Last week treated the Lady a lot better than the two prior—7-3 ATS was the final tally. Not bad for a weekends worth of picks, eh? That lovely end brought the season record up to a much more respectable 20-15, but there is still much work to do in order to get well on the year.
So, if you want to glance at last weeks numbers, do so here, otherwise, let's get to this weeks teams worthy of taking a chance on—ATS of course.
Wisconsin has played no one of any real substance this season, but they've still managed to be unimpressive in every contest—including the ones where they should have blown the doors off their opponent. Michigan State will be on an emotional high with the return of their head coach to the sidelines and could be up to the challenge of sending the Badgers home with their first loss of the year.
The Lady's Pick: Michigan State
2. Michigan at Indiana: Michigan (-10.5)
Michigan will, likely, have Denard Robinson back as their starting quarterback this week. That's big for the Wolverines because it became clear last week, when Robinson went out in the first quarter, that the team moves the ball a lot more efficiently with him in the lineup. Indiana has played no team that comes close to the offensive power that Michigan brings to the table—expect lots of points.
The Lady's Pick: Michigan
3. Connecticut vs Vanderbilt: Connecticut (10.5)
Vanderbilt may not be playing with a ton of personnel this season, but they are playing with a ton of heart. Connecticut has been on the ATS pendulum this season, doing well against the pansies but folding against the lesser opposition—perhaps it's harder to get up for the lower profile games? The talented running backs (for the respected teams) are due back this week and will be a major factor in the outcome. I think Vanderbilt can keep it interesting so long as Warren Norman can run the ball.
The Lady's Pick: Vanderbilt
4. Georgia Tech at Wake Forest: Georgia Tech (-14)
The Yellow Jackets have been an enigma this season and skepticism about their ability to play a full 60 minutes—on both sides of the field—has to be pretty high right now. That said, they are probably itching to get back on track after suffering such a heartbreaking loss at home last week and there are few teams in the ACC better to get well against than the Demon Deacons.
The Lady's Pick: Georgia Tech
5. Miami at Clemson: Miami (-3)
Everyone is back on the Hurricane's bandwagon after the way they dismantled Pitt last weekend, but Clemson looked impressive for 54 minutes against Auburn a couple weeks back and they've had an extra week to prepare for the Hurricane's arrival in Death Valley.
The Lady's Pick: Clemson
6. Nevada vs. UNLV: Nevada (-20)
The Wolfpack has been on a roll. In the last two weeks, they've beaten both Cal (at home) and BYU (on the road). Now they will travel back to Nevada to take on the lowly Rebels. Though the Wolfpack ran away with this one last season, and should soundly beat the Rebels on Saturday, it just seems like one of those games where the emotional highs can catch up to a team and cause them to lapse momentarily. Nevada won't lose, but they may not win by 20.
The Lady's Pick: UNLV
7. Kentucky vs. Ole Miss: Ole Miss (-4)
It was nice that Ole Miss was able to get it rolling against Fresno State last week, but Kentucky will offer a different kind of challenge to this Rebel offense—a real one. Derrick Locke and Randall Cobb are looking to get loose after being, essentially, stalled against the Gators last week and this is just the game to set the Wildcats loose.
The Lady's Pick: Kentucky
8. Texas Tech at Iowa State: Texas Tech (-4.5)
Iowa State has a pretty good quarterback in Austen Arnaud, but chances are he won't be 100 percent for this one. Texas Tech hasn't been all that impressive, offensively, but they should have enough talent to outplay the Cyclones if they try hard enough.
The Lady's Pick: Texas Tech
9. Marshall at Southern Miss: Southern Miss (-9)
DeAndre Brown is questionable, as is Marshall's defensive stud, Mario Harvey. Both are considerably important to their teams for different reasons. If Brown is limited or held out due to injury, Marshall has enough play makers on defense to keep the game close.
The Lady's Pick: Marshall
10. Virginia Tech at NC State: Virginia Tech (-3)
The odds makers are having a tough time believing in NC State. The Wolfpack has only been favored once this season—at home versus Cincinnati. The underdog roll seems to suit them just fine as they continue to rise above expectations. Look for them to do so again on Saturday.
IS IT REAL OR IS IT MEMORY BY: Angelica Hart and Zi
Storing away memories and odd events to add to a story gives that story realism. Anne Rice once said, "No matter how long we exist, we have our memories. Points in time which time itself cannot erase." And most of our memories are indeed gifts that we open again and again.
I was at an Evelyn Woods Speed Reading Class and the instructor said, "We are the sum of all our experiences." There it was a truth that stood above simple truths. As I began to write I recognized that I had very limited experiences upon which to pull. My early work was unquestionable shallow. So I began a quest to discover, in the name of wanting to be a better writer? No! I realized I was shallow.
Every submission sent to publishers was returned or ignored. I recall critique suggesting I needed more depth in both the way I dealt with the subject and the technical writing style. As time ate at my life I waited as I worked. Wrote daily. How much life is lost to wait? That is an apt question, but my wait was filled with discovery. I became a student of people. Discovery. Examined other styles and broke them down mechanically and technically. Discovery. Tried to create more complexity. Discovery. Expanded my vocabulary. Discovery. Read... read... read. Discovery. Wrote... re-wrote... re-re-wrote.
That wait was not shallow but an aggressive tutorial for my growth. I continued to submit work. And slowly pieces were accepted.
So the question is who am I? Angelica or Zi. Ironically, we took the same path and had the same challenges and failures. We met as more mature adults prepared to be writers and we have written daily as writing partners. We found a synergy in our styles and complexity in what we wanted to create. Are we good? We don't know. Have we found that depth needed to portray characters as real people? Hope we have. Have we found enough intrigue in our plot and our words to keep readers interested? You tell us. As Jacob Bronowski, a mathematician, well-spoken and a celebrity of the BBC show The Ascent of Man and was the inspiration of Carl Sagan to make the Cosmos wrote, "The world is full of people who never quite get into the first team and who just miss the prizes at the flower show." If runners up is what we are, we're proud for our journey has been wonderful.
Zi believes, "Be the best you can be by growing every day."
Having said that, goodness, that was something (our hard work) we doubt we'd forget.
Our release KILLER DOLLS is a wonderful romantic thriller based in bio-terrorism. SNAKE DANCE Is a sci/fi-fantasy adventure romance placed in a unique culture. CHASING YESTERDAY is a gentle paranormal romance which provides an unfolding mystery.
SNAKE DANCE The Story:
On the planet Starling wRen defies her heritage so she can be with VeIper, an outcast bent on freeing his species from ethnic cleansing. Mong, a slayer, quells their ambition as he plots the subjugation of wRen and the death of VeIper.
EXCERPT:
Clenched as one, floating.
Her wings unfurled slightly and his arms caught about them, instinctively stroking the area between moving downward to the Rise of Comehither, feeling her incredible responsiveness. Her fingers curled about the base of skull, pulling his head closer to her breasts as she caressed awake the remnant of a cobra hood. They together, he bending and pressing her backward and then swirling her up and around, he then lifting his head to find her lips, to press past that sensuous pink tenderness to the opening beneath.
Every stimulating action demanded a stronger reaction, and the two simultaneously became giver and recipient. Their mouths twisted against each other, and then parted, held deliberately apart but barely, torturous breaths scraping against each other, tongues flittering and then slipping away, her pointy tip, caressing the vulnerable nip between the slit. His fingers moved over smooth warming flesh, pausing to stroke feathers as they each nipped at each other with tender kisses over eyelids and temples, scale-line and feather-roots.
He growled.
She shivered. ***
We'd love to hear from anyone interested in what we do. Anyone who writes us at angeliahartandzi@yahoo.com and leaves an s-mail address, we will send you a gift and add you to any future mailings.
Angelica Hart and Zi KILLER DOLLS SNAKE DANCE CHASING YESTERDAY angelicahartandzi@yahoo.com angelicahartandzi.com
BOOKS can be purchased at Champagne Books http://www.champagnebooks.com
Have to give an ENORMOUS shout to the Leather Helmet Blog as they were the original posters of the first two videos you will see below. You can draw your own conclusions, most assuredly, but it's definitely clear that the approach that Dave Van Halanger takes at Georgia is a bit modest in comparison to others around the country.
Heck, let's be real, when compared to the program run by Benny Wylie at the University of Tennessee, Georgia's program looks like a Gymboree class.
Please, feast your eyes on this training video, for the "advanced athlete", presented by Georgia's strength and conditioning coach—Dave Van Halanger:
Now, did he really say three sets of ten? Now, no one here is professing to be an expert, but, shouldn't the routine be a touch more challenging—these are football player after all.
The video above looks like it needs to be for the beginning athlete, not the advanced one and, production quality aside, no coach in the SEC is going to be rushing out the door looking for Van Halanger's regimen in any manual if this is what he's bringing to the table—hell, I can do three sets of ten!
Is he for real?!?
Now, take a look at Tennessee's strength coach, Benny Wylie, and ask yourself one question: could anyone describe him as soft?
"If you suffer as a group, you'll normally bond, and that's what we try to do. We put our guys through intense training, hard training, things that the normal person can't do—couldn't do—and we forge our guys together in the summer..."
Well, that sounds like a great idea: "suffer as a group and bond". Haven't seen too much bonding on the Georgia football field lately, could that be a part of the reason why? Just asking questions, here, because it seems that not enough light is being shined on Dave Van Halanger just yet and there has to be some accountability swept his way too.
But, no worries, right? The guys on the field can still lift with the best of them:
Craving Ellie in My Belly is packed full of all things fresh and wonderful. This week Heide of Chez Zero hosted and my husband and I enjoyed every bite of the Blueberry Almond French Toast bake.
I actually baked the breakfast treat for dinner with Breakfast sausage links.
I used 1 1/2 multi-grain whole wheat baguettes. 1 was not enough to cover the bottom of my 9 x 13 dish.
I made several other changes according to several people commenting on the recipe at the Food Network Site (you can find the recipe by clicking on Food Network.)
To keep this from being too moist, I used 6 large eggs and 6 egg whites, cut the milk down to 1 1/2 cups and added 1/2 cup of maple syrup. I also omitted ALL the dark brown sugar; by accident. I was hurrying and totally spaced!
Thank you Heide for another great Ellie recipe choice! I just know Heide will have the recipe posted on her site as well. Go check it out! =)
1. Cameron Newton, Auburn (16/21 for 158 yards and 2 touchdowns. 25 carries for 176 yards and 2 touchdowns) versus South Carolina.
Pretty soon the Auburn Tigers might take on the moniker of the "cardiac cats" as the last two weeks have both seen some dramatic come-from-behind victories by the Tigers. Once again, Cameron Newton put on his Superman cape in the fourth quarter as he led his team to another victory over a worthy opponent.
2010 season total: 43/68 for 683 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. 75 carries for 485 yards and 5 touchdowns.
2. Matt Simms, Tennessee (19/34 for 245 yards and 3 touchdowns) vs. UAB
Simms sealed the Volunteers second victory of the season on a 25-yard touchdown pass to Denarius Moore to win in double overtime. The junior quarterback showed plenty of poise and leadership on the field against a feisty UAB team that seemed determined to walk out of Neyland with a win. Simms has made subtle progressions each week and, so far, has given Vol fans a reason to be hopeful for the future.
2010 season total: 67/118 for 836 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions.
3. John Brantley, Florida (24/35 for 248 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception) vs. Kentucky.
Brantley finally did two things for the first time this season—break 200 yards passing and throw his first interception. The latter is impressive, the former not so much. Though he was largely overshadowed by his freshman counterpart, Trey Burton, Brantley still gets credit for being steady, if not stellar, for the Gators in their win over Kentucky.
2010 season total: 73/114 yards for 700 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 1 interception.
4. Aaron Murray, Georgia (18/31 for 274 yards and 1 touchdown) at Mississippi State
Murray continues to be impressive for Georgia, in spite of the teams' overall anemia on offense, and offers plenty of reason for fans to believe he is the future at quarterback. He looks more comfortable in the pocket each week and, even minus A.J. Green, has developed solid chemistry with his other receivers. Now, if the rest of the team could play with as much passion, the Bulldogs might have something.
2010 season total: 64/105 for 879 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions.
5. Jeremiah Masoli, Ole Miss (8/12 for 153 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception) vs. Fresno State
The Rebels left most of the dirty work to their running backs this week, but Masoli helped get the party started with a touchdown early. He's not been the spark that Houston Nutt hoped he would be, but he hasn't been downright abysmal either.
2010 season total: 48/77 for 733 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.
6. Chris Relf, Mississipi State (8/13 for 135 yards and 1 touchdown. 20 carries for 109 yards) vs. Georgia.
Leading your team to victory over a cross-division rival has to count for something, right? This was, without question, one of Relf's best SEC performances so far this season.
2010 season total: 33/57 for 409 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. 48 carries for 249 yards.
7. Stephen Garcia, South Carolina (15/21 for 235 yards and 3 touchdowns) vs Auburn.
You're probably wondering why Garcia isn't ranked a bit higher, right? Well, his position here has less to do with what he did do, than what he didn't do. Garcia fumbled twice in the second half, clearing the way for 14 of the points Auburn needed to win the game and spoil the Gamecocks bid to go 4-0 on the season—2-0 in the SEC.
2010 season total: 56/81 for 743 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions.
8. Greg McElroy, Alabama (18/26 for 194 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions) at Arkansas.
McElroy was mediocre for the majority of the day, but money when it mattered. He made a drive saving play on fourth-and-inches and helped engineer two touchdown scoring drives in the second half.
2010 season total: 61/86 for 899 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions.
9. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas (25/38 for 357 yards, 1 touchdown, and 3 interceptions) vs. Alabama.
It was a valiant effort that nearly turned into a big win for the Razorbacks, but Mallett lost his groove after throwing his first interception—in the fourth quarter—and never recovered. Arkansas was close to being the beasts of the West...but, as we all know, close only counts in horseshoes.
2010 season total: 95/138 for 1438 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.
10. Mike Hartline, Kentucky (21/39 for 242 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions) at Florida.
Hartline couldn't continue the momentum of the Wildcats in the face of the Gators smothering defense, but he did give a valiant effort.
2010 season total: 75/114 for 922 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions.
11. Jordan Jefferson, LSU (10/22 for 75 yards and 2 interceptions) vs West Virginia.
Jefferson has been atrocious this year. Is he the victim of bad coaching or does he really suck this bad? My goodness, it's an utter miracle that the Tigers are 4-0 —an. utter. miracle. If Jefferson continues to play his uninspired brand of football the rest of the way, it's a miracle that should end very soon.
2010 season total: 43/79 for 419 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions.
Who needs to investigate the wrongdoings of the collegiate athlete when you can just find a cheap tabloid television show to do it for you?
The fact that A.J. Green jeopardized his season for a few extra spring break ducats was a lot less surprising than his mention of TMZ being the initial impetus of the NCAA's investigation into his actions.
Said A.J., "I didn’t know anything about it, Green said of the party. "When the NCAA told me about it, they said they heard it from [website] TMZ. [The NCAA] just heard it was a rumor, so they came down here and asked me." (AJC, 9/28/10).
In case you have no idea what TMZ actually is, it's a celebrity gossip site known for being very unfriendly to famous people. If tabloid journalism had rungs, TMZ would fall somewhere between US Weekly and The Enquirer—in other words, it's pretty close to garbage.
So, it seems rather comical that the NCAA has agents patrolling cheesy tabloid websites for information on what the college athletes they get paid to keep tabs on are doing. It makes you question their ability to actually find out anything major, that's not self-reported by the institution, on their own.
Perhaps that's why it took them five years to figure out that Reggie Bush was dirty, North Carolina was paying tutors, and South Carolina players were living in hotels—jeez, Marc Emmert (the new NCAA president) has a lot of work left to do if he expects to streamline that operation.
Adding more insult to injury was the fact that the NCAA investigation into A.J. Green's actions continued long after it was established that he wasn't in attendance at the South Beach party. Why was that even necessary? Just thinking out loud here, but, wasn't that the reason for the inquiry in the first place? He was rumored to have been there and—shocker—the rumor turns out to be a fabrication.
Why then mull over his bank statements from the previous 15-months?
Did the NCAA agent feel a little silly coming away empty-handed after their "source" ended up being complete hogwash? Did it then become necessary to find something—anything—to justify their contacting Green in the first place? If that wasn't case, why didn't they just leave well enough alone?
Unfortunately for Green, they did unearth his dirty, little secret. One that he, admittedly, knew was wrong but didn't properly calculate the consequences of after the fact.
It's all over now, thankfully, and Georgia can see what restitution Green can repay the Bulldogs on the football field. Georgia offensive coordinator, Mike Bobo, is already foaming at the mouth trying to come up with better plays than the slants, draws, and iso's he's been blindly running over the last three weeks.
Even still, it's perplexing to think that the NCAA expects anyone to take them seriously when they rely on such trashy mediums as TMZ to point them in the right direction—Seriously?
You know that somewhere, someone is thinking, "if not for that POS (piece of shhhh) website, Georgia could be 4-0 right now", right?...just putting that out there because someone is thinking it—no doubt.
As for the NCAA, when asked about the allegation that they don't have agents who can find their own dirt, minus the help of entertainment news, they had no comment.
The Georgia Bulldogs have been without A.J. Green for the last four weeks. Many thought he would return to a team that was 4-0, at best, and 3-1, at worst. There were few who believed he would make his debut on a team that was 1-3 and reeling from one of the most embarrassing losses in a very long time.
However, Green is undeterred by the record or the circumstance. After sitting on the sidelines, watching the offense sputter minus his play making hands, he is simply ready to suit up in his signature No. 8 jersey and play a little Georgia Bulldog football.
Fans are hungry for something to feel good about and, for the first time in a month, A.J. brings the hope of something better—at least for the moment.
Green is ready to play—saying he still feels he has a lot to "prove" to those out there who might still be questioning his overall legitimacy as a player. (h/t wnegtv)
Sir Geoffrey, along with some companions, has been sent away from Arnhem, entrusted by Queen Aislinn for a special mission, and has to leave behind the mysterious lady Celestia. On his journey, he uncovers seeds of a sinister plot, learns a horrible secret, and makes a new friend in exile Jenanna.
Their mission completed, Geoffrey and his companions rush to two different kingdoms to ask for aid. Danger and betrayal lurks around every corner, and even allies have secrets that could prove deadly. Geoffrey's feelings for Celestia grow and wane. After learning some of Celestia's secrets, he begins to have second thoughts about his love for her and is even drawn to Jenanna
Rumors abound that the Speicans have enlisted a mage of their own, to work unspeakable, forbidden magic. The war between Speica and Arnhem has just begun. Will Geoffrey survive the battle to live another day and discover which woman he truly loves?
Excerpt from Knight of Glory:
Geoffrey walked slowly toward the dance floor. Several ladies turned and smiled at him. He nodded back but made no move to offer them his arm. The ladies from neighboring kingdoms seemed attached to the wall. Worried that they don't know our carol dance?
One lady stood by herself in the middle of the ballroom. The dancers paraded around her, ignoring her, and she appeared to be in her own world. Geoffrey's feet guided him to her even before he thought about it. "Hello," he said, bowing. He accepted her outstretched hand and brushed his lips against it. A complete gentleman, he released it as soon as his lips touched. To hold her hand any longer, especially without knowing her name, would disgrace her reputation. "My name is Geoffrey of Siva."
"Hello, Geoffrey," the vision of loveliness said. "It is a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is all mine." Geoffrey took half a step back and drank in her beauty. Her complexion was unlike any that he had ever seen before, a pale faint blush color.
A single strand of long wavy hair tumbled from her elegant hairdo, and she twirled it around her finger. "I am known as Celestia," she said, her voice light and feathery.
"Well, Celestia, would you care for a dance?" Geoffrey's heart thundered. Is this the first stirrings of love? He found himself drawn to her, unable to tear his gaze away. Reaching out with his hand to hold her, he was shocked when she stepped backward.
"I would rather not."
"Oh." Geoffrey fought back a wave of disappointment and struggled to keep his face from showing his frustration and regret.
The corners of her ruby lips twitched, and she let loose a soft chuckle. "I have never made it a practice of mine to dance with strange men."
"But I'm not a strange man," Geoffrey rushed to protest.
"Ah, but I do not know you, do I? Let us talk awhile." She gestured to some chairs.
They walked over, pausing to allow the dancers room to twirl and glide, and sat down next to each other. "What kingdom are you from?" Geoffrey asked. He placed his hands in his lap, for lack of a better place to put them and suppressed the urge to crack his knuckles. He always cracked his knuckles whenever he felt unsure of himself. Once Brother Amicus had yelled at him for the distracting noise when it had broken the silence of the classroom after the monk had asked Geoffrey a question that he didn't know the answer to.
Celestia stared at him, her eyes pale, barely showing a hint of color. Green? Or blue? Geoffrey couldn't decide which, but he didn't minding gazing into her eyes, trying to decipher their color. "I'd much rather talk about you. Tell me some of your daring adventures. You have had daring adventures?" She raised an arched eyebrow, and her lips curved into a teasing smile.
The International House of Prayer in Pasadena, along with another house of prayer in Kansas City, MO are attracting some attention – unwanted attention. International House of Pancakes, Inc. (IHOP) filed suit last week for trademark infringement. The case is No. 2:10-cv-06622-SJO, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
This might be a tough case for the pancake people, for a couple of reasons. First is the issue of likelihood of confusion. One organization is a light n’ fluffy breakfast food chain. The other is a small, aesthetically different house of worship. Additionally, the house of prayer in Pasadena actually uses the acronym PIHOP.
The Kansas City organization may have a tougher time, however. According to the complaint, the International House of Prayer “intended to misappropriate the fame and notoriety of the household name IHOP to help promote and make recognizable their religious organization.”
The wonderfully talented Abby Powell Thompson and Chelsea Fuss have organized the most amazing group of designers, artists, jewelers and more for a handmade market called, Little Winter, which will be November 6-7th at the Ace Hotel in Portland, OR. I'll be one of the vendors so definitely stop by if you are in town and say "hi"! Even if not to say hello to me, come by and support the lovely handmade community and be prepared to find some delightful buys. I am actually really excited to have the opportunity to meet the vendors who I have admired for quite a while. I'm predicting that I'll be walking away with some treasures. For the last few weeks and probably until the night before, I've been and will be developing some new goodies for the event. New pretties that haven't yet been seen... actually, I'll be enlisting the help of my hubby to help make some of these things. Many of the new products will be at much lower prices than most of the Twigs & Honey pieces you see online - nice things to treat yourself with and maybe loved ones during the upcoming holiday season? ;) I can't wait to show you what I've been up to. Very exciting! Very new! I will also have Twigscent products available AND popular Twigs & Honey styles at deep discounts, so if the new stuff wasn't enough to draw you in, perhaps the latter will be? Lots of everyday pieces! I hope to see you all there! Just a few of the vendors:
The Georgia Bulldogs won't be entertaining an SEC Championship, they won't be a sleeper in the BCS, and they are not very likely to finish among the top 25 teams in the nation. At this point, it's time to face the grim reality that this Georgia Bulldogs team's greatest challenge for 2010 is bowl eligibility.
Sitting at a painful 1-3 record, they have dug a hole that could become the foundation for a losing season, if their tailspin doesn't stop soon.
Therein lay the heartbreaking truth of being a Georgia fan in 2010: you might actually endure a team that will be 5-7, or worse, this year—something that, admittedly, was inconceivable to many just a few months ago.
After all, Mark Richt got rid of the albatross that was Willie Martinez. He rid the defense of the ails that made them the laughing stock of the SEC in 2009, so things were supposed to be on their way up.
The new defensive coordinator, Todd Grantham, was going to cure all the inefficiencies of the defense and restore the respect it lost when Brian Van Gorder left town. He, along with his dazzling new assistants: Scott Lakatos and Warren Belin, were going to get things moving in the right direction on defense and the team was going to be much better than last year's 8-5 finisher.
Well, 8-5 is starting to look pretty good at the moment because this team, despite the changes made, isn't playing with any more fire than the one last season. To be honest, there is more personality and passion shown by the players on their Twitter and Facebook accounts than there is on the football field.
However, let's not digress.
What should Georgia Bulldog fans expect from this team the rest of the way? Well, that's a mystery, but it depends on five key factors:
1. Will A.J. Green really be the spark needed to get the offense and the offensive play calling going in the right direction?
For the last four weeks, all any Georgia fan heard is how A.J. was the reason the team wasn't playing well. A.J. is the guy who can make it all better. If the team had A.J. for South Carolina, Arkansas, and Mississippi State—they'd be 4-0 instead of 1-3.
Uh-huh...and if "ands" and "buts" were candy and nuts, then everyday would be Christmas.
While no one can deny the impact A.J. has on the field, even the new athletic director of the University of Georgia, Greg McGarity, knows better than to place the record of this football program on one guy—that's preposterous. Here's his take on the absence of A.J. Green this season:
"You’ve seen other programs that have injuries or have unfortunate things that develop, and someone else steps up. So I think what this has done has maybe let some other receivers develop, I think Kris Durham certainly has been one of the highlighted receivers. I think it gives others a chance to pick up and play...
"It’s all how you look at it. A.J. doesn’t play defense, he doesn’t block, he’s not an interior lineman. I’m sure it hurts the team. But I think there are so many other moving parts with it – it’s the what-if word, probably the two worst words you could use in coach-speak. You can’t play the what-if game." (Seth Emerson, Macon Telegraph, 9/27/10).
Couldn't have said it better.
If the absence of No. 8 limited the imagination of offensive coordinator, Mike Bobo, to the point that he didn't know how to adjust his play calling to the talent he did have on the field, then he doesn't need to be the offensive coordinator at Georgia—period.
2. Will Caleb King EVER be healthy enough to play a full game this season?
Does anyone trust WashaunEaley with the football, inside the redzone, right now? Let's be honest, he's got some problems with ball protection. He's fumbled at the one-yard line twice in the last three weeks—is that the kind of play you want from your top running back?
Caleb King is the only guy that seems capable of both running between the tackles and keeping the ball from hitting the ground. Furthermore, King is a lot better at pass protection than he was just a season ago—the same cannot be said of WashaunEaley.
King needs to get healthy and get on the field. His missing time is getting frustrating and old for those of us who thought he was going to be the next big thing at Georgia a mere three seasons ago.
3. Who will step up on defense and make plays?
Christian Robinson, Akeem Dent, and Justin Houston have all played well this season—absolutely. However, for as well as they have played, there isn't one guy on the defense right now who is a consistent play maker. On the contrary, different guys are, occasionally, making plays—there is a difference.
Where are the sacks? Forced fumbles? Interceptions?
Someone needs to start making his presence felt a bit more. Georgia needs guys who, when they walk on the field, the opposing offense has to adjust to them. Right now, Georgia is doing all of the adjusting—teams are adjusting for what the Bulldogs are bringing to the table. 4. Is Mark Richt capable of drawing a line in the sand?
These guys are undisciplined and unfocused. As mentioned in the opening, they have more passion when using social media than they do playing football on Saturdays. Their opening effort against Arkansas in week three was the most fired up brand of football they've played all season. Since then, it's back to the mediocre, uninspired play they displayed against South Carolina.
The sense of entitlement they seem to feel because of the black 'G' on their helmet is disgusting. Go out there and work for those wins, guys! Get After Them Aggressively, better known as, GATA!!!
My goodness, where is the passion on the football field?!?
Can Richt get that back?...Honestly, the scarier question is: Does Richt have enough energy left to get these guys on track THIS season? 5. Will people stop tip-toeing around the strength and conditioning program at Georgia?
The guys aren't tough enough. For some bizarre reason, people want to extol the great weight lifting numbers the players are putting up on a yearly basis in the Georgia training program. In case you didn't know, they set records every year in different areas (squats, bench press, clean lift, etc.)—SO WHAT?
It's obvious those "records" haven't meant a hill of beans on the football field over the last three years. All anyone has seen is guys getting beat by, sometimes, smaller, less athletic, offensive and defensive linemen.
There's something wrong with that picture and the strength and conditioning coach needs a big, bright, spotlight shown on what he's not doing at Georgia so that his level of accountability can be taken under consideration.
Conclusion
The expectations for the remainder of the year have to be minimal. Some drastic changes have to be made in order for coach Richt to turn this thing around—A.J.'s return will help, but more has to be done to get things going in a more positive direction.
Does that mean the fans should give up on the team, absolutely not, but to ask them to go 8-0 the rest of the way seems like a stretch—right now.
Based on the display of play so far, the schedule that seemed "easy" at the start, now looks like a land mine of possible losses—at Kentucky, at Auburn, Florida, vs. Tennessee, vs. Vanderbilt, and this week at Colorado. None of those are guaranteed wins right now—not the way this team is playing.
So, simply based on what is known, Georgia could go 5-2 in the rest of the way. That means, they would enter their season-ending match-up with Georgia Tech at 6-5—hopefully no worse than that.
What say you? What are your expectations for the rest of this season?
Banned Books Week is the only national celebration of the freedom to read. It was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. More than a thousand books have been challenged since 1982. The challenges have occurred in every state and in hundreds of communities. Click here to see a map of book bans and challenges in the US from 2007 to 2009. People challenge books that they say are too sexual or too violent. They object to profanity and slang, and they protest against offensive portrayals of racial or religious groups--or positive portrayals of homosexuals. Their targets range from books that explore contemporary issues and controversies to classic and beloved works of American literature.
According to the American Library Association, out of 460 challenges reported to the Office of Intellectual Freedom in 2009.
The top TEN Challenged books are as follows:
1) ttyl; ttfn; l8r, g8r (series), by Lauren Myracle
Reasons: nudity, sexually explicit, offensive language, drugs, and unsuited to age group
2) And Tango Makes Three, by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson
Reasons: homosexuality
3) The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky
Reasons: drugs, homosexuality, nudity, offensive language, sexually explicit, suicide, and unsuited to age group
4) To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
Reasons: racism, offensive language, unsuited to age group
5) Twilight (series), by Stephanie Meyer
Reasons: sexually explicit, religious viewpoint, unsuited to age group
6)Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger
Reasons: sexually explicit, religious viewpoint, unsuited to age group
7) My Sister's Keeper, by Jodi Picoult
Reasons: sexism, homosexuality, sexually explicit, offensive language, unsuited to age group, drugs, suicide, violence
8) The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things, by Carolyn Mackler
Reasons: sexually explicit, offensive language, unsuited to age group
9) The Color Purple, by Alice Walker
Reasons: sexually explicit, offensive language, unsuited to age group
10) The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier
Reasons: nudity, sexually explicit, offensive language, unsuited to age group
Go HERE to see what you can do to fight this censorship
During the last week of September every year, hundreds of libraries and bookstores around the country draw attention to the problem of censorship by mounting displays of challenged books and hosting a variety of events.
You can help as well to get the word out and stop this censorship.
Leslie of Lethally Delicious decided on the Tarte Fine on page 315 of Dorie Greenspan's Baking, From My Home to Yours for this week. Leslie chose this week's dessert out of the kindness of her heart for what her friends here on Tuesdays with Dorie could easily purchase on a budget, no matter where he or she lives. I always enjoy reading her blog because of the sweet lady she is. Today, you even get to meet her co-author Pearl, so click on over to see Dorie's recipe posted on Leslie's site along with Leslie's own Tarte Fine.
I horde Whole Food's Dufour puff pastry and have been known to pet the frozen pastry without taking it out of the freezer for several months. We never use this pastry on just any recipe . . . especially at $9 + a package. I really enjoy the buttery perfection Dufour creates in this little one sheet of pastry package.
Dorie's section to the right on "Playing Around" was put into effect when creating my apple Tarte Fine. We enjoyed the extra butter and sugar sprinkled throughout, especially since my Golden Delicious apples still had a slightly tart taste to them.
In my Heavenly Cake Baker's group, I learned to use a melon baller to scoop out the seeds in an apple. The ease, precision, and no waste has me hooked on the scoop method and I have never looked back.
I used my mandolin for slicing the apples into thin pieces; of course, I forgot to take a picture to show off the ease and efficiency when using a mandolin. Another piece of kitchen equipment I could not see myself living without.
Would you believe I added aluminum foil for the edges?
Thank you Leslie for picking out a beautiful Fall treat, centered on ease and baked with love.
For my Heavenly Cake Baker's group finale, the cake slicing and tasting. First word to come to mind is "rich", followed by "deep chocolate", then "crumbly". My step-son enjoyed his 18th year birthday cake as breakfast but what an adrenaline rush after one slice plus a cup of coffee. My slice was half of the one you see in the picture above and I could just "feel" my heart speeding along.
I did have a few air pockets in the cake. The chocolate ganache is rich and delicious too. Only half of the cake was eaten; the rest is in the freezer, waiting to be broken down into chunks and added into a freshly made container of vanilla ice cream.
For dinner we made Paul Newman's tortellini with chicken. I received Paul Newman's cookbook as a freebie when I ordered Dom Deluise's original Italian cookbook. I assumed the cookbooks would be full of cliche' recipes. I was wrong, in fact, I have been enjoying not only the recipes but the stories going along with to introduce each section or individual recipe.
The tortellini with chicken was the first recipe we have tried so far, AND I have many marked to be tried soon.
I thought I would share: Tortellini with Chicken (Paul Newman's Own Cookbook)
Ingredients: 1 medium onion, chopped 2 T. butter 3 skinned and boned chicken breast halves, cut into 2-inch pieces salt and pepper 1 T. dried tarragon or thyme or 2 T. fresh tarragon or thyme Flour for dredging 2 - 3 cups Newman's Own spaghetti sauce or homemade spaghetti sauce 10 ounces cheese or meat tortellini, prepared according to package directions Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions: Saute onion in butter until limp and set aside. Season chicken with salt and pepper to taste and tarragon if desired. Dredge in flour and saute in pan used to saute onion for about 5 - 7 minutes. Add onions, spaghetti sauce, and tortellini. Stir together, heating thoroughly for 5 - 10 minutes. Garnish with parsley.
The vitriol and debate over the safety of coach Mark Richt's job will continue, but it's time to move on to talking about the game that's up next on the schedule—Colorado.
As promised, this weekly snap shot into each of the Georgia Bulldogs' opponents will remain a staple of this blog until the season is over which, for some, it already seems to be.
Either way, the Lady has not yet decided to give up on a season that, with four games in the books, isn't even half done yet. There is still plenty to be proved and salvaged for coach Richt and his beleaguered staff and the journey towards redemption begins in Boulder.
The last time these two teams met, it was a barn-burner, that took some last minute heroics for Georgia to seal the win. Here's hoping that this week the outcome is the same, but the score a little less close. The Buffaloes will enter the game confident and rested, whereas Georgia will play it's fourth game in a row—could that become a factor?
A.J. Green will finally make his season debut in Boulder and his presence will, hopefully, provide the spark Georgia is looking for to get things moving in the right direction. In the meantime, here's a little bit about the team they will be facing this weekend.
1. They have a very good run defense.
Currently, the Buffaloes are allowing a paltry 2.91 yards per rushing attempt (h/t cfbstats.com). They were blown out by the California Golden Bears in week two, but still managed to hold the Bears talented running back, Shane Vereen (currently ranked No. 22 in the nation in total rushing yards) to a modest 3.69 yards per carry (he averages 5.61 ypg)—his lowest output, of the season, to date.
2. Their offensive line is a work in progress, but it shouldn't be disregarded as ineffective.
After the 52-7 thrashing at California, Tyler Hansen made a promise to play better the rest of the way and his offensive line has been more than ready step up their game in response.
Against Cal, the offensive line was ineffective and, nearly, non-existant as Hansen was sacked six times in the loss. However, by the following week against Hawaii, they seemed more focused and better prepared to do what they needed to protect their young quarterback.
There is plenty of size, strength, and leadership in this unit and, given the issues Georgia has faced in getting to the quarterback this season, this could end up being a very important battle to watch come Saturday.
3. Tyler Hansen isn't going to be shy about running on third downs.
Hansen has already made it clear that where third-and-short (1-3 yards) is concerned, he is not going to be hesitant to run for the first down—if need be. He is willing to do "whatever it takes" to sustain the drive.
Last week, the mobility of Chris Relf presented a slight problem for the Bulldogs so they need to be leary of Hansen's ability to move the chains with his feet.
Coach Dan Hawkins, who has faced Georgia before (as the head coach of Boise State in 2005), is unsure if the bye week was a good idea or not, saying, "There's pros and cons. We finished on a good note (Saturday). Maybe you just like to keep playing."
It would serve Georgia well to take advantage of any rust that the lay-off may have caused.
5. They've established a nice 1-2 punch with Rodney Stewart and Brian Lockridge.
The running game really took off against Hawaii, and the Buffaloes now have two capable backs who are more than willing to run the ball. Rodney Stewart is always dangerous (when healthy) and Brian Lockridge is one of the fastest players on Colorado's roster.
6. Beware of B.J. Beatty.
The senior linebacker has been a monster this season, already recording 2.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss through the Buffs first three games. He is one of the stronger pieces of a very talented front seven— Forrest West is another.
At 6'1", 260 lbs, West is slowly emerging at the defensive end position and may finally be coming into his own now that he's 100 percent recovered from MCL surgery.
Both will be around the ball, a lot, and bear watching.
7. There is talent in the secondary.
As a unit, the secondary has not impressed much this season. They rank near the bottom—statistically—of most every passing category (passing defense, passing efficiency, interceptions, etc.), however that does not mean there aren't players who are capable of making plays if given the opportunity. Both Jimmy Smith and Jalil Brown are veteran leaders back there and they can defend the pass as well as any corners in the nation.
8. Dan Hawkins is a man with something to prove this season.
This could be the last hurrah for Hawkins at Colorado. He knows it and so does his team. Every win is a statement that he is not going to be ready to hand in his resignation anytime soon, and a win over Georgia would definitely go a long way towards extending the good will.
9. The Buffaloes are 2-9 versus the SEC—all-time.
Georgia last faced Colorado in 2006, and the Buffaloes gave the Bulldogs all they could handle. If it weren't for some last minute heroics by former Georgia quarterback, Joe Cox, that game would easily have gone the Buff's way. The personnel has changed but the location might be a big advantage.
The Bulldogs have had some issues with conditioning this season and have looked tired in the fourth quarter, giving up the big plays, and allowing teams to score. If the high-altitude of Folsom Stadium becomes a factor late in the game, and the Bulldogs haven't capitalized on their scoring opportunities, things could get tight.
10. They turn the ball over a good bit.
So far this season, the Buffaloes have four interceptions and four fumbles and they are ranked No. 100 in the nation in turnover margin (-1).
Why don't you start with telling us a little about yourself? What genre do you write in and why?
It’s all about erotic romance. Love that heat between the pages. I’ve always enjoyed that feeling of being whisked away into a wild and sexy romance. Psychologically, one could point to me finding a copy of Penthouse Forum in my uncle’s bathroom when I was 12. Ah, the young influences we have.
As for the genre of ER, I’m drawn to the modern and paranormal. For me, it’s not about the sex of the character, but the sexuality. My debut erotic thriller PHYSICAL EDUCATION contains a primary m/f storylines, but dabbles into m/m and f/f.
What comes first for you when you sit down to write a book? Plot or Characters?
It really depends. Sometimes, it’s a quirky piece of dialogue or an action scene. I tend to observe real life a lot, and then something will just strike me. If I already “know” the characters, then there are times when I think, “what next” or “what if …”
Do you "cast" your characters using pictures or actors to help inspire you when you're writing?
Not literally like tacking an image to my computer screen for inspiration. Although there are times when I think about describing one of my fav. hunky stars such as Clive Owen, Taye Diggs or even Angelina Jolie (if it’s a f/f story!).
How long does it take you to finish a book from start to finish?
Too long. I’m not a quick writer. I have a horrendous internal editor, which comes from my other life of being an editor. In “real” life, I constantly find errors on signs, restaurant menus, etc. You could say that it took me years to write Physical Education, or once I got the contract it was done with three months …
All that said, I’m becoming much faster. I tend to be a writer that likes to think about the story a lot, and then the actual putting it on the page can come faster.
How much does reader reaction mean to you as an author? Do you read your own reviews?
Reviews? What reviews? Only have a handful so far, and yes I’ve definitely read them, loved them and argued with them (mentally). Reader reaction means a LOT. I want to know that I’m connecting with them, but I also need to remember that not every story will resonate with every reader. On the same level, I’ve left one not-too-positive review on Amazon for an author, and she’s very well respected and sells many books. Just wanted my cup of historical romance (too tragic).
What are you working on now?
Over the last two months, I’ve signed with an agent – the forward-thinking, talented and lovely Saritza Hernandez of the L. Perkins Agency. She specializes as an ePub agent, and I’ve submitted a total of six short stories. Hopefully, we’re going to be hearing back on those shortly!
Moving forward, I’m working on a ménage sequel for Physical Education, which is tentatively titled The Master Class.
On a different level, I’m also working as an editor for the new epublisher Keith Publications, which officially launched in September. I’m reading a few titles by Ashlynn Monroe, who writes vamp fiction and has many stories hitting over a variety of publishers in the next few months.
What books are currently on your nightstand?
Should be getting a box of four books in the mail today from Amazon (fingers-crossed). Included in the first in the series by J.K. Beck, The Shadow Keepers. It’s a pen name for Julie Kenner. Recently finished the RITA-winning historical romance Not Quite a Husband by Sherry Thomas, and Larissa Ione’s Sin Undone.
Totally have to pace myself because I can get wrapped up reading, and then push off writing.
Where did you get the idea for your latest book?
For my latest published novel – Physical Education is set at the San FranciscoSexUniversity. While the school itself is completely fictionalized, from what I know, it’s the loss of control that fascinates me. What would we do if we gave up all control to someone we trust? While Physical Education contains a primary love story (more than one), it’s also about that pursuit of pleasure. And, I love education, so a higher-education sex school? Sounds absolutely titillating to me.
For my latest WIP – Oooh, if only I could tell without telling so much …
If someone hasn't read any of your work, what book would you recommend that they start with and why?
For long fiction, it would have to be Physical Education. I have a feeling that it’s going to be the start of many different stories.
Have you ever experience weird cravings while you write? If so, what kind?
I’m a salty-sweet gal. Tend to much on pumpkin seeds, Good & Plenty or for a special treat, Cinnamon Bears.
What are the most challenging and the most rewarding aspects of writing?
By far the most challenging can be finding time to write. I’m a mom of two young children, and homework time definitely cuts into my writing time!
For rewarding, there are stages: Getting inspiration for a story; getting lost in a scene; finishing a story; submitting and being accepted. Then … there’s that sweet moment of publication.
What are your top 3 favorite paranormal books and movies?
Books
Charlaine Harris – Dead Series
Kim Harrison – Rachel Morgan Series
Twilight
Films
Paranormal films, to me, equate to horror films, and I don’t tend to watch too many of those. Love to read about the gore, but not see it on the big screen. If it’s a “light” paranormal than the Harry Potter series. My girlfriend and I have a standing date to see the midnight opening show for each release. At this year’s RWA Nationals in Florida, I snuck away for a day to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios.
Television
True Blood
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
What character (s) in any of your books is most like you?
Definitely Trisha from “Two’s Company” in the I Kissed a Girl: A Virgin Lesbian Anthology, and that’s all I’m saying!
What is the most ridiculous thing that you have thought about doing to any of your characters but never did?
There’s a delicious scene in one of Anne Rice’s erotic novels, which were written under pseudonyms and we all now know she’s the author. It may be the Sleeping Beauty Series – it’s been a long time; however, for “punishment” a few characters are made to wear a pony tail, ahem, anally. Obviously, the scene stuck with me … something absolutely wicked like that.
If your muse were to talk behind your back, what secrets would he/she tell?
Hard question! She would tattle that I’m quite scatter-brained at times, and that I’m often addicted to Facebook. Fortunately, my office is currently cleaned, or else she might be choking on some old school papers and fighting off silverfish. Why do writers generate so much paper?
And, hopefully, that’s all she’d say …
You have to ask a fictional character out on a date—who would you ask and what would you do together?
Oh, come on! Seriously? Can I make Jacob from Twilight just a little bit older and have some alone time with him (with no promises or regrets!)? Yes, I own a Wolf Pack T-shirt.
Where can readers find out what's new and how can they contact you?
A bell disrupted her thoughts. It was time. Amanda opened the door, ready to take on whatever came next, and found herself in a room full of other people.
Correction: other naked people.
Men and women burst out of the rooms like horses at a race, only to find themselves reined in. A petite blonde girl stood next to her, looking even more timid than Amanda felt. A tall, dark-haired man with stark almond-colored skin could be seen towering above the others on the other side of the room. A small Asian woman turned in circles, as if searching for a familiar face. And then the whistle shrilled. The sea of bare butts parted to reveal a mammoth woman with striking red hair; beside her stood another man who looked to be Blaine’s twin.
“All right everybody, that’s enough. You’ll have plenty of time to gawk at each other,” she said. “It’s time to get the first lesson started. I am Lucille, the headmistress of San FranciscoSexUniversity, and what I say, you do.
“Now, everyone get into formation. Ten lines of five. Right now. On the double.” Amanda fell into line. The pale blonde woman stepped in front of her. As easily as elementary school children, they lined up equally spaced apart, shoulders back, chests out and faces forward. Amanda stole a glance to her right, and then to her left. Some men could obviously not hide their excitement, and a particular dark-skinned man to the left of her looked to have something to be excited about. Others were clearly intimidated by the situation and were not rising to the occasion.
The last guy in the line to the right of her seemed to be crowding the guy in front of him. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. There were six in that row. Try as he might, he couldn’t line up.
“You there,” the Lucy Amazon said, getting down off her box. “Can’t you count? Do you plan on flunking out on your first day? In your first hour?”
The woman strutted down the aisle, all the more noticeable in her clothes. It wasn’t merely the fact that she was wearing something alluring; it was the fact that she was wearing something in this room filled with stripped-down bodies. Black four-inch thigh-high boots made her even taller. As she walked purposefully through the ranks, the floor vibrated with the pulse of her every step. Amanda caught a glimmer of musky vanilla perfume as the woman passed her. Everything about Headmistress Lucy commanded attention. Amanda felt drawn to the woman’s obvious strength and power.
Before she saw it, Amanda heard the smack of leather hitting bare flesh. The man yelped in surprise.
