooper.
MAD #471: My main piece was for a video game spoof called "When Video Games Become Religious" by Jacob Lambert, and I also did a gag cartoon about Mel Gibson's anti-Semitic antics called "One Afternoon on the Pacific Coast Highway".
MAD #480: Not sure this counts but I actually did three pieces in this issue. One was part of the main magazine, the art for Desmond Devlin's parody of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". Then in the special Ballpark Franks "advertising insert" I did the cover and a two page poster called "The Evolution of Hunger". Probably doesn't count. No doubt MAD historians will be arguing about if it does or doesn't for centuries.
MAD #481: I did two short pieces in this issue… a one pager entitled "Things Shouted Out to Paris Hilton as She Left Prison" and a two pager called "Celebrity Yu-Gi-Oh Cards" written by Michael Arnold.
MAD #482: Wow, never realized until I looked this up this was three issues in a row with multiple pieces in them! I was one of several artists that did spot illustrations for "Mad's 50 Worst Things About Advertising", and also did a mash-up parody of "The Sopranos" and "America's Next Top Model" entitled "Amercia's Next Top Mobster" by Des Devlin.
MAD #502: I did a one page piece for the MAD 20 called "Henry Gates Arrested in Own Home – Beer & Loathing", plus a two page Jacob Lambert written article entitled "Board Game-Based Movies We'll Soon Be Seeing".
MAD #503: Besides doing the art on Des Devlins parody of "The Big Bang Theory", I also did a spot illustration for the Fundalini pages as part of the short feature "Reasons Cited by Sportswriters for Not Voting Mark McGwire into HoF"
MAD #525 is discussed above.
Hey, this is a good series to run for my "Monday MADness" feature! For the next few Mondays I'll post some of the art from these double appearance issues.
Thanks to Richard Griffin for the question. If you have a question you want answered for the mailbag about cartooning, illustration, MAD Magazine, caricature or similar, e-mail me and I'll try and answer it here!
Monday MADness: Bazoom Raider!Monday, June 2nd, 2014
After the release this weekend of Angelina Jolie's new movie "Malificent", I thought for this week's Monday MADnessI'd post a look at the art from another film where she had to wear prosthetics… but not horns. Here's "Lotta Crotch: Bazoom Raider" from MAD #410, October 2001, written by Desmond Devlin. Clicky any to embiggen…
Monday MADness- Celebrity Poker!Monday, May 5th, 2014
This week's Monday MADness is a look at the pencil roughs (and finals) of a feature entitled "A Mad Peek Behind the Scenes at Celebrity Poker Showdown" written by Desmond Devlin, Steve Rosso, David Shayne and John Caldwell from MAD #452, April 2005. Sharp eyed viewers will spot some MAD related characters in the audience. Clicky any to embiggen…
Sunday Mailbag- Parodies Outside MAD?Sunday, May 4th, 2014
Q: I have to admit that I am a little disappointed because I thought that just maybe Mad would have done a satire of the movie "Gravity". The movie was a big hit and quite notable (notable enough to warrant a Sergio Aragones piece in #526) and certainly worthy of the satirical minds at Mad to shred to pieces. A miss on the magazine's part, I felt. And that got me wondering. Have you ever considered simply doing your own satire of a movie or TV show that Mad ignored to satisfy your own wish to see that movie or TV show skewered? Nothing like a seven page endeavor, of course, but maybe a one or two page spread that you'd basically keep as your own private property?
A: Regarding "Gravity", I actually asked the guys at MAD if that one was in the pipeline. They said it was being considered, but they decided not to do it. There were probably several reasons but I suspect the chief two were that Sergio was doing his "MAD Look at Gravity" and that the film was basically one person floating around in a series of space vehicles, so not much visual fun. Plus they said I suck at drawing Sandra Bullock. The timing of the movie in relation to the release of the magazine was probably a factor. Anyway, it wasn't to be. A lot of really worthy movies don't get the MAD treatment because of various reasons, not the least of which there are only six issues a year to go around.
As to doing them on my own, I actually had thought about that at one point… kind of a MAD web comic that I could eventually collect in a book or something. Then I remembered how much %$#%& work these things are, and came to my senses. Seriously it would be fun to do and I think I could write well enough to pull off some short ones, but I just don't have the time to do that.
Thanks to Art Armstrong for the question. If you have a question you want answered for the mailbag about cartooning, illustration, MAD Magazine, caricature or similar, e-mail me and I'll try and answer it here!
On the Stands: MAD #527Friday, April 18th, 2014
In comic book shops, on the iPad and in subscribers mailboxes now, on news stands everywhere Tuesday:
MAD # 527 (June 2014)
- Cover (Mark Fredrickson)
- The Fundalini Pages (Rick Tulka, Evan Waite, John Martz, Tom Bunk, P.C. Vey, Matt Lassen, Kenny Keil, Garth Gerhart, Mike Morse, Mike Loew, Rich Powell, Dick DeBartolo, Bob Staake, Glen Le Lievre, Desmond Devlin, Justin Peterson, Sarah Chalek, Mike Lynch,
- The Slobbit: The Adaptation's a Slog (A MAD Movie Satire) (Desmond Devlin, Tom Richmond)
- Sport's Atrocity- (Jeff Kruse, Scott Bicher)
- When Delivery Drones Go Bad (John Caldwell)
- The Darker Side of The Lighter Side (Dave Berg… sort of)
- Planet TAD!!!!! (Tim Carvell)
- MAD's Common Sense Tips for First Aid (Teresa Burns Parkhurst)
- Spy vs. Spy (Peter Kuper)
- College Courses for the Lousy New Economy (Neil Berliner, Chris Houghton)
- A MAD Look at Legalized Marijuana (Sergio Aragonés, Colorist: Jim Campbell)
- New Rules for Bill Maher (Butch D'Ambrosio, Paul Coker)
- The MAD Vault- (From MAD #182, April 1976: Jack Rickard, Lou Silverstone)
- The Strip Club (Dakota McFadzean, Jason Yungbluth, Kenny Keil, Christopher Baldwin, Phil McAndrew, Kit Lively & David DeGrand, Keith Knight)
- Forgotten Moments from 30 Years of Wrestlemainia (Desmond Devlin, Anton Emdin)
- The Best of The Idiotical (various)
- Another Ridiculous MAD Fold-In (Al Jaffee)
- Drawn Out Dramas (Sergio Aragonés, appear throughout the issue)
Lot's of fun art in this issue, including the first full interior feature for Chris Houghton and an awesome multipager by Anton Emdin. I did the art on the parody of the second "Hobbit" movie, a seven page extravaganza written by Desmond Devlin. Look for a sneak peek of my art from that next week in "Monday MADness!"
Well . . . What are you waiting for, clod?!? Go out and buy a fershlugginer copy already!


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Lies. Ambien. Text message impersonation. Golf club-wielding insanity.
The Daily Beast cites close Elin Woods sources in piecing together the clearest picture yet of the Tiger Woods scandal, a.k.a. the most expensive car crash in history.
These sources' details mesh with the more credible accounts of the post-Thanksgiving altercation to date, and we've excerpted some scandalous details here:
During the run-up to Thanksgiving, Tiger gave Elin advance warning that the National Enquirer was about to run a story claiming he had an affair with Rachel Uchitel.
Woods swore the story was false and that he had only met Uchitel 1-2 times at social outings. The day before Thanksgiving, Tiger convinced Uchitel to talk to Elin.
Rachel Uchitel spoke to her for half an hour, and Elin believed that the relationship was platonic - until she read the Enquirer's specifics of the purported affair.
Sources say Elin Woods busted Rachel Uchitel via text message.
That evening, the two argued. Tiger decided to end the bickeringby taking Ambien and going to sleep (he often took Ambien to help him sleep - and bang Uchitel).
After Woods fell asleep, Elin looked through his phone, found texts to Uchitel (under her real name) and discovered one saying "You are the only one I've loved."
Shortly after 1 a.m. in Florida, Elin began texting Rachel Uchitel, pretending to be Tiger, writing "I miss you," and asking, "When are we seeing each other again?"
Uchitel texted back, surprised that Woods was awake. Elin felt this response indicated that the two of them spoke earlier that night, before Tiger took his Ambien.
At that point, Elin Woods called Uchitel, who answered thinking it was Tiger. Elin said something approximating, "I knew it was you." Uchitel's shocked reply: "Oh f--k."
She immediately hung up.


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My kids and I like to watch TV together before bedtime. Baseball, if I get to decide; The Big Bang Theory, or Star Trek: The Next Generation if it it's up to them. Our favorite commercial is this one for Applebees. I can't see it without smiling. Just check out the way the men dance! It's very good.
Like millions of others, another TV moment I enjoyed was Mrs. Obama's star-turn dancing with Jimmy Fallon.
What these two spots have in common is that they put "the dancing common person" on display. And the thing about the dancing common person when she dances: she's beautiful!
But that's not all they have in common. The Applebee's ad is directed at selling a low-calorie special. And the first lady went on TV in order to promote the importance of mothers moving with their kids in order to stave off obesity.
Applebee's has every right to hawk its wares, and I certainly don't want to criticize Michelle Obama's efforts.
But there is something else going on and we need to notice it.
How sad to link dancing to self-improvement! Dancing isn't for weight loss. It's for ecstasy, or play, or display, or romance and courtship. Dancing is for pleasure.
It's actually awkward to watch television with the boys, because almost every commercial presupposes the imperfection, inadequacy and misery of adult human being. We are targeted as overweight, as lonely, as unable to perform sexually, as depressed, as unable to stop smoking. We are displayed to ourselves as unhappy.
What is going on here?
It has a lot to do, I think, with the New Perfectionism that holds sway in our culture, something I wrote about a few weeks ago. Somehow it is not enough to be. We need to be perfect. Perfectly lean and muscular. Perfectly healthy. We need perfect sex lives with our perfect partners. And we need perfect kids too. And we need to figure it all out and do it by ourselves, in the setting of our private little start-ups we call families.
The New Perfectionism, probably, is a perverse extension of a trend that goes back to the Enlightenment, with its unbridled individualism and rejection of tradition and religion as a source of value. We carry the burdens not only of living, but of deciding for ourselves how we ought to live, what sort of life counts as good.
In 21st-century America this finds expression in the quest for "Abs of Steel" and the urges of the "Tiger Mom."
You can keep up with more of what Alva Noë is thinking on Facebook and on Twitter: @alvanoe


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Jessica Ennis on target for Olympic heptathlon gold
Jessica Ennis is on target for heptathlon gold after two brilliant personal bests produced her highest score on the first day.
Ennis got off to a phenomenal start, destroying her personal 100m hurdles best by 0.25secs, in the fastest ever time set by a heptathlete in the event.
She then clocked 22.83 seconds in Friday's final event, the 200m, to end the day on 4,158 points, 184 clear of Austra Skujyte in second.
The Sheffield athlete is 255 points ahead of Canadian Jessica Zelinka in third going into Saturday's final three events.
More importantly, she leads world champion Tatyana Chernova, expected to be her biggest rival, by 309 points and reigning Olympic champion Nataliya Dobrynska by 323.
Chernova is notoriously strong in the second day's long jump, javelin and 800m, but Ennis's lead is double that of the one the Russian eliminated on the final day in the Daegu World Championships last summer.
It is also the 26-year-old's best first day score by 34 points, and is 45 points up on her total at the same stage when she set her British record in Gotzis earlier this summer.
She told BBC Sport: "I'm so pleased to end the day with that. I knew it was a fast track from the hurdles but I'm made up to have run a PB.
"I'm still in shock about the hurdles but it was a bit up and down. High jump I was a bit disappointed by, but not too bad. Shot put, also a little bit disappointed, but all solid performances and two PBs is brilliant.
Remaining heptathlon events (all times BST)
10:05 Long jump
11:40 Javelin
20:35 800m
"I'm going to have a really strong day on Saturday and make sure everything is really solid. I'm glad to have got today out of the way and got a good score under my belt, but there's a lot more work on Saturday.
"It's been amazing, the crowd have been unbelievable. I know it sounds cheesy but they really do lift you when come round the bend and hear the roar. It makes a huge difference."
Ennis started Friday with a 100m hurdles personal best and set a new British record in a packed stadium. Her 12.54 seconds equalled the time that Dawn Harper ran to win individual gold for the event in Beijing.
She then cleared 1.86m in the high jump to lead the US's Hyleas Fountain by 25 points and her own British team-mate Katarina Johnson-Thompson by 103, before a less impressive 14.28 metres in the shot put briefly gave Skujyte the overall advantage.
The Lithuanian had produced a remarkable 17.31m, the best mark recorded in a heptathlon, but her 200m is weak and her showing of 25.43 secs saw her relinquish the lead.
Chernova had finished last in her hurdles heat in 13.48 seconds to lie in 15th overall but a high jump of 1.80m, allied to a shot put of 14.17m and better than expected 23.67 in the 200m saw her move up to ninth.
And Dobrynska, who lost her husband to cancer in March, struggled in the shot and was more than two metres down on her best.
Britain's Louise Hazel , Commonwealth champion, lies down in 34th after a poor high jump, but her 19-year-old compatriot Johnson-Thompson - newly crowned world junior long jump champion - sits in 14th on 3,769 points, on track to set a junior world record.
Johnson-Thompson began the biggest competition of her life with a fine 13.48 seconds to equal her personal best in taking fourth in heat four.
"She still needs to do a lot of work on Saturday, and that long jump is a crucial event. That could be a turning point. But she is in the perfect spot at the moment. That 200m to finish was just what she needed. You have to remember these girls are very tired by the end of the day. But the track is quick and she did exactly what she needed to do."
And she went even better in the high jump with another PB, this time 1.89m, as the partisan crowd of 80,000 - almost unheard of for a morning session of athletics - roared the British athletes on.
But it was Ennis who sent the capacity evening crowd into raptures as she stormed down the home straight in the 200m.
On the basis of their respective PBs, she needed a lead of 250 or more points going into Saturday to hold an advantage over Chernova.
When she beat the Russian to the European title in Barcelona two years ago that margin was 299; when she lost her world title last summer, it was 151.
Although she has struggled at times with her long jump this summer, that lead this time of 309 gives her a wonderful chance of sealing the greatest triumph of her career.
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Comment number 208.AZ
4th August 2012 - 14:19
Just saw interview post-javelin with Jess on BBC1. Can the reporters stop asking the athletes about their gold medal prospects right before the finals? It unfairly adds to the pressure on them. And it doesn't help the viewers - what insightful comment are you likely to get from the athletes before the final anyhow?
Comment number 207.ThinkBeforeTyping
4th August 2012 - 12:00
@205. Cheers!
Jessica had a pretty bad javelin throw at world championships (39.95m), scoring 251 points less than Tatyana Chernova (52.95m) in that event. But at the moment she is 289 points UP on Chernova, and has produced a season best javelin of 47.71m to Chernova's 54.49m - significantly closing the gap. Jessica is the slightly stronger runner so i think she's got herself a gold
Comment number 206.chrislabiff
4th August 2012 - 11:45
More concerned with the sly move to compulsory-lids for cyclists, fronted by a man sponsored by ... have a guess..go on... a bicycle-helmet company.
LOTS of backdoor stuff behind "the news" and olympics.
Comment number 205.Neilvic
4th August 2012 - 11:41
Great stats Thinkbeforetyping!
Comment number 204.ThinkBeforeTyping
4th August 2012 - 11:29
@203. I'm starting to relax now, after the fantastic 6.4m.
Chernoyva needs lifetime best in javelin + increasing long jump to about 6.7m + Ennis losing 6m off her season javelin best (that's a lot) in order to stand a chance in 800m.
Skuyte needs lifetime best in javelin + increasing long jump to 6.5m + Ennis losing 8m off her season javelin best as she is definitely a much slower runner.
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Tv explorer / Creative Marketer / Screenwriter / Technology idealist / EDM Dj (JJ Mat). In 2 words a Mad Man. #SocialTV #2ndScreen #FutureOfTv #Transmedia