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On "Hey Foxy!" Inside The Oil Boom's Amazing Bachelor Boom
"Because you're pretty to me anyway baby,"
(Sorry, loved the article, but the slug killed me).
On What Made "The O.C." Great, Bitch
@j-i-a that was also the absolutely truest part for me as well. and if not boone's farm Mellon Baller, large alcoholic slushies that were sold out of a drive-thru (Missouri!)
On What Made "The O.C." Great, Bitch
I will defend Season 4 to the death. Taylor Townsend filling in the girlfriend role of Marissa, Kaitlin's rise, Chris Pratt as Summer's college boyfriend "Che," Ryan Atwood suddenly capable of joking...there is everything in the world to love.
On Lena Dunham, Adele, Lady Gaga, Amy Adams All Very Ugly, Says "Esquire"
"And men no longer need to be devastatingly handsome in order to express their talent. Steve Buscemi and John C. Riley and Rick Ross and Zach Galifianakis are all perfectly plain, and they are all at the top of their field." - my article on Jon Hamm.
On The Very, Very Best Holiday Beers To Bring To A Party
@IBentMyWookie What, did Texas not even get the evite?
On Brad And Angie Go To Meet The African Pee Generator Girls
@sarahpm If only! But I am totally going to binge on Gideon/Other Girl for the post-Thanksgiving lolling around the house. I look greatly forward to it.
On Brad And Angie Go To Meet The African Pee Generator Girls
Sarah Miller, I would read a four volume set, 600 pages each, of these stories.
On Bad News Brenda
Beautiful! Reminds me of "Who Will Run The Frog Hospital," (which is to say, it reminds me of growing up)
On 'Gone With The Wind': Devil In A Black Bombazine Dress
@jolie This sounds exactly like when I realized I was 1000X more Britta than Annie. (And being more "that way"...awful but fun, I guess? That's how I managed to steer this to ME)
But come on, you can easily replace Melanie and Scarlett as the Angel and Devil on your shoulders - or as reps of Ego and Id, however you want to run your duality. Melanie made me cry more, so there's that.
On What Are The Best Audiobooks For A Road Trip?
Yes, Rebecca!!! That was by far the highlight of our many summers "Let's go to Madison, Wisconsin and pick up audio books at Cracker Barrels along the way." (I am not from Wisconsin, my family just adored it there for some reason. It was our Provincetown.) We missed our hotel check-in several times because we were driving around farmland, gripping our seats anxiously as Mrs. Danvers wrecks Mrs. de Winter's poor head.


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Archive by Author
The Need For Speed
Posted on 24. Nov, 2011 by Gerard Brady.
Google recently let slip that speed matters. But some tech pundits aren't convinced. Read on for my thoughts on why there's a real need … for speed. Does speed matter? Just a few days ago, Google admitted that speed matters – just as it launched a custom analytics report measuring page speeds and their impacts. [...]
Continue Reading
Google+ … What's all the fuss?
Posted on 17. Nov, 2011 by Gerard Brady.
Google+ has stormed the social sphere, racking-up millions of users in a few short months. But what's the fuss with Google+? How is it growing? And how is it set to evolve? Read on for my take on Google's fledgling social network. Google+ : The fuss, so far Google+ has definitely grabbed it's fair share [...]

subset: commoncrawl


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Hooker 2-Inch Super CompetitionThe tti step header is different compared to all of the other headers tested. The tube diameter "steps", or increases in size, at about 5.5 inches from the header flange. The increase in diameter down the pipe allows for gas expansion, and provides a benefit in reducing reversion tendencies as compared to a straight pipe of a larger diameter pipe, especially in the critical area of the exhaust port exit. The upshot is the ability to run a large pipe diameter while minimizing the potential for a decrease in torque lower in the rpm range, thus providing a broader torque range.
Step headers have become popular in all-out drag racing classes, and they are proven to work. Theories abound about the mechanics of why this is true, including the notion that the step presents a cross-sectional area change, sufficient to reflect a low-pressure wave to improving the scavenging effect. Considering the tuned length of the short section of pipe to the first step, this seems unlikely. However, one thing that we have found conclusively, is that a larger pipe diameter can be employed while minimizing the torque penalty lower in the operating range.
The tti step header, at 2 1/8 inches for the majority of the primary pipe length is, by most formulas, on the large side for an engine at the performance level of our test 440. Had we been testing straight 2 1/8-inch headers, we would fully expect to see a drop in torque production below-peak-torque rpm, and very little, if any, gain higher up as compared to a 2-inch tube. With the stepped design, we actually posted a slightly-higher average torque number than with the 2-inch headers, and the highest peak horsepower of any of the headers tested. The edge was slight, but the numbers were up in every category, though the power curves followed those of the 2-inch header very closely. It is worth noting that the tti stepped headers we tried were nickel-chrome-plated steel. All of the other headers in our test were metallic ceramic coated, a coating which is claimed to provide a power enhancement, although we have never verified this directly or compared to chrome headers.
This tti seems to be well suited for high-output applications, and we have used them in big-block Mopars to well over 750 hp. The step makes them a flexible design, allowing the tti "steps" to be used successfully on engines with considerably less horsepower than this, while providing enough header capacity for the combination to grow as the engine is enhanced. With an engine combination like our 630hp test mule, we could use the bigger header now, and still be satisfied the header will be adequate if we moved up to serious race heads and moved the peak power upwards of 100 hp.


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October 21, 2014
Parents in Ozaukee County were shocked to find out a registered sex offender had been driving their kids to school, and three other bus drivers had criminal records.
Local bus companies say they do all they can to make sure that does not happen here, but they say parents need to take some action too.
Eighty-five bus drivers head out from Laidlaw Transit in Wausau every day to pick up 4,500 children. Before someone sits in the drivers seat, officials say steps are taken to make sure kids get to and from school safely.
"We do everything we physically can to reassure parents that we've got the right person behind the wheel," said Leon Antoniewicz, Laidlaw Transit's Branch Manager. "We do everything we physically can to reassure parents that we've got the right person behind the wheel."
Antoniewicz says the company does a criminal background check on all full-time employees, but he says sometimes it is hard to get all the information he wants.
"Once you come to another state, if you've gotten another drivers license, it can be difficult," Antoniewicz said. "Sometimes you have success. Sometimes you don't. And you just don't get that information."
So how can parents do their part to make sure their kids are safe?
"We encourage the parents to meet the bus and know the driver," said Antoniewicz.
He also says that parents can always call the office if they're concerned about their child's safety.
Everyone who applies to be a school bus driver in Wisconsin must also go through a background check with the Department of Justice.


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(Vegan) Maple Pecan Pie Granola.
While pumpkin pie may be my absolute favorite fall treat, I also adore pecan pie. so sugary, full of crunchy sweet pecans… and butter. and more sugar. With one of my favorite not-so-healthy treats in mind, I created this delicious and wholesome granola to get my pecan pie fix without all the those extra calories!
What I love most is that the ingredient list is incredibly short (probably things you all have on hand!) and can be stirred together all in one bowl.
Vegan Maple Pecan Pie Granola
Yield: Makes 2.5 cups
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pecan pieces
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Spray large baking sheet w/ nonstick spray.
- Combine all ingredients and stir until all the oats are evenly coated.
- Spread onto prepared baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Allow to cool completely (air will help it get crunchy) and enjoy!
© Sally's Baking Addiction. All images & content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish this recipe, please re-write the recipe in your own words, or link back to this post for the recipe.
If you like this granola recipe, check out my Banana Nutella Granola!


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'DHK6384' arriving moments before sunset.
World Express 513 rotating off runway 25L for Leipzig via Dubai.
In For landing.
Arriving runway 09 from JFK
First visit to MAN for this 767 Freighter, parked up early morning before going to the hangar for maintenance.
First visit to MAN for this 767 Freighter, arrived a couple of hours earlier and here for maintenance.


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The Dumbarton boss says his team have no time to dwell on their recent defeat as they prepare to face Rangers this weekend
WE include the best images from today's big matches and round up the action in the top flight and Scottish Championship.
TODAY'S 5-1 win over Dumbarton was Hearts' fifth win on the spin and they have now beaten every team in the Scottish Championship.
THE Hearts head coach has a nine point lead at the top of the Championship table to protect and says the way to do it is for his players to remain in peak condition.
The Dumbarton squad are ready for a challenge as they prepare to face league leaders Hearts on Saturday
Former Dumbarton boss is under investigation over links to three clubs
Recent efforts from the Dumbarton Athletics ladies section have gave the group a boost by breaking a number of club records in one weekend
HIBS striker Dominique Malonga had the best chance of the game as his first-half spot-kick was kept out by Danny Rogers, who pulled off a series of fine saves for the Sons.
HIS manager thinks he lives in a world of his own, his team mates call him Angel Gabriel and he's the fastest talker in the Hibs dressing room at Easter Road.
The Sons gaffer is optimistic about his team's next fixture despite a disappointing draw in last week's match against Cowdenbeath
THE comedian helped make the third round draw at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh where he is in the midst of a run of sell out shows.
All the action from Saturday in the Scottish Championship where Cowdenbeath secured their first victory of this seasons campaign and Dumbarton extended their unbeaten run to four games.
Ardencaple 2000s are hoping to put match behind them after losing 3-5
THE Falkirk centre-back played alongside Kane at St Johnstone and thinks the striker can make it to the top - but McCracken still thinks he can stop him today.
Murray says the step up in performance proves his team will not be "pushovers" this season.
THE Jambos had to settle for a point against Dumbarton at the weekend and Eddie believes that won't be the first defensive side that Robbie Neilson's men face this season.
TYNECASTLE keeper claims his side's momentum was halted by weekend off but insists Robbie Neilson's table-toppers will soon be back on track.
HEARTS lost their 100 per cent league record, Livingston hit top form and Falkirk had to settle for a point against Queens in another action-packed day of Championship football.
SEE all the best images from across the SPFL divisions and every top flight encounter in our picture gallery.
ROBBIE NEILSON'S side were unable to break down a resolute Dumbarton but still sit in first place, one point ahead of Rangers.
Ex-Hibs star is relishing tasty tie against former rivals Hearts at the Bet Butler Stadium
EDDIE NISBET is looking forward to this weekend's trip to Dumbarton and can't wait to go toe to toe with one 'little scamp' beneath the shadow of the rock.
The long-serving striker heads for Airdie after four seasons at the Dumbarton club
A ROUND-UP of the rest of this weekend's action from the Scottish Championship as Dumbarton faced Livingston and Cowdenbeath hosted Raith Rovers.
Dumbarton face Livingston in what will be the part-time team's most important game so far this season
WE have scoured the Scottish Championship and selected ten of the best emerging talents and bargain buys who could prove to be a shrewd signing for Premiership clubs.
The Sons looked to be back on form against the Edinburgh side but were unlucky to lose the pace in the second half
MURRAY was dreaming of a third round place after his team roared into the lead in the second half but Hibs then showed incredible spirit to fight back and seal a remarkable win.
ALAN Stubbs saw his side go two goals down but they managed to rally and produced a spirited comeback to secure the win at the death.
RANGERS ran out comfortable winners against Dumbarton at Ibrox as they carried on from where they left off against Clyde in midweek.
T&Cs apply


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How Not To Move A Golf Cart
Posted by thebuzzkiller69dude on Jun. 03, 2011
Posted by thebuzzkiller69dude on Jun. 03, 2011
naw why he stop laughing ....-.-
Missed everything but the tree
Driver was definitely part Asian!!!
thats why you dont let a white person drive
The accelerator got stuck, I'm sure. :eyeroll:
i don't get it. it wasn't a woman drive..........so what went wrong?
And that's probably how he drives his 4,000+lb Buick/Cadillac at the end of the day. Scary.
It's always a good idea to have your plan hinge on the oldest drunkest guy of the group.
stairs at a gold course
is that a boogey!!!
I think he's in the trees!!!
I love how they laugh, then get hella serious.
Who puts this darn tree if my way
...that was faster than my prius.
quick... someone invent golf carts with airbags... you'll make a FORTUNE!
lpga footage? break.. WTF
Probably the most exciting thing that ever happened on that golf course.
he did get the job done
how is that even possible?
he must have thought he was at 7-11. Florida joke.
Old retarded guy!
Must have felt like Sonny Bono
Looks like the drunk CFO of my company when he drives any vehicle
The price is WRONG, bitch!
Anyone notice that Striker and Yankeedo disappeared at the same time?
Hope he's not their ride home.
so even if the accelerator pedal was stuck AND the brake was stuck, he managed to turn the steering wheel back to the tree instead of going around ? Stick to golf and give up engine sports, vegetable.
Roger Moore was rather disappointed when he failed the audition for the new James Bond movie...
HAHAHAHAH.. I'm sorry, but that guy is a moron.. Better in a golf cart hitting a tree, than in an SUV hitting a daycare..
Does that count as a stroke?
i love the part where he peels out SO HARD that it sent the "market" into orbit? here's a good pop quiz question. How many things are wrong with Break's description of this video?
that happens when I try to ride a bike
Golf should have more jousting.
fúcked up comment system, no abiltiy to change/add avatars. What kind of homo place is this?
i found this video twice as funny with no sound
wish he hit your daycare back when your mom still had a job
Dear Break staff, this is comedy -please take note...
or he was strokin' it
I think he had a stroke.
Potato head
 The avatar changing is disabled to keep in trace of trolls.
 my avatar was just goned one day
 Damn, I respect you. Shutter is quite possibly the best taint massager in the business.
I thought..Pshhh..you just don't know what you are talking about...but you seem to be correct...How the hell do I change my avatar???


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I like roller derby, the paranormal, and random funny crap.
Conspiracy Fury/#1947/DC Rollergirls
Twitter: @ConspiracyFury
users online
lol, Charm
Dancing on the jammer line… More common than you might expect from such a highly competitive sport :D
Do a lil jig
I should dance on the jam line more often :)
Every day.
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European Air Traffic Chaos Is Now Less Likely
A series of air traffic control strikes across much of continental Europe planned for tomorrow and Thursday now seems less likely to proceed, or have a smaller effect if it does go ahead. Both the French SNCTA union and Germany's Gdf have postponed their intended actions, although the French USAC-CGT union might still strike on Thursday. Unions in many other EU nations might also still carry out their actions, although many are planned as one- or two-hour "solidarity" strikes.
The action has been called for by the Air Traffic Controllers European Unions Coordination (ATCEUC), which represents 14,000 air traffic controllers in Europe. Behind these planned strikes are controller concerns about the European Union's Single European Sky (SES2+) initiative, which goes to a European Parliament Transport Committee vote on Thursday.
According to ATCEUC, the implementation of SES2+ is based on unrealistic cost savings and unreasonable traffic forecasts, and could ultimately affect both safety and industrial relations. An earlier action day had been planned for October 10 last year, but the EU signaled that it was amending its SES plans, averting the strike. However, the ATCEUC remains dissatisfied with the revised proposals.
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So the PS4 is out at last in Europe and it has a decent selection of streaming apps at launch. BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and LoveFilm are all present. MUBI will also be arriving too, which for those unaware of it is a nice little movie streaming service for art house, indie, and non-English language things.
Now TV is conspicuous by it's abscence. It's not as if the launch of these new systems crept up on you from nowhere.
So what's up? When will you have a PS4 Now TV app? This side of the new year presumably?
I second that! - I have just upgraded from ps3 where I can watch now tv, to PS4 where I can't! - so should I cancel my membership?
I second that if the ps4 isn't supported I will be removing my subscription
It is very disappointing. I have stopped buying day passes and going to a pub instead... buying a bear with the day pass money
i have just taken delivery of my Playstation 4. Please can you explain why I am not able to access my Now TV. It seems to work well on other devices. Please resolve, otherwise I may cancel subscription.
When will I be able to watch Now TV on my PS4?? Thanks
I've also purchased a PS4 , I'm really disappointed to see there's no Now TV app. Netflix and Lovefilm seemed to have managed to get an app on from launch.
When will NowTV be on the PS4???
Time to cancel, give kudos if you are cancelling it might hurry things along if they see enough votes.
Now TV is now available on PS4!
The ps4 is a pile of poo! Xbox one all the way... You'd think they would have done the Xbox one first?
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Changes to your Entertainment and Sky Movies Month Passes


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This review is outdated. Information may be inaccurate.
Most people in the comic book industry seem to be of the opinion that digital comics are the way of the future. It would appear as though those producing adult comics are of the same opinion, as there are an ever increasing number of websites out there devoted to sexy sequential art. Digital Comix is one such site.
Being a comic site, there are no videos to be found on DigitalComix. There are, however, a whole lot of comics and there's a ton of titillating toon pictures too. In fact, with all the comics and image galleries combined, there is a total of 755 picture sets. I'd like to say they add more every day, but they're really just rotating their content.
The material is a mix of adult comics, 3D pictures, hentai, etc, so you get a lot of variety. You can go from reading a comic about pirates fucking aboard a boat to reading about Eve (of Adam and Eve) getting deep-dicked and tricked by an imp. From there, you can move along to X-rated pictures of the Futurama characters or ogle computer-generated images of a busty blonde getting naked.
Some of the content is exclusive to the site, but most of it isn't. This in part explains why the images often vary in size and quality. Still, you shouldn't have too much trouble finding plenty of high-res images, as there are lots of them mixed in with the rest of the material. Another great thing about the comics is that they can be downloaded in their entirety in Zip files.
Members also get access to a ton of extras, like games, more comics, Flash animations, live-action video feeds and access to the rest of the Adult Art Network of eight toon-themed sites such as Adult Comics World, CG Hotties and Hentai Sex Club.
If you can look past the nonexclusive nature of most of the content on Digital Comix, then you'll likely get a kick out of what it and the extras have to offer. However, factor in the lack of real updates and you likely won't want to stay longer than a month or so.
|By: Chris Parker
|Number of Reviews: 1150
|Average Score: 63.6
|Limited Trial $4.95/3 days, rebills at $29.95
|$29.95/30 days
|$59.95/90 days
|Cross Sales: No
|Pic sets: 755+
|Pics per set: 30
|Zip sets: Yes
|Pic Res: 1024x768
|High Res: Yes
|Number of movies: N/A+
|HD Porn: No
|Streaming: No
|Average Length: 0 mins
|Full length videos: No
|Download Limits: N/A
|Video Formats:
|Preview DigitalComix.com members area
|Independent Biller(s):
|NetBilling, CCBill
|Customer Service:
Pros & Cons
-bonus content
-zipped photo sets
-mostly high-res pics
-rotating content
-mostly nonexclusive content
-limited trial
09/02/2010- Stays at 69. -Wayne - Initial review: 12/6/2009
|Content Quality
|Content Amount
|Unique Content
|Video Downloads
|Video Streaming
|Other Score
|User Score: N/A
|0 votes
|0 comments
|User Top Rated Sites


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MONDAY, March 12 (HealthDay News) -- If current trends continue,
health insurance premiums will surpass the median U.S. household
income in 2033, a new study says.
Using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and the
U.S. Census Bureau, researchers calculated the premiums paid by
Americans from 2000 to 2009 and compared them to incomes. They
found that insurance premiums rose 8 percent from 2000 to 2009,
while household incomes rose only about 2 percent.
If those same rates continue during the next two decades, the
average cost of a family health-insurance premium will hit half of
median household income by 2021 and surpass it by 2033, the study
The median household income was $49,800 in 2009.
The study is published in the March/April issue of the
Annals of Family Medicine.
The calculations in the study include all premium costs --
including the portion paid by the employer and the employee. What
the projections don't include are out-of-pocket costs, such as
co-pays for treatments and drugs.
When co-pays are factored in, the situation looks even worse,
said co-lead study author Dr. Richard Young, director of research
at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas.
According to their projections, the employee portion of the
premium plus out-of-pocket costs -- not including what the employer
has to shell out -- will equal about half of family income by
Despite the worrisome trend, these latest numbers are slightly
brighter than the prior projections, done in 2005, which estimated
that premiums would surpass household income in 2025.
Two events have come into play that have curtailed spending
somewhat, Young said. In the coming years, the reforms that will
come as a result of the 2010 Affordable Care Act will help to reign
in the cost trajectory, while the recent recession has also led
more families to spend less on health care.
Yet neither is enough to make more than a minor dent in the
looming issue, Young said.
"Even under optimal assumptions about how much the Affordable Care Act will affect the cost of health care, it's still growing faster than the overall economy, meaning the cost of health related to everything else in the economy is getting worse and worse," Young said. "If you look at what is being paid by employers for their employees, for an average-wage person, that cost is a huge percentage of their income. And that's not even getting into the cost of Medicare and Medicaid on the tax side."
Bob Phillips, director of the Robert Graham Center, a division
of the American Academy of Family Physicians that researches health
care to help inform policy-making, said the trend in increasing
health-care costs has gone on for long enough that such projections
are "realistic."
"This trend is real, and along the way we are going to be dropping more and more people as a lot of people are unable to afford health insurance," Phillips said.
As patients who get cancer or some other expensive illness run
up bills they can't pay, more will end up in bankruptcy.
"This is going to leave a lot of working-class families destitute," Phillips said. "It adds to the anxiety of what you're going through and leads a lot of people to make choices that are not the right ones for their health, to forgo treatment or medications, or to pretend they don't have that illness. It's fair to say it's killing lots of people. Even after they've passed on it leaves the family holding incredible costs that they can't pay."
The solutions, Young and Phillips agreed, will not be easy.
Tweaking payment systems isn't enough, Young said. Instead, health
professionals, policy makers and U.S. health-care consumers have to
be willing to accept more significant, structural changes.
"We have to decide: What is health care? What should be covered? What should we provide?" Young said. "Unless we're willing to talk about some difficult realities, there is nothing historically that has shown that any of these financing tweaks has made any substantive difference. If we want to avoid crushing our children and grandchildren with health-care-related debt, then we need to start having some deeper discussions."
One example cited in the paper: Medicare recently added coverage
of the prostate cancer drug Provenge (sipuleucel-T), which will
cost an estimated $93,000 for treatment to increase life expectancy
by four months.
Young also believes in a greater reliance on family physicians
and other primary-care doctors instead of more costly specialists,
and in being more prudent in what tests are ordered.
Although much of the debate over health care has focused on who
is paying for it -- single payer, private insurance or public
insurance -- Young said that an even more fundamental discussion
has to take place about what sort of health care should be
provided, regardless of who is paying.
"Who writes the checks isn't the problem," he said. "The problem is a deeper sense of what the health care system should be and what kinds of things doctors should treat."
More information
Kaiser Family Foundation has more on trends in
health-care costs.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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Clinical Hypnosis and Self-Regulation: Cognitive-Behavioral Perspectives
For individuals in the U.S. & U.S. territories
Some people have strong negative attitudes toward hypnosis, precluding its use. Clinical Hypnosis and Self-Regulation: Cognitive-Behavioral Perspectives presents a cognitive-behavioral perspective on the use of hypnotic suggestion in psychotherapy and attempts to break down the barriers that have inhibited clinicians from using a powerful, empirically validated clinical tool. Readers will gain exposure to the cutting edge of hypnosis theory, the ways in which suggestibility can be measured and enhanced, the integration of suggestive procedures with cognitive-behavioral interventions, and the use of suggestion with people whose negative attitudes preclude the use of hypnosis. Readers will also find in this volume the empirical base of the theories and procedures that are presented.


text:
See top homes from the Doory Awards.
Visit Jennifer Aniston and boyfriend's former home.
Sleep here: See our top 36 bedrooms from coast to coast.
Go small: Tour 10 adorable tiny houses on wheels.
Discover the most popular home styles.
See our favorite Cool Houses on the water.
Think you know HGTV's Property Brothers?
Swim in 25 spectacular celebrity pools.
See where rocker Cher lived in Miami.
Go country on Faith and Tim's Tennessee Farm.
Tour Shakira's Miami Beach mansion.
You'll love Venus' Hollywood Hills hideout.
Find New York homes near famous parks.
Tour modern marvels in sunny Palm Springs.
Browse 10 great neighborhoods in Chicago.
Drink in Nashville's top Honky Tonks.
Uncover Miami's sites, sounds and favorite celebs.
What's the buzz in the ATL?
See top Cool Houses for sell through the years.
Get curb appeal tips from HGTV's John Gidding.
Find practical info for buying a home.
See winners of the 2014 Doory Awards.
What's selling in Trendy Tribeca?
Find out if Nashville is right for you.
Former Oingo Boingo keyboardist Richard Gibbs had some extra room on his Malibu property and thought it was the perfect place create his dream studio. But before he knew it, musical artists from Cher to Metallica wanted to record there as well.
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-1/2 cup Badia a Coltibuono Extra Virgin Olive Oil
-1 onion
-1/2 cup-1 cup red wine
-whole little neck clams (taken out of shell)
-cherry stones clams (minced)
-2 tbsp honey (Boscovivo Spanish Esparcet Honey)
-cilantro, garlic, salt, pepper
-homemade bread crumbs
**TIP: Add more wine than oil**
Bring water to a rolling boil in a large gallon pot and cook the pasta till al dente. In a pan, bring the extra virgin olive oil to warm then add chopped onions and basil. Sautee onions and basil until caramelized and translucent. Deglaze the pan with the red wine and allow to cook down for a few minutes, making sure you have added more wine than oil in the pan. Add the clams and the honey and stir making sure you do not over cook the clams. Take the al dente pasta and add to the pan with the clam sauce to let all of the flavors meld together. Allow to cook for 2-4 minutes, then remove pasta from the pan and place in a serving dish. Pour clam sauce mixture over the top and sprinkle with fresh breadcrumbs, cliantro, salt, pepper and garlic over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and/or basil. Enjoy!~
Total Recipe Time: 10 to 15 minutes
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (60 ml)
2 tablespoons finely chopped flat - leaf parsley
1 fresh thyme spring, finely chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup peeled, seeded, and finely diced plum tomato (60 ml)
Freshly ground pepper
8.82 Oz Cipriani Tagliolini (250 g)
2 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened (30g)
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (30g)
Bring a large pot of water to a boil while you assemble the ingredients and chop the herbs and tomatoes. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add-1 tablespoon of the parsley, the thyme, oregano, rosemary, basil, tomato, and some salt and pepper and cook for a minutes or so.
Salt the boiling water and cook the pasta for 2 minutes. Maybe a little bit more. Egg pasta needs to be ductile. That's the way we like it. Drain well in a colander.
Add the pasta, the softened butter, and the Parmesan cheese to the sauce in the skillet and toss well. Transfer to a heated platter and garnish with the remaining parsley. Serve immediately and pass around a small bowl of grated Parmesan cheese.
Funded by Cipriani - Harry's Bar


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Dr. Toren A. Anderson, MD
Pediatrics, Greenvale Pediatrics
- 5295 Preserve Pkwy Ste 100
Hoover, AL 35244
- 1 Office Location
- Email a Friend
- (205) 987-4444
Dr. Toren A. Anderson has been practicing medicine for 18 years. Dr. Anderson graduated from the University of Florida College of Medicine at Gainesville in 1996. He practices medicine in Hoover, AL and specializes in Pediatrics. Dr. Anderson is affiliated with Childrens Of Alabama, Saint Vincents Hospital Birmingham and Brookwood Medical Center. He speaks English and Spanish.
Gender: Male
Years in Practice: 18 Years
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Medical School: University of Florida College of Medicine at Gainesville
Graduation Date: 1996
Hospital Affiliations: Childrens Of Alabama, Saint Vincents Hospital Birmingham, Brookwood Medical Center
Specialties: Pediatrics
©2005-2014 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.


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June 28, 2013 by Peter Ericson 2 Comments
Yes it is that quick!
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3 Quick Ways You Can Help Stop Drilling in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge!Posted by Becky Stanley on November 9, 2005 - 4:48pm
- Tell your US Representative to Oppose Drilling in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge - vote against the budget bill. Call the Capitol switchboard (202-224-3121). Here is a sample message you can leave: "Hello, my name is _____ and I live in _____. I urge you to to protect the Arctic Refuge and vote against the budget bill because it allows Arctic drilling. How do you plan to vote?"
- Tell Representative Reichert to Protect the Arctic Wildlife Refuge; Vote Against the Budget Bill - 1-877-920-9208 or 206-275-3438
Groups Ask Reichert to Vote for WA, Against Upcoming Federal Budget Bill; Cite Bill's Harm to Washington Residents and ArcticPosted by Shannon Harps on November 3, 2005 - 3:44pm
Bellevue, WA: Representing a broad swath of religious, human services, and environmental groups, speakers gathered in Representative Dave Reichert's district today to highlight how the Congressional Budget endangers Washington residents and misleads consumers. The groups unanimously called on Reichert to stand up for Washington by voting against the budget when it comes to the House floor next week.
The budget bill contains sweeping provisions that would dramatically cut funds and services used by Washington's families, students, veterans, seniors and people with disabilities.
Conservationists, Governor Share Common Goal of Full Protection of Washington's Roadless AreasPosted by Becky Stanley on November 2, 2005 - 4:37pm
This is a first step toward achieving comprehensive protection for 2,000,000 acres of roadless forests statewide
Olympia, WA – A broad coalition of statewide conservation, recreation, sportsmen and religious groups applauded Governor Gregoire's decision today to file a petition under the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) to amend regulations finalized in May by the Forest Service which effectively repealed protections for nearly 60 million acres of roadless forests.
The APA petition specifically asks the Bush Administration to amend its roadless regulations to allow Governors to retain protections for Roadless forests in their states as provided in the 2001 National Forest Roadless Area Rule without the added cost and effort currently required by the more recent Bush regulations adopted in 2005. An APA petition can be filed by any "interested person" to request promulgation of regulations by an agency of the federal government. The agency is required to respond promptly to any petition but is not required to address it substantively. . "The Governor's action today shows her strong commitment to restoring protections for more than two million acres of roadless forests in Washington State as provided under the 2001 Roadless Rule," said Tom Uniack, Conservation Director of Washington Wilderness Coalition. "We see the APA petition as an important first step that the Governor can take to restore full protection for our roadless forests."
Sierra SummitPosted by Scott Otterson on October 22, 2005 - 8:39pm
On September 8 – 11, 2005, the Sierra Club held its first ever national convention and exposition in San Francisco, at the Moscone Center. Over 700 delegates participated in the national Sierra Club's direction setting process and heard the results of the National Purpose, Local Action study that was conducted a couple of years ago. In addition, thousands of people attended workshops, listened to speeches by former Vice President Al Gore and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., among others, and in the Exhibit Hall viewed booths and displays by private companies and groups with excellent environmental products and ideas, and in the Sierra Showcase by Sierra Club activists and leaders.
Oppose Barton's Energy BillPosted by Michael Van Kleeck on October 4, 2005 - 7:07pm
At a time when America desperately needs to move forward in the battle for clean air, Representative Barton is attempting to take the country backwards. His proposed Energy Bill funnels ever more taxpayer dollars to the oil industry, while eliminating environmental protections on new oil refineries.
Worse yet, this deeply flawed legislation repeals the Clean Air Act's New Source Review program. This program requires older factories, including refineries, to install modern pollution control technology when they make changes that increase pollution. That is why the oil, coal and power companies that own those polluting facilities have been so interested in rewriting the rules.
Protect the National Transit ProgramPosted by Michael Van Kleeck on July 25, 2005 - 7:03pm
Transportation is intimately linked to air and water quality, land use, and our quality of life. Traffic and air pollution have become too commonplace in American communities. Building large roads in and around towns without properly designing them to fit the existing community is destructive. As Congress prepares to authorize nearly $300 billion in the transportation bill, the stakes are high for communities across the country.
In an effort to appease President Bush's high-donor friends and hasten poorly-planned, large-scale road projects, current proposals would weaken the environmental review process for new, large highways; reduce the frequency and scope of air quality check-ups; remove protections for parks, wetlands and historic sites; and steal funds from the national transit program in a mad grab for even more highway dollars.
Sierra Club Endorses Healthy Indoor Air Initiative 901Posted by Michael Van Kleeck on May 23, 2005 - 1:24am
The Sierra Club has officially endorsed Washington State's Initiative 901.
Healthy Indoor Air for All Washington, the initiative's volunteer-driven supporting organization, aims to change Washington State law to eliminate smoking in indoor public places. This initiative would protect employees, patrons and children from the dangers of secondhand smoke in workplaces and public gathering places.
Scott Otterson, Chapter Political Co-chair commented, "A lot of folks might wonder why the Sierra Club is bothering with a secondhand smoke initiative. Well, you might not think of cigarette smoke in the same way as you think of power plant emissions, but really, they're both dangerous forms of pollution. In the US each year, coal-fired plants cause an estimated 24,000 early deaths. In that same year, secondhand smoke causes 38,000 US deaths."
Density, Parking, and Growth: Can Seattle Get It Right?Posted by Michael McGinn on May 13, 2005 - 5:15pm
Cities like Seattle need to accomodate growth and housing in order to protect rural open space. But how do we do it right and end up with a city that is vibrant, healthy, and environmentally sustainable? Seattle mayor Greg Nickels is pursuing an ambitious agenda to remake South Lake Union, increase building heights and density downtown, and modify zoning and parking policies in neighborhood business districts. The Seattle Group Executive Committee is taking a close look at these proposals to ensure that Seattle grows sustainably.
Sierra Club Applauds Passage of Clean Cars BillPosted by Michael Van Kleeck on April 14, 2005 - 6:11pm
Demonstrating great leadership and vision, the Washington State Senate passed the Clean Car Bill ESHB 1397 yesterday by a 29 to 19 vote.
"Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown showed extraordinary leadership in passing this legislation," noted Holly Forrest, chair of the Sierra Club Cascade Chapter Legislative Committee. "Senators Erik Poulsen and Phil Rockefeller deserve tremendous credit as well for masterfully steering the bill through the Senate. And in the end, it was a bipartisan bill. Republican Senators Luke Esser, Bill Finkbeiner, and Dave Schmidt really delivered."
Sierra Club Launches Environmental Communities ProgramPosted by Michael Van Kleeck on April 8, 2005 - 5:54pm
The Sierra Club has launched a new program in East King County. The Building Environmental Communities program is a public education campaign built on grassroots campaign organizing, community outreach, and local visibility efforts.
"The campaign will work toward permanent protection and restoration of the Snoqualmie River Valley," said Shannon Harps, Sierra Club Associate Regional Representative. "The valley is a beautifully forested area encompassing old growth trees, the popular Snoqualmie Falls, and the high ridges of Mt. Washington." The new program will incorporate both social- and action-oriented activities.


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Host Penn State will look to snap a two-game skid versus Ohio State when the Buckeyes pay a visit to Beaver Stadium on Oct. 25. Vacated games excluded, the Nittany Lions last prevailed over OSU at home back in 1997 and have historically fared relatively well when competing against the Buckeyes in University Park. Ohio State leads the all-time series, 15-8.
Beaver Stadium Seating Information
Lower Level Beaver Stadium sideline seating is labeled as EA-EJ on the east side and WA to WJ on the west side, while the Upper Level sideline spans from EAU-EJU and WAU-WJU. Moving over to the end zone, more Lower Level seats are found in Sections NA-NL and SA-SK, and the Upper Level is comprised of NAU-NLU and SAU-SLU by the end zones and EAU-EJU and WAU-WJU on the sidelines. Meanwhile, the lone area of Club Level seating can be found in Sections SAC-SLC. For a premier matchup like Penn State-Ohio State football on Oct. 25, some areas of the venue may be more limited in availability than others.
Beaver Stadium General Information
Alcoholic beverages, smoking, and re-entry are prohibited at Beaver Stadium. All purses, bags, and backpacks will not be allowed inside the venue and guests are subject to search upon entry for Penn State vs Ohio State.
Beaver Stadium Parking Information
Parking passes may be for sale in the marketplace in advance of the game, so check out the listings on this page to see what's available for each lot. Those without advance passes will need to pay for a spot on site. Fees may vary per event. Tailgating is allowed but be sure to familiarize with all rules and regulations in advance of attending the game.
Beaver Stadium Gate Times
Beaver Stadium gates usually open 90 minutes to 2 hours before an event's scheduled start time, but be aware that this is subject to change without notice.
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Three years ago, at the age of 57, Bonnie Ave began to worry when her doctor told her she was starting to lose bone mass.
Bonnie started reading a book and learned that strong, rigorous activities could help turn around that process. She started weightlifting and started to discover that she really liked it.
The more she lifted, the better she felt. And it inspired her to make other changes in her life -- she started eating better and journaling about her changing health. All of these things combined to make her feel stronger, healthier and better all the time.
Now, at the age of 60 -- just three years after she first started lifting -- Bonnie is a champion bodybuilder.
She said she knew nothing about competitions but her trainer suggested she sign up for her first one to help give her a training goal. In her very first competition, Bonnie won the women's 40 and over bodybuilding championship!
Find out why this 4 foot, 11 inch dynamo not only found a new way of living but a new love at the gym -- her husband of three years.
And Bonnie explains why she's a believe in a message from that book that changed her life -- 70 percent of what we consider aging is lifestyle choice.
Total Length: 08:53 Views: 8,814 Comments: 0 Favorited: 1 Rating: Be the first to rate this Audio! Votes: 0
GB Exclusives
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GB Topics - Masters Athletes
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Health - Aging
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bodybuilding - bone density - fitness - weightlifting - aging - exercise - bonnie ave
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I had a breast augmentation performed by Dr. Epstein in October 2012. From start to finish, the whole experience could not have been better. I live out of state & have a clotting disorder, so I wasn't even sure surgery was an option. Dr. Epstein & his staff worked with my hematologist to ensure that everything was safe & that I had all the proper medications. I have had very little bruising (could be covered by 2 fingers) & only a drop or 2 of bleeding from the incision. I flew home 2 days after surgery & was able to put my arms overhead to get thru security and pull my carryon, etc. with no problems.
Breast Augmentation by Dr. Mark Epstein - Stony Brook, NY
I had a breast augmentation performed by Dr....
Read 1 Comments
I'm glad you were able to do this for yourself despite your clotting condition. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I scheduled my consultation with Dr. Epstein after reading so many good reviews online. I decided that if I had any reservations whatsoever after meeting him, I would not go thru with the procedure. I knew right away that I had made the right decision. He has a great bedside manner, was very thorough, and made sure he explained everything & answered all my questions. I never felt rushed, or like I was being 'upsold' on additional procedures. Follow up has been great. Dr. Epstein has been reachable, approachable, & follow-up has been outstanding. It has only been a week since surgery & I am already very pleased with the results. I would highly reccommend Dr. Epstein, you could not be in better hands.


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|Excellent - 1 reviews
Looking for hostels in Evora? Take a look at Old Evora Hostel! This Evora hostel offers free wired and wireless Internet access. Multilingual staff can provide tour/ticket assistance and express check-in. The reception is open during limited hours and you will also find a TV in the lobby area. Other amenities include concierge services
Overall Rating - Excellent - 1 reviews
Excellent 9.0
Staff was very helpful. Quiet old area of town. Close to main plaza and cathedral (4 blocks)Located in old area of town with narrow streets. Free parking available, good WiFi signal and quality. Shared bathrooms with large bathrooms on every floor. Great host and owner with lots of knowledge in the area, can help arrange local trips to nearby places.


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If you're a rogue nation looking for instantaneous street cred, you can't go wrong with a covert missile program. It's a time-honored strategy, proven by generations of international tyrants, that instantly puts your shenanigans on the big stage. Similarly, as the Big Three waged war over muscle car supremacy in the '60s and '70s, Chrysler never conquered as many subjects as its crosstown rivals, despite kicking out what was arguably the most diverse lineup of extreme performance machines. Not surprisingly, Mopar Nation went rogue by developing a potent yet little-known weapons program of its own. No, we're not talking about Hemis stomping all comers at Daytona in 1964, or the Elephant motor's dominance in Top Fuel. To the contrary, the Mopar Missile program of the early '70s produced a triumvirate of legendary drag machines that dominated NHRA Pro Stock. Now the Missile is back, this time reincarnated as a cutting-edge, Gen III Hemi-powered, IRS-equipped Pro Touring machine that pays homage to its legendary forbear in unexpected ways.
To the typical smug Pro Touring enthusiast who associates drag racing with tooth decay and fashionably sleeveless T-shirts, the idea of state-of-the-art technology coexisting with straight-line machinery is a bizarre concept. Well get over it, because that assumption is pure bunk. Chrysler campaigned three different Missiles over the years, a '71 Challenger, a '72 Cuda, and a '73 Duster. Believe it or not, modern data acquisition systems are merely an evolution of technology introduced more than 40 years ago in these revolutionary Mopars. As the story goes, the factory-backed Missile program hired NASA engineers to rig up a trunk full of data acquisition gear that logged everything from wheel speed and throttle position to shock travel and oil pressure. The team also used titanium brake rotors and suspension components to pare mass as much as possible. Consequently, although RPM Hot Rod's (www.RPM-HotRods.com) '71 Challenger is a Pro Touring tribute to a straight-line machine, both speak the same high-tech language.
In a yearly tradition that spans several decades, the Goodguys Rod and Custom Association hooked up with RPM to build a killer giveaway car for 2012. For creative inspiration, Goodguys opened up a design contest that allowed artists from all over the country to submit renderings of what they wanted to see built. The '71 Motown Missile Challenger struck a chord with designer Steve Stanford, and his modernized rendering of this fabled machine (Chrysler renamed the '73 Duster "Mopar Missile") struck a chord with RPM's Curt Ukasik. Having already built the 2010 Goodguys giveaway car, a shotgun-powered '70 Mustang that we featured on the cover of our Oct. '10 issue, Curt was well aware of the tedious task at hand, but forged ahead anyway. "With the Mustang, we were really under the gun to get the car done in a very short time frame. I wanted to take another stab at it to see what we could build if given some more time to dedicate to the project," Curt says. "My kids come by the shop and see these cars coming together in various stages. Taking them to the giveaway ceremony is great, because they get to see how you can make someone's day by giving back to the community."


text: Good Morning, Since it looks like we are actually going to be at Northern Regional Tribute, wasn't there talk of there being classes there? What all is going on there? Who all is entering for Gulf War A&S selection? Ciao, -- Phelim "Pug" Gervase | "I want to be called. COTTONTIPS. There is something Bryn Gwlad - Ansteorra | graceful about that lady. A young woman bursting with Dark Horde Moritu | vigor. She blinked at the sudden light. She writes pug at pug.net | beautiful poems. When ever shall we meet again?" Note: The views do not reflect the SCA nor the Kingdom of Ansteorra. ============================================================================ Go to http://lists.ansteorra.org/lists.html to perform mailing list tasks.


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Deathstroke the Terminator. One of the most fearsome villains in the entire DC Universe with his own series in the New 52. Should be great right? However, this series isn't what you expect. In this issue, we're given a somewhat closer and more in-depth look at Deathstroke's character.
Found out if the direction the writers are taking with Deathstroke is for the better or worse after the jump


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WIth minutes remaining in the game, things did not look pretty for the Hoosiers. Fran Dunphy had his Temple squad controlling the East region's #1-seeded Indiana Hoosiers - and had them right where he wanted them.
Khalif Wyatt, the Owls' leading scorer, was scoring at will. Indiana coach Tom Crean tried Will Sheehey on him; he tried Remy Abell on him; he put Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Victor Oladipo on him most of the game. Nobody could keep Wyatt in check.
That was the case up until about six minutes remained in the game. Wyatt was leading all scorers with 31 points. Wyatt finished with 31 points. The Hoosiers shut him down in the final minutes and pulled out the 58-52 victory, advancing to the Sweet 16 regional in Washington, D.C.
Oladipo scored 16 points - including a big-time three-point basket in the final seconds - and pulled down eight rebounds, to lead Indiana. Cody Zeller added 15 points and six rebounds, while Sheehey contributed 10 points off the bench.
Christian Watford joined Oladipo in the big-play category with an outstanding block that helped Indiana gain momentum down the stretch. Senior guard Jordan Hulls of the Hoosiers called it the "biggest play of the year."
That was the moment Hoosiers fans were waiting for. The momentum-changing play of the game. It was long overdue after Temple controlled the pace of the game for 35+ minutes. The Owls forced Indiana into a half-court game, something the Hoosiers don't particularly enjoy. Crean prefers an up-tempo transition game with points coming in bunches.
The style of play on Sunday, countered with Wyatt's elite scoring ability, helped Temple maintain the advantage for most of the contest.
A Hulls mid-range jump shot, followed by the Watford block and two free throws by Zeller tied things up at 52 apiece with less than two minutes to play. One-for-two at the line from Oladipo and the game-clinching three-pointer made it an 8-0 run for Indiana with the game ultimately out of reach for Temple.
Wyatt then forced a long three, Watford controlled the rebound and was fouled. He sank both free throws as the Hoosiers ended the game on a 10-0 run en route to their second consecutive Sweet 16 berth in as many tournament appearances under Crean.
Indiana lost the battle of the fifty-fifty balls and the turnover differential but managed to win the war of the game. They will face Syracuse on Thursday. Tipoff TBA.
-Email me at firstname.lastname@example.com
The first of two days made up of the second round games of the NCAA Tournament already compiled some interesting outcomes.
Sixteen teams will be moving on to the third round, or in other words the round of 32, but they may not be the teams you would have expected. However, as normally expected, that is due to the phrase "March Madness," that has been deemed to this tournament. The phrase simply explains the drama taking place in college basketball, which include upset victories, amazing scoring plays and, of course, last-second buzzer-beaters!
Some may not be entirely caught up with the action after Thursday's games. Many on the East Coast may have also missed the fourth wave of games that began well after the nine o'clock hour Eastern Time. My job is to get YOU caught up on all the action:
A couple blowouts…
Upset city!
Whew! Close call…
Comments? Questions? Email me at email@example.com
Minnesota wanted it more than Indiana on Tuesday night at Williams Area, also known as The Barn.
It was almost clear within the first few minutes of the game that the Golden Gophers were out to prove something. Out to prove they belong in this year's NCAA Tournament. Out to prove they weren't a pushover in a stacked Big Ten Conference.
From what I saw, it was most evident with just over 13 minutes remaining in the first half that the outcome did not look good for the Hoosiers. That was the moment Trevor Mbakwe of the Gophers headed to the bench for his first breather of the contest. Mbakwe received a standing ovation from the home crowd for scoring all of his team's first eight points and 12 of their first 16.
Mbakwe, along with the rest of his teammates, wanted this game more than Indiana did. For Tom Crean's Hoosiers, it was a 77-73 loss they should use as a motivator. Similar to the Illinois loss Indiana suffered a couple weeks ago when they blew an eight-point lead with around four minutes to play, this was Minnesota informing the Hoosiers to stay humble. Play within the system.
After, arguably, Indiana's biggest win in the past decade at Michigan State last week, they were feeling good about themselves. As they should. They had every right to. They hadn't won at the Breslin Center in almost 20 years (17 trips). That's a long, long time, folks.
However, another tough game followed the Michigan State win. A journey to The Barn awaited Indiana and they knew Minnesota was desperate for a win. The teams competed. Indiana played tough, but the Golden Gophers played tougher. Minnesota was golden en route to their biggest victory of the season and one that could help them earn a tourney bid.
Where I believe this game was decided is in the rebounding category. And yes, I am aware this is stating the obvious. Everyone knows what Trevor Mbakwe did - 21 points on 8-10 shooting with 12 rebounds (six offensive). But… BUT… he did so by out-hustling Cody Zeller and Christian Watford combined. Zeller and Watford combined for 17 points and nine boards.
And yes, I am speaking of Zeller, the preseason All-American and Watford, the four-year starter for one of the nation's most dominant basketball programs in the history of the sport.
Zeller scored nine points on 2-9 shooting with four turnovers. He also fouled out of the game. Watford only played 18 minutes because of early foul trouble, and thus only attempted five shots. FIVE. The senior scored eight points and grabbed two rebounds. Six of his eight points came in the final 60 seconds on a couple of desperate three-point shots when Indiana was attempting a rally.
If you are the kind of person that enjoys Big Ten basketball, then you know what it means to be a four-year starter in the conference. That player, athlete, gentleman is expected to lead. Ahem, Draymond Green.
Robbie Hummel. John Shurna. Jordan Taylor.
Those are just a handful of names from the past 5+ years.
No need to remind me about the Kentucky shot Watford drilled last year in an upset victory at Assembly Hall. Or the monster threes he hit last week against Michigan State. I know of all the big shots Watford has made in his time as a Hoosier. But against the Gophers, Watford was nowhere to be seen.
I'll side with Dan Dakich in this argument. Indiana is clearly the best team in the country when Christian Watford comes to play. He didn't come to play at The Barn. Mbakwe led his Golden boys to victory.
—Email me at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Nearing the end of January, Indiana players knew they had a tough stretch ahead of them. Three games in one week - two at home against ranked foes and a road contest at arch rival Purdue in between - would certainly determine where the Hoosiers might sit in the Big Ten standings 14 days later.
Those two weeks would be after a 72-49 rout of Penn State at home on January 23 and before a road matchup at Illinois this coming Thursday.
#7 Indiana 75, #13 Michigan State 70.
#3 Indiana 97, Purdue 60.
#3 Indiana 81, #1 Michigan 73.
Tom Crean coached his Hoosiers to three wins in three opportunities during that week, or those 14 days, and the cream and crimson slid into the top seed in the Big Ten. Indiana was also voted No. 1 in both the Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today college basketball polls on Monday, February 4.
It is the first time Indiana has been No. 1 in either poll since being upset by Butler on December 15 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
The Hoosiers did it by playing solid basketball against an annually well-coached Michigan State team under the guidance of Tom Izzo. With help from the home crowd and a 21-point, seven-rebound, six-steal outing from Victor Oladipo, Indiana held on to beat the Spartans 75-70.
That victory - and losses by others ahead of them in the rankings - moved Indiana up to No. 3 in both polls on Monday, January 28. They took momentum into a raucous Mackey Arena for a showdown with the Boilermakers midweek with the game of the week versus Michigan in the back of their minds.
Purdue was able to keep the game within reach for the first few minutes. The black and gold trailed 18-17 about midway through the first half before a 9-0 run by Indiana put the Boilers in a double-digit hole. Another quick run of 13-0 from the Hoosiers was simply too much to handle for Purdue as they trailed 47-27 at the break.
Halftime did not alter the momentum, hence Indiana dropped 50 more points against Matt Painter's crew en route - literally - to an enormous victory. The 97-60 blowout was the largest margin of victory by any team on Purdue's home floor.
Then the real hype began. A Saturday night showdown featuring then-No. 1 Michigan facing then-No. 3 Indiana. ESPN's "College GameDay" airing their production from Assembly Hall in front of 5,000 fans. A sellout for the Top-5 matchup on Branch McCracken Court. A second consecutive time in as many trips that a No. 1 left Bloomington having been defeated by the Hoosiers.
Indiana was able to jump out to an early 20-7 lead over the Wolverines by creating offense from their defense. IU pushed the lead to 15 while the first half began to get away from Michigan. Trey Burke had other ideas in mind. The blue and maize cut the lead to seven with seconds remaining before Burke nailed a three over Indiana's Will Sheehey to cut Indiana's margin to four, 36-32, at halftime.
John Beilein coached his Wolverines into a tie ballgame at 40 apiece early in the second half. Michigan stayed with Indiana for most of the second half. Trailing 57-55, Victor Oladipo broke down Michigan's defense for a drive to the basket. Defenders watched as the ball bounced off the rim and Cody Zeller was there for the put-back slam.
On Indiana's next possession, it was deja vu. An Oladipo drive-and-miss followed by a Zeller rebound slam. Indiana led 61-55 and had regained its first half confidence.
It seemed as though Indiana had an answer for every Michigan run, and then Michigan had no answer for a late 7-2 Indiana run that sealed the victory for the Hoosiers. Indiana led 71-62 with just under two minutes to play and they hit all 10 of their free throws down the stretch for an 81-73 win.
The Hoosier faithful of 17,472 never sat down for 40 minutes.
-Email me at firstname.lastname@example.com
Wisconsin did what Wisconsin does.
Since becoming head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball team in 2001, Bo Ryan has instilled a stingy defensive attack into his players' minds. Thus the reason his teams have never had a losing record in Big Ten Conference play.
There is also good reason the Badgers entered a raucous Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana on Tuesday night and came out with a 64-59 victory over the No. 2-ranked Indiana Hoosiers.
That reason - Wisconsin's remarkable defense - coincides with how Wisconsin has been able to defeat Indiana eleven straight times. Nine of those eleven have come during Tom Crean's tenure with the Hoosiers.
Since you are wondering what Wisconsin did at Indiana Tuesday night, re-read the headline of this article. They paced the Hoosiers. That is what the Badgers do. In fact, Wisconsin doesn't win this game if they had not controlled the tempo. Crean had Indiana leading the nation at just over 87 points per game, and only Butler has been able to keep up with that so far this season; they were the first team to defeat the Hoosiers.
It is no secret that Ryan operates his offensive sets at a slow pace, which in turn keeps the ball out of the opposition's hands more often than not. Countless times, I watched as Indiana played great defense for 32-34 seconds before a Badger knocked down an incredible shot.
Wisconsin's half-court offense is so slow that no opponent has scored 60 points against them in the last seven games, over a month of action. Those seven contests have all resulted in wins for Ryan's squad.
Fifth-year senior Ryan Evans led the Badgers with 13 points on 6-11 shooting to go along with eight rebounds. Evans hit a crucial jump-shot over Indiana's Victor Oladipo as the shot clock expired late in the game. Prior to that jumper, the Hoosiers were riding a 10-1 run that pulled them within one point, 52-51. Evans' shot was one of the many Wisconsin knocked down late in the shot clock.
Cody Zeller was undoubtedly the star of the game, posting 23 points on 9-15 field goals and pulling down ten boards. None of it mattered, though, as the Badgers took over sole possession of the Big Ten with a 4-0 conference record.
Conference play is still sprouting for the 2012-2013 season, but this game showed that Wisconsin will go as far as their seniors take them.
As for Indiana, I wouldn't expect another low-scoring game from them for awhile. The offense never found its rhythm. Senior Jordan Hulls didn't play like himself. All I can say is I wouldn't want to be a part of that practice after such performance in front of the usual capacity crowd.
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After pulling away from Georgia in the second half of the semifinal game on Monday, Indiana knew it was going to get a much bigger test on Tuesday night at the Barclays Center.
Georgetown was able to pull the upset of No. 11 UCLA in the second semifinal game Monday and move on to the championship game to face the No. 1 team in the country. UCLA met Georgia in the third-place game Tuesday night, barely edging the Bulldogs and leaving New York with a 1-1 record.
Semifinal Round: Indiana v. Georgia
Indiana's matchup with Georgia on Monday night was headlined by the energy of junior guard Victor Oladipo and the hot shooting of senior guard Jordan Hulls. The two sparked a crucial Indiana run at the midway point of the second half. Another fellow upperclassman, senior Christian Watford, started the run by nailing a trey-ball from the top of the key.
Hulls followed in Watford's footsteps by knocking down two more three-point baskets on consecutive Indiana possessions to help the Hoosiers claim a nine-point lead, 51-42.
Oladipo then joined them in the offensive flurry. He threw down a couple of monster dunks after the Hoosiers were able to break down Georgia's man-to-man defense inside. One of those dunks came on an alley-oop pass from, who else? Jordan Hulls.
Georgia never threatened the Hoosiers again. Indiana would go on to lead by as many as 17 points late in the game, eventually winning 66-53. On a night when seven-foot sophomore Cody Zeller never found his rhythm, it was the upperclassmen that dominated for the cream and crimson.
Championship Game: Indiana v. Georgetown
No. 1 Indiana certainly got the bigger test it was expecting in the championship game against a Hoya team that featured four starters measuring 6'8" or taller. Georgetown took Indiana into overtime on Tuesday night before running out of gas in an 82-72 defeat.
It was such a great game, that ESPN color commentator Dick Vitale asked, "Are we really getting paid for this?!"
Yes, Mr. Vitale, you are getting paid to call a March Madness game in the middle of November.
John Thompson III made sure his squad put up a fight. It was a classic barn-burner for 40 minutes, despite Tom Crean's team looking as though they had wrapped things up with a little over a minute to play in regulation. Indiana led 63-56 with 1:18 to play before the Hoyas knocked down consecutive threes to make it a one-point game.
Georgetown tied the game at 64-all with less than five seconds remaining on a drive to the basket by Markel Starks, who led the Hoyas in scoring with 20 points before fouling out of the game. Indiana was then forced to go the length of the court to try for a game-winner, but time expired before Zeller was able to get a shot off on a drive-and-dish from Hulls.
Hulls, along with sophomore Cody Zeller, led Indiana in scoring with 17 points. He shot 50% or better for the second straight night from behind the three-point arc and was fearless attacking the basket against Georgetown's lengthy forwards in the paint.
Into overtime for IU and GU, as the Hoosiers outscored the Hoyas 18-8 in the five extra minutes. Georgetown's foul trouble put Indiana at the free throw line 36 times throughout the contest. IU made 13 free throws in OT to account for the majority of its 18 points.
Hulls' averages of 15.5 points and 3.0 assists, along with a 2-0 team record, were good enough to earn him the tournament's Most Valuable Player Award.
"This kid epitomizes Indiana basketball," Crean said.
Indiana passed its first real test of the season and moved to 5-0. Georgetown, who many (including myself) believe to be a top-25 team, suffered its first loss and sits at 3-1. The two teams could meet again. This time, though, it may actually be in March.
No longer does Tom Crean have to scramble to put a team together and compete in Big Ten college basketball games.
No longer are recruits across the nation uninterested in playing their college basketball in Bloomington, Indiana.
However, from 2008-2010, wins were difficult to come by for Crean's Hoosiers. The cream and crimson won a combined 28 games in Crean's first three seasons on the sidelines. A commitment from a highly-touted center out of Washington, IN could be said to have turned a program around. That center, by the name of Cody Zeller, is now the leading candidate for college basketball's national player of the year as a sophomore.
The pledge from Zeller - a decision talked about across the country - provided Crean with his first elite talent to put on the Indiana uniform. Zeller was undoubtedly the starting center from day one. It was almost like a revolution had swept through southern Indiana, confirming that high school seniors once again wanted to be Hoosiers.
Despite the arrival of Zeller in Bloomington, many college basketball analysts, critics and media figures picked the Hoosiers to finish near the bottom of the Big Ten for the 2011-12 season. They did the exact opposite. Indiana finished in the top half of the league (5th) while clinching a berth in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in the Crean era. IU advanced to the Sweet Sixteen before they were eliminated by eventual national champion Kentucky; a 27-win season for Indiana.
The commitment from Zeller followed by a strong freshman season had a big impact on other IU recruiting targets. Zeller's basketball IQ was enough to persuade Kevin "Yogi" Ferrell to commit to the Hoosiers. Ferrell wanted to play alongside the 7-footer. Joining Ferrell in Indiana's 2012 recruiting class were other talented players in Hanner Mosquera-Perea, Jeremy Hollowell and Peter Jurkin. Together, they made up a top-15 recruiting class for Tom Crean.
One event after another for Tom Crean has given his 2012-13 squad a preseason #1 ranking in both the ESPN/USA Today and Associated Press top 25 polls. Crean's efforts have been nothing short of remarkable for the program.
Because he wants to be there. He wanted to take over a team that was left a disaster following the 2007-08 season. I don't need to repeat that story.
As the Hoosiers enter into Crean's fifth year at the helm, they prepare to welcome another top recruiting class for 2013. Tom Crean recently landed his biggest recruit yet at Indiana, a top-10 player nationally from Massachusetts in Noah Vonleh. Vonleh completes a six-man class that also features great players such as 6'-6" wing Troy Williams, 6'-4" guard Stanford Robinson and 6'-11" center Luke Fischer. Devin Davis and Collin Hartman, both from Indianapolis, round out the list.
Crean doesn't have as much persuading to do anymore with recruits. The fan base in Bloomington to go along with the potential to compete for national championships is what reels in these teenagers. They want to be Hoosiers.
In the Bob Knight years, his players wanted to play for him. They wanted to play for the cream and crimson. They wanted to be Hoosiers. And they won national titles.
When Indiana is relevant, Indiana is desirable. Crean wants to be there. His players want to be there. They all want to be Hoosiers.
Indiana University has typically been a great school to attend for athletes looking to excel in the classroom and on the playing field. However, it has not always been the best school at each sport, despite owning 24 national championships. Many big schools, in terms of population, are usually competitive in a multitude of sports.
The Indiana football team, for example, has never really been an intimidating thought amongst other Big Ten schools. Fans of the Hoosiers have witnessed some of the worst blowout losses in its history over the past two decades. IU has had four different head coaches in the past decade alone. The hiring of Terry Hoeppner in 2005 brought winning football to Bloomington and hope that football was turning the corner. Hoeppner was diagnosed with brain cancer shortly into his tenure with IU and sadly, he passed away in 2006.
Within the same couple of years, Kelvin Sampson was hired and quickly fired as the head coach of the basketball team. Fans bought into his system until the NCAA entered the picture and penalized the school for Sampson's staff violating recruiting laws. Sampson left the program in turmoil as if a hurricane had swept through the town.
Indiana basketball, with such a strong following all across the country and especially within the state borders, has always been recognized as a national powerhouse. It began in the Branch McCracken days, when the Hoosiers won two national championships in 1940 and 1953. Bob Knight continued the dynasty with national championships in 1976, 1981, and 1987. Indiana is still the last school to have an unbeaten season en route to a national title in 1975-76. That squad was picked preseason #1 by the Associated Press and never budged.
Following the 2007-08 season under Sampson, Indiana hired Tom Crean (Marquette) to take over the program. Two players were returning and Crean was forced to get some bodies out on the court. Nonetheless, Fred Glass, the athletic director, noted that Crean was the right man for the job. The Hoosiers went 6-25 in 2008-09 and made history - in the wrong respect. It was the worst season in the history of IU basketball. Slow improvement began under Crean, as his team won 10 games the next season and 12 games in 2010-11. Suddenly, recruiting picked up for Crean. He was bringing in more talented players such as Christian Watford, Jordan Hulls, Victor Oladipo, Will Sheehey and, most notably, Cody Zeller.
Just when fans and critics started to doubt Tom Crean, he took the Hoosiers to the Sweet Sixteen in 2011-12. The cream and crimson won 27 games, including victories against three top five teams. One of those wins came at home against #1 Kentucky on a buzzer-beater by Watford. Consistent dedication to the program, the university and the fans has Crean's Hoosiers sitting in the top spot in both the AP and USA Today/ESPN preseason polls before the start of the 2012-13 season.
As for football… not much has changed. Bill Lynch was added to the list of unsuccessful head coached at Indiana and was let go after a disastrous 2010 season. Fred Glass did not hesitate to bring in former Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson. Wilson had similar results in his first season that Crean had in basketball. IU won one game all season and finished an ugly 1-11. Wilson kicked players off the team, suffered one Big Ten blowout after another and eventually put the season behind him. A very comparable season to Crean's first with the basketball team.
Wilson, now in his second season, coaches the youngest team in NCAA Division I-A football. Despite the youth, his team has lost four games by a combined 10 points. Two of those losses came to Michigan State and Ohio State, both very good football schools. Their fifth loss was to Northwestern on the road in a 44-29 defeat. Wilson's Hoosiers now sit at 3-5 because of their most recent win at Illinois, their first Big Ten victory since 2010. Recruits are starting to notice Indiana Football, as two in-state defensive players have already decommitted from their respective institutions and made verbal pledges to play for Wilson in Bloomington.
So what's my point? Indiana University Athletic Director Fred Glass has done a terrific job at finding two coaches, one that was willing and one that still is willing, to turn around two different programs on the same campus. Crean has already constructed the basketball team into a great program, and Wilson could be well on his way with the football team.
Maybe things are changing. Maybe greatness is coming.
BLOOMINGTON, IN - The glory days are back on the campus of Indiana University. In fact, they have been back since last season's upset victory over the No. 1 Kentucky Wildcats. However, things are a bit different as college basketball approaches the 2012-2013 season. It is different because the Indiana Hoosiers have returned to the top of the college basketball polls.
It is the preseason… but, the Hoosiers are back. I will say it again and again. USA Today/ESPN released its official top 25 today, tabbing IU as the best in the nation following a run to the Sweet Sixteen in 2011-2012. The Hoosiers return all five starters from that squad, and they welcome a strong freshmen class loaded with talent and athleticism. Indiana, coached by Tom Crean, also brings back three key bench players that saw decent minutes last season en route to 27 victories.
Cody Zeller, a preseason All-American and potentially college basketball's player of the year, should have the biggest impact for Crean's team. He was nothing short of impressive as a freshman in the Big Ten, winning the Big Ten's Freshman of the Year award with averages of 15 points and 6 rebounds a game. Zeller is arguably the nation's best big man on the fast break.
The biggest problem for the Hoosiers, as most college basketball enthusiasts have already brought up, could be their depth. In a good way, that is. Crean, who has done an exceptional job revitalizing this program, must determine who will be in his starting five and who will be his sixth and seventh players off the bench. Nonetheless, this Indiana team will be good.
The only improvements the cream and crimson need to focus on is their defense. They ranked in the lower half of the Big Ten last season in most defensive categories, and Tom Crean is aware of it. Indiana's first practice, which aired on ESPNU, involved a heavy amount of defensive drills. In the meantime, Crean was blowing his whistle every couple minutes calling out any player for a positive or negative defensive showing. On the opposite side of the ball, IU was among the country's best in offensive efficiency, which made their defense not as important.
If this team expects to win a deep Big Ten this season, it will need to be able to defend. I believe this team has a legitimate chance to reach the Final Four. The Hoosiers can create all kinds of matchup problems with their size, athleticism and shooting ability. Ought to be an exciting winter for Crean's Hoosiers.
It was June 19 when I wrote to my following about the two squads in Major League Baseball that looked as though they could be playing ball come October.
This ring a bell? I'll give you a hint: they're separated by less than 40 miles.
Anything? I'll give you another hint: they're on the east coast.
Yes, yes… the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles.
What I wrote was that not only could the Nats and O's play October baseball, but that it could happen in remarkable fashion. With these two teams, you're talking aggressive, filthy, and smart baseball all at once. Pitching rotations that can be lights out at any given time. Batting lineups that will drill the long ball. Managers that know what they're doing.
Buck Showalter's Orioles fell out of first place in the American League East. They managed to stay in the hunt and landed a spot in the wildcard playoff game with the Texas Rangers. After falling behind 5-1 to the Rangers, Baltimore scored 11 unanswered runs en route to a decisive blowout victory and a matchup with the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series.
Meanwhile, Davey Johnson led the Nationals to an MLB-best 98-64 record. Washington won at home. They won on the road. They did it all. Stephen Strasburg shut down his opposition from the mound all season long. Bryce Harper proved to everyone why he deserved to be starting in center field at such a young age; he also hit 20+ home runs in his rookie campaign.
Anyway, my point is what I stated earlier this summer came to be. Realizing this is part three of my series on Washington and Baltimore, twice I wrote that these teams playing America's pastime had a great chance to advance to the postseason.
Who's right now?
Sunday was a day to remember for the NFL family and Indianapolis community. Just over a week had passed since the news was dropped on the Indianapolis Colts that their head coach, Chuck Pagano, had been diagnosed with a form of leukemia. Emotions were let out from the Colts locker room as Pagano began chemotherapy a few minutes away at the IU Health Simon Cancer Center.
All things aside, the Colts had to stay focused on the task at hand: welcoming the 2010 Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers to Lucas Oil Stadium. For the guys in white and blue, it was all about playing for their leader - ill in his hospital bed.
The Packers took the field first. Then the Colts were introduced. One of the eldest players on the Colts' roster, Reggie Wayne, was sporting orange gloves and an orange mouthpiece. The color orange denotes an awareness for leukemia. Wayne also rocked the color pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The variety of colors represents a violation of the NFL uniform code, but Wayne didn't think twice. He was going to play for Coach Pagano.
That he did. And the script could not have been written any better. After a commanding first half by Green Bay and an uneventful 30 minutes from the Colts, the Pack held a 21-3 lead heading into the break. But Colts interim head coach Bruce Arians provided an extra jolt of energy to his players. The Packers opened the third quarter with the ball and quarterback Aaron Rodgers gave it away. Colts cornerback Jerraud Powers snagged a Rodgers pass to the sideline as Powers was falling out of bounds. Moments later, the Colts found the endzone on an Andrew Luck completion to Dwayne Allen. The home crowd erupted and we had a ballgame on a cool afternoon in downtown Indianapolis.
Another defensive stop by the Colts defense forced a punt from Green Bay. On the ensuing Colts drive, Indianapolis kicker Adam Vinatieri knocked in a field goal to cut the deficit down to eight points. Not only were Colts fans on the edge of their seats, but suddenly all the Packers faithful that made the trip from the north were getting anxious as well. One possession game.
"Win it for Chuck." Back came the Packer offense. Again came the Indy defense. Once again came a halted drive by the Indy defense. Then another score, six points, by the Luck-led Colts offense and Green Bay's lead was down to two, 21-19, heading to the fourth quarter. Every time the Packers had the ball in the second half, Rodgers did not seem comfortable throwing from the pocket. Hurried, knocked down, sacked… It didn't matter. Meanwhile, Andrew Luck continued to find an open Reggie Wayne. Colts halfback Donald Brown busted outside for big gains on the ground.
Arians had the offense in a groove. Colts defensive coordinator Greg Manusky had his defense flying around the turf. One play led to another, and another Vinatieri field goal put the Colts on top, 22-21. Deep breath for Packers coach Mike McCarthy. Rodgers would respond. Impressive touchdown by the Pack and with just over four minutes remaining, you could feel the emotions from within the rafters of Lucas Oil Stadium. 27-22 Green Bay.
"Win it for Chuck."
An incredible drive was put together using the minds of Bruce Arians, Andrew Luck and Reggie Wayne. The interim coach, rookie quarterback and veteran wide receiver. It resulted in a variety of bodily movements by Wayne to inch the pigskin across the endzone for a Colts touchdown with about a half-minute remaining in the ballgame. A Donald Brown rush up the middle for a two-point conversion gave the Colts a 30-27 advantage and left the Packers sideline in dismay.
Defending MVP Aaron Rodgers wasn't finished, however. A couple big completions put the Packers in position for a game-tying field goal with :08 left on the game clock. Mason Crosby hooked the 51-yard kick wide left. "Win it for Chuck."
That the Colts did. Rookie Andrew Luck finished with over 300 yards passing, two touchdowns and one rushing TD. Reggie Wayne caught 13 passes for 212 yards and the game-winning score. Arians was recognized with a game ball, as was Pagano. Colts owner Jim Irsay presented Pagano with a game ball and emotions ran high in room C23 of the IU Health Simon Cancer Center in downtown Indianapolis.
Oh, and in case you were wondering, no penalty was issued to Reggie Wayne for violating the NFL uniform code.
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The 2012 Summer Olympics in London are well underway, and Team USA is expecting another gold medal from the American Men's Basketball Team. That being said, I want to break down the top 10 best U.S. Men's Olympic Basketball players of all time, starting with number 10.
Duncan averaged 12.9 points and 9.1 rebounds while leading the team to a (disappointing) bronze medal.
Haywood was the 6'-8", 225-pound starting center for the 1968 gold-medal winning team, coached by Henry Iba. At just 19 years of age, Haywood averaged 16.1 points per game while shooting almost 72% from the floor. In the gold medal game, the U.S. routed Yugoslavia 65-50 behind Haywood's 21 points. His high point total in the '68 games was 27.
Shipp led the 1964 team to a gold medal while averaging 12.4 points per game. A squad again coached by Henry Iba, this team went 9-0 and defeated their opponents by an average of 30 points per game.
Garnett was second on the team in scoring en route to another gold for the American men. He averaged 10.8 points and led the entire Olympics in rebounding with 9.1 a game.
Not enough can be said of the 1992 Dream Team. Chuck Daly, head coach in '92, said, "This was a majestic team." And it was. Mullin averaged 13 points and nearly 4 assists per game while shooting 62% from the field and 54% from 3-point range.
Robinson is an NBA legend. However, he began his dominant play in the Olympics. In 1988, the 7'0" center averaged 12.8 points and 6.8 rebounds to go along with 2.3 blocks per game. In 1992, his averages were 9 points and 4 rebounds. It was 12 points and 4 rebounds in '96. The U.S. won the bronze medal in '88 and the gold in 1992 & 1996.
LeBron helped lead the '08 team to a convincing gold medal and is on pace to do so again in '12. He averaged 15.5 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in 2008. In two games this summer, he is averaging 7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 6 assists. It's his highlight-reel plays and leadership that give him the #4 spot.
A loaded team in '76 was led by the large frame of Dantley. At 6'5" and 209 pounds, the 21-year-old from Notre Dame averaged 19 points and 6 rebounds a game, leading his squad to the gold medal honor. Dantley scored 27 points while beating Yugoslavia — essentially by himself. He then recorded 30 points in the second matchup against Yugoslavia. Keep in mind this was a team coached by Dean Smith and also featured college stars Quinn Buckner, Scott May, Phil Ford and Mitch Kupchak.
One could argue this positioning, but when you see No. 1, you may understand. Jordan was phenomenal in '84 and '92, averaging a combined 16 points, 3.2 assists and 3.6 rebounds a game between the two gold medal squads. We all know what his NBA career consisted of.
Barkley dominated the '92 Olympics. He averaged 18 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists while shooting a blistering 71% from the field and 87% from behind the 3-point arc. Barkley posted 30 points on 12-14 shooting against Brazil, setting an Olympic single-game scoring record. He played very well again in '96, averaging 12 points and 6 rebounds on an amazing 81% shooting mark from the field. Barkley owns two gold medals.
Any thoughts or comments?
As the NFL Training Camps near, I want to take a look at what we as spectators should consider heading into the preseason. Are we going to see some familiar faces continue to produce? What can we expect from the top draft choices? Who is not going to make the playoffs that normally would? …and more…
The first, and probably most obvious, topic of discussion is Andrew Luck. The first overall draft choice out of Stanford has big shoes to fill. Can the 22-year-old revive a city full of fans still mourning the loss of his predecessor, Peyton Manning? Many think so. I, too, believe he has the ability to be a star in the league.
Luck has a very intelligent personality outside of his academics. At Stanford, Luck's offensive coordinator David Shaw would give his quarterback three plays in the huddle. Luck would then decide which play would work best against the defensive scheme Luck saw from his opposition. Shaw said Andrew chose the best play 99% of the time.
If that tells you anything about Luck, it's that he knows a little bit more about football than just where to place the ball. He was the leader in the locker room. If a teammate screwed up, Luck was the one to assign pushups. Now, all Andrew Luck has to accomplish is 11 consecutive seasons of 10 or more wins, two trips to the Super Bowl (one victoriously), and countless NFL records. For Colts fans, that is way too much to ask right now, but with help from his teammates and coaches, Luck may be well on his way to a successful career in Indy.
Similar things can be thrown at Robert Griffin III, the second overall draft pick of the Washington Redskins. The big difference here is that he doesn't have big shoes to fill despite winning the Heisman Trophy. I say this only because there was no Peyton Manning under center as his predecessor.
However, Griffin III still has much to prove. There have been successful dual-threat quarterbacks in the league, but not of Robert Griffin III's caliber. He was clocked running the 40-yard dash in Indianapolis at 4.38 seconds. He completed over 72% of his passes as a senior at Baylor while piling up almost 700 rushing yards. That's extremely impressive.
His new coach, Mike Shanahan, certainly will provide plenty of pressure on the youngster. Shanahan has displayed more of a defensive mindset in years past, but don't expect him to let Griffin III off too easy when he has a rough game or two.
Other notes & predictions:
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