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100 Awesome Finds All Under $100
There's a guaranteed low-cost-per-wear and the freedom to try something—perhaps that pink fur beanie or gold-dipped oxfords—a little daring, a little wacky, or simply out of your comfort zone. Since we suspect that you appreciate a thrifty thrill as much as we do, we've rounded up the best of the best on a budget, so you can indulge in some not-so guilty pleasures.
This "plus cool" tiger tee would pair quite well with a black leather pencil skirt.
Zoe Karssen Le Plus Cool Cotton And Modal-Blend T-Shirt ($75)
As cozy as a sweater, but with the polish of a jacket, what more could a girl want?
Tulle Open Wrap Coat With Sherpa ($79)
The Beatle boot feels completely current in patent leather with a gold-plated heel.
Zara Metal Heel Ankle Boot ($99)
We're digging the abstract zebra-like stripe on this knit.
O'Neill San Fran Sweater ($70)
Because your keys deserve to be stylishly accessorized too.
Morgan Parish Key Chain ($30)
Toms sure knows how to make charity a stylish endeavor. With every purchase of these timeless tortoise sunnies, a middle-school child will receive a prescription pair of glasses.
Toms Bellevue 51mm Sunglasses ($98) in Blonde Tortoise
Is a diaphanous camisole the most practical of purchases? No, but since when should pretty little delicates be practical?
The Lake & Stars Classic Camisole ($80)
A veiled pom-pom beanie is a bit over-the-top in the best of ways.
kate spade new york Fit To Be Tied Veil Hat ($88)
These studs are a little bit creepy, and entirely cool.
Pamela Love Oculus Earrings ($70) in Bronze
American Eagle has been crushing it in the outerwear department lately. Case in point: this quilted bomber.
AE Quilted Baseball Jacket ($70)
These petite, horn studs are a jewelry game-changer.
K/LLER COLLECTION Rose Gold Claw Stud Earrings ($95)
The rise of the holographic trend has only fueled our obsession with shiny things. We're not above wrapping everything, including our laptops, in the mesmerizing material.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Techno 13'' Computer Case ($96)
Why is everything (especially these slip-on loafers) cooler when rendered in denim?
Rivieras Leisure Shoes Denim Jean Leisure Slip-Ons ($95)
Prepare to be addicted; your lips might never be the same.
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar ($18) in Anime
The perfection is in the simplicity.
Kate Spade Saturday Buckle-Over Mini Skirt ($90) in Moss
We have Madewell to thank for this example of geometric color-blocking at its finest.
Madewell Colorstep Sweater ($88) in Antique Cream
We came for Diptyque's candles, and now we're staying for their fragrances, like this heavenly citrus and floral scent.
Diptyque L'eau De Neroli ($48)
It's beyond time to ditch your t-shirt and boxer shorts combo for something a little chicer. This lace and striped romper will be just as comfortable, we promise.
Eberjey Maritime Striped Stretch-Jersey Playsuit ($90)
A green biker jacket feels like a refreshing alternative to basic black, but it is just as versatile.
BB Dakota Missy Moto Jacket ($98)
We're quite impressed by this top's Equipment vibe at a fraction of the price.
Daniel Rainn Printed Vegan Leather Trim Blouse ($69)
Give your black work trousers a break in favor of these pleated, cranberry cropped pants.
Article& Cadet Pant ($65)
Bracelet layering 101: a dangling element (or in the case of this charming bracelet, two) adds movement and depth to your stack.
Daniela Bustos Maya Pulsera Iris Bracelet ($55)
The idea of a blue fur stole seems a little bold, but at under $50 it might just pay to walk on the wild side.
ASOS Faux Fur Lapel Collar ($43)
In the often kitschy, usually cheesy world of phone cases, this restrained marble print is refreshing.
Case Scenario Element Cover for iPhone 5 ($20)
Bad hair day or no, we can't resist topping our look with this two-tone, herringbone hat.
Eugenia Kim Corey Basaeball Hat ($57) in Pink/Khaki
Camouflage may not be your go-to, but at this price you don't really have an excuse not to try the popular trend.
Express Camouflage Stretch Cotton Jacket ($98)
Our secret weapon against dry office air? This lightly floral-scented cream we keep stashed in our desk drawer.
Lollia At Last Shea Butter Handcreme ($25)
The rest of our lingerie drawer just got jealous.
SKIVVIES By For Love & Lemons Papillon Butterfly Applique Bralette ($83)
Beyonce was recently spotted wearing these sunglasses. Need we say more?
Le Specs Ziggy ($69)
This structured bag with snakeskin accents is what a working girl's dreams are made of.
Rachel Rachel Roy New Classic Messenger ($89)
Fair warning: this dress is so comfortable, you may never want to take it off.
ASOS Midi Dress In Nepi With 3/4 Sleeves ($54)
A d'orsay cut plus vampy red color equals your new girls' night out shoe.
Shoe Cult by Nasty Girl Siren Pump ($68)
This menswear-inspired silk scarf is proof that we'll never quite tire of borrowing from the boys.
Madewell Houndstooth Grid Scarf ($55)
Adding oomph to your all-black ensemble is easy with this furry spotted belt.
Gap Printed Calf Hair Belt ($30) in Black/White
Dry winter lips, you have met your match.
Herbivore Botanicals Lip Butter ($12)
Camo and velour: a combination so wrong it's right.
Zara Camouflage Velour Top ($70)
This classic schoolgirl satchel is just waiting for a monogram on the flap.
ASOS Bag With Curved Handle ($57)
Indulge your inner bohemian with this airy, embroidered top.
Kimchi Blue Cynthia Embroidered Chiffon Top ($69)
These skinnies have the edgy vibe of leather minus the prohibitive price tag.
Blank Denim Pocket Pleaser Wax Coated Skinny Jean ($88)
You don't have to be a lumberjack to appreciate the relaxed feel that a buffalo check flannel can lend an outfit.
Penfield Chatham Buffalo Plaid Flannel Shirt ($80) in Red Black
There's something sweet about a tomboy tennis shoe rendered in girly pink.
Soludos Suede Derby Sneakers ($65)
This pale dove gray polish is the continuation of summer's light nail color trend.
Nars Limited Edition Nail Polish ($19) in Galathee
Attention all miniskirt-loving ladies: this striped tweed number should be at the top of your list.
Hive & Honey Tweed Stripe Skirt ($59)
This modern and minimalist choker echoes the cool girl ethos of Celine.
Jules Smith Rose Golden Americana Choker ($98)
We're trying to picture a coat that wouldn't go with this scarf, and it's proving impossible.
Paula Bianco Two Tone Tassel Scarf ($85)
You would think a furry pink beanie would skew pre-teen girl, but something about this one feels delightfully perverse.
Andrea Pompilio Rabbit Fur Beanie Hat ($71)
Mixed prints have never looked better.
500 BC Green Meno Tote ($88)
Because really, a girl can never have too many striped tees.
Reformation Delphine Top ($78)
Behold, the perfect fall coat for under $90. You're welcome.
Choies Brown Wool Coat With Contrast Color Collar ($85)
Whether you follow your horoscope or not, there's no denying this zodiac scarf is a stellar.
Club Monaco Nora Zodiac Wool Scarf ($90)
Kate Hudson in Ann Taylor's campaigns may have had a little something to do with our immediate need for these leopard pants.
Ann Taylor Maven Leopard Jacquard Ankle Pants ($90)
All of our old sweaters feel fresh again with this sweet, bejeweled collar.
DKNY Embellished Silk-Blend Twill Collar ($95)
As far as chunky knit sweaters go, this one is tops.
Hive & Honey Donegal Pullover ($69)
Call off the search. We've finally found the perfect slouchy jeans.
Free People Monaghan Relaxed Skinny ($98)
This stone-bedecked bangle will look right at home on your little wrist.
Stella & Bow Dr. Jekyll ($69)
These primary-colored socks delight both our inner child and inner hipster.
Moss Socks Color Mix Socks ($22)
A modern-day Cher Horowitz would most certainly wear this paneled plaid mini.
SheInside Dark Grey Plaid Asymmetric Wool-Blend Skirt ($32)
If there ever was a fancy flat, these clover green snakeskin slip-ons are it.
Chinese Laundry Sasha Python Flats ($59)
Who knew Forever 21 does minimalism, and does it well?
Forever 21 Minimalist Faux Leather Clutch ($20)
Every fall, like clockwork, a buffalo check suddenly feels so right.
Aritzia TNA Grouse Sweater ($85)
The peach hue on this buttery leather shopper feels slightly more interesting than a black or brown version, but is still just as versatile.
American Apparel L'epicier Leather Bag ($95) in Peach
If two devastatingly cool jackets (one denim, the other varsity) had a baby, this would be it.
River Island Black Jersey Sleeve Hooded Denim Jacket ($70)
Alexander Wang-inspired? Probably. At the top of our shopping list? Definitely.
Wells Grace Stella Blouse ($69)
Pajamas or shirt: who says you need to choose?
Scotch Soda Pyjama Inspired Shirt With Piping ($99)
Please meet the most versatile layering piece you will own. We think you two will get along swimmingly.
Rhyme Los Angeles Tapestry Vegan Leather Vest ($79)
Now that the H&M-owned brand has finally made it stateside, we can't wait to stock our closet with their gorgeous, minimalist pieces.
COS V-Neck Champbray Top ($95)
We'd like to introduce you to the world's most flattering suede bootie.
Ecote Growler Suede Ankle Boot ($69)
This pajama-inspired printed blouse has the appeal of a vintage find, without the questionable previous ownership.
Free People Ethnic Diamonds Button Down ($88) in Ivory
Don't ask. Just listen.
Midnight Rider Listen To Townes Tee ($60)
We can't think of a single reason not to snag this utterly elegant necklace.
Isabel Marant Yuhei Necklace ($80)
Hello, casual Friday flats. Still sharp, but completely comfortable.
Steven Elina Ankle Strap Flats ($99)
This tweed moto jacket is the sort of item you'll have to keep from wearing too often—just so your other clothes don't feel neglected.
Isabel Lu Knit Moto Jacket ($98)
How can a Fjallraven backpack get more adorable you ask? Simple: make a bite-size, pink version.
Fjallraven Kanken Mini Backpack ($55)
As Francophiles, we had to have this muscle tank. Quelle surprise!
Lovers + Friends Merci Muscle Tee ($48)
Picture these gold oxfords with a sharp tuxedo a la Janelle Monae.
Bass Ely Oxford ($70)
Don't worry, our jaws dropped too when we saw how affordable this ultra-sleek backpack is.
French Connection Buckle Up Rucksack ($98)
An effortlessly cool silk blouse is the foundation of any great wardrobe, a wise woman once said.
Everlane Silk Blouse Rounded Collar ($80)
We have no scientific data to back this up, but the more you wear tasseled loafers, the cooler you become. Start with this pair.
ASOS Mandem Pointed Flat Shoes ($62)
We suspect this ring would look adorable alongside any nail lacquer.
Baublebar Tiny Triangle Ring ($58)
Time for a black denim refresh? Look no further.
Cheap Monday Tight Jeans New Black ($75)
These palazzo pants make us want to run away and be European street style stars.
Mango Trousers ($80)
We never thought it could happen, but we're proud to present the best camel coat under $100.
H&M Coat in Camel ($80)
Transitioning to fall never felt fun, until this graphic umbrella came around.
Stella McCartney Submarine Umbrella ($72)
Start the season off right with this versatile knit beanie. (Yes, $13!)
Old Navy Women's Marled Beanie ($13)
Our epic journey to find the perfect petite purse has finally come to a close.
Anthropologie Glossed Mini Satchel ($88)
Indiana Jones meets Alexa Chung—our idea of the perfect hat.
Roc Headwear Wool Hat By Roc Eyewear ($85)
Come holiday party season, you'll be armed and ready with this dress in tow. Until then, pair it with a leather jacket and hit the town!
Talula Lambeth Dress ($65)
Why wouldn't we carry our phone in a snakeskin leather case?
A.P.C. Snakeskin Leather iPhone Case ($90)
Message received: printed pants are here to stay!
Need Supply The Rocha Pants ($68)
It's true: mixing and matching tiny earrings is the new jewelry craze. These alphabet earrings will do just the trick.
Catbird Alphabet Earrings ($48)
Voila! A less intimidating way to tackle the two-tone trend.
River Island Black Two-Tone Ankle Cuff Sandals ($90)
Bomber jackets were all over the fall runways, which is one of many reasons why you should consider introducing this version to your closet.
Express Soft Bomber Jacket ($70)
Simple it may be, there's no denying this necklace is sure to turn heads.
Whistles Large Glass Pendant ($60)
The model-off-duty recipe has only a handful of ingredients, and you're looking at one of them.
Mikkat Market Collarless Drawstring Utility Jacket ($69)
If you're into that French girl thing, this turtleneck would pair nicely with a simple shift dress. We're just saying.
Club Monaco Julie Solid Turtle ($80)
We've been swooning over full leather skirts for quite sometime, and it's not too late to jump on bandwagon.
Ruche Take A Chance Pleasted Leatherette Skirt ($49)
Oh, the statement necklace. It never goes out of style, which is a perfectly good excuse to add this one to your jewelry repertoire.
Humble Chic Clarabelle Necklace ($58)
If menswear-inspired pieces are your jam, why not pick up this pair of oxfords?
Report Signature Tahoe ($75)
Spending a fortune on your office wardrobe not your thing? Meet: these trousers.
Gap Slim Cropped Wool Pants $55
Searching for a subtle way to incorporate patent leather into your ensemble? We suggest you begin with this skirt.
Topshop Black Vinyl Pencil Skirt ($76)


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NRA National Silhouette Championships open in Ridgway
The NRA National Silhouette Championships kicked off Sunday morning with the first of three days of competition in the smallbore standard rifle competition at the smallbore range of the Ridgway Rifle Club. The match winner for Sunday and overall leader after the first day of competition was Enrique Kuess Jr. (Laredo, Texas) as he hit 39 out of a possible 40 targets. Angelica Kuess Davila (Laredo, Texas) was second overall and the top female finisher with a score of 38. Cathy Winstead-Severin (Joplin, Mo.) was third overall with a score of 37.

subset: commoncrawl


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The Labor Department in The Carter
A Summary Report January 14, 1981
By Ray
Employment and Training Administration (ETA)
During the Carter Administration, spending for Department of Labor jobs and training programs totaled about $34 billion, more than a two and a half fold increase over the amount of funds spent for employment and training activities during the period 1973-1976. Each year during President Carter's term in office about 4 million economically disadvantaged persons received training and job opportunities under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act alone.
Particularly impressive were the gains in employment opportunities and services by the most disadvantaged groups in our society over 90 percent of the persons receiving employment opportunities and services in 1980 were economically disadvantaged, as compared with 63 percent of the participants in employment and training programs during 1976.
Numbers alone, however, do not adequately reflect the Administration's accomplishments in the employment and training area. The Carter Administration initiated and was successful in getting enacted major new programs designed to fill previously missing gaps in meeting the needs of the Nation's unemployed workers.
The Economic Stimulus Appropriations Act of 1977, which was signed by the President on May 13, 1977, made available $20.1 billion in new obligational authority. Nearly half that was for employment programs. Public Service Employment programs, authorized by Titles II and VI of CETA, received the largest share of the economic stimulus funds, resulting in a doubling of the size of the public service employment program from 310,000 to 600,000 jobs by the end of Fiscal Year 1977, and to 725,000 jobs for Fiscal Year 1978.
In addition to the expansion of the Public Service Jobs Program, the major employment and training components of the program were:
An expansion of training and youth programs under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act, including the Jobs Corps, in order to meet the needs of young, unemployed, underemployed or low income persons between the ages 16 and 21. This eventually resulted in the Youth Employment and Demonstration Projects Act legislation.
New Initiatives for Migrant Workers to develop and test new approaches to meeting the employment related needs of the rural labor force;
New Initiatives for Indians directed at the chronic economic and employment related problems of Indians and other Native Americans;
On the job training programs for veterans through the HIRE (Hope through Industry Retraining and Employment) program.
Establishment of Veterans Outreach Units, staffed in large part by disabled veterans, to identify and assist other disabled veterans.
Upgraded Skill Training Programs to upgrade the level and quality of skill training available under employment and training programs, and to provide experienced but permanently displaced workers with new skills;
New Initiatives to expand apprenticeship programs throughout the country.
The Comprehensive Employment and Training Act Amendments of 1978 culminated the Carter Administration effort to extend and revise legislation authorizing federally funded employment and training programs.
The reauthorization continued the decentralized program, designed to be responsive to the diversity of local needs.
Program initiatives and services included a new Title VII emphasizing private sector participation in employment and training programs, and new special programs and services for segments of the labor force facing particular disadvantages in the labor market, such as displaced homemakers and middle aged and older workers experiencing severe problems in obtaining employment.
The new Title VII was designed to increase prime sponsor participation in the Department's employment and training program, and intensive assistance efforts to train the disadvantaged people filled a missing gap by providing to private industrial firms in their structurally unemployed and other
The Title VII Private Sector objectives were to increase private sector employment and training opportunities for CETA participants; to establish Private Industry Councils to plan training and placement activities directed toward private sector employers; and to provide a vehicle for redirecting CETA's emphasis toward finding private sector jobs for the unemployed.
One of the major accomplishments of the Carter Administration in the employment policy area was the formulation, in cooperation with the Congress, and the enactment and implementation of the Youth Employment and Demonstration Projects Act of 1977 (YEDPA), the most carefully designed attack on the unemployment problems of a single targeted group ever mounted.
The two major new operational programs Youth Community Conservation and Improvement Projects (YCCIP), and Youth Employment and Training Programs (YETP) stressed the role of neighborhood and community based organizations, and encouraged the involvement of local labor organizations. The Youth Incentive Entitlement Pilot Projects (YIEPP) was the cornerstone of comprehensive and systematic experimentation to test a variety of innovative approaches to youth employment and training. The Young Adult Conservation Corps (YACC) was administered under an agreement between the Department of Labor, Agriculture and Interior, and provided disadvantaged youths with work in needed conservation projects on Federal, State and local public lands and waters.
During Fiscal Year 1979, over 450,000 youths were enrolled in YETP and YCCIP programs; over 325,000 youths were terminated from the program, and approximately three quarters of those terminations were favorable, i.e., the enrollee entered unsubsidized employment or returned to school.
Another key step to stimulate increased employment opportunities in the private sector was the Targeted Jobs Tax Credit (TJTC), allowing employers to claim a tax credit in each of the initial two years of employment for hiring workers from specified target groups.
From its inception in January 1979 through September 1980, the TJTC program issued just under 617,000 vouchers (determinations of eligibility) to qualified workers and over 305,000 certifications.
In the area of veterans employment programs, a broad variety of programs were implemented to fullest range of job opportunities for veterans.
On October 17, 1980, President Carter signed the Veterans' Rehabilitation and Education Amendments of 1980 into law, upgrading the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans Employment to that of Assistant Secretary, and providing a simplified, standardized set of definitions for groups of veterans in need of services. The Act also established the Disabled Veterans outreach Program (DVOP).


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Channel Equalization for Wireless Communications: From Concepts to Detailed Mathematics
Channel Equalization for Wireless Communications: From Concepts to Detailed Mathematics
ISBN: 978-1-118-10527-6 January 2012 Wiley-IEEE Press 256 Pages
DescriptionThe most thorough, up-to-date reference on channel equalization—from basic concepts to complex modeling techniques
In today's instant-access society, a high premium is placed on information that can be stored and communicated effectively. As a result, storage densities and communications rates are being pushed to capacity, causing information symbols to interfere with one another. To help unclog pathways for the clearer conveyance of information, this book offers in-depth discussion of the significant contributions and future adaptability of channel equalization and a set of approaches for solving the problem of intersymbol interference (ISI). Chapter explorations in Channel Equalization include:
Channel equalization topics presented with incremental learning methodology—from the very fundamental concept to more advanced mathematical knowledge
Coverage of technology used in second-, third- and fourth-generation cellular communication systems
A set of homework problems that reinforce concepts discussed in the book
Tutorial explanations of recent developments currently captured in IEEE technical journals
Unlike existing digital communications books that devote cursory attention to channel equalization, this invaluable guide addresses a crucial need by focusing solely on the background, current state, and future direction of this increasingly important technology. A unique mix of basic concepts and complex frameworks for delivering digitized data make Channel Equalization a valuable reference for all practicing wireless communication engineers and students dealing with the pressing demands of the information age.
2 Matched Filtering 31
3 Zero-Forcing Decision Feedback Equalization 57
4 Linear Equalization 69
5 MMSE and ML Decision Feedback Equalization 99
6 Maximum Likelihood Sequence Detection 115
7 Advanced Topics 151
8 Practical Considerations 173
•Homework problems are provided
•Useful as a reference book for practicing wireless engineers


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Every once in a while archaeologists (and sometimes regular Joes) make some remarkable discoveries. Stunned, they are often unable to explain what it is they've found, how it came into existence, or ascertain its value. This is a comprehensive list of such artifacts; artifacts that many believe should have never existed given the discerned age/period of their creation.
The London hammer - a tool older than history
In June 1936 (or 1934 according to some accounts), Max Hahn and his wife Emma were on a walk when they noticed a rock with wood protruding from its core. They decided to take the oddity home and later cracked it open with a hammer and a chisel. Ironically, what they found within seemed to be an archaic hammer of sorts. A team of archaeologists checked it, and as it turns out, the rock encasing the hammer was dated back more than 400 million year; the hammer itself turned out to be more than 500 million years old. Additionally, a section of the handle has begun the transformation to coal. Creationists, of course, were all over this. The hammer's head, made of more than 96% iron, is far more pure than anything nature could have achieved without an assist from modern technology.
The Antikythera mechanism - a Greek ancient computer
The Antikythera mechanism has been labeled the first known mechanical computer. Found in a shipwreck off the Greek island of Antikythera, it was designed to calculate astronomical positions. Consisting of a box with dials on the outside and a very complex assembly of gear wheels mounted within, it's about as complex as an 18th century top-notch clock. The level of sophistication utilized by the device has forced scientists to accept that their perceptions of ancient Greek engineering may be faulty. Nothing similar to this exists or is mentioned in any known writings from the period of its creation. Based on the knowledge we do have, this mechanism shouldn't even exist. According to Professor Michael Edmunds of Cardiff University, who led the team studying the mechanism:
"This device is just extraordinary, the only thing of its kind. The design is beautiful, the astronomy is exactly right. The way the mechanics are designed just makes your jaw drop. Whoever has done this has done it extremely carefully." He added: "…in terms of historic and scarcity value, I have to regard this mechanism as being more valuable than the Mona Lisa."
The Dropa Stones
In 1938, an expedition led by archaeologist Dr. Chi Pu Tei into the Baian-Kara-Ula in China made an astonishing discovery. Nearby caves held traces of the ancient culture which once occupied them. Buried by the dusts of time, hundreds of stone disks lay scattered about the cave's interior. Nothing too spectacular you may think, but the disks turned out to be eerily similar to phonograph records — nine inches in diameter, a circle cut into their centers and an obvious spiral groove.
They are believed to be more than 10,000 years old. But the spiral, as it turns out, is composed of tiny hieroglyphics. When studied and translated, it was revealed that the discs tell the amazing story of spaceships that crashed into the mountains, piloted by people who called themselves the Dropa.
The Saqqara bird - an Egyptian plane
The Baghdad battery - a 2000 year old battery
This device consists of a 5-1/2-inch high clay vessel, inside of which was a copper cylinder held in place by asphalt. Within the cylinder, archaeologists found an oxidized iron rod. In 1940, Wilhelm König (the German director of the National Museum of Iraq) suggested that these could be galvanic cells, perhaps used for electroplating gold onto silver objects. Nobody has been able to prove him wrong, especially since it only needed to be filled with an acid or alkaline substance to produce an electric charge.
Unexplainable fossils and metal objects
Geology is a relatively "new" science. The progress and developments made through experimentation are absolutely remarkable and have helped in many other fields. Still, there are some things yet to be explained. Though the honeycomb pattern of paleodictyon is already well known, we remain stumped as to the creation of such and more questions are being raised.
For example, a fossil of a human handprint was found in limestone estimated to be more than 110 million years, a fossilized human finger with just as much, and the aparent discovery of a human footprint that possibly sported a sandal which dates to more than 300 million years ago. These amazing fossilized imprints/remains have left the scientific community scratching their collective heads. Not to mention the 65 million year old semi-ovoid metallic tubes being dug out of France, the unusual block of coal discovered 124 years ago which contained a metal cube that couldn't have formed naturally within the lump, and many more such things
The Piri Reis map
In 1929, a group of historians made what can only be described as an amazing discovery, written on the skin of a gazelle. After study and research, they found that it is a genuine map drawn in 1513 by Piri Reis, a well documented admiral of the Turkish navy. He depicts Europe and North Africa, the coast of Brazil, several islands (Azores, Canary Islands, and the mythical island of Antilia), and even Antarctica, which was thought to be discovered more than 300 years later. The most puzzling thing is not that it shows we need to rethink the chronology for a number of exploratory discoveries, but that it describes Antarctica's topography as not being masked by ice and in great detail. The last time that occured was more than 6000 years ago. Tell me then. How did a Turkish admiral from half a millenium ago map a continent that's been covered by ice for the last 6000 years?
The Nazca drawings
The Nazca drawings (or lines) definitely have something otherworldly about them. Discovered in 1930 — when the US inaugurated two new commercial lines — they cover 450 square km and some measure more than 200m in length. They depict lines, geometrical figures, animals and figures that we haven't entirely figured out yet (many believe them to be constellations). Whether made for the gods or for some other reason, it's obvious that they were meant to be seen from the sky. Scientists have had trouble trying to figure out how they could have been designed and created without somebody directing the work from above. We can only marvel at these amazing figures and continue to wonder how and why they were created by a people called the Nasca.
The mysterious city of Nan Madol - a city built on corals
The city of Nan Madol was built between 200 B.C. - 800 A.D., on a coral reef near Micronesia. It consisted of about 100 artificial islands made from huge basalt blocks and connected with viaducts. From the start, it dazzles us with a mix of the bizarre and grandeur. From the start it seems incongruous; 250 million tons of offshore basalt in the middle of nowhere. How were these huge blocks quarried, transported, and placed in the perfect spot? Even by today's standards, it would an impressive engineering feat. Additionally, the reasoning behind its development remains a mystery. Archaelogists have few clues as to what happened to the civilization responsibile for its creation.
The Sacsayhuaman walls
Near the city of Cuzco, more than 3500 meters above sea level, these amazing walls first fascinated the Spanish conquistadores. They were astonished to discover how these people who, according to them, were ignorant and lacked the ability of logical reasoning required to have built such wonders. They are in fact 3 concentric walls, the average being roughly 360 meters in length and 6 meters in height, made from limestone blocks that weigh about 300 tons each. They didn't use mortar or any other kind of cement to bind the walls, but they are carved and placed in such a way packed so closely that even a sharp knife can't be wedged between 2 blocks. Scientists have tried to achieve this at a much smaller scale and have failed in their efforts to replicate the tight joints of the Sacsayhuaman walls.


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After that I'll just be waiting on the Tech Editor. So I hope to have the pattern available on the blog soon!
I am loving the lace and picot edging. It definitely makes the dress.
There is a fair bit of stockinette in this knit, but it is broken up by decrease rounds so it isn't completely mind numbing.
Plus a little stockinette never hurt anyone. It's great for TV knitting!


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We've had the first retailers bring it up, we've had the first real promotional shots, and now we have the first real, actual shots of the white Samsung Galaxy Nexus.
The folks over at the AndroidHD Blog in Italy have snagged themselves some photos of the as-yet unreleased device. Worth noting is that as in the official renders, it's only the sides and the rear of the device that are white -- the front remains black as on the original "titanium silver" version.
In the UK at least, we're expecting to see this on sale from the week commencing Mar. 6. If you're a sucker for a white phone, hit the source link below for more pictures.
Source: AndroidHD Blog (translated)


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Author Notes:
I have no idea where the inspiration for this one came from, to be honest. I know the ingredients seem a little disparate, but I promise they marry together quite happily.
I have no idea where the inspiration for this one came from, to be honest. I know the ingredients seem a little disparate, but I promise they marry together quite happily.—Cristina Sciarra
Makes: 4 crêpes
Crêpes Salées (these measurements come from David Lebovitz's recipe for Buckwheat Crêpes, and yields about 20 crêpes)
2 cups milk
1 tablespoon sugar
¼ teaspoon sea salt
3 tablespoons melted, plus more for cooking
½ cup buckwheat flour
¾ cup white flour
3 eggs
Crêpe Filling
2 sweet potatoes
1.5 tablespoons duck fat
sea salt, freshly ground black pepper
a bunch of asparagus
a measure of olive oil
4 tablespoons of goat cheese
¼ cup of Marcona almonds, lightly crushed
1 tablespoon blood orange juice
3 tablespoons avocado oil
1 head of frisee, washed and dried
balsamic cream
In This Recipe
Crêpes Salées (these measurements come from David Lebovitz's recipe for Buckwheat Crêpes, and yields about 20 crêpes)
- In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together. If you are letting it rest overnight, cover the bowl and move it to the refrigerator. (Bring it to room temperature before you start cooking.) If it will only sit for 2 hours or so, cover it and keep it at room temperature.
- When you are ready to make the crêpes, locate your widest, flattest non-stick pan. Using a paper towel, rub a thin sheen of butter all over the pan, and then set it over medium heat. (You can repeat this for every new crêpe, but it usually isn't necessary.)
- When the pan is hot, use a ladle to quickly drop a measure of the batter into the pan. Turn the pan in a wide circle, as quickly as you can, so that the batter distributes evenly and rapidly. You want as thin a pancake as possible. Don't worry if the first one is a disaster; it's part of the process. Save the disasters for yourself. You will get better with each crêpe.
- As the crêpes cook, pile them on a plate; you want to cook all of your crêpes before you start filling them.
Crêpe Filling
- Prepare the vegetables: Preheat an oven to 400F. In a saucepan, melt the duck fat. Meanwhile, peel and dice both sweet potatoes. When the duck fat is melted, give the sweet potato cubes a bath, and add some salt and pepper for good measure.
- Wash and dry the asparagus, and then rub each spear down with olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Throw everything on a parchment paper-covered baking sheet, making sure not to crowd the vegetables. I used thick asparagus and cut my sweet potatoes small, so both vegetables cooked at the same rate, about 30 minutes. However, if your asparagus are thin, keep an eye on them, they may need to come out of the oven earlier than the sweet potato.
- Prepare the salad: In a small bowl, combine the blood orange juice with the avocado oil, and a little salt and pepper. Toss in the frisee and mix until it's covered in the dressing. Easy peasy.
- Prepare the crêpe: Heat each buckwheat crêpe in a non-stick skillet. Add the vegetables, and then sprinkle on the goat cheese and the almonds. Top with the salad, and a drizzle of the balsamic cream.
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Pancakes, Sweet or Savory
More Great Recipes:
Avocado|Goat Cheese|Milk/Cream|Orange Juice|Entree


text:
Vintage Hall-of-Famers
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|Sportscards auctions with old non-sport and supplies
1967 Topps #411 Dick Howser (Yankees) Baseball cardPrice = $ 9.95
NM/MINT to NEAR MINT
Select a different Sport or Vintage Baseball Cards set Enter words,partial words,partial words with wildcards (*) or a phrase in quotes.
1959 Topps Yankees displays vintage 1959 Topps Yankees cards.
Bowman Mantle displays all Bowman Mickey Mantle cards, old and recent.
Ultra-Pro Pages, Sheets, Sleeves, Top Loads and Ball Cubes.
Vintage Topps, variations, oddball, autographs, comics...
Below are some tidbits on baseball and sportscard collecting.
Visit our web site for more info on vintage
baseball, football, basketball, hockey, sports and
non-sport cards and card collecting.
Using a system of grading codes based on those established by price guides such as Beckett, Tuff Stuff, Sports Collector's Digest, collectors can determine the approximate condition of items offered by interpreting the following grades. Grading is very subjective and there can also be grades in between the levels below.
MINT (MT) - while we rarely use this grade, occasionally it can be found for items that we appraise as appearing nearly perfect to the naked eye. With respect to cards, it would be defined as one with 50/50 centering all around, razor-sharp corners, a photo that is well-registered and completely focused, and no visible imperfections on card front or back.
NEAR MINT-MINT (NRMT/MT) - is qualified by at least 60/40 centering, only the slightest hint of corner wear upon close inspection, and may have a barely visible print spot, lack of intense color, or a slight focus imperfection.
NEAR MINT (NRMT) - card displays at least 70/30 centering, may have a visible slight touch of corner wear all around, and/or a few slightly visible print spots, a lack of intense color, or a slight focus imperfection.
EXCELLENT-MINT (EX/MINT) - centering equivalent to NRMT (70/30), but 2 or 3 corners display an obvious "fuzzy" quality. Essentially, a card that would have been deemed NRMT if not for the corner wear being more apparent. May have a barely visible print spot, a lack of intense color, or a slight focus imperfection.
EXCELLENT (EX) - all four corners show visible signs of wear, but are not rounded. Centering at least 80/20. May have a visible print spot, a lack of intense color, or a slight focus imperfection.
VERY GOOD (VG) - Corners are rounded and the card may have creases or wrinkles.
FAIR TO GOOD - in this grade, card has rounded corners and other major defects such as scuffing, pinholes, loss of gloss, multiple creases. In general, a markedly worn card and often used as a "filler" until a better one comes along.
1952 Topps Baseball Cards
1977 Topps Baseball Cards AUTOGRAPHED Set info/informationBy now you all heard of the rash of counterfeit autographs on the market.
The following autographs all come with auction house LOA's (Letters of Authenticity) from the top authenticators in the hobby - PSA/DNA or James Spence !!!
TOP ROOKIES: Andre Dawson, Dale Murphy, Bruce Sutter, Mark Fidrych ...
1961 Topps Baseball Cards Set checklist/info/informationThe 1961 Topps baseball card set included 587 standard size 2˝" x 3˝" cards (#1-#598 with several skipped numbers). 2 cards were accidently numbered #463, one of them (the Braves Team card was supposed to be card #426).
The 1961 Topps set included the following special "subsets":
* League Leaders (10 cards)
* World Series highlights (10 cards)
* Highlights (11 cards)
* MVP's (16 cards)
* Checklists (7 cards plus several variations)
* Team cards (xx cards)
* Special Multi-Player cards (xx cards)
* Managers (xx cards)
* Topps Rookie All-Star Trophies (xx cards)
* Sporting News All-Stars (#566-#589)
1961 Topps was the first of the very popular and continuing Topps Rookie All-Star Trophies subsets. Cards from the last series (#523-#589) are scarce "High Numbers" making the set fairly expensive to complete.
MLB Baseball expansion led to one of the least attractive aspects of the 1961 Topps baseball card set. The American League made several changes. The Los Angeles Angels were added, the Washington Senators became the Minnesota Twins and a new franchise was granted to the Washington Senators who also debuted in 1961. Possibly because of these team changes, many players had their portrait photos taken without their baseball caps. Not only did most of the players look awful without their caps, they looked more like your old, not so handsome uncle then athletes!
Card backs were black print on an army green background on a dark card stock making them somewhat difficult to read. TOP ROOKIES: #35 Ron Santo, #141 Billy Williams, #417 Juan Marichal, Willie Davis, Zoilo Versalles & Jim Maloney; are popular players but still reasonably priced.
More interesting tid-bits from the 1961 Topps set:
Card #1 features All-American basketball player Dick Groat
Collectors of 1961 Topps cards may also want to take a look at 3 other baseball issues Topps released that year: a Topps Dice Game, Topps Magic Rub-Offs and a series of Topps Stamps.
Although some dealers and collectors consider this set boring, with it's clean design, many special subsets
and multiple cards of some of the games top stars including 6 Mantle's I rate it much higher.
Click for complete
1961 Topps baseball cards Checklist and Prices
© 1995-2019 "InterNet's Baseball Card Store" / Joseph Juhasz ... All Rights Reserved


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Tuesday, 13 March 2012
The Cover!!
overcast, light rain, temps plus 9
Wow - so mild. I'm still waiting for winter, and here we are actually in spring. We're 'sugaring-off' here, and no, that isn't a euphemism for something Ruth might say. Go sugar off! It's the maple syrup season...when the sap runs in the trees. Very traditional here - there're the cabane a sucres, the sugaring-off parties. All the traditional foods, including 'tire' on snow (though snow is becoming hard to find!)
Very fun time - wish I could say especially for children, but adults love it just as much.
But the VERY fun news for me, as you can see, is that Minotaur Books has come up with the cover for the next Chief Inspector Gamache book. THE BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY will be coming out August 28th - and this is the cover.
When Andy Martin, the publisher, sent it to me I admit, I hesitated before opening the attachment....very scary. Very important. Critical in fact....to get a cover that's compelling, beautiful, subtle, but makes a statement....and that reflects the tone of the book.
Extremely difficult to get it right.
But as soon as I opened it I knew they'd nailed it! Thanks to David Rotstein, the designer. He also did A TRICK OF THE LIGHT. And as much as I adored that book, and the astonishing blue of the cover, and the might of the moon - I believe I like this cover for THE BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY even more.
The fresh greens of the forest...but mostly, of course, the soft light. Anyone who's spent time in the woods knows that light, as it comes between the leaves and branches. Not a perfect, glaring light, but diffuse. It is at once inspiring, but also makes the darkness all the darker.
He's captured the duality in the series, and in THE BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY in particular. What Gamache finds, in that remote monastery. And the terrible outcome, for Gamache and for the monks.
I think it also helps that my name is getting bigger and bigger (not that I would notice that sort of thing...my agent told me. Honest)
I'm SO looking forward to having you read it!
I know, too, that I've said this before, and I'll be saying it many more times....but if you could tell others about THE BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY and the series, I'd be deeply grateful! I know you've already spread the word - thank you so much! But if you could post a comment on websites, or a review, or somehow get word out to the hundreds of thousands (millions) who've never heard of the books, that would be amazing.
How lucky I am to have you as a reader, and championing the Gamache books! I can hardly wait to have THE BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY in your hands! August 28th.
Oh, and you can pre-order it now, online or at your bookstore.
16 comments:
Looking forward to it, Louise. You've set the bar high for yourself with the previous Three Pines mysteries and I'm sure you'll come through for us again.
The monastery setting is particularly interesting for me as one of my favorite places around here is the Trappist Monastery of Our Lady of Gethsemani near Louisville, KY, which I visit regularly. I was fortunate to have met and chatted with Trappist monk Thomas Merton (Fr. Louis)once in the 60's when I was visiting there.
My wife's office is in the Thomas Merton Center in the Bellarmine Univ. library and we have about 90% of his personal writings and items housed there. Open to researchers and the public, it is worth visiting if you are interested in TM, his life, and his writings.
Pax, y'all.
- 13 March 2012 at 14:12
- Michele said...
I agree, it's a beautiful cover. I've bought many books because the cover art led me to them. I can't wait to get my hands on it. Congratulations.
- 13 March 2012 at 15:23
- John said...
Just an astonishingly beautiful cover; the designer really did a marvelous job. With the cover revealed the book becomes even more real to me as a reader/fan, and I will be full of anticipation (you have not let me down yet!) during the coming months until release day! I have said it before, but it bears repeating, thank you for sharing your awesome gift with us!
(aside to Terry: I am a big Thomas Merton fan and I look forward to a retreat at Gethsemani some time; what a blessing to have met the man!)
- 13 March 2012 at 15:30
- genagirl said...
I recommend your books to everyone who asks me for a "good book"!!!
- 13 March 2012 at 15:31
- Karen said...
Dear Louise, when I read your daily comments, I feel so much yearning to be where you live, and getting to go to sugaring off parties, and all the lovely bistros and eateries. You live in a wonderful place, and you deserve all the beauty that surrounds you. I was delighted with your new book cover: It looks so inviting, calling us to gently open up to the first page and the first words which will lead us to a place you have taught us to love, amongst people who are so real, and so loved by us readers, even though some make us a bit nervous! I am pre-ordering the book asap, and thank you for your writing and your sharing the experiences of being both an author and a very interesting lovely person!
- 13 March 2012 at 15:59
- Sue Mom of Two said...
I also recommend your books to anyone who asks. But, oh my goodness, how am I EVER going to wait until August 28th?
- 13 March 2012 at 16:16
- Judy said...
That cover is truly beautiful. I love your books so much, and this captures the sorrow and the beauty in all of them.
Every friend I have recommended your books to has loved them and proceeds to read them all. I can't wait for the new one!
- 13 March 2012 at 17:55
- Beth said...
Oh, lovely! My birthday is coming up and this will go to the top of my wish list, along with a glowing description of why your books are my must reads.
Thanks for allowing us to share in the journey, and the fun.
xxx Beth
- 13 March 2012 at 20:14
- Barb said...
Of course, I'll be buying the latest book, both in hardcover and for my Kindle, love them and recommend them to everybody. I will say, though, that the last two covers have just been "okay" in my ratings system. But then, I don't buy the books for the cover. :D
- 14 March 2012 at 05:42
- Daryl Edelstein said...
Off to pre-order and will tell my blog readers about it on Friday when I blather ..
- 14 March 2012 at 05:56
- cathyj said...
Have already ordered two!
- 14 March 2012 at 10:03
- danielle-momo said...
This cover: WOW!
Je suis très impatiente de lire ce nouveau livre qui est déjà commandé.
- 14 March 2012 at 11:24
- Barbara said...
This cover would inspire me to pick up the book and look at it even if I didn't know who Louise Penny is. Since I definitely do, I'm greatly looking forward to it.
- 14 March 2012 at 11:57
- lil Gluckstern said...
Beautiful cover. This artist captures the light shining through the shadows, as it were. Eagerly awaiting the book!
- 14 March 2012 at 14:52
I hate to wish the months away but August can not get here soon enough! Congratulations on the awards that are coming!
Karen L.
- 15 March 2012 at 20:45
- Colombine said...
- 16 March 2012 at 14:55


text:
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Sports Production | Feature
The University of Florida (UFL) has updated its GatorVision control room with two new slow motion instant replay systems. GatorVision, managed by the College of Journalism and Communications, produces live and on-demand event streams and game day coverage for U Florida athletics.
The institution selected Tightrope Media Systems' Zeplay solution. The systems enable the school's production team to create "multi-angle replays, on-the-fly highlight packages and more," according to the company.
Running the system is part of the educational training for students in the Journalism and Communication programs, said Brad Noblitt, director of engineering for the College of Journalism and Communications, in a statement.
"We have a lot of student involvement at GatorVision, being part of the College of Journalism and Communications" explained Nobblitt. An experienced operator runs the primary Zeplay, he said, while simultaneously training students to run the second system. "Our primary operator teaches students how to use Zeplay keystroke by keystroke. Within an hour, the student can really understand the concept of the workflow."
The Zeplay comes with a four input and four output configuration and built-in multi-viewer. The production team can easily monitor the different camera angles and rapidly generate multiple replays.
"This gives us a true four-by-four system," said Noblitt, referring to its four input and four output configuration. "We rely heavily on the system for the fan experience, and I am astounded by how quickly we can produce multiple replays. We can fire off a replay even as our opponent heads back down the basketball court. It is the meat and potatoes of our system."
The team also produces "melts" after each game, archived for later use, "with direct playout to our XDCam disc or as an exported .mov files."
Noblitt said the system has enhanced the learning opportunities for students in the program.
"We can easily set up a simulated game by taking our four camera feeds from the previous game, and using one of our Zeplay units to playback the game through our switcher," he noted. "This helps us teach our students how to direct, how to TD and how to do replays offline. If there is a problem we can hit stop, discuss what went wrong, back up a few plays and try it a different way. We built that functionality into GatorVision because it is a teaching facility."
About the Author
Kanoe Namahoe is online editor for 1105 Media's Education Group. She can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.
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Al Sharpton on Family Scandal That Affected His Youth
Full interview: Rev. Al Sharpton talks to WSJ's Lee Hawkins about his new book "The Rejected Stone," discussing the rejection he felt from his father and responding to the question, "Are you a racist and an opportunist?" (Photo: Getty Images)
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
I ... Reverend Sharpton ... new ingenuity ... in your book is called the rejected stone it ... really this book takes us from the streets to the sweet which is really ... your journey but you're still in the streets as well ... about one messes that I really got up this book is your feeling ... of rejection that you struggle with for your whole life on his departure for the rejected stone ... tell me about that title ... you know is this quirk in the Bible when Jesus since ... the rejected stone show become the cornerstone ... and though all my life he ... says that deal with rejection you know my father and in the school hours ... now ... up on growth in church in the old preaches rejected if at the start of the board for tea ... then I don't assume Wrightson because ... I was not from sell ... I was much younger then ... the the guys out there I was stiff ... and cause I was approved a new country I was ... saddened from Cairo Dalman Shakti ... and ... when you up for them I ... can dumb in the ... city you know would weigh you and you write another book as of the book and the use ... of what it's like ... now the host a TV show even though the White House he is doing the boxes for true on ... he says ... and I say you know when the moon on top about our ... projected people ... can embrace themselves lessons I've learned cause look it ... the landscape could I ... look in the flag day ... present Obama was me Jackson who prattle for the United States ... the call to feel light and easy to ... use to sell marijuana newsfeeds and will nuke we ... ended people understand all of us and an object for some reason cause when she called loophole because we live long haul ... you know the lessons that he said so you can make ... in the state of Orissa but let's get into this because the book really tell if America a lot of things about you that they couldn't tell ... from rallies in from your theory MSNBC showing weak but when you think about it from them all wealth the person to the average person on the Street ... write yourself in which all traces of an eye for the two dead child he started ... on you he revealed that your father ... dear father you can't ... have a really interesting situation to happen ... when you were young please explain well no law father large pool ... do too well ... a lot of long up and they own the house clean ... when I was born ... in Queens nice middle class than ... the one that will go and mom of the city fathers goal ... when he left with her oldest daughter my absence from ... losses to from mom of the stores man ... op and it shall be given then ... all was not only did he ... he landed us ... Mandela mother going on in a house in Queens is longish could ... on Friday when asked Utilities Emma do homework but can go back ... and and and broke ... in with from the suburbs to the housing rights to the house and tried to just do what ... we are limited here till nine years older than in an environment housing development for wild and ... in its true though Bullard ... dad never there before ... but the basis of five-year feeling rejection part of it was because ... your father ran off with his stepsister Rep Wright ... had a child with her and now quarantined hand you your sister going live ... the ... life also seemed longer with the uncertainty of jobs ... and left me ... in the unit controller of that I was in the mill and is SodaStream a nation where was the domain of the um that if you so you need me ... golf and you deal with all of the was a mountain church for only one is that he's dating go for the system ... I'm that kind of disgrace income and scan them ... and I knew he had to deal with ... the mom of on the verge of a nervous breakdown had to go to all of it ... paid just ten days and then negotiate ... that will form a nice suburban ... up idyllic life on the New Moon crude would gain the do's and don't feel as though I'd never seen before ... in your preaching the gospel ... same set of opportunism for infringing didn't really cool with many Jackson ... got thinking with my ... preteen and three ... Kanye sustain me through because the whole world for upside ... with that and then all you really deny that yet aam ... you know what what's really interesting is that when you when ... I you were opening up as a boy preacher from a million Jackson made with those who it was like a rockstar attached made as to when the mob style gospel ... and she'd come who've broken ... my future job growth and was like the churches sheets and his team mom passed away ... she did it for she says I like the film truthfulness and to ... end up going to give the world's fail ... um I'm did the opening in between ... and so on going on is while all in this trial was going on in my room for smaller ... yet ... our ... I think it was serendipitous that you in this book you really talk about ... the influence of James Brown who came in when you were a young man after James Brown I don't think you revealed this in the book went ... back to jeans brown locks his son in a car but it was a friend of yours ... he became like a father figure to you when you became ... kind of his personal valet ... whatever it was though all gained ground on Sunday that it was the same reasons ... continues and no ... I mean the proceeds in the house on the side seam ISO rise Werdelin teenage ... also writes he ... had been free to walk ... into a working mom was to get killed in the cards ... so Sunday's Jackie's in ... all things planted ... and while no sold in the mood to do so the new News Sunday is his young pre teen ... TV ... Koran was selected to sunlight and ... they continue to gain ground in London concert ... for my youth and ... the Olympians and we get to be my father's side and then he would have legal ruling ... that out with an award Valeo manage I was so the light ... misstated the new house is silent so ... he wanted me to tickle his money back to the line when you tell what I don't want ... to be doing that I would do it ... but I knew file ... cannot be he wanted the sun and feasted ... and no theme vegan like giving me the for what he wanted me to do I'd talk about in the book uses ... the causes of our friends shopped yes I know I am legend in Dallas too long ... yell at my I want to ... see anyone ECU ... an island and he said cause he became the father that I didn't have ... the irony is the only recreational Noble mop up the food vendors ... used to the city policy didn't work and a number of media glad during ... the down the phone calls to the guys have to stand in line go to my fall ... as your career Eve our family has now you're ... you're on MSNBC very successful show ... on net ... have you gotten you got some criticism only that you believe that you sold out ... so love to ... know what one has to sue me ... you know it will all miss you sell going on ... in a CNBC fatigue ... the issues that have enough on ... the trail on a lot ... I tell me ... what I did ... help me ... to ... do with the whole question of Mindanao nibbling ... at one ... dealing with the question of when the ... Iowa and today than it was a lot to watch in Altona demolished include helping the ... soul ... people that Chris has done nothing to criticize ... it really is sold to National Mall was soo right ... with elderly sold not only when that's all I've that they didn't disappoint ... yet we still have been able to stay in the fall from its own right ... and still in my collection ... do you think that the show has brought you more credibility in the sense that ... you have had such a strong ... foothold on the grass roots but now he also able to amplify your message ... out to millions of people across the country with the show's done is given visibility all up in the areas that when the Fed will lose them ... the King that is easy to demonize mean when people like to live and I'd say ... not insane ... no he doesn't feel that way ... so I'm no longer just talking to the American ... mainstream ... wouldn't there he said sell by date lasted for themselves and they know exactly what I'm saying ... and working that is great news so I ... think that that is all all the difference between overhead ... one of the things ... that a lot of people and things because you really going to live in the school ... didn't talk about what to do with off the what's not in the book ... you talk about two one a probably never really found interesting observation about how you feel like it change you because in that ... situation you'll be hearing a person I mean actually win after the prosecutor ... in the Trayvon Martin case to never mention it here ... but you never really say ... she and I ... know Wolf was losing out on about ... his new book on lessons I learned it ... and go out and taught all about this on benefits others on all the love of cases ... of road over many years ago and I've told them that the number of ... what does it do not steal steer ... connecting something ... on one hand the holiday that I don't know ... and again she told one story that was the toast of the fund in law ... so for people who will say well he needed a new DT leaders on Tuesday in ... the book usable about Mrs outlined his book is not about ... ought to know about it at some of them I'm musicians present Obama ... uses the word out and I had a good chat Denver's ... want you to ... so I think that political autobiography ... this is not that ... this is about Mrs unlearned people that of fall right wingers in disagree about bought these ... can take these lessons into my ... MSN we met I have looked at the White House mom ... anyone into the White House twenty one times in a very short period of time you've been an advisor to the president ... on interracial politics ... and I think that there are two people have been the best advisors to whom ... you and we shall ... on ... how to understand ... about black people because he has not always done well he lost their first selection about the wraps ... I we've been in Chicago ... what you think about the president now in terms of how he's the top in terms of being able to talk to people who you in other words is just about always thought you did better than you ... would ... we will we ever had to discuss ... I think he's even stronger than the little bit and tourism is on the stand ... and I think he's doing the legacy that will be denied ... so in the future now will be ranked obviously it's been ... a big issue for you I know that ... the National action Network your organization ... as chapters all over the country is that your biggest issue Bobby these issues voting rights into the midterm election ... second all equally selling is the second ... is jobs ... we still have a double and one ... of Mac's away ... and we don't really read the deal would help keep ... our big supporter of four little kid ... when you don't need the support of health and wellness ... interest in our communities and churches and schools ... we're going to ... mean the ... economy ... when people read about your phone it's out with the thinking this guy is a racist ... in disguise in opportune ... are you racing ... Dubai will raise its ... bid while another deal of places there were four wide to ... allow up to the WeDidIt as a stand on that model in other races ... there is no record anyone can point to ... pick a city that needs to raise an opportunist ... I just only did these in the league three years ... the bulk of it to me is that what with that for the last daughter for eighteen and nine years old who acts ... of the key ... aam will will always be ... and ... Lantana that ... the team can ... figure out ... opportunism don't PG up this little compelled to them do an infinity pool I was


text:
Cities' Elusive Quest for a Post-Industrial Future
What do rusting industrial cities have in common with outmoded BlackBerries? In this era of constant technological progress, talent mobility and global competition, it's striking how many similarities can be drawn between cities and companies, and the need for both to continuously adjust their industrial strategies to avoid oblivion or bankruptcy.
Cities can lose their vigor and vitality just as surely as a once-hot product can lose its cutting-edge cool. RIM, the maker of the the once-ubiquitous BackBerry,
has been leapfrogged by companies with more nimble technologies; Kodak, once synonymous with photography, went bankrupt when it failed to make the transition
from film to digital. The roll call of withering cities – once proud, yet now reduced to rusting remnants – shows how cities, like companies, can lose their historic raison d'etre if they fail to hone their competitive edge.
Heavy industries like steelmaking and automobile assembly once powered some of the world's mightiest economic urban areas: Traditional manufacturing industries shaped their identity, giving their citizens income and pride. But globalization, competition, shifting trade patterns and changing consumer trends are continuously reshaping the competitive landscape, with dramatic impact on cities and people. Over the past century, industrialized regions like the Ruhr Valley of Germany, the Midlands of Great Britain and the north of France – along with the older shipbuilding cities around the Baltic and North Seas, and the mono-industrial cities of the former Soviet Union – have struggled to make the transition to different industries or toward a post-industrial identity. Their elusive quest for a post-industrial future has had a dramatic impact on their citizens.
The same issue has become daunting in recent decades for aging manufacturing regions in the United States, which have suffered the prolonged erosion of their industrial-era vibrancy. That kind of wrenching change is bound to soon confront other cities in the developing world, as they struggle to adapt their urban cores, civic infrastructure and industrial strategies to an era that puts a higher premium on nimble cognitive skills and advanced technologies than on bricks-and-mortar factories, blast furnaces and big-muscle brawn.
For fast-growing cities in the global South, many of which are urgently seeking solutions amid their sudden urban growth, there could be many lessons in the experience of older cities in the developed world in making such a transition.
A series of recent conferences among urban policymakers and practitioners – backed by a wide range of rigorous academic research and practical client-focused experience in building competitiveness – provide insights that city leaders and the World Bank Group's practitioners can leverage as they craft programs for transformative urban strategies.


text:
Last night I had a strong hankering for a soft oaty biscuit. So much so, that my final act, before turning off the light to go to sleep, was to write, "oats, dried cranberries/raisins?" on a post-it note and leave it by my bedside. When I read it this morning I understood what needed to be done (I always obey notes I leave myself, particularly when they involve food)...so, braving the rain I ventured out to purchase porridge oats and dried cranberries.
Luckily (hah! As if luck had anything to do with it!) I had a bar of white chocolate in the fridge and thought its mild creaminess would work very well with the cranberries; even though the cranberries I bought were sweetened, they still had a degree of tartness to them.
These biscuits are the work of minutes to make and are incredibly moreish. Normally I prefer a crisp biscuit but there is something comforting about the soft chewiness of these – they're like a cake/biscuit/flapjack hybrid and probably even a bit healthy because of the oats and cranberries.
They stay soft and lovely for days after baking too...I am slowly working my way through them (obviously, I let Mr CC have some!)
150g unsalted butter, at room temperature
150g dark brown sugar
2 eggs
150g dried cranberries (I used sweetened)
100g white chocolate, cut into small chunks
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
120g porridge oats
200g plain flour
Preheat the oven to 190°C/fan oven 170°C/375°F/gas mark 5.
Line three baking sheets with baking paper.
Beat together the butter and sugar until light and airy – as it's brown sugar the mix will not whip as light as if caster sugar, but it will turn noticeably paler.
Beat in the eggs gradually.
Stir in the cranberries and white chocolate.
Stir in the bicarb, oats and flour.
Place rounded teaspoons of mix on the baking sheet leaving approximately 2-3cm between biscuits as they spread as they bake.
Bake for approximately 12 minutes or until the biscuits are golden. I checked them after 10 minutes and turned the tray for the remaining baking time.
Leave to cool on the baking sheets as they are very soft when warm.
When completely cool, store in an airtight container.
Bask in the glory of the wonderful thing you have created.


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Each year during the holiday season, many of the local charity groups sponsor annual events to raise money. Each event always has a bake table for sweet treats of many varieties available for sale. The bakery goods sold are donated by many of the generous people in the town who support these charitable groups. Each year, Martha and her friends bake an extra pie during their usual holiday baking frenzy to donate to one of these annual events. They each select a different event to donate their pies to and generally each makes a different flavor too. Determine the full name of Martha and her friends, the type of pie each made, the charitable organization each donated the pie to, and the event that each group sponsored.
1. Madeline's last name wasn't First. The bake sale was sponsored by the children's hospital.
2. The pecan pie was not donated to the homeless shelter. Melony, whose last name wasn't Bay, donated her pie to the animal shelter.
3. Ms. Stewart, whose first name wasn't Martha, made the apple pie but she didn't bring it to the craft fair.
4. Mary Lewis didn't donate her pie to the bake sale. The animal shelter did not receive a pecan pie.
5. The pumpkin pie was donated to the veterans but they didn't hold a pancake breakfast.
6. Martha brought her pie to the spaghetti dinner. The rhubarb pie was brought to the craft fair.
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Ramsey, town (parish), Huntingdonshire district, administrative county of Cambridgeshire, historic county of Huntingdonshire, east-central England. The town serves an intensively cultivated hinterland on the southwest border of the Fens, a reclaimed region adjoining the North Sea.
Ramsey developed around a 10th-century Benedictine abbey, which was granted freedom from ecclesiastical and secular control before the Norman Conquest (1066). The abbey was an early English seat of learning, with a library of Hebrew books. After the dissolution of the monasteries (1536–39), its demesnes were granted to Sir Richard Cromwell, ancestor of Oliver Cromwell. A grammar school now occupies part of the site of the abbey. Pop. (2001) 8,047; (2011) 8,479.


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City of Lincoln
Mayor's Office
2009 Media Releases
Mayor Chris Beutler today announced the winners of the 31st annual Mayor's Arts Awards. The awards will June 3 by the Lincoln Arts Council (LAC) June at the Lied Center for Performing Arts. The Mayor's Arts Awards program formally recognizes artistic contributions and achievements in the Lincoln area. Union Bank and Trust Company will again be the presenting sponsor.
The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a reception, and the awards begin at 7 p.m. Tickets to the event are $50, and reservations are required. Checks can be sent to LAC at 920 "O" Street, Lincoln, NE 68508. More information is available by calling the LAC at 434-2787or on the LAC Web site at www.artscene.org. The reservation deadline is May 26.
The honorees:
Except for the Literary Heritage, Larry Enersen and Mayor's Choice awards, honorees are selected by a panel of arts professionals. This year's award is a metal sculpture created by Adam Loman of Play Creative.
The public is encouraged to submit names of members of the Lincoln arts community who have died since the last awards ceremony in June 2008 for memorial recognition at the awards event.


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So first I want to give you some feedback how the troops performed balancing-wise:
- The first thing we noticed was that big armored vehicles are die-hards. Almost the whole army had to fire on a tank for several rounds to destroy it. This made it possible for them to roam the battlefield freely, just driving around their enemy's emplacement and picking their targets each round freely.
Two tanks with each two Gun III may be able to damage each other effectively, but it would still take about 6 or more rounds for any of the two tanks to emerge as the victor. I guess this is intended, but the base CP cost for such fortresses seemed to be a little low.
- Machine guns were absolutely worth their CP price. Their various firing-modi made them versatile - big targets that are easy to hit? fire some more rounds! A whole infantry squad nicely accumulated in a middle-ringfinger arc? - take them all down with only -1 to the UR! Target so-so to hit? Well, just fire one shot then.
So basically, the machine gun can convert excess of skill/boni into damage/multikill, which is a pretty mighty thing for a weapon that is only marginally more expensive and can shoot a little less far as the normal gun.
In our game, machine guns did by far the most damage and the most kills. The lower distance didn't matter anywhere in the battle.
- The weapon type that was the weakest were big guns (size 3 upwards). Taken their high use rating, we thought of them as perfect anti-tank weapons. In the game however, they turned out to be pretty useless and not worth their CP price at all.
My assault gun IV missed the size 6 tank about every second shot, also at almost point-blank range which looked ridiculous. When it hit, it never pierced through the tank's armour without combined fire (chance would be less than 50%). The amazing distance a gun IV can fire turned out to be much less powerful than imagined as a target of a size that a gun IV can hope to hit will never be destroyed before it closes in to a distance where other/infantry troops can engage (too many hitpoints) - so the extra range only granted the gunner one extra try to hit at most.
So their performance against big targets was mediocre/bad and against infantry about impossible.
Attacking the tank with combined fire of infantry troops proved to be much more effective as they could only miss on a 1 (due to the big size) and dealt the same damage. (4x guns I = 1x gun IV -- as far as damage is concered) Plus of course, the infantry guns could also fire at other things than big tanks. So for the only use case for which big guns were made for, they performed worse than just infantry troops.
Regarding the whole combined-damage thing
This rule makes small weapons over-powerful because actually, there is no need for big guns. It's just harder for them to hit something.
As for a solution to this, the new armored-property does clearly have the intention to alleviate this problem and give big anti-tank guns a chance. But it feels more like a crutch:
It is not clear to me when a tank is "armored" or "only" has a armor level of 3, or both. (From the builders perspective, ) how would an "armored" tank with armor level 3 look like, how would a "non-armored" tank with armor level 3 look like? Shouldn't it be armored everywhere (except for the weaker component-spots but which is already covered by the rules)? Isn't being armored the definition of armor level 3? - even the rulebook gives as examples for armor level 3: "concrete, mortared stone, armor plating, castle, armored tank, stone giant".
So with this property, suddenly there are two notions of armored - armor and some kind of damage consumption. This is confusing. And I can really not think of any MOC examples that should be heavily armored (level 3+) but still be vulnerable to many hand weapons fired at the same time at it. Either a shot pierces through the armor, or not, "armored" and "armor" seems to be too connected to each other than to treat it separately. Besides, there is the grinding damage rule for that.
So, in my next (test) game, I want to try out alternative rules that address these observations, but I am uncertain what I could change for that game. Here are some ideas I have but the whole sense of this post here is to get some input from you guys and especially from stubby, so please, discuss .
- Remove the combined damage and "armored" rule. Burst shots of MGs count as single shots. Explosions always add up. Infantry and other troops with small weapon will have to rely on other methods to stop heavily-armored vehicles - damage components (tank's weapons, tank's tires,...), throw a grenade into the hatch, climb onto the tank and deconstruct it,... or do grinding damage, which I guess is pretty much as effective as combined damage (which is why I'm not sure if I like this rule at all - didn't try it out yet)
- Connect the damage consumption with the armor level. Could be like this:
- Code: Select all
Armor level Armor Damage consumption (per shot)
0 0 0
½ 1d6 0
1 1d6 1
2 2d6 2
3 3d6 3
4 4d6 4
5 5d6 5
The better the armor, the harder to do damage with small weapons


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Taking a walk in the tropics is not an easy task. The skies are clear, sun is burning and temperatures are high. This is even harder in urban centres that experience slightly higher temperatures due to buildings, asphalt, and industrial activities; better known as the 'urban heat island effect.'
Walking, however, remains a very popular mode for people on the move in the City of Nairobi. Approximately 48 % of Nairobi residents walk to work. Most of these belonging to the lower income segment of the population, and may walk up to 7 to 15 Km a day.
Sadly, up to 47% of road fatalities in Kenya are pedestrian deaths. Pedestrians also suffer injuries and permanent disabilities as a result of road accidents. Stories of innocent pedestrian deaths are not strange in the city.
Pedestrians in Nairobi appear to lie last in the urban planning priority order. A survey conducted by the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) found that in Nairobi there was little segregation of vehicles from pedestrians. It stated that 95% of the roads recorded high pedestrian flows yet only 20% had pedestrian footpaths. Pedestrians fight for space with drivers who at times drive on pavements during traffic jams. Walking routes are also blocked by waste, informal businesses and, at times, parked vehicles. The rainy season brings its own challenges, with these same drivers mercilessly splashing water on pedestrians. Oftentimes when roads are repaired little attention is given to the pavements, leaving them either dusty or muddy.
The highly acclaimed 8-lane Thika Superhighway was completed in 2012 without a single pedestrian crossing. Several pedestrian deaths forced the authorities to take action, first constructing speed bumps as they drew plans for pedestrian bridges. On the equally busy Mombasa Road, it was only last month that construction of a pedestrian footbridge began, in spite of the appalling pedestrian safety record of at least one death a day.
At times the pedestrians also have themselves to blame, with many of them ignoring footbridges to dangerously dodge vehicles as they cross roads. The City Governor was right when he blamed citizens for being lazy and putting their lives at risk. However, the city design still ought to be done in favour of citizens and not vehicles.
On the positive side, some of recent road construction has seen better emphasis on pedestrian walkways with pedestrians protected from motorists by drainage streams. The media have also held road safety campaigns, but there may also be need for emphasis on rules or guidelines for pedestrians.
When will we realize that pedestrians have equal rights as vehicles? What can we do to make our city safer for pedestrians?
Credits: Images by Constant Cap. Data linked to sources.


text: 2014 Outlook: Will Record-Setting Cattle Prices Continue? November 10, 2013 11:17 PM Tweet TAGS: Marketing, Overseas December 18, 2014 By Greg Henderson Drovers Editorial Director Email Editor's note: This is one of seven 2014 marketing outlooks, the AgWeb.com editors are providing to help you succeed and be profitable in the coming year. Please check back each Monday for another outlook. All-time cattle price records fell like Congressional approval ratings this fall. Can the trend continue in 2014? You bet, say market analysts. Just like the perfect storm that derailed cattle markets in 2008 and 2009, the fundamentals are shaping up to deliver a profitable and possibly record-breaking 2014. Indeed, the clouds around the cattle and beef sectors appear to be made of silver linings this year, with the only question mark lingering over consumer demand. The primary factor driving improved profitability for cattle producers is lower grain prices, specifically lower corn prices. It's no coincidence that as corn prices declined to 3-year-lows this fall, cattle prices experienced an unprecedented rally. Stocker and feeder cattle posted 25 percent to 30 percent price gains since May, boosting the feeder cattle index price for 750-pound steers to more than $165 per cwt. Falling corn prices also provided a much-needed boost for feedlot operators. After two years of negative margins, cattle feeders began printing closeouts with black ink again this fall. According to Sterling Marketing, Inc., Vale, Ore., feedyards saw average profits of nearly $123 per head for cattle sold the first week in November. That's a dramatic turnaround from the $32 per head they were losing on cattle last year. Sterling Marketing president John Nalivka says average feed costs per head were $172 lower in November, 2013 compared to the same month in 2012. Although some parts of cattle country remain locked in drought conditions, most cattle producers saw vastly improved weather conditions during 2013. Rainfall totals closer to regional averages produced much needed hay and forage which further reduced cattle production costs. Looking ahead to 2014, analysts point to declining supplies of cattle and beef as the foundation of a strong market. The Jan.1, 2013 inventory of beef cows was the lowest in 60 years, and every number cruncher in the business says cow inventories will be smaller again come Jan. 1, 2014. That will be the eighth consecutive year of declining cow numbers, and it guarantees fewer feeder cattle and calves next year. Feedyards and stocker operators will aggressively seek cattle in all weight ranges next year, which is supportive of calf and feeder cattle prices. With calf and yearling prices already at record-high levels, the suggestion from analysts is that new records could be set next year. Lower grain prices and tight cattle supplies already add up to a rosy outlook, but analysts always like to find a little more support for a bull market. That's why they point to robust beef exports. The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) says that through the first eight months of 2013, beef exports are up 1 percent in volume and 10 percent in value to 767,017 metric tons valued at $4.01 billion. USMEF says the export value per head of fed slaughter for beef in August averaged $253.87, up $46.16 from last year. Demand for American beef is expected to remain strong in foreign markets next year. Can anything derail a booming cattle market in 2014? Absolutely. Analysts are nervous about ever-increasing retail beef prices and the effect on consumer demand. Average retail beef prices in August 2013, the latest data available, was a record $5.39 per pound, surpassing July's mark of $5.36, according to the USDA's Economic Research Service. Predicting a ceiling on retail beef prices is impossible, a task made even more difficult by the uncertainty analysts see in another round of government gridlock when Congress tackles the federal deficit and the debt ceiling early in 2014. Still, it's a great time to be in the cattle business, analysts believe, and 2014 should provide opportunities for profit for every sector. .................................. 2014 Marketing Outlooks The editors at AgWeb.com are taking a look at experts' 2014 projections for corn, beef, wheat, hogs, soybean, cotton and dairy. Back to news


text:
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Welcome to the new golden age of NFL quarterbacks.
Old-schoolers will always refer to the 1983 NFL Draft as the 'Year of the Quarterback.' Indeed, the first 28 overall picks of that draft produced six quarterbacks, three of whom went on to become first-ballot Hall of Famers.
- Number one overall pick John Elway used the leverage of a New York Yankees baseball contract to eventually force the Baltimore Colts to trade him to Denver, where he remains the Broncos' all-time face of the franchise.
- Jim Kelly initially balked at playing for the Buffalo Bills but wound up playing in four consecutive Super Bowls after serving a USFL internship.
- Dan Marino was 27th overall pick, and 61,000+ yards later he had re-written the NFL record books; the Miami Dolphins have spent the last decade plus trying to find a replacement.
Ken O'Brien had a nice decade-long run with Jets (he might be a better option than Sanchez/Tebow this weekend) while Tony Eason led the New England Patriots to their first Super Bowl berth.
Only Todd Blackledge in Kansas City would be a bust, proving that even then that the Chiefs front office left something to be desired.
Nearly 30 years later we are witnessing a dynamic new crop of pro QBs who seem destined to change the direction of the game going forward in breathtaking fashion.
We knew that the first two overall picks of 2012 had a good shot at instant stardom, but as the regular season winds down we are finding out just how good, and deep, this bumper crop truly is.
Jon Gruden might be doing some decent teaching at his little quarterback camp…
How do we stack them up at this point? Let's rank the current class based on this year's results rather than on potential:
1. Robert Griffin III
I will attempt to get through this without making any sort of social or political commentary. Where is there to start??
Before getting hurt late in Week 14, RG3 had a 134.5 quarterback rating in his four most recent starts. Overall, he has thrown 18 TD passes against a mere four INTs, and before sitting last week was on pace for 920 rushing yards.
It is arguably one of the finest rookie seasons in league history.
The negative? Being in a market with a media that loves to pour gasoline on any controversy, and a fan base that likes to look at gift thoroughbreds in the mouth.
The initial trade that moved the Redskins up to #2 in the draft for their own first two picks + first round picks in 2013 and '14 in itself is still a source of criticism amongst some DC fans. (Though it can't be many…)
Then there are the durability concerns and the concussion and knee injury suffered in separate occurrences this year. One scribe claims that the Skins may have already witnessed 'the sweet nectar' of Griffin's career and that his style of play is already threatening his long-term future.
I get the concept of perhaps toning down the risks running the ball. I don't know about making him the Stephen Strasburg of the NFL (handle with kid gloves), but RG3's passing game is good enough that the runs can be reduced. But I wouldn't eliminate the running, and Aaron Rodgers is a good example of someone who picks his spots well.
20/20 hindsight also says hanging on to all those draft picks then drafting Russell Wilson in Round 3 would have been a bonanza. That's true, but after 20 years of Gus Frerotte and a cast of many others, the front office knew they could not pass up the chance at a franchise quarterback no matter what the cost.
RG3 has proven every bit the asking price thus far. But with each injury, or any drop-off in performance long-term, the critics and micro-commentary will be back full force, which is just the nature of the DC media and the DC fan base.
1a. Colin Kaepernick
Since Colin basically red-shirted his rookie year, I will include him as an honorary member of the 2012 class.
I already did an entire article on Kaepernick supplanting Alex Smith, so I'll make this brief. We have now seen enough of a sample size (150+ pass attempts) to know that Colin is the real deal. Two-thirds of the passes complete, 100+ QB rating, 7 TDs versus 2 INTs, and nearly 200 rushing yards last four games.
And he just won in New England, case closed. Colin is a half-tick behind RG3 if even that.
And to Alex Smith? It might not be fair, but the only fair is the County Fair.
Finally, how prophetic did Colin's fourth-grade essay proved to be?? He had his NFL choices already narrowed down to the Niners and Packers – even early on the man had taste.
Don't be surprised if Colin is holding the Super Bowl trophy in February.
2. Russell Wilson
Way back in August we were talking about Luck and RG3 while just beginning to recognize Wilson as a nice little sleeper. Next to the first two overall picks Russ seemed like the Libertarian candidate.
Well, Wilson is now a legit ROY candidate, and he has gotten stronger as the year has worn on. Wilson has a 95.5 rating for the year, and how many fantasy owners did he come through for with his three rushing TDs in Week 15?
Wilson also gets points for his incredible intelligence, which Mike Leach noted doing commentary on an NC State game two years ago. It is an amazing skill set. How many GMs are kicking themselves right now for immediately writing him off just on the grounds of being 5'11"?
And Kaepernick v. Russell Sunday night – that is must see TV.
3. Andrew Luck
Don't get me wrong, Luck deserves huge accolades for taking over a 2-14 team and having Indy on the verge of an AFC playoff berth no one dared predict (except for one wacko MSF scribe). And how cool will it be to see RG3, Kaepernick, Wilson, AND Luck all in the playoffs?
But statistically, Luck has taken a few lumps in his rookie campaign.
Out of 35 qualified leaders, Luck's 75.5 rating ranks only 31st. Some of this is due to pure volume – Luck is fourth in the league with 564 pass attempts, throwing 20 TDs, but also among the league leaders with 18 interceptions. But five touchdowns on the ground should also be factored in.
Luck's rookie campaign is far from a bust. If RG3/Kaepernick/RW are graded as As, then Luck is an A- or B+ at the very worst. A decade from now we may still be talking about Luck as the best overall out of this incredible class.
4. Kirk Cousins
RG3 is hurrying himself back into the Redskins lineup before Cousins has any chance of starting the next great quarterback controversy.
All joking aside, there is no controversy as long as Griffin is upright. Cousins knows his current role. (But one need only ask Alex Smith how that assumption can turn out…)
The point is that the Skins' fourth-round pick has come up absolutely clutch the last two weeks. First was coming in cold and leading the comeback OT victory over the Ravens. Then he got the W last week in Cleveland. It is a still a small sample size (48 attempts), but a near 69% completion percentage and a 100+ rating is more than passable.
If you grabbed Kirk when RG3 went down in fantasy, you are forever thankful if he helped you win your Week 15 playoff game.
Not a bad insurance policy. If Cousins can keep it up he will be one of the most coveted free agents ever a couple years from now.
5. Ryan Tannehill
Texas A&M is still trying to replace this guy. Or not…
Actually, this remains a work in progress, but Tannehill has had a few moments since being given the keys to the Dolphins offense in Week 1.
With a 75.9 rating, Tannehill ranks in the lower percentiles of NFL starting QBs right now. But with the Dolphins sitting at 6-8, you can say that Tannehill hasn't hurt the team and gives them a chance each week.
I cannot give a true verdict until Miami gives Tannehill some more talent around him offensively.
6. Nick Foles
The Philadelphia Eagles season has been a train wreck since the start this year, and HC Andy Reid is expected to finally part ways somewhere around December 31st.
But amidst the wreckage, it looks like the Eagles have found their answer under center with the late third-round pick.
Foles' best effort came a couple weeks back passing for 381 yards in Philly's come from behind win at Tampa. Long-term, I wouldn't be surprised to see Foles to prove to be at least equal to Tony Romo, and he already has an arsenal of receivers that other QB's (see Sam Bradford) would kill for.
Michael Vick still feels he can be a starter, if he does it will be elsewhere.
7. Brandon Weeden
Coming into the league at age 29, Weeden has, from the start, been in the category of stop-gap than long-term answer.
But what Weeden has been is an actual upgrade over Tim Couch and other QBs who have gone through Cleveland in the last decade-plus. Over the past four weeks, Weeden has completed 63% of his passes. He is amongst the league leaders with 17 INT's, but the downfield kill-shot pass has actually been a option with the Browns this year, and the team has been very competitive after an 0-5 start.
Out of the seven rookies though, Weeden has the best chance of being supplanted next year. It remains to be seen if he will remain the starting with a new front-office regime and possibly Nick Saban (if you believe such scuttlebutt) coming on as coach.


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We just had a REALLY rough evening. I think we just got our first glimpse into the terrible twos. From 5pm until about 5 minutes ago we battled tantrums, adamant assertions of independence, and irrational fits. Our 19 month old has officially worn us out. How can such a little creature suck the life out of two grown adults? Rex is normally very opinionated and particular, but not in a bad way. He is a happy, silly little clown that just happens to know what he wants. He has a routine and we are happy to oblige (we are the ones that created it after all). But tonight was a different story. Nothing went his way, he couldn't be pleased, he was miserable.
Nights like tonight make me wonder how I ever pulled off a recipe like the one below. Something from scratch that could easily be purchased pre-made in any grocery if needed to be. I used to create time consuming recipes often - I didn't have any excuse not to. These days, recipes like the one below are few and far between. And if my toddler's behavior tonight wasn't a fluke then I don't see myself making much "from scratch" for a while. Rice-a-Roni, here we come!
Please let tonight be a rare occasion...
Gnocchi with Browned Butter
Adapted from Cooking Light March 2012
- 2 (12-ounce) baking potatoes, unpeeled
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 4 1/2 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 cup)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 6 quarts boiling water
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 large garlic clove, crushed
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped pecan halves
- 1/2 ounce fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated
1. Place potatoes in a saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook 40 minutes; drain.
Cool; peel. Press potato flesh through a ricer or a metal colander in the absence of a ricer (as I did below, just no need to invest in a ricer if you don't already have one).
Spread potatoes on a baking sheet; sprinkle with salt. Cool.
2. Scoop potatoes into a large bowl. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup. Add flour, and toss.
Form a well in center. Add 2 tablespoons chives, pepper, and eggs; stir.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead just until dough comes together (about 1 minute).
3. Cut dough into 4 equal portions,
and roll each into a 22-inch-long rope.
Cut each rope into 22 pieces.
Score gnocchi with a fork, by rolling the gnocchi toward you and pulling the fork back in the same direction.
Cook half of gnocchi 3 minutes in boiling water. Repeat with remaining gnocchi; drain.
4. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic; cook for 2 minutes. Add nuts; cook 2 minutes or until butter browns and brown flecks appear.
Discard garlic. Set aside half of butter mixture. Add half of gnocchi to pan; toss. Cook 1 minute or until browned.
Repeat with remaining butter and gnocchi. Divide gnocchi evenly among 4 shallow bowls. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chives and cheese.
Click Here for My Adapted Printable Recipe


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