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this is a discussion within the Saints Community Forum; THE DON'S Crystal Ball 2009 SEASON Midseason Analysis By DonCanabis/TheDon Analyst/Godfather Last week has been the weirdest betting week in the NFL and probably the best for Sportsbooks all over the world! There were 10 upset line bets of the ...
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Don's Crystal Ball Midseason Analysis
Crystal Ball
Midseason Analysis
By DonCanabis/TheDon
Last week has been the weirdest betting week in the NFL and probably the best for Sportsbooks all over the world! There were 10 upset line bets of the 13 games, this means that 77% of the underdogs won the line; this is just unheard off, just surreal Personally, I had a bad feeling and decided to sit and enjoy the games this week after two good weeks of profits.
Still, being a likely loser week for most, Im GLAD I was a half point away of being over 50% against the spread (because NE only won by 10); one can expect weird weeks during a NFL season its common that things just wont go as you expected Its just that I have never seen a wacky week like this!
Its midway through the season so its time for my midseason review.
Offensive Player of the year: Chris Johnson hands down; he is the real deal. Whats impressive about this kid, its not only that hes leading all rusher by more than 120 yards and a ridiculous 6.7 yard avrg. What strikes me is that he has done it in a (2-6) team where hes the only real weapon and everyone is expecting him to get the ball! Titans are playing so bad almost always coming from behind that Jonhson doesnt get as much attempts as other backs because at some point Tennessee has had to abandon the run. Runner- up: Peyton Manning. With all the secondary hurt, almost no running game, bad oline and 1st year WR he has his team undefeated and has posted seven 300 yard games.
Defensive Player of the year: Troy Polamalu. Being in a sack driven league I know you would expect the sack leader this spot, please forget the stats! What Troy brings to the Steelers defense is the swagger and confidence that makes it so dominant. He has only played in 4 games this season (missing 4 because of his knee injury in game one) but has helped turnaround this defense from one that folded late in the game into a dominant one that took the game against Minnesota and ended the game against Denver. Runner up: Elvis Dumervil. Some are more fascinated with Jareds season but the fact that 7.5 of his sacks came against the same team with a bad oline and a QB that holds the ball too much for me this undermines his accomplishments. Dumervil has been a force and key part of the success of Mikes implementation of the 3-4 defense in Denver; the guy is fast, athletic and a warrior Just remember the sack he made against Flozell Adams when he just stopped banded like in Matrix and got Tony Romo. This has to be one of the top 10 Sacks Ive ever seen...
Biggest surprise of the Season: Miles Austin. Some already knew about him and expect him to have a breakout year after T.O went out the door. He has a lot of talent: what he has done since he was named the starter in Week 4, is to lead the league in yard avrg per catch (Wr over 25 catches) with a mind blowing 22.7. Compared to other performers, the closest is DeSean Jackson with a 20.4 avrg and Mike Wallace with 17.5. Furthermore, what has been more impressive is how he can change the game with one play; just consider last weeks catch of 49 yards and a game changing TD against Philadelphia after they had shut him down all day! Runner up: Darren Sharper. At his 34 years hes leading the league in interceptions with 7, and he has return 3 for TD (4 is you count 1 that was called back) hes having his best year in his career and its a big reason why the Saints defense turned from a liability.
Biggest turnaround: Denver. I was a little inclined to pick Cincinnati after last weeks the key win against Baltimore; however, Denver has performed above the pack this season. Just to name a few changes: Releasing Coach Czar Mike Shanahan, going for a rookie HC, trading away their franchise QB and having a big dispute with their top WR, and finally, changing their defense to a 3-4! It amazes me all these changes in one season and still being able to keep his team focus and optimistic! Runner up: Cincinnati. It only took Marvin Lewis 6 years and almost his job to have a dominant defense. A good Assistant coach and great draft picks have changed this team known more from their off the field drama into contenders.
Biggest Slump: Tennessee. After a 13-3 season the loss of Haynesworth and the loss of their Defensive Coordinator I expected a drop from last year however no one projected a 0-6 start. This team has the talent so the drop was a huge surprise. Runner up: San Francisco Look I didnt expected a big season from them but after how they ended last year and their 3-1 start we all thought they would take the West but with a 0-5 record after that this has been a jaw breaker.
Best Free Agent Pickup: Darren Sharper. As I said before what he has done to the New Orleans secondary has been huge not only by the plays he has done but the confidence he has brought to those players Im just perplexed by the difference he has made. Runner up: Brian Dawkins/Mike Nolan. One mans mistake is another mans profit; the turn that these two people have done to Denvers defense is immense, changing it from a laughing-stock last year to a dominant force .Wow!
Worst Free Agent Pickup: Terrell Owens. We all know the first thing T.O said to himself after he signed with Buffalo was Ill show Jerry and Troy the mistake they made Ill show them all, we all know some fault falls in Edwards and the moves Juron has made to that team but, to have worst numbers that Roy Williams after 8 weeks its just wrong. Runner up: Chris Canty. When NY took him I said not only they overpaid for the guy but where is he going to play. That team was overloaded with tackles and DE so to pay a guy a 6-year $42 million deal to be a situational player was ridiculous to me. He has been hurt and only played in 2 so far with 2 tackles.
Comeback Player of The year: Cedric Benson. Before the Bengals picked him up last year he not only was considered a bust but untouchable. This is a player that came to the league with big expectations and turn out to be another underproductive Diva. Fortunately, he received a big wake up call when he was thrown over the curve by the NFL, just what this player needed to reach his potential. Now, he runs like hes running over every critic. Runner up: Brett Favre. After his 7th retirement and coming to a new team in the middle of preseason everyone expected Favre to start great, although he fade at midpoint. Crazy at it may sound it turns out that at his 40s hes playing better than his 20s. I just hope we dont have to go through all the drama again in the next offseason.
Offensive Rookie of The year: Percy Harvin. To have this kid and Adrian Peterson in the same team is just not fair for the rest of the league. He has gain the respect and trust from Favre, hes a total difference maker it doesnt matter if he runs, returns or catchs the ball hes going to hurt the opposition. Runner up: Micheal Oher. If you want to see his stats watch what McGahee and Rice have run this year or the improvement Flacco has had. Just hope its not another one year wonder Olineman.
Defensive Rookie of The year: Brian Cushing. He started slow, but the light bulb turned on and he has become a tackling machine, hes all over the place making huge plays in that Texans defense. Runner up: Jairus Byrd. A second round pick CB turned to FS has played every game lead the league in int with7; second in pass deflections with 16. This kid is starting to make a name for himself. Orakpo deserves recognition for what he has done as a rusher if he only would be use like that all the time i still dont get why theyre trying to make him a OLB in a 4-3 defense where he should be a DE.
Which Teams will make the Playoffs.
After watching at least 60% of the games played this season (not the highlights) and looking at the remaining schedule, these are the teams I believe have what it takes to make it. Some will be obvious choices based on their record and their rest of the division but there are a few surprises:
New England Patriots (6-2).- They have a tough second half schedule with only 3 games at home and 4 teams of .500 including 2 undefeated teams. But with only 2 division games left and a 2 games lead over the Jets, its easy to expect the patriots to make the playoffs this year; even if we all hate it.
Cincinnati Bengals (6-2).- This weekend game can become a huge game for Cincinnati even if they lose it! And if they aim to take care of their soft schedule against Oakland, Cleveland, Detroit and Kansas City they could take the North based on Division record. The Steelers still have to face Baltimore twice and with their season on the line it will be tough for Pittsburgh to sweep them.
Indianapolis Colts (8-0).- This is a no brainer: being undefeated and with a 4 game lead over Houston it would take a complete meltdown for the Colts to loose their division and even worse be out of the playoffs. The Colts have a tough second half schedule but even hitting .500 should be enough to take the division or at least make it to the playoffs.
Denver (6-2).- This division could come down to next weeks game with both teams having some easy games and other 3 tough games. San Diego is a team on the rise winning their last 3 games: two of those wins came against easy opponents and the last one against NY a team going in the opposite direction. So, that gave me the nod of choosing the Broncos.
Pittsburgh (6-2).- This team is running under the radar which is hard for a Super Bowl winner but starting slow has made some media guys and teams doubt them. After 5 wins in a row some against tough opponents, its hard to doubt there possibility even if they have a tough schedule ahead. I will be tough to see them folding in December.
Houston (5-4).- Of all the teams in the bubble, they have by far the easiest schedule with games against Ten, Jac, Sea, Stl, Mia and Ne in week 17 (when theyll probably rest half the team)they could be the final Wildcard team over San Diego, Baltimore and Jets. Their only tough game is against Indianapolis at Home, a game they could win based on last weeks surprise loss. The only things that worry me are not having Daniels and their 4th quarter drops if they play well they should make it.
Dallas (6-2).- Of the 3 teams playing for a spot in the NFC EAST, Dallas has the easiest schedule, which it isnt much, this last weeks victory against Philadelphia could mean the Division for Dallas. Let me explain why: With 2 games left against Washington , games against Green Bay and Oakland they still could have a December debacle and make it the playoffs. This Division might come down to the week 17 game of Philadelphia at Dallas and if God wants to play a joke on them this game could be repeated the following week in the Wildcard Game.
Minnesota (7-1).- With the loss of Green Bay and Chicago during their bye week Minnesota has practically secured their division. Dont expect them to slow down even with this because if a team needs a first round bye in the playoffs is Minnesota specially grandpa Favre!
New Orleans (8-0).- Another team like Indianapolis that has almost secured a spot in the playoffs. Atlanta is close (5-3) although for New Orleans to give up the division means to lose 4 games and Atlanta go 8-0 or be defeated at least 3 games (2 division games) so Atlanta would have a better division record.
Arizona (5-3).- How quickly this division has changed, the hot start of San Francisco now has faded, this division is the one that worries me the most because it can change in a week. It looks like no team really wants it! With the performance of the teams, Arizona having a two game lead and with two games against St. Louis and 1 against Detroit; The Cardinals could take this division again with a 9-7 record.
Philadelphia (5-3).- I dont see 3 teams of the NFC EAST going to the playoffs based on their schedule and of the two other teams. The Eagles look better right now; however this could change if NYs defense starts playing at their level. Eli Manning finally looked good last week after his injury but their secondary keeps giving away plays. If NY doesnt get over their hump, the Eagles would take one of the wildcard spots.
Atlanta (5-3).- Of all the teams with a shot, the Falcons and Green Bay have the best chance to make it based on their schedule. So it came down to decide which of these two teams can expect to win the games theyre supposed to and at least win one difficult game Hint: last weeks loss of Green Bays gave me the answer I was looking for
Who do I like Tonight
Chicago at San Francisco -3 Ovr/Und 43.5
Chicago hasnt been good on the road with a 1-3 record, Cutler has improved but what has hurt that team believe it or not is the defense. They havent been good against the run and they face Gore tonight. San Francisco started strong with a 3-1 record but after that they have gone 0-4. Teams have found ways to hurt what it looked like a dominant defense and they just cant seem to overcome that.
Straight: Chi
Spread: Chi
Ovr/Und: Und
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That game was so bad i don't think anyone should make money off of it. It would be like making a bet on how many puppies will drown floating in a cardboard box at the beach.
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He said he was perplexed with the difference Darren Sharper has made in the secondary. I could see how he might not totally understand how he has impacted the secondary, but to be perplexed is a bit much.
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Re: Don's Crystal Ball Midseason Analysis
really? troy polamalu as defensive MVP? the guy that has missed 4 games already this season?
come on man......i might be showing signs of homerism.....but how the fiddlesticks does a guy who has only played 4 games beat out a guy that is almost as good as the entire browns offense?
Re: Don's Crystal Ball Midseason Analysis
Originally Posted by CantonLegendWell said my friend.
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Jade Briggs '04
B.S.B.A., Finance
Job: Relationship manager for Enkompas Technology Solutions, a Pittsburgh IT support firm, helping clients develop and maintain long-term technology plans.
Home: A native of Elizabeth, currently living in Kennedy Township.
Family: Married Lindsey Hyser '04 in 2007.
Proudest Achievement: "Being the first member of my family to leave home to attend college."
Best RMU Memory: The night before commencement, Jade and his friends — including his future wife — all got together to celebrate their accomplishments and talk about all their good memories.
Last RMU Event Attended: Women's and men's basketball doubleheader in February that featured a reception and beer tasting between the two games.
What brings him back: "I entered Robert Morris as a young boy and left as a mature man. My professors played a major role in my development. I met my wife and close friends here. I want to give back to the university to contribute to its continued development."
Robert Morris University. All rights reserved.

subset: commoncrawl


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Lindsay Lohan apparently fled to Los Angeles International Airport Thursday instead of checking into a court-mandated rehab center, a prosecutor said.
"She's there. In fact, she is going to be meeting later today with a psychiatrist, and her therapy and treatment is undergoing immediate commencement," Lohan attorney Mark Heller told Judge James Dabney.
White said if it's true Lohan has fled, he would ask Dabney to issue a warrant for Lohan's immediate arrest.
The Post said that could happen as early as Friday.
The troubled actress, who made her motion picture debut in Disney's remake of "The Parent Trap," was under court order to begin 90 days of rehabilitation to settle charges she lied to police after crashing into a truck on California's Pacific Coast Highway last summer.
Minutes after Heller told Dabney Lohan had checked in, celebrity news website TMZ published photos of Lohan shopping at Fry's Electronics, a big-box consumer electronics store, in Fountain Valley, 8 miles south of Newport Beach.
"Lindsay Lohan's lawyer lied in court when he said his client was already ensconced in a rehab facility," the website said. "She was actually roaming the aisles of an electronics store."
About 2 hours later, Lohan is reported to have pulled up to Morningside in a sport utility vehicle but drove away without the actress getting out.
Morningside is unlicensed, California Department of Alcohol and Drug Program Deputy Director Millicent Tidwell told the Post.
It wasn't immediately clear if Lohan or her team knew Morningside was unlicensed.
The "Mean Girls" actress earlier agreed to check in Thursday to the Seafield Center alcohol and drug rehab center in Westhampton Beach, N.Y., on Long Island.
But at the last second, she went against the prosecution's recommendation and said she would check in to Morningside, Heller said.


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Shin-Soo Choo and Joey Votto each homered and drove in three runs, helping the Cincinnati Reds to a much needed 7-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday.
The Reds entered the day with three losses in their last four contests, but their win, coupled with a Washington loss later Saturday, put them 5 1/2 games ahead of the Nats for the final wild-card berth.
However, the team took advantage of Milwaukee's rookie starter Johnny Hellweg (1-4), tagging the right-hander for four runs on eight hits over five innings to pick up a half-game on Washington.
Choo scored three times and Todd Frazier produced an RBI single to back a solid outing from Homer Bailey (11-10), who worked around a three-run fourth to throw seven innings and stay undefeated in his last nine starts.
"Homer was good today, he struggled and struggled quite a bit in the game but made pitches when he had to and made plays to get out of jams," said Reds manager Dusty Baker.
Carlos Gomez had two hits, an RBI and a run scored in the setback for Milwaukee, which won Friday's series opener, 5-1.
The Brewers were within one at 4-3 after five innings, but the Reds recreated a comfortable cushion with three runs over the next three frames.
Votto hit his 23rd home run of the year in the sixth, a two-run shot that occurred two batters after Choo reached with a walk.
After plating three runs in the fourth, the Brewers' only hit over the last five frames came on an eighth-inning single from Gomez. The Reds had upped their lead to 7-3 in the top half of the frame, with the speedy Billy Hamilton scoring on a Choo sac fly after coming on as a pinch-runner. He moved into scoring position by swiping second, then was sacrificed over to third.
Khris Davis and Jeff Bianchi walked around Gomez's hit in the eighth to load the bases against Sam LeCure. However, Aroldis Chapman came in to fan pinch- hitter Jonathan Lucroy on four pitches to escape the threat. The Reds' closer then struck out the side in the ninth despite walking a pair of batters.
The Reds manufactured their first run, as Choo doubled to start the game, moved to third on a sacrifice and came in to score on Votto's fly to center. The inning continued with a walk to Jay Bruce and a single from Ryan Ludwick before Frazier made it 2-0 with line-drive single to right.
Hellweg's early struggles continued in the second. He plunked Bailey with one away, then fell into a 4-0 hole after Choo sent his offspeed pitch over the center-field wall.
"The first two innings toughened him," said Brewers manager Ron Roenicke about Hellweg, who finished his outing with three scoreless frames.
Milwaukee got to Bailey in the fourth, reaching the righty for four hits and three runs. Scooter Gennett led off with a single and came all the way around to score on Davis's double to center. Gomez then knocked him in with a single, swiped second, moved to third on a fly out and made it 4-3 by scoring on Bianchi's sac fly.
Game Notes
Bailey walked four and the Reds' pitching staff as a whole issued eight free passes. Milwaukee had only six hits ... Bailey is 6-0 over his undefeated streak ... Gennett had two hits for Milwaukee, which was 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position.


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Living the Scientific Life (Scientist, Interrupted)
Tag archives for Peeponauts
tags: peeponaut, astropeep, marshmallow peeps, science, space travel, astronomy, Adler Planetarium Astropeep strength training program, part of the selection process for identifying those marshmallow peeps who had "the right fluff". These special peeps would be recruited as peeponauts who would be sent into space on a weather balloon. Image: Adler Planetarium [larger view]. Like most…


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Thanks to the popularity of everything from social media sites such as Twitter to email to mobile phones, it's easier than ever to get data about who's connected to whom. With the right tools, we can apply it solve certain problems faster and easier than ever.
Aspiring heirs to the Klout throne, for example, might look to a project called STINGER currently under development at Georgia Tech University. STINGER, which stands for Spatio-Temporal Interaction Networks and Graphs Extensible Representation, is a graph-processing engine that project lead David Bader says is bigger, faster and more flexible than anything currently in use for analyzing social media connections. You provide a shared-memory computing system, and it provides an open-source tool that can help detect relationships between billions of people, places and things as those relationships change over time — even in real time.
Someone using Facebook data, for example, might write an algorithm using where people or pages would be the vertices and actions (likes, shares, wall posts, etc.) would be the graph's edges. One relatively easy application, Bader explained, would be to analyze how activity around particular people is increasing, decreasing or changing, therefore indicating changes in their importance or the growth of new communities.


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The BRICs are falling off the investment map.
The term for Brazil, Russia, India and China, where stocks gained 424 percent during the decade ended 2010, appeared in the fewest news stories last month since November 2008, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. BRIC searches on Google Inc.'s website fell to a seven-year low in December, while mutual funds that invest in the biggest emerging markets had outflows in 46 of the past 47 weeks.
Investor euphoria has turned into apathy after the four economies grew at the slowest pace since 2009 and the MSCI BRIC Index trailed world markets for a third straight year. The man who came up with the BRIC moniker -- Goldman Sachs Group Inc.'s Jim O'Neill -- announced his retirement this week.
"It looks like investors, certainly the trend-following types, have lost interest," O'Neill, who will step down as chairman of Goldman Sachs' asset management unit this year after about 18 years at the New York-based bank, said in a Feb. 5 phone interview.
O'Neill, 55, introduced the BRIC concept in a 2001 research report predicting that the countries' share of the global economy would increase. His colleagues at Goldman Sachs estimated two years later that the nations may join the U.S. and Japan as the world's biggest economies by 2050.
'Like a Brick'
The bullish outlook proved prescient as the BRIC countries grew at an average annual pace of 6.6 percent from 2001 to 2010, almost twice as fast as the global economy, according to the International Monetary Fund in Washington. China is now the world's second-largest economy in dollar terms, while Brazil is No. 7, Russia is No. 9 and India is No. 10, IMF estimates for 2012 showed in October.
Goldman Sachs' prediction helped unleash a flood of money into the BRIC countries. Investors poured about $15 billion into mutual funds that buy stocks in all four nations, along with another $52 billion into funds dedicated to individual members of the group, from 2001 through 2010, according to Cambridge, Massachusetts-based research firm EPFR Global.
The name stuck. Investors "wanted something that was simple," Christopher Palmer, who oversees about $2.5 billion as the London-based director of global emerging markets at Henderson Global Investors Ltd., said by phone Feb. 5. "BRIC is a nice marketing concept, and it sounds quite solid, like a brick."
Slowing Growth
The MSCI BRIC index's 424 percent return through 2010, including dividends, compares with a 44 percent gain for the MSCI All-Country World Index and 350 percent for the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. That means $10,000 invested in the BRICs grew to about $52,400 during the period.
Now, the nations' shares are lagging behind as their economic growth advantage shrinks and investors shift money to smaller emerging markets, including Turkey and the Philippines. Gross domestic product in the BRICs probably increased 4.2 percent on average in 2012, versus 3.2 percent for the world economy, according to the IMF. The 1 percentage point gap would be the smallest since 1998.
The MSCI BRIC index lost 9.2 percent from the end of 2010 through yesterday, compared with a 2.4 percent slide in MSCI's emerging-market index and a 13 percent advance in the MSCI All- Country gauge. The four-nation measure is up about 2.2 percent this year, versus a 4.3 percent increase in the global index.
O'Neill Bullish
Brazil, Russia, India, China and BRIC funds have recorded combined outflows of about $8.3 billion since 2010 even as those investing in global emerging markets had inflows of $70 billion, EPFR Global data show.
The BRICs have "now become unfashionable," John-Paul Smith, an emerging markets strategist at Deutsche Bank AG in London who predicted the underperformance of BRIC shares in 2011, said in a report e-mailed Jan. 24.
O'Neill disagrees. Fading interest in the countries is a contrarian indicator that may foreshadow world-beating equity returns this year as China's economy recovers, he said.
"It's my hunch, because of China, that the BRIC index will outperform," O'Neill said by phone from London.
Relative Value
The Shanghai Composite Index has climbed 6.6 percent this year as consumer purchases support a rebound in economic growth. China's expansion accelerated in the fourth quarter for the first time in two years, with GDP increasing 7.9 percent from a year earlier, according to the National Bureau of Statistics in Beijing. Retail sales climbed 15.2 percent in December.
Low valuations are another reason to be bullish, O'Neill said. The MSCI BRIC index trades for 10 times reported earnings, versus 16 times for the MSCI All-Country gauge. The 36 percent discount for the BRIC measure compares with an average gap of 24 percent since Bloomberg began compiling the data in July 2009.
"They trade at a significant discount, certainly to their own past," O'Neill said. "The key part of the BRIC story, the C, which is the same size as the other three put together, seems to me to be even stronger than ever."
The BRICs risk undoing their achievements of the past decade by increasing the state's role in markets, Nouriel Roubini, the chairman of Roubini Global Economics LLC in New York who predicted the 2008 financial crisis, said in a Jan. 25 interview at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. The countries "have been hyped up too much," Roubini said.
Petrobras Tumbles
In Brazil, the government fixes energy prices to rein in inflation, which has exceeded the 4.5 percent midpoint of the central bank's target range for more than two years. That means fuel imports have curbed earnings at Petroleo Brasileiro SA, Brazil's state-run oil producer, as it pays more for gasoline and diesel bought abroad than it charges distributors.
While the government authorized a fuel price increase Jan. 29, the adjustment trailed analysts' estimates and voting shares of the Rio de Janeiro-based company dropped 5.1 percent the next day. Petrobras tumbled 8.3 percent Feb. 5 to the lowest level since August 2005 after saying that it will reduce dividends.
Brazil's benchmark Bovespa Index has declined 4.2 percent this year through Feb. 7 and is down 16 percent since the end of 2010. The BSE India Sensitive Index has gained 0.8 percent in 2013 and Russia's Micex Index has increased 3.5 percent.
Fading Links
The number of news stories containing the term BRIC fell to 317 in January, according to data compiled by Bloomberg from more than 100 news sources. That's 87 percent less than the record high in March 2011, a week before the MSCI BRIC index reached an almost three-year peak.
Google, operator of the world's most-popular search engine, had the fewest queries on BRIC in December since February 2005. While the level of interest has since increased, it's still about 17 percent lower than a year ago and 48 percent below the June 2009 high, according to Google's Trends website.
Equity gauges in Shanghai, Mumbai, Moscow and Sao Paulo that once moved in lockstep with the MSCI BRIC index are losing their links to the benchmark.
The Shanghai Composite's 30-day correlation with the MSCI gauge dropped to 0.2 on Jan. 9, the lowest level since January 2012, from as high as 0.8 in September, data compiled by Bloomberg show. A reading of 1 means two markets move in tandem, while a level of -1 means they move in opposite directions.
The relationship for India's Sensex declined to the lowest level since November 2009 this month, while the reading for the Micex reached a four-year nadir. The Bovespa had the weakest correlation since March 2008 in October.
"People aren't talking about them as a group any more, but talking about the countries separately," Timothy Ghriskey, the chief investment officer at Solaris Group LLC in New York, which manages about $2 billion and has equity holdings in India and Brazil, said by phone Feb. 5. "Each one has a different investment climate, different issues."
--Bloomberg News--


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Home > Patients & Visitors > Health Library > Quitting Smoking: How Family and Friends Can Help
You can gently encourage someone who smokes to quit. Think of your comments about smoking as only one event that moves that person toward quitting.
Family and friends are a valuable source of support and motivation for a person who is trying to quit smoking. People who have already quit are an even greater source of comfort and can offer tips for success.
If a person who smokes asks for your support while trying to quit, you can:
Most people try to quit smoking many times before they are successful. Don't give up your efforts. If the person you care about fails to quit, you can:
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St. Joseph County's search for a new administrator came to an unexpectedly quick end Tuesday.
St. Joseph County's search for a new administrator came to an unexpectedly quick end Tuesday.
J. Patrick Yoder, who held the position from its inception in 1990 until 1994, has agreed to take the job, which is the highest-ranking, non-elected position in the county.
Yoder, 63, becomes successor Judy West-Wing, who retired in January after serving the past two decades of her 30-year tenure with the county as administrator.
"This is a transitional period for the county and I look forward to helping St. Joe County move forward," Yoder said, offering his compliments to West-Wing for her years of service.
Tuesday's hour-long meeting involved Yoder and four of the county's five commissioners. Yoder had agreed to meet with the board to discuss his role as a recruiter for the administrator search. As the conversation evolved into his interest in the job, it became clear Yoder was a credible candidate.
John Dobberteen, Commission chairman, said Yoder's experience is vast and, as one of only two people to hold the job, he has an advantage no other candidate could match.
Dobberteen said he is especially pleased to have found someone without incurring the expense of a recruiter.
"Cass County spent between $20,000 and $30,000 looking for an administrator," Dobberteen said. "Look at all the time and money they spent."
Yoder's first day will be April 1.
A native of Suttons Bay, Yoder is currently village manager in Three Oaks, where his base pay is in the $60,000 range, plus bonuses and insurance op-outs.
His salary with St. Joseph County will be negotiated in coming weeks, but Dobberteen expects it to be in line with West-Wing's latest earnings, which was around $85,000. Other benefits, including vacation time, insurance and a moving allocation, also are subject to future negotiations.
Yoder will serve as an at-will employ, although he, like West-Wing, will likely have a contract in place. West-Wing had worked under three-year contracts.
Dobberteen, of Sturgis, knew Yoder from his days as a resident of the city during his first go-around as administrator, and said he is glad to see Yoder's enthusiasm for the job.
"Certainly we could have spun our wheels and not come up with someone half as good as Pat," Dobberteen said. "Judy has put us in a strong financial position and it's going to be exciting to see how Pat takes us to the next level."
Yoder's work in Three Oaks came on the heels of an emergency financial manager. During his two years there, the village has managed to turn itself around, rehiring part-time police officers, completing a $4.7 million water-improvement project and a $1 million road project.
Yoder said he is proud of his work in Three Oaks and confessed he does not look forward to breaking the news of his departure to his village council tonight at its monthly meeting.
"I'm not a shopkeeper and I am happy to be leaving Three Oaks in a condition better than it was when I started," Yoder said. "My contract there is up in mid-March and the opportunity to come back to work in Centreville is something I really look forward to."
Yoder's wife, Judy, is a school teacher in Leland. He plans to look for a place to live with his
1-year-old dog on a lake in the Three Rivers area.
The Yoders have two grown children.


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Just a year ago Kerri Nelson opened The Study on Kobuk Street in Soldotna to specialize in helping kids clear academic hurdles they may be having in school. Already Nelson says they have many success stories, "We've had lot of parents tell us about improvement in their kid's attitudes and grades especially when it comes to math and that's thanks to our math tutor Emily Cotton," she said at the The Study's 1st Anniversary open house. "After we assess where the students are with their math skills then I tell them that math is really simple and show them the steps in making it simple involving English with the mathematics as a way of going between the two. As soon as they can follow steps one, two and three then they are on their way to learning that each problems can be broken down and made simple," explained Cotton. Emily says she learned math was fun through her early love of puzzles, mysteries and stories with problems that needed a solution, "So I naturally graduated toward math and it became a strong suit for me in school. Today making math fun for students is a lot of fun for me, especially realizing that math is more important than ever and necessary for every aspect of life, even in English there is a formula for writing an essay," she said.
The Study is closely aligned with the Kenai Peninsula School District according to Nelson which helps them assess the student's needs, "As we look at the assessment we can see the holes that a kiddo might have and we can back track to fill in that need with an individualized plan to file the gap, make learning fun and help the student become successful," she said.
In the midst of the Alaskan Permanent Fund Dividend season Nelson points out that while many families practice saving PFD's for college an investment today in tutoring may make the difference in whether a student will be able to get into college or not, "We have a lot of upper level math and upper level English tutorials that might be just right for the student that just needs a little extra help. All they may need is to come a couple of days a week and the result is that it really boosts their grades and that can return a huge dividend in preparing a student for their future," added Kerri. "It's hard to believe that we've been open a year already and that we have grown so much in just 12 months. It's truly amazing and I thank the community for that and we are excited about our next year and continuing to meet the needs of kids that are struggling or can use some extra help. We specialize in speaking words of life over your child." You can learn more about The Study at www.thestudysoldotna.com or by calling 262-6227 and chatting with Kerri, Emily or reading interventionist Misty McCowen.


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Delta Lyrae
Stars shine in different colors, and these colors look especially nice when they contrast with one another. And tonight, with the help of binoculars, you can see a double star that forms an especially colorful pairing. One star is red, while the other is blue.
It's known as Delta Lyrae. It's in the constellation Lyra, the harp. Lyra is easy to find, thanks to its brilliant star Vega, which is one of the five brightest stars in the night sky. The other stars of Lyra are much fainter, but if you have a star chart, you should be able to locate Delta Lyrae, not far from Vega.
The two stars of Delta Lyrae just happen to lie in the same direction from us. They're not related, so they're what astronomers call an "optical double" rather than a true double star. In fact, more than a hundred light-years of space likely separate the two stars.
Still, as viewed from Earth, the stars of Delta Lyrae form a pair. Look at them through binoculars and you'll see that the brighter star is red and the fainter one is blue, so they make a beautiful color contrast.
The colors are quite real. They indicate the surface temperatures of the stars. Red stars are cooler than the Sun, while blue stars are hotter than the Sun. So simply by looking at the two stars' colors, you can tell that one of them is hotter than the other -- a pretty amazing feat when you consider that both stars are many hundreds of light-years away.
Script by Ken Croswell, Copyright 2011
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Protecting Privacy, Limiting Street Photography - NYTimes.com
Is it illegal to photograph on the street? Nick Turpin Martin Parr and Mickey Osterreicher speak up in a brilliant piece by Olivier Laurent. In Paris, arguably the birthplace of street photography, it is getting extremely difficult to photograph people. Confusion over France's strict privacy laws has made it harder for street photographers to work in the tradition of legends like Henri Cartier-Bresson.
1 Comment
Hysterical Paroxysm said (30 Apr 2013):
I have always believed that once one steps into the public arena, one's privacy is forfeit. This is particularly true today where so many of our cities are peppered with CCTV cameras. Perhaps that is a major reason why people have become so suspicious of photographers or hostile towards them (us); it is easier to vent one's ire upon another citizen with a camera, than against the faceless governments or corporations that oppress us all.
On the other hand, not everyone in public places is in a position to object to being photographed. For many, the street IS their home: the marginalised and disenfranchised victims of social policy are easy pickings for those with Cartier-Bresson leanings. You only have to look at the pool of any of the street photography groups on Flickr to see how many 'photographers' are exploiting that vulnerability in the name of social commentary that is rarely any more than a cop out. Most of the rest are shooting from the hip, which has all the honesty of a CCTV camera.
It seems that, more than ever, when shooting people in public, the photographer needs two things to succeed: circumspection, and a big pair of brass balls! Sorry, that's three things.
Q: In Need of Inspiration in Tampa and Surrounding Areas
A: Do you know?


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Automated Toolkits Targeting Older Flaws
Automated attack toolkits remove the skill level needed to carry out attacks, enabling lesser-skilled cybercriminals to set up attack platforms to spread malware and steal data. The report found that an unpatched Java vulnerability cost one firm close to $95,000 for mitigation, lost productivity, additional monitoring, defensive controls and analysis during the incident. The Solutionary analysis found that 81 percent of the exploits identified in attacker exploit kits in 2012 were related to vulnerabilities cataloged in 2011 or earlier. The finding highlights the need for a robust patch management program at organizations.


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Response of Output Fluctuations in Costa Rica to Exchange Rate Movements and Global Economic Conditions and Policy Implications
Applying a three-equation model incorporating the monetary policy reaction function, this study finds that the real exchange rate and real GDP exhibit a bell-shaped relationship, suggesting that real depreciation raises real output during 2000.Q1-2005.Q2 whereas real appreciation increases real output during 2005.Q3-2008.Q4 or after real GDP has reached approximately 440,000 billion colones. Other findings are that a lower ratio of government consumption spending to GDP, a lower real federal funds rate, a higher world real income, and a lower expected inflation rate would increase real output. Major policy implications are that real appreciation instead of real depreciation would raise real output after 2005.Q2, that fiscal prudence needs to be followed, and that global economic conditions including world real income and the world real interest rate are important in affecting real output for Costa Rica.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5296/rae.v2i2.476
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CHICAGO – For anyone hoping the 2012 season represented the low point for baseball on the North Side, there are no such guarantees during a massive rebuilding process.
The Cubs' 101-loss season, their first over 100 since 1966, is a painful reminder of how far the organization is from fielding a competitive team. This isn't a franchise that's one or two moves away from playing .500 ball let alone contend for the playoffs. President of baseball operations Theo Epstein acknowledged as much Thursday at Wrigley Field.
"I don't know what that timetable is going to be," Epstein said. " … I'm not going to sit here and say, 'Don't worry about 101 losses because we have a magic plan to win a World Series in 2013, it's gonna happen, so be there now.' That's not the case. I think we're trying to communicate that there is a plan, there is a vision."
The Cubs have a solid core of young players with infielders Anthony Rizzo, Starlin Castro and Darwin Barney while Javier Baez, Jorge Soler and Albert Almora continue developing in the minors.
Waiting for prospects to reach the big leagues won't excite a fan base that shelled out a lot of money to watch what amounted to, at times, a Triple-A team this season. However, don't expect 2013 tickets prices to become more affordable. The Cubs have little incentive to lower their prices after drawing more than 2.8 million in 2012.
"The experience of coming to Wrigley is pretty special," Epstein said. "It's hard to replicate. I think that has something to do with the ticket prices."
With the dismal year behind them, the Cubs' focus shifts to improving a talent-starved roster. Epstein and Co.'s No. 1 focus is bolstering the starting rotation through free agency. Scouring the free agent market isn't ideal especially because Epstein does not foresee good value among available starting pitchers. The Cubs also could look for bullpen arms and help at third as they enter the offseason under the presumption that third baseman Josh Vitters and outfielder Brett Jackson will start the 2013 season at Triple-A Iowa.
"I've always believed and I still believe that the dollars you spend in major league free agency provide the lowest return on the investment of any dollars we spend in baseball operations," Epstein said. "So you don't set out looking to spend all your money in free agency."
One of Epstein's more important offseason decisions centers around outfielder Alfonso Soriano. It's not a sure thing he returns, and the Cubs will seriously consider trading him if teams inquire as long as any deal improves the organization. They aren't looking to just dump Soriano and the remaining 2 years, $36 million of his contract, though, because the Cubs would need to take on most of the money owed. Another obstacle in moving Soriano: he holds the right to reject any trade.
Although Soriano turns 37 next year, he was their best offensive player, tallying 100-plus RBIs for the first time as a Cub, and his leadership and positive influence in a young clubhouse would be difficult to replace.
"Coming in here I actually had a little trepidation of how we would handle him and the contract and if his skills declined how we would handle playing time," Epstein said. "I'll be honest, it wasn't something that I was really looking forward to. Those concerns proved to be completely baseless."
• Meghan Montemurro covers the Cubs and White Sox for Shaw Media. Write to her at email@example.com.


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Editor's Note:
The feature story below on baseball senior captain Harry Douglas, is part of a year-long commitment to highlight Harvard's captains and other intriguing student-athletes.
Harvard captain Harry Douglas led the team with a .342 batting average and had 52 hits, 29 runs, 27 RBI as well as a .513 slugging percentage and a .389 on-base percentage in 2009. Douglas has even shown some flashes of speed, tying for the team lead with eight stolen bases on 10 attempts and contributing a team-high 13 doubles. With his career at Harvard coming to a close, Douglas looks to stay involved in baseball after school.
What is your concentration?
How did you decide on Government?
Coming out of high school, I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to study. I took a Gov. class in my freshman fall and really enjoyed it, so I stuck with it. The Gov. department has a lot of great classes, so I'm glad I did.
What have you learned about yourself competing in collegiate athletics and studying at Harvard?
I've learned that I can handle a lot. Baseball is a big commitment. I've loved pretty much every second of it, but it still does take a lot of dedication. I've tried to challenge myself with some difficult classes, and I found that I could handle them as well.
What are your career aspirations after you complete school?
I want to stay involved with baseball.
When you turn 30, what are some things you hope to have accomplished by that time?
I want a billion dollars by thirty. Who doesn't though? Seriously, I'm not really sure. I hope to be healthy and happy and working hard to be successful at whatever I am doing at that point.
What is one thing you have learned in the classroom that you can apply to your everyday life? What about on the field?
It may seem cliché, but Harvard has taught me a lot about persistence. In baseball, I was injured my first couple of seasons, and it took a while for me to come back healthy. Academically, it took me a couple of semesters to figure out what it takes to be successful. I kept at it, and I've improved dramatically since then.
You've been playing both third and first base this season. Is it difficult switching back and forth between the two, and do you prefer one to the other?
The most difficult part is running back to the dugout to switch gloves. I love playing anywhere Coach Walsh tells me to go, so as long as I get to hit, I'm happy.
How did you first become involved in baseball?
My parents signed me up for tee ball when I was 6, and I've been playing ever since.
Is there a hit or a play you made that still stands out in your mind today?
When it comes to baseball, I have a memory like an elephant because I'm really focused when I play. I remember my first collegiate hit was at Jacksonville, a bloop over the second baseman's head.
Who has been the toughest pitcher you have ever faced?
Brian Matusz at San Diego. His changeup was dirty, definitely the best I've ever faced. His fastball was around 93 mph, and his change-up had to have been 80 mph with downward movement, coming from the same arm action as his fastball. I almost never get fooled by the same pitch twice in a row, but he got me with his changeup. Hopefully I'll get to face him again someday.
This year you again got to compete in the Beanpot at Fenway Park. What is that experience like, getting to play in the same park as the Red Sox?
It's fun to imagine that you belong there for a day. At the same time, it's very humbling knowing the history of the ballpark and all the great players who have played there before.
Because the season starts in early March, the team has to head south to play teams down there. Does that help or hurt the team, or both?
It never hurts getting to play in 80-degree weather while it's still 30 degrees up here in Cambridge. The trips down south are some of the most fun experiences of the year, and it allows us to play some excellent teams.
Is it a disadvantage for northern teams not being able to practice outdoors as much as southern teams can?
It used to be a disadvantage before we had the bubble over the football field. Now we can hit, field, long toss and even simulate games inside, so I'd say we're on a fairly even footing with southern teams.
What was the best field/stadium you ever played at? Which one was the worst?
My favorite field we've played at is Tampa. Their field was in pristine condition, the weather was beautiful and the backdrop was the skyline of Tampa. There were palm trees surrounding the field. It was very picturesque. We haven't played at any fields that were really terrible, but I never liked Dartmouth's old field because the dugouts were very small, the field dimensions were really arbitrary and the field itself wasn't the best condition. This year they completely redid it with turf, so I'm looking forward to seeing it.
Were you involved and have you tried to stay involved in other sports?
I used to play soccer and basketball back in the day. I play a little tennis. When there are enough people, I love to play football. I also try to play basketball now, but I'm terrible. My jump shot is garbage, and I'm not ashamed to admit that.
What other activities do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I like working out, lifting weights and running. I like playing poker, video games, reading and spending time with my friends. When I'm home in New Jersey, I like to go to the shore and relax on the beach.
What was the first CD or the first few CDs you ever bought as a kid?
The first CD I ever got was a Will Smith CD one of my friends gave me as a birthday gift. In fact, I'm pretty sure I still have it.
Have you read a book, watched a movie or done something else that you would recommend to a friend?
I would recommend a documentary called "Street Fight." It is about the 2002 mayoral campaign in Newark, N. J. It follows Cory Booker through his campaign, and it's really fascinating to see what goes on behind the scenes.
Have you ever gotten to meet anyone famous, and is there anyone you would like to meet?
The most famous person I've gotten to chat with is Harvard President Drew Faust.
If you could visit any place in the world and do anything, regardless of money, where/what would it be?
This may not count as any place in the world, but I think it would be pretty cool to go to the moon like the Apollo astronauts. Not saying I'd want to live there, but just touch down, bounce around a little bit and come home.
What are a few meals, either for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack, that you wouldn't mind having to eat over and over?
This is the easiest question yet. Felipe's Tacqueria. I eat there about 4-5 times per week. In fact, I'm on a first name basis with the people behind the counter. My favorite order is a super chicken burrito with black beans, rice, jalapenos and hot sauce. Delicious.
Crimson Characters: Baseball's Harry Douglas
Editor's Note:


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Reggie Bush is coming here...that's a lock!
Maybe Dwayne Bowe..
Please not Alex Smith~
Reggie Bush is coming here...that's a lock!
Maybe Dwayne Bowe..
Please not Alex Smith~
QBs today are more mobile than they used to be.
I would go with Steve Young who can get his own yards on the ground when our WRs are covered.
Marino or Montana. Marino best pure passer in the game. The guy had no one on his team. Montana because he always found a way to win. Very special player. Besides QB I'd say Bo Jackson. That guy If played a full career might have been the best rb of all time. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson. After all said and done he will be considered the best wide receiver of all time. Sure he probably won't put up Rice numbers but who will? The guy had two hof qbs. No one will match his level of consistency but we won't see a talent of Johnson's level for a few decades. Defense? Revis or Taylor
Just Wow!!! Sayers was my football hero....
There were moves you see on that footage that you can't do on a video game!!!!!!!!!
And would I take him over Montana.... Answer = No
But I would pay big money to see Gayle Sayers in a Jets uniform today!!!
Gale Sayers was a threat to go all the way whenever he touched the ball. Now he was better than Adrian Peterson IMO. I think the team is deep in the playoffs with him.


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The technological solution to scandalously long wait times at Veterans Administration health clinics arrived a dozen years ago. Sadly, it's an example of how IT systems fail to solve problems when they are out of sync with how work actually gets done.
An internal audit released earlier this week showed that at more than 70% of facilities at least one staffer admitted they didn't always log veteran requests for appointments in the official online system for tracking the requests. Instead, those requests were kept off the books, tracked by some alternative means. Although this amounts to only about 8% of staffers admitting to these omissions, the fudging of data added up. At last count, the VA is now saying, 57,000 new patients have waited more than 90 days for an appointment.
Just as bad, 13% of VA staffers responsible for scheduling reported being told to enter false data into the "desired date" field -- the requested date for an appointment. The essence of the scandal is evidence that managers encouraged the falsification of data to make their statistics look better in reports.
[Want to be untrackable? Read 13 Ways To Beat Big Brother.]
The VA has had an Electronic Wait List system since 2002 to supplement the scheduling component of its VistA electronic medical records system. EWL was conceived of as a solution to the complaints about long waits for appointments that were already an issue at the time -- or, at least, a way of tracking how many veterans weren't immediately scheduled for an appointment.
"Current waiting time measures reflect the experience of veterans already 'in the system' and do not accurately portray waiting time experiences of new enrollees or patients without a scheduled appointment," Laura Miller, then Deputy Under Secretary of Health Operations and Management, wrote in a memo at the time, quoted in the EWL documentation to explain the need for the software.
"Whether due to absence of appointments or other reasons, ad hoc 'waiting lists' of new veteran enrollees to be entered into the scheduling system are known to exist, and waiting times for new enrollees seeking care are anecdotally reported to be long," she wrote. "We will attempt to formalize an 'electronic waiting list' in VistA to more consistently and accurately reflect demand across VHA, and reduce the risk to enrollees lost to follow-up due to clerical error."
So the VA created EWL, a data gathering and reporting system to help it track and manage its backlog. But any performance management system can be subverted by those determined not to let their performance be tracked. The VA
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The Pioneer Valley Performing Arts charter school's Catalyst Dance Company celebrates 15 years of movement with Dancing in the Eye of the Storm. The evening includes works by Bill T. Jones, hip-hop choreographer James Morrow and Catalyst founder Jodi Falk.
April 11-12, 7 p.m., $6-12, Academy of Music, 274 Main St., Northampton, 584-9032, academyofmusictheatre.com.


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Clayton Anderson, 41, of Fayetteville, died Friday morning (Oct. 4, 2013) at his residence. Mr. Anderson was a native of Lincoln County, the son of James Thomas Anderson of Fayetteville and Inez Swinford Anderson of Taft. He was a stay-at-home dad. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Shantia Looney Anderson; children, Elizabeth Looney, Chris Anderson and Sarah Anderson, all of Fayetteville; brother, James Anthony Anderson of Fayetteville; sisters, Michelle Cash of Decatur, Ala., and Theresa Anderson of Fayetteville; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at Higgins Funeral Home. Burial followed in Kirkland Cemetery. Higgins Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
James Bennett Barnett, 72, a native of Huntsville, Ala., and a resident of Houma, La., died Tuesday (Oct. 1, 2013). Survivors include his son, James Clifton Barnett; daughters, Helen Marie Daigle and husband, Daniel, Wanda Fanning, Bobbie Jean Jones and Richard "Dickie" Jones; brother, Randy Hugh Barnett; sisters, Janie Moore and husband, Billy, and Jo Ann Barnett; grandchildren, Tina Dawn Stanley, Jason Jerome Jones and wife Candice, Brandy Nicole Romine and Jonathan McClendon, Richelle "Shelly" Marie Malinarolo and husband Matthew, Daniel Felix Daigle III, John Clint Jones, Andrea Michelle "Sissy" Daigle; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Colleen Barnett; parents, William Allen Barnett and Rassie Lee Barnett; brothers, Bobby Gene Barnett (surviving wife, Cathy "Sam"), Johnny Maxwell Barnett (surviving wife, Kathy), Kenneth "Buddy" Barnett (deceased wife Betty); sister, Brenda Joyce Holmes (surviving husband, RC). Memorial services were conducted Sunday afternoon at Saint Francis de Sales Cemetery, West Main, Houma. Samart Funeral Home of Houma in charge of arrangements.
Jean Beasley, 72, of Ardmore, died Wednesday (Oct. 2, 2013) at her home. Funeral services were held Friday morning at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Ala., with the Rev. Jonathan Pope officiating. Burial was in Gatlin Cemetery. Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Mary "Mama Jewell" Bryson, 92, of Fayetteville, died Tuesday (Oct. 1, 2013) at Lincoln Care Center. She was born in South Pittsburg on Aug. 11, 1921 to the late William M. Hall and Flora Knight Hall Wheeler. She was a pharmacist assistant and a member Father's House Church. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her daughter, Reba McGuire; son, Biff Bryson; sisters, Virginia Reeves, Opal Balaban; and brother, Grady Hall. Mrs. Bryson is survived by daughters, Flora and Steve Powell of Petersburg, Eileen and Sonny Myers of Toney, Ala., Phyllis Jefferies of Fayetteville, Joy and Mike Campbell of Fayetteville, Mary Ruth and Charles Hinson of Columbia; sons, Carl and Anne Bryson of Chickamauga, Ga., David and Wanda Bryson of Ringgold, Ga.; 34 grandchildren; 53 great-grandchildren; and 20 great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Thursday in the chapel of Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home with Bro. Sonny Moore and Bro. Steve Powell officiating. Burial followed in Blanche Cemetery. The family extends a special thank you to Lincoln Care Center and Dr. William Hughes. Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Jimmy Richard Chick, 55, of the Mimosa Community, died Monday (Sept. 30, 2013) at his residence. He was a native of Lincoln County and the son of the late Bobby Joe Chick, Sr., and Peggy Parks Chick of Fayetteville, who survives. He attended the Mimosa Church of Christ. Survivors, in addition to his mother, include four brothers, Bobby Joe Chick, Jr., Terry Chick, Billy Joe Chick and Bobby Lynn Chick, all of Fayetteville. He was preceded in death by his father, Bobby Joe Chick, Sr., and grandparents, Virgie Baker and John Edgar Chick. Graveside services were conducted Thursday afternoon at Rose Hill Cemetery with Bro. Errick Crump officiating. Higgins Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
John Edward Cowden, 90, of Petersburg, died Tuesday (Oct. 1, 2013) at his residence. A native of Lincoln County, Mr. Cowden was the son of the late Leonard Campbell Cowden and Laura Ada Sorrells. Mr. Cowden attended Eastern Kentucky College and the University of Kentucky. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Petersburg, served his country as a member of the United States Marines, serving in World War II, and was a farmer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, William Cowden, and sister-in-law, Jo Ann Cowden. Mr. Cowden is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ernestine Miles Cowden of Petersburg; one daughter, Rose (Chuck) Wright of Murfreesboro; one son, John Miles (Derrell) Cowden of Petersburg; two grandsons, Tommy (Janna) and Jimmy Cowden; three great-granddaughters, Regan, Brooke and Bethany Cowden; one niece; two nephews; and several cousins. Funeral services were Friday afternoon at First Baptist Church in Petersburg with Doug Brown and James Hickey officiating. Burial was in Old Orchard Cemetery in Petersburg. Condolences of sympathy can be sent to www.billsmcgaugh.com. Bills-McGaugh Funeral Home and Crematory in charge of the arrangements.
Greg Crabtree, 52, of Fayetteville, died Sunday morning (Oct. 6, 2013) in Huntsville Hospital. A native of Lincoln County, he was the son of Bill W. and Maurine McAlister Crabtree of Fayetteville. He was a truck driver and a member of Park City Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Kim Crabtree of Fayetteville; daughter, Kellie Dollar of Fayetteville; son, Morgan Crabtree, of Huntsville, Ala.; sisters, Billette Kimbrough and Carla (Murray) Blackwelder, both of Fayetteville; grandson, Michael Crabtree of Florida; mother-in-law, Carolyn and Ricky Stovall of Fayetteville; father-in-law, Jimmy and Barbara Collins of Chapel Hill; 11 nephews; and 12 nieces. He was preceded in death by grandparents, Carl and Annie McAlister and Bruce and Elizabeth Crabtree, and a nephew, Brandon Kimbrough. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday afternoon at Higgins Funeral Home with the Rev. Don Russell officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Higgins Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Angie Marie Frazier, 48, of Ardmore, Ala., died Saturday (Oct. 5, 2013) at her home. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday afternoon at Taft Full Gospel Church with Bro. Harold Boggs officiating. Burial followed in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Ardmore, Ala. Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Robert Allen (Bobby) Hasting, 60, of Ardmore, Ala., died Wednesday (Oct. 2, 2013) at Athens-Limestone Hospital in Athens, Ala. Funeral services were conducted Saturday afternoon at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home. Burial was in Gatlin Cemetery. Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Pauline Valera Wallace Monks, 95, of Fayetteville, died Monday afternoon (Sept. 30, 2013) in Donalson Skill Care Center. A native of Lincoln County, Mrs. Monks was the daughter of the late Lee Roy and Nora Ellen Moyers Wallace. She was a member of the Camargo Church of Christ, a former employee of Serbin Fashions, farmer and homemaker. She was a member of the Wells Hill Home Demonstration Club where she served as president in 1943 and again in 1996. Survivors include one son, Earl Monks and wife, Renee, of Fayetteville; a daughter, Ellen Faye Brooks of Memphis; grandchildren, Garrett Monks of Doniphan, Mo., Amanda Gambill of Fayetteville, Kevin L. Brooks, Paula Butram and Judy Shaver, all of Memphis; 12 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Monks was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Wilson C. Brooks. Funeral services were conducted Thursday afternoon at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Bill Ivey officiating. Burial followed in Riverview Memorial Gardens beside her husband, Carl Bryant Monks, who passed away in 2004. Higgins Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Pearley Pack, 98, of Ardmore, Ala., died Wednesday (Oct. 2, 2013) at her home. Funeral services were conducted Saturday at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Ala., with Bro. Carl Witty officiating. Burial was in Gatlin Cemetery. Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Bobby E. Riddle, 78, of Fayetteville died Thursday (Oct. 3, 2013) at Huntsville Hospital. A native of Lynchburg, he was the son of the late Cecil and Jane Taylor Riddle. He was a U.S. Army veteran and member of the Masonic Lodge. He was a retired construction engineer. Mr. Riddle was a member of Twin Oaks Baptist Church in Shelbyville. He enjoyed running marathon races, fishing, reading and making trips to the beach with his grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Kenneth Riddle. Mr. Riddle is survived by his wife, June White Riddle of Fayetteville; one son, Greg Riddle of Mulberry; four grandchildren, Stone, Boone, Grey and Lucy Riddle, all of Beech Grove; and many special friends. Funeral services were held Monday morning at Lynchburg Funeral Home with Bro. Carl Tucker and John White officiating. Burial followed in the Lynchburg Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Moore County Library, 17 Lynchburg Highway, Lynchburg, TN, 37352 or Fayetteville-Lincoln County Public Library, 306 Elk Ave. N, Fayetteville, TN, 37334. For online guest registry, please visit www.lynchburgfuneralhome.com. Lynchburg Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.


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How Big Pharma recycles old drugseven bad ones
By Martha Rosenberg | Intrepid Report
The blockbuster pill profit party is over for Big Pharma. Bestselling pills like Lipitor, Seroquel, Zyprexa, Singular and Concerta have gone off patent with nothing new in the product pipeline. But Pharma isnt going to deliver disappointing earnings to Wall Street just because it has few new drugs coming online and has failed at its very purpose. It is recycling old for brand new uses.
Repurposing Ritalin
Now that Pharmas succeeded in getting five million children and four to eight million adults diagnosed with ADHD, its looking for new markets for the drugs. One new use for Ritalin (methylphenidate), the grandfather of ADHD drugs, could be for eating disorders. Researchers say a woman who suffered from bulimia nervosa, bipolar I disorder, cocaine and alcohol dependence, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and panic disorder achieved a sustained (>1 year) remission when methylphenidate was added to her other drugs.
Then theres pregnant women. A new paper suggests that taking away a womens methylphenidate during pregnancy may may present a significant risk and that, In all cases, children developed normally and no adverse effects were reported, though they were exposed in utero. Yes, kids can be given ADHD meds at even younger agesas fetuses.
Pharma is also looking at the elderly as a new market for ADHD drugs. Methylphenidate may improve gait function in older adults, researchers wrote recently. And a major clinical trial sponsored by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health is underway to see if methylphenidate can reduce apathy in Alzheimer patients. Of course many Alzheimer patients dont have apathy but agitation and aggression; they will be excluded.
Male hormone replacement
Women over 40 might feel a rush of medical justice over the big push to treat mens Low T, a recent disease now aggressively marketed, with replacement testosterone. For over 50 years, medical journals were relentless in telling women they were outliving their ovaries (a real ad) and the only hope to keep their looks, their husbands and their sanity was hormone replacement. Now men are hearing that their decreased sex drive and energy, reduced muscle and growing fat put them in the same position. Missing in both marketing campaigns is the fact that people dont get old because they lose hormones; they lose hormones because they get old.
Many testosterone replacement products have been approved by the FDA from pills, injections and patches to gels and solutions that are applied topically. In November, the first underarm testosterone replacement product was approved which is applied like deodorant.
The male HRT products are not without their risks. They can worsen benign prostate problems, heart failure, sleep apnea, cause liver toxicity and possibly stimulate prostate cancer though it remains a theoretical risk. Injected testosterone has been associated with embolisms and extreme allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) both of which can be fatal. Men who take Propecia for hair loss can especially have low testosterone, which may not be reversible, because it reduces an enzyme involved in testosterone synthesis.
Calling alcoholics and addicts mentally ill and in need of vaccines
One of the few good things about alcoholism and drug addiction is they can be treated for free. Twelve-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous use peer support instead of drugs, trained personnel or insuranceand they work. Its no surprise that the millions of people recovering without Pharmas help are its latest target as it tries to shore up revenues. Pharma is increasingly pressuring rehab facilities and doctors to add a mental illness diagnoses to recovering patients to sell expensive pills. Ka-ching!
Worse, Nora Volkow, the head of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, is conducting cruel experiments on primates to develop a vaccine for alcoholic or addicts. Is there an alcoholic or addict in the world who would take such a vaccine? Doesnt she know that drinking and drugging are fun (until they arent) and that no one wants to quit before the partys over? Doesnt she know that when drinking and drugging cease to be fun, a thing called denial kicks in and alcoholics and addicts still wont take her vaccine?
These alcoholic/addict vaccines will be marketed for people at risk of addiction on the basis of their family histories and brain scans which sounds a little, well, non-voluntary. Marketing early aggressive treatment for diseases people dont even have yet (pre-osteoporosis, pre-diabetes, pre-asthma and pre-mental illness) is a foolproof business model for Pharma because people will never know if they even needed the drugsor need them now.
Read the full article at: intrepidreport.com


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DURHAM, N.C. -- Recently, GoDuke.com sat down with senior Todd Zafirovski to learn more about the Lake Forest, Ill., native.
GoDuke.com: What are your three favorite things about being a student-athlete at Duke?
Todd Zafirovski: The first one is just being a student here. It is pretty unbelievable to be here for five years, being a graduate and then being in grad school is something you don't get to do a lot. I love being able to meet the students. Some of these kids are unbelievable and are doing amazing things all around you, and it is cool to be part of that. And three is the fans. It's fun to be part of this and all the support you get.
GoDuke.com: What is your favorite on-the-court memory?
TZ: My favorite on-court memory would probably be scoring my first bucket. That was a fun moment for me and something I will always remember.
GoDuke.com: What is your favorite memory away from the court?
TZ: I would have to say graduation last year. To be with Mason Plumlee, Ryan Kelly, Andre Dawkins and Seth Curry for graduation was really special and you only get that once. And to come back and be able to graduate again this year with Josh Hairston, Tyler Thornton and Andre again will be fun.
GoDuke.com: What are three things you would like to do in the next 10 years?
TZ: One is to start a company. I think it will be really fun. It's really great and a lot of people are doing that right now. Also, I want to go to South America. I have never been to South America and I think it would be really cool. And the last thing would be drive across the country.
GoDuke.com: Describe Coach K in three words.
TZ: Intense, passionate and prepared.
GoDuke.com: What are some things you would do on a day off with no school and no practice?
TZ: Probably go to the gardens and walk around, then go to the movies.
GoDuke.com: What are three of your favorite restaurants in Durham?
TZ: Pizza Mia, Sushi Love and Kanki.


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Lawn Tractor Death
MONROE, Wis. (AP) – A teenager has died of injuries suffered in a lawn tractor accident in Green County. The sheriff's department says 15-year-old Kylie Kundert died late Wednesday afternoon at UW Hospital in Madison. Kundert was injured July 11 in the accident at her home in rural Monroe.
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- 1-2 medium zucchini, approximately 2-3" diameter is a good size (oops, original post somehow skipped the zucchini, a key ingredient
- Salt
- Flour
- Beaten eggs
- Bread crumbs, seasoned if you like
- Vegetable Oil
Dredge a piece of zucchini first in flour, then dip it in eggs, followed by bread crumbs, then lay in the hot oil. Fill the pan with the battered zucchini, but don't overcrowd them.
Once the zucchni pieces have turned golden-brown on the bottom, flip them over. Continue to cook until the zucchini pieces are golden-brown on both sides and a fork goes easily into the zucchini. If the oil gets low, add some between batches. It's probably best to let the added oil heat before adding more zucchni to the pan.
Remove the cooked zucchini from the pan and lay on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Serve warm.
I'd like to thank all the readers who've stopped by during the A to Z Challenge to read and comment. It's been a pleasure to "meet" you.


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The Kilgore College Testing Center is now offering a computer-based version of the GED test.
The test, GED CBT (computer-based test) 2002 Series, is offered on the Kilgore campus Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Cost is $27.
To qualify for the test, candidates must be at least 18 years-old, officially withdrawn from school and have no high school diploma.
To register, visit www.gedtestingservice.com or call (877) 392-6433.


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The leader of the nation's largest wartime veterans' service organization, The American Legion, is taking strong exception to a recommendation by outgoing Defense Secretary Leon Panetta that would effectively cut the pay of active duty military personnel. Panetta, in a speech at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, said he plans to ask Congress to limit troop salary increases to 1% in 2014. Since this hike is below the estimated rise in the cost of living for that year, the limitation would effectively reduce service members' pay.
"This is not the way to go about saving money," said James E. Koutz, national commander of the 2.4 million member Legion. "Making the men and women of the military pay for out of control spending by others is unwarranted, unfair and just plain wrong. Our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines deserve a raise to at least keep pace with the cost of living -- certainly not a cut. This unwise move would punish our service members for the sins of others." Koutz also said that no federal employee should receive a higher increase than members of the military.
Koutz said he did, however, "agree wholeheartedly" with Secretary Panetta's repeated warnings about the potentially dire consequences of proposed massive cuts in military spending. Panetta, who retires from office later this month, reiterated his anti-sequestration stance during his Georgetown speech.


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Debuted in 1997 and later acquired by Liz Claiborne Fashion Company, this American brand is best known for its signature velour comfy tracksuits and the fresh vibe of its chic casual wear. Juicy Couture is a global fashion fad when it comes to contemporary smart informal wear and dress clothing. The label deals in: handbags, shoes, intimates, swimwear, fragrance, accessories, sunglasses, jewelry and other accessories.
Clothing: For Juicy divas, the label has introduced tweed layerings, printed & lacy dresses, voyage perfect tees, jersey feminine tees, tank tops, graphic print tees, brightly hued pullovers & shrugs, sassy textured knit wear, denims & last but not the least, the most coveted tracks. The tracks fall under Velour, Terry, Solid, Novelty & Prints, Jackets, Tees & Bottoms category. These are well tailored in velvety fabric with iconic monogram prints. Celebrities can be seen flaunting these juicy tracks day in & day out!
Handbags: Handbags collection embodies: totes, satchels, day dreamers, bag packs, cross bodies, clutches & wallets. These bags are crafted in leather, nylon & velour fabrics, employing in the bright tones with monogram prints. The styles are classic, trendy and no less iconic for the fan followers. The totes can be classified as sporty, chic and sophisticated silhouettes for girls on the go! For super stylish fashionistas, the brand has introduced monogram embellished bags with iconic signature prints.
Footwear: Juicy Couture makes sure that the girls do stride in style flaunting their Juicy footwear. Be it pumps, heels, sandals, sneakers or flats, each category complies effortlessly with brands intricate styling & designing. The label embodies sleek & sassy Avita heels, Illiana hi-top sneakers, cute & subtle pointed Jazmin ballet flats and style oozing Taryn bootie. The footwear's are perfect amalgamation of ultra classy attitude & edgy designing.
Accessories: The punctuated accessories by the label can make you gaga over them! From cool aviators to quirky key chain sets, iconic jewelry, winter caps, beach hats, luggage tags printed scarf's & so much more has been introduced for the fan followers!


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(GRAYSON COUNTY, TEXAS) -- Authorities say four people are now in custody after 80 guns were stolen from a Grayson County home last week.
The Grayson County Sheriff says although four people are now in custody, they're still working to figure out exactly how many people were involved in the burglary. Officials also say more items than the 80 guns were stolen.
When $50,000 worth of guns were stolen from a wall safe in a home on Plainview Road last Tuesday the news didn't sit well with neighbor Allen Hyde, " that was spooky..scary..I hope they don't come up here..try to break in."
Now Authorities say a traffic stop in Farmer's Branch on Monday led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of 31 of the stolen guns as well as bows, jewelry and accessories.
Authorities also searched a Carrolton home, recovering another stolen gun and arresting two more suspects. Sheriff Keith Gary is glad these weapons are out of the hands of potential danger.
Gary says "yeah we need to get them off the street as soon as possible."
Authorities are still working to recover the rest of the stolen guns ..but worry it could be too late.
Sheriff Gary, "we feel a lot of these weapons..actually the great majority went down to the metroplex..."
Sheriff Gary says the nearly 50 remaining stolen weapons are possibly being traded and sold illegally.
Local pawn shop owner Jack Baca says they'll know if anyone tries to sell the stolen guns and police would receive notification.
Pawn Shop Owner Jack Baca says, "it would be foolish for them to pawn something that they knew was stolen, because they would get caught."
In the meantime, Allen Hyde is glad some arrests have been made.
Allen Hyde " I do feel relieved that they're off the street..and I'm sorry that happened..that's really a bad situation."
When the investigation is complete the recovered guns will be returned to their owner.
Sheriff Gary says "there was nothing to indicate that the owner of these firearms had done anything illegal..he'd been collecting these for years and years.