This assumes that population growth continues its pace, that people keep flushing toilets and filling pools, and that California rainfall doesn't rise much above its average of 24 inches per year.

FORBES: Resources

But note that five years of above-average returns haven't yet generated any groundswell of thinking that we're now in some New Era of above-average returns.

FORBES: Another New Era

For example, when the researchers asked the MBA students about their likely salary package in their first job, the optimists tended to predict that their starting earnings would be higher than average for their peers--but the optimists didn't, in fact, end up with above-average starting salaries.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Last season Davis' average didn't rise above .200 for good until July 4, but the Mets were playing well and Davis was never sent to the minors.

WSJ: Davis struggles in field and at plate for Mets

We watched a quick movie and didn't feel particularly impressed by the volume, but they're slightly above average when compared to the majority of speakerphones on the market -- especially around its pricing tier.

ENGADGET: Pantech Discover hands-on (video) Mobile

As you can see, the specs on the Peak aren't anything to email home about, but for a Firefox OS device, it's certainly above-average.

ENGADGET: Geeksphone Peak hands-on: a midrange Firefox OS phone from Spain (video)

The Vermont Ski Areas Association won't release its official 2012-13 ski numbers until June, but early indications are the season was well above average and far ahead of the 2011-12 season.

WSJ: Skier visits up 20 percent at Northeast ski areas

But sometimes a merely above-average athlete becomes a star thanks to a single, invaluable weapon that opponents just can't stop.

FORBES: Magazine Article