COCheesehead

Go Pack Go

COCheesehead — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 21:37:24 GMT

Go Pack Go

The Frozen Tundra - a land of blood, sweat, and cheese. In the history and future of stadiums, there is no better place than Lambeau Field, and no better fans than the Cheeseheads of the Green Bay Packers. A football team that is rich in culture, history, and a team created for the people, the Green Bay Packers are a team like no other. Read further to discover the history of a proud team, as well as hints, links and suggestions on what to buy, where to find, and how to become part of not just a team but an entire culture.

A Brief History of the Green Bay Packers

Dating back to 1919, the Green Bay Packers have stood an icon in the small city of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Started by Curly Lambeau and George Calhoun, the Packers started as a small group of atheletes. The Indian Packing Company, where Lambeau worked, agreed to back the team and provide uniforms and equipment. This was the inspiration for the name "Packers" and the team name has been the same ever since. The team played opponents from all around, including Washinton and Michigan. As the team continued to win it caught the attention of investors willing to back the team in a new "pro" league in 1920. It was during this period that the team began to see troubles. Battling money, backing, and various other troubles, Lambeau took it upon himself to get other backers and buy the franchise back. After more turmoil, the team's troubles finally settled down and launched them into the "Iron Man" era.

By 1929, the team had settled into a winning pattern. Lambeau began recruiting college players to join the team, and picked up several "unknowns" who proved that they had great talent. With this new "Iron Man" team the Packers went on to win 3 straight championship titles.

Over the next through years the Packer would continue to battle turmoil and grieft, seeing financial problems all along the way. In 1935 a man named Don Hutson signed a contract to play with the Green Bay Packers. At the same time he had signed this contract, he also signed a contract to play baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Because the postmark date to the Packers was first, he was awarded to the Green Bay Packers where he would not only help to contribute to the financial stability of the team, but would become a legend in the history of Green Bay.

Over the next twenty years, the Packers saw coaches come and go. It was not until 1959 that the Packers dynasty would see the coach to beat all coaches. Vince Lombardi, who was not well known at the time, was hired to coach the Packers. Coming in with a stronghold on the team, Lombardi made it very clear that he would be in complete control. In 1959, Lombardi won "Coach of the Year" and ended the season with a 7-5 record. Lombardi lead the team to world championships in 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, and 1967. From 1960 to 1967, Lombardi's teams never finished lower than second place. Losing was not an option for Lombardi and is why he is a legend in coaching, even today.

The history continues for the Packers as legends have left their mark on the small city of Green Bay. Check below for additional links to more information about the Packers tried and true history. >

Many NFL teams have switched names and cities, morphing into a symbol of corporate greed and personal gain. The Packers, however, have stood the test of time and have remained a team truly for the people. The Green Bay Packers are the only football team in the league to be owned by the people. As such, the team will remain in the city that gave birth to a dynasty.

Taking Home the History

The best thing about being a Green Bay Packer fan is that even though one may be outside of Wisconsin, it is very easy to take home a piece of the history. Below you will find a variety of products related to the history and future of the Green Bay Packers. I highly recommend getting the DVDs or books about the history of Green Bay as there is far too much information to give on just a simple web page. Become the ultimate fan!

	NFL Super Bowl Collection - Green Bay Packers (DVD) They call it Title Town for a reason - Relive the most stirring Super Bowl moments from Green Bay's trifecta of title triumphs. Watch coaching icon Vince Lombardi lead the Packers...more Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $19.98 Lowest Used Price: $9.65 (as of 8/29/2008@2:14 PM) Lowest New Price: $9.82 (as of 8/29/2008@2:14 PM)
	Super Bowl XXXII - Denver Broncos Championship Video (Video) In 1989, Denver Bronco's quarterback John Elway, a member of the much-heralded quarterback class of 1983, led his underrated Denver team to the Super Bowl, only to suffer a humili...more Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $19.98 Lowest Used Price: $0.03 (as of 8/29/2008@2:14 PM) Lowest New Price: $6.53 (as of 8/29/2008@2:14 PM)
	NFL Films - The Green Bay Packers - The Complete History (DVD) History of the Green Bay Packers explores the rich and mythical story of this proud franchise, from its founding days in the Green Bay Press-Gazette building, to its most recent N...more Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $26.98 Lowest Used Price: $9.09 (as of 8/29/2008@2:14 PM) Lowest New Price: $10.99 (as of 8/29/2008@2:14 PM)
	NFL America's Game: Green Bay Packers (DVD) In nine seasons as head coach of the Green Bay Packers, Vince Lombardi won five NFL championships. The last two came in 1966 and '67-the years of the first two Super Bowls. Nearly...more Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $29.98 Lowest Used Price: $15.32 (as of 8/29/2008@2:14 PM) Lowest New Price: $14.11 (as of 8/29/2008@2:14 PM)
	Instant Replay: The Green Bay Diary of Jerry Kramer (Book) In 1967, when Jerry Kramer was a thirty-one-year-old Green Bay Packers offensive lineman, in his tenth year with the team, he decided to keep a diary of the season. “Perhaps...more Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $22.95 Lowest Used Price: $9.44 (as of 8/29/2008@2:14 PM) Lowest New Price: $12.95 (as of 8/29/2008@2:14 PM)

Shopping the NFL

One of the most spectacular moments I have had is to witness Lambeau Field in person. The ProShop at the stadium is amazing, and I wanted to walk out with everything. Since I am not able to go their every day (for which my wallet thanks me) I have found great places to shop online where I am able to quench my Packer thirst. Take a look around these stores and I promise you will find Packers items to your heart's content.

If you can't make it to the Pro Shop at the stadium, the stores below are the next best thing! There is nothing like shopping for Packer stuff...it's almost spiritual really.

	NFLshop.com NFL Shop is a leading destination for all officially licensed NFL purchases. NFL Shop has the largest assortment of NFL apparel, merchandise, and collectables. NFL Shop’s inventory includes NFL Replica, authentic, personalized jerseys, throwback jerseys, souvenirs, helmets, blankets, pillows, throws, flags, video games, furniture, and hundreds of styles of outerwear. NFL Shop is also your home for officially licensed Super Bowl XLI merchandise and apparel. NFL Shop is the official web site of t... Anonymous's Comments: This is a good place to get your Brett Favre jerseys. Some great options for women too (though I prefer the traditional green jersey myself...)
	Dick's Sporting Goods Dick's Sporting Goods offers items for exercise equipment, footwear, apparel, team sports water sports, outdoors, rec room and fan shop. Dick's has brands like TaylorMade, New Balance, Nike, Adidas, Callaway Golf, Bowflex, Reebok, and Under Armor. Dick's has cardio equipment, elliptical machines, treadmills, yoga, pilates, and weight training. Dick's has team sports equipment for baseball, basketball, cricket, field hockey, football, cheerleading, soccer, volleyball, softball, gymnastics and ...
	FansEdge.com FansEdge.com: From Nascar to the NBA, be the best fan with this gear at great prices! Products include: team clothing for nfl, nba, ncaa, mlb, nhl, basketball, football, baseball, hockey; t-shirts, hats, pants, shorts, and jerseys.
	Finish Line Finish Line is a leading destination for sporting apparel and accessories. Finish Line carries a complete inventory of fan apparel, pants, tops, shoes, shorts and jackets for women, men and kids. Finish Line is recognized for it’s expansive selection of brand name athletic footwear, apparel and accessories including Nike, Puma, Adidas, Reebok, New Balance, Converse, Saucony, Timberland, Fila, Lugz, Oakley and Vans. Shop Finish Line for running, walking, cross-training, basketball, aerobics, hi...

Cheeseheads on the Web: Unite!

Below you will find a carefully selected list of links to wonderful Green Bay Packers websites on the web. I would recommend checking each one of these out as you can find loads of information and connect with the best fans in the world!

Packers.com - The Official Site	No list would be complete without the Official Site of the Green Bay Packers. Visit there today to get the 2007-2008 schedule so you NEVER MISS A GAME!
Packers Pro Shop	Can't get enough of the Green Bay Packers? Fill your closet, house, and office with hundreds of Green Bay items! Don't worry, I certainly won't think you are weird...in face I encourage it! (You should see my office...)
Packers News	Ignorance is not accepted in the Packers community - stay informed! Get news about the best football team in the world.
Packer.com - A Gathering Place for Packer Fans	This is THE place for Packer fans to gather, talk, adore and embrace the Green Bay Packers.
PackersLocker.com	Keep updated on a weekly basis on the NFL's best team!
Up-To-Date Packers Blog	Get real time updates from the JSOnline.

The Team In Action

There are so many good moments in Packers history that it would take years to watch a compilation. Instead, you can see these great Packer clips from YouTube. Enjoy!

The final play against the Vikings 2006 The Vikings, a natural enemy	Snow Game This is in Seattle...nothing to the Packers	Green Bay Packers Start To End
Green Bay Packers - The Past When real men played football

Lambeau Field, Where The Packers Call Home

Any trip to Green Bay would not be complete without a visit to Lambeau Field, the shining beacon at 1265 Lombardi Ave. The stadium has been transformed from just a football field into a city center, offering a variety of activities throughout the year. Whether dining in Curly's Pub or taking a stroll through the Packers Hall of Fame, there is something for everyone at the recently renovated Lambeau Field.

The field, originally City Stadium, was dedicated in 1957, at a Packers/Bear game. This year the field is celebrating 50 years.

You TOO Can See A Game At Lambeau

Even though the Packers season ticket list is eons long, it is still possible to see a game at Lambeau Field. You can also travel around the US to see them, but I would highly recommend seeing a game at Lambeau Field. It really can't be beat. Here are some ticket sites where you can find tickets for sale:

	Ticket Solutions
	Ticketcity.com
	TicketLiquidator.com TicketLiquidator.com is a secure online ticket site that provides the best selection of hard to find tickets, as well as great customer service, and low, competitive prices. TicketLiquidator.com brings together established ticket brokers and individuals throughout the country to display their inventories on one site. TicketLiquidator’s inventory has grown to include more than 1.5 million tickets to thousands of exciting events some of which include Concerts, Sporting Events, Theater, Las Vegas, ...
	TicketsNow.com TicketsNow is a leading provider for all hard to get tickets. TicketsNow has tickets for this year’s hottest concert, theater and sporting events. TicketsNow is a secure online ticket marketplace. All orders are 100% guaranteed. Whether it’s planning the event experience of a lifetime or helping you share your memories, premium event tickets from TicketsNow do more than get you through the gates. TicketsNow makes it possible to be closer than you’ve ever been before! Imagine seeing your favorite...

Lambeau Field In Your Home

Because it would be impossible to fit Lambeau Field in your house, and they frown on people living in the actual stadium, here is the next best thing: Lambeau Field memorabilia.

	Legend of Lambeau Field (DVD) The heros... the highlights... the history... it's all here on this fascinating video. A five-time Emmy-winning producer brings you the definitive story of the greatest stadium in...more Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $17.95 Lowest Used Price: $45.00 (as of 8/29/2008@2:14 PM)
	Green Bay Packers Lambeau Field Playing Cards (Toy) This Lambeau Field themed deck of playing cards is great for any Packers fan, and provides entertainment during pre-game or halftime. Great for Poker too! List Price: N/A Lowest New Price: $4.99 (as of 8/29/2008@2:14 PM)
	Everlasting Images Green Bay Packers Lambeau Field 2003 616 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle (Toy) List Price: $24.99

Pictures from a Green Bay Trip

Even though I am in Colorado, I was lucky enough to get to go to Green Bay last year to see a game. Of course pictures can't do the field, game, or team justice, but it is a good start...

Inside the Atrium. It truly is more than a stadium, it is an experience.	Lambeau Field from the inside. There are mostly bleachers there, not your average stadium.
Huddle for a win!	The statue of Lombardi outside Lambeau
My dad looking extremely happy while standing next to the three trophies in the Hall of Fame	Replica of Vince Lombardi's office
My mom, my dad, and me at the game, finally!	Here comes the team, ready to roll!
The scoreboard at Lambeau. A lot more powerful in person. And, yes, those are bleachers below.	Here is the team out on the home field

Halloween Cookies: Witch Fingers

COCheesehead — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 22:35:30 GMT

Halloween Cookies: Witch Fingers

Need a scary treat for the scary day? I like to bring Witch Fingers... a slight departure of the traditional Peeled Grape Eyeballs or Spaghetti Brains. The recipe is pretty simple, and the effect is extremely fun. This is especially good for kids halloween parties!

Witch Finger Cookies

Yield: About 4-5 Dozen cookies, depending on how big you want your fingers

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup whole, blanched almonds
1 tube red decorator gel

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F
Combine the flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl and set aside.
In another bowl, mix together the butter, sugar, egg, almond extract, and vanilla. Once this is thoroughly mixed, beat in the dry ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
Lightly spray a cookie sheet with non-sticky spray.
Once the dough is chilled, work with one quarter of the dough at a time, keeping the rest in the fridge.
Divide the quarter into heaping teaspoons full of dough. Roll these into finger shaped cookies. (My recommendation: If you pinch just a little of the dough about 1/3 from the top of the cookie, and pinch the dough about 1/3 from the bottom of the cookie, it will cause "knuckles" to appear...Then take a knife and make some slahes on the knuckles.)
Make the cookies smaller than you believe they should be. The cookies will rise and if they are too big you will end up with fat witch fingers.
Press one almond firmly onto the top of each cookie - these are the fingernails.
Use the red food coloring to paint the nails red, if you want (You don't have to do this...I didn't last year and the almonds start to brown so they looked very creepy)
Bake the cookies for 20-25 minutes, or until a golden color

ENJOY!!!

Did you try the recipe?

Try out my recipe above and enjoy! Then please come back and let me know what you thought of the recipes. You can even leave me comments at the bottom of the page! I enjoy learning about new tricks.. did you use food coloring to make them green? Did you display them with a witches head? Please leave a comment and let me know! Happy Halloween!

Tasty Halloween Treats

So, if you get in a pinch and need some tasty treats for the holiday, check out these stores below. I swear, everyone I know lives by the Cheryl and Co. pumpkin cookies. Definitely check them out!

	Candy Direct Candy Direct is the oldest Internet candy distributor on the web today. At Candy Direct, you will find deeply missed candy from the past, as well as new discoveries. Candy Direct offers a variety of fun and delicious candy, which includes Sky Bars, Salt Water Taffy, Bazooka Gum, Zagnut Bars, Hot Tamales, Clark Bars, Sugar Babies, Pop Rocks and so much more… Candy Direct also offers unique gift ideas such as Candy Bouquets & Customized Tins as well as wonderful boxes of chocolates. To rec...
	Cheryl&Co. Shop Cheryl & Co. for all baked good purchases. Cheryl & Co. offers fourteen flavors of gourmet cookies, twelve types of brownies, and several flavors of bundt cakes, all made from scratch and wrapped in exclusive packaging, designed for every holiday and occasion. Cheryl & Co. has a retail division, an active catalogue division, and the business gift services division, which offers gifts to corporations that in turn use them as employee incentives and client gifts. Cheryl & Co. also has a food ...
	Godiva® Godiva Chocolatier, Inc. is one of the creators of the world's most elegant, hand-crafted chocolates. Godiva offers a superb and delicious selection of truly fine chocolates that contain high quality ingredients such as premium cocoa beans and dairy butter, as well as feature unusual textures and natural flavors. A box of mouth-watering Godiva chocolates makes the perfect gift for any occasion. To receive your automatic cash rebate from Godiva, simply click on our SHOP NOW button shown a...
	Mrs. Fields Original Cookies Shop Mrs. Fields for all baked good purchases, novelties, and unique gifts for any occasion. Mrs. Fields products include cookies, chocolates, brownies, cakes, decorated cookies, student care packages, gift baskets, coffee, gift certificates, as well as frozen dairy treats. Mrs. Fields Famous Brands is one of the largest premium snack-food stand franchisers in the US, with more than 2,400 outlets. Mrs. Fields helps fill the gaps between your three squares a day. Mrs. Fields also operates TCBY, a...

More Halloween Recipes

I have compiled a list of some Halloween recipes sites that might help you out in your baking adventures! Find a variety of holiday treats and meals that will help make your celebration great!

AllRecipes Hallowen Ideas	Get great ideas on Halloween treats, including information on Halloween Gingerbread Houses!
Halloween Kitchen	Halloween recipes, from the good ol' classics to unique creations! You will also find some fun drink ideas here as well.
Halloween Online	Brew up some creative drinks with this website's great ideas!

Other Halloween Pages

Here are some other Halloween pages to visit. There is also a Halloween Contest where you, yes YOU, could win $100! Check it out.

	Halloween Spooktacular Contest by ZestBitGroup
	Halloween Costumes by MadGamer
	Halloween Decorating by MadGamer

How To Win Fantasy Football

COCheesehead — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 23:16:33 GMT

How To Win Fantasy Football

Fantasy Football, once a sports game for just computer nerds, has swept the nation and now affects people from every walk of life! From co-workers, to high school buddies, everyone is playing the relatively new sport of fantasy football. And, I would like to mention, this isn't just a game for the male population. Fantasy football is also entering the female world, allowing members of both sexes to dominate the gridiron and partake in the exciting sport!

Fantasy Football: More than just a game

There are a variety of ways to play fantasy football. If you are new to the sport, I suggest you read through this small "Beginner's Guide", if you will, about fantasy football. If you have already played or feel that this might be too remedial for you, go ahead and skip to the place where you will learn how to be a fantasy football winner! Please know that I am not an expert, just an avid sports fan, and have learned a thing or two over the years. These are tried and true recommendations, learned from a variety of trials and tribulations in the sport of Fantasy Football.

1. So many leagues, so little time

First, it is important to find the league that suits you. There are thousands, if not millions, of leagues out there and it is important to choose the one that will be your best fit. There are leagues that require an entry fee, leagues that play for real money. Then there are those that just play for the satisfaction of knowing that you know more about football than your buddy. If you are new to the game, or new to football in general, my reccomendation is to start on a free league. Then you don't have to worry about losing your first time around, and will gain a little experience in the meantime. Then next year, depending on this season, feel free to expand your horizons.

2. Draft League vs. Auto Draft League

In any league you will run into one of these options. A draft league usually involves a group of guys getting together, generally over beer and pizza, and drafting members like mad onto a team. If this is a long standing league, chances are the participants already have a system. Be forewarned that you may be put to the end of this line-up as a newcomer. Each person, in rotating order, chooses a player for their team. Watch players like LaDanian Tomlinson and Peyton Manning go in the first round. This continues until a fight ensues (kidding) or everyone has a completed team. Within the draft leagues, there are also other options. Some leagues play with a salaray cap. Participants are given an "imaginary" dollar amount, and players are each assigned a dollar amount. You then have to pick within the restraints of the money.

In an auto draft league, the pressure of chosing is taken away. In many you can "pre-rank" your players, meaning that you can set priority to the players you can. For example, if you feel very strongly that Peyton Manning will get you closer to a victory, set him a priority #1. As long as he is still in the pool by the time it is your turn, you will receive him on your line up. You do lose a level of personal choice with an auto draft, but it is over in seconds where a draft league can take hours.

3. The best defense is a good offense

This is extremely true in the game of fantasy football. In order to defend your honor in the game of fantasy football, or in order to gain a place in the Fantasy Football Hall of Fame, you must, I repeat, must have a good offense. The defense is good for additional points, and will push you over the edge to a win. Granted, there are teams like Chicago that will get you major points, but they will not win you the season.

Gear Up For The Season

Just like the Pros, all fantasy players need to get ready for the season. Below you can find all the things you will need for the season, minus the chips and beer:

	Fantasy Football Rocks Apron (Kitchen) This makes a great gift, it easily washable in the washer and dryer and the design is printed on the front. List Price: $20.99
	play a real sport! Play fantasy football 11 oz. White Mug (Kitchen) 11 oz. White Mug Design Printed on Front Diswasher * Microwave Safe Makes a Great Gift List Price: $12.99
	Fantasy Football (Video) Don't just sit on the sidelines. Get into the game, be a part of the action. This is the video that every fantasy football player should see. Organize and improve your own fant...more List Price: $19.95
	Draft Edge Fantasy Football (Video Games) Powerful 2-in-1 fantasy-football software for a draft-day advantage Preseason Tool includes cheat sheets and mock drafts Draft-Day Tool tracks draft activity for entire league ...more Average Customer Rating: 2.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $19.99 Lowest Used Price: $3.49 (as of 8/29/2008@7:42 PM) Lowest New Price: $4.59 (as of 8/29/2008@7:42 PM)

Tips For Winning

Below you will find some simple tips for winning your fantasy football league:

Keep on eye on last year's stats, but don't keep them as the gospel. Players change over seasons, and new emerging players will pop up. Of course it is a good gauge to start with, but keep an eye out for those break out stars of the year!
Don't draft a defense, defenseman, or kicker first. These guys won't usually get you very many points in the scheme of things, and it is not good to use a top pick for these positions. Fill in your better, more skilled positions first. I'm talking quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers. This are your money positions.
Diversify! No, this isn't the stock market, but the same rules apply. You don't want one team or game to mess up your score. If you keep your team mixed up amongst teams and divisions, you won't run the risk of bad games ruining your week, or even worse, your season!
It's not only who you have, but how you play them. Pay attention to your roster throughout the season. I have seen more games lost because someone didn't realize a player was on a bye or on IR.
Get to know your point system. This will affect your draft, who you play, and so on. For example, if you are going to get more points for rushing yards than touchdowns, adjust your team and players accordingly. The key to winning is often playing the strengths, or avoiding the pitfalls, of a scoring system.

NFL Gear: Don't look like a newbie

If you are going to play with the big boys, dress with the big boys. Get your NFL gear from the stores below. You won't be sorry, that's a promise!

	CBS Sports Store CBSSportsStore.com has all the sports team gear you’re looking for, from the NBA, NHL, MLB, NFL, NCAA, NASCAR, MLS, World Soccer, World Hockey and more… In addition to the greatest selection of sports team gear, CBSSportsStore.com also brings you a vast assortment of footwear, exercise equipment, poker supplies, scooters, foosball, combination tables, games, fan memorabilia and the list goes on. CBS Sports Store has it all! To receive your automatic cash rebate from CBS Sports Store, si...
	Dick's Sporting Goods Dick's Sporting Goods offers items for exercise equipment, footwear, apparel, team sports water sports, outdoors, rec room and fan shop. Dick's has brands like TaylorMade, New Balance, Nike, Adidas, Callaway Golf, Bowflex, Reebok, and Under Armor. Dick's has cardio equipment, elliptical machines, treadmills, yoga, pilates, and weight training. Dick's has team sports equipment for baseball, basketball, cricket, field hockey, football, cheerleading, soccer, volleyball, softball, gymnastics and ...
	NFLshop.com NFL Shop is a leading destination for all officially licensed NFL purchases. NFL Shop has the largest assortment of NFL apparel, merchandise, and collectables. NFL Shop’s inventory includes NFL Replica, authentic, personalized jerseys, throwback jerseys, souvenirs, helmets, blankets, pillows, throws, flags, video games, furniture, and hundreds of styles of outerwear. NFL Shop is also your home for officially licensed Super Bowl XLI merchandise and apparel. NFL Shop is the official web site of t...
	Sports Authority The Sports Authority is the #1 US sporting goods chain with nearly 400 stores in 45 states. The Sports Authority offers sporting equipment, general merchandise, athletic footwear, and apparel. The Sports Authority carries a vast selection of products in categories such as baseball, softball, camping and hiking, exercise equipment, golf and tennis, roller shoes, paintball, under armour, action sports, and much more. If you need sporting equipment, don’t argue with The Sports Authority. To ...

DRAFT THESE PLAYERS!

If you need a little kick in the right direction, here are some fantastic picks for the year, in no particular order. OK, except for #1. Again, you will see that this list is dominated by offensive players. You don't want to pick a defense in your top picks. Believe me. I did that last year, thinking that Chicago would be a solid pick, only to get schooled during the season. A defense will help you accumulate additional points, but do not use them as your base. These five players below will definitely help you succeed toward a winning season!

LaDainian Tomlinson - Get him, get him early, get him often
Peyton Manning - The best quarterback in the league
Chad Johnson - Can't go wrong with Ocho Cinco
Marvin Harrison - With Peyton Manning behind this guy, he is pretty much a solid pick for the season
Terrell Owens - He may be the Bad Boy of the NFL, but his numbers don't lie

Reliving the Plays

Let us bask in the glory of phenominal players, and get excited for the upcoming season!

On the field w/ Colts Manning AFC Championship w/ Bruschi

Manning - A legend in the making

LaDainian Tomlinson - Big Things Poppin

Look at the man play! A Sure Thing for this season

Football Twists

Go Pack Go by COCheesehead
Love it!

Top Ten Haunted Hotels

COCheesehead — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 14:15:28 GMT

Top Ten Haunted Hotels

We often think that Halloween is just a kids holiday, where we send out the little ones dressed in hero costumes to get bags of candy. This is just one small aspect of the holiday. There are many adults that get into the holiday, if not more, than the children. One way to celebrate the holiday is to experience the paranormal. If you check some of the most haunted hotels in the nation, many of them offer Halloween specials. Experience the holiday a new way by checking out one of these top ten hotels. Good luck and happy haunting!

Top Ten Haunted Hotels

Here is a list of top ten haunted hotels, in no particular order. Keep reading below to learn more about each of these places. There are numerous hotels that did not make the list, so scroll down to see links to additional websites with information about haunted hotels in your area!

The Stanley Hotel - Estes Park, Colorado
Myrtles Plantation - St. Francisville, Louisiana
Queen Mary Hotel - Long Beach, California
The Driskell - Austin, Texas
Brown Palace - Denver, Colorado
Hotel del Coronado - Coronado, California
Boston Omni Parker House Hotel - Boston, MA
Sagamore Hotel - Bolton Landing, New York
Menger Hotel - San Antonio, Texas
Green Mountain Inn - Stowe, Vermont

Where To Book Halloween Hotels

Here are some great places to look for hotels to visit over the Halloween and Fall season. If you are one of the brave, enjoy staying at one of America's most haunted hotels. See you make it out to tell about it...

	Hotelopia Hotelopia: Hotels with special promotions and discounts. Hotelopia carries the best four star and five star hotels around. They offer you the most affordable price on their massive hotels with special discounts. Hurry and find and book your next hotel vacation with Hotelopia now! Shop Hotelopia through ShopAtHome.com and get an exclusive 3% cash back rebate! Keep checking back with ShopAtHome.com for coupons and discounts just for you on Hotelopia and all your other favorite stores! Hotelo...
	Hotels.com Hotels.com provides discount travel accommodations and services to leisure and corporate travelers in the US and around the world. Hotels.com offers discount accommodations for thousands of hotel properties in hundreds of major destinations in North America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. Save up to 70% off regular hotel rates in some of the most beautiful cities around the world, such as New York, Paris, Rome, Miami, London, Milan, Frankfurt, Vancouver and many others. Visit Hotels.com, for t...
	Travelocity Travelocity can save you money on airfares, hotels, car rental, cruises and more with their great special offers. Try a package deal and save even more. Looking for a last minute trip? No problem, just go online and see the terrific discounts they have to some of the best destinations in the world. Travelocity also has flight status information and destination guides to help ensure your trip goes without a hitch. Travelocity guarantee that everything about your booking will be right, or the...

How brave are you?

Just a quick bravery quiz...

The Stanley Hotel - Estes Park, Colorado

This beautiful hotel set in the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains has played host to a number of famous people, including Stephen King. The Stanley Hotel is the basis for Stephen King's "The Shining" and is reported as having several different ghosts on the property. "The Shining" is best known for room 217, but it is actually room number 418 that is the most haunted. In fact, if you are planning on visiting The Stanley for Halloween, try to get a room on the 4th floor as it seems to get the most ghostly activity. Hotel workers and guests report hearing children running up and down the halls, even when no children weren't around, and the piano being played downstairs.

Links to Other Haunted Colorado Places

Here is a good website with a list of links to other haunted areas in Colorado!

Haunted Colorado

This is a great resource with numerous links to other great Haunted Happenings around the great state of Colorado! Great resource, check it out!

Myrtles Plantation - St. Francisville, Louisiana

This is rumored to be the most haunted place in America. It could be because it supposedly built upon an ancient burial ground (is anyone else thinking "Poltergiest?") or maybe it is the fact that there have been 10 murders on the premisis since the 1700s. Whatever the case, there are many ghosts that haunt the area. There is a slave that wanders between two buildings, a little girl who appears with thunderstorms, and a French woman who wanders the halls, looking for something. Also, workers have felt their hands grabbed by small children who weren't really there. If you are interested, TAPS from Ghost Hunters on SciFi Channel did a paranormal investigation there. Visit now to conduct your own investigation.

More Information About Myrtles Plantation

Need or want more information about Myrtles Plantation? I don't have all of the information so check out the links below.

Myrtles Plantation	Check here for more information plus a link to a picture of what people claim in the ghost of the slave!
Myrtles Plantation: The Official Website	Here is the official website for Myrtles Plantation

How To Save on Brand Name Items

COCheesehead — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:14:30 GMT

How To Save on Brand Name Items

I'll be honest, I like to shop. Whether for shoes or pots and pans, I love the feeling of going to the stores, seeing the different items on the shelf, and imaging where in my house I actually could store all of these items. The internet has just fueled my shopping addiction because now I am no longer restricted to the stores that reside in my immediate area; the sky is the limit! If I want a lamp shade from a small store in New York, I can get it. If I want coffee from Seattle, it's just a click of a button. This new found shopping arena on the internet has been a blessing, but has also made me realize the importance of budgeting and saving. That being the case, I have found that I am more thrify than ever in my shopping, and want to pass some key tidbits in money saving on to you. These ideas and suggestions aren't unique, this is just a testimony that they work, tried and approved by an avid shopper.

Thrift Stores: Digging Is Rewarding!

One of the best ways to save money is to visit thrift shops. I have found amazing deals here, even finding brand new items on the shelves! These items may be used, but if you dig long enough you will find amazing deals on gently used items. Here are some hints when shopping at thrift stores:

Dig! At times there can be racks and racks of items. If you are not content to looking for items, you probably won't find the best deals. Go to thrift shops when you have time to browse. Patience is definitely a virture and holds true in any thrift store shopping. Visit each rack, and take time to look at each item. You just never know what you might find! My sister ended up finding barely worn $400 shoes and paid about $20.
Look for tags. You would be amazed at how many brand new items make it to the thrift store shelves! I believe that many people impulse buy items, and then throw them in a closet, only to be discarded at a later time. If you see an original store tag on an item, consider this a very good find and take it right up to the cash register!
Looking for Retro? Try thrift stores! Small boutiques and even trendy stores at the mall often make you pay an arm and a left for retro items. Why not try the thrift stores to look for TRULY retro items. You will end up with authentic items while paying a fraction of the price.
Goodwill, Salvation Army, and more Donating to these places often benefits a truly cause wrothy group. But you know that if you are donating to these places, other people are doing the exact same thing! Visiting your local Goodwill gives you a sense that your shopping is not going without a greater reward. You can also find excellent items. I know that the Goodwill in a neighborhood I used to live in was packed on the weekends! Goodwill is also an excellent place to find DIY project items as things can often be restored.
Plato's Closet and other trendy stores Gently used clothing is back! Stores, like Plato's Closet in Colorado, offer shoppers a way to both save and make money. These stores accept brand name used clothing, and pay shoppers for their contributions. In turn, shoppers can buy other brand name clothes at great prices! You can find Gap, American Eagle, Juciy Couture and more in these stores, and look hot without breaking the bank. Plus, if you are tired of your current wardrobe, exchange your clothes for great brand name items!

Retail Bliss!

If thrift stores aren't your cup of tea, there are many retail stores out there that sell brand name, never been used items at discounted prices. These stores receive extra items from larger stores. For example, if a large department store does not sell all of a particular type of jacket by the end of the season, they sell these to stores like TJ Maxx and Ross at discounted prices. This discount is then passed on to you. There are variety of stores that participate in this, including dollar stores! Below is an outline of my favorite stores:

Ross: If you like brands like DKNY and Express, this is the store for you! I am notorious for losing sunglasses, especially if I have spent a pretty penny on them. I have a hard time buying a cheap pair, so Ross offers me a good in between. I love to buy the DKNY sunglasses at Ross, and spend about $15. This is just as much as you would spend on a pair anywhere else, and you know you are getting a quality brand. Then, when I inevitably lose these sunglasses, I don't have a heart attack because I spent a ton of money. They have a great shoe and clothing selection, as well as home items that I love. Check this store out!
TJ Maxx/Home Goods: This combination is dangerous, mostly because I love everything in here! I LOVE to decorate my house, and since I just bought a new one I can justify needing more pictures and mirrors. Home Goods has fantastic home decor items, including area rugs and small pieces of furniture. I have also been able to find framed art that I have seen in other stores for twice the price! If you are in need of home decorations, I would visit this store today.
Tuesday Morning: At Tuesday Morning, you can receive 40%-80% off retail prices! This store does not focus on clothings, but has everything you need for home and garden. My mom was able to get a beautiful stainless steel coffee pot that normal retailed for over $180 for only $65. It was a steal in itself! And I'll let you in on my little secret: I am a big Barbie Collector and have found Tuesday Morning to be a secret depot for collectible Barbies. I have been able to get Gold Label collectibles (retailing normally at over $130) for $60-$75. I justify my collection by telling myself it is an investment. Plus, I just love them!

Coupon Heaven!

I remember when I was little my mom would spend hours cutting coupons from the Sunday newspaper. I used to laugh at her meticulous organization, filing each coupon into its respective pocket in her easy-to-carry pouch. I now envy her coupon habit. Coupons are a great way to save money. And I'm not just talking about the coupons for Kraft cheese that come in the paper. There are multitudes of stores, both on and off line, that offer coupons. The trick is keeping an eye out for them. Described below are the variety of coupons you can find out there:

1. Grocery Coupons - OK, these have been around forever, and will continue to be. These are the coupons you can find in the Sunday paper, decked out in colorful images and cartoon characters. My sister is the coupon queen and consistently saves $30 or more on each grocery trip - just with coupons. Her glory moment was when she bought $300 worth of groceries for only $90. Clipping coupons is not just for old people anymore - my sister is 22! If you can take the time to remember to cut them out and use them, you can easily save at the store. Plus, double coupon days are not a thing of the past, so keep an eye out at your local supermarket.

2. Coupons By Mail - I receive Bed, Bath, and Beyond or Linens 'N' Things coupons on a weekly basis. I also receive mailers for stores such as Kohl's or JCPenney's in the mail. These coupons are great, especially if you really need something. Many times it is 20% off of one item, or you can even be as lucky to receive a 20% off your entire purchase coupon. Keep these in mind, and remember that many stores will take competitor's coupons so that they don't lose your business.

3. Online Savings - The internet is full of coupons - some offering money back, while others offering percentages off. My favorite coupons are the Free Shipping. To me, if I have to pay for shipping at a place I can drive to, I have a hard time justifying the purchase. If I can't get to the store, I am a little more willing to pay. But Free Shipping is the kind of all coupons. There are many sites, such as ShopAtHome.com, that offer a variety of coupons. I would look there as they have a good selection and variety. Look below for various free shipping coupons!

4. Coupons By Email - I have to encourage people to sign up for e-mails and e-newsletters. I sign up for the emails from companies I love, and I really don't get spammed by them. In return for signing up for the e-mails, I receive exclusive deals and news from the companies I love. Some emails I recommend signing up for are 1-800-Flowers, Shutterfly, and Home Decorator's Collection. These are just a small sampling of the companies from which I receive emails, and I know that most retailers offer e-newsletters to their patrons. Since you opted in to these emails, and are a good customer, the companies are willing to send better deals, and I am usually one to take them up on the offer!

Free Shipping - King of Coupons

As I mentioned in my above section, my favorite coupons are Free Shipping, as they often save you a lot of money. Below I found just a small sampling of Free Shipping coupons from big name companies. If you are in the marketing for anything from office supplies to sports equipment, work apparel to dishes, please look below. I did the ground work for you!

ShoeMall

Get Free Shipping.

Expires: 12/31/2008

How To Collect Barbies

COCheesehead — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 18:24:14 GMT

How To Collect Barbies

Barbie: A cultural icon. She is the immortal image of the "ideal" woman, a girl who has done it all. She has grown up in millions of homes, possessed riches beyond anyone's wildest dreams, and tried her hand at numerous professions. She is not only the playtime pal of children but an iconic statue for grown women. Before anyone can collect Barbies and truly appreciate the dolls, she/he must first understand the history of Barbie and how she came to be a star. In the 1950s a woman named Ruth Handler was visiting Switzerland when she came upon a beautiful doll named Lilli. This doll, modeled after a famous cartoon character, was 7 inches tall, had shoes molded to her feet, and earrings on her ears. Lilli had a variety of outfits from which to choose. Inspired by the doll, Ruth returned home with the image of a doll in mind. She had already been thinking of creating a 3-D doll based off of paper dolls, and this image of Lilli solidified the idea in her mind. This image would soon be known the world over as Barbie.

In 1958, a patent was obtained for a doll known as "Barbie", a name inspired by Ruth's daughter Barbara. By 1959 Barbie hit the toy shelfs of New York. Investors believed the move was risky, as baby dolls were the popular toys of the day. However, Ruth proved investors wrong. By 1960 Barbie was flying off the shelves; demand so high that Mattel could not keep up. By the end of the 1960s the public had spent $500 million on Barbie, her friends and accessories.

Below you find a chronological history of Barbies, where to collect and find the best Barbies, and how to begin a collection that will last a lifetime.

Barbies: The 1960s

Barbie was, and still is, a woman of the times, portraying a picture of women in society. In the 1960s it was very important that Barbie reflect a positive image of women. As such, Barbie was often modeled off of great women in society. In the 60s, Jackie O influenced the look of Barbie with a pill box hat and bob hair cut, until Jackie started to stir controversy.

Also in the 1960s, older girls continued to keep or "collect" Barbies as symbols of what they dreamt to uphold and become. Seeing this trend, Mattel created Barbies geared for older girls. Instead of decking Barbie out in prom dresses, Barbie began to dawn ball gowns and debutante outfits. This was until the 60s took a turn of their own...

As the Beatles became popular and the mood in the nation changed, so did Barbie. Her skirt became shorter; her boots became longer. Now dawning a mini-skirt and go-go boots, Barbie represented a changed nation. Trying her best to become a symbol of fun and not of hippie-like behavior, Barbie continued to evolve with the rest of the country. It is at this point in time that Barbie's "newest" feature, the bent leg, appeared. Anyone who has played with a Barbie knows the jerky movement of the legs when they bend, and how unnatural this looks. However, it was the 1960s that spawned this feature and started the "Twist & Turn" Barbie - a Barbie that was more "life-like."

1959-1969 Barbies

Amazon has a great book below that displays the Barbies of the era in beautiful color photos, as well as the value of the Barbies in today's market.

Barbie Fashion: Vol. 1, 1959-1967 (Barbie Doll Fashion) (Book)
This beautiful, entertaining book features hundreds of full-color photos of Barbie doll fashions, detailed descriptions, and current values. A stylebook of fashions complete with ...more
Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (See the reviews)
List Price: $24.95
Lowest Used Price: $22.99 (as of 8/30/2008@3:51 AM)

Barbie on TV - 1960s

There was a heavy push at the end of the 1960s to promote Barbie, mostly through print marketing. Below are a few television spots from the early 1960s promotiong Ken and Malibu Barbie. Enjoy!

First Ken commercial of the 1960s

Malibu Barbie Retro 60s TV Commercial