National Football League Cheerleading, or simply NFL Cheerleading, is a professional cheerleading league in the United States. Twenty six of the 32 NFL teams include a cheerleading squad in their franchise. Cheerleaders are a popular attraction that can give a team more coverage/airtime, popular local support and increased media image. In 1954 the Baltimore Colts became the first NFL team to have cheerleaders. They were part of the Baltimore Colts Marching Band.
Most NFL cherleading squads are a part-time job. Often, cheerleaders have completed or are attending a university, and continue on to other careers after cheering for one to four seasons. The members participate in practice, training camp, games, appearances, photo shoots, and charity events. Apart from their main duties of cheering during the football games, the cheerleaders have many other responsibilities. Nearly every team member is available for appearances at schools, events, conferences, etc., for a set fee.
An anticipated annual event is the release of each squad's calendar, featuring members for each month in swimsuits, lingerie, or uniforms.
As well as being a mainstay of American football culture, the cheerleaders are one of the biggest entertainment groups to regularly perform for the United States Armed Forces overseas with performances and tours being enlisted by the USO. Teams send their variety show, an elite group of their best members, to perform combination shows of dance, music, baton twirling, acrobatics, gymnastics, and more. In February 2007, the Buffalo Bills even sent a squad of eight along with their choreographer into the war zone of Iraq. In 1996, the San Francisco 49ers Cheerleaders and their director Angela King-Twitero helicoptered into the war inflicted country of Bosnia with the USO and the U.S. Army. The U.S. troops in Korea have been entertained during the holiday season with the USO's Bob Hope Tour. Over the years, the tour has featured NFL cheerleaders from the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers.
Cheerleader competitions
The first "Battle of the NFL Cheerleaders" was held in 1979 in Hollywood, Florida. Two cheerleaders from each cheerleading team compete against other mini-teams in various athletic events. This includes kayaking, 100 yard dash, obstacle courses, and other events. The Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders took home the title in 1979. In 1980 it was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey and the Washington Redskinettes were the champions. The winners were Shiona Baum and Jeannie Fritz and each received a car as the grand prize. The competition was resurrected in 2006 by the The NFL Network, and was called NFL Cheerleader Playoffs. The playoffs were taped between July 17 and July 21, 2006 at Six Flags New England in Agawam, Massachusetts. Two-person teams of cheerleaders from 25 of the NFL's 32 teams participated in a four-event series of competitions. The first two events tested the cheerleaders' athletic abilities in events like the 100-yard dash, kayaking, tandem cycling, and the obstacle course. The third event was a trivia challenge called "Know Your NFL". The final competition was a one-minute dance routine, similar to what they normally perform on NFL sidelines. San Diego Chargers team (Casie and Shantel) defeated the Atlanta Falcons and St. Louis Rams squads to win the overall championship. The 3 teams finished in a three-way tie, with 210 points. The Chargers were declared the winners based on winning the dance competition.
Teams
Listed by name, with corresponding NFL football team.
| Current or Last Name | Year Established and Former Names | NFL Team |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders | 1977–1987 St Louis Cardinals Cheerleaders 1988–1993 Phoenix Cardinals Cheerleaders 1994–present Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders |
Arizona Cardinals |
| Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders | 1960s The Falconettes 1976–present |
Atlanta Falcons |
| Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders* | 1998 | Baltimore Ravens |
| Buffalo Bills | 1960–1965 Buffalo Bills Cheerleaders 1967–present |
Buffalo Bills |
| Carolina Topcats | 1996 | Carolina Panthers |
| Chicago Bears Cheerleaders | 1976–1985 1986–present none |
Chicago Bears |
| Cincinnati Bengals[1] | 1976 | Cincinnati Bengals |
| Cleveland Browns | ||
| Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders | 1960s–1971 CowBelles & Beaux, 1972–present [2] |
Dallas Cowboys |
| Denver Broncos Cheerleaders | 1971-1976 Bronco Belles 1977-1980 Pony Express 1981-1992 none 1993-present |
Denver Broncos |
| Detroit Lions | ||
| Green Bay Packers cheerleaders | late 1950s–1961 Packerettes 1961–1972 Golden Girls 1973–1977 Packerettes [3][4] 1977–1986 Sideliners [5] 1987–2006 none 2007–present college cheerleaders |
Green Bay Packers |
| Houston Texans Cheerleaders | 2002 | Houston Texans |
| Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders | 1954–1983 Baltimore Colts Cheerleaders 1984–present |
Indianapolis Colts |
| Jacksonville ROAR | 1995 | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders | 1960s Chiefs Cheerleaders 1970s Chiefettes 1980s – present Chiefs Cheerleaders[6] |
Kansas City Chiefs |
| Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders[7] | 1966–1977 Dolphin Dolls 1978–early 1980s Dolphin Starbrites early 1980s Dolfin Star Brites 1983–present Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders |
Miami Dolphins |
| Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders | 1961–1963 Vi-Queens 1964–1983 The Parkettes (St. Louis Park High School) 1984–present Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders |
Minnesota Vikings |
| New England Patriots Cheerleaders | 1977 | New England Patriots |
| New Orleans Saintsations | Angels Bonnes Amiees Saints Dancers Mam’selles 1977 Saintsations |
New Orleans Saints |
| New York Giants | ||
| Jets Flight Crew | 2006 Jets Flag Crew 2007–present Jets Flight Crew |
New York Jets |
| Oakland Raiderettes | 1961[8] | Oakland Raiders |
| Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders | 1948–1960s Eaglettes 1970s Liberty Belles 1980s–present The Eagles Cheerleaders |
Philadelphia Eagles |
| 1960–1969 Pittsburgh Steelerettes amateurs 1970–present none[9] |
Pittsburgh Steelers | |
| St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders | 1974–1994 Embraceable Ewes 1995–present St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders |
St. Louis Rams |
| San Diego Charger Girls | 1960s-70s Chargettes
1990 Charger Girls[10] |
San Diego Chargers |
| San Francisco Gold Rush | 1950's the all-girl Niner Nuggets cheerleaders and singers at Kezar Stadium. 1979 (as a coed squad before becoming an all-girl squad in 1983[11] | San Francisco 49ers |
| Seattle Sea Gals | 1976[12] | Seattle Seahawks |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders |
1976–1998 SwashBucklers 1999–present Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders[13] |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders | 1975–1999 The Derrick Dolls 2000–present |
Tennessee Titans |
| Washington Redskins Cheerleaders | 1962 Redskinettes currently: Washington Redskins Cheerleaders[14] |
Washington Redskins |
* Ravens Cheerleading Squad is technically a Co-ed Stunt and All-Female Dance squad.
Teams without cheerleaders
The Packers collegiate squad in 2009
As of 2011, the only teams without cheerleaders are the Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The February 2011 meeting of the Packers and Steelers at Super Bowl XLV was the first time a Super Bowl featured no cheerleaders. The Packers do however use a collegiate squad from time to time in a limited role to cheer at home games.[15]
Teams of "unofficial" cheerleaders began emerging in 2010 for NFL teams that don't have their own dance squad. These unofficial cheerleaders aren't sanctioned by the NFL or any franchise in the NFL and therefore are not allowed to perform at games, represent the football team at any outside functions, or use any of the team's branding or trademarked colors on their uniforms. The teams are sponsored by local businesses, and the cheerleaders perform prior to the game, at tailgate parties, and other local events. Some also attend the local NFL games in uniform, and sit together in their block of season ticket seats. Their audition process, costuming, and choreography are very simiar to official NFL cheer teams. Some also produce an annual swimsuit calendar, just like the legitimate cheerleaders. All of the independent teams hope at some point to be embraced by the NFL as "offical" cheerleaders of their local teams.
- The Detroit Pride Cheerleaders were the first independent professional team, put together in August 2010 to support the Lions.[16]
- The Gotham City Cheerleaders were organized in August 2011 to support all New York sports, but are most closely associated with the Giants. The team has also been known as the NY Unofficials, the Unofficial Dancers of the New York Giants, and the Gotham’s Team Blue Army Dancers.[17]
- The Cleveland Spirit Cheerleaders were created in September 2012 to support the Browns. This cheer team was created by the same people responsible for the Detroit Pride.[18]
Notable cheerleaders
Two New Orleans Saints cheerleaders stand with a member of the U.S. Air Force during a U.S.O. visit to Southwest Asia.
Arizona Cardinals
- Aubrey Aquino, TV reporter and host[19]
- Danielle Demski, Miss Arizona USA, 2004
- Phyllis Smith, actress on The Office (during the team's St. Louis days)
- Ashlee Tate DeMartino, broadcast meteorologist for KTNV-TV
Atlanta Falcons
- Mickey Crawford-Carnegie, President/Owner of Alumni Cheerleaders, LLC and creator of site www.AlumniCheerleaders.com (where former pro, college, high school cheerleaders/dancers reunite); Started the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders Alumni group and is the Director with over 350 members.
- Nicole Duncan, Georgia State University Cheerleading Coach[20]
- Laurie Flynn, wife of Matt Schaub
- Whitney Frink, Hollywood TV Producer
- Tiffany Fallon, Playboy Playmate of the Year 2005
Baltimore Ravens
- Stacy Keibler, (1998), former professional WWE wrestler
- Molly Shattuck, wife of Mayo A. Shattuck III
Buffalo Bills
- Theresa Joy, actress
Carolina Panthers
- Kimberly Coon, (2009), contestant on The Bachelor Season 15. Currently a NASCAR Miss Sprint Cup.
Cincinnati Bengals
- Brooke Griffin, (2005–2009), personal trainer, author, and fitness model.[21]
- Laura Vikmanis, (2009–present), currently the oldest cheerleader in the NFL at 43.[22]
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders on board the USS Harry S. Truman on December 16, 2000
- Tina Hernandez, (1977–1978), actress, CHiPs TV Series (1982–1983)
- Janet Fulkerson, (1980–1982), actress
- Judy Trammell (1980–1984), Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders choreographer, mother of current DCC member Cassie Trammell
- Kelli Finglass, (1984–1989), director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
- Sheri Scholz, (1985), Miss Texas Teen USA 1983
- Kimberly Ball, (1993–1994), reporter of KTVT
- Jill Marie Jones, (1993–1995), actress, plays Toni On Girlfriends
- Michelle Parma, (1993–1994), actress, MTV's Road Rules: Europe. She died in a car accident in Texas on October 19, 2002
- Bonnie-Jill Laflin, (1996), actress/model
- Sarah Shahi, (1999–2000),[23] actress, plays Carmen on The L Word, second season. Most recently on NBC's "Life". Now stars in USA Network's Fairly Legal
- Denise Garvey, (2000), director and coach of the NY Jets Flight Crew Cheerleading Squad, former New Jersey Nets Dancer, former New York Knicks dancer
- Kristin Holt, (2000–2001), television personality, entertainment news correspondent
- Jenni Croft, (2002–2005), contestant on The Bachelor Season 11
- Emily Kuchar, (2003–2004), wife of Zack Greinke
- Micaela Johnson, (2003–2005), Miss Nebraska USA 2008
- Starr Spangler, (2005–2008), winner of The Amazing Race 13
- Melissa Rycroft, (2006–2008), ABC's Dancing with the Stars contestant and Winner then runner-up on The Bachelor Season 13
- Kandi Harris, (2006–2009),[24] wife of Hunter Mahan
- Brooke Sorenson, (2006–2011), wife of Laynce Nix
- Erica Kiehl Jenkins, (2007–2009), singer, member of The Pussycat Dolls
- Abigail Klein, (2007–2010), actress
- Ann Lux, (2010–2012), fiancee of Will Middlebrooks
- Lezlie Deane, actress, founder of techno group Fem2fem
- Shaune Stauffer, model and jewelry designer
Denver Broncos
- Tatiana Anderson, Host of ESPN'S TV show Kiana's Flex Appeal[25]
- Michelle Beisner, NFL Network
- Katee Doland, Miss Colorado USA 2001
- Jamie Dukehart-Conti, Miss Colorado 2008
- Renee Herlocker, Spike TV, E! News
- Kollette Klassen, wife of Jake Plummer
- Katie Layman, Miss Colorado 2009
Houston Texans
Texans cheerleaders in August 2010
- Ashley Clay (2007–2008), wife of Ryan Cochrane
- Laurie Flynn, wife of Matt Schaub
- Carrie Milbank, hostess of The Hockey Show on the NHL network
- Carol Newinn
Indianapolis Colts
- Mindy Winkler (1998–2000), show personality of radio program, The Smiley Morning Show
- Megan Glaros (2002), meteorologist of WBBM-TV
- Megan Meadors, Miss Indiana 2008
- Stephanie Soviar, wife of Jeff Simmons
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Kristin Doakes, President and Co-Founder Professional Cheerleaders Alumni, Inc.
- Shenette Howard, Miss Florida International 2006
- Latricia Allen Ledet, Co-Founder Professional Cheerleaders Alumni, Inc.
- Melanie McAlister, wife of Jaguars' mascot, Jaxson de Ville (Curtis Dvorak)
- Marsha McCoy - contestant from The Amazing Race 5
Kansas City Chiefs
- Krazy George Henderson (1975–1979)
- Dr. Jennifer Horrell, wife of member of the Missouri House of Representatives, Sam Page
- Najahe Sherman, anchor of KSHB-TV
Miami Dolphins
- Suzy Tavarez, (1998–2000), On-Air Personality, Miami radio station Y100-FM
- Shannon Ford, (2001), Miss Florida USA 2002 and contestant on The Bachelor Season 3[26]
- Hennely Jimenez (2003–2004), Actress, 200 mph
- Brenda Lowe, (2004–2005), contestant from Survivor: Nicaragua.
- Jaime Faith Edmondson, (2004–2009), contestant from The Amazing Race in 2009.
- Ashley White, (2007–2008), reporter of WYFF
- Pamela Silva Conde, reporter and news anchor for Univision Network
- Jeanette Dousdebes, wife of United States Senator from Florida, Marco Rubio
- Brittany Freeman, Miss New Hampshire Teen USA 2004.[27]
- Mireya Mayor, National Geographic Wildlife Correspondent and History Channel's "Expedition:Africa" Wildlife Expert and Explorer.
- LauRen Merola, Miss Pennsylvania USA 2008
- Fabiola Romero, Original member of the FSU Cowgirls[28]
- Lilly Robbins, Maxim Model
- Cara Rosenthal, contestant from The Amazing Race in 2009.
- Nadia Turner, Season 4 American Idol contestant
- Natalie Vickers, news anchor of MountainWest Sports Network
New England Patriots
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The New England Patriots cheerleaders performing in 2004
- Amber van Eeghen, (2002–2005), wife of Dan Koppen, and daughter of Mark van Eeghen
- Kristin Gauvin, (2003–2004), Miss Massachusetts 2005[29]
- Meghan Vasconcellos, (2006), model and wife of Lonie Paxton
- Alysha Castonguay, (2006–2008), Miss Rhode Island Teen USA 2002, Miss Rhode Island USA 2009
- Kelsey Fournier, (2009–2011), Miss Rhode Island 2012
- Sarah Mitchell, dancer and actress
Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders
- Aubrey Aquino, (2001–2002), TV reporter and host[30]
- Danielle Gamba, (2002), Playboy Cyber Girl of the Month, October 2004.
- Erica Arana, actress, television host, and philanthropist
- Karen Baughman, wife of Bob Golic
- Patty Breton, Playboy Model
- Kelli Brook, Model & actress
- Ana Marie Carrasco, Model & actress
- Paige Green, wife of John Elway.
- Jennifer Grijalva, actress, MTV's The Real World (season 18).
- Anjelah Johnson, standup comedian.
- Jane Lubeck, Playboy Model
- Cole Martin, contestant on The Bachelor Season 8
- Tina Martin, Daytime Actress, Swimsuit Model & Playboy Model
- Brooke Morales, Model & actress
- Cheryl Moana Marie Nunes, television presenter
- Raydeen Revilla, actress
- Chandra Roberts, First female board member National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (LA); sole female member (Honorary) of National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), World Class Track & Field Athlete - High Jump/Long Jump.
- Kiana Tom, TV fitness instructor, model & actress.
Philadelphia Eagles
- Amie Barsky, actress
- Gina Cerilli, Miss Pennsylvania USA 2010
- Yasmine Shaffie, Miss Pennsylvania International 2007
- Carol J. Woliung, wife of Pete Rose
St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams
- Jenilee Harrison,[31] (1978–1980), actress, Three's Company
- Lisa Guerrero, (1980s) American sports broadcaster, actress, model
- Apollonia Kotero, (1980s) co-star of Purple Rain.
- Amy Holland Pennell, actress
San Diego Chargers
- Charisma Carpenter, (1991), actress, played Cordelia Chase on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and had the same role in the long lived spin-off Angel
San Francisco 49ers
- Teri Hatcher, (1984), actress
- Bonnie-Jill Laflin, (1994–1996), model, actress, television personality
- Ashley Clay, (2008–2009), wife of Ryan Cochrane
- Julie Durda, meteorologist of WSVN and contestant on The Bachelor Season 5
- Angela King-Twitero, author of The Business of Professional Cheerleading,[32] and dance costume designer (eight NFL Cheerleading teams wear her designs)[33] Angela transitioned from cheerleader to director of the Gold Rush Cheerleaders, and lead the team from 1992-1997. She also was the founding co-director of the NFL Pro Bowl Cheerleaders from 1992-1997.
Seattle Seahawks
- Ali Dudek, singer[34]
- Christina Clarke, Miss Washington USA 2012
- Amber Lancaster, model on The Price Is Right and actress
- Lauren Leeds, reporter of KVEW
- Heidi Meili, reporter and anchor of KECI-TV
- Julie Shipley-Childs, fitness competitor and IFBB professional
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Maribel Liliana Delgado, (1993–1999), winner on The Bachelor Season 6
- Bobbie Shay Lee (1996–1998), first NFL cheerleader with a short hair cut, also called a pixie cut. Since then, the team reserves a spot each year for a cheerleader with short hair.
- Victoria Vodar, (2003–2006), actress
- Brooke Newton, actress
Tennessee Titans
- Dr. Monica Williams, Vanderbilt University cancer research fellow[35]
- April Pennington, former TNA Wrestling ring girl and manager. Metro-Nashville Juvenile court clerk
Washington Redskins
- Maureen Gardner, (1974–1976), wife of 71st governor of Virginia, Bob McDonnell
- Debbie Barrigan (1994–1995, 1999–2001), Blast! dance troupe member[36]
- Michaé Holloman, (2002–2007), Miss Maryland USA 2007[37]
- Monique Thompkins, (2010–present), Miss District of Columbia USA 2012
- Kelley Cornwell, wife of Jeff Halpern
- Terri Crane-Lamb, Founder of the First NFL Alumni Cheerleader Association (1984)
- Christy Oglevee, wife of Chris Cooley
2006 Pro Bowl cheerleaders
Pro Bowl
A top honor for an NFL Cheerleader is to be selected as Pro Bowl Cheerleader. The group is composed of an all-star cheerleader (one from each NFL cheer team) that represents her NFL team at the Pro Bowl in Hawaii. The Pro Bowl Cheerleaders were founded in 1992 and directed by Jay Howarth and Angela King-Twitero. Each year, one squad member from every NFL team is chosen to participate in the collective Pro Bowl cheerleading squad.
See also
- List of cheerleaders
- CFL Cheerleading
- MLB Cheerleading
- NBA Cheerleading
- NHL Ice Dancers
References
- ↑ Cincinnati Ben-Gals
- ↑ Dallas Cheerleaders History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.[dead link]
- ↑ Green Bay Packerettes, Green Bay Press-Gazette, Retrieved September 21, 2007
- ↑ Ex-Packers cheerleader writes winning slogan for fence, September 9, 2007, Retrieved September 21, 2007
- ↑ Legends on Parade to highlight Packers' Glory Years, Green Bay Press-Gazette, August 24, 2007, Retrieved September 21, 2007
- ↑ Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.[dead link]
- ↑ Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders History (2010) Retrieved February 10, 2010.
- ↑ Oakland Raiderettes History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.[dead link]
- ↑ Steelerettes History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
- ↑ Charger Girls History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007. Archived February 2, 2007 at the Wayback Machine.
- ↑ ) Gold Rush History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
- ↑ Sea Gals History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007. Archived January 27, 2007 at the Wayback Machine.
- ↑ www.buccaneers.com Retrieved February 15, 2007.
- ↑ Redskin Cheerleader History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007. Archived January 26, 2007 at the Wayback Machine.
- ↑ Plaschke, Bill (2011-01-27). "No Super Bowl cheerleaders? He says rah!". Los Angeles Times. http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jan/27/sports/la-sp-plaschke-20110128. Retrieved 2011-02-06.
- ↑ Pumerantz, Zack (2011-10-09). "Detroit Lions Cheerleaders: The Hottest Pics of the Detroit Pride". Bleacher Report. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/883019-detroit-lions-cheerleaders-the-hottest-pics-of-the-detroit-pride. Retrieved 2012-11-11.
- ↑ Benton, Dan (2012-09-24). "Meet the Gotham City Cheerleaders, Unofficial Dancers for All New York Sports". Giants 101. http://www.giants101.com/2012/09/24/meet-the-gotham-city-cheerleaders-unofficial-dancers-for-all-new-york-sports/?doing_wp_cron. Retrieved 2012-11-11.
- ↑ Bonchak, Jean (2012-09-27). "Cleveland Spirit cheerleaders coming to Browns Town". The News-Herald. http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2012/09/27/news/nh6032206.txt. Retrieved 2012-11-11.
- ↑ http://www.aubreyaquino.com/
- ↑ Georgia State Cheerleading (2007) Retrieved February 9, 2007.
- ↑ Brooke Griffin's official website
- ↑ [1]
- ↑ Sarah Shahi (2007) Retrieved February 9, 2007
- ↑ Up & Down: It's good to be Hunter ... Mahan, that is Retrieved August 10, 2010
- ↑ Tatiana Anderson (2007) Retrieved February 9, 2007.
- ↑ Miss Florida USA (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007. Archived February 6, 2007 at the Wayback Machine.
- ↑ "Brittany's Scrapbook". Miami Dolphins. http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/cheerleaders/cheerleaders_scrapbook.asp?cheer_id=99. Retrieved 2007-08-05.
- ↑ [2]
- ↑ Pageant History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
- ↑ http://www.aubreyaquino.com/
- ↑ Jenilee Harrison (2007) Retrieved February 9, 2007.
- ↑ Angela King (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
- ↑ Angela King Designs (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
- ↑ http://www.alidudek.com/home.html
- ↑ Dr. Williams (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
- ↑ Debbie Barrigan (2007) Retrieved February 9, 2007.[dead link]
- ↑ Miss Maryland USA (2007) Retrieved February 9, 2007.
External links
- NFL Cheerleaders on Football Babble
Team websites
| This page uses content from Wikipedia. The original article was at NFL Cheerleading. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with American Football Database, the text of Wikipedia is available under the GNU Free Documentation License. |