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In 2014, Colorado realized just how close (Broncos and Avalanche) and just how far away (Rockies and Nuggets) it was to glory. But what made 2014 a fascinating year in sports was that very little happened as we thought it would. And that's what makes us fanatical about sports.

We thought, for instance, the Broncos would steamroll through the playoffs, but it was the Broncos who were embarrassed in the Super Bowl.

We thought the Avs would be an adorable story of budding stars cracking the postseason. But suddenly, they won the division and were talking title ... only to get ousted in the first round.

We thought Rockies owner Dick Monfort would keep Dan O'Dowd in charge until 3014, but Dan finally resigned and Monfort promoted Jeff Bridich to general manager.

And we thought the Colorado State Rams would maybe win seven football games, but they won 10 in the regular season -- and little CSU made national news when Florida swiped its coach.

Unlike baseball, football's season isn't neatly placed into the baking pan that is a calendar year. As such, the last NFL season spilled into 2014. In the playoffs, the Broncos and Peyton Manning sent Philip Rivers back to San Diego with his silly tie, and Denver later sent Tom Brady back to Boston with his silly boots.

But from the moment Manny Ramirez sent the opening snap to Hackensack, the Super Bowl seemed doomed. Forty-three. Eight.

Still stings, doesn't it?

But John Elway approached free agency with the urgency of The Drive, yes sir. You know the story: DeMarcus Ware, T.J. Ward, Aqib Talib, an investment in nasty. And by December, Denver had one of the NFL's formidable defenses. Oh, and after the offensive line faced the wrath of Mark Schlereth, the Broncos' offense looked 1998-y, with a run game complementing a legendary gunslinger.

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Colorado sports in 2014: The good, the bad and everything in between

"I think we checked off a lot of boxes in terms of what we wanted to accomplish," president of baseball operations Michael Hill said. "We felt like for us to take that next step, we needed to improve. And we wanted to add a starter. We wanted to add a bat, an upgraded bat, which we haven't done yet. But we were able to improve our lineup with the addition of Dee Gordon and inject some speed."

Gordon, the All-Star second baseman, is heading to the Marlins as part of a seven-player deal with the Dodgers.

The Marlins capped their stay in Southern California by making two more trades on Thursday. Right-hander Mat Latos was acquired from the Reds. A lower-profile move brought in right-hander Andre Rienzo, the only Brazilian-born player ever to reach the Majors.

Michael Hill discusses the Marlins' acquisitions

Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill talks about landing Mat Latos, Dan Haren and Dee Gordon at the Winter Meetings

The additions and subtractions have reshaped the roster, and created some questions. Here's five things to watch for moving forward.

Power bat A strong push was made for Rockies first baseman Justin Morneau, but the asking price was too high. Even though talks fizzled in San Diego, there is a chance they could rekindle before the end of the month. Free agent Michael Morse is a definite possibility, and so is Pittsburgh's Pedro Alvarez. It's highly doubtful the D-backs will trade Mark Trumbo.

Overstocked rotation An area of need filled up quickly in 24 hours in San Diego. Two separate deals landed Latos and Dan Haren. Now, there is the question of whether Haren will join the club or retire to be with his family on the West Coast. If Haren reports, Miami will have Latos, Haren, Henderson Alvarez, Nathan Eovaldi, Jarred Cosart, Tom Koehler and Brad Hand competing for five spots. And, oh by the way, Jose Fernandez, should be recovered from his Tommy John surgery to join the group around the All-Star break. The logjam will make it extremely difficult for prospect Justin Nicolino, a standout at Double-A Jacksonville, to open the season with the club. Having too many isn't necessarily a bad thing. A year ago, the Marlins used 13 different starters.

Trade chips Haren's decision may impact Eovaldi's future. The team may be less willing to trade a power arm without the assurance of a proven veteran to fill the void. Hand is in an interesting spot because he is out of options, so he has to make the team. Hand can be used out of the bullpen, but he is more comfortable starting. He's also the lone lefty starting candidate now that Andrew Heaney's been traded. If a power-hitting first baseman is added, first baseman Garrett Jones will be seriously shopped.

Link:
Marlins turning attention to further moves

The Marlins last had a winning season in 2009, and they haven't been to the postseason since claiming the 2003 World Series title. They will deal with playoff talk once again when Spring Training begins in February.

Miami was a surprise team in 2014, finishing 77-85 after a disastrous 100-loss campaign in '13.

"[In 2014], from anybody outside of the clubhouse, expectations were minimal, if there were any," McGehee said. "We did a good job of exceeding what people on the outside probably thought we could do. Now, [in 2015], it's a different story.

"We're not sneaking up on anybody. It's a little different ballgame when you're expected to win. Hopefully that doesn't affect anybody in a negative way."

Miami has enjoyed one of its most productive offseasons in years, addressing its major needs before Christmas.

The offseason directive started when owner Jeffrey Loria agreed to do whatever it took to sign two-time All-Star right fielder Giancarlo Stanton to a long-term deal.

Gordon discusses being traded to Marlins

Dee Gordon talks about being dealt by the Dodgers to the Marlins as part of a seven-player deal

President of baseball operations Michael Hill and general manager Dan Jennings executed the plan and convinced Stanton the organization was committed to winning. Stanton bought in and signed a benchmark 13-year, $325 million contract on Nov. 19.

Since Thanksgiving, the team has completed four trades, and they've added a power bat in Morse, a proven starter in Latos and an All-Star second baseman in Gordon, who paced the Majors with 64 stolen bases last year.

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McGehee: Miami ready to face high expectations

His dad Scott Villwock, stricken with Huntington's disease, has used a wheelchair for the past two years. The family loves hockey, both its pace and teamwork. It gives them a way to embrace winter. Cade, now 11, has been playing hockey since he was 4 years old. His sister, Quin, 12, also plays pond hockey. The sport has been an important element of the family's life for years.

The recent upgrades to the sports center were focused on improving the experience for those who are disabled. An elevator now provides access to the warm second floor. Gary Villwock, Scott's dad, said they have their own favorite spot overlooking the Gold Medal Arena, settling Scott's wheelchair in the viewing area. Down below, hockey players flew across the ice during drills.

"It's amazing," Kristi Villwock said of the difference for her husband. "Before with the boards as high as they are, he couldn't see over the boards."

Gary Villwock would lift his adult son and prop him up so he could see the action on the ice. They'd wear snowmobile suits to stay warm. As a family, they've been rink regulars for eight years. Scott attends practices, home and away games. Lola Villwock, Scott's mother, said when her son sees Cade skate, it puts a sparkle in his eyes.

It was difficult to keep track of Cade with the action at eye-level. Previously, the only way to access the second story was a long flight of steps. An elevator was installed to make the second floor wheelchair accessible. Upstairs a ramp provides easy viewing of the Gold Medal Arena. The elevated vantage point, in a warm spot, allows Scott to see his young son on the ice and keep up with the action. "He can be in either arena and see that and be warm," Kristi Villwock said. "He couldn't even get up here before at all. ... it's huge."

She said the wheelchair access isn't something people think about until they need it.

"I think this is the perfect place for people who are handicapped," Quin Villwock said.

Shawn Sundquist, Brainerd Amateur Hockey Association Board of Directors president, said it means Scott Villwock is able to see his child grow up doing something he loves to do. Cade said he doesn't even mind getting up at 6 a.m. during the school year or 7 a.m. in the summer to spend time on the ice.

"I just like skating," Cade said, adding he's pleased with the changes to the sports center. "It makes me happy because my dad could hardly see where I was. Now he can actually see where I am and what I'm doing so he can actually give me tips and stuff."

For players and fans, updates to the sports center are making for a better experience from an updated locker room with a now functioning restroom to more warm viewing areas. The second floor now has a full kitchen. Concession stand windows are now wheelchair accessible. Bathrooms on the second floor were expanded and redone to be American with Disabilities Act compliant. The upstairs women's bathroom went from two stalls to six. Overall, the bathroom facilities nearly doubled. A changing table was added for those with young children.

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Essentia Health Sports Center renovations provide increased access for disabled

by Arlina Arshad

Banda Aceh (AFP) -- Rusli Abdul Rahman and Fardhiah had been neighbours for years when the Asian tsunami devastated their small community in Indonesia's Aceh, killing both their spouses and their eight children.

But they found a second chance at happiness by remarrying each other and having a son -- one of the many new families formed in the aftermath of a natural disaster that killed tens of thousands a decade ago.

Fardhiah, 50, who goes by one name and now lives in a house surrounded by photos of her lost relatives, said she grieved for months after the tsunami but then realised: "I must start a new life.

"Perhaps God saved me so that I could be useful to other people."

The tsunami ripped apart the tightly woven social fabric in Aceh province, killing husbands and wives, sons and daughters, and forcing survivors together in ways that would have previously seemed unimaginable.

Almost 170,000 people were killed in Indonesia, the vast majority in Aceh, when waves up to 35 metres (115 feet) high flattened coastal communities following a monster undersea earthquake off Sumatra island.

In total, about 220,000 people were killed in countries around the Indian Ocean when the quake and tsunami hit on December 26, 2004.

Muhammad Zubedy Koteng, who worked with UNICEF on child protection in Aceh after the tsunami, said that forming new families was an effective way for many to "cure their trauma" and help them "deal with their loneliness and overcome the sorrow of losing their loved ones".

Some, such as labourer Syukri, helped youngsters left orphaned by the disaster. While wandering desperately round shelters looking for his missing brother, he spotted an abandoned baby boy lying in the undergrowth.

Link:
New families give Asian tsunami survivors chance of second life

On behalf of the Urbana School District 116 Board of Education, I want to respond publicly to the Dec. 7 article on superintendent salaries, because ofthe story's misleading representation and inaccuracies.

Urbana School District 116's superintendent, Dr. Donald D. Owen, was listed as the second highest paid superintendent in the region.

However, Dr. Owen is the only superintendent on the list who pays 100 percent of his own pension, annuities and life insurance benefits.Those expenses are deducted fromhis salary. The other superintendents receive those benefits in additions to their salary. Additionally, Dr. Owen does not receive adistrict-owned automobile as is provided to some other superintendents, nor does he accept travel reimbursements.

As members of the Urbana Board of Education we are committed to being good stewards of the tax revenues that support our students and our schools, and to making decisions that are fiscally responsible. Dr. Owen's compensation is appropriate based on his education, experience and expertise. The Urbana Board of Education is dedicated to providing exceptional schoolsfor our outstanding community, and we continue to do so by hiring and striving to retain the best teachers, administrators and support staff.

I urge The News-Gazette to do a better job of insuring that articles such as the one referenced provide informationthat has been thoroughly researched andare presented inan accurate manner rather than listing incomplete and dissimilar information that misleads the public. Our community deservesand expects ahigher level of professional journalism.

JOHN DIMIT

President, Urbana School District 116 Board of Education

Urbana

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Superintendent chart was misleading

Seattle, Washington (PRWEB) December 17, 2014

In the last couple of months four new additions have joined the GreenQloud team, in addition to the eight people hired earlier this year. With GreenQlouds rapid growth the company is constantly looking for talented people to join the team. Following the introduction of the QStack , GreenQlouds cloud infrastructure solution for private and hybrid deployments, we have seen considerable interest from international and local businesses who are looking for ways to manage multi cloud environments efficiently and effectively. These are exciting times for GreenQloud, we have an exceptionally strong team and as our business continues to grow internationally, well continue to hire in the areas of development and sales, both locally and abroad, said GreenQloud CEO, Jonsi Stefnsson.

After closing a second funding round in October, led by the international investment firm Novator, and existing investors Keel Investments LLC and Nskpunarsjur atvinnulfsins. GreenQloud can facilitate deeper market reach and operational expansion in new territories.

GreenQloud's newest recruits include:

Skeggi ormar was recently added as a senior developer where his main project is security architecture for QStack. Skeggi has decades of experience as a developer and his previous employers include Pixar Animation Studios and DeCode Genetics. For the last couple of years Skeggi has been working as an independent software consultant where he worked with local companies, such as Mice and Men and Invector EU. Skeggi holds a B.Sc. degree in mathematics and physics from the University of Iceland and a C. Phil in philosophy of mathematics from U.C. Berkeley.

Sverrir . Berg joined the development team as a senior developer on the QStack team, focusing on backend systems. Sverrir most recently worked as a technical lead at Vivaldi Technologies and before that he held the role of CTO at CLARA Technologies. Sverrir has an extensive technical background and has previously worked at Google, CCP and OZ Communications. Sverrir holds a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Iceland.

Grmur Jnsson is a senior developer and his main projects include the design and development of GreenQloud's internal systems. He adds significant experience and a strong theoretical background to the development team. Grmur previously worked for Marorka in Iceland and has a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Reykjavik.

ris Sigtryggsdttir recently came on board to GreenQloud's marketing team. ris manages marketing material and communication for the Icelandic market, along with identifying media, business and new market opportunities abroad. ris has an extensive background in marketing and communication, most recently serving as a project manager of marketing for the Icelandic IT service provider, ekking hf. ris holds a B.Sc. degree in business from University College Dublin, along with a diploma in marketing from the University of Iceland.

Read more:
GreenQloud strengthens resources with new hires

Movies starring two Sundance Film Festival regulars multi-hyphenate actor James Franco and festival founder Robert Redford are among the latest additions to the fest's 2015 lineup, organizers announced Monday.

The festival's Premieres section has added "True Story," Rupert Goold's fact-based drama about a disgraced New York Times reporter (Jonah Hill) confronting the accused killer (Franco) who has taken on his identity, and "A Walk in the Woods," Ken Kwapis' adaptation of travel writer Bill Bryson's 1998 memoir about the author (Redford) hiking the 2,000-mile Appalachian Trail with an old friend (Nick Nolte).

"True Story" marks the second Franco film in the 2015 Premieres lineup, joining the previously announced "I Am Michael," about a real-life gay activist who renounced his homosexuality and became a Christian pastor.

The other new additions to the festival are a trio of Sundance Kids films ("The Games Maker," "Operation Arctic" and "Shaun the Sheep"), the student-produced "Pioneers Palace B'92," a restoration of "Paris Is Burning" and three multimedia art installations for the New Frontier section.

The Sundance Film Festival runs Jan. 22 to Feb. 1 in and around Park City, Utah.

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Sundance 2015: More James Franco added to lineup, plus Robert Redford

The main slates were rolled out over the last two weeks but the 2015 Sundance Film Festival isnt done just yet offering a few surprises. Just over a month before Park City becomes Hollywood North, the Robert Redford-founded fest today unveiled a couple more premieres and New Frontier installations plus the second year slate for Sundance Kids. Among those unveiled today is the world premiere Salt Lake City gala of the Redford, Nick Nolte and Emma Thompson starrer A Walk In The Woods. And, of course, this being Sundance, there is another film with James Franco on the offering with True Story with Felicity Jones and Jonah Hill. Check out the full list of SFF additions, including what looks like a very interesting look at the Reese Witherspoon and Laura Dern starrer Wild, below.

With the fest running from January 22 to February 1, Deadlines co-Editor-in-Chief, and myself Film Mike Fleming Jr will be covering Sundance as we have in years past. This looks like its going to be a good one indeed.

PREMIERES

A Walk in the Woods / U.S.A. (Director: Ken Kwapis, Screenwriters: Rick Kerb, Bill Holderman) An aging travel writer sets out to hike the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail with a long-estranged high school buddy. Along the way, the duo face off with each other, nature, and an eccentric assortment of characters. Together, they learn that some roads are better left untraveled. Cast: Robert Redford, Nick Nolte, Emma Thompson, Mary Steenburgen, Nick Offerman, Kristen Schaal. World Premiere. SALT LAKE CITY GALA FILM

True Story / U.S.A. (Director: Rupert Goold, Screenwriters: Rupert Goold, David Kajganich) When disgraced New York Times reporter Michael Finkel meets accused killer Christian Longo who has taken on Finkels identity his investigation morphs into an unforgettable game of cat and mouse.Based on actual events, Finkels relentless pursuit of Longos true story encompasses murder, love, deceit, and redemption. Cast: Jonah Hill, James Franco, Felicity Jones.

RELATEDSundance 2015: Festival Reveals Spotlight, Midnight & New Frontier Slates

SUNDANCE KIDS

This section of the Festival is especially for our youngest independent film fans. Programmed in cooperation with Tumbleweeds, Utahs premiere film festival for children and youth.

The Games Maker / Argentina, Canada, Italy (Director and screenwriter: Juan Pablo Buscarini) Ivan Dragos love of board games catapults him into the fantastical world of game invention and pits him against the inventor Morodian, who wants to destroy the city of Zyl. To save his family, Ivan must come to know what it is to be a true Games Maker. Cast: David Mazouz, Joseph Fiennes, Ed Asner, Megan Charpentier, Tom Cavanagh, Valentina Lodovini. U.S. Premiere

Operation Arctic / Norway (Director and screenwriter: Grethe Be-Waal) This modern-day Robinson Crusoe adventure is set in the Arctic. Through a misunderstanding, 13-year-old Julia and her eight-year-old twin siblings, Ida and Sindre, are left on a deserted island. The children have to find ways to survive, battling fierce winter weather, hungry polar bears, and loneliness. Cast: Kaisa Gurine Antonsen, Ida Leonora Valestrand Eike, Leonard Valestrand Eike, Nicolai Cleve Broch, Kristofer Hivju, Line Verndal. International Premiere

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Sundance 2015: Robert Redford Gala Premiere, Kids Slate & Wild Installation Revealed

Kevin Parry for Paley Center for Media

Tom Mison, Nicole Beharie and Orlando Jones

The stars and producers of Fox's breakout drama Sleepy Hollow were on hand Wednesday for an evening during PaleyFest honoring the supernatural series at the Dolby Theatre.

It's been two months since the season finale, which featured many of the show's core characters in various states of limbo, but the enthusiastic crowd was treated to a preview of what's to come. Here's a refresher (Warning: spoilers!): Henry Parrish(John Noble) was revealed to be the second Horseman, in addition to being Ichabod and Katrina's son Jeremy; Abbie (Nicole Beharie) was stuck in purgatory; and Ichabod (Tom Mison) was thrown into a pine box. So what exactly is in store for season two? Impending war.

"[Henry's] going to be in town. It's going to be a major presence in season two," executive producer Mark Goffman said of season two. "It's a season about war, it's a season about redemption. What do you do when your son becomes the Horseman of War in the apocalypse? Ichabod is going to have to contemplate assuming he gets out of the pine box he's in."

PHOTOS: PaleyFest 2014: 'Parks and Rec,' 'Lost,' 'Pretty Little Liars,' 'Veronica Mars' Stars Celebrate

Producers hinted that there will be new villains coming in to Sleepy Hollow for Ichabod and Co. to worry about. Though they were coy, they shared some details as to who will be joining the war. "War doesn't work by itself," co-creator/executive producer Roberto Orci teased. "There are a lot of amazing foot soldiers coming, familiar and also original."

"One of the things we wanted to bring to light was who best to be an opponent for the Horseman and creating a new creature that actually our team kind of controls but doesn't -- a dangerous creation that Headless will have to come to face -- possibly with his own face," co-creator/executive producer/director Len Wiseman shared, likening the new villain to being "as evil and as scary as Headless." Joked co-creator/executive producer Alex Kurtzman: "Dick Cheney."

This new foe will have in its possession something that belongs to Headless: "What would that be? His head," Wiseman said. In addition to supernatural creatures, expect new additions to drop by Sleepy Hollow, Goffman revealed: "Some people who will be populating the town this season."

With Detective Irving (Orlando Jones) in jail, one of the other questions to be addressed will be who will lay down the law while he's behind bars. "Who's going to be in charge of law and order in Sleepy Hollow?" posed Goffman.

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'Sleepy Hollow' Stars and EPs Talk Season 2 Plans, Fan Passion for Ichabod/Abbie