Cognitive Labs

Since we support innovation in all its forms - fighting Alzheimer's, freeing up music and film, getting out of the way so we can learn more about the universe and earth - where we live, being green, and so forth; it's disappointing to note that an exciting new twist in football, perhaps the most interesting thing since Bill Walsh's famed west coast offense, the run-and-shoot, or Al Davis' vertical passing game secret weapon back in run-it-up-the-middle 1960's, has now been declared illegal.

We certainly hope there is some kind of appeal process.

Pioneered by two crazy Californians, (coaches at Piedmont High School in Northern California, in the East Bay) the A-11 offense throws a wrinkle at defenses by making every player eligible to receive a pass, rather than just backs and receivers. It leveled the playing field, so to speak, by giving the Davids a chance against perennial Goliaths.

You can read more about the decision here. No, we don't cover sports very much here but this case of innovative creativity deserves some focus.

Labels: a-11, capistrano, davis, piedmont, raiders, riverside, run_and_shoot

... In one of the most comprehensive and definitive studies of its kind to date, a team of researchers at the University of California, Davis have proven that organically grown kiwifruit contain more health-promoting factors than those grown under conventional conditions. The research is reported in the SCI's magazine Chemistry & Industry. The debate over the relative health benefits of organic versus conventional food has raged for years, with UK environment secretary David Miliband declaring in January that buying organic is just a lifestyle choice.

Labels: davis, kiwi, organic