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Wild-Card Weekend: 'It Must Be Scary Sight to Watch Us'
So this is tricky. State Farm is a sponsor of The MMQB, and it feels a little cheesy to have a State Farm commercial in the lead of this column, but what would you do after watching football all weekend, and seeing the commercial with Randall Cobb scoring a touchdown in practice on a lovely throw from Aaron Rodgers, and Cobb calling to Rodgers, "Bro! Your stuff is on fire!" Seeing it 10 times, minimum. And then actually being on the phone with Cobb after Rodgers continued the hottest streak of his life to beat the Giants in their wild-card game Sunday, throwing three of his four touchdown passes to Cobb.
"It's a little weird to be talking to you now," I began, "after seeing that commercial all weekend, and the reason I'm talking to you is that you guys are, well, pretty hot right now …"
"Hey, Aaron is definitely on fire right now,'' Cobb said. "He's on fire!"
We see. This was a strange weekend of playoff football. Four relatively non-competitive games (average margin: 19.0 points). Two teams looking like they'd put a scare into the great Belichick himself. And one team looking like its recent Super Bowl self. So there's significant intrigue coming up this weekend in Atlanta, Kansas City and Arlington. (Three out of four ain't bad.)
Two players owned wild-card weekend, and I found myself wondering Sunday night what was coursing through the minds of the Dallas Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs as they watched Sunday's playoff games.
What was Andy Reid thinking watching Le'Veon Bell steamroll the Dolphins on 10 straight running plays in the first half of a 30-12 rout? What was Jason Garrett thinking as Aaron Rodgers lay waste to the stingiest defense in the league over the past six weeks, putting up four touchdowns in a much more surprising 38-13 romp?
"It must be a scary sight to watch us right now," Cobb said. Green Bay has won seven in a row, and Pittsburgh eight. They're both scary right now. As are Bell and Rodgers. In the 97th season of the NFL, with one of the biggest collections of shiny offensive stars ever populating the postseason, no back is playing better than Bell, no quarterback playing better than Rodgers. Next Sunday, Bell goes to Kansas City and Rodgers to Dallas. That's the Sunday doubleheader, and if recent form holds, it could be one of the best playoff days in the NFL in years.
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Some coaches in the interview process are getting hot (Josh McDaniels, Anthony Lynn) as six teams jockey for new head men. More about that lower in the column. … A legend steps aside, and Tom Brady says, "There will never be anybody like him ever again." More about that Tuesday at The MMQB. … The MVP race might not be much of a race. More about that, too, lower in the column.
But now for the men of the weekend, and maybe the men of the second half of the season. Rodgers is on a sick 22-to-0 touchdown-to-interception streak since Nov. 20. Bell has rushed for 1,002 yards since Nov. 20. What they've done since Thanksgiving week is pretty absurd.
Comp. %
Rush YPG
Total YPG
*Bell was held out of the Steelers' Week 17 win over Cleveland, so that result is not included here.
What's compelling about each case: Opponents know each man is coming, and opponents can do nothing about it.
Take Bell's game against the Dolphins on Sunday, and take his style of play. Watch the man. He's got the oddest rushing style in football today. "The Great Hesitator," Phil Simms called him on CBS, and that's just about perfect. Usually, Bell lines up as the classic I-back, seven yards deep, and when he takes a handoff from Ben Roethlisberger, he'll take a couple of jab steps toward a hole and almost stop in his tracks. Denver, under Mike Shanahan, had a one-cut running style; the back was told to hit up in the hole immediately—that charging into the hole was the one cut. Most coaches decry what they call pussyfooting. You'll hear coaches sometimes yell at their backs to hit it up in there, don't wait, get what you can. But Bell figures he's running behind such a great tactical line that eventually he's going to see a good crease. So he waits longer than other backs. It's working. His last seven games, on the ground: 146 yards, 120, 118, 236, 93, 122 and 167.
I find this amazing: Emmitt Smith, the all-time rushing king, gained 860 yards in his best seven-game stretch. That's 142 yards less than Bell's current seven-game run.
How does that factor in this weekend? Kansas City's giving up 4.4 yards per rush this year, and they're 26th in the league in rushing defense. So that's why there might be some alarm bells in the Chiefs' defensive meetings this week.
Now for Rodgers. The Giants were stifling him and the Green Bay offense through the first 25 minutes (Rodgers: 5 of 13 for 38 yards, five minutes before halftime). Then he made one of the most Rodgers-like plays of his life. At the Giants' five near the two-minute warning, he took a snap and bobbed and weaved against a three-man New York rush, with a fourth player, Damon Harrison, rushing from a contain spot late in the play. (Maybe the Giants should have sent four or five, but you pick your poison here; rushing more could well have given Rodgers less time to find a man but more space in which to throw a dart.) Rodgers moved up, bounced in the pocket, jittered to the right, looked to his left. Three, four, five, six seconds. Now he began moving left, hounded by Harrison, and saw a sliver of space outside Davante Adams, covered closely by Giants DB Coty Sensabaugh. How'd he fit that ball into a tiny window three feet to the outside of a diving Adams? He just did.
Two minutes later, Pack ball at the New York 42. Last play of the half. Everybody knows the Hail Mary's coming. Five Giants surround three Packers in the end zone, and Rodgers, as he does on these throws, heaves a moon shot. He said, "The high arc is by design. I want to make sure those guys have enough chance to get down there and jump for it." Randall Cobb's job, as one of the smaller guys, is to be the muscle for "the jumper"—Adams. "I'm supposed to get in position to box out at least one guy and let the jumper be the jumper, give him a fairly clean place to jump." Here came the ball, a little deeper than Adams and Jeff Janis and Cobb through it would be thrown. Right in the back of the end zone, in fact. Four Giants were clustered around Adams, and Cobb hung near the end line and had little competition for it. "The ball comes down," Cobb said, "and it's right to me." The Giants played it poorly, obviously, playing the men rather than the ball. But that deflated the visitors and inflated the Packers. Green Bay led 14-6 at the half, and the Giants never led again.
"A big part of our offense is simply extending plays," Cobb said, "because we know if Aaron can stay active, he'll eventually be able to fit a ball into one of us. Right now, it feels great. Aaron is trusting every receiver, trusting us to create separation and knowing all of us well enough to know he can make eye contact with us and we'll both understand."
Forty-nine years after the first Dallas-Green Bay game for the ages, the Ice Bowl, there could be another one in Texas late Sunday afternoon. In sports, we're often victims to what we've just seen. We shouldn't necessarily think the Packers will own the day because we've seen them play so indestructibly lately. But Rodgers is so deft in the pocket right now, so confident, with receivers who know him so well. (That could be tested if Jordy Nelson is lost against Dallas with a rib injury suffered against the Giants.)
"We're a very dangerous team right now," Cobb said. Garrett and the Cowboys saw that Sunday.
• GAME OF THE YEAR GETS A REMATCH: Andy Benoit breaks down next weekend's Seahawks-Falcons divisional matchup
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Previewing Divisional Weekend
Every divisional round game is a rematch of a 2016 regular-season game. (By the by, will the NFL please fix that name? "Divisional playoff" is ridiculously drab and not enticing. Think, Park Avenue. Think!)
• NFC: Seattle (11-5-1, third seed) at Atlanta (11-5, second seed), Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET. America still doesn't know these Falcons. Won a fairly weak division, lost to San Diego and Tampa Bay at home, handed Kansas City a win—also at home. But Atlanta scored 33 points or more in 10 of 16 games, Matt Ryan has so many weapons he doesn't miss Julio Jones when he's out, and the two-headed running attack (Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman) averaged 4.6 yards per carry. When these two teams met in a thrilling October game (Seahawks 26, Falcons 24, in Seattle), the Falcons were a non-pass-interference call in the final minute from a good chance to win. The Atlanta Weaponry Factoid I like to use is that Taylor Gabriel out-touchdowned the great Julio Jones, 7-6, this year. So Seattle will have a tough time shutting down the league's highest-scoring offense. My advice for the Seahawks: play clockball. Try to keep Atlanta to eight or nine possessions by using Thomas Rawls as much as he was used in the wild-card win over Detroit. I like Atlanta in this first game of divisional weekend, but I could see Seattle continuing the momentum it started with the rout of Detroit.
• RICHARD SHERMAN IS NOT APOLOGIZING: The Seahawks' volatile star opens up to Robert Klemko about his turbulent 2016
• AFC: Houston (10-7, fourth seed) at New England (14-2, first seed), Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET. This is the 14th playoff appearance for the Belichick/Brady Patriots, and they've played at home to open the playoffs every time. And only once (I've checked) has the matchup been more lopsided heading into game time—the 2011 divisional game against the 9-8 Broncos, quarterbacked by Tim Tebow. New England won that night, 45-10. It's so hard to envision the Texans making this a close game. Consider this: In Week 3, third-string Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett, a rookie, started his first NFL game, damaged a ligament in his throwing thumb in the third quarter, and the Patriots embarrassed the Texans and Brock Osweiler 27-0. Now? Osweiler has a tendency to try too hard to be perfect, on and off the field, and the good Osweiler showing up is the only slight prayer the Texans have. "The next opponent is going to be a tall task, which we understand," Bill O'Brien said before he knew the matchup. "Our MO is to make it a game in the fourth quarter. When we've done that, we've had a good chance this season." Perhaps. But even facing a very good defense, the Tom Brady NFL Revenge Tour should have a comfy postseason debut at Gillette Stadium. Vegas agrees. The early line is New England by 16.
• AFC: Pittsburgh (12-5, third seed) at Kansas City (12-4, second seed), Sunday, 1:05 p.m. ET. In their first meeting this year, at Heinz Field in October, Kansas City went punt-fumble-interception-punt-punt-punt in its first six series. Pittsburgh's first six: punt-TD-TD-TD-punt-TD. After 36 minutes, it was 36-0 Pittsburgh. "First game means nothing," Steelers safety Mike Mitchell said Sunday. "We're not booking this. They're a two seed for a reason." Sounds good, but we'll see if the Steelers can believe it as the week goes on. Sometimes when good teams play, the game can get away from one of them. And the Steelers' first two touchdown drives in that October game—32 yards and four yards—were off turnovers. This time it's going to be vital for Kansas City to possess the ball and have some long drives; the Steelers' offense is so dangerous right now, and it almost doesn't matter if they've got to move it throwing or running. The Chiefs have held the ball longer than 34 minutes only three times in 16 games this year—and this week that could be the biggest factor of them all. Long Steeler drives, plus 11 or 12 possessions for them, could decide the game.
• NFC: Green Bay (11-6, fourth seed) at Dallas (13-3, first seed), Sunday, 4:40 p.m. ET. Good stat overnight from Pro Football Focus: When the Cowboys beat Green Bay at Lambeau in October, they did it in spite of a poor pass-rush on Aaron Rodgers—and, quite possibly, because Rodgers was playing poorly at the time. Dallas got pressure on just five of 45 Rodgers' pass drops, according to PFF. If that happens this time, the pressure will be on Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott to own this game, or the Cowboys could have a stunningly early playoff exit. The strategy for Dallas here would be the same as for Seattle. Control the ball and limit Green Bay's possessions. The Packers' offensive line has been terrific all season, and tackle Bryan Bulaga and David Bakhtiari are healthy and playing very well. I do not envy Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli. To win the Super Bowl, he might have to beat three of the top five candidates for the 2016 MVP: Rodgers in the divisional round, Matt Ryan in the NFC title game (if the favored Falcons win this weekend) and Tom Brady in the Super Bowl (if the Patriots come out of the AFC). Suppose the favored Ryan wins this year's MVP. Think of that: Has any team ever beaten three current/former MVPs to get to the Super Bowl?
• NFL PLAYOFF GEAR GUIDE: From hats and hoodies to shirts and sweaters, here are fan apparel recommendations for every postseason team
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On Coaches, MVPs and More
Events percolating over the weekend:
• I'm hearing the Bills and Rams were feeling good about the prospects of Buffalo interim coach Anthony Lynn. Organized and a commanding presence, I heard from one club official after his interview. Lynn's best chance might be if Bill O'Brien stays in Houston and Buffalo ownership gives a shot to a coach universally liked and respected in the building.
• On Saturday, New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels interviewed with the Jaguars at 7 a.m. in Foxboro, the Rams at noon in Foxboro, and the 49ers at 4 in Foxboro. For some teams in the process, it seems like McDaniels is the No. 1 guy on their list. But we're still early in the process. Very early. There's no coach out there whom teams are racing to hire. But McDaniels had a good Saturday. Teams came away impressed, particularly the Jaguars.
• I've heard good things about the 49ers in their interviews. Why? Because they're willing to import a coach who would be in charge of reinventing the culture in San Francisco. And they're willing to be patient. By patient, I mean willing to give a long-term contract to a coach, listen to his recommendation for GM, and steel the locals that this is going to be a significant rebuild. Smart. There's no other way to do it and to have a chance.
• Re the MVP: The MMQB's awards had Matt Ryan winning. We polled media and football lovers (like John Legend) and asked for their top five at MVP. Ryan ended up with 17 of 31 first-place votes. Tom Brady was next with six. I had my top five this way: Ryan, Derek Carr, Tom Brady, Dak Prescott, Aaron Rodgers.
• Really enjoyed talking to Paul Richardson, the miracle catcher of the Seahawks, after his three-catch tour de force Saturday night. Most interesting thing he said: "I don't like catching the ball one-handed. You've got a better chance to catch it with two hands. I don't practice one-handed catches." On his touchdown catch, the one-handed job with a Lions cornerback hanging on him, Richardson said: "All I saw is the ball coming, and, you know, you just react."
• THE MMQB 2016 NFL AWARDS: Our eclectic panel of voters picks MVP, top coach and much more
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Quick Notes on the Farewell Four
What we learned from the teams whose seasons ended this weekend:
New York Giants: Odell Beckham dropped one pass and didn't catch two others that were in his hemisphere in Green Bay. We saw. But I simply do not correlate it to watching the sun come up on a party boat in Miami six days before the game. It's a lazy story angle, to me. Would I prefer that every night during the week Beckham be in bed at 11? Yes. Do I want to control the off-days of 24-year-olds? No. The Giants lost because Aaron Rodgers is playing out of his mind, because vital cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie got hurt early and was a non-factor—and maybe next is the fact that Beckham should have been better. … Eli Manning turned 36 six days ago. Clock is ticking on his life in football. The 2017 season is a vital one, with this defense growing into a very good one, for Manning. It might be his last, best chance to win a third ring. … Giants have devoted a lot of draft capital to the offensive line recently. But they've got to find a tackle in this draft, or in free agency. They're too shaky on the edge.
Miami: Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is a candidate for multiple head-coaching jobs, and there's no question he's got a real shot to be the Broncos' next coach. But he followed up a year in which the Dolphins were 29th in the league in team defense with this clunker: allowing the Steelers 90-yard, 85-yard and 83-yard touchdown drives in the first 20 minutes at Pittsburgh. … Matt Moore, you have my admiration. … Amazing to me with a Dolphins front anchored by Ndamukong Suh that the Steelers can shred it for 286 first-half yards and essentially end the game … All in all, a very good year for Miami, and the Dolphins found the right coach in Adam Gase. But the team has a way to go to be a serious challenger for AFC East supremacy.
Oakland: Now you know why I voted Derek Carr second on my MVP ballot. It's not about the weakness of the backups, nor is it about stats—it's about his meaning to the team and the importance of his presence … Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave did Connor Cook no favors early in Houston, all but telegraphing to the Texans defense: WE'RE ONLY THROWING SCREENS AND CHECKDOWNS BECAUSE THE ROOKIE QUARTERBACK IS SCARED, AND SO ARE WE. First three passes: short left incomplete, short left gain of one, screen left batted and picked off by Jadeveon Clowney. If Connor Cook's in the lineup and he's playing quarterback, let him play quarterback the way he was raised to play … No Raider fan should be discouraged this morning. Every arrow is pointing up for this franchise right now. Carr would have won that game (at least it would have been a shootout) and would have given the Raiders a good chance in any game they'd have played this postseason.
Detroit: "Some things are inexplicable," coach Jim Caldwell said after the 26-6 loss to Seattle, referring to the dropped passes, the Anquan Boldin meltdown and the general poor game the Lions played. It doesn't reflect well on the coach, and the coaching staff, to see that level of play in the biggest game of the year, but GM Bob Quinn has announced that Caldwell will return in 2017. Quinn may not have fired (and maybe should not fire) Caldwell. Maybe Quinn should have just said, With Matthew Stafford hurt, it's all a mulligan now anyway. But why make that call after backing into the playoffs, losing three vital games in a row down the stretch—and before an awful-looking playoff performance? … So strange to see a rock-solid guy like Anquan Boldin go nuts the way he did. For his sake, I hope that's not his last game … We never talk about Glover Quin as a top safety, but he saved a touchdown with an end-zone pass deflection and played very well on the back end.
• STEVE TASKER ON BRUCE DEHAVEN: The former Bills special teamer pays tribute to one of best coaches you never knew
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Quotes of the Week
"We don't care about the nameless gray faces we're playing right now. This is man versus himself."
—Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin, on Sunday's playoff rematch with Kansas City. The Steelers won the first meeting by 29 points.
"We took two kickers instead of Tom Brady. That's why I'm no longer in this business."
—Jon Gruden on the ESPN telecast of Oakland-Houston Saturday. In 2000, Gruden's third year as Raiders coach, Oakland drafted Sebastian Janikowski in the first round and Shane Lechler in the fifth round. That's the year New England took Brady in the sixth round.
… "Finish it off, Matty."
—Oakland quarterback Derek Carr, wired for sound by NFL Films in the Raiders' Dec. 24 win over Indianapolis, on the ground with a broken leg late in the game, motioning to the sideline for medics to come get him. The second quote, Carr to backup quarterback Matt McGloin, came when McGloin passed him on the field coming in to finish the game.
That kind of drama is why you wire players.
"It's time for our coaches to unionize. We've had four coaches in the hospital this year. If people understood how many hours, and what it takes to be a head coach, how many hours they put in, it would be an issue."
—Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall, on "Inside the NFL."
"I think there's frustration with the lack of production with those guys who have replaced Earl and Kam. There's such a high standard that when it's not met, it's frustrating. I'm sure he'll get mad at me for saying this, but it's a maturity issue on his part too. He's got to be that helping hand for those guys that aren't normally back there."
—Seattle wide receiver Doug Baldwin on Richard Sherman, in Robert Klemko's story for The MMQB on the outspoken and emotional Sherman's sideline outbursts this year. Sherman is not apologizing for them.
"They accused me of cheating. Everything I've done from the beginning to now I've done on my own. It's been all of my own hard work, blood, sweat and tears. I haven't used any type of steroids, performance-enhancing drugs, anything like that. I've never, not once, failed a drug test."
—Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison, to Andrea Kremer on NFL Network on Sunday, on the 2015 Al Jazeera report that he used PEDs.
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The Award Section
Le'Veon Bell, running back, Pittsburgh. The most unique back in football—for years, perhaps—patiently gouged the Dolphins again and again and again in the 30-12 wild-card win, rushing 29 times for 167 yards and two touchdowns. No Steeler back since Franco Harris 42 years ago has had such a prolific playoff game. "That kind of blew me away," said Bell. "It's really humbling. It goes to show how good this team is." Well, it goes to show a lot of things, most notably that Bell's a very dangerous offensive weapon, with the league's most unique running style.
Aaron Rodgers, quarterback, Green Bay. That 38-13 win over the Giants was a ridiculous game. How do you figure, particularly against a team with the kind of defensive fortitude and cover ability as New York, that Rodgers is going to have four touchdowns, no picks, no turnovers and throw for 362 … after struggling for the first 25 minutes? We are watching one of the great quarterbacks of our lives, with the kind of pocket presence and feel for the rush and touch on his throws that are second to none in football today—which is saying something, because Tom Brady is still playing, and playing remarkably well.
Justin Britt, center, Seattle.This is not to diminish the great game of Thomas Rawls (27 carries, 161 rushing yards). The interior Seattle line, as embattled a line as there is in football, was superb in opening holes and driving the Lions off the ball in their 177-rushing-yards performance in Seattle's dominant win. Britt made the key block on three big Rawls runs, and was aided by two big clear-out blocks by left guard Mark Glowinski. This is the formula Seattle used in the Marshawn Lynch Era—win time of possession (Seattle had the ball for 36:39), give Russell Wilson enough time to make plays (mostly, he had that time), and don't turn it over. Of all the teams that won this weekend, the single most surprising element, in a positive way, was the performance of the Seattle offensive line. Britt, the Seahawks' second-round pick in 2014, was huge in that performance.
Jadeveon Clowney, defensive end, Houston. He is looking like everything he was drafted to be. It took three years to say that, but he's a game-wrecker. His athletic tipped interception on the Raiders' third pass of the game turned out to be the biggest play of the Texans' 27-14 wild-card win over Oakland, and his scary sideline-to-sideline play makes the Texans not miss J.J. Watt nearly as much as we thought they would. Did you see the play when he roared into the backfield and collided with Latavious Murray, causing him to get stuffed for a six-yard loss? "Clowney's so productive against the run and the pass, and he showed that today," coach Bill O'Brien told me post-game. "He's been doing it all year. Clowney led the league in tackles for loss. He's really a complete player." He showed that in wrecking the Raiders. (As asterisk here to Whitney Mercilus, who had two sacks. "Probably the most improved player in the league," O'Brien said.)
Matt Prater, kicker, Detroit. He kept it a one-score game at halftime in Seattle (10-3) with a 51-yard field goal late in the second quarter, then kicked a 53-yarder in the third to cut the Seahawk lead to 10-6. Not an easy night to kick, with 33-degree wind chill and a fairly rock-hard ball in the conditions. The Lions easily could have been zipped in the 26-6 loss without the leg of Prater.
Tom Cable, offensive line coach, Seattle. All season I (and many of my peers) have derided the front five of the Seahawks. Not this weekend. The Seahawks offensive line opened holes for 177 rushing yards and largely protected Russell Wilson (except for three sacks on 36 pass drops) and in general repaid the faith that Cable has shown in this group all season. Particularly notable was the work of center Justin Britt and left guard Mark Glowinski, who both should get a large chunk of the headlines that will go to Thomas Rawls for his 161-yard rushing game. Excellent work by Cable and the Seattle offensive staff.
Bobby Rainey, kick returner, New York Giants.With 18 minutes left at Green Bay, and the Packers kicking off after taking a 21-13 lead, kicker Mason Crosby booted one toward the left pylon of the end zone. Rainey inexplicably caught it and lunged out of bounds at the 3-yard line. Had he let it go, the Giants would have had the ball at either the 25 (touchback) or at the 40 (out of bounds). The Giants went three-and-out and the Packers responded with a short-field field goal and then a touchdown on their next series. Ball game over.
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Right Combination of the Week
The Pittsburgh defensive front. You cannot pick just two Steelers, or three or even four. The right combination of the first playoff weekend—in fact the perfect combination—was the symphonic play of the Steelers in shutting down the Miami running game, the same rushing attack that doomed Pittsburgh back in October. Let's look at these five men, who made life miserable for the Dolphins for three hours: Lawrence Timmons, James Harrison, Ryan Shazier, Bud Dupree and Stephon Tuitt had 40 tackles, three sacks, seven quarterback hits, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. This was a classic Steel Curtain performance by a defense determined to make amends for an October loss in Miami.
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Stats of the Week
Miami beat Pittsburgh in October 30-15, and the key was Jay Ajayi rushing for 204 yards. Pittsburgh beat Miami 30-12 on Sunday in the playoffs, and the key was Ajayi being held to 33 yards on 16 carries. The Steelers' swarming started early, holding Ajayi to 0, minus-3 and 0 yards on his first three carries. This also helped:
• Jay Ajayi rushes of more than 10 yards in game 1: 7.
• Jay Ajayi rushes of more than 10 yards on Sunday: 0.
In his last 26 series of the season, Chicago quarterback Matt Barkley threw 10 interceptions.
In his last 85 series of the season, New England quarterback Tom Brady threw one.
Postscript on the MVP voting: I wrote a couple of weeks ago that of the 61 men to have won the NFL's MVP trophy in its 59 seasons of being awarded (twice there were ties for the MVP), none had ever missed a quarter of his team's games, as Tom Brady did this year—making it difficult for him to catch the field. But one winner did miss three of his team's 16-game slate: Joe Montana of the 49ers in 1989.
It's because in 13 games, Joe Montana might have had the best year by a quarterback in the then-70-season history of the NFL. Montana set a league record with a 112.4 passer rating (18.3 points higher than any other quarterback that year), was more accurate (70.2 percent) by 7 percentage points than any quarterback that year, led the league with a plus-18 touchdown-to-interception differential, and was nearly a yard better than any other passer in yards per attempt, at 9.1.
Brady, of course, was superb in 2016. But he didn't finish first in any of the major passing categories.
The MVP is always a contentious debate, and it should be; this is the biggest individual award that there is in football. But Montana had a historic season in 1989, and almost certainly the best one he ever had. That's why he won the MVP despite missing three games.
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Factoids of the Week That May Interest Only Me
For many college football players, particularly those at the highest level of the game, it used to be said that once they reached pro football, they would hit the rookie wall at 11 or 12 games, because that's all they played in college.
No more.
Rookie Colts center Ryan Kelly, from Alabama, played 16 games this year, and including training camp, his year lasted 22.5 weeks from the first day of summer practice .
Alabama football players play their 15th game tonight in the national title game against Clemson, and their season lasted 23.5 weeks.
An asterisk there: In December, the Tide had a week off for rest and for finals between the SEC title game and the playoff game against Washington. But you get the point: For the players coming off the best college teams, there should be no more rookie wall, because the college season is the exact same length as the NFL.
Two Bobcats spoke late Sunday afternoon. At the end of our conversation, just before hanging up, Steelers safety Mike Mitchell (Ohio University class of 2009) said to Peter King (Ohio University class of 1979): "Good talking to you, Mr. King. OU, Oh Yeah." Then he was gone. That wasn't a thing when I was in Athens.
Mike Mitchell's birthday: June 10, 1987.
Peter King's birthday: June 10, 1957
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Dr. Z Unsung Guys of the Week
Each week, in conjunction with Pro Football Focus, I'll point out three players who played well but were under the radar. Paul Zimmerman would have loved this section. This week's trio:
1. Packers OT Bryan Bulaga. His sound pass-protection against the Giants was one of the key reasons Aaron Rodgers was able to throw for four touchdowns and control the game in the last 35 minutes. Bulaga allowed zero sacks and one hurry on his 46 pass-blocking snaps and ranked number one among all tackles this weekend.
2. Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier. He brought his normal frenetic style of play into the playoffs and was all over the field against the Dolphins. Shazier had two hurries on his nine pass-rush snaps, allowed three catches for just 19 yards and intercepted a pass.
3. Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye. He was on the field for 52 coverage snaps against the Raiders and had an amazing game. Bouye was thrown at seven times by Raiders quarterback Connor Cook and didn't allow a single completion. He intercepted a pass and allowed a passer rating of 0.0.
Go here to access PFF's grades on every NFL player.
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Mr. Starwood Preferred Member Travel Note
Column editor Dom Bonvissuto took a quick trip to Las Vegas this weekend to watch the wild-card games. Here is his dispatch:
I was in Vegas with three buddies for a guys weekend, and we posted up at Lagasse's Stadium in the Palazzo for both Saturday games. Watching the playoffs in Vegas is a communal experience, particularly at a sports book. Camaraderie is king.
There are diehard fans on both sides of a game, for sure, but the gambling action ratchets things up several notches and turns relatively meaningless moments into loud cheers/groans as betting lines are impacted. Strangers quickly become friends.
But no moment on the field united the few hundred fans at Lagasse's quite like the following exchange. During a break on the TV broadcast, a New England player popped up on the screen, drawing a smattering of boos. One man, in a large group from the CES convention, stood up and...
Lagasse's erupted, as fans with Seahawks and Lions and Texans and Raiders jerseys all enjoyed the dig at the team everyone loves to hate. Especially in Vegas, it's more fun to root for the underdog.
In his Football Lifestyle column this Friday, Bonvissuto will be writing a Guide to Watching Playoff Football in Vegas. Have any tips or advice on how to make the most of the experience? Drop him a note on email or Twitter.
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Tweets of the Week
The ESPN host, comparing the 1990s Dallas dynasty to today's Giants.
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Pod People
From "The MMQB Podcast With Peter King," available where you download podcasts.
This week: A playoff preview with NFL analyst (and former NFL quarterback and 18-month Patriots offensive quality control coach) Chris Simms; Buffalo guard Richie Incognito; and Giants linebacker and defensive captain Jonathan Casillas.
• Simms on his year as a coaching assistant in New England, and on Bill Belichick: "I was doing all the dirty work, breaking down all the film, supplying the coaches with information to start their game plan. And then I was in charge of northeast scouting, making tapes. People think I don't like New England, but you are critical of the teams you like the most, right? I am a huge New England fan. It was a great experience being there, and I learned so much and I got an inside look of why they are the greatest franchise in the last 20 years and maybe in the history of the NFL.
"Bill is one of the smartest individuals you can be around. If he went to Wall Street, I think he would be running Wall Street as the head of Goldman Sachs and making $100 million there. He is so smart, so tactical. Everything is about supplying information to Bill so he can make the decisions … There is never a day off with Bill Belichick. Oh, it's March 23? No, we're working hard and going to be detailed as s--- today no matter what. Bill was the kind of … It's Saturday and we're in a coaches meeting and he goes, Alright, I'll see you guys in here tomorrow at 10:30. And we'd say, you know coach, tomorrow is Mother's Day. And he'd say, Man, okay, I didn't realize it was Mother's Day, I'll see you guys Monday. He is football all the time and it's where his mind is and it's not even a grind for him. It's just his life."
Coming this week on the podcast: Atlanta quarterback and MVP candidate Matt Ryan, and Pro Football Talkfounder/editor and NBC "Football Night in America" analyst Mike Florio.
* * *
Ten Things I Think I Think
1. I think these are my quick notes of analysis from wild-card weekend:
a. Seems like a never-ending tradition: The early Saturday game feels like the JV game.
b. Despite the Giants' surrendering 38 points Sunday, highlighting some depth issues in the secondary, GM Jerry Reese had one of the best free-agency seasons in history in 2016.
c. Of every team left in the playoffs, the Steelers are best suited to win on frigid days, with a strong-armed quarterback, a patient and broiling running back, and more than one reliable receiver. (I'm counting Eli Rogers).
d. I am 59 years old; I was 6 months old when the Lions won their last road playoff game. I don't think that says good things for the Detroit football club.
e. Looks like it's over for new Seahawk Devin Hester. The greatest punt-returner of our day, 34, signaled for a fair catch and caught a first-quarter punt at the Seattle 12-yard line with the two closest Lions each eight yards away.
f. I was one of those, incorrectly, with a shovel, throwing dirt on Jadeveon Clowney's career last summer.
g. I disagree with Cris Collinsworth on his people-didn't-appreciate-Marshawn Lynch-enough point Saturday night. People appreciated him plenty and miss him very much.
h. It's just not acceptable, and should be cause for Seattle GM John Schneider to bring kicking competition to training camp next year, for Seattle kicker Steven Hauschka to miss seven extra points—seven 33-yard field goals—in 17 games.
i. The Dolphins are two corners away from being a threat to win multiple January games, but they're not the only team that can say that.
j. Every time I watch Bobby Wagner play (I sound like a broken record), I'm impressed with his instincts and his Ray Lewis-like sideline-to-sideline intelligence and athleticism.
2. I think I like the Gregg Williams hire as defensive coordinator for Hue Jackson and the Browns. It's not just because the Rams were ninth in team defense this year, because they had some awful games. But it's because Williams is not going to stand for 4.6 yards per rush (Cleveland's porous defensive number this year) or 36 passing touchdowns (which Cleveland allowed this year). He's going to make mediocrity uncomfortable. He'll fire people (if he can), or at least bench them. If Jamie Collins re-signs, Williams will challenge him to get the lack of discipline out of his game. Good pick by Hue Jackson.
3. I think I'm sure Tampa Bay coach Dirk Koetter won points in his own locker room by saying the team would have competition for second-round kicker Roberto Aguayo in training camp next summer. GM Jason Licht traded into the second round to pick Aguayo, and he was the worst kicker in the league (among kickers who played the full season with their teams); he was a 71-percent kicker, and hit just four of 10 from beyond 40 yards. "Our field-goal percentage this year was not good enough," Koetter said last week. "Jason [Licht] and I have talked, and I think it's already proven that we have no problem moving on from a draft choice and playing someone who wasn't drafted." Good lesson for Licht: Let's say the four best kickers of the current era (just my opinion) are Adam Vinatieri, Dan Bailey, Stephen Gostkowski and Justin Tucker. One was drafted. You can find kickers—and great kickers—on the street, or late in the draft. You certainly shouldn't trade up to pick one in the second round.
4. I think owner Bob McNair tried to put out the fire of the tenuousness of Bill O'Brien's job ("There's nothing to it; I'm not going to fire him") Saturday evening, and assured Houston reporters that O'Brien will return for his fourth season in 2017. I asked O'Brien about it after the game. "I don't know where it's coming from, honestly," he said. "That's probably a question for someone else. All those things out there, I'm not familiar where they've originated from, and I certainly want to finish what we started and bring a championship to Houston. That's why I came here." No one knows exactly what the tenor of feelings is inside the building in Houston, but when I think about the Texans and the culture led by owner Bob McNair, I think of civility and utmost respect. I think how well Gary Kubiak must have fit in there, and how comfortable McNair and GM Rick Smith must have been with him. O'Brien's got a bit of a growling side, a tough edge, and he's going to sometimes rankle people if getting along is of paramount importance. In my opinion, losing O'Brien would be a huge mistake.
5. I think O'Brien would be a strong candidate in at least two of the six current openings. But as one coach-seeking team decision-maker told me Saturday: "Obviously that's an interesting candidate, but we'd want to know why that thing blew up, if it does. We'd want to know what he [O'Brien] is like to work with." I'll tell you what he's like, according to those who work with him: He's going to make it unpleasant if you lose, or if you're not playing well.
6. I think this doesn't speak volumes; it shouts volumes. Christian Hackenberg was the 51st pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, 84 spots (and almost three full rounds) in front of Dak Prescott. And Jets GM Mike Maccagnan was asked Thursday if Hackenberg has developed enough in 2016 to compete for the starting job in 2017. Now, Maccagnan was not asked if Hackenberg was the starter entering 2017, or whether he expected Hackenberg would start in 2017. He was asked if Hackenberg "has developed enough to compete for the starting job" next season. Maccagnan said: "From where he was initially, he has made progress. He has improved. This will be a big offseason for him and we'll probably have a better feel for that when we go into training camp next year." Man, has Hackenberg learned how to put on a helmet yet?
7. I think Brian Costello of the New York Post had a pretty good rejoinder after the Maccagnan briefing: "Maccagnan is irrationally afraid to say anything that might tip off the competition. (Psst, rest of NFL: The Jets need a quarterback. You didn't hear it from me.)"
8. I think you don't win starting quarterback jobs in the NFL during January press conferences. And Hackenberg obviously will sink or swim on his own starting in the Jets' offseason program in April. But some quarterback prospects during their first year or two engender comments about looking good in practice, and pushing for playing time. I never heard once all season about how impressive Hackenberg looked.
9. I think Nick Saban won't be going to Indianapolis. Makes a lot of sense on the surface, but it doesn't look like the Sabans will be moving to central Indiana, regardless of outcome in Tampa tonight.
10. I think these are my non-NFL thoughts of the week:
a. Good piece while you're waiting for the national championship game tonight, on the pro prospects of Clemson quarterback DeShaun Watson, by SI's Pete Thamel.
b. I'd love to give you a prediction on the game tonight. But I haven't seen enough of either team to say anything about it. Really interested to watch DeShaun Watson for four quarters, though, after reading Thamel's piece.
c. I walked the dog regularly over the weekend, a couple of times when the wind-chill temperature was under 20. Playing football at 0 degrees wind chill? I don't see how you can be at your best. For Aaron Rodgers to have one of the best games of the year for a quarterback, when it's windy and in the single digits? Man, that's an accomplishment.
d. If Murray Chass doesn't think anyone's worthy of the Hall of Fame, let him leave his ballot blank. Which he did.
e. Beernerdness: I re-tried Namaste, the witbier from Dogfish Head Craft Brewery (Milton, Del.), and I was glad I did. With a tiny slice of lemon, it's perfect any time of year. Better in the summer, but I'm getting a little cranky about heavy beers at any time, and so the Namaste was terrific in an Allagash White kind of way.
f. This is as worrisome a story as we've seen in this country in a while.
g. You're more important than ever, John McCain. Do not back down.
* * *
The Adieu Haiku
Chris Berman steps back.
He should not be buried now.
Celebrated, yes.
• Question or comment? Email us at email@example.com.


text:
Photographer's Note
Shot on the 5-mile pier in Progreso. Even though this was built largely to impress tourists, it appear to have worked. I loved the symmetry, the warm tones and the harsh Mexican sun. Can you feel the heat?
Unsharp mask and adjusted colour balance. The lamp post in the back could be easily cloned out. Do you find it distracting?
Critiques | Translate
TeresaT (10806) 2006-10-12 18:37
Hello Kai,
I've noticed that there are windows too next my photo.
It is a very pleasant composition with these 3 fake windows aligned.
I like the curve of the wall and the colours are very natural.
Well done.
atus (15858) 2006-10-12 18:52
Hello Kai,
very well captured and framed shot from a good pov and with a great diagonal perspective. Very well managed harsh light with the CPL filter and nice and well contrasting colours. Tfs and best regards.
gypsygirl58 (1329) 2006-10-12 19:19
Hi Kai,
I love the warm coloured curved wall! Great POV and perspective. TFS :-)
Cheers Tina
rewshearer (682) 2006-10-12 21:16
Satisfying colours and repeating patterns from the windows ... a nice pleasing shot.
Well done
vhemmati (616) 2006-10-12 21:21
Hi Kai,
A well exposed and composed shot with a good perspective to it. a warm shot.
sufi (9588) 2006-10-12 21:27
Hi Kai...
It's a wonderful point of view and beautiful composition, indeed... The pastel tones, the light, the details and the clarity are perfect...
Stay well..
ribeiroantonio (22730) 2006-10-13 4:23
Four Mexican windows next to four Portuguese windows (on the miniature page)! Not bad!!!
I like the nice POV letting us know a bit of what is behind. I also like the warm colour you got on a strong light. Well done.
deblink (2548) 2006-10-13 4:36
Hello Kai,
This is a lovely sharp simple photo. Great POV. I like it very much. Thank you for sharing.
Vincelavisse (454) 2006-10-16 21:37
Bonjour Paul,
Que de magnifiques couleurs et la perspective est réellement intéressante. La composition est soignée: j'aime beaucoup la simétrie que tu as donnée à cette photo. Merci d'avoir partagé!
Photo Information
- Copyright: Kai Rannik (IaKoop) (819)
- Genre: Lugares
- Medium: Cor
- Date Taken: 2006-10-09
- Categories: Arquitectura
- Camera: Canon EOS Rebel XT, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6, 58mm circular polarizer
- Exposição: f/10.0, 1/200 segundos
- Versão da Foto: Versão Original
- Tema(s): The Eyes of the House, Kai's Best [view contributor(s)]
- Date Submitted: 2006-10-12 18:24
- To Vincelavisse: Paul? (2)
by IaKoop, last updated 2006-10-23 11:53

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Last Updated: December 12, 2017
Game Play Network, Inc. ("b spot") operates an advance deposit wagering service that it makes available to eligible consumers in certain authorized states by way of: (i) the web site located at https://www.bspot.com (the "Website"); (ii) the b spot mobile application (the "Mobile Application"); and (iii) b spot's proprietary application programming interface that integrates with certain trusted third party applications. As used herein, the term "Service" refers collectively to all means and methods by which a consumer may: (i) become an approved user of b spot's advance deposit wagering service; and/or (ii) utilize the advance deposit wagering service to place wagers and/or use other features and functionalities offered via the Service.
These Terms of Use (the "Terms of Use") describe the terms and conditions applicable to the use of the Service. This is a legal agreement and it is important that you read and understand exactly what you are agreeing to before you click the "I AGREE" button. By visiting or accessing the Service, you represent and warrant that you are eighteen (18) years of age or older, can form legally binding contracts under applicable law, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Use and to all applicable laws, statutes and ordinances. If you have any questions about this Agreement, you can reach us at firstname.lastname@example.com .
These Terms of Use, as amended from time to time, comprise a legal agreement between you ("you" or "User" or "Account Holder") and b spot. You must read and agree to these Terms of Use in order to create an account and before you use the Service. By registering for and/or using the Service in any manner, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree with these Terms of Use, do not use or access the Service.
When you create a user name and password via the Service, you will be required to agree to the Terms of Use and b spot's Privacy Policy. If you do not affirmatively agree to the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy, you will not be able to create an account and apply for an advance deposit wagering account. Some features offered through the Service may be subject to additional terms and conditions promulgated by b spot from time to time; your use of such features is subject to those additional terms and conditions, which are incorporated into these Terms of Use by this reference.
Use of the Service is subject to all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations and can only be used by natural persons who are twenty one (21) years of age or older. By registering for an account or using Service, you represent and warrant that: (a) you are a natural person who is twenty one (21) years of age or older; (b) you are a United States citizen or resident alien: (c) the residential address you provided is true and correct and that you are a resident of the state associated with such residential address; (d) all registration information you submit is truthful and accurate; (e) at all times you will maintain the accuracy of such information including name, primary residence address, email address and phone number by contacting b spot Player Services; and (f) your Account is only for your own personal use and you will not: (i) use your Account in connection with a commercial business or otherwise for commercial purposes; and (ii) allow others to access or use your Account. If your primary residence address changes, you agree not to use your b spot account until after b spot has verified the new address. b spot may, in its sole discretion, refuse to offer the Service to any person or entity and change its eligibility criteria at any time. This provision is void where prohibited by law and the right to access the Service is revoked in such jurisdictions.
3.1 Account Creation
To use the Service, you will be required to create a user account ("Account"). To open an Account, a User must be legally allowed to open a pari-mutuel advance deposit wagering account and not otherwise be disqualified by these Terms of Use or applicable state law. You authorize b spot to open a pari-mutuel advance deposit wagering account in your name and to place wagers as instructed by you and manage funds on your behalf. You also authorize b spot to use third party services to authenticate your Account information. You agree that you may create and have only one Account. b spot does not permit or recognize the transfer of an Account from one User to another User. Therefore, you may not assign or transfer your Account, either in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of b spot. Any attempt to do so in violation of this requirement shall be void and of no effect. Funds are not transferrable between Account Holders.
3.2 Account Security
Password Access.
You are fully responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your password, and for any and all activities that occur in association with your account, whether or not authorized by you. You may not use anyone else's account and you may not allow anyone else to use your account. You agree to notify b spot immediately of any compromise of your password, unauthorized use of your Account, or any other breach of security and to provide properly documented evidence of such compromise or breach as requested by b spot. You agree that you will be liable for losses incurred by us or another party due to someone else using your Account or password. You agree that b spot will not be liable for any loss you may incur as a result of someone else using your password or Account, either with or without your knowledge.
Biometric Verification.
The Service may allow you to access and authenticate your Account via the transmission of certain biometric information instead of typing in your account password. Biometric verification is any means by which a person can be uniquely identified by evaluating one or more distinguishing biological traits. Unique identifiers include fingerprints, hand geometry, earlobe geometry, retina and iris patterns, voice waves, DNA, and signatures. The Service currently integrates with the Apple, Inc. TouchID Service and may integrate in the future with other biometric login/authentication services made available by mobile device operating system providers (collectively a "Biometric Authentication Service"). If the operating system for your mobile device contains a Biometric Authentication Service and b spot's Service has integrated that particular Biometric Authentication Service, you may elect to enable the Biometric Authentication Service in using the b spot Service. If you choose to enable the Biometric Authentication Service in connection with your use of the b spot Service, your use of the Biometric Authentication Service shall be governed by the following terms and conditions.
- You are not permitted to enable the Biometric Authentication Service in connection with the Service if any fingerprint besides your own is registered on the device. To help keep your account secure and to help prevent unauthorized access or transactions, you agree that only your fingerprint is registered to use the Biometric Authentication Services on your device.
- If you choose to enable the Biometric Authentication Service in connection with your use of the b spot Service, any registered fingerprint can be used to sign into the Service and access your account. Signing into the Service via the Biometric Authentication Service will have the same effect as signing in using your account password.
- You are responsible for any transactions on your b spot Account that are authorized through the Biometric Authentication Service and/or for any access to the Service authorized through the Biometric Authentication Service. We will not be responsible to you for any losses that may result from the b spot Service being signed into or accessed through the Biometric Authentication Service by a fingerprint that does not belong to you. It is important that no other person is registered or authorized to use the Biometric Authentication Service on your device.
- The Biometric Authentication Service is a service offered by your mobile device's operating system provider and as such b spot is not responsible for your use or inability to use the applicable Biometric Authentication Service. b spot does not endorse or warrant the use of any Biometric Authentication Service. b spot does not collect or store fingerprint data and is not provided this data by the applicable Biometric Authentication Service.
- Password Access. You are fully responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your password, and for any and all activities that occur in association with your account, whether or not authorized by you. You may not use anyone else's account and you may not allow anyone else to use your account. You agree to notify b spot immediately of any compromise of your password, unauthorized use of your Account, or any other breach of security and to provide properly documented evidence of such compromise or breach as requested by b spot. You agree that you will be liable for losses incurred by us or another party due to someone else using your Account or password. You agree that b spot will not be liable for any loss you may incur as a result of someone else using your password or Account, either with or without your knowledge. Biometric Verification. The Service may allow you to access and authenticate your Account via the transmission of certain biometric information instead of typing in your account password. Biometric verification is any means by which a person can be uniquely identified by evaluating one or more distinguishing biological traits. Unique identifiers include fingerprints, hand geometry, earlobe geometry, retina and iris patterns, voice waves, DNA, and signatures. The Service currently integrates with the Apple, Inc. TouchID Service and may integrate in the future with other biometric login/authentication services made available by mobile device operating system providers (collectively a "Biometric Authentication Service"). If the operating system for your mobile device contains a Biometric Authentication Service and b spot's Service has integrated that particular Biometric Authentication Service, you may elect to enable the Biometric Authentication Service in using the b spot Service. If you choose to enable the Biometric Authentication Service in connection with your use of the b spot Service, your use of the Biometric Authentication Service shall be governed by the following terms and conditions.
3.3 Account Funding General Terms
b spot allows Account Holders to fund their Accounts multiple ways, including ACH, credit/debit cards, and potentially other funding mechanisms (each a "Funding Source"). You understand and agree that, if you fund your Account through a particular Funding Source, all withdrawals from your Account and all return of funds to you by b spot shall be made via the same Funding Source that you used to fund your Account, unless another disbursement method is required pursuant to Section 3.6 of these Terms of Use. Account deposits will be made available for Your use in accordance with normal financial industry availability standards. Your account balance bears no interest and Account deposits may be subject to deposit fee charges. Users can check account balances through the Service.
Electronic Signature and ACH Authorization. If you elect to fund your Account by depositing amounts from your personal bank account, the terms of this Section 3.3(a) and Section 3.3(b) below (and any additional ACH Terms of Use posted on the Service) shall apply to your use of the automated clearing house ("ACH") payment system. By choosing your personal bank account as your deposit method, you agree that: (i) you have read, understood, and agree to the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 3.3 (and any additional ACH Terms of Use posted on the Service); (ii) your agreement to the ACH terms and conditions constitutes a writing signed by you under any applicable laws or regulations; (iii) you consent to the electronic delivery of the disclosures contained in the ACH terms and conditions; and (iv) you authorize b spot (or b spot's payment processing vendor for ACH transactions) to make any inquiries we consider necessary to validate your account, which may include ordering a credit report and performing other credit checks or verifying the information you provide against third party databases. Further, you hereby authorize b spot or b spot's payment processing vendor for ACH transactions to: (i) initiate a debit, in the amounts indicated by you from time to time and at your request, from your personal checking account in the depository financial institution identified by the routing number supplied by you and to deposit the debited amount into your Account; and (ii) initiate a credit, in the amounts indicated by you from time to time and at your request, to your personal checking account in the depository financial institution identified by the routing number supplied by you and to deposit the designated amount into your personal bank account by withdrawing the corresponding amount from your Account. You agree that you cannot and will not use any bank account associated with or controlled by any business in connection with funding your Account or withdrawing amounts from your Account.
Returned Items. You acknowledge that b spot (or b spot's payment processing vendor for ACH transactions) may charge you a returned item fee of twenty five dollars ($25.00) or such higher amount as determined by b spot's payment processing vendor for ACH transactions (the "Returned Item Fee") if your bank account has insufficient funds to cover any transaction initiated by you to deposit funds into your Account. You authorize b spot (or b spot's payment processing vendor for ACH transactions) to collect the Returned Item Fee from other forms of payment you have previously used to make deposits into your Account. Additionally, you understand and agree that b spot reserves the right to suspend your Account until such time as you have paid all Returned Item Fees to b spot or b spot's payment processing vendor for ACH transactions.
Credit Card Transactions. The Service may allow you to fund your Account by making a deposit via a credit card. In such event, please be aware that your credit card issuer may consider such a deposit to be a cash advance transaction that subjects you to additional costs and/or fees under your agreement with your credit card issuer. b spot is not liable for any fees or costs imposed on you by your credit card issuer.
Other Funding Instruments or Mechanisms. The Service may allow you to fund your Account by making a deposit via other funding instruments or mechanisms (collectively an "Other Funding Mechanism"). Your use of an Other Funding Mechanism will be governed by the terms and conditions imposed by the applicable Other Funding Mechanism and nothing herein shall modify, amend, or supersede your agreement with the applicable Other Funding Mechanism.
To the extent that you provide b spot payment information, you represent that you are an authorized user of the chosen method of payment, and that all payment information you provide, including but not limited to your name, credit card or other payment account identifying number, expiration date, security codes, billing address, and any other payment information will be current, complete, true, and accurate.
3.4 Account Suspension and Termination
b spot reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to terminate and close an Account for any reason whatsoever and without explanation. In the event an Account is terminated and closed, b spot shall return to you the balance of any funds in your Account at the time of termination and closure, together with a closing Account statement. Likewise, you retain full discretion to end or terminate your Account and discontinue use of the Service at any time. If a User moves to a state where wagering services are not available, b spot shall be required to terminate the Account and return all remaining funds. In the event an Account is terminated, b spot shall return to you the balance of any funds in your account at the time of termination.
3.5 Tax Reporting and Withholding
b spot will report wager winnings and withhold taxes in accordance with applicable federal and state law. If a User Account is subject to IRS reporting and/or withholding requirements, b spot will send a Form W2-G summarizing information for tax purposes. Upon written request, b spot will provide a User with summarized tax information on the User's wagering activities. Pursuant to these reporting requirements, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless b spot for any claims, demands, liens or judgments based on non-payment or underpayment of such taxes. You hereby grant to b spot a priority lien and security interest in all of your right, title and interest in and to the proceeds of any wager to the extent required to satisfy any taxing authority claims or liens. You agree to file any financing statements or other appropriate document with the relevant governmental authorities to assure the validity, priority and enforceability of the claim or lien. You shall not grant a lien or security interest on the proceeds of any wager to any third party without the prior written consent of b spot. You are responsible for the payment of all applicable sales, use, gaming or other taxes for use of the Service and/or wagers placed via the Service.
3.6 Account Withdrawals
Requests for withdrawals can be made via the Service, by mail to Player Services, 14725 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton OR 97006 or by e-mailing firstname.lastname@example.com . In connection with withdrawal requests, b Spot will disburse remaining Account funds to the Account Holder via the same Funding Source (as defined in Section 3.3) that the Account Holder used to fund his/her Account, unless: (i) regulatory requirements mandate a different disbursement method; (ii) the original Funding Source does not allow for incoming deposits; (iii) b Spot in its discretion agrees to a different disbursement method upon the request of the Account Holder; or (iv) the withdrawal request is made by mail. Withdrawal requests by mail will be processed within five (5) business days and paid by check in the registered name of the Account Holder and mailed to the verified residence address of the Account Holder. With respect to account withdrawal requests made by phone, e-mail, or through the Service, b spot will use commercially reasonable efforts to process such requests within five (5) business days.
3.7 Account Statement
Users may access their transaction history/account statement via the Service or by contacting b spot Player Services by phone at 844.462.7768 or via e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.com . Account statements will only be delivered to the verified residence address or email address on file. b spot reserves the right to place time limitations on b spot's maintenance of account history information provided that such time period complies with applicable law.
3.8 Dormant Accounts
b spot reserves the right to deactivate your Account if there is no wagering activity for twelve (12) consecutive months or, in the event that an inactive Account has funds on deposit, to assess a minimal account maintenance service charge of no more than two dollars ($2.00) per month, until the account is no longer inactive or the balance reaches zero and the Account is closed, whichever occurs first. In the event the balance of any funds in your Account at the time of termination and closure is less than two dollars ($2.00), the balance will not be credited to you and will be retained by b spot as an Account termination processing fee.
3.9 Communications
By providing your e-mail address and telephone number to b spot, you authorize b spot to communicate with you via e-mail and/or telephone. From time to time, b spot may contact you via e-mail, push notifications, and/or telephone regarding: (i) your transactions with b spot; (ii) promotions relating to the Service; (iii) changes or upgrades to the Service; (iv) additions to the b spot mobile games network; (v) new payment instruments or modifications to existing payment instruments; and/or (vi) updates or modifications to the b spot Terms of Use and/or Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time to future promotional e-mails by following the directions contained in such e-mails or as set forth in the b spot Privacy Policy. Even if you opt out of receiving future promotional e-mails, b spot will continue to maintain the right to send you e-mails and push notifications regarding your use of the Service and/or transactions that you authorized via the Service.
You may use your b spot Account to place wagers through our traditional ADW interface ("b Racing") where you specify the amount and type of wager, along with the relevant horse(s) and race(s). You may also use your Account to place wagers through the Service's Games interface, where you specify the amount of your wager, but request that b spot generate the remaining wager details for you to confirm. Results of wagers placed through the Service's Games interface are revealed to you by playing free on-line or mobile games that are included in b spot's games portfolio. The specific terms applicable to wagering via the Service's Games interface are outlined in Section 4.2 below.
4.1 Terms Applicable to All Wagering
You understand that all wagers placed from your Account will be combined and merged with all other wagers in commingled pools at the host racetrack conducting the race and are subject to host track rules and restrictions. All wagers placed will be in US Dollars. In the case of multiple wagers such as a daily double or an exacta box, the base wager is multiplied by the number of combinations to determine the amount of the total wager. Wagers will only be accepted in amounts that do not exceed the current balance of a User's wagering account. All wagers confirmed by you will be withdrawn from your Account prior to submission of the wager. b spot reserves the right to refuse any wagering transaction for any reason.
b spot does not allow for the cancellation of any wagers once the wagers have been confirmed in accordance with the Service's confirmation process. By placing a wager through b spot, you agree to the recording of all Account transactions including any calls made to b spot business or customer service offices.
Geo-Location Checks and Location Services Data. By using the Service, You hereby authorize b spot and any relevant hardware manufacturers and associated vendors to verify your location coordinate data. If you have disabled the location services settings or functionality on your mobile device, b spot may not be able to verify your location and in such event b spot reserves the right to prevent you from using the Service. b spot uses geo-location checks and location services data to comply with b spot's advance deposit wagering licenses and applicable law.
4.2 Terms for Wagering Via the b spot Games Interface
Before you may place wagers through the Service's Games interface, you must carefully read, understand, and agree to the following additional terms. If you do not fully understand and agree to any of the following terms, you should not wager via the Service's Games interface.
By placing wagers through the Service's Games interface, you authorize b spot to use its proprietary algorithms to: (i) generate a mix of wagers on your behalf having an aggregate dollar value equaling the total amount you have chosen to wager; or (ii) generate a single wager on your behalf equaling the total amount you have chosen to wager (collectively referred to herein as the "Wagering Mix").
The Wagering Mix may consist of one or more of the following types of wagers: Win, Place, Show, Win-Place-Show, Exacta, Quinella, Trifecta, Superfecta, Daily Double, Pick 3, Pick 6, or such other wager types or categories that may be available in the applicable jurisdiction. The wagers will be identified for wagering pools on an upcoming scheduled race(s) to be run at a b spot partner racetrack for which the identified wagering pools are available.
You understand and acknowledge that the Wagering Mix generated by b spot is provided solely as a mechanism to streamline the wagering process for individuals who seek a simpler method of wagering, and is not intended to handicap or provide higher probability of winning more money as compared to any other method of selecting wagers. You understand and agree that, as with any wagering activity, you may lose up to the entire amount wagered when using our Service.
Once the Wagering Mix has been generated, you can: (i) review the full wager details of each wager in the proposed Wagering Mix by clicking on the "Wager Details" link prior to confirming the wagers; and (ii) review the Program details for the wagers in the Wagering Mix. If you wish to change the Wagering Mix, you may do so by pressing the "reshuffle" button to generate a new set of wagers. You understand and acknowledge that, by pressing the "confirm" button, you are agreeing to and adopting the wagers identified in the Wagering Mix and instructing b spot to place those wagers for you. You must confirm before any wagers will be placed. Once you confirm, your wagers are placed and cannot be cancelled or modified.
Substitute Wagers. Due to technical or other reasons, b spot may not be able to place one or more wagers in your Wagering Mix (an "Unavailable Wager"). The following provisions shall govern b spot's placement of a substitute wager in the event of an Unavailable Wager.
With respect to those Users who have elected not to see "Wager Details" in connection with wagers placed by such Users, the clicking of the "Confirm Wager" button shall authorize b spot to do one of the following in the event of an Unavailable Wager: (1) b spot may place a substitute wager for the same amount as the Unavailable Wager and in a similar pari-mutuel wagering pool type; or (2) b spot may refund the amount of the Unavailable Wager to the applicable User's Account.
With respect to those Users who have elected to see "Wager Details" in connection with wagers placed by such Users, such Users may opt out of b spot placing a substitute wager in the event of an Unavailable Wager by clicking on the button immediately above the "Confirm Wager" button. If such Users do not click the opt-out button above the "Confirm Wager" button, the clicking of the "Confirm Wager" button shall authorize b spot to place a substitute wager for the same amount as the Unavailable Wager and in a similar pari-mutuel wagering pool type.
You understand and acknowledge that the winnings or losses that are revealed to you through playing one or more of the games in the b spot games portfolio are determined solely by the results of the pari-mutuel wagers that were placed. The level of skill you exercise in playing the games or other game mechanics have no bearing on and do not in any way affect the total amount of money you win or lose. The games are merely an entertaining mechanism to display the results of your completed wagers.
By choosing to place wagers via the Service's Games interface, you authorize b spot and b spot's game developer partners to (1) reveal the results of your wagers to you, and (2) enhance said results by adding cash, virtual rewards or other consideration to your b spot Account, with or without prior notice, and whether as part of a marketing promotion or player bonus program or for any other reason (collectively, "Discretionary Cash Contributions"), and the case of both (1) and (2), at such time(s) and in such manner as b spot determines, in its sole discretion. Once you complete the chosen game(s) and elect to reveal the full dollar amount of the actual wager, the total winnings for your wagers, if any, will be fully revealed to you. In the event of a technical failure in any of the games in the b spot games portfolio or the Service that prevents you from revealing any portion of the results of your wager(s), you authorize b spot to utilize an alternative reveal mechanism to communicate or deliver the results of your wager(s) to you.
You understand and agree that, although the proceeds from successful wagers will be deposited into your Account as soon as each race is posted official and winning payouts are available from the host racetrack, when you elect to use the Service's Games interface the amounts you have won will only be displayed in your b spot Account balance after such amounts have been revealed to you in the games you have elected to play via the Service's Games interface. You understand, however, that at any point in time you can opt to forego revealing the results of your wagers through game play by using the "Play All" function. The Play All will instantly display to you and reflect in your Account balance the entire results of all your wagers. In the event of a technical failure in any of the games in the b spot games portfolio or the Service that prevents you from revealing any portion of the results of your wager(s), you authorize b spot to utilize an alternative reveal mechanism to communicate or deliver the results of your wager(s) to you.
The Service may notify you of the estimated time when your wager results will be available to be revealed by you via the Games interface. b spot shall have no liability whatsoever if the estimated time communicated to you is incorrect.
4.3 Biggest Jackpot Displays
Background. Certain sections of the Service may display the "biggest jackpot" in the last 30 days for one or more of the wager denominations made available via the Service. When we display the "biggest jackpot" in the last 30 days for a given wager denomination, we are referring to the highest payout wager in that wager denomination over the last 30 days. It's important to remember that each wager denomination consists of multiple individual wagers. As an advance deposit wagering operator, we receive pari-mutuel wagering pool data from a 3rd party totalizator service, which includes pool payout data. We review the payout data for pari-mutuel wagering pools with respect to horse races on which we are allowed to place wagers on behalf of our players.
Calculation Methodology. To determine the biggest payouts for the prior 30 racing days, we follow the following process:
- First, we exclude certain payouts if the pool total for that payout equals or is less than the payout (adjusted to $1) multiplied by the amount of the corresponding highest payout exotic wager included in our wager denominations. For example, this may occur when a very small winning wager (e.g., a 10 cents winning wager) in a small pool total produces an abnormally high payout rate adjusted to $1 for a pool total of that size.
- Using the remaining payouts, we determine the biggest payouts over the prior 30 racing days (the 30 racing days immediately preceding the date of your wager with racing days defined by our 3rd party totalizator service) for each highest payout exotic wager included in the wager denominations for which we display a "biggest jackpot." The data we receive from the totalizator service may include multiple base amounts (10 cents, $1, $2, etc.) for the payout data so we then adjust this data to $1 in the process of determining the biggest payouts over the prior 30 racing days for the highest payout exotic wagers in the wagering denominations for which we display "biggest jackpot" payouts.
- We then multiply these biggest payout numbers by the wager amount of the highest payout exotic wager in the wager denominations for which we display "biggest jackpot" payouts. The resulting numbers are the numbers we display as the "biggest jackpots" in the prior 30 days.
- We update the displayed biggest jackpot numbers on a daily basis.
Things to Remember. We display the biggest jackpot payouts over the prior 30 racing days for each wager denomination as a benefit to our players. Please remember, however, that these are the biggest jackpots from previous horse races that already occurred and are not intended to be predictions or guarantees of payouts for your wager or for future horse races. The amount of the biggest jackpot over the prior 30 racing days fluctuates based on a number of factors, including the size of the pari-mutuel wagering pool, the number of winning wagers in the pool, and the denomination/amount of the winning wagers. Additionally, payouts for particular horse racing pools may be impacted by the rules of the track holding the race, including the rules relating to dead heats, scratches, consolation prizes etc. It is important to remember that individual wager results will vary. In a small percentage of cases, a wager denomination having a corresponding "biggest jackpot" displayed may not include a high payout wager because such type of wager was not available at the time the wager was processed. In these limited cases, the wager denomination will not have a "jackpot" component as a result of the unavailability of the high payout wager at the time the selected wager denomination was processed.
5.1 b spot Content
The Service contains, displays, and/or otherwise makes available certain software, illustrations, documentation, information, music, pictures, images, text, photographs, animations, three-dimensional models, videos, audio, content, and other digital material and assets (collectively the "Content"). All Content is protected by both United States law as well as the laws of various international jurisdictions, including, but not limited to copyright law, trademark law, patent law, trade secret law and various governmental treaties. b spot (or its' applicable licensors) owns all right, title, and interest in and to the Content. You acknowledge and agree that, except for the express and limited license rights granted by b spot to you hereunder, b spot reserves any and all of its rights in and to the Content. Nothing herein is intended to transfer or assign to you any ownership or beneficial rights in and to the Content. You acknowledge that all Content accessed by you using the Service is at your own risk and you will be solely responsible for any damage or loss to any party resulting therefrom.
5.2 License Grant
b spot hereby grants you a non-exclusive, non-transferable, limited right license to access, use and display the Service specifically for personal, non-commercial use only. This license is fully and completely revocable at any time by b spot, with or without notice and for any or no reason. b spot makes no warranty as to legality, suitability, or use of the Service and limited license granted herein and you acknowledge, agree, and otherwise consent that b Spot shall have no liability arising from or in connection with your use of the Service.
5.3 License Restrictions and Prohibitions
You shall not undertake any of the following activities in using the Service: (i) market, share, distribute, offer to sell, sell or otherwise make reproductions or copies of the Service in any way inconsistent with the rights of use provided by the license herein; (ii) remove or obscure any patent, copyright, trademark, or other proprietary rights notices relating to the intellectual property or other property of b spot or its licensors; (iii) attempt to access source or object code of the Service, by methods including reverse engineering or otherwise reducing it to a form readable without the use of a computer, except and unless any applicable statutes or laws specifically prohibit said restrictive language; (iv) amend, change, modify (including the creation of any derivative or other works) the Service; (v) attempt to disable any digital rights management or copy protection aspects of the Service, not already specifically prohibited by existing laws; (vi) create code, software or other program that incorporates any elements of the Service; (vii) attempt to hack into, compromise or otherwise access the object or source code of the Service for any purposes, personal or commercial, without the express written permission of b spot; (viii) interrupt or attempt to interrupt the operation of the Service in any way; and/or (ix) transmit code, data, or files that contain malicious code or that may in any way damage or interfere with the operation of the Service, other Users' access to the Service, and/or other Users' computers.
5.4 Trademarks
The Service contains, displays, and/or otherwise depicts certain trademarks, service marks, logos, and/or other indicia of origin (collectively "Trademarks") owned by b spot or b spot's partners and vendors. You shall not use, reproduce, or otherwise exploit any Trademarks or any similar derivations of any Trademarks.
6.1 For the purposes of this Section 6, "b spot" means collectively Game Play Network, Inc. and its parent and affiliated companies along with their directors, officers, employees, shareholders, and commercial partners who provided services relating to the Service.
6.2 Disclaimer of Warranties
6.3 Limitations of Liability
You acknowledge and agree that your exclusive remedy for any dispute with b spot is to stop using the Service and to cancel your account. In no case shall b spot's liability to you exceed the amount that you paid to b spot or its designees for the applicable transaction giving rise to any such liability or $500.00, whichever is lower. In no case shall b spot be liable for any special, incidental, indirect, punitive or consequential damages arising from your use of the Service or for any other claim related in any way to your interactions with b spot. b spot reserves the right to terminate, suspend, or change any aspect or feature of the Service at any time, for any reason or no reason, with or without notice to you. You agree that b spot shall not be liable for any loss or damage caused, directly or indirectly, by any such termination, suspension, or change.
6.4 Third Party Services/Functionalities
Certain information available through the Service, including but not limited to wagering and race information, may have been provided by independent third party information suppliers. b spot is not responsible for the accuracy, currency, or reliability of such information, and the inclusion of such information in the Service shall not be deemed an endorsement or recommendation of any third party or constitute any representation as to a third party's qualifications, services, products, offerings, information or any other content. You acknowledge that under no circumstances will b spot be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on such third party information.
6.5 Because some states or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or the limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, in such states or jurisdictions, the liability of b spot shall be limited to the fullest extent permitted by law.
6.6 Indemnification
You agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless b spot from and against all claims, losses, costs and expenses (including without limitation court costs and attorneys fees) arising out of: (a) your use of, or activities in connection with the Service; and/or (b) any violation of these Terms of Use by you or through your Account. The foregoing indemnification obligation shall survive termination of the Terms of Use and your Account.
6.7 California Residents
Residents of California are entitled to the following specific consumer rights information: you may contact the Complaint Assistance Unit of the Division of Consumer Services of the Department of Consumer Affairs by mail at 400 R St., Suite 1080, Sacramento, California, 95814, or by telephone at 916.445.1254. California residents expressly agree to waive California Civil Code Sec. 1542, which states: "A general release does not extend the claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him must have materially affected his settlement with the debtor."
A printed version of the Terms of Use and of any notice given in electronic form shall be admissible in judicial or administrative proceedings based upon or relating to the Terms of Use. You and b spot agree that any cause of action arising out of or related to the Service must commence within one (1) year after the cause of action arose; otherwise, such cause of action is permanently barred. You agree that the provisions in this paragraph will survive any termination of your account(s) or the Service.
You hereby specifically acknowledge, agree and consent that any suit, action, proceeding, dispute, controversy or claim ("Dispute") arising out of or relating to these Terms of Use or the Service will be dealt with in accordance with the following procedures. All parties shall first attempt to negotiate all Disputes informally for at least thirty (30) days before initiating any arbitration. Such informal negotiations shall commence following the receipt of a notice in writing by one of the parties sent to the other. b spot will send its notice to your billing address and email you a copy to the email address you have provided to us. You may send any notice to b spot to the address listed below.
If the Dispute is not resolved through informal negotiations, the Dispute (except those Disputes expressly excluded below) shall be finally and exclusively resolved by binding arbitration before a sole arbitrator. YOU UNDERSTAND THAT ABSENT THIS PROVISION, YOU WOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO SUE IN COURT AND HAVE A JURY TRIAL. If you are a resident of the United States, any arbitration will take place at any reasonable location within the United States convenient for you and shall be governed by the Commercial Arbitration Rules and Procedures of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. For residents outside the United States, any arbitration shall be initiated in Los Angeles, California, using the English language in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules and Procedures of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") then in effect, by one arbitrator with substantial experience in resolving intellectual property and commercial contract disputes, who shall be selected from the appropriate list of AAA arbitrators. The determination of whether a Dispute is subject to arbitration shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act and determined by an arbitrator rather than a court. The prevailing party in any arbitration or other proceeding arising under these Terms of Use shall be entitled to receive reimbursement of its reasonable expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees, expert witness fees and all other expenses) incurred in connection therewith. Judgment upon the award so rendered may be entered in a court having jurisdiction or application may be made to such court for judicial acceptance of any award and an order of enforcement, as the case may be. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each party shall have the right to institute an action in a court of proper jurisdiction for injunctive or other equitable relief pending a final decision by the arbitrator. Use of the Service is not authorized in any jurisdiction that does not give effect to all provisions of the Terms of Use, including without limitation, this DISPUTE RESOLUTION section.
The parties agree that any arbitration shall be limited to the Dispute between you and b spot individually. To the full extent permitted by law: (1) no arbitration shall be joined with any other; (2) there is no right or authority for any Dispute to be arbitrated on a class-action basis or to utilize class action procedures; and (3) there is no right or authority for any Dispute to be brought in a purported representative capacity on behalf of the general public or any other persons.
To the extent not covered by the Dispute Resolution provisions above, any disputes between you and b spot shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the courts located in the State of Oregon, and shall be governed by, and will be construed under, the law of the United States of America and the law of the State of Oregon, without regard to choice of law principles. The application of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods is expressly excluded. You agree that if you choose to access the Service from outside of the United States, other laws may apply and those laws shall affect this Agreement only to the extent required by such jurisdiction. In such a case, this Agreement shall be interpreted to give maximum effect to the terms and conditions hereof.
9.1 Modification of Terms of Use
b spot may notify you of any modifications to these Terms of Use in connection with your sign-in to use the Service or through other means as determined by b spot in its discretion. Such modifications will be effective immediately, and will apply to disputes arising under the Terms of Use from the date of posting of the modified Terms of Use forward. Your continued use of the Service after a modification has been made to the Terms of Use constitutes your acceptance of such modification.
9.2 Assignment
b spot may assign these Terms of Use, in whole or in part, at any time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, you may not assign, transfer or sublicense any or all of your rights or obligations under these Terms of Use without b spot's express prior written consent.
9.3 Severability
If any part of these Terms of Use are determined to be invalid or unenforceable pursuant to applicable law including, but not limited to, the warranty disclaimers and liability limitations set forth above, then the invalid or unenforceable provision will be deemed superseded by a valid, enforceable provision that most closely matches the intent of the original provision and the remainder of these Terms of Use shall continue in effect.
9.4 Complete Agreement
These Terms of Use, including the b spot Privacy Policy and any other documents expressly incorporated herein by reference, constitute the entire agreement between you and b spot with respect to your interactions with b spot and/or your use of or access to the Service. These Terms of Use supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications, whether electronic, oral or written, between you and b spot with respect to its subject matter and you represent that you have not relied on any such communications in accepting these Terms of Use.
9.5 Jurisdictional Issues and Export Control Laws
The Service is controlled and operated by b spot from its offices within the United States. b spot makes no representation that the Service is appropriate, legal or available for use in other locations. Those who choose to access the Service from other locations do so on their own initiative and are responsible for compliance with local laws, if and to the extent local laws are applicable. You agree not to use or otherwise export or re-export the Service except as authorized by United States law and the laws of the jurisdiction in which the Service was obtained. Without limited the foregoing, the Service may not be exported or re-exported (a) into (or to a national resident of) any U.S. embargoed countries (currently Cuba, Iran, Myanmar (Burma), North Korea, Sudan and Syria) or (b) to anyone on the U.S. Treasury Department's list of Specially Designated Nationals or the U.S. Department of Commerce Denied Person's List or Entity List. By accessing and using the Service, you represent and warrant that you are not located in, under control of, or a national resident of any such country or on any such list.
9.6 Links to Third Party Sites
The Service may link to third party sites ("Linked Sites"). These Linked Sites are not controlled by b spot and b spot is not responsible for the information on the Linked Sites, for the business practices or privacy policies of the Linked Sites, or for the collection, use or disclosure of any information by the Linked Sites. b spot provides links to the Linked Sites only as a matter of convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply an endorsement by b spot of any Linked Site.
9.7 Regulatory Compliance
b spot's performance of these Terms of Use is subject to existing laws and legal process, and nothing contained in these Terms of Use is in derogation of b spot's right to comply with governmental, court, and law enforcement requests or requirements relating to your use of the Service.
9.8 Force Majeure
Notwithstanding anything else in these Terms of Use, no default, delay or failure to perform on the part of b spot shall be considered a breach of this Agreement if such default, delay or failure to perform is shown to be due to causes beyond our reasonable control.
9.9 Waiver
No waiver by either party of any breach or default hereunder will be deemed to be a waiver of any preceding or subsequent breach or default.
9.10 Remedies
The parties hereby acknowledge and agree that b spot would be irreparably damaged if these Terms of Use were not specifically enforced. Therefore, b spot shall be entitled, without bond, other security, or proof of damages, to appropriate equitable remedies with respect to breaches of these Terms of Use, in addition to such other remedies as b spot may otherwise have available to it under applicable laws.
9.11 Contact
You may contact b spot at the following address: b spot, 10866 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90024, Attention: General Counsel
If at any time you wish to obtain an additional copy of the above Terms of Use, you may review and/or print the Terms of Use by: (i) visiting the web site located at www.bspot.com and clicking on the Terms of Use hyperlink on the footer of the home page; and/or (ii) logging into the Service, going to Settings, and clicking on "Terms of Use."


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Piece Star All Pavé and Diamond Necklace (XL)
The Star Necklace from Mimi's signature Piece Collection. Handcrafted at the Mimi So Atelier in New York City.
- Available 18k white, yellow, and rose gold
- Pavé diamonds (1.83ct)
About the Mimi So Signature Piece Collection
As a young girl, Mimi's curiosity for the bustling city outside her bedroom window inspired hours of daydreams. The iconic Piece collection captures the essence of this formative experience through its notable graphic shapes which expand upon each other like building blocks. The signature motif, a dimensional design comprised of three concentric rectangles, recalls her early childhood window and symbolizes the past, present and future, constantly in motion.
Have a question? ✉ Contact us.


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Join us for church in San Francisco, CA on Sundays at 10:30am.
No matter where you are in life, there is a place for you here at "The Lighthouse."
1) Enter, www.facebook.com/PastorThad
2) Add him as a friend
3) Watch us live starting around 11:00AM PST every Sunday! and Kingdom Truths!


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Nicklaus Children's Hospital, a 309-bed freestanding children's hospital and Level III trauma center, and Pediatric Specialists of America (PSA), the physician-led multispecialty group practice of Nicklaus Children's Health System, offer exceptional career opportunities to pediatric specialists.
Nicklaus Children's Hospital is renowned for excellence in all aspects of pediatric medicine and has numerous subspecialty programs that are routinely ranked among the best in the nation. It is also home to the largest pediatric teaching program in the southeastern U.S. Many of our physicians have trained or worked at other leading medical institutions. Join a phenomenal team that brings lifelong health and hope to children and their families through innovative and compassionate care.
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Holistic Remedies for Relieving Sunburn Pain
Photo: blmurch
It's that time of year again. The sun is shining and it's hot, hot, hot. The sun is warming, welcoming, and a great contributor to getting your RDA of Vitamin D, but just like everything else, you can overdo it. Sunburns are not only bad for your health, they're incredibly irritating and uncomfortable. But instead of going out and buying a prepackaged aloe formula with mysterious ingredients, why not make your own sunburn relief remedy at home?Nature Moms explored some key ways to take the bite out of that sunburn which I found thanks to Greenwala. Start off with a cold shower and an ice pack and then apply coconut oil to trap in moisture. Add a few drops of lavender oil mixed with yogurt to the painful areas. For a spray formula, combine Aloe Vera with about 10 drops of peppermint oil and add to a spray bottle. And stay as hydrated as possible.
Find a Healthy Sun Balance
I wrote over at Planet Green about getting enough sun to get sufficient Vitamin D without getting burned in the first place. Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient and the sun is by far the easiest way to get it. Deficiencies are linked to a host of chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, osteoporosis, breast cancer, colon cancer, and ovarian cancer. But how much sun is enough?
In the summer time according to US News Health:
[I]f you're fair skinned, experts say going outside for 10 minutes in the midday sun--in shorts and a tank top with no sunscreen--will give you enough radiation to produce about 10,000 international units of the vitamin. Dark-skinned individuals and the elderly also produce less vitamin D. The government's dietary recommendations are 200 IUs a day up to age 50, 400 IUs to age 70, and 600 IUs over 70.
So consider staying in the sun for 10 to 15 minutes depending on your skin type and then applying safe sunscreen. The Environmental Working Group safe sunscreen site can help you choose a sunscreen that's both effective and safe.
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More on Safe Sunning
Ask Pablo: Does Sunscreen Cause More Skin Cancer Than It Prevents? (Updated)
EWG Releases Must-Read Sunscreen Buying Guide for 2011
Last Call for Sunscreen