Many people deny that cheerleading is a legitimate sport.  The truth is that the naysayers have likely never taken the time to examine the ins and outs of competitive cheerleading.  A few minutes of research reveals that competitive cheerleading is one of the most physically demanding and dangerous activities in which an athlete can participate.

The stunts performed by competitive cheerleaders are grueling and require a staggering amount of strength, agility, and concentration.  Unlike the majority of other sports, cheerleaders perform their craft with no pads or protective gear.  Statistics indicate that the number of injuries among high school cheerleaders is higher than in any other sport.

Another factor that legitimizes cheerleading as a sport is that the pursuit of titles has become a year-round effort.  Cheerleaders train like mad all year, much like Olympic gymnasts would train.  Unlike baseball, football, or basketball players, the cheerleader has no, "off season."

The funding that goes into being a competitive cheerleader is also substantial.  It takes money to travel, dress, and look the part, not to mention the cost of training itself.  

The bottom line is that competitive cheerleading is not for wimps.  And if you're among the group that doesn't consider cheerleading a legitimate sport, answer us this - when was the last time you did a back-handspring before being hoisted atop a human pyramid to balance on one foot in the hand of a teammate (who is holding your weight with just one arm over his head) in front of  thousands of people?

Are you beach ready?  This is a common question in the Spring and Summer month’s to come.  Every one is quick to want the perfect sexy bronzed tan as apposed to standing out with your ghostly white skin!  Good news to all, there is a way to avoid the stares!  So grab your best bikini and let’s get started.  There’s now hope for every skin tone, even yours!

A common misconception in the tanning community is that the sun or a tanning booth is your only option, fortunately not true.  In today’s world we now have multiple options ranging from sunless tanners to sexy spray tans.  For start, there are ways to get a healthy southern looking tan by simply applying lotions or creams.  Sunless tanners are offered in many stores and advertised frequently online and on infomercials.  

An option that is a favorite of many is the use of a healthy stray tan.  The spray tan is a relatively inexpensive way to ensure a deep sexy southern tan.  The spray tan can be conveniently received at a large variety of salons and spas.  The spray tan is commonly used in the film and modeling industry, which makes you think- this could be you!

And last, of coarse there is always still the good old fashioned sun which can be intensified with a variety of enhancers which have the claim to fame of doubling or tripling the intensity of your tan.  With all of the exiting options available, one would wonder: why all the pale skin?

There are many advantages to gardening in the South. For one thing, gardens never truly "sleep" like the gardens in the northern hemisphere. The South doesn't deal with the same severe cold snaps, and snow is practically unheard of. Though some seasons are more colorful than others, gardens in the South are almost always in a state of growth.

However, gardening in the South has its challenges: The extreme heat and humidity can take a toll on plants and gardeners alike. During the summer, gardeners need to get their weeding done early in the morning, well before the afternoon sun makes it almost unbearable to work outside for any length of time. Plants also need extra watering to keep their roots moist. It helps to cover the ground with mulch to lock in the moisture.

Autumn is like a second spring in the South. Less showy, perhaps, but still a beautiful and welcome break from the oppressive summer heat. Autumn gradually fades away into a mild winter. There are many plants and flowers in the South that thrive even in the middle of winter.

When you're gardening in the South, your work is never done. You don't get a real break in the seasons. Instead, you have to keep working outside if you want your garden to stay in good shape. However, there's a positive side to all this: Because the garden never truly hibernates, you will always be able to enjoy beautiful plants all year round. The color and signs of life never go away, which is what makes gardening in the South such a pleasure.

The heat of the summer is a fact in the South.  There is simply no way around the fact that for many of the Southern states there are basically two seasons: hot and hotter.  When those sweltering July and August months hit, staying cool is a top priority. However, life in the South also demands good food and good friends. So how do you keep your kitchen cool enough to make those delicious Southern dishes for everyone to enjoy?

There are actually a number of ways that you can cut back on the heat of the kitchen, which will encourage you to spend more time there.  One of the easiest ways to cut down on heat is to avoid firing up that oven.  If you can prepare the same favorite dishes using an alternate appliance you'll be better off in the long run.  Microwaves, electric skillets, crock pots, and other tools can heat up your food without turning up the heat in the room. You can also take the heat outside and fire up the grill for some delicious summer food as well.  Never under estimate the power of a cold salad in the heat of summer either.  There are plenty of good dishes that can help to cool you down by not taking much heat to prepare.  You could also plan to host a later get together, when the nighttime cool isn't too far away.

Don't let the heat keep you from entertaining.  After all, the fun of summer is in the times to share with friends and the good times. So don't cut back on anything but the heat in the kitchen.

Drinking iced tea has a long tradition in the South. In fact, it's often called the house wine of the South. If you enjoy iced tea, there's very good news: Tea is brimming with health benefits. Tea can help prevent cancer, heart disease, and other deadly conditions.

The secret to tea's health benefits is in the antioxidants. Tea is rich with polyphenols and catechins, which are both antioxidants that fight free radicals in the body. The good news is that no matter what kind of tea you drink, you are almost certainly getting a good helping of antioxidants. Green tea has a higher level of catechins than black tea, but black tea is still rich in antioxidants that help fight cancer. While convenience teas don't contain as much antioxidants as home brewed tea, they're still at least equal to the antioxidant levels in many fruits and vegetables.

Different studies have shown that tea drinkers tend to have lower blood pressure and lower stress levels. Drinking iced tea also helps prevent cardiovascular disease. People who do suffer from heart attacks tend to recover more quickly if they drink iced tea. Green tea can also fight cancers such as esophageal cancer and colon cancer. Any kind of tea can also boost your overall immunity level. Also, teas contain a fluoride that help keep your teeth resistant to decay.

So not only is tea a great southern tradition, it's good for your health. Whether you drink home brewed tea or bottled convenience tea, drink up! Your body will thank you.