Payton's Suspension And The Value Of Players

The National Football League has slammed the New Orleans Saints with a major punishment for 'bounty' violations, including suspending head coach Sean Payton for the entire duration of the 2012 season. Former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who the St Louis Rams hired this season, has also been suspended, for an indefinite time period. Joe Vitt, the Saints assistant head coach, has been given a suspension for the first six games of the next season, without pay, and general manager Mickey Loomis has received an eight games suspension.

Payton's suspension kicks off on 1st April, and this is the one that is likely to have the largest impact on fantasy football. Many owners may now also be worrying as to whether or not the Saints will be able to generate the same level of explosive influence sans Payton's influence.

Nfl 2012

Drew Brees is, of course, coming off the back of what has to be one of the greatest statistical performances ever, having broken the record set by Dan Marino for passing yards in a single season and also having scored an absurd total of 47 touchdowns. If Payton is out, however, does that mean it is time to drop Brees down on rank lists?

Experts believe otherwise, saying that Brees could run the offense with his eyes closed because he knows it so well, and that Brees still belongs on the same level as Tom Brady and Aaron Rogers, even without Payton. This brings into question the overall value of certain players.

Value

Once free agency starts in the NFL, it is often regarded as a good time to kick off your fantasy football leagues for the next season. Many players can see their value skyrocket, while others find themselves going from a 'top notch' ranking to a 'questionable' one at a bewildering speed.

This is precisely what is happening this year, with two players who have gone from being ranked in the top 10 or 12 positions with fantasy running backs to watching their value dip already in the first round and possibly even further.

Jamaal Charles is one of those players. Currently in rehab as a result of a torn ACL injury which occurred in Week One of the 2011 season, Charles could well be ready for action by the time training camp begins; however, Charles' owners have been hurt as a result of the Chiefs signing former Browns player Peyton Hillis, as he is an instant upgrade at the backup spot over the likes of both Jackie Battle and Thomas Jones and could end up taking a fair amount of the carries.

Matt Forte had the Bears tag placed on him this offseason after he clocked up almost 1,500 all-purpose yards last season, but now that former Raiders RB Michael Bush has been signed to a million, four-year contract, it muddies up Forte's future as a Bear once the next season is completed and also gives the Bears a lot more leverage in contract negotiations

Payton's Suspension And The Value Of Players

Ellie has worked in PR for the past 15 years and currently runs her own PR company. She writes on behalf of Fan Duel, who specialise in fantasy football.

Jacksonville Jaguars Tear Into a New Season

Are the best years of the Jacksonville Jaguars behind us? The Jaguars were the talk of the NFL in the late 90s but in recent years these cats have fallen on hard times. When new coach Jack Del Rio came aboard however, things started to change slowly but surely. In 2006, the Jaguars finished with a record of 8-8, and one year later they peaked with an 11-5 season record and a trip to the playoffs. Could 2008 be the year that the Jacksonville Jaguars finally commands respect and makes a serious play for the championship?

There have been some notable transactions in the office thus far, including the trading of wide receiver Troy Williamson to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a 6th round draft pick. The team also lost Ernest Wilford, Marcus Stroud, Bobby McCray and Sammy Knight. The team did receive a few extra draft picks as well as acquisitions like wide receiver in Jerry Porter of the Oakland Raiders, cornerback Drayton Florence of the San Diego Chargers and quarterback Cleo Lemon of the Miami Dolphins. However, Jacksonville fans were far more interested in the team's draft selection for 2008.

Super Bowl 2012

Some of the notable draft picks include defensive end Derrick Harvey, defensive end Quentin Groves, linebacker Thomas Williams, defensive back Trae Williams and running back Chauncey Washington. Harvey's draft pick was met with some hesitant response due to his size though his pass rushing ability is unquestioned. Groves recently had heart surgery but has been cleared to return at 100%, while Washington received some negative attention for his blocking abilities.

It's obvious to see that the Jaguars are beefing up their defense, which concerns some experts but actually strengthens the confidence of Jacksonville fans who remember that the Jaguar's offense in 2007 was exceptional. Fans and management credit Del Rio with the Jaguars' dramatic turn around-in fact he has already been extended to 2012! The Jaguars may be clawing their way to the Super Bowl soon enough and in 2008 they are surely one of the most important teams to watch.

David Garrard has definitely stepped into his roll as starting quarter back with the confidence of a seasoned veteran. With a tag-team duo of running backs in Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew tearing down the field, their is plenty of hope for a post season. Although the Jacksonville receiving core lacks the luster of some of the established air shows, they are all talented enough to move the chains 10 yards at a time. There is no question that this team revolves around the strength of the running game. If their running duet can stay healthy, they will unleash a ground and pound attraction that will explode on the highlight reel week after week.

Jacksonville Jaguars Tear Into a New Season

If you want to catch the Jacksonville Jaguars in action then contact Direct TV, the satellite television provider. They offer Jacksonville Jaguars coverage through a variety of channels and special features. For instance, the Direct TV NFL Sunday Ticket and channels like the NFL Network, NFL Sunday Snap or Highlights on Demand give you %100 complete coverage. You can watch over 200 games in a season, with 14 games outside your local area every Sunday. You can watch special enhanced games that provide detailed scoreboards as well as a Player Tracker that gives you all the latest statistics on teams and players.

Direct TV Deals like SuperFan gives you the luxury of watching NFL videos or live games in High Definition, the Red Zone Channel, which delivers all the highlights and best plays from various games happening, the Game Mix Feature which lets you watch several games at once on a split screen, along with PC streaming and cellular phone replays. If you want to root for the Jacksonville Jaguars this season then order Direct TV to get the best seat in the house.

The Demise of ESPN

With the NFL Network broadcasting its first game this Thursday, it will only be a matter of time before every professional and major college team has its own channel to broadcast their games. This will leave ESPN with nothing but the WNBA game of the week and 23 hours a day of Around the Horn. How will this effect the lives of those made into household names by the Worldwide Leader?

Let's take a look into the future...

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Kenny Mayne and Suzy Kolber - Turn their successful careers in commercials into hosting a 30 minute infomercial on the amazing ab and bun machine that also acts as a marinator and silver cleaner.

Mark May - In November 2009, Lou Holtz tries to punch May on live TV after he suggests that a 4-8 Notre Dame team should not be included in the BCS title game. ESPN had just bid 20 billion dollars to broadcast Notre Dame football and after pressure from Digger Phelps, Mike Brey, Bob Davie, Gerry Faust and new play by play man Regis Philbin, May takes the fall. Eventually writes a tell-all book with Harold Reynolds about the inner workings of the Bristol studios.

Dan Patrick - Horrible Onstar Hotline accident involving Keith Olberman ended his career in early 2006. What, you mean he is still on the air?

Michael Irvin - Dallas County Inmate #139876P25.

Chris Berman - Never returns from forced leave of absence after attempting to kiss Brett Favre at Favre's retirement news conference in February, 2011. A tearful Berman appears with Joe Namath on The View six months later to begin the healing process.

Bill Simmons - Popular website columnist is arrested after Colts win 2012 Super Bowl (their 3rd in 5 years) for sending threatening letters to Peyton Manning. Simmons had been released from his contract for failing to produce his required number of columns after ESPN decided he could no longer use Tom Brady is better than Peyton Manning as a topic. The only 3 original columns (all mailbags) he posts in 2011 will still be available to ESPN Insiders. In an ironic turn of events, he ends up cellmates with former Knicks coach Isaiah Thomas, serving a life sentence for taking out a contract on Simmon's life. Luckily for Simmons, just like with everything else Thomas tried, he failed.

Joe Theismann - Tragic story. After ESPN fires Tony Kornheiser from the Monday Night booth for talking about his Fantasy team too much, they bring in Dick Vitale. In an effort to be heard over Vitale, Theismann screams so loud his vocal cord literally breaks in two and his career ends. Mike Tirico says it sounded like a twig snapping. Lawrence Taylor was unavailable for comment.

Dick Vitale - After the Theismann incident, ESPN goes with announcer less booth and sets ratings records. He ends up fighting Billy Packer on one of Fox's celebrity boxing shows. Fight ends in a draw as both were wearing I Love Coach K shirts and as a result it was difficult to tell who was punching who.

Woody Paige - Solved the question if a news columnist who's opinion no one cares about screams in the woods, can anyone hear it? The answer sadly was no, but we can only guess he is still screaming.

Sean Salisbury and John Clayton - Moved to Vermont where their life partnership continues in relative anonymity.

It looks like we should enjoy these characters while we can. Enjoy the game on Thursday!!

(Originally published 2007.)

The Demise of ESPN

SportsDataSource.com [http://www.sportsdatasource.com] - Free online handicapping tools for information you need.... plus other amusing sports-related stuff.

GOP Power Rankings: Week 28

1. Mitt Romney
-He never really fell out of the top spot, did he? Romney leads in early endorsements, money raised, and campaign apparatus. The New England Patriot looked like he was in for an upset, but so far has maintained his top spot. Clearly a Super Bowl contender, he will have to stave off his opponents in the coming weeks.

2. Rick Perry
-Despite talks that the "early bird gets the trophy" in the preseason of the campaign, Perry came on strong as a late entrant. He has shown flashes of greatness throughout the campaign, but has been unable to capture a convincing lead. He still has potential to upset the front-runner, but will have to step it up a notch in his debating and selling himself to the voters.

Super Bowl 2012

3. Michele Bachmann
-Curious that Bachmann would find herself in the number 3 spot after being written off by most analysts. It would be tempting to put Ron Paul as #3, but Bachmann still has game in spite of her recent losing streak. Her broad public support might be limited, but she still has potential to win in Iowa. However, one win does not make a champion. A tough early schedule makes a win in game one possible, but odds do not look favorable that she'll capitalize and carry her support to New Hampshire and other early-voting states.

4. Ron Paul
-Ron Paul has a consistent level of support and could challenge Bachmann for the number 3. Given his apparent ceiling of support though, the perennial contender looks like he will go home empty-handed once again. His fans are among the most devoted in the league, and his mark on the playoffs should not go without notice.

5. Rick Santorum
-Santorum has been a real surprise in recent weeks. He started off as Mr. Irrelevant and has become, well, Mr. Less Irrelevant. He capitalized on turnovers by Perry and Bachmann, and has reestablished himself after a grueling loss in the Senate in 2006. He does have a future in the GOP, but it'd take a real "Hail Mary" for him to seize the nomination.

6. Gary Johnson
-A man who barely captures one percent in the polls is in 6th place? Most have not heard of the former New Mexico governor, but some of those who have see him as the next Ron Paul. After finally getting the opportunity to participate in a debate, he may be able to set himself up as a libertarian leader. The presidential campaign was no waste for him; he made a (small) name for himself, and is somehow beating Jon Huntsman in a few polls. He is not the ultra-fringe candidate many make him out to be (he was a well-liked governor), and has potential in certain markets.

7. Newt Gingrich
-Newt Gingrich, the Randy Moss of politics. He has proven himself to be a great political player in years past, but has begun taking plays off when he's not feeling it. He has a book to sell, an image to maintain, and can't be bogged down with things like running an effective campaign. Some thought he might bring back the Newt dynasty of the 90's, but he has turned his campaign over to owners who put ticket sales over a championship-quality team. He still has enough left in him to debate, but a few blunders have already cost him the season.

8. Herman Cain
-What to do with Herman Cain? Like Gingrich, he has an image to maintain. He may be setting himself up for a position in the GOP Party apparatus - just not as a candidate. Did we really expect him to be President after the elections next November? He has run a good race, picked up some worthwhile supporters (fair-weather fans?), and would fit in well as a fund-raiser and executive within the Party.

9. Jon Huntsman
-Poor Jon Huntsman. A few short years ago he appeared to be the ultimate GOP general election candidate. Turns out he would be the 2008 Detroit Lions: undefeated in the preseason and endlessly defeated in the regular season. He just didn't live up to the hype. He has the background of a good candidate; he might be able to come back in upcoming years. He could do a lot of good for the GOP, but he needs to be taken seriously first.

10. Buddy Roemer
-At least the Lions won in the preseason. Buddy just couldn't get it going for himself. Fortunately he didn't have any expectations. He is on the edge between credible and fringe candidate, but we'll give him the fact that he was elected as a governor. And ten is a much nicer number than nine.

Once again the race is Mitt Romney's to lose. He has seen his image as the overall leader wax and wane, but is still the candidate to beat. He's got a strong opponent just waiting for an electoral show-off, and needs to do more than sit on the sidelines as before. The playoffs are still a long ways away, and just as in football, a lot can happen in a few weeks in politics. Every week counts. Every player counts. Every play counts. What will happen in the weeks to come? Stay tuned and find out!

GOP Power Rankings: Week 28

Andre P. Audette is author of the blog No Politics As Usual - Challenging partisanship, calling out corruption, and confronting "politics as usual." Read it online at http://www.andrepierreaudette.com/

Be Social, But Don't Neglect Your Website

I've written numerous articles in past about the importance of both Social Media and Mobile Website Optimization as a means to better engage customers. Many have taken note and launched successful campaigns. However, I cannot stress enough - your website is your number one online priority when marketing your product/service to your customers.

Social Networks are amazing tools for online marketing efforts and they can be fun to maintain. Yet, sometimes businesses get so caught up in their Social Media agenda that their time is spread thin, leaving the "bread and butter", their website, on the sidelines.

Nfl 2012

In this article I address the methods, as they apply to Social Media campaigns, of making sure that your website comes first:

1. Website Content is the Foundation

Excuse the obvious statement, but in order to post something on your Social Media accounts, you have to have content to post in the first place. If you're just sharing content from others, or creating content only for use on Social Networks, you're not optimizing your marketing efforts. Create all content - articles, news, photos, and videos - for your website first. All content must be rooted from your website, and branch out accordingly.

2. Relate to Your Website

If your website was "done right", then it represents your product/service offering perfectly. All content that you create for your website and for subsequent off-site use (Social Networks, Bookmarks, etc...) should directly relate to encouraging people to "buy" your product/service from your website. Again, it's easy to get sidetracked by developing your brand's Social Media persona too well, by engaging in content sharing activities that don't directly related to your product/service. Sure, it's fun to share info about the latest football news with fans/followers, but for every casual communication, ten should relate to your website, not NFL trade rumors (unless of course you are a sports agent).

3. Link Back to Your Website

This is an absolute statement - everything you post about your product/service on your Social Networks should directly link back to your website. Otherwise, it's just information blowing in the wind, serving little purpose in bringing actual customers to your website - the place where purchases are made. For example, don't post (on networks) complete articles, instead, simply "tease" the audience with an eye catching image, title, or content summary that makes it too irresistible not to click the link.

4. Link to the Relevant Page

Finally, link content posted on Social Networks to the page on your website directly corresponding to the content. Too many marketers post eye-catching content summaries encouraging fans/followers to click through, only to have them land on the website's home page where the item doesn't exist. Many do this thinking that it will increase page views (assuming visitors will look for the content on other pages) but all it gets them is a high "bounce rate" - visitors coming to your page, and leaving immediately if they don't find what they were looking for within a few split seconds.

Conclusion

Remember the balance of website marketing and you'll do just fine. Your website is the foundation of all online efforts and Social Media, Mobile Optimization, Bookmarking, and Link Building is the proverbial icing on the cake.

Be Social, But Don't Neglect Your Website

Marcus Maraih, Content Developer, http://www.StandardMarketing.ca

Things To Do In Poole - Including Bonus 5 Free Activities

Things To Do In Poole - Top 5 Activities

1. Take a trip out to Brownsea Island

Super Bowl 2012

The Brownsea Island Scout camp is recognised as being the world's first Scout camp, the event being regarded as the real origin of the worldwide Scout movement.

Described by presenter, Bill Oddie as "the best place for seeing wildlife in Dorset". You can see Sika deer, wading birds and the elusive red squirrel. There is lots for the kids with 'wildlife tracker packs', trails, and a range of exciting events and activities. Find out more on the National Trust Brownsea Island webpage

Escape the hustle and bustle of Poole & Bournemouth, wandering through the woodland, heathland, wetland and shoreline of Brownsea Island. Many special events are on offer throughout the year including the popular Open Air Theatre, activity weekends and guided walks.

Boat Services are available from Poole Quay and Sandbanks Jetty, boat trips also run from Bournemouth Pier. The Island is open daily to the public from 24th March - 4th November 2012.

2. Find something for everyone at the Tower Park Complex

For those days where the whole family just needs a bit of entertainment, Tower Parkhas it all. Attractions include a 10 screen multiplex cinema to bingo, bowling and a water park with 12 of the UK's craziest indoor and outdoor rides.

3. Stroll through Compton Acres - the South's Finest Privately Owned Historic Gardens

Built in 1924, Compton Acres is a wonderful example of a historic garden in the UK. It is of late Victorian Mixed Style design with seven distinct gardens to wander around and enjoy, including the famous Italian and Japanese Gardens. Having undergone extensive refurbishment over the past 8 years, Compton Acres is now highly regarded as one of the most important historic gardens in England.

As well as its beautiful ten acres of gardens, there are two cafes, shops and a specialist Plant Centre. Special events such as pony rides and an Easter egg hunt are also held throughout the year.

Incorporate some or all of the following free Poole tourist activities and you can justify one or two of the great paid for experiences, such as windsurfing lessons at the Poole Windsurfing School.

4. Take Windsurfing Lessons at UK's No1 Spot with the Poole Windsurfing School

When looking for activities, holiday makers and locals often forget that they can take windsurfing lessons at the UK's No1 spot, Poole Harbour. It is just around the corner from the popular tourist destination of Bournemouth and being the second largest natural harbour in the world, with a designated area for watersports, it really is the UK's No1 Spot to take windsurfing lessons.

5. Hire a traditional beach hut

Take to the beach in style by hiring a beach hut in Poole and be a part of a great British tradition. You can't get a more traditional seaside activity!

The latest news is that Poole Borough Council have recently built 22 brand new beach huts at Branksome Chine. They have stunning views across Poole's award winning beaches and are available to hire on a weekly basis between April and September.

Top 5 Free Things To Do In Poole

1. Walk around the famous Sandbanks Peninsular

Walk around Poole Harbour and the world famous Sandbanks peninsular, taking in both the natural scenery and a sneaky peak at the 4th most expensive property in the world. Many of the rich and famous have houses on the Sandbanks peninsular and a leisurely walk is the best way to get a glimpse of how the other half live!

You can stop off at Sandbanks beach for on-route refreshments and a dip in the sea to cool your feet.

2. Spend a day or an evening at Poole Quay

Spending some time at Poole Quay is a great free activity to do during your visit to Poole. You can sit in one of the many restaurants or bars and watch the yachts come and go in the marina and Poole Harbour. Poole Quay is also home to the most famous super yacht manufacturer in the world, Sunseeker. You can see the latest luxury and performance super yachts been fitted out and prepared for delivery around the world!

Every Thursday in July on Poole Quay from 7pm check out the 'Summer Breeze with Fireworks on the Quay' where you can enjoy live music, street entertainment, family activities, special themed nights and a fantastic fireworks finale at 10 pm. In August Summer Breeze on the Beach then takes place at Shore Road Beach, Sandbanks every Thursday. If you are visiting Poole between the months of May and August, Friday evenings herald the return of "Quay for my Car" on Poole Quay, kicking off at 6pm. There are shows for everything from VW Beetles to Porsches. The Poole View website has a list of 'Quay for my Car' dates and the type of carsthat will be shown.

3. Cycle the famous 7 mile stretch of Poole & Bournemouth beaches

If you want to see the famous 7 miles of golden sand beaches then taking to 2 wheels is a smart way to get around. Cruise along the promenade towards the famous Sandbanks beach and if you are feeling adventurous, over the chain ferry and into the Purbecks. In the other direction you can go all the way to Hengistbury Head and even take a land train from there to Christchurch Harbour.

4. Browse Poole's Weekly Farmers Market and Street Market

Every Thursday between 9am and 2pm Poole's Farmers Market is held in Falkland Square. You will find the best local and free range products brought to you by the Farmers, Nurserymen, Bakers and Pie Makers who breed, grow and make their own produce. The Farmers Market is held in Falkland Square, outside the Dolphin Centre.

There is also Poole's Weekly Street Market every Thursday & Saturday between approximately 9am and 5pm along Poole High Street from Lagland Street/North Street to Old Orchard. The market offers something for everyone at great prices!

5. Swim in the Sea at Sandbanks

Make the most of Poole's natural wonderland by enjoying a relaxing swim at one of the five gently sheltered beaches, including Sandbanks - winner of more Blue Flags than any UK resort - with soft golden sands, raked and cleaned all year round.

"Under a blazing sun, Sandbanks, on it's gradually sloping peninsula, felt more like Miami's South Beach" Daily Express

Enjoy your stay - you certainly won't run out of things to do in Poole!

Things To Do In Poole - Including Bonus 5 Free Activities

Terril Winters runs Poole Windsurfing, a product of 15 years teaching experience. He posts regularly to the FREE Top Windsurfing Tips & News where you can find all you need to know about windsurfing. Claim your special offers for windsurfing lessons, windsurfing hire and other hot deals on their Special Offers Page.

10 Types of Politicians

Where to begin...?

Those of you who follow my writing know that I am a bit sassy and unconventional. With that said, think about what it takes to be a politician in 2012. Quite a daunting task, huh? Not every citizen would want the job. Not every citizen would want their dirty laundry aired in the public forum. Many of us would rather DIE than have our past scrutinized. Oh. I meant, many of YOU. Oops.

Nfl 2012

1. The "Holier Than Thou" politicians have radiant halos above their heads powered by a string of lights. You pray to hear a bell because you are certain these angels are about to get their wings. Maybe the church has tainted me, but I have a hard time when politicians and athletes thank the Good Lord for their election victory or touchdown. I don't know which God they may be referring to, but I'm confident that my God probably has more to do than perform miracles for the NFL on Sundays.

2. The "Pied Piper" politicians play the flute and hope all the voters will follow. They believe that images of leadership and new horizons are positive symbols of change. Therefore, it doesn't matter which topics they support (and you never really get a straight answer) but they can lead us to utopia. "Follow me and I will lead the way. Taxes? What? Da-da-da-da-da."

3. The "Flower Child" politicians just want everyone to get along and achieve world peace. "Can't We All Just Get Along." "Make Love, Not War." Communal living is key to our nation's future and survival. "What? Education? Hmmm. Let's legalize marijuana and just... feel... good. Our children will learn naturally."

4. The "Bizarro World" politicians are characters who are completely opposite of their relative counterparts. These folks paint a pretty picture of family life, happy marriages, well-rounded children, all while avoiding the lure of corruption. Then, whammo, you discover they are opposite in every way. "Suckers."

5. The "American Dream" politicians have a dismal history of poverty and despair. They didn't let society stand in their way. They conquered obstacles and charged the mountain in order to become the successes they are today. "What? Issues? Health care? I don't know, but I know I can do it because I AM the AMERICAN DREAM. Who wants apple pie?"

6. The "Oops, My Bad" politicians cannot slink away after their true characters are revealed. Many wish they could crawl in a hole somewhere, but instead, they still have a job to do. Instead of "coming clean" six months ago about a controversial issue, they are forced to appear sullen and remorseful as they apologize... for getting caught. Oops, I meant lying. My bad.

7. The "Familiar Face" politicians ride on the coat tails of past lives. With their recognizable faces and public personas, they decide to try politics. They are actors/actresses, tv spokesmen/women, and... uh-hem... professional wrestlers and bodybuilders. "What? Party platform? Duh, I know what that is. I'm standing on it."

8. The "Octogenarian" politicians are, quite frankly, um, well, older than dirt. I'm a teacher and in the 20 years that I have been knee-deep in education, the whole world of education has changed. Therefore, I believe I can infer that 80 and 90 year-old politicians are probably not "in tune" with today's changes. "What? Computers, Schlumputers. Just a fad."

9. The "Superhero" politicians will save the world. They will rid the country of poverty, pollution, and politics in a single bound. "Tabula rosa" and start over. We will redistrict the regions, claim power over all, appoint our friends to high positions, and rid the nation of silly rules and laws. "Don't fret, average citizens. Superhero is here. I have no experience, education, or comprehension of foreign affairs, but I will save the day."

10. The "No Way, Not Me" politicians will never run for office. They are brilliant, inspiring, and revolutionary thinkers. They are not bound to one party. They are not bound by money matters. They are not puppets on strings. They are independent thinkers that make decisions from the heart. They do what is right. They are empathetic leaders with level-headed ideals for all citizens. Unfortunately, folks, they don't want anything to do with politics. Too bad for us.

10 Types of Politicians

Authored by Robyn Carey Ryser