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Pre-Season Power Rankings: Part 2
1. Green Bay Packers – Aaron Rodgers has one of the best arsenals of weapons in the league and the Packers figure to be in the top 3 in offense once again. Their defense looks to return to 2010 form, though losing quality ILB Desmond Bishop for the season could hurt. The secondary needs to rebound though I'm not sure they did enough to reinforce the talent in their defensive backfield. The Packers will need to find consistency and production in the trenches on both sides of the ball, but they look like a good bet to win the NFC North once again and it would be hard to bet against them in January.
2. New England Patriots – If Tom Brady stays healthy, the Patriots are all but guaranteed to have a top 5 offense. Adding Brandon Lloyd and Jabar Gaffney to an already dangerous passing attack should worry the rest of the AFC field. The Pats might also see more explosiveness from the RB position with 2nd year backs Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen replacing the plodding BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Ultimately though, the Patriots will only go as far as their defense takes them. Adding Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower looks like it will pay dividends but can their secondary improve from last year's nightmarish season? If New England can get a good season from a few of their younger DB's (Ras-I Dowling, Devin McCourty, Pat Chung, Tavon Wilson, Alfonzo Dennard), they will be nearly unstoppable.
3. Houston Texans – The Texans have an excellent offense and an excellent defense. Man for man, they might have the best 22 starters in the league. However, Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson have durability questions and the team's depth isn't great. Furthermore, I don't trust coach Gary Kubiak to win in the playoffs. The Texans should put together an excellent regular season if they can avoid injuries to their top players, but they will need to prove that they can take the next step in the post-season.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers – It seems as if many fans and experts are discounting the Steelers a bit this year and it's tough to see why. Their defense is still loaded with talent and young players like Ziggy Hood and Cam Heyward figure to play bigger roles in 2012. The offense underachieved last year for a number of reasons but the O-line should be improved and the WR corps is still amongst the game's best if Mike Wallace reports. Even without Wallace, there is enough talent for the Steelers to put up a lot of points if they can do a better job of keeping Ben Roethlisberger upright and healthy. The Steelers are still one of the most talented and best coached teams in football and seem poised for another good year.
5. New York Giants – It's tough to know what to make of the Giants. 2012 could see a return of the mediocre and underachieving regular-season team that they've been for most of Tom Coughlin's tenure or perhaps the 2011 Super Bowl champion team of December – February will be on display for a full 16 games. If their key front 7 players are healthy, the Giants have enough talent to repeat as Champions. The big questions for New York are their CB's, OL and running game without Brandon Jacobs. Ahmad Bradshaw hasn't established himself as a consistent threat and I'm not a fan of 1st rounder David Wilson or backup D.J. Ware. The OL was a big problem last year and hasn't improved much on paper though, as we saw, they can win with what they have.
6. New Orleans Saints – The Saints would be higher up in these rankings were it not for the suspension of Sean Payton. New Orleans has an incredibly talented roster, elite QB and enough young talent to think that they could improve in many of their weak spots. However, taking Sean Payton off the sideline is a huge loss. He might be the 2nd most valuable coach in the league behind Bill Belichick and it's tough to see the Saints hoisting the Lombardi without him. Still, the Saints should be playoff-bound and Drew Brees is capable of putting the team on his back if needed. With the Super Bowl being played in New Orleans this year, it would be quite a story for the Payton-less Saints to win it all on their home turf.
7. San Francisco 49ers – Projecting the 49ers at this point in the pre-season comes down to one thing: do you think Alex Smith can repeat his 2011 season? Smith will never live up to his #1 overall status, but there's plenty of reasons to think that he can continue to be a top third type QB under coach Jim Harbaugh who was superb at hiding Smith's weaknesses and setting him up for success. The defense is loaded with depth and top-end talent and should remain an elite unit. Throw in a terrible division and the 49ers should be headed back to the post-season and double-digit wins.
8. Baltimore Ravens – The good news for the Ravens is that they were one or two plays away from the Super Bowl last year. The bad news is that it's tough to see how they've improved enough to get themselves to the next level. Losing Terrell Suggs for the season is a huge blow and Ed Reed and Ray Lewis are at the very end of the line. As well coached as the Ravens' D has been, a step back would not be surprising. Unfortunately for Baltimore, they probably cannot withstand a step back from the defense as their offense is simply not good enough to carry the team. Between the timid and overly conservative game plans of the coaching staff and the inconsistencies of QB Joe Flacco, the Ravens offense will be an average unit once again. Ray Rice is good enough to keep the unit from being bad, but the team will not be able to win (or even make the playoffs) without the defense playing up to the lofty standards set by the franchise over the last decade.
9. Detroit Lions – If the Lions can keep themselves out of trouble and avoid taking tons of stupid penalties, they could be a serious contender in the NFC in 2012. Of the teams in my top 10 rankings, the Lions are the team I could see as most likely to flop. Matthew Stafford is clearly an elite QB when healthy – but his ability to stay healthy needs to be proven. The defense has to improve from their 23rd overall ranking (points allowed) if the Lions are to challenge the Packers for the NFC North. While the Lions have some fairly big holes on their roster, an elite QB and disruptive pass rush can take you a long way.
10. Dallas Cowboys – The Cowboys have underperformed for awhile and it's tough to avoid feeling that with a better coaching staff, they could be a consistent double-digit win team. Their DB corps which killed them at times last year has received a big boost in 1st rounder Morris Claiborne and prized free agent Brandon Carr. They still lack a pass-rusher to take attention away from DeMarcus Ware and Dez Bryant's problems (both off-field and on) could really affect the offense given the lack of depth at WR. The OL – a perpetual problem in Big D – still looks shaky on paper. Still, the Cowboys have a lot of talent, a top QB and promising young players at a number of positions. The 'Boys have a brutal opening stretch on their schedule, opening in New York against the Giants and then heading to Seattle before facing Tampa Bay and Chicago at home. After their week 5 bye, they head to Baltimore. If they're still afloat after week 6, I like their chances for a return to post-season play and a potential Super Bowl run.
11. Atlanta Falcons – After last year, I'm highly skeptical of both coach Mike Smith and QB Matt Ryan's ability to win a championship. Smith looked out of his league last year with overly conservative gameplans and a bad feel for when to take chances in his playcalling. The Falcons have a ton of talent with which to work, but seem to lack the killer instinct that great teams tend to have. In many ways, they are reminiscent of the Marty Schottenheimer Chiefs teams of the mid/late 1990's (or even his Chargers teams of the mid 2000's). The Falcons should be a contender next year and a top regular season team, but probably not a team headed for a deep playoff run.
12. Chicago Bears – Though I'm not a fan of big contracts for RB's, re-signing Matt Forte was a must for a team lacking consistency on offense. Adding Brandon Marshall was very smart and will give Jay Cutler a solid, if inconsistent at times, target. Drafting Alshon Jeffery could turn into a major coup though I'm skeptical of Shea McClellin's ability to have an impact in a 4-3 – assuming he can stay concussion free. While the Bears offense should be better than in recent years, their defense is getting old and still has holes in a number of key places. The offensive line has been bad far more often than good in the last few seasons but little was done to upgrade that unit. With Green Bay still an elite team and Detroit on the rise, the Bears could face an uphill battle to return to the playoffs.
13. Cincinnati Bengals – On paper, the Bengals have a pretty stacked roster. Certainly, they've added a ton of big name college players over the last few years. Yet, it's still tough to pencil them into a playoff spot. One big reason is their division,, another is the growing pains that accompany many young QB's. Andy Dalton was adequate last year, but his 80.4 QB Rating was worse than Kevin Kolb's and only slightly better than Mark Sanchez and Tarvaris Jackson. Adding reliable, though mediocre, BenJarvus Green-Ellis could help take pressure off Dalton, though Green-Ellis isn't a huge upgrade over Cedric Benson. If the Bengals haul of young prospects can step up, or they can find another big-time weapon on offense to complement A.J. Green, Cincinnati could be a big surprise next year.
14. Denver Broncos – The similarities between the Broncos and late 2000's Colts are numerous: exceptional pass rushers, weak in the trenches, shaky secondaries with some upside, mediocre running backs and a team which will rely heavily upon the right arm of Peyton Manning. If Manning stays healthy, the Broncos should win the AFC West and could win 10-12 games. However, the Colts don't have a Dallas Clark, Marvin Harrison or Reggie Wayne (let alone all 3 in their prime simultaneously) and it remains to be seen how effective Manning can be playing outdoors every week. We've seen him have success in bad weather and with mediocre supporting casts, so it wouldn't surprise me if he is very much the Manning of old. However, like the Manning-era Colts, the team will collapse without him and it's not a sure thing that his neck will hold up.
15. Philadelphia Eagles – The problems with basing an offense around Michael Vick were quite apparent last year: he simply isn't very good at times and he can't stay healthy enough to be at his best for more than a few games. Rookie Nick Foles will probably be called upon at some point in 2012 when Vick inevitably gets hurt or benched. There's a good amount of talent on the Eagles roster and they could contend for the NFC East title, but they will need a lot of luck with Vick's health and performance. The Eagles' placing in the middle of my rankings is a direct result of them most likely having to play a few games with Foles or Mike Kafka at QB and they're probably not good enough to survive with those guys for more than a game or two.
16. Seattle Seahawks – The Seahawks are right in the middle of my rankings for one reason: I could see them being very good or really terrible. More than any other team, it's hard to get a feel for whether or not this is an 11-5 type team or 5-11. The QB situation is one big reason why: Matt Flynn is a total unknown and neither Russell Wilson or Tarvaris Jackson strike me as guys that can take a team to the playoffs. The skill position players are a bit overrated but are capable of great things at times. Marshawn Lynch can be a top back at times, and a non-factor at others. Sidney Rice is an excellent weapon when healthy – which has been rare. Seahawks fans seem to love the non-Rice receivers led by Golden Tate, Doug Baldwin and Ben Obomanu but the front office seems to have a different opinion as they've seemingly auditioned or signed every washed up veteran imaginable. If Braylon Edwards or Terrell Owens makes the roster and can be a #1 or #2 guy, Flynn should be set up for success. The Seahawks D is steady and well-coached but their depth is questionable and might have overachieved last year. 1st rounder Bruce Irvin will be one of the most intriguing stories to watch this year.
2012 Draft Recap: AFC East
There are few things more amusing in football than the seemingly obsessive need draft followers and football fans have to assign draft classes a grade right after the draft. Between now and the time these guys' rookie contracts expire (2015 and 2016), things will change significantly from the way they appear now. Most such grades come from this thought process:
1. What did I feel was the team's biggest need or 2
2. Did they fill those needs via the early or mid parts of the draft? If no, the team gets a bad grade. If yes, see #3
3. Did they fill those needs with players I like based on scouting reports (either personal, or taken from websites/"experts")
4. If yes, team gets an A or B. If not, team gets a B- or C
5. Did team take a guy I personally liked or had as a "sleeper". If yes, increase grade one half-grade.
6. Did team take a guy I personally disliked, viewed as a likely bust or considered overrated? If yes, decrease grade one half-grade
How many websites and analysts gave the Cardinals a good grade after snagging Matt Leinart in 2006? Or the Browns an "A" after maneuvering to get not only Joe Thomas, but Brady Quinn in 2007? In 2004, Mel Kiper had this to say about the Minnesota Vikings draft, which he graded as an "A":
Kenechi Udeze, Dontarrious Thomas and Darrion Scott will help immensely for a team that needed speed on defense, particularly speed outside off the edge. Nat Dorsey and Mewelde Moore were my top two players available on Day 2 and the Vikings got them both. Rod Davis will also help the front seven and Deandre Iland is a versatile defensive back, while Jeff Dugan is a strong blocker at the tight end spot.
Needless to say, not even the biggest Vikings fan could give their 2004 class a grade better than a C- in retrospect.
So while I don't partake in grading drafts, I do have plenty of thoughts on what transpired over the last few days. Starting in the AFC East:
New York Jets – I'm surprised that the Jets passed on the edge rushers who slid down the board, especially Chandler Jones and Melvin Ingram. Mike Tannenbaum and Rex Ryan swung for the proverbial fences with their draft strategy this year, using their first two picks on big upside/big risk players. If Quinton Coples and Stephen Hill can realize their potential, the Jets will look brilliant. The problem is, they're not in an environment conducive to doing so. Coples is a guy with a questionable motor and attitude, coming into a locker room which was toxic by a lot of reports.As for Hill, I'm not a fan of receivers with iffy hands and an inability to run routes and it will be interesting to see how he fits in with Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow lobbing him the ball on 9-routes. The Jets needed a RB badly to back up (or supplant) Shonn Greene but waited until snagging Terrance Ganaway in the 6th. However, Ganaway fits the Jets scheme pretty well, and he could be starting by year's end. Demario Davis, Antonio Allen and Jordan White are a trio of later picks wh0 could really help. It wouldn't surprise me if the best players from the Jets' draft end up being from their assortment of day 3 picks. Undrafted players Donnie Fletcher, Ryan Steed and Brian Linthicum were prospects I felt could have been drafted. The Jets failure to add a RT was almost as surprising as passing on an edge rusher. That's a decision that could come back and haunt them.
Buffalo Bills – I'm not a big fan of Stephon Gilmore, at least not at #10 overall. He's got the talent to be a star, but will need a lot of work and coaching to realize his upside. Cordy Glenn was a surprising draft-day slider, but he could really struggle at LT if that's where the Bills try him. On the right side of the line, he could be an excellent player though so we'll have to see how that plays out. T.J. Graham was a bit of a wacky pick in a draft full of them, his speed is impressive but he might not be able to get off the line against physical DB's. The Bills Day 3 haul netted them some bigger name players in Ron Brooks, Nigel Bradham, Tank Carder. At the very least, they upgraded their special teams units with those guys though I think one or two could help out on defense (Brooks especially). Zebrie Sanders slid into their laps, but I'm not sure he has a place in the NFL. Undrafted Aaron Corp could turn into something, though he's probably a practice squadder in 2012.
Miami Dolphins – I've bashed the Dolphins in the past for failing to get a franchise QB, so I can't fault them for taking Ryan Tannehill. The rest of their draft underwhelmed me. Jonathan Martin, overrated to begin with, was drafted to play RT, a position he might not have the strength for. Lamar Miller was a surprising slider on draft day (due to rumored medical concerns) but where does he fit? I wasn't a fan of Daniel Thomas last year and he didn't do much to ally my doubts about him, but taking Miller (on top of having Reggie Bush) was a bit odd. I'm a big believer in taking the best guy on your board, but this is a team that traded away their #1 WR and failed to replace him. That they waited until the 6th round (B.J. Cunningham) in a WR-deep class to address the position was one of the most baffling decisions of the weekend. Perhaps they envision 3rd rounder Michael Egnew as guy who they can split out a lot of the time. I like Olivier Vernon, though he has big question marks. J0sh Kaddu is probably a special teams guy at best in the NFL. Like any draft class with a 1st round QB, the 2012 Dolphins draft will ultimately be judged on Tannehill's success. If he flops, it will be difficult for this class to look good 3-4 years from now. If he realizes his (significant) upside, the rest of these picks don't really matter. Myron Johnson, Kelcie McCray, Jeff Fuller, Jacquies Smith and Jonas Gray are undrafted guys who could stick.
New England Patriots – Just when you think you've figured out Bill Belichick, he goes and trades up (not down) twice in the first round. This after several drafts where he was criticized for trading down and missing on top defensive talent. Chandler Jones and 3rd rounder Jake Bequette are not only guys who should help improve the Pats pass-rush, but also have great upside as run-defenders. That helps a defense which had way too many 1-dimensional and situational type players last year, which ultimately killed them in the Super Bowl. Dont'a Hightower is the type of LB who would have fit well with the Patriots dynasty teams, a hard-hitter with a knack for big plays at big moments. 2nd rounder Tavon Wilson was the first of many strange picks league-wide in the 2nd-4th round. Many (most? all?) draft websites and analysts had Wilson as a late round or undrafted type talent and it was a shock to see him go so early. That it was so bizarre (not merely a 1 round reach by conventional scouting), tells me that Bill Belichick sees something very specific in Wilson that projects well to the Patriots' scheme. While he's missed plenty on defensive players in the draft (like any long-time GM), 8 Super Bowl appearances and 5 Super Bowl wins as a coach/coordinator buys you a lot of leeway. Especially when he is known for trading down and getting better value instead of reaching on players. That he stayed put and selected Wilson says a lot about how highly the Illinois CB/S was ranked on the Patriots board. The Pats didn't have many other picks, but snagging Alfonzo Dennard in the 7th is a brilliant move. Even with his off-field issues, Dennard probably should have gone 100 picks earlier. Not grabbing an interior DL (4-3 DT or 3-4 DE) was a surprise, and could be indicative of the Pats running even more sub-packages than they did last year (about 60% of the time). Undrafted OL Jeremiah Warren was a guy I had as a mid-round sleeper and Markus Zusevics could have been a mid-rounder had he not torn his pectoral at the combine.
Overall, I don't think we saw a power shift in the AFC East. The Patriots 2012 season will be defined as much by their young DB's (Pat Chung, Devin McCourty and Ras-I Dowling) as their 2012 draftees. The Dolphins didn't do much which makes them obviously better for next season, as Tannehill is probably headed for the bench behind David Garrard/Matt Moore. The Bills have had a solid off-season overall, and their rookie class should give them quality depth if not big contributors next year. The Jets haven't done much this offseason to fix their biggest problems from 2012 and it's unclear where they expect to get internal upgrades from, though a DL of Coples-Pouha-Wilkerson could be an imposing unit.
Mock Draft 5.0
(Originally posted by me at Mocking The Draft)
Just four days to go until the 2012 NFL draft. Here is another look at how things could shake out next week:
1. Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
With the Colts already announcing they intend to choose Luck, there is no suspense in the first pick of this year's draft.
2. Washington Redskins – Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
With Luck headed to Indianapolis, Griffin will be headed to the nation's capital. He could be the first true "franchise QB" the Redskins have had in a long, long time. He better be, given the package of picks Washington traded for him.
3. Minnesota Vikings – Matt Kalil, OT, Southern California
There has been growing belief that Kalil could slip past Minnesota here, but it would still be a surprise to me if the Vikings pass up the best LT in this draft. They could go with Justin Blackmon, but protecting Christian Ponder has to be a top priority and current LT Charlie Johnson just isn't up to the task
4. Cleveland Browns – Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
Colt McCoy probably isn't going to be the guy to take the Browns where they want to go so the question becomes: do they give McCoy one more year with a premier offensive talent like Justin Blackmon or Trent Richardson, or do they grab a potential franchise QB now? I don't think the Browns can pass on Tannehill here and still have another first rounder to add a RB or WR.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
Talented but troubled Aqib Talib is probably on the way out and Ronde Barber is ancient. Claiborne is an ideal pick for the young Tampa Bay defense. It would be very surprising if Claiborne was available here and the Bucs passed on him. Trent Richardson is the only other guy who could make some sense but grabbing a CB has to be a higher priority than a RB.
6. St. Louis Rams – Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State
It's assumed that the Rams will grab Justin Blackmon if he's available at #6 but new coach Jeff Fisher loves to build his defense, especially with DT's who can disrupt the pass. Cox didn't have an off-the-charts Combine, but he is an ideal 4-3 3-technique who can get after the QB and hold his own in the run game. He will give St. Louis the talent on the interior DL that they've lacked for a number of years.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars – Melvin Ingram, OLB, South Carolina
Another spot where Justin Blackmon could go but the Jaguars choose to address their pass rush after adding some veteran depth at WR in the offseason. Currently the Jags only pass rusher is hard-working Jeremy Mincey – who is productive but isn't a guy offenses have to gameplan for. Ingram had dynamic pass-rushing ability and gives the Jaguars some much needed athleticism at DE
8. Miami Dolphins – Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
There aren't many teams who have had worse offseasons than the Dolphins. Their big weakness heading into the 2012 season was their passing game. They traded their #1 WR (Brandon Marshall) and have gone yet another offseason without adding a franchise QB. Unless they trade up for Tannehill, they will be relying on veteran mediocrities at QB for the next year or two. Blackmon will allow them to get the most out of Matt Moore or David Garrard and gives the Dolphins a much needed boost to their thin WR corps.
9. Carolina Panthers – Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
The Panthers could go in a number of directions at #9 but Michael Floyd is the best player on the board at this point and might be a better prospect than Justin Blackmon. Combined with Steve Smith, Cam Newton will have an exciting duo of WR's with which to shred opposing secondaries.
10. Buffalo Bills – Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
The Bills would probably like to have snagged Floyd or Blackmon, but with both off the board they have to address their weakness at OT – a spot which was a problem before losing Demetress Bell to Philadelphia a few weeks ago. Reiff gives the Bills a long-term solution at LT and should help keep Ryan Fitzpatrick upright. A CB like Stephon Gilmore could be a possibility here as well.
11. Kansas City Chiefs – Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
It would be surprising if Richardson falls this far. Chances are that if he gets past Tampa Bay at #5, someone will trade up for him. However, if he is on the board at #11, the Chiefs won't pass up on him. Jamaal Charles is coming off of a serious injury and Thomas Jones is at the end of the line. If the Chiefs can't run the ball, they aren't going to win many games because Matt Cassel isn't going to be able to carry the team. Richardson gives the Chiefs an exciting weapon and keeps Kansas City's running game at the top of the NFL.
12. Seattle Seahawks – Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College
David Hawthorne is in New Orleans and the Seahwaks don't have great internal options with which to replace him. It's possible Seattle slides K.J. Wright inside, but they'd still have a big hole in their LB corps. Kuechly has some versatility and should be a very productive player for coach Carroll. DL help is also on Seattle's wishlist, so a guy like Devon Still or Nick Perry is an option as well.
13. Arizona Cardinals – David DeCastro, OG, Stanford
The Cardinals OL is perpetually a problem and DeCastro is easily the best OL on the board at this point. It would be a surprise if Arizona passed on the Stanford guard – who projects as the best interior OL to be drafted in a decade. The Cardinals do have a lot of other needs, including at WR (Kendall Wright could be an option) and at LB.
14. Dallas Cowboys – Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse
One of the first big surprises of the draft, the Cowboys go with an OLB to play opposite DeMarcus Ware. Incumbent Anthony Spencer was franchise tagged and none too happy about it. Even if he plays under his franchise tender, he probably isn't a long-term solution for Dallas. Chandler Jones has a ton of upside, despite inconsistent production at college. The Cowboys need playmakers on D and Jones has the ability to wreak havoc on opposing QB's while having the potential to drop into coverage at the LB spot. Mark Barron or a DE could be an option as well.
15. Philadelphia Eagles – Devon Still, DT, Penn State
Andy Reid loves to build his lines and he needs to add some talent and youth to his interior DL. While Fletcher Cox has been the trendy pick for the Eagles, he projects to be long gone by the time Philadelphia comes on the clock. Devon Still has a lot of upside and is the well-rounded type of player that Philadelphia needs. While he's not an elite pass-rusher, nor an imposing run-stuffer, Still has a lot of ability and can contribute as a 3-down player.
16. New York Jets – Mark Barron, SS, Alabama
The Jets need help in a number of spots. Their edge-rusher spot is lacking, they could use another RB, a dynamic talent at WR and help on the right side of their OL. However, their safety spot is a black hole and Mark Barron is too good of a value for them to pass up. The Jets cannot expect to wrest the AFC East title from the Patriots without adding some talent and depth at safety. The aggressive Jets front office might even be willing to go so far as to trade up for Barron if they feel they can't get him at #16.
17. Cincinnati Bengals – Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
Andre Caldwell is in Denver and Jerome Simpson is unsigned and has serious off-field problems. Andy Dalton could really benefit from a playmaker opposite A.J. Green. He disappointed at the Combine, but make no mistake – Wright has serious big-play ability.
18. San Diego Chargers – Nick Perry, DE, Southern California
The Chargers badly need a pass-rusher, as Shawne Merriman's glory years are a distant memory at this point and they've struggled to address the position recently. Nick Perry is a bit of a wildcard in this draft, with the upside to go in the top 10 but he could also slide to the late 1st. He has an explosive first step and the athleticism to beat quality offensive tackles. He could use some refinement in his technique, and will have to develop additional pass-rush moves, but his talent level is amongst the best in this class if you need a guy to attack the QB.
19. Chicago Bears – Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
New GM Phil Emery has given QB Jay Cutler some new toys on offense and has filled a lot of the team's needs on that side of the ball, though questions remain on the OL. The Bears defense needs an influx of youth, especially along the DL. Dontari Poe has the massive size that will remind long-time Bears fans of former All Pro Ted Washington, though Poe has more athleticism. Some questions remain about Poe's lack of production in college (against mediocre competition) and his overall football IQ and instincts, but his combination of size and athleticism is too good to slip too much farther in the draft.
20. Tennessee Titans – Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
Center and DE have to be atop the Titans wishlist and coach Munchak has implied that he doesn't want to go interior OL early. Whitney Mercilus has been the popular pick here but Quinton Coples could be an option as well – providing less flash but a more well-rounded and versatile skill set. If Coples can live up to his sky-high potential, he could be a huge steal at #20 – though it wouldn't be a surprise if he slips past this spot in the draft.
21. Cincinnati Bengals – Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
Even with Terrance Newman added, the Bengals D needs help in the secondary and Gilmore is a natural fit for their defensive scheme. While he needs a lot of work to smooth out his technique problems (especially his footwork), he has the most exciting upside of any DB in this draft outside of Morris Claiborne. If Leon Hall can't regain his pre-injury form, Gilmore could be a long-term #1 CB in Cincinnati. Otherwise, he will help give the Bengals a top CB pairing.
22. Cleveland Browns – Courtney Upshaw, DE, Alabama
The Browns need a playmaker at WR or RB. However, Alabama's Courtney Upshaw might be too good of a value to pass up here. While his pass-rushing ability is probably a bit overrated, he still offers a ton of upside as a well-rounded 4-3 DE. The Browns added Frostee Rucker to play opposite Jabaal Sheard, but Rucker isn't a long term option and is more of a rotational player anyway. Adding Upshaw to an already talented DL could make the Browns front line the best young unit in the league.
23. Detroit Lions – Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
The Lions have a solid young defense but really need a quality player in their defensive backfield. Dre Kirkpatrick could be the 2nd best CB in this class and will help solidify a secondary which has lacked top-end players for a long time.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Cordy Glenn, OT, Georgia
The Steelers OL has been a major problem for awhile and they cannot pass up the talented, massive and athletic Georgia OL. Cordy Glenn gives Pittsburgh some versatility, with the ability to play either RT or RG in the pros. Pittsburgh could also choose to infuse some youth into their defense, with an ILB like Dont'a Hightower or a DB – possibly even an OLB as the Steelers love to collect pass-rushers
25. Denver Broncos – Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
There are few prospects as polarizing as Brockers in this year's first round. You either love him or hate him. The redshirt sophomore has a lot of potential but his production is lacking and he didn't impress in the offseason workouts. That said, the Broncos interior DL is desperately in need of talent and Brockers could be the guy they need to improve the unit. Other options could include Jerel Worthy or Kendall Reyes.
26. Houston Texans – Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama
The Texans traded starting ILB Demeco Ryans and didn't replace him externally. Wade Phillips' already stout and impressive defense could use a guy like Hightower who plays with the hard-hitting and aggressive demeanor than Phillips loves. A #2 WR is also a distinct possibility, with Stephen Hill or Rueben Randle being possible options
27. New England Patriots – Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State
It's tough to see Bill Belichick passing up on McClellin – not only because the Patriots' OLB are easily the worst of any serious playoff contender, but because McClellin is the versatile type of defender that Belichick loves. The Boise State LB can line up inside, outside, in either a 4-3 or 3-4, he can drop into coverage or rush the QB. The only concern here is McClellin's 3 concussions. It's possible some teams could have him off their board due to concerns about his health.
28. Green Bay Packers – Whitney Mercilus, OLB, Illinois
The Packers have needed a player to rush the QB opposite Clay Matthews for awhile now. Mercilus may or may not be able to move to OLB from his collegiate spot at DE. However, in a scheme like Dom Capers' attacking 3-4, he will be able to pin his ears back and use his athleticism to get after the QB frequently. The Packers could also go with a 5-technique DE here – Kendall Reyes or Jerel Worthy.
29. Baltimore Ravens – Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
Even with Torrey Smith en tow, the Ravens could use another young receiver to give them some big play ability on offense. Baltimore has few pressing needs and can afford to roll the dice a little on a project like Hill – whose upside could be higher than any onther WR in the draft. An interior OL like Peter Konz could make a lot of sense as well.
30. San Francisco 49ers – Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
Coby Fleener might be getting a bit overrated, due to the success of other mobile TE's. However, he projects as a reliable intermediate threat who can contribute in the red-zone. The 49ers could use some help in that area, as Vernon Davis can't do it all himself and their WR's aren't great short-area options. Plus, Fleener played under coach Harbaugh and should be able to learn San Francisco's offense quickly
31. New England Patriots – Kendall Reyes, DT, Connecticut
The Patriots have filled a lot of needs this offseason, but haven't found a quality interior lineman (4-3 DT or 3-4 DE) to line up next to Vince Wilfork. Reyes is flying under the radar a bit, but he has the athleticism to push the pocket as well as the strength and length to hold up in coach Belichick's 2-gap scheme
32. New York Giants – Doug Martin, RB, Boise State
Brandon Jacobs is gone and Ahmad Bradshaw isn't the most reliable of backs. Boise State's Doug Martin is a very well rounded back who gives the Giants the versatility they covet in the backfield. Martin projects as a 3 down back who can both pick up tough yards and contribute in the passing game.
13 Days Til The Draft: Three Up, Three Down
Two weeks from now, we'll be somewhere in the 2nd or 3rd round. As we approach the big day, here are three prospects on the way up and three on the way down:
Three Up:
1. Chandler Jones – Jones seems to finally be getting media exposure as a potential mid-1st round pick. Part of the increased attention has been due to the lackluster performances of other DE prospects (Quinton Coples, Courntey Upshaw) and the lack of a true pass rush threat in this draft. After Melvin Ingram (who seems to be entrenched as a Top 10 pick), none of the next group of DE's has established themselves as solid 1st rounders. Coples, Upshaw and Nick Perry still figure to be 1st rounders but they might have been leap-frogged by both Jones and Shea McClellin. Watching Jones closely, it's tough to understand why he's below those other guys as a mid-late 1st round option. He gets knocked for an inconsistent first step, but unlike many of the other guys in this draft, Jones can use his big wingspan and power to disengage from blockers and can beat OL either outside or on inside stunts. Furthermore, he's a sturdy run defender who can plow through contact and make plays on ball-carriers behind the line. He needs some technique work, but he looks like a New York Giants style DL. He will be able to line up all over the formation and be successful.
2. Chase Minnifield – He's been flying under the radar for months and it's still tough to figure exactly where Minnifield will get selected. With the red flags surrounding some of the top CB prospects, it's curious that Minnifield isn't getting late 1st/early 2nd round consideration. There aren't many guys in this year's draft who are as pro ready as he is if you are running a zone defense. He is a good athlete who will be an immediate contributor on special teams and has the quickness and fluidity to play either inside or outside. He doesn't have superstar upside, which could be why he is getting overlooked, but he has a lot going for him and should make some team very happy in the 2nd round.
3. Brian Quick – The 2012 draft is absolutely loaded at the WR position, especially in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Regardless of what your favorite team likes in a receiver, there is almost sure to be a guy in the 2nd tier of prospects who will fit their needs. While guys like Mohamed Sanu, Kendall Wright, Stephen Hill and Rueben Randle seem to get the most consideration at the end of round 1/early round 2, Brian Quick deserves some serious consideration. A small school guy who needs some (a lot?) of coaching, he is unlikely to get selected in the 1st, but his size and athleticism make him worth a long look at the top of round 2. At nearly 6'4, 220 lbs, running a 4.5 40 yard dash and possessing terrific leaping ability, he has all the tools to be a top NFL WR. Any coach who thinks Quick can learn to run a route tree should be clamoring for this guy after the top WR's come off the board.
Three Down:
1. Whitney Mercilus – I'm surprised so many are buying into Mercilus' one year of college production. The success of Jason Pierre-Paul seems to have convinced people that athletic guys with limited experience are worth high value picks. Of course, JPP is the exception more than the rule but his impact with the Giants will get Mercilus drafted half a round earlier than he probably should. Mercilus' biggest strength is a good first step and the athleticism to beat college OT's off the snap. He most likely isn't going to beat NFL quality tackles with pure athleticism like he did last year at Illinois. Unfortunately for Mercilus, he's not a particularly effective player after contact. He gets stood up too often and can get pushed out of the play by tackles with good footwork and the agility to counter his pass rush. As a run defender, he leaves a lot to be desired. Simply put, if he's not getting to the QB and pinning his ears back, he isn't a top pick in this draft. A GM who invests a high pick in Mercilus is gambling that he can add pass rush moves to his repertoire and develop the ability to go through OT's and not just around them. He's an interesting prospect, but not one I'd invest a top 40 pick in.
2. Courtney Upshaw – For a guy who was briefly considered a top 10 talent (possibly to Buffalo or Miami), Upshaw has probably fallen out of early 1st round consideration. His terrible showing at the combine in linebacker drills has really left him in no-man's land as a prospect. 3-4 scheme teams are probably not going to want to invest an early pick in a guy who is as stiff as Upshaw showed. As a 4-3 DE, he doesn't project to be a huge sack guy and run-stuffing DE's who can chip in a few sacks just aren't worth 1st round consideration. Don't be surprised if Upshaw slides down to the end of round 1 or early round 2.
3. Jonathan Martin – Is there a player who has had a worse offseason than Jonathan Martin? From a top 10 consideration to a possible 2nd round pick. The best thing Martin has going for him right now is that other top OT prospects like Mike Adams and Zebrie Sanders have also shown poorly since the end of the college football regular season. At this point, I wouldn't be surprised to see Martin drop out of round 1.


text:
typically like a chair tie or to a pole or legs together arms behind and so on.
she claims its practical?
Finest answer:
Answer by SpaceBrain
Ask her.
What do you believe? Answer below!
Orignal From: When I tied up my wife(bondage games), she prefers to wear pantyhose and heels. Why?

subset: commoncrawl


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Know more about this business than we do? Cool! Please submit any corrections or missing details you may have.Help us make it right
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Since 2010 the company has been providing New Construction, Single-family Houses.
Lincoln Builder Construction is located at 534 6th St, Palisades Park, NJ..


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|Commission for: exquisite
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|This public Oekaki was created by Kyun_yo ( view profile . send KP )
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Commission for: exquisite
Uploaded: 27 July 2009
Uploaded: 27 July 2009
I was drawing this on oekaki, and then it refused to upload. :/ So then I screenshotted it before I lost everything when I refreshed. ...and then when I uploaded a pic onto my picstream I saw that I had the oekaki uploaded here. -___- so stupid... Anyways... it's lame... I know, I wanted to have a color differentiation. :| -was experimenting again- I know her arm is weird lol, I don't think I was paying attention to it and I made it bend weirdly. xD; Nevermind that, I'm too lazy to change it. The perspective suck, mah... whatevers. Sorry for procrastinating exquisite. ^^ Hope you like it.
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BC Electric Company
Vancouver's first motorbus, painted the familiar dark green colour of the BC Electric Company, hauls a load of local dignitaries on its inaugural run in March 1923. The vehicle had a 30-horsepower engine, hand-cranked of course, hard rubber tires and candles in lieu of a defroster. In the thick fogs so common in the city in those days, off-duty drivers came in to act as fog pilots, standing in the doorway to warn their partner back onto the road or trotting ahead trailing a white handkerchief.
View the entire Metro Vancouver History 365 Series HERE.


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Distributed web Servers on the immensely expanding Internet requires high scalability and availability to provide efficient services to millions of clients on the web to provide rapid responses to enormous number of clients requests load balancing is a important technique to evenly distribute the request to the web servers.
So we propose a framework called MALD (Mobile Agent based Load balancing) that uses mobile agent technology to implement scalable load balancing on the distributed web servers
Various load balancing policies can be incorporated with versatile mobile agents in the framework..
Compared with the traditional message passing based load balancing method, the mobile agent based approaches have the merits of high flexibility, low network traffic and high asynchrony. The performance evaluation demonstrates that the MALD frame work provides a foundation to develop efficient load balancing schemes on wide range of web servers systems
Project Members : Abdul Muthalib & Taher Bharmal
Project Guide : Ms. Swatika
Friday, March 27, 2009
Efficient Mobile Agents Based Load Balancing on Distributed Web Servers Abstract
Posted by Shaik at 7:36 AM
Labels: asynchrony, distributed system, MALD, mobile, server, web
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Reasons Underlying Racial Differences in Stroke Incidence and Mortality
- African Americans, statistics and numeric data
- health status disparities
- incidence
- risk factors
- stroke, epidemiology
- stroke, mortality
- stroke prevention and control
Although there has been a significant decline in overall stroke mortality rates since the 1950s, age-adjusted stroke death rates have remained higher in blacks than in whites through 2008.1 The Table shows the 2009 stroke death rates per 100000 according to age and sex for blacks and whites. The relative excess in deaths from stroke among blacks compared with whites is most marked in the population aged <65 years, in which, for example, there is a black/white mortality ratio of 3.7 among men aged 45 to 54 years. The black/white mortality ratio decreases with age in both sexes until ages ≥85 years, when death rates in blacks are lower than in whites. Differences between whites and other racial and ethnic groups in the United States are important but less marked. In 2008, stroke death rates were lowest in American Indians/Alaska natives (24.0 in women and 24.5 in men per 100 000.)1 Stroke death rates were similar in Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islanders, both with rates lower than those in whites.1 Complicating the discussion of racial and ethnic differences in stroke mortality is that the race groups of whites, blacks, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native include persons of Hispanic and non-Hispanic origin, and the Hispanic category includes persons across all race groups. Also, death rates are known to be underestimated for Hispanics, Asian/Pacific Islanders, and American Indians/Alaska Natives for whom data are likely less reliable.2
The initial concerns about black–white disparities in stroke were recognized in the 1970s based on mortality statistics.3,4 These concerns were reinforced by 3 population-based cohort studies of stroke incidence reporting rates observed during the 1960s that also showed similar black–white disparities in incident stroke risk.5–7
There are several more current epidemiological studies that provide insights to black–white differences in stroke incidence across a broad age spectrum and in different regions of the United States, with some also providing insights to the risk factors potentially contributing to the excess stroke risk in blacks compared with whites.8–17 The higher prevalence of risk factors in blacks, particularly hypertension and diabetes mellitus, are perhaps the most widely recognized contributing factors.8,18,19 Data from 13-year follow-up (through 1987) of the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Epidemiologic Follow-up Study showed that the risk factors of age, sex, education, blood pressure treatment group (normotensive, controlled hypertensive, hypertensives receiving medication, and hypertensives not receiving medication), systolic blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, history of heart disease, Quetelet index (ie, body mass index), hemoglobin, and magnesium explained approximately one-third of the excess stroke risk among blacks aged 35 to 74 years at baseline.9 Blacks especially had higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and lower educational level. Consistent with the previous Evans County, Georgia study,5 there was also an interaction with age, suggesting that even after adjustment for these risk factors, blacks aged 35 to 44 years remained at substantially increased risk for stroke, but racial differences for those aged >64 years were smaller or nonexistent. Some limitations of this report include the use of administrative data (medical records, death certificates) codes rather than physician adjudication of stroke events, lack of smoking status, and less complete follow-up for blacks.9
Incidence data for comparing rates for blacks and whites from the studies that included physician review of stroke cases have been recently summarized.17 Data from the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Study (GCNKSS), one of the largest population-based surveillance studies of black–white differences in clinically reviewed stroke incidence cases, used the community socioeconomic status (SES) measure of percentage below poverty to examine the contribution of SES to the black–nonblack differences in incident stroke.13 Lower (poorer) community SES was found to be significantly associated with higher stroke incidence, and this effect was similar for blacks and nonblacks (largely whites). The contribution of community SES to excess black stroke incidence was estimated to be 39%, leaving 61% unaccounted for, but they were unable to adjust for individual-level risk factors, including diabetes mellitus and hypertension, that may overlap with SES.13 The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study that included 4 geographical areas of the United States (only 2 had sufficient numbers of blacks) showed that the addition of educational status (a surrogate measure of SES) to the model adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus decreased the black/white ischemic stroke incidence rate ratio from 1.57 (95% confidence interval, 1.18–2.09) to 1.38 (95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.89), a reduction of one-third, although the potential for differential effects by age was not examined.10
The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study is a population-based national cohort study of 30239 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥45 years at enrollment in 2003–2007 that was designed to investigate factors associated with the excess stroke mortality of residents of the stroke belt region and that of blacks compared with whites.16 Follow-up is ongoing with physician adjudication of suspected stroke events. On the basis of follow-up through May 2010, data from REGARDS have shown that black–white patterns in stroke incidence are similar to national patterns of stroke mortality, suggesting that black–white disparities in stroke incidence play a role in black–white stroke mortality disparities.17 However, the magnitude of the disparities in stroke incidence is only approximately half of the mortality disparity, suggesting that stroke incidence only partially explains the black–white mortality disparities and that racial disparities in case fatality also may be contributing to disparities in mortality. However, data from the GCNKSS show a higher stroke incidence in blacks than in whites but a similar case fatality.11,19
Using an approach similar to the work by Giles et al9 reporting the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey follow-up data, further analyses of REGARDS data were conducted to determine whether blacks were still at higher risk for stroke than whites after adjusting for the traditional stroke risk factors (ie, variables in the Framingham Stroke Risk Score: age, sex, systolic blood pressure, use of antihypertensive medications, current smoking status, history of heart disease, diabetes mellitus, left ventricular hypertrophy, and atrial fibrillation)20,21 and SES, defined by annual household income and education. Of the analytic sample of 25714 participants, 40% were black. Blacks were younger and had higher prevalence of antihypertensive medication use, diabetes mellitus, left ventricular hypertrophy, smoking, and lower SES than whites. Similar to findings from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey follow-up, after adjustment for the Framingham risk factors, there was substantial attenuation of the black excess risk and it was further attenuated after adjustment for SES factors. The hazard ratio for incident stroke in blacks compared with whites at different ages is shown in the Figure. At ages <65 years, in which the black–white disparities in stroke risk are the greatest, the Framingham risk factors accounted for ≈40% of the excess risk in blacks; with the addition of SES factors, this was increased to ≈50%. Of the individual risk factors, systolic blood pressure had the most powerful effect on the black–white stroke risk, accounting for ≈50% of the combined Framingham risk factor effect. The next largest contributing factors were use of antihypertensive medications and diabetes mellitus, each accounting for ≈25% to 33% of the combined risk factor effect.22 Although the risk factor and SES adjustment accounted for approximately one-half of the disparity in the REGARDS cohort, the other half of the excess stroke incidence in the cohort must be attributable to other sources or factors. This same report suggested that the other potential contributors to the black–white disparity in stroke risk could potentially be arising from (1) a racial difference in the impact of risk factors, with the presence of risk factors having a larger impact on blacks than whites; (2) residual confounding from incomplete assessment of these traditional risk factors, in which, for example, characterizing hypertension with systolic blood pressure and medication use fails to capture other aspects such as the duration of the condition or diurnal variations in blood pressure; (3) novel risk factors such as inflammation, psychosocial factors, and others; and (4) measurement error in the predictive factors in the model.22 Very promising efforts are underway investigating these potential pathways, in which, for example, there seems to be a differential impact of elevated blood pressure on blacks, with a 3-times larger increase in stroke risk among blacks than whites for the same magnitude difference in systolic blood pressure.23
Although the black–white disparities in stroke have been known for at least a half century, only recently has the pace of scientific investigations increased. Understanding the causes of these immense disparities is the first step to design and implement interventions to reduce the unequal distribution of the public health burden of stroke.
Sources of Funding
The REGARDS study was supported by cooperative agreement NS 041588 from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
- Received January 3, 2013.
- Accepted March 5, 2013.
- © 2013 American Heart Association, Inc.
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Article Tools
- Reasons Underlying Racial Differences in Stroke Incidence and MortalityVirginia J. HowardStroke. 2013;44:S126-S128, originally published May 24, 2013https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.111.000691
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Story highlights
- Frida Ghitis writes that more and more prominent men are revealed to have abused their power and to have harassed women
- The key question is whether a culture that condones this kind of behavior will change forever, she writes
Frida Ghitis is a world affairs columnist for The Miami Herald and World Politics Review, and a former CNN producer and correspondent. The views expressed in this commentary are her own.
(CNN)The perpetual battle to stop men sexually attacking, abusing and harassing women appears to have reached a turning point. But what are the chances that we will, indeed, score a lasting victory; that anything will truly change? After all, we've been here before, even recently, and nothing changed.
The best news in this seemingly-Sisyphean struggle -- in which we push this slimy rock up the hill, only to see it roll down again -- is that, for once, we are seeing enough perpetrators at the same time to know that this is not a partisan matter. It's not partisan or racial or limited to any nationality.
In the end, it may be the spectacular downfall of Harvey Weinstein, a Hollywood mogul and prominent supporter of the Democratic party, that winds up making the biggest difference.
That's because until intrepid journalists and courageous women managed to tear down Weinstein's protective wall of silence and intimidation, some may have dismissed the avalanche of scandals involving powerful and famous sexual predators as an assault against Republicans, or against the current president, or against Fox News, the television network that most fervently serves as his base of support.
Now we have news about Mark Halperin, a prominent MSNBC contributor and former ABC political director, his trail of alleged sexual harassment also catching up to him in the current wave of revelations. (Halperin denied accusations that he grabbed a woman's breasts and pressed his genitals against others, but has apologized for "inappropriate" behavior.)
The sexual harassment of women by men in power knows no political party, no race and no nationality. It's not about politics at Fox, or racism and Bill Cosby. And it's certainly not just an American problem.
Remember Dominique Strauss-Kahn, head of the International Monetary Fund, who was all but certain to become president of France, when a 32-year-old Guinean maid at the Sofitel Hotel in Manhattan said he sexually assaulted her? The criminal case was ultimately dropped, but DSK, as he is known, settled with his accuser, and faced a barrage of further scandals.
Or, former Dutch Prime Minister Ruud Lubbers, capping a brilliant political career with a stint as UN High Commissioner for Refugees, when a staffer accused him of "grabbing her behind." He claimed it was a friendly gesture, but an investigation found, "a pattern of sexual harassment."
The problem is prevalent and widespread. Just ask the millions of women in scores of countries who posted #MeToo on social media. (Me too, by the way.) When the meme spread, a common question was, "Is there any woman who has not been sexually harassed in one way or another?"
The history of men abusing women is as old as time. So is the history of women -- and some decent men -- trying to figure out how to stop it.
One of the most disheartening moments in that struggle came late last year, when the entire country heard then-candidate Donald Trump brag in the "Access Hollywood" tape, "I just start kissing them...I don't even wait," adding the now-infamous confession that he likes to "Grab 'em by the pu—y." The admission seemed to lend credence to accusations by a dozen women, including Summer Zervos, a former contestant in Trump's show "The Apprentice," who accused Trump of kissing her "very aggressively," and touching her genitals. Trump denied the allegations (he said his taped comments were "locker room talk"), and she is now suing him for defamation.
Despite the evidence and the parade of accusers, Trump became president, and the allegations didn't seem to matter.
Women are often in an impossible position to fight back, risking vengeance, skepticism and potentially career-ending consequences, and this is not limited to facing powerful men in Hollywood or New York. Women endure the same treatment from less prominent figures in big and small towns, and businesses of every kind.
The consequences of resisting can be professionally, and sometimes physically, devastating. Consider Rudi Bakhtiar, who saw her career dreams shattered. She alleged that she turned down the sexual advances of Fox's Brian Wilson and reported him to HR. Wilson denies making unwanted sexual advances toward Bakhtiar. And Fox declined to comment on the case.
The problem is not only the men who abuse their power to seek sexual gratification. The perpetrators are not just the men pushing themselves on women, ogling them lustily during the course of business, forcing them to cross their legs suggestively under Lucite news desks. The problem extends to a culture that has seen the abusive behavior as acceptable.
In most cases, the alleged serial violators are well known, as were Weinstein, Cosby, Trump and O'Reilly, although they they all deny engaging in non-consensual acts.
And the less blatant and the less famous are everywhere, with most people tolerating their actions. A culture that sees nothing wrong with relentless unwanted flirtation, and one that tolerates harassment and assault persists.
Consider the decision by Fox News to sign Bill O'Reilly to a new $25 million contract, just after O'Reilly paid a whopping $32 million to keep one of his alleged victims quiet. At least half a dozen settlements with his accusers cost the Fox star and his employers millions more, according to The New York Times, for settlements over accusations that include engaging in a "non-consensual sexual relationship."
O'Reilly should have been criminally investigated and if the evidence sustained it, been prosecuted, not rehired. Would a company sign a man accused of a serious crime after paying off his accuser? Only if it didn't think what he did was truly objectionable.
The culture of sexual abuse at Fox has been replicated in other places. But now that Weinstein and Halperin, along with other prominent figures are squinting in the withering glare of unwanted publicity, maybe others will think twice before acting, or before looking away at the sight of inappropriate behavior.
When Anita Hill spoke out against Clarence Thomas, the atmosphere changed in many workplaces. She helped push the rock up the hill a bit. It rolled back, but not all the way to where it started.
This time, with so many cases, and so many women saying #MeToo, and more than a few men saying they will also speak up, there is a good chance that this oldest of all battles will be won by women and their allies. But the war, undoubtedly, will continue for a long time, leaving many casualties along the way.


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A few hours had passed. She came to and threw up water. She was
wondering whether she was in heaven or hell. She was on the river bank
in another village. She was still alive. She had been rescued by an
elderly man.
The girl cried : "You should have let me die. I hate my life and I don't want to live anymore. "
The elderly man smiled : "You and your past have died in the river. From
now on you are a new person. You can start over. I can use some help
here, that if you don't mind helping me."
She followed the man to where he lived. He turned out to be the medicine
man of the village. There were lots of sick people staying in his
house. Every day people in the village as well as from outside who were
sick came for treatment. Those with light illnesses went home after
taking his herbal medicine. Those with serious illnesses would stay in
his house for intensive treatment until they recovered.
She got very busy every day. She helped the elderly man collect medical
herbs from the mountain, river and jungle. She helped prepare
accommodation for the patients. She helped prepare the medical herbs for
the patients to take home. She helped prepare meals for the medicine
man and herself … everything there was to help . She practically
dedicated all her time to help others.
Her activity made her interact with lots of people from different ages
and walks of life. She felt happy despite of her busy life. She felt
very good inside to know that she could do good to others. One morning
when she was picking some medical herbs from the river bank, she saw her
reflection on the water. She saw her face, the one she had hated and
called ugly. The strange thing was that this time she liked what she
saw. Her face looked caring and full of love.
She cried. She realized that previously she had been egoistic and
thinking only about herself. She had wronged her parents. She had
wronged everything around her. She had only got anger, hatred and negative thoughts
inside. Those negative elements had shown on her face and thus the ugly
look. Since she got busy with her new life, she had great care and love
for others and no time for being selfish. She was filled with beautiful
positive things inside, and her face showed exactly that. She thanked
God to have given her this second new life, to have made her realize
that she had always been beautiful.
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text: funnydie Up Next: The Single Girl's Guide to Living Alone AUTOPLAY Up Next In: 10 The Single Girl's Guide to Living Alone Maybe it's Time for a Baby Dracula has AIDS Office Etiquette: An Intelcast Instructional Video Follow Buy Wigs Today! Hello, come down to store and buy yourself wig today. Today! Open today! October 15, 2008 224 Views SensibleSnack SensibleSnack Uploader Additional Credits Written and Produced by Jessie Gaskell and Julie WhitesellDirected and Edited by Ryan DarstStarring Jessie Gaskell and Julie WhitesellFeaturing Thomas Dolan, Russell Eida, Adam Hann-Byrd, Amani Starnes 12Funny5Die 224 Views October 15, 2008 Published Category Sketch Clean Comedy Parody Tags Come Down Jessie Gaskell Thomas Dolan Adam Hann-Byrd Wigs Today Sketch Sensible Snack Gaskell Whitesell Darst Europe Cold War Up NextSensibleSnack 1:11 Maybe it's Time for a Baby SensibleSnack 2:19 Dracula has AIDS SensibleSnack Advertisement Vaguely Related Videos 2:31 The Fashion Cold Wars: The Denim Smugglers The Fashion Cold Wars 3:46 The Fashion Cold Wars: 1987 The Rise and Fall of ESPRIT The Fashion Cold Wars


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EP164 - The Sada Abe Incident
March 5, 2017
Ben and new host Sylvie have a new format show for you all, we don't know how frequent these will be but they'll likely get longer than this one. All feedback will be greatly appreciated TWITTER @asiamaniapod @Sylvie_Says INSTAGRAM motleygunner84. Song of the week is "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper. Next week Ben and Freddy review SPL: Killzone starring Donnie Yen, Sammo Hung and Simon Yam. Ben was on episode 168 of 80s Revisited Podcast talking No Retreat No Surrender so please give that a listen.


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Duration: 17min 56sec Views: 19 785 Submitted: 2 years ago By:
Description: Horny blonde housewife meeting up with her husband's friend and cheating with him. She's sucking on his cock as he's filming in POV, then jerking him off and taking his cum on her face.
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One woman's winding journey through infertility, egg donation, a possible pregnancy with a gestational carrier and finally a spontaneous pregnancy!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
I managed to avoid full hysterics all day, but there moments - many moments of hidden tears, deep breathing and biting my tongue.
I had to have my go to feel better food. A McDonald's chocolate shake. I haven't eaten anything from there in years, but it was so good. In high school when I was down, I just had one and felt better (like when I broke up with a bf). The best part was, I texted a friend to tell her what I was drinking and she just knew. I didn't have to say the words and that was really nice.
A has been a surprise through all of this. I had been prepping for the news for days but he wasn't ready to hear it. Finally on Thursday night he did. He told me how proud he was if me for continuing to fight and never giving up. Wow. I guess I didn't realize he felt that way. He also said that its time we celebrate. We need to toast the end of a long fight and the beginning of a new one (hopefully one with far less battle scars). I thought this idea was perfect. So next weekend we are going for a night on the town. If anyone is from Toronto and has some suggestions, I'm all ears.
I think about where we were last summer and I am so proud of us. We found our way back together stronger than before. Maybe this is the lesson I'm taking away from this all? I don't know.
I'm still raw, devastated and shocked. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I haven't had time to really process what is happening. Aside from our parents no one knows about our latest trip or our plans and I'm not sure how/when/if to tell. Advice is welcome here.
The conference itself isn't proving to be the best distraction at all. I am usually the youngest person in attendance by 20 years, but there are a handful of us 'youngsters'. We went around and introduced ourselves and of course I get seated beside the over-the-moon first time pg gal who must have thrown it into conversation 100 times. Seriously, the marks in my tongue may be permanent. I was so distraut that I went to bed early with my bff - Vallium. I managed to sleep and at least I know what to expect today and who to try and avoid.
The speakers and activities planned for the weekend sound promising and informative so at least the weekend won't be a total disaster.
16 comments:
*hugs* A is wonderful! What a beautiful idea to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter. You are blessed to have him.ReplyDelete
I am so sorry for the hurt, the pain and the anger. Sending you love.
- AnonymousNovember 13, 2010 at 8:34 AM
Hey R...there isn't an hour that goes by wondering how you are doing. I am in tears reading what A said to you - a celebration - my GOD woman!! You two deserve a fricken parade downtown Yonge Street in Toronto! Toast and Feast the weekend away next weekend! That has got to be the most beautiful idea I have ever heard and the fact that it came from your A - oh - I could just kiss him on both cheeks right now! He knew exactly what to say. Hoping that you can steer clear of that fertile today (I say it like it's a bad thing but yeah...stay far away from her) and really hoping that the conference activities will give your brain that 45 minute break to think about something else. I believe its these pauses that will give your psyche the time to heal and make you stronger as you start the next journey.ReplyDelete
As far as when and who to tell about the GC...probably best to do it when you feel stable enough to answer the questions. When you are ready, I know email is so impersonal, but that way the ones you want to know will all get the same information and one email makes it so that you don't have to re-tell the story over and over which can be so tough. Did your family and friends know that you and A were undergoing donor egg IVF earlier this year? As far as the world...they don't have to know until a birth announcement. That's my thoughts.
I think A's suggestion is so wonderful, you do deserve to celebrate getting through everything and starting a new chapter. Your strength and grace through this process just amaze me!ReplyDelete
A McDonald's chocolate shake is also my go to comfort food, but I do have some fries with mine because I like the salty/sweet together. Hope you can avoid the pg today, can't be good for your mental health....
- AnonymousNovember 13, 2010 at 10:41 AM
I have been thinking about you for several days now and this post made me realize how lucky you are to have such a supportive husband! I agree with what Lisa said about the GC. Your attitude is so commendable! And you deserve way more than a chocolate shake!ReplyDelete
I'm glad to hear that you and A are dealing with this together, and he is keeping a positive attitude to help you both move forward. I don't have any advice about telling about the GC, other than follow your gut/heart.
And it might be a 2-chocolate shake weekend, I wouldn't blame you at all.
I know you're so disappointed and how raw everything feels, but I hear glimmers of hope here in what you've blogged about. I'm sorry that conference isn't turning out to be the distraction that you hoped. Hang in there. (((HUGS)))ReplyDelete
I'm so sorry. I've followed your story and wished so hard for you. I hope this next turn in the path on your journey brings new and happier times. Your celebration sounds so apt - a vaillant fight, honorably fought. Sending you and A much love xReplyDelete
I'm proud of you too, R. You have fought long and hard and I love your hub's suggestion of celebrating the end of one long hard tiresome and sad battle and starting a new journey.ReplyDelete
I also think everything feels just a smidge better with a chocolate shake on board :)
your husband sounds amazing, and just what you need. i too think it's a lovely idea that you're going to celebrate and try to take something positive from this.ReplyDelete
i cannot believe how the world works; ending up sitting next to a pregnant person and having to listen to her babble on the whole day...you are so strong for being able to cope with that & not say anything. you are an incredible person. *hugs*
ive been thinking of you nonstop and im so glad that you and A are taking good care of yourselves.ReplyDelete
im so sorry that all this is real, its just not fair.
It is good to hear from you. I have been hoping your retreat was treating you well.ReplyDelete
A celebration sounds in order. I hope the healing moves quickly through you.
Your husband is caring and thoughtful. What a great partner to take on the next steps.
- AnonymousNovember 13, 2010 at 10:19 PM
Google Mari.posa Cru.ise Li.nes and check out their dinn.er cruises. It was one of the best experiences EVER. They only have 5 more sailings before the end of the year though. And no matter how you wind up becoming a mom (GC, adoption, etc...) you will be the best mother in the entire world... I truly believe that!ReplyDelete
I know there are no words that I can offer that will take any of your pain away. Hang in there and do whatever you need to get through the day. I think A's suggestion of a celebration is a wonderful idea. Enjoy your time together, celebrate your love and your new journey.ReplyDelete
I love the celebration idea - you definitely need one. Time for a new chapter in your journey - it will be good to get some closure and look forward to the next steps.ReplyDelete
Glad you and A are going to take some time and celebrate together. It's so important to have a partner like that along for this crazy ride, and I'm so glad you have him. *hugs*ReplyDelete
I'm glad you and your husband are able to lean on each other. I agree with the other ladies that you need to take some time to celebrate. Wishing you the best.ReplyDelete


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Well it's the night before our garage sale. We have priced all the teaching resources, the picture books and miscellaneous things teacher collect to use in their classrooms. We put signs at all the local elementary schools last night in the dark! We advertised at work and on Kijiji. Now I realize we still have more things we could sell but we'll never get it all ready for tomorrow, so, we'll have to have another sale near the end of the summer. It would be nice to be able to park my car in the garage and not have to scrape it in the winter. Sharon would like to finish the basement and have me set up my quilting down there. We'll see how much money we raise. Looking at all the resources I now know why I couldn't afford to travel!!!
I think
Barb has fallen asleep amongst the boxes of stuff to go to Value Village
and to go back in the garage for our next sale, so I'll finish this
post! First, let's make one thing very clear, I did not say Mrs. Biggins (the quilting frame who has a bit of a size issue) had to be relocated to the basement! At least until we finish it :) She's kind of growing on me!
Well the sale is over and we learned a lot!
• 4.5 hours of sleep is not enough
• 1 coffee is never enough
• teachers are tired in June and don't want to go to
garage sales while they are closing down their classrooms
• check signs in morning as they tend to fall down overnight
when you live in the windiest part of the universe
• permanent marker isn't so permanent on sunny days
• prices are never low enough for some
• there are many characters out there in the world
and a lot of them came to our sale!
• there are some great folks in the world and it was
fun talking and meeting them!
• 1 coffee is never, never, never enough
Any other ideas or suggestions for our next sale in August or September?


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For the first time ever in my life I got to see a real live owl in his natural habitat. Jr. was super curious so I broke out the binoculars to get a closer look at this rare wildlife spotting! We actually ended us seeing two owls, and one was so curious about the owl calls I was making that he decided to fly around again to see what was up. He flew down pretty close to a branch near mine and Yohan's outside nook and I took a close look into his dark black eyes...cute and creepy at the same time. Jr. is going to be a natural in the wilderness, just like his Edamummy.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Jr. & Bird Watching
Posted by Edamummy at 6:30 PM
2 comments:
- AnonymousJuly 18, 2010 at 1:31 AM
You are adorable! Just thought I should tell you. :) Miss you! xoxo- CortReplyDelete
You're such a bird lover babe:P heheReplyDelete
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I can't ever run on tracks because I get bored of the scenery really quick. That isn't a problem here, and I love it. My new most favorite run route in the world is from where I live to the capitol building and back. It's about 8 miles round trip, but it doesn't seem nearly that long because there are all sorts of things to distract you, like monuments, museums, tourists and plenty of softball and dodgeball games. It's only a matter of time before I get hit by a stray ball, which just makes it all the more exciting. Unfortunately I only seem to have enough time to go the full route once every 600 weeks, but I was able to do it last night and it was beautiful. There was even a little rainstorm in the middle. So refreshing.
Here is a map so you can appreciate how wonderful it is and see all of the cool things I get to pass. Running in Provo is going to seem more boring than ever when I get back.
Also, I found out how to get through my work's ridiculous security set-up (they said cia.gov was not secure!) to make this post. Bwahaha. But don't worry, I'm still being extremely productive. This only took a second.


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Brian Okam Free Throw: Appalachian State Center's Terrible Free Throw Attempt (VIDEO).
It is funny and sad at the same time. I bet you this guy didn't live this one down. Not even close.
Brian Okam Free Throw: Appalachian State Center's Terrible Free Throw Attempt (VIDEO).
It is funny and sad at the same time. I bet you this guy didn't live this one down. Not even close.
… [Trackback]…
[…] There you will find 60041 more Infos: craftymcclever.wordpress.com/2012/12/11/brian-okam-free-throw-appalachian-state-centers-terrible-free-throw-attempt-video/ […]…
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Monday, January 25, 2010
Cream Puffs
I just made cream puffs! They were so easy, and they taste yummy! I will put scoops of ice cream and pour chocolate sauce over them for dinner. We are having dinner at Don & Kathy's for FHE. Dessert was my assignment.
Posted by Jessica Stoddard at 11:38 AM
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MOTO Development has posted results of a DIY touchscreen analysis for the iPhone, Droid, Droid Eris, and Nexus One.
Using a simple technique that anyone can perform at home, MOTO evaluated the resolution and accuracy of each touchscreen device. All they used was a basic drawing program, a steady hand, and a few straight lines drawn very slowly on the screen.
"The iPhone's touch sensor showed the most linear tracking with the least amount of stair-stepping. The Droid Eris and Nexus One tied for second with only faint wiggling – but actually performed best at the edge of the screen. Last in the line-up was the Motorola Droid, which demonstrated significant wavy artifacts or "stair-stepping."
You can take a look at how the tests were performed in the video below. A chart of the results can also be found below.
Read More


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I came up just a bit short of completing the local MTB trifecta today. I got dropped off at Cannonsburg State Game area, rode the MTB trail there. That was a great ride, except for the massive stick that I managed to kick up into my rear tire. That little incident violently sent me to the ground. I finished there and rode up to the Cannonsburg ski hill to ride the trail there. Decent ride, nothing really sticks out at me from this ride. From there I rode up to the trail close to my house, Luton Park. By the time I got to Luton, my legs were tired, but I decided to press on. I rode part of the orange loop and finished the black loop and decided I had gassed my legs pretty good so far and didn't need to do the red and yellow loops. Combined, those two loops are about 3 miles. So I finished the rest of the blue loop and orange loop and went home. Take a look at my goals for this race over on the right side of the page.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
4 comments:
Sweet ride Marty. Are you getting excited for the race. Looks like I will be OUT as a spectator...ReplyDelete
Matt, I understand. I'm super excited about the race, and testing my hard work. I'm really striving for that top ten finish in my age bracket.ReplyDelete
I expect 1:45. Nothing less.ReplyDelete
YOU CAN DO EET! Marty, I will be coming down solo. Marissa and Patti are going to church. Our pastor is leaving and they're doing a going-away luncheon for him. Hopefully I can stay for the whole thing! You're going to kick a$$!ReplyDelete
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In my last message from the Angels I wrote about my two word message, "get still," and how sometimes that is quite a challenge. That message came to me on Sunday, as I wrote, but it was Thursday before I posted it. So I have had a few days to fit getting still into my schedule. (sounds funny, doesn't it that I have to fit getting still into my schedule?) So anyway, yesterday morning, after posting message number nineteen and then showering and getting ready for work, I found that I once again had about a half hour to "get still." I made sure my keys and all other necessities were ready to go, and off I went to meditate.
Everyone meditates differently. Even I do different things on different days. Some days I have a guided meditation that I walk myself through, making sure I am grounded to the Mother Earth and also connected to Father Sky. I make sure my Guides, Power Animals, and Angels are invited into my meditation. This time I was guided to just connect with my soul and the feeling of love. I called back any energy that was scattered over the universe that belonged to me and sent back any energy that was not mine. I made sure my boundaries were intact. Then I asked my guides if they had a message for me.
I was led to my Angel cards, which I use sometimes for divination, sometimes for inspiration, for myself and others. I use my pendulum to make sure I have the card I am meant to have for the day.
And the card said that I had a past life issue that, if addressed, would help me with my current problem. I had to think a minute to decide.. what is my current problem? (wow is that a wonderful place to be in, when I have to think of a problem!!) Oh yes. I guess my current problem is my issue with doing doing doing versus getting still.....
Immediately I was told that in previous lifetimes I had to work very hard for every little good thing that I experienced and I still have this belief that every step forward comes with a lot of hard work. And so They told me that I needed to release that belief. So here is my next statement of intent.....
I now release the belief that I have to work very hard for every step forward. I now allow good to come to me effortlessly. I feel relaxed and at ease.
I thought maybe those who read this may benefit also from this statement. All of us can probably relate to a belief similar to the one that was revealed to me. So now I am just expecting wonderful miracles to appear at my doorstep!!
Now I am not saying that we do not have to put any action to our intentions. Yes, we still have to act when it is appropriate. If we want a mate or a new job, we cannot just sit at home and wait for Prince Charming to appear at the doorstep or the phone to ring and the perfect job is waiting for us to just accept it. No, we still have to put feet to our prayers, so to speak, but I am talking about the striving, the attitude of ... this is so hard and it is a lot of work and I only seem to move ahead an inch at a time. That part is the part I am eliminating from my belief system.
I am wondering if anyone else could benefit from this shift in their belief system as well. I am saying that everything I need is provided for me, including the information I need and the wisdom to put action to my intentions.
Message for today.......what belief system is holding you back from experiencing your highest good? Ask the Angels.. they will be happy to tell you. And let's go out there and expect miracles!!


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Obviously, the customer can't always be right. But at the same time, they still tell employees at Nordstrom about an instance in the pre-television era, that a woman returned a set of car tires to their store. The thing was, they don't sell car tires!
The phrase "The customer is always right" was originally coined by Harry Gordon Selfridge, the founder of Selfridge's department store in London in 1909, and is typically used by businesses to:
- Convince customers that they will get good service at this company
- Convince employees to give customers good service
And now with Wal-Mart being the only retailer that will return merchandise without a TSA-level screening process, it now appears that companies are inferring that more and more, the customer is wrong.
As an account manager, I'm basically in the business of straddling a bridge between these two paradigms. And even more often, to act along the absolute lines of siding either with customer or company results in a Pyrrhic Victory. I'd say after seeing The 300 last week, I'd aim for a Spartan Defeat.


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Saturday, July 11, 2009
saturday laziness
THE WEATHER IS FINALLY NICE! It's literally amazing. Of course, I did just buy a blazer at Savers (for $7!) and desperately want to wear it, but can't really because it's too warm. But I wore it today anyway. Just for funsies and sweatiness. Paired it with my favorite ever bubble skirt from H&M and my dream gladiators, plus some sunnies to guard from the powerful (yay!) sunshine.
Anna, my delightful and same-named roommate, and I went to Old Navy and the Gap today in search of new jeans which we both really need. My only blue jeans have a huge rip in the knee, making them forbidden at work, and it's getting kind of difficult to go to without jeans at work.
Sadly, my body is oddly proportioned and none of the jeans I tried on looked good. All I want are some nice skinny jeans! Is that so much to ask? Apparently so. I'm going to try TJ Maxx and Marshalls next, and if I have no success there I will have to suck it up and pay full price for jeans at Urban Outfitters. Le Sigh.
(Other) Anna looked adorable in her brown flowy skirt from Salvation Army and navy v-neck shirt. Couldn't resist snapping a few shots of her being wind-blown and carefree!
Posted by Anna at 4:13 PM
Labels: other anna, outfit post
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Volkswagen has officially released the convertible version of the E-Bugster with Speedster. Using the same all electric motor from the hardtop, it has 114 hp and can travel just beyond 100 miles on a single charge. This will be shown at the Auto China in Beijing next week and is a preview of the new Beetle Convertible, which is expected to debut later this year as the 2013 model.
Click the Title to comment & HERE for the full story


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There are times, not often mind, that I find words wandering through this wretched form of mine. Not quite the same as the usual flow, nothing happy mind you but nothing so dark or damming as those I ussually know and, if I were honest, I'd say it's more a question instead, nagging thought that never quite recedes to the back of my head.
Why, when I look around do I see no one near, why can't I bare the thought, the utter fear, of letting one in, letting them close?
It's a question with no answer, nor no intended response. For the closest to answering it I've gotten is in the asking though even that is quickly forgot.
I suppose the closest I can come to letting one in is letting myself out through words upon the page, to jot down the nagging thoughts to quicken their age, whittle and wither them down to be almost not, just a passing shadow on a cloudy day. Never remarked upon and rarely noticed but I suppose I'll have to be honest with myself at some point, how ever that time is not yet upon us.


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A far cry from last week's elimination, Gavin DeGraw left Dancing With the Stars with a smile on his face and hugs all around.
Gavin was joined in the bottom two by Jaleel White. The new dance duel took effect on tonight's show. Jaleel and Gavin did a simultaneous Cha Cha for the judges. There was little doubt in anyone's mind that Jaleel would win this duel, including Gavin.
Gavin poked fun at himself and his dance ability throughout the show. Unlike Gavin, Jaleel White did not expect to be in the bottom two and he didn't look to thrilled about it.
In the end, Jaleel's Cha Cha was far better than Gavin's and the judges made the right decision.
We will miss Gavin's smile, humor, charm and hats! Hopefully he will be back on Dancing With The Stars -- but this time behind a piano.


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Buy and Sell in and around Manchester Powered by
Stagg A300 Semi Acoustic Guitar immaculate
in Warrington, Cheshire
Advertised by Newforgetracey, a Preloved member since April 2012
Advert Details
- Item Price
- £199
- Condition
- Second hand
- Manufacturer
- Stagg
- Model
- Era
- 2010s
- Type
- 6 String
Advert Description
I bought this for £350.
Played only frequently I loved this guitar but. Now it must go. The reluctant reason for the sale. Cherished and well looked after. Buyer will be pleased nearly as new.
Product Description:-
Jazz inches-style electric guitar, Semi-acoustic model, Pickups of 2 x Humbucker with gold cover, Controls of 2 x Volume + 2 x Tone, Pickup Selector Switch of 3-way, maple arch top with bandW binding, back and sides of maple, Neck of Hard Maple set neck, 628 mm, (24.75 inches), Fingerboard of Rosewood, 20 frets, Bridge of inches Jazz inches style, Machine Heads of Diecast, gold, Colour of Black.
Pick up only. Sorry
Advert Location
Warrington, Cheshire


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Founded in 1893, the Northampton Symphony Orchestra is widely regarded as one of the United Kingdom's top amateur symphony orchestras. Membership is drawn from excellent amateurs, teachers, former professional musicians and students in and around Northamptonshire. Most members have achieved at least Grade VIII on their instrument.
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They are supported by an active and flourishing Friends' scheme that provides many exclusive benefits for supporters.
The Northampton Symphony Orchestra's excellence in amateur music making has led to invitations to play in various local music festivals (such as the one celebrating local composer, Malcolm Arnold) and collaborations with other local music ensembles.
If you would like an opportunity of a trial audition to join the orchestra please apply here.


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Some text in the modal.


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When a stock that has risen in the past continues to rise, we call it momentum. Momentum is a bit of a problem for the Efficient Market Hypothesis because it implies a profitable trading rule - "buy recent winners".
Recent academic studies have found support for momentum effects even after controlling for risk, data mining biases and trading costs. The Economist has a really nice article on the current state of what we know about momentum. Well worth a read.