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Quotes & Info
|NYNY > SEC Filings for NYNY > Form 10-Q on 13-Nov-2012
|All Recent SEC Filings
Quarterly Report
The Management's Discussion and Analysis of the Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read together with the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes thereto in Empire Resorts, Inc. ("Empire") and subsidiaries' (the "Company", "us", "our", or "we") Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains statements which constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally relate to our strategies, plans and objectives for future operations and are based upon management's current plans and beliefs or estimates of future results or trends. Forward-looking statements also involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not restricted to, the risks and uncertainties described in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict.
You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations. Further, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we will not update these forward-looking statements, even if our situation changes in the future. We caution the reader that a number of important factors discussed herein, and in other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, could affect our actual results and cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in forward-looking statements.
We were organized as a Delaware corporation on March 19, 1993, and since that time have served as a holding company for various subsidiaries engaged in the hospitality and gaming industries.
Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Monticello Raceway Management, Inc. ("MRMI"), we currently own and operate Monticello Casino and Raceway, a 45,000 square foot video gaming machine ("VGM") and harness horseracing facility located in Monticello, New York, 90 miles northwest of New York City. Monticello Casino and Raceway operates 1,110 VGMs which includes 20 electronic table game positions ("ETGs") as an agent for the New York Lottery ("NYL"). VGM activities in the State of New York are overseen by the NYL. VGMs are similar to slot machines, but they are connected to a central system and report financial information to the central system. We also generate racing revenues through pari-mutuel wagering on the running of live harness horse races, the import simulcasting of harness and thoroughbred horse races from racetracks across the country and internationally, and the export simulcasting of our races to offsite pari-mutuel wagering facilities.
Generally, the annual license renewal process requires the RWB to review the financial responsibility, experience, character and general fitness of MRMI and our management. We cooperated fully with RWB and NYL during this annual review in pursuit of the renewal of MRMI's racetrack and simulcast licenses. On May 30, 2012, the RWB granted MRMI's license renewals through December 31, 2012, conditioned upon our continued cooperation with RWB staff regarding certain stockholders and the requirement that we immediately notify the RWB in the event of any change in percentages of our ownership and whether certain Empire stockholders vote their shares.
The RWB and NYL are expected to be replaced with a Gaming Commission on or about February 1, 2013. We expect the Gaming Commission will establish and supervise four divisions to carry out responsibilities relating to the regulation and enforcement of lottery, charitable gaming, gaming, and horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering. Each division would be supervised by a division director. The gaming division would be responsible for the appropriate operation and administration of our VGM operations and the horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering division would be responsible for the supervision, regulation and administration of our horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering activities. We cannot ensure that the new Gaming Commission will interpret or apply the existing regulations as previously applied by the RWB and NYL. We have joined with other VGM facility operators in New York State to form the New York Gaming Association, whose principal effort is to seek approval for passage of a constitutional amendment authorizing table games at the VGM facilities in New York, which would permit us to
develop and operate a full-scale casino which would include slot machines and table game wagering and the extension of credit. Generally, a constitutional amendment must be approved by both houses of the New York State Legislature ("Legislature"), approved again by a newly elected Legislature, and approved by the voters at a general election, in which instance it becomes effective on the following January 1. On March 15, 2012, Governor Andrew Cuomo, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos announced that a constitutional amendment authorizing up to seven non-tribal casinos at locations to be determined by the Legislature, was approved by the Legislature. A newly elected Legislature would have to pass the amendment again next year before it goes to a general referendum in November 2013. However, there can be no assurance given that an amendment to the New York State Constitution to permit full-scale casino gaming will be passed in a timely manner, or at all, or that, if such amendment were passed, we would be able to effectively develop and operate a full-scale casino.
On April 12, 2011, we announced the execution of an exclusivity agreement with Entertainment Properties Trust ("EPR") and MSEG LLC to explore exclusively the joint development of the companies' respective properties located in Sullivan County, New York. EPR's subsidiary EPT Concord II, LLC ("EPT"), is the sole owner of 1,500 acres located at the site of the former Concord Resort (the "EPT Property"). The exclusivity agreement also committed the parties to work towards the execution of a master development agreement (the "Master Development Agreement") to develop the EPT Property.
On December 21, 2011, we entered into an option agreement with EPT, which agreement was most recently amended on October 31, 2012 (as amended, the "Option Agreement"). Pursuant to the Option Agreement, EPT granted us a sole and exclusive option to lease certain EPT property located in Sullivan County, New York pursuant to the terms of a lease negotiated between the parties. The initial term of the Option Agreement expires on February 20, 2013 (the "Option Exercise Period"). In addition, subject to the conditions of the Option Agreement, the Option Exercise Period may be extended for one or more six month periods; provided, however, in no event shall the Option Exercise Period extend beyond June 30, 2013.
In connection with the execution of the Option Agreement, we paid EPT an option payment in the amount of $750,000 (the "Option Payment"). Any extension of the Option Exercise Period shall be accompanied by an additional option payment of $750,000. The Option may be exercised only to the extent we (or our affiliate) simultaneously exercise other options in connection with the master development agreement. Pursuant to the Option Agreement, the parties agreed to work towards entering into a master development agreement by November 30, 2012. In addition, our rights and EPT's obligations pursuant to the Option Agreement are subject to certain existing EPT agreements. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Option Agreement, EPT shall not grant to any third party the right to lease the EPT Property during the Option Exercise Period.
On March 8, 2012, EPT and Empire presented an overview of the master plan for redevelopment of the EPT Property in Sullivan County, New York to the Town of Thompson Town Board. In addition, on March 8, 2012, EPT and Empire formally submitted the proposed redevelopment plan to the Town of Thompson for an assessment of its environmental impact as prescribed by the State Environmental Quality Review ("SEQR") provisions of the New York Environmental Conservation Law. Thereafter, EPT submitted the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (DGEIS) and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) to the Town of Thompson for the redevelopment plan. On July 25, 2012, the Town of Thompson provided EPT with the Notice of Completion of Draft DGEIS/DEIS and Notice of SEQR Hearing. The SEQR hearing was held on August 28, 2012. We expect the Town of Thompson to prepare and file the Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement and Final Environmental Impact Statement on or before December 4, 2012.
At September 30, 2012, project development costs totaled approximately $6.3 million.
Our gaming operations are located in the Catskills region in the State of New York, which has historically been a resort area, although its popularity declined with the growth of destinations such as Atlantic City and Las Vegas. We are located approximately 90 miles northwest of New York City. There are approximately 17.5 million adults who live within 100 miles of the Catskills area, an area where average per capita income is approximately $35,000. Specifically, Monticello Casino and Raceway is directly adjacent to Highway 17, has highly visible signage and convenient access, and is less than 1,000 feet from the highway's exit.
Generally, Monticello Casino and Raceway does not compete directly with other harness racing tracks in New York State for live racing patrons. However, Monticello Casino and Raceway does face intense competition for off-track and other legalized wagering at numerous gaming sites within the State of New York and the surrounding region. The inability to compete with larger purses for the races at Monticello Casino and Raceway and the limitation on other forms of legalized wagering that Monticello Casino and Raceway may offer has been a significant limitation on our ability to compete for off-track and other legalized wagering revenues.
In New York, we face competition for guests from Orange, Duchess and Ulster Counties in New York for our VGM operation from a VGM facility at Yonkers Raceway, located within the New York City metropolitan area. Yonkers Raceway has a harness horseracing facility, approximately 4,960 VGMs, food and beverage outlets and other amenities.
From time to time, New Jersey has reviewed options to place slot machines in various locations including the Meadowlands Racetrack, located in Bergen County, New Jersey. Currently no slot machines or legalized full-scale casino gambling is permitted at the privately-operated Meadowlands Racetrack and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Senate President Stephen Sweeney have stated publicly that they do not currently support permitting gambling at the Meadowlands Racetrack.
On November 8, 2011, the voters in New Jersey approved a constitutional amendment permitting the Legislature to authorize by law wagering at casinos in Atlantic City and at current or former running and harness horse racetracks on the results of professional, certain college, and amateur sport and athletic events. On January 9, 2012 the New Jersey State Legislature approved a bill that would allow the state Casino Control Commission to issue licenses to casinos and racetracks to accept bets on some professional and collegiate events. Governor Christie signed the legislation. On October 15, 2012, the final adoption of the regulations for sports wagering was published in the New Jersey Register enabling the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement to begin accepting applications for racetracks and Atlantic City casinos to provide sports wagering. No licenses will be issued before January 9, 2013. The ability for racetracks and casinos to offer sports wagering, however, remains pending due to the existing federal ban on such wagering.
On October 8, 2012, temporary regulations became effective which govern mobile gaming by patrons at Atlantic City casinos. Under New Jersey law, that means the use of iPads, iPhones and other wireless devices, in addition to devices issued by the casino. Mobile gaming will be permitted in any area located within the property boundaries of the casino hotel facility, including any recreation or swimming pool and excluding parking garages and parking areas.
To a lesser extent, Monticello Casino and Raceway faces competition from two casinos in Pennsylvania. In January 2010, the Pennsylvania legislature authorized and its Governor approved table games in its existing slot machine facilities. The legislation authorized all table games, including blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, and poker at thoroughbred and harness racetracks with slot machine facilities and stand-alone slot machine facilities. In addition, the legislation authorized the granting of credit to guests of the Pennsylvania casinos. Table games became operational in Pennsylvania's casinos in July 2010. Both Pennsylvania casinos that we compete against have installed and offer table games. This legislation augmented the legislation passed in July 2004, whereby Pennsylvania legalized the operation of up to 61,000 slot machines at 14 locations throughout the state, to permit table games at the slot machine facilities. As of September 30, 2012, there were eleven casinos in operation within Pennsylvania, with six located at racetracks. One such race track facility is the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, which has approximately 2,300 slot machines and 84 table games, including 18 poker tables. The Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania is approximately 70 miles southwest of Monticello. In addition, the Mount Airy Casino Resort has approximately 2,075 slot machines and 72 table games, including 11 poker tables, a hotel, spa and a golf course. The Mount Airy Casino Resort is located in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, approximately 60 miles southwest of Monticello.
In August 2009, the NYL approved a pilot test period for us and one other New York State VGM facility which provided us the opportunity to reward our guests based on their level of VGM play and to offer promotions that can compete with the offerings of our competitors located in Pennsylvania, although at a restricted level. On March 22, 2011, the NYL extended the subsidized free play pilot program until legislation authorizing a statewide subsidized free play program is enacted. The budget that was passed in March 2011 included a statewide subsidized free play program, which became effective for the gaming day of April 4, 2011. Subsidized free play credits issued pursuant to the program will be excluded from the calculation of net win at the issuing facility. Each facility will be permitted to issue subsidized free play credits in an amount not to exceed 10% of adjusted net win.
In 2001, the New York State Legislature and the New York State Governor authorized the building of three Native American casinos in the Catskills region of the State of New York. On November 22, 2010, former Governor Paterson of New York signed a land settlement agreement with the Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians, a Wisconsin based Tribe ("Stockbridge-Munsee Band") with alleged roots in New York. As part of this land settlement, former Governor Paterson and the Stockbridge-Munsee Band executed a compact permitting the construction and operation of a Class III tribal casino on property located in Bridgeville, New York, approximately five miles from Monticello Casino and Raceway. On January 5, 2011, the United States Department of the Interior ("USDOI") received the compact. Approval of the compact is a condition precedent to the land settlement agreement becoming effective. In addition to approving the compact, the USDOI must also authorize the taking of the land into trust for the benefit of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band. On February 18, 2011, the USDOI notified New York State Governor Cuomo and the Stockbridge-Munsee Band that the compact is disapproved because the limitations on the use of the land violate the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The USDOI indicated that it did not have enough information to conduct analysis on the compact's revenue sharing or exclusivity provisions and it also had outstanding questions regarding the relationship between the compact and the proposed settlement agreement. Newspaper reports indicate that the Stockbridge-Munsee Band recently filed an updated application to have the USDOI take 330 acres in the Catskills region into trust. The USDOI began consulting with state and local officials and other nearby Indian Tribes, as required by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, regarding the Stockbridge-Munsee Band's request. The USDOI sent a letter to interested parties asking the addressees for input on whether or not the gaming establishment on the 330 acres to be held in trust for the Stockbridge-Munsee Band would be detrimental to the surrounding community. The responses will be used by the USDOI to develop proposed findings of fact related to the Stockbridge-Munsee Band's application. We are unable to predict when or if the compact will be resubmitted to the USDOI or whether taking the land into trust will require an Act of Congress. Throughout 2011 several tribal and other entities, have reportedly expressed an interest in gaming in the Catskill region of New York, and in particular, Sullivan County. However, to date, no governmental action has been taken by the State of New York to enable such entities to engage in legalized gaming activities. We are unable to determine when or if any tribal or other entities would request or obtain the ability to engage in legalized gaming activities in the Catskill region.
On June 14, 2011, the United States Department of the Interior ("USDOI") Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs, the head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs ("BIA"), announced that he has rescinded a January 3, 2008, memo which said, among other things, that tribes could develop casinos on land off their reservations only if it was within "commutable distance" of the reservation which was considered by the USDOI to be approximately 40 miles. The requirements of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act ("IGRA") will continue to be applied by the BIA even though the "commutability" standard has been rescinded.
As of October 2010, the Shinnecock Indian Nation, a state-recognized Native American tribe, is an Indian entity recognized by the BIA. The Shinnecock Indian Nation has expressed its interest in building a casino in Southampton, New York or at another location in downstate New York. Since becoming federally recognized, the Shinnecock Indian Nation has the right to build a Class II casino (as defined in IGRA) on their 800-acre reservation in Southampton, New York, but the Shinnecock have expressed a desire to develop a Class III casino (as defined in IGRA) closer to New York City including the possibility of a casino at Belmont, New York.
On May 5, 2011, Concord Associates, LP ("Concord") announced that it has agreed to terms with the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority ("MTGA") to develop a 116 acre site adjacent to the EPT Property. Concord and MTGA are planning to develop a gaming and racing resort facility. On May 6, 2011, we issued a press release announcing that neither Concord nor MTGA have valid New York State licenses to operate a harness racetrack or VGMs in Sullivan County, prerequisites to the operation of VGMs at the proposed development. As such, we cannot predict the outcome of our efforts to implement our plan to develop jointly with EPR the EPT Property.
Currently electronic gaming machines are operated in 39 states and there are 11 states with commercial casinos that also offer table games. Legislation permitting other forms of casino gaming is proposed, from time to time, in various states, including those bordering the State of New York. Our business could be adversely affected by such competition.
In December 2011, the United States Department of Justice ("Department") confirmed the reversal of a long-standing precedent that applied a 1961 federal gambling law to Internet gambling. The Wire Act, 18 U.S.C � 1084, et. seq., prevents wagers from taking place over phone lines. Deputy Attorney General James Cole wrote in a letter to William J. Murray, Deputy Director and General Counsel for NYL, "The Department's Office of Legal Counsel ('OLC') has analyzed the scope of the Wire Act, 18 U.S.C � 1084, and concluded that it is limited only to sports betting." We are uncertain if the Department's position would have any effect on our operations.
Results of Operations The results of operations for three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited) are summarized below: Percentage 2012 2011 Variance variance (dollars in thousands) Revenues: Gaming $ 17,593 $ 17,661 $ (68 ) 0 % Food, beverage, racing and other 3,096 3,347 (251 ) (7 )% Gross revenues 20,689 21,008 (319 ) (2 )% Less: Promotional allowances (969 ) (946 ) (23 ) 2 % Net revenues 19,720 20,062 (342 ) (2 )% Costs and expenses: Gaming 12,536 12,344 192 2 % Food, beverage, racing and other 2,744 2,815 (71 ) (3 )% Selling, general and administrative 3,028 3,179 (151 ) (5 )% Stock-based compensation 155 302 (147 ) (49 )% Depreciation 346 333 13 4 % Total costs and expenses 18,809 18,973 (164 ) (1 )% Income from operations 911 1,089 (178 ) (16 )% Amortization (12 ) 0 (12 ) 0 % Interest expense (286 ) (223 ) (63 ) 28 % Interest income 1 1 0 0 % Income before income taxes 614 867 (253 ) (29 )% Income tax provision (10 ) 0 (10 ) 0 % Net income $ 604 $ 867 $ (263 ) (30 )%
Gaming revenue
Gaming revenue remained flat for the three months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011. Our daily patron visits decreased 2% and the average daily win per unit remained constant for the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011. We continue to concentrate our marketing efforts on more profitable guests and programs to increase loyalty. Our VGM hold percentage was 7.4% and 7.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Food, beverage, racing and other revenue
Food, beverage, racing and other revenue decreased by $251,000, or 7%, for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011, due to decreased food, beverage and other revenues of $101,000 and decreased racing revenue of $150,000.
Food, beverage and other revenues decreased primarily due to fewer food and beverage promotional offers compared those offered in 2011. Racing revenue decreased primarily due to the timing of receipt of Off-Track Betting Corporations' ("OTBs") statutory payments; that due to the uncertainty of collection, are accounted for as revenue when received.
Promotional allowances
Promotional allowances increased by $23,000, or 2%, for the three months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011, primarily due to an increase in player club awards of $22,000. Player club awards have increased due to marketing programs that offer bonus points and increased point earning potential.
Gaming costs
Gaming costs increased by $192,000, or 2%, for the three months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011, primarily due to an increase in other gaming costs of $198,000 as compared to the same period in the prior year.
Food, beverage, racing and other costs
Food, beverage, racing and other costs decreased approximately $71,000, or 3%, for the three months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011. Racing costs decreased due to lower purses of $186,000 as compared to the same period in the prior year. This decrease was offset by an increase in food, beverage, racing and other costs of $115,000.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $151,000, or 5%, for the three months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011, primarily due to a decrease in development fees of $278,000 as a result in 2012 of capitalizing the costs for developing the EPT Property. This decrease is offset by higher marketing expenses of $102,000 and other administrative costs of $25,000.
Stock-based compensation expense
Stock-based compensation decreased $147,000, or 49%, primarily as a result of a smaller amount of options vesting and granted to directors and officers for the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011.
Interest expense
Interest expense increased $63,000, or 28%, for the three months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011, due to an increased interest rate on our long-term debt.
Results of Operations The results of operations for nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited) are summarized below: Percentage 2012 2011 Variance variance (dollars in thousands) Revenues: Gaming $ 48,634 $ 46,681 $ 1,953 4 % Food, beverage, racing and other 9,426 8,543 883 10 % . . .


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Nashville Predators
Central Division
Nashville Predators Power Rankings - 2015-16
|Power Ranking
|Week 27
|The Preds are healthy and hoping to rekindle some of their mojo from a red-hot post-All-Star run that carried them to the postseason for the second season in a row. It's not a bad thing, necessarily, to start on the road in the Stanley Cup playoffs, and Nashville is deeper down the middle than it's ever been come playoff time.
|Week 26
|The Predators have taken a bit of a step back after a torrid stretch earlier in March that solidified their hold on the top wild-card spot in the West. I don't think it really matters, as they're going to be a handful for the Pacific winner.
|Week 25
|The Predators have recorded a point in 10 consecutive games at home (7-0-3). Forward James Neal has reached the 30-goal plateau for the second time in his career. The Preds have seven games remaining and will next face the Avalanche on Monday.
|Week 24
|The Preds have one regulation loss in their past 17 games (11-1-5) and hold the first wild-card spot in the West.
|Week 23
|The Predators are 7-1-2 in their past 10. But they had their points streak halted at 14 games with a 4-2 loss to the Canucks on Saturday. It was the Preds' first loss since Feb. 9.
|Week 22
|Last week, the Preds extended their point streak to 12 games, with an 8-0-4 record during that span.
|Week 21
|The play of goalie Pekka Rinne and forward Filip Forsberg gave the Preds a major boost this week. Rinne is 4-0-2 in his past six starts, and Forsberg collected a pair of hat tricks to help Nashville extend its point streak to nine games.
|Week 20
|Goalie Pekka Rinne had back-to-back solid performances. Is he back on track, finally?
|Week 19
|A lot of frustration was unleashed in that 5-0 win over the Panthers on Saturday night. It's been a really inconsistent season for a Preds team that should be better.
|Week 18
|The Predators responded to getting pounded 6-3 by the Flyers with a 6-2 pounding of the Sharks. Talk about a tough week ahead with games versus the Capitals, Lightning and Panthers.
|Week 17
|The Predators headed into the break on a much-needed, four-game win streak, perhaps saving their season. Then the organization did a superb job hosting the hockey world during All-Star weekend. Maybe the best job ever by an All-Star host, for my money. Now back to work and the Blues visit Tuesday in a big Central Division matchup.
|Week 16
|Stirrings from the Predators, who have won three of four but have not won three in a row since the second week of the season. They head home for the All-Star show after visits to the Canucks and Flames. Points are crucial for a Preds team that is outside the playoff bubble.
|Week 15
|The Preds came up with a monster win over the Wild on Saturday, but that was just their second win in nine games and came with backup Carter Hutton in goal. The playoffs, once an apparent certainty, are very much in doubt. Ryan Johansen has been an immediate fit, though, with two goals and seven points in five games as a Predator.
|Week 14
|Not surprising that GM David Poile went after help down the middle in getting Ryan Johansen from the Blue Jackets, just a bit surprised he opted to surrender Seth Jones to get it. Either way, the Preds are still going sideways, losing three straight and five of their past six, getting outscored 19-10 in that span.
|Week 13
|The Predators continue to search for consistency and something resembling a winning streak as they fend off a host of teams for the final wild-card spot in the West. They have not won more than two in a row since the third week of October. Does GM David Poile have a big move up his sleeve as we edge toward the Feb. 29 trade deadline?
|Week 12
|Filip Forsberg had his third career multigoal game and second of the season during Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Red Wings. The D pair of Shea Weber and Roman Josi has chipped in offensively, with a combined 27 points this month. Weber has four goals and eight assists in his last nine games. Josi has points in nine of his last 11.
|Week 11
|Pekka Rinne made 20 saves en route to a 3-2 victory over the Wild on Saturday. Rinne improves to 10-3-3 on home ice. The win snapped Minnesota's nine-game points streak.
|Week 10
|There has been chatter whether the Predators should trade defenseman Shea Weber. That would be a mistake, especially given Nashville's potential. The Preds enter Monday's action with the second wild-card spot in the West.
|Week 9
|The good news for the Preds: They scored 10 goals in their past three games. The bad news: They went 1-2-0.
|Week 8
|The Predators, who got off to a 11-3-3 start, have dropped five of their past six games and apparently have forgotten where the net is.
|Week 7
|Ouch, back-to-back 4-0 losses this weekend and it doesn't get any easier Monday night at Madison Square Garden.
|Week 6
|Proving that the 1980s are not forgotten, the Predators scored seven goals in a game -- twice! -- last week, including Saturday's 7-0 waxing of the visiting Jets. The Preds have flirted before, but I think this is the most realistic shot they have had at a spring run.
|Week 5
|Four of the Preds' top eight scorers are defensemen, with Roman Josi tied for the team lead at 10 points (3-7). While it's good that their defense is contributing points, it also tells you that they need bigger things from a number of top forwards.
|Week 4
|I'll continue our run through the Central Division and bring you the Preds, who were slowed down after a torrid start by weekend losses in L.A. and Anaheim, although they outshot their SoCal hosts by a combined 76-57. These guys are legit contenders.
|Week 3
|The Preds are proving they can win pretty much any way you like: close-checking and wide open, shootout, regulation.
|Week 2
|The Predators got a nice 38-save performance from backup Carter Hutton in a rare appearance in place of Pekka Rinne while they knocked off the Senators. The Preds have allowed just nine goals. That's pretty good.
|Week 1
|The Predators are undefeated in spite of having scored just four goals in two games. Pekka Rinne is off to a strong start.
|The Central remains the cream of all divisions, having seven teams that could make the playoffs. Heck, they can all justify why they should win the division outright. Someone's got to win it, though, and I like the Preds, who for much of the first half of last season were arguably the best team in the NHL. Watch for Pekka Rinne to have a monster season, Shea Weber and Roman Josi likewise.
|Spring Training
|They Predators skidded down the stretch and then were banged up in their first-round loss to Chicago. GM David Poile brought back Mike Fisher and Mike Ribeiro, and added Cody Hodgson and Barret Jackman. If goalie Pekka Rinne bounces back, the playoffs should be a given.

subset: commoncrawl


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The whistle goes for full-time and Manchester City have thrashed Fulham 5-0 to keep their title bid on track, thanks to a Yaya Toure hat-trick and further goals from Fernandinho and Martin Demichelis. Fulham fought hard in the first half but then rather capitulated after Fernando Amorebieta was sent off, and they remain bottom of the table.
Lewis Holtby is booked for diving but it looks a poor decision as he appeared to be clipped by Fernandinho.90
GOAL! Martin Demichelis makes it 5-0 to Man City with the simplest of goals, tapping the ball in from point-blank range at the back post after Fernandinho's initial shot from an acute angle is kept out by David Stockdale.88
GOAL! Fernandinho proves that Yaya Toure is not the only Man City midfielder with an eye for goal as he manoeuvres the ball past William Kvist far too easily before driving in a wonderful finish.84
Fulham's final change sees Pajtim Kasami come on for Cauley Woodrow.83
Stevan Jovetic returns to action for the closing stages as he comes on for Samir Nasri.81
Yaya Toure receives a well-deserved standing ovation as he goes off to be replaced by Jack Rodwell.76
Jesus Navas replaces David Silva for the final 20 minutes or so.68
GOAL! Yaya Toure completes his hat-trick with a stunning goal to make it 3-0. A free-kick is taken short and Samir Nasri works it to Toure, who curls a sumptuous shot from at least 25 yards beyond the flailing dive of David Stockdale and into the top corner.65
Young Patrick Roberts joins Steve Sidwell in the book after hauling down Aleksandar Kolarov.64
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5 Wins - 2 Losses - 0 Draws view fighter >>
Oct 09, 2010 - HP Pavilion, San Jose, California, United States view event >>
Aug 21, 2010 - Toyota Center, Houston, Texas, United States view event >>
Mar 26, 2010 - Save Mart Center at Fresno State, Fresno, California, United States view event >>
Andre Galvao vs Roberto Cyborg Abreu
Superfight watch video >>
John Alessio vs. Andre Galvao in a tournament bout for the DREAM.8 Welterweight Gran Prix held at Nagoya, Japan. watch video >>
Andre Galvao faces Jason High in the semi finals of DREAM Welterweight Grand Prix at DREAM.10. watch video >>
Pablo Popovitch vs. Andre GalvaoADCC 2011 AbsoluteSubmission Fighting World Championships 2011 watch video >>
MMA H.E.A.T. brings you UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva's complete UFC 162 open workout, featuring teammates Rafael Feijao, Erick Silva, Andre Galvao and Pedro Rizzo. Unbeaten in tbe octago watch video >>
Andre Galvao Armbars John Alessio DREAM.8 view gif >>
Andre Galvao Rear Naked Chokes Chael Sonnen
Metamoris 4 - Sonnen vs. Galvao view gif >>
Andre Galvao VS Antonio Neto Part 1 - Ultimate Absolute 2011 watch video >>
Congrats Jeremy for a such great work. You deserve this belt, you are a such great fighter and such a really nice guy. Love you buddy. You are an amazing student. I'm a big fan of yours. God Bless! watch video >>
Andre Galvao vs Mikey Gomez watch video >>
On August 9th Chael Sonnen and Andre Galvao will exchange styles at Metamoris 4. Live streaming at http://www.metamoris.com watch video >>


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NBA 3w ago
Listen to NBA rookies sing karaoke, including Frank Kaminsky's rendition of 'Call Me Maybe'
It's pretty great.
It's pretty great.
In his first year in the NBA, Cavaliers rookie has been on one of the most-watched teams in the league. So what's it like being a (…)
He just can't miss.
There's some names in sports that are just going to always to be impossible to spell .
In one of the great Twitter mornings ever, New York Times reporter-at-large Sarah Lyall attended the NBA Rookie School on (…)
The NBA Rookies answer our burning questions.
NBA rookies show off at photo shoot.


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Imagine something like this in Frisco:
I can't.
Who knows, maybe they've soft opened already by this late date? IDK.
Here's all I know about this "Mexican" "Restaurant"
Chipotle Mexican Grill
2675 Geary Blvd San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 202-0781
Today 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Anyway, here's what it looked like a week ago, complete with acres of free parking right out front:
Speaking of which, man this place is going to be hard to get to – nobody would purposefully design the streets around City Centre Mall the way they are these days. First came Sears and then came the rise of the millionaire NIMBY neighbors (yes even here, in this bleak place) and then you mix in five decades of random happenstance, and then you'll end up with a rat-maze of one-way streets and left-turn onlys.
Here's the map:
If you're at Geary and Mason, simply enter Target, take the escalator upstairs, exit Target and then take the Great Chipotle Tunnel past the Panera Bread and boom, there you go.
Bon Courage, I guess.
Mid-July is the official anticipated opening date for the new Chipotle located around back of the City Target Mall at 2675 Geary atop Mervyn's Heights.
As you can see, Chips has firm beachheads in the northeast and southwest, and now Food With Integrity is invading the Great Middle of Frisco:
This one's a done deal, and who knows when another "grass-roots" effort will spring up with locals demanding a Chipotle for their neighborhood, as with CastroRestaurant@chipotle.
Perhaps Frisco just wants to say it doesn't like chain stores, but it actually loves chain stores? It sure seems that way.
Of course, you won't find this slice o' suburbia down at Castro and Market, but head north for a little bit, IDK a mile or two, and bam!, here we are at City Centre, all hidden away, with free parking, you know, galore. Here's the SUBWAY sign going up and it won't be long 'til the Chiptole sign goes up right next door:
And the "anchors" at this mall? Best Buy and Target, natch! (Can the nearest Trader Joe's be far away? It could, but it's not. Not at all.)
Now here's the update: Chiptole won't be opening this week or this month, it's safe to say:
"Burritofication" will be "in progress" for some time, it appears…
After a giant Fail Whale landed upon the efforts to bring a Chipotle Mexican Grill to the masses at Church and Market a few years back, the purveyors of America's Favorite Mission-style Burrito set about making things work up at 2675 Geary.
And lo, here it is:
Soon enough, everybody living on the wrong side of Divis will be able to Live Más and Think Outside The Bun…
Here you go, here's our SFMTA boasting about America's worst sub-two-mile pork barrel project, calling it a "success" even before it's finished.
Oh, here you go, SFMTA, here's the Gravina Island Highway up in Alaska. Would you call it a "success" as well?
You see, the people building this pork barrel road to nowhere (that will never ever be used by anybody ever) also had a build schedule to meet.
But is it, was it a "success," do you think, SFMTA bloggers?
In some ways it's worse than our Central Subway, but in other ways it's better.
Isn't that sad, SFMTA?
Co-opting The Mission Burrito sure takes a long time, huh?
Artist's conception of what the mighty sign on Masonic will look like, sooner or later:
Appears as if Panera Bread will win the race to further chainify the Western Addition…
And it looks like not a single soul in the world will raise a voice against the Chipotle chain coming to 2675 Geary.
Here's what it'll look like, buried deep inside the City Centre Mall at Geary and Masonic, you now, the former home of Sears and then Mervyn's and now the current home of City Target West:
And speaking of chain sto's, drink it up, Gentle Reader:
Now you'd think one person, perhaps just one solitary millionaire NIMBY, would take two minutes to register an objection, but you'd be wrong. WRONG WRONG WRONG! Not a single soul raised a peep, so here comes Chipotle to San Francisco's District Two.
The gritty nitty from our Planning Commission.
Westeros, the West Side of Frisco, loves, just loves, chain stores, is what I'm saying.
In closing, The Mall Has It All.
Let's check in with San Francisco Chronicle writer CW Nevius on the topic of the Central Subway:
"S.F.: City of whine aficionados" – January 9, 2014
"A subway will take traffic off some of the busiest streets in the city – try riding Muni on Stockton Street in the morning – and provide quick north-south access across the city, and it's mostly paid for with federal funds. Who wouldn't like something like that?"
So that was Nevius 2014. Now let's check in with Nevius 2008 on the same exact topic:
"Nevius: Chinatown subway plan makes me wince" – February 21, 2008
"There's really only one question to ask about the proposal to bore a light-rail subway deep under the heart of downtown San Francisco. You're kidding, right?"
"Just the initial math makes your head hurt. Basically it works out to somewhere between $1.22 billion and $1.4 billion for an underground railway that runs for less than two miles and has only three stops. That's not a transit system, it's a model railroad."
"Throw in a few of the inevitable cost overruns and this could work out to a billion dollars a mile."
"No matter. This is the kind of big, splashy project that city officials love to put their name on."
"Basically, the argument seems to boil down to this – we've got the money (as if federal tax dollars grow on trees), the Chinatown community is behind it, why not build it? Oh, let me count some of the reasons."
"But, critics say, a stop on Market beneath which BART and other Muni lines already run might have made this whole thing an easier sell. That would have created an opportunity for a single station where riders could make connections between regional and local trains, almost like Grand Central Terminal in New York. Instead, riders will have to walk all the way up to Union Square."
"Oh, and did I mention that in order to get under the BART tube, the subway station at Union Square will have to be at least 95 feet below the surface. That's nine stories."
"What is it about that image of deep, underground dirt-munching machines in earthquake country that makes me wince?"
Has CW Nevius offered any explanation for this 180 degree turnaround?
'Cause I'll tell you, this subway-to-nowhere project has gotten worse since 2008.
Let's review:
Wall Street Journal: Off the San Francisco Rails – $1.6 billion for 1.7 miles of subway.
San Francisco Bay Guardian: Central Subway gravy train shows how City Hall work
SF Weekly: Portmistress Pelosi
San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera: It's time to rethink the Central Subway
San Francisco Examiner: Dennis Herrera comes out against San Francisco Central Subway project
CalWatchdog: S.F. Subway Derails Into Boondoggle
SAVEMUNI: Central Subway – Background – An Opportunity Gone Wrong
Former Richmond District Supervisor and San Francisco Transportation Agency Chair Jake* McGoldrick: S.F. must stop Central Subway from being built
Get the point? Good, let's dance!
Nevius 1988, artist's conception – perhaps this particular Nevius had yet another strongly held position on this corrupt SFGov boondoggle:
Post sponsored by Nevius Nation 1414 – "We are a part of the Nevius Nation"
'Cause I'll tell you, there aint going to be no McDonalds on nearby Larkin just outside of the Tenderloin ghetto, oh no.
Because McDonalds is a chain store, right?
So then why are we getting a SUBWAY on Golden Gate just a stone's throw away?
Click to expand
Why is this Subway the GREATEST THING IN THE WORLD but the proposed McDonalds is the WORST THING IN THE WORLD?
I'm confused, I'll tell you.


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Best New Reissue
From house to hip-hop, college rock to techno, bubblegum pop to post-punk, heavy metal to hardcore—here are our favorite tracks of the 1980s.
We kick off our weeklong look at the top tracks of the 1990s with Nos. 200-151.
1. Bob Dylan: "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright"
This is how you wish you were every time ...
Time keeps on slipping into the future, which means, of course, that we are always closer to the apocalypse than ...
The best albums of the 1980s.


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Definition of turista in English:
nouninformal, chiefly US
1A tourist.
Example sentences
- The Juchitecas have a field-day bringing blushes to the cheeks of a wide-eyed turista.
2 [mass noun] Diarrhoea as suffered by holidaymakers when visiting certain foreign countries.
Example sentences
- We gave the Resort a thumbs down due to repeated turista outbreaks among the guests - and even the staff.
For editors and proofreaders
Line breaks: tur|ista
Definition of turista in:
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Sandboarding in Huacachina: A full-throttle desert thrill
August 25th, 2014 | by Britt Fracolli
Get ready for an experience you won't forget
August 25th, 2014 | by Britt Fracolli
Get ready for an experience you won't forget
August 23rd, 2014 | by Britt Fracolli
Buying tickets for Machu Picchu online is not as easy as you think it is. Read our step-by-step guide (with photos) to help you from start to finish.
August 12th, 2014 | by Javier Puente
Find out why the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman are a must-see on your trip to Cusco.
August 7th, 2014 | by Terra Hall
The Peruvian Amazon is quickly becoming a hot-spot for travelers looking to experience one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world
August 7th, 2014 | by Anabel Mota
Larcomar is not just a center for shopping, but also for culture and entertainment
July 31st, 2014 | by Kathleen McAfee
Peru For Less travel advisor Liz W. shares her adventures of trekking in Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca of Peru
July 30th, 2014 | by Terra Hall
Help preserve the ancient ruins, customs, and ecosystem of Machu Picchu with this expert's 11 eco-friendly travel tips
July 30th, 2014 | by Terra Hall
The construction of a new airport in the Sacred Valley could have profound effects on tourism traffic to Machu Picchu. Read more about the benefits and controversies.
July 21st, 2014 | by Javier Puente
Bright colors and culture collide in these Cusco traditions!
July 18th, 2014 | by Hendrika Janssen
Everything you need to know about renting cars in Peru and advice on what to avoid
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Manchester United Message Board
A Yahoo! User Dec 24, 2009 02:08 Flag
Ferguson to Bring Zidane to United
There's a rumour going around that Ferguson is trying to coax Zidane out of retirement to sign for United for the rest of the season. The 37-year old has apparently kept fit and will be brought in only for the remainder of the season to provide cover in a midfield that is arguably the weakest during United's Premiership era. The midfielder is expected to start games ahead of Scholes, Carrick, and Anderson and provide leadership and creativity in a midfield that is currently devoid of ideas and overwhelmed by opposition like Wigan and Fulham - teams that have generally been considered lower table teams. United boss Ferguson sees Zidane as the creative engine that will provide a plentiful supply line to forwards Rooney, Berbatov, and Owen. While the former World Champion, European Champion, Ballon d'Or winner, and a record three-time World Player of the Year winner's credentials and talent are unquestionable, there are concerns around passing fitness tests. The former French international has continued to keep fit and maintain and active lifestyle, but the demands of a strict training regimen for professional football are entirely different. There are also concerns around extension of the mandatory three-game ban the midfielder will have to serve due to headbutting Marco Materazzi in the last match before his retirement. FIFA may have to review video evidence and if found guilty of violent conduct, the ban could be extended. Ferguson has worked with older players in the past, the most recent example being Henrik Larsson of Sweden who was brought in during the January transfer window to help United to a league title and Champions League double.
I'd be curious to know what United fans make of this?Sort: Newest | Oldest | Most Replied Expand all replies
If zidane comes he'll do really well with rooney up front bang goal and theres another..... Llllllllllllloooooooooooooolllllllllllll
- 1 Reply to sahira
A Yahoo! User Jan 3, 2010 01:58 Flag
another new id for the new year? lol 2 posts.... nuff said... obrigado!!!
A Yahoo! User Jan 3, 2010 00:44 Flag
It appears that the French master still has it. What is it they say, "Form is temporary, CLASS is permanent"?!
If there WERE any truth to the rumours, would you be excited? To me, Zidane looks as sharp as ever. And with your (current) abysmal midfield, I'd be really happy about such a deal.
- 1 Reply to A Yahoo! User
Red_Till_Im_Dead Red_Till_Im_Dead Jan 3, 2010 00:50 Flag
You should be a scout Vito, great technique for finding talent you have - YOUTUBE !!! FFS
The A.C Milan propaganda begins.Zidane would be more suited to your team as you love to recruit players his age!Ha ha He he.The Champions League games aginst you lot are gonna be amazing, Ronaldinho is finding his hunger for the game again and Beckham gets to say his farewell to the Old Trafford faithful.Zidane though, what a player.We got Scholes, and Giggs, United through and through, wouldn't trade either of those two for Zidane in his hey day at all!
- 1 Reply to PETER M
A Yahoo! User Dec 29, 2009 06:24 Flag
"Scholes, and Giggs, United through and through, wouldn't trade either of those two for Zidane in his hey day at all! "
And that is why you NEVER achieved success in Europe like the traditional GIANTS Real, Milan, Ajax, etc. You should be ready to trade your WHOLE current squad for Zidane in his heyday! As for the CL, you WON'T make it past us with your current squad. Keep calling us geriatrics at your own peril.
Forza Milan!
A Yahoo! User Dec 25, 2009 04:51 Flag
hahahah vito you've really outdone yourself..... care to quote your source for this story?! obrigado!!
- 1 Reply to A Yahoo! User
seven of eleven seven of eleven Dec 26, 2009 09:23 Flag
Nice one vito....good laugh...!
redevildetester redevildetester Dec 25, 2009 01:51 Flag
its B*LLICKS
A Yahoo! User Dec 24, 2009 03:19 Flag
I don't know where you heard this,man! But it sounds interesting!
I'm a LOYAL UNITED FAN and I think Hargreave's comeback will add a big bonus to our midfield however I don't think Zidane can pass the fitness tests and,I think this is just an impracticable rumor!
- 1 Reply to A Yahoo! User
Undoubted class...
but the young'ns would run rings around him.
The Destroyah!!! The Destroyah!!! Dec 24, 2009 02:54 Flag
Vito, it is a little early to be drinking the Holiday wine.......... please don't drive if you have drunk this much already. Even though you're an ass, I hate to see drunk drivers..


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Tuesday, 12 February 2013
Dutch citizens are fighting in Syria: spy chief
Al-Arabiya-Feb 9, 2013
The chief of the Netherlands' top intelligence agency is warning that dozens of Dutch citizens are fighting alongside opposition group in Syria ...
Posted on 02/12/2013 4:36 PM by Hugh Fitzgerald
13 Feb 2013
Christina McIntosh
Memo to the Dutch government: if you know who they are, then cancel their Dutch passports and annul their Dutch citizenship. Make sure that - if they manage to avoid meeting a sticky end - they will never, never, never be able to return either to the Netherlands or to any other non-Muslim land.
End of problem.
13 Feb 2013
Christina McIntosh
"Better out than in"...as Hagrid tells Ron Weasley after he has been cursed with the 'Eat Slugs' hex by Draco Malfoy, and is sitting over a bucket vomiting up huge, hideous slugs.
13 Feb 2013
Annul their "citizenship" - ensure they cannot return, dead or alive. Then ship their entire families, down to the fifth cousins on all sides, back to the "old country".


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See who's on Catholic Mingle:
I am a single white female that would like to find ONLY WHITE men,NO HISPANICS,NO BLACKS,NO SMOKERS I DON'T go for that,I NEVER had boy...
SarahK23 is a 25yr-old single woman in Hemet, California
Chivalry is not dead just a lack of knowledge
Clint4311 is a 30yr-old single man in Durham, North Carolina
Hum In 20, I'm A Capricorn, I'm From Wilmington , I'm The Baby. I'm A Mixed Breed, I Have A Career And A Degree . I Love To Cook. I Am ...
Shaqueraa is a 20yr-old single woman in Durham, North Carolina


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Skip to comments.Carson Willing to Step Down as Commencement Speaker After Protests [Gestapo Tactics!]
Posted on 03/29/2013 3:55:21 PM PDT by Steelfish
click here to read article
"we feel that these expressed values are incongruous with the values of Johns Hopkins and deeply offensive to a large proportion of our student body.
Even tribal societies had the awareness and common sense to keep track of their population levels. A decline in the number of women in their tribe was cause for alarm. Their leaders would react by sending out braves to steal some women (not men, mind you), from neighboring tribes, or perhaps from a passing wagon train.
Marriage between a man and a woman is necessary for the survival of any culture, even an advanced cosmopolitan society. Trivializing marriage with efforts to equate gay marriage with straight marriage is silly and destructive.
So exactly what is it about Carson's remarks that are "incongruous with the values of Johns Hopkins"? Do they find it repugnant for one to refuse to equate gay marriage with traditional marriage? Or is John's Hopkins criticism of Carson just empty words ?
Well, that tells us what Johns Hopkins thinks commencement is for. To smooth over the horrid incongruities of Socialist and Gay Movement propaganda, and to reassure the little dears that we do too care and kumbaya, we're all holistically hole-ists together!
I think the band should have played that old Spirit tune from the end of the 60's, "Have You Met My Uncle Jack?" to put things in the spirit of the occasion.
It's pure-d Nazi repression of 7000 years of human experience with deviant sexuality.
It's delivery on the gay ranter's promise that "we will go back and affirmatively punish" dissenters who put up a good show of backbone.
Himmler would be pleased.
These Hopkins grads have no interest in hearing the thoughts of something so fascist as a brain surgeon.They aspire to be community organizers and personal injury lawyers,both genuine professions of the *future*.
Never mind the students. We all know how many fools there are in student bodies, apparently even elders going for literal doctorals.
What's really bad here is the faculty. My God, these people are direct colleagues of Carson! This could even ultimately be a threat to his job! Of course, he towers over the lot of them, being head of a major department for 25 years or so.
Jim they know what they are doing. They are going to hell in and hand basket and for some reason they want to.
They rather rule in hell than serve in heaven to be more specific.
Last I checked no one rules in hell unless you consider earth hell.
We are on a slow crawl to communism and that is hell-on-earth for sure IMO, but have a happy Easter while it is still allowed in this country.
You know what? Was shopping today and won't say which store but the clerk said "Happy Easter" to me and all other customers and I loved it!! I told him I was happy to hear it.
Thank you kindly. Happy Easter to anyone else reading as well.
Agreed! If they want to practice medicine, they had BETTER be completely OK wrt dealing with patients who have opinions, lifestyles and cultures that are vastly different from their own. Let 'em re-read the Hippocratic Oath (the original one, not the bowdlerized PC version)!
On a similar note this turned up on the HP/AOL main page with the link title changed to :'GOP Committeeman Refuses to Resign After 'Filthy' Anti-Gay Slur' :
Michigan Republican Dave Agema says he is refusing to resign after promoting an article that said part of the homosexual agenda is to get the public to affirm their filthy lifestyle."
"They say 'Dave's got to withdraw' or 'he's got to resign,' which I'm not going to do," Agema told WWMT Newschannel 3.
Agema, a former lawmaker who now serves as a Michigan Republican National Committeeman, said he posted the article to promote discussion on gay issues within the GOP.
"Now's the time to discuss it, that's why I brought it up," Agema said. "Say, 'oh, you're dividing the party,' no, I don't think so; we're standing on the principle of the party. If the party doesn't stand on its principle, we'll lose our base."
Dave Agema Resignation Not Happening, Republican Says(real title)
Stating the truth is a slur now. They have won.
AOL.com +HP page where link is labeled 'GOP Committeeman Refuses to Resign After 'Filthy' Anti-Gay Slur'
" Homosexuality and pedophilia are the same"
I was molested by a woman.
As I'm male, that would seem to undermine you're conclusion.
However, I know exactly what you're saying. Jerry Sandusky and his ilk walk around claiming and appearing to be heterosexual when they're actually gay child-rapists.
Pederasty was not borne from heterosexual culture.
Dear Lord, as we set this day aside to praise, glorify and thank you for your sacrifice that made it possible for anyone who accepts your gift to live forever in your presence, I ask that you touch the hearts of the people of the United States of America, that they may recognize the evil they support and do, that they turn from their sin, repent and seek your face that you may bless our nation once again.
If that is not to be Lord, I pray that Jesus may return soon.
Your Will Be Done.
I may be an agnostic, but I firmly believe that "marriage" is a social contract between a man and a woman. If the gays/lesbians want their unions, then call it something else. Call it, "Socialist's Peoples Union" (SPU) or whatever. I'm sick of these clowns and their sexual proclivities being forced in my face where ever I look. I don't give a damn. Take your frigging back door proclivities back in to the back door closet and STFU.
And by the way, homos, I'm heterasexual and thinking about building a parade to promote it.
This is the number one problem we face. Conservatives buckling. The liberals and democrats almost never do, regardless of how in the wrong they are. They are relentless in their single minded focus to ram their agenda down everyone's throats regardless of what anyone says or does. In fact, they usually double down.
..equating the uterus to the rectum?
Med students above all should know the difference & the consequences of this act. Perversion, plain & simple.
Stating the truth is a slur now. They have won.
When Bush won in 2000, I said all he did was put off the inevitable for another four years. The guy that said, "If Dukakas had had our current demographic, he would have won, is exactly right.
All this is why I moved where I did. And I take to heart what a pastor said going on 30 years ago, "Where would the early church have been if they had put their faith in Rome.
The Byrds used a very relevant part of Ecclesiastes for a popular song. When they come for us, that "clingers" thing is going to be their worst nightmare.
". . .(his) values are incongruous with the values of Johns Hopkins and deeply offensive to a large proportion of our student body.
Who knew a large proportion of the students are homosexuals?
Who knew. . .
My mother used to say "Hell is other people."
Absolutely not. That would be EXACTLY what they would want us to do. And I will not be a part of anything that STARTS an armed conflict with the government or the left. If they (or anyone, for that matter) attack me and mine then the fight will be joined. But I will not start a fight, and most Americans feel the same way. We want, most of all, to be left alone.
But you? By your comment you sound like either a provocateur or a plant.
I love the idea of Dr. Carson giving commencement speech on YouTube that many more would have access to. What the students and faculty, and they are probably not even the majority, is nothing more than censoring free speech and free thought.
JR, pretty sure they know EXACTLY what they're doing.
As a young boy in the early 1930s depression years and living in 'white European ghettos' I learned many, many terms for different sexual behavior, human and animal. I see/think of no reason that I should enumerate these to make my argument that it was God that created the/a difference between man and women, male and female for the purpose of 'sex' behavior.
I only recently read about this man and I'm glad he's making the media circles! He has backbone and easily outsmarts the left. They look like the spoiled whiny babies that they are.
You will get no argument there from me.
There will always be someone who signs a petition protesting something. What the Republicans need is someone with a backbone.
It's going to be SWEET when the college punks get Obamacare good and hard...
I wish that Dr Ben Carson had not backed down, due to the homosexual hate lobby. Homos & lesbians are in the same context and dequated with bestiality in Leviticus. In Romans 1:19-32 God equates home & lesbian behanvior as being unnatural and the lowest form of human reprobtate behavior.
"They are all a bunch of hypocrites."
Much, much worse than that...much worse.
The sad thing is you are biologically right.
It shows just how contrary to nature homosexuality really is. Sex with animals makes more sense than anal sex, and is less dangerous from a health perspective.
Of course I'm not endorsing bestiality, just pointing out how bad homosexuality really is.
Political correctness was shrewdly concocted primarily by the liberal urban Marxists as a means to condition and muzzle society from discussing truth. It works too as speaking truth will have negative repercussions. It is a reflection of weakminded Facebook manipulated conditioned society that accepts the truth as an unspeakable. Think about it.
The good doctor should give them a taste of their own medicine so to speak. He should tell these assclowns that due to their political views he finds it objectionable for them to be in his classes.
It begins. Revenge for standing up next to the Anointed One and criticizing his policies.
The left is disgusting. All they know how to do is destroy good people.
So typical of college people, with their San Francisco values.
Maryland "Freak State" PING!
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- Report: #1019195
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Complaint Review: Maelynn Cavalier, Tamra Martin
Maelynn Cavalier, Tamra MartinNorco, California United States of America
Maelynn Cavalier, Tamra Martin Scam breeder cavalier King Charles Tamra martin Norco California
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After informing Tamra I would be contacting AKC she told me "good luck".
This breeder is a scam artist and thinks she can get away with her slimy actions.
This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 02/23/2013 03:26 PM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/Maelynn-Cavalier-Tamra-Martin/Norco-California-/Maelynn-Cavalier-Tamra-Martin-Scam-breeder-cavalier-King-Charles-Tamra-martin-Norco-Cali-1019195. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year.
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Best community college I've been to in AZ
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there is a huge diversity of religion, language and ethnicity at this school, and everyone gets along. there has never been any prejudice from all the classes I have been in.
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there is a lot of student from other country that are coming for a semester or are here permanently
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I only interact with the automotive department, so am not exposed to the general students.
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Outside of the students in my study, I don't know anyone. All I need our my classmates though. They are great support.
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Sprog Day: Next Steps
Photo by Maritza Robles
What's a Sprog? A Sprog is a pirate-in-training—one still getting his or her sea legs, if you will. To help you have the best Sprog Day possible, make sure you check-off everything on the list below.
Required for Sprog Day
1. FOREIGN LANGUAGE PLACEMENT EXAM (read carefully)
- This is the first step you must take before registering for classes at Sprog Day. Taking this exam does not mean that you will have to select a foreign language class for your first semester, however, it is a required step to take before you register. Your fall course registration cannot be completed until you have done so.
- All students who plan to continue a language previously studied, who are not transferring credit from another institution, must go to the Modern Languages Web Page to take your Language Placement Exam at least one week prior to your Sprog Day event.
- All students must take 4 semesters of a foreign language as part of Southwestern's General Education requirements. This exam will help us place you in the appropriate class.
- The password for the exams can be found within the instructions on this webpage, so please read carefully.
- You will need to enter your full first and last names to take the exam.
- You will not need a student ID number and should leave that field blank.
- Note: Students taking the Latin exam must read the instruction specific to that exam.
- One of the most exciting parts of Sprog Day is selecting a First-Year Seminar, which is associated with a specific residence hall option (see below). Before you arrive on campus, browse the list of available seminars and create a short list of your top FYS options.
- You register for an FYS course at the same time you register for your other courses. Following registration, you may not change your FYS selection.
- As you consider the FYS choices, you will also want to think about your residential experience because your housing assignment is determined by your FYS choice. Mabee Hall and Brown-Cody Hall are both coed residence halls. The gender-specific first-year halls are Kurth Hall for women and Ruter Hall for men. You will live in the same residence hall for your entire first year. You can learn more about all of Southwestern's residence halls by visiting the Residence Life website.
- Before you arrive on campus, browse the list of available Advanced-Entry Seminar options.
- You register for an AES course at the same time you register for your other courses. Following registration, you may not change your AES selection.
Strongly Encouraged for Sprog Day
- Please be sure to turn in the required health forms during your Sprog Day visit.
- A hardcopy can be found in the Deposit Packet that was mailed to your house or you can print out the Health Record PDF online.
- Our Health Center will have a table set up in the Prothro Center Atrium starting at 10:30 am, where you can turn in these forms and get your questions answered.
- Every student bringing a vehicle to campus must fill out a Motor Vehicle Registration/Parking Permit card.
- The fee associated with a motor vehicle registration is $100 per semester.
- If you are planning to have a car on campus, please bring the appropriate vehicle information with you, so you can complete the necessary paperwork for your campus parking sticker. View this sample card for the required information.
- Students not bringing a car to campus must fill out a parking permit waiver form, which will be available at the Sprog Day event.
- All forms will be available in the Smith Library Center starting at 10:30 am.
Please note: Sprog Day events are not required for all new students. During Orientation Week, students will have the opportunity to meet with an academic adviser, discuss their schedule and degree plans, and make any needed changes to their Fall schedule at that time.


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|WEEI NFL Power Rankings: Week 4
|09.27.11 at 7:14 am ET
The first month of the NFL season is complete and teams are shooting up and down the WEEI NFL Power Rankings. The Patriots held the No. 2 spot for two straight weeks but fall to No. 4 after giving up a 21-point lead to the Bills. Speaking of the upstart Bills, Ryan Fitzpatrick and his team take their league-leading 113 points all the way to No. 8. Right ahead of the undefeated Bills is the undefeated Lions (7).
Falling fast are the Falcons (12), Eagles (13), and Bears (16). All three teams lost in divisional games. To add injury to insult for the Eagles, Michael Vick had to leave the game once again. This time it was for a deep bone bruise to his right hand (originally it was thought to be broken).
Take a look at the 12 teams ranked 20-32. It's safe to say there's a lot of parity between the bad teams in the league. From the 49ers (20) on down to the Colts (32), the overall quality of those teams is similar. However, only one of those inferior teams will get a ticket to the playoffs. The NFC West should "feel shame" with its four squads: 49ers (20), Rams (21), Seahawks (29), and Cardinals (30).
1. (1) Packers (3-0) ' In a rematch of the NFC championship game, the Packers went into Chicago and got a huge win. Aaron Rodgers has done a great job utilizing all of his weapons on offense. The talented running backs, wide receivers and tight ends create major mismatches across the field. There are few defenses in the NFL that will have an answer for this elite offensive group. Read the rest of this entry »
|WEEI NFL Power Rankings: Week 3
|09.20.11 at 10:25 am ET
A thrilling Week 2 provided much insight on which teams will be pretenders and which will be contenders. The week also left us scratching our heads in some cases. The Bills and Redskins are both 2-0 while the Ravens were upset by the Titans.
The Packers and Patriots retain their spots as the top two teams in the NFL. Entering the top five for the first time this season are Rex Ryan's Jets (4). In a rapid decline are three playoff teams from 2010. The Chiefs (30), Colts (31) and Seahawks (32) have dropped to the bottom of the league.
Looking ahead, there are a few key games in Week 3 that could have a great impact on the rankings: Packers at Bears, Giants at Eagles, Texans at Saints, and Redskins at Cowboys. We should be in for another exciting week in the NFL.
1. (1) Packers (2-0) ' Aaron Rodgers and the Packers maintained their composure after falling behind to an inferior Panthers team and came back with a win. Rodgers has to love the production he got from James Starks. Starks averaged over nine yards per carry. Add a strong run game to an explosive pass game and the Packers will have their way with opposing defenses all season. On a down note, Packers Pro Bowl safety Nick Collins is out for the year. This is a team certainly capable of overcoming injuries but definitely a cause for concern as the pass defense has allowed back to back 400-plus-yard games.
2. (2) Patriots (2-0) ' Tony Dungy said Sunday night that Tom Brady and the Patriots look like the 2007 team that went 18-1. It's tough to disagree. The Patriots offense has been unstoppable over the first two games while the "bend but don't break defense" has forced key turnovers.
3. (5) Saints (1-1) ' The Saints defense responded well in Week 2 after getting torched by the Packers on opening night. It's important to note that they were facing the Bears offensive line, but the Saints attacked the quarterback and sacked Jay Cutler six times while also forcing a fumble. In just two weeks, Darren Sproles has made Saints fans ask, "Reggie who?" Sproles has quickly become one of Drew Brees' favorite weapons. He was targeted 10 times in Sunday's win.
4. (6) Jets (2-0) ' The Jets came out ready to play on Sunday after a shaky Week 1 performance. Luke McCown and the Jaguars offense proved to be no match for the Jets dominant D. Rex Ryan's defensive unit had four interceptions and held the Jaguars to under 100 yards passing. Mark Sanchez, on the other hand, was inconsistent once again. He threw two interceptions, upping his turnover total to four this season. Furthermore, Nick Mangold will miss some time and that could also hinder Sanchez' play. Mangold has started in every game since entering the league in 2006.
5. (4) Ravens (1-1) ' If the Ravens want to reach the Super Bowl, they can't afford to have many more games like they did last Sunday. The defense was totally unprepared for the Titans passing game as they looked helpless against Matt Hasselbeck. The pass rush was nonexistent and the thin secondary had no answer for Kenny Britt. With all that being said, I'd be shocked if we saw a similar type of performance from the Ravens in Week 3.
6. (7) Steelers (1-1) ' The Steelers did exactly what many expected after suffering an embarrassing Week 1 loss. They routed an awful Seahawks team. Looking ahead, they'll face another second-rate team next week when they travel to Indy.
7. (10) Falcons (1-1) ' The Falcons played to their strengths Sunday night and they came away with a huge win. This team is at its best when it has a strong balance in the run and pass game. Matt Ryan performed great in the no-huddle offense while Michael Turner and the Falcons running game also excelled.
8. (3) Eagles (1-1) ' The so-called "Dream Team" of the NFL has a lot of challenges ahead. It took just seven quarters of football for Michael Vick to suffer a serious enough injury that he had to leave the game. The Eagles have some major problems. Vick continues to be on the ugly side of some vicious hits, he's been careless with the football, and the defense has struggled mightily, especially against the run.
|NFL Power Rankings Week 2: Packers move into top spot
|09.13.11 at 8:25 am ET
An exciting Week 1 is in the books.
We saw offensive juggernauts all over the NFL. The Packers, Saints, Patriots, Ravens, Texans and Bills (yes, Bills) all had outstanding performances from their offenses. We also saw a lot of upsets across the league. Many division winners in 2010 suffered opening week losses. The 20th-ranked Chiefs were crushed by the Bills (19), the Steelers (6) were thrashed by the Ravens (3), and the Manning-less Colts (24) were pounded by the Texans (11). It was a tough start for the NFC South particularly, as the Saints (5), Falcons (10), Bucs (15) and Panthers (30) all fell short.
There was some dramatic movement in this week's edition of the WEEI NFL Power Rankings. Most notably, the Colts fell all the way down to No. 24. The Bills (19) made a giant leap and find themselves in the top 20. Finally, the city of Cleveland continues to suffer as the Browns are the newest occupants of the much dreaded No. 32 slot.
1. (1) Packers (1-0) ' Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense will roll through defenses all year. It's scary how much talent Rodgers has around him. That was an impressive opening performance from the defending champs and we'll be seeing numbers like that from this team all year.
2. (3) Patriots (1-0) ' I feel sorry for defensive coordinators and coaches who have to game-plan against Tom Brady and the Pats offense. How do you stop all the weapons in Brady's arsenal? Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski are matchup nightmares. The Dolphins were a solid defense against the pass last year. They ranked eighth in the NFL. The Patriots made them look ridiculous. One obvious area of concern has to be the loss of Dan Koppen and the lack of depth on the offensive line. Koppen has played in 120 games since 2003 and hasn't missed one since 2007.
3. (5) Eagles (1-0) ' The Eagles showed off their impressive offense in the win against the Rams. LeSean McCoy averaged eight yards per carry while Michael Vick made big plays through the air and on the ground. The troubling part of the loss was Vick took some major hits from the Rams defense.
4. (8) Ravens (12-4) ' It's only Week 1, but the Ravens' victory over Steelers is the biggest win for this franchise in a long time. Not only did they beat their division rival, they embarrassed them. Ed Reed, Ray Lewis and Haloti Ngata led the way contributing to seven forced turnovers. This wasn't just a win, it was a moral-boosting victory that will give the Ravens plenty of confidence going forward.
5. (4) Saints (0-1) ' The voluntary offseason workouts seemed to help Drew Brees and the Saints offense, as they looked to be in midseason form on Thursday night. The defense was a totally different story. The Saints had no answer for the Packers' high-powered offense. It was an all-around poor effort as the defensive line struggled to pressure Rodgers and the secondary often appeared lost.
6. (7) Jets (1-0) ' Not sure if we should call the Jets resilient for coming back, or lucky that Tony Romo pulled a Tony Romo. It's probably a little bit of both. Great teams make big plays in key moments and the Jets got just that. Joe McKnight and the special teams unit came up huge with a punt block and touchdown late in the fourth quarter. On the other hand, Mark Sanchez was careless with the ball. Rex Ryan's squad will never win a Super Bowl until Sanchez can consistently protect the football.
|NFL Power Rankings: Week 1
|09.08.11 at 7:38 am ET
The start of the 2011 season begins Thursday night in Green Bay. A game hasn't been played yet, but already history has been made. Peyton Manning's streak of 227 consecutive starts will come to an end. A shortened but chaotic offseason/preseason resulted in many familiar faces ending up in different uniforms.
Week 1 already promises to be unforgettable. The Packers, slotted No. 1 in the WEEI Power Rankings, will take on the fourth-ranked Saints in what very well could be a preview of the NFC championship game. The Ryan brothers, Rex and Rob, will start the season vying for victory against each other when the Jets host the Cowboys. And the Ravens (8) and Steelers (2) will face off in another AFC North battle.
Let the games begin. And be sure to check out the WEEI NFL Power Rankings every Tuesday.
1. (1) Packers (10-6) ' The Packers enter the season as the favorites to win yet another Super Bowl. Aaron Rodgers and the Pack managed to raise the Vince Lombardi trophy last year despite putting 15 players on IR. This year, they get many of those players back. Jermichael Finley and the Packers offense will be a nightmare for teams to defend against.
2. (2) Steelers (12-4) ' The Steelers have depth on both sides of the ball. They brought back the majority of starters that carried them to the Super Bowl last year. Everyone knows how good they are defensively. This year look for Ben Roethlisberger and the offense to play just as well.
3. (3) Patriots (14-2) ' The Patriots defense must play better this season or it will be another disappointing year in New England. Tom Brady can't be expected to do it all. The Pats D needs to improve in many key areas including rushing the passer, getting off the field on third-down and limiting the amount of yards given up through the air. Adding Albert Haynesworth and Shaun Ellis could solve those problems and propel the Pats from a playoff team to a Super Bowl team.
4. (5) Saints (11-5) ' The Saints enter the season in a great position to get back to the Super Bowl. The 09′ champs addressed their needs in the offseason by adding an array of talent on both offense and defense. Heisman winner Mark Ingram and Darren Sproles add depth and talent to a run game that hindered Drew Brees' performance last season. On defense, they added Shaun Rogers and Aubrayo Franklin to solidify the line.
5. (4) Eagles (10-6) ' It's all about keeping Michael Vick healthy. The Eagles have plenty of weapons offensively that should be used to keep Vick from taking a similar pounding in 2011 as he did last year. Andy Reid should give LeSean McCoy more touches and let him build off the tremendous season he had in 2010. Vick wore down last year; the Eagles need to keep him fresh if they want to accomplish what they think they're capable of.
|WEEI NFL Power Rankings: Preseason Edition
|08.11.11 at 1:05 am ET
Finally, football is here. The preseason kicks off Thursday, and what better way to roll in the 2011 season then with the first edition of WEEI's NFL Power Rankings?
The lockout ended, the offseason began and chaos ensued. Many Pro Bowlers have changed teams. Guys like Nnamdi Asomugha, Jason Babin, Albert Haynesworth, Chad Ochocinco, Steve Smith, Todd Heap and Olin Kreutz will spawn plenty of new jersey sales in their new locales. (Half of those guys signed with the Eagles alone.) A few more players are still looking for jobs, but most rosters have taken their primary shape. Some teams have improved, others … not so much.
Much can change over the next four weeks (injuries, cuts, trades, signings), but until then, check out where your team ranks.
1. Packers (10-6) ' The Packers won the Super Bowl last year, right? We haven't heard a lot about the defending champs, and many believe they're not even the best team in the NFC. However, the Packers have players like Ryan Grant and Jermichael Finley returning to their championship roster and are clearly the favorites to start the season.
2. Steelers (12-4) ' The defending AFC champions are returning many of their starters on both sides of the ball. Once again, they will have one of the best defenses in the league, as well as an offense filled with weapons.
3. Patriots (14-2) ' It's tough not to love what the Patriots have done during the offseason. Bill Belichick's defense struggled at rushing the passer, was last in the league in getting off the field on third down and had plenty of trouble stopping teams in the red zone. Despite all of that, the Pats still posted a 14-2 record. The additions of Albert Haynesworth, Shaun Ellis and Andre Carter could turn the Pats D from one of the worst to one of the best in the league.
4. Eagles (10-6) ' I'm still not sold on the "All-Hype Team," as Rob Ryan likes to call the Eagles. The additions of defensive end Jason Babin and cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha are huge, but the Eagles' chances at a Super Bowl rely on the health and performance of Michael Vick. Toward the end of the season in 2010, Vick was obviously wearing down from the number of hits he had taken because of his style of play. The Eagles need to utilize the playmaking abilities of LeSean McCoy more this year to ensure a healthy Vick come playoff time.
5. Saints (11-5) ' No doubt the Saints are motivated to get back to the Super Bowl. Led by Drew Brees, many Saints players participated in a six-week offseason program. The team also upgraded its run game with Darren Sproles and Mark Ingram.
|WEEI.com NFL Playoff Power Rankings: Patriots the team to beat
|01.04.11 at 6:41 am ET
After an unusual season in the NFL, 12 teams remain in the quest to hoist the Vince Lombardi trophy. The best of the group remains the Patriots (1). The Vegas oddsmakers agree, Tom Brady and the Pats have the best shot to win it all. The No. 2 seed in the AFC takes the No. 2 spot in the power rankings. The Steelers will roll into the playoffs with a first-round bye and the best defense in the league.
As usual, wild card weekend in the NFL will generate some "must-see" matchups. Football fans will get a chance to see a rematch of the 2009 AFC championship when Rex Ryan and the Jets (10) take on Peyton Manning and the Colts (8). The Jets coach will be out for blood as Manning is 2-0 over Ryan-led defenses in the postseason. We'll also see two great quarterbacks go head-to-head when Aaron Rodgers and the Packers take on Michael Vick and the Eagles.
Let the postseason begin:
1. 14-2 The road to Dallas will go through Foxboro. You have to like the Patriots' chances of reaching the Super Bowl if they can continue to win the turnover battle. Their 10 turnovers this year is the fewest in NFL history.
2. 12-4 There's a saying "defense wins championships" and if that's the case, the Steelers have a great shot at the organization's seventh Super Bowl title. The Steelers D allowed the fewest amount of points in the NFL and dominated opposing team's rushing attacks. The one area that could hurt the Steelers is their offensive line. Despite missing the first four games of the season, Ben Roethlisberger was sacked 32 times in the regular season.
3. 13-3 The Falcons enter the postseason in the best position to reach the Super Bowl from the NFC. They have home-field advantage, a quarterback who can win close games, and arguably the most balanced offense in the league. They'll most likely play the Packers or Saints in the NFC divisional round.
4. 12-4 The Week 1 victory against the Jets paid off big time 17 weeks later. The Ravens will ride their four-game winning streak into Kansas City as opposed to Indianapolis. They are also the only team in the playoffs that can say they beat Tom Brady and the Patriots at Gillette Stadium during the postseason. The other important note to mention is that the rib injury Ed Reed suffered against the Bengals likely won't hold the safety out against the Chiefs.
5. 11-5 The beat-up Saints will start the postseason on the road in Seattle. Marques Colston, Pierre Thomas, Chris Ivory, Jeremy Shockey and Malcolm Jenkins highlight a long list of injured Saints players. Defending their title won't be easy. They'll have to do it plagued with injuries and away from the Superdome. New Orleans will need a strong running game to help Drew Brees in the playoffs.
6. 10-6 The Packers' 47 sacks this year are second only to the Steelers for the league's most. Green Bay's defense can get to the quarterback and that is the key to stopping Michael Vick and the Eagles. If Aaron Rodgers can get help from his run game, the Packers can beat anyone in the NFC.
7. 11-5 The Bears' makeshift offensive line is very shaky. Jay Cutler was sacked more than any quarterback in the NFL ' 52 times. They'll enjoy a first-round bye but it will be difficult for Cutler and the Bears to be successful in the playoffs against teams like the Packers, Eagles, Saints and Falcons if the offensive line continues to play poorly into the postseason.
8. 10-6 Playoff experience is invaluable and the Colts are entering the postseason for the ninth straight time. As long as Peyton Manning is behind center, Indy has a chance. Once an area of weakness, the run game on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball has improved. In three straight games, the Colts held Maurice Jones-Drew, Darren McFadden, and Chris Johnson to under 50 yards on the ground.
9. 10-6 Resting his starters in Week 17 was the smartest decision Andy Reid could make. The durability of Michael Vick is definitely in question going into the playoffs. Vick has taken a beating over the last few weeks and the Eagles need to reduce the amount of hits their star quarterback takes with a healthy dose of running back LeSean McCoy. Defensively, the Eagles' mediocre pass defense will have its work cut out against Aaron Rodgers.
10. 11-5 If the Jets want to reach the Super Bowl, they'll have to get there without playing at home. This is not necessarily a bad thing for Rex Ryan's gang. They went 6-2 on the road this season. However, with the erratic play of Mark Sanchez and the uncertainty of his shoulder, it's tough to see the Jets beating teams like the Colts, Patriots and Steelers on the road to reach the Super Bowl.
11. 10-6 The young Chiefs have a tough first-round matchup against the Ravens. One thing that will benefit them is playing at home ' they were 7-1 in Kansas City. In order to advance, their great rushing attack will have to perform well against the Ravens' stingy run defense.
12. 7-9 Seattle at the bottom of the rankings is a no-brainer. The first 7-9 team to make the playoffs will have a tough time containing the Saints offense. The Seahawks defense is one of the worst in the league. Seattle is one of a handful of teams in the NFL that allowed over 400 points this year.
|WEEI NFL Power Rankings: Week 17
|12.29.10 at 8:17 am ET
The regular season is wrapping up, and for the first time this year, the Patriots are alone with the best record in the NFL. Tom Brady and his mistake-free Patriots are riding a seven-game winning streak and reside in the No. 1 spot in the WEEI NFL Power Rankings for the seventh straight week.
The Ravens fly north to the No. 2 spot which was previously occupied by the Falcons (5). The Saints (3) come marching into the top five after a Monday night win in Atlanta. Joining them among the league's elite are the Steelers (4). They'll need a win against the Browns to clinch the AFC North and a first-round bye.
Week 17 promises to be exciting, with many of the games having playoff implications. The Packers (8) will play the Bears (6) for a chance to secure the final wild card spot in the NFC. Meanwhile, the Giants (12) will play the Redskins (25) and hope the Packers lose for their opportunity to reach the playoffs. The Sunday night game features the Rams (17) and Seahawks (26) fighting for the NFC West crown.
1. (1) 13-2 Home-field advantage is officially secured throughout the playoffs for the Patriots ' giving them two weeks off from playing a meaningful game. The Pats will have the luxury of resting their starters Sunday if Bill Belichick chooses to do so. A well-rested, Belichick-coached, Brady-led Patriots team is a scary thing for any opponent that has to go into New England during the playoffs.
2. (4) 11-4 The Ravens are a Super Bowl contender for sure. They have veteran leadership on defense, have a great run game, and will go into the playoffs knowing they are the only team to beat a Brady-led Patriots team at Gillette Stadium during the postseason.
3. (7) 11-4 The defending Super Bowl champs will cruise into the playoffs with lots of momentum. The Saints have won seven of their last eight games and managed to give Matt Ryan just his second loss at home in three years. Drew Brees will have to protect the football better in the playoffs if the Saints want to have a real shot at reaching Dallas. Last year the veteran quarterback threw just 11 interceptions; he already has 21 in 2010.
4. (6) 11-4 The Steelers can clinch the AFC North and a first-round bye with a win against the Browns on Sunday. Don't forget, Pittsburgh lost to Cleveland last year in December, preventing the Steelers from making the playoffs. You can be sure the Browns will be looking to beat their division rival again and knock them down a few seeds in the playoffs.
5. (2) 12-3 The NFC South title and the No. 1 seed in the conference can be wrapped up with a victory against the two-win Panthers on Sunday. The Falcons need to bounce back from their tough loss to the Saints. The reason why the Falcons have been so successful this year is because they protect the football and have a balanced offense. In Monday night's loss they made a key turnover and had a lack of production from the run game.
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