LeSean McCoy, DeMarco Murray, Adrian Peterson Are Proof That NFL RBs ...

BLOCKBUSTER TRADE - LESEAN MCCOY TRADED TO THE BILLS!! | Thoughts and Analysis

Eagles running back LeSean McCoy reportedly has been traded for a Bills linebacker who missed all of last season with a knee injury. DeMarco Murray, the leagues leading rusher in 2014, was allowed to walk into free agency by the Cowboys, because they didnt want to sign him to a massive long-term deal. Adrian Peterson, the most-feared running back of this decade, probably wont be back with the Vikings in 2015.

All of the aforementioned are elite running backs. Murray gained 1,845 yards and a league-high 13 touchdowns for Dallas last season and was a big reason the Cowboys made the playoffs for the first time in five years. They didnt feel forced to keep him. McCoy was the leagues leading rusher in 2013, and in the past two seasons, hes combined to gain nearly 3,000 yards. Not good enough for Philadelphia. Peterson, despite his suspension last season for violating the leagues personal policy, has gained more than 10,000 yards in his career. That doesnt mean Minnesota wants him to return.

And thus, the position in football that gave birth to the extraordinary Jim Brown, the mesmerizing Walter Payton, the incredible Barry Sanders and the enduring Emmitt Smith that of the once all-mighty running back continues its course of marginalization into todays pass-happy NFL. The position isnt irrelevant with the possible exception of fullback but its heading that way.

Actually, thats incorrect. The position isnt irrelevant. Its that high-priced running backs are. Better for NFL teams to find solid production for a couple years from a back who wont cost much money and then, when that back eventually wants more money, discard him and find another cheap producer.

Is Adrian Peterson, at nearly 30 years old, on the downside of his career?

It used to be that once a running back hit 30 years old, his days of domination were just about finished, but until that time, he still could be handsomely compensated by his team that theory has now been downshifted a couple of years to the age of 27. Thats where Peterson comes in to play. h**l turn 30 later this month, and after more than 2,200 career touches the fourth-most among all active players theres little doubt that the Adrian Peterson of today is not nearly as explosive as the Adrian Peterson from 2012.

Even though he played only one game last season and, thus, theoretically, would be well-rested, he probably wont return to Minnesota (though, interestingly, Peterson in the past has been linked to the Cowboys who, as you know, will have a gaping hole at running back next year).

But McCoy who will be traded to Buffalo for linebacker Kiko Alonso is only 26 years old. As is Murray. The problem with McCoy is that hes owed a base salary of $9.75 million for 2015. The problem with Murray is that hed probably like to be paid as well as McCoy.

Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/joshkatzowitz/2015/03/04/lesean-mccoy-demarco-murray-adrian-peterson-are-proof-that-nfl-rbs-more-marginalized-than-ever/

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Sweet Briar College to Close Because of Financial Issues

Sweet Briar College - Riding Program

Sweet Briar College a small, private school for women near the Blue Ridge Mountains will shut down this summer because of financial issues.

The college announced the Aug. 25 closure Tuesday. The college says its board of directors approved the closure Saturday.

Sweet Briar attributed the decision to what it calls "insurmountable financial challenges."

President James F. Jones says in a statement that he, the board and several alumnae have searched for solutions but concluded they couldn"t change two realities. First, Jones says, is a decline in the number of students who choose to attend small, rural, private liberal arts colleges. Second, he says, is the unsustainability of the college"s tuition discount rate that it used to attract students.

Source: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/sweet-briar-college-close-financial-issues-29380001

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Kelly Gissendaner Death Unfair? Boyfriend Gregory Owen Did The Murder, Gets ...

Woman on Death Row HUGE Last Meal Request Kelly Renee Gissendaner, Georgia death row inmate

The execution date for Kelly Gissendaners death has been delayed multiple times for various reasons, and now its being argued that enacting the death penalty on this woman may be considered unfair since it was her boyfriend who actually committed the physical act of murder.

In a related report by the Inquisitr, Georgias execution was postponed due to issues with the drug used for capital punishment in the southern state. In the past, botched lethal injections have caused some states to consider bringing back the firing squad or the guillotine.

According to 11 Alive, defense lawyers are attempting to delay Kelly Gissendaners execution date by multiple means, and the Georgia Department of Correction issued this statement as the reason for Mondays delay.

Within the hours leading up to the scheduled execution, the Execution Team performed the necessary checks. At that time, the drugs appeared cloudy. The Department of Corrections immediately consulted with a pharmacist, and in an abundance of caution, Inmate Gissendaners execution has been postponed.

Besides arguments over lethal injection, they claim the high courts should consider a stay because Gissendaner didnt kill her husband, Douglas Gissendaner, herself in February of 1997. Instead, Gregory Owen carried out the gruesome stabbing.

Gissendaner said she has accepted responsibility for her actions and expressed deep remorse for the pain she has caused her family. As Gissendaner admits in her clemency petition, she is guilty but now claims she has been thoroughly rehabilitated.

There are no excuses for what I did. I am fully responsible for my role in my husbands murder. I had become so self-centered and bitter about my life and who I had become, that I lost all judgment. I will never understand how I let myself fall into such evil, said Gissendaner according to Christianity Today.

I have learned first-hand that no one, not even me, is beyond redemption through Gods grace and mercy. I have learned to place my hope in the G*d I now know, the G*d whose plans and promises are made known to me in the whole story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Multiple officers and pastors in the state prison system attest to her changed life, but the reason Gissendaner faces execution instead of Owen is due to the way the two cases were handled. When both were arrested they were offered plea bargains which would guarantee them only life sentences. Owen took the offer, but Gissendaners lawyer talked Gissendaner into refusing the offer since he never thought a jury would hand down the death sentence.

Due to this difference, Gregory Owen is serving a life sentence but is up for parole in eight years, while Kelly Gissendaners death sentence may be carried out any day now.

Source: http://www.inquisitr.com/1894125/kelly-gissendaner-death-unfair-boyfriend-gregory-owen-did-the-murder-gets-parole-in-eight-years/

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Looking For A New Diet? DASH Diet is the Best

My Results are in ! The Dash diet weight loss solution

So, here we are. It is a couple days into January; the New Year. And most people have probably made at least one resolution to live healthier. Whether that is about losing weight or getting into better shape or just feeling better, it all starts with what you put inside your body.

Yes, it is time to take a look at your diet.

But as easy as it is to decide it is time to get healthy, actually doing it is not quite so easy. Part of this, of course, is just sticking with it for as long as it takes. Discipline is difficult.

But part of what makes it so hard to adjust your diet is knowing which diet will serve you best.Fortunately, U.S. News & World Report has just offered up its list of this years best diet plans.

The Best Diets of 2015 is the fifth edition of this survey which ranks dozens of popular diet trends according to efficacy to better assist people trying to figure out which one they should try.

If you read the report last year it may not surprise you to find that the DASH diet tops the list again as the best overall diet for optimum health and wellness. The DASH dietwhich stands for Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertensionwas developed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to help prevent as well as treat high blood pressure. The diet stresses eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and even some low-fat dairy items while minimizing salt intake.

Weight Watchers also continues to hold a top spot, ranking #1 in weight loss diets by a panel of experts in various health fields including diabetes, weight loss, nutrition, heart health, and diet.

Source: http://diabetesinsider.com/looking-new-diet-dash-diet-best/37325

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"The Bachelor": Relive the 11 most awkward and outrageous limo exits!

The Bachelor Juan Pablo Finale - TOP 15 Shocking Moments

It"s a new season of "The Bachelor" which means one thing: a whole new batch of crazy ladies!

To help kick your year off with a laugh we"re taking a look the most awkward, outrageous and cringe-worthy limo exits from Monday"s season premiere with new bachelor Chris Soules.

Warning: There are some ridiculous gimmicks ahead so brace yourself for plenty of groans and severe eye-rolling.

First up we had Britt, a waitress from LA who loves to give loooong hugs -- and her first embrace with the bachelor clocked in at just under six Mississippi-worthy seconds!

Alissa the flight attendant buckled Chris up for a bumpy ride, Nicole was looking to ham things up by wearing a pig"s nose, and Carly tried to sing her way into the spotlight. (And truth be told, she wasn"t a very good singer...)

Ashley -- the 24-year-old hair stylist -- followed shortly and she awkwardly slipped a lucky penny into the Bachelor"s shoe. While Reegan, a cadaver tissue saleswoman, thought it would be fun to give Chris a gift from the heart -- aka a slimy, blood-covered human heart. (It was fake, but still... yuck!)

And how could we forget Tara? After showing off her country side to Chris, the "sports fishing enthusiast" raced inside, changed into a gown and snuck back into the limo to greet her guy again. "I want to show you that you can take the girl out of the country but you can"t take the country out of the girl," she told him with a heaping helping of cheesiness.

But perhaps the most cringe-worthy moment of them all was when Kaitlyn shocked Chris with a very forward offer. "I don"t know much about you," she admitted. "I know your name"s Chris. I know you are a farmer. And you can plow the f--k out of my field any day." Wow. Just... wow.

Hang in there Chris, we"d like to say that this is the end of the craziness, but unfortunately you"re just getting started.

Tell us: Which girl do you think had the worst first impression?

Copyright (c) 2015 CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-bachelor-relive-the-11-most-awkward-and-outrageous-limo-exits/

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The Bachelor Keeps His Karaoke Country

THE BACHELOR “Most Memorable First Impressions”
by Alison Bonaguro 8 hours ago

The first sign I saw that the new season of The Bachelor was going to have a country vibe is that the actual bachelor is an actual farmer.

Not just like a hipster, I-grow-herbs-on-my-windowsill farmer. But an honest-to-goodness corn and soybean farmer. So much so, theyve dubbed him Prince Farming.

Chris Soules, 33, said on the premiere on Monday night (Jan. 5) that he hated having to do the show during the harvest, but thats just how much he wants to find love. That is something hes obviously not likely to do in his tiny hometown of Arlington, Iowa, population 427.

Then there were the little things in the three-hour premiere that pointed to a country-filled season. They had shots of Soules fishing. By a creek. With his dad. I mean, come on. His life is literally a country song.

And he drives a tractor. And yes, its sexy.

Soules also seems very committed to country music on social media. He isnt following many people on Twitter, but 15 of them are A-list country artists. And when one of the potential love hopefuls Jade, who I have dubbed Best for Last asked Soules what song hed choose if they went to a karaoke bar and wanted to sing a duet, this is what he said: It would have to be something county. It would be something Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.

No wonder 30 women are vying for his love.

Source: http://www.cmt.com/news/1747439/the-bachelor-keeps-his-karaoke-country/

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5 Things We Loved/Hated About "Galavant"

Is Galavant Worth Your Time? - Channel Surfing Podcast

ABCs widely-promoted medieval comedy/musical Galavant had its debut last night and we watched intently. After all, the musical format has a spotty history on the small screen. Anyone remember Cop Rock? Of course, in recent years we have seenGlee succeed wonderfully so maybe Galavant has a chance.

Without any further ado, here are the 5 things we loved and hated in the first hour of the show:

1. The Songs (Mostly Hated) It started out pretty nice with an opening number that had an upbeat feel and did a nice job of telling some story and we loved the moments where the song gave us glimpses into Galavant (Joshua Sasse) and Madalenas (Mallory Jansen) love life but many of the other songs throughout the first hour felt forced and just served to slow down the story. The songs rarely advanced the plot and the lyrics really felt strained at times. But, the thing that really put the songs into the Hated column was that ABCs promotions department even used songs in the promos that ran in the Galvant commercial breaks. Shows like Christella and Last Man Standing were given musical promos that hammered the main Galavant theme into our head again and again and again. They just took it too far.

2. The Cast (Loved) Despite having to suffer through some dreadful songs, we are quickly falling in love with several of the characters. Timothy Omundsons King Richard is funny and reacts in unexpected ways to nearly everything. His captain of the guard, Gareth (Vinnie Jones), has wit and wisdom that are truly surprising coming from a brute and we enjoy seeing him interact with the kings tiny cook. It is clear that Galavant is eventually going to fall in love with the feisty Princess Isabella Lucia Maria Elizabeth (Karen David) because we already love her.

3. The Joust (Loved) When Galavant is exhausted from over-training and his rival Sir Jean Hamm (played with villainous gusto by John Stamos) is sick after being given a poison drink, we get treated to what is surely the most unexpected and funny jousting scene ever! The two knights are so weak, it seems to translate to their horses, who walk at snails pace toward each other. After a few excruciating moments, Galavant and Sir Hamm collapse to the ground. As an added bonus, Galavants pre-joust training with Princess Isabella is a fun and funny montage that was the best three minutes of the entire show.

4. The Script (Hated) Sigh sadly, we are having some trouble really falling for the overall story here. While we enjoyed the surprise that was Madalena picking fame and fortune as a queen over her true love, Galavant, the rest of the story has been pretty blaaah so far. Madalena has quickly turned into a cruel and evil character, and it just doesnt make sense that Galavant never knew that side of her when they were lovers. There were no unexpected twists or turns to pull us in and we yet arent connected to the characters enough to want to watch just to see what happens to them. If the show was just about the loopy King and his crazy Queen, wed be far more interested than we are right now.

5. The Humor (Hated) Most importantly, Galavant just isnt very funny. Aside from the joust scene, we barely cracked a smile for the rest of the first hour of Galavant. The show wants to be a cross between Monty Python and the Holy Grail and The Princess Bride (with singing added in), but it has thus far failed to bring any memorable humorous moments. We think it would be better served on a pay cable channel, where the humor could be even more risqu and bawdy, than the relatively tame world of 8 p.m. on Sunday night broadcast TV.

So, there you have it. There was more to hate than to love in Galavant, but we arent giving up on it yet. Well check it out again next week and hope it can improve. If nothing else, we give it props for trying something bold and new on broadcast TV. If it fails, at least it is failing with style!

If you want to read more of Jason Evans comments on the movie and TV industry, follow him on Twitter @TVFilmTalk. Be sure to check Speakeasy for his recaps of The Blacklist.

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Source: http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2015/01/05/5-things-we-lovedhated-about-galavant/

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