Sports Then and Now

Change was already evident for the Dallas Cowboys as they prepare to kickoff the 2025 season this week. A new head coach, new coordinators, and many new players acquired via trades, free agency, and the NFL draft creating significant roster turnover were already in place. Then came the biggest change just last week. No more Micah Parsons. In a massive deal finalized August 28, Dallas opted to trade Parsons, a four-time pro bowl defensive end, to the Green Bay Packers. In return, the Cowboys received two first-round draft picks from the Packers as well as veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark. Gone is a generational talent in Parsons who had been in contract negotiations with Dallas since March. In the end, Parsons, his agent David Mulugheta, and Cowboys’ owner, president, and general manager Jerry Jones could not reach an agreement to keep Parsons and the trade was made. The trade leaves Dallas with a huge void on defense as Parsons is one of the premier pass rushers in the National Football League. Parsons recorded 12 or more sacks in each of his first four seasons with the Cowboys, the only player to do so besides defensive end Reggie White, a pro football hall of famer. White was also acquired by the Packers from Philadelphia in a massive trade back in 1993 when free agency came into the picture.

So what does Dallas do now? The simple answer is to put this move behind them and not let it be a distraction as the season is about to commence. The Cowboys play not only their season opener but the entire league opener this Thursday Sept. 4 in Philadelphia against the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles. Kickoff is set for 8:20 pm EST. Thus, a national television auience will be tuning in. The fact that this trade was done before the season-opener is likely better for the team as to avoid any distractions as to if Parsons will be with them or not.

Leading Dallas this season will be first-time head coach Brian Schottenheimer who was named to the helm as the 10th head coach in Cowboys’ history back on January 24. Shottenheimer replaces Mike McCarthy who was not retained after a five-year stint as head coach of the team. McCarthy went 50-38 during his time in Dallas and was only 1-3 in the playoffs. Schottenheimer has 26 years of NFL coaching experience and has been with the Cowboys since 2022, first as a consultant and for the last two years as the teams’ offensive coordinator.

The coaching staff also has new faces as former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus is the new defensive coordinator. Eberflus is in his second stint with Dallas after serving as the team’s linebackers coach from 2011-17. Eberflus had additional duties as passing game coordinator from 2016-17. Also named to the staff was Klayton Adams as the team’s new offensive coordinator.

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Some jackpots grow faster than others!

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The reality of life-changing wins!

The real reason players choose progressive jackpots is the chance to win massive prizes. Progressive jackpots are growing continually, every time a bet is placed. The prize keeps increasing until one lucky player wins it all. It means even a single spin could transform your life overnight. It is a dream that attracts millions of online players worldwide.

How do progressive jackpots work?

A progressive jackpot cannot be compared with the classic slot, they are different. Payout is limited to a set amount in regular slots, which is different from the progressive jackpots. A small percentage of every bet a player made goes into the prize pool. The more people play, the jackpot grows larger and larger.

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If you think that boxing is a young person’s game, then you might be right but only when it comes to the elite game. Older people might not be winning those championship belts that get all of the attention, but you know what? That doesn’t mean that us older people can’t get involved in the game, and actually, doing so could be one of the best things you ever do because there are few sports that will give you a workout and help you age gracefully, than boxing.

Thinking about taking boxing up in middle age? Here are seven tips to help you take the plunge and step into the ring:

1. Start Slowly and Build Up

You might feel tempted to jump straight into high-intensity training, but easing yourself in is the smarter move. Begin with shorter sessions, focus on mastering the basics, and gradually increase the intensity as your fitness improves. This reduces the risk of injury and keeps motivation high.

2. Learn Proper Technique Early

Boxing is just as much about skill as it is fitness, so if you want to be successful in the ring and make the most of your time there, then you need to learn the proper technique as soon as possible. Poor form can lead to injuries, especially in the shoulders, wrists, and lower back, so it is never a bad idea to book a few sessions with a boxing coach who can teach you correct stance, footwork, and punching technique. Good habits formed early will serve you well as you progress.

Ever noticed how some chores around the house feel never-ending, but a few are actually kind of fun? Trimming the lawn might not sound exciting, but there’s one tool that makes it way more satisfying than expected. It’s loud, it spins fast, and it clears up all those scruffy patches around fences and flower beds. Yeah, it’s the weed whacker—and it might just be the most fun part of yard work.

Let’s get into why this tool is so cool, how it works, and why even someone who doesn’t care much about gardening might still enjoy using it.

What a Weed Whacker Actually Does

A weed whacker, also called a string trimmer or weed eater, is used to cut grass and weeds in places a lawn mower can’t reach. Think about the narrow spots near garden edges, tree trunks, or the base of fences. A regular mower can’t get that close without bumping into stuff or leaving long strips of grass behind. That’s where the weed whacker comes in.

Instead of blades, this tool uses a thin piece of plastic string that spins super fast. When it moves, it slices through grass and weeds like a mini tornado. It doesn’t look sharp, but when it spins at high speed, it turns into a cutting machine. Some models even have attachments to edge along sidewalks or dig into thick brush.

Fashion is a form of self-expression and it’s not just about wearing clothes but wearing confidence and creativity at the same time. Whether you’re drawn into bold colours or sleek minimalism, making a fashion statement means choosing pieces that really do tell your story.

Recently, brands like the Savannah Bananas and Party Animals collection have gained popularity for embracing color, humour and personality throughout their fashion line. It’s these vibrant, playful looks that are reminders that standing out is something to celebrate and not shy away from. Let’s take a look at some of the ways that you can make your own fashion statement and stand out for all the right reasons.

Image source: Pexels

Image creditIf finishing a workout leaves your knees plotting revenge and your hips staging a protest, you might be doing too much too fast. Sure, it might sound pretty amazing getting to train like an MMA fighter, or well, any sports professional in general, but even professionals get knee pain. Actually, believe it or not, you don’t even need to be over thirty to deal with something like this, and yeah, not every fitness routine has to feel like boot camp to be effective. 

And honestly, it shouldn’t. The idea that a workout only counts if you’re dripping in sweat and limping the next day is a myth that needs to go straight in the bin. Thankfully, people are getting smart about their joints now. But really, the goal isn’t just to be fit today, but to still be able to move freely decades down the line. That means shifting the focus to workouts that feel good, build strength, and keep the pressure off all those moving parts that already take a beating in everyday life.

You Need to Crawl Before You Lift

Does that phrase sound a little too old school? Well, yeah, it might be, but there’s seriously a lot of truth to it. So, for starters, there’s a reason crawling is part of baby development milestones. It’s one of the most underrated movements in adult fitness, too. Now, crawling across the floor might not sound impressive, but it’s a full-body workout that strengthens the shoulders, core, and hips while being kind to the joints.

Seriously, you read that right, and yes, it’s effective. So, you’ll need to just start with a slow bear crawl or even hands-and-knees crawling if you’re easing back in. The key is to keep your movements smooth and controlled. It builds coordination, balance, and stability from the ground up. Oh, and bonus points if you do it on a soft surface so it feels more like play and less like punishment.