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Hello Kitty celebrates 40th in wild style exhibition
The older we get, the more this whole "Mid-Life Crisis" deal seems to be a real thing. Based on how Hello Kitty is celebrating her 40th in Los Angeles, it seems as though she's going through some heavy stuff herself.
Happy birthday Kitty!! Just like Paris Hilton, Hello Kitty is celebrating her 40th all over the world. After some parties in Tokyo, she flew to Los Angeles to celebrate her big Four-O with an exhibition that started on October 11 at the Japanese American National Museum. After all, Kitty HAS been in the limelight for 40 years, and she sure seems like she's enjoying this big milestone.
This exhibition is the first of its kind in America, with over 500 Kitty items exhibited for the public. After some photos emerged online of her in Japan, many of her fans were kind of taken aback by Kitty's outfits and perceived way of celebrating her big birthday.
"What happened to her?" and "Is she okay?" were some of the comments posted online. Apparently, many fans have seen Kitty dress up all crazy before, but not like this.
But that's sometimes the problem with people who claim they care about you the most. In reality, all they want is for you to be who they want you to be, and it's never really about being happy for you, unconditionally. So if Kitty could talk, I'm sure she'd tell these complaining fans to mind their own business!
"What happened to her?" (this appearance irked some fans)
Kitty Painting "Allegory of Love"
Sweet Kitty
Watch Lee Dong Wook as a coldhearted man with a supernatural secret in Blade Man
Kitty dresses
Hello Lincoln
Hello Kitty bra dress


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NFL Predictions 2014: Week 15
Wednesday, December 10 2014
Contributed by: norcalfella
Views: 3,199
I continue to make myself crazy hoping for that one big week to turn my season into a winner. Last week was almost what I needed. Straight up I went 12-4 (133-74-1 overall) and that was okay except it can always be better. I made the mistake of switching my Baltimore/Miami pick because Haloti Ngata was out, and the Dolphins did pretty much everything they could to lose that game. Everyone was on New Orleans over Carolina, so I have no regrets about that. Had Oakland not been so dreadful against St. Louis the previous week I might have considered going on a limb with them, but virtually everyone was on the 49ers. I definitely wish I had the Tennessee pick back because the Giants are the type of team that has pride and wins garbage games, plus the wide receiver situation coupled with their dreadful rushing attack should have been a tell for me.
Against the spread I held my own at 8-8 (105-103 overall) with the aforementioned losses, plus some tough beats. Indianapolis gave Cleveland 14 points and failed to cover. Denver decided to treat their game with Buffalo like a practice and as a result let them pull a back door cover. San Diego I should have known would let me down against New England, and the same goes for hoping Tampa Bay getting a bunch of points in Detroit mattered. Anyway, I was 11-5 on the over/under (118-89-1) so I now stand +31 versus Vegas. At least I have that going for me heading into the very difficult weeks to read games.
Arizona (10-3) @ St. Louis (6-7): The Rams do not look like a last place team at the moment. They have pitched consecutive shutouts, albeit against teams with losing records, and remain mathematically alive for a wild card berth. The Cardinals are hoping for a division title, but in theory could drop out of the playoffs altogether. It all comes down to their rematches with the rest of the NFC West. The first meeting with St. Louis was bittersweet. They won the game 31-14 to move to 8-1 on the season, but lost quarterback Carson Palmer for the season with a knee injury. Both teams will have new quarterbacks in this one as now veteran Shaun Hill has taken over for Austin Davis who threw 2 interceptions the first time around and was sacked 6 times in the desert. Andre Ellington, who might be healthy enough to start, ran 18 times for 23 yards and it is not easy to be so inept over so many opportunities.
The change of venue and momentum has made the second meeting a totally different deal. Mix in primetime and the political situation in Ferguson, Missouri and I find it hard to pick against St. Louis here. The dome is going to be rocking and I think it will affect Stanton. He is only completing 54.5% of his passes and has 6 turnovers the past four games. After a 3-1 start on the road, Arizona has last their last two and their defense is definitely less vicious outside of their stadium. Offensively, they have put up 52 points total in four games since the first meeting, and that is troubling. On the flip side, the Rams have scored 22, 24, 52 and 24 since being held down in that game. Since getting swamped in the opener they have been putting up points in the dome and while skunking the Raiders might not wow anyone, their previous home game was a 22-7 result over Peyton Manning and the Broncos. I like their chances.
Defensively, both teams can stop the run so we are set up for a low scoring game I believe because the Rams are below average running the ball and the Cardinals are awful. They just got 100 yards out of a seventh-round pick last week, but that was against a struggling run defense of Kansas City at home. This is a different situation. Rookie Tre Mason gets a second look at this defense and I think he is in a better spot to succeed here, relatively speaking. The defenses have combined for 66 sacks and 29 interceptions. They both allow a high completion percentage, especially St. Louis, so if the passers can stay upright and make good decisions they should be able to move the chains. Obviously I expect it to be easier for Hill with the crowd noise getting to Stanton. The key for the Rams is protecting him because their quarterbacks have gone down 39 times compared to 21 for the Cardinals. Forget about most of this. I love the fact that Bruce Arians is a gambler who will throw deep, but in this spot it is not going to work out for him. Jeff Fisher has his team on a roll and they are going to steal this one for the national TV audience: St. Louis 24, Arizona 17 (STL -3/under 41.5)
Oakland (2-11) @ Kansas City (7-6): A month ago things were going very well for the Chiefs. They had won five in a row and stood 7-3 after beating defending champion Seattle, poised to make a serious push for the AFC West title. Then came a trip to the Black Hole on TNF against the 0-10 Raiders. Everyone knows what happened next, and now Kansas City needs to hurdle two teams if they want a spot as a wild card. Oakland is feeling pretty free and loose having just earned another win last week, wrecking the playoff plans of another rival with a 24-13 smacking of San Francisco. The key hurdle for them and rookie quarterback Derek Carr is finding a win on the road, where they stand 0-6. In those losses, just once have they scored more than 14 points but the debacle in St. Louis two weeks ago was their only blowout loss.
Not too much can be taken from the first meeting. It was a soggy field, and the pivotal play was Latavius Murray catching safety Eric Berry leaning the wrong way for a 90-yard touchdown run. Murray left the game early with a concussion, and his presence over a full game certainly helps the visitors here. His counterpart, Jamaal Charles, is an elite threat and will be more effective against a defense minus the services of linebacker Sio Moore. Most people know Moore for his ridiculous celebration while the game was still in progress, but he is pretty good. Forget the numbers here. This is rivalry, revenge and playoff aspiration all rolled into one. From a practical standpoint I have a hard time with the upset call because Oakland has a limited offense. Tight end Mychal Rivera is emerging along with Murray, and Carr is finding the open man. However, in this building with a raucous crowd I like Kansas City's pass rush to do what they should have done in the first go around. They are 4-2 at home and it has definitely been a mixed bag, but I expect them to put it together here against a team ready to let down: Kansas City 24, Oakland 16 (OAK +11/under 42.5)
Jacksonville (2-11) @ Baltimore (8-5): After taking a step back in the playoff chase with a last-minute home loss to San Diego, the Ravens took a step forward with a big win at Miami. The concern here is losing focus against a lesser opponent with nothing to play for. I like their chances because their offense has been really consistent. Eight times in a row and eleven times overall they have scored 21-plus points. The struggling Jaguars have topped 17 points only three times, and just one of those was on the road in a game they lost 33-23 at Cincinnati. Offensive spark plug Denard Robinson is done for the season now as well. On defense, aside from a three game stretch allowing a total of 42 points in the middle of the season, they have given up 23-plus points every time out. These numbers do not add up.
Running the ball, Baltimore (4.7, 135.7) has been great and somehow Justin Forsett is performing at an elite level for the first time in his career. Maybe Toby Gerhart wakes up because Jacksonville brought him in this year to get their running game going (4.2, 96.4) and it did not happen. There is no reason to expect it here against this defense (3.7, 84.5) whereas the Jags (4.2, 132.5) have the kind of numbers you tend to see from a team with a lot of losses. If the Ravens are looking at something like a 135-90 yardage advantage on the ground there is no chance at an upset here. Jacksonville has absorbed 54 quarterback sacks this season and thrown 17 interceptions, both worst in the NFL. I know Baltimore's pass defense is awful (267.2) but they can rush the passer (37 sacks) and I do not see rookie Blake Bortles doing too much in this game until his team falls behind by double digits. The Jags have 38 sacks, but facing an offense with a balanced attack is a different deal. Bortles is going to be playing from behind and might do some damage after the outcome is decided to delight the four people who started him in their fantasy league. That is about it: Baltimore 31, Jacksonville 19 (JAX +14/over 44.5)
Pittsburgh (8-5) @ Atlanta (5-8): Are the Steelers for real again? It is so hard to know because they are 1-2 against the NFC South, a division unable to beat anyone this season. Still, it is hard to overlook last week's rousing 42-21 win over Cincinnati that drew them within a half-game of the AFC North lead. They have now scored 27-plus points in six of their past seven games, but only one team this season (Jacksonville) has failed to score 19 points on them. If you like points, this should produce plenty. The Falcons are still division leaders, but are on a short week with their best player nicked up. In last week's 43-37 loss at Green Bay top receiver Julio Jones injured his hip and is not available, so that hurts. Three teams have come to the Georgia dome and scored 26-plus points, so their home field advantage is longer as big of a deal.
The glaring factor here is pass defense. Atlanta is dreadful (287.8) with a league-worst 15 sacks. Pittsburgh is not great (248.5) either and has yielded 26 touchdown passes. Both of these passers have an opportunity to take advantage, as they each lead top-5 passing offenses with a combined 55 touchdown passes. If Jones is out, Ben Roethlisberger has a huge edge because he has a deeper group of receiving threats. Either way, Le'Veon Bell is emerging as the league's best running back and should help the visitors win on the ground as well. I see a battle here. The Falcons are in this. They could care less if they are 5-8 or 8-5. It is a three game season for them to win a division title. I like their chances to compete here, but with Jones in doubt and considering Big Ben and Bell going up against this defense I have to side with the visitors: Pittsburgh 34, Atlanta 27 (PIT -1.5/over 51)
Houston (7-6) @ Indianapolis (9-4): Crazy as this sounds, the team that six months ago picked first overall can make a serious play for the AFC South title with a win here. Even with a loss, things can break right for the Texans to follow last year's Chiefs and qualify for a wild card a season after having the top choice. Ironically, the guy they took, Jadaveon Clowney, has missed most of the year and some even think his career is in jeopardy. Fortunately for them, they have MVP candidate J.J. Watt at defensive end and sometimes tight end. Come to think of it, this game could help determine the race because quarterback Andrew Luck is definitely in contention as well. The first time around, two months ago, it looked like a wipeout when Indianapolis went up 24-0 at the end of the first quarter. Houston went on a 21-3 run to make things very interesting and eventually lost 33-28. The Colts controlled the clock (36:49) and wound up running 82 plays to just 52 for the Texans. In that respect, they dominated more than the final score would indicate and did so on the road.
T.Y. Hilton broke loose for 223 yards receiving in that game, and while I expect the defense to pay close attention to him we saw last week in Cleveland that even with the (arguably) best cornerback in the game (Joe Haden) on him that it might not matter. Hilton's game winner helped Indianapolis into a position where a win here clinches the division, and they are 12-0 at home against Houston since the joined the NFL as an expansion team. They are 5-2 here this season, with the losses at the hands of New England and Philadelphia, two very good teams. Houston has won three straight on the road and now stands at 4-3, but two of those foes (Jacksonville, Tennessee) are sitting on 2-11 records. It is a pretty simple deal here. The Texans need to run (4.1, 136.8) with Arian Foster. The Colts have Dan "Boom Herron trying to revive their barely existent running game (4.1, 110.5). The run defenses are both average, but in terms of yards per carry Houston is better (3.9 to 4.4) and they allow fewer touchdown runs (6 to 13).
There is little chance of the Colts trying to run anyone out of the building, but inside the 20 the Texans can definitely do a better job of cashing in touchdowns because of their rushing threat. Ryan Fitzpatrick is in charge of their passing game for the duration, and they are over 100 yards inferior to the group Luck leads. The pass defenses are both below average, but which side do you think is going to stand out in the dome? Indianapolis has been having turnover issues and problems starting slow. I expect them to address both of those here, maybe not to the extent where they again go up 24-0 but definitely win the turnover battle and maintain control of this game. Fitzpatrick is a journeyman trying to keep up with a guy at the top of his game, in his building. I do not see it working out for the bearded one: Indianapolis 30, Houston 20 (IND -6.5/over 49)
Cincinnati (8-4-1) @ Cleveland (7-6): Last week the Bengals had a chance to prove they were a deserving leader of the AFC North. Instead, they were thumped 42-21 at home by the Steelers who helped keep the division a four-team race. Perhaps it was the fatigue of playing three straight road games, but their defense gave up more in one game than they had in those wins combined (36). Maybe the road is a good thing for them, even if it is still in Ohio. They are 4-2 away from home this season. The Browns are 4-3 at home coming off last week's crushing 25-24 loss to Indianapolis wherein their defense gave them 14 points and played their hearts out. Now the fans finally get a glimpse at rookie Johnny Manziel in the home finale. It is two weeks too late as far as I am concerned. He should have been learning the past two weeks and ready for a run. Now he has to get up to speed immediately.
Funny how just a handful of weeks can change the perspective. Cleveland went to 6-3 by crushing Cincinnati 24-3 on TNF, but has gone sideways since. In that one three running backs combined for 38 carries totaling 169 yards and all three of them had a touchdown. It allowed Brian Hoyer to throw just 23 passes and protect the football for an easy win. If this team wants to take the next step, they need a quarterback who can go for it. Johnny Football might be that guy. Of course the goal would be to protect him with the running game. These rushing defenses are almost identical on the stat sheet and I mean down the line nearly the same, ranking in the bottom 8 of the league. The one big difference is Cincinnati allowing 15 touchdowns, compared to 9 for Cleveland. On the flip side, I think the Bengals have a better1-2 punch in the backfield with Hill and Bernard compared to Crowell and West. It shows in the rushing average per carry (4.1 to 3.6). However, Manziel scrambling will skew the numbers this week.
The passing games are pretty inconsistent on both sides. Combined they have 27 touchdown passes and 25 interceptions. Andy Dalton wilts in big games. It is a problem. The defenses have combined for 31 picks and neither allows opposing quarterbacks to complete 60% of their throws. Joe Haden owns A.J. Green, and Josh Gordon is ready to explode after a couple quiet weeks. I see the Browns in good shape here. They are at home and feeling loose with their free spirit rookie quarterback at the helm. Their offense was pathetic last week. It is going to turn around here. They only allowed 11 first downs in the first meeting and while I do not expect another dominating performance like that they will win this one: Cleveland 23, Cincinnati 20 (CLE +2/under 44.5)
Miamii (7-6) @ New England (10-3): If the Dolphins could bottle up their second half from the first meeting and bring it here I am sure they would. Down 20-10 they outscored the Patriots 23-0 and scored a huge win in the opening week. Months later they are traveling to a stadium where no one ever wins with their slim playoff hopes on the line. New England can clinch the AFC East here and has to be thinking about the top seed as well. They are going to be focused. Plus, Tom Brady is not going to throw 56 times in the rematch. He has LeGarrette Blount now and the offense figures to be more balanced. It is interesting because the rushing defenses have combined to allow only 13 scores in 26 games. Miami runs for 4.6 yards per carry and that cannot be ignored.
The teams are both in the bottom 10 when it comes to interceptions thrown, and both complete about two-thirds of their passes. The Dolphins have the better pass defense, but Brady in this stadium is unbelievable. If they could pressure him, they might have a chance. At this point, their ship has sailed. Had they won last week against Baltimore I might give them a shot here. Instead, I think that avenging an earlier loss is all the motivation these guys need to lay a whipping on their longtime rivals: New England 31, Miami 14 (NE -7.5/under 49)
Tampa Bay (2-11) @ Carolina (4-8-1): The more things change, the more they stay the same. This is actually the same quarterback matchup we saw back in week 1 when the Panthers grabbed a 20-14 road win over the Bucs. Cam Newton was not ready to start the season so Derek Anderson stepped in and had a very good day. He will be called on again here after Newton's car accident. On the other side, Josh McCown has recovered his starting status after Mike Glennon failed to impress in extended work. One thing I expect to change in the rematch is Tampa Bay running the ball more than 17 times. Carolina's run defense (4.4, 114.9) has allowed 13 scores this season and if Doug Martin is going to have an impact this would be a good time for him to return to form. The Bucs have allowed 12 touchdowns and Jonathan Stewart is on a bit of a roll, so both teams have a shot to run and take pressure off their shaky veteran quarterbacks, but the home team is far more equipped to take advantage.
The passing offenses are both average and the teams have combined to allow a lot of sacks (76). Neither team is completing 60% of their throws on the season and that kind of inefficiency explains all the losing. Defensively they have combined to allow 48 touchdown passes and both teams let opposing passers complete better than two out of three throws. I see this possibly being a higher scoring affair than the first meeting for sure. Most of that scoring figures to come from the Panthers who have to be confident on the heels of their 41-10 win at New Orleans, and will rally for their fallen quarterback. The Bucs should be mailing this one in. They have nothing to play for and while both their wins have come on the road I have no confidence in their offense to do anything. The defense has been good enough lately to keep this respectable, but nothing more: Carolina 27, Tampa Bay 13 (CAR -3/under 42)
Washington (3-10) @ NY Giants (4-9): This is the definition of playing out the string on both sides. The Giants just snapped a seven game losing streak with a rousing 36-7 win in Tennessee and to me sent a message that they are going to play the final month as if it mattered. The Redskins have lost five in a row since current starter Colt McCoy came off the bench to help them to a 20-17 OT win in Dallas. They close the season with three rematches against NFC East foes, starting here against a team that disposed of them 45-14 the first time around. Kirk Cousins started that one for Washington and threw 4 interceptions. His counterpart Eli Manning threw for 4 scores and ran for another while passing for an even 300 yards. It was a resounding win all the way around.
The Redskins have the second fewest interceptions (5) on the season, a figure tripled by the Giants (15). They have given up the third most touchdown passes (28) in the league. Offensively they have allowed 46 sacks. When I look at this I see no chance McCoy can match productivity with Manning. On the other hand, the Giants have struggled against the run (4.9, 135.3) and it stands to reason Alfred Morris could go off. He never really got the chance in the first meeting. I think this is going to be closer than most people think, but last week showed to me that Tom Coughlin has his team in the right mindset at the tail end of a losing season. Jay Gruden is at the helm of a complete circus, so it is hard to back his side in this spot: NY Giants 21, Washington 17 (WAS +7/under 47)
Green Bay (10-3) @ Buffalo (7-6): It is kind of ironic. In order to secure home field advantage in the playoffs, you have to win on the road. The Packers are 7-0 at home, but just 3-3 on the road. On the plus side, they have won three of their last four away from Lambeau Field and the cold weather here will not bother them. The Bills are still in the mix even after last week's loss in Denver, but they are only 3-3 on their home field (4-3 including a game played in Detroit). They have turned in some notable wins, beating the Lions, Dolphins and Browns, but with Kyle Orton at quarterback it is tough to take them too seriously, especially when Aaron Rodgers is on the other side.
A 35/4 touchdown-to-interception ratio is ridiculous, and that is where Rodgers is right now. The MVP is pretty much his to lose at this point. He does go up against a defense with a league best 48 sacks and pressure is the way to beat him. Plus, his defense looked awful down the stretch on MNF and they are traveling on a short week. This is a spot where they could easily falter. I know they would love to lean on their running game here, but Eddie Lacy is nicked up. His backup James Starks is a local product so if he needs to step in I think he will do so at a high level. Defensively the Bills can stop the run more effectively, but their group of running backs might not be up to the task of exploiting a a shaky defense. Overall, I see this as a tight game. I think the home team will throw the kitchen sink at the visitors, knowing their season is on the line. In the end, I know Rodgers is capable of pulling out the win because that is what he does: Green Bay 24, Buffalo 21 (BUF +6/under 50.5)
Minnesota (6-7) @ Detroit (9-4): All things considered, the Vikings have done pretty well this season playing in a temporary home without their franchise star. Two straight wins with outputs of 30-plus points have them feeling like spoilers in this spot, but since opening the season in week 1 with a win at St. Louis they have won just once on the road and that was OT in Tampa Bay against a really bad team. Speaking of their win over the Rams, by a 34-6 margin, after that they have not scored 20 points in any road game but on the season only one team (Green Bay) has scored more than 21 against them on the road. I think this is very interesting. The Lions have won consecutive home games by 34-17 margins which is important because prior to these wins the last time their offense scored over 24 points was in the first game of the year, a 35-14 win over the Giants. Have they found their groove?
The first meeting was definitely a defensive war with the teams combining for just 467 total yards in a 17-3 win by Detroit. The Vikings had 3 turnovers and the Lions had none, which was the difference for sure. Combined the teams were just 4-for-27 converting on third down. It was ugly. In the rematch Jerick McKinnon will be out, and that limits the rushing ability of the visitors against the league's stingiest run defense. Minnesota is the tenth-worst run defense, but Detroit has the third-worst run offense so it offsets. I am feeling like this could be another defensive minded game. The teams have combined to allow 79 sacks, and defensively have combined for 73. Matthew Stafford has the home field advantage and dome crowd on his side, and rookie Teddy Bridgewater gets his first start on the road in a dome. He came on in relief as the team won in New Orleans, but this is his show now. I like the Lions because I feel as though they have broken through, but it will not be easy: Detroit 24, Minnesota 20 (MIN +8/over 41)
NY Jets (2-11) @ Tennessee (2-11): Is it fair to call this the Marcus Mariota Bowl? A day after the Oregon quarterback won the Heisman, two teams in need of a franchise quarterback face off with the winner moving down the draft order. The Jets appear to be the team more in need. Geno Smith is not developing, having lost his job to Michael Vick in this his second season and recovering it simply to figure out if he can play or not prior to the 2015 draft. In the current rookie contract structure they can easily take another shot and relegate their second-round pick to backup status. The Titans have their former first-round choice Jake Locker starting here because their rookie late rounder Zach Mettenberger is hurt. Locker is effectively showcasing his skills for teams he might sign with next year because his contract is up. Have they seen enough from Mettenberger to consider him their starter going forward? I wonder.
Either way, the first thing I have to look at here is the motivation of both teams. Tennessee was smashed by the other New York franchise, the Giants, 36-7 here last week. They fell behind 17-0 in the first quarter and were thoroughly dominated by a team with a losing record, mustering only 12 first downs and 207 total yards while getting shut out offensively and suffering 8 sacks. Some of those were absorbed by Locker who came off the bench following Mettenberger's injury. It is easy to look back and see how this happened considering their two starting offensive tackles, Michael Oher and Taylor Lewan, are out. Even good offensive lines struggle with losses like that. Can New York take advantage? The past two weeks they have been closing in on a victory, losing 16-13 after blowing a lead against Miami, and forcing OT before falling in Minnesota 30-24.
This looks like a great spot for the Jets to continue their old "ground and pound" offense by running the ball against the worst overall run defense (4.3, 141.5). Chris Ivory and ex-Titan CHris Johnson each had 16 carries last week and I expect more of the same here. Meanwhile, even with out Muhammad Wilkerson, the Jets have maintained a good run defense (3.5, 87.4) and they will be facing a bad rushing offense (4.1, 86.2) which is not going to do much without their top two tackles. New York is the second best rushing team (4.7, 149.7) in the league and lame duck head coach Rex Ryan could care less about future draft position. He wants to win this game and can do it by running the ball. Johnson will be more than willing to turn back the clock on the field he once called home. Both teams have allowed 41 sacks and fail to complete 60% of their throws. Tennessee is without their top two wide receivers so Locker's best shot is to scramble. If he had weapons he might expose a defense that has allowed 29 touchdowns through the air. I think the home team is going to rebound after an embarrassment, but the logic does not add up to them winning in my mind: NY Jets 27, Tennessee 20 (NYJ +2/over 41.5)
Denver (10-3) @ San Diego (8-5): This is a huge game for both teams. The Broncos are poised to win the AFC West here and will then turn their focus in the final two weeks to improving their playoff seeding. The Chargers are certainly not giving up on the division race and feel like they can pull within a game by winning this one. Their backup plan is the wild card of course. Either way, the schedule puts them on the road in Kansas City and San Francisco, two 7-6 teams currently fighting for their own playoff lives. Last week's 23-14 loss here to New England put them in a much more difficult spot, but they can still get to 10 wins and earn a spot in the tournament. Denver had a tough 24-17 win over Buffalo, but it was telling to me. Peyton Manning lost his 51-game touchdown pass streak, which proved to me they are interested in winning a title and focusing on the running game. C.J. Anderson mostly plodded along for a low average, but had 3 scores. His opposite number, Ryan Mathews, is hurt again and leaves Philip Rivers without much support.
Even in a passing league, teams have to run to win which is why San Diego is in trouble here. They struggle to run big time (3.3, 84.7) and figure to have issues against the league's second best run defense (3.5, 72.8) here. Offensively Denver (4.1, 111.3) has improved with Anderson getting the rock, and if Ronnie Hillman returns for the playoffs they should be in pretty good shape. Here they figure to be in good shape against an average run defense (4.2, 108.4). Giving Manning balance is asking for trouble. He was deadly the first time around, a 35-21 win. Rivers matched his 3 touchdown passes, but was sacked twice and threw two interceptions. He had no rushing support to speak of. I have no reason to believe the rematch will be any different. In terms of pass defense, Denver has double the interceptions (14 to 7) and sacks (38 to 19) on the season. Rivers figures to be under more duress, and that is the key here: Denver 26, San Diego 23 (SD +5/under 51)
San Francisco (7-6) @ Seattle (9-4): The schedule makers probably felt like they were doing a good thing by setting these teams up to play each other twice late in the season, with just a week in between. It has not worked out well for the 49ers. First they lost the first meeting at home, falling for the first time in their stadium to Pete Carroll. It was an embarrassing 19-3 loss on Thanksgiving night with a national TV audience watching. Russell Wilson and Richard Sherman ate turkey legs on the 49er logo at midfield after the game. How much worse does it get? Well, losing to local rival Oakland who entered the game 1-11 was pretty low. At this point their manhood is in question. Can they rise up here on the road and save their season? Head coach Jim Harbaugh has one foot out the door. This is a spot where they either band together as brothers and deliver a huge effort, or fall completely on their face to complete their recent collapse. Which do you think is more likely?
The first time around, it was more than the 3-0 turnover edge that made Seattle dominant. They won the yardage battle 379 to 164. In terms of yards per play, they outdid them 6.3 to 3.2. If San Francisco wants to compete in the rematch, it has to start with winning the turnover battle. Colin Kaepernick threw a pick on his first pass last week in the Black Hole, lofting a ball he had no business throwing down the field. He clearly lacks maturity, but at least this week resembled the loose guy he was before the league adjusted to his style and crushed everything he does. Wilson is more poised and of course here has the insane home crowd on his side. Maybe Colin can figure out a way to wear his headphones on the field in the place of his helmet. Would that help? Seriously, the numbers here mean very little. This is about emotion and passion. The Seahawks hate the 49ers. They are in a fight to secure home field in the playoffs again, so this game matters to them a lot. Desperation did nothing for San Francisco last week, so why should it matter here? I know they can line up and compete with their defense, but I think they wear out and collapse: Seattle 27, San Francisco 16 (SEA -7.5/over 38)
Dallas (9-4) @ Philadelphia (9-4): Another Thanksgiving Day rematch of division rivals, and this one has a national audience again on SNF. Unlike the other game, the home field switch might have the opposite impact. The Cowboys are 6-0 on the road this season. The only time they failed to score 30 points outside of their stadium was the first road game this year, a 26-10 win at Tennessee. I am more concerned about their defense, which almost let Chicago climb back before they closed out a 41-28 win. It did get them a couple extra days to prepare for this one since that game was on TNF. They need it because corrections are needed to overturn a 33-10 loss to these guys. In that first meeting, the Eagles only punted 3 times, won the turnover battle 3-1 and finished ahead in total yards 464 to 267. They did not get DeMarco Murray going. In fact he had 73 rushing yards and for perspective LeSean McCoy's backup finished with 49. That is how much the visitors dominated that one. Mark Sanchez was efficient, and while everyone seems to think he is garbage after one poor performance against as swarming Seattle defense I think he is fine here.
Speaking of last week, it was the first home loss of the season for Philadelphia. They were shut down in a 24-14 loss and it marked the only time they have been contained offensively on their field. They whipped the Giants 27-0, and the other five home games they have scored 34-plus points. This is looking to me like a high scoring affair, more like what the first game should have been. Dallas has to adjust their offense and be more productive. They have too much talent and their offensive line is too good not to figure out what went wrong for them and correct it. When I look at this game it is one of those situations where I can almost throw out logic. Yes, I am scared to death of the Cowboys on defense because I just watched Jay Cutler carve them up in the fourth quarter. However, it was a situation where they were worn out. This time, Dallas is going to protect their defense by sticking to the run and keeping them off the field. Sanchez is fine if he is not counted on to lead a comeback or win a close game. Here, I think the visitors pull out a somewhat shocking turnaround: Dallas 31, Philadelphia 28 (DAL +3.5/over 54)
New Orleans (5-8) @ Chicago (5-8): The MNF audience gets a stinker in terms of the win-loss records here, but this game matters because the Saints are in a fight for the NFC South division. Beyond that, we could be in for a high scoring affair. Both teams are a train wreck on defense, ranking in the bottom 3 for points allowed and the bottom 4 for yards allowed per game. Most of that is coming through the air where each team gives up 265 yards a contest. Chicago has yielded more touchdown passes (30 to 22) but has more interceptions (11 to 8) and sacks (30 to 24) so there is that. We know Jay Cutler and Drew Brees can throw the ball around. Cutler is without Brandon Marshall though, and his team is playing merely for pride here. Plus, there is some conflict internally and talk of possibly cutting ties with their signal-caller. Things are shaky for Drew Brees and his group as well in the wake of a wide receiver being unceremoniously cut. In their situation, however, I think they rally and play well to drive towards the playoffs.
In the blustery December conditions in the Windy City both teams will want to run the ball a little here and help out their quarterbacks even if they do not need it against these soft pass defenses. In terms of defending the run, New Orleans is bad (4.8, 133.5) and while Chicago is better (4.3, 112.3) they are without Lance Briggs now. Even if the Bears have an elite rusher in Matt Forte the numbers are not there for them (3.9, 88.7) this season. The Saints have plugged in a lot of different guys and they do have the production (4.7, 123.7). Mark Ingram could get going here and help them dominate this one. I think pride kicks in for the home team, especially coming off a primetime loss. They do not want to show that poorly, meaning the first three quarters on TNF falling behind big, and will keep this one close: New Orleans 28, Chicago 24 (NO -2.5/under 54.5)

subset: commoncrawl


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Where: At my house
How I Do It: Get Children Ready
Where: At my house
9 comments
- Melissa M said...
I am really liking this series.
At what age have your kids been ready for the chore cards and the early morning pack?
- October 1, 2011 at 9:46 AM
- Kim said...
I would love to see a tutorial on any of the bow or flower clips. My daughter is about the same age as your McKenna and has long hair that she doesn't like much done to except sweeping it to the side with a clip. They get rather expensive when you have to buy them. Thanks!
- October 2, 2011 at 2:37 PM
- Kendall said...
My 3 year old and 1 year old share a room. My husband gets up at 4:45, and the alarm or his movement wakes up the kids. The second my 3 year old is awake, he starts talking and singing and wakes up his younger sister. They both start talking to each other and get each other excited, so there is no way the will go back to sleep. But my 1 year old really needs to sleep till 6:30 or 7, otherwise by 8 o'clock she needs a nap. Do you have any suggestions for me?
- October 3, 2011 at 8:58 AM
- Cozy's Cuts for Kids said...
Great post about time saving tips for the morning! I love the multitasking tips--brushing their own teeth while you do their hair--genius! I own 3 kids hair salons in NYC, and just blogged my quick morning tips. Check it out, from one mom to another: http://www.cozyscutsforkids.com/blog/index.php/2011/09/5-fast-morning-hairstyle-tips-for-parents/
--Cozy Friedman
- October 3, 2011 at 10:49 AM
- Plowmanators said...
Melissa M,
I would say a three year old.
- October 13, 2011 at 10:53 PM
- Plowmanators said...
Kendall, I would suggest a humidifier or sound machine in the kids' room so it will muffle your husband and each other.
- October 13, 2011 at 10:59 PM
- Plowmanators said...
Thanks Cozy!
- October 13, 2011 at 10:59 PM
- Kelly said...
I have been thinking of switching my children to morning baths because I find our evenings are too hurried and chaotic. How do you prepare your children for bed (i.e. get them sufficiently cleaned up enough to get into their beds) if you don't do baths at night? Just hoping to get some tips for making this a smooth transition.
- January 3, 2012 at 3:28 PM
- Plowmanators said...
We just wash hands, wipe face if needed with a washcloth, and brush teeth. I braid Kaitlyn's hair at night because it is so long. They change into clean PJs (and typically wear a new pair every night).
If they were outside and got super dirty, we would do a quick wash in the shower.
- January 9, 2012 at 4:23 PM


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A 41-year-old woman drove off the sixth floor of a parking garage in Melbourne, and incredibly she survived.
Rescuers told The West Australian: "Without the seatbelt she would have fallen down to the passenger side. I think a lot of things contributed to keeping her alive today, the airbags, the seatbelt ... luck."
Here's a look at the drop:


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05 November 2008
Liposuction carried out below the waist could produce an increase in breast size, according to US-based cosmetic surgeon.
Florida's firstcoastnews.com reports that when the Texas-based surgeon carried out liposuction to remove excess fat from a patient's hips, her breasts rose from an A to a B cup.
The surgeon, Dr. Bill Johnson, said: "Women that have liposuction below the waist, about 48 per cent of those will see an increase in breast size following the procedure."
The news site reports that there is at least one study that backs up these results. However, knowledge surrounding the effect of liposuction on breast size is still fairly limited.
Breast augmentation is the most sought after cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States and the UK, closely followed by liposuction, or fat removal.
In September, it was reported that the popularity of liposuction carried out on non-traditional problem areas, such as on the back or on the shoulders, was increasing. Fat removal around the 'bridesmaid's bulge' in particular, the fleshy area beneath the armpit, was seen by one BAAPS surgeon to be catching on.
Male chest reduction, a form of surgery that involves liposuction around the nipple area, is also being increasingly requested by males.
Given the popularity of breast enlargements as a cosmetic surgery procedure, surgeons around the world are often searching for innovative ways to boost cleavage.
Yesterday at the annual conference of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) in Chicago, for instance, the viability of fat grafts as a breast enhancing technique was debated.


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Definition of generation
- the younger generation
- first of the … new generation of powerful supersonic fighters
- —Kenneth Koyen
- generation of income
She was worshipped by a generation of moviegoers.
He was a hero to generations of students.
We need to preserve these resources for future generations.
His books are popular among members of the younger generation.
That family has lived in the same house for four generations.
The house has been passed down in the family from generation to generation.
He has held that position for a generation.
No one dreamed that such things would be possible a generation ago.
The company claims to be developing the next generation of portable computers.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'generation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use: 14th century
in the meaning defined at sense 1aSee Words from the same year
: a group of people born and living during the same time
: the people in a family born and living during the same time
: the average length of time between the birth of parents and the birth of their children
See words that rhyme with generation Spanish Central: Translation of generation Nglish: Translation of generation for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of generation for Arabic speakers
What made you want to look up generation? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
resembling the blue of the sky
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Some time ago I wrote about indefinite traveling and how I could never do that because to me, traveling is only exciting for a change. To me, change primarily means to always return to everyday life after some time abroad. But it also means to pick different destinations every time I travel. What is perfectly natural to me is weird for others. Many people stick to one place and visit it every year. Why do they do that, anyway? And don't they just miss a lot?
In the past three years I have been to four continents and visited 14 different countries. This is not much for a travel blogger. Yet it is a lot for my grandparents. They used to visit the same little village on the island Amrum in the North Sea for years. To my father, on the other hand, there is nothing more beautiful and peaceful than a small, widely unknown peninsula in eastern Greece – the Pelion. As a kid I used to visit both places in regular intervals. Then, it was not unusual or unnatural to do so – it did not bother me that I did not see any other places. Because I had never been anywhere else. I did not yet know that there was the whole world to discover and that I could go anywhere I wanted. I only noticed that some years after the last holiday with my parents.
Everything was just wonderful. Yet it was also boring.
Last summer, many years after that last holiday, I went to Greece once again. I just went there for a week, not three of them like we used to when I was a kid. Still I went to the same village and got the same vacation home. I slept in the very same bed that I had slept in so many nights already – and I was pretty sure that the renters of the flat had not exchanged the mattress since the time I was 15. The Pelion was just like I had left it at that age. No financial crisis in Greece has hardly left any marks on it, and the tourism industry still hadn't grown any bigger. From the terrace of the vacation home the view over the bay was as awesome as ever. The weather was perfect. The sea was pure and warm. The food was excellent. The butcher from the neighboring village whom I had taken into my heart as a kid had grown some grey hair, but apart from that he looked just like ever and he still had the admirable ability to cut the meat from the piece to the exact gram. Nothing had changed at all. It was boring.
Their destination becomes a second home
In the past ten years, my parents have been to two different countries that are coincidentally situated on two different continents. They like it that way. And that is alright. They have found a little paradise for themselves – just like many others whom I have talked to. Of course, there are positive aspects to it: Those who always return to a place get to know it really well. And then, there comes a time when their destination becomes a second home. But would you really want that? The known keeps us safe because we do not have to expect any unforeseen experiences. Put that way, the holiday becomes everyday life.
Do they exist – destination to which one can return indefinitely without the feeling of missing out on something else? Where there is constant change? There is constant change in the metropolises of this world for sure. And for sure, there are destinations that are worth a second visit – or maybe even a third. But: Visiting the same place every year? I love the idea of finding one's own paradise. Yet I cannot imagine going there every year. As of now, there is so much to see, and so little time – and I want to see as much as I can.
Did you find your paradise already?


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Securing State Data
Applications that handle sensitive data or make any kind of security decisions need to keep that data under their own control and cannot allow other potentially malicious code to access the data directly. The best way to protect data in memory is to declare the data as private or internal (with scope limited to the same assembly) variables. However, even this data is subject to access you should be aware of:
Using reflection mechanisms, highly trusted code that can reference your object can get and set private members.
Using serialization, highly trusted code can effectively get and set private members if it can access the corresponding data in the serialized form of the object.
Under debugging, this data can be read.
Make sure none of your own methods or properties exposes these values unintentionally.
In some cases, data can be declared as "protected," with access limited to the class and its derivatives. However, you should take the following additional precautions due to additional exposure:
Control what code is allowed to derive from your class by restricting it to the same assembly or by using declarative security, described in Securing Method Access, to require some identity or permissions in order for code to derive from your class.
Ensure that all derived classes implement similar protection or are sealed.


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The United States notified Japan about their intention to attack North Korea if China fails to force them to cease its nuclear missile program.
The State Department spokesman said that there are only two options: either Beijing increases pressure, or Washington strikes. In this regard Tokyo expressed their concern over the fact that Japan and South Korea might become targets for retaliatory strikes.
North Korea has recently made serious progress in its military programs and, in particular, is close to the creation of an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting American territory.
At the present time, an attack group of the US Navy headed by the nuclear aircraft carrier Carl Vinson is moving towards the Korean Peninsula.
Source: Rosbalt


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Apple's board of directors on Friday tied a massive stock grant given to CEO Tim Cook in 2011 to the company's performance, a move that could cost the executive US$135 million over the next nine years at the current share price.
The new plan could have a more immediate impact. Come August, it's likely Cook will forfeit stock worth about US$2.9 million at Friday's price.
Apple detailed the changes in a filing with the US Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) that alters an earlier deal under which Cook was to receive 500,000 'restricted stock units' (RSUs) in August 2016, and another 500,000 RSUs in August 2021. Cook only needed to be employed by Apple on those dates to receive the awards.
Restricted share units are not awarded at the time of the grant – in Cook's case, in August 2011 when he was promoted to the CEO position just weeks before the death of co-founder Steve Jobs – but instead are given when they vest. The shares will be worth their then-current price.
At Cook's request, the RSUs will instead vest in allotments each August through 2021, with 80 percent of them, or 800,000 RSUs, placed under the new performance criteria.
The criteria Apple will use is called 'total shareholder return' (TSR), a combination of share price appreciation and dividends. If Apple is within the top third of the S&P 500 in TSR, Cook will receive all the RSUs scheduled to vest that year. However, if Apple's TSR is in the middle or bottom third, he will receive only three-quarters or one-half, respectively, of the at-risk RSUs.
Worst case, if Apple appears in the bottom third in each of the years through to 2021, Cook would forfeit 327,123 shares, which at Friday's close price were valued at US$135.3 million.
Although less than 10 percent of the 80,000 shares slated to vest this August will be at risk under the new plan, it seems likely that Cook will take a hit. As of Friday, Apple's total return was -37 percent for the period that started 25 August 2012. If that is unchanged by 24 August 2013, and Apple's total return is in the bottom third of the S&P 500 – very probable, as the S&P 500′s average total return from 25 August 2012 to last Friday was +15 percent – Cook will forfeit 7123 shares.
As of Friday, that represented a little over US$2.9 million.
But the change also had an immediate upside for Cook. The board vested 80,000 of his RSUs last week, making him US$33 million richer.
In the filing, Apple's board said Cook was "leading by example" in the new push to link performance with stock awards given to the company's top executives. "[Cook] asked the Committee to apply a performance metric to his outstanding 2011 CEO equity award, as well as any potential future awards," the Form 8-K stated.
But the board also acknowledged that pressure had come from outside the company. "In outreach discussions this year with many of our largest shareholders, we heard that they believe it is appropriate to attach performance criteria to a portion of our future executive stock awards that have been entirely time-based in the past," the filing read.
When Cook's huge stock grant was announced two years ago it was worth US$383 million at the then-current share price. At Friday's close price, the one million shares would have been valued at US$413.5 million.
Apple has made other changes recently related to its retention practice of issuing large numbers of shares to executives. In January, the firm implemented stock ownership guidelines for Cook and other top-tier executives, requiring them for the first time to hold stock equal to multiples of their base salaries. In Cook's case, he must retain shares equal in value to 10 times his salary, which for 2012 was US$1.4 billion.
Other Apple executives will be impacted by a new emphasis on performance, too, although the company did not spell out those details. Last year, four of Cook's subordinates – then-CFO (chief financial officer) Peter Oppenheimer, lead counsel Bruce Sewell, head of operations Jeffrey Williams, and Bob Mansfield, who returned from retirement to run the new Technologies division – received RSU awards worth between US$66.2 million and US$83.1 million that they can collect if they remain with the company through to March 2016.
The Cupertino, California company's stock has been hit hard, falling 41 percent from a peak of US$702 per share last September. In February, a third of Apple's shareholders declined to back the company's pay scheme, an increase of dissatisfaction from 2012, when just 17 percent did not support that year's executive pay.
During an April earnings call with Wall Street, Cook sympathised with investors angry at the plunging price. "The decline in Apple's stock price over the last couple of quarters has been very frustrating to all of us," Cook said then.
Under the new vesting plan, that frustration could get very personal.
by Gregg Keizer, Computerworld


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In May 2016, four junior barristers were fortunate enough to be awarded a South Eastern Circuit scholarship to attend the Civil Advocacy Course at the University of Florida, in Gainesville. The course is run by the Florida Bar Association and attended by civil practitioners to hone the advocacy skills of both wide-eyed juniors and seasoned lawyers alike. The lucky recipients flying the flag for the SEC were Francesca Perselli (New Square Chambers), James Holmes (1 Gray's Inn Square), Sarah Clarke (Clerksroom) and me (Church Court Chambers). We were led by Gavin Mansfield QC (Littleton Chambers) who joined the faculty in training the course participants and gave us the benefit of his wisdom and good humour throughout the trip.
Upon arrival in the Sunshine State, we were very kindly hosted in Tampa by Judge Claudia Isom and practising trial lawyer Woody Isom. Aside from kayaking, swimming in their pool and trips to local restaurants, Woody and Claudia ensured we were given tours of the State Court, US Middle District Court and the Second District Court of Appeal. We were also treated to a Cuban style dinner with members of the judiciary and the Florida Bar and a lunch with the Hillsborough Bar Association's Young Lawyers, where we addressed the group on issues within our own practices.
My personal highlights included a private audience with Judge Virginia Covingham, whose enormous and beautifully furnished courtroom and chambers enjoyed the benefit of complete electronic management in papers. At her fingertips she had access to all pleadings, applications, orders, judgments and correspondence ever filed for one case. Documents were electronically hyperlinked to one another and to external case law. One entertaining part of our tour was listening to one amused Judge's remarks to Defence Counsel making criminal bail applications on behalf of their orange jumpsuit-wearing clients. Finally, I relished listening to legal arguments in the District Court of Appeal. Although the terminology was very different, the legal principles and arguments were comparable. We were also extremely fortunate to have a private audience with the appellate Judges thereafter to discuss the US legal system and the ethical issues that arise in their work.
After Tampa, the real work began in Gainesville, the largest city in North Central Florida and home to the University of Florida. Our intensive advocacy course was a split over a number of days of lectures, presentations, workshops, discussions, working lunches and feedback sessions led by faculty staff and high-flying civil practitioners. James and I were tasked with representing the Claimant, an aspiring golf professional whose dreams of Tiger Woods style success were (on our case) cut short following a run of bad luck: an accident on a "slip 'n slide" waterslide, then negligent clinical treatment and surgery, which installed a faulty plate in his spine. Francesca represented the surgeon accused of clinical negligence; Sarah, the company who manufactured the metal plate. We all had to prepare different aspects of the opening, examination in chief, cross-examination and closing speeches to be watched and filmed by amused American lawyers and faculty staff, the latter of whom served as both judge and jury. After each performance, we were given very useful feedback and sent off to review our videos with other faculty staff and Judges.
Having carried out only limited number of jury trials in my practice, I really enjoyed watching and practising jury speeches. Somewhat surprisingly, a lot of the theatrics seen in our much-loved US television dramas was replicated in these demonstrations. By this I mean, appealing to shared family values, holding a client's shoulders, moving more freely around the courtroom and using demonstrative and visual aids. The style was quite different too – perhaps more colloquial and sometimes hyperbolic than we're used to in our civil courts. Further, observing the process of jury selection complete with bone fide jury consultants and a real mock jury was an experience I will never forget. Each party's trial lawyers posed a variety of questions of potential jurors including those about gun ownership, favoured news channels and college education to engineer their dream team and to pitch their case accordingly, to great effect.
Day one of the course marked my first opening speech to my very own "jury" comprising other course participants and faculty staff in my small group. As luck would have it, Gavin Mansfield QC was one of the faculty staff allocated to our group that morning. I decided to throw myself into the US style of advocacy. Across the board it seemed as though my colleagues and I were reaping the benefits of our English upbringing – many of us were told by faculty staff that they were inclined to accept our arguments, simply due to our "quaint accents". All of our performances were filmed. Personally, I'm saving my re-runs for 10 years from now, only to be watched with a sense of humour and a glass of wine in one hand!
During the course, the Chair of the Trial Lawyers Section of The Florida Bar, Thomas Bishop and Gavin Mansfield QC demonstrated examination in chief (known as "direct") and cross-examination of the Claimant's quantum expert. The applause from the English contingent for Gavin's devastating cross-examination was probably the loudest of all! Thereafter, the real reason we were in Gainesville emerged: to entertain the Americans.
At great haste, we proceeded to write a Revels-style skit set in the Court of Appeal, to be performed after dinner at the Present of the University of Florida's on-campus house-cum-mansion. James Holmes rather fittingly played an amalgamation of James Bond and Sherlock Holmes; Gavin played himself, as lead Counsel for the applicant; Francesca played Q, Dr Watson and a court usher whilst Sarah was herself and Moriarty. I played Lady Justice Camilla Parker-Whitehouse of Westminster – I find that anticipating the Parker-Bowles jokes is often the best form of defence. After a few hasty rehearsals in the hotel lobby, our after-dinner sketch seemed to go down well. Certainly we don't appear to have scared off the Americans from hosting us Brits again just yet.
I am very grateful to the SEC for enabling me to attend the course. The experience reinforced how much I actually enjoy oral advocacy, which is something that I can sometimes forget amidst pleadings, advices, negotiations and skeleton arguments. Seeing the effectiveness of our US counterparts' often enigmatic courtroom style, reminded me that it is worth taking risks with advocacy and always being open to trying new techniques. Lastly, it has strengthened the idea for me, that the value that barristers have to their clients isn't necessarily an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law but rather their skill set. Despite knowing very little about Floridian law, during the course it quickly became clear that what mattered most was analytic ability and advocacy technique. This served as an important reminder to focus on and hone one's skill set, so that one can be flexible when new and exciting areas of practice develop.
Please visit the Circuiteer for full issue.


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On Tuesday, Matt Drudge, long known for his libertarian leanings, asked on Twitter, "Why would anyone vote Republican? Please give reason."
Sounding like Tea Partiers who revolted against George W. Bush big-government domestic programs–like No Child Left Behind, the Medicare prescription drugs benefit, and government bailouts of Wall Street during the financial crisis– Drudge noted Republicans "raised taxes," are "marching us off to war," and "approved more NSA snooping. WHO ARE THEY?!"
Why would anyone vote Republican? Please give reason. Raised taxes; marching us off to war again; approved more NSA snooping. WHO ARE THEY?!
— MATT DRUDGE (@DRUDGE) September 3, 2013
In a previous tweet, Drudge noted that the new battle is between "Authoritarian" and "Libertarian" because there is "no real difference between parties."
It's now Authoritarian vs. Libertarian. Since Democrats vs. Republicans has been obliterated, no real difference between parties…
— MATT DRUDGE (@DRUDGE) September 3, 2013
Fox News host Greta Van Susteren asked in response to Drudge's tweets, "Is Matt Drudge Joining the Tea Party?"


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Arts and Culture
Keeping the lights on at CAST Children's Theater
Volunteers from the XL Catlin Hartford office participate in the basic maintenance and upkeep of the CAST Children's Theater as part of the Global Day of Giving. Rick Skodinski and John Mulvaney, the Project Leaders, got involved in the CAST Theater because a former colleague was directly involved with the theater.
CAST is a nonprofit theater organization run by volunteers. All funds raised are used to maintain the program. The organization's mission is to preserve the arts in the greater Manchester area of Connecticut and beyond. The organization has grown from a children's theater group doing summer musicals to a full scale theater group that offers year-round productions and classes for children.
The team that participates in the Global Day of Giving has grown from 12 volunteers to well over 20. The volunteers still complete basic maintenance as part of their projects, but have also expanded into larger projects such as the creation of an outdoor mural, construction of a storage shed and the design, building and installation of custom book cases. According to Rick, "We have continued to expand the size of the team each year, getting more volunteers involved as well as new projects for next year's Global Day of Giving that keep us coming back!"
Having the same crew return year after year demonstrates the special relationship the volunteers have with the people of CAST. "The satisfaction of helping our local children makes the contributions that much more special," says John.
Both Rick and John say that they have learned how to manage resources and small projects more efficiently. They also say they learned that real accomplishment cannot be achieved by just a few individuals, but only by a good team. This year, Rick and John and their team of volunteers hope to return and repair the front porch and entrance to the theater.


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Get Certified as a Minority Business Enterprise!
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About SCMSDC
Certify. Develop. Connect. Advocate.
Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council (SCMSDC) is one of the largest nonprofit minority business advocacy organizations in the region. As one of 23 councils affiliated with the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), SCMSDC represents the interests of more than 600,000 Minority Businesses and serves over 1,100 NMSDC-Certified MBE's and 1700 National Corporate members throughout a 13 county service area.


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Why Minnesota Vikings WR Cordarrelle Patterson Has 'Bust' Written All over HimMay 5, 2013
Let's be clear here: no rookie will be defined as a bust after his first season, let alone before he takes part in his first padded practice. At least three seasons should pass before a player is judged, especially a wide receiver like Cordarrelle Patterson of the Minnesota Vikings.
Wide receivers, in general, take longer to develop than most positions. They have a significant amount of learning to do at the NFL level. They need to learn how to get off the line of scrimmage, specifically beat press-man coverage, not to give away their routes while running them and then to determine what their route will be based off of cornerback and safety leverage.
And that's all on just one play.
It's why many wide receivers struggle transitioning from college to the pros. It's also why the bust rate is higher than at any other position. But can Patterson defy this pattern of misfortune?
I have my doubts.
There's no doubt Patterson is electric with the ball in his hands. He glides across the field after the catch, effortlessly cutting through defenses and breaking down defenders like a Jenga tower. He also catches the ball well and demonstrates tremendous leaping ability and body control.
Conversely, there are serious questions about his route-running on the field, which many observers raised during the pre-draft process. One AFC personnel director told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Bob McGinn raised questions about the way Patterson was used toward the end of his career at Tennessee:
Toward the end of the year, they [Tennessee] started to go away from running Patterson down the field on routes and gave him the ball on reverses and screens, even as a halfback at times. That starts to put a question mark in your head. Why?
Well, there's reasons, and it's just not being as proficient with his route-running and not having the ability to make adjustments during the game.
Combined with his inexperience, there are reasons to wonder if Patterson will be a bust in the NFL.
As the personnel director noted, Patterson received the ball on reverses and screens more often in the latter part of the season. He was still very successful with those types of plays because of his great vision and dynamic talents as a ball-carrier—abilities which can be seen in the video below (at the 11:53 mark).
He does an excellent job making multiple defenders miss en route to the end zone following a reverse from left to right.
His route-running is still a major concern, however. He doesn't handle physical press coverage well, despite being 6'2" and 216 pounds. He also doesn't always show field awareness, losing sight of how much space he has to work with while running his route. The latter issue came up against Florida this past season, when he caught a well-place pass from quarterback Tyler Bray.
It's 1st-and-10 and Patterson is the "X" receiver on the play. He's on the short side of the field and is matched up one-on-one against a Gator cornerback.
When the play begins, Patterson immediately releases outside and down the sideline. The cornerback, who is on the line of scrimmage, takes a step forward with his left foot and is forced to open his hips up outside and run with Patterson.
While running with Patterson, the cornerback sticks out his left arm and jabs him in the inside shoulder. That knocks Patterson off his route and further condenses the room he has to work with. That is exactly what wide receivers coaches don't want to have happen their wideouts.
Generally speaking, whenever a route is designed to go outside, the receiver has to get back "on top" of the route and in front of the cornerback, while also creating room down the sideline for the quarterback to throw the ball. That room is ideally about four yards wide, and Patterson hasn't even attained half of that preferred amount space.
That means that Bray's throw has to be nearly perfect. Bray had a history of being erratic while quarterbacking Tennessee, but on this play his throw is indeed perfect. It's placed on the back shoulder and over the out of bounds line, ensuring that Patterson is the only player capable of making a play on the ball. The cornerback is out of position after working hard to catch up and overrunning the route.
To Patterson's credit, his footwork was nifty on this play, as he was able to haul in the ball, but the spacing was poor as was the receiver's overall execution of the route. (2:18 mark)
Such plays make one wonder if he'll be able to become the high-level player he was drafted to be. It won't be easy because he'll be asked to do quite a bit following the team's trade of Percy Harvin to the Seattle Seahawks.
Right now, Patterson looks most likely to be a first-round bust, which he can avoid by developing his knowledge of routes. The AFC personnel man quoted in the aforementioned Journal Sentinel article sees Patterson's route-running deficiencies as something that can be corrected through coaching:
Mentally, it's going to be a project. Running routes, he doesn't know how to do any of that stuff. You may have to keep it simple for him, but this is football. It's not building a super glider or anything.
It's not building a "super glider," but it's not very easy either. The track record of wide receivers in the pros shows that to be true. But can Patterson succeed at such a demanding position and be a draft-day steal for the Vikings?


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Sometimes, there's just nothing better than being absorbed by a good book, film, theatre production or television series.
They transport us to other countries, other worlds, other times and into other people's lives and can help to release stress or wind down after a hard day.
If you've just finished a new book, seen one of the latest movie or theatre shows or have stayed in to watch a captivating television series, send us your review to email@example.com and we'll publish the best ones right here on the website.
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Artist in Residence, Chloe Grunsenmeyer
Name: Artist in Residence, Chloe Grunsenmeyer
Date: June 29, 2018
Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM EDT
Website: http://www.blueridgearts.net
Trip Builder: View Trip
Event Description:
Celebrate the vibrant oil paintings of Chloe Grusenmeyer in her first professional presentation at the age of 84 years young! Her exhibit entitled "Life in Your Hands" depicts various vignettes from our lives brilliantly captured solely with poses and gestures of human hands. Opening reception is April 6, 5-7pm.


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Lenders look for way to keep Troy co-op in business
Pioneer Market closed after a year of heavy losses
TROY -- Creditors on Monday were exploring whether there might be a way to keep a food store operating at the former Pioneer Market, which closed abruptly Saturday night after a year of heavy losses exhausted its cash.
"We're working with other lenders ... None of these lenders want to foreclose," said Bob Radliff, executive director of the Capital District Community Loan Fund. "Most lenders would love for somebody or something to make a proposal to keep this as a food market."
The Albany-based Community Loan Fund led a consortium of lenders that also included First Niagara Bank and Pioneer Bank, providing the Troy Food Co-op, which operated as Pioneer Market, with $325,000. Of that, the Loan Fund provided $225,000 and the two banks $50,000 each.
"We're very sad about the closing," Radliff said. "We thought it was a very worthwhile project."
Pioneer Bank also holds the $430,000 mortgage on the building.
More Information
Other long-term liabilities include $270,000 owed to Empire State Development Corp.; $237,000 to the Rensselaer County Job Development Program, $263,000 to Capital Bank & Trust Co., a loan that's secured by the co-op's equipment; and $125,000 to the Cooperative Fund of New England, a loan secured by the store's inventory, said Steven Muller, president of the Troy Food Co-op's board of trustees.
Cash in the co-op's bank account had dwindled to about $50,000.
Muller said the co-op is current on its local and school taxes, as well as its sales taxes, and on its payroll.
The store lost an average of $15,000 a month over the last nine months, he said. Inventory, Muller said, likely would be packed up and sold to wholesalers.
The Pioneer Market opened with about 40 employees in October 2010. About a dozen remained when the closing was announced by email Saturday evening.
The 4,000-square-foot market never was able to attract enough shoppers to be profitable.
"We had different constituencies," Muller said Monday afternoon. The market catered to residents who lived nearby and could walk there, as well as to students at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Russell Sage College.
And it catered to people who'd drive in on a Saturday to shop, perhaps attracted by its cheese selection, or its organic foods.
"We had a very loyal core group of customers," Muller added. "But it wasn't enough."
Radliff said efforts by creditors to have "a viable business" in the market are just getting under way.
"It's very early in the process," he said Monday.
Nevertheless, city officials are hoping a solution can be found.
"I don't want to see the place dormant," said Vic Christopher, the city's economic development director.
Reach Eric Anderson at 454-5323 or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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NVL cheerleading championships: Torrington
NVL cheerleading championships: Torrington
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At the end of every pregame warm-up for the UConn women's basketball team the past few seasons, the players would run toward the bench and high-five assistant coach Marisa Moseley. The players fed off of Moseley's likeable, high-energy personality,…


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Kendall Peak Lakes
Total Ascent: 2100ft
Highest Point: 4750ft
Total Distance: 8.5 miles
Location: N 47° 25.9197, W 121° 22.8277
Required Permit: None
Difficulty: Easy
This week found us just over Snoqualmie Pass exploring some of the shorter jaunts around Hyak. After a few weeks of longer forays to various summits along the I-90 corridor, we were looking forward to a leisurely hike. A mountain lake seemed the ideal destination on a brisk October day, so we pointed the car in the direction of Kendall Peak Lakes and hit the road.
Kendall Peak Lakes have always been lakes that were seen more than they were visited. Couched in a cul-de-sac of mountain ridges, the three lakes were so often observed from the surrounding lofty heights that we today we continue to refer to them as just that: lakes seen and accessed via Kendall Peak. Nowadays, extensive logging and the roads that go along with it have hewn a much easier route to Kendall Peak Lakes, though it was a high price to pay for ease of access, as the vast fields of clear-cut forest are still struggling to recover.
The trail is mostly decommissioned logging road, making for a leisurely stroll through alders and vine maples. The shrubbery quickly gives way to long views of stump-strewn clear cuts complete with young saplings struggling against low underbrush. The carefully carved slopes of the Snoqualmie Ski Resort contrast with the clear-cuts and dominate the view. The road is short - just a few switchbacks and one slightly confusing intersection are between you and a clear path toward the craggy mountaintops of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
As the logging road begins to thin and taper out, keep watch for a cairn indicating a boot-path to the lakes. The roughly cut trail will bring you to the first meadow-bound lake. More accurately a pond, the reed-lined waters are surrounded by marsh, so watch your step. Upon reaching the lake, the trail becomes more intermittent, branching off in dozens of directions. There is more than one viable route up to the next lake, accessed on either side of the pond.
The middle child of the Kendall Peak Lakes makes for something more of a destination, but it pales in comparison to the last lake. We highly recommend that you press onward and upward. The trick is to find the trail to access it. Simply work your way around to the far side of the second lake to the talus field and start climbing your way up. Hopefully you'll be able to find the shadows of a path up the very steep mountainside. Ascend roughly 200' to the last and largest of the Kendall Peak Lakes. Surrounded by steep cliffs and talus, the lake somehow feels remote and private. Unpack your lunch and enjoy.
This is great hike for those looking for a quick escape – a taste of the wilderness just a few miles away from I-90. In the winter this is an extremely popular snowshoe route, since the grade and distance are perfect for a romp through fresh powder. Keep this one on the list for the first snowshoe trip this year.
To get there, take I-90 to the Hyak Exit #54 and head right to the Gold Creek parking area. Depending on snow conditions, you can either park here or continue the half-mile on Forest Road #9090 to the road block before piling out and heading up. - Nathan
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10 Comments:
- David Holmes said...
Fantastic! I've always wanted to go there. Did you see any fish in any of the lakes?
- October 19, 2009 at 2:07 PM
- Nathan said...
The first two lakes looked pretty empty of fish. They're pretty small. The last lake is large enough that it could support some fish - though we didn't see any.
- October 19, 2009 at 2:18 PM
Do you recommend this hike during December?
- November 28, 2009 at 2:54 PM
- Jer said...
Absolutely! This is a pretty popular winter destination for snowshoeing, and there is plenty of snow in the pass already! Forest road 9090 will be covered in snow, so you'll end up slushing an extra 1/2 mile each way. Eighty percent of the trail is road which will be easy to follow in the snow. The final stretch to the first lake might be difficult to navigate without a GPS, or map, but I think it's likely that other snowshoers have already cut a route which you can follow. Have fun, and let us know how the trip goes!
- November 28, 2009 at 6:22 PM
- Ingunn said...
I've only been up there in winter, but this would be perfect for a summer afternoon! Do you know if you're allowed to bike up the road? The forest service site only mentions that motorized vehicles are illegal.
Thanks for the inspiration, brothers. :^)
- March 27, 2011 at 10:25 AM
- Nathan said...
Bikes are totally fine - no worries there. It's a fun little hike, one that is probably better when the lakes are filled with snow melt. If you go too late in the summer, the lakes will be lower and less impressive.
Have fun!
- March 27, 2011 at 11:00 AM
- 31406 said...
Just did this trail last Wednesday (5/4/11) in snow shoes - what a fantastic outing! I was actually looking for something rather easy, since my buddy was visiting and has only been in snow on one other occasion. There is still snow at the parking lot, so this trail is still ripe for snow shoeing.
We actually didn't make it up to the lakes on account of getting out there a little late, but it was fun anyhow - maybe next time.
Thanks Nathan for posting this one. It was exactly what we were looking for!
- May 8, 2011 at 8:26 PM
- Nathan said...
Glad it worked out for you Jonathan! Wednesday was a great day to be out in the snow, bet there was some great vistas to take in. We're glad it all worked out! Definitely head back in the summer to check out the upper lake.
Feel free to post any pics up on the Facebook page!
- May 8, 2011 at 9:20 PM
- Dan J said...
I am trying to download the GPS track from
but when I click on download gpx it says " With our Trip Planner tool, you can download the GPS files (.gpx) for this trip for use with popular navigation devices like Garmin, Magellan, and DeLorme."
Is there a way to download or receive the GPS track for this trip without acquiring software from TrimbleOutdoors?
Can you please email me the GPS track or provide it in a location without cost.
I post my trips on everytrail.com.
Some people use connect.garmin.com
Thank you for posting your trips.
- December 27, 2012 at 11:27 PM
- Jer said...
Hi Dan, no problem! Some changes recently happened that make it no longer free to download our GPX files. We are in the process of making the files downloadable again from our site. There is now a link above the map called "Download GPX File", which should work! Thanks for following and enjoy the hike!
- December 27, 2012 at 11:46 PM


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2013 Spirit Of Atlanta January Rehearsal Camp
The next rehearsal camp for brass and percussion will be January 11 – 13 at Locust Grove High School. Applications are still being considered for brass, percussion, and guard. Visit the Audition Section now to apply or you can register when you arrive at camp. Video auditions for membership in the color guard will be accepted between now and April 26. Please contact Guard Caption Head Jude Boughton via the Contact Page for more information.
Read the rest of the article here.
Posted by News Editor on Thursday, January 3rd, 2013. Filed under Current News, DCI World.


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|Judges 19-21
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|Preached by Ian Millican on February 6, 2014 (Evening church).


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In its 32nd Edition, Knives 2012 progresses with the knives, showcasing the increasing talent of the world's best knifemakers who forge and grind curvaceous blades, fashion handles from the finest materials and practice embellishment techniques saved for only the most skilled artisans. Featured articles: Carving titanium handles Making knife blades from Lake Superior beach sand Hollywood movie knives and swords Anglo-Saxon and Viking swords AND...the finer points of Bob Loveless knives Also Includes: World's most complete Directory of Custom Knifemakers includes websites, emails and phone numbers Hot Trends in handmade knives State Of The Art embellishments and knifemaking techniques Historical overview of knives and their makers Savor the hand-selected, splendid color photography of some of the most beautiful and original custom knives in the world, chosen from over 2, 000 submissions. The ever-evolving, magical world of custom knives, knifemaking techniques and embellishments is captured in full, glorious color between the covers of the most coveted book on edged masterpieces-- Knives 2012.Technical: Forges own Damascus, uses both forging and stock removal with ATS -34, 154CM, stainless Damascus, carbon steel and carbon Damascus. Prices: $800-$3000. Remarks: Full time .... Mark: Koster squeezed between lines. KOVACIK, ROBERT, Erenburgova 23, 98401 Lucenec, SLOVAKIA, Phone: 00421474332566 Mobil:00421470907644800, Fax: 00421470907644800, ... Technical: Files and grinds nails, nickel-silver and sterling silver. Prices: $5 to $35; some to $100.
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Prague based neo-funk band De ImperfAction brought together a group of talented aspiring musicians from all over the globe. Their compositions reflect a wide range of social injustice: they speak up about and to our hardened unholy generation where people become social toys and wannabes; about the enormous amount of rape and murder in the world; about the disconnection and desolation of a modern man, lost and outcast in a society where privacy is dead.
Music can be a powerful tool, a weapon, and De ImperfAction musicians seem to be taking it rather seriously pouring out on their audience the entire range of human emotions: hate and sarcasm, sadness and empathy, anger and love.
Their style is a quirky mix of heavy funk with bits of rapping, set on Baroque period influenced harmonies.
Cláudia da Veiga – vocals
Seungku Baek – lead guitar, backing vocals
Nicolas Wind - bass
Emre Ercan - drums
Music & text: Nicolas Wind and Claudia da Veiga
For booking and inquiries, please contact us at:


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You Can't Detect What You Can't See: Illuminating the Entire Kill Chain
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We all know software companies sell buggy software. It is the nature of the business. But how a company portrays the software to potential customers is a decision made by the management team. Now that Im running a software company, I realize this is a very fine line to walk. What I have learned is that if you dont want to go down a deep, dark rabbit hole where customer support calls emulate a big hose pumping gallons of water into the hole, then dont sell vaporware.
|Smart IT Columns
Ten Pet Peeves About Workplace Emails
When Just Enough Is Enough To Be Fired
Easing The Pain of Being On-Call
Understanding Your 'Idiot' Manager
A software product must provide some level of value beyond what a customer can get from writing custom code or from the competition. The overall value must outweigh the bugs -- and there will be bugs. (Notice I didnt say there will be blood; although some software support teams would argue that point.)
As for the customers, they arent completely off the hook. They also need to do thorough due diligence, such as calling company references and Googling the company and software product name. Better yet, they should go a step further and Google the executive team to see if they have any history of leading software companies that mislead customers in the past. If a customer still is not sure, then they should try negotiating a money back guarantee.
Now back to poor Jared. I have seen too many good people being thrown under the bus in various software firms. Just as most of our parents told us as children, if you do not have something nice to say, then say nothing at all. Management needs to play the positive role model and set a culture that doesnt lead to backstabbing and the need to constantly cover your rear end.
If bad examples are set and poor quality software is delivered, there are bound to be more bus accidents along the way that will ultimately lead to a train wreck for the entire company.
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