TypePad Featured Blogs

Wonderland

Years ago, Alice started playing PacMan and Space Invaders in the UK as a child, and she’s still at it - although today you’ll likely find her playing World of Warcraft and Sims. Her lifelong passion for electronic games is covered in Wonderland along with news, articles, video clips and more from the world of gaming. Alice reviews the newest games such as Sims 3 with its fully explorable 3D world; shows us a peek at Disney’s latest virtual world for kids; and lets us in on the latest from Retro Sabotage. There’s room for humor, too, as you’ll read in Waffle Tetris and Knitted Hellboy. “Sites We Like” and “People We Know” offer additional reading for all those occupying a spot in the gamer’s universe.

EveryRider

There are few activities as challenging as horse riding. The nature of the sport demands much from the rider and the horse…both must be in peak form and act in concert with each other, a partnership borne of long hours of training and preparation. EveryRider is for “the enthusiast that seeks a better understanding and knowledge of horses and their nature” (and we might add, of riders as well). Riders of every level will find interesting reading on how yoga can make them better able to deal with the strains of being in the saddle, observations on horse psychology, and on gifts for your favorite equine (a holiday post here, but just as suitable). There’s even an inspiring video and post with a decided “horse whisperer” bent to it. Lots of horse blogs abound here too, providing additional insight, observation, and humor.

Checkered Flag

The official blog of the automotive play place in Hampton Roads, VA, Checkered Flag is your stop for car news, automotive tips, and info on the people and places involved with the automotive industry. Although it’s in Virginia, the subjects at hand are universal, and will appeal to car enthusiasts nationwide, as evidenced in posts on “upside down” financing, car buying 101 (with information even old hands will find interesting), and the latest news and pictures from the North American Auto Show. Of course, the site wouldn't be complete without news and tips, and you’ll find it all here, on every make from Audi to Volkswagen. Cars are a passion for many people, and under the watchful eye of “Win” (the site’s mascot), you’ll take part in lively discussions and be part of a close-knit, four wheeled, community.

US Soccer Players

Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world – and now, the sport is making great inroads in the U.S. as well. You can follow the news in U.S. Soccer Players a site dedicated to the players, teams, schedules, and more. Thoughts on the potential inductees to the National Soccer Hall of Fame? Right here. The Super Draft? Check. Cup news? It’s here. Links to U.S. (and European) soccer blogs, along with exclusive interviews and news briefs round out the posts. If you’ve ever cheered on your favorite team (or simply rooted for your kids from the school sidelines), you’ll enjoy the view from here.

The Sports Hernia

Hey, sports is a serious business -except in The Sports Hernia, an irreverent sports satire site that spares no one, on or off the field (or rink, or court). Here you'll find great photos, archives, and posts all with the same unique, laugh out loud commentary attached.  Case(s) in point: the NFL Preview with… interesting… comments on all the players, teams, and coaches in the NFL (does Tom Brady know about this?); basketball commentaries with shots at just about anyone who ever dribbled a ball, and the just completed baseball season, with still relevant, still hilarious posts on all the teams in the league.  (Who's afraid of the big bad Steinbrenner? Not the boys at the Sports Hernia!) You won't find many stats here (at least the kind you're expecting), but you will enjoy yourself! 

Runner’s World

What are China's track and field hopes for the Beijing Olympics? Who are the front-runners in the Fukuoka Marathon? Which "home of the bean and the cod" might host the 2020 Olympics?  You'll get the answers - along with news, photos, schedules and more - in Runners World, a blog devoted to all things running. This daily news blog gives you the latest happenings, races, training reports, runner's profiles, and more from the world of marathoning, road racing, and track and field - creating an invaluable pool of news and information for you. A special feature of this site is the wealth of other blogs that you'll find, such as the Running Doctor (who answers  medical questions such as "how do I run in unexpected warm weather"?), High School Runner,devoted to the running questions from high schoolers, and Peak Performance, a blog with the latest training, fitness, and nutrition advice.

Tennis World

Want to know which female ace was recently crowed singles champ at Wimbledon?  You can find out at the action packed TennisWorld blog. Get schedules, stats, and in-depth commentary from the folks who live and breathe professional tennis almost as passionately as the athletes themselves. This blog is always at the top of its game, and quickly becoming a leading source for all things newsworthy across the pro tennis organization. With over 50 sub-categories available, you'll always have the most up-to-date info on who's scheduled for virtually every pro tournament in the world. So whether you're looking to brush on up rankings, get the injury report, or want to rally around the latest controversy, these talented and knowledgeable contributors will never leave you sidelined. 

Press the Buttons

Have you got game? Then you've got to go to Press The Buttons, the site for electronic gamers. Here, you'll find the latest industry news, updates, and more, including (for this week): commentary on Microsoft's Project Falcon, links to Castlevania artwork, and a WiiWare poll. Or dive into the neatly divided Category, Recent Posts, or Archive sections for more information. Whether you're an Xbox fan, a Nintendo champ, or even admit to playing Atari, this is your site for everything online.

between2wheels

Between2wheels concerns itself with biking. More specifically, biking through the idyllic countryside of New Hampshire. Our blogger calls traveling by bicycle “liberating,” and the lyrical descriptions of picturesque road trips reflect that view. Posts range from this whimsical video clip of a bike that niftily folds into a suitcase, to a long travelogue titled, "The Point of a Journey," in which a grueling 70-mile ride is described in detail. For inspiration, read this entry on Jane Tomlinson, who was given six months to live in 2000 and has recently embarked on a 64-day bike ride across America. The writer of between2wheels considers it an "ode to the bicycle" and his "portal for the passion of the activity."  Mission accomplished.

EveryMan Triathlon

For some of us, a triathlon consists of surfing the Web, downloading music, and finishing off with a brisk round of TV-watching. Not so Roman Mica, an amateur triathlete from Boulder, Colorado. Now the author of a triathlon guidebook, Roman's had his EveryMan Triathlon blog up and running (and biking and swimming) since 2005, and the field is crowded indeed with information on this most grueling of sports. A highlight is his podcast featuring interviews with triathletes, coaches, and various runners, swimmers, and cyclists. Webcasts include this classic 1989 Ironman competition, with product reviews and race reports vying for the lead in providing useful info. Don’t forget to take a poll on the controversy surrounding an athlete running the Boston Marathon without an official entry. True, just clicking around this comprehensive site might tire you out. But you also might feel inspired to get out of those pajamas and start moving!

Yanksfan vs Soxfan

Not everyone  is interested in Yankee pitcher Chien-Ming Wang’s hamstring or a reported eBay sighting of Manny Ramirez's barbecue grill, but for Yankee and Red Sox fans, such a thing as irrelevant minutiae does not exist. Yanksfan vs Soxfan has been chronicling the vicissitudes of these two mortal combatants since 2003, and doing such a fine job that it logged hit number 1,000,000 last January. On the Sox side of the foul line, you’ll find posts on new Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka and his amazing gyroball and Curt Schilling’s blog, among others. For Bronx Bomberites, there's nostalgia for the Reggie Bar and a triumphal but premature note at the Yankees 3-0 spring training record. And of course, the continuing saga of A-Rod remains popular. For those fans who'd rather spend a month of jury duty with Barry Bonds than root for either of these teams, check out posts on general baseball and baseball history. This blog's a home run.

Team Sports

Active.com is a community website that connects people with their favorite sports and outdoor events, and provides information, tools, and support for people of all ages whether they're interested in team sports, individual sports, or just want to check into their local park for community activities. Team Sports is one of their two blogs and goes the extra step of featuring the best of the main website. Written by a staff of product managers and content developers, the blog highlights and points to  the best of Active.com while, at the same time, providing news posts and resources for a variety of team sports. Check out the categories on Little League baseball, bastketball, sports and gender, and high school sports. Team sports isn't just for athletes -- coaches and parents will find reason to bookmark this site and return regularly.

Beerleaguer

A new baseball season is on the near horizon, and while the casual fan is probably gearing up for opening day, die-hard aficionados of the sport never have to endure down-time, thanks to a whole new league of blogs and fan sites that track the moves and maneuvers of their favorite teams.  One such site, Beerleaguer, covers the Philadelphia Phillies, who are coming off a 85-77 campaign where they narrowly missed a playoff berth. So, if you're a Phillie fanatic and want to go deep into the personnel and personalities behind the plate, on the mound, and in the batter's box, it's time to add this passionate, opinionated blog to your daily roster.

Go Clipless

Graham Tracey raised mountain biking from a hobby to an integral part of his lifestyle when he switched from standard to clipless pedals. Go Clipless is for like-minded mountain bikers with the same dedication and passion. Though there are a few posts on tips and maintenance, you're more likely to find industry news, product reviews, and commentary about the cycling community. We love how Graham expertly weaves his other interests in photography and viral videos into Go Clipless. From impressive urban trick riding to technique talk about why you need to roll fast through rock gardens, mountain biking rookies and veterans will find an equal amount of fun and inspiration here. If this blog acts as just a tease to your adrenaline addiction, check out Graham's thick blogroll of other mountain biking blogs.

Gamedrop

MTV Games has a brand new TypePad blog called Gamedrop. Joining their sister network's excellent online resource, VH1 Game Break, this younger endeavor is similarly genuine. For gamers, by gamers -- that's pretty much the rule of thumb for this eclectic collection of off-beat observations about videogame culture. You'll find quirky entries on subjects such as a Yoshi made of snow and "Goodies for the Crafty Gamer." So, while you'll find plenty of anecdotal posts about current and upcoming titles for your Wii, your Xbox 360, or your PS3, you won't find a laundry list of screencaps, cheat codes, and 1.000-word game reviews. If you ask us, we're thankful for the respite. Gaming, just like MTV, is first and foremost about having fun. And this vibrant site certainly reflects that attitude.

Bike Hugger

For cyclists by cyclists. Bike Hugger is an ongoing conversation between those passionate about cycling as a lifestyle. It's less about what are you riding or specific trails, and more about discussing bike culture. Follow the authors on their out-of-town bike rides, or join in on annual training challenges. The team of writers uses tags instead of categories, but don't fret, it's just another easy way to organize your posts. Popular topics include urbancycling, tourdefrance, and commuting. Look more closely and you'll find just as many links to other bike resources as miles under their tires.  The photos really bring the site to life, and anyone can appreciate a safe place to sound off when your city or state doesn't quite have your back. If you noticed that Bike Hugger looks particularly sleek, well branded, and better funded than most blogs, that's because it was built by a pro. Lead author, D.L. Byron, is both the author of Publish & Prosper: Blogging for Your Business and the principal at Textura Design.

TheWashCycle

TheWashCycle is a resource so informative that non-cyclists will rush out and buy a Cannondale just to be a part of the commuting revolution. This blog covers everything that’s right, wrong, and in progress with bicycling around Washington D.C.. From local trail routes, to parking issues, and suggestions for urban planners to get with the times. One of the cooler things about this advocacy site is that it's not all about them. TheWashCycle also points to other bike-friendly cities working to improve their lifestyle, making this a site of greater appeal than to just those living in the D.C. area. If you're moving or traveling to Washington and need the short list of which Metro buses are good (and definitely not so good) for extending your ride, TheWashCycle has your back. Can't afford a bike? Rent one! The Commuting Revolution is here.

Park City

Park City Mountain Resort is a popular ski resort in Utah. This is their second winter blogging from the slopes. Their team of writers are Park City vets with 55 combined years of experience at the resort from the director of mountain operations to the ski patrol and avalanche control route leader. The Park City blog is filled with mountain reports, lift opening and closings, and deals that anyone can cash in on. You might see an absence of categories, and that's because the weather changes daily at a ski resort. This blog is for reading regularly so you can get the latest before you pack your bags and put chains on the tires. Filled with inspiration and nav bar links to essential info like snow reports, the only thing missing is more frequent pics (and videos) for far away dreamers who want to ache with the powder their missing out on. Stay tuned during the summer, this is a year-round blog.

Nollie

If your motto is "Go big or go home," get over to Nollie, a blog worthy of some extreme excitement. Written by women for women who love to get big air whether they're on land, at sea, or in glorious alpine powder. Thank your shiny stars that a great UK bloggin network decided to add extreme girls to their roster. Edited by Charlotte Howells, who you might recognize from Kiss and Makeup, Nollie is for the chicas who like to get dirty. Tease your adrenaline with their posts on wakeboarding, surfing, and motocross. We love the homage to awesome women in Girls who rock and Nollie woman of the week. Boys are certainly welcome, but note that there are posts on style, health and beauty, and advice like Sister Surfer: A Woman's Guide to Surfing with Bliss and Courage.

Bays United u14 Rebels

The Bays United u14 Rebels are one of the winningest football clubs you're likely to come across this side of Arsenal. And what does it take to be the best? Well, dedication, for one thing. When the team's last practice was jeopardized due to snow on the field, they rented time in an indoor facility. There is quite literally no stopping the Rebels, who recently posted a seven-game shutout streak, before getting promoted to a higher division. At TypePad, we're proud to host the smart-looking site that celebrates the Rebels' current accomplishments, offers photo galleries from previous seasons, and lists the teams upcoming practice and match schedule. We wish them all the best against their new opponents, and know that they'll represent themselves as the winning competitors they've proven themselves to be.

The Sonic City Blognik

It's been 15 years since a superfast hedgehog named "Sonic" sped onto the scene, collecting gold rings, launching a great videogame franchise, and setting the stage for any number of trickster-character  - come-lately's. Fifteen years and still going strong, Sega's standard-bearer has two new games coming out: "Sonic Rivals" on the PSP and the eponymous "Sonic the Hedgehog" for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The latter title looks like a mind-blowing mashup of Final Fantasy, old-school Sonic, and a blockbuster CGI chase scene. For the insider scoop on Sonic's upcoming moves in the videogame marketplace, check out The Sonic City Blognik, which promises a great mix of eye candy, community updates, and insights straight from the game developers. If you're a Sonic fan and want more than just a flash-travaganza marketing site to slake your thirst for all things hedgehog, make a pilgrimage to Sonic City's true-blue blog.

Endurance Is

Dean Karnazes is redefining adventure sport. On a mission to inspire people of all ages to become active, the man called the "ultra marathon man" is running 50 marathons, in 50 different states, in 50 consecutive days. Some might shake their head and call that nuts, but before you decide that a blog about running isn't for you, understand that Endurance Is reads like a story about America. On Day 46 Dean's run takes him through the streets of Maryland where serendipity plays a part in saving the lives of three from a burning building. In Indiana, Dean runs with several first time marathoners through a difficult trail of streams and woodland, and in Cleveland, he meets a grandmother and granddaughter who are running through miserable conditions. The support for the Endurance 50 journey is endless, with adventure enthusiasts flying in from all parts of the country to help out, added by cards and emails from fans around the globe. In Green Bay, Wisconsin, Dean's kids meet him and run the last leg with him to celebrate Nicholas's ninth birthday. Dean is also the author of the best-selling Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner and his 50th and final day of the event takes place on November 5, 2006 with the famed New York City Marathon.

Ante Up!

It's true that the poker craze has taken America's best-loved card game into a whole new world, where avid No Limit Holdem players become professionals and aspire to become high-life-living celebrities. In this brave new poker world, Ante Up! (one of several blogs hosted on TampaBay.com) is almost certainly its very own nation. Primarily a companion to the long-running Ante Up podcast, this TypePad blog offers hosts Chris Cosenza and Scott Long a chance to share their good humor and their good advice for beginning players. Not only are these affable amateurs enthralled with the poker world -- professional, home game, and online -- but they've also got enough chutzpah to get big-name poker players to sit down for interviews. Check out recaps of the shows where the likes of Daniel Negreanu, Johnny Chan, and Kenna James have appeared, read reviews of poker television shows, discuss all kinds of poker topics on their forums, or start your education about a wide range of poker games. If you’re a player and you've got questions, you might enjoy their hand analysis category or their "Columbo 1-Minute Mysteries" -- a great new feature of the podcast that recently moved over from another venerable poker show. To become a card-carrying citizen of the Ante Up Nation, check out the blog, tune in to the podcast, and get ready to play.

GearFlogger

In its first three months, GearFlogger has reviewed dozens of pieces of outdoor paraphernalia. From boots to caribiners to packs to stoves to tents, each item is illustrated, described, categorized by type and by manufacturer, and, if it qualifies, receives the "Denali Approved" badge of honor. Want a new ice ax before you tackle Mt. Rainier? Need to read up on the best route to the top of the mountain? Whether you're a grizzled veteran of high-altitude exploits or just a armchair mountaineer, before you gear up for your next "human-powered adventure," make sure you check out this adventurous new blog.

SawxBlog

The Boston Red Sox are in the midst of a late-summer swoon and the outlook for the current campaign is getting gloomier by the day. Despite all that, the SawxBlog is hitting well above the league average for fan sites, and it shows no signs of fading down the stretch.  Derek Hixon has put together a great hangout for any member of Red Sox Nation, whether they live in the shadow of Fenway or across the globe. A number of innovative features keeps fans coming through the turnstiles, from a Player of the Game adorning the footer of each outing's post to a recently implemented message board. Related links, photo galleries, original SawxBlog illustrations, and a whole host of assorted Boston baseball goodness fills the blog's sidebars like fans packing the bleachers for a playoff game.

VH1 Game Break

A gaming blog from MTV's older-sister station? Wassupwidat? One glance at VH1.com and you'll see that the network that hosts shows like Supergroup, My Fair Brady, and Hogan Knows Best is also offering a bunch of browser-based games to help its viewers while away the sprawling hours of their cubicle-bound mid-lives (Rampage! Joust!). And if playing arcade classics at your desk is the hook, then Game Break may be the reel that pulls you in. Your host, Harold Goldberg, covers classic games (Monkey Island or Excitebike, anyone?), gaming gadgets and accessories, and, of course, casual gaming (think Bejeweled and the like). He's only been at it for six months or so, but Goldberg has found a nice rhythm and a good mix of topics. If you are a casual fan of arcade gaming or a hard-core fan of casual gaming, you're likely to find something here to amuse you.

Steve Parker, The Car Nut

Steve Parker is so nutty for cars it was only a matter of time before he added a blog to his long list of car-talk platforms. Parker is the host of Time Warner Cable's Car Nut TV, as well as the host on Newstalk 920 AM KPSI radio in Palm Springs, California, and produces American Racing Today which can be heard on radio stations across the country. The blog reports on road tests, classic and collectible cars, and has photo albums of motor shows. Most entries offer photos of the cars Parker is talking about, and he shares generous advice on how to care for your precious automotive possessions. Those not familiar with car parts might need to look up a few terms, but if you're thinking of buying a new car, reading the posts thoroughly will be well worth it. Truck and motorcycle lovers are in the mix, too, as Parker's blog is of interest to all followers of the automotive industry.

Charge Bike News

Charge Bikes News tells the world "what's happening" for the British bicycle company. It's filled with trip reports from recent jaunts to Germany, New Zealand, and Japan (including a stop at Shimano headquarters), info about Charge's latest gear,  teasers for upcoming products, and details about where they're riding locally. Whether you're a dirt bike enthusiast, or just have an affection for leisurely rides, this site is for you. Those that are familiar with "saddles, cranks, and forks" can get inspired by Charge's love for the two-wheeled sport, while small business owners can use them as an example for how to reach out to a community. They give away stickers, t-shirts, and share the excitement of their own personal rides, all the while keeping their customers informed about their products. If you really want to get dirty, check out the blogs from their award-winning riders.

Wicked Chops Poker

Wicked Chops Poker is a "poker blog," a well-populated category of site that runs the gamut from straight-up "bonus whores" (who want nothing more than to get their readers to sign up for online poker accounts via their links) to genuine poker fanatics. That said, the fanatics can be a wacky bunch. That's not to say that poker blogs aren't compelling -- if you're one of the many millions of card players out there, you'll certainly find something to like amongst the poker blogs. We think Wicked Chops represents the genre really well. Three guys from Atlanta -- Chops, Snake, and Addict -- are the masters of ceremony. They scour the pokersphere for great stories and breaking news about big-time tournaments. And they're not afraid to take to the road to chase down hot poker action. A recent trip to Vegas yielded an interview with living poker legend, T.J. Cloutier. But in the end, here's what really matters: Wicked Chops is wickedly funny. And wickedly irreverent. And posts a lot of photos of wickedly attractive women. If that ain't poker, what is?

Steven Ellis

Steeerike! Steven Ellis has nailed his online presence. Parents, coaches, and pitchers of all levels, get over to StevenEllis.com and get the pitching tips you’ve always wanted. The Baseball Pitching Tips Blog is the centerpiece of Ellis's coaching network. From there, you can get to his online books, a free forum, pitching articles, and mounds of other useful resources. Ellis enjoyed several years with the Chicago Cubs organization before a shoulder injury ended his professional career. In 2002, he was named the Rolaids relief pitcher of the year for the Lansing Lugnuts. Many successful entrepreneurs have found that you have to give to get, and Ellis gives nine strong innings and more. Whether you want to master pitching in Ten Simple Steps, or are up to the challenge of strenuous suggested drills, Ellis's instruction runs the gamut from a beginner's curveball to how to throw a knuckle curveball. He emphasizes nutrition and training, advises on Pitching Injury and Prevention, and covers the "Mental Aspects of Pitching", too. Smart batters will step up to the plate as well: It's the bottom of the 9th, two men on base, two outs -- wouldn’t you like to know what was coming?

The Journey

Do you have Olympic fever? Well, start an ice bath because American Olympians are blogging about their journey to Torino. From October 2005 – March 2006, six athletes opened up to talk about their training, the consequences that can happen when gear goes missing, and the emotional challenges that helped prepare them for their shot at the gold. Seth Wescott (Snowboarding), Johnny Spillane (Nordic Combined), Julia Mancuso (Alpine Skiiing), and Emily Cook (Freestyle Aerials) were featured on The Journey. The site also used podcasts and video to cover the XXth Winter Games, and set a good example for future sports coverage. Michael Rolnick is a long time Olympic fan and had the job of filling in the blog to keep the readers informed about the athletes' progress. Sponsored by Visa, life takes Olympians. Lets hope life (and Visa) take blogging in the Summer games, too.

Ben Roethlisberger

You don’t have to go long to catch the inside scoop from Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. His official blog details his daily life, from workouts with the team, playing with his dog Zeus, to preparing for the Super Bowl. (The Super Bowl!) His positive attitude towards life is contagious, and it’s easy to understand how his outlook has helped him achieve success on and off the field. Don’t be surprised to find that every post is filled with thanks for his fans. For the diehard black-and-gold believers, check out your QB's personal photos, buy Ben merchandise, and participate in a fan forum on his main website, BigBen7.com.