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    Bob Mccullough bobm


    How the National Media Messed Up the Mavs Predictions
    by Bob McCullough 6/14/24






    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.


    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.


    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.


    **** Mavs Story Lines


    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.


    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.


    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."


    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.


    J's Fatigue


    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.


    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.


    ** hum.


    What Matters About the Mavs Previous Opponents


    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.


    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.


    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.


    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.


    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.


    What Now For the Mavs?


    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.


    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.


    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.
    37 0

    Millie Zemlak Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - Janie Bryant, the Emmy Award-winning costume designer for AMC TV's "Mad Men," knows what it takes to make clothes look great.

    Not only does she contribute to the visual representation of the entire cast, she brings a 1960s glamour to the period show that makes real people scour vintage shops to look like Joan Holloway and Don Draper.

    Sure, audiences love the characters and their drama, but the beautifully authentic wardrobe stole the spotlight from the start. In her role, Bryant sketches, designs and fits the costumes for each character, which includes custom-made items and rebuilt vintage gems.

    "One thing I've always been passionate about is how important presentation is to having great style. Looking pressed and polished is often just as important as what you're actually wearing," says Bryant, which explains why she released a fabric care guide of useful clothing advice.

    "The best way to pull off that look is to know how to take great care of your clothing. [The Mad Men] era is all about being wrinkle-free and permanently pressed."

    Take a look at some of Bryant's fabric care advice:

    * Some fabrics are vulnerable to water spotting -- like acetate, silk and suede -- so be careful when applying perfume or body spray. Delicate garments like these tend to require dry cleaning, or hand-washing, and low-heat settings.

    * Beware of "pilly" clothing that looks worn out, such as nylon and acrylic. If fabric is susceptible to pills, it's best to launder, dry and iron at low heat. You may consider laying these items out to dry, especially sweaters.

    * Although cotton remains the world's most popular fabric, it is prone to wrinkling. The majority of cotton clothing can be machine-washed, but items with embellishments or accents should be turned inside out or put in a delicates bag.

    * If wrinkles attack, use a fail-safe. Bryant trusts Downy Wrinkle Releaser so much that she advises you to have a bottle at home, in the office and in any overnight bag. Just spritz clothing, shake and gently pull to release stubborn kinks.

    "On or off the set, the clothes that I work with and wear always need to look their best," Bryant says. "Not only does Downy Wrinkle Releaser work well on the vintage fabrics I work with during the day, but all the modern fabrics found in stores today. It's a must-have for people who need to look neat and pressed and those who need to be out the door in a flash."

    For more information, visit www.downywrinklereleaser.com.

    Ref: Fashion Men - in Blogs
    87 0

    Millie Zemlak Millie_Zemlak
    (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.

    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.

    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:

    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.

    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.

    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.

    4. Take a training class. Getting your dog to respect you is critical to having your dog listen to you.

    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!

    If your beloved Fido is still opening cabinets and devouring furniture, enter him or her in Camp Bow Wow.

    For more information, visit www.campbowwow.com to see the location finder for the nearest Camp Bow Wow or Home Buddies near you.

    Ref: Funny - in Blogs
    76 1

    Erica Svendsen boldtruthmama
    Social media is a search engine. Learn how to get found. Marketing





    If you're on social media but no one's finding you, you're not a ghost—you’re just invisible.

    Let’s have a little truth fest, shall we?

    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.”

    Mama, let me say this with love and a strong shot of espresso (decaf if you're off caffeine like a psycho):
    Social media is not just for showing up. It's for getting found.

    That’s right. Instagram. TikTok. Pinterest. Facebook. Even LinkedIn if you’re feeling fancy.
    They’re not just platforms — they are search engines in glitter and crop tops.
    Social Media = Search Engine (Yes, Really)

    Let me break it down like your toddler breaks down when you cut the sandwich the wrong way.

    All of these platforms have search bars. You know what that means?
    People are typing things like:

    “Mom blog”

    “Easy vegan toddler meals”

    “Freelance writing tips”

    “Jesus and coffee memes” (okay maybe that’s just me)

    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.
    1. Your Name Is Prime Real Estate

    Stop putting “✨Mama of 3✨” in your name field. I love your babies, but that’s not what people are searching.

    Instead, tell the algorithm what you do.
    Example:
    Erica | SEO Copywriter for Moms
    or
    Jess | Pinterest Coach for Bloggers

    Now when someone types “Pinterest coach,” boom. You’re in the game.
    2. Your Bio Is a Mini Sales Page

    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.

    Format cheat code:

    👋 Who you help
    💡 What you help them do
    🔗 Your freebie or offer

    Example:
    Helping writer moms grow their blog + make bank online 💸
    👇 Grab the free SEO checklist

    Short. Sassy. Searchable. Yes please.
    3. Keywords. Yep, Even on Instagram.

    Pinterest mamas already know the power of keywords. But IG? TikTok? Yes girl. They’ve been creeping on your captions this whole time.

    Use the exact words your dream audience would type. You’re not just posting a reel. You’re posting a searchable piece of content.

    Instead of:
    “Loved making this for dinner!”
    Try:
    “Easy one-pan vegan meal for busy moms 🍽️ #veganrecipes #quickdinnerideas #momlifehacks”

    Don’t keyword stuff. We’re not robots. But do give the platform something to latch onto.
    4. Hashtags Aren’t Dead, They’re Just Boring If You Use ‘#Blessed’

    Choose hashtags that are specific to your niche and content. Think of them as little roads leading people to your profile.

    #MomBloggerTips

    #ChristianMomsWhoWrite

    #FreelanceWritingLife

    #FaithBasedBiz

    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.
    5. Your Content Needs to Scream “Hey Algorithm, Pick Me!”

    Here’s the hard truth, boo:

    If you're just vibing, you're blending in.

    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.”

    So instead of vague captions like,
    “Just showing up today 🥰”
    Try:
    “Here’s how I built a blog that gets 1,000+ monthly visits—with no tech degree and 3 kids screaming in the background.”

    Because THAT, my friend, is search engine gold.
    Final Word from Your Favorite Truth-Teller

    You’re not too late. You’re not too old. You’re not too small.
    You’re just not searchable—yet.

    Social media doesn’t reward mystery. It rewards clarity.
    So rewrite that bio. Add keywords to your captions. Use that name field like your business depends on it—because it kinda does.

    And if you're still feeling stuck, don’t worry—I got you.
    Follow me for more great tips or DM me with questions.


    Now go make the algorithm your sidekick, Mama.
    You’re building an empire—and empires don’t hide.
    24 0

    Millie Zemlak Millie_Zemlak
    (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.

    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.

    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."

    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."

    The wedding features a picturesque outdoor country setting and plenty of family participation in the festivities.

    "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."

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Prospective viewers can enjoy a 14-day free trial of the service by downloading the UP Faith & Family app or visiting Upfaithandfamily.com.

    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.

    Ref: Humor - in Blogs
    150 0

    Joshua Michael joshua
    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.

    But here’s the real challenge: with so many chatbot platforms out there, how do you know which one fits your business?

    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.





    What Makes a Great AI Chatbot Builder?
    Before diving into the list, let’s set some standards. A solid chatbot builder should offer:

    Ease of use – No-code or low-code platforms are best for beginners.
    AI capabilities – Natural Language Processing (NLP) for smarter conversations.
    Integrations – Works seamlessly with CRMs, websites, or apps.
    Scalability – Can grow with your business.
    Analytics – Helps you measure performance and customer interactions.

    If a chatbot builder ticks most of these boxes, it’s worth considering.

    1. ManyChat – Best for Marketing Automation
    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.

    Key Features:

    Visual drag-and-drop builder
    Automated workflows for lead generation
    Supports SMS, WhatsApp, and email campaigns
    Integrates with Shopify and HubSpot

    Best For: E-commerce stores and social media marketers who want to convert followers into paying customers.

    2. Intercom – Best for Customer Support
    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.

    Key Features:

    AI-powered resolution bot
    Proactive customer engagement
    Powerful integrations with Slack, Salesforce, and Zapier
    Real-time analytics

    Best For: SaaS companies and customer support teams needing advanced automation.

    3. Tidio – Best for Small Businesses
    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.

    Key Features:

    Easy to install on WordPress, Shopify, and Wix
    AI bot trained to answer FAQs
    Mobile app for on-the-go support
    Affordable plans

    Best For: Small businesses that want a budget-friendly AI chatbot solution.

    4. Drift – Best for B2B Sales Conversations
    Drift positions itself as a conversational marketing platform, and for good reason. It focuses on creating real-time, personalized chat experiences that drive sales.

    Key Features:

    AI bots qualify leads automatically
    Custom playbooks for B2B sales
    Integration with major CRMs like Salesforce and Marketo
    Personalized chat based on visitor data

    Best For: B2B businesses that rely heavily on lead generation and relationship building.

    5. HubSpot Chatbot Builder – Best All-in-One CRM Integration
    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.

    Key Features:

    No-code chatbot builder
    Automated lead qualification
    Seamless integration with HubSpot CRM
    Free plan with premium upgrades

    Best For: Businesses already in the HubSpot ecosystem who want a cost-effective chatbot solution.

    Final Thoughts
    The right AI chatbot builder depends on your business goals:

    Use ManyChat if you’re focused on social media and e-commerce.
    Choose Intercom for powerful customer support automation.
    Try Tidio if you’re a small business on a budget.
    Go with Drift for B2B lead generation.
    Pick HubSpot for all-in-one CRM integration.

    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.

    Have you tried any of these chatbot builders before? Share your experience I’d love to hear which one worked best for you!



    4 0

    Millie Zemlak Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - Especially in stressful times, curling up with some positive TV programs can be a much-needed relaxing experience for the whole family.

    The UPtv slate of Easter programming, scheduled for April 4 through April 12, is ready to support family togetherness with two weekends of movies to celebrate the Easter season and encourage reflection and positive thinking.

    "As the home for uplifting programming, we can't think of a better time than now to celebrate feel-good films and inspiring biblical stories. In-Lawfully Yours is a perfect way to cap-off Easter Sunday with the entire family," says Hector Campos, vice president of content strategy for UPtv.

    In-Lawfully Yours features a clash of personalities when a fun-loving New Yorker played by Chelsey Crisp (Fresh Off the Boat) moves to a small town to help her recently widowed ex-mother-in-law, played by Marilu Henner (Taxi, L.A. Story). The locals may not approve, but sparks fly when she meets the church pastor.

    Want more love? Tune in on Saturday, April 4, for a marathon of romantic movies in the UPtv tradition. The event kicks off with Love Takes Wing at 3p.m. EST, in which newly minted doctor and new widow Belinda becomes a "Regional Doctor," traveling through small towns in turn-of-the-century America, finding love and discovering the joy of parenthood along the way. The series continues with Love Finds a Home, Love Begins, Love's Everlasting Courage, and Love's Christmas Journey, Parts I and II, airing consecutively. The movies are based on the popular books by Janette Oke.

    The Palm Sunday lineup takes a more faithful tone, with Courageous at 11:30 a.m., which follows the personal and professional lives of four sheriff's deputies in a small town in Georgia. Other Palm Sunday features include God's Not Dead, War Room, The Passion of the Christ, and a late-night Little House on the Prairie movie marathon.

    UPtv's Good Friday programming includes Noah's Ark at 7 p.m., followed by two showings of The Passion of the Christ at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. Saturday's schedule includes the inspirational football-themed movie, Facing the Giants, as well as two showings of Heaven is for Real, at noon and at 7 p.m.

    On Easter Sunday, tune in at noon for The Identical, an uplifting story of twin brothers separated at birth who share a love of music, followed by The Healer, the premiere of the UPtv original movie, Undercover Angel, and the premiere of In-Lawfully Yours.

    For more family-friendly Easter programming, tune in to UPtv's sister service, UP Faith and Family, which features Exodus; Pure Country 2: The Gift; The Left Behind Trilogy; Grace Unplugged; and Dial A Prayer during the month of April.

    Visit uptv.com for more information about these and other uplifting movies and series. Find them on DirecTV Channel 338, Dish Channel 188, Fios TV Channel 738, ATT TV NOW, Philo + Local Providers

    You can also visit uptv.com, or find UPtv on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Uptv, on Twitter on @Uptv and on Instagram at UP_TV.

    Ref: God - in Blogs
    140 0

    Millie Zemlak Millie_Zemlak
    (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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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!"

    For more information, visit schoolchoiceweek.com.

    Ref: Cultures - in Blogs
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