Warrant out for Leaf's arrest on drug, burglary charges
He used to be wanted by defensive backs and safeties who would pick him off on a fairly regular basis. Now, former San Diego Chargers QB is wanted by the law.
Leaf, 33, is wanted by authorities afterfailing to voluntarily surrender on and ,Matt Moore Jerseys.
It was last month that a Texas county grand jury issued nine charges against him in connection with hydrocodone, a prescription painkiller. Leaf was charged with one count of burglary to a habitation, seven counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and one count of delivery of a simulated controlled substance.
Texas authorities said they are looking for Leaf throughout the state. If Leaf is arrested outside Texas, officials in the Lone Star State said they will file the necessary paperwork to extradite him back to face the charges.
Leaf, who had three less than stellar years (1998-2000) as QB for the Chargers, was reportedly recently taking part in drug treatment in British Columbia, Canada.
Leaf finished his career with the Dallas Cowboys in 2001, compiling career stats of 3,666 yards passing, 14 TD's and 36 interceptions.
To say that this guy was a bust would be an understatement.
Now, as it turns out, using the terms "Ryan Leaf" and "bust" apparently has a whole new meaning.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Rams Beat Titans 17-16 in Ugly Preseason Game
Rams Beat Titans 17-16 in Ugly Preseason Game
The truth of preseason football is that you cannot get too high or too low on what you see on a given night. Watching a preseason game is a lot more like interpreting art than it is watching a football game. You have to know what you are looking for and what you are looking at. Last week the Rams looked ridiculously good and blew out the Colts. On Saturday night the Rams looked awful and won the game, beating the 17-16. While a win is always better than a loss, there was a lot to be unhappy about with the Rams performance. Both games provided wins in the preseason, but there was clearly a difference between Week One and Week Two.
Here is a breakdown of what went right and what went wrong for the Rams against the Titans.
What Went Right For The Rams
The Deep Pass: After watching the franchise have a complete inability to throw the ball deep since Mike Martz left town it was nice to see that the Rams can actually get the ball down the field a little bit. The opening pass to Brandon Gibson was a thing of beauty. Hopefully with some improved offensive weapons and an offensive coordinator who will not be intimidated to dial it up every once in a while, it should bring a more watchable offense in 2011.
: There are a lot out there who are not big fans of Donnie Avery and that has been understandable, because he has not been able to stay healthy. With that being said it was nice to see him back and contributing. Everyone understands that there is talent there, but he just has to stay healthy. IF he can stay healthy then the Rams could be even potentially more potent.
They Got the Win: I know the preseason doesn’t matter, but I still think it is important for this team to learn how to win games. They are young and any time you can have a come from behind win on a last second field goal it is an important learning experience. looks in great form and it means something to be able to win games like this.
Now for what went wrong for the Rams, and there was a lot
The Implosion of the Run Defense: The Tennessee Titans ran for 198 yards against the Rams. Imagine what might have happened if this game actually counted and Chris Johnson was playing. He might have had 300 yards. Last season the Rams were 17thagainst the rush and that was not acceptable to Steve Spagnuolo. That is one of the reasons for the signings of the defensive tackles and outside linebackers,Jason Taylor Jerseys. It will not be a fun week on the defensive side of the ball at Training Camp this week.
The Outside Linebacker Debacle: The Rams brought in three free agents who were supposed to lock down the positions and as of this point have done nothing to show that the unit is improved. Frankly Jabara Williams appears to be the best offseason addition to the unit. The over pursuit of the running backs was among the worst I have seen by a group in a long time. This unit needs to get better real fast.
The Offensive Line: The Rams offensive line did not protect Sam Bradford and they did not move the football on the ground. Hank Fraley was awful on Saturday night, in replacing Jacob Bell, and there were clearly some assignment issues on four wide receiver sets. Cortland Finnegan almost killed Sam Bradford several times. 44 yards rushing against a defense that was 20thin the league in that category last season does not cut it.
The team was clearly unhappy with the performance, which also shows what the expectations are for this team within that locker room. This roster thinks and knows that they can be better than what was shown tonight. Whether everyone was feeling a little too good after the win against the Colts or the Titans were just more ready to play tonight, this clearly was a wakeup call for everyone in the Rams locker room. This team is better, but it still has a long way to go to get to be a playoff football team. Saturday night was a learning moment for the Rams. We’ll see what lessons were learned next week in Kansas City.
For more info: Get updates from Rams Park and instant updates by Twitter . To read more of Tim's work covering the Big XII and NFC go to .
The truth of preseason football is that you cannot get too high or too low on what you see on a given night. Watching a preseason game is a lot more like interpreting art than it is watching a football game. You have to know what you are looking for and what you are looking at. Last week the Rams looked ridiculously good and blew out the Colts. On Saturday night the Rams looked awful and won the game, beating the 17-16. While a win is always better than a loss, there was a lot to be unhappy about with the Rams performance. Both games provided wins in the preseason, but there was clearly a difference between Week One and Week Two.
Here is a breakdown of what went right and what went wrong for the Rams against the Titans.
What Went Right For The Rams
The Deep Pass: After watching the franchise have a complete inability to throw the ball deep since Mike Martz left town it was nice to see that the Rams can actually get the ball down the field a little bit. The opening pass to Brandon Gibson was a thing of beauty. Hopefully with some improved offensive weapons and an offensive coordinator who will not be intimidated to dial it up every once in a while, it should bring a more watchable offense in 2011.
: There are a lot out there who are not big fans of Donnie Avery and that has been understandable, because he has not been able to stay healthy. With that being said it was nice to see him back and contributing. Everyone understands that there is talent there, but he just has to stay healthy. IF he can stay healthy then the Rams could be even potentially more potent.
They Got the Win: I know the preseason doesn’t matter, but I still think it is important for this team to learn how to win games. They are young and any time you can have a come from behind win on a last second field goal it is an important learning experience. looks in great form and it means something to be able to win games like this.
Now for what went wrong for the Rams, and there was a lot
The Implosion of the Run Defense: The Tennessee Titans ran for 198 yards against the Rams. Imagine what might have happened if this game actually counted and Chris Johnson was playing. He might have had 300 yards. Last season the Rams were 17thagainst the rush and that was not acceptable to Steve Spagnuolo. That is one of the reasons for the signings of the defensive tackles and outside linebackers,Jason Taylor Jerseys. It will not be a fun week on the defensive side of the ball at Training Camp this week.
The Outside Linebacker Debacle: The Rams brought in three free agents who were supposed to lock down the positions and as of this point have done nothing to show that the unit is improved. Frankly Jabara Williams appears to be the best offseason addition to the unit. The over pursuit of the running backs was among the worst I have seen by a group in a long time. This unit needs to get better real fast.
The Offensive Line: The Rams offensive line did not protect Sam Bradford and they did not move the football on the ground. Hank Fraley was awful on Saturday night, in replacing Jacob Bell, and there were clearly some assignment issues on four wide receiver sets. Cortland Finnegan almost killed Sam Bradford several times. 44 yards rushing against a defense that was 20thin the league in that category last season does not cut it.
The team was clearly unhappy with the performance, which also shows what the expectations are for this team within that locker room. This roster thinks and knows that they can be better than what was shown tonight. Whether everyone was feeling a little too good after the win against the Colts or the Titans were just more ready to play tonight, this clearly was a wakeup call for everyone in the Rams locker room. This team is better, but it still has a long way to go to get to be a playoff football team. Saturday night was a learning moment for the Rams. We’ll see what lessons were learned next week in Kansas City.
For more info: Get updates from Rams Park and instant updates by Twitter . To read more of Tim's work covering the Big XII and NFC go to .
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Who will play for Indianapolis Colts may not be known until Thursday, President Bill Polian says
Who will play for Indianapolis Colts may not be known until Thursday, President Bill Polian says
Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning (Michael Conroy/AP Photo)
The will play healthy players against the Jacksonville Jaguars Thursday night.
That much is known.
What Colts President Bill Polian said isn't known is just who those healthy players will be, and further, that may not be known until the day the Colts try to move to 14-0.
Polian, speaking on his weekly radio show on Monday, said although the Colts aren't focused on any of the issues such as streaks, history and particularly not the unbeaten-season talk that has once again pushed them into the national sports consciousness, the team will play healthy players on Thursday.
That, despite clinching homefield advantage Sunday.
Let's talk football rather than issues that are contrived by other people, Polian said on his weekly radio show on 97.1 Hank FM in Indianapolis. We have won 13 in a row because we have focused only on the next game. We haven't focused on history. We haven't focused on conjecture. We haven't focused on what the latest story of the week is. We've focused on only what we can do to make sure we are the best team we possibly can be whoever the next opponent happens to be. That happens to be the Jacksonville Jaguars on a very short week. That is where we're focusing.
We're not thinking beyond Jacksonville. The question then is, 'Who is healthy and who is not healthy?' We can't determine that really until we leave for Jacksonville.
With the Jacksonville game three days away, rules mandated the Colts release an injury report Monday although they did not practice. The report included 29 players:
RB Joseph Addai (knee), S Antoine Bethea (rest), LB Gary Brackett (foot), DE Raheem Brock (back), RB Donald Brown (chest), S Melvin Bullitt (shoulder), DE Keyunta Dawson (knee), OG Kyle DeVan (shin), OT Ryan Diem (hamstring), DT Eric Foster (back), S Aaron Francisco (ankle), DE Dwight Freeney (rest), WR Pierre Garcon (knee), WR Anthony Gonzalez (knee), CB Kelvin Hayden (knee), CB Tim Jennings (ankle), OT Charlie Johnson (foot), CB Jacob Lacey (biceps), QB Peyton Manning (glute), DE Robert Mathis (quad), DT Dan Muir, CB Jerraud Powers (hamstring), OG Jamey Richard (guard), TE Tom Santi (hand), LB Clint Session (calf), RB Chad Simpson (back), OT Tony Ugoh (hip), K Adam Vinatier (right knee), WR Reggie Wayne (foot).
Polian said the short turnaround makes it difficult to predict who will play Thursday.
We'll have to get two days of practice in on Tuesday and Wednesday, Polian said. We'll see where are at that point. Our plan, as (Colts Head Coach) Jim (Caldwell) enunciated Monday, is to play every healthy starter. The question is, 'Who's going to be healthy?' I can't answer that for you right now, because this is a short week.
Polian used as an example left tackle Charlie Johnson, who played last week after missing practice Wednesday with a foot injury.
If this upcoming game were on Sunday I would fully expect that Charlie would make it, Polian said. I don't know if he'll make it based upon the short week, which at this time of the year is almost criminal, but that's another matter and on the road, certainly makes it doubly difficult. In any event, the bottom line is, 'All healthy starters will play' and we'll determine as the week goes on who's healthy enough to play and who is not.
Our focus in on Jacksonville and we're not going to deal with anything else but Jacksonville and the players are not going to deal with anything else but Jacksonville. We're going to focus exactly on that, because that's what got us here.
The great coach at Texas, Darrell Royal, who in addition to being a Hall of Fame coach was a homespun philosopher, said, 'Dance with who brung you.' That's what we're going to do. What brung us here to 13 victories is total focus on the next opponent and that's where we're going to be.
Polian on Monday also addressed:
* RB Chad Simpson as a kickoff returner/special teams player: The only criticism that bothers the players comes from the coaches. Everything else is meaningless because they recognize that's how their bread is buttered. That's how we win. With respect to Chad, first of all, he is an outstanding, well-above-average, difference-making cover guy on the kickoff coverage team and on the punt coverage team. He's a difference-maker. So, that in itself points to the fact that you like to have him up if at all possible. As a kickoff return guy, if he can get in a crease, he can go the distance. I've seen him do that in college on numerous occasions. The problem is the new rule. If Chad were running behind a four-man wedge and just looking for daylight, he would be dynamite. In this particular case, he has to read blocks on the run and that's not something he's used to doing. We're hopeful he will get better at it and it's a new rule, so we're a little bit of a work in progress in terms of what we think may or may not be the optimum way to block kickoff returns. Chad is a valuable, valuable special teams performer in addition to being a good running back when he runs from scrimmage. His value on teams is very, very high.
* Rookie P/K Pat McAfee: "If you were going to have an All-Rookie kicker and I don't know who votes for the All-Rookie teams I don't even know who's on them; I remember one year a guy who only played two games made the All-Rookie team and after that I quit looking-- but if there was going to be an All-Rookie kicker it would be Pat McAfee. He has punted magnificently and he has kicked off magnificently. He has been a big part of that equation, in addition to which (special teams coordinator) Ray Rychleski has brought a little more aggressive scheme. He has those guys fired up and flying led by Chad, who gets double-teamed virtually every week. Then, other players are coming in there, helping out and making plays. It has been a great year for our coverage units. To shut down (Broncos returner) Eddie Royal Sunday . . . it's funny, if you turn on the television and radio the week prior to playing perhaps our last six or seven of the opponents, they're one of the following: the team nobody wants to play, the team that everybody predicts is going to the playoffs, the team that has more firepower than everybody, the team that will definitely break our streak. Then, when we win the game, it's, 'Oh, that team's not very good.' Eddie Royal is a heck of a return guy. He's a dynamic return guy and he's a dynamic receiver. We did a wonderful job in limiting him Sunday. It wasn't easy. It required lots and lots of hard work."
Highlighting Colts President Bill Polian's weekly radio show. . .
* Part One:On 114 victories in a decade: "Really something." .
* Part Two: "No such thing as rust." .
* Part Three: Dan Muir "has been dynamite for us." .
* Part Four: Who will play won't be known until Thursday. .
MORE COLTS COVERAGE
COFFEE WITH THE COLTS | NEXT-DAY LOOK AT COLTS-BRONCOS.
COLTS 28, BRONCOS 16.
QUOTING THE COLTS . . .
* Part One:QB Peyton Manning and TE Dallas Clark. .
* Part Two:Head Coach Jim Caldwell and MLB Gary Brackett. .
* Part Three:LB Clint Session, WR Reggie Wayne and C Jeff Saturday. .
* Part Four:S Antoine Bethea,Jason Taylor Jerseys, CB Kelvin Hayden and DT Daniel Muir. .
* Part Five:DE Dwight Freeney and RB Joseph Addai. .
FREENEY: "If it happens to be that we're 16-0, so be it." .
MORE COLTS COVERAGE
COLTS NEED ANTHONY GONZALEZ.
CALDWELL: "I'M NOT SURE YOU EVER BENEFIT FROM A LOSS." .
MAGNIFICENT SEVEN: WHY THE COLTS MUST REST IF THEY CLINCH HOMEFIELD.
FREENEY: No trophies for 16-0. .
MATHIS: AFC Defensive Player of the Month. .
CALDWELL: 16-0 not that important. .
DOES PEYTON MANNING GET TOO MUCH RESPECT?
POLIANS' CONTRACTS EXTENDED.
COLTS FANS OWE RB JOSEPH ADDAI AN APOLOGY.
*** CATCH UP WITH ALL THINGS COLTS ON INDY FOOTBALL REPORT.
*** READ JOHN OEHSER'S INDIANA PACERS COVERAGE. .
Follow me on Twitter:
. . . John's Colts website
Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning (Michael Conroy/AP Photo)
The will play healthy players against the Jacksonville Jaguars Thursday night.
That much is known.
What Colts President Bill Polian said isn't known is just who those healthy players will be, and further, that may not be known until the day the Colts try to move to 14-0.
Polian, speaking on his weekly radio show on Monday, said although the Colts aren't focused on any of the issues such as streaks, history and particularly not the unbeaten-season talk that has once again pushed them into the national sports consciousness, the team will play healthy players on Thursday.
That, despite clinching homefield advantage Sunday.
Let's talk football rather than issues that are contrived by other people, Polian said on his weekly radio show on 97.1 Hank FM in Indianapolis. We have won 13 in a row because we have focused only on the next game. We haven't focused on history. We haven't focused on conjecture. We haven't focused on what the latest story of the week is. We've focused on only what we can do to make sure we are the best team we possibly can be whoever the next opponent happens to be. That happens to be the Jacksonville Jaguars on a very short week. That is where we're focusing.
We're not thinking beyond Jacksonville. The question then is, 'Who is healthy and who is not healthy?' We can't determine that really until we leave for Jacksonville.
With the Jacksonville game three days away, rules mandated the Colts release an injury report Monday although they did not practice. The report included 29 players:
RB Joseph Addai (knee), S Antoine Bethea (rest), LB Gary Brackett (foot), DE Raheem Brock (back), RB Donald Brown (chest), S Melvin Bullitt (shoulder), DE Keyunta Dawson (knee), OG Kyle DeVan (shin), OT Ryan Diem (hamstring), DT Eric Foster (back), S Aaron Francisco (ankle), DE Dwight Freeney (rest), WR Pierre Garcon (knee), WR Anthony Gonzalez (knee), CB Kelvin Hayden (knee), CB Tim Jennings (ankle), OT Charlie Johnson (foot), CB Jacob Lacey (biceps), QB Peyton Manning (glute), DE Robert Mathis (quad), DT Dan Muir, CB Jerraud Powers (hamstring), OG Jamey Richard (guard), TE Tom Santi (hand), LB Clint Session (calf), RB Chad Simpson (back), OT Tony Ugoh (hip), K Adam Vinatier (right knee), WR Reggie Wayne (foot).
Polian said the short turnaround makes it difficult to predict who will play Thursday.
We'll have to get two days of practice in on Tuesday and Wednesday, Polian said. We'll see where are at that point. Our plan, as (Colts Head Coach) Jim (Caldwell) enunciated Monday, is to play every healthy starter. The question is, 'Who's going to be healthy?' I can't answer that for you right now, because this is a short week.
Polian used as an example left tackle Charlie Johnson, who played last week after missing practice Wednesday with a foot injury.
If this upcoming game were on Sunday I would fully expect that Charlie would make it, Polian said. I don't know if he'll make it based upon the short week, which at this time of the year is almost criminal, but that's another matter and on the road, certainly makes it doubly difficult. In any event, the bottom line is, 'All healthy starters will play' and we'll determine as the week goes on who's healthy enough to play and who is not.
Our focus in on Jacksonville and we're not going to deal with anything else but Jacksonville and the players are not going to deal with anything else but Jacksonville. We're going to focus exactly on that, because that's what got us here.
The great coach at Texas, Darrell Royal, who in addition to being a Hall of Fame coach was a homespun philosopher, said, 'Dance with who brung you.' That's what we're going to do. What brung us here to 13 victories is total focus on the next opponent and that's where we're going to be.
Polian on Monday also addressed:
* RB Chad Simpson as a kickoff returner/special teams player: The only criticism that bothers the players comes from the coaches. Everything else is meaningless because they recognize that's how their bread is buttered. That's how we win. With respect to Chad, first of all, he is an outstanding, well-above-average, difference-making cover guy on the kickoff coverage team and on the punt coverage team. He's a difference-maker. So, that in itself points to the fact that you like to have him up if at all possible. As a kickoff return guy, if he can get in a crease, he can go the distance. I've seen him do that in college on numerous occasions. The problem is the new rule. If Chad were running behind a four-man wedge and just looking for daylight, he would be dynamite. In this particular case, he has to read blocks on the run and that's not something he's used to doing. We're hopeful he will get better at it and it's a new rule, so we're a little bit of a work in progress in terms of what we think may or may not be the optimum way to block kickoff returns. Chad is a valuable, valuable special teams performer in addition to being a good running back when he runs from scrimmage. His value on teams is very, very high.
* Rookie P/K Pat McAfee: "If you were going to have an All-Rookie kicker and I don't know who votes for the All-Rookie teams I don't even know who's on them; I remember one year a guy who only played two games made the All-Rookie team and after that I quit looking-- but if there was going to be an All-Rookie kicker it would be Pat McAfee. He has punted magnificently and he has kicked off magnificently. He has been a big part of that equation, in addition to which (special teams coordinator) Ray Rychleski has brought a little more aggressive scheme. He has those guys fired up and flying led by Chad, who gets double-teamed virtually every week. Then, other players are coming in there, helping out and making plays. It has been a great year for our coverage units. To shut down (Broncos returner) Eddie Royal Sunday . . . it's funny, if you turn on the television and radio the week prior to playing perhaps our last six or seven of the opponents, they're one of the following: the team nobody wants to play, the team that everybody predicts is going to the playoffs, the team that has more firepower than everybody, the team that will definitely break our streak. Then, when we win the game, it's, 'Oh, that team's not very good.' Eddie Royal is a heck of a return guy. He's a dynamic return guy and he's a dynamic receiver. We did a wonderful job in limiting him Sunday. It wasn't easy. It required lots and lots of hard work."
Highlighting Colts President Bill Polian's weekly radio show. . .
* Part One:On 114 victories in a decade: "Really something." .
* Part Two: "No such thing as rust." .
* Part Three: Dan Muir "has been dynamite for us." .
* Part Four: Who will play won't be known until Thursday. .
MORE COLTS COVERAGE
COFFEE WITH THE COLTS | NEXT-DAY LOOK AT COLTS-BRONCOS.
COLTS 28, BRONCOS 16.
QUOTING THE COLTS . . .
* Part One:QB Peyton Manning and TE Dallas Clark. .
* Part Two:Head Coach Jim Caldwell and MLB Gary Brackett. .
* Part Three:LB Clint Session, WR Reggie Wayne and C Jeff Saturday. .
* Part Four:S Antoine Bethea,Jason Taylor Jerseys, CB Kelvin Hayden and DT Daniel Muir. .
* Part Five:DE Dwight Freeney and RB Joseph Addai. .
FREENEY: "If it happens to be that we're 16-0, so be it." .
MORE COLTS COVERAGE
COLTS NEED ANTHONY GONZALEZ.
CALDWELL: "I'M NOT SURE YOU EVER BENEFIT FROM A LOSS." .
MAGNIFICENT SEVEN: WHY THE COLTS MUST REST IF THEY CLINCH HOMEFIELD.
FREENEY: No trophies for 16-0. .
MATHIS: AFC Defensive Player of the Month. .
CALDWELL: 16-0 not that important. .
DOES PEYTON MANNING GET TOO MUCH RESPECT?
POLIANS' CONTRACTS EXTENDED.
COLTS FANS OWE RB JOSEPH ADDAI AN APOLOGY.
*** CATCH UP WITH ALL THINGS COLTS ON INDY FOOTBALL REPORT.
*** READ JOHN OEHSER'S INDIANA PACERS COVERAGE. .
Follow me on Twitter:
. . . John's Colts website
Sunday, November 25, 2012
An open letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
An open letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
Mr. Goodell,
First and foremost, I wouldlike to applaud you for cleaning up the league'simagesince youtook over in 2006. For a while there it appeared that a few hooligans and their acts of tomfoolery not only threatened to undermine the integrity of the game, but alsothesocial and economic advances that had been made as well.
With that being said,cheap nfl jerseys, I would like toshare my concerns regarding thecurrent negotiationsfor a new Collective Bargaining Agreement between the owners and the . The one thing that I am particularly concerned withis the apparent lack of perspectivethatthe owners and the players have shown while they have beenat odds with one another overwho deserves more of the league's billions of dollars of available revenue.My question toyou is, if the owners and the players are seemingly only concerned about themselves, who exactly is concerned about the fans?
Take a moment if you will, toview this scenariofromthe point of view of a fan:really rich owners fighting with very richplayers over who gets the bigger slice of the revenue pie, while fans are asked to fork over more and more money to attend games or buy team-related merchandise. Someone is getting the short end of the stick alright, but I assure you it's neither the ownersnor the players. As I see it, the fans stand to lose regardless of how the current negotiations pan out.
If the owners "win" and receive a bigger portion of the revenue, than the quality of the product on the fieldruns the riskof deteriorating. After all,with less money possibly being allocated towards theplayers, higher-priced veterans would give way to inexpensive and inexperienced younger players, which judging by the performance of the Buccaneers last season, would certainly effect the level of competition on the field.On the flipside, if the players "win" than the owners can justify increasing ticket, concession and merchandise prices, further putting a financial strain on their loyal fans. Lastly, if both sides fail to come to an agreement then the resulting lockout means everyone--fans, players and owners--would lose.
Thecoreissue that I have is how public both sides have made the negotiations. Listening to millionaires complain about money is comparable to an overweight person complaining about being hungry. Frankly no one wants to hear it.The fact that most players earn more in one game than many teachersoremergency personnel earn in one year makes it something that people are tired of hearing about. Not to mention it's bad P.R. for the league, and we all know how much you care about 'protecting the shield.' So if I may suggest something to both the owners and the players: save the financial dissatisfaction talk for behind closed doors.
Now as I've already touched on, the price of attending an NFL game (preseason or regular season) is beginning to grow out of hand. Prices have soared relative to the cost just 20 years ago. In fact,a states that the average NFL ticket price in 2009 was $74.99, which is triple the cost of the average NFL ticket in 1991 ($25). Moreover, the report states that the Fan Cost Index, or FCI, rose to $412.64 in 2009, an increase of 4.1% from 2008. The FCI is a formula used to determine how much it costs a family of four to attend an event, which in this case is an NFL game. Now I am by no means an economist, but it certainly doesn't take one to realize that the average blue-collar fan is being priced out from attending an NFL game.
As far as finding a solution to easing the rate at which attending an NFL game has increased, I am at a loss. On one hand, the owners will be financially unable to lower admission, concession and merchandise prices until the players begin making less money.However, I find it highly unlikely that the players will ever sign off on a deal that earns them less money, hence the current stalemate betweenthe owners and the union. What I do know is that the league cannot possibly continue to put such a burden on their fans. At some point, both sides are going to have to concede a little for boththe betterment of the game and tohelp alleviate some of the financialstress that has been placed on thefans.A refusal to deviate fromthe status quo may trigger financial repercussions for the league,both shortand long term, assooner or laterfans will say 'enough is enough' and will turn their collective backs to the NFL.
So again I ask, who is looking out for the best interests of the fans? By the looks of things, no one.
And that could turn out to be the biggest fumble in NFL history.
Sincerely,
J.J. Rodriguez
Mr. Goodell,
First and foremost, I wouldlike to applaud you for cleaning up the league'simagesince youtook over in 2006. For a while there it appeared that a few hooligans and their acts of tomfoolery not only threatened to undermine the integrity of the game, but alsothesocial and economic advances that had been made as well.
With that being said,cheap nfl jerseys, I would like toshare my concerns regarding thecurrent negotiationsfor a new Collective Bargaining Agreement between the owners and the . The one thing that I am particularly concerned withis the apparent lack of perspectivethatthe owners and the players have shown while they have beenat odds with one another overwho deserves more of the league's billions of dollars of available revenue.My question toyou is, if the owners and the players are seemingly only concerned about themselves, who exactly is concerned about the fans?
Take a moment if you will, toview this scenariofromthe point of view of a fan:really rich owners fighting with very richplayers over who gets the bigger slice of the revenue pie, while fans are asked to fork over more and more money to attend games or buy team-related merchandise. Someone is getting the short end of the stick alright, but I assure you it's neither the ownersnor the players. As I see it, the fans stand to lose regardless of how the current negotiations pan out.
If the owners "win" and receive a bigger portion of the revenue, than the quality of the product on the fieldruns the riskof deteriorating. After all,with less money possibly being allocated towards theplayers, higher-priced veterans would give way to inexpensive and inexperienced younger players, which judging by the performance of the Buccaneers last season, would certainly effect the level of competition on the field.On the flipside, if the players "win" than the owners can justify increasing ticket, concession and merchandise prices, further putting a financial strain on their loyal fans. Lastly, if both sides fail to come to an agreement then the resulting lockout means everyone--fans, players and owners--would lose.
Thecoreissue that I have is how public both sides have made the negotiations. Listening to millionaires complain about money is comparable to an overweight person complaining about being hungry. Frankly no one wants to hear it.The fact that most players earn more in one game than many teachersoremergency personnel earn in one year makes it something that people are tired of hearing about. Not to mention it's bad P.R. for the league, and we all know how much you care about 'protecting the shield.' So if I may suggest something to both the owners and the players: save the financial dissatisfaction talk for behind closed doors.
Now as I've already touched on, the price of attending an NFL game (preseason or regular season) is beginning to grow out of hand. Prices have soared relative to the cost just 20 years ago. In fact,a states that the average NFL ticket price in 2009 was $74.99, which is triple the cost of the average NFL ticket in 1991 ($25). Moreover, the report states that the Fan Cost Index, or FCI, rose to $412.64 in 2009, an increase of 4.1% from 2008. The FCI is a formula used to determine how much it costs a family of four to attend an event, which in this case is an NFL game. Now I am by no means an economist, but it certainly doesn't take one to realize that the average blue-collar fan is being priced out from attending an NFL game.
As far as finding a solution to easing the rate at which attending an NFL game has increased, I am at a loss. On one hand, the owners will be financially unable to lower admission, concession and merchandise prices until the players begin making less money.However, I find it highly unlikely that the players will ever sign off on a deal that earns them less money, hence the current stalemate betweenthe owners and the union. What I do know is that the league cannot possibly continue to put such a burden on their fans. At some point, both sides are going to have to concede a little for boththe betterment of the game and tohelp alleviate some of the financialstress that has been placed on thefans.A refusal to deviate fromthe status quo may trigger financial repercussions for the league,both shortand long term, assooner or laterfans will say 'enough is enough' and will turn their collective backs to the NFL.
So again I ask, who is looking out for the best interests of the fans? By the looks of things, no one.
And that could turn out to be the biggest fumble in NFL history.
Sincerely,
J.J. Rodriguez
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Saints Mickey Loomis and Sean Payton apologize for bounties
Saints Mickey Loomis and Sean Payton apologize for bounties
Head coach Sean Payton and General Manager Mickey Loomis of the New Orleans Saints have released a statement taking full responsibility and apologizing for the "bounty system." The pair vows that it "will never happen again" in the organization.
In a joint statement released to the press:
We acknowledge that the violations disclosed by the NFL during their investigation of our club happened under our watch. We take full responsibility.
This has brought undue hardship on Mr. Benson, who had nothing to do with this activity. He has been nothing but supportive and for that we both apologize to him.
These are serious violations and we understand the negative impact it has had on our game,Jake Long Jerseys. Both of us have made it clear within our organization that this will never happen again, and make that same promise to the NFL and most importantly to all of our fans.
Mickey Loomis Sean Payton
These are the first public comments from the two after the NFL officially filed a report this past Friday that the Saints had run a bounty system offering financial rewards for injuring players.
Investigations are showing that between 22 and 27 players for the defense of the Saints maintained a bounty system targeting players and putting forth deliberate injuries. Former Saints and current Rams' defensive coordinator is said to have been a big part of the system.
Williams has actually admitted to running the system and investigations show that neither Loomis or Payton took matters to prevent it.
Owner Tom Benson is said to be "110 percent" behind Payton and Loomis according to The Associated Press.
For e-mail updates whenever a new article is posted, please subscribe at the top of the page and follow me on Twitter: , , , or at .
Please be sure to check out and for more.
Head coach Sean Payton and General Manager Mickey Loomis of the New Orleans Saints have released a statement taking full responsibility and apologizing for the "bounty system." The pair vows that it "will never happen again" in the organization.
In a joint statement released to the press:
We acknowledge that the violations disclosed by the NFL during their investigation of our club happened under our watch. We take full responsibility.
This has brought undue hardship on Mr. Benson, who had nothing to do with this activity. He has been nothing but supportive and for that we both apologize to him.
These are serious violations and we understand the negative impact it has had on our game,Jake Long Jerseys. Both of us have made it clear within our organization that this will never happen again, and make that same promise to the NFL and most importantly to all of our fans.
Mickey Loomis Sean Payton
These are the first public comments from the two after the NFL officially filed a report this past Friday that the Saints had run a bounty system offering financial rewards for injuring players.
Investigations are showing that between 22 and 27 players for the defense of the Saints maintained a bounty system targeting players and putting forth deliberate injuries. Former Saints and current Rams' defensive coordinator is said to have been a big part of the system.
Williams has actually admitted to running the system and investigations show that neither Loomis or Payton took matters to prevent it.
Owner Tom Benson is said to be "110 percent" behind Payton and Loomis according to The Associated Press.
For e-mail updates whenever a new article is posted, please subscribe at the top of the page and follow me on Twitter: , , , or at .
Please be sure to check out and for more.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
which means they're playing a ton of prime-time games
Indianapolis Colts Daily Digest: An early look at DE Jerry Hughes and LB Pat Angerer (p2)
(2 of 2) | 2
Pass rushers don't necessarily have to get sacks, and that can be seen with Freeney. He's effective even when his sack totals aren't enormous because quarterbacks and coordinators must be concerned with him. A great pass rusher alters offenses and makes teams change their approach, and if Hughes can help on that front,Women's Miami Dolphins Jerseys, he'll do something that few ends outside Freeney and Mathis have been able to do for the Colts.
No way to tell if he can do that yet, but early impressions from the weekend is he's a good fit. He went back to school for his senior year for his degree and had solid numbers for a conference championship team. He's the kind of productive, no-red flags guy the Colts like, and it will be surprising if he's eventually not effective. . . .
We won't spend much time on Hughes, because the first-rounders get all the attention and you've read enough about him, but in studying the Colts' second-round selection LB Pat Angerer the selection makes a lot of sense, too.
First off, it's never a surprise when the Colts select a player from Iowa.
The Colts absolutely love Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz. They respect him as a coach, and trust that a player from the program will be fundamentally sound, well-coached and NFL ready,Matt Moore Jerseys. They had good luck with TE Dallas Clark (2003) and S Bob Sanders (2004) and Angerer's story isn't dissimilar to those two.
Angerer wasn't a huge recruit at Iowa, and he had injury troubles early on. He grew frustrated enough with football early in his career that he thought of quitting. He has told reporters the main reason he didn't was he didn't want to walk into Ferentz's office and tell him.
He improved drastically late in his Iowa career, and Ferentz called his junior season as good a season as any linebacker he has had at Iowa.
That's the sort of statement that catches Polian's ear. This sounds obvious, but Polian loves players who have proven they are good players. What that means is he values production more than potential, and if a player can be productive in the Big 10 at play at the sort of level that draws that sort of praise from a coach such as Ferentz, Polian's going to find that hard to ignore.
That's another reason Polian's drafts don't get graded highly by experts. Polian takes players such as Angerer, and they're not sexy selections, but they're solid, low-risk selections, and of such players often is consistency built. . . .
We'll break off from the draft review to take a look at.
Kravitz began with the obviously silly notion that the Colts should lose the season-opener to Houston to avoid any sort of perfect-season story, then gave Polian a B for a draft grade, saying, At the very least, it appears the Colts have addressed several need areas -- assuming, of course, that the majority of draftees stick around and make an impact: In the first five rounds, they got a third pass rusher (Hughes), a hoped-for heir apparent to Gary Brackett (Angerer), much-needed cornerback depth (Kevin Thomas), a 300-plus-pound guard who can bench-press Toyotas (Jacques McClendon) and a blocking tight end (Brody Eldridge).
Probably the most interesting part of Kravitz's column was when he discussed the Colts' schedule, correctly noting that it's one of the toughest in recent Colts history. That will be a major issue next season. The Colts have only five 1 p.m. kickoffs, which means they're playing a ton of prime-time games (five) and a ton more 4 p.m.ish starts. They also have a stretch of five consecutive postseason games and a division that likely will be tougher than last season.
I agree with Kravitz that the Colts will win at least 12 games again, and would add that if the NFL truly wanted to avoid worrying about whether the Colts would pull front-line players late in the season, they may have tried to do it by dealing them this schedule.
(2 of 2) | 2
(2 of 2) | 2
Pass rushers don't necessarily have to get sacks, and that can be seen with Freeney. He's effective even when his sack totals aren't enormous because quarterbacks and coordinators must be concerned with him. A great pass rusher alters offenses and makes teams change their approach, and if Hughes can help on that front,Women's Miami Dolphins Jerseys, he'll do something that few ends outside Freeney and Mathis have been able to do for the Colts.
No way to tell if he can do that yet, but early impressions from the weekend is he's a good fit. He went back to school for his senior year for his degree and had solid numbers for a conference championship team. He's the kind of productive, no-red flags guy the Colts like, and it will be surprising if he's eventually not effective. . . .
We won't spend much time on Hughes, because the first-rounders get all the attention and you've read enough about him, but in studying the Colts' second-round selection LB Pat Angerer the selection makes a lot of sense, too.
First off, it's never a surprise when the Colts select a player from Iowa.
The Colts absolutely love Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz. They respect him as a coach, and trust that a player from the program will be fundamentally sound, well-coached and NFL ready,Matt Moore Jerseys. They had good luck with TE Dallas Clark (2003) and S Bob Sanders (2004) and Angerer's story isn't dissimilar to those two.
Angerer wasn't a huge recruit at Iowa, and he had injury troubles early on. He grew frustrated enough with football early in his career that he thought of quitting. He has told reporters the main reason he didn't was he didn't want to walk into Ferentz's office and tell him.
He improved drastically late in his Iowa career, and Ferentz called his junior season as good a season as any linebacker he has had at Iowa.
That's the sort of statement that catches Polian's ear. This sounds obvious, but Polian loves players who have proven they are good players. What that means is he values production more than potential, and if a player can be productive in the Big 10 at play at the sort of level that draws that sort of praise from a coach such as Ferentz, Polian's going to find that hard to ignore.
That's another reason Polian's drafts don't get graded highly by experts. Polian takes players such as Angerer, and they're not sexy selections, but they're solid, low-risk selections, and of such players often is consistency built. . . .
We'll break off from the draft review to take a look at.
Kravitz began with the obviously silly notion that the Colts should lose the season-opener to Houston to avoid any sort of perfect-season story, then gave Polian a B for a draft grade, saying, At the very least, it appears the Colts have addressed several need areas -- assuming, of course, that the majority of draftees stick around and make an impact: In the first five rounds, they got a third pass rusher (Hughes), a hoped-for heir apparent to Gary Brackett (Angerer), much-needed cornerback depth (Kevin Thomas), a 300-plus-pound guard who can bench-press Toyotas (Jacques McClendon) and a blocking tight end (Brody Eldridge).
Probably the most interesting part of Kravitz's column was when he discussed the Colts' schedule, correctly noting that it's one of the toughest in recent Colts history. That will be a major issue next season. The Colts have only five 1 p.m. kickoffs, which means they're playing a ton of prime-time games (five) and a ton more 4 p.m.ish starts. They also have a stretch of five consecutive postseason games and a division that likely will be tougher than last season.
I agree with Kravitz that the Colts will win at least 12 games again, and would add that if the NFL truly wanted to avoid worrying about whether the Colts would pull front-line players late in the season, they may have tried to do it by dealing them this schedule.
(2 of 2) | 2
Monday, November 19, 2012
Chargers running to a championship
Chargers running to a championship?
Editor's Note: As training camps open up around the NFL this week, we will start breaking down the 2009 . This is the first of a number of reports looking at different positions on the team.
While most coaches will tell you that defense wins rings, most NFL experts will tell you that even the greatest passing games in history needed a substantial running game to be successful.
Even though the San Diego Chargers do not field a Peyton Manning or a Jerry Rice, they do have agutty QB in Philip Rivers and some good wide receivers.
That being said, the team's offense revolves around future Hall-of-Fame running back .
Today we take a look at the running backs/full backsand what they can do to lead the Chargers to a repeat of their AFC Western Division crown and possibly a deeper run in the playoffs (lost to Pittsburgh in AFC divisional playoffs last season) in 2009.
LaDainian Tomlinson - Rushed for 1,110 yards and 11 TD'sin 16 games last season despite injuries. Tomlinson, who has rushed for nearly 12,000 yards in his career (drafted in 2001 out of TCU), saw his yards-per-carry averagefall below 3.9 last seasonfor the first time since his rookie year. A healthy Tomlinson is critical to the team's success in '09.
Darren Sproles - A spark plug out of the backfield, Sproles accounted for nearly 700 yards of offense last season, catching five passes for TD's. Also a threat to return punts and kick-offs for TD's,Youth Miami Dolphins Jerseys, Chargers were smart to ink Sproles in the off-season. If Tomlinson is hit once again by injuries, Sproles (drafted in 2005 out of Kansas State),Yeremiah Bell Jersey, who scored the winning points on a 22-yard scamper vs. Indianapolis in OT inlastseason's AFC Wild Card game,could be a major thorn in the side of opposing defenses once again.
Michael Bennett - If Tomlinson and/or Sproles need a breather, the Chargers can look to Michael Bennett (drafted in 2001 by Minnesota Vikings out of Wisconsin) to plug the hole. Having also played for Kansas City and Tampa Bay, Bennett was claimed off waivers midway through last season. He rushed for only 12 yards in action with the Bucs, but could see some time this season for the Bolts.
Mike Tolbert - Tolbert saw action in 13 games last season, accounting for one touchdown through the air. While on rushing for 37 yards last season, Tolbert (Coastal Carolina) at 245 pounds could be a good blocking back or see spot duty carrying the ball.
Jacob Hester - With his first season behind him, Hester will hopefully be more comfortable with the offense in '09. Hester (drafted in 2008 out of LSU), who totaled 95 yards on the ground last season and accounted for two TD's (one rushing, one receiving), needs to have more of an impact this time around. Since the Chargers figure to beina number of close games this season, Hester mayget a chance to prove himself and give Tomlinson and Sproles a breather when needed.
Billy Latsko- Not a household name by any means, Latsko (Florida)could see some time at fullback, but more likely has a shot to have an impact on special teams.
Wednesday: A look at the wide receivers/tight ends
Editor's Note: As training camps open up around the NFL this week, we will start breaking down the 2009 . This is the first of a number of reports looking at different positions on the team.
While most coaches will tell you that defense wins rings, most NFL experts will tell you that even the greatest passing games in history needed a substantial running game to be successful.
Even though the San Diego Chargers do not field a Peyton Manning or a Jerry Rice, they do have agutty QB in Philip Rivers and some good wide receivers.
That being said, the team's offense revolves around future Hall-of-Fame running back .
Today we take a look at the running backs/full backsand what they can do to lead the Chargers to a repeat of their AFC Western Division crown and possibly a deeper run in the playoffs (lost to Pittsburgh in AFC divisional playoffs last season) in 2009.
LaDainian Tomlinson - Rushed for 1,110 yards and 11 TD'sin 16 games last season despite injuries. Tomlinson, who has rushed for nearly 12,000 yards in his career (drafted in 2001 out of TCU), saw his yards-per-carry averagefall below 3.9 last seasonfor the first time since his rookie year. A healthy Tomlinson is critical to the team's success in '09.
Darren Sproles - A spark plug out of the backfield, Sproles accounted for nearly 700 yards of offense last season, catching five passes for TD's. Also a threat to return punts and kick-offs for TD's,Youth Miami Dolphins Jerseys, Chargers were smart to ink Sproles in the off-season. If Tomlinson is hit once again by injuries, Sproles (drafted in 2005 out of Kansas State),Yeremiah Bell Jersey, who scored the winning points on a 22-yard scamper vs. Indianapolis in OT inlastseason's AFC Wild Card game,could be a major thorn in the side of opposing defenses once again.
Michael Bennett - If Tomlinson and/or Sproles need a breather, the Chargers can look to Michael Bennett (drafted in 2001 by Minnesota Vikings out of Wisconsin) to plug the hole. Having also played for Kansas City and Tampa Bay, Bennett was claimed off waivers midway through last season. He rushed for only 12 yards in action with the Bucs, but could see some time this season for the Bolts.
Mike Tolbert - Tolbert saw action in 13 games last season, accounting for one touchdown through the air. While on rushing for 37 yards last season, Tolbert (Coastal Carolina) at 245 pounds could be a good blocking back or see spot duty carrying the ball.
Jacob Hester - With his first season behind him, Hester will hopefully be more comfortable with the offense in '09. Hester (drafted in 2008 out of LSU), who totaled 95 yards on the ground last season and accounted for two TD's (one rushing, one receiving), needs to have more of an impact this time around. Since the Chargers figure to beina number of close games this season, Hester mayget a chance to prove himself and give Tomlinson and Sproles a breather when needed.
Billy Latsko- Not a household name by any means, Latsko (Florida)could see some time at fullback, but more likely has a shot to have an impact on special teams.
Wednesday: A look at the wide receivers/tight ends
Thursday, November 15, 2012
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New Orleans Saints Drew Brees to be named NFC Offensive Player of the Week
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Examiners provide unique and original content to enhance life in your local city wherever that may be. Examiners come from all walks of life and contribute original content to entertain, inform, and inspire.
is the inside source for everything local. We are powered by Examiners,Miami Dolphins Jersey, the largest pool of passionate contributors in the world,Miami Dolphins Jerseys.
Examiners provide unique and original content to enhance life in your local city wherever that may be. Examiners come from all walks of life and contribute original content to entertain, inform, and inspire.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
who was cut by the Browns on Tuesday. In three seasons in Cleveland
Broncos trade for QB Brady Quinn
The acquired Cleveland Browns quarterback Sunday in a trade for fullback , a sixth-round pick in the 2011 and a conditional pick in the 2012 draft, and reported.
The immediate reaction has to be, huh?
Quinn once was a highly-touted quarterback out of Notre Dame. Many expected him to be among the top five picks in the 2007 draft after Quinn finished third in the Heisman Trophy race in 2006 for the Fighting Irish. But the Browns nabbed him at No. 22 in the first round,Miami Dolphins Jersey. Several NFL teams who needed a quarterback bypassed Quinn, drawing questions about the former Notre Dame star.
Those questions have not gone away.
Since the 2007 draft, Quinn has been fighting for starting time with , who was cut by the Browns on Tuesday. In three seasons in Cleveland, Quinn has played in 14 games, including 12 starts. He started nine games in 2009, completing 53 percent of his passes (136-256) for 1,339 yards and eight touchdowns. He also threw seven interceptions.
Quinn threw for 161 yards on 18-of-31 passing in a Sept. 20, 2009 game at Denver, which the Broncos won 27-6 in the second game of their 6-0 start.
The question is how does Quinn fit into the Broncos offense?
Other questions: Is he the Broncos' quarterback of the future? Will he replace as the Broncos starting QB? Does it mean Orton, a restricted free agent, will not be re-signed?
The likely scenario is that Coach wants a quarterback in minicamp, which starts on Monday. The Broncos' restricted free agents -- Orton, OL Chris Kuper, WR Brandon Marshall, TE Tony Scheffler, and OLB Elvis Dumervil -- won't be in minicamp. Orton is attending the NFL PLayers Association meetings in Hawaii and plans to join the Broncos workouts on Friday.
The good news: The Browns finished with four consecutive victories, all but the last game with Quinn at quarterback, to finish 5-11. Quinn, two years younger than Orton,also is a bit more mobile than the 2009 Broncos starter. Orton played on a sore ankle for most of the second half of the season,Miami Dolphins Jerseys.
More good news: Denver didn't have to give up much for Quinn, unless you think Hillis was a player that was indispensible. McDaniels certainly didn't think so.
The Browns acquired free-agent QB and former Seattle Seahawks backup Seneca Wallace this week. And now Cleveland's two quarterbacks from 2009 are gone with the trade of Quinn.
As for Hillis, it's obvious there was some riff between McDaniels or, at least, an assistant and the versatile back from Arkansas. Hillis showed in his rookie year how powerful a runner he was. His versatility as a blocker, receiver and special-teams player seemed to warrant more playing time. But, after missing a game to return to Arkansas for a relative's funeral, Hillis saw only limited action in 2009.
Despite McDaniels' insistence on Hillis' importance to the offensive scheme, the trade proves he won't be missed in Dove Valley. A lot of Broncos fans feel a bit differently, especially after Hillis led the team in rushing in 2008 when seven running backs ended up on the injured reserved list. Hillis was the last of the seven to go on the list, getting hurt in the final home game, a critical loss to Buffalo, one of three consecutive defeats in Mike Shanahan's final season as Denver's coach.
The acquired Cleveland Browns quarterback Sunday in a trade for fullback , a sixth-round pick in the 2011 and a conditional pick in the 2012 draft, and reported.
The immediate reaction has to be, huh?
Quinn once was a highly-touted quarterback out of Notre Dame. Many expected him to be among the top five picks in the 2007 draft after Quinn finished third in the Heisman Trophy race in 2006 for the Fighting Irish. But the Browns nabbed him at No. 22 in the first round,Miami Dolphins Jersey. Several NFL teams who needed a quarterback bypassed Quinn, drawing questions about the former Notre Dame star.
Those questions have not gone away.
Since the 2007 draft, Quinn has been fighting for starting time with , who was cut by the Browns on Tuesday. In three seasons in Cleveland, Quinn has played in 14 games, including 12 starts. He started nine games in 2009, completing 53 percent of his passes (136-256) for 1,339 yards and eight touchdowns. He also threw seven interceptions.
Quinn threw for 161 yards on 18-of-31 passing in a Sept. 20, 2009 game at Denver, which the Broncos won 27-6 in the second game of their 6-0 start.
The question is how does Quinn fit into the Broncos offense?
Other questions: Is he the Broncos' quarterback of the future? Will he replace as the Broncos starting QB? Does it mean Orton, a restricted free agent, will not be re-signed?
The likely scenario is that Coach wants a quarterback in minicamp, which starts on Monday. The Broncos' restricted free agents -- Orton, OL Chris Kuper, WR Brandon Marshall, TE Tony Scheffler, and OLB Elvis Dumervil -- won't be in minicamp. Orton is attending the NFL PLayers Association meetings in Hawaii and plans to join the Broncos workouts on Friday.
The good news: The Browns finished with four consecutive victories, all but the last game with Quinn at quarterback, to finish 5-11. Quinn, two years younger than Orton,also is a bit more mobile than the 2009 Broncos starter. Orton played on a sore ankle for most of the second half of the season,Miami Dolphins Jerseys.
More good news: Denver didn't have to give up much for Quinn, unless you think Hillis was a player that was indispensible. McDaniels certainly didn't think so.
The Browns acquired free-agent QB and former Seattle Seahawks backup Seneca Wallace this week. And now Cleveland's two quarterbacks from 2009 are gone with the trade of Quinn.
As for Hillis, it's obvious there was some riff between McDaniels or, at least, an assistant and the versatile back from Arkansas. Hillis showed in his rookie year how powerful a runner he was. His versatility as a blocker, receiver and special-teams player seemed to warrant more playing time. But, after missing a game to return to Arkansas for a relative's funeral, Hillis saw only limited action in 2009.
Despite McDaniels' insistence on Hillis' importance to the offensive scheme, the trade proves he won't be missed in Dove Valley. A lot of Broncos fans feel a bit differently, especially after Hillis led the team in rushing in 2008 when seven running backs ended up on the injured reserved list. Hillis was the last of the seven to go on the list, getting hurt in the final home game, a critical loss to Buffalo, one of three consecutive defeats in Mike Shanahan's final season as Denver's coach.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Second thing that should be kept in mind is toy material. Is the toy made of plastic or cotton
Choosing The Right Infant Toy For Your Child by Rachel Nunez
Toys have been a perennial thing in each person's life. Every individual passes the phase of having toys and enjoy playing with it. Toys need not to be expensive and complex, as long as the enjoyment is there then its fine having a simple one. There are also toys that are not bought,Miami Dolphins Jersey; they can just be made from household things. Imagination and creativity is the key in making and creating a homemade toy.
But there are times when parents find the right toy for their infant. The toy should be soft so that the infant would not be harmed. Several toy makers are always coming up with new designs to cater to the infinite needs an infant has. But of course there are several factors that need to be considered before purchasing an infant toy.
First thing to consider is its size. The toy should not be small because the infant may swallow it thus making him choke. It should also be not that large so that the infant would not have a hard time in handling it.
Second thing that should be kept in mind is toy material. Is the toy made of plastic or cotton; or other substances that is used in making it? Individuals should see to it that the material used in making the toy would not be harmful to the health of the infant.
Thirdly, the toy's color should also be thought of. Though children may not know what color they are seeing, it is best that they are exposed already to different colors. This exposure helps their mind develop that sense of color distinction at an early age.
Fourthly, the purpose of the infant toy should also be considered. Buying toys because of its functionality enables the infant to learn and discover new things with these. There are toys made to strengthen the grip of an infant and the like.
Fifth, look at the age group the toy is intended for. You wouldn't buy a toy that says for ages three and up would you? Of course you want the toy to be right for the age of your child.
Sixth, asking and talking to other parents about the toys for their infants can also be helpful. Since their child is older than yours, perhaps they can share some ideas on what to toy to buy or give to your infant.
Making sure of the health and welfare of a child is always the priority of a parent. So in keeping the things stated, your infant will be ensured of having a safe yet enjoyable toy. The aforementioned tips are only a few of the many things that parents should consider in buying an infant toy. They can always do some more research and keep their options open until they find the most suitable toy for their child,Miami Dolphins Jerseys.
Toys are educational and at the same time enjoyable, it is up to you on which toys you think have both. Expensive toys does not necessarily mean a high quality toy, there are less expensive ones that have the same purpose. Infant toys should also be kept clean at all times since it is the nature of the infant to suck on things he grasps.
Toys have been a perennial thing in each person's life. Every individual passes the phase of having toys and enjoy playing with it. Toys need not to be expensive and complex, as long as the enjoyment is there then its fine having a simple one. There are also toys that are not bought,Miami Dolphins Jersey; they can just be made from household things. Imagination and creativity is the key in making and creating a homemade toy.
But there are times when parents find the right toy for their infant. The toy should be soft so that the infant would not be harmed. Several toy makers are always coming up with new designs to cater to the infinite needs an infant has. But of course there are several factors that need to be considered before purchasing an infant toy.
First thing to consider is its size. The toy should not be small because the infant may swallow it thus making him choke. It should also be not that large so that the infant would not have a hard time in handling it.
Second thing that should be kept in mind is toy material. Is the toy made of plastic or cotton; or other substances that is used in making it? Individuals should see to it that the material used in making the toy would not be harmful to the health of the infant.
Thirdly, the toy's color should also be thought of. Though children may not know what color they are seeing, it is best that they are exposed already to different colors. This exposure helps their mind develop that sense of color distinction at an early age.
Fourthly, the purpose of the infant toy should also be considered. Buying toys because of its functionality enables the infant to learn and discover new things with these. There are toys made to strengthen the grip of an infant and the like.
Fifth, look at the age group the toy is intended for. You wouldn't buy a toy that says for ages three and up would you? Of course you want the toy to be right for the age of your child.
Sixth, asking and talking to other parents about the toys for their infants can also be helpful. Since their child is older than yours, perhaps they can share some ideas on what to toy to buy or give to your infant.
Making sure of the health and welfare of a child is always the priority of a parent. So in keeping the things stated, your infant will be ensured of having a safe yet enjoyable toy. The aforementioned tips are only a few of the many things that parents should consider in buying an infant toy. They can always do some more research and keep their options open until they find the most suitable toy for their child,Miami Dolphins Jerseys.
Toys are educational and at the same time enjoyable, it is up to you on which toys you think have both. Expensive toys does not necessarily mean a high quality toy, there are less expensive ones that have the same purpose. Infant toys should also be kept clean at all times since it is the nature of the infant to suck on things he grasps.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
religious school
5 Ways to Profit From No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (No Child Left Behind) is designed to reform and improve student achievement and change the culture of America's schools. According to this reform act each state must measure every public school student's progress in reading and math in each of grades 3 through 8 and at least once during grades 10 through 12. By school year 2007-2008, assessments (or testing) in science will be underway. These assessments must be aligned with state academic content and achievement standards. They will provide parents with objective data on where their child stands academically.
Parents may not be aware that their school is required by law to offer school sponsored activities to promote parent involvement, and there are special funds allocated for these activities. The funds are used to pay trainers, facilitators, and instructors, along with the materials used in these trainings, food and child care services so parents can focus on the information being delivered.
The seminars, workshops, and trainings are designed to assist parents in helping their student's academic achievement and performance.
Teachers, parents, business professionals, and all others who may be interested in helping parents help their children learn may be interested in creating a workshop, seminar and/or training for parents. Below are five suggestions for offering activities that will benefit parents and their children.
1. If education is your background, and you are a displaced teacher, become a Supplemental Educational Services Provider. Contact your State Department of Education to get more information on how you can qualify to become a Supplemental Educational Services Provider offering tutorial services to children who meet the criteria for those services. You will be paid through Title I funding received by the school district where you apply to service.
2. There is always a need for Parent Educators. Parent Educators teach parents how to “be better parents.” They focus on parenting skills, disciplinary skills, learning how to help with homework, help with standardized test taking and more,Miami Dolphins Jersey. Contact your local school district to get more information on how you can become a Parent Educator offering workshops or seminars to parents in your school district. You will be paid through Title I funding received by the school district where you apply to serve. Visit to see a sample of the seminars offered to parents.
3. Educational professionals with a Science background should gear up to prepare for the 2007-2008 science assessment that will be required by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002. Do you have a gift for gabbing about science? Do you know how to write educational materials for children centered on science? There will be a need for such items in the not too distant future and now is the time to prepare your goods. Summer time science packets that children can work on and workshops for parents, again all paid for by Title I funding will be needed. Contact your local school district with a proposal; they will be glad you did.
4. It is no secret that if your child goes to a public school, private school, religious school, or if they are home schooled,Miami Dolphins Jerseys, at some point in their life they will have to deal with standardized test. Are you a wiz at taking this type test? Are you a wiz at doing research to understand how to take this type test? Provide a workshop for parents so they can understand how to help their children. Every parent wants their child to have an upper hand when it comes to test taking skills. Contact your local school district and local library with a proposal, this service may even warrant a website.
5. Title I will pay for child care services for parents participating in parent involvement seminars/workshops. The child care service provider must be licensed and insured and willing to provide activities for a wide range of ages. According to the NCLB Title I requirements, child care services should be offered where schools offer parent workshops so parents can focus on the content being offered. If you operate a daycare center you may want to check with your local school district, or a local school in your area to see if your services are needed. The funding for payment is through the Title I (1%+ Parent Involvement Funding). For more information contact your school district or state No Child Left Behind Title I Office.
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (No Child Left Behind) is designed to reform and improve student achievement and change the culture of America's schools. According to this reform act each state must measure every public school student's progress in reading and math in each of grades 3 through 8 and at least once during grades 10 through 12. By school year 2007-2008, assessments (or testing) in science will be underway. These assessments must be aligned with state academic content and achievement standards. They will provide parents with objective data on where their child stands academically.
Parents may not be aware that their school is required by law to offer school sponsored activities to promote parent involvement, and there are special funds allocated for these activities. The funds are used to pay trainers, facilitators, and instructors, along with the materials used in these trainings, food and child care services so parents can focus on the information being delivered.
The seminars, workshops, and trainings are designed to assist parents in helping their student's academic achievement and performance.
Teachers, parents, business professionals, and all others who may be interested in helping parents help their children learn may be interested in creating a workshop, seminar and/or training for parents. Below are five suggestions for offering activities that will benefit parents and their children.
1. If education is your background, and you are a displaced teacher, become a Supplemental Educational Services Provider. Contact your State Department of Education to get more information on how you can qualify to become a Supplemental Educational Services Provider offering tutorial services to children who meet the criteria for those services. You will be paid through Title I funding received by the school district where you apply to service.
2. There is always a need for Parent Educators. Parent Educators teach parents how to “be better parents.” They focus on parenting skills, disciplinary skills, learning how to help with homework, help with standardized test taking and more,Miami Dolphins Jersey. Contact your local school district to get more information on how you can become a Parent Educator offering workshops or seminars to parents in your school district. You will be paid through Title I funding received by the school district where you apply to serve. Visit to see a sample of the seminars offered to parents.
3. Educational professionals with a Science background should gear up to prepare for the 2007-2008 science assessment that will be required by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002. Do you have a gift for gabbing about science? Do you know how to write educational materials for children centered on science? There will be a need for such items in the not too distant future and now is the time to prepare your goods. Summer time science packets that children can work on and workshops for parents, again all paid for by Title I funding will be needed. Contact your local school district with a proposal; they will be glad you did.
4. It is no secret that if your child goes to a public school, private school, religious school, or if they are home schooled,Miami Dolphins Jerseys, at some point in their life they will have to deal with standardized test. Are you a wiz at taking this type test? Are you a wiz at doing research to understand how to take this type test? Provide a workshop for parents so they can understand how to help their children. Every parent wants their child to have an upper hand when it comes to test taking skills. Contact your local school district and local library with a proposal, this service may even warrant a website.
5. Title I will pay for child care services for parents participating in parent involvement seminars/workshops. The child care service provider must be licensed and insured and willing to provide activities for a wide range of ages. According to the NCLB Title I requirements, child care services should be offered where schools offer parent workshops so parents can focus on the content being offered. If you operate a daycare center you may want to check with your local school district, or a local school in your area to see if your services are needed. The funding for payment is through the Title I (1%+ Parent Involvement Funding). For more information contact your school district or state No Child Left Behind Title I Office.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Is it possible to be using our children addictively
Are You Addicted to Your Children?
Is it possible to be using our children addictively?
Anything that we use to get love, avoid pain, and fill up inner emptiness can become an addiction – even our children! If your children are your whole life – if you don't have a strong spiritual connection with a personal source of love and guidance, as well as other relationships and interests that you are passionate about, you might be using your children to fill an empty place within you.
If you don't have a partner or your relationship with your partner is not fulfilling to you, and you don't have deeply connected and meaningful friendships, then you might be using your kids as your major emotional connection. If you don't have hobbies or work that are compelling and fulfilling to you, you might be using your children to give meaning to your life. If you don't have a daily spiritual practice that brings love and comfort to your soul, you might be using your children to fill this need.
If this is what you are doing, it is not good for your children. It is a huge burden on children to be responsible for their parent's loneliness and sense of purpose. Children who feel this responsibility often become caretakers, giving themselves up to take care of a parent. On the other hand, a child burdened with this responsibility may rebel and distance from the parent, spending less and less time at home to avoid the burden of the parent's emptiness.
I grew up as an only child with a mother who had nothing fulfilling in her life – other than me. Her whole focus was on me, and because I couldn't possibly fill her up in the way she needed to be filled, she was often angry at me. I became a good little girl, a good caretaker of my mother, but the result was that I was a nervous and unhappy child, and wanted to be away from my house as much as possible.
Our children need to be a part of our life, not our whole life. We need to role-model for them what it looks like to take personal responsibility for filling ourselves up. We need to show them what it looks like to take responsibility for making ourselves happy, rather than rely on them for our happiness. Your children want to know that they are important to you, but not so important that your well-being is dependent upon them. You might want to explore the following questions to see if you may be using your children addictively:
Do you have a solid spiritual practice that fills you with a sense of peace and gives meaning to your life,Miami Dolphins Jersey?
Are you expressing your particular talents in a way that feels meaningful and productive to you and gives you a sense of fulfillment?
Do you have fulfilling emotional connections with other adults – a partner, other family members or friends?
If you answered “yes” to these, then you are probably not using your children addictively.
Do you feel bored and useless when your children are not around? Is it your children that give your life meaning?
Is your sense of worth attached to your children's achievements? Do you tend to take it personally if one of your children has a problem,Miami Dolphins Jerseys?
Are you over-involved in your children's lives?
Are you overly sensitive if one of our children is angry or distant? Do you find yourself trying to pacify your children rather than set appropriate limits in order to avoid their rejection?
Did you choose to have children to share the fullness of your love or did you have children in the hopes of getting love from them?
If you answered “yes” to one or more of these, then there is a good possibility that you are using your children addictively. If this is the case, the best thing you can do for you and your children is to move yourself toward a solid spiritual practice, look for meaningful ways of expressing your talents, and develop emotional connection and support from other adults.
Is it possible to be using our children addictively?
Anything that we use to get love, avoid pain, and fill up inner emptiness can become an addiction – even our children! If your children are your whole life – if you don't have a strong spiritual connection with a personal source of love and guidance, as well as other relationships and interests that you are passionate about, you might be using your children to fill an empty place within you.
If you don't have a partner or your relationship with your partner is not fulfilling to you, and you don't have deeply connected and meaningful friendships, then you might be using your kids as your major emotional connection. If you don't have hobbies or work that are compelling and fulfilling to you, you might be using your children to give meaning to your life. If you don't have a daily spiritual practice that brings love and comfort to your soul, you might be using your children to fill this need.
If this is what you are doing, it is not good for your children. It is a huge burden on children to be responsible for their parent's loneliness and sense of purpose. Children who feel this responsibility often become caretakers, giving themselves up to take care of a parent. On the other hand, a child burdened with this responsibility may rebel and distance from the parent, spending less and less time at home to avoid the burden of the parent's emptiness.
I grew up as an only child with a mother who had nothing fulfilling in her life – other than me. Her whole focus was on me, and because I couldn't possibly fill her up in the way she needed to be filled, she was often angry at me. I became a good little girl, a good caretaker of my mother, but the result was that I was a nervous and unhappy child, and wanted to be away from my house as much as possible.
Our children need to be a part of our life, not our whole life. We need to role-model for them what it looks like to take personal responsibility for filling ourselves up. We need to show them what it looks like to take responsibility for making ourselves happy, rather than rely on them for our happiness. Your children want to know that they are important to you, but not so important that your well-being is dependent upon them. You might want to explore the following questions to see if you may be using your children addictively:
Do you have a solid spiritual practice that fills you with a sense of peace and gives meaning to your life,Miami Dolphins Jersey?
Are you expressing your particular talents in a way that feels meaningful and productive to you and gives you a sense of fulfillment?
Do you have fulfilling emotional connections with other adults – a partner, other family members or friends?
If you answered “yes” to these, then you are probably not using your children addictively.
Do you feel bored and useless when your children are not around? Is it your children that give your life meaning?
Is your sense of worth attached to your children's achievements? Do you tend to take it personally if one of your children has a problem,Miami Dolphins Jerseys?
Are you over-involved in your children's lives?
Are you overly sensitive if one of our children is angry or distant? Do you find yourself trying to pacify your children rather than set appropriate limits in order to avoid their rejection?
Did you choose to have children to share the fullness of your love or did you have children in the hopes of getting love from them?
If you answered “yes” to one or more of these, then there is a good possibility that you are using your children addictively. If this is the case, the best thing you can do for you and your children is to move yourself toward a solid spiritual practice, look for meaningful ways of expressing your talents, and develop emotional connection and support from other adults.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Exactly what do older children get out of reading novels
If You'd Like to Know Why Reading Matters
HERE ARE SOME OF THE REASONS WHY READING IS SO IMPORTANT FOR CHILDREN.
WHY DO WE TELL CHILDREN TO READ ?
2004
We're always telling children that books and reading are good for them, but have we ever really thought about why that's true ? Exactly what do older children get out of reading novels ? What do younger kids get from being read to ? Does reading matter ?
The purpose of this article is to say that, yes, it's true,Miami Dolphins Jersey, reading really is important, and that there are some solid reasons why that is so. Let's begin with the practical benefits and then move on to the less tangible rewards of a life filled with reading.
BOOKS HELP CHILDREN DEVELOP VITAL LANGUAGE SKILLS.
Reading is an important skill that needs to be developed in children. Not only is it necessary for survival in the world of schools and (later on) universities, but in adult life as well. The ability to learn about new subjects and find helpful information on anything from health problems and consumer protection to more academic research into science or the arts depends on the ability to read.
Futurologists used to predict the death of the printed word but, ironically, Internet has made reading more and more a part of people's daily lives. The paperless society is a myth. The computer's ability to process and analyze data means that endless variations on reports and other types of documents can be and are generated. Internet, itself an enormous new source of information and recreation, is based on the humble written word. To effectively utilize the web and judge the authenticity and value of what is found there, both reading and critical thinking skills are of prime importance.
The more children read, the better they become at reading. It's as simple as that. The more enjoyable the things they read are, the more they'll stick with them and develop the reading skills that they'll need for full access to information in their adult lives. Reading should be viewed as a pleasurable activity - as a source of entertaining tales and useful and interesting factual information.
The more young children are read to, the greater their interest in mastering reading. Reading out loud exposes children to proper grammar and phrasing. It enhances the development of their spoken language skills, their ability to express themselves verbally.
Reading, by way of books,Miami Dolphins Jerseys, magazines or websites, exposes kids to new vocabulary. Even when they don't understand every new word, they absorb something from the context that may deepen their understanding of it the next time the word is encountered. When parents read aloud to children, the children also hear correct pronunciation as they see the words on the page, even if they can't yet read the words on their own.
READING CAN OPEN UP NEW WORLDS AND ENRICH CHILDREN'S LIVES.
As mentioned above, reading opens doors - doors to factual information about any subject on earth, practical or theoretical. Given the wealth of available resources such as Internet, libraries, schools and bookstores, if children can read well and if they see reading as a source of information, then for the rest of their lives they will have access to all of the accumulated knowledge of mankind, access to all of the great minds and ideas of the past and present. It truly is magic !
Through books, children can also learn about people and places from other parts of the world, improving their understanding of and concern for all of humanity. This, in turn, contributes towards our sense that we truly live in a "global village" and may help us bring about a more peaceful future for everyone. This can happen through nonfiction but, perhaps even more importantly, reading novels that are set in other places and time periods can give children a deeper understanding of others through identification with individual characters and their plights.
Through stories and novels children can vicariously try out new experiences and test new ideas, with no negative consequences in their real lives. They can meet characters who they'll enjoy returning to for comforting and satisfying visits when they reread a cherished book or discover a sequel. Books also give kids the opportunity to flex their critical thinking skills in such areas as problem solving, the concepts of cause and effect, conflict resolution, and acceptance of responsibility for one's actions. Mysteries allow children to follow clues to their logical conclusions and to try to outguess the author. Even for very young children, a simple story with a repetitive refrain or a simple mystery to solve gives a confidence boost. Children can predict the patterns and successfully solve the riddles.
Children are influenced by and imitate the world around them. While a steady diet of violent cartoons may have a detrimental effect on children's development, carefully chosen stories and books can have a positive influence on children, sensitizing them to the needs of others. For example, books can encourage children to be more cooperative, to share with others, to be kind to animals, or to respect the natural environment.
READING CAN ENHANCE CHILDREN'S SOCIAL SKILLS.
Although reading is thought of as the quintessential solitary activity, in certain circumstances reading can be a socializing activity. For example, a parent or grandparent reading a story aloud, whether from a traditional printed book or from an ebook, can be a great opportunity for adult and child to share some quiet, relaxed quality time together away from the rush and stresses of the business of daily living. They share a few minutes of precious time, plus they share the ideas that are contained in the story. In addition, older children can be encouraged to read aloud to younger ones as a means of enhancing their relationship.
At school or at a library story hour, books can bring children together and can be part of a positive shared experience. For some preschoolers this may be their primary opportunity to socialize and to learn how to behave around other children or how to sit quietly for a group activity. Make the most of this experience by encouraging children to talk about what they've read or heard.
READING CAN IMPROVE HAND-EYE COORDINATION.
It may sound funny, but ebooks can be a way for children to improve their fine motor skills and their hand-eye coordination, as they click around a childfriendly website or click the backward and forward buttons of online story pages. They may also be picking up valuable computer skills that they'll need in school and later in life.
READING CAN PROVIDE CHILDREN WITH PLENTY OF GOOD, CLEAN FUN !
I've saved the most important point for last. Reading can provide children with endless hours of fun and entertainment. All of the pragmatic reasons above aren't at all necessary to justify reading's place in children's lives. Stories can free up imaginations and open up exciting new worlds of fantasy or reality. They allow children to dream and may give them a good start on the road to viewing reading as a lifelong source of pleasure; so read to your young children every day.
Inspire your older children to read. Give them access to plenty of reading material that they'll enjoy and discuss it with them. Sample everything - traditional printed books and ebooks on Internet, classic children's novels and fairy tales, as well as more modern stories.
If a child wants to hear the same story over and over again, don't worry about it. Children take comfort from the familiarity and predictability of a beloved story that they know by heart. There's no harm in that. Reread old favorites and, at the same time, introduce your children to new stories. Your child's mind and heart have room for both.
SO READING REALLY DOES MATTER AFTER ALL!
There are so many ways in which reading continues to be both a vital skill for children to master, and an important source of knowledge and pleasure that can last a lifetime. Nurture it in your children. Make the most of all the resources that are available and waiting for you: printed books, online books, magazines and so forth. Encourage follow-up activities involving creative writing skills and the arts, as well, so that your children can reflect upon or expand on what they've absorbed and, at the same time, develop their own creativity. As you help your kids appreciate the magic of reading, you'll find that there's a whole wonderful world full of children's literature out there that YOU can enjoy too.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE REASONS WHY READING IS SO IMPORTANT FOR CHILDREN.
WHY DO WE TELL CHILDREN TO READ ?
2004
We're always telling children that books and reading are good for them, but have we ever really thought about why that's true ? Exactly what do older children get out of reading novels ? What do younger kids get from being read to ? Does reading matter ?
The purpose of this article is to say that, yes, it's true,Miami Dolphins Jersey, reading really is important, and that there are some solid reasons why that is so. Let's begin with the practical benefits and then move on to the less tangible rewards of a life filled with reading.
BOOKS HELP CHILDREN DEVELOP VITAL LANGUAGE SKILLS.
Reading is an important skill that needs to be developed in children. Not only is it necessary for survival in the world of schools and (later on) universities, but in adult life as well. The ability to learn about new subjects and find helpful information on anything from health problems and consumer protection to more academic research into science or the arts depends on the ability to read.
Futurologists used to predict the death of the printed word but, ironically, Internet has made reading more and more a part of people's daily lives. The paperless society is a myth. The computer's ability to process and analyze data means that endless variations on reports and other types of documents can be and are generated. Internet, itself an enormous new source of information and recreation, is based on the humble written word. To effectively utilize the web and judge the authenticity and value of what is found there, both reading and critical thinking skills are of prime importance.
The more children read, the better they become at reading. It's as simple as that. The more enjoyable the things they read are, the more they'll stick with them and develop the reading skills that they'll need for full access to information in their adult lives. Reading should be viewed as a pleasurable activity - as a source of entertaining tales and useful and interesting factual information.
The more young children are read to, the greater their interest in mastering reading. Reading out loud exposes children to proper grammar and phrasing. It enhances the development of their spoken language skills, their ability to express themselves verbally.
Reading, by way of books,Miami Dolphins Jerseys, magazines or websites, exposes kids to new vocabulary. Even when they don't understand every new word, they absorb something from the context that may deepen their understanding of it the next time the word is encountered. When parents read aloud to children, the children also hear correct pronunciation as they see the words on the page, even if they can't yet read the words on their own.
READING CAN OPEN UP NEW WORLDS AND ENRICH CHILDREN'S LIVES.
As mentioned above, reading opens doors - doors to factual information about any subject on earth, practical or theoretical. Given the wealth of available resources such as Internet, libraries, schools and bookstores, if children can read well and if they see reading as a source of information, then for the rest of their lives they will have access to all of the accumulated knowledge of mankind, access to all of the great minds and ideas of the past and present. It truly is magic !
Through books, children can also learn about people and places from other parts of the world, improving their understanding of and concern for all of humanity. This, in turn, contributes towards our sense that we truly live in a "global village" and may help us bring about a more peaceful future for everyone. This can happen through nonfiction but, perhaps even more importantly, reading novels that are set in other places and time periods can give children a deeper understanding of others through identification with individual characters and their plights.
Through stories and novels children can vicariously try out new experiences and test new ideas, with no negative consequences in their real lives. They can meet characters who they'll enjoy returning to for comforting and satisfying visits when they reread a cherished book or discover a sequel. Books also give kids the opportunity to flex their critical thinking skills in such areas as problem solving, the concepts of cause and effect, conflict resolution, and acceptance of responsibility for one's actions. Mysteries allow children to follow clues to their logical conclusions and to try to outguess the author. Even for very young children, a simple story with a repetitive refrain or a simple mystery to solve gives a confidence boost. Children can predict the patterns and successfully solve the riddles.
Children are influenced by and imitate the world around them. While a steady diet of violent cartoons may have a detrimental effect on children's development, carefully chosen stories and books can have a positive influence on children, sensitizing them to the needs of others. For example, books can encourage children to be more cooperative, to share with others, to be kind to animals, or to respect the natural environment.
READING CAN ENHANCE CHILDREN'S SOCIAL SKILLS.
Although reading is thought of as the quintessential solitary activity, in certain circumstances reading can be a socializing activity. For example, a parent or grandparent reading a story aloud, whether from a traditional printed book or from an ebook, can be a great opportunity for adult and child to share some quiet, relaxed quality time together away from the rush and stresses of the business of daily living. They share a few minutes of precious time, plus they share the ideas that are contained in the story. In addition, older children can be encouraged to read aloud to younger ones as a means of enhancing their relationship.
At school or at a library story hour, books can bring children together and can be part of a positive shared experience. For some preschoolers this may be their primary opportunity to socialize and to learn how to behave around other children or how to sit quietly for a group activity. Make the most of this experience by encouraging children to talk about what they've read or heard.
READING CAN IMPROVE HAND-EYE COORDINATION.
It may sound funny, but ebooks can be a way for children to improve their fine motor skills and their hand-eye coordination, as they click around a childfriendly website or click the backward and forward buttons of online story pages. They may also be picking up valuable computer skills that they'll need in school and later in life.
READING CAN PROVIDE CHILDREN WITH PLENTY OF GOOD, CLEAN FUN !
I've saved the most important point for last. Reading can provide children with endless hours of fun and entertainment. All of the pragmatic reasons above aren't at all necessary to justify reading's place in children's lives. Stories can free up imaginations and open up exciting new worlds of fantasy or reality. They allow children to dream and may give them a good start on the road to viewing reading as a lifelong source of pleasure; so read to your young children every day.
Inspire your older children to read. Give them access to plenty of reading material that they'll enjoy and discuss it with them. Sample everything - traditional printed books and ebooks on Internet, classic children's novels and fairy tales, as well as more modern stories.
If a child wants to hear the same story over and over again, don't worry about it. Children take comfort from the familiarity and predictability of a beloved story that they know by heart. There's no harm in that. Reread old favorites and, at the same time, introduce your children to new stories. Your child's mind and heart have room for both.
SO READING REALLY DOES MATTER AFTER ALL!
There are so many ways in which reading continues to be both a vital skill for children to master, and an important source of knowledge and pleasure that can last a lifetime. Nurture it in your children. Make the most of all the resources that are available and waiting for you: printed books, online books, magazines and so forth. Encourage follow-up activities involving creative writing skills and the arts, as well, so that your children can reflect upon or expand on what they've absorbed and, at the same time, develop their own creativity. As you help your kids appreciate the magic of reading, you'll find that there's a whole wonderful world full of children's literature out there that YOU can enjoy too.
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