(NewsUSA) - Fans of wholesome television have a double treat in store, as the UPtv network launches its new series, "Design Twins," on Valentine's Day.<br /> <br /> The reality series makes its debut at 8 pm Eastern time (ET) on February 14, and features twin sisters, Heidi and Heather, who team up to start an interior design business aimed at providing families with creative, beautiful and functional spaces. To get the new venture off the ground, the twins move their families in together to save money and increase efficiency.<br /> <br /> Viewers can empathize with their challenges as the twins, together with their husbands and a total of seven children under the age of 6, work to nurture both their families and their growing business, aptly named "Joyful Living."<br /> <br /> The Atlanta, Georgia-based UPtv makes it a full night of love for Valentine's Day this season by also airing the much-anticipated wedding of Josie Bates and Kelton Balka at 9 pm ET on the popular series, "Bringing Up Bates," following the premiere of "Design Twins."<br /> <br /> The wedding features a picturesque outdoor country setting and plenty of family participation in the festivities.<br /> <br /> "At UPtv, we celebrate family and life's biggest moments," says Amy Winter, general manager and evp. "We are excited to add 'Design Twins' to our Thursday night lineup as we continue to bring viewers uplifting and inspiring stories."<br /> <br /> Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate love and romance, but the network keeps heartwarming stories upfront year-round with new episodes of UPtv's hit series on Thursday nights, movie premieres on the weekend and fan-favorite acquired series throughout the week.<br /> <br /> UPtv continues the themes of love and family in 2019 with UP Faith & Family. The streaming service offers a variety of commercial-free, faith- and family-friendly entertainment anytime, anywhere. UP Faith & Family offers endless hours of movies, drama series and kids' programming. It's also the exclusive home for past seasons of UPtv originals.<br /> <br /> In February, UP Faith & Family will be adding the wedding-themed reality series, "Our Wedding Story," and "Crazy Beautiful Weddings," as well as other romance-themed programs, including the movies, "Bridal Bootcamp" and "Love's Last Resort." New titles are added monthly.<br /> <br /> Prospective viewers can enjoy a 14-day free trial of the service by downloading the UP Faith & Family app or visiting Upfaithandfamily.com.<br /> <br /> For more information about UPtv, go to UPtv.com or check for updates on Facebook at facebook.com/Uptv, Twitter on @Uptv and Instagram at UP_TV.<br /> <br /> Ref: Humor - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Sponsored by GAF - It's time to stop thinking of Millennials as totally uninterested in owning anything just because they were early adopters of Uber.<br /> <br /> The newly released U.S. home ownership rate rose in 2017 for the first time in 13 years - it now stands at 64.2 percent - driven mainly by a shift towards owning over renting by the under-age 35 crowd who'd been wary of committing for both financial and personal reasons.<br /> <br /> "This is happening because young households are buying homes. Full stop," Ralph McLaughlin, chief economist at home listings provider Trulia, told the Wall Street Journal.<br /> <br /> They're not the only purchasers, of course. Which means if you're looking to sell your house now or in the not too distant future, you might want to check out this generational roadmap to four upgrades experts say are worth it to help attract potential buyers.<br /> <br /> * Cross-generational: a new steel door. The only thing that beat it on Remodeling magazine's annual Cost vs. Value Report for 2017 was loose-fill attic insulation, but this project - with a 90.7% return on investment - speaks directly to the report's main takeaway: "Curb appeal projects, by and large, generated higher returns on investment than work done inside the home."<br /> <br /> Plus, as far as Millennials go, while their ideal interiors may differ from older generations - for example, they prefer open floor plans and hardwood floors - Architectural Digest says they're still into "traditional exteriors."<br /> <br /> * Millennials: smart-home tech. Yes, there are Boomers and Generation Xers who are super tech savvy, but Millennials especially crave homes that allow them to control their heating, air-conditioning, home security, and lighting systems from their phones.<br /> <br /> "They want to use their brains for other things, not for remembering whether they adjusted the heat or closed the garage door," Angie's List stressed.<br /> <br /> * Cross-generational: a new roof. It's the ultimate curb appeal enhancer and a perennial Remodeling magazine A-lister, with Credit.com having observed that "buyers pay a premium for one already in place."<br /> <br /> So if the first thing prospects notice even before exiting their cars looks like something out of "Twister," you've got a problem.<br /> <br /> "It's a huge turn-off," said Patsy O'Neill, a sales associate with Sotheby's in Montclair, New Jersey, "and makes buyers of all ages predisposed to find even more things they don't like."<br /> <br /> If your roof does need replacing, those particularly interested in targeting Millennials might want to consider the very affordable Sienna line of diamond-shaped shingles from GAF (gaf.com), North America's largest roofing manufacturer, since they capture that generation's sensibilities.<br /> <br /> "They pick up on key Millennial style trends of natural, clean materials, clean lines, and the integration of artistic elements," said Leslie Franklin, executive director of residential marketing at GAF.<br /> <br /> * Millennials: all-new appliances. Realtors will tell you that major kitchen (and bath) upgrades aren't generally worth their high costs, in terms of return on investment, since prospective buyers' tastes can clash with yours.<br /> <br /> However, Millennials do love, love, love all-new stainless steel appliances. So much so that what RealtyTimes.com called "an astonishing majority of 75 percent" of respondents in a recent survey chose to spend their hypothetical home buying budgets on them.<br /> <br /> Ref: Gardens - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Beauty, like health, goes beyond the visible surface. While many of us manage our wellness via diet, exercise and check-ups, we don't apply the same 360-degree approach to our beauty regimen. It's possibly due to lack of viable options.<br /> <br /> Neauvia International Group recognizes this incongruity and aims to transform the way we practice beauty and solve skin care challenges by extending its premium energy-based devices into the United States.<br /> <br /> In the hands of trained medical aesthetics professionals, Neauvia devices leverage sophisticated technology such as thermo-lifting and water peeling to deeply target your areas of concern. With years in the global skin care market, Neauvia's approach pairs this advanced technology with specially formulated skin care for remarkable results.<br /> <br /> "Over a decade of Neauvia's international skin care success has taught us that a single product does not meet the overall demands of and desired outcomes for patients or providers," says Sean Wilson, President of newly launched Neauvia North America. Best-in-class treatments do, however. They also require training and certification. So, take time to research your local plastic surgeons, dermatologists, aestheticians and med spas because they offer you access to these revolutionary non-invasive treatments that are not available for home use, and to professionals qualified to use them. They'll work with you to customize an optimal treatment plan to achieve your desired results.<br /> <br /> Often, using multiple technologies per session yields a marked difference. The Zaffiro treatment combines thermo-lift technology with the gentle exfoliation of water-resurfacing and specific solutions for your skin type and desired results. It delivers lifted, tightened and hydrated skin with less visible lines and wrinkles.<br /> <br /> Energy-based devices strengthen and surpass home treatments. Let's say you love the fresh feeling and smooth, even texture of your skin after you do an at-home face scrub. Try adding a water-peeling facial like the Zaffiro treatment once a month for more deeply cleansed and revitalized skin.<br /> <br /> Treatments can rejuvenate beyond your face and neck. Zaffiro's thermo-lift technology gradually heats the deep layers of the skin, stimulating collagen and prompting lifting and tightening effects. It can be applied to tighten the décolleté and upper arm skin, give the tummy and derriere a firm appearance and even help tighten up post-pregnancy belly skin.<br /> <br /> Innovative energy-based devices can yield beautiful effects by working with the body's natural functions in a way that is safe, reliable, and non-invasive. They're less costly and require little to no downtime. This makes them an excellent way to fine tune your appearance and delay signs of aging without a lengthy recovery time. In fact, many of these innovative treatments provide results when done over a lunch hour! Dr. Joshua Weitz, MD, CEO of Dermatology Associates of Rochester sees them growing in appeal and use. "The non-invasive market is the future, and I anticipate Neauvia will be a guiding light in providing exceptional solutions," Weitz says.<br /> <br /> A well-rounded skin routine ensures that your actions - daily, monthly, over time - compound for outstanding outcomes. Incorporating treatments using Neauvia energy-based devices is simple yet addresses the complexity of your skin and helps attain your best overall skin health and appearance.<br /> <br /> Ref: US - News

(NewsUSA) - Later this month, the nation's largest-ever celebration of educational opportunity will kick off. During National School Choice Week (Jan 26-Feb 1), 50,000 events and activities around the nation will raise awareness about K-12 education choices.<br /> <br /> The real impact of school choice is what gives the Week such energy. A learning environment can change a life, sometimes unexpectedly. Remember the Dr. Seuss story featuring a character who, until he actually tries it, insists a dish of green eggs and ham is not for him? As President of National School Choice Week, I have the joy each month of hearing students, parents, and educators around the country share their own "green eggs and ham" moments.<br /> <br /> A teacher who was ready to leave the education field - until she overcame her skepticism about teaching in a virtual school. A mom who never dreamed she'd homeschool - until her son's medical needs led her to discover its benefits. A student who felt out of place in his previous school, but is now happy and thriving in a different traditional public school.<br /> <br /> That's the power of school choice. All children learn differently and families' needs vary. In the midst of healthy differences and human change, choice empowers families to access the learning environments that work for them now.<br /> <br /> School choice recognizes that parents are best positioned to know their child's passion for botany, reading struggles, or penchant for drawing quirky cartoons. And those same parents are best qualified to choose their children's learning environments.<br /> <br /> National School Choice Week celebrates traditional public, public charter, magnet, private, online, and home education. We celebrate and support families, too, whichever type of school they choose. That's because when families and schools bring their gifts together, students succeed.<br /> <br /> All children deserve to close their school books at the end of each week inspired and equipped to give back. So, if you love your school, celebrate it during School Choice Week! If you're searching for a school, be willing to try something new to find the right fit. You might have a green-eggs- and-ham moment, when your child's frustration with learning turns into an excited "I do love it!"<br /> <br /> For more information, visit schoolchoiceweek.com.<br /> <br /> Ref: Cultures - in Blogs

Social media is a search engine. Learn how to get found. <a onclick="$('#phonebook-category-no-city').val($(this).text());" class="coolinks btn-scroll hashword" href="https://stallios.com/blogs/category/1">Marketing</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Marketing - in Blogs</span><br /><br />If you're on social media but no one's finding you, you're not a ghost—you’re just invisible.<br /><br />Let’s have a little truth fest, shall we?<br /><br />You keep posting. You're dancing. You're showing your iced coffee. You're even dropping wisdom that should get you a book deal. But the only one liking your stuff is your aunt Tammy and that one MLM girl who’s always “cheering you on.”<br /><br />Mama, let me say this with love and a strong shot of espresso (decaf if you're off caffeine like a psycho):<br />Social media is not just for showing up. It's for getting found.<br /><br />That’s right. Instagram. TikTok. Pinterest. Facebook. Even LinkedIn if you’re feeling fancy.<br />They’re not just platforms — they are search engines in glitter and crop tops.<br />Social Media = Search Engine (Yes, Really)<br /><br />Let me break it down like your toddler breaks down when you cut the sandwich the wrong way.<br /><br />All of these platforms have search bars. You know what that means?<br />People are typing things like:<br /><br /> “Mom blog”<br /><br /> “Easy vegan toddler meals”<br /><br /> “Freelance writing tips”<br /><br /> “Jesus and coffee memes” (okay maybe that’s just me)<br /><br />If your profile isn’t optimized, you could be serving up exactly what they need—and still be chilling in the shadow realm of the algorithm. No ma’am. We don’t do invisible over here.<br />1. Your Name Is Prime Real Estate<br /><br />Stop putting “✨Mama of 3✨” in your name field. I love your babies, but that’s not what people are searching.<br /><br />Instead, tell the algorithm what you do.<br />Example:<br />Erica | SEO Copywriter for Moms<br />or<br />Jess | Pinterest Coach for Bloggers<br /><br />Now when someone types “Pinterest coach,” boom. You’re in the game.<br />2. Your Bio Is a Mini Sales Page<br /><br />That little box? It’s not a throwaway. It's not for inspirational quotes. It’s for hooking followers like the savvy mama boss you are.<br /><br />Format cheat code:<br /><br />👋 Who you help<br />💡 What you help them do<br />🔗 Your freebie or offer<br /><br />Example:<br />Helping writer moms grow their blog + make bank online 💸<br />👇 Grab the free SEO checklist<br /><br />Short. Sassy. Searchable. Yes please.<br />3. Keywords. Yep, Even on Instagram.<br /><br />Pinterest mamas already know the power of keywords. But IG? TikTok? Yes girl. They’ve been creeping on your captions this whole time.<br /><br />Use the exact words your dream audience would type. You’re not just posting a reel. You’re posting a searchable piece of content.<br /><br />Instead of:<br />“Loved making this for dinner!”<br />Try:<br />“Easy one-pan vegan meal for busy moms 🍽️ #veganrecipes #quickdinnerideas #momlifehacks”<br /><br />Don’t keyword stuff. We’re not robots. But do give the platform something to latch onto.<br />4. Hashtags Aren’t Dead, They’re Just Boring If You Use ‘#Blessed’<br /><br />Choose hashtags that are specific to your niche and content. Think of them as little roads leading people to your profile.<br /><br /> #MomBloggerTips<br /><br /> #ChristianMomsWhoWrite<br /><br /> #FreelanceWritingLife<br /><br /> #FaithBasedBiz<br /><br />Keep a rotating list. And for the love of viral reach, don’t just copy and paste the same 30 dead hashtags on every post.<br />5. Your Content Needs to Scream “Hey Algorithm, Pick Me!”<br /><br />Here’s the hard truth, boo:<br /><br />If you're just vibing, you're blending in.<br /><br />Your content needs to answer questions, solve problems, or entertain in a way that makes the algorithm go, “Ooh, I know someone who’d love this.”<br /><br />So instead of vague captions like,<br />“Just showing up today 🥰”<br />Try:<br />“Here’s how I built a blog that gets 1,000+ monthly visits—with no tech degree and 3 kids screaming in the background.”<br /><br />Because THAT, my friend, is search engine gold.<br />Final Word from Your Favorite Truth-Teller<br /><br />You’re not too late. You’re not too old. You’re not too small.<br />You’re just not searchable—yet.<br /><br />Social media doesn’t reward mystery. It rewards clarity.<br />So rewrite that bio. Add keywords to your captions. Use that name field like your business depends on it—because it kinda does.<br /><br />And if you're still feeling stuck, don’t worry—I got you.<br />Follow me for more great tips or DM me with questions.<br /><br /><br />Now go make the algorithm your sidekick, Mama.<br />You’re building an empire—and empires don’t hide.

(NewsUSA) - Is your dog bad to the bone? Does your sweet Jack Russel guard all doors from intruders -- friends and family included? Or is it your Boxer puppy that won't stop shredding socks and underwear? Some of the cutest pooches have the worst manners. Whether you're at work or just in another room, their mischievous play may lead to anything from home repairs to staggering vet bills.<br /> <br /> Pooches and owners alike can relate to this common problem, and getting the magical, behavioral transformation you've always fantasized about is closer than you think -- pet care authority Camp Bow Wow held a contest, "Bad to The Bone: Camp Bow Wow's Worst Behaved Dog Contest," to discover North America's most ill-mannered dog. The winning pooch received a full year of free services ($3,000 value) at a local Camp or Home Buddies (an in-home care service offered by Camp Bow Wow) of their choice. Most importantly, the winning dog also received free dog training to correct those bad habits.<br /> <br /> If you are a frustrated pet owner who doesn't have time to wait to win a contest like this, here are five dog-training tips straight from the Behavior Buddies experts at Camp Bow Wow to get you started:<br /> <br /> 1. Proper exercise is key! A majority of behavior issues stem from a lack of proper exercise. At least one 30-minute walk per day is sufficient for most dogs. Playing in the backyard or in the house does not count as exercise.<br /> <br /> 2. Buy a dog backpack for walks. This allows your dog to have a job and adds weight with objects like water bottles or hand weights so the dog expends more energy.<br /> <br /> 3. Challenge your dog with brain puzzles. A mentally tired dog will not spend time thinking about how to get in the garbage or waste breath yipping at neighbors.<br /> <br /> 4. Take a training class. Getting your dog to respect you is critical to having your dog listen to you.<br /> <br /> 5. Send your dog to Camp Bow Wow or hire a Home Buddies Care Giver to take Fido on a walk. A tired dog is a good dog!<br /> <br /> If your beloved Fido is still opening cabinets and devouring furniture, enter him or her in Camp Bow Wow.<br /> <br /> For more information, visit www.campbowwow.com to see the location finder for the nearest Camp Bow Wow or Home Buddies near you.<br /> <br /> Ref: Funny - in Blogs

Struggling to keep up with endless customer questions? You’re not alone. Businesses are realizing that AI-powered chatbots are no longer just “nice-to-have” tools they’re essential for delivering fast, 24/7 customer support.<br /> <br /> But here’s the real challenge: with so many chatbot platforms out there, how do you know which one fits your business?<br /> <br /> In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 5 best AI chatbot builders in 2025. These tools are not only user-friendly but also designed to help businesses of all sizes automate conversations, save time, and increase customer satisfaction.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> What Makes a Great AI Chatbot Builder?<br /> Before diving into the list, let’s set some standards. A solid chatbot builder should offer:<br /> <br /> Ease of use – No-code or low-code platforms are best for beginners.<br /> AI capabilities – Natural Language Processing (NLP) for smarter conversations.<br /> Integrations – Works seamlessly with CRMs, websites, or apps.<br /> Scalability – Can grow with your business.<br /> Analytics – Helps you measure performance and customer interactions.<br /> <br /> If a chatbot builder ticks most of these boxes, it’s worth considering.<br /> <br /> 1. ManyChat – Best for Marketing Automation<br /> manyChat is a go-to chatbot builder if you’re running an online store or want to automate conversations on social media platforms like Facebook Messenger and Instagram.<br /> <br /> Key Features:<br /> <br /> Visual drag-and-drop builder<br /> Automated workflows for lead generation<br /> Supports SMS, WhatsApp, and email campaigns<br /> Integrates with Shopify and HubSpot<br /> <br /> Best For: E-commerce stores and social media marketers who want to convert followers into paying customers.<br /> <br /> 2. Intercom – Best for Customer Support<br /> Intercom is one of the most popular customer communication platforms, and its AI chatbot functionality is top-notch. According to TechCrunch, Intercom has been a pioneer in scaling customer support with conversational AI.<br /> <br /> Key Features:<br /> <br /> AI-powered resolution bot<br /> Proactive customer engagement<br /> Powerful integrations with Slack, Salesforce, and Zapier<br /> Real-time analytics<br /> <br /> Best For: SaaS companies and customer support teams needing advanced automation.<br /> <br /> 3. Tidio – Best for Small Businesses<br /> If you’re just getting started and want something simple yet effective, Tidio is a fantastic option. It combines live chat with AI automation in one platform.<br /> <br /> Key Features:<br /> <br /> Easy to install on WordPress, Shopify, and Wix<br /> AI bot trained to answer FAQs<br /> Mobile app for on-the-go support<br /> Affordable plans<br /> <br /> Best For: Small businesses that want a budget-friendly AI chatbot solution.<br /> <br /> 4. Drift – Best for B2B Sales Conversations<br /> Drift positions itself as a conversational marketing platform, and for good reason. It focuses on creating real-time, personalized chat experiences that drive sales.<br /> <br /> Key Features:<br /> <br /> AI bots qualify leads automatically<br /> Custom playbooks for B2B sales<br /> Integration with major CRMs like Salesforce and Marketo<br /> Personalized chat based on visitor data<br /> <br /> Best For: B2B businesses that rely heavily on lead generation and relationship building.<br /> <br /> 5. HubSpot Chatbot Builder – Best All-in-One CRM Integration<br /> HubSpot offers a free chatbot builder inside its all-in-one CRM. This makes it incredibly useful for businesses already using HubSpot for marketing and sales.<br /> <br /> Key Features:<br /> <br /> No-code chatbot builder<br /> Automated lead qualification<br /> Seamless integration with HubSpot CRM<br /> Free plan with premium upgrades<br /> <br /> Best For: Businesses already in the HubSpot ecosystem who want a cost-effective chatbot solution.<br /> <br /> Final Thoughts<br /> The right AI chatbot builder depends on your business goals:<br /> <br /> Use ManyChat if you’re focused on social media and e-commerce.<br /> Choose Intercom for powerful customer support automation.<br /> Try Tidio if you’re a small business on a budget.<br /> Go with Drift for B2B lead generation.<br /> Pick HubSpot for all-in-one CRM integration.<br /> <br /> At the end of the day, the “best” chatbot is the one that fits your audience, budget, and growth strategy. Start small, experiment, and optimize as you go.<br /> <br /> Have you tried any of these chatbot builders before? Share your experience I’d love to hear which one worked best for you!<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Technology - in Blogs</span>

<br /> <br /> How the National Media Messed Up the Mavs Predictions<br /> by Bob McCullough 6/14/24<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Go into the recent archives of any major sports site, and you'll find a lot of names who should be embarrassed about their predictions for the Mavs-Celtics series. And they're not just the names of those who happened to cover the Mavs. <br /> <br /> <br /> The prediction split was close to 50/50. Maybe 60/40 in favor of the C's, which felt reasonable going into the Finals. Now it seems a little ridiculous. <br /> <br /> <br /> So what went wrong? Let's take a closer look at why the national media especially fell for the Dallas storyline, for it embodies a lot of what's wrong with sportswriting today and NBA coverage in particular. <br /> <br /> <br /> **** Mavs Story Lines<br /> <br /> <br /> This one's at the top of the list. Writers love superstars, and the NBA's entire culture is built around them. The old ebony/ivory combination of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic was irresistable as a result, especially given the story lines. <br /> <br /> <br /> Start with Irving, a fascinating wack job who's been shooting his career in the foot for a long time now. After getting in trouble for spewing anti-Semitic nonsense, breaking up teams, getting coaches fired and conveniently missing games due to his anti-vax rhetoric, Irving somehow managed to resurrect his career and transform himself into a supposedly responsible NBA elder in Dallas. It's the ultimate redemption storyline. <br /> <br /> <br /> If you really believe that I have deeds to several bridges I can sell you, but in a basketball context Doncic may be even worse, which hardly seems possible. He's the most offensively gifted player of his generation, and yet, to use the words of Bob Cousy, he "looks like a truck driver." <br /> <br /> <br /> Which is Cooz-speak for Luka being fat and out of shape, especially for a professional athlete, and the Celtics have relentlessly exploited that flaw. Add in the fact that he goes after the refs on EVERY play, and he's pretty sickening to watch, even with his incredibly skill set. That doesn't stop the writers from relentlessly loving the highlight plays; that's what they do. <br /> <br /> <br /> J's Fatigue<br /> <br /> <br /> This one's right up there, too. NBA writers especially are sick of writing the same old rivalry stories about Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown, i.e., who's better, who gets paid more, who cares more about winning vs endorsements and brand, and so on. <br /> <br /> <br /> Not surprisingly, the rest of us are just as sick of reading them. Even more so now that' they've become largely irrelevant. Whatever their differences were--and there likely were differences, rest assured--they've worked them out to get to within a game of their first title. <br /> <br /> <br /> ** hum. <br /> <br /> <br /> What Matters About the Mavs Previous Opponents<br /> <br /> <br /> This one hasn't been explored as much, but it's relevant. National writers especially saw three glamour teams in the Clippers, the Thunder and the Wolves, which wasn't exactly the case. <br /> <br /> <br /> Start with the Clippers. They were always a shell of a team with lots of older star power--Kahwi, Paul George, the artist formerly known as Westbrick. Without a healthy Leonard, however, that formula was yesterday's news, as the Mavs quickly proved. Simply put, it was a hidden mismatch. <br /> <br /> <br /> On to the Thunder. This one's slightly more interesting. OKC surprised everyone with a first-round sweep over a New Orleans shell team supposedly "led" by the ever injured and absent Zion Williamson, which led to the assumption that they were ahead of the curve when it came to being playoff ready. <br /> <br /> <br /> Dallas exposed them as a bit of a donut team without enough secondary scoring after SGA, giving Sam Presti a solid blueprint for what he needs to fix going forward. The Thunder are one of the few teams where "watch out for them next year" carries a lot of weight. <br /> <br /> <br /> Lastly, the Timberwolves, who have one of the most oddly mismatched rosters in recent memory. They were perfectly constructed to stop the Nuggets, however, with two seven-footers available to get Nicola Jokic off his game. Against the Mavs, though, young Anthony Edwards was exposed as far from Finals-ready, and KAT came off once again as a seven foot scorer who sometimes plays at 6'6" under pressure. <br /> <br /> <br /> What Now For the Mavs? <br /> <br /> <br /> This one's simple, at least on paper--get Luka in shape, and convince him to play a nominal amount of defense. According to reports, though, Dallas has been trying to get him to do this for years, so that's where the "on paper" part comes in. <br /> <br /> <br /> They also need him to grow up. Luka's referee theater routine grew thin when he was exposed to a team with two All-Defense defenders, and at least two more who should be considered for that roster. Whining about fouls is fine when you have inferior defenders, but it doesn't hold water when athletes like Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday are in your grill taking options away. <br /> <br /> <br /> Finally, the Mavs need a third scorer. Badly. They got by with guys like PJ Washington and Derrick Jones this year, but bargain basement options like that almost always wilt like March daffodils when the playoffs roll around in April, May and June. The future's still bright in Cuban Land, but it's going to take some serious attitude and personnel adjustments to get Luka, Kyrie and company over the top.

Morning with the Master<br /> <br /> Hey sisters and brothers! Welcome to my weekly devotional where we can share prayers, scriptures and reflection. <br /> <br /> When reading this morning, I came across the story of Athaliah, the first female crowned king who, when her husband and sons died, killed off the rest of her family line (her grandkids) so that she would be the only person left in her lineage and could rule until her death. I don't know about you, but there is nothing more important than my family--and the grandkids are extra special and precious to my very sight! To have that much greed and desire to have not only everyone answer to you, but also be the sole decision maker is completely out of bounds, and extremely ambitious. <br /> <br /> As a Christian woman, I don't want to be the only face that people seek for approval, answers and permission. That is too much weight for any one person to bear and its just unnatural. Who can you love? Who can love you? <br /> <br /> The divine God created the world and everything in it. Can any man or woman follow that? Not one! Can any man or woman have the right answer to EVERY question or concern? Not one! Can any man or woman create a permanent route for peace and understanding? Not one!<br /> <br /> There is a reason we cannot see or touch God. Because we might do like Athaliah and try to eliminate the almighty because of greed and idolatry. He oversees and has the end say to everything we do. That is a safety I can count on if I cannot rely on anything else in this world.<br /> <br /> Let me know your thoughts. Let's talk about it.<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Religion - in Blogs</span>