Twerking Banned From Maryland High School Dance Because 'Some Kids Feel Left Out'

A Maryland high school has effectively banned twerking and other forms of sexually provocative moves from its homecoming dance.

In order to attend the event, students at Annapolis High School and their parents will have to sign a "dance contract" prohibiting sexually explicit behavior, CBS Baltimore reports. That means "no grinding, intimate touching or dancing with your buttocks touching or in the air."

The Capital Gazette reports that the contract also bans "making out, skimpy dresses, and simulated sex."

If you don't have the contract, you can't get in; if you break it, you'll get kicked out. Similar bans have been enacted by high schools in Anne Arundel County, and across the nation.

Media outlets reporting on the ban have pointed at Miley Cyrus' MTV Video Music Awards performance as an example of twerking's newfound prominence in mainstream pop culture. School officials told the Capital Gazette that raunchy dancing alienates some students.

“This, unfortunately, has become the norm. Some of this crazy dancing that makes others feel uncomfortable,” Annapolis Principal Susan Chittim told the newspaper. “Some kids feel left out because of the dancing that occurs.”

Annapolis students interviewed by CBS Baltimore didn't seem too upset about the twerking ban. Could it be because summer's hottest dance trend is already passé?

“I know my parents would never know what that was, but now they know what twerking is,” student Bailey Greene told the station.

Miley Cyrus' 'Mystery' Man In Racy Pic Is Clearly Her Assistant Cheyne Thomas

Just when we thought Miley Cyrus had turned a corner, she's back to her old tricks.

The "We Can't Stop" singer tweeted a photo of herself giving the finger to the camera, while she's propped up on the countertop with her legs spread open. And though he's referred to as a "mystery man" by both Us Weekly and Page Six, it's no mystery at all:Cyrus' BFF/assistant Cheyne Thomas is the man standing between her legs.

Blind 11-Year-Old Girl's Soulful 'Wrecking Ball' Cover Will Give You Goosebumps

Nothing can stop Joyce Jimenez when she has a microphone and some braille lyrics in hand. The 11-year-old is from the Philippines -- but her cover of Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball" has earned her an international audience of several hundred thousand new fans since it was posted on YouTube last week. With talent like hers, it's no mystery why.

Miley Cyrus: ‘I’d rather be naked in front of people than cry in front of people

VEVO

Miley Cyrus’ clips that have crossed 100 million views are ‘We Can’t Stop,’ ‘Wrecking Ball,’ ‘7 Things,’ ‘Party in the U.S.A.’ and ‘Can't Be Tamed.’

Miley Cyrus just can't stop.

The 20-year-old pop star has been deemed "Certified" by VEVO for having five of her music videos reach over 100 million views, including her most recent hits, "We Can't Stop" and "Wrecking Ball."

While Cyrus shuns the critics, she celebrates with her fans, whom she calls Smilers.

PHOTOS: MILEY CYRUS' MOST ATTENTION-SEEKING MOMENTS

VEVO

Cyrus celebrated her achievement with her many devotees, whom she calls Smilers. She says they’re the best fans on Twitter.

"When I had this show that I did called 'The Miley and Mandy Show,' she would always call me Milers or Smilers, and it just kind of picked up," she told VEVO in an exclusive interview.

"I said the other day 'my fans are the best fans' on Twitter, and everyone's fans got really mad," Cyrus added. "But I don't care because they actually are."

"If you're a Smiler, it means you have to love Miley Cyrus no matter what," one fan explained.

PHOTOS: SEXIEST STAGE OUTFITS OF ALL TIME

MILEYCYRUSVEVO VIA YOUTUBE

Miley Cyrus said: 'For me, nudity has never been something that I've ever tripped about. I'd rather be naked in front of people than cry in front of people because I don't like showing weakness and that shows a lot of vulnerabilities.'

So despite the unyielding backlash the singer has received for her controversial MTV VMA performance and the nudity in her "Wrecking Ball" video, she keeps moving forward with her millions of fans backing her.

"For me, nudity has never been something that I've ever tripped about," she admitted. "I don't really see it the way everyone else sees it. I'd rather be naked in front of people than cry in front of people because I don't like showing weakness and that shows a lot of vulnerabilities."

Cyrus' very public relationship with Liam Hemsworth came to an end in September after the couple, who were engaged at the time, had been together for four years.

PHOTOS: BROKEN CELEBRITY ENGAGEMENTS

MILEYCYRUSVEVO VIA YOUTUBE

The video for 'Wrecking Ball' put Miley Cyrus over the top to be ‘certified’ by VEVO for having five videos cross the 100 million view mark.

Still, the former Disney star didn't shed a tear in public and instead admitted she was the "happiest I've ever been" in an interview with Ellen DeGeneres shortly after the split.

While the "Wrecking Ball" video did show Cyrus' more vulnerable side, she kept to her shocking ways by making out with a sledgehammer at the direction of Terry Richardson.

"[He said] 'Look like you're in love with it, you're really sad!'" Cyrus recalled. "I just started kissing it. I didn't even know why. He was like, 'Keep doing it! Keep doing it! Looks like you really are in love with this thing!'"

PHOTOS: CHILD STAR MELTDOWNS

VEVO

Miley’s awards for crossing 100 million views five times.

But when the starlet began licking the sledgehammer, the production staff said: "You can't lick that thing! There's paint!"

"[I said] 'I don' t care, I think this is actually going to be dope,'" Cyrus responded. "So everything around just looks like I'm in love and holding on to whatever last little bit that there is, even if that's what's destroying the place. You're holding onto that sledgehammer even if it's what's destroying everything around you."

Despite her many naysayers, it's hard to deny she's on to something big, as it seems her fan base continues growing every day.

Cyrus' other videos that have reached over 100 million views come from her pre-blond-short-hairdo days, when there was still a hint of that bright-eyed kid on "Hannah Montana." Those clips are "7 Things," "Party in the U.S.A.," and "Can't Be Tamed."

20 Very Interesting Photos From The ’30s

I love old photos because this is the only way I can really see our history. I like to check out the details such as clothing, decorations or food products because is not only interesting to see their habits but also how these evolved during decades or centuries. The images below were taken in the ’30s in various circumstances from an ice-skating scene and all the way to a legendary image with Stalin fooling around. I hope that you like them as much as I do.

Young skater with safety cushion

Dutch boy with a pillow strapped on his backside in order to soften the falling on ice while skating.

Cabaret Dancers

Cabaret dancers wearing fake mustaches.

Einstein with Einstein Puppet

The photo was taken by Harry Burnett at Cal Tech in Pasadena where Albert Einstein was teaching. Einstein saw the puppet perform at the Teato Torito and was quite amused. He reached into his jacket’s breast pocket, pulled out a letter and crumpled it up. Speaking in German, he said, “The puppet wasn’t fat enough!” He laughed and stuffed the crumpled letter up under the smock to give the puppet a fatter belly.

Public Call

A photograph of the making of a programme by the BBC about driving errors, taken by Saidman in 1939 for the Daily Herald.

Stalin pulling a face at his bodyguard

Stalin is captured in this photograph by Lt. Gen. Nikolai Vlasik, the Soviet dictator’s bodyguard. Vlasik’s off-the-record photos of Stalin caused a sensation in the early 1960s when an enterprising Soviet journalist spirited some out, selling them to newspapers and magazines worldwide.

Driving Across the Pudding River

A crazy designed method of crossing a river.

Coats Coat Coat Store

A huge showcase of clothes.

Mussolini’s Fascist Headquarters in Rome

One of the most interesting political poster I have ever seen in my life.

Max Factor’s Beauty Micrometer

Probably a tool of measuring the dimensions of “beauty”.

Construction of the Hoover Dam

Bonnie and Clyde

Burning cigarette dispenser

Disposing of Alcohol During Prohibition

Bullets for Hitler

Baby Cage

A baby suspended in a wire cage attached to the outside of a high tenement block window. The cages were distributed to members of the Chelsea Baby Club in London who have no gardens”

Empire State Opening

The models for American Gothic

Alfred Hitchcock in LA

Construction of Mount Rushmore

SatNav

The screen manually scrolls paper maps that are attached to a cable that is similar to a modern mechanical speedometer. Thus, the scroll rate of the map is proportional to vehicle’s speed.

http://funtoomove.blogspot.com/

10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy

It’s amazing how many Italians opt not to go abroad for their holidays. When I taught English in Rome I used to ask my students why they didn’t visit other countries. They simply replied: “Why would we? We have incredible culture, the best beaches and mountains to go skiing in the winter!” Italy is undoubtedly beautiful and I feel privileged to have spent 3 years of my life there. It’s a unique country where you are just as likely to find beauty in a quiet cobbled backstreet or a traditional trattoria than in its stunning beaches or extraordinary countryside. Using my experience of living in Italy I have compiled a list of ten places I feel are worth visiting. Some will be obvious, others maybe not so. Here is my personal list of 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy:

1. Venice

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Venice is one of the most famous cities in Italy and one that’s built on water. It’s also often classed as one of the world’s most romantic travel destinations. In the middle of the city you will find the grand square ‘Piazza San Marco’ where the even more impressive basilica resides (it’s rumoured that Napoleon called the square the drawing room of Europe). If you’re a culture seeker you’ll be spoilt for choice here, Venice has the world’s most artistic masterpieces per square kilometre and there are numerous churches, museums, and palaces worth visiting. One highlight is the Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) which is an enclosed bridge that passes over the Rio di Palazzo. If you’re a romantic type and want to try a gondola just remember to take plenty of money – you will be charged a small fortune for the privilege. Also try to avoid Venice in summer where the crowds can get unbearable.

2. Milan

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Milan is one of Europe’s richest cities and Italy’s home of fashion. It’s known for its stylish shops and up-market restaurants. The city is overflowing with aspiring models and fashion designers which makes for an interesting city experience to say the least. There are also many architecturally impressive buildings in Milan ranging from old Neo-classical Milanese palaces to ultra-modern towers and commercial buildings. For those who want to mix culture with their shopping and eating make sure you visit La Scala (one of the World’s most famous opera houses) and the Duomo which has an incredible marble façade which I personally think is worth the trip alone.

3. Verona and the Lakes

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Verona is a lovely city which was made famous by Shakespeare’s famous story of Romeo and Juliet. It has the third largest Roman Arena in Italy and if you’re lucky enough you can catch an opera festival during your visit (something which I highly recommend). UNESCO has awarded the city a world heritage site status because of its urban structure and architecture, which include Roman remains and ancient castles. As you can imagine Verona is a very romantic city, so if you take a partner beware they could end up proposing! The Italian lakes are accessible from Verona and Lake Garda, Lake Como and Lake Maggiore are some of the most well-known. The mountain lakes offer classically beautiful images of Italy and are flanked by sleepy cobblestone villages and secluded gardens.

4. Bologna

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A city known for its beauty, left-wing politics, wealth and most importantly its cuisine. Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. If you arrive by train, move swiftly away from the station so you can take in the beautiful sites of the city. There are many arcades which allow you to explore the city even if it’s raining. I recommend wandering around the backstreets until you stumble upon one of the many beautiful squares where you can stop for a cafe or gelato. Bologna also boasts the oldest university in the world, which was founded in 1088. Although most people visit the city to discover its renowned culinary delights, these include tagliatelle al ragù, lasagne, tortellini served in broth and fried gnocchi.

5. Florence and the Tuscany region

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Florence is a fascinating place and an art lovers dream. A popular city nestled in the rolling hills of the Tuscany region, Florence has plenty to offer the visitor. The city has numerous museums filled with famous paintings and sculptures. Two places I recommend you visit are the Pitti Palace and the Uffizi. The latter hosts work by Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo and receives approximately 1.6 million tourists a year (you should book before you go or unfortunately face a long wait). Also take your time to explore the rest of the Tuscany. Known as Renaissance country, the region offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The extraordinary countryside and coastline keep vacationers happy and the ever flowing supply of fine wine and cuisine will certainly please food connoisseurs.

6. Rome

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It’s impossible to do a tour of Italy without visiting the capital. Rome is an amazing city which is full of history spanning twenty centuries – you could say Rome is the world’s best open-air museum. As you wander around the streets the architecture will leave you in awe. There are many sites to see, the most famous being the Coliseum, the Vatican, St. Peter’s, the Trevi Fountain and my personal favourite the Pantheon. You won’t see them all in a weekend but it will give you a reason to go back. Rome’s cafe culture is also another reason to visit and for a true Rome experience chose from one of many piazzas and sit down for (an expensive) coffee or icecream. For the best food in town, follow the Romans to Trastevere.

7. Sorrento & The Amalfi Coast

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This coastline should be on everyone’s list of beautiful places to visit in Italy. The most famous area is the resort Sorrento where you’ll find the addictive liqueur limoncello and plenty of great wine. The city can also be used as a base to visit Pompeii, this is the town which was buried by Mount Vesuvius’ volcanic eruption back in 79AD. Further along the rugged coast you will find the picturesque and affluent town of Positano and the town of Amalfi. The Amalfi Coast offers one of the world’s greatest coastal drives so be sure to hire a car if you can. I would also recommend taking a boat from Sorrento to the island of Capri. On Capri you can take a trip to the gorgeous Blue Grotto – a sea cave that is flooded with a brilliant blue or emerald light. Just be warned the Amalfi Coast area gets very busy in the summer.

8. Sardinia

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This large island just off the coast of Italy is a favoured holiday spot for Italians and rich footballers. Most of the time it’s a quiet and relaxing island but popular areas can get very busy in the summer so you will need to book early to get the best places. To reach Sardinia you can sail into or land at Alghero, Cagliari or the port town Olbia. The whole island is beautiful and compared to many holiday islands resorts in Europe it remains relatively unspoilt. There are certainly no high rise concrete hotels here – even the resort areas are surprisingly tasteful. I would personally recommend Sant’antioco and San Pietro as these are the most remote and traditional areas. Sardinia’s coastline is world renowned and you won’t have to search far for amazing beaches and clear water. It isn’t a cheap island but it’s definitely worth a visit.

9. Puglia

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A strange inclusion some might say. To be honest I hadn’t really considered Puglia until I discovered ‘Il Collegio Holidays’. The company was featured on Channel 4′s Grand Designs in 2004 and they offer visitors a chance to stay in a beautiful villa in Masseria Impisi. It’s marketed as an art holiday although even if you are hopeless at drawing (like me) you still could enjoy the wonderful scenery that the Adriatic coast offers. This part of Italy is perfect for those wishing to sample a genuine taste of the real Italy as well as the fabulous blue sea and beaches. Other reasons to visit this region are the excellent cuisine, beautiful baroque towns and picturesque olive groves and orchards.

10. Sicily

The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea makes an excellent holiday destination. Like Sardinia it has excellent beaches and wonderful cuisine only far cheaper. You will also have the luxury of being able to island hop – the Aegadian Islands, Aeolian Islands and Pantelleria Lampedusa are all nearby and very accessible. Sicily is a traditional and rustic island with a rich culture and a potent mix of architecture, arts, cuisine, literature and music. Here you can spend your time sitting on beaches, visiting archaeological sites or sampling the locally caught fish. Make sure you include a visit to the Selinunte which is an ancient building containing five temples centered on an acropolis. The east coast of Sicily is more developed and tourist friendly and the west coast is more untouched. As you travel down the latter you’ll be amazed how friendly the Sicillian people are and how pleased they are that you chose to visit Sicily.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy. It was definitely a tough choice, when it comes to writing about Italy I could easily have listed a hundred places worth visiting.

http://funtoomove.blogspot.com/

15 national parks for fall color

What better place to witness the changing of the seasons than at your favorite National Park? These 15 national parks offer spectacular fall foliage viewing, as evidenced by these stunning photographs. Find out the best times to visit below, and as always, don't forget to follow "leave no trace" principles when visiting wild places. 

5 great resources for finding peak fall foliage in wildlands near you

1. Yosemite National Park, California. Unfortunately, Ansel Adams' iconic black-and-white photos just couldn't capture fall's classic colors. But you can with your own eyes from late October into November. 

2. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. You can participate in the Fall Foliage Bike Festival, hike a part of the Appalachian Trail, or spend an afternoon cruising down Skyline Drive. Colors are generally at their best in the later half of October.

3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee. Spanning two states, this park is at its most colorful between mid to late October. Enjoy yellows, oranges and red as you explore all the outdoor fun this place offers.

4. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina. Why settle for one or the other, when you can have both? This scenic drive stretches from Shenandoah to the Smokies and peak fall colors are expected mid-to-late October. 

5. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio. Ohio's best kept secret, Cuyahoga can be experienced via the scenic railroad. The last two weeks of October offer pinnacle opportunities to witness brilliant reds, oranges and yellows.

6. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. Some say September is the prime time to spy the bright yellow aspens, but you should have through mid-October to catch some stunning vistas. Reflections in Teton's clear lakes offer double the color.

7. Acadia National Park, Maine. Fall color reaches its prime in late September but can last through October in this northern region. Cadillac Mountain offers the most noteworthy panorama of this highly favored park.

8. Glacier National Park, Montana. This treasured park is at its most beautiful from mid September to mid October. To get views from Big Mountain, you can hike the eight-mile Summit Trail, or you might try floating through a colorful landscape down the Middle Fork of the Flathead River.

photo: flickr, Rhock1

9. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. Like other high elevation parks, colors at Rainier begin changing as early as August. Visitors are advised to visit in late September and be aware that the park begins to close in early October.

photo: flickr, jeffgunn

10. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Towering mountains may leave many speechless, but in fall there's only one word needed to describe the landscape - yellow. Bright golden aspens contrast starkly with evergreens, causing many to flock to the area in September, earlier than usual due to high elevations.

UPDATE: Please check with the park before going. Flooding in parts of Colorado's front range have caused road closures for roads headed into the park. 

photo: flickr, Steven Bratman

11. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. Every year, photographers flock to the higher North Rim in autumn to capture splashes of color on an otherwise unbelievably beautiful landscape. Some parts of this area begin to close as early as mid October, so late September is the ideal time to plan your adventure. 

photo: flickr, lurw

12. Zion National Park, Utah. This wild paradise becomes more beautiful and surprisingly less crowded later in the year. October into November is usually the ideal time to see the splendor of the season here. 

photo: flickr, CFBSr

13. Denali National Park, Alaska. While it may surprise some that a park this far north could be well known for its foilage, it will likely not surprise visitors to see them start changing as early as August. In addition to its radiant reds, oranges and golds, Denali also boasts ripe berries in its brief season of fall.

photo: flickr, Threat to Democracy

14. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas. Visitors might be surprised to find such rich colors at a lesser known park in West Texas.

photo: National Park Service

15. Appalachian National Scenic Trail, from Maine to Georgia.  From September to November, this legendary hiking trail is alive with hues of all varieties. The White Mountains National Forest section in New Hampshire is the most highly recommended this time of year, peaking in late September.