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OMG! Wrld's Bst Txtr Wins $50K

500 text per day habit pays off for Iowa teen

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 17, 2009 1:20 AM CDT

(Newser) – A 15-year-old Iowa girl took home $50,000 and a new phone after thumbing her way to first place in the National Texting Championships yesterday, CNN reports. Kate Moore, who has developed a 500 text-per-day habit since getting her first phone last year, aced speed and dexterity tests as well as rounds texting blindfolded and texting while navigating an obstacle course.

Contestants were also tested on texting acronyms like PAW: Parents are Watching. Moore's win was sealed after she texted tie-breaker message "Zippity Dooo Dahh Zippity Ayy. MY oh MY, what a wonderful day! Plenty of sunshine Comin' my way. Zippitty Do Dah Zippity Aay! WondeRful Feeling Wonderful day!" a fraction faster than the 14-year-old runner-up.

[Images (3)]

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Kate Moore, of Des Moines, reacts to winning the 2009 LG US National Texting Championship in New York yesterday. (AP Photo/Yanina Manolova)

Kate Moore, 15, of Des Moines, Iowa, clutches something in her hands besides a cell phone as she poses with her winning trophy in the LG US National Texting Championship in New York. (AP Photo/LG Mobile Phones)

Kate Moore, 15, of Des Moines, Iowa, demonstrates her lightning-fast manual dexterity in the LG U.S. National Texting Championship in New York yesterday. (AP Photo/LG Mobile Phones)

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Im so prd of myself & it feels aswm that ive gottn so far! :) - Kate Moore

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OMG! Wrld's Bst Txtr Wins $50K