Younger Bush gets teary-eyed (CNN)

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Bangladesh Building Collapse: Fatalities Reported, Others Feared Trapped

SAVAR, Bangladesh ? An eight-story building housing several garment factories collapsed near Bangladesh's capital Wednesday morning, killing at least 87 people and trapping many more in a jumbled mess of shattered concrete and bricks, officials said.

The collapse stirred memories of a fatal fire at a garment factory in November that killed 112 people and raised an outcry about safety in the nation's $20 billion-a-year textile industry, which produces clothing for global fashion brands worn around the world.

Workers in the Rana Plaza building said it had developed such severe cracks the day before that it had been reported on local news channels. They hesitated to enter the building Wednesday morning, said Abdur Rahim, who worked in a garment factory on the fifth floor.

But a manager from the factory assured them there was no problem, so they went inside, he said.

`'We started working. After about an hour or so the building collapsed suddenly," he said. He next remembered regaining consciousness outside the building.

Among the businesses in the building were Phantom Apparels Ltd., New Wave Style Ltd., New Wave Bottoms Ltd. and New Wave Brothers Ltd. garment factories, companies that make clothing for brands including Benetton, The Children's Place and Dress Barn. Workers said they didn't know what specific clothing brands were being made in the building because labels are attached after the products are finished.

Sumi, a 25-year-old worker who goes by one name, said she was sewing jeans on the fifth floor with at least 400 others when the building fell. "It collapsed all of a sudden," she said. "No shaking, no indication. It just collapsed on us."

She survived because she managed to reach a hole in the building through which rescuers pulled her out.

Tens of thousands of people gathered at the site, some of them weeping survivors, some searching for family members. Firefighters and soldiers using drilling machines and cranes worked together with local volunteers in the search for other survivors.

An enormous section of the concrete structure appeared to have splintered like twigs. Colorful sheets of fabric were tied to upper floors of the wreckage, presumably so those inside could climb or slide down and escape.

An arm jutted out of one section of rubble. The lifeless body of a woman covered in dust could be seen in another. A firefighter carried the body of what appeared to be a teenager from the area.

Rahim said his mother and father, who worked with him in the factory, were trapped inside.

`'I have no idea what is going on," he said.

Mosammat Khurshida wailed as she looked for her husband. "He came to work in the morning. I can't find him," she said. "I don't know where he is. He does not pick his phone. Oh Allah, what will I do now?"

In addition to the factories, the building also housed a bank and shops.

Zahidur Rahman, director of public relations at Enam Medical College and Hospital, said by Wednesday evening 87 people had been confirmed dead in the collapse at the building in the Dhaka suburb of Savar. Brig. Gen. Mohammed Siddiqul Alam Shikder said another 600 survivors had been rescued.

Reports indicated the death toll could rise.

"We had sent two people inside the building and we could rescue at least 20 people alive. They also told us that at least 100 to 150 people are injured and about 50 dead people are still trapped inside this floor," said Mohammad Humayun, a supervisor at one of the garment factories.

The collapse happened about 8:30 a.m. and since garment factories in the area routinely work 24 hours a day, it appeared likely that the four housed in the building were staffed at the time.

The November fire at the Tazreen garment factory drew international attention to the conditions workers toil under in Bangladesh's textile industry. The country has about 4,000 garment factories and exports clothes to leading Western retailers. The industry wields vast power in the South Asian nation.

Tazreen lacked emergency exits and its owner said only three floors of the eight-story building were legally built. Surviving employees said gates had been locked and managers had told them to go back to work after the fire alarm went off.

Clothes with Disney, Wal-Mart and other western labels were found at that factory.

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/24/bangladesh-building-collapse_n_3143845.html

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Reuters: Verizon lining up $100 billion bid to buy out Vodafone's share of VZW

Word that Verizon would like to buy out Vodafone's 45 percent share of Verizon Wireless is hardly new, but Reuters reports it may finally be financially ready to take that step. According to unnamed sources, it's hired bank and legal advisers to prepare the bid, raising $50 billion in bank financing plus $50 billion in its own shares. Friendly discussions are said to start "soon", but if Vodafone is not interested it could take its bid public. It's probably no coincidence that the news is leaking just before Verizon's board meets to discuss a buyout before its regular shareholders meeting, but there are some potential complications. One holdup has been a potential hefty tax bill, but the Verizon CFO has been quoted saying he thinks that can be avoided, giving it more flexibility based on the cash generated by the wireless business.

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The Applelicious Home Screen

Reader sky_n_sand wanted a new iOS theme that still had that Apple look and feel, so he made one himself with a new icon pack and UI elements.

Here's what you need to get this look on your device:

• Lockscreen Clock Hide, available in Cydia, to hide the current lockscreen.
• Libweather, available in Cydia, for the new lockscreen.
• Winterboard
• The Applelicious theme, available here.

Sky_n_sand describes how it works:

The lockscreen turns in your personal weather screen with time and date. It shows your current weather based on your GPS location. If the weather changes, the Apple changes. The icons and all other UI of the iphone are changed, giving you a new experience with your (dull) standard iPhone.

Do you have an awesome, tweaked-into-oblivion home or lock screen of your own that you'd like to share? Post it in the comments below, or on your own Kinja blog with the tag "home screen showcase" (no quotes). Be sure to include a description of how you made it so we can feature it as the next featured home screen.

Discover a new iPhone experience | sky_n_sand

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/-N-3rh6MLmQ/the-applelicious-home-screen-478095214

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Cuban dissidents pick up EU prize, 8 years later

BRUSSELS (AP) ? Eight years after winning Europe's top human rights prize, members of a Cuban opposition group on Tuesday finally picked it up after securing permission to travel abroad.

Cuba's Ladies in White won the European Union's Sakharov Prize in 2005 for their fight for democracy and human rights, but they weren't granted permission to leave the country at that time.

"No dictatorship in the world will be able to stop democracy in the long run," European Parliament President Martin Schulz said at the award ceremony in Brussels. "No people can be oppressed forever."

Berta Soler, a co-founder of the group and one of several members at Tuesday's ceremony, said the work in their country was far from over.

"We need a Cuba where there is proper freedom and human rights," she said, urging "real reforms, not just cosmetic change."

The Ladies in White formed in 2003 to demand freedom for their loved ones, 75 government opponents who had been jailed that spring in a crackdown on dissidents.

Wives and mothers of those jailed began marching each Sunday in Havana, dressed in white and holding aloft white gladiolas. In a Communist country that brooks little dissent, the weekly marches became a unique act of defiance.

Cuba responded by ignoring the protests or sending pro-government crowds to shout the women down in a so-called "act of repudiation." The women have sometimes been arrested, but have usually been released to their homes within hours.

The government considers all dissidents to be mercenaries paid by Washington to stir up trouble.

But the women's protests ultimately worked: The last of the 75 political prisoners was freed in 2011. The majority of the prisoners accepted exile in Spain along with their families.

Since the releases, the Ladies have struggled to find a new direction. But a small core of the original Ladies in White led by Soler still march nearly every Sunday, alongside women who have joined in the years since the 2003 crackdown.

The Sakharov Prize, named after the late Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, is considered the EU's top rights award and comes with a 50,000-euro ($65,000) honorarium. Previous winners include Nobel Peace Prize laureates Aung San Suu Kyi and Nelson Mandela.

Cuban dissidents say harassment and brief detentions have increased under the leadership of Raul Castro, the younger brother of the island's retired longtime leader Fidel Castro, but they acknowledge that the country's jails are now free of nearly all political prisoners.

Raul Castro has also instituted a series of reforms, most recently eliminating travel restrictions that kept many Cubans from ever leaving the country. The government has allowed several prominent dissidents to travel, most notably blogger Yoani Sanchez, who is on an 80-day world tour and is due back in Havana in May.

___

Associated Press writer Paul Haven reported from Havana, Cuba.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/cuban-dissidents-pick-eu-prize-8-years-later-162534628.html

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Kerry: NATO needs plan for Syrian chemical weapons

Greek Foreign Minister Dimitrios Avramopoulos, left, talks with Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu, during a NATO foreign ministers meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Tuesday, April 23, 2013. NATO foreign ministers meet in Brussels to discuss the situation in Syria and Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Yves Logghe)

Greek Foreign Minister Dimitrios Avramopoulos, left, talks with Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu, during a NATO foreign ministers meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Tuesday, April 23, 2013. NATO foreign ministers meet in Brussels to discuss the situation in Syria and Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Yves Logghe)

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, left, talks with Italy's Foreign Minister Mario Monti, during a NATO foreign ministers meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Tuesday, April 23, 2013. NATO foreign ministers meet in Brussels to discuss the situation in Syria and Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Yves Logghe)

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, left, talks with Italy's Foreign Minister Mario Monti, during a NATO foreign ministers meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Tuesday, April 23, 2013. NATO foreign ministers meet in Brussels to discuss the situation in Syria and Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Yves Logghe)

Greek Foreign Minister Dimitrios Avramopoulos, center, talks to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, right, and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, as they pose for a group photo, during the NATO-Russia Council during a NATO foreign ministers meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Tuesday, April 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Yves Logghe)

Italy's Foreign Minister Mario Monti, left, talks with German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle prior to the NATO-Russia Council during a NATO foreign ministers meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Tuesday, April 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Yves Logghe)

BRUSSELS (AP) ? U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry urged NATO on Tuesday to prepare for the possible use of chemical weapons by Syria on the same day that a senior Israeli military intelligence official said Syrian President Bashar Assad had used such weapons last month in his battle against insurgents.

It was the first time Israel had accused the embattled Syrian leader of using his stockpile of nonconventional weapons.

The assessment, based on visual evidence, could raise pressure on the U.S. and other Western countries to intervene in Syria. Britain and France recently announced that they had evidence that Assad's government had used chemical weapons.

President Barack Obama has warned that the use of chemical weapons by Assad would be a "game changer" and has hinted that it could draw intervention.

But White House spokesman Jay Carney said while the administration is continuing to monitor and investigate whether the Syrian regime has used chemical weapons, it has "not come to the conclusion that there has been that use."

"But it is something that is of great concern to us, to our partners, and obviously unacceptable as the president made clear," Carney said.

Despite the deteriorating situation, NATO officials say there is virtually no chance the alliance will intervene in the civil war. More than 70,000 people have died in the conflict, according to the United Nations. The violence also has forced more than 1 million Syrians to seek safety abroad, and more are leaving by the day, burdening neighboring countries such as Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Iraq.

On Tuesday, Brig. Gen. Itai Brun, the head of research and analysis in Israeli military intelligence, told a security conference in Tel Aviv that Assad had used chemical weapons multiple times. Among the incidents were attacks documented by the French and British near Damascus last month.

He cited images of people hurt, but gave no indication he had other evidence, such as soil samples, typically used to verify chemical weapons use.

"To the best of our professional understanding, the regime used lethal chemical weapons against the militants in a series of incidents over the past months, including the relatively famous incident of March 19," Brun said. "Shrunken pupils, foaming at the mouth and other signs indicate, in our view, that lethal chemical weapons were used."

He said sarin, a lethal nerve agent, was probably used. He also said the Syrian regime was using less lethal chemical weapons. And he appeared to lament the lack of response by the international community.

"The fact that chemical weapons were used without an appropriate response is a very disturbing development because it could signal that such a thing is legitimate," he said.

Israel, which borders Syria, has been warily watching the Syrian civil war since fighting erupted there in March 2011. Although Assad is a bitter enemy, Israel has been careful not to take sides, partly because the Assad family has kept the border with Israel quiet for 40 years and partly because of fears of what might happen if he were toppled.

Israeli officials are concerned that Assad's stockpile of chemical weapons and other advanced arms could reach the hands of his ally, the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, or Islamic extremist groups trying to oust him from Syria.

Kerry, attending his first meeting of NATO's governing body, the North Atlantic Council, as America's top diplomat, said contingency plans should be put in place to guard against the threat of a chemical strike. Turkey, a member of the military alliance, borders Syria and would be most at risk from such an attack. NATO has already deployed Patriot missile batteries in Turkey.

"Planning regarding Syria, such as what (NATO) has already done, is an appropriate undertaking for the alliance," Kerry told NATO foreign ministers. "We should also carefully and collectively consider how NATO is prepared to respond to protect its members from a Syrian threat, including any potential chemical weapons threat."

Speaking at a news conference after the meeting, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the alliance is "extremely concerned about the use of ballistic missiles in Syria and the possible use of chemical weapons." However, he also noted that NATO has not been asked to intervene.

"There is no call for NATO to play a role, but if these challenges remain unaddressed they could directly affect our own security," he told reporters. "So we will continue to remain extremely vigilant."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in Brussels to talk with his counterparts from NATO countries, said Russia would want any investigation of whether chemical weapons have been used to be conducted by experts and concern only the specific report being investigated.

Speaking through a translator in a press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Lavrov said that, in March, after each side in Syria's civil war accused the other of using chemical weapons in northern Aleppo province, the U.N. investigation became politicized and overly broad. Instead of sending experts to study the specific area and the specific allegation, Lavrov said investigators demanded access to all facilities in the country and the right to interview all Syrian citizens.

In Washington, Pentagon spokesman George Little said the U.S. "continues to assess reports of chemical weapons use in Syria."

"The use of such weapons would be entirely unacceptable," he added.

Later in the day, Kerry appeared to try to soften his earlier remarks, saying he had no way of knowing what the facts were.

"I didn't ask for additional planning," he said. "I think it might have been the secretary general or somebody who commented that we may need to do some additional planning. But there is no specific request. What there was from me was a very clear statement about the threat of chemical weapons and the potential for chemical weapons generically to fall into bad hands."

He also said the Obama administration is "looking at every option that could possibly end the violence and usher in a political transition" and that plans need to be made now to ensure that there is no power vacuum when that takes place. He said increasing aid to the Syrian National Coalition and its military command, the Supreme Military Council, would be critical to that effort.

Many of NATO's 28 members also belong to the European Union, which on Monday lifted its oil embargo on Syria to provide more economic support to the rebels and is now considering easing an arms embargo on the country to allow weapons transfers to those fighting the Assad regime.

Kerry did not mention the possible easing of the EU embargo but he did say that NATO should begin to think about taking on a larger role in planning for a post-Assad Syria, particularly in dealing with the country's chemical weapons stockpiles.

The NATO ministers were also working Tuesday on defining how the alliance would support Afghan forces after 2014, when NATO will no longer have a combat role.

With next year's transition date looming, Kerry will host three-way talks in Brussels on Wednesday with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and top Pakistani officials aimed at speeding possible reconciliation talks with the Taliban and improving trust and cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

On the sidelines of the NATO meeting, Kerry met Lavrov to discuss a range of issues, including Syria. He also thanked Lavrov for Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement of condolence to the U.S. for last week's bombings at the Boston Marathon blamed on two ethnic Chechen brothers.

___

Associated Press writers Ariel David in Tel Aviv, Peter James Spielmann at the United Nations, and Kimberly Dozier and Julie Pace in Washington contributed to this report.

___

Don Melvin can be reached at https://twitter.com/Don_Melvin

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2013-04-23-EU-NATO-Foreign-Ministers/id-96941f0febc14eaf85627dc20bf24345

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Robert Redford's new leading lady: America's Got Talent star Jackie ...

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This film image released by Sony Pictures Classics shows Robert Redford, left, and Jackie Evancho in a scene from The Company You Keep. Acting newcomer Jackie Evancho impressed the Out of Africa heartthrob.

Photograph by: Doane Gregory , THE CANADIAN PRESS

TORONTO ? Robert Redford has co-starred with some of the biggest legends of the silver screen: Meryl Streep! Glenn Close! Jane Fonda!

But it?s acting newcomer Jackie Evancho who recently impressed the ?Out of Africa? heartthrob.

?It was just pure joy,? Redford says of working with the singing prodigy on his new film ?The Company You Keep.?

The film sees Redford juggle directing duties and a starring turn as Jim Grant, a small-town lawyer and single father whose world is shattered when a young journalist (Shia LaBeouf) discovers his past as a 1970s radical wanted by the law.

The finding sends Grant on the run in search of his ex-lover Mimi (Julie Christie) who holds the key to the long-ago crime and still holds fast to her antiwar convictions.

While many actors would clamour to work with Redford ? who won an Oscar for his 1980 directorial debut, ?Ordinary People? ? Christie needed some cajoling.

Redford, 76, said he understood her reluctance, noting he repeatedly turned down the 1973 weeper ?The Way We Were? because he didn?t want to be a ?a Ken doll to Barbra Streisand.?

Said the actor: ?That resistance, dragging you into something you know you want to do and have to do but you fight it is kind of a weird thing that I understand, so therefore I endured (her resistance). She made it really rough.?

Ultimately, Christie agreed to join a blue-chip cast that also includes Richard Jenkins, Anna Kendrick, Susan Sarandon, Chris Cooper and Nick Nolte.

Still, as the cameras were nearly ready to roll on ?The Company You Keep,? one piece of the ensemble remained missing.

Redford ? whose last directorial effort was the 2010 period piece ?The Conspirator? ? struggled mightily to find a suitable actress to play his daughter.

?I have a big thing about child actors, and that is I have an aversion to child actors who ?act? as opposed to child actors who can be natural, who can be real,? a rumpled-looking Redford said during a Sunday morning interview at last September?s Toronto International Film Festival.

?Scarlett Johansson was a kid when we did ?The Horse Whisperer? and I was very concerned if a child looked like they were acting it would be like fingernails on a blackboard.?

Redford said he had to cast the new film on a very tight budget and that deadlines were looming as his search for a young co-star continued.

He interviewed various child actors (?mostly their mothers, who seemed to be auditioning for something themselves,? he said with a laugh) but was unable to find someone who could improvise with him.

?I felt that since this character had to be nine or 10 years old, there had to be a sense of play that had to be really real and my guess was that it would be achieved by improvising,? he said.

Particularly dejected about the process one night, he headed back to his hotel in Vancouver, where ?The Company You Keep? was shot.

?So I?m depressed and I go back to my room and I do something I don?t usually do and that?s surf.

?I?m sitting there all depressed, just drinking and surfing and drinking,? he said with a laugh.

?And suddenly I?m skipping across these channels and there?s this angelic face, this golden-haired angelic face ... singing. And there?s a close-up and I think: ?Who is that?? and she was singing Puccini?s opera.?

That girl was Evancho, whose soaring voice wowed TV audiences on ?America?s Got Talent? and caught the ear of uber-producer David Foster. She?s since released a hit Christmas CD, done PBS specials and performed for Oprah Winfrey and U.S. President Barack Obama.

But could she act? It didn?t initially appear so, said Redford.

After seeing her on TV, he sent out the word that he?d like to get an audition tape of the singing sensation.

?(The tape) was horrible because she didn?t know what was going on and I said: ?I don?t care and, my gut says (to cast her). So I cast her,?? Redford recalled.

Days later, the pint-sized prodigy was on a movie set trading improvised lines with a screen icon.

And Redford loved every minute of it.

?She was not affected, she played with me, I would kid around, she?d kid around with me,? he said. ?To me, that?s an incredible story how that happened.?

?The Company You Keep? opens Friday in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.

? Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette

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Source: http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/movie-guide/Robert+Redford+leading+lady+America+Talent/8281507/story.html

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Dogtopia Continues Strong Growth in California ... - Franchising.com

Leading Dog Daycare Franchise Seeking Franchisees Throughout the Region

April 23, 2013 // Franchising.com // TYSONS CORNER, Va. - Dogtopia, a leading national dog daycare and spa franchise, and Thomas Franchise Solutions announced today that they have signed a second regional developer (RD) agreement in California within 30 days and awarded the Orange County, Calif. region to Jan Folk . A seasoned entrepreneur and philanthropist, Folk is the founder of the Orange Dog Foundation, a charity started in Canada that orchestrates "Freedom Flights" transporting abandoned puppies to new homes.

Folk will develop the Orange County region and is now seeking select franchisees to own and operate 13 new Dogtopia locations throughout the area. Target cities for development include Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Seal Beach and Anaheim. Opportunities are available to convert existing dog daycare and boarding facilities to the Dogtopia brand, as well as target key real estate opportunities for new locations throughout Orange County.

"Dogtopia was a natural fit for me because of my years of rescuing dogs in Orange County," said Folk. "I share Dogtopia's dedication to pet charities, as well as passion for community involvement. The company's proven business model and experienced leadership team result in a smart, sustainable investment opportunity for franchisees."

As the company's second RD, Folk is part of Dogtopia's aggressive growth strategy to expand its brand to more than 400 locations across the U.S. and Canada over the next seven years. In October 2012, the company entered into a strategic partnership with Thomas Franchise Solutions, Ltd. (TFS), an investment firm dedicated to guiding and growing select unique franchise concepts. This partnership, as well as the opportunities she saw in the $52 billion U.S. pet industry, attracted Folk to Dogtopia.

"Dogtopia is experiencing solid growth momentum in California with the signing of our second RD and we are confident that our brand has tremendous potential for success across the state," said Amy Nichols, CEO of Dogtopia. "Jan's entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with her passion for animals, makes her an ideal candidate to strategically expand Dogtopia in Orange County and we are looking forward to adding new franchisees to our system."

Since Dogtopia launched in 2002, it has grown to 23 franchise and four company-owned locations nationwide, as well as five locations currently in development. Dogtopia's design mirrors that of a chic, upscale spa. Laid out in a similar manner as a children's daycare facility, Dogtopia has multiple playrooms to suit every dog's personality and size. In addition to daycare and boarding, many Dogtopia locations also offer a spa, self-service dog wash, and a boutique to pamper dogs of all shapes and sizes.

To fuel growth, Dogtopia is now seeking regional developers to expand the brand in major metropolitan areas, including Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Dallas, and South Florida. Additionally, British Columbia and Alberta are key target markets in Canada. Candidates should have an affinity for dogs and the skills to grow a successful business within a proven franchise model. Regional developers will be required to open at least one store within the first year of signing then develop additional stores during a scheduled development period, either by opening and operating more units themselves or by recruiting franchisees for their region.

For more information regarding Dogtopia franchise opportunities in Orange County, contact Jan Folk at jfolk1@vzw.blackberry.net or 714-913-7250, or Christy Thom at 714-290-2744.

About Dogtopia

Dogtopia prides itself on being a place where pets are valued as family and dogs enjoy playtime, spa treatments, and overnight stays in a positive environment. Dog owners have the assurance of leaving their pets in the hands of trained professionals while they're at work or away on vacation. Dogtopia associates nurture each and every pet as if it were their own. Each location offers dog daycare, boarding, spa services, and most also have professional grooming. Dogtopia does not breed discriminate and welcomes social dogs of all ages, sizes, and abilities. The company was founded by Amy Nichols in 2002 and began franchising in 2005. Visit www.dogdaycare.com for more information.

About Thomas Franchise Solutions

TFS is a private equity, advisory, and franchise marketing company headquartered in both the United States and Canada. TFS makes capital investments inprivate growth stage companies throughout North America that have franchising as their core expansion strategy. Since 1974, Peter H. Thomas has been a successful franchisee and franchisor, founding Century 21 Canada and developing the Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale, among many other successful businesses. The TFS Fund and its team have been created specifically to invest in franchise concepts and help them grow exponentially. Additionally, franchise sales teams in the Strategic Marketing Group provide direct regional and unit sales expertise to aid in the development and execution of franchise sales strategies. For more information regarding Dogtopia franchise opportunities across the Untied States and Canada, please contact Mark Horne at Mark@ThomasFranchiseSolutions.com or 602-730-6000. Visit www.dogtopiafranchises.com for more information.

SOURCE Dogtopia

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New material approach should increase solar cell efficiency

Public release date: 23-Apr-2013
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Contact: Lane Martin
lwmartin@illinois.edu
217-244-9162
University of Illinois College of Engineering

"When designing next generation solar energy conversion systems, we must first develop ways to more efficiently utilize the solar spectrum," explained Lane Martin, whose research group at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has done just that.

"This is a fundamentally new way of approaching these matters," said Martin, who is an assistant professor of materials science and engineering (MatSE) at Illinois. "From these materials we can imagine carbon-neutral energy production of clean-burning fuels, waste water purification and remediation, and much more."

Martin's research group brought together aspects of condensed matter physics, semiconductor device engineering, and photochemistry to develop a new form of high-performance solar photocatalyst based on the combination of the TiO2 (titanium dioxide) and other "metallic" oxides that greatly enhance the visible light absorption and promote more efficient utilization of the solar spectrum for energy applications. Their paper, "Strong Visible-Light Absorption and Hot-Carrier Injection in TiO2/SrRuO3 Heterostructures," appears in the journal Advanced Energy Materials.

According to Martin, the primary feature limiting the performance of oxide-based photovoltaic and/or photocatalytic systems has traditionally been the poor absorption of visible light in these often wide band gap materials. One candidate oxide material for such applications is anatase TiO2, which is arguably the most widely-studied photocatalyst due to its chemical stability, non-toxicity, low-cost, and excellent band alignment to several oxidation-reduction reactions. As the backbone of dye-sensitized solar cells, however, the presence of a light-absorbing dye accounts for a large band gap which limits efficient usage of all but the UV portion of sunlight.

"We observed that the unusual electronic structure of SrRuO3 is also responsible for unexpected optical properties including high absorption across the visible spectrum and low reflection compared to traditional metals," stated Sungki Lee, the paper's first author. "By coupling this material to TiO2 we demonstrate enhanced visible light absorption and large photocatalytic activities."

"SrRuO3 is a correlated electron oxide which is known to possess metallic-like temperature dependence of its resistivity and itinerant ferromagnetism and for its widespread utility as a conducting electrode in oxide heterostructures," Lee added.

Referring to this material as a "metal," however, is likely inappropriate as the electronic structure and properties are derived from a combination of complex electronic density of states, electron correlations, and more.

Using a process called photo-excited hot-carrier injection from the SrRuO3 to the TiO2, the researchers created new heterostructures whose novel optical properties and the resulting high photoelectrochemical performance provide an interesting new approach that could advance the field of photocatalysis and further broaden the potential applications of other metallic oxides.

This work provides an exciting new approach to the challenge of designing visible-light photosensitive materials and has resulted in a provisional patent application. The work was primarily supported by the ongoing the International Institute for Carbon Neutral Energy Research (I2CNER) program, a partnership between Kyushu University in Japan and the University of Illinois.

"The I2CNER project brings together some of the leading energy researchers from around the globe," explained I2CNER Director Petros Sofronis, who is also a professor in the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at Illinois. "Results from Dr. Martin's research group and others demonstrate that I2CNER is not only an experiment on international collaboration. It is a concerted institutionalized effort to pursue green innovation and reduced CO2 emissions, as well as to advance fundamental science and develop science-based technological solutions for the reorganization of sustainable and environmentally friendly society."

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Contact: Lane Martin, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 217/244-9162, lwmartin@illinois.edu

Petros Sofronis, director, International Institute for Carbon Neutral Energy Research, 217/333-2636, sofronis@illinois.edu

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Public release date: 23-Apr-2013
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Contact: Lane Martin
lwmartin@illinois.edu
217-244-9162
University of Illinois College of Engineering

"When designing next generation solar energy conversion systems, we must first develop ways to more efficiently utilize the solar spectrum," explained Lane Martin, whose research group at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has done just that.

"This is a fundamentally new way of approaching these matters," said Martin, who is an assistant professor of materials science and engineering (MatSE) at Illinois. "From these materials we can imagine carbon-neutral energy production of clean-burning fuels, waste water purification and remediation, and much more."

Martin's research group brought together aspects of condensed matter physics, semiconductor device engineering, and photochemistry to develop a new form of high-performance solar photocatalyst based on the combination of the TiO2 (titanium dioxide) and other "metallic" oxides that greatly enhance the visible light absorption and promote more efficient utilization of the solar spectrum for energy applications. Their paper, "Strong Visible-Light Absorption and Hot-Carrier Injection in TiO2/SrRuO3 Heterostructures," appears in the journal Advanced Energy Materials.

According to Martin, the primary feature limiting the performance of oxide-based photovoltaic and/or photocatalytic systems has traditionally been the poor absorption of visible light in these often wide band gap materials. One candidate oxide material for such applications is anatase TiO2, which is arguably the most widely-studied photocatalyst due to its chemical stability, non-toxicity, low-cost, and excellent band alignment to several oxidation-reduction reactions. As the backbone of dye-sensitized solar cells, however, the presence of a light-absorbing dye accounts for a large band gap which limits efficient usage of all but the UV portion of sunlight.

"We observed that the unusual electronic structure of SrRuO3 is also responsible for unexpected optical properties including high absorption across the visible spectrum and low reflection compared to traditional metals," stated Sungki Lee, the paper's first author. "By coupling this material to TiO2 we demonstrate enhanced visible light absorption and large photocatalytic activities."

"SrRuO3 is a correlated electron oxide which is known to possess metallic-like temperature dependence of its resistivity and itinerant ferromagnetism and for its widespread utility as a conducting electrode in oxide heterostructures," Lee added.

Referring to this material as a "metal," however, is likely inappropriate as the electronic structure and properties are derived from a combination of complex electronic density of states, electron correlations, and more.

Using a process called photo-excited hot-carrier injection from the SrRuO3 to the TiO2, the researchers created new heterostructures whose novel optical properties and the resulting high photoelectrochemical performance provide an interesting new approach that could advance the field of photocatalysis and further broaden the potential applications of other metallic oxides.

This work provides an exciting new approach to the challenge of designing visible-light photosensitive materials and has resulted in a provisional patent application. The work was primarily supported by the ongoing the International Institute for Carbon Neutral Energy Research (I2CNER) program, a partnership between Kyushu University in Japan and the University of Illinois.

"The I2CNER project brings together some of the leading energy researchers from around the globe," explained I2CNER Director Petros Sofronis, who is also a professor in the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at Illinois. "Results from Dr. Martin's research group and others demonstrate that I2CNER is not only an experiment on international collaboration. It is a concerted institutionalized effort to pursue green innovation and reduced CO2 emissions, as well as to advance fundamental science and develop science-based technological solutions for the reorganization of sustainable and environmentally friendly society."

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Contact: Lane Martin, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 217/244-9162, lwmartin@illinois.edu

Petros Sofronis, director, International Institute for Carbon Neutral Energy Research, 217/333-2636, sofronis@illinois.edu

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AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-04/uoic-nma042313.php

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Netflix Earnings 1Q 2013 - Business Insider

Reuters/Stephen Chernin

Actor Kevin Spacey at Netflix's House of Cards premiere.

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Netflix?announced its first quarter earnings this afternoon.

Revenue was in line with expectations but EPS killed it, and the stock jumped about 20% after-hours.?

We're updating this post as we go, so click for updates.

The big numbers are:

• Revenue: $1.02 billion versus $1.02 billion estimate
• EPS: $0.31 versus $0.20
• Earnings guidance: Sees Q2 EPS $0.23-$0.48 versus expectations of $0.30 EPS

Here's the full outlook for Q2 2013:

Netflix added three million subscribers in the first quarter bringing the total to 36 million.

They say two million of the new subscribers were added to the streaming business in the U.S. alone. This attributed in part to positive reception of the first original series House of Cards. International membership grew by one million.

In all markets Netflix saw growth and improved profits or reduced losses.

In regards to exclusive content and deals with other content providers, Netflix says that, "as we continue to focus on exclusive and curated content, our willingness to pay for non-exclusive, bulk content deals declines."

Netflix shared another interesting fact in its quarterly investor letter relating?to its proprietary series, House of Cards.

The decision to release all 13 episodes of its first original series House of Cards worked in the company's favor.

CEO Reed Hastings wrote in the investor letter that the decision created "enormous media and social buzz, reinforcing our brand attribute of giving consumers completely control over how and when they enjoy their entertainment."

Netflix was widely criticized for its decision to release the entire series at once.?Hastings said, "some investors worried that the House of Cards fans would take advantage of our free?trial, watch the show, and then cancel. However, there was very little free-trial gaming?less than 8,000?people did this? out of millions of free trials in the quarter."

Here's the full investor letter:

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/netflix-earnings-1q-2013-4

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It all lines up

The goal was to keep this simple, so rather than giving full reports for each prospect, I offered descriptions on where and how they win. This is the most important part of the evaluation process, since it is much easier to list prospects? deficiencies. Few players can do it all, so finding where prospects fit and where they win helps project their role in the NFL.

You will also notice the lack of quarterbacks. I will not be listing that position on big boards, since they are a breed of their own. It is just too hard to place them in this context. They will have their own list at a later date. Finally, you will also notice prospects with medical questions are still ranked highly. I cannot judge something I do not understand or know, rather I feel that listing what has been reported without judgment is the best approach.

1. G?Chance Warmack, Alabama

Where he wins: Everywhere. Crushing blocker with an attitude to finish. Fluid mover for his size and gets in correct body position to seal off lanes. Technically sound player that could likely play either guard spot.

2. T?Eric Fisher, Central Michigan

Where he wins: Long left tackle that finds contact through his hands with quick extension. Flashes nastiness as a drive blocker or when finishing off blocks in pass protection. Still filling out frame, but doesn't have to.

3. DT?Star Lotulelei, Utah

Where he wins: Pegged as a pure nose tackle, but that would be a disservice to his versatility. Can play along the front and shows agile feet for someone his size. Can be dominant for a stretch of plays and rarely took a seat on the bench at Utah.

4.?LB?Dion Jordan, Oregon

Where he wins:?A personal favorite. Extremely fluid and agile from his linebacker spot. Could see him thriving as a strong side linebacker who moves into a pass rushing role when called upon. Strong hands and flashes persistence around the corner.

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5. T Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M

Where he wins: Technically sound player with good knee bend and athletic footwork to mirror or halt his opposition?s momentum. Punch and arm extension helps absorb power and should be a quality left tackle for a long time.

6. T?Lane Johnson, Oklahoma

Where he wins: Athleticism to mirror is excellent. Despite lean frame, can handle physical play on first contact and resets well with footwork. Lands multiple punches if he can?t gain the inside latch.

7. LB?Arthur Brown, Kansas State

Where he wins: Instinctive, quick, and physical for his size. Believe he could play inside in any scheme but could thrive on the weakside. Doesn?t shy away from contact but also has the speed to beat ball carriers to the edge or stick with his assignment in coverage.

8. WR?Tavon Austin, West Virginia

Where he wins: An absolute joystick in the open field with the ball in his hands. Made plays beyond receiving role, as a ball carrier and as a returner. Cuts to make defenders miss with acceleration to keep angles changing are outstanding.

9. DE?Ezekiel Ansah, BYU

Where he wins: After generating separation or finding himself in space, his closing speed is the best in this draft. Plenty of motor to chase. Already a solid run defender and saw snaps at rush linebacker, end in a three man or four man, and inside at tackle. Strong on first contact.

10. DE?Cornellius Carradine, FSU

Where he wins: Explosive off the snap and follows it up with strong hand use to keep separation or disengage. Plays with leverage to drive opposition back if need be or keep his position to set the edge as a run defender.

11. DT?Sharrif Floyd, Florida

Where he wins: Experience inside at defensive tackle or on the edge in multiple fronts. Strong at the point of attack to put his opposition on skates but displays enough foot quickness to win off the snap as well. Flashes violent hands to disengage.

12. DE/OLB?Barkevious Mingo, LSU

Where he wins: Tall, long, and explosive off the edge. Puts the opposition behind with his first step and although lean, shows a good amount of strength when engaging. Works down the line well in the running game.

13. DT?Sheldon Richardson, Missouri

Where he wins: Great at splitting blocks, winning off the snap, or beating reach blocks. Very quick for his size and can really make his presence felt in the backfield as a three technique tackle or five technique end. Has been asked to drop back into short zones.

14. DL?Datone Jones, UCLA

Where he wins: Shows disruption from defensive end or tackle. Outside, his initial strength on contact puts offensive linemen on skates. Inside, has burst and quickness to win off the snap. Length and pad level (when asked to pass rush) helps.

15. CB?Dee Milliner, Alabama

Where he wins: Sticks to receivers from the snap all the way downfield with physical play and speed to stay in hip pocket. Well-built for the position and it shows when attacking ball carriers. Uses hands to disengage or keep the edge.

16. G?Jonathan Cooper, UNC

Where he wins: Outstanding pulling or trapping guard. Moves so well in space and an extremely comfortable athlete. Shows good hand strength when getting inside punch. Would excel in an offense that requires mobile guards.

17. CB?Xavier Rhodes, FSU

Where he wins: Press man coverage to slow receivers? routes off the line and stick with them downfield. Remains balanced with his punch and shows that same physicality when wanting to attack the run on the edge.

18. S?Kenny Vaccaro, Texas

Where he wins: Combo safety that fits where many schemes in NFL are moving. Interchangeable in the back half and showed plenty of comfort and aggression while covering slot receivers. Change of direction is there.

19. S?Johnathan Cyprien, FIU

Where he wins: AN aggressive, physical player with enough mobility, awareness, and range to play the safety spots interchangeably. Sure tackler with aggression to make a play on ball carriers or when blitzing. Experience in the slot.

20. CB?Jamar Taylor, Boise State

Where he wins: Adept in press of off coverages. Very good at getting physical at the catch point to disrupt the receiver. Fluid hips and smooth turns with footwork to stick with vertical or breaking receivers. Comes up to set the edge, forcing running back inside.

21. WR?Cordarrelle Patterson, Tennessee

Where he wins: Smoothness, fluidity, and natural skill as an outside receiver. Body catches after aggressive steps on inside slant and adjusts to back shoulder throws along the sideline. Incredible ability to make people miss when the ball is in his hands. Big play threat as a returner.

22. WR?DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson

Where he wins: Sets up defenders with technical routes and refuses to lose body position battle at the catch point. Consistently leaves his feet to go up and get targets with strong hands rather than waiting on them. Strong runner with underrated straight-line speed after the catch.

23. DT?Jesse Williams, Alabama

Where he wins: Experience at nose tackle and as a five technique end. Strong upper body to absorb and hold an anchor. Shows power in hands to shed or extend and press the pocket from the interior at times.

24. G?Larry Warford, Kentucky

Where he wins: A punishing, powerful blocker with a strong grip to control his opponent. Flashes proper posture but can win with brute strength and athleticism for his size when things break down. Projects to a power running team.

25. DE?Bjoern Werner, FSU

Where he wins: Speed and burst off the edge with hand use to keep separation. Shows natural bend to work his way away from offensive tackles. Snap anticipation is very good. Athleticism to make tackles in space.

26. TE?Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame

Where he wins: Few prospects go up and get it like him. Strong at the catch point with stick?em hands. Can be split out from a variety of spots but improved run blocking could allow for inline play.

27. S?D.J. Swearinger, South Carolina

Where he wins: Big hitter that can set the tone for a defense. Interchangeable safety in the back half. Showed well at cornerback when asked to play the position, but natural fit at safety. Feisty, downhill player.

28. OLB?Jarvis Jones, Georgia

Where he wins: Undeniable speed and edge pressure to run around offensive tackles that cannot stop his momentum. Shows a motor to finish plays in the backfield. Flashes heavy hands to generate leverage.

29. WR?Keenan Allen, Cal

Where he wins: Reliability in his ability to create separation and hands at the catch point. Breaks and cuts are crisp and exaggerated, consistently opening up space. Can make an impact at every level of the field.

30. WR?Quinton Patton, Louisiana Tech

Where he wins: Extremely fluid and smooth in his routes. Sets up opposing cornerback with head fakes and cuts. Reliable hands and adjusts body positioning after tracking to come down with difficult catches. Burns opposition vertically when speed isn?t respected.

31. WR Markus Wheaton, Oregon State

Where he wins: Consistently took the top off coverages with excellent straight-line playing speed. Don?t overlook his ability to break off rights and his acceleration to take a short route to the house. Does very well to sustain the separation he created off the line or in routes, but frequently underthrown.

32.?CB?DJ Hayden, Houston

Where he wins: Quick player who always seems to play on his toes. Fluid in backpedal and hand fights to generate some separation against the run. Very comfortable in zone coverages, rides receiver until he leaves zone, quickly picks up the next with good vision. Also showed admirably in press man coverage, especially when turning to locate the football.

33. CB?Johnthan Banks, Mississippi State

Where he wins: Played a lot of cover 3 and not afraid to cut off his line and take a chance on underneath targets. His risks tend to pay off. Height and willingness to go up and get it allows him to win at the catch point. Not shy against contact.

34. T Terron Armstead, Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Where he wins: Extremely fluid mover when asked to work in space, lead block, and hit second level targets. Athletic feet to mirror laterally, bend at the knee, anchor and redirect. Showed same kind of skill against top competition as he did versus FCS.

35.?DT?Johnathan Hankins, Ohio State

Where he wins:?Flashes winning in a variety of ways, specifically with strength to shed, power to drive, or quickness to shoot gaps. Runs the line well for his size and could see snaps all along the defensive line.

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36.?CB?Desmond Trufant, Washington

Where he wins: Quick feet to stay in close range of receivers in their breaks. Keeps a safe distance from his assignment which will help to not draw downfield contact penalties in the NFL.

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37.?DT?Sylvester Williams, UNC

Where he wins: Consistently generates some backfield penetration, one or two steps. Nice hand use to beat the first man, shoulder dip or immediate gap shooting. Best attribute is his disruption from the 0 or 1 technique.

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38.?ILB?Kevin Minter, LSU

Where he wins:?Hammer between the tackles. Uses strong hands to jolt second level blockers and stop momentum. Consistently sheds after stacking to make tackles. Tight lines and ability to work through trash helps him reach edge plays.

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39.?TE?Travis Kelce, Cincinnati

Where he wins: Projects well as an inline tight end due to skillful blocking and size but has experience as an H-back and slot option. Shields the ball from closing defenders and flashes nice agility for his size, especially when asked to get downfield.

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40. DE?Damontre Moore, Texas A&M

Where he wins: Experience as a rush linebacker and as an end in a four man front. Motor to continue his pass rushing line while flashing separation or to chase down plays from the back side. Generates production when asked to loop inside.

41. WR Robert Woods, USC

Where he wins: Dynamic slot player who is very adept on short to intermediate patterns. Quick feet in and out of breaks with good body control to adjust to targets. Plays with low pad level in his routes to minimize target area for contact at the line.

42. LB?Alec Ogletree, Georgia

Where he wins: Former safety has excellent speed in a free lane from the back side. Closes quickly and ferociously, especially on the edge. Can stick with any receiver in coverage and attacks the football when tackling.

43. T?D.J. Fluker, Alabama

Where he wins: Powerful, mauling run blocking right tackle. When his hands get on you in proper positioning, it is over. Long arms and solid build help engulf the opposition. Athletic forward mover for his size.

44. RB?Eddie Lacy, Alabama

Where he wins: Strong lower body runner who always falls forward on contact. Allows blocks to develop but tough to slow down once up to full speed. Underrated passing down back, willing pass protector and adequate receiver.

45. ILB?Manti Te?o, Notre Dame

Where he wins: Inside thumper when able to get a few steps behind him. Improved in coverage. Vocal leader on the field. Best when attacking runs downhill with correct shoulder.

46. WR Stedman Bailey, WVU

Where he wins: Effortlessly adjusts to throws, either in the open field or in the end zone, with good body control. Hands catcher who doesn?t lose speed on his turns. Nice vision after the catch to cut off blocks and find the open field.

47. S Bacarri Rambo, Georgia

Where he wins: Center field type safety who tracks the ball well with angles to disrupt the catch point. Shows enough tackling ability to be a reliable last line of defense. Great ball skills and shows a physical side closing downhill versus receivers.

48. DE Alex Okafor, Texas

Where he wins: Uncommon kind of pass rusher in that he does his best work with hand use, extension, and shedding ability. Lines up in two and three point stances. Not afraid to plant off of his outside foot and work inside, or keep his opposition on skates. Reaches to make a play on the QB in the pocket.

49. T/G Dallas Thomas, Tennessee

Where he wins: Has experience and high level play at both left tackle and left guard. Great knee bend and posture to stay balanced. Strong grip to sustain his block against pass rushers that fire gaps. Consistently uses hands to punch on first contact.

50. CB Jordan Poyer, Oregon State

Where he wins: Adept in off man, press man, and zone coverages. Physical player on the edge, attacks WR blocks and fights off to make a play. Has a good feel for timing with decisive footwork. Has experience in the slot.

51. DE Cornelius Washington, Georgia

Where he wins: In wide 7 or 9 technique. Excellent get off with low pad level, gains leverage with strong first contact. Leg drive to keep opposition on skates. Has more athleticism than was shown at 5 technique in 2012.

52. S Shamarko Thomas, Syracuse

Where he wins: A very aggressive, confident hitter in the open field and when closing on the edge. See him blowing up the middle on inside runs as well. Sniffs out misdirection. Strong safety that lays the hammer on short to intermediate patterns.

53. RB Gio Bernard, UNC

Where he wins: Short, choppy footwork allows for upfield cuts between the tackle or in the open field. Made big plays as a returner. Comfortable as a receiver on angle routes, swings, or screens. Has enough speed to create big runs if given the sideline.

54. RB Andre Ellington, Clemson

Where he wins: Lean runner who sticks close to his blocks with great acceleration after cutting off their backsides. Despite his narrow base he has some nice balance and isn?t afraid of contact as a runner or in pass protection. Decisive cutter, likely in a zone scheme.

55. RB Johnathan Franklin, UCLA

Where he wins: One cut, decisive runner with great vision to find backside lanes. Doesn?t shy from contact as a pass protector and can make a big play happen if given a seam due to excellent straight-line speed. Upfield cuts make defenders miss at the second level.

56. CB?Robert Alford, SE Louisiana

Where he wins: Competitive player at the line and throughout routes. Fluid hips and movement skills allow him to stick close to his assignment. Aware zone defender as well, with quick change of direction with even faster close.

57. TE Vance McDonald, Rice

Where he wins: Slot receiver with excellent blocking in space. Good anticipation, hits second level targets, sustains and drive blocks the opposition. Solid movement skills for size and long arms to make catches away from his body.

58. G Kyle Long, Oregon

Where he wins: Shows natural aggression from left tackle or guard. Obviously an athletic player for his size, moves laterally quite well. Uses opposition?s momentum against them, rides shoulder to drive out of play in running game.

59. TE Jordan Reed, Florida

Where he wins: Very comfortable mover in space with the ball in his hands. Joker alignment with quick moves to create separation and has the awareness to sit in soft areas. Willing blocker, even inline.

60. DE Quanterus Smith, Western Kentucky

Where he wins: Eats up a lot of ground getting upfield off the snap, shows a nice dip to turn the corner against right tackles and free his path towards QBs. Not a one trick pony, shows willingness to plant outside and work in.

61. WR Justin Hunter, Tennessee

Where he wins: Lanky, string bean type frame with long arms to pluck the ball in traffic. Fluid mover with some quick twitch ability. Has vertical skills along with crossers over the middle of the field.

62. WR Da?Rick Rogers, Tenn Tech

Where he wins: Gets physical in his routes by creating separation, slightly pushes off. Tracks vertical passes well and a determined runner after the catch. Makes grabs in traffic with corners attempting to undercut pattern.

63. CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson, UConn

Where he wins: Turns to locate the football after mirroring on breaks from off coverage. Experience in press coverage from the slot. Closes quickly, either off of back pedal plant or on the edge against the run to force things inside.

64. LB Sio Moore, UConn

Where he wins: Used from a variety of linebacker spots, including inside, weak side, strong side, and as a down pass rusher. Shows positive play at each due to strength, short hops to work through trash, and a willingness to get physical. Great athleticism only helps.

65. LB DeVonte Holloman, South Carolina

Where he wins: Prototypical strong side linebacker. Gets up field against the run but remains under control. Extends arms to create separation in order to shed on ball carrier. Plays low and former safety skills show when asked to play in short to intermediate game.

66. CB Darius Slay, Mississippi State

Where he wins: Disrupts well at the catch point. Undercuts from cover 3, goes for receivers? hands and forces drops. Doesn?t shy from contact, wraps up low against ball carriers after fighting over the top of blockers. Special teams contributor.

67. CB Leon McFadden, San Diego State

Where he wins: Aggressively closes on the edge on screens or against the run. Hip turn and shuffle with backfield vision. Makes good contact within five yards. Looks comfortable in zone coverage.

68. CB Adrian Bushell, Louisville

Where he wins: Lots of press man and mirrors early in routes with good burst to cut in front of receivers. Tight angles off the edge when sent on a blitz, cleans up on hits when downhill. Frequently used as a gunner on the punt team.

69. CB Sanders Commings, Georgia

Where he wins: A true press corner, sticks in the hip pocket and slows his opposition downfield. Sheds to put himself in position to make a play in the running game and doesn?t mind tackling.

70. T Menelik Watson, FSU

Where he wins: Athletic mover when asked to pull out front, chases down someone to block. Obviously has strong hands, which help him recover in case waist bending or lost balance takes place. Consistently looks to extend his arms and gain hand control.

71. DE Corey Lemonier, Auburn

Where he wins: Low pad level off the line of scrimmage with a nice pop on first contact. Carries that same low pad level on initial engagement and can eat up a good amount of ground with long strides. Frequently lines up in a wide alignment.

72. S Matt Elam, Florida

Where he wins: Makes splash plays when his number is called. Closes on edge runs with force, brings a lot on contact on downhill tackles when the target is lined up. Does his best work near the line of scrimmage, especially on receiver screens.

73. LB Zaviar Gooden, Missouri

Where he wins: Downhill tackler from the weakside with good closing speed. Not afraid to engage with his hands on edge run and attempt to shed and make the tackle. Gets good depth on his drops in coverage.

74. NT Brandon Williams, Missouri Southern State

Where he wins: Leverage to get under opposition?s pads and drive legs to keep them on skates. Strong first contact to create some instant penetration. At best when lining up at 0 or 1 tech, fire hydrant in the middle of the line versus the running game.

75. TE?Zach Ertz, Stanford

Where he wins: Downfield agility and movement skills to create separation. Sneaky athleticism to generate space against bigger defenders and uses size to beat athletic defensive backs. Shows toughness after the catch.

76. DT Kawann Short, Purdue

Where he wins: Three technique defensive tackle with quick feet to win on counter moves or create penetration off the snap. Flashes determination to win after first contact. Also has experience at end in some fronts, which will help evaluators project him into different schemes.

77. OL Justin Pugh, Syracuse

Where he wins: Plays well in tight spaces, with pass rusher close to his frame, which matches up with lack of length. Has a nice tall stance but bends well at the knee to absorb. Flashes moving and blocking in space, so guard projection is possible.

78. T Reid Fragel, Ohio State

Where he wins: Played right tackle despite a left tackle frame and was not overpowered. Shows nice posture and length to extend, with necessary footwork to make an impact at the second level. Hand placement always seems to be inside to control.

79. RB Christine Michael, Texas A&M

Where he wins: Plays with a low center of gravity with explosive cuts to get upfield off blocks. Aggressive mentality with vision beyond first contact. North/south runner who has enough speed to sustain and the toughness and quickness to create.

80. S J.J. Wilcox, Georgia Southern

Where he wins: Aggressively closes on pass catchers in front of him with strong hits. Same goes for run defending, not afraid to sacrifice himself to take out lead blockers from a strong safety role. Still learning the position.

81. LB Jamie Collins, Southern Miss

Where he wins: Used as a defensive end and pass rushing linebacker, and his outstanding athleticism is immediately evident. Has nice natural length and flashes using it with a combination of inside and outside moves. Flashes of dominance.

82. DB Tyrann Mathieu, LSU

Where he wins: Creates turnovers by attacking the football at the catch point and tries to rip it away from ball carriers. Used from a variety of alignments, including slot corner, safety, and linebacker. Excellent special teams player.

83. WR Ryan Swope, Texas A&M

Where he wins: Primarily a slot receiver in college with quick feet to create separation in breaks. Thrives on the broken play due to vertical speed that wasn?t regularly used. Improved hands from 2011 to 2012.

84. WR Marquise Goodwin, Texas

Where he wins: Vertical speed is outstanding. Was able to show more skill at the Senior Bowl due to expanded route tree. Created separation with quick movements in and out of his breaks. Jet sweeps are effective.

85. S Earl Wolff, NC State

Where he wins: Physical tackler coming from the free safety position, reads and reacts quickly. Makes plays from the opposite hash, takes solid angles and times contact well. Can play single high, two deep, or run with receivers down the seam.

86. CB B.W. Webb, William & Mary

Where he wins: Plenty of off man coverage in college with nice back pedal, strafe, and hip turn to stick with receivers. Attacks the catch point to disrupt. Does well to keep everything in front of him.

87. RB Dennis Johnson, Arkansas

Where he wins: Will shine on passing downs. Short choppy steps allow for quick cuts to change defenders? angles. Comfortable as a receiver in the flats or on angle routes. Low center of gravity helps with broken tackles.

88. S Josh Evans, Florida

Where he wins: Does not mind getting physical despite frequently lining up as Matt Elam?s free safety. Knifes through trash to make tackles rather than waiting as the last line of defense. Does not shy from attacking the catch point or immediately after. Comfortable trailing tight ends from the slot.

89. DT Jordan Hill, Penn State

Where he wins: Quickness off the snap allows for immediate upfield penetration. Necessary to his success but that disruption will be valued. Low pad level and quick hands help create separation and work down the line.

90. OLB Khaseem Greene, Rutgers

Where he wins: Obviously comfortable in space, runs the seam with tight ends or receivers and shows closing speed in every aspect of his game. Shows more aggression when working downhill whether ball carrier is lined up or on the edge. Weakside linebacker.

91. DE Margus Hunt, SMU

Where he wins: Excellent special teams player, specifically when blocking kicks. Likely a five technique and has athleticism to chase from the backside. Natural athlete.

92. DE Malliciah Goodman, Clemson

Where he wins: Freakish length and can generate consistent separation when it is used. Shows a variety of techniques when rushing from the 5 spot, including push and pull or slap with dip to turn the corner. Strong side defensive end.

93. TE Gavin Escobar, San Diego State

Where he wins: Catches everything away from his body. Fluid mover once in stride, carries momentum and doesn?t slow for catches either on crosses or vertical patterns. Used in an H-back or split receiver role.

94. OL Brian Winters, Kent State

Where he wins: Rugged, tough blocker that plays with an attitude from the left tackle position. Guard projection is likely in his future. Active hands to gain control with a strong latch. Moves fairly well at the second level, sets up cut block.

95. LB Chase Thomas, Stanford

Where he wins: A very technical pass rusher in terms of hand use, extension, and shedding ability. Not going to wow with athleticism but understands leverage and lines to keep his opponent off balance. See him as a pass rushing linebacker.

96. RB Zac Stacy, Vanderbilt

Where he wins: Rarely goes down on first contact. Powerful runner with solid base to work through tackles. One cut runner with some burst. Unafraid to work between the tackles. Covers ground with jump cuts.

97. S Phillip Thomas, Fresno State

Where he wins: Has excellent ball skills as a center fielder with enough skill to take downfield receivers in man coverage. Good angles with some aggression in the running game, even if he doesn?t finish the tackle.

98. LB Ty Powell, Harding

Where he wins: Strong side linebacker in a four man front with some rush capabilities. Strong and determined player on the edge, closes well in space and finishes. Eats up ground but has a strong base to hold the edge.

99. S Shawn Williams, Georgia

Where he wins: In the box strong safety who will pair with a center field, rangy safety. Attacks gaps as a run defender or blitzer, does not shy away from making a statement in the backfield. Tackles well. Does show some range.

100. DT Bennie Logan, LSU

Where he wins: Shows effective lateral quickness to switch gaps with the length to keep separation. Flashes violent hands and use long arms to reach at ball carriers. Good combination of leverage and length for three technique.

101. DT Akeem Spence, Illinois

Where he wins: Thick lower body with a good base. Combines it with extension to push pull or rip into gaps. Hand fights to keep his anchor, adjust, and hold ground to shed and make the tackle near the line of scrimmage.

102. DE LaVar Edwards, LSU

Where he wins: Lines up at end and tackle with good snap anticipation. Wins with strength on counter moves, switches gaps and drives legs. Works back inside with low pad level and has been used as a two point rusher too.

103. WR Aaron Dobson, Marshall

Where he wins: Put together one heck of a highlight reel. Has the leaping ability, frame, and straight-line speed to elevate over defenders. Tracks catches over his shoulder. Will churn through contact after catch.

104. WR Chris Harper, Kansas State

Where he wins: Strength at the catch point to consistently catch contested targets. Same strength shows off the line of scrimmage, beating press corners. Will also win on crosses by shielding and catching away from his body.

105. OL David Quessenberry, San Jose State

Where he wins: A true utility offensive lineman. Flashes the mean streak as an interior lineman and the balance and lower body flexibility to keep up with edge rushers. Strong punch, leverage, and momentum only help his cause.

106. S Eric Reid, LSU

Where he wins: Outstanding athlete who makes splash plays as a tackle or at the catch point with deflections and interceptions. Shows some real aggression when his number is called and ball carriers are lined up, especially on the edge.

107. NT John Jenkins, Georgia

Where he wins: Runs the line well for someone of his stature. Has seen snaps at nose tackle and end in a three man front.

108. FB/H-back Kyle Juszczyk, Harvard

Where he wins: Used in an H-back at school and showed plenty of comfort as a receiver in the slot or out wide. Adjusts to overthrown targets. A very willing blocker during Senior Bowl week. Will be versatile and stick because of it.

109. DT Nicholas Williams, Samford

Where he wins: Great athlete for the three technique position. When pinning ears back to penetrate he can make a home in the backfield, showing nice strength and burst. Chases runs away and stays on his feet.

110. LB Jon Bostic, Florida

Where he wins: Attacks blockers between the tackles with correct shoulder to force runner inside. Good punch on second level blockers to create some space, most of his time spent at the inside linebacker position. Tested with more athleticism than expected.

111. CB Will Davis, Utah State

Where he wins: Best in press man coverage. Sticks in hip pocket after the jam. Fights upfield to force ball carriers back inside.

112. C Brian Schwenke, Cal

Where he wins: Zone blocker with a mean streak. Attacks his opposition rather than waiting. Extremely quick off the snap, fast hands to locate his target. Low pad level helps with leverage.

113. DE John Simon, Ohio State

Where he wins: His motor never stops, chases down from the backside and uses leverage and strength to win on counter moves. Would not put him in anything that requires coverage, rather as an edge rusher who can spin inside or as a sub package interior rusher.

114. LB Kiko Alonso, Oregon

Where he wins: Straight-line thumper who can make his presence felt closing on the edge ferociously or against lead blockers. Unafraid to throw his body around. High effort player who likely fits as a weak or strong side linebacker.

115. G Travis Frederick, Wisconsin

Where he wins: Lined up at center in 2012 and did his best work as a power blocker to occupy or force interior defensive linemen off their spot. Happy to hand fight and gain control in close quarters.

116. LB Gerald Hodges, Penn State

Where he wins: Former safety who projects to the weak side due to quickness. Flashes downhill chase down speed and is mobile enough to stick with tight ends and backs in coverage.

117. DE Michael Buchanan, Illinois

Where he wins: Showed plenty of talent in 2011. Nice first step to get an advantage off the snap. Can run the arc and create separation with hand use to make a play on the quarterback. Uses a swat and spin move.

118. OLB Lerentee McCray, Florida

Where he wins: Versatility in terms of alignment. Wins as an edge rusher with his hand in the dirt by dipping outside or quick step in. Uses hands to work through blocks. Also not afraid to make first contact through chest and press.

119. WR Ace Sanders, South Carolina

Where he wins: His entire game is based on quick first and second steps. Can making closing defenders miss in his two yard radius. Breaks down his opponents on screens, anticipates cuts. Same goes for returns despite lack of great straight-line speed.

120. RB Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina

Where he wins: One cut, zone runner pre-injury. Showed toughness to finish off runs and always looked to go north and south.

121. RB Le?Veon Bell, Michigan State

Where he wins: Very agile at the second level for a big back. Has lower body power but shows lighter feet for his size. Strong cuts and sets up defender. Flashes variety of ways to break tackles, namely the strength to stiff arm or thickness to run through contact. Good hands.

122. CB David Amerson, NC State

Where he wins: Excellent ball skills, especially on jumping routes from an underneath zone. High points. Has the length to project to physical man coverage. Confident player when attacking downhill with aggression.

123. LB Jelani Jenkins, Florida

Where he wins: Outstanding coverage linebacker. Fluid hips. Can run with backs or tight ends in man or zone. Sideline to sideline athlete. Run and chase from the backside. Projects to the weakside.

124. RB Montee Ball, Wisconsin

Where he wins: Made the most of space given to him by excellent blocking. Improved vision in 2012, making things happen on his own. Shows a lot of patience with cuts off blocks. Willing to pass protect.

125. RB Mike Gillislee, Florida

Where he wins: Front or strong side runner. Follows his lead blocker well, cutting off pulling guard or fullback. Sticks his foot in the ground and gets upfield. Little wasted movement. Willing pass protector.

126. WR Terrance Williams, Baylor

Where he wins: Does best work as a vertical receiver, getting downfield from the slot and taking top off coverage. Went up and attacked the catch point better in 2012 and has the footwork to work along the sideline when breaking pattern off.

127. OLB Trevardo Williams, UConn

Where he wins: Lines up as a down lineman and two point pass rusher. Times snap and gets upfield with good first few steps. Sure tackler. Could thrive in a wide 9 or 7 alignment. Counter move is quick step inside.

128. OLB Sean Porter, Texas A&M

Where he wins: Best role could be a situational pass rusher since he showed bend around the corner in 2011 as a 3-4 outside linebacker. That flexibility paired with a good first step will help on passing downs. Coverage skill progressed in 2012.

129. LB Kevin Reddick, UNC

Where he wins: Appears to be an intelligent player on the field, gets to his assignment and completes it. Knifes through trash to make tackles versus the run. Has some pass rushing ability with a dip around the edge. Adjusts to ball carrier cuts.

130. DL Montori Hughes, Tennessee-Martin

Where he wins: On-field talker and flashes the motor to match it. Has the length many stouter nose tackles do not, uses it to keep separation off the snap and keep interior linemen on skates.

131. G David Bakhtiari, Colorado

Where he wins: Likes to get after it in terms of going after his opponent. Not a patient player but should overextend less when moving to guard. Is strong enough to control once obtaining his latch. Uses armbar to stop inside move.

132. DE Sam Montgomery, LSU

Where he wins: Shows strength in his hands to create space and run the line. Rolls into contact through hips in the hopes of gaining leverage and putting opposition on skates. Has some burst to split gaps.

133. CB Brandon McGee, Miami

Where he wins: Quick feet with straight-line speed to close. Hips in man coverage and trailing speed allow him to stick with receivers at multiple levels of the field. Flashes helping in run support after working off blocks.

134. TE Ryan Otten, San Jose State

Where he wins: Slot receiving tight end who can get to the intermediate levels swiftly, few wasted steps on cuts and breaks. Also lines up inline and runs hard on his routes, adjusts to poor throws by contorting body.

135. TE Nick Kasa, Colorado

Where he wins: Willing to mix it up on first contact. Works to obtain strong grip and inside latch to control his opponents. Underrated straight-line speed to win down the seam.

136. G/C Barrett Jones, Alabama

Where he wins: Obviously an intelligent player. Wide base and rides his opponent?s momentum if it takes them out of the play. Like a utility interior lineman. Takes correct angles and anticipates target.

137. WR Tavarres King, Georgia

Where he wins: Very reliable target, could be a third his entire career. Showed some vertical ability in 2012, tracked over shoulder. Added upper body strength to work through physical coverage and creates sliver of separation.

138. S Duke Williams, Nevada

Where he wins: Has the quickness to close but is also physical on contact. Was effective as a safety and slot corner against receivers. Fills gaps in the running game and breaks down in space.

139. CB Dwayne Gratz, UConn

Where he wins: Has closing ability to attack the catch point. Used good technique in press bail situations. Regularly used as a blitzer and attacks ball carriers. Uses hands and feet to beat blocks on the edge.

140. DE Devin Taylor, South Carolina

Where he wins: Has extreme length and started to use it more effectively during East-West Shrine week. Can plant and run in a straight-line to chase. Covers ground with long strides.

141. CB Daxton Swanson, Sam Houston State

Where he wins: Keeps up with receivers out of their breaks thanks to closing burst. Ball skills are very good and anticipates movements. Comfortable in press bail or off man.

142. WR Kenny Stills, Oklahoma

Where he wins: Good first step off the line and vertical speed allows him to beat corners down the sideline. Also has the quickness to break off routes and create separation that way. Makes adjustments to off target throws.

143. TE Dion Sims, Michigan State

Where he wins: Excellent frame and has shed weight. Inviting short to intermediate target because of radius. Has soft hands. Could be a great blocker if consistently strong on first contact with persistence to mirror.

144. CB Tharold Simon, LSU

Where he wins: Uses length at the line of scrimmage and when riding receivers downfield from press situations. Arm bars when turning to locate the football. Shows foot quickness to shuffle and mirror off of releases.

145. OL Vinston Painter, Virginia Tech

Where he wins: Has experience at right guard and right tackle. Will be viewed as an upside pick due to lean frame and inconsistent technique. Despite poor footwork, has the grip and athleticism to mirror.

146. S Don Jones, Arkansas State

Where he wins: Versatile new rover type defender. Has experience as an in the box safety, slot corner, and Will linebacker. Closes hard in run defense and works best in coverage when things are in front of him. Flashes riding tight ends down seam.

147. CB Logan Ryan, Rutgers

Where he wins: Physical corner, even to a fault at times. Closes low and wraps up on the edge in space. Flashes winning at the catch point, high pointing when locating the football or reaching up without vision. Best in zone.

148. DL Joe Kruger, Utah

Where he wins: Plays with power and flashes pushing offensive lineman back into the pocket. Also can get upfield when rushing from the edge and press with inside arm. Effort player to flow to the football.

149. RB Miguel Maysonet, Stony Brook

Where he wins: Decisive, upfield runner who wants to go north and south. Shows determination and enough speed to pick up what is blocked. Determined style, little wasted movement. Does not go down on first contact.

150.?RB?Stepfan Taylor, Stanford

Where he wins: Tough, thickly built, north and south runner. Improved making people miss at the second level by running through arm tackles and with swerving hips. Much better burst than long speed.

151. WR T.J. Moe, Missouri

Where he wins: Could shine in the slot thanks to quick lateral movements to keep his opposition guessing. Shows extreme toughness to catch passes in traffic. Compact in his frame and footwork.

Source: http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/43048/325/norris-updated-top-151

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