Fantasy Owners Begin To Make Contingency Plans For Life After Dez

Fantasy football superstar Dez Bryant broke his foot during the week one match up of the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants.  Cries of agony could be heard across the land of fantasy as countless owners around the planet grieved with shock and sorrow.  Bryant, a first round pick in nearly every fantasy league in existence, will end up missing anywhere between 6-12 weeks after having surgery on a bone in his foot.  Completely destroying many owners’ chances of bringing home a championship this year.

So what can owners do to try and salvage their seasons?  Replacing a number one receiver is no easy task, but there are moves that can be made to improve your team to remain in contention.  It is really important to be on the look out for future injuries to other starting wide receivers.  Often times, when a starter goes down, a back-up comes in and produces pretty well.  This happened last year when A.J. Green went down and Mohamed Sanu was moved to the number one receiver position for the Bengals.  Sanu’s production was great while he was filling in and was a legit player for fantasy.  If a starter goes down, be sure to put your waiver request in and snatch up their replacement before anyone else.  There are also some hidden gems that can still be found on the waiver wire in a lot of leagues.  UCF’s own Breshad Permian is now a rookie for the Baltimore Ravens but has been unable to participate in games due to injury.  He is expected back within a few weeks and is poised to make a big impact on an offense that is struggling for targets downfield.  His injury caused him to go undrafted in many leagues so he is likely to still be available in a lot of 10-12 team leagues.

Finally, if all else fails, you can always attempt the dreaded trade.  Trades can be difficult to pull off but if you find the right situation they can be possible.  It is important to assess your roster and determine if you have any positions of strength.  A lot of owners are sitting on injured prospects like Todd Gurley and Arian Foster.  Both are projected to have RB1 value when they make their season debuts.  But both players are also not gaurantees to be completely reliable once they return.  It could prove wise to try and trade them now while their value is still high and receive legit compensation at the wide receiver position.

If you are a Bryant owner, not all is lost.  There are still moves to be made and anything can happen on any given Sunday.  I drafted Calvin Johnson in the first round last year and he ended up missing over half the season.  Through diligent workings of the waiver wire and a little luck, I still finished third in my league and got my money back.

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UCF Football Does Not Look Ready For A Power Conference After Slow Start

Heading into week three of college football the University of Central Florida sports a very disappointing 0-2 record. Stumbling against a historically weak Florida International team 15-14, then crushed against a surprisingly lackluster Stanford team 31-7, is not the start UCF was looking for. The previous three UCF seasons have been stellar including multiple bowl appearances, a huge BCS bowl win and even a top 10 ranking in the national sports polls. This year was the audition to the power conferences after being thrust into the national spotlight, but UCF has not shown up.

It began with a blocked field goal attempt. Florida International players rushed the field in celebration as the Knights walked off the field stunned. Maybe this was just a fluke? A slow start to the season or a case of not taking their opponent serious enough. In reality this was just the beginning of UCF’s already problematic season. UCF’s starting quarterback would be injured during the opening minutes of their match-up against Stanford University, forcing head coach George O’Leary to experiment with who could fill his place. Redshirt Freshman Tyler Harris seemed to fit the bill completing 7 of 15 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown, but his debut came far too late in the fourth quarter. By the time Harris was chosen to take the field Stanford had already rolled through UCF’s defense to a 31-0 lead.

UCF had its eyes on joining a power conference at the conclusion of this season. This was supposed to be the big year. They would dominate a fairly easy schedule, perhaps only losing to one of the two power conference teams they play and then find themselves in the mix of joining the Big 12 conference. Yet for now UCF desperately needs to pick up the pieces and put on a huge performance vs Furman on September 19th.

 

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Apple comes out with their latest iPhone yet! —Adding a very unexpected color to their collection.

Apple has definitely left everyone speechless with their new line of products that they came out with this past week. By now we all know that they release their new products around this time of year between September and November. Most people who die hard fans patiently wait the whole year just for this moment.

About two years ago and also last year the big news that everyone was very excited about was that Apple added Gold version of the iPhone and iPad Air 2. It was a major breakthrough since people had been so used to by them to just black or white, no colors, since Apple’s image and design is sophisticated, modern and elegant, so adding colors was definitely a different type platform that they successfully achieved and it made people super happy to try having something with a little more personality.

But now Apple has stepped up their game even more so with completely unexpected color- Pink! like what? Wow, they even left me speechless to say the least. I would have never pictured such a classy company with a pink phone. Even though the phone, it’s not in stores yet, people had been pre-ordering it since they saw it. It looks pretty neat, it’s like a metallic pink, but Apple, of course, gave a more fun name- Rose Gold… If that doesn’t sound expensive, I don’t know what else.

Now people can choose between the already existingcolors which are black, white, white with gold, and now with rose gold depending on their preference, in my case I am pretty excited to see if I can get my hands in one of the pink ones, the phone does look awesome. Once again great job Apple, keep doing what you’re doing.

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Season 4 of Crime Drama Series ‘Longmire’ Debuts on Netflix

On September 10th the fourth season of Longmire was released in its entirety on the streaming service Netflix. The western flavored crime drama, based on mystery novels by best-selling author Craig Johnson, is a newly acquired property picked up after cable network A&E pulled it in 2014. The new season consists of ten hour-long episodes.

For those just tuning in, the show follows small town lawman Walt Longmire (Robert Taylor) in Wyoming. Haunted by the murder of his wife, the stoic sheriff divides his time between solving weekly crimes and tracking down those responsible for her death. Supporting him is deputy Victoria “Vic” Moretti (Katee Sackoff), a transfer from Philadelphia with a wicked wit and special relationship with Walt. Also present is Walt’s lifelong friend and frequent confidant Henry Standing Bear (Lou Diamond Phillips).

The latest season picks up shortly where the last one left off: Walt is ready to take down the men responsible for the death of his wife through any means necessary. Henry is struggling with the death of Hector, the Cheyenne vigilante who delivered justice to those who the law had failed. Also hanging in the balance is the life of troubled ex-deputy Branch Connally (Bailey Chase), who we last saw with a gun leveled at his head.

A unique feature of Longmire is how central Native Americans and their culture is to the plot. Past seasons have explored the strained relationship between the Cheyenne Nation and off reservation law enforcement. This continues as Walt pursues casino owner Jacob Nighthorse (A Martinez) for the death of his wife. But Sheriff Longmire is still sympathetic to the Cheyenne people. Many episodes explore Native American culture as he aids those in need and receives help from reservation Officer Matthias (Zahn McClarnon).

Being only the third show that Netflix has resurrected from cancellation purgatory, some have asked why it was saved from the axe. The answer presumable lies in demographics. Along with original series Grace and Frankie, Longmire attracts a considerable older adult audience- one that Netflix had previously been missing in its line-up. Its audience, with a 60-year age median, is the very reason A&E canceled it.

As of right now, the show has yet to be confirmed for continued renewal on Netflix. The question now is did Longmire attract enough of an audience to stick around. Only time will tell if Walt Longmire and the Absaroka Sheriff’s Office will see a season five or not.

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Nurses rally on social media in response to The View’s comment of Miss Colorado’s monologue

On September 13th, Miss Colorado, Kelley Johnson performed a monologue about her experiences as a nurse. Kelley Johnson wore baggy scrubs, sneakers and a stethoscope and shares why she continues to care for people.

On Monday, September 14th, The View discussed about the Miss America pageant and particularly Kelley Johnson’s monologue. Michelle Collins said “there was a girl who wrote her own monologue and I was like ‘Turn the volume up, this is going be amazing, let’s listen.’ She came out in a nurse’s uniform and basically read her emails out loud and, shockingly, did not win.”

Collins stated that “she swore to God it was hilarious.

Collins’ co-host Joy Behar questioned why she had a “doctor”s stethoscope” during her performance.

The comments on The View caused many to respond on social media websites such as twitter, youtube and facebook for their ignorant comments.

Isra Hasmi responded, “@The View: I’m trained at a #Harvard teaching Hospital. They use stethoscopes. A lot! Poor thing mus not know better. @JoyVBehar #nurse”.

Nicole M Brown, responded in the same matter, “Expecting @The View @JoyVBehar @michcoll to apologize to the 3.4 million nurses in the U.S. for your insulting comments #nurseunite”.

While Michelle Collins responded back to some tweets, continuing to make light of the comments that were made and that they should be “prescribed a Valium and relax”.

The twitter trend #nurseunite has become viral and many of those who were offended by the comments hope for an apology from The View for the lack of respect of their professions.

Sources

France, Lisa R. #Nurseunite against ‘The View’. N.p.: Cable News Network, 2015. Web. 16 Sept. 2015. <http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/16/entertainment/the-view-nurses-collins-behar-fiorina-feat/index.html>.

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China building airstrip in South China Sea, stirs international controversy

The South China Sea: despite having China in the name, it is hotly contested by the titular states as well as others, including Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines. According to several aerial surveillance photos taken by the United States’ Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), China is constructing an airstrip at Mischief Reef in the hotly-contested Spratly Islands.

Land reclamation reportedly began in June and is expected to finish within one year. Photos indicate Mischief Reef airstrip may be up to 3,000 meters (3,280 yards) in length. Sand is delivered via the sea and piled to expand the tiny landmass. One Chinese dredger in particular has been spotted widening a shipping channel. Although this a commerce-related discovery, it indicates increased Chinese presence in the region and the potential for even more increased maritime traffic.

This is hardly the first airstrip located in the South China Sea, or even the first Chinese airstrips. Two other airstrips – Fiery Cross Reef and Subi Reef – are either near to completion or already complete. All three installations are reclaimed in the Spratly Islands, which is also claimed by Vietnam and the Philippines. Out of all the airstrips in the South China Sea, Fiery Cross Reef is the only one that is large and equipped to handle fourth-generation fighter jets. However, it is projected that Mischief Reef airstrip will be even larger.

China insists that its project does not impede international access to travel in the area, nor is it aimed at any specific state. However, this calls into question to intentions behind intentionally inflaming international relations over the disputed South China Sea.

While many advise crossing China’s maritime borders to commit to further investigations, others advise against belligerent and invasive action. President Obama and China’s President Xi will meet in Washington next week, and Chinese expansion into the South China Sea is expected to be a key issue in their ensuing discussions.

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The Easiest Taco Tuesday Recipe for the World’s Worst Cook

Anyone who knows me know two things about me:

  1. I love Tacos (And all Mexican food really)
  2. I cannot cook if my life depends on it.

That being said, I have recently discovered the small kitchen appliance that is revolutionizing the lives of all people who cannot cook everywhere: the crockpot. This crockpot works miracles. Overnight, it has changed me from a kitchen failure to everyone’s favorite place for a good dinner. I am going to share with you the recipe that changed my life. These are the best tacos EVER, with the least amount of effort possible.

Ingredients:

  1. Two boneless chicken breasts
  2. One cup Chicken Stock
  3. One bottle ranch dressing
  4. One package of Taco Seasoning

Four ingredients. That is all these incredible tacos take. Just stick all four of those ingredients in your crock pot, and set it to low for five hours. When the chicken has cooked all the way through, shred the chicken with two forks and let it sit in the crockpot for another fifteen minutes.

All you need after the chicken is done is flour tortillas for serving and whatever other garnishes your heart desires on your tacos. I usually use salsa, sour cream, cheese, and cilantro, but whatever is in the fridge will work just fine.

Enjoy your tacos, new cooks!

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Student Run Philanthropy Raises Money For CMN Hospitals

Knight Thon is UCF’s largest student run philanthropy. The aim of Knight Thon is to inspire, educate, and raise money for Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals.

Knight Thon is composed of students, student organizations, and members of the greater Orlando community coming together for one giant cause.

Student teams raise money year round through fundraising events. One example is coming up. On September 26th, there will be a 5K (FT5K) to raise money. In the spring, students stand for 20 hours to celebrate their efforts year round and to celebrate the children.

The main purpose of Knight Thon is to spread awareness and help these kids who are in need. Every hour, on the hour The Morale team does a dance that will lift the spirits of those who are tired of standing. Miracle families are invited on stage to share their stories of courage and really inspire everyone who’s there.

Knight Thon is unlike anything I have ever been apart of. It is the most humbling 20 hours and this is actually Knight Thon’s 20th year. So I encourage everyone to get involved and start making a difference in the lives of children and families who need your help the most. There are plenty of fun activities and entertainment at the event. Bounce houses, bands, hypnotists, professional dancers, etc.

Last year UCF raised a giant $ 688,049.19 all for the kids!

Knight Thon is part of the ultimate UCF collegiate experience and brings you so much closer to your campus and your peers and I really hope that you guys get involved!

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Banksy, the mysteriously unidentified street artist spoofs Disneyland to the extreme

For many years now the artist known as ‘Banksy’ has been a secretive street artist that moved in silence as he constructed murals and pieces of art that were just as moving as say a protest of thousands of people. These very artistic and very truthful murals have been placed in the most unexpected of places.  Banksy’s art, very different from anything you have seen before, is moving in a way that it first upsets you to be so blatantly placed in front of reality, but then really makes you think about how true to life the images and their meanings really are. His pieces reflect tragic events that have recently occurred and also reference turmoil in the media.

Although Banksy is said to be from the UK, his art reflects upon more of the happenings of the western world. That being said, Banksy has opened a theme park of sorts in the UK. The name of this mystical and magical place is ‘Dismaland; A Bemusement Park’. “Dismaland is absolutely not taking a stab at Disneyland” says Banksy. It is actually the complete opposite of Disneyland. It is bare and cold, sad and realistic, creepy and not at all the happiest place on earth. The following quote was taken from the article I read about Dismaland and it pretty much describes the vibe of the amusement park: “The site, whose signage bares more than a passing resemblance to Disneyland, is full of the artist’s subversive statements and epigrams on Western culture, the media, capitalism and extreme disparities of wealth”.

I believe that it is the truth of Banksy’s Dismaland that puts the world into perspective. Some of the exhibits range from an artistic depiction of a huge killer whale trying to jump through a hula-hoop into a kiddie sized swimming pool (referencing the issues with SeaWorld), a carousel with horses being prepared for the slaughter house (referencing the horse meat scandal that was uncovered recently), and cinderella’s castle with a photo-op spot next to a dead princess and a wrecked carriage. These may seem like extreme issues to recreate for the sake of art but I think that it is pure genius. It brings life to these issues that most just sweep under the rug. It gives our generation a deeper understanding of the real issues that are very prevalent to our society currently.

The entry fee to get into Dismaland is only 3 pounds ($4.70). I feel that I will be making a trip to Banksy’s site very soon. I highly recommend to those reading to do your due diligence and research this pioneer in the world of art. This is definitely not the last we will be seeing or hearing about this amazing art prophet.

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Sixteen-year-old opens his own restaurant after impressing many

A sixteen-year-old culinary arts mastermind by name of Flynn McGarry will be opening his first restaurant called: Eureka, in New York City. His business is said to be opened three days a week in West Village, presenting customers with a 14-course menu.

The young genius was first introduced to the food arena when he was 12 years old. He established a miniature dinner club, which was named Eureka, in California, out of his mom’s residence. Eureka started as an enjoyment hobby of cooking for his mom’s companions. This project started attracting additional people.

At the age of thirteen, McGarry began working at Ray’s and Stark Bar at LACMA as a learner under Chef Kris Morningstar and other famous chefs. As one, Eureka proceeded serving 14 course meals to 20 guests. The popular dinner created pop-ups in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City. McGarry was highlighted on The New York TimesZagat and Time Magazine last year because of his inspiring work.

“Eureka will serve McGarry’s signature dishes such as the peanut Ritz crackers with foie gras terrine and sour cherry compote. Others will include sea-water-brined sea urchin with carrot cremeaux and coffee-pickled carrots,” said an anonymous person.

Flynn also has a YouTube channel where he hosts shorts filmed by his mother, Meg McGarry. He started this channel when he was eleven years old, and documents many different culinary techniques. His channel has over 1,000 subscribers and 160,000 channel views. Although his culinary passion is a priority, he still manages to keep his focus on school. He stated that, “To open a restaurant I obviously won’t be going to college,” he said, “but I don’t enjoy school anyway. It’s a win-win situation for me. I’ve found exactly what I love doing so I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything.” 

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