How Leaders Should Follow the News - Business Management Daily

Every month seems to bring big news that we must watch or read. The news media is, after all, in the advertising business, so they do the best job they can to entice us to watch and read their latest ?top story.? And while the number of viewing options has grown, and the number of ways we can consume the news has changed, we are still watching.

Yep that?s us, watching and reading the news.

I?ve found that people have a variety of opinions about the news, ranging from ?I need to stay on top of what?s going on? to ?I don?t want to watch any of it?it depresses me.? Many purveyors of positive thinking and time management advice lean toward the later response?either ?don?t watch it because it is all negative? or ?watching it is largely a waste of time.?

I agree with both of those viewpoints ? to a point.

As leaders, whatever group or organizations we are leading, we need to have an understanding of what is going on around us. We need to be informed, aware and observant. As leaders we must have inputs that inform us about the world around us so that we can make (or help others make) better decisions. Yet I agree that too much news is a waste of time and will possibly dampen your positive thinking or outlook.

What is my answer to this balancing act then?

I can only accurately tell you what I try to do to walk this balance beam. Consider these six strategies:

• Limit your input. Think of your news input like a part of your thinking diet (which it is). Determine what you need to know, then turn it off, turn the page, or turn off your device. One way to do this is to use some technology, from email to newsfeeds or whatever, to get headlines. Headlines may be all you need for awareness. This also means not getting sucked into long water cooler conversations about the news of the day that don?t serve you or your thinking.
• Pick key sources. Pick news source(s) you find helpful. Along with general news, think about what you need for your business or work. That might mean The Wall Street Journal or a daily source in your industry. ?By picking key sources you help limit total intake too.
• Choose different first daily inputs. The first thoughts of your day are extra important. Don?t make the negative news of the day be your first input.
• Look for the positives. The news media leads with negative, because negative sells (remember what business they are in). That doesn?t mean there aren?t positives?it just means we may need to look for them. Consider this good practice: the practice of looking for opportunities that exist in every challenge or problem.
• Think critically about what you read/watch. Don?t just take it in?think about whether or not you agree with the assertions, conclusions or perspectives of the reporters and think about the implications for you and your organization. Ask yourself, ?What is the message and importance of this to us in our business, community, (etc.)??
• Look for learning. How can you use this information? How does it connect to your experience? Specifically as a leader, what are you seeing leaders do well that you would like to emulate in your world, and what do you avoid completely? When you watch the news through this mental filter, it isn?t a time-waster at all, it is real-time learning.

Regardless of your current news consumption habits, I hope this has been helpful. Think about the news as an opportunity for information, but also thinking and learning. Leaders are synthesizers of news, not just consumers of it.

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Announcing the Insert Coin: New Challengers judges!

You've already voted for your favorite Insert Coin: New Challengers finalist, right? What? You haven't yet? What are you waiting for? Seriously. The voting's nearly closed! We've already whittled the list down to 10 finalists and asked you to help us get things down to five. Of course, there can only be one big winner, and for that we're bringing in the big guns.

MAKE Magazine Editor-in-Chief and Boing Boing co-editor Mark Frauenfelder will be joining us at Expand to help present the top five projects, each of whom will be getting time on our stage to convince readers and judges alike that they deserve to take home the top prize of $20,000. As for the judges themselves, we couldn't be happier -- the list includes four of the biggest names from the world of design, DIY, crowdfunding and gadget blogging. Check out the judges, after the break.

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French tarragon chicken - a family favourite - My French Country Home

The very first time I tasted French tarragon chicken, I was a student in the South of France. ? A family I knew there invited me for Sunday lunch, and after delicious appetizers and a light first course, Madame brought in a large plate of 'poulet ? l'estragon' .... mmmm! ? The perfume wafting up from the dish was extraordinary, and after the meal she kindly shared her recipe with me.

The next morning I was out to market and bought my first ever pot of tarragon, which grew happily on my small terrace and provided me with leaves for this recipe and many others during my whole student year there.? To this day, I have kept the habit of having fresh herbs to hand all through the year.

?Tarragon chicken is served with a creamy sauce.? Some people like to add mushrooms to the sauce, I am happy to let the flavour of the tarragon dominate.

Inevitably for such a traditional dish, each family has their own way of preparing the chicken.? Many people use chicken pieces, or even diced chicken breasts.? I like to stick to Madame's recipe, using the whole chicken, which gives a much deeper flavour.

To make a Poulet ? l'Estragon for four to six people you will need :

one good sized chicken, preferably with the liver

a large bunch of tarragon

100grams or 3 oz of ground almonds

2 shallot onions

1 glass of white wine

half cube of chicken stock

i cup of thick fresh cream

40grams or 1 oz butter

salt and pepper

Rince the tarragon and dry carefully.? Peel and chop the shallot onions.? Mix the chicken liver with about 20 tarragon leaves, salt and pepper, and use to stuff the inside of the chicken.

If you are lucky enough to own a big le Creuset casserole oven dish, then this is the moment to use it!

Heat half of the butter in a deep ovenproof pan and gently cook the shallot onions, stirring until they are transparent.? Remove from the pan.? Use the rest of the butter in the pan to gently brown the chicken on all sides.

Pour in the white wine, and a small cup of water.? Add the shallots, the chicken stock cube, a couple of branches of tarragon and? salt and pepper. ?? Cover the pot and leave to cook over a gentle heat for a good hour, depending on the size of the chicken.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot, leave to rest for a few minutes before cutting up.? Be sure to keep the chicken warm while you make the sauce.

Collect any juices that have come from the chicken as you cut it up.? Add to the cooking pan, along with the ground almonds, and the fresh cream.? Cook briskly for about 3 minutes, stirring all the time.? Add the remainder of the tarragon, cut finely.

Pour your beautiful sauce over the chicken and serve at the table.? This dish is often accompanied by rice, in this house the preference goes to tiny saut? potatoes and a good green salad.

Hope you enjoy!

Thank you for reading me.

all photos thanks to google images

Source: http://myfrenchcountryhome.blogspot.com/2013/02/french-tarragon-chicken-family-favourite.html

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Unions aim to soften impact of cuts on workers

WASHINGTON (AP) ? Federal employee labor unions are trying to soften the blow for more than 1 million government workers who may be forced to take unpaid time off if mandatory budget cuts kick in this week.

Union leaders have been working furiously to persuade agency managers to make other cuts that won't affect employee paychecks. But if agencies do insist on furloughs, unions say they can bargain over when they take place and other terms that could help workers in financial trouble.

"We plan to exercise those rights," said Jacqueline Simon, public policy director at the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents over 650,000 workers.

More than half of the nation's 2.1 million government workers may be required to take furloughs if automatic budget cuts, known as the sequester, take effect and agencies are forced to trim budgets. Agencies also may impose hiring freezes, release temporary employees or decline to renew contract workers.

The Defense Department has said it expects to furlough 800,000 civilian workers for 22 days each, spread across more than five months, which would mean a 20 percent pay cut over that period. The Pentagon also plans to lay off as many as 46,000 temporary and contract employees.

Other federal agencies are likely to furlough several hundred thousand more workers, according to a memo last month from the Office of Management and Budget.

Unions can't stop furloughs, but they can ask to examine the agency's budget documents and make managers show there is no other way to make the cuts without furloughs.

"Our position is that the Department of Defense and every other agency actually has a lot more discretion than they're letting on and that furloughs are entirely unnecessary," Simon said. "There's certainly plenty of low-paid federal employees for whom a 20 percent pay cut means they will not be able to pay their bills."

Besides receiving no pay, a worker on furlough would not accumulate vacation time and would receive a smaller match for their government retirement account. The worker's annual salary also would be lower when calculating pension benefits.

"The impact is going to be devastating, not just on the employees who are serving unpaid furlough days, but on the American public, who depend on the services these employees provide," said Colleen Kelly, president of the National Treasury Employees Union, which represents about 150,000 workers at 31 federal agencies.

So far, Kelly's union has received only one official notice of intent to furlough workers. That came from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which plans to furlough all 60,000 employees for up to 14 days if the sequestration goes into effect. Kelly said other agencies are looking at furloughs but have not yet specified the cuts.

"We've reached out to agencies in an effort to work with them to find ways to cut spending so that the cuts don't come on the backs of employees on furlough days," she said.

The general expectation is that employees would serve one furlough day per two-week pay period. But the union can bargain on behalf of employees who may want to serve all the days together or delay them until later in the year for personal or financial reasons.

Negotiations can also resolve whether workers can swap furlough days with other employees, or whether some workers can volunteer to serve more furlough days so others don't have to. There also may be work deadlines to consider, since some workers remain accountable to complete projects even if they cannot be at work.

The federal Office of Personnel Management, which issues guidance on how agencies carry out furloughs, declined a request for comment. But in a memo to agencies, OPM states that government officials have duty to bargain "over any negotiable impact and implementation proposals" the union may submit regarding furloughs.

In a memo to Environmental Protection Agency employees on Tuesday, acting administrator Bob Perciasepe said the agency has been taking "aggressive action" to control costs over the past few months, such as reducing contract, grant and administrative spending. But even with those savings, he said, the EPA would still have to furlough workers.

"We are working to minimize the burden on employees and their families while still enabling the agency to meet its obligations and fulfill its mission," Perciasepe said. "We are also meeting with EPA's national unions to prepare a plan for implementation."

Every agency must provide notice at least 30 days before any furlough process begins. The earliest furloughs could begin is April 1.

A few agencies have said they expect to avoid furloughs, including the Social Security Administration, Small Business Administration and Smithsonian Institution. The Veterans Affairs Department has been excluded from sequestration cuts.

"Agencies can be creative and agencies can be uncreative," Simon said. "Our position is, don't come to us because we're the easy target."

__

Follow Sam Hananel on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SamHananelAP

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/unions-aim-soften-impact-cuts-workers-080424416--finance.html

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Green Blog: A Report Card for Global Food Giants

The antipoverty group Oxfam has come up with a scorecard that evaluates the impact that the supply chains of behemoth food companies have on water consumption, labor and wages, greenhouse gas emissions and nutrition.

The goal of the scorecard, called ?Behind the Brands,? is to motivate consumers to pressure companies like Nestl?, Kellogg and Mars to improve their policies on land and water use and the treatment of small farmers, among other things, and to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

?Customer choice helps these companies build brand loyalty and value, which helps them build the bottom line,? said Raymond C. Offenheiser, president of Oxfam America. ?These supply chains are what connects the consumer to the farmer in the field, and there is an increasing interest in that.?

Apparel and mining companies have moved to increase the transparency of their supply chains, improving their practices in the process, Mr. Offenheiser said. But food companies are notably opaque when it comes to disclosing how they obtain the ingredients for the food they sell.

In fact, they sometimes openly fight such disclosure, spending tens of millions of dollars recently, for instance, to avoid disclosing the use of genetically engineered ingredients on food packaging. Some have also resisted identifying the countries where their ingredients originate.

But consumers today have more information about the food they eat than ever, and the impact of that knowledge is increasingly clear. The reaction against organic and natural food brands whose corporate parents fought a California ballot initiative requiring the labeling of genetically modified foods persists, even though it was defeated in November. And a 15-year-old recently waged a successful campaign to get brominated vegetable oil, a controversial food additive, removed from Gatorade.

?I think these companies understand that engaging stakeholders, not just shareholders, is a fact of life going forward,? Mr. Offenheiser said. ?Growing market share and customer loyalty as a result of that engagement has a direct impact on the bottom line.?

He emphasized that Oxfam did not wish to dredge up old scandals ? although the report accompanying the new scorecard mentions several ? but rather to create what he called ?a race to the top.?

Two giant European food companies, Nestl? and Unilever, scored highest on the initial scorecard, followed by Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. But no companies received Oxfam?s highest ratings across the board. Nestl?, which has worked to reduce the use of water in its processes, was awarded a 7 out of 10 in the water and transparency categories of the scorecard. Unilever received the same score for its treatment of small farmers.

Conversely, 7 of the 10 companies received the lowest score possible for their use of land. Scores for the treatment of women working in agriculture were generally low as well. Seven of the companies received a grade of ?extremely poor? or ?failing? for the impact of their businesses on climate change.

Source: http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/26/a-report-card-for-global-food-giants/?partner=rss&emc=rss

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Too Many Sleepless Nights Can Actually Shut Down Important Genes

While it's easy enough to brush off a few sleepless nights with a pot of coffee and the occasional desk-nap, you may be doing more harm than you realize. According to a new study from Surrey University, snagging less than six hours of sleep per night can actually shut down genes that play a key role in the body's process of self-repair. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/RBUmVsdkt7E/too-many-sleepless-nights-can-actually-shut-down-important-genes

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Kane County Chronicle | District 302 board approves technology ...

SUGAR GROVE ? Kaneland School District 302 is poised for a technology upgrade that will include new laptops for teachers.

The Kaneland School District 302 board approved the upgrade Monday after a presentation from Technology Director Tim Wolf. He said recent accomplishments include 50 percent wireless Internet coverage throughout the district and the implementation of an iPad program at the elementary level. However, he pointed out that 600 of the district?s 2,134 computers that are at least 8 years old.

Those aging computers will be addressed in the technology improvement plan for the 2013-14 school year. The improvement plan includes $132,000 for infrastructure improvements for access points and controllers. A fiber build-out will cost $130,000, and network switches and redundant backup will cost $20,000.

Wolf said the technology department plans to work on cabling using existing wires at no additional cost.

The plan also includes buying laptop computers for teachers, which will allow the district to re-purpose teachers? current computers for student use, replacing the district?s oldest computers. Wolf said the district will need 335 laptops for teachers.

?This is really exciting stuff for me,? Wolf said. ?It?s been many years since we?ve been on a replacement cycle for computers.?

In addition to laptops, the technology department is planning to install 202 wireless internet access points throughout the district.

Board President Cheryl Krauspe said Monday that the board recognizes the need for a technology upgrade, which is why members made it a budget priority. The board unanimously approved the upgrades Monday.

There are 28 hours, 35 minutes remaining to comment on this story.

Source: http://www.kcchronicle.com/2013/02/26/district-302-board-approves-technology-upgrades/a47lpxb/

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Gillian Anderson pilot will center on a conspiracy involving Washington's most powerful figures

The Gillian Anderson pilot will find the actress starring as CEO Meg Fitch, whose daughter is taken prisoner. NBC has ordered the Gillian Anderson pilot.

By Molly Driscoll,?Staff Writer / February 26, 2013

Will ?X-Files? star Gillian Anderson be returning to television?

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According to TV Guide, the actress will star in an untitled pilot for NBC, in which she will play a CEO named Meg Fitch whose daughter and daughter?s classmates are taken prisoner. The show itself, which will be produced and written by Rand Ravich with Far Shariat, will center on a vast conspiracy that comes to involve some of the most powerful people in Washington, D.C.

Actress Rachael Taylor of ABC?s ?666 Park Avenue? will star on the show as Susie Dunn, an FBI agent who is Meg?s sister and who is in charge of the operation to find her niece and her niece?s classmates. Before the kidnapping, Fitch and Dunn were estranged because of a secret that lies between them.

Taylor also starred on the ABC remake of ?Charlie?s Angels? as Abby Sampson, one of the titular Angels, and guest-starred on the ABC medical drama ?Grey?s Anatomy? as Dr. Lucy Fields.

Ravich created and wrote the NBC series ?Life,? which starred actor Damian Lewis pre-?Homeland? as a police officer who gets back on the job after having been mistakenly sent to jail. Shariat served as an executive producer on "Life."

?Battle Force? actress Stevie Lynn Jones has also signed on to Ravich and Shariat's NBC pilot, according to TV Guide.

Anderson starred in the 2007 film version of ?The X-Files,? titled ?The X-Files: I Want to Believe,? and signed on for an arc on the upcoming NBC show ?Hannibal,? which will center on the ?Silence of the Lambs? killer Hannibal Lecter. She also appeared in a BBC miniseries of the Charles Dickens novel ?Bleak House? and in a miniseries, also by the BBC, of ?Great Expectations.? She recently starred as a detective on the British series ?The Fall,? which will air on the BBC.?

On ?Hannibal,? the actress will play a therapist named Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier who serves as doctor to Hannibal Lecter himself.

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/csm/~3/bRmeVdVCeXg/Gillian-Anderson-pilot-will-center-on-a-conspiracy-involving-Washington-s-most-powerful-figures

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Daybook: February 27 (TIME)

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Don't like the white stuff in Oreo's? This is for you

David Neevel (YouTube)

A cookie-favoring physicist has created what appears to be the world's first Oreo separator.

David Neevel, an artist and inventor based in Portland, Ore., was commissioned by the popular cookie brand to produce the machine as part of its "Cookies vs. Creme" campaign.

"My Oreo machine is based entirely on my dislike for creme and my preference for cookie," Neevel said in a short video that could easily be mistaken for a "Portlandia" sketch.

The OSM, as Neevel calls it, was constructed of scrap aluminum, wood, a hatchet and floss in a Portland garage.

After the hatchet blade is lowered to split the Oreo, a pair of mechanical arms are dispatched to collect the cookie halves, which are transferred to a router table where the creme is removed.

The electric-powered contraption took about two weeks to build. "It was a big time commitment," Neevel said. "I had to work some long hours?I didn't see my girlfriend or my dog for hours at a time."

"Outstanding. I applaud your efforts," one YouTube commenter wrote. "For your next design, how about an automatic sock pair singlifier?

Three other inventors were commissioned by Oreo to come up with concepts, with the next one slated to be unveiled later this week.

Watch Neevel's Oreo separator in action:

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/oreo-separator-video-192305524.html

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Than 60 Dogs Rescued from NC Breeder - The Humane Society of ...

February?26,?2013

Dogs with severe medical issues show need for stronger state laws

• 

  The HSUS helped rescue more than 60 dogs from a Sampson County, N.C., breeding facility. Meredith Lee/The HSUS

• 

  Local law enforcement became concerned about the facility when puppy purchasers filed complaints regarding conditions there. Meredith Lee/The HSUS

• 

  A variety of small-breed dogs suffered from a multitude of untreated medical conditions. The owner agreed to surrender them. Meredith Lee/The HSUS

• 

  There are no specific laws in North Carolina to protect dogs sold directly to the public or online by commercial breeding facilities. As a?result, the state?has become a haven for some of the worst puppy mill operators in the country.? Meredith Lee/The HSUS

• 

  This is the 13th rescue The HSUS has handled in N.C. since 2010. Help us end the cruelty by signing the pledge to stop puppy mills. Meredith Lee/The HSUS

The Humane Society of the United States, SPCA of Wake County and Guilford County Animal Shelter were called in by Sampson County Sheriff?s Office to assist in the rescue of more than 60 dogs from a Sampson County, N.C., property.

The sheriff?s office served a search warrant on the property and found a variety of small-breed dogs suffering from a multitude of untreated medical conditions. The owner agreed to surrender the dogs.

?This case is a prime example of why North Carolina badly needs to pass legislation requiring mandatory standards of care for large-scale breeders. We need stronger laws on the books to prevent someone from forcing dogs to spend their lives in misery and squalor,? said Kim Alboum, North Carolina state director for The HSUS. ?The Humane Society of the United States is grateful to the Sampson County Sheriff?s Office for taking action to rescue these animals.?

Sign the pledge to stop puppy mills ?

There are no specific laws in North Carolina to protect dogs sold directly to the public or online by commercial breeding facilities. Law enforcement officers, therefore, are unable to prevent neglect until it reaches crisis proportions. As a result, North Carolina has become a haven for some of the worst puppy mill operators in the country. This is 13th rescue that The HSUS has handled in North Carolina since June 2010.

Local law enforcement became concerned about this facility when puppy purchasers filed complaints regarding conditions at the facility.

?In massive breeding operations, dogs are often subjected to deplorable conditions and lack proper medical care. It is heartbreaking to see these dogs in such poor condition,? said Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton. ?I am grateful to The Humane Society of the United States and the other organizations that stepped forward to assist with the care and temporary housing of these poor animals.?

The HSUS, SPCA of Wake County and Guilford County Animal Shelter have safely transported the dogs to a temporary emergency animal shelter where they will be thoroughly examined by a team of veterinarians and receive any necessary immediate medical treatment. ?PetSmart Charities is providing the necessary food, supplies and enrichment items for the dogs. North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association assisted with recruitment of veterinarians to provide the dogs with much needed medical care.

The HSUS has established a reward program to offer up to $5,000 to anyone who provides any information leading to the arrest and conviction of a puppy mill operator for animal cruelty. Persons wishing to report a valid tip are encouraged to call 1-877-MILL-TIP and will remain anonymous. To help dogs in commercial breeding facilities like this one, sign the pledge to stop puppy mills.

**Photos and b-roll available upon request.

Media Contact: Stephanie Twining, 240-751-3943, stwining@humanesociety.org

Source: http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2013/02/sampson-county-nc-puppy-mill-rescue-022613.html

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Pollution Might Shrink Your Penis, Say Otters

Otter dicks are shrinking thanks to pollution, and you should definitely freak out, because the trend might affect humans, too. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/U2g9_OIXa9o/pollution-might-shrink-your-penis-say-otters

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Help Your Property Following These Great Air Conditioning ...

You will find loads of the way that one could begin to improve your home, from splashing new paint on the walls to putting in a brand new faucet in your kitchen. This website is filled with wonderful tips on how to bring your house back to normal with flair and excitement.

And also hardwearing . heating and air conditioning system in top condition, clean your air ducts at least once a year. This is a chore that no one really wants to do nonetheless it certainly simple enough to accomplish on your own. On your inspection of the ducts, you should be aware that if you see any mold growth you must call a professional. Click This Link

Ceiling fan installation is an excellent and value effective diy project that you can consider. Fans are perfect for circulating the environment in the home, and keeping the house cool. They may also help reduce the price tag on your electric power bills by reduction of the requirement for air conditioning during the cooler times of the summer months.

Consider your quality of life before visual aesthetics when starting small remodels. A pond in your yard could possibly be nice, but having your child fall in and drown could be horrifying. You might like to use a desk, nevertheless the money could be be better spent on installing air conditioning within a Florida home.

A great diy and approach to saving financial resources are to set up an entire-house fan. They are excellent causes of energy savings given that they typically play one-tenth the electricity associated with an air conditioning equipment. If you are living in a area where air conditioning is not needed all year round, this can be a great replacement for central air.

Make sure before beginning in remodeling your basement that you?ve taken into account heating, cooling, proper ventilation and dehumidification of the area. For those who have enough headroom, your heating, cooling and much of your electrical equipment might be hidden behind the wrong ceiling. Prepare to hire a heating contractor to help you using your basement project.

Keep your windows and doors have tight seals to help keep out extreme temperatures and also to insure the best air quality at your residence. In the event the air getting into yourr home is filtered through your heating and air conditioning system, you will have less chances of contracting air-borne illness.

To reduce your home?s energy costs, replace your current thermostat with one that can be programmed. Many families save near $200 yearly through programmable thermostat use. A programmable thermostat might be set to switch when your family is sleeping or out of the home, holding you back from spending money on heating and cooling it is not necessary. Fortunately they are inexpensive, and could be grabbed at under $40. Recommended Site

Seek advice from the local electric and/or gas company to find out if you might be eligible for a a grant to weatherize your house. From the interest of saving energy, your heating and cooling company may insulate your attic, weatherstrip your windows and doors and even replace your ancient heating and air conditioning system. Take a moment to ask!

If yourr home is looking a little drab, you should attempt these various suggestions to enliven your house. There are a huge selection of tips here that hopefully will help you get your house looking fabulous. In case you apply these tips today. your house will probably be looking better quickly.

Source: http://www.katehennessystudio.com/433-help-your-property-following-these-great-air-conditioning-heating-tips

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Savers Tax Credit ? IRS Form 8880 | invest right, live right

This week I have been updating some training materials that I use for corporate clients to help educate employees about their 401(k). During 2006, there was a tiny tax code update as a part of the Pension Protection Act that many people are unaware of, and I think it is helpful to get younger people excited about saving for retirement. Starting early is a critical factor when it comes to saving for retirement, and I am passionate about helping younger people make great financial decisions. Please share with any children, grandchildren, friends etc who might benefit. Here is a quick summary:
?You must be at least 18, not enrolled as a full-time student at any time during the year, and not claimed as a dependent on another person?s tax return
?Eligible Plans ? IRA?s, Roth IRA?s, 401(k)?s, 403(b)?s, and 457 plans.
?Adjusted Gross Income Limitations ? must fall below income limits for 2012 of $28,750, head of household filers of $43,125 and joint filers of $57,500.

The credit can be as much as $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for joint filers, and is in addition to any deduction that may be available. The IRS Form 8880 can be found here: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8880.pdf. As always, consult a tax professional to see how this may applies as every one?s situation is unique and different.

? 2012 Pawleys Investment Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.

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Ranking the free agents

The Scouting Combine is all the rage right now, but it's just a steppingstone toward the late-April NFL draft. While forty times and vertical leaps are great fun, an NFL steppingstone that will impact draft results to a much greater extent than the Underwear Olympics is free agency. And it kicks off in just over two weeks.

Here is my ranking of this year's top-50 NFL Free Agents, with guesses on where each player will land, and for roughly how much.

1. Quarterback Joe Flacco -- The Ravens want it. Flacco wants it. And the amount of money is no longer a topic of debate. Flacco will average $20 million on his forthcoming extension, leaving only length and structure to be negotiated. A tag will be wielded if it comes to that, but look for Ozzie Newsome to wrap this thing up within the week, allowing the Ravens' offseason to move forward.

Free Agent Forecast: Ravens on a seven-year, $140 million contract.

2. Left tackle Ryan Clady -- VP of Football Operations John Elway has made it clear Clady isn't going anywhere. He'll be slapped with the franchise tag, and the Broncos will explore something more long term when Clady proves he's fully recovered from offseason shoulder surgery.

Free Agent Forecast: Broncos via the franchise tag.

3. Defensive end Cliff Avril -- Avril projects to break the bank in free agency because he's the top natural pass rusher available, just about to turn 27, and offers scheme versatility. He'll appeal to 4-3 and 3-4 clubs alike. With 39.5 sacks, 13 pass breakups, and 16 forced fumbles over the past five seasons, Avril disrupts offenses in a variety of ways. Indy is flush with salary cap space, and Avril's versatility-athleticism combo would be put to great use in Chuck Pagano's hybrid defense.

Free Agent Forecast: Colts on a five-year, $64 million contract.

4. Cornerback Aqib Talib -- The Patriots are rolling the dice a bit with Talib, but they could emerge looking awfully smart. They'll let him hit the market, gambling that corner-needy teams will instead focus on players with cleaner off-field histories at free agency's deepest position. Expect Talib to be disappointed with offers elsewhere and ultimately re-up in Foxboro at a team-friendly rate.

Free Agent Forecast: Patriots on a four-year, $30 million contract.

5. Outside linebacker Paul Kruger -- Kruger's free agency buzz was red hot just ahead of and following Super Bowl 47, but it's come back to Earth the past few weeks. While Kruger is a good player and will command a pretty penny, he's a complementary as opposed to franchise pass rusher. He's Brian Robison, and he's going to get paid like Jared Allen. In Cleveland, Kruger could still complete a formidable rush 'backer duo with Jabaal Sheard in Ray Horton's new 3-4 defense.

Free Agent Forecast: Browns on a five-year, $60 million contract.

6. Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe -- All signs out of Indianapolis point to Bowe getting a second straight franchise tag. Teams such as the Bills and Vikings would love to get their hands on a receiver like Bowe, but it's not happening. Look for the Chiefs to let Branden Albert walk, tag Bowe, and target a long-term extension worth roughly $11 million annually down the road. Alex Smith is going to be Kansas City?s quarterback, and an offensive tackle figures to be the No. 1 pick.

Free Agent Forecast: Chiefs via the franchise tag.

7. Wide receiver Mike Wallace -- Both the Miami Herald and South Florida Sun-Sentinel have reported that Wallace tops GM Jeff Ireland's free-agent wish list. "60 Minutes" would give Ryan Tannehill a playmaker on the perimeter capable of both catching bombs and attracting frequent double coverage. Signing Wallace could open up Miami's offense underneath.

Free Agent Forecast: Dolphins on a four-year, $50 million contract.

8. Safety Jairus Byrd -- Adept in center-field coverage and a hawk on the ball, Byrd has developed into perhaps the premier free safety in football, forcing 28 turnovers through four NFL seasons. The Bills could use the franchise tag as a steppingstone in long-term contract talks. Soon, Byrd will join Eric Berry, Troy Polamalu, and Eric Weddle as one of the NFL's highest paid safeties.

Free Agent Forecast: Bills via the franchise tag.

9. Defensive tackle Henry Melton -- The surest way to torpedo an opposing passing game is to attack it with interior pressure. Melton does that like a rolling ball of butcher knives from his three-technique tackle position, registering 13 sacks over the past two seasons and getting better every year. The 2013 franchise number for interior defensive linemen costs a reasonable $8.306 million.

Free Agent Forecast: Bears via the franchise tag.

10. Safety Dashon Goldson -- If Byrd is the top ballhawk in the game, Goldson might be the premier pure cover safety. Toward the end of the season, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio cost the Niners some leverage by publicly acknowledging Goldson was "right up there" with Ed Reed. Goldson wanted Eric Weddle money last offseason. He may get more after a career-best year.

Free Agent Forecast: 49ers on a five-year, $42 million contract.

11. Outside linebacker Anthony Spencer -- Sporting the Cowboys' franchise tag in 2012, Spencer delivered career bests in tackles (95) and sacks (11). Despite changing its defensive alignment from 3-4 to 4-3, Dallas has made no bones about wanting Spencer back. They could clear enough space to make it happen by signing Tony Romo to an extension, which they already plan to do.

Free Agent Forecast: Cowboys on a four-year, $44 million contract.

12. Tight end Tony Gonzalez -- Gonzalez seemed dead set on retirement late in the 2012 season, but ESPN's Ed Werder has since reported the future Hall of Famer is "wavering" and may return for one more Super Bowl run. Although he is 37 years old, Gonzo has plenty of good football left, coming off a 93-reception season. Expect the allure of a championship to bring Gonzalez back.

Free Agent Forecast: Falcons on a one-year, $7 million contract.

13. Defensive tackle Desmond Bryant -- Flying under the radar only because he played on a bad team, Bryant has highly impressive game tape and possesses scheme versatility at 6-foot-6, 300. With nine sacks, two forced fumbles, and productive starts at both tackle and end the past two seasons, 27-year-old Bryant was this year's sleeper for a white-hot market before last week's arrest. Pete Carroll's forgiving Seahawks aren't afraid to take chances on players, and they were looking for an interior pass rusher like this when they signed Jason Jones last spring.

Free Agent Forecast: Seahawks on a five-year, $25 million contract.

14. Left tackle Branden Albert -- At the Scouting Combine, coach Andy Reid greased the skids for Albert's departure by calling a 2012 back issue that only cost him three games "a fairly significant injury." Significant or not, the comments were telling. Bears GM Phil Emery's team is needy at tackle, and Albert was drafted by the Chiefs in Emery?s first year as Kansas City's college scouting director.

Free Agent Forecast: Bears on a five-year, $37 million contract.

15. Offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer -- Primarily a right tackle in New England, 28-year-old Vollmer's value is enhanced by his capability of adequately protecting the blind side. Lean and athletic at 6-foot-8, 315, Vollmer would be coveted on the market even after arthroscopic knee surgery. The Pats are unlikely to let him get there, prioritizing Vollmer over Talib and Wes Welker.

Free Agent Forecast: Patriots on a five-year, $36 million contract.

16. Defensive end Michael Johnson -- In a breakout contract year, Johnson amassed 11.5 sacks -- the same amount he totaled across his first three seasons in the league. The fact that Johnson was an underachiever before 2012 suggests the Bengals would be savvy to keep him in another contract year. They could do so with the franchise tag, worth $10.98 million at defensive end.

Free Agent Forecast: Bengals via the franchise tag.

17. Wide receiver Wes Welker -- Although they eventually leaned on him due to Aaron Hernandez and Julian Edelman's injuries, the Pats opened last season essentially phasing Welker out of their offense. It's probably a sign of things to come. Welker is 32 and not under consideration for New England's franchise tag. The Patriots simply don't value him as highly as it seems like they should.

Free Agent Forecast: Bears on a three-year, $27 million contract.

18. Running back Steven Jackson -- Jackson will void his $7 million player option for 2013, but the Rams still view him as a key component in their offense. The expectation here is that S-Jax signs a deal to finish his career in St. Louis. If he doesn't, the Falcons, Packers, Steelers, and Broncos would be sensible suitors. Jackson would surely look at playoff-contending teams first.

Free Agent Forecast: Rams on a three-year, $17.5 million contract.

19. Cornerback Sean Smith -- The Miami Herald is South Florida's most plugged-in paper and vehemently insists Smith won't be franchise tagged. Look for Smith to hit the market targeting $8 million per year. In Jacksonville, new coach Gus Bradley is in pursuit of big, physical corners.

Free Agent Forecast: Jaguars on a four-year, $32 million contract.

20. Right tackle Andre Smith -- Smith would be an interesting case in free agency. He has a worrisome history of weight issues, but played like the best right tackle in football last season. While the Bengals don't always pony up for free agents, they realize Smith is critical in their offense. They may let him reach the market initially, then re-sign him if bidding is lukewarm.

Free Agent Forecast: Bengals on a six-year, $39 million contract.

The Scouting Combine is all the rage right now, but it's just a steppingstone toward the late-April NFL draft. While forty times and vertical leaps are great fun, an NFL steppingstone that will impact draft results to a much greater extent than the Underwear Olympics is free agency. And it kicks off in just over two weeks.

Here is my ranking of this year's top-50 NFL Free Agents, with guesses on where each player will land, and for roughly how much.

1. Quarterback Joe Flacco -- The Ravens want it. Flacco wants it. And the amount of money is no longer a topic of debate. Flacco will average $20 million on his forthcoming extension, leaving only length and structure to be negotiated. A tag will be wielded if it comes to that, but look for Ozzie Newsome to wrap this thing up within the week, allowing the Ravens' offseason to move forward.

Free Agent Forecast: Ravens on a seven-year, $140 million contract.

2. Left tackle Ryan Clady -- VP of Football Operations John Elway has made it clear Clady isn't going anywhere. He'll be slapped with the franchise tag, and the Broncos will explore something more long term when Clady proves he's fully recovered from offseason shoulder surgery.

Free Agent Forecast: Broncos via the franchise tag.

3. Defensive end Cliff Avril -- Avril projects to break the bank in free agency because he's the top natural pass rusher available, just about to turn 27, and offers scheme versatility. He'll appeal to 4-3 and 3-4 clubs alike. With 39.5 sacks, 13 pass breakups, and 16 forced fumbles over the past five seasons, Avril disrupts offenses in a variety of ways. Indy is flush with salary cap space, and Avril's versatility-athleticism combo would be put to great use in Chuck Pagano's hybrid defense.

Free Agent Forecast: Colts on a five-year, $64 million contract.

4. Cornerback Aqib Talib -- The Patriots are rolling the dice a bit with Talib, but they could emerge looking awfully smart. They'll let him hit the market, gambling that corner-needy teams will instead focus on players with cleaner off-field histories at free agency's deepest position. Expect Talib to be disappointed with offers elsewhere and ultimately re-up in Foxboro at a team-friendly rate.

Free Agent Forecast: Patriots on a four-year, $30 million contract.

5. Outside linebacker Paul Kruger -- Kruger's free agency buzz was red hot just ahead of and following Super Bowl 47, but it's come back to Earth the past few weeks. While Kruger is a good player and will command a pretty penny, he's a complementary as opposed to franchise pass rusher. He's Brian Robison, and he's going to get paid like Jared Allen. In Cleveland, Kruger could still complete a formidable rush 'backer duo with Jabaal Sheard in Ray Horton's new 3-4 defense.

Free Agent Forecast: Browns on a five-year, $60 million contract.

6. Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe -- All signs out of Indianapolis point to Bowe getting a second straight franchise tag. Teams such as the Bills and Vikings would love to get their hands on a receiver like Bowe, but it's not happening. Look for the Chiefs to let Branden Albert walk, tag Bowe, and target a long-term extension worth roughly $11 million annually down the road. Alex Smith is going to be Kansas City?s quarterback, and an offensive tackle figures to be the No. 1 pick.

Free Agent Forecast: Chiefs via the franchise tag.

7. Wide receiver Mike Wallace -- Both the Miami Herald and South Florida Sun-Sentinel have reported that Wallace tops GM Jeff Ireland's free-agent wish list. "60 Minutes" would give Ryan Tannehill a playmaker on the perimeter capable of both catching bombs and attracting frequent double coverage. Signing Wallace could open up Miami's offense underneath.

Free Agent Forecast: Dolphins on a four-year, $50 million contract.

8. Safety Jairus Byrd -- Adept in center-field coverage and a hawk on the ball, Byrd has developed into perhaps the premier free safety in football, forcing 28 turnovers through four NFL seasons. The Bills could use the franchise tag as a steppingstone in long-term contract talks. Soon, Byrd will join Eric Berry, Troy Polamalu, and Eric Weddle as one of the NFL's highest paid safeties.

Free Agent Forecast: Bills via the franchise tag.

9. Defensive tackle Henry Melton -- The surest way to torpedo an opposing passing game is to attack it with interior pressure. Melton does that like a rolling ball of butcher knives from his three-technique tackle position, registering 13 sacks over the past two seasons and getting better every year. The 2013 franchise number for interior defensive linemen costs a reasonable $8.306 million.

Free Agent Forecast: Bears via the franchise tag.

10. Safety Dashon Goldson -- If Byrd is the top ballhawk in the game, Goldson might be the premier pure cover safety. Toward the end of the season, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio cost the Niners some leverage by publicly acknowledging Goldson was "right up there" with Ed Reed. Goldson wanted Eric Weddle money last offseason. He may get more after a career-best year.

Free Agent Forecast: 49ers on a five-year, $42 million contract.

11. Outside linebacker Anthony Spencer -- Sporting the Cowboys' franchise tag in 2012, Spencer delivered career bests in tackles (95) and sacks (11). Despite changing its defensive alignment from 3-4 to 4-3, Dallas has made no bones about wanting Spencer back. They could clear enough space to make it happen by signing Tony Romo to an extension, which they already plan to do.

Free Agent Forecast: Cowboys on a four-year, $44 million contract.

12. Tight end Tony Gonzalez -- Gonzalez seemed dead set on retirement late in the 2012 season, but ESPN's Ed Werder has since reported the future Hall of Famer is "wavering" and may return for one more Super Bowl run. Although he is 37 years old, Gonzo has plenty of good football left, coming off a 93-reception season. Expect the allure of a championship to bring Gonzalez back.

Free Agent Forecast: Falcons on a one-year, $7 million contract.

13. Defensive tackle Desmond Bryant -- Flying under the radar only because he played on a bad team, Bryant has highly impressive game tape and possesses scheme versatility at 6-foot-6, 300. With nine sacks, two forced fumbles, and productive starts at both tackle and end the past two seasons, 27-year-old Bryant was this year's sleeper for a white-hot market before last week's arrest. Pete Carroll's forgiving Seahawks aren't afraid to take chances on players, and they were looking for an interior pass rusher like this when they signed Jason Jones last spring.

Free Agent Forecast: Seahawks on a five-year, $25 million contract.

14. Left tackle Branden Albert -- At the Scouting Combine, coach Andy Reid greased the skids for Albert's departure by calling a 2012 back issue that only cost him three games "a fairly significant injury." Significant or not, the comments were telling. Bears GM Phil Emery's team is needy at tackle, and Albert was drafted by the Chiefs in Emery?s first year as Kansas City's college scouting director.

Free Agent Forecast: Bears on a five-year, $37 million contract.

15. Offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer -- Primarily a right tackle in New England, 28-year-old Vollmer's value is enhanced by his capability of adequately protecting the blind side. Lean and athletic at 6-foot-8, 315, Vollmer would be coveted on the market even after arthroscopic knee surgery. The Pats are unlikely to let him get there, prioritizing Vollmer over Talib and Wes Welker.

Free Agent Forecast: Patriots on a five-year, $36 million contract.

16. Defensive end Michael Johnson -- In a breakout contract year, Johnson amassed 11.5 sacks -- the same amount he totaled across his first three seasons in the league. The fact that Johnson was an underachiever before 2012 suggests the Bengals would be savvy to keep him in another contract year. They could do so with the franchise tag, worth $10.98 million at defensive end.

Free Agent Forecast: Bengals via the franchise tag.

17. Wide receiver Wes Welker -- Although they eventually leaned on him due to Aaron Hernandez and Julian Edelman's injuries, the Pats opened last season essentially phasing Welker out of their offense. It's probably a sign of things to come. Welker is 32 and not under consideration for New England's franchise tag. The Patriots simply don't value him as highly as it seems like they should.

Free Agent Forecast: Bears on a three-year, $27 million contract.

18. Running back Steven Jackson -- Jackson will void his $7 million player option for 2013, but the Rams still view him as a key component in their offense. The expectation here is that S-Jax signs a deal to finish his career in St. Louis. If he doesn't, the Falcons, Packers, Steelers, and Broncos would be sensible suitors. Jackson would surely look at playoff-contending teams first.

Free Agent Forecast: Rams on a three-year, $17.5 million contract.

19. Cornerback Sean Smith -- The Miami Herald is South Florida's most plugged-in paper and vehemently insists Smith won't be franchise tagged. Look for Smith to hit the market targeting $8 million per year. In Jacksonville, new coach Gus Bradley is in pursuit of big, physical corners.

Free Agent Forecast: Jaguars on a four-year, $32 million contract.

20. Right tackle Andre Smith -- Smith would be an interesting case in free agency. He has a worrisome history of weight issues, but played like the best right tackle in football last season. While the Bengals don't always pony up for free agents, they realize Smith is critical in their offense. They may let him reach the market initially, then re-sign him if bidding is lukewarm.

Free Agent Forecast: Bengals on a six-year, $39 million contract.

21. Left tackle Jake Long -- This year's free-agent tackle class is incredibly deep, and there are three top-ten left tackle picks in the draft. The result is a buyer's market, where veterans perhaps past their primes like Long will receive disappointing offers. Expect Long's price tag to drop after waiting a day or three in free agency, and the Dolphins to re-sign him at a club-friendly rate.

Free Agent Forecast: Dolphins on a five-year, $37.5 million contract.

22. Cornerback Brent Grimes -- Before Grimes tore his Achilles' early last September, he had quietly emerged as a top-five NFL corner. By all accounts, Grimes' recovery has gone smoothly and he's now performing strenuous workouts on land. Turning 30 this July, Grimes remains a red-light injury risk and will probably have to accept a short-term, incentive-laden deal. The Falcons know Grimes best and could clear enough cap space to re-sign him by cutting Dunta Robinson.

Free Agent Forecast: Falcons on a one-year, $7.5 million contract.

23. Guard Andy Levitre -- Levitre and Louis Vasquez are the cream of the crop in a top-heavy free-agent guard class, and Levitre is better than Vasquez. 27 in May, Levitre is young and versatile, capable of starting at any of the three interior line spots as well as tackle in a pinch. Ex-Bills offensive coordinator Curtis Modkins is now on the Lions' staff, and Detroit is needy at guard.

Free Agent Forecast: Lions on a six-year, $38 million contract.

24. Cornerback Derek Cox -- Despite his client's laundry list of durability woes, Cox's agent expects a "vigorous" market for the 26-year-old corner. Per the agent, Cox permitted a 69.0 passer rating last season, better than more heralded CBs Talib (98.7), Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (87.7), and Sean Smith (85.1). Cox and his agent may be slightly disappointed, but they'll get a solid deal. Broncos DC Jack Del Rio knows Cox well from their Jacksonville days.

Free Agent Forecast: Broncos on a four-year, $28 million contract.

25. Strong safety William Moore -- Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan made Moore a featured player in his first season with Atlanta. Moore responded with a breakout year, setting a career high in tackles (75) and intercepting four balls. While the Falcons seem unlikely to slap Moore with the franchise tag, re-signing him is an obvious priority and they are likely to get a deal done. At $6.65 million annually, Tyvon Branch's 2012 contract figures to be a starting point in negotiations.

Free Agent Forecast: Falcons on a five-year, $33.5 million contract.

26. Wide receiver Greg Jennings -- If Jennings truly believes he's worth $14 million annually -- as has been reported -- he'll be sorely disappointed. Going on age 30 with 11 missed games the past two seasons, Jennings would do well to surpass Reggie Wayne's three-year, $17.5 million deal. He probably will, but not by much. Minnesota is desperate for an established, playmaking receiver.

Free Agent Forecast: Vikings on a four-year, $25 million contract.

27. Defensive end Osi Umenyiora -- Still an effective situational pass rusher at age 31, Umenyiora registered six sacks and two forced fumbles last season while playing 61 percent of the Giants' defensive snaps. The Bucs are starving for an improved pass rush, and Osi is familiar with Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan from his five-year stint (2005-09) on the Giants' staff.

Free Agent Forecast: Buccaneers on a three-year, $20 million contract.

28. Defensive end Michael Bennett -- Bennett is a complementary-type pass rusher, but will be coveted by teams that run 4-3 defenses because he can affect the offense from both left end and tackle. At 6-foot-4, 274, he's like a poor man's Justin Tuck. 27-year-old Bennett is coming off career bests in tackles (41), sacks (9), and forced fumbles (3). The cap-rich Bucs not only need to re-sign Bennett, they need to add another outside-edge rusher to join him. (See Umenyiora.)

Free Agent Forecast: Buccaneers on a five-year, $36 million contract.

29. Left tackle Will Beatty -- Gifted athletically and 28 years old, Beatty graded out as a top-ten left tackle in Pro Football Focus' 2012 ratings and is in the midst of his prime. The Giants aren't willing to pay Beatty franchise-tag money, but do want to complete a long-term deal. Look for the G-Men to get Beatty re-signed without breaking the bank. About $6.5 million annually ought to get it done.

Free Agent Forecast: Giants on a five-year, $32.5 million contract.

30. Wide receiver Danny Amendola -- If Amendola hits the market, expect the Broncos and Patriots to show interest. More likely, the Rams will identify him as a core offensive player and make a competitive offer closer to the eve of free agency. Amendola is St. Louis' only reliable on-field receiver, and his 20 missed games over the past two seasons should bring down his price.

Free Agent Forecast: Rams on a three-year, $18.5 million contract.

31. Right tackle Phil Loadholt -- Vikings GM Rick Spielman realizes Loadholt's worth. Minnesota plays run-first offense, and Loadholt is a crucial puzzle piece as a 343-pound mauler. The sides have discussed an extension off and on since last fall. 27 and coming off a career-best season, Loadholt may use Doug Free's four-year, $32 million deal as a jump-off point in negotiations.

Free Agent Forecast: Vikings on a three-year, $27 million contract.

32. Free safety Ed Reed -- Reed played last season on a $7.2 million salary. If he really wants another Super Bowl ring, he'll have to take less. Going on 35 and entrenched in his decline phase, Reed may only have a year or two left. A mutual admirer of Pats coach Bill Belichick, Reed spoke of signing with New England in January and there's a good chance that dream will become reality.

Free Agent Forecast: Patriots on a one-year, $5.5 million contract.

33. Defensive tackle Randy Starks -- Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland conceded at the Combine that he's "likely" to wield the franchise tag ahead of next Monday's deadline. Sean Smith won't get it, and neither will Jake Long. At $8.306 million, the defensive tackle franchise number would be more cost effective than Smith and Long's positions, and a sensible way of retaining 29-year-old Starks.

Free Agent Forecast: Dolphins via the franchise tag.

34. Guard Louis Vasquez -- The Chargers made overtures to Vasquez at the Combine, identifying him as a priority to keep on an otherwise poorly-assembled offensive line. Expect the sides to hammer out a deal worth over $6 million annually. San Diego can't afford to let him get away.

Free Agent Forecast: Chargers on a seven-year, $44 million contract.

35. Tight end Martellus Bennett -- Bennett fit the Giants well in 2012, flashing Pro Bowl-caliber ability when he was healthy and the offense clicked. John Carlson's $25 million over five years should be a baseline in negotiations. Bennett is only 26 and could bet on himself in the short term.

Free Agent Forecast: Giants on a three-year, $16 million contract.

36. Wide receiver Brian Hartline -- Hartline falls into tier two of this year's receiver free-agency class; in the Danny Amendola group behind Bowe, Wallace, and Jennings. Teams around the league realize Hartline is only a competitive No. 2 receiver, but his $6 million-per-year target price is not unreasonable. The Dolphins want Hartline back, and they have ample money to keep him.

Free Agent Forecast: Dolphins on a three-year, $18 million contract.

37. Tight end Dustin Keller -- The Jets can't afford to retain Keller, and he's destined for the open market. Last year's injuries may depress Keller's value some, even if he'll be the premier seam-stretching tight end available with Jared Cook returning to Nashville on the franchise tag. Reunited with Brian Schottenheimer, the Rams could pair Keller with Lance Kendricks in two-tight end sets.

Free Agent Forecast: Rams on a four-year, $22 million contract.

38. Defensive end Dwight Freeney -- 33 and best suited for a specialist's role on limited snaps, Freeney can still bring heat on passing downs as a "wave" rusher. He could be a short-term fix for a Seattle team needing pass-rushing reinforcements as Chris Clemons recovers from a torn ACL.

Free Agent Forecast: Seahawks on a two-year, $10 million contract.

39. Running back Reggie Bush -- Although Bush didn't embarrass himself as the Dolphins' feature back the past two seasons, NFL teams still envision him as a "space" player who's at his best on limited touches, mostly in the pass game. The Lions badly need to add juice to their backfield, and Bush's fit would be ideal in the league's pass-heaviest offense. He's not going to break the bank.

Free Agent Forecast: Lions on a four-year, $16.5 million contract.

40. Left tackle Sam Baker -- Baker is coming off a career year, but past back issues will concern tackle-needy clubs, and his value will be further depressed by a rich market at his position. The Falcons would be smart to let Baker reach free agency unsigned, because he'd likely come back willing to take less money. It's safe to say the Sam Baker "sweepstakes" would not be fierce.

Free Agent Forecast: Falcons on a five-year, $27 million contract.

41. Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie -- Rodgers-Cromartie is a maddeningly poor tackler and returning from an inconsistent year in coverage, but he oozes talent and is only 27 years old. "DRC" had the best season of his career in 2009 under then-Cardinals defensive coordinator Billy Davis. Davis just so happens to be running Chip Kelly's defense in Philly now.

Free Agent Forecast: Eagles on a three-year, $17 million contract.

42. Cornerback Keenan Lewis -- Lewis took off in 2012, playing physical and consistent coverage and tackling efficiently opposite Ike Taylor for the Steelers' top-ranked pass defense. Pittsburgh now lacks the financial means to retain Lewis, who entered the league when Ray Horton was the Steelers' defensive backs coach. Horton is now coordinating the division-rival Browns defense.

Free Agent Forecast: Browns on a five-year, $36 million contract.

43. Cornerback Chris Houston -- Much better suited as a No. 2 than No. 1 corner, Houston has nevertheless spent the past three seasons in the latter role with Detroit. Unfortunately for Houston, he's another middling option in a free-agent cornerback class full of No. 2s. Expect him to re-sign affordably with the Lions, and GM Martin Mayhew to target a future No. 1 in April's draft.

Free Agent Forecast: Lions on a two-year, $11.5 million contract.

44. Defensive tackle Jason Jones -- Jones never really found a home in Seattle's 2012 defense, playing under 30 percent of the defensive snaps and notching three sacks as an interior pocket pusher off the bench. If he's healthy, Jones is capable of injecting explosive rush ability into a defensive front seven. Old Seattle defensive coordinator Gus Bradley is now Jacksonville's head coach, and the Jaguars are desperate for pass rushers both inside and off the outside edge.

Free Agent Forecast: Jaguars on a three-year, $12 million contract.

45. Right tackle Gosder Cherilus -- Cherilus was arguably Detroit's best offensive lineman in 2012, but he's a right-tackle only with a long history of knee problems and no longer part of the Lions' long-term plans. Cherilus will likely be viewed on the open market as a short-term fix. The Texans make sense as a landing spot because their primary weakness up front is right tackle.

Free Agent Forecast: Texans on a two-year, $10.5 million contract.

46. Free safety Louis Delmas -- Delmas would be much higher on this list if not for persistent injuries. A difference maker when in the lineup, Delmas has missed 13 games the past two seasons due to knee and groin surgeries. Delmas hasn't yet turned 26, so he could pursue a one-year, prove-it deal to display durability before re-testing free agency in 2014. The Chiefs are needy at free safety across from Eric Berry and should be willing to give Delmas a shot.

Free Agent Forecast: Chiefs on a one-year, $5 million contract.

47. Defensive tackle Terrance Knighton -- Knighton never met expectations in Jacksonville, but he's a 340-pound 26-year-old long on run-clogging potential. A one-year, prove-it deal with the 2014 market in mind might serve Knighton best in the big picture. Denver needs an anchor for its defense, and coordinator Jack Del Rio was Knighton's head coach for three years with the Jags.

Free Agent Forecast: Broncos on a one-year, $4.75 million contract.

48. Linebacker Daryl Smith -- Smith is coming off a lost season due to injury, but should have quality football left at age 31. His "SAM" linebacker position is also critical in new coach Gus Bradley's 4-3. Look for the sides to reunite and career Jaguar Smith to finish things up in Jacksonville.

Free Agent Forecast: Jaguars on a three-year, $15 million contract.

49. Tight end Jared Cook -- Cook played roughly 60 percent of his 2012 snaps lined up in the slot or out wide. He wants to be franchise tagged at the wide receiver number of $10.5 million. The Titans prefer him at the tight end number ($5.962 million), and the sides figure to agree to meet somewhere in the middle. Tennessee's coaches and front office seem dead set on keeping Cook.

Free Agent Forecast: Titans via the franchise tag.

50. Cornerback Antoine Cason -- Although susceptible deep, 26-year-old Cason can make plays on the football and offers impressive corner size at 6-foot-1, 195. Indianapolis is rich on salary cap space and in the market for a bookend across from Vontae Davis. Cason is young, should be relatively affordable, and fits defensive-minded coach Chuck Pagano's press coverage scheme.

Free Agent Forecast: Colts on a three-year, $16.5 million contract.

Best of the Rest Free Agents: Kenny Phillips, Connor Barwin, Israel Idonije, Rashard Mendenhall, Bradley Fletcher, Glenn Dorsey, Jermon Bushrod, Bryant McKinnie, Cary Williams, Richard Seymour, Matt Moore, Fred Davis, Ahmad Bradshaw, Mike Jenkins, James Casey, Brandon Moore, Ronde Barber, Shaun Phillips, LaRon Landry, Leodis McKelvin, Pat Chung, Charles Woodson, Jerome Felton, Dannell Ellerbe, Jerraud Powers, Victor Butler, Glover Quin.

Source: http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/nfl/42620/309/top-50-free-agency-forecast

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CSN: Brady's deal will help Patriots reload

That Tom Brady and the Patriots worked out an extension through 2017 isn?t a stunner.
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He was due to consume about 18 percent of the Patriots salary cap in the final two years of his old deal ($21.8 million against a cap which hovers around $123 million).
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What is eye-opening is that Brady is ? according to the early contract numbers provided by SI and NBC?s Peter King ? playing for about $9 million a year in the three seasons that were added to his deal.
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That?s less than half what he could command in salary if he were a free agent now, never mind what he may have been able to command if he?d become a free agent in March of 2015.
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Brady is providing immediate cap relief to the Patriots to help them shop what they expect to be a flooded free agent market beginning March 12. And he allows flexibility down the road as well when Brady is into his football dotage as the consummate Patriot looks at 40.
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Which dominoes can we expect to fall next? First up would probably be an extension for Wes Welker who ? since 2007 ? has made about $27 million while becoming the most prolific receiving target in football.
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Since Brady described Welker as the best teammate he?s ever had this past season, it?s logical to presume that Brady is hoping the Patriots funnel some of the savings he provided to getting Welker money that can give Welker some certainty as he enters the twilight of his career.
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When Welker signed his franchise tender last summer, he described the move as a leap of faith. If a contract extension for Welker follows ? and the chances of that are currently good, according to a well-placed source ? Brady may have provided the soft landing for Welker?s leap.
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In conversations with Brady this past season, he spoke often of the game-changing ability of corner Aqib Talib and Talib?s unmistakable impact on the team when he was part of the defense.
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Talib is also a soon-to-be free agent.
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Brady has never presumed to wear a management hat with the Patriots. And, while it?s possible his renegotiation came with specific requests for players to be re-signed, it?s unlikely given past history that he?d offer ultimatums.
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Suffice to say, though, he?ll closely watch where the money he?s saving the Patriots is going.
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Currently, the team is weak at wide receiver and strong like ox at tight end. The expensive Chad Ochocinco signing was a bust. The less expensive Brandon Lloyd signing worked out better but Lloyd hasn?t distinguished himself as a game changer, merely a complementary piece.
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With the money New England?s saved, they may be able to enter into talks for a player like Steelers wideout Mike Wallace as he hits the free agent market.
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We?ll find out when the contract specifics are all laid out exactly how much the Patriots saved with Brady?s re-do. And whether Brady actually plays for $9 million a year from 2014 through 2017 remains to be seen. He may renegotiate again to a salary more reflective of his value. But for now, Brady?s renegotiation has given this team which has been to two Super Bowls and two AFC Championships since it won its last Lombardi the wherewithal to shop for players that will make them Super Bowl contenders clean through until Brady hits 40.

Source: http://www.csnne.com/blog/patriots-talk/bradys-team-friendly-deal-creates-cap-relief-flexibility

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Oscars 2013: Adele's 'Skyfall' Wins Best Original Song

Theme from blockbuster James Bond film wins following Adele's performance of the song.
By Brett White

Adele at the 2013 Oscars
Photo: Christopher Polk/ Getty Images

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1702525/skyfall-adele-oscar-best-original-song.jhtml

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