As the regular season continues to head down its final stretch, the landscape of college football remains in relative disarray. With Ole Miss loss to LSU, only three unbeaten teams are left, and numerous conference races are still completely up for grabs.

No. 10 TCU at No. 20 West Virginia

The Mountaineers and Horned Frogs will square off in a game featuring two top contenders in the race for the Big 12 title. Just like everybody predicted at the beginning of the year, right?

West Virginia head coach Dana Holgorsen has gone from being on the hot seat at the start of the season to being the frontrunner to be named Big 12 Coach of the Year. The Mountaineers, led by quarterback Clint Trickett, boast a lethal aerial attack, ranking ninth in the FBS with an average of 346.3 passing yards per game.

Meanwhile, TCUs offense is flourishing under new co-offensive coordinators Sonny Cumbie and Doug Meacham. The Horned Frogs rank sixth in the country with 360.1 passing yards per game and first in scoring at 50.4 points per game, including setting a school-record with 82 points last week against Texas Tech.

Both teams are absolutely rolling into their meeting in Morgantown, which means we should be in for a thrilling offensive shootout as they battle to stay near the top of the conference standings.

No. 4 Auburn at No. 7 Ole Miss

The SEC West remains heads and shoulders above everyone else in college football, and Ole Miss and Auburn will meet Saturday night in yet another game with major implications in the race for the division title.

The Rebels return home after an agonizing loss on the road to the LSU Tigers, in which they won the turnover battle 4-1. Head coach Hugh Freeze also made the controversial decision to try one more pass play with nine seconds remaining in the game, rather than try to kick a potential game-tying, 47-yard field goal then and there.

The result: a Bo Wallace interception sealed the Rebels fate and gave LSU renewed hope of contending for the SEC West title.

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Gameday: Key conference matchups highlight Week 10

BRANDON Roxanne Tobaison and Coleen Bentson are artists of a very different nature, with watercolors the medium of choice for Tobaison, and plants, shrubs, trees and dirt the means through which Bentson makes her mark with meadow-like gardening.

I think Coleen is tremendously talented, Tobaison said. When I look around her yard, its like what you see in a painting. You have different colors in different textures and varieties. Its not just landscaping, planting and pruning. Its being creative with her layouts.

Tobaison, a watercolorist for 35 years, described Bentson as a landscape artist, on location at the October paint-out arranged by the Brandon League of Fine Arts (BLFA) at Bentsons Valrico home in River Hills.

To hear what other people are saying about my garden, it adds an extra purpose to what Im doing, Bentson said about her extensive landscape designs, including a gated secret garden on the south side of her corner-lot property. I never thought about it as art.

What she does consider art is the Home to Heart greeting card line for handwritten notes she started on a shoestring budget, featuring photos she takes of her garden and yard throughout the year and seasons.

The cards have been for sale at various locations throughout the Greater Brandon area, including Kiwis Exotic Plants Nursery, Car Wash on the Green and Bloomingdale Nursery in Valrico; White Rabbit Antiques & Collectibles, Victorian Grace Tea Room and Mandalay Mist Bronzing Spa in Brandon; and the gift shops at Brandon Regional Hospital and the Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association.

She created a beautiful space here, thats a form of art, said BLFA artist Diane Newsome, who complimented the gardens accessibility for walk-through views across its many pathways. And then shes taking pictures of that art that she can share with other people.

Bentson said she was drawn to gardening as a homeowner unable to grow grass without issues.

I took the challenge to xeriscape my property, said the mother of three, whose children range in age from 22 to 26. It looked good and one thing led to another. As I got older, my kids didnt demand as much of my attention. I could spend hours on my yard without worrying about what the kids were doing inside.

Bentson said she favors a natural look, best described as something that has grown there by itself, not manicured, and yet at the same time organized and weed-free, everything pruned and looking fresh.

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From gardening to art, homeowner makes her mark

$589,000 - 24952 VILLARENTE ST., LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 926277
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By: Agent Marketing videos

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$589,000 - 24952 VILLARENTE ST., LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 926277 - Video

Gardening is for old people.

That sounds like an absurd over-simplification, and besides, why should you care? What difference does it make if young people aren't interested in gardens and nature? We live in a hi-tech world, where all the worlds problems will be solved by computers, and where science will be our saviour.

So how does digging in the dirt, or mixing manure compete in this internet age, and why should it?

In South Africa, the latest statistics show that 1 in every 4 people are unemployed.

In the words of the wise Gogo "Qho" Mthethwa - young people don't want work they want jobs. As a country, we seem to be content to foster an attitude of dependence rather than an entrepreneurial mindset.

Realistically speaking, looking to technology to solve our problems, may well be fine in the long term, but we need solutions now. We need to feed people now. Science and technology alone can't give us that. So what can?

If you plant a food garden from seed, you can begin eating the food from your garden within a matter of weeks. Growing food or plants doesn't need a huge injection of cash. Seeds can very often be harvested from existing crops, providing the next seasons crops for free. Gardeners are almost to a fault, overly generous in offering their time, information or even seed/plants when they see enthusiasm and willingness to learn. There are several amazing initiatives around the country with the sole aim of passing on the skills to grow food gardens in our particular climate.

I agree with guerilla gardener Ron Finley that as with many problems in life, the solution is inside the challenge.

With our ridiculously high unemployment rates, we have 1 out of every 4 people who have the capacity to tend a garden, which could if properly managed, feed themselves and even provide an income as they feed their community. As solutions go, its not sexy, and it may not have the mirage-like appeal that science and technology offers, but it is immediately attainable and realistic.

So how can YOU go about doing this? Here's some inspiration:

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Landscape Design - blogspot.com

Before starting your garden remodel, survey your space and browse landscape ideas to figure out how best to fill it. If you love working outdoors, a large rose garden or vegetable garden is the perfect way to use your space. On the other hand, kids might enjoy a large yard, along with a playground, swing set or pool. Think about what your family would use the most, as well as what would help boost your resell value in the long run. In the end, be sure to consider your front and back yard as separate entities; after all, they usually serve two very different purposes. What should I add to my front yard? When landscaping your front yard, think about curb appeal above all else. This space is your chance to make a great first impression, so it should be inspiring, well thought out and consistent with the traditional style of your home. A flower garden is a great option, but if maintenance is an issue, you can simplify the process by opting for low-maintenance succulents, bushes or hedges instead. If you don't have a green thumb, stick with grass and use a gravel pathway, water feature, wood fence or stone wall for variation. What should I add to my backyard or garden? The backyard is for entertaining and playtime, so incorporate seating, dining areas, play spaces and sunny relaxation spots. A vegetable garden or rose garden is a common yard staple, especially if you add an interesting element like a pergola, arbor, raised bed, border, walkway or fence. You can even add fun accessories like birdbaths and feeders to aid with birdwatching. For the ultimate party house, incorporate a pool and patio or deck with a fire pit, outdoor fireplace, barbecue and outdoor kitchen. If you're an active, sports-loving family, add a basketball court, volleyball court, bocce ball or croquet. And don't forget about outdoor furniture! A bench in a garden makes a great reading or meditation spot, while a weatherproof chaise lounge, sofa and chair are nice for taking in those sunny days.

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Traditional Landscape Design Ideas, Pictures, Remodel and ...

Los Angeles, California (PRWEB) October 27, 2014

The end of daylight savings arrives at 2 a.m. on November 2, 2014, throughout most of the United States and Canada. For many, it's more than just setting the clock back an hour. It can come as a shock to leave work at the usual time, only to return home after the sun has set. Interior and exterior lighting is a great way to offset this sudden shift in light and prepare for the longer evenings to come.

For starters, a comprehensive landscape lighting plan brightens the yard during the winter months, when daylight hours are limited. "Our Super Duty brand of LED landscape lighting was developed specifically to endure the rigors of lighting the yard all year long," explains Dennis Swanson, Lamps Plus founder and CEO. Featuring sturdy construction and energy-efficient LED light sources, this collection includes tall landscape lights and post lights for general outdoor illumination, spot and flood lights for accent lighting, and landscape lighting sets combining a range of types for an all-in-one yard solution. "A variety of flood, spot and tall lights artfully illuminates your property while simultaneously increasing safety and security."

There are a number of other fuss-free ways to light the home's exterior and eliminate the worry of running the electrical bill up too much. Dusk-to-dawn lighting, for instance, uses an internal light sensor to turn the unit off and on with the rising and falling of the sun. For an even more specific option, motion sensor security lights turn on only when they sense movement nearby. Motion sensor lights are best-suited for deterring would-be burglars and illuminating high-traffic locations such as garages and back doors.

Indoors, similar technology makes it easy to keep the lights on during the winter months. Motion sensors can also be installed to trigger lights each time a person enters the room. To avoid returning home to a dark house, consumers can use timers for table and floor lamps. Installed directly into the outlet, these timers can be easily set to turn lamps on and off at regular intervals. And new wireless remotes make it easier than ever to operate lights throughout the home. Able to operate up to three outlets at once, the latest remote control designs allow a person to control lamps and other appliances with the single touch from a handheld remote.

Despite the increased convenience of many new lighting products, longer evenings still require homeowners to keep lights on longer. Luckily LED lighting which is up to 10x times as energy-efficient as standard incandescent lighting can make up for those extra hours on the electrical bill. And it looks great too. "The quality of LED light has increased dramatically over the years," says Swanson. "For the 'warm' look that people used to associate with standard bulbs, consumers should look for LEDs with low color temperatures in the 2700K-3000K range." Higher color temperatures provide a clear and "cool" white light that's ideal for reading and other tasks around the house.

From safety and security in the yard to fresh new style indoors, LED and other new technologies offer easy and energy-efficient ways to keep the home bright all winter long. As a reminder, don't forget to set clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday, November 1st.

About Lamps Plus For more than 30 years, Lamps Plus has been synonymous with excellence in the retail lighting industry. Established in 1976, Lamps Plus is the nation's largest specialty lighting store, with more than 40 superstores throughout the western United States. LampsPlus.com was named a 2014 Top 10 Housewares/Home Furnishings e-tailer and a 2013 Hot 100" world's best retail website by Internet Retailer Magazine. Together with its retail locations, the company serves customers nationwide with the largest selection of functional and decorative lighting fixtures, accessories, furniture and home decor. This selection includes hundreds of products, ranging from traditional chandeliers to the latest in home decor, available exclusively from Lamps Plus. The company also holds several patents for innovative lighting. Services offered include in-home lighting consultations, in-store workshops and installation from expert, licensed electricians. American Lighting Association certified designers are available to offer product recommendations and advice in all our stores, by phone or online at LampsPlus.com. The Lamps Plus family of websites also includes 55 Downing Street, Builders Discount Lighting and Lamps Plus Open Box. Visit the official Lamps Plus website: LampsPlus.com.

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Lighting Tips for Surviving the End of Daylight Savings

And then there were two. Another landscape-altering week of college football leaves Florida State and Mississippi State as the only remaining undefeated teams from Power Five conferences, with Ole Miss' loss to LSU serving to further muddy the Top 25 waters.

The Bulldogs, who had their own scare against Kentucky, and the idle Seminoles remain atop the latest Associated Press rankings. But LSU's upset opens the door for its SEC rivals, as No. 3 Alabama and No. 4 Auburn move into positions of power before the first College Football Playoff rankings are released. Oregon rounds out the Top Five, and the remainder of the Top 10 stayed the same only with reshuffled numbers next to their name.

Here is a look at how the AP Poll played out, along with the B/R Top 25:

AP.org

Ole Miss' drop to No. 7 can at least be partially attributed to poor late-game management. Down 10-7 with the ball at the LSU 25-yard line, Rebels coach Hugh Freeze made the decision to kick a 42-yard field goal too late to cause a delay of game penalty. After LSU called a timeout to ice kickerGary Wunderlich, Freeze made another curious decision, pulling his special teams unit off the field to run a final offensive play.

Bo Wallace forced a wounded duck into double coverage, and LSU safetyRonald Martinpicked the ball off to end the game. While no one will ever know whether Wunderlich would have made the field goal or even if Ole Miss would have won in overtime, it's a decision all involved regret.

"I thought we were plenty clear we were either going to take the flat throw or throw it out of bounds, and then try the field goal," Freeze told reporters. "He must have felt like he had a shot at the touchdown play there...I wish I could do that over, for sure."

LSU, which opened its conference slate with consecutive losses, has now won three straight heading into a Nov. 8 game against Alabama. The third-ranked Crimson Tide are also off next week, but it'll be interesting to see if the transitive property applies when they visit Tiger Stadium.

A majority of the other notable outcomes for Top 25 teams Saturday involved near-upsets. Ohio State needed two overtimes in Happy Valley to take down Penn State, as Joey Bosa sacked Christian Hackenberg on 4th-and-5 to give the Buckeyes their fifth straight win. The struggles against Penn State were a bit of a surprise after Ohio State scored 50-plus points in four consecutive games, but Urban Meyer's team is rounding into form at the right time.

Freshman J.T. Barrett, taking over after Braxton Miller's season-ending injury, has 27 total touchdowns and has quietly been among the nation's best quarterbacks. Barrett struggled at times against a game Nittany Lions secondary but scored twice on the ground in overtime to help seal the deal.

Original post:
AP College Football Poll 2014: Complete Week 10 Rankings Released

Deirdre Shesgreen, dshesgreen@usatoday.com 9:08 a.m. EDT October 25, 2014

One of Marek Tyszkiewicz's campaign signs(Photo: Provided )

WASHINGTON Marek Tyszkiewicz always knew he'd face a tough landscape in his bid for Congress, but he didn't think the hurdles would start in his own front yard.

That changed Friday, when the 2nd District candidate got a note from a neighbor demanding he take down his "Tyszkiewicz for Congress" yard sign. Tyszkiewicz, a Democrat, is vying to unseat incumbent GOP Rep. Brad Wenstrup, R-Columbia-Tusculum.

While his blue-and-white campaign sign might be a staple of American elections, it apparently violates the local housing covenant in Tyszkiewicz's neighborhood Overlook of Ivy Hills, part of Anderson Township.

"Signs are not allowed in our yards except as when used to advertise a home for sale," LeAnn Burke, who lives down the street from Tyszkiewicz, wrote in an email to the House candidate Friday. "Therefore we must ask that you remove any signs from your yard" that do not comply with the rule.

Burke did not immediately respond to voice mail and email messages seeking comment.

But Tyszkiewicz is standing his ground - literally.

"I'm not going to take the sign down," he said. "It's my own name in my own yard."

He said there are democratic principals at stake - not to mention political advantages.

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Anderson man's battle for Congress now in his yard

Deirdre Shesgreen, dshesgreen@usatoday.com 4:13 p.m. EDT October 24, 2014

One of Marek Tyszkiewicz's campaign signs(Photo: Provided )

WASHINGTON Marek Tyszkiewicz always knew he'd face a tough landscape in his bid for Congress, but he didn't think the hurdles would start in his own front yard.

That changed Friday, when the 2nd District candidate got a note from a neighbor demanding he take down his "Tyszkiewicz for Congress" yard sign. Tyszkiewicz, a Democrat, is vying to unseat incumbent GOP Rep. Brad Wenstrup, R-Columbia-Tusculum.

While his blue-and-white campaign sign might be a staple of American elections, it apparently violates the local housing covenant in Tyszkiewicz's neighborhood Overlook of Ivy Hills, part of Anderson Township.

"Signs are not allowed in our yards except as when used to advertise a home for sale," LeAnn Burke, who lives down the street from Tyszkiewicz, wrote in an email to the House candidate Friday. "Therefore we must ask that you remove any signs from your yard" that do not comply with the rule.

Burke did not immediately respond to voice mail and email messages seeking comment.

But Tyszkiewicz is standing his ground - literally.

"I'm not going to take the sign down," he said. "It's my own name in my own yard."

He said there are democratic principals at stake - not to mention political advantages.

More here:
Anderson man's battle for Congress moves to his yard

The typical American home landscape is 80 percent Asian plants. Most are beautiful, and some provide shade, shelter and maybe a little nectar and pollen. But otherwise, they have little to offer indigenous insects, birds, and other wildlife in the local ecosystem.

Rick Darke and Doug Tallamy, coauthors of "The Living Landscape: Designing for Beauty and Biodiversity in the Home Garden," aren't suggesting we nuke our nonnative crape myrtles (or roses or tulips). Better to add layers of native trees, shrubs, perennials and vines to the mix, "creating landscapes that support life without sacrificing traditional aesthetic values."

Native serviceberry trees are just as pretty as crape myrtle. They also support 124 species of caterpillars, the larvae of butterflies and moths, which birds love.

"So crape myrtle is great," Tallamy says. "Just don't make it the only plant in your yard."

In your newfound native zeal, don't rip up the entire yard all at once. Remove pieces over time, adding diverse plantings as you go.

Buy small plants or grow from seed.

The plants will have plenty of time to root and adapt to weather extremes and soil. "If you're willing to watch plants grow from seed," Tallamy says, "you can have an oak tree for free in not too many years."

Think of all plants as "organic architecture."

Use them "to organize the spaces in your garden," Darke says, "to find refuge, create places to sit, walk, read, play, throw a ball for the dog or the kids."

-- Tribune News Service

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Book helps you invite the natives to your yard