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Stepping-Stones to Interaction in the Arts
Stepping-Stones to Interaction in the Arts
Yuna Rault-D'Inca
On the role of social change and technology as stepping-stones to interaction in the arts.
The concept of interactivity in the arts predates the 1968 Social Revolution which defined freedom as the possibility to participate. However, as some early examples show, the concept was not new. In literature, Hermann Hesse's renowned novel of 1927, "Steppenwolf", evokes the idea of a magic theatre, where the performance would be guided by the thoughts of the spectators. And in 1961, French writer Robert Queneau applied the idea of interactivity to literature with his "cent mille milliards de poemes", a veritable 'poem-kit', with which the reader was offered the opportunity to create ever-new poems with predefined pieces. And in 1954 the first tangible structure considered as truly interactive was erected near Paris; the sound producing spatiodynamic cybernetic tower by Nicolas Schöffer. Using mirrors and lights, it was highly technical, and in the nature of interactive art, it was able to interact in real time with numerous ecological and environmental factors.
Post-1968, the idea of interactivity seemed to explode. Peter Vogel built the first cybernetic objects in '69 and ten years later generated a series of musical installations: "Die Klangwand", which would react to the shadows that dancers and the public cast on it, with light and sound. Another eminent figure in the domain of interactive sound experience is Iannis Xenakis with his UPIC - again a highly technical device, which transforms graphics into sound.
Owing to their technical potential, the new media arts, including video games, now form the majority of contemporary interactive art forms. Active since the 1960s, Jeffrey Shaw is a leading figure in the domain, pioneering the creative use of digital media in interactive narrative and virtual reality. One of his most famous works is the 1994 interactive installation of the "Golden Calf", where the spectator moves around an empty pedestal, equipped with a viewing device that offers the realistic visualisation of the "Golden Calf" from every angle. A few years earlier, in "Legible City", Shaw already made the pedalling spectator "move" through a virtual city on an actual, although static, bike.
After a period of experimentation with the technological possibilities offered to art, interactive art today is used as a tool to also transport political themes.For example, a Swiss installation, called "the oracle of the butterfly", an allegory to the famous question raised in 1972 by climatologist Edward Lorenz: "Can the flapping of a butterfly's wings in Brazil generate a Tornado in Texas?" offers the public an environmental experience in a poetic atmosphere. By individually taking an "environmental action", the public can light up butterflies on the walls. Once all lit, beautiful music emerges and a menacing tornado is reduced to nothingness. Another project, "Cosmopolis - overwriting the city" conducted in China by Maurice Benayoun, is an artistic and scientific interpretation of urbanisation. The spectator views fragments of Eastern and Occidental Cities, where the environment is cut out, to concentrate on different selected aspects. Only later does one realise, that by viewing the pictures they build up an imaginary Cosmopolis of their own, which seems strangely familiar and bizarre at the same time. Other projects offer the possibility to re-explore one's everyday environment. The "Space Invaders" mosaics by an incognito French street artist, who defines his project as a reality game, are found in several big European cities. Fans and followers will wander between them, walking through areas they probably wouldn't have ventured to if it weren't for the Invaders. To engage in the artistic process, some fans recreate Invaders in their home-cities in homage to the creator.
New dimensions of interactivity also emerge with the internet: Google+ makes it possible to organize hangouts, and the 2009 Youtube symphony orchestra brought together musicians from all around the world to perform at once, and in doing so defied the rules of space and time. One may also argue whether integrating the public through internet crowd-sourcing in cinematographic art, as it happened for futuristic "Iron Sky", presented at the 2012 Berlinale, may also be considered as interactive. Finally, the ICINEMA Research Center in New South Wales now experiments with avatars in the movies in its Scenario Project. As neurobiologist Horst Müller predicts, it seems even books are bound to become interactive and will directly communicate with the reader, as artificial intelligence technologies evolve. This last not yet fully explored technology will certainly add another interesting aspect to art - just as will others yet to be invented.


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Basketball games are a blast, especially when you know the players on the court. On the other hand, those pre-game warm-ups and long halftimes can get a little tedious. If only there was a way to eith
Most students enjoy a snow day...unless you are an extremely dedicated choir student. The annual Christmas concert was December 13 at Goodrich auditorium. Even though there were three snow days the
The staff would like to wish you and your family a happy holiday season. In fact, the seniors put together a little dance for your entertainment.
Leading America's Newsrooms

subset: commoncrawl


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Africa Tours and Safaris
- Masai Mara National Park (Kenya)
- Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe)
- Mt. Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
- Lalibela (Ethiopia)
- Okavango Delta (Botswana)
- Namib Desert (Namibia)
- Marrakesh (Morocco)
- Valley of the Kings (Egypt)
- Mountain Gorillas (Uganda)
Africa. Travel here is as different from north to south as it is east to west. From Casablanca to Cape Town, Africa offers some of the greatest secrets and travellers' treasures to be found anywhere on earth. The inhabitants, both human and otherwise are no less diverse - Africa is home to modern cities and nomadic villages alike. Whether you're after a peaceful sunrise while on an Africa safari, a camel trek with Berber tribesmen, or a photo op with mountain gorillas, Africa will touch you deeply and beckon you to return again and again.
Cape Town to Nairobi (DCN)
Marvel at the world's highest sand dunes, float through the Okavango in a dug-out mokoro canoe and meet the San Bushmen in the blazing Kalahari Desert on this epic overland adventure. Journey across nearly half of the African continent—from the southern tip of Africa to Kenya—and soak up the vibrant colours, culture and scenery of seven countries. Our overland trucks are an adventurous and inexpensive way to enjoy the region's intriguing combination of wilderness and bright city lights, while camping under Africa's big sky will provide a unique perspective. Take the road less travelled and come away with jaw-dropping photographs and a deeper understanding of this incredible continent.
Highlights: Seeing the Big Five from 4x4 safari vehicles, experiencing cosmopolitan Cape Town, exploring spice plantations and the immense Fish River Canyon, cruising in dugout canoes, gazing at Victoria Falls and giant sand dunes.
Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Adventure (DKKU)
Meet mountain gorillas and the other amazing wildlife on this 2-week overland adventure. Spot wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park and join experienced trackers while travelling deep into the Ugandan forests for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spot endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Our overland trucks are an adventurous and inexpensive way to see the highlights while wilderness camping will keep you in the thick of the action. Experience a world apart as you encounter the colourful cultures and wild landscapes of Kenya and Uganda.
Highlights: Seeing a mountain gorilla up close and personal, searching for the elusive wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park, photographing diverse wildlife, rafting down the White Nile River.
Kenya Camping Safari (DKWA)
From dramatic savannahs to the Great Rift Valley, experience Kenya in all its glory. Travel the vast open plains and rolling hills of the Masai Mara and scour the wilderness for Africa's Big Five. Full-service camping under the big African sky will bring you closer to the region's wildlife and gets you off the beaten path so you can really experience this land's unique culture. Our small safari vehicles minimize drive times and improve your chances of snapping that perfect shot of some of the most amazing animals on the planet.
Highlights: Exploring Samburu and Masai Mara, visiting a Samburu village, visiting three of Kenya's best game parks and reserves, taking in views of the Great Rift Valley, photographing flamingos at Lake Nakuru.
Mt Kilimanjaro Group Trek—Machame 8-Day Route (DTM8)
Possibly the most scenic route to the summit, Machame boasts different paths to the summit and back. Emerge onto high alpine deserts with amazing views of ice fields, all en route to Uhuru, peak of Mt Kilimanjaro! Known as the 'Whiskey Route', this path leads you through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through moorland to the Shira Plateau. It offers great scenery beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Icefields before summiting from the higher Barafu Camp. Camp along the route with support from local guides and porters. As a world leader in Kili treks, we'll take you to new heights in adventure!
Highlights: Witness the curvature of the earth from the roof of Africa, trek past verdant forests and silent glaciers on the way to Uhuru Peak.
Tanzania Camping Adventure (DTWE)
Witness big game on open savannah and experience the stunning beauty of the Great Rift Valley. Led by a certified safari guide, you'll journey to Tanzania in search of phenomenal wildlife in its natural habitat. Full-service camping will bring you closer to the region's animals and is an economical way to gain insight into local cultures in a short amount of time. Our small safari vehicles minimize drive times and improve your chances of snapping that perfect shot of one of the elusive Big Five.
Highlights: Exploring Tanzania's best game parks, meeting the Masai, savouring traditional cuisine in a local village
- Trip Style:
- Classic
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Dunes, Deltas & Falls (DCF)
If you want to soak up the colours, culture and scenery of this incredible region, this is the ultimate expedition to southwestern Africa. Experience game drives, leave footprints on the world's highest sand dunes, wonder at the majesty of Victoria Falls and canoe game-rich deltas. Our overland trucks are an adventurous and inexpensive way to see the highlights while wilderness camping will bring you closer to the region's wildlife—drift off to sleep to the call of cranes and awake to the rustle of elephants grazing on nearby riverbanks.
Highlights: Experiencing culture in Cape Town and game drives in Etosha National Park, cruising the Okavango Delta in a dug-out canoe, meeting the San Bushmen, marvelling at Fish River Canyon and Victoria Falls.
Nairobi to Zanzibar Adventure (DKT)
From the buzz of Kenya's capital Nairobi to the excitement of tracking the Big Five across the Serengeti, feel the pulse of Africa on this 10-day journey. Explore the incomparable beauty of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater before heading east through the savannah to visit spice plantations and relax on the beach. While our agile 4x4s will improve your chances of seeing some of the planet's most amazing wildlife, our unique overland truck will get you around safely—and camping will keep you at the heart of the action along the way. Our certified CEO will lead the way and share with you the hidden gems that will have your camera's shutter working overtime.
Highlights: Tracking the Big Five across the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in agile 4x4 safari vehicles, Seeing Mt Kilimanjaro towering in the distance, Exploring Zanzibar's spice plantations and pristine beaches.
Kenya & Tanzania Camping Safari (DKTW)
Led by a certified safari guide, this 15-day tour will bring you to the famous wildlife habitats of both Tanzania and Kenya. Descend into the Great Rift Valley and the Ngorongoro Crater for stunning wilderness and let your spirit soar as you race across the plains of the Masai Mara and Serengeti tracking Africa's elusive Big Five. Our safari vehicles minimize drive times and improve your chances of getting 'the' shot—and full-service camping will bring you even closer to the region's wildlife.
Highlights: Viewing wildlife in incredible game parks, savouring traditional cuisine, visiting the Samburu village, meeting the Masai and discovering their culture
Trip | Length | Style | Service Level | Starting Price |
Cape Town to Nairobi (DCN) | 40 days | Yolo | Camping |
Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Adventure (DKKU) | 14 days | Yolo | Camping |
Kenya Camping Safari (DKWA) | 9 days | Classic | Camping |
Mt Kilimanjaro Group Trek—Machame 8-Day Route (DTM8) | 8 days | Active | Camping |
Tanzania Camping Adventure (DTWE) | 7 days | Classic | Camping |
Promotions Available!
Dunes, Deltas & Falls (DCF) | 21 days | Yolo | Camping |
Nairobi to Zanzibar Adventure (DKT) | 10 days | Yolo | Camping |
Kenya & Tanzania Camping Safari (DKTW) | 15 days | Classic | Camping |


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Buick Park Avenue Keychains & Keyrings
In the Buick Park Avenue keychain range, we have four different kinds of keychains based on the material they are made of. They come in combinations of leather, chrome, gold and metal. Each of them is exquisite in their own rugged way; there is no way you can persuade anybody to use any other key chain if he has decided that he will buy a Buick. Driving a Buick is certainly a luxury. It is not true that only celebrities like Tiger Woods can buy and drive one. Know anyone of your friends, relatives or near and dear ones who drive the Buick Park Avenue? If so, here is an opportunity to give them a gift they will cherish and can use for a lifetime.
Did we mention that these keychains come with a lifetime guarantee? Imagine. A gift that will never fade. Something they are going to use for the rest of their lives and an opportunity to remember you every time they start their car. What better way to make a mark in someone else's life? And what about all the times its going to start a conversation going. Select from the range of keychains and if you would like a special message engraved, we will indulge you. So go on, select one of these lovely pieces and make someone's day.


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Following up on their Final Fantasy X HD PS3 and PS Vita announcement from this year's Tokyo Game show, Square Enix have also revealed a http://tgs.playstation.jp/lineup/ps3/#M3P_20_F132 PS3 and release date today.
Similar to the White Final Fantasy 13 PS3 Bundle, the Final Fantasy XIII-2 PlayStation 3 Lightning Edition version 2 console's character design is also done by Tetsuya Nomura.
To quote from Andriasang.com (linked above): "Square Enix announced today a final release date of December 15 for Final Fantasy XIII-2. Both the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game will be priced ¥7,980.
The PS3 version will also be released as part of a hardware bundle called 'PlayStation 3 Final Fantasy XIII-2 Lightning Edition Ver. 2.' Priced ¥37,960, this includes a 320 gigabyte hard drive.
Overseas, the game will be released in North America and Asia on January 31. The European release is set for February 3. Square Enix did not say if the special PS3 will be released outside of Japan."
More PlayStation 3 News...
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24990 PS3 News
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Mission Statement
The Financial Aid Office at Southern Methodist University is committed to serving students by providing information to secure the necessary financial resources to meet their educational goals and financial obligations to the university. Our financial aid advisors offer personal attention to help explore a multitude of available scholarships, grants, loans, and payment plans.
The goal of the financial aid program at SMU is to provide financial assistance to students who would not be able to attend college without aid. The university expects that students and parents will contribute to the fullest extent of their ability from income and assets. When considering ways to fund their college education, students should explore all possibilities and adhere to application deadlines. It is the responsibility of the student to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS/Profile in a timely manner.
Enrollment Services
An organization calling themselves the Student Financial Resource Center is requesting information from continuing and first year students. This is NOT a request from the Department of Education or from Southern Methodist University. Student Financial Resource Center is NOT affiliated with SMU, the US Department of Education or the College Board. If a document request is questionable then students may refer to Step 2 in FA Pony Tracks through ACCESS.SMU.EDU or may contact SMU Enrollment Services at 214-768-3417 to confirm which documents are needed for financial aid processing.
Filing the Free Application Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is free. Families do not have to pay to file this form. Also, there are many no cost scholarship search engines like Fastweb.com and CollegeBoard.org. If you have any questions, you can contact the SMU Financial Aid Office at 214-768-3417.
Who's my financial aid advisor?
First letter of last name:
Cindy Luetzow |
Undergraduate F, M, N, T |
Gina Kelbert |
Undergraduate J, K, P, R |
Minerva Chihuahua |
Undergraduate A, G, S |
Gordon Brannon |
Undergraduate E, C, W, L |
Penny Griffin |
Undergraduate I, O, Q, U, V, Z, X, Y |
Walker Self |
Undergraduate B, D, H |
Advising Hours without an appointment:
Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9am to 12pm
and Wednesdays from 12:30pm to 4pm.


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2009 is the year of natural and organic when it comes to home lighting design. Organic updates to make our home a peaceful and enjoyable place to be.
From rustic materials, such as twigs and branches to natural coastal elements such as shells and mother of pearl, all things nature are becoming very popular design elements. Some of our favorite pieces combine these natural elements with smart design and beautiful style to make them perfect choices for creating a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere in your home.
Natural Bamboo Table Lamp, Mother of Pearl Bath Light
Crisp, clean colors are an easy way to add understated luxury to your home.
White is a huge color trend right now, along with soft, neutral tones that create a peaceful and tranquil environment in your home. Adding a neutral chandelier or crisp white table lamp is an easy way to update your home décor without changing your whole color scheme.
Grasscloth Italian Quadrate Chandelier
Studded Ceramic Table Lamp, White Architectural Sconce
Urban Living and Updated Traditional has continued to gain presence as a design trend in home décor and lighting design.
Lighting that combines traditional finishes and design with modern twists is a great way to update your look without redecorating your whole house!
Soho Chandelier- shown in antique brass
Modern Classic Sconce – shown in bronze, Urban Loft Ceiling Light
No matter what your design style may be, a great way to stay on top of trends and add updated style to your home is to add a new light fixture. We continue to add new items that are current and fresh, so be sure to check out our New and Exciting Lighting Items on our website!


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We're sorry, the special you were looking for has either sold out due to huge demand or may no longer be available at the originally advertised price, terms and conditions.
The Fairmont Chicago
Recognized for its service and amenities on Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List and Travel & Leisure Magazine's Top 500 Hotels List, The Fairmont recently completed a $50-million renovation, and now it features 42-inch flat screen TVs and iPod docking stations in its rooms. The hotel features two chic dining options, Eno Wine Room and aria restaurant, plus a spa & fitness center.
Deals for this Hotel:There are currently no deals for this hotel. Please visit our hotel deals page to find an alternative.


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This article was originally distributed via PRWeb. PRWeb, WorldNow and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith.
SOURCE: Penny Stock Dream
After alerting it as one of their best penny stocks pennystockdream.com saw shares of Dussault Apparel close up 20% this past Wednesday. This sparked renewed interest in subscribers to their Platinum Membership platform.
New York, NY (PRWEB) November 23, 2012
After special alerts sent by pennystockdream.com via their penny stock newsletter platform, shares of Dussault Apparel, closed up another 20% this past Wednesday for their subscribers. In these past few weeks it has seemed as though pennystockdream.com has almost been an unstoppable force within the penny stock exchange, as the top penny stock newsletter alerts that they have been sending out to their energized followers, have continued to see significant profits from winning plays. In just the past 6 weeks they have released numerous winning stocks that have risen over 2,600% for their subscribers. These profits are impressive, especially when taking into account that pennystockdream.com is as young a group as it is. As a result of the significant gains that their plays have been seeing, pennystockdream.com has noted a significant increase in subscriber numbers to their elevated Platinum Member alerts, by investors aiming to receive early alerts on awareness campaigns, to take up positions before other investors are clued in. This affords them the possibility of netting far more significant gains than general free subscribers. At the rate that this penny stock promotion group has grown, there is little doubt that they will quickly become a significant force within the industry.
Pennystockdream.com often suggest that they maintain hope to always bring penny stock alerts to their subscribers before the major runs have been made. The involvement with Dussault Apparel, has seemed to be no exception, as they again sent out information regarding the company, well before the 20% increase, further improving their already strong reputation of bringing impressive returns to their free penny stock newsletter subscribers. Often times the question as to whether or not pennystockdream.com and its managing members will be able to maintain the impressive pattern of growth that they have set forth, comes into play. After all, it is not very often that promotion groups within the penny stock exchange see profits of 2,600%, especially when they are as young as this one is. As their subscribers continue to see impressive growth and their platform continues to expand, it comes as no surprise that pennystockdream.com is expected to become a significant force within the industry.
Pennystockdream.com and its employees are not registered as Investment Adviser's in any jurisdiction whatsoever. We encourage all of those that are interested in trading penny stocks, or any other form of investment, to conduct their own research to garner a better understanding of what they are getting involved in. Be sure to read the full pennystockdream.com disclaimer at: http://pennystockdream.com/disclaimer.
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2012/11/prweb10162952.htm


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The emergence of ULS systems requires significant innovations and advances in tools and platforms. Not all technologies provide the precision we're accustomed to in legacy real-time systems. Advances in Model-driven engineering (MDE) are needed to address ULS systems challenges. Significant MDE groundwork layed in various R&D programs. Much more R&D needed for ULS systems (e.g., recent Software Engineering Institute study).
This presentation is related to the following area(s) of work:
Ultra-Large-Scale SystemsPublished: February 2007
For more information


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NCAA Football
Texas Football Recruiting: Longhorns' Top Priority on National Signing Day
With National Signing Day less than a week away, college programs across the country are wrapping up their recruiting classes with the hopes of landing some difference makers in the final hours.
For a program that appeared to be on the ropes a few seasons ago, the Texas Longhorns cannot afford to be missing their targets.
The Horns' 2013 class is on the small side, but the hope of delivering quality over quantity aligns with the sheer number of players returning to Austin next season. With Texas sitting at 15 commitments, it will look to add at least one or two more before NSD on Wednesday.
But while a name like Andrew Billings or Dontre Wilson may end up stealing the show with a pledge to the Longhorns, the main attraction could be A'Shawn Robinson.
If the Horns can close on Billings and Wilson, while solidifying Robinson's commitment, they will have finished their class with quite a bang considering the circumstances and talent the three bring to the table.
Texas' top priority is closing.
Dontre Wilson's War
The Dontre Wilson Saga has seen the Longhorns come into the race and fall out, only to re-establish some position late in the game.
The speedy running back out of DeSoto, Texas, originally committed to Oregon, but after Chip Kelly bounced to the NFL, Wilson opened up his search.
Oregon and Ohio State appear to be the front-runners, but after cancelling a visit to Oklahoma State in favor of Texas, the Longhorns will need to hit a home run to get back into the hunt for his signature.
Two for the Money
Andrew Billings and A'Shawn Robinson could become a pair of defensive tackles that solidify the back-end of the current group on campus.
Adding the two to an already formidable and young core of tackles means favorable challenges ahead if the talents progress accordingly, but everyone knows of that uncertainty.
Nevertheless, Billings and Robinson are a couple of 300-pound tackles that bring plenty of size, strength and athleticism, thematic of the group already assembled in Austin.
The key to the equation is Robinson, who is the top-ranked player in the Lone Star State according to Rivals.com. Whether or not the Longhorns land Billings, keeping Robinson bound for Austin is the most critical move next Wednesday.
The Bottom Line
National Signing Day is a special time for players and college programs alike, as each entity becomes the other's short-term future.
Mack Brown's Longhorns, a program in a critical third year of a rebuild, has to get almost everything right in order to launch itself back to the top. Evaluation and development is key, but finding the talent and getting their signatures every February is even more paramount.
Success begins on NSD.
Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com
Michigan Football: Can Al Borges Make Wolverines' Backfield into Auburn 2.0?
Those Auburn Tigers sure had it made when running backs Carnell "Cadillac" Williams and Ronnie Brown were on the prowl.
Both first-round picks of the 2005 NFL Draft, Williams and Brown electrified SEC competition by way of a potent, 1-2 punch that put linebackers on their heels and threw cornerbacks and safeties out of their comfort zone.
Tackling tanks like Williams and speedsters like Brown was no easy task for sub-6'0," 200-pound defensive backs.
Who was behind the magic for the Tigers?
It was none other than Al Borges, who engineered a spectacular Auburn backfield in 2004 before taking on offensive coordinator duties at Michigan in 2011.
Now that Borges has a few SEC-like backs of his own to manipulate, the Wolverines' stable of rushing talent could be similar to what the Tigers had just a handful of years ago. Borges could have an Auburn 2.0 on his hands with incoming freshmen Derrick Green and Deveon Smith, along with soon-to-be junior Thomas Rawls.
Comparing Brown and Cadillac to What Michigan Has Today
Prior to earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2005 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cadillac Williams was a bruiser in the SEC, the nation's premier college football conference.
Williams, the fifth pick of the 2005 draft, rushed for 1,165 yards and 12 touchdowns during his senior year at Auburn. He was already a 1,000-yard rusher prior to Al Borges' arrival, but it took the emergence of Ronnie Brown in 2004 to really complete the puzzle.
Brown, the second pick of the 2005 draft, rushed for 913 yards and eight touchdowns during his senior year, running side-by-side with Cadillac as the larger bulldozer.
In college, both were about 6'0" and 220 pounds, very similar in size to what Al Borges has at Michigan with Thomas Rawls (5'10", 218 pounds), Derrick Green (6'0", 230 pounds) and Deveon Smith (5'11", 220).
Like Auburn and other SEC programs today, Michigan was once revered for hard-nosed running backs that carried out a physical running style. With persistence, Wolverines coach Brady Hoke will revive that tradition by creating an SEC-like program (or an old-school Michigan program) one class at a time.
Rawls has been compared to Mark Ingram, another Flint native with a solid frame. As a sophomore, Rawls showed the Maize and Blue faithful that he could run over—literally run over—just about any linebacker in the Big Ten.
When the Wolverines were forced to face the music on third down, Rawls came through more times than not, rushing for 89 yards on 11 carries, including a 63-yard touchdown.
Expectations are high for Rawls entering this fall.
Green committed to Michigan a week ago as the nation's No. 1 running back, according to Rivals.com. Other recruiting sites have him listed from No. 1 to No. 3 or 4. Either way, the Hermitage High (Va.) 5-star standout has the aptitude and ability to deliver the goods.
Smith could be the complementing addition to either a Rawls or Green-led Wolverines ground force. Either that, or he could don the red shirt, sit back, learn and be primed for action in 2014.
Comparing Borges' current package of ball-carriers to Brown and Williams isn't a stretch. However, keep in mind that the pair formed one of the most dynamic 1-2 combinations in SEC history. Expecting that much from Rawls, Green (and possibly Smith) may seem like wishful thinking.
But it's not impossible, given the development of Michigan's offensive line and incoming recruits that are sure to dominate the trenches in the next couple of years.
Replicating the same type of wondrous pair will be a task for Borges, but he has the necessary tools at his disposal to, at the very least, piece together something like he had at Auburn during his glory years as an offensive guru.
Follow Bleacher Report's Michigan Wolverines football writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81
Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com
SEC Football Winners and Losers for the Month of January 2013
The month started with several SEC teams playing bowl games, and it will come to a close with deer antler spray dominating headlines.
Talk about a roller coaster of storylines.
In between the discussion of actual football and not-so-typical offseason storylines, we've seen several SEC players, coaches and programs have ups and downs.
Who were the winners and losers of the month of January? Our picks are in this slideshow.
Kansas State Head Coach Bill Snyder's New 5-Year, $14.75 Million Dollar Deal
The Associated Press is reporting that Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder has signed a new contract worth $14.75 million over the next five years.
According to the report, Snyder's currently salary will be increased to $2.75 million with $100,000 increases every year through 2017.
Snyder, who will be 74 years old this October, is responsible for spearheading one of the greatest turnarounds in college football when he took over an 0-11 team from 1988 under then-head coach Stan Parrish and posted a 7-4 record three years later.
Snyder's accomplishments resulted in Kansas State's football stadium being renamed Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium after he retired in 2005. But when his successor, Ron Prince, was dismissed after posting a three-year record of 17-20, Snyder came out of retirement and has been Kansas State's head coach for the last four seasons.
Snyder is a great coach and a remarkable mentor to young adults, but he's also going to be coaching at Kansas State until he's 78 years old, and his advancing age begs some questions.
Will Snyder still be as mentally sharp five years from now as he appears to be now? At 73 years old, Snyder is closer to being in his 60s than in his 80s, but at 78 years old, he's closer to being in his 80s.
What if he can't keep up with the game?
Bobby Bowden, Florida State's former head coach, was a coaching legend, but he was "pushed out" by the school after 34 years. I talked to Bowden personally and I can tell you his mind is sharp, but even he admits that coaching nowadays is much more pressure-filled. And that's a concern for coaches who are classified as senior citizens.
Bowden was a polarizing figure for Florida State fans toward the end of his tenure—they had so much respect for what he had done for the program, yet they felt tremendous guilt over wanting a change. It's difficult to boot out someone you love, yet the longer you hang on, the more uncomfortable it gets.
You're damned if you do and damned if you don't.
Former Penn State head coach Joe Paterno was in similar circumstances—the fans loved his dedication to the school, yet there appeared to be a need for a change. Unfortunately, Penn State hung on too long with Paterno—while he was dismissed before his former assistant, Jerry Sandusky, was found guilty of 45 counts stemming from a child-sex-abuse scandal, Paterno's legacy and the school's athletic department's reputation were tarnished.
Snyder is a football legend and should be rewarded for all of his dedication and success. And for all we know, Snyder could remain sharp as a fiddle for the next five years—we're hoping for that.
But if Snyder loses a few steps—and that is perfectly natural as part of the aging process—the school could be placed in a situation where it has to force out a man who rebuilt Kansas State football and whose name graces the stadium where Kansas State football is played.
You gave him five years, Kansas State. Just make sure you don't become another Florida State if things go south in Manhattan.
Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com
Alabama Football: Crimson Tide Players in Dire Need of Strong Spring Performance
Alabama has announced that the spring game this year will take place on April 20 and will even be televised by ESPN2. But before the game and the celebrations arrive, there are spring practices and it provides a chance for every player to prove himself to the coaching staff.
With the roster changing and positions opening up, backups from a season ago feel that their time has finally arrived for them to become starters. Even a few players who were on the first team last season could be in jeopardy of losing playing time due to a younger player stepping his game up. The spring is a chance for anybody and everybody to make an impact, and the outcome will play a factor in how the final depth chart looks in September.
As we slowly begin to enter the spring and everything that comes with it, here are a few Alabama players who need to shine when the practices and spring game takes place.
Every Big Ten School's Biggest Weakness Heading into 2013
The Big Ten is full of positives heading into the offseason. The conference will see Ohio State make a second run at an undefeated season, and Michigan is back on the rise. Nebraska has a senior quarterback and rising star in the backfield.
Despite the obvious strengths, some major weaknesses have to be confronted by each team before the new year.
This conference took a dive in 2012 and to get back on top it has to focus on eliminating the extreme negatives that swirl around these teams. Each squad will face adversity in the coming year, but some will face tougher roads than others.
If these teams can overcome these issues next season, the Big Ten will be back among college football's elite.
Georgia Football: Top 10 Defensive Plays for Dawgs in 2012
In 2012, the Georgia Bulldogs defense had some beautiful moments. Yes, they underwhelmed viewers at times following their monumental 2011 season, but the Dawgs made the big plays when they needed to.
In creating this list, I was looking for the biggest plays that either decided a game or completely shifted the momentum in the Dawgs favor. Throughout the year, there were any number of big hits and key open-field tackles made by stellar Bulldog defenders, but my selections all have something in common: they either had either the game on the line or resulted in a major turn of the tide in favor of Georgia.
If you are interested in the top plays on the offensive side of the ball, feel free to take a look at my Top Offensive Plays for the Georgia Bulldogs in 2012.
And now...drum roll please...the defensive top 10 plays of 2012:
Odds Texas or Ohio State Sways Oregon RB Commit Dontre Wilson
The odds are high that 4-star Oregon running back commitment Dontre Wilson flips to either Texas or Ohio State.
Of the two programs, Ohio State seems to have the best chance of convincing the talented running back to flip.
Wilson has been committed to Oregon since May of 2012, but a lot has changed since then. Now that former head coach Chip Kelly has taken a job in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles, the window of opportunity has opened for other programs to poach Oregon commitments.
One of those programs is Ohio State, and it was reported that Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes made a strong push for Wilson. Ohio State was able to land an official visit with the 4-star back, and they look to be in prime position to get a flip.
That said, an in-state school is also making a strong final run at the recruit from DeSoto, Texas.
The Texas Longhorns have secured the last official visit for Wilson, and he plans on making his final decision soon thereafter, according to William Wilkerson and Damon Sayles of ESPN Horns Nation:
Not only will Wilson visit Texas, but he will decide among Oregon, Ohio State and Texas on Sunday following his stay in Austin, according to Don Wilson.
"He said he wants to announce on Sunday," Don Wilson said. "You're dealing with an 18-year-old here, but that's what he told me [Tuesday] morning. I don't know if he's going to announce it publicly, but he said he'll have his mind made up."
Texas will put themselves in a good position to get a flip, but they do have one glaring downside. Texas' depth chart is very deep at running back, so playing time would be hard to come by for Wilson, at least early on.
He'd be behind Johnathan Gray, Malcolm Brown, Joe Bergeron and Daje Johnson on the depth chart at Texas.
At Ohio State, he would have a better chance to see the field early on. Once Carlos Hyde and Jordan Hall move on, Wilson could find himself in a competition for the starting job. That possibility becomes even more realistic if 4-star running back and OSU commitment Ezekiel Elliott flips his commitment to Missouri, which seems possible.
Of course, there's always the distinct possibility that Mark Helfrich and the Ducks are able to keep Wilson committed, where he'll eventually be a great backup to 5-star running back Thomas Tyner—but it seems more and more like he's considering other options.
We'll end up finding out when he announces on Sunday, but for now, the odds seem to favor him flipping away from Oregon.
Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com
Your Best 11 Mailbag: Deer Antler Spray, Fantasy Draft, and Pattern Matching
It's Thursday, Thursday, gotta get down on Thursday!
Of course, by get down, we mean do the mailbag and answering questions from you, the reader. Dear readers, these are your questions and I hope that I give you some dope answers because that is the goal.
@inthebleachers Do you foresee any consequences from Bama's crippling deer antler epidemic? #YB11
— Broderick Morgan (@bdmorgan87) January 31, 2013
No. Basically if they don't test positive for a banned substance, then the NCAA really does not have much in the way of grounds to take action. Sort of like if someone said, "Hey, I saw Quinton Dial smoking weed," plus a quote from Dial about how awesome smoking weed is. Looks bad, but if he keeps passing drug tests, then what are you really going to do about it?
Nothing. The answer there is nothing.
@inthebleachers #YB11 Think there will be any issues with Oregon flying cross country to play UVa this year instead of Reno to play Nevada?
— Todd Steak Jones (@infectioussteak) January 31, 2013
Considering how not really good Virginia is? No, not really. Plus, all signs will point to this game being a later kickoff than the noon or 1 p.m. affair that a cupcake game would be for the Wahoos. Oregon will enter as a top ten team, given the lack of huge matchups on the slate, at worst, this game will be a 3:30 appetizer for the ESPN nightcap. That is plenty of time for Mark Helfrich's team to wake up and get ready for a little football.
@inthebleachers 4th pick in 10 man league, who's your January early LOCK OF THE FANTASY DRAFT
— jmnpb (@jmnpb) January 31, 2013
Because I don't know anything about fantasy sports, I don't play them, and I honestly don't like them from a general standpoint, I'm going to just make my best guess. I am assuming this is a college baseball fantasy draft and I'm going to say that, with that pick, Carlos Rodon, Colin Moran, Kent Emanuel or Trae Turner will probably be on the board. Pick one of them. Power pitchers who are so dope, a power-hitting RBI machine at third base or guy who will fill up your stat sheet with stolen bases and extra-base hits.
First pitch is in 15 days for my Tar Heels. UNC Baseball: Catch The Fever.
@inthebleachers Do you see James Franklin as another CPJ or Leach blog bros crush early successes not much substance over time
— Big Grey(@rsl52) January 31, 2013
Man, I hope not, because I think James Franklin is a hell of a coach, and I think those other two dudes are not very good. Franklin, unlike Leach and Johnson, has shown the ability to adapt, which goes a long way in college football. He's a very creative offensive mind. Oh, and unlike Johnson and Leach, he can recruit his behind off.
So, goodness no. Please don't put a guy who was tutored by one of the greatest play-callers we've seen in the last few decades on the same level as two guys who have a tired, played-out act.
@inthebleachers do you think the Vols will be able to keep the momentum from the North commit for the next week, and how do they finish?
— Jon Anderson (@JonAnderson01) January 31, 2013
Actually, yes I do. I know they are still in the running for Vonn Bell, and that would be a huge get for Butch Jones. The man has built a staff that is working for him, I think the addition of Tommy Thigpen to his staff was a brilliant play. Thig can flat-out recruit; believe me, because I've seen him at work and he is a master.
Butch Jones is finding out, like Brian Kelly to Notre Dame, that the Power-T can get you into homes that you'd have been laughed out of from Cincinnati, and he is capitalizing on it. The biggest thing will be laying the foundation for next year. If they can make good inroads in NC, GA and FL they will be in good shape.
@inthebleachers Are you a true backpedal or T-step man to go with pattern-match coverage? #YB11
— Rich Fann II (@Fanntastic81) January 31, 2013
A couple different things. One, I love talking defensive back techniques, and so this is one of my favorite questions ever. Two, T-step, at least in my mind, normally is the alternative to the quickstep; not to the back pedal. Backpedal and shuffle steps normally go together.
So, a T-step is a way to get out of a backpedal or a shuffle and get downhill in a hurry. The other method is the quickstep. In a T-step you turn your break foot perpendicular to the direction your breaking and then push from there. Easier to get out of a break that way, because you get better drive.
With a quickstep you don't turn feet, rather, you tap the balls of your feet to get your body moving from forward to backward. If you are a really good footwork guy, this is a method that is tough to beat because you never actually stop. Unfortunately for most people they are not really good at this aspect and so they take an extra two or three steps, and that wastes time.
I'd say go with T-step transitions whenever possible.
As for backpedal versus shuffling, I'm a shuffle guy, especially when you are a corner or a safety who is closer to the line. The shuffles buy you the time to let the route develop and the quarterback take his drop, and then you can match to the route the receiver is running.
Obviously, it also helps to understand that in any given alignment a receiver can only run a handful of routes, and that helps you know, pre-snap, what you will likely be doing. In other words, a guy outside of the numbers is not running an out-route and a guy with a cut-split is not going to have much success on a quick slant. Maybe a drag, or a dig, but not a quick slant.
I am also a tuff technique guy: The flat foot read, collision receiver and then cover them from there. I prefer that to shuffling when you are in a position where a receiver has a two-way go.
Honestly, backpedaling is really only good when you have time and use it in your weave. Weaving is the biggest benefit a backpedal can give you, especially in the deep-half or deep-thirds coverages. However, that's really less for pattern reading, to be fair.
For the record, I was slow as molasses, but I was a dope quickstepper and somehow could cover people out of a tuff. Probably because I never got going fast enough for the quickstep to waste steps, and flat-footed reads meant I didn't get to fake myself out by trying to match the receiver before he got to me.
Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com
Big 12 Football Winners and Losers for the Month of January 2013
One month down, six more months to go until college football kicks off its new season. A lot has happened in the last month, and we'll try to encapsulate everything here.
Recruiting is down to the wire. Some schools have absolutely killed it, while others have had a lot of decommits.
There's also the usual newsworthy tidbits that have popped up over the last 30 days—some gave the schools a good look, but others...not so much.
The Big 12 has plenty of winners, but the month of January also produced some losers.
How Urban Meyer, Ohio State Can Prevent Ezekiel Elliott from Flipping to SEC
It looks like the official decision process for 4-star running back and current Ohio State commitment Ezekiel Elliott is going to come down to the wire.
Elliott has been committed to Ohio State since April, and he's a big-time recruit for the Buckeyes. He's 6'0'', 212 pounds, so he has great size and can be a strong runner in between the tackles. Elliott also runs a 4.40-second 40-yard dash according to 247Sports, so he has elite speed to go along with his size.
For all intents and purposes, Elliott has star potential, so he's an important recruit for Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes to hold on to.
The only problem is, the Missouri Tigers may make the task of holding on to Elliott's commitment very difficult for the Buckeyes.
Elliott just took an official visit to Missouri this past weekend. According to Brad Bournival of ESPN.com, both of his parents were star athletes for the Tigers, and the interesting thing is, he hasn't talked about recruiting or Ohio State since that visit, per Bournival:
On Tuesday night, Elliott tweeted "I will not be doing any interviews until Feb 6th on signing day."
He further tweeted, "My signing ceremony is at my school at 3 p.m. [4 p.m. ET]. Everyone come out."
Since his visit to Missouri, Elliott has not discussed his commitment to the Buckeyes.
Is there reason to worry about for Ohio State?
On the surface, the fact that a recruit goes silent about his commitment standing right after an official visit should be somewhat of a cause for concern. That concern level should go up when considering the close family ties that Elliott has with Missouri.
That said, other than the family bond, there's few reasons for Elliott to leave Ohio State's 2013 class.
The pitch from Meyer should be simple. He came in and turned the program all the way around in just one season. In just one short year, the Buckeyes have gone from rebuilding to a contender in the Big Ten.
In fact, many believe Ohio State will be a national-championship contender next season and beyond. With the way Meyer recruits, that's a very real possibility.
As far as Elliott is concerned, the Buckeyes have a lot to offer at the running back position. He's talented enough to be a star for the program eventually, and that would make him one of the more well-known players in college football—if only because of Ohio State's national relevance.
In regards to his freshman year, Elliott will be behind Carlos Hyde and Jordan Hall (receiving a medical redshirt year) on the depth chart. His speed and size will make him a very great third option for the Buckeyes as a freshman though, and he could even compete for No. 2 reps.
Elliott will be in line for the starting gig once Hyde and Hall move on, and that means he could be the starter for a very good Ohio State program.
Frankly, other than the family draw, I don't see a reason why Elliott would end up flipping away from Ohio State.
Based off this recent development, though, it could be a possibility.
If I was Meyer, I'd hop on the phone quickly to remind the 4-star back about all the great things that could be in store for him with the Buckeyes.
It's a very easy pitch.
Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com
USC Football: What Is Kiffin's Back-Up Plan If National Signing Day Goes Wrong?
As February 6 draws near and USC's recruiting class becomes crystallized on National Signing Day, this year's class is starting to take it's final shape.
Lending to the class's final form is the recent verbal commitment of defensive end Jason Hatcher from Louisville, KY.
With Hatcher's pledge the Trojans now have 14 players either enrolled or committed to USC for the 2013 class, which leaves three more spots to be filled in their NCAA sanctioned allotment.
With those three spots still available, USC has their sights set on mega recruits Eddie Vanderdoes (defensive tackle), Kylie Fitts (defensive end), Quinton Powell (linebacker) and to a lesser extent, A'Shawn Robinson (defensive tackle) and Matthew Thomas (linebacker).
For Vanderdoes, Fitts and Powell, USC is a major player for their services, and their commitments will come down to a decision on February 6 when signatures are faxed by players to the schools where they will ply their trade.
Certainly, Lane Kiffin and his staff would love nothing more than to see those three players don a Trojan cap and prepare to sport the cardinal and gold for the next few years.
But what if this doesn't happen?
What if any, or all three, spurn the Trojans and decide to go elsewhere?
What should Kiffin do with those left over scholarships?
Kiffin could go ahead and offer scholarships to players like Los Angeles, Salesian High School's Jermaine Kelly (wide receiver/defensive back) or Narbonne (Lomita, CA) High School's Keishawn Bierria (linebacker) but would that be a wise move?
Both Kelly and Bierria are very nice players and could fill a role with the Trojans moving forward.
But is "role filling" something that should be desired for a program that is operating with a very limited amount of scholarships thanks to NCAA mandated sanctions?
Is it wise for USC to fill out their roster with good but perhaps not great players?
Or should Kiffin hold on to those scholarships for 2014 when other players more suited to their needs might become available?
For Kiffin, the answer won't be easy. After all, he is operating in 2013 with a very short leash after the debacle that was 2012 left the Trojans with a very disappointing 7-6 record.
Because of this, he may not have the luxury of looking beyond this year and if that is the case, having a full roster stacked with good (but again, perhaps not great) players may be more important than planning for a future that might not be available for this coaching staff.
It is a quandary to be certain, and it could get worse.
USC also has three players listed as "soft commits" in the form of defensive end Torrodney Prevot (Houston, TX), cornerback Jalen Ramsey (Brentwood, TN) and offensive lineman Nico Falah (Bellflower, CA).
What if—God forbid for Trojan fans—one or more of those guys go back on their pledge and sign elsewhere?
What would Kiffin do if on National Signing Day, he finds himself with five or six leftover scholarships?
Should he offer those precious scholarships to players that he otherwise wouldn't be recruiting, or save them for next year when USC enters the stretch run of their sanctions?
In a "make or break" year for Lane Kiffin, he may have to make a momentous decision five months before the first kickoff.
And how he responds to a nightmare scenario in early February may give us an early glimpse into how he will handle the upcoming season.
Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com
USC Football: What Is Kiffin's Back-Up Plan If National Signing Day Goes Wrong?
Power Ranking the Pac-12's Best Backfields for the 2013 Season
The Pac-12 is a conference that is built on offensive success and big plays in the running game. Last season three teams finished in the Top 25 in rushing yards, and a total of seven teams averaged at least 150 yards on the ground a game. Fireworks on the offensive side of the ball are what fans expect from this group of teams, and it is the key to success in this conference.
If you can't have success running the football, there is a good chance you are not a winning football team. The same thing holds true in the Pac-12.
However, with a total of seven teams in this conference losing their workhorse running back from a year ago, the backfield rankings may look a lot different than you had expected. The teams that were near the top in rushing yards may take a backseat to some of the teams that have more depth and experience at the position.
Let's take a look at the teams that are best suited at the running back position in the Pac-12 for the 2013 college football season.
Note: All stats come from cfbstats.com unless otherwise noted. Also, rankings are put together based on a combination of experience, depth and past performance.
Power Ranking the Pac-12's Best Backfields for the 2013 Season
Recruiting Stock Up, Down or Level for Every College Football Team in AP Top 25
Recruiting has become more of a priority for college football teams in recent years, and with national signing day on the horizon, it is time to look at which teams have stock on the rise and those whose stock is falling.
Some of the top commits have yet to make an official decision, so a lot will come down to what happens on February 6, National Signing Day.
For now, we can check in on how the final AP top 25 teams have fared since the season ended. Let's see which squads have stock going up and which teams are falling or standing pat as signing day approaches.
*All rankings are according to 247sports.com
Why Florida Should Open Up Its Quarterback Battle
While Florida's 2012 season was impressive and head coach Will Muschamp's rebuilding effort certainly was ahead of schedule, the passing game behind quarterback Jeff Driskel left a lot to be desired.
The Gator passing offense finished last in the SEC with 146.3 yards per game—10.3 yards per game behind 13th-place Auburn.
Driskel entered the season in a battle with fellow sophomore Jacoby Brissett, but won the job seemingly from the time toe met leather in the Gator opener versus Bowling Green.
He finished the season completing 63.7 percent of his passes (156-of-245) for 1,646 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions.
The Gators depended on their running game and defense all season long, but when the defense let them down in the Sugar Bowl against a very one-dimensional Louisville team, Driskel and offensive coordinator Brent Pease had no answer.
Luckily for Gator fans, they'll likely still see the team dancing around the Top 10 in most preseason polls, and they have a full offseason to get the passing game turned around.
The first step should be to open up the quarterback competition, although it doesn't appear Muschamp is willing to do that.
"First-year starter, you win 11 games, you've accomplished an awful lot," Muschamp told ESPN.com following the end of the regular season. "Certainly, his growth through the offseason will be critical for our success next season."
Now that Brissett has transferred, Florida doesn't have a quarterback on the roster other than Driskel who has attempted a pass (not counting all-purpose star Trey Burton). It may be lip service to open up the competition, but it needs to be done.
If Driskel is the guy, he needs to be pushed a bit by backups Skyler Mornhinweg and Tyler Murphy, along with class of 2013 commit Max Staver. Even if it's a "battle" only in theory, putting a little pressure on Driskel may provide the sense of urgency Florida needs to resurrect the passing game.
One thing is certain, though, it's absolutely not the time to give up on Driskel. Because his battle with Brissett spilled into the 2012 season, the only time he has spent in a camp setting as the No. 1 quarterback was during bowl practice.
Give him the majority of the No. 1 snaps, but make it known that the job isn't necessarily his. If Muschamp does that, the passing game will turn around.
Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com
No. 1 College Football Recruit Robert Nkemdiche Sets Decision Date and Time
No. 1 overall recruit Robert Nkemdiche will sign his national letter of intent early in the morning on national signing day, Feb. 6.
According to a tweet from Michael Carvell of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Grayson High School has released an agenda for Nkemdiche's announcement:
This is the moment that most of us in the college football recruiting world have been waiting for. It will be the official end to a recruitment process that has been somewhat of a roller coaster ride to say the least.
Which hats should we expect to see on the table for Nkemdiche on national signing day (assuming he does the hat dance)?
Florida has been a late entrant into the race for the No. 1 overall recruit, and the official visit it landed from him a few weekends ago has certainly made things interesting. Meanwhile, LSU has been on Nkemdiche's interest list (247Sports.com) ever since he decommitted from Clemson.
LSU wasn't able to land an official visit, though, despite conflicting reports. Therefore, for all intents and purposes, the Tigers hat would just be up there to take up space and look good on the table.
Ole Miss appears to be the hands-down favorite for Nkemdiche at this point. The Rebels have been the main team on his interest list ever since he decommitted from Clemson, and for good reason. His brother, Denzel, plays linebacker for Ole Miss, and it seems to be the family preference for the two to play together.
There's also no denying the hype that head coach Hugh Freeze has created around Ole Miss recruiting.
Wherever he chooses to go, Nkemdiche is going to be a star, so this is going to be arguably the biggest signing day moment of the 2013 cycle.
Actually, there's no disputing that fact. This will be the marquee moment of the 2013 recruiting cycle.
We'll find out where the nation's No. 1 overall recruit will play college football early on Wednesday morning (Feb. 6).
Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com
Tennessee Volunteers: 4 Things to Accomplish During Spring Practice
Once recruiting has been completed and prospects have signed on the dotted line, Coach Butch Jones and his staff can set about the job of getting their current Tennessee Volunteers team prepared for the upcoming season. As with any new staff, there is a long list of things that must be accomplished.
But in his favor, Jones has an opportunity to seize upon the excitement being generated by the newness of the situation. Hopefully, players and coaches will come into the spring workouts with a fresh attitude after having suffered through several seasons that have not provided the results folks on Rocky Top are accustomed to.
Spring practice is set to begin on March 9 and will end with the annual Orange and White game on April 20 at Neyland Stadium.
During that time span, there are four things the Volunteers must accomplish.


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SOURCE: NetPlus, a Division of Ventraq Corporation
Telecom expense management tools help customers save 10% to 20% from their telecommunications bill in the wake of the fiscal cliff.
Gaithersburg, MD (PRWEB) December 13, 2012
In the wake of the fiscal cliff, enterprise businesses and government organizations are seeking new avenues to cut spending. One of the greatest and often overlooked expenses is telecommunications spending. NetPlus has started educating it's customers on the tools with in NetPlus Telecommunications Management System (TMS) that can lead to additional savings.
"Telecommunications Expense Management is a key feature of NetPlus TMS. Our customers have used our tools for years to manage their communications assets and they can use the same tool to manage their vendor bills. It's not a surprise that telecom vendors over charge, but with NetPlus Telecom Expense Management customers can compare their invoice to what the actual usage is, potentially saving them 10% to 20% each month," said Matt Lewis, President of NetPlus.
NetPlus Telecommunications Expense Management utilizes three key information sources to accurately determine rates and billing. NetPlus TMS validates inventory, invoices, and rate plans to ensure customers are paying only what they should. Overcharges and credits owed by the vendor are automatically tracked.
NetPlus TMS automates communications network operations and management to improve end-user service, allocate and control costs, increase data accuracy and accessibility, and streamline communication flows. It has been specifically designed for enterprise-level converged networks and can be quickly deployed to provide an integrated view across legacy telecom and VoIP networks.
About NetPlus
NetPlus is a leading Communications Management solutions provider for both commercial and government entities. With over 25 years of experience NetPlus offers a suite of solutions for expense management, data validation, fault management, inventory tracking and control, provisioning, and more. Customers like Department of Defense, Department of State, United States Air Force, Avaya, Verizon, and the Pentagon utilize NetPlus solutions for the daily operation of their communications and data network. NetPlus is JITC certified and can be procured through Vanguard and GSA. Headquartered in Gaithersburg, MD, NetPlus is a division of Ventraq Corporation. For more information, visit http://www.NetPlusTMS.com.
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2012/12/prweb10226598.htm


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A duo tone, double bar slide as the FitFlop 'Gemini' name suggests. A sandal with lots of personality, but one sole purpose-fitness!
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5 Meetup Groups match "Horror Movies" near Keller, TX
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Friends horror movie meet up group. Dinner and a movie or get together for a pot luck. A great way to make friends and enjoy a scary movie.
There are no upcoming Meetups.
Meet other Dallas/TEXAS Horror Movie fans to openly discuss films that frighten and delight you, analyze films and maybe even get together for movie fests.
Welcome to the DFW Friends of Halloween This group is for people that enjoy Halloween. Do you Love Halloween? Are you the kind of person that likes to go to Haunted Houses? Do you enjoy setting up Halloween props in your yard? Do you think about next Halloween starting November 1st? Then this is the group for you. When it gets closer to Halloween we will be setting up Meetups to attend the Haunted Houses in the DFW area as they start to open. We will also create Meetups to allow the discussion o …
Meetup details are available only to members.
My name is Gina and after being married for over 25 years suddenly, I'm single! I love going to movies and to travel and well my daughter is only going to tolerate so much! So I decided to go out and find some like minded individuals. Who want to enjoy their new found freedom. Also I think I need to be clear in saying that this is not a dating group. This group was meant to provide singles like myself with friends to hang out with and talk to, since we are in the same situation. This group is m …
Meetup details are available only to members.
Hello everyone! Welcome to the Cult Film Fanatics, a home in the Dallas/Forth Worth area for Movie Addicts to celebrate their love for the unconventional! You may be asking yourself how do I know if I'm a cult film fanatic, well let me ask you these questions: Do you watch the Rocky Horror Picture Show and find yourself doing the audience participation stuff at home and not realize you are doing it until others stare at you? Do you want to own a Fushigi only because it reminds you of Labyrinth …
Get an alert email when new Meetup Groups like this start near you.
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You must earn 10,000 points to post other members' whiteboard
Happy 6th Gasbuddy anniversary! Thank you for sticking with it, and adding the warm tropical breezes to the mix. The late snows here have not been welcome, but necessary for soil moisture. Best to you in your 7th Gasbuddy year.
I am hosting a SURPRISE Whiteboard birthday party for our buddy Sneakers55. Please stop by and post a BD message on his WB. Thanks.
Aloha !! I've heard of the plate lunch but haven't tried it !! I am a wannabe who just loves Hawaii and it's people and everything else connected with it. I surfed the long boads back when I visited Hawaii on way to Japan while in the Navy. ! Took my wife on 4 island trip for 25TH anniversary. she loves it too !!. We realkly got to get back there again !! Mahalo
U R welcome and thanks for noticing my days. Just checked out your Boston pictures, too bad that they are suffering again. Warren {:-)
Congratulations on having the dedication to post for 700 consecutive days. Keep up the Great Work and Good Luck in the future! Your buddy, Warren :-)
Merci for accepting my Buddy Request. Nice avatar. I like this TV Series, the new one and the original too. Have a nice and safe evening!!! :)
Thank you for accepting my buddie request. I really love your home, been there 3 times and going back in March '14. Have a great day!
That is probably true in most places now
Big congrats on your 2 M. It has been 5 years since we were in Hawaii, time to come back Lets be buddies
A BIG CONGRATS on reaching that 2M mark and your nice new ride! Truly awesome! You're one of only 2,288 of more than 8,000,000 GBs that have accumulated at least 2,000,000 points! Keep going another million or more! Most GBs will never make it to 1M, but you have made it to 2M! Many of the GBs ahead of you have already retired, only 1,716 GBs have made it to 2.25M! Don't give up now, like so many of the GBs that reached 1M and 2M then retired! Keep going like a PRO Honolulu GasBuddy! Have a nice week! Thanks buddy! Ron


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Hair that is naturally porous or hair that damaged by bleaching, permanent waving, sunlight or mechanical damage is more "wet-able" and the hold-providing polymers in styling products spread better and even penetrate very slightly into the hair (through the porosity in the cuticle). More product in an evenly distributed layer, grabbing hold even under the surface, means better hold.
People with undamaged hair can improve product hold by removing as much water as possible from hair before styling, and by ensuring that products are applied evenly and distributed thoroughly.
This entry was posted on Thursday, June 2nd, 2011 at 2:33 pm and is filed under Curly Hair (Type 3a), Curly Hair (Type 3b), Curly Kinky Hair (Type 3c), Highlights, Kinky Hair (Type 4a), Kinky Hair (Type 4b), Kinky Hair (Type 4c), Perms, Relaxing, Wavy Hair (Type 2a), Wavy Hair (Type 2b), Wavy Hair (Type 2c). You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a comment. Pinging is currently not allowed.


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format-swrc로 태그된 4 데이터셋이 있다:
D2R Server publishing the DBLP Bibliography Database, hosted at L3S Research Center
Describes people, research groups and publications within the Department of Computer Science based at the University of Sheffield. Publishes Linked Data in RDF.
A dataset that describes staff and publications of MoreLab, an ICT research group within the Deusto Institute of Technology (DeustoTech) at University of Deusto. Data is available in RDF...
COLINDA -COnference LInked DAta This data set is linked to geo names Includes information about scientific conferences and their location including start and end times


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Saturday Cricket: Lowerhouse set to beat the floods (From Lancashire Telegraph)
When news happens, text LT and your photos and videos to 80360. Or contact us by email or phone.
Saturday Cricket: Lowerhouse set to beat the floods
12:20pm Saturday 23rd June 2012 in Sport By Matt Donlan, Sports reporter
REIGNING champions Lowerhouse are confident that their Foster's Lancashire League game with Todmorden will go ahead as planned this afternoon after a mammoth mopping-up effort.
Lowerhouse's Liverpool Road ground was largely under water last night but volunteers started working at 5.30 this morning to clear the floods.
And they are hoping their efforts will pay off and that the game will go ahead.
However, the programme has been hit and the game between Ramsbottom and Church was the first of today's Senior League matches to be called off after Acre Bottom flooded.
The ground sits next to the River Irwell - and the river broke its banks on Friday night and left Acre Bottom under water.
The match between East Lancashire and Burnley is also off with large areas of Alexandra Meadows under water.
Nelson and Haslingden hope to start at 1.45pm, while Bacup v Rishton, Colne v Accrington and Rawtenstall v Enfield could also beat the weather.
In the Houldsworth Solicitors Ribblesdale League there are high hopes for the Padiham v Clitheroe game despite The Arbories being under water last night and Read's big game with Baxenden could also go ahead after a major mopping-up operation.
Cherry Tree's game with Salesbury will go ahead as planned at 1.30pm, while volunteers have worked hard on grounds at Whalley, Edenfield, Settle and Ribblesdale Wanderers to give games a chance.
The Northern League game between Fleetwood and Morecambe has been called off, while Chorley's match with Preston will go ahead and Darwen's trip to Netherfield will also be rewarded with cricket.
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The Vaccines make their fourth appearane on the cover of the NME Magazine and bring brand new a CD of demos.
The Vaccines will be supporting The Rolling Stones at Hyde Park on 6 July...
The fourth single from Come Of Age is out now
More info here
The Vaccines will be playing Rockness Festival - day of performance to be confirmed soon.
Festival runs 7-9th June.
Bonnaroo 2013 from June 13-16


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22 hrs ago | People's Daily Online
Not even Taliban could stop the love for books in Afghanistan
"I have been running this book store since the 1960s and kept it open for book lovers even during Taliban's brutal reign," Hajji Shah Mohammad, owner of the bookstore, told Xinhua in a recent interview.
Afghan president Hamid Karzai hands India weapons 'wish list'
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With end of Afghan war in sight, Europe pushes business
The European Union threw its weight behind developing Afghanistan's small but promising private sector this week, in the hope that business can usher in stability and peace once foreign troops leave by the end of next year.
Afghan village gold mine lures modern-day prospectors
QARA ZAGHAN: After scrambling up a steep mountainside in north Afghanistan, Morad Ali crouches beside a gap cut in the slope and touches some reddish-brown rock.
Tsongas, after 5th trip to war-torn nation: Afghan women are making great strides
A little more than a decade later and with the Taliban long since overthrown, the prospects for women living in Afghanistan are brighter than ever, said U.S. Rep.
Apply for asylum, translators told
The Defence Minister, Jonathan Coleman, said the interpreters had found new jobs with the Norwegian military after the SAS left.
Heavy Metal In Kabul? It's The Music, Not The Munitions
Solomon "Sully" Omar performs with the Afghan metal band District Unknown at the third annual Sound Central Festival in Kabul earlier this month.
Afghan village gold mine lures...
After scrambling up a steep mountainside in north Afghanistan, Morad Ali crouches beside a gap cut in the slope and touches some reddish-brown rock.
Much of $1bn Afghanistan tax bill is bogus, says US
The Afghan government has charged a tax bill of nearly $1bn to foreign firms working for the US military and government over the last five years, but there is no legal basis for many of the charges and levies, a US watchdog has found in a damning new report released on Tuesday.
Video: British troops will serve longer tours
MPs have sought assurances that UK troops serving longer tours in Afghanistan will not have their lives put at risk.
Bound by blood, service: Army, AF brothers meet while deployed after being separated for 10 years
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Matthew Beck, and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. James Beck, examine a water pump at Combat Outpost Azimijan Kariz, Afghanisan, May 2. The brothers had not seen each other in more than a decade, until Matthew's unit, the 577th Expeditionary Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force Squadron, sent a team of engineers to repair some ... (more)
Brides from the Pal community attended a mass wedding during the Akshaya Tritiya festival in Bhopal, India, on Monday.
Opinion: Peace Corps volunteer recalls a once peaceful future in Afghanistan
My most dangerous moment in Afghanistan came while riding my bike through the deserted streets of Kabul one evening.
NATO's Plan for Afghanistan Post-2014: A 'Stable Instability'
KABUL Many Americans think we're winding down in Afghanistan by the end of next year, for better or for worse.
Taliban say will 'soon' release remaining Turks
A Taliban spokesman says four remaining Turks held by the militant group will be released shortly, without offering further details.
Ryan Crocker to Join US Broadcasting Board
President Barack Obama has announced he will nominate former Ambassador Ryan Crocker to join the U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors, which oversees the Voice of America and other government-supported international broadcast media.
Deputy Secretary of State William J. Burns' Travel to Afghanistan
Deputy Secretary of State Burns arrived in Kabul, Afghanistan May 11, 2013. The Deputy Secretary will lead U.S. participation at the second meeting of the U.S.-Afghanistan Bilateral Commission, created to advance cooperation and monitor progress made in advancing the U.S.-Afghanistan Enduring Strategic Partnership Agreement.
US rules out permanent bases in Afghanistan
The United States ruled out the possibility of having permanent military bases in Afghanistan, hours after Afghan President Hamid Karzai made an offer that could allow US to keep nine bases in the war-torn but strategic country post 2014 troop withdrawal.
Institute for War and Peace Reporting
Improving Journalism Courses at Afghan Universities
IWPR's Afghanistan office is running a series of events and training courses in preparation for a groundbreaking conference that will design a framework for a standardised journalism curriculum for universities across the country.
Afghan president ready to let US have 9 bases
The U.S. can keep nine bases in Afghanistan after the scheduled 2014 NATO combat troop pullout, the country's president said Thursday, the first time he has made such an offer in public.


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General Info
Genre: Pop / R&B
Location Atlanta, Georgia, US
Profile Views: 18361293
Last Login: 4/10/2012
Member Since 9/11/2005
Website monica.com
Record Label J.
Type of Label Major
Grammy Award-winning and 10-million-plus selling singer, actress and entrepreneur Monica, returns to the music scene with her very personal J Records/RCA Music Group aptly titled offering, Still Standing. To define oneself as "still standing" is a bold statement, and as her album title actualizes, "whatever happens to me is just a part of my story. It doesn't define who I am and it hasn't deterred me from where I'm going." ..The musical part of the Georgia native's story is filled with a track record of history making accomplishments. For any average recording artist, achieving chart-topping success during their early to mid-teens is no simple task, but we're talking about Monica here. "It was the perfect life for me. I wouldn't say any 12, 14 or 16 year old could handle it, but that was for me because it shaped and molded the person that I am" she recalls. With "Don't Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days)" and "Before You Walk Out Of My Life," Monica became the youngest female ever to have two 1 back-to-back hits on Billboard's R&B chart from her 1995 debut album Miss Thang. By 1998, her next album The Boy Is Mine, garnered Monica pop success when she paired with Brandy to record the Rodney Jerkins produced first single of the same name. Spending a record breaking thirteen weeks at 1 on the Billboard charts, the duet earned a Grammy Award to add to Monica's existing collection of American Music, Soul Train and Billboard Awards. "I was 16 and everything that I dreamed about was in front of me." The album boasted two more 1 hits ("The First Night" and "Angel of Mine") while establishing Monica as an undeniable voice of her generation. In 2003 Monica's chart-topping success continued when her third album, After The Storm, debuted at 1 on Billboard's Top 200 Album chart and spawned her sixth 1 single "So Gone." Monica's follow-up album, 2006's The Makings Of Me, entered at 1 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album chart and added yet another achievement to the songstress' extraordinary career. ..Even after a four-year musical pause, Monica is still a pretty, young "thang" - present, accounted for and very prepared for everything life has to offer. The lessons Monica learned during her break not only pushed her desire to re-enter the music scene, but kept her focused on the importance of generating positive energy at all times. "Over the hiatus I learned that the more I did with a positive frame of mind, the better things went." With that attitude and some swift negotiationsBlack Entertainment Television (BET) took their viewers and Monica fans on a 12-week behind the scenes journey of Monica's life , in preparation for her new album release. Along for the ride were the nucleus of Monica's life – her 2 sons, Ramone (Lil Rocko) and Romello, cousin/manager Melinda, mother Marilyn and album executive producer Bryan-Michael Cox. ..With her suitably titled series, Monica: Still Standing, "I wanted people to get a clear look at why I do some of the things that I do. The show gave me a chance to be me at all times, so now people aren't expecting something of me, they already know me," Monica attests of the show's value. Monica identifies Still Standing the album as, "my defining moment. The process of recording this album felt more like the first time where I didn't think about what was playing on the radio. This album reflects who I am now." .. ..From the moment you press play on Still Standing, songwriter Adonis along with song producer Bryan-Michael Cox nailed the essence of Monica's confidence while she makes a declarative statement of power on the album's title track, which features her cousin Ludacris. With the equally emotional "Believing In Me," produced by Stargate, Monica elaborates on her survivor instincts by adding, "sometimes you have to understand that your inner strength is the only strength you'll need and it takes for some things to happen for that to come about." ..The official first single "Everything to Me," reunites Monica with producer Missy Elliott alongside talented singer/songwriter Jazmine Sullivan. The refreshing R&B classic "Silly" by Deniece Williams is sampled on this track that showcases a more vulnerable side to Monica. The musical ode to all things good, positions Monica's vocals atop the pianos, drums and chords. "When I heard it and thought about all the things that are surrounding me right now, they have one thing in common - love." Missy also contributed "If You Were My Man," the dance track Monica describes as the "most out of my character because I wanted to flip the storyline where the woman is out doing her thing and the man is 100% devoted, because it's usually quite the opposite." Monica has always been straight to the point both personally and professionally. The Ne-Yo produced "Stay Or Go" is simple in nature, "if you're not going to treat me right, then here's the option." With Ne-Yo's radio-friendly ear, the music remains fun and light with pop sensibilities, even with its definitive lyrics. "He wanted to do a record that spoke to who I am and he reached back into my history on how I've delivered records in a sassy yet vocal way." The synthesized rock edge places the self-reflective tone of "Mirror" in perspective. "Quite frankly I think I am a little rock and roll. My body art reflects a rock frame of mind yet has meaning and serves as of my personal self-expression of joy and pain," but it was the lyrics that kept Monica captive on the Jim Jonsin produced track. "Every single lyric in the song is eventually something you are going to say to yourself and 'Mirror' is saying I am at that point now; I am good with being me." "That's my jam," is how Monica describes the Jermaine Dupri and Bryan Michael Cox produced "Love All Over Me." The anthemic, harmonizing slow jam is "strictly about being in love where everything feels right." The creation of the song was organic in nature reflecting love that has no boundaries. .. ..Not only was Monica transparent on Still Standing, Cox became equally so in the song he penned and produced called "Superman." Of the groovy slow jam with the syncopated drum pattern, Monica proclaims "I think he wrote that song because he really wants to be that for somebody and I really respected it because for a man to come up with those lyrics and to speak on being that type of person, meant a lot." As a body of work, Still Standing reflects an amazing introspective process of precision, purpose and release. "Ultimately what I wanted to get across on this album is that I have not lost the one thing that connected people to me from the beginning and that's the voice. I never believed in being vocally trained, I just sing until I get it right. The organic, raw nature of my voice is what connects people to me. That's my gift and I've learned to take care of it." ..Beyond utilizing her gift, Monica's respect for Kimora Lee Simmons entrepreneurial endeavors coupled with her balance of motherhood, challenged Monica to take a stab at designing clothes for her sons. Thus, Regions of Rock was birthed. "Clothes should be universal so whatever region you are from, you should be able to rock these clothes. And it has two R's for my sons' names – Rodney and Romello. They'll model the clothes but I want it to be fun for them, not work. I'm creating their legacy so they have options." Still in its testing stage, Monica is exploring the marketing and manufacturing price points for her line. As Monica prepares for the future, she has reconciled her past, all of her choices and she is very content with where she currently stands. "Yesterday gets in the way of me focusing on tomorrow and what I have to accomplish." Her reality is defined by her peace. "I am successful because of everything that I am and everything that I am not. I feel I am successful now because I am happy with my life, my family, my children, the direction my career is going. I'm also happy with the things I accomplished before this moment." Desiring her life to continue to be a reflection of "strength, positivity, ambition, love, outreach, the empowerment of women and selflessness," Monica will continue to stand tall. -
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- Apr 10, 2012 11:28 AM Monica's 'New Life' Available Everywhere Now!
- Apr 9, 2012 12:58 PM Monica's 'New Life' Hits Stores Tomorrow - Listen Now on AOL Music!
- Dec 23, 2011 12:33 PM Monica Featured On E!'s Fascinating Celebrity Wedding Special
- Dec 14, 2011 6:44 PM Get Your Name In Monica's 'New Life' Album!
- Oct 25, 2011 12:28 PM Worldwide Premiere Of "Until It's Gone"
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Be sure to check out My❤ @shannonbrown & I @reynareigns really fun interview… http://t.co/niEtwPaxYS
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A hognose snake.. he LOVED the reptile exhibit. Held it all LOL🙈 RT @kevinrleyland: @MonicaBrown What kind of snake is he holding?
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He really is!! ALWAYS there 4 me & mine❤ RT @ThatTexasChick: @MonicaBrown @Ludacris is a great Godfather to your kids. He is a true blessing
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#Happy8thBirthdayRocko what an amazing day!! Filled with love & Family❤ #ILoveMyBoys http://t.co/R4hKT8UyMl
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Be sure to go see @Ludacris in the new @FastandFurious 6 in theaters TODAY & get his #IDGAFMixtape here http://t.co/PQsx5SieP4 RT
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Your friendship is awesome..thank you. Check out "Emeli Sande"
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"Sam McClain" http://www.entertainersrd.com/biography/SamMcClain.asp on ERD. Let me know what you think. - Rosie V Empress9 days ago
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