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Fernando Alonso is set to join McLaren, with the former two-time world champion's move due to be confirmed before the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 23, according to a report on the Autosport magazine website published Monday. Last month Luca de Montezemolo, the outgoing chief of Ferrari, the Spaniard's current team, said the 2005 and 2006 world champion would leave the Italian giants at the end of the current campaign, two years before his contract expires, because of their failure to provide him with a car where he could challenge for a third world title. Alonso finished sixth in last weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix and the 33-year-old is currently fifth in the overall standings for this season. But even with the innovation of double-points for the season's climax in the UAE, there is no way he can close the gap on the Mercedes' leading duo of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. Autosport added that the only reason why Alonso's move to McLaren, for whom he drove in one turbulent season in 2007, had not yet been confirmed was because the management of the British team had still to decide on which of their two current drivers, Jenson Button and Kevin Magnusson, would remain to pilot their other car. Button, after finishing fourth at the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo on Sunday, said he was still in the dark regarding McLaren's driver line-up for 2015. "I enjoyed the race and had a great battle with Kimi (Raikkonen)," said Button, world champion in 2009. "To beat both Red Bulls, both Ferraris and a Williams is not a bad day's work. But that's all I can do right now -- go out and enjoy my racing," the 34-year-old Briton added. Last month, reigning champion Sebastien Vettel announced he was quitting Red Bull, with whom he was won four successive world titles. That led to reports the German was being lined up for a move to Ferrari, Formula One's most iconic team. | 1 | 2,500 | sports |
Ferguson, Missouri, is bracing for what could be more chaos as a grand jury decides whether to indict Darren Wilson. | 5 | 2,501 | news |
The best hair and makeup of the week. Camilla Belle at the 2014 LACMA Art + Film Gala on 11/1/14 Belle went back to her chocolate brown tresses after going lighter earlier this season. The dark shade pairs nicely with her lilac-lined eyes and pink pout. Cara Delevingne at the 2014 LACMA Art + Film Gala on 11/1/14 While the model may be known for her signature brows, we can't stop swooning over her hair's noticeably darker hue. Delevingne swaps her flaxen locks for a chestnut shade, and styles the warm tresses into a loosely-bound braid swept to the side. Solange Knowles at the Lavazza Marquee on 11/1/14 Similar to her luxe lashes at the VMA Awards, Knowles lines her eyes in an unconventional, fiery red shade. Rita Ora at the Westfield in London on 11/3/14 Only Rita Ora can make pink hair look understated. She styles her new tresses into a sleek bob and plays up her eyes with lush lashes. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley at the Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year Awards on 11/4/14 The It Brit errs on the side of caution with her beauty look, leaving her eyes nearly naked and her hair in loose waves. Beyoncé at the Topshop Topman New York City Flagship opening dinner on 11/4/14 Beyoncé officially ditches the baby bangs and is back to wearing her hair in a chic chin-length bob again. Camila Alves at the Annie for Target launch event on 11/4/14 Long tousled waves effortlessly swept to one side add to Alves' sultry appearance. Lily Aldridge at the 48th Annual CMA Awards on 11/5/14 The Victoria's Secret model offsets her winged liner with nude lips and contoured cheeks. Karolina Kurkova at the 2014 GQ Men of the Year Awards on 11/6/14 An apricot lip and tawny eye makeup complement Kurkova's flaxen strands. | 4 | 2,502 | lifestyle |
Thigh-high boots are right on trend for Fall, which is why we've created some helpful guidelines so you can rock them all season long! Shop our favorite boots here, and start wearing your sexy over-the-knee boots now. On Allison: Mango vest, Forever 21 top, Vince Camuto skirt | 4 | 2,503 | lifestyle |
Photographed by Sami Drasin. If you haven't heard of Kelly Frye yet, commit her name to memory now. The on-the-rise actress and Texas native only just arrived on the scene, but judging by how fast she booked the role of Sgt. Bette Sans Souci (a.k.a. Plastique) on The CW's new show, The Flash, we've got a feeling you'll be seeing a lot more of her soon enough. Though we don't know any reveals regarding Plastique's story arc, we do know that her character is a former bomb specialist who has the ability to turn any object into an explosive just by touching it which we're assuming will make her an invaluable member of The Flash's team. As for Frye herself? Well, aside from her striking features and upbeat attitude, the former model also used to compete in both high school tennis and golf at the state level. In other words, she's practically superhuman in real life, as well. To celebrate Plastique's debut episode tomorrow night, we challenged MAC Cosmetics Director of Makeup Artistry Gregory Arlt to show us three complete looks that you can achieve in a, ahem, flash. The result? Well, go ahead and see for yourself. Catch The Flash Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. on The CW. Photographed by Sami Drasin. The All Day, Every Day Using a blush brush, gently tap the powder on the apples of your cheeks. Arlt's tip for making sure you hit the right spot? Smile! Sure, it might feel awkward to smile at yourself in the mirror, but it's the best way to ensure you're applying to the apple of both cheeks and distributing an equal amount of blush on each side. Add a touch of eyeshadow in a muted metallic just above your lids and below your brow bone to open the eyes. Photographed by Sami Drasin. Top the whole thing off with a natural-hued, glossy lip, and you're out the door! Photographed by Sami Drasin. The No-Mess Hot Pink Lip Photographed by Sami Drasin. If you think applying a thick, opaque, bright lipstick requires a chunk of time for trial and error, we're right there with you until now, that is. To achieve the look in less than two minutes, Arlt suggests using a small lip brush instead of attempting to put the lipstick on directly from the tube, and applying only to the center of your bottom lip. Next, gently rub your lips together, which will allow for a thin, even coat across your lips. Repeat one or two more times for a highly-pigmented look. Photographed by Sami Drasin. Finally, to really make them pop, lightly outline your lips with a liner that matches the lipstick. Photographed by Sami Drasin. Pretty darn cute, right? Photographed by Sami Drasin. The Sultry Eye...On The Fly Come hither, easy eyeliner technique! Photographed by Sami Drasin. For a not-too-thick but, not-too-perfect line, Arlt recommends a connect-the-dots technique. First, using a black kohl eyeliner pencil, make four light dots right at your lash line. Then, simply connect the dots, creating a thin even line. Next, use your finger to lightly smudge the line. Photographed by Sami Drasin. Finally, apply two coats of your favorite jet-black mascara. Arlt recommends coating the bottom lashes before the top, which helps to avoid unwanted mascara marks under your eyes after you blink. | 4 | 2,504 | lifestyle |
The Chicago Bears had a rough game against Green Bay, losing by 41 points. The Bears are the second team ever, aside from Rochester Jefferson, to allow scores of 50 plus in loses since 1923. Krystin Goodwin (@krystingoodwin) and Patrick Jones (@Patrick_e_jones) have this weeks Sack of the Week! | 8 | 2,505 | video |
Working with the latest medical discoveries about food, appetite and exercise, Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D., have created a plan to help you lose two inches in two weeks. The Plan When it comes to weight loss, following a healthy diet is only the beginning. Cardio and strength exercises are crucial, which is why we've created a plan to help you get started. Three times a week, do the six-exercise workout outlined here. This will build up the muscles most responsible for fat burning, and banish belly fat. Do each exercise as many times as possible. After you've finished all six moves, repeat the whole cycle once more. Seated Dropkick Strengthens: Quadriceps Sit on the floor with your legs flat in front of you. Then bend your right leg and wrap both hands around that knee to help keep your back straight. With your left leg straight, lift it as high as you can, hold for a second and lower slowly. Your foot should be flexed. Repeat as many times as you can, then switch to the opposite leg and do the same number of repetitions. Push-Up Pride, Starting Position Strengthens: Chest Kneel on the floor, face down, resting on your knees and hands. Your back and arms should be straight. Push-Up Pride, The Move Lower your body until your chest nearly touches the floor, hold and then slowly push back up. Repeat as many times as you can. Leg Drop, Starting Position Strengthens: Abs Lie on your back with your legs in the air, bent so that your calves are parallel to the floor. Leg Drop, The Move Slowly lower your heels down, tap the floor, and lift back up. Keep your back flat on the mat. Repeat as many times as you can. X Crunch, Starting Position Strengthens: Upper abs Lie on your back, knees bent, feet on the floor. Cross your arms behind your head, with your fingers touching your shoulders. X Crunch, The Move Use your stomach muscles to lift torso up and to lower it down (at first, you may barely be able to lift at all just keep trying). To keep from overarching your neck, pretend there's a tennis ball your under your chin. Repeat as many times as you can. Invisible Chair Strengthens: Legs Stand near a wall with your feet hip-width apart. Slowly lower your body as if you were sitting down in an invisible chair. Lean your back against the wall. Your hands should be lightly resting on your knees. Hold the position for as long as you can (which might be only 10 seconds at first; work up to 60). Superman Strengthens: Lower back Lie flat on your stomach, stretching your arms out in front of you. Then lift your arms and legs off the ground, hold for a second and lower. Repeat as many times as you can. | 7 | 2,506 | health |
The dynamic duo continues to rise as style stars, proving that the couple that dresses together stays together. Kim and Kanye's Best Matching Looks The dynamic duo continues to rise as style icons, proving that the couple that dresses together stays together. What: The couple stepped out for dinner in matching Balmain jackets. When: November 2014 Where: NYC What: Another coordinating Balmain moment, this time for the house's Spring 2015 show. When: September 2014 Where: Paris What: For baby North's first fashion show, the the whole family stepped out in head-to-toe black. When: September 2014 Where: Heading to Balenciaga's Spring 2015 show in Paris What: Just days before their wedding, Kim and Kanye step out in coordinating camel Kim in an Ermanno Scervino bustier dress, Kanye in a matching coat When: May 2014 Where: Leaving Maison Martin Margiela in Paris What: Kim matches her lacy Rachel Roy dress to Kanye's army-green anorak. When: March 2014 Where: On the street in New York City What: In matching light-wash denim and white tees, the soon-to-be-engaged couple differentiated their looks with a sleek black coat and pumps for her and a navy fur-lined coat and suede sneakers for him. When: November 2013 Where: On the street in NYC What: Kim in a sexy backless white Tom Ford dress, Kanye in a white T-shirt and jeans. When: July 2012 Where: The 2012 BET Awards in LA What: In their second public appearance as a couple, the duo stepped out in matching leather pants. When: April 2012 Where: On the street in NYC | 4 | 2,507 | lifestyle |
Laura Ingle reports from New York City | 5 | 2,508 | news |
SEMA, the annual Las Vegas get-together of the Specialty Equipment Market Association, isn't just about the world's ugliest custom cars. It's also about great and helpful automotive tools, and each year the PM editors choose their favorites. S-K Tools Ratcheting Wrenches Price: $400 for a 8 mm-19 mm set Four years after declaring bankruptcy and being bought by Ideal Industries, American toolmaker S-K delivers its first new product. With an innovative new ratcheting mechanism that features three pairs of inner teeth, or pawls, S-K's ratcheting wrench rotates a bolt in just 1/3 of the typical arc swing, making it perfect for spaces that allow limited movement. The extra teeth also mean more power, but with the outer set of teeth connected directly to the I-beam frame, the power dissipates evenly. Welcome back, S-K. NotcHead Hardline Clamps Price: $16.95 (3/16") to $22.95 (1/2) So simple, so brilliant. Rather than using metal brackets to attach lines, these machined acetal copolymer clamps allow for lines and hoses to be snapped in and out of place easily for cleaning and repair. Each clamp is CNC machined and heat resistant up to 300 degrees. You'll never have to make a Z-bend again. Bubba Rope Gator Jaw Soft Shackle Price: $41.95 each Bubba Rope makes a high-strength, double-braided nylon rope that is covered with a urethane polymer coating. Long popular with off-roaders, this so-called Plasma rope is so strong that it's used as a snatch rope to pull vehicles out of bad situations. Now the company has used its Plasma rope to create the Gator Jaw Soft Shackle, a looped rope with a knot on one end that can be used for towing. The Gator Jaw can handle up to 32,000 pounds. It's light and buoyant, and safer than steel U-bolts that can send metal parts flying if the pin snaps. Ingersoll Rand W5330/W5350 Cordless Right Angle Impactool Price: $300 Last year we were impressed by Ingersoll Rand's pneumatic right angle impactool, and this year the company has released a cordless version with an improved design. Made to loosen or attach bolts in awkward spaces, this newest version has a head height of only 2.2. inches and a trigger that is easy to use with either your finger or thumb in various orientations. It packs 190 lb-ft of torque and spins at 1,900 Rpm. With the impact mechanism placed in the head, it also delivers more driving force. What we like most, though, is that IR responded to customer complaints about how the old version was impossible to repair. Its engineers redesigned the head with a detachable panel, so now parts are easy to swap out. Bracketron Earth Elements Universal Dash Mount Price: 39.95As often as we change phones these days, you want a phone mount that can work with any model. Bracketron's magnetized Universal Dash Mount does just that. Slip a thin piece into your phone case and slap your phone onto the mount face without any clamps or adjusting. The magnet is strong, so you don't have to worry about the phone flying off when you go over railroad tracks. For larger phablet-style phones, a small retractable foot provides extra support. 3M Intake System Cleaner Price: $23.99 For the shade-tree mechanic, cleaning your own intake system is a fairly easy endeavor. Now it just got easier. Rather than messing with external hardware to regulate pressure, 3M's new cleaner has a special locking mechanism that regulates the flow straight from the can. Once set, the can fully unloads in about 15 minutes. Eastwood Plastic Restorer Price: $29.99 Plastic restorers are a growing product segment, but Eastwood's was definitely the most impressive example we saw at this year's show. By breaking down the plastic's surface on a microscopic level and introducing black resin back into the material, Eastwood's solution creates a durable, like-new finish that they say is good for more than 7000 quv hours. Stratasys 3D Printing Ultem 1010 Resin Price: $7 per cubic inch Industrial 3D-printing is revolutionizing the manufacturing business, and Stratasys's machines are doing a lot of the work. Suitable for a wide variety of applications, the company's new Ultem 1010 Resin is a high-performance FDM thermoplastic that has a higher tensile strength, and deliver better heat and chemical resistant than any other thermoplastic available. The resin currently only works with Stratasys's Fortus 900 machine, but it should compatible with some of the company's other smaller machines soon. The example intake manifold (above) for a formula SAE Series car took about 2 1/2 days to print. | 4 | 2,509 | lifestyle |
Opener 001_ZR4A1115 The All Day, Every Day Using a blush brush, gently tap the powder on the apples of your cheeks. Arlt's tip for making sure you hit the right spot? Smile! Sure, it might feel awkward to smile at yourself in the mirror, but it's the best way to ensure you're applying to the apple of both cheeks and distributing an equal amount of blush on each side. Add a touch of eyeshadow in a muted metallic just above your lids and below your brow bone to open the eyes. 002_ZR4A1131 Top the whole thing off with a natural-hued, glossy lip, and you're out the door! 003_ZR4A1146 The No-Mess Hot Pink Lip 004_ZR4A1188 If you think applying a thick, opaque, bright lipstick requires a chunk of time for trial and error, we're right there with you until now, that is. To achieve the look in less than two minutes, Arlt suggests using a small lip brush instead of attempting to put the lipstick on directly from the tube, and applying only to the center of your bottom lip. Next, gently rub your lips together, which will allow for a thin, even coat across your lips. Repeat one or two more times for a highly-pigmented look. 005_ZR4A1212 Finally, to really make them pop, lightly outline your lips with a liner that matches the lipstick. 006_ZR4A1154 Pretty darn cute, right? 007_ZR4A1232 The Sultry Eye...On The Fly Come hither, easy eyeliner technique! 008_ZR4A1277 For a not-too-thick but, not-too-perfect line, Arlt recommends a connect-the-dots technique. First, using a black kohl eyeliner pencil, make four light dots right at your lash line. Then, simply connect the dots, creating a thin even line. Next, use your finger to lightly smudge the line. 009_ZR4A1242 Finally, apply two coats of your favorite jet-black mascara. Arlt recommends coating the bottom lashes before the top, which helps to avoid unwanted mascara marks under your eyes after you blink. | 4 | 2,510 | lifestyle |
The best holiday gifts at affordable prices, all under $100. Stylish Gifts for Under $100 From a chic paddle board set to this season's must-have cape jacket, shop these fashionable gifts that won't break the bank. Normcore Adidas sneakers, $95, shopBAZAAR.com. Frost Yourself Giles & Brother bracelet, $100, shopBAZAAR.com. Pajama Party J. Crew pajamas, $68, jcrew.com. New Year, New Agenda Garance Dore deskpad calendar, $12, garancedore.com. Shady Lady Le Specs sunglasses, $55, net-a-porter.com. Play Ball Izola paddle ball set, $29, izola.com. Good Cheer Perrier-Jouet rose champagne, $85, reservebar.com. Seeing Stars REDValentino headband, $95, net-a-porter.com. If The Shoe Fits Assouline The Shoe Book, $50, shopBAZAAR.com. Namaste SLVRBK fitness mat, $99, slvrbk.com. Scent Perfect Diptyque Baies colored candle, $90, barneys.com. Caped Crusader Zara cape, $100, zara.com. | 4 | 2,511 | lifestyle |
Coming to stores near you are Oreo Churros; a mash up of America's favorite cookie and fried dough. Buzz60's Leigh Scheps (@LeighTVReporter) has reaction to the tasty treat soon to pop up on shelves. | 8 | 2,512 | video |
Ford Mustangs at the 2014 SEMA Show Top Mustangs at 2014 SEMA Show The 2015 Ford Mustang was officially awarded the Hottest Car honor from the 2014 Specialty Equipment Market Association Show for good reason -- there were Mustangs everywhere at the show, many of them tastefully customized to show off the very limit of the car's looks and abilities. So take a tour with us as we walk through just a few of the Mustangs of the 2014 SEMA show. 2015 Ford Mustang King Cobra The centerpiece of Ford's beautifully elaborate SEMA show was this 2015 Ford Mustang King Cobra, on display beneath a large screen playing one of two videos that stopped showgoers in their tracks for 30-60 seconds. Ford insists any Mustang GT owner with the means and access to Ford Racing's parts catalog could duplicate the car. The Mustang has Ford Racing's Drag Pack, Handling Pack, and Super Pack supercharger kit, good for about 625 hp. On August 26, 2014, Ford said the car ran a quarter mile in 10.97 seconds at 128 mph. Can we get one in for testing, please? Hellanor by Armageddon But who needs a piddling 625 hp when you can get more than 1000 hp from a 2014 Ford Mustang, right? This 2014 Ford Mustang GT1000 by Armageddon Turbo Systems is awesome and intimidating if only because it's a Hellanor by Armageddon. Can it put down all that power on a regular and reliable basis? Who cares? It's the Armageddon Hellanor. Ford Mustang by Mutoh Mutoh showed the possibilities of vehicle wrapping with this Mustang. It had a galloping mustang (on fire) on one side and a bunch of skulls over the rear wheels -- even one of the wheels was wrapped to carry out the flames theme. Not for everyone, of course (what is, at the SEMA Show?), but a neat idea. 2015 Outlaw Coupe by Classic Design Concepts Not everything at the SEMA show needs to be over the top. At the Classic Design Concepts booth sat parked a 2015 Ford Mustang with bold visual modifications, yet it still looked within reach for the average Mustang owner. 2015 Ford Mustang GT by CGS Performance Products We picked this Mustang as part of our Best of the 2014 SEMA Show list for one reason: those fantastically over-the-top 22-x-16-inch forged rear wheels. In person, it's tough to look away. The car is a 2015 Mustang GT with a six-speed manual transmission, a Whipple supercharger, CGS cat-back exhaust and cold air intake, Eibach suspension modifications, and plenty more. 2015 Ford Mustang by DSO Eyewear / MAD Design Also from the daring-to-be-different department is this red Mustang with gold accents everywhere. It may not be for you, but trust us, the combination works better than you might think from the photos, although the gold touches inside the cabin are a bit much. Bonus points on this supercharged Mustang GT for the red-tinted headlight trim from LightWurks. 2015 Ford Mustang by 3dCarbon / Air Design If you like the wide-body look on the Mustang, consider the modified ponycar from 3dCarbon and Air Design. Also known as the Forgiato Mustang, this car started life as a Mustang GT coupe with a six-speed automatic transmission. Now it's got a claimed 640 hp and 485 lb-ft of torque thanks to a Vortech V-3 supercharger, and there's a Gibson Performance cat-back exhaust with black ceramic coated 4.5-inch tips out back. Appropriately, the 3dCarbon body kit is called "Boy Racer Styling." Just be careful not to scrape those blue-accented 22-inch Forgiato Maglia wheels on curbs... 2015 Ford Mustang GT Petty Edition by Petty's Garage Can't you just see Ford partnering with Petty's Garage for an ultra-limited-edition version of this one? We're loving the two-tone paint effect, with Tuxedo Black on top and glittery Petty Blue on the bottom. You'll find the same color theme on the 20-inch three-piece wheels from HRE. The ghosted "43" on the C-pillar is a nice touch, but we're not fans of that spoiler. This Mustang GT has a six-speed manual transmission, Roush 2.3-liter TVS supercharger, and one of the cooler non-paint details, a center exhaust. | 9 | 2,513 | autos |
See all of BAZAAR's picks for the best luxury holiday gifts for women this 2014 holiday season. Gift Guide: For the Luxe Ladies We prefer being referred to as 'particular' over 'high-maintenance.' Shop gifts for the discerning woman in your life as Oscar Wilde once said, "I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best." Repossi ring, price upon request, repossi.com. J. Crew clutch, $428, jcrew.com. Sydney Evan necklace, $1,675, sydneyevan.com. Goldgenie 18-karat-gold Apple iPad Air, $2,411, goldgenie.com. Ralph Lauren Collection suitcase, $3,750, ralphlauren.com. Hermes clutch, $6,100, hermes.com. Alexander McQueen clutch, $2,695, nordstrom.com. Cartier Panthère de Cartier Ring, $64,500, 800-CARTIER. Gucci shoe, $595, gucci.com. Chanel watch, $19,500, 800 550-0005. Lee Savage clutch, $2,950, leesavage.us.com. Louis Vuitton luggage, $1,720, louisvuitton.com. Hermes boot, $12,700, 800-441-4488. Celine bag, $3,100, Ikram, Chicago, 312-587-1000. Moncler Grenoble jacket, $2,230, moncler.com. Kelly Wearstler chess set, Bergdorf Goodman, 888-774-2424. Anndra Neen iPhone case, $425, shopbazaar.com. Etro coat, $19,202, Saks Fifth Avenue, 877-551-7257. Glamourpuss NYC foxy mitten, $425, glamourpussnyc.com. Rani Arabella throw, $1,695, barneys.com. Dammann tea set, $290, barneys.com. Burberry scarf, $435, burberry.com. Michael Kors fox fur scarf, $1,295, shopbazaar.com. Charlotte Olypmia clutch, $1,195, nordstrom.com. Shrimps x Poplin Pyjama set, $530, avenue32.com. Damien Hirst Cytosine-5-H (2007), price upon request, modaoperandi.com. Fendi bag, $3,500, shopbazaar.com. Miu Miu shoes, $990, miumiu.com. Richard Phillips: Negation of the Universe book, $85, rizzoliusa.com. Fornasetti candle, $190, net-a-porter.com. Alpine headphones, $300, apple.com. Laura de Santillana Olive Mumbai vessel, $4,295, Bronze Mumbai Vessel, $3,895, abchome.com. Maison Michel hat, $786, matchesfashion.com. The Row cashmere sweater, $4,250, net-a-porter.com. Yato Plates Guns Plate, $370, modaoperandi.com. Valentino boots, $1,776, net-a-porter.com. Juniper Books New York City Coffee table gift set, $650, juniperbooks.com. Valentino At The Emperor's Table book, $150, neimanmarcus.com. Ruth Bernhard "classic torso," $12,500, theline.com. | 4 | 2,514 | lifestyle |
The most festive polishes of the season feature confetti in novel shapes and Art Deco shades, brushed metallics and luxe gold flakes. The 10 Best Sparkly Nail Polishes for Holiday Put a positive spin on winters drab and dreary reputation by lighting up your manicure. The most festive polishes of the season feature confetti in novel shapes and Art Deco shades, brushed metallics and luxe gold flakes. You can play em safe on an accent nailbut its always more fun to go all out. Gold Leaves Guerlain Nail Lacquer L'Oiseau de Feu No. 901, $25, bergdorfgoodman.com. Pewter Pigments Smith & Cult Nailed Lacquer in Dirty Baby, $18, smithandcult.com. Bleeding Hearts Nails Inc. Nail Polish in Alexa Hearts, $45 in the Alexa Edit Gift Set, available mid-November at nailsinc.com. Confetti Cocktail L'Oréal Paris Sparkling Soirée Nail Polish in Midnight Fireworks, $6, available November 2014 at select retailers nationwide. Galactic Glitter OPI Nordic Nail Lacquer Collection in My Voice Is A Little Norse, $9.50, ulta.com. Snowy Night JINsoon Nail Lacquer in Motif, $18, jinsoon.com. White Gold Essie Nail Color in Jiggle Hi, Jiggle Low, $8.50, essie.com. Purple Rain Nars Nail Polish in Algonquin, $20, narscosmetics.com. Sapphire Sequins Revlon Boho Chic Nail Enamel in Artsy, $5, available at mass retailers nationwide. Sparkling Seventies Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Vintage Confetti, $8, available at mass retailers nationwide. | 4 | 2,515 | lifestyle |
These pretty towels can turn anything into an instant handmade present. Bread Winner Your hostess will think you're the mostest when you show up with this baguette bundle. Cut a loaf in half, then wrap in a towel. Tie a jam jar on top with velvet ribbon.Towel, $6 for two, amazon.com Striking Candle Gifting a pillar candle feels special when you sub wrapping paper for a towel with a bold print. Fold the cloth in half lengthwise, then in half again, to equal the candle's height; wrap around the candle, then secure with a satin ribbon. Tuck a long-stemmed match into the ribbon's bow (but remind friends to remove the towel before they light the candle!).Towel, $15, zazzle.com for similar Haute Dogs Turn a towel into a pillowcase: Simply fold the towel in half lengthwise, keeping the crease at the top. Sew two of the towel's open sides shut at the edges, then stuff with batting or a premade insert. Sew the towel's remaining open side shut to complete. How doggone clever!Towel, $22, anthropologie.com Pretty Placement Personalize guests' place settings by using mismatched towels (and tell them they can take them home as party favors). Choose cloths in similar color palettes with small, repeated patterns. When setting the table, flatten each towel and use as is. Or, fold larger ones in half and sew around the edges for a more finished look.Towel, $15, surlatable.com Cool Beans Wrap a bag of gourmet beans for your favorite java head. Lay the towel flat and stand the bag in the middle. Fold towel up and around the bag, securing discreetly in the back with a safety pin or a quick stitch. Tie a tin coffee scoop to the package with jute twine for a cute (and useful!) finishing touch.Towel, $28, creativewomen.net. Scoop, $3, surlatable.com | 4 | 2,516 | lifestyle |
BOSTON (Reuters) - Cybersecurity researchers have warned that a bug in Apple Inc's iOS operating system makes most iPhones and iPads vulnerable to cyberattacks by hackers seeking access to sensitive data and control of their devices. Cybersecurity firm FireEye Inc published details about the vulnerability on its blog Monday, saying the bug enables hackers to access their devices by persuading users to install malicious applications with tainted text messages, emails and web links. The malicious application can then be used to replace genuine, trusted apps that were installed through Apple's App Store, including email and banking programs, with malicious software through a technique that FireEye has dubbed "Masque Attack." These attacks can be used to steal banking and email login credentials or other sensitive data, according to FireEye, which is well-regarded in cybersecurity circles for its research. "It is a very powerful vulnerability and it is easy to exploit," FireEye Senior Staff Research Scientist Tao Wei said in an interview. Officials with Apple could not be reached for comment. Wei said that FireEye disclosed the vulnerability to Apple in July and that representatives with the company have said they were working to fix the bug. News of the vulnerability began to leak out in October on specialized web forums where security experts and hackers alike discuss information on Apple bugs, Wei said. Wei said that FireEye decided to go public with its findings after Palo Alto Networks Inc last week uncovered the first campaign to exploit the vulnerability, a new family of malicious software known as WireLurker that infects both Mac computers and iOS. FireEye does not know of other attacks that exploit the bug, Wei said. "Currently WireLurker is the only one, but we will see more," he said. FireEye advises iOS users to refrain from install apps from sources other than Apple's official App Store and to not click "install" on a pop-up from a third-party web page. The security firm said it verified this vulnerability on iOS 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1 and 8.1.1 beta, for both jailbroken and non-jailbroken devices. (Reporting by Jim Finkle; editing by Andrew Hay) | 5 | 2,517 | news |
American scientists have located a virus that attacks human DNA, which may cause those infected to be less intelligent, impairing brain activity, learning and memory. Researchers from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the University of Nebraska have identified traces of an algal virus, known as ATCV-1, in throat swabs drawn from healthy volunteers which appeared to lessen their mental capacity. The researchers had originally been working on an unrelated study into throat microbes when they unexpectedly located traces of ATCV-1 in human DNA samples. At first the research team, led by Dr Robert Yolken of Johns Hopkins, didn't know what ATCV-1 was, and had to carry out a database search to find out more about the unknown virus. ATCV-1 typically infects a species of green algae found in lakes and rivers, and has not previously been known to infect humans. However, when Yolken's team screened a group of 92 healthy volunteers who were taking part in a study on cognitive function, the virus was found to be present in 43.5% of them. According to the study, those infected with the virus performed around 10% worse on tests analysing visual processing speeds. In one test, infected volunteers were slower to draw a line connecting a sequence of numbers randomly distributed on a page than their uninfected counterparts. The researchers found that the presence of the virus was linked to lower attention spans and decreased spatial awareness, and a "statistically significant decrease in the performance on cognitive assessments of visual processing and visual motor speed". Researchers found no connection between slower brain function and variables such as differences in sex, education level, income, race, and even cigarette smoking. The team carried out further tests, in which they injected uninfected and infected green algae into the mouths of mice and put them through a series of lab tests. The results revealed that infected animals took 10% longer to find their way out of mazes and spent 20% less time exploring new objects than uninfected mice, conforming to the findings amongst human volunteers. According to the study, the virus appeared to impair the "learning, memory formation, and the immune response to viral exposure" of the mice. Professor James L. Van Etten of the University of Nebraska, who was a member of the research team, told Newsweek that little is currently known about how the virus could be transmitted to humans in such abundance, but that they had "no reason to believe that [the viruses] are contagious among people or animals". Van Etten said that the team has yet to identify any potential indicators of the virus's presence in humans. "My best guess is that these viruses may infect another microorganism besides the algae that we have been studying... This other microorganism may be the way that the virus gets into the throat," he added. | 5 | 2,518 | news |
BEIJING Within hours of landing here on Monday, President Barack Obama took credit for the release of two Americans detained in North Korea, defended his decision to send more military trainers to Iraq, vowed to expand trade with Asia and unilaterally extended the life of U.S. visas held by Chinese students, businesspeople and tourists. With the efficacy of his waning presidency in question, Obama began a weeklong trip to Asia and Australia seemingly bent on demonstrating the tools still at his disposal. "We're not going to stop speaking out on behalf of the things we care about," Obama said, promising to use his platform to support democratic reforms in Chinese-controlled Hong Kong and around the world. Given the international setting, Obama's use of "we" ostensibly referred to American priorities, but his comment also sounded a note he has hit repeatedly in recent days. Since Democrats were crushed in the midterm elections last week, Obama has indicated that he sees the results as a rebuke of Washington gridlock, not his party, and has vowed to use the powers of his office to act. His efforts will be tested by the Republican-led Congress that voters swept into control days before Obama left for China and will be disinclined to cooperate on some of his top priorities. Yet Obama doesn't need congressional approval to send more military trainers to help Iraqi fighters take on Islamic State militants, as he did shortly before leaving for Asia. He can also press for the release of Americans being held overseas such as Kenneth Bae and Matthew Miller, who returned home from North Korea over the weekend, accompanied by a top administration intelligence official, James Clapper. "The president's view is if we have an opportunity to bring two Americans home, reunite with them their families, remove the final Americans who are in detention in North Korea, that that's an opportunity we should take," a senior administration official said. Many presidents in the latter days of their time in office have turned to the world stage, finding influence there even as they become less important in domestic politics. President Ronald Reagan traveled to the Berlin Wall and called on Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to tear it down. President Bill Clinton helped conclude a historic peace agreement in Northern Ireland. "This is Obama's chance to lead," said Patrick Cronin, head of the Asia program at the Center for a New American Security. "He's still the commander in chief." On his first day in Asia, Obama took a page from his predecessors' playbook. He spoke up in support of democracy protesters in Hong Kong. Even though he's trying to work out agreements with Chinese President Xi Jinping, he told reporters, he's not going to shy away from expressing American values. "There are certain things the United States believes: We believe in freedom of speech, we believe in freedom of association, we believe in openness in government," Obama said. "We don't expect China to follow an American model in every instance. But we're going to continue to have concerns about human rights." Obama doesn't intend to stop at public rhetoric. Days ago he signaled that he still plans to reform the immigration system this year by executive order, a promise that inspired House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) to warn such a move would "poison the well" with Congress. On Monday, he ordered an immigration change of a different order -- extending visas for Chinese businesspeople who hold one-year passes to enter and leave the country. The extension means those visa-holders may now come and go for 10 years, a change American business leaders have been asking for to help open trade channels between the two countries. Obama has also been negotiating trade deals, another priority for American businesses, but the long-sought trans-Pacific trade agreement still hasn't come together, administration officials announced Monday. Negotiators are "intensively engaging" to get the deal done, according to a joint statement from the countries working on the elusive agreement. "The end," they said, "is coming into focus." Looked at with a longer view, the result remains hazy. After years of missed deadlines, the statements "repeats the same vague pablum about progress," said Public Citizen's Lori Wallach. Obama's ability to win a trans-Pacific trade deal may improve his standing with Republicans at the helm in Congress. GOP leaders are generally more supportive of trade pacts, and that may empower administration negotiators on other issues in the coming months. For his part, Xi is eager to use the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit to burnish his standing as a global statesman both for his domestic audience and an international one. President Obama's participation is key to this Obama skipped the last several annual APEC gatherings, and it's his first visit to China since the first year of his presidency, 2009. China is mindful that Obama has just two years left in his term and will be hamstrung by the GOP-controlled Congress. Xi, who assumed the Chinese presidency last year, is expected to serve until 2023. That may lead to a disconnect in the two sides' priorities. "The current U.S. president is not so strong, compared to the Chinese president," said Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at Renmin University. "From the U.S. side, the focus is more case-by-case, issue-by-issue. On the Chinese side, it's more general, there's a focus more on principles. ... China is focused on the future, whereas the U.S. is more focused on the current challenges because President Obama has only two years remaining in power. But President Xi can think about eight years at least." Looming over the relationship -- on both sides -- is a sense that China is catching up to the U.S. by many measures. China's gross domestic product is No. 2 in the world, though it's significantly behind the U.S. But the International Monetary Fund recently reported that China has surpassed the U.S. this year in terms of purchasing power parity GDP, which accounts for national differences in the cost of living. "The larger question hanging over this trip is whether a diminished Obama can revive U.S. strategic leadership in the Asia Pacific," said David Dollar, a former administration Treasury official who is now a fellow at the Brookings Institution. "And I think an important part of this strategic leadership is economics, trade and investment." | 5 | 2,519 | news |
Vintage passion: The cars of history From Bentleys to Rolls Royces, Aston Martins to Bugattis, classic cars made their way up a 648-metre-tall fell in the UK's Lake District on November 8 for a vintage car rally. Picture: Russell Mills and Des Burnett in their Austin 7 Ulster prepare for a vintage car rally stage at the Honister Slate Mine in the Lake District, England. Vintage passion: The cars of history This event is part of the Lakeland Trials which is held annually by the Vintage Sports Car Club. Picture: A competitor negotiates a sharp bend during a vintage car rally stage at the Honister Slate Mine in the Lake District, England. Vintage passion: The cars of history Around 150 vintage cars from the 1920s and '30s made their way up the winding quarry road at Honister Slate Mine in the Lake District. Picture: Stewart Gordon drives his Austin 7 Chummy in a vintage car rally stage at the Honister Slate Mine in the Lake District, England. Vintage passion: The cars of history For this event, participants donned traditional goggles and scarves in their open-top cars. Picture: Competitors prepare for a vintage car rally stage at the Honister Slate Mine in the Lake District, England. Vintage passion: The cars of history This event challenges drivers and their machines through hairpin bends and rocky terrain against a backdrop of awe-inspiring scenery. Picture: Competitors descend a hill during a vintage car rally stage at the Honister Slate in the Lake District, England. Vintage passion: The cars of history Drivers have to take their vintage cars up on one of the steepest roads in the England. Picture: Competitors take a break at the top of the hill during a vintage car rally stage at the Honister Slate Mine in the Lake District, England. Vintage passion: The cars of history To participate in this event, cars have to be built before 1931, when classics like Bentley, Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, Austin, Triumph and MG ruled the roads. Picture: Andrew Fox drives his Austin 7 Special down a hill during a vintage car rally stage at the Honister Slate Mine in the Lake District, England. Vintage passion: The cars of history The Vintage Sports-Car Club holds the event annually in the Lake District, where the vintage cars rally across the rocky terrain at the Honister slate mine. Picture: Competitors descend a hill during a vintage car rally stage at the Honister Slate Mine in the Lake District, England. Vintage passion: The cars of history Picture: Competitors prepare for a vintage car rally stage at the Honister Slate Mine in the Lake District, England. Vintage passion: The cars of history Spectators who come for the event can park at Honister Slate Mine for the day. Picture: Duncan Pittaway drives his GN Anzani during a vintage car rally stage at the Honister Slate Mine in the Lake District, England. Vintage passion: The cars of history Since 1934, the Vintage Sports-Car Club has been organizing the competitive event for people to enjoy pre-war cars. Picture: Competitors descend a hill during a vintage car rally stage at the Honister Slate Mine in the Lake District, England. Vintage passion: The cars of history Members of the Vintage Sports Car Club prepare for the ascent as their cars converge at the foot of Honister Pass, one of England's steepest roads. Picture: Terry Gosling drives his Austin 7 Sports Ulster Rep during a vintage car rally stage at the Honister Slate Mine in the Lake District, England. | 9 | 2,520 | autos |
Utah receiver Kaelin Clay sent out an apology tweet following Utah's game against Oregon after Clay fumbled a 78 yard touchdown pass before stepping in the end zone. | 1 | 2,521 | sports |
10 essential pieces to winterize your wardrobe including capes, beanies, winter whites, snow boots, fur coats, plus more from ShopBAZAAR. Technically, winter doesn't start until late Decemberbut we're already bundling up as the temps begin to drop. Prep your closet accordingly with cozy-chic coats, sumptuous knits and the essential extras of the season. Bring on the big chill. Beanie Baby Keep cozy in a knit cap the season's best styles range from rustic to sporty chic. Missoni hat, $165, shopBAZAAR.com. On the Cape Arguably the most coveted look from the Fall runways, we're collecting the cape in every form. Barbara Bui cape, $2,810, shopBAZAAR.com; Sacai cape, $1,294, shopBAZAAR.com; Emilio Pucci cape, $2,105, shopBAZAAR.com. Fit Like a Glove These classic gloves are both elegant and irreverent in buttery black leather with peekaboo pastels. Rodarte gloves, $400, shopBAZAAR.com. Winter Whites Because every stylish woman knows shades of white and cream look even lovelier after Labor Day. ICB coat, $825, shopBAZAAR.com; Ënfold sweater, $391, shopBAZAAR.com. Flannel Fan Grunge is making a comeback. Tie a plaid flannel around the waist for the ultimate nod to '90s style. A.P.C. shirt, $238, shopBAZAAR.com. Warm & Fuzzies From luxe furs and shearling suede jackets to cuddly teddy coats, opt for toppers of the touchable variety. Michael Kors coat, $22,000, shopBAZAAR.com; Burberry coat, $4,995, shopBAZAAR.com; Rochas coat, $2,200, shopBAZAAR.com. Knitting Circle Flimsy and thin need not apply. Cooler temps call for circle scarves in the chunkiest knit. Sonia Rykiel scarf, $340, shopBAZAAR.com. Ski Chic Throw on a zip-up fleece or quilted hoodie, whether you're hitting the slopes or just running around the city. Altuzarra jacket, $2,005, shopBAZAAR.com; Neil Barrett pullover, $585, shopBAZAAR.com. Snow Bunny Commuting in heels and flats is a no-go come the first snowfall opt for a fur-lined boot instead. Stuart Weitzman boot, $495, stuartweitzman.com. Fairest of All Alpine patterns and a thick woolen stitch make Fair Isle sweaters a seasonal staple just add a fireplace and a good book to complete the perfect winter scene. Golden Goose sweater, $610, shopBAZAAR.com; Marni sweater, $1,620, shopBAZAAR.com; Emilio Pucci sweater, $1,575, shopBAZAAR.com. | 4 | 2,522 | lifestyle |
Seated above New York's Midtown East in Giancarlo Giammetti's breathtakingly gorgeous penthouse (with views to match), Mr. Valentino and Andre Leon Talley hosted a teatime chat regarding the latest tome from the famously refined designer. Valentino: At the Emperor's Table is a gorgeous collection of photographs of Mr. Valentino's personal parties and tabletops throughout the years and favorite recipes from his personal chefs. Between nostalgic memories about fêtes he threw for the likes of Jackie O and Elizabeth Taylor (and from Capri to Gstaad to Rome), Mr. Valentino offered up his rules for l'arte de vivre . Rule #1: "The people in the room are as important as the chairs they're sitting on or as the food they're eating." Rule #2: "My tables today, they are most like one of my dresses, I try to put in detail. Because I love objects, I love to put flowers, I love to put mint, chocolate, everything on them. And I go around to see what's going on in my house, the objects, the things and I put it everywhere." Rule #3: "I love color. And this comes from my fashion designer career. For instance, if you ask me which kind of tablecloth I want to put in a table, I never like so much the white tablecloth. I love the colored ones, because china is very beautiful on top of pale yellow, dusty pink, pale blue and jade green color." Rule #4: "At my right, I always put the oldest person if she's a lady. Or the oldest friend." Rule #5: "The American couple…they always want to be together. That is not nice. You have to make conversation." Rule #6: "I send always flowers to thank my hosts. But I prefer when people come with nothing, because I never know where to put it. Not because I am a snob, but because sometimes maybe they buy something that doesn't go." | 4 | 2,523 | lifestyle |
Arizona Cardinals starting quarterback Carson Palmer left Sunday's game against the Rams with a possible ACL tear. We break down what to expect from back up Drew Stanton. | 1 | 2,524 | sports |
Best of Show at 2014 SEMA Las Vegas' annual Specialty Equipment Market Association Show again played host to some of the world's most impressive builds and extreme automotive hardware. From slammed subcompacts to 1000-hp drag machines and everything in between, the SEMA Show had a little something for everyone. Here are our favorites from the show. Scion xB Rilley Tony Hawk Skate Tour This four-door hatchback has so much character. Designed to feel like a 1970s van, the Scion's Cragar wheels have an orange lip to match the car's paint, there's a fish bowl side window, and inside, captain's style chairs and shag carpeting welcome passengers. As we discovered at a media preview event, plenty of storage spaces inside for your "valuables." The custom xB has space for plenty of skateboards in a roof compartment, and you can play guitar through the sound system using an iPad mini as a mixer. 2015 Ford Mustang GT by CGS Performance Products Of all the Mustangs Ford brought to the 2014 SEMA show, few were as boulevard-ready as the 2015 Mustang GT by CGS Performance. Why? While the front Kompression forged wheels are 22-x-8.5-inch units, the rears are a staggering 24 x 16 inches. The car also featured plenty of engine and suspension modifications, but who cares? In person, this car with those ridiculous wheels is quite something, and definitely worth a spot on our SEMA best-in-show list. 2015 Honda Fit by Kylie Tjin While Toyota also featured a stop-you-in-your-tracks wide-body subcompact hatch -- the DUB Edition Yaris -- Kylie Tjin's Fit earns props because of the inventiveness of the front fender flares. The two-tone Katzkin leather seats and door panels give the car an upscale feel, and I'm also a fan of the Axalta paint by L&R Auto Body. While we could do without the pink brake calipers, those outrageous front fender flares give this car a stance unlike anything we've ever seen. 1959 Chevrolet Impala at the FBS Custom Tapes and Sprayers stand Take a design that's already beautiful and slam it to the ground with an incredible paint job and you've got a real winner. With almost completely covered rear wheels, this '59 Impala was a refreshing treat from the diverse, yet often modern, project cars trying to stand out at the 2014 SEMA show. The wheels of the 2015 Kia Soul EV for Smitten Ice Cream Red smoothie wheels with baby moon caps look great on the Soul, and we'd love to see them on a production-ready retro-modern Soul special edition. Considering how often Kia presents a new special edition, what's one more to challenge the also retro-themed Fiat 500 1957 Edition? 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Paul Stanley concept When the current-generation Jaguar XJ first arrived, we didn't know what to make of the controversial black-colored C-pillars, and just like that luxury sedan, the KISS frontman's take on the new Corvette is polarizing. The silver paint on the Chevrolet's roof extends to a portion of the rear hatch panel and contrasts nicely with the Candy Red paint. Inside, quilted leather and dark red accent stitching make the cabin look upscale, and don't feel out of place with the rest of the Corvette's vastly improved-for-this-generation interior. 1964 Buick Riviera "Rivision" This Riviera "Rivision" comes from builder JF Launier of JF Kustoms, and it's simply bananas. A 6.2-liter V-8 sits up front where it's supposed to be, but the twin-turbo system is back in the cargo area. Just because. The cooled charge air is then blown into a pipe that's routed into the cabin, through the dashboard and firewall, before reaching the intake and boosting power to around 1000 hp. Jeep Forward Control on Tracks The Daystar booth had the best Jeep at SEMA, hands down. The 1958 Jeep FC 170 would've been great on its own, but having it ride on tracks brings it to another level. We'd love to see this Forward Control in action on the snow. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro by Chris Holstrom Concepts This 1969 Camaro is relatively understated -- for SEMA, anyway -- but the attention to detail is fantastic. From the top-notch metalwork to the ridiculously clean engine bay and 850-hp supercharged V-8, there's plenty to admire on this white, well-built Camaro. Lexus RC F by Gordon Ting/Beyond Marketing There were just a handful of Lexus RC F coupes at this year's SEMA show, but expect that to change next year as the sporty two-doors become more widely available. This, the RC F by Gordon Ting and Beyond Marketing looks great with its sharp blue paint and custom body kit. It's riding on 20-inch wheels, but we'd probably bolt on 18s to make this less of a show car and more daily-friendly. Rocket Bunny Acura NSX The Rocket Bunny treatment was everywhere at SEMA this year. One of the best examples came from Six Sigma AutoDesign, whose Rocket Bunny NSX that was built by AutoFashion USA. It sports a sharp metallic blue wrap, Rocket Bunny 6666 wheels, a GruppeM supecharger, Tein RE suspension system, and Nitto NT05 tires. The Toyota Sleeper Camry Somebody must have gotten completely fed up at hearing how "boring" and "conservative" the Camry is, because this ready-for-the-drag-strip creation would seem to be a middle finger to those two adjectives. The tube-framed, NHRA-approved dragster carries the 5.7-liter V-8 from Tundra. Only it's supercharged and also runs a wet nitrous-oxide system. And produces more than 700 hp. And yeah, its body lifts just like that. Coming soon to a strip near you. Boring no more… The Mustang King Cobra Ford Racing debuted the King Cobra -- the name originated on a special edition of the 1978 Mustang II -- to wild enthusiasm in person. Here online, the giant cobra on the hood and scaly snakeskin wrap drew barbs from some. It's powered by a supercharged 5.0 engine producing 625 hp. All the parts are bolt-on from Ford Racing's bin: There's the FR2 Drag Pack on the chassis, the FR3 Handling Pack, heavy-duty half-shafts, bushing kits, six-piston caliper brakes, anti-roll bars, dampers, springs, and Recaro seats. All of it adds up to a sub-11-second quarter mile. You can't quibble over that. The Ford Pavilion GM and Ford take SEMA really, really seriously, and Ford's pavilion was the standout of the show. Whether it was the knockout array of customized 2015 Mustang GTs, a big staff of folks on hand to answer questions, or the entertaining videos (like the one you see here with Vaughn Gittin Jr. and his dog) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUecT2eRg0M that had many people at a standstill for minutes at a time watching, the pavilion was a park within SEMA. You couldn't stroll through without lingering on something. Mercedes-Benz Mission: Metris Firechief Van By far, at last check, the most popular of four concepts Benz displayed for the coming Metris midsize van was the Firechief Van. The show vehicle has several nifty features. Out back, there's a command post that can direct firefighters and receive information about deployed equipment. That's run by massive batteries running along the bottom of the floor for lower LCG. To ease deployment and security, how cool is the quick-clamp system that secures self-contained breathing equipment? No more tanks flopping around. But by far our favorites? The tribute to NYC's fallen 9/11 firefighters on the painted shield on the door. And the lights and siren, of course. Hey, SEMA makes you a kid again in a lotta ways… | 9 | 2,525 | autos |
Add something other than pumpkin and pecan to the dessert table this year. S'mores Pie Ooey-gooey toasted marshmallows, a brownie filling, and a graham cracker crust will definitely win over the kids table. But, don't be surprised if the adults want a slice, too! Get the recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction. See more: S'mores recipes Banana Pudding Pie Banana pudding fans won't be able to get enough of this creamy pie. Get the recipe from This Gal Cooks . See more: Pudding Ideas Salted Caramel Brownie Pie Pie-sized slices of extra gooey brownies? Count us in! Get the recipe from Deliciously Yum . Related: 29 Tantalizing Tart Recipes See more: Pie recipes Mint Chocolate Chip Pie Not only is this minty ice cream pie delicious, but it's only 3 ingredients and won't take up precious oven space. Get the recipe from Thirty Handmade Days . See more: Ice cream pie ideas Snickerdoodle Chess Pie Get all the flavors of a freshly baked snickerdoodle cookie in pie form! Get the recipe from Something Swanky. See more: Snickerdoodle recipes Butter Pecan Ice Cream Pie No need to serve your pie à la mode when you make this easy treat. Get the recipe from Plain Chicken . Related: How to Easily Crimp Pie Crust, In Pictures See more: Butter pecan recipe ideas Raspberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Pie Eat two desserts in one with this pie-cheesecake hybrid. Get the recipe from Bakerita. Related: 15 Easy All-Occasion Cheesecakes See more: Cheesecake recipes Caramel Apple Streusel Pie Apple pie is a Thanksgiving classic, but this pie is more like a streusel-topped caramel apple. Get the recipe from Handle the Heat . See more: Streusel Ideas Krispie Treat Pie We bet using Rice Krispie treats as a pie crust will become an instant turkey day tradition. Get the recipe from Cookies and Cups . See more: Krispie recipes Heath Bar Ice Cream Pie While eating candy bars for dessert at Thanksgiving probably isn't advisable, this Heath bar pie is a great workaround. Get the recipe from Gimme Some Oven . Related: 39 Awesome Apple Pie Recipes See more: Heath bar inspired treats | 0 | 2,526 | foodanddrink |
We've established that Taylor Swift still really appreciates a good bargain, even though she just scored the biggest record sales week since 2002 and could buy everything in Topshop a hundred times over. But, while some things never change her love of fast-fashion, in this case Swift's style appears to be evolving right along with her discography. This weekend, she was photographed at Tokyo's Narita Airport wearing a tight, cropped sweater, an $80 steal from mall store Aritzia, and high-waisted jeans complete with jaunty suspenders. It's a pretty unexpected get-up for the singer, who tends to shy away from anything edgy and has a well-documented aversion to showing her bellybutton. The takeaway? Don't be afraid to experiment when it comes to style; this look's a total success story. The top ultra girly with its pony-intarsia detail gets a nice menswear spin from the tailored pants, while the understated accessories keep things from looking like she stepped out of an Urban Outfitters ad. See where you can pony up for the pieces, just ahead. Like this post? There's more. Get tons of style secrets, insider shopping dish, fashion news, and more on the Refinery29 Fashion Facebook page! Photo: FMB/Wenn. We've established that Taylor Swift still really appreciates a good bargain, even though she just scored the biggest record sales week since 2002 and could buy everything in Topshop a hundred times over. But, while some things never change her love of fast-fashion, in this case Swift's style appears to be evolving right along with her discography. This weekend, she was photographed at Tokyo's Narita Airport wearing a tight, cropped sweater, an $80 steal from mall store Aritzia, and high-waisted jeans complete with jaunty suspenders. It's a pretty unexpected get-up for the singer, who tends to shy away from anything edgy and has a well-documented aversion to showing her bellybutton.The takeaway? Don't be afraid to experiment when it comes to style; this look's a total success story. The top ultra girly with its pony-intarsia detail gets a nice menswear spin from the tailored pants, while the understated accessories keep things from looking like she stepped out of an Urban Outfitters ad. See where you can pony up for the pieces, just ahead.Like this post? There's more. Get tons of style secrets, insider shopping dish, fashion news, and more on the Refinery29 Fashion Facebook page! Photo: FMB/Wenn. Breaking news: Taylor Swift has a bellybutton. We're betting everything on this pony. High-rise + suspenders = the coolest jean you'll see this season. A refined almond-shaped toe updates last season's go-to ankle boot. A chic carryall that your wallet will love. An ode to her new album (or birthday), Swift's reads "TS 1989." | 4 | 2,527 | lifestyle |
From sandwiches to soups, check out our favorite recipes for using up that leftover roast turkey. Turkey and Veggie Lasagna This tomato-free lasagna features tender pieces of leftover roast turkey and a heaping helping of fresh vegetables, bound with a light chicken broth-based sauce. Get the recipe for Turkey and Veggie Lasagna » Turkey Hash Take the easy route, and create a delectable hash featuring leftover mashed potatoes, stuffing, turkey, and cranberry sauce. We call it Thanksgiving, Part II. Get the recipe for Turkey Hash » Turkey Vegetable Soup Delicious and soul-satisfying, our homemade Turkey Vegetable Soup is made hearty with rice, fresh corn, and frozen lima beans. Get the recipe for Turkey Vegetable Soup » Turkey Pitas With Cucumber Salad Crisp cucumbers add a refreshing bite to this post-Thanksgiving sandwich. Get the recipe for Turkey Pitas With Cucumber Salad » Turkey Escarole Soup Add some chicken broth, peppery escarole, and orzo, and you've got a satisfying meal made in a flash. Get the recipe for Turkey Escarole Soup » | 0 | 2,528 | foodanddrink |
There are more than 72 formulas on the market. After numerous tests, these are the top four for clean, voluminous tresses. Best for Faking a Wash L'Oréal Fresh Dust Hair Powder/Dry Shampoo With a "luxurious," "fresh-air" aroma, this mist scored highest for leaving hair looking clean and making styles last with zero residue. "My hair felt freshly washed for days," a tester enthused. Another gushed, "It saved so much time." And another: "It gave me back my mornings." (A benefit of any spray: It's easier and quicker to apply than powder, says Beauty Director April Franzino.) $20, amazon.com Best Portable Powder Bumble and Bumble Prêt-à-powder This two-ounce shaker powder is "easy to carry in a bag for touch-ups," said a tester (and "smells like high-quality perfume"). Others said it revived oily strands. "Powders are more concentrated than sprays and may be better at mopping up oil," says Franzino. Testers also found it nonirritating and a cinch to brush out. $26, bumbleandbumble.com Best for Volumizing Garnier Fructis Volume Extend Instant Bodifier Dry Shampoo This bargain spritz with a "light citrus" scent "made hair feel thicker and lifted," "giving it an airy, fresh look," various testers raved. And while it delivered on its volumizing promise, it also "got rid of grease." $5, amazon.com Best for Dark Hair Batiste Dry Shampoo Hint of Color No white, powdery finish with this tinted spray formula: It comes in three shades, so it's easy to match your hue. "Other brands left a white residue, but not this one," a brunette tester confirmed. It "made my style last longer," said another (six days for one tester!). $9, ulta.com | 4 | 2,529 | lifestyle |
No ring to it: Best NFL players with no Super Bowl wins Lombardi-less NFL greats Not every great NFL player got a chance to play in a Super Bowl, let alone win one. Alex Marvez picks his All-Star team comprised of players who never got a ring. QB Dan Marino Marino's Super Bowl appearance in his second NFL season was supposed to be the first of many. Instead, a 38-16 loss to San Francisco in Super Bowl XIX marked the only time Marino would play for a championship in 17 years with the Miami Dolphins. QB Fran Tarkenton One of the greatest mobile quarterbacks in NFL history, Tarkenton led the Vikings to three Super Bowls in the 1970s. The Vikings lost them all and haven't played for the Lombardi Trophy since. QB Jim Kelly Kelly is the only quarterback to ever start in four consecutive Super Bowls. Unfortunately for him and the Buffalo Bills, Kelly also remains the only quarterback to ever lose four straight times, in Super Bowls XXV, XXVI, XXVII and XXVIII. QB Warren Moon Moon was unable to reach a Super Bowl in 16 NFL seasons. However, he does have two Grey Cup MVP awards from leading Edmonton to an unprecedented five consecutive Canadian Football League championships (1978-1982). TE Tony Gonzalez For a while, it looked like Gonzalez would spend his entire 17-year NFL career without a playoff victory. Gonzalez finally got that win with the 2012 Atlanta Falcons, but fell short of the Super Bowl when his squad lost to San Francisco in the NFC title game. RB Barry Sanders Even a rusher as great as Sanders wasn't enough to help Detroit win a Lombardi Trophy before his early retirement. The Lions and Cleveland Browns remain the only two NFL franchises that were eligible to play in all 48 Super Bowls but failed to qualify. RB Eric Dickerson No running back in league history reached 11,000 rushing yards faster than Dickerson. But the closest he came to a Super Bowl was in his third NFL season when the 1985 Los Angeles Rams were shut out by Chicago in the NFC title game. OL Bruce Matthews The most versatile and durable lineman in NFL history, Matthews got his lone shot at a Super Bowl ring at age 38. Matthews and his 1999 Tennessee Titans teammates came one yard short in Super Bowl XXXIV when St. Louis linebacker Mike Jones preserved the Rams' win with a goal-line tackle. OL Anthony Munoz It would be perfectly understandable if Munoz always cheers for whatever team plays San Francisco. Munoz and his Cincinnati Bengals suffered close losses to the 49ers in Super Bowls XVI and XXIII. WR Steve Largent Largent retired after the 1989 season as the NFL's all-time receiving leader in catches, yards and touchdowns. Seattle, though, never made it past the conference title game during Largent's 14 years with the Seahawks. WR Randy Moss Moss and the 2007 New England Patriots were on the cusp of becoming the only NFL team to ever complete a 19-0 season. But that ended in an upset loss to the New York Giants, and a return trip with the 49ers in 2012 was also for naught. DL Bruce Smith The only player in NFL history to reach the 200-sack total, Smith was the defensive cornerstone of a Buffalo Bills squad that played in an unprecedented four straight Super Bowls. The Bills, though, surrendered an average of 32 points when losing all four contests. DL Alan Page Page, fellow Hall of Fame selection Carl Eller, Gary Larsen and Jim Marshall comprised a fierce Minnesota Vikings defensive line nicknamed as the Purple People Eaters. But the Vikings tasted defeat in all four of Page's career Super Bowl appearances. DL Merlin Olsen Olsen never got to play in a Super Bowl as a member of the Los Angeles Rams' legendary Fearsome Foursome, but he did get plenty of trips to the Pro Bowl. Olsen's 14 selections remains tied for the most in NFL history with tight end Tony Gonzalez and offensive lineman Bruce Matthews. DL Jack Youngblood Although his 1979 Los Angeles Rams lost in Super Bowl XIV, Youngblood's toughness earned him a place in NFL lore. Youngblood played in the Super Bowl and NFC title game despite having suffered a fractured left fibula in the first round of the playoffs. LB Dick Butkus Chicago had two of the NFL's most iconic players at middle linebacker (Butkus) and running back Gayle Sayers suffer knee injuries that cut their careers short before ever getting to play in a Super Bowl. Nonetheless, Butkus and Sayers are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. LB Derrick Thomas No NFL player had more sacks in the 1990s than the 116.5 that Thomas accumulated while playing for Kansas City. He died of complications following a car accident in 2000 at the age of 33. LB Junior Seau The most celebrated defensive player in San Diego Chargers history, Seau played in two Super Bowls during his 20-year NFL career. He committed suicide in 2012 at age 43. DB Champ Bailey The final game of Bailey's illustrious 15-year NFL career was a Super Bowl loss with Denver against Seattle. Bailey retired last month after being cut by New Orleans in the preseason. DB Ken Houston The Washington Redskins liked to tout Houston as the NFL's "most underrated superstar." While he never played on a Super Bowl team, Houston's standout play for 14 NFL seasons with the Redskins and Houston Oilers earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame DB Larry Wilson The Cardinals never came close to reaching the Super Bowl or the NFL championship game that predated the former during his Hall of Fame career (1960-1972), but that wasn't Wilson's fault. Not only did he log a staggering 52 interceptions, Wilson was considered the best blitzing safety of his era. DB Jimmy Johnson He was a key part of two San Francisco squads that lost in the 1970 and 1971 NFC title games. A Pro Football Hall of Fame member, Johnson (left) was considered among the best man-to-man coverage cornerbacks during his 16 NFL seasons with the 49ers. | 1 | 2,530 | sports |
Photos: Fun in the sun at Phoenix International Raceway Photos: Fun in the sun at Phoenix International Raceway A Danica Patrick fan stands in front of her No. 10 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet prior to Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway. Photos: Fun in the sun at Phoenix International Raceway Fans line Phoenix International Raceway's pit road as cars are pushed to the grid before Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Photos: Fun in the sun at Phoenix International Raceway Kevin Harvick was dominant on the track and his pit crew was among the fastest each stop during Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway. Photos: Fun in the sun at Phoenix International Raceway Clint Bowyer drives away with significant damage to his No. 15 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota after an incident with Kyle Busch during Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway. Photos: Fun in the sun at Phoenix International Raceway A Jeff Gordon fan cheers on his driver during Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway. Gordon finished second but did not advance in the Chase. Photos: Fun in the sun at Phoenix International Raceway Kyle Busch returns to the track after losing control of his No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota and wrecking with Clint Bowyer during Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway. Photos: Fun in the sun at Phoenix International Raceway Jamie McMurray's No. 1 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet goes for a spin after late-race contact with Greg Biffle. Photos: Fun in the sun at Phoenix International Raceway Fans cheer on their favorite driver from the Phoenix International Raceway infield during Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Photos: Fun in the sun at Phoenix International Raceway Jeff Gordon tries to wrestle the lead away from Kevin Harvick on a late-race restart as Ryan Newman dives to the inside trying to make up ground on the competition. Photos: Fun in the sun at Phoenix International Raceway Kevin Harvick's left rear tire sits shredded in the Phoenix International Raceway Victory Lane after the Stewart-Haas Racing driver did a celebratory burnout. | 1 | 2,531 | sports |
Casting news has been swirling for director David Ayer's Suicide Squad lately, and Margot Robbie is the most recent name being tossed out. The Wolf of Wall Street actress joins a few other actors who have been rumored for a role, though supposedly she's the only confirmed star. Ayer has described the film, chock-full of baddies from the DC universe, as "a Dirty Dozen with supervillains." Needless to say, we're very excited, especially if this rumored cast comes true! Take a look at everyone who has been linked to the movie. Will Smith Back in mid-October, rumors swirled that Smith was "close" to signing on for the film. Jared Leto Recently, news broke that Leto was close to signing on to play the Joker in the film. He has yet to be confirmed for the role. Tom Hardy Hardy was said to be "circling" the project in October, but he is not yet confirmed for a role. Margot Robbie According to reports, Robbie is set to play Harley Quinn, the psychologist whom the Joker manipulates to become his evil sidekick. | 6 | 2,532 | entertainment |
We found the perfect holiday gifts for every mom. Statement Maker A chunky necklace is often the star of an outfit, but this one has soft hues that will help keep her look understated.$50, loft.com Cozy, Colorful Throw Sure, we all need extra blankets during the chillier months. But an elegant monogram gives this everyday item a personal, giftable touch.$39, westelm.com Super-Cute Classics A sweet floral design makes these nostalgic novels (like Anne of Green Gables and Little Women) extra special and totally display-worthy.$16 each, riflepaperco.com Gilded Bowl This decorative bowl (from Target's Nate Berkus collection) is neutral and unassuming on the outside, but offers a surprise hint of glitz when you peer inside.$30, target.com Ornate Plates Mom will certainly wow her girlfriends with these soiree-ready salad dishes.$32 for four, echodesign.com Handwritten Bracelet This elegant bauble is designed to look like a sweet note that you jotted down. $39, bigEjewelry.etsy.com Sweet Slippers These fleece-lined slides mimic boat shoes, nailing that elusive combination of comfy and fashionable.$40, llbean.com Patterned Note Cards If your mom taught you that thank-you notes are paramount (and didn't everyone's?), she'll love this especially pretty set.$34, lindaandharriet.com Illustrated Calendar Friendly woodland creatures (October has the cutest hedgehog!) bring a comfortable, country vibe to this office staple.$22, carolfarrell.etsy.com Elegant Vase You don't need a bouquet to make this beautiful vase bloom. Designed by Lenox, it will pop in any room.$50, dillards.com Fancy Frames These sleekly stylish frames let mom showcase one favorite snap or a collage. Plus, the unique hinged design makes changing out photos easy so she can always display the latest family memories.From $18, anthropologie.com Cool Gloves High-tech fingertips let the wearer text, tap, scroll, and stay toasty.$25 with code GH15, shop.verloopknits.com Crafty Key Chain Turn her child's artwork into a timeless keepsake like this sterling silver keychain.$50 with code GOODHOUSEKEEPING, kidzcandesign.com Clever Caddy A day at the spa might not be in reach for the ever-busy mom, but this helpful tub shelf (complete with a spot for her glass of red) recreates the experience at home.$50, amazon.com Agate Accent These coasters add a luxe hint of color to any coffee table or, place them in a frame as eye-catching art.$22, leifshop.com | 4 | 2,533 | lifestyle |
There are too many Pinterest fails in the world, so let's make your cheese plate a success! This list of rules will guide you (and ultimately your guests) to cheese plate nirvana. Pick a variety: When going to a cheesemonger, explain how many people you are serving, so he can help you with portioning. Ask for a variety of cheeses (cow, goat, and sheep) with different textures. Soft, crumbly goat cheese; oozy brie; semisoft manchego (sheep's milk); aged Dutch gouda; and hard parmesan-reggiano are mild, crowd-winning options. Consider buying at least one pungent and strong cheese, too, like a blue cheese, for serious cheese-lovers. Choose accompaniments: Consult the cheesemonger for recommended cheese pairings. Candied walnuts, Marcona almonds, honey, figs, seasonal fruit (like cherries or grapes), and even caramel go well with cheese. Don't forget to consider cheese-wine pairings , as well. Find a thin cracker: There's nothing like baguette and cheese, but for a party, it's impossible to avoid the bread from becoming stale and those crumbs from going everywhere. Instead, serve the cheese plate with thin crackers like Carr's, Raincoast Crisps , or 34 Degrees Crispbreads. Let the cheese come to room temperature: The complex flavors of cheese taste best when they are served at room temperature. Several hours before guests arrive, take the cheeses out of the fridge, and let them rest on the countertop until they're no longer cool to the touch. Spread on a cheeseboard: Use a large wooden cutting board or a stone slab to lay out the cheese from mildest to strongest. Between each cheese, place fruits, nuts, and crackers to create dividers. Make sure each cheese has its own knife so that no one double dips into separate cheeses! | 0 | 2,534 | foodanddrink |
Most of us of have been here at least once before: for whatever reason a holiday, a special occasion or maybe just due to stress we overindulge our appetite and overeat. As a result, we're left feeling bloated, drowsy and maybe even upset with ourselves for having eaten way too much. That over-stuffed feeling may even make you feel like you gained some weight over the course of just that one day. But the truth is, even if you step on the scale and the number has gone up since the last time you checked, it's very unlikely that you could gain even one pound of extra fat in a single day. A recent article from Women's Health magazine , which consulted the expert insight of Samantha Cassetty, R.D., M.S., nutrition director at Luvo points out that it's nearly impossible to gain weight in just one day, even if you significantly exceeded your normal daily intake. "The reason comes down to calorie math. Though it's not 100 percent precise, the basic principle stands true: In order to gain weight, you'd have to eat 3,500 more calories than you typically eat and burn off," Cassetty explained to Women's Health. This is based off of the rough (but not entirely accurate) estimate that 3,500 calories is equal to one pound of fat . According to that calculation, as Cassetty explained above, you'd have to first eat the normal amount of calories that you typically consume in a day and then eat another 3,500 calories on top of that. In simple terms, to gain even just one pound over the course of a single day, you'd have to eat an absurd amount of food; an amount that for most people is virtually impossible. So no, it's not likely that you could ever gain weight from one day of overeating. In terms of your diet, weight gain is more commonly a result of poor eating habits that are habitual over a longer period of time. "As long as you course correct the next day i.e., you eat responsibly and get back to your fitness routine you'll keep the real pounds from piling on," Cassetty told Women's Health . | 7 | 2,535 | health |
Like almost any other question about fitness or running, the answer to this question is a little bit more complicated than a simple yes or no. The short answer is that it depends on your current level of fitness and your goals. The frequency of your running workouts should ultimately depend on what you're aiming to achieve. It's important to follow a training program that's designed to match your current level of fitness and that will effectively and safely help you improve your abilities. Some experts might argue that it's not a good idea to run every single day of the week, especially due to the fact that running is an extremely repetitive motion. By performing the same activity day after day, you may increase your risk for an overuse injury by repeatedly engaging the same muscles and joints. That said, so long as you are in adequate shape (e.g. you've been running consistently for a year or so and have built up your endurance) and you follow a sound training plan that allows for sufficient recovery time between workouts, there's really no reason why you can't run every day if you want to. "I think it is healthy to run every day if you have a healthy passion for running and racing," says Deena Kastor , Olympic medalist and current U.S. record holder for the marathon and half marathon. "It is critical to balance hard workout days with some hardcore recovery runs, but if you are a 'no pain, no gain' runner, then a day off is vital." In other words, if you balance the intensity of your daily workouts and make sure to include easy, recovery runs between your tougher training days, then running every day is totally OK. But if you like to run at full speed and hardly ever incorporate slower workouts into your routine, then running every day is definitely not a good idea. " Recovery is just as important as the workouts," says Kastor. "I take recovery in between repetitions, take recovery runs at a pedestrian pace and take a month off of any type of working out every year." She went on to explain that focusing on recovery is important because it will benefit your mental health, balance your hormones and allow your muscle tissue to repair. "I indulge in the restoring process and think it is the most significant factor in my longevity in this sport," she said. The bottom line: if your body is prepared to handle the workload and you make a point of treating it gently and with care, there's no reason why you can't run every day. Just make sure to take breaks when you need them and most importantly, make sure to maintain your enjoyment of the sport. | 7 | 2,536 | health |
Celebrity news for Nov. 10, 2014 Is Prince Harry ready to wed? Could Prince Harry's playboy days be coming to a close? New reports (via Celebitchy ) suggest that the royal family's most eligible bachelor is thinking about settling down -- and his reasoning may be career driven. British tab the Sunday People claims Harry has his eyes on a promotion from captain to major, noting that the latter position is usually only offered to "family men." "I'll have to marry if I'm to stay in the Army," Harry allegedly told friends. "I don't think I can climb the ranks as a bachelor. Being a soldier's wife can be dull, especially if troops are away on ops like I am. It's a lot of hassle." The 30-year-old prince's latest relationship with Cressida Bonas, 25, is reportedly off again . He previously dated Chelsy Davy on and off for many years. Robert Pattinson parties in New York with FKA Twigs, Rihanna Aw, Robert Pattinson is back on the road with his girlfriend, FKA Twigs. After joining her on tour for multiple dates in Europe, the actor was spotted partying with the singer at New York's Melrose Ballroom during the Mulger Ball, which GossipCop reports Rihanna also attended. After their night out on the town, Pattinson clutched Twigs' hand -- as he's often been seen doing -- and led her into a waiting cab. Twigs performs in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Monday before heading west for shows in Chicago and Minneapolis. Brooke Shields recalls Andre Agassi's jealous rage over 'Friends' scene One of the most memorable and hilarious moments in "Friends" history came in 1995 when guest star Brooke Shields sat across from Matt LeBlanc on a dinner date and proceeded to lick his "life-giving hands." On the show, Joey was left weighing his date's beauty versus her spooky obsessive streak. But in real-life, tennis star Andre Agassi -- Shields' boyfriend at the time, who was watching the actors film the segment from the sound stage -- did not take the scripted situation lightly. In her book, "There Was A Little Girl: The Real Story of Mother and Me," excerpted by Globe magazine (via the Daily Mail ), Shields recalls that Agassi said she'd "made a fool" of him before jumping in his car and driving all the way from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. "Upon arrival [at home] he systematically smashed and destroyed every single trophy he had won, including Wimbledon and the US Open, never mind all the others," she writes. When the couple eventually married, Shields knew right away that the relationship was doomed. Last year, she s lammed Agassi for his behavior during their split. Justin Bieber brought his Xbox to Jay Z's 40/40 club Hitting up a pastor's birthday party may not sound like the most exciting way to take advantage of one's celebrity status, which might explain why Justin Bieber plugged in his Xbox at the festivities surrounding Pastor Carl Lentz's big day. According to the New York Post , the Biebs joined Lentz, who heads Hillsong NYC, the Big Apple's so-called "megachurch for millennials" at Jay Z's 40/40 club on Thursday. But rather than engage in regular old conversation with guests, Bieber reportedly found himself a private room where he could hook up games like "NBA 2K15" and "FIFA." On the plus side, at least he invited other guests to join him in the video game throw-down. Jennifer Aniston predicts post-wedding baby rumors: 'It's comical' Two years into her engagement to Justin Theroux, Jennifer Aniston is still gaga over her guy. "He is a beautiful equalizer. He's a really beautiful, wonderful partner ... he's quite special," she tells " Access Hollywood " in a new interview. The "Horrible Bosses 2" star is less thrilled with the public's obsession over her relationship, though. "I think we're just so uninteresting, we don't do anything, that there's no real narrative other than that to sort of slap onto us," she says. "Then, once we do [marry], then it's gonna be -- well, it [already] is the babies . I mean, it's comical!" Jamie Lynn Spears takes her family to New Orleans Kentwood, La. native Jamie Lynn Spears showed off her Louisiana pride over the weekend during a visit to New Orleans with her husband, Jamie Watson, and 6-year-old daughter , Maddie. The adorable family posed for a photo in front of the city's historic Jackson Square on Saturday before settling in to watch some college football. "Anyone else watching? #LSU" Spears wrote on Twitter , sharing a photo of the nail biter between Louisiana State University and their rivals at University of Alabama. Unfortunately for Spears and her Louisiana pals, LSU lost, 20 - 13. Frank Ocean's name change request nixed The artist formerly known as Christopher Breaux can't legally convert to his stage name, Frank Ocean, until he "cleans up his driving record," according to TMZ . It seems Ocean managed to get three tickets over the summer -- one for driving with expired insurance, another for driving with his headlights off and a third for driving 31 miles per hour over the speed limit. He's neglected to show for a number of court dates as well, resulting his the suspension of his license. TMZ reports that the singer has to reapply for a name change once he's done due legal penance for his traffic violations. Johnny Weir wins custody of dog in divorce proceedings The custody component of Johnny Weir and his estranged husband Victor Voronov's ugly split has come to a conclusion. After alleging that Voronov abused the couple's dog -- a Japanese Chin named Tema -- Weir has been named the pooch's dad, according to the New York Post . In the latest divorce hearing, it was also decided that Voronov would be awarded $1000 a month in spousal support from Weir, and that the couple's $20,000 Faberge egg and their wedding rings would be sold to help pay for legal fees incurred during the divorce. Tig Notaro cancels shows citing medical issues Comedian Tig Notaro canceled two performances over the weekend due to medical problems. On Saturday, she was slated to perform in Boston but was forced to bail, citing an "unforeseen hospitalization," according to her Facebook page. The Denver Post (via Time ) reports that she also canceled her scheduled Sunday show at the Paramount Theater, AEG Live Rocky Mountains due to a "medical emergency." Notaro, who performed her set topless in New York last week, has battled breast cancer in the past, announcing her diagnosis during a live comedy performance in 2012. Cranberries frontwoman arrested after flight attendant attack Passengers on a flight from New York to Shannon, Ireland, suffered through some drama on Sunday, courtesy of Cranberries singer Dolores O'Riordan. According to the BBC , O'Riordan assaulted a flight attendant. When the flight landed, O'Riordan was met by police -- and according to TMZ , headbutted one of the cops who was in the process of arresting her. The 43-year-old singer was taken to a local hospital but remains in police custody, according to the BBC. | 6 | 2,537 | entertainment |
17 Easy Copper Projects For Every Room Of Your House Copper Leaf Candles The dead-simplest way to integrate copper into your DIY projects? Copper leaf. Here, blogger Lovely Indeed uses ModPodge and copper leaf to add some class to your everyday tealights. Copper and Wood Side Table This tiny copper-legged side table is a elegant way to add copper accents to your living space without going overboard. While it does require some basic tools to create, it's rare you'll find such a simple furniture DIY. Find the full instructions at Fall For DIY . Airplant Holders Who doesn't love airplants? All the benefits of greenery, with a quarter the work. With these mini copper planters from Poppytalk requiring only leather and copper couplings, easily available at any home renovation store they're perfectly chic. Curtain Rods All you need to create these copper curtain rods are some basic drilling skills and the ability to spray paint. Paired with some black-and-white curtains, they're a perfect exemplar of Nordic cool. The full instructions can be found at Design*Sponge . Magazine Stand If you weren't sure before, we hope by now you realize that a few yards of copper piping goes a long, long way like into this adorable magazine stand, found at Zana . No sewing required? We're sold. Vases Leelah Loves used copper leaf to big impact on her old, boring vases. The instructions are in German, but a translation is available through Google. Either way, the project is so simple, you'll be able to pull it off just looking through the pictures. Your freshly-cut flowers will be so much happier living in these sweet vases. Copper-Edged Mirror This copper-edged mirror is the perfect accent for your entryway or, if you're brave, as a total replacement for your bathroom mirror. The full instructions can be found at Makers Society . We love their clever use of sticky copper tape, which is usually used to repel snails and slugs. Copper Candle If you'd prefer a reusable copper holder for your tealights, The Merrythought has you covered: These tiny, simple votives take no time to make and are great holiday stocking stuffers for all of your loved ones. Giant Letters Giant letters have been a design trend for a while, now, but we love Flair's creative twist on the genre (text in Swedish). It's a little complicated she used sheet metal to get the effect, although there's no reason you couldn't use copper leaf but it's definitely a stunning accent. Tin Can Organizer Bored by your desk? A little bit of copper is a great way to cheer it right up. This DIY from MMP Hobby uses tin cans and copper spray paint to create cute organizers for your office supplies. Glass Candleholder Blogger House of Earnest promises this DIY is "much much easier than it looks," and if she's right, we're all fools for not running to the craft store immediately. This clever copper-rimmed glass candleholder would make a gorgeous centerpiece for your holiday table or it could live there year-round! Hand Towel Ring If you're looking to replace a clunky towel holder you hate, look no further than The Merrythought's sleek copper towel ring. It's modern without being too in-your-face about it the perfect addition to any bathroom. Vanity Bowls Vanity bowls provide storage space for all the small things in your life jewelry, bobby pins, bathroom necessities. These copper-painted bowls from Freutcake are so simple to create and are a great way to bring a pop of copper into every room. Napkin Rings Elegant napkin rings can go a long way in making your table more sophisticated. This easy tutorial from Swedish blogger Pysseldrömmar uses leftover toilet rolls and a copper sheet to create a set of napkin rings that will make any dinner party more elegant. Alphabet Magnets You might still be holding onto a set of alphabet magnets long after your kid's grown. If that's the case, here's a great DIY to make those magnets presentable again. All you need is spray paint follow the instructions at Kojo Designs . Stenciled Leaf Mug Copper accents are perfect for the colder months, and this stencilled leaf mug DIY will keep you (and your warm beverage) happy. Blogger Hands Occupied used leaves to decorate her mugs, but you can use any pattern you want. No matter what, it will definitely bring you some cold-weather cheer! Alarm Clock This DIY is more of an IKEA hack, but it's the perfect way to bring a hint of copper to your bedside table. The Crafted Life took IKEA's $6 Dekad alarm clock and covered it in liquid copper leaf. A huge improvement, if you ask us! | 4 | 2,538 | lifestyle |
Aprilia RSV4 RR This new model, which will form the basis of Aprilias future racing bikes, has a redesigned lighter 1,000-cc V-four engine featuring 200-plus hp housed in a twin-spar aluminum frame. Electronic rider aids on the Italian machine include adjustable-on-the-fly traction control to keep the back tire from spinning out, wheelie control, launch control (for racetrack starts), an electronic gearbox for no-clutch shifts, and anti-lock brakes. The RR also connects to smartphones, which allows riders to change certain bike settings, access ride data, monitor tire wear, and even pull up the service manual via their mobile devices. Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory The Tuono benefits from many of the same upgrades as the RSV4 RR sport bike. But with a street mission in mind, the Tuono features more comfortable, upright ergonomics. It 1,077-cc V-four motor has about 25 fewer horsepower, but more torque for pulling through those street corners. BMW F 800 R An update of BMWs middleweight naked bike, the 2015 F 800 R has more power, different gear ratios for its six-speed transmission, a new upside-down front fork with radial-mounted double-disc brakes, and lighter wheels. A new aluminum handlebar and change the ergonomics to accommodate shorter riders. The styling got a facelift, too, including a new symmetrical headlight. ABS is standard, traction control is an option, as is BMWs Electronic Suspension Adjustment, which allows rear compression changes on the fly. BMW S 1000 XR This is a new style for Bimmer. Theyre calling it adventure sport and its a fitting name considering the tall adventure bike silhouette applied to a motorcycle primarily aimed at street use. That liquid-cooled, double-overhead-cam motor produces 160 hp, BMW says, with healthy torque spread across the rpm range. The price is TBA, but BMW says the S 1000 XR is destined for American roads. Ducati Diavel Titanium Ducati will make only 500 of these Titanium models, which take the ordinary 160-hp Diavel power cruisers and add new finishes, materials, and the requisite limited edition numbered plaques. Ducati used titanium for the tank shrouds, while the side-panel inlets are carbon fiber, rendered in a new shape just for this bike. No bare-metal header pipes here: They are matte black on this model. Ducati 1299 Panigale After just three model years, Ducatis Panigale gets a major refit for 2015. The V-Twin grows from 1,198 cc to 1,285 cc. Huge pistons, flailing up and down at more than 10,000 rpm, help the bike deliver more than 200 hp. Ducati also lists a whopping torque figure of about 106 lb-ft, on par with the instant- mega-twist of a Zero SR electric sport bike. And it weighs only 420 lbs. Ducati Multistrada The 1200 L-twin engine in the Multistrada has the worlds first desmodromic cylinder head (cams, not typical coil springs, close the valves), with variable timing for both intake and exhaust valves. With Desmodromic Variable Timing, a computer automatically determines the optimum valve timing, moment by moment, to deliver high horsepower (160) and great torque (100 lb-ft) without sacrificing mpg. The electronics include power mode selection, lean-sensitive ABS, wheelie control, traction control and cruise control. The S version of the Multistrada adds electronically adjusted suspension, a Bluetooth smartphone connection and TFT liquid-crystal instrument panel, and automatic LED cornering lights that shine into the turn. The Multistrada D I Air model includes all that plus wireless connection to separately purchased Dainese airbag apparel, triggering the airbag suits worn by rider and passenger when theres an imminent crash detected. Energica Eva Energica, the new high-end Italian electric motorcycle company, unveiled its second modela n street-fighter version of the Ego sport bike. The Eva does away with the Egos sleek bodywork and swaps the one-piece alloy wheels for traditional spoked rims. Energica claims the $34,000 Ego can do 150 mph and generates a massive 143 lb-ft of torque. Its one of the highest torque figures ever for a gas-powered sport bike. Honda RC213V-S Every once in a while Honda builds a motorcycle to remind the world just what Honda can do. The RC213V-S prototype is the latest example. When it goes into limited production, this will be about the closest thing to a street-legal MotoGP racer you can buy (Hondas won the MotoGP World Championship two years running). Connecting rods have been crafted with titanium, as have the intake and exhaust valves, which are closed by compressed air. Gears throughout the engine are assembled by hand and adjusted to tolerances many microns thinner than a human hair. The S version of the RC213V is likely to be a rare collectible for those who can afford it, and quite possibly the most astonishing street bike ever made. Honda True Adventure prototype Honda released next to nothing about this concept, but parked it between Honda off-road rally racers old and new, suggesting this bike aims for real off-road use. Just look at the large-diameter spoke wheels, engine case guard, stout hand guards, and a long seat that seems almost dirt-bike slim. Yet the twin front discs, with ABS ring and clamped by radial-mounted calipers, hint at a large displacement model, as do the big muffler and twin header pipes. But the big surprise is the lack of clutch and shift levers on the bike. Clearly, Hondas thinking of leveraging its Dakar Rally success with its automatic gearbox. The test-mule camo color scheme, along with the finished look under all that dried dirt, suggest Honda is not that far off a production version. Husqvarna 701 SUPERMOTO Riding its recent revival in the off-road motorcycle world, Husqvarna aims to cross over to road bike success with this big-bore bike. The single-overhead-cam engine cranks out a claimed 67 hp, but this machine weighs less than 320 pounds, so expect lively acceleration and quick cornering. Husqvarna predicts a late summer release for the 701 SUPERMOTO. Husqvarna 401 Vitpilen concept Husqvarna showed two concepts that suggest what the brand plans to do with the single-cylinder four-stroke engine at its disposal. The Vitpilen (Swedish for white arrow, and a nod to Husqvarnas 1953 Silverpilen street model) is a light, narrow café racer. It pushes less-is-more design style with a one-piece seat/tank cover and simple, consolidated parts like the headlight bracket/handlebar mount. Husqvarna 401 Svartpilen concept Husqvarnas other concept is the companys take on a next-generation scrambler. The knobby-shod spoke wheels, stubby front fender, trellis frame ,and black muffler feel old-school. But the unified tank/seat cover, caged LED headlamp, modern WP suspension and liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine let you know this is a 21st century. Dont expect to see the Svartpilen (Swedish for black arrow) in a dealership anytime soon. But enthusiastic response to this concept bike, at shows and online, could encourage Husqvarna to put something like it into production. Kawasaki Ninja H2 The street version of Kawasakis new supercharged hyperbike debuted at EICMA. The Ninja H2 has a few engine modifications, and intake and exhaust systems tailored for noise and emissions regulations, but it shares essentially the same powerplant as the track-only H2R, with horsepower downgraded from 305 to a still-crazy 207. Advanced electronics to help the rider manage 200-plus horsepower include traction control, selectable engine maps, launch control, engine braking control, a quick-shifter, electronic steering damper, and advanced ABS. However, many of these systems have an off switch, permitting the rider (if youre highly skilled!) to do it the old-fashioned way. Kawasaki is taking orders now and asking $25,000 for the Ninja H2. Kawasaki Z300 Kawasaki stripped the Ninja 300 of some of its plastic to create the new Z300. A more upright riding position with a tubular handlebar replaces the Ninjas clip-ons. Underneath, the same fuel-injected, 296-cc parallel twin spins up to high revs like an atomic sewing machine. A slipper clutch makes for slicker downshifts, and an ABS model is available as well. No word yet whether well see this bike in the U.S. Kawasaki Ninja 250SL While some of the latest entry-level bikes have been growingfrom 250cc to 300 and even 320, Kawasaki hasnt forgetten the traditional quarter-liter class. The newest Ninja is a super-slim 250cc single-cylinder sport bike with an appropriate SL designation for its super-light weight. With a listed curb weight of just 332 pounds, the SL is 44 pounds lighter than the old twin-cylinder Ninja 250. Kawasaki is claiming a healthy 27 horsepower for the liquid-cooled, double-overhead-cam, four-valve motor, which is fuel-injected. For entry-level riders who want a bike thats easy to handle, or experienced enthusiasts who remember the old days of tiny, high-performance 250s, this is a surprisingly exciting addition to the lineup. KTM 1050 Adventure The 1050, the newest addition to KTMs adventure-touring lineup, takes a less-is-more approach. That means less weight (its nearly 40 pounds lighter than the 1290 Super Adventure), and narrower tires than its stable-mates. The 1050s 95 horsepower should be more manageable than the 160 hp that the big 1290 makes. KTM Freeride E-SM The E-SM is the supermoto variation of KTMs electric bike, intended for riding in urban environments where the long-travel WP suspension soaks up potholes. The bikes sticky 17-inch street tires, slim chassis, and 242-pound weight will make navigating city traffic easier, too. KTM claims the bike offers one full hour of maximum power and presumably more time on the road if you ride it a little easier. KTM will also sell two more electric bikes on the European market: the E-SX off-road model and the E-XC dual-purpose bike, both similar in appearance to the E-SM. Moto Guzzi Eldorado Four decades after the original debuted, Moto Guzzi has an Eldorado in its lineup again. Based on the California 1400 first seen at EICMA two years ago, the new bike brings back the classic chrome knee panels and twin pin-stripes from the original Eldorado. The new 16-inch spoke wheels and whitewalls recall the past, too, as do with the retro taillight and bullhorn handlebar. Just like in the 1960s, its powered by a 90-degree V-twin, transversely mounted and driving the rear wheel via drive shaft. Triumph Tiger 800 XRx British bike builder Triumph updated its lineup of four Tiger 800 variants, which are all getting updated 94-hp three-cylinder engines with better mpg. Theres a new look to the middleweight adventure-touring bikes, with freshened up radiator shrouds, tank side panels, adjustable seats, and handlebars. All these Tigers have switchable ABS and traction control, both of which can be turned off for riding off-road. The Tiger 800 XR is more for road riding, with its lower suspension and cast alloy wheels. The Tiger XC has more off-road aspirations and features more suspension travel and spoked rims. The XRx and XCx have more advanced electronics, including selectable engine modes and cruise control. Yamaha TMAX Yamahas performance scooter is restyled for 2015, with a new look and a few new performance bits. The front fork is now an upside-down model for more rigidity and better feel. The brakes are radial-mount models first developed for use on Yamahas sport bikes. Underneath the new sleek shell (now with full LED lighting) is a potent 530-cc, double-overhead-cam, eight-valve motor with fuel-injection. Conveniences include a 12-volt outlet for your personal electronics, a Yamaha Smartkey system that allows the fob-carrying rider to start the TMAX with a button-push, and higher mirrors for easier maneuvering in cramped European streets. Sadly, dont expect to see the TMAX stateside anytime soon. Yamaha MT-09 Tracer This new, adventure-styled sport-touring bike will be coming to America under the name FJ-09. Its basic 847-cc, three-cylinder is already in the U.S. powering the FZ-09. This version is taller, with an adjustable-height fairing, plusher seat, and a rear frame ready to accept accessory saddlebags. The FJs 4.8-gallon tank swallows a gallon-plus more than on the FZ, making it more suitable for long hauls. Yamaha says the U.S. price will be $10,490. Yamaha YZF-R1 Yamaha completely rebuilt its front-line sport bike for 2015 with the input of nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi. The YZF-R1 loves metal: Theres lightweight titanium connecting rods for high-rev response; light magnesium wheels and rear subframe; aluminum for the twin-spar frame and the fuel tank. Just as impressive is the softwareit includes a race-developed six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit that monitors lean angle and chassis attitude to control traction, slides, front-wheel lift, and even braking balance on the ABS-equipped bike. Its priced at $16,490 and will be available in February. Yamaha YZF-R1M Following the practice of some more upscale motorcycle makers, Yamaha is building a pricier, limited-production, track-only version of its new R1 sport bike. Besides the extra M in the name, this bike gets electronically controlled active suspension, superlight carbon fiber bodywork, and high-spec tires from Bridgestone. In addition to the Inertial Measurement Unit mentioned in the last slide, the M features a Communication Control Unit so riders and teams can analyze lap times and track data on an Android tablet, and control bike settings from an app. The go-fast goodies add $5,500 to the price of a regular R1, which means the M comes to $21,990. Its available in February, too. | 9 | 2,539 | autos |
Within the first two minutes of Alibaba's "Singles' Day,' CNBC's David Faber reports over $1 billion worth of R&B has been sold. | 3 | 2,540 | finance |
Now that Kate Middleton is pregnant once again, we can't think of a better time to take a moment to look back on her best style moments. Her maternity ensembles are a testament to her polished-meets-fashion-conscious aesthetic. But her last few appearances have been a bit more striking thanks to her brand-new stylist - and we don't mind one bit. See close-ups of some of her sweetest ensembles, plus some of our other favorite fashion moments from the duchess, right here. From her powder-blue Jenny Packham wrap dress to her shoppable Temperley London number, complete with sheer panels, it's virtually impossible not to fall a little bit in love with Kate's easy elegance. - Additional reporting by Sarah Wasilak and Melody Nazarian Kate Middleton Style Kate's latest look came by way of Alexander McQueen - a black coat and matching hat that conjured images of a rose - which she sported to the annual Remembrance Sunday Service. Kate Middleton Style Kate's gorgeous double-breasted Matthew Williamson coat, which she threw over a foundation of black separates, made her appear light and polished for her visit to Pembroke Refinery. Kate Middleton Style Kate looked bolder than ever in a paneled Temperley London dress, which she completed with a shimmering clutch and suede pumps. Kate Middleton Style Kate's Jenny Packham wrap dress played to her signature elegance, but it was also a little risky for the duchess - she showed a lot of leg! Kate Middleton Style For her final pregnant public appearance on June 15, Kate Middleton was pretty in a pink coat and a matching hat at the Trooping the Colour parade in London. Kate Middleton Style A closer look at Kate's hat reveals pretty lace and bows. Kate Middleton Style Kate made her final official pregnancy appearance in a polished and playful Hobbs coat, black pumps, and a coordinating fascinator for the christening of a Princess Cruises ship in Southampton, England. Kate Middleton Style The duchess was sitting pretty - quite literally - in her bold, printed Hobbs coat during the ceremony. Kate Middleton Style Her on-trend and still classic look is another testament to her coveted style. Again, she managed to be both regal and totally accessible in a standout print and sophisticated accoutrements. Kate Middleton took care to match her nude embellished hat to her dress. Kate Middleton Style Kate matched neutral-hued accessories to her bright coat. Kate Middleton Style The duchess was a party hit, taking time to speak with guests. Kate Middleton Style With her clutch held in both hands, it was easy to spot Kate's growing baby bump. Kate Middleton Style Kate Middleton stepped out for a visit to the Naomi House in London wearing pretty shades of peach. Her Tara Jarmon coat and lighter dress - made by private dressmaker - supplied a colorful complement to her nude accessories. Kate Middleton Style Kate Middleton kept it colorful, albeit totally easy, on the styling front, pairing a Tara Jarmon coat with a lighter peach-hued shiftdress and her go-to nude clutch and heels. Kate Middleton Style She paired peachy tones with neutral-colored accessories for a visit to the Naomi House in London. Kate Middleton Style For the inauguration of the new Warner Bros. studio in London, Kate Middleton paired a polka-dotted Topshop dress with a cropped black Ralph Lauren jacket. Kate Middleton Style Kate Middleton, along with Prince William and Prince Harry, got a little silly at the new Warner Bros. studio in London. And for the occasion, she wore Topshop polka dots! Kate Middleton Style Kate Middleton arrived at the National Portrait Gallery in London wearing a baby blue empire-waist Emilia Wickstead dress, gray suede Rupert Sanderson pumps, and diamond droplet earrings. Kate Middleton Style She paired sweet diamond droplet earrings with her baby blue empire-waist dress by Emilia Wickstead. Kate Middleton Style From this angle, you can see Kate Middleton's baby bump perfectly in this sweet blue Emilia Wickstead dress. Kate Middleton Style Kate Middleton visited Willows Primary School in Manchester, England, wearing a pretty printed Sophia dress by Erdem ($1,514), classic pumps, and a navy clutch. Lest we forget, her formfitting sheath showed off her growing baby bump to perfection! Kate Middleton Style How cute does Kate Middleton - and her baby bump - look in this printed purple and blue Erdem dress? It's a darker take on Spring florals. Kate Middleton Style Dainty silver jewelry and printed Erdem dress aside, Kate Middleton paired her look with a dark navy clutch. Kate Middleton Style The tweedy mint-green Mulberry coat - complete with the label's signature floral-shaped buttons - showed off the Duchess of Cambridge's growing baby bump. Kate Middleton Style We love how girlie Kate Middleton's Mulberry coat pick is, right down to the sweet Peter Pan-collared finish. She partnered her look with a nude-toned fascinator, a tan tube clutch, and her stunning engagement ring. Kate Middleton Style On day two of her Scotland tour, Kate Middleton stepped out in a red Armani coat, black dress, black tights, and her favorite black Aquatalia boots. Kate Middleton Style While outside, Kate tempered her red Armani coat with the necessary cold-weather accoutrements: a plaid scarf and black gloves. Kate Middleton Style Inside, Kate Middleton shed her plaid scarf and showed off a polished Armani-coat look, complete with a gold pin on her lapel. Kate Middleton Style Kate Middleton, along with Prince William, visited the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland to launch a new sports project. For the occasion, the expecting Duchess wore a blue-and-gray plaid Workers coat from Moloh with black tights and black knee-high boots. Kate Middleton Style Her Moloh plaid coat-turned-dress featured classic silver button-front detailing and ultratailored pockets. Kate Middleton Style Clad in her go-to black tights and black pumps, Kate Middleton stepped out in a teal swing coat and dramatic black fascinator for the 150th anniversary of the London tube. Kate Middleton Style Kate completed her ensemble via small drop earrings, black gloves, and a black clutch. Kate Middleton Style Kate took off her coat to reveal a black-and-white collared Topshop dress while standing next to Prince William in Saunderton, Buckinghamshire. Kate Middleton Style She covered her baby bump in a brown Hobbs coat, although she did take care to cinch her silhouette for more shape, as she made an appearance in Grimsby in early March 2013. Kate Middleton Style Kate dressed in apropos green for St. Patrick's Day, attending a holiday parade in Aldershot, England, in a fitted forest-green Emilia Wickstead coat and a black turtleneck dress. Kate Middleton Style Kate Middleton chose a gray-and-white printed Max Mara Studio wrap dress, which happened to hug her growing baby bump perfectly. She accented the look with an Asprey 167 Button Pendant necklace and black pumps. Kate Middleton Style Kate peppered some print - a Max Mara dress did the trick - into her wedding-bound look. She, along with Prince William and Prince Harry, attended a wedding in Switzerland, and her luxe neutral look was the perfect choice. Kate Middleton Style She wore a printed top and black jeans as a casual offset to her furry snow boots while vacationing in the Swiss Alps. Kate Middleton Style The Duchess of Cambridge spent the day at the races in early 2013 in a muted pastel coat and a bow-clad Lock & Co hat. Kate Middleton Style Kate took the stage at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards in a floor-length Alexander McQueen gown accessorized with black Jimmy Choo pumps and custom diamond-and-blue-topaz Kiki McDonough earrings. Kate Middleton Style Kate wore a berry-red scarf and matching clutch while accompanying her family to Christmas mass. Kate Middleton Style Kate's bright yellow flowers popped against her dark plaid coat and lavender scarf as she left the hospital following her pregnancy announcement. Kate Middleton Style Most recently, Kate wore this traditional tartan Alexander McQueen coat dress to play field hockey at her alma mater, St. Andrew's School. Kate Middleton Style Her light pink Max Mara coat covered what we know now is a baby bump! Kate Middleton Style If you look closely, this silky green Mulberry dress has peace signs all over it. Kate Middleton Style Her oxblood-hued Paule Ka skirt suit hit all the right notes. Kate Middleton Style Her orchid-printed Jenny Packham dress matched the scenery of the Singapore Botanical Gardens. She stepped out in a printed Raoul sheath and her favorite nude L.K. Bennett pumps. Kate Middleton Style Her gray and white checkered Hobbs dress made for a sweet outing. Kate Middleton Style For a day at the Olympics, she wore her favorite Stuart Weitzman wedges with plenty of navy blue and stripes. Kate Middleton Style Her lacy nude Alexander McQueen sheath matched perfectly with her pumps and hat. Kate Middleton Style She paired a plaid clutch with a yellow Emilia Wickstead coat dress. Kate Middleton Style She has worn this jean-colored Mulberry coat on many occasions. Kate Middleton Style Sweet pink pleats and a dramatic fascinator, we love it! Kate Middleton Style She donned a gorgeous teal Jenny Packham gown, complete with delicate lace cap sleeves, for a red-carpet affair. Kate Middleton Style She may have gone barefoot, but this navy Mulberry dress is still the Summer statement piece. Kate Middleton Style Her nude L.K.Bennett pumps go everywhere with her, even to Malaysia. Kate Middleton Style On the last day of the Diamond Jubilee tour, Kate wore a floral Project D dress. Kate Middleton Style Her gold-embellished Alexander McQueen gown stole the show at this dinner in Malaysia during the Diamond Jubilee tour. Kate Middleton Style Her light blue fascinator matched perfectly with her embroidered boatneck dress. Kate Middleton Style She channeled a much more laid-back vibe in this embroidered Alice by Temperley maxidress in Tuvalu. Kate Middleton Style The eyelet detail on this white Alexander McQueen skirt suit gives it an ultrasummery feel. Kate Middleton Style She paired her high-necked Libelula dress with her go-to wedge sandals. Kate Middleton Style She looked feminine and polished in this sheer embellished Temperley dress. Kate Middleton Style She chose a floral Erdem cap-sleeved dress for a dinner appearance. Kate Middleton Style Her printed Prabal Gurung silk dress was a surprising, but totally welcome, ensemble choice for the kick off of the Diamond Jubilee. Kate Middleton Style Her bright yellow Jaeger dress was the perfect Summer outfit. Kate Middleton Style She turned heads in a white thigh-high slit Roland Mouret gown and silver Jimmy Choo heels. Kate Middleton Style A stunning red skirt suit goes perfectly with a tartan clutch. Kate Middleton Style We love how she accented her all-white ensemble at Wimbledon with a leopard-printed clutch. Kate Middleton Style At the Buckingham Palace reception for the Olympics opening ceremony, Kate chose an icy blue Christopher Kane number. Kate Middleton Style She arrived in Honiara in a blue and green printed Jonathan Saunders dress. Kate Middleton Style This isn't the first time the Duchess of Cambridge has donned this gray Roksanda Ilincic sheath, but this time she wore her hair back and added statement earrings into the mix. Kate Middleton Style She kept it simple for a pre-Olympics appearance in a cobalt blue Stella McCartney sheath, pairing the look with a circle Cartier necklace and classic black Prada pumps. Kate Middleton Style Looking beautiful in blue, Kate wore a navy jacket and skirt combo. Kate Middleton Style Known for her love of fascinators, she doesn't disappoint in this velvet merlot version. Kate Middleton Style For a more casual outing, Kate Middleton chose a sage green turtleneck dress, black tights, and black boots. Kate Middleton Style For an evening affair, Kate donned a lacy black dress and a black jacket. Kate Middleton Style Her tailored white jacket and striking black fascinator looked positively regal. Kate Middleton Style She chose a deep red coat and knee-high boots for a day out with Prince William. Kate Middleton Style We love this Grecian-style pale green Amanda Wakeley gown on Kate. Kate Middleton Style Kate opted for a chic and casual white dress with a structured boxy-shoulder silhouette. Kate Middleton Style Kate paired black pumps with a neutral Reiss dress for a meeting with President Obama and FLOTUS Michelle Obama. Kate Middleton Style For a friend's wedding, Kate looked lovely in a black fascinator and black and white dress. Kate Middleton Style Kate looked military-inspired chic in an Alexander McQueen blouse and skirt set. Kate Middleton Style She wore a cream-colored coat, beige heels, and a decadent hat for a morning engagement. Kate Middleton Style Kate looked pretty in a fabulous fascinator, royal blue dress, and black blazer. Kate Middleton Style Kate wore a Jenny Packham floral dress for a Santa Barbara polo match. Kate Middleton Style Kate chose a girlie black and white dress for her North American tour. Kate Middleton Style In Los Angeles, Kate wore a dress from London-based designer Roksanda Ilincic. Kate Middleton Style She opted for a lace navy blue Erdem dress from the designer's Resort 2012 collection and her trusty beige L.K. Bennett pumps. Kate Middleton Style Kate wore J Brand skinny twill pants, a khaki-colored Burberry button-down, and chic flats during her Yellowknife visit. Kate Middleton Style Kate went for "lady in red" with this Luisa Spagnoli skirt-suit combo. Kate Middleton Style For the royal couple's wedding engagement announcement, Kate wore a classic sapphire-colored Issa wrap dress. Kate Middleton Style For Remembrance Day, Kate wore a black fascinator and a black coat. Kate Middleton Style Kate wore an Issa bird-print dress with black Nine West Cheyanne wedges on her last day as a bachelorette. Kate Middleton Style For the day after the royal wedding, Kate chose to wear a blue Zara dress and Nine West wedges. Kate Middleton Style Kate looked gorgeous in an off-the-shoulder silk Jenny Packham dress. Kate Middleton Style During the royal duo's tour through North America, Kate wore a blue lacy Erdem dress and beige L.K. Bennett pumps for a morning prayer service in Quebec City. Kate Middleton Style Kate chose a white Reiss dress and a red maple leaf fascinator for an engagement in Canada. Kate Middleton Style Kate donned a green silk DVF dress for a welcome reception in LA. Kate Middleton Style For a more casual outing, Kate paired a white blouse with skinny jeans and a blazer. Kate Middleton Style Kate Middleton chose a Temperley London cream and black dress for a Christmas reception. Kate Middleton Style Veering away from her go-to navy blues, Kate chose a bright red Beulah dress for a United Nations reception gala. Kate Middleton Style For a trip to Yellowknife's Somba K'e Civic Plaza, Kate donned a silk linen Malene Birger dress. Kate Middleton Style Inside the royal wedding. Kate Middleton Style The wedding dress that wowed the world - the Duchess of Cambridge donned a beautiful Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen creation. Kate Middleton Style She chose a purple Issa dress for evening festivities during the couple's North American tour. Kate Middleton Style Her lilac Alexander McQueen gown is feminine and elegant. Kate Middleton Style Kate Middleton hit the red carpet in a black velvet Alexander McQueen gown at the Sun Military Awards in London with husband Prince William in tow. Kate Middleton Style The Duchess of Cambridge stunned in a sweet yellow silk crepe Jenny Packham dress and her favorite L.K. Bennett beige pumps. Kate Middleton Style Kate Middleton looked princess perfect in a shimmery pink Jenny Packham dress. | 4 | 2,541 | lifestyle |
Hear from Urban Meyer following his team's win over Michigan State. | 1 | 2,542 | sports |
Between birthdays, holidays, and "just because" days, parents spend hundreds heck, thousands - on toys for their children. And while it may feel like a waste of money (how many kids lose interest after a few days of play?), it may not be a total loss. Folks are more than willing to fork over their hard-earned cash for a piece of nostalgia, meaning that Frozen playset you bought today could be a gold mine in a few decades. Don't believe us? We scoured the Internet - or, more accurately, eBay - to see what the toys from our childhood are worth today. And while some didn't exceed the original price, others are worth more than we could have ever imagined. If you own any of these classic toys, you may want to consider putting them up for auction ASAP - and you might want to encourage your kids to take better care of their toys! American Girl Dolls The basic models of original characters like Kirsten, Molly, and Samantha are often sold for $200, but if you throw in all their outfits and accessories, you could make up to $5,000. Pokémon Trading Cars Serious gamers are willing to pay $150,000 for rare cards, like this Pikachu. Fisher-Price Chatter Toy If you were lucky enough to own this colorful phone, you could sell it for $60. Teddy Ruxpin Plush Straight from the '80s, this animatronic toy is often sold for $50, give or take a few bucks. Easy-Bake Oven Selling your 1960's model could help you earn $125, which is more than enough to buy the updated version. Barbie Dolls The price of the traditional figurines average anywhere from $50 to $100, but the collector editions (like this Inuit model) can earn you $450. Lite-Brite Provided you have most of the pegs and a few of the fill-in sheets, you could make almost $100 on your Lite-Brite. Nintendo Game Boy Hardcore fans are willing to shell out $1,890 for this beloved gaming system. Furby Collectors are willing to pay up to $700 for an unopened version of the talkative toy. My Little Pony This ain't your toddler's quadruped. The original sparkly horse comes with a $999 price tag. Cabbage Patch Kids Though not as pricey as we anticipated, an unused Cabbage Patch doll can go for $75. Pound Puppies Though the four-legged friends are making a comeback, people are still willing to pay $450 for the orphaned dogs. Polly Pocket Polly and her pint-sized friends are hot-ticket items, and their dream homes are often on the market for up to $500. Tamagotchis Because these electronic pets are still somewhat popular, you can only make $50 at most. Garbage Pail Kids Cards If you're willing to part with these grotesque trading cards, you could earn up to $2,750. Metal Lunchboxes Depending on the character, you could make a pretty penny off of your old lunch pail. This box and thermos set featuring the Beatles, for example, is worth $2,000. Beanie Babies Beanie Babies are probably the biggest thing to come out of the 1990s, and the price on these animals varies. While the more common ones aren't worth much, a collectible like this Princess Diana bear could be sold for up to $200,000! | 4 | 2,543 | lifestyle |
Clint Bowen took over the Kansas Jayhawks football program after Charlie Weis was fired in September. Will Kansas give Clint Bowen the head coaching position? | 1 | 2,544 | sports |
All too often, an automaker introduces an exciting concept car only to follow it up with a much blander production version. Our spy photographers recently caught a glimpse at the new Infiniti Q30 out testing for the first time in Europe, and it looks like the production model won't stray far from the concept this time. Although the car is heavily camouflaged in these photos, we definitely see that same bold hood we first noticed on the Q30 concept at the 2013 Frankfurt show. The back end also looks remarkably similar, featuring the same rear wing and bumper design. The only major difference between the two vehicles is that the prototype (predictably) has four door handles and appears to feature fewer character lines across its side--though we won't know for sure until the camo starts coming off. As we previously reported , the 2016 Infiniti Q30 hatch will have Mercedes blood coursing through its veins. It will share the same platform as the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class compact SUV and will feature a Mercedes-derived 2.0-liter gasoline engine that will be built in Decherd, Tenn. Further confirmation of the Mercedes family ties came when spy photographers noticed a GLA out testing with the Infiniti hatch during its first run. Infiniti will begin producing the Q30 in Sunderland, England in late 2015 for Europe and early 2016 for the U.S. market. Expect a higher-riding QX30 variant to come out around the same time. Source: CarPix | 9 | 2,545 | autos |
Rumor Mill: Premier League teams looking for help to chase down Chelsea Rumor Mill: November 10-16 Another interesting week in the Premier League, which confirmed what we were all thinking a month ago this is Chelsea's year. Brendan Rodgers' plan to rest his star players against Real Madrid in order to put out his best side for the Jose Mourinho's men backfired as Liverpool lost both games. Naturally, the focus in this week's Rumor Mill is how the Reds can improve to get their miserable Luis Suarez-less season back on track. And to help us achieve that goal we have brought in a woman whose calming 1970s-inspired voice think Karen Carpenter and you won't go far wrong can be heard on her new album Into Colour which is out this week. She's British but now lives in California and was named after this column! Ten Tracks from the smooth, easy-listening voice of Rumer are in this week's mix. -- Warren Barner Aymeric Laporte Rumor: Athletic Bilbao to Manchester United // Likelihood: Not so fast //He may only be 20 years of age but Laporte has been doing a lot of growing up in La Liga. The young Frenchman has been at the heart of an Athletic defense that has not conceded a goal in the last three games. Van Gaal desperately needs cover at the back as his patchwork defense continues to ship goals, but is Laporte the answer? We feel LVG will want a more experienced head a healer - to soothe the wounds. Asmir Begovic Rumor: Stoke to Liverpool // Likelihood: Interesting //Simon Mignolet does not seem to have a friend in the world as every mistake is highlighted frame by frame by pundits with nothing better to do than talk post-match for an hour or so. Even his saves are criticized! It's a dangerous game having a keeper that does not have the confidence of his defense, so are Liverpool about to do something about it and find a replacement? Begovic is the latest player to be linked with a move to Anfield although interestingly he is not enjoying one of his best seasons at Stoke and remember, the Potters have Jack Butland up their sleeves if they decide to cash in. Fabio Borini Rumor: Liverpool to Inter Milan // Likelihood: Possible //Let's face it, Mario Balotelli isn't working out and Liverpool's season is going from bad to worse with every weekend that passes. Borini is talented, but is he good enough to be first-choice striker for a team with Champions League aspirations? There is talk that Inter Milan want Borini and Fiorentina have also been linked with the former Chelsea forward. Could Liverpool put the reported £14 million transfer fee, plus whatever they can get for Balotelli, toward a January move for someone else? This could be a case of 'on my way home' for Borini. Yohan Cabaye Rumor: PSG to Manchester United // Likelihood: Probably leaving PSG //Less than a year after his dream move to Paris, it looks like the game is up for Yohan Cabaye, who has hardly had a look-in under Laurent Blanc following his January move from Newcastle. The France midfielder is looking for a quick route back to the Premier League and there is no shortage of suitors. Manchester United seem to head the queue, and of course Arsenal would love to buy another crafty midfielder instead of splashing out on what they really need. Possibly Liverpool? Take me as I am, seems to be Cabaye's message. Gerard Pique Rumor: Barcelona to Chelsea // Likelihood: Future in doubt //What is going on with Pique? The Spain center-back isn't getting a look-in under Luis Enrique, who bizarrely asked him to warm up from the bench during the 2-1 win at Almeria despite having used all three substitutes! Not only that, Pique was spotted with his arm round Bayern Munich boss and former Barca coach Pep Guardiola after returning for the informal vote on Catalonia Independence. His saving grace is that he still seems to be in demand. Chelsea are thought to want him, but Manchester United need him back! Jackson Martinez Rumor: Porto to Liverpool // Likelihood: A lot of dough //As an add to the Borini story, it emerged last week that Liverpool are looking to make a €35 million ($43.4 million) bid for Porto striker Jackson Martinez, who has proved to be a goal machine in the Portuguese league. Brendan Rodgers must be thankful he still has the trust of the Liverpool board to spend big lumps of cash, but whether they'll sanction Martinez, who this year signed a new three-year contract, is another matter. Mats Hummels Rumor: Borussia Dortmund to Arsenal // Likelihood: Lots of talking, but little action //So, Hummels has said he would prefer to join Arsenal rather than Manchester United? Says who? If you find someone, let us know. It's easy to assume that a German would like to mix with other Germans like Mertesacker, Ozil and Podolsk, but you just don't know people and maybe, just maybe, Hummels is prepared to ignore the riches that the Premier League has to offer and stay at Dortmund. A pipe dream? Perhaps. Eden Hazard Rumor: Chelsea to Real Madrid // Likelihood: No chance //It must have been a slow news week last week because one of the weirdest stories to come out of Spain was that Real Madrid were prepared to offload Gareth Bale in a bid to raise the funds to sign Hazard. Raise the funds? Err … right. In any case, Hazard has put to bed any stories of a move to the Bernabeu by saying "The only team that makes me dream is Chelsea. I made the choice to join Chelsea because I knew I was going to play." Let's move on. Marco Reus Rumor: Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea // Likelihood: Confusion still reigns //The future of Reus remains firmly in the minds of the biggest clubs in Europe. We all know the Dortmund star has a sensationally low buy-out clause of €25m euros ($31m) which makes him extremely affordable. The latest is that Chelsea, in a bid to beat Bayern Munich to the punch, are prepared to offer Andre Schurrle in part-exchange. However, Germany's team manager wonders whether Reus can actually find a better place than Dortmund. Strangely, Liverpool are favorites to land him next season. We don't buy that. Nemanja Vidic Rumor: Inter Milan to Manchester United // Likelihood: What? //We know managers come and go, and come and go ad infinitum in Italy, but do players leave a major club to sign for another and then return six months later? Sure, Shinji Kagawa went back to Dortmund, but he's in the prime of his career and he spent two years at Old Trafford. Vidic has been under fire amongst fans and the press for failing to shore up the defense. A caterpillar becomes a butterfly just once, but at 33 years old he's likely to be as fast as a caterpillar should he return to United. | 1 | 2,546 | sports |
Jennifer Lawrence, Julianne Moore, and Elizabeth Banks stunned on the red carpet at the world premiere of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 in London on Monday. The ladies were all smiles while posing for photos in their glamorous gowns; Julianne kept things sleek in a black long-sleeved number while Jennifer went for a white waterfall-hem dress and Elizabeth turned it out in a truly incredible Elie Saab number. Josh Hutcherson also hit the red carpet with his costars despite battling a case of strep throat over the weekend - both he and Jennifer came down with the bug, and Josh had to miss promo duties at a London photocall as well as an appearance on the German talk show Wetten, dass . . ? on Saturday. Also on hand for the big night were Donald Sutherland, Jena Malone, Natalie Dormer, Sam Claflin, and Lorde, who contributed three songs for the movie's soundtrack. Keep reading for photos from the world premiere of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1, and be sure to check out the fiery final trailer for the movie before its Nov. 21 release. | 6 | 2,547 | entertainment |
If you enjoy avocado as much as I do, then you're going to love today's article: I've got five fresh avocado recipes for you. Specifically, avocado toast. The concept is fairly simple. Mash up half an avocado with salt, pepper, and some sort of acid (lemon or lime juice) to taste. The flavors should be bright without covering up the cool grassiness of the avocado. Spread this mash over a lightly toasted piece of bread, and you have avocado toast. It's that easy! I like to use whole-wheat bread here, but sourdough or country bread would also work well. Avocado toast can be enjoyed for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Avocado is packed with healthy fat and nutrients, so I find that just 1 slice can keep me full and satisfied until my mid-morning meal. I've also served these luscious green beauties as an appetizer (on thin slices of seedy baguette). To take things up a notch, here are four variations on the basic avocado toast plus simple instructions for perfecting the original, no-frills version. Avocado Toast, Five Ways If you enjoy avocado as much as I do, then you're going to love today's article: I've got five fresh avocado recipes for you. Specifically, avocado toast. The concept is fairly simple. Mash up half an avocado with salt, pepper, and some sort of acid (lemon or lime juice) to taste. The flavors should be bright without covering up the cool grassiness of the avocado. Spread this mash over a lightly toasted piece of bread, and you have avocado toast. It's that easy! I like to use whole-wheat bread here, but sourdough or country bread would also work well. Avocado toast can be enjoyed for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Avocado is packed with healthy fat and nutrients, so I find that just 1 slice can keep me full and satisfied until my mid-morning meal. I've also served these luscious green beauties as an appetizer (on thin slices of seedy baguette). To take things up a notch, here are four variations on the basic avocado toast plus simple instructions for perfecting the original, no-frills version. See more: Recipes using avocado Avocado Toast Ingredients: 1/2 avocado, pit removed and flesh scooped from the skin Freshly squeezed lime juice Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 thick slice of bread, lightly toasted Instructions: 1. Add avocado to a small bowl with lime juice, kosher salt, and black pepper to taste. Coarsely mash, then spread over toasted bread. 2. Sprinkle with a little extra black pepper, and enjoy immediately! See more: Ideas for snacks Egg And Bacon Avocado Toast Ingredients: 1/2 avocado, pit removed and flesh scooped from the skin Freshly squeezed lime juice Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 thick slice of bread, lightly toasted 2 slices cooked bacon 1 egg, fried or sunny side up Thinly sliced chive Instructions: 1. Add avocado to a small bowl with lime juice, kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Coarsely mash, then spread over toasted bread. 2. Layer on bacon and egg. Top with additional kosher salt, black pepper, and thinly sliced chive. See more: Vegetarian breakfast recipes Bacon And Frisée Avocado Toast Ingredients: 1/2 avocado, pit removed and flesh scooped from the skin Freshly squeezed lemon juice Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 thick slice of bread, lightly toasted Torn frisée 1 slices cooked bacon, crumbled Instructions: 1. Add avocado to a small bowl with lemon juice, kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Coarsely mash, then spread over toasted bread. 2. Top with torn frisée and crumbled bacon. Finish with a final squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkling of kosher salt. See more: Toast recipes Tomato Basil Avocado Toast Ingredients: 1/2 avocado, pit removed and flesh scooped from the skin Freshly squeezed lemon juice Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 thick slice of bread, lightly toasted 2 slices tomato Thinly sliced red onion Balsamic vinegar Small basil leaves Instructions: 1. Add avocado to a small bowl with lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper to taste. Coarsely mash, then spread over toasted bread. 2. Top with tomato and thinly sliced red onion to taste. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, a sprinkling of kosher salt and black pepper, and a scattering of small basil leaves. See more: Vegetarian lunch ideas Corn, Chile, And Lime Avocado Toast Ingredients: 1/2 avocado, pit removed and flesh scooped from the skin Freshly squeezed lime juice Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 thick slice of bread, lightly toasted Fresh corn kernels (canned would work here too) Thinly sliced red chile Thinly sliced scallion (white and light green part) Torn cilantro leaves Instructions: 1. Add avocado to a small bowl with lime juice, kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Coarsely mash, then spread over toasted bread. 2. Top with corn kernels, sliced chile (to taste) and sliced scallion (to taste). Finish with a squeeze of lime juice, kosher salt, and a scattering of torn cilantro leaves. See more: Recipes using corn | 0 | 2,548 | foodanddrink |
"Oh, I wasn't expecting you!" actually means.... | 4 | 2,549 | lifestyle |
Who helped their case for the Heisman Trophy in Week 10? Our guys make their picks for the top Heisman candidates. | 1 | 2,550 | sports |
With winter fast approaching, you'll want to make sure you've taken some critical steps to keep your house warm and safe through the colder months. Here are seven simple things you should do now to ensure your house survives winter weather in fine form. Clean Your Gutters It's never a fun task, but cleaning your gutters is one of the most important things you can do to get ready for winter. Gutters that are full of leaves and other debris trap water from rain and snow melt. Then, when the temperatures drop that water turns into ice, which can cause the gutters to pull away from the house and create overhead hazards. Trim Dead Limbs When ice storms hit, trees branches encased with ice become extremely heavy. If those branches are dead or dying, there's a good chance they'll rip away from the tree and plummet to the ground causing damage to anything beneath like your home or car. To avoid the danger, trim dead branches well before winter weather arrives. Have Your Furnace Serviced Your furnace is the very heart of a comfortable winter. So treat it well by calling a pro to conduct an annual check-up to make sure it stays strong all season long. Your contractor will clean the furnace to remove dust that could hamper its function, replace dirty filters, and ensure it's not venting harmful exhaust into your home. Seal Drafts Weatherstripping is probably the least expensive way to save the most amount of money this winter. For doors, install the strips on both the jam and door itself for the tightest fit and be sure a sweep is installed at the bottom. For windows, put foam or rubber stripping on the top and bottom edges and seal sides with removable strips. Replace Missing Roof Shingles If there are any roof shingles that have gone AWOL, now is the time to replace them. Water that leaks through missing shingles are bad any time of the year, but they're especially problematic in the winter when water that enters your attic can freeze, cracking wood beams. Drain Water Lines If you have a sprinkler system, be sure to turn off the water that feeds them and have the lines professionally blown out in order to avoid the possibility of cracked pipes as water turns to ice and expands. Also be sure to remove garden hoses and protect hose bibs with Styrofoam covers. Cover Doors and Windows Installing a storm door can increase your home's energy efficiency by 45% and storm windows also improve how using plastic sheet insulation over your windows. Most install in minutes, tighten with a blow dryer and can cut down on heat loss dramatically. | 4 | 2,551 | lifestyle |
So the number "13" apparently is bad luck for Obamacare, too. Federal officials on Monday sought to lower expectations for upcoming enrollment in Obamacare, announcing that they now believe that only between 9 million and 9.9 million people will be enrolled in Affordable Care Act health insurance plans by the end of 2015. That is well below the 13 million people that the Congressional Budget Office has projected for Obamacare enrollment by the end of 2015. Open enrollment for 2015 plans resumes Saturday. The new projection, more than 30 percent reduced from the CBO estimate, comes from the Health and Human Services Department, which oversees the Obamacare health reform program. HHS also said it now appears that it will take longer perhaps quite a bit longer than 2017 to reach a "steady state" of 25 million Obamacare enrollees that CBO had been projecting for 2017 enrollment. Read More: Obamacare challenge set for Supreme Court showdown The reduced projection is due to recent data showing "mixed evidence" about how quickly and how dramatically people will shift from employer-sponsored health insurance and non-Obamacare plans into insurance plans sold on government-run marketplaces such as HealthCare.gov, according to HHS. HHS noted that the Congressional Budget Office had assumed there would be "significant shifts over three years" from people in employer insurance and in so-called "off-Marketplace" individual plans. But now, given new data, "there is considerable uncertainty that a large shift will occur over the new two years," HHS said in a report about the new projection. "This contributes to an analysis that the ramp up to 25 million will take more than three years." "I wouldn't characterize it as an error," said an HHS official during a conference call with reporters when asked why the CBO numbers are so different from what HHS is now projecting. The official, who spoke on the condition of not being identified, said HHS was working off data that was more recent that what CBO had used for its projections made in April. But the revised projections are almost certain to draw flak from Congressional Republicans, who have harshly criticized Obamacare for years. HHS also said Monday that there are about 7.1 million people currently enrolled in Obamacare plans. Read More: Obamacare: You can pay less, but shop around HHS said it assumes that 83 percent of current enrollees, or 5.9 million people, will renew coverage for 2015. The department also said that by the close of open enrollment on Feb. 15, it expects a total of between 10.3 million and 11.2 million will be signed up for Obamacare plans, but expects that number to drift lower by the end of 2015. HHS did not say how long it believes it will take to get to the 25 million enrollee projection made by CBO last April. "We have not come up with our own a steady state estimate yet," an HHS official said. "It's going to take longer than three years." "In the early years of any new program, there is a high degree of uncertainty about projections; actual enrollment could be significantly higher or lower," the department noted in its report. The department also said it believes that most of the new enrollment in Obamacare plans for 2015 "is likely to come from the ranks of the uninsured." The department's analysis projects there will be about three to four previously uninsured new enrollee for each new enrollee who comes from people who had had individual plans sold off the Obamacare exchanges. HealthCare.gov and the 15 Obamacare exchanges run by the District of Columbia and individual states first began operations in October 2014. After two months of disastrously low enrollment as a result of technical problems on HealthCare.gov, enrollment strongly picked up in the first quarter of 2014. By the close of open enrollment last April, there were about 8.1 million people enrolled in Obamacare plans. Read More: Buh, bye: Feds move to close Obamacare loophole That number has fallen by about 1 million since then, as result of people either failing to pay their premiums, obtaining insurance elsewhere, being removed from the insurance rolls because they lacked proof of citizenship or legal immigration status, or other reasons. Most current Obamacare enrollees will be automatically re-enrolled in their current plans, unless they opt for another plan. -By CNBC's Dan Mangan | 5 | 2,552 | news |
When they came face to face with an angry broker whose business was threatened by their new website, Maker's Row, Matthew Burnett and Tanya Menendez knew they were on to something. "He came to our office and threatened to shut down the site because that was his livelihood," Burnett said in the Brooklyn, New York, office of Maker's Row, the site they believe is making it easier and cheaper for entrepreneurs get their products made in the U.S. "It was a telling sign of the disruption that was going on in the industry," Menendez said. She recalled the incident had left her looking both ways when leaving the office. "This is like a big guy, who comes in ... huge presence. We felt really uncomfortable, but it was also really enlightening for us." Despite the decline in U.S. manufacturing, a "Made in the USA" label is still desirable in global markets. It brings a certain assurance that products are made according to high production standards, using safe materials. Over the years, that label has also become synonymous with high labor costs. But the cost of foreign labor is on the rise, and it's beginning to level the playing field for U.S. manufacturers. Finding a domestic manufacturer, however, can be time consuming. Most brands don't like to share manufacturing information because they don't want to help their competition. "It was almost taboo to ask," Burnett said. Plus, many older manufacturers don't have their own websites, which only compounds the domestic sourcing challenge. One way to find a manufacturer is to get help from a broker, if you can find one. They aren't always easy to track down. If you can afford the broker costs, you buy a list of manufacturers that might be able to make your product. It's a system Burnett found troublesome. "Some of these consultants were basically hoarding the information and charging $5,000. It's impossible. Five to $10,000 for any small business?" Burnett said. "I would never pay that. I couldn't pay it. I'm paying $10,000 for maybe my first run of products." Burnett has first-hand experience in the maze of domestic manufacturing. Before starting Maker's Row, Burnett founded two small businesses . He studied design in school and was lucky enough to design watches for Marc Jacobs and DKNY. It was a dream since his childhood in Detroit, where he saw his grandfather make watches. In 2007, he began to market his own brand, Steel Cake. Using connections he'd developed through big designers, he had product made in China, which presented hurdles. Larger orders get priority, and it can take months for shipments to arrive in the U.S. So Burnett had to build inventory without knowing whether it would sell. He also couldn't afford to have staff on site to monitor the process for quality control. One costly mistake was enough to put him out of business, "There's this manufacturing error that occurred in about $35,000 worth of lost merchandise. I couldn't take it," Burnett recalled. "It ended up being just too much of a gamble being so far away from my manufacturing facilities." So he got out of watches and began crafting leather goods, sourcing materials and manufacturing locally in New York City. His new brand, Brooklyn Bakery, began to take off, but the search for manufacturing help took months, diverting his attention from designing, marketing and selling goods. Enter Menendez. She's a marketer with experience at Google and Goldman Sachs. She not only helped Burnett find manufacturers, but also helped build a direct-to-consumer business, bringing Brooklyn Bakery to shopping sites and eventually building a consumer site of its own. Together, Burnett and Menendez saw the power that local production brought to small business owners . "We'd get the shipment back within a few days, and it was amazing. It was a very low-risk, very profitable type of business," Menendez said. Burnett said that managing the size of orders was the key to their success. "When I was producing domestically, I wasn't producing a thousand of each product. I was producing a dozen of each product. That means that I'm able to test the market. See what works and press the pedal to the metal, when I see that something is moving." As they met with manufacturers and other entrepreneurs, especially the start-ups selling their wares on websites like Etsy and Shopify, Menendez and Burnett began to realize that the search for manufacturing help was a constant issue. So they decided to do something about it. Maker's Row went live in November of 2012. Within months, they learned it wasn't just small businesses that needed help finding U.S. manufacturers. The problem was much bigger than that. "Big brands are having this problem, too. We see that Wal-Mart (WMT) is signing up. We see that Burberry is signing up. These are the kings of industry that we're looking at here," Burnett said. Big brands using Maker's Row was a big surprise "because if anyone was to have this information, we thought that it would be the big brands." The timing is certainly good for Maker's Row. There's a lot of confidence among U.S. manufacturers these days. A recent survey by the Boston Consulting Group revealed that 16 percent of the 252 U.S. manufacturers who responded are reshoring jobs from China, a 20 percent jump from a year ago, and more than double the number from February 2012. Back then, Burnett and Menendez were just beginning to wonder how they could find enough manufacturers to make Maker's Row a success. It was a tough sell at first, but they began to list manufacturers on the site for free, which turned out to be a smart move because some of them saw almost immediate results. "People started to see leads before Maker's Row asked them to sign up for their service," according to Mitch Cahn, who runs Unionwear, a maker of baseball caps and bags in Newark, New Jersey. With leads in hand, it became much easier for Burnett and Menendez to sign up other manufacturers. "We get several inquiries a day from Maker's Row," said Cahn, who bought a former baseball cap factory in nearby Jersey City in 1992, when, he said, there were about 400 baseball cap manufacturers in the United States. These days, he said, there are only about four but he believes the playing field for domestic manufacturers has leveled because the cost of labor overseas is climbing dramatically, making "Made in USA" more of a reality, than a lofty ambition. "There had been interest before but it was really a lot of talk," he said. "Now that the price differential is so much smaller, people are saying, 'Hmmm, I may spend another 20 percent to get a product 'Made in the USA.' Five years ago, it might have been another 100 percent." Local governments have gotten on board to help Maker's Row, hoping to help their local manufacturers at the same time. They've had a large number of sign-ups in Los Angeles and Chicago, too. In about two years they've signed up approximately 5,000 manufacturers. A good thing, because there are also about 50,000 brands using the site to look for help. Subscriptions to Maker's Row begin at $25 a month. It's a similar story at Genil Accessories in Brooklyn, where Gina Bihm and her staff make bow ties and neckties for the likes of Vineyard Vines and Marc Jacobs. Despite her big-name clients, Bihm says she also tries to help the little guy create a sample, if they can find her. "I don't turn away no one. No one," she said. Bihm said the recession that began in 2007 nearly put her out of business. At the time she was shipping out about 20,000 pieces per year. In 2008 and 2009 work was hard to come by. Her entire staff, once numbering about 20 full-timers, was cut to zero. She needed a loan to pay the rent on her work space. She still has only 11 full-time employees, but she says business is better than ever. With bow ties back in vogue, they're making about 4,000 units per week now, and that was before she found Maker's Row. They're practically around the corner from each other, but Bihm only signed onto Maker's Row during the summer. "The phone calls doubled. I picked up about seven new customers and they all came from Maker's Row," Bihm said. The 2-year-old website also works for entrepreneurs, including Andrew Kessler, Ari Klaristenfeld and Alexa Nigro, who began making their scarf product , called the "Scough," with built-in carbon breathing filters,by hand in Brooklyn last winter. Within months they were having trouble keeping up with demand. They looked two months for a manufacturer before trying Maker's Row. Two weeks later, they'd found MCM Enterprises, nearby in Brooklyn. "We found that it was cheaper for us to manufacture here in the U.S. than it would be for us to produce in China or India," Klaristenfeld said. "We're starting to send thousands and thousands of Scoughs to China which is this really interesting anomaly, where we're making something in Brooklyn and, uh, it's going to China because there's brand, quality assurance that a lot of Chinese manufacturers can't get," Kessler said. Those are the same reasons that Burnett believes Maker's Row has seen some foreign businesses come online looking for U.S. manufacturing. "We're looking to change the rule of thumb," Burnett said. "We're changing that mindset by showing people where they can produce and manufacture locally because this is a global shift right now." By Andy Rothman. | 3 | 2,553 | finance |
Three weeks and counting Auburn fumbled (twice) its way out of the playoff. TCU played its way into (or at least very close), and Arizona State stayed alive while emphatically eliminating Notre Dame. Alabama's dreams did not die in Death Valley, and Oregon piled on late after falling behind early and getting the gift of one of the wackiest plays you'll ever see. How should the Final Four look with Week 11 in the books? Click through this gallery to take a look. Mississippi State The Bulldogs have wins over LSU and Auburn but face their toughest test of the season on Saturday when they travel to Tuscaloosa to face No. 5 Alabama. Dan Mullen's team is 9-0 and just two wins have come by single digits. Dak Prescott is a strong No. 2 in the Heisman Trophy race, behind the quarterback of another team on this list. Florida State The Seminoles' road to 9-0 has been well-stocked with controversy and close calls while being light on marquee wins. The Seminoles have just two against teams in this week's top 25, but it's worth noting that one (at Clemson) came without quarterback Jameis Winston. It's also worth noting that Clemson, at No. 15, is FSU's highest-ranked opponent this season. It won't face anyone ranked higher until it reaches the playoff. That said, undefeated is undefeated and as long as FSU keeps on winning, it won't drop below No. 2. If Alabama beats Mississippi State this week, the defending champion Noles will reclaim their spot atop the polls. Oregon Marcus Mariota is college football's best player and since losing to Arizona at home on Oct. 2, the Ducks have five wins by 12 points or more, including two over top 25 teams. Oregon's Sept. 6 win over Michigan State is still the highlight of its resume, but a likely showdown with Arizona State awaits in the Pac-12 Championship Game. Oregon doesn't need any help, and that title game is more hurdle than springboard. TCU The Frogs earned one of college football's best wins this season with a three-touchdown rout of Kansas State in a matchup of top 10 teams on Saturday night. Trevone Boykin has played his way back into the thick of the Heisman Trophy picture and the Frogs have played a tougher schedule than my No. 5 team, Alabama, to this point. Both teams have just one win over a team in this week's top 25, but TCU boasts wins over Oklahoma, Kansas State, West Virginia and Minnesota. Alabama's overtime win at LSU on Saturday was its best of the season and only win against a top 25 team. Beyond West Virginia and Texas A&M, Alabama's resume is short on quality wins. Just missed: Alabama and Baylor. Both teams could play their way into the playoff and possibly jump the Frogs if Florida State and Oregon don't lost. Alabama hosts No. 1 Mississippi State this week and hosts Auburn to close the season before a possible date with Georgia or Missouri in the SEC title game. Baylor is idle this week, but closes the season with Kansas State at home that might springboard it into the top four. | 1 | 2,554 | sports |
If movie weddings resembled anything close to the truth, we don't think anyone would ever make it down the aisle. Grooms can't get it together. Brides become the enemy of all. No one can manage to forever hold their peace. And, don't even get us started on the long-suffering bridesmaids. A subset of the rom-com, this genre consists of comedies of error that rely on the same tropes over and over again. And, after attending more than our fair share of real-life weddings, we are relieved to report that they are not the horror shows Hollywood would have us believe. But, since perhaps there's no type of movie easier to pick apart, we rounded up 25 pieces of evidence that prove that these films and real life have very little common. Photo: Courtesy of 20th Century Fox. Your bridesmaid dress is your nemesis. 27 Dresses This just looks like a 7-year-old's birthday cake. Photo: Courtesy of Tristar Pictures You can get caught trying to break up the bride and groom and still be maid of honor. My Best Friend's Wedding Don't think you can hide behind a giant cell phone either. Photo: Courtesy of Universal Pictures. If you spend the whole night video-taping the bride, nobody will think it's weird. Love Actually Save it for the declaration-of-never-ending-love signs you hold up outside her door. Photo: Courtesy of Universal Pictures. If you can't find a date, you should hire a male prostitute. The Wedding Date They're not cheap. Photo: Courtesy of Universal Pictures. Wilson Phillips will perform at the reception. Bridesmaids We suggest you book your DJ now. Photo: Courtesy of Summit Entertainment. You can invite the other guy and dance with him in the woods. Twilight: Breaking Dawn, Part 1 It's not a werewolf bar mitzvah. Photo: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures. People will continue to RSVP no matter how many times you run away at the altar. Runaway Bride You get exactly zero times to do this. Photo: Courtesy of Miramax Films. If you end your green-card marriage early, he'll totally understand. Muriel's Wedding You know if there were a Muriel's Wedding 2, they would fall in love for real. Photo: Courtesy of New Line Cinema. You'll fall in love with your wedding singer. The Wedding Singer You're not even trying to make it work if this happens. Photo: Courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment. The bride will change her mind at the altar. The Graduate It is too late. Photo: Courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures. When you run into an ex you're still pining over at a wedding, it will be great. (500) Days Of Summer Ha, ha! Hollywood. Photo: Courtesy of Universal Pictures. Nothing will go wrong if you invite three men who might be your dad to your wedding. Mamma Mia! Song and dance won't save you. If you spend enough time together, you'll eventually fall in love and get married. Bridget Jones's Diary You've just got to not want it enough. Photo: Courtesy of Universal Pictures. Your very own crush will be waiting outside the wedding for you. Sixteen Candles The disproportionate number of people who wait outside doors in movies is a danger to us all. Photo: Courtesy of 20th Century Fox. If your families oppose your marriage, you should probably just kill yourself. Romeo + Juliet Did people not run away in Shakespeare's day? Photo: Courtesy of New Line Cinema. You will be the object of someone's unwanted and relentless affection. Wedding Crashers Gird your loins...never. Photo: Courtesy of 20th Century Fox. The less you want the bride's bouquet, the more likely you are to get it. Picture PerfectFlowers can't actually smell fear. Photo: Courtesy of Columbia Pictures. You can trade your fiancé for your wedding planner. The Wedding Planner This would be a direct breach of the Wedding Planner's Code Of Ethics. Photo: Courtesy of The Weinstein Company. Bridesmaids make fun of the bride. The Bachelorette Well, this might happen, but it shouldn't. Photo: Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Your future in-laws totally won't care if you tried to dupe them for a green card. The ProposalNope. Photo: Courtesy of IFC Films. Wedding-day acne can be cured with Windex. My Big Fat Greek Wedding And, we were worried about using it on non-mirrored surfaces. Photo: Courtesy of 20th Century Fox. You can go from fighting in the aisle to bride and bridesmaid in five minutes. Bride Wars At least, take 10. Photo: Courtesy of Touchstone Pictures. It's really the father of the bride's big day. Father Of The Bride It really isn't and dads know that. Photo: Courtesy of Columbia Pictures. The couple will declare they're not in love and kiss. The Sweetest Thing But, if somehow this did happen, we wouldn't cancel the party either. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Entertainment. If you're sleeping with your friend's fiancé, she'll get over it in a few months. Something Borrowed You can't dance something like that out. | 4 | 2,555 | lifestyle |
Jenson Button is ready to make a dignified exit from Formula One and says he has nothing to prove after finishing a typically smooth fourth in Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix. The 2009 world champion, set to be replaced by two-time champion Fernando Alonso at McLaren next year, said he felt he remained capable of racing at the highest level. The 34-year-old Briton said: "I feel I'm doing a pretty good job at the moment. I've got nothing to prove and this is what I've done for 15 years. "I'll always do my best and sometimes it isn't enough but here it was. "I think I've had 'it' since I was 20 years old -- and I think my experience showed today. "I'm really happy with P4 - you always want more to challenge for the podium - and we thought we were sort of playing with the Williams at one point but it wasn't the case. "I enjoyed the race, a great battle with Kimi (Raikkonen) and to beat both Red Bulls, both Ferraris and a Williams is not a bad day's work. "That's all I can do right now, go out there and enjoy my racing and I loved it out there. You have good days and you have bad days when you're in the situation I am (in), in terms of mentally, but I don't think any of the days on the circuit have been negative, they've always been positive so I'm happy." Button declined to discuss his future - a decision on Alonso leaving Ferrari for McLaren has yet to be announced -- but made clear he wished to continue racing. "I'm not ready to stop racing, no," he said. "I'm here to race, do the best job I can which is what I try and do every weekend. Sometimes it doesn't work out but most of the time it does. "All you've got to do is drive the car as fast as you can and carry yourself as well as you can. That's all you can do and the rest isn't in your hands." | 1 | 2,556 | sports |
Because really, how better to celebrate the holiday? Not Pleased This guy was dressed up as a Turkey Day feast in front of a studio audience on the "Martha Stewart Show." But as you can see, he doesn't appear too happy about it.Love This? Follow Us on Pinterest.Photo via MarthaStewart.com Homemade Nothing like a hand-knit turkey hat and matching bloomers to make the holiday more special.Love This? Follow Us on Pinterest.Photo via Ali Express One Famous Little Bird Believe it or not, this little cutie is none other than Jimmy Fallon's daughter, Winnie. Her proud papa shared the photo of his little girl last year on Instagram, and the Internet promptly freaked out. (For obvious reasons.)But if you think this is cute, get a load of her dressed as a chicken at 3 months old.Love This? Follow Us on Pinterest.Photo via Instagram Stuffed Hey, at least he's enjoying himself.Love This? Follow Us on Pinterest.Photo via Makezine Drumstick Hat Too. Stinking. Cute.Love This? Follow Us on Pinterest.Photo by Jill Erwich via Bebe Fashion Cry Baby "Whyyyy Mom, whyyy?"Love This? Follow Us on Pinterest.Photo via VH1 Feasting Time "Hey Mom, could you please pass the gravy?"Love This? Follow Us on Pinterest.Photo via Yummly Feathered Friend Well isn't this just about the most adorable thing we've seen all week ...Love This? Follow Us on Pinterest.Photo via Amazon Dinner Is Served This turkey's DONE!Love This? Follow Us on Pinterest.Photo via Best Moms TV Four-Legged Turkey Yes, folks your baby can look this creepy, too. And all for the bargain price of $30 from Amazon!Love This? Follow Us on Pinterest.Photo via Amazon | 4 | 2,557 | lifestyle |
If you found yourself fangirling over the supersexy guy in Taylor Swift's new "Blank Space" music video, well, you're not alone. His name is Sean O'Pry, and it's likely that you recognize him, as he's one of the most successful male models in the industry, with a résumé that basically reads like the who's who of fashion. The 25-year-old hottie was born and raised in Georgia, and he was first discovered via Myspace, when America's Next Top Model judge Nolé Marin spotted Sean's prom pictures. Take a look at some seriously handsome snaps, then do yourself a favor and follow Sean on Twitter and on Instagram, where he shares plenty of hot modeling pictures. (You're welcome.) Source: H&M / David Roemer | 6 | 2,558 | entertainment |
Britain has used its unmanned aerial drones in Iraq for the first time to strike Islamic State jihadists, the Ministry of Defence said Monday. Over the weekend, a remotely-piloted Reaper aircraft successfully launched a missile attack on IS extremists near Baiji, north of Baghdad, where they were planting improvised explosive devices, the MoD said. The Reaper drones have been re-deployed from Afghanistan, where Britain this month ended its combat operations after 13 years fighting the Taliban insurgency. "A series of coalition missions were conducted near Baiji, north of Baghdad, where ISIL (Islamic State) terrorists were laying improvised explosive devices," the MoD said. "The Reaper Remotely Piloted Air System, using procedures identical to those of manned aircraft, successfully attacked the terrorists using a Hellfire missile. "UK Reaper continued to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assistance to coalition aircraft which enabled them to conduct further strikes." Reapers are remotely controlled by pilots based at the Waddington Royal Air Force base in Lincolnshire, eastern England. The US-made drones are normally armed with two Paveway laser-guided bombs and four Hellfire missiles for precision strikes. Britain also has eight Cyprus-based RAF Tornado fighter jets conducting bombing raids on IS targets in Iraq. The MoD also said Monday that the Tornados last week used Brimstone precision-guided missiles to destroy IS armed pick-up trucks. And on Sunday, an RAF aircraft destroyed a shipping container west of Baghdad. The MoD said the container was "used by the terrorists to store equipment to support extortion and control of the local population". Meanwhile other RAF aircraft, including tankers, transport and surveillance platforms, also continue to support coalition air operations. Britain has provided heavy weapons to Kurdish peshmerga fighters battling IS, and training in how to use them. London however has repeatedly insisted it will not be deploying combat troops on the ground. | 5 | 2,559 | news |
Craziest Cars: The Wildest 2014 SEMA Show Cars Craziest Cars of SEMA Show The 2014 SEMA Show was bursting at the seams with modified vehicles. There were good builds . There were questionable builds. And then there were those that were just plain bonkers. Here, we take a look at 10 examples of the latter. Boombox on Wheels What would Fred Flintstone drive if he got tired of running? Probably this thing that was on display at the Accele Electronics booth. It's essentially a golf cart that's been converted to a boombox on wheels, which also features an entertainment system that Bamm-Bamm Rubble would likely enjoy. Tron Audi R8 at the LLumar Window Film booth Built by West Coast Customs, the Tron R8 is beautifully over the top, with a chrome paint finish as well as color-changing LEDs in the front grille, on those amazing wheels, and even inside the car. We wish the project car maintained the contrast between the paint finish and the side blade styling feature that visually references the car's mid-engine layout, but regardless, this one is as crazy as an R8 can get. Chevrolet Camaro by Starr Alloy Wheels Presenting the Chevrolet Camaro SUV. Prepared by Starr Alloy Wheels, a company known for experimenting with outrageous wheels, this Camaro has 34-INCH WHEELS. Enough said. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS "854" A"pparently Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk wasn't the only one working on a dual-motored car. Mr. Gary Higginbotham showed off this beast of a Camaro that's rocking two 7.0-liter LSX V-8 engines combined with a NOS system that reportedly pumps out around 1500 hp. Cah-razy indeed. 2015 Lexus NX 200t by 360 Elite Motorsports Remember how Lexus purposefully overstyled the NX concept to provoke controversy? Well meet the Project NX F Sport at the 2014 SEMA show. Fitted with 21-inch wheels, the overdone Artisan Spirits body kit almost makes the NX look more hatchback than crossover and, in case you're wondering, that paint from Foreign Auto Body is called Molten Pearl. Toyota Corolla on DUBs This Corolla wasn't at the Toyota booth, but was outside surrounded by big trucks and flashy exotics. I probably would've overlooked this Corolla riding on DUBs if it weren't for its green and mustard, matte-finish wrap. Toyota Corolla With Pseudo-Firebird Hood Decal I can always count on SEMA's accessories hall for wacky stuff, and this year didn't disappoint. This black Corolla is sporting neon green decals used on the edges of body panels, bumpers, door guards, and side view mirror caps. It's topped off with a hood decal that appears to be a modern take on the graphic that graced the hoods of second-gen Pontiac Firebirds. BMW Z4 by Ivan Tampi Customs This wide-body BMW Z4 convertible stood out, though not necessarily in a good way. Then again, polarizing reactions are exactly what the owner of a car like this will want, and it's likely a show-stopper almost everywhere except the 2014 SEMA show. With a wide-body kit, the Z4 also had an especially elaborate integrated spoiler lid. Infiniti G37 Convertible by Arlon Graphics It was tough to walk past this special G37 hardtop convertible on the edge of one of the 2014 SEMA show halls without stopping -- and the company also displayed a modified Tesla Model S. Wearing a Florescent Yellow wrap (with a greenish tint), the slammed Infiniti had oversized black wheels for the ultimate in contrast, and a matching yellow Infiniti badge. Toyota "Sleeper" Camry Drag cars are crazy. A drag car wrapped in the body shell of a stock-looking 2015 Toyota Camry SXE is even crazier, and that's exactly what Toyota surprised us with at this year's SEMA show. It should be fun and interesting to see this out on the track. | 9 | 2,560 | autos |
A virus known to attack green algae in lakes and rivers can also infect human brains -- and it's making dummies out of us. The virus, called ATCV-1, can impair cognitive activity, learning and memory, essentially making a person who has the virus less intelligent, researchers in the U.S. have found . Scientists said this is the first time the virus has been observed in people. "This is a striking example showing that the 'innocuous' microorganisms we carry can affect behavior and cognition," Robert Yolken, a virologist at Johns Hopkins Medical School in Maryland, who led the original study, told the Independent . All people have physiological differences "encoded in the set of genes each inherits from parents, yet some of these differences are fueled by the various microorganisms we harbor and the way they interact with our genes," Yolken said. Scientists discovered the virus accidentally while working on an unrelated study into microbes in the human throat. Throat swabs drawn from study volunteers showed unexpected traces of ATCV-1 in their DNA. Out of the 92 healthy adults screened in the study, nearly 44 percent of them had the virus, the authors said. Study participants who had the virus performed around 10 percent worse on cognitive tests. Additionally, researchers noted the presence of the virus was correlated with lower attention spans and a "statistically significant decrease in … visual processing and visual motor speed." While the virus is found in freshwater, there was no indication the only people who had it were swimmers and boaters. "These are agents that we carry around for a long time and that may have subtle effects on our cognition and behavior," Yolken told Healthline . "We're really just starting to find out what some of these agents that we're carrying around might actually do." Subsequent tests involving mice produced similar results, Newsweek reported. Researchers inserted infected green algae into the mouths of mice and had them perform a series of lab tests. It took animals that had been injected with the virus 10 percent longer to find their way out of mazes. They also spent 20 percent less time exploring new objects than uninfected mice, researchers found. | 7 | 2,561 | health |
On a sweltering July day in 2012, Sue Scott and her mother, Sharon, sat on metal chairs in a doctor's office with no pictures on the wall, no curtains, no carpet and no sense of comfort or permanence, waiting to meet the oncologist who would tell them if Scott's cervical cancer had returned and whether it had spread. The 36-year-old real estate agent from Takoma Park thought she had beaten cervical cancer once, after a combination of external radiation, internal radiation and low-dose chemotherapy made her tumor undetectable by a CT scan. But she began to experience sudden abdominal pain three months later, and a doctor found suspicious-looking cells on her cervix. A PET scan was ordered to get a better look at what was happening in her body. About a month after she was diagnosed, Scott had asked her radiation oncologist what would happen if the regimen did not work. The oncologist mentioned exenteration , a nearly medieval-sounding procedure whereby her vagina, bladder, colon and rectum would be removed along with her reproductive organs to rid her body of the cancer. "So basically you would cut off my lower half and stick my legs back on?" Scott would later recall saying, punctuating her words with a contagious giggle. Her humor and affection for the absurd helped sustain her and those who cared for her through the darkest moments of her disease. But there was no doubt her condition was serious. At first, she barely allowed herself to entertain the notion of such a surgery. As time went on and the painful cramps kept her awake at night, she began to wonder if it was her only chance. When the doctor finally entered the room that July day, he told them the news was not good: The cancer had spread to Scott's lymph nodes . Even exenteration would not be an option. The room fell silent. Scott looked over at her mother, who sat frozen. Then she looked back at the doctor. She asked him about her treatment options. "Well," he said. Then came a long pause. The doctor's eyes reddened with tears. "There have to be options," Scott said finally. "So, I could have more radiation?" No. She had already received the maximum amount of radiation anyone could have, he told her. "So, chemo?" No. There is no chemo that can beat metastatic cervical cancer, he answered. The silence grew heavier. A risky approach Scott is not sure how long she had cancer, but it may have started in her 20s, when she began noticing an unusual vaginal discharge. She said she saw her primary-care doctor annually, but never received a diagnosis and was not referred to a gynecologist for follow-up. After her doctor retired, Scott put off finding a gynecologist, thinking there was nothing more to be done to diagnose her problem. About three years passed. In the summer of 2011, she began to see discharge that contained specks of blood. She was diagnosed with a 1.5-inch-long adenocarcinoma, an aggressive type of cancer, on Halloween of that year. Doctors who treated her later told her the cancer had probably been growing for years, possibly a decade or more. Her cancer was a type caused by the human papillomavirus , the most common sexually transmitted infection. Experts say a majority of adults, both men and women, get HPV at some point. Often the body clears the infection on its own, but certain strains of HPV can linger and lead to cancers of the cervix, throat, anus, penis, vagina and vulva. Cervical cancer infects some 12,000 women in the United States each year and kills more than 4,000. With regular screening through Pap smears and HPV tests, cases of cervical cancer have dropped considerably in recent decades, but experts say not all women get screened, and cancers are sometimes missed even in those who do. In June 2012, eight months after Scott was diagnosed with cancer, her mother was found to have uterine cancer and had her uterus removed. Shortly after Scott learned that her cancer had spread, she met with the surgeon who had performed her mother's hysterectomy. He recommended a hysterectomy for Scott, said any cancerous organs or lymph nodes should also be removed, and told her about an immunotherapy trial at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Bethesda. It was an experimental approach, and risky. But there was a chance however slim that it would work. After a century, progress The idea behind immunotherapy is to use the patient's immune system to attack tumors, in hopes of solving what until now has been an impossible medical riddle: how to kill off cancer once it has spread. The first serious attempt at immunotherapy as a cancer treatment was described in a medical journal in 1893, but successes were minimal and doctors remained doubtful of its potential for most of the next century. But some advances, particularly over the past decade, have begun to change the perception that metastatic cancer is a certain death sentence. "The big breakthrough leading to all this enthusiasm is the work on checkpoint inhibitors," said Miriam Merad, professor of oncological sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. Checkpoint inhibitors work by eliminating the disguise that allows cancer cells to hide from the immune system, and big pharmaceutical companies are investing in these drugs to treat cancers of the brain, lungs, kidneys, skin and other organs. The other main breakthrough has been with killer T-cells, or lymphocytes. Scientists select T-cells that had been attacking the tumor, grow more of them in the lab and give them back to the patient in huge numbers. This revamped immune system has helped some patients with melanoma or leukemia see their cancers disappear and stay gone for years. "It is really providing phenomenal hope and enthusiasm among immunologists and also oncologists who never believed before in immunotherapy," Merad said. "So, for the first time, we think it is possible to cure the disease or maybe transform the disease into a chronic disease, and this is why everyone is very excited about it," said Merad, who was not involved in Scott's treatment. However, the process can be toxic and the cost of treatment can be high. Even more, the outcome is anything but certain. It works in some people but not others, and doctors have yet to figure out why. "It is definitely not mainstream," said Stephanie Blank, an oncologist with New York University's Women's Cancer Program. Blank said she has referred some of her advanced cancer patients to clinical trials for immunotherapy, with mixed results. "I can't say I've had anyone have a great response in the trials," she said, aside from one woman who lived longer than expected but eventually succumbed to ovarian cancer. That has not dulled her hope, however, in what she sees as a promising field of research. Several trials Multiple approaches to immunotherapy are now being tested in clinical trials. The one Scott learned of is run by Christian Hinrichs of the National Cancer Institute and is based on an approach for melanoma developed by his boss, Steven Rosenberg, chief of the surgery branch of the institute, which is part of the NIH. Hinrichs's work focuses on the T-cells, white blood cells that target two specific HPV proteins and kill any tumors driven by the virus, effectively destroying the cancer as if it were a viral infection. The process involves extracting a patient's tumor and isolating some of the immune cells that had failed to destroy it. (Those fighter cells, called tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, or TILs, are grown in a lab until there are billions of them that are later infused back into the patient.) After the tumor is removed, a seven-day regimen of intense chemotherapy wipes out the patient's immune system. "It makes immunological space for the new immune system that we grow in the lab and infuse back into the patient," Hinrichs said. Rosenberg's most recently published data on 93 melanoma patients treated with TILs shows that 52 responded to the therapy. Twenty of the 52 saw their cancers disappear, though one had a recurrence after 19 months. The rest have remained cancer-free for five to nine years. When Scott first contacted Hinrichs in October 2012, he told her his trial had had promising results in one of the four patients who had gone through his regimen. Those weren't great odds, but they were better than no chance of survival at all. Scott probably had less than a year to live, doctors said. At least seven tumors were growing throughout her body. One was on her liver; another, the size of a plum, was protruding from her belly. There was a tumor near her colon and another that had begun blocking off one of her ureters, which carry urine from the kidney to the bladder. "Even if it doesn't work for me, maybe the doctors will learn how to help the next woman who ends up here," Scott wrote to friends and family in her Christmas letter that year, describing how she had decided to, in essence, donate her body to science. "Maybe this is the final gift I can offer the world." Taking a personal approach At first, NIH refused to enroll Scott in the trial, citing the blood clots in her lungs and the multiple tumors. There was concern that she might not be able to withstand the arduous treatment. So Scott hand-wrote a letter, filled it with confetti and addressed it "To the kind, heart-led, wise, hard-working and (I'm guessing) dashingly good-looking team of doctors in charge of my fate. From a gal who had an unfortunate string of events that led me to VBC (very bad cancer)." Since it was election season, she also wrote on the envelope: "Vote 'yes' on question Sue Scott!" The personal approach was memorable, but Hinrichs said it did not influence the team's decision. It wasn't until January 2013, after her clots stabilized, that she was accepted into the trial. The tumor on her liver was surgically removed so the team could isolate the fighter cells and grow them in the lab. In March, she endured the week of prescribed chemo. Her hair fell out. She felt nauseated nearly all the time. When the lab-grown cells came, they arrived in an IV bag that looked like it contained condensed milk. It held 75 billion tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. "The infusion of the newly altered TILs was not painful and didn't take very long at all," Scott said. The next morning, she began the second phase of the treatment, which involves doses of interleukin-2, a hormone that encourages the TILs to grow, every eight hours. By the fifth dose, Scott had to be given oxygen day and night. Scott's team of supporters grew, as people from her church prayed for her and friends, relatives and others sent her cards, which soon filled the walls of her hospital room. After a few weeks, she was able to walk out of the NIH Clinical Center, and went home with her mother to recuperate. A significant change A month later, she went back for CT scans of her chest, abdomen and pelvis and an MRI scan of her liver. Hinrichs told her the tumors had shrunk significantly. In particular, the tumor on her abdomen was no longer visible on the scans. Scott hadn't felt that spot since she first realized it was there; she had not wanted to touch it. On learning it was gone, she burst into tears. Two months after the treatment, she returned to NIH again for scans. They revealed no sign of cancer. Sue began giggling and crying, hugging everyone in the room. Sharon felt as though she could fill her lungs for the first time in years. Hinrichs released the first results of his trial at an oncology meeting in May: Two of nine patients Scott and a woman in the Midwest had seen their metastatic tumors disappear. One of the nine initially responded to treatment but the improvement did not last beyond a couple of months. The others' cancers continued to advance, and some have died. The results have not yet been published in a scientific journal. So few patients have been treated that it's too early to give a success rate, project a survival time or say when the experimental treatment might become widely available. And doctors will not call this a cure, preferring to use such words as "complete and ongoing response." Scott's "response is still the fastest, but both patients responded in the same way, and it is really how long that response holds up that is important," Hinrichs said. For Scott, the physical healing far outpaced the mental recovery. She and others in the small but growing ranks of metastatic cancer survivors must overcome post-traumatic stress and the depression that accompanies serious illness; they also must find ways to pay bills that have stacked up and grapple with a life that is not the same as before. For Scott, who is not married, that includes coming to terms with being post-menopausal while most of her friends are having babies. "My life is very different than I thought it would be, very different from anyone my age," Scott said. "But my gratitude for a second chance at life far exceeds any grief I have over the losses cancer cost me." Scott returns to the NIH Clinical Center for scans every few months. Her last appointment was in late October, almost three years to the day since she was diagnosed. Her scans showed no sign of cancer. Sheridan is a health writer for Agence France-Presse in Washington. | 5 | 2,562 | news |
Baby's first holiday can't pass unnoticed. Though she may have more fun with the box than anything in it, there are still plenty of fun gift ideas to add to her toy chest this time of year. From activity gyms and bead toys to an adorable rocker and the softest play mat ever, here are our favorite picks for newborns this year! Caramel Rocking Horse Go back to basics with Janod's beautifully constructed Caramel Rocking Horse ($100), which features a smart support frame to keep the smallest riders safe and sturdy. The frame can be removed when your baby's equestrian skills advance to the next level. Skip Hop Treetop Friends Busy Bead Tree Skip Hop's line of wooden toys is full of great items that encourage infant development. Among our favorites is the Treetop Friends Busy Bead Tree ($25). With 13 beads and the brand's cute characters, it's sure to keep the attention of little ones. Skip Hop Giraffe Safari Activity Toy Skip Hop's Giraffe Safari Activity Toy ($15) includes eight multisensory activities and a triangle ring that lets you attach the cute giraffe anywhere! Chambray Whale Pull Toy As baby begins to crawl, cruise, and eventually take those first steps on their own, they'll want the comfort of a friend to take along with them. Restoration Hardware's simple and sweet chambray whale pull toys ($59) come in petal or gray on a weathered wooden base. Happy Pop-Up Why is this cute toy called the Happy Pop-Up ($22)? Babies can push down on the colorful characters, and they'll happily pop up! Knit Stacker A softer take on the traditional stacking rings ($79), this knit set from The Land of Nod is a great toy for helping infants develop their motor skills. Unicorn Rocker There's no doubt that unicorns are having a "moment," and while your baby may not be following the trends quite yet, this plush rocker from Pottery Barn Kids ($169) adds an element of whimsy to any nursery or playroom. You can also personalize it with an optional monogram or baby's full name. Spherovelo Ride-On Car Set their standards in vehicles high from an early age with the award-winning Spherovelo Ride-On Car ($110). Baby Block Personalized Ornaments Commemorate the first Christmas of a special new addition with a customized baby block ornament ($40) that's just for them. Available in green, natural, and red, these are sure to become a holiday heirloom. Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Learning Kitchen Fisher-Price's Laugh and Learn Learning Kitchen ($40) is full of activities for babies, inside and out. Babies can open and close the refrigerator, flip the light switch, and stir the soup, while enjoying more than 20 sing-along songs and musical activities. There's even an introduction to Spanish! Rattle Booties What's better than a cozy pair of knit baby booties ($32)? A pair that rattles! These rattle booties from Finn and Emma are so sweet and will give babies who've just discovered their feet something new to do with them. MiYim Cat in the Hat Plush Stroller Toy MiYim's organic Cat in the Hat stroller toy ($16) is made from cotton that's untreated, unprocessed, and unbleached and is a sweet way to introduce tots to the iconic literary figure. Janod Zigolos Pingoo Stacker and Rocker Janod's magnet stacking toys are always a favorite of ours, and the Pingoo penguin stacker and rocker ($18) may be the cutest of the bunch! I'm So Glad You're Here Giant Book A new addition to the playroom bookshelf is always a welcome gift, but when that book is larger than life ($149), it becomes a holiday highlight. Babies will love the tactile nature of this megasize soft book from The Land of Nod, and it's a gift that can grow with them as they learn to maneuver the pages and even read it themselves. B. Baa-Baa-Barn Farm House Babies through toddlers love exploring B. Toys' interactive barn ($35), which is packed with sensory experiences including lights, sounds, doors that open and shut, and even a spiraling silo. Brindille Activity Donkey Moulin Roty's Brindille Donkey ($54) is soft and sweet, but there's so much more to him than that! A squishy belly, feet that rattle, and an attached ring, carrot, and mirror make for plenty of interactive fun. Haba Aircraft Baby Swing For babies up to 12 months, Haba's Aircraft Baby Swing ($133) is as cute as it is fun. A rattling propeller adds a little extra vroom, and the adjustable height, seat, and straps help accommodate growing infants. Plush Lamb Floor Pillow Have you ever seen a floor mat as plush as this one from RH Baby and Child? The Textured Plush Floor Pillow ($39) comes in five animal varieties, but we're partial to this sweet lamb! Max Daniel Baby Blanket These supersoft baby blankets ($76) come in a fun array of animal-print, polka dot, and floral designs and are just the right size for your little one to snuggle in the stroller. Jellycat Fuddlewuddle Lion Plush Toy No matter your price point or the size of the gift recipient's home, there's a place for Jellycat's snuggly Fuddlewuddle Lion Plush Toy. He comes in a range of sizes from $25-$75. | 4 | 2,563 | lifestyle |
Miley Cyrus, Miranda Lambert and more blondes of November Winter may be on the horizon, but there are a slew of hot blondes with birthdays in November heating up the season. Take Miley Cyrus, who's set to turn 22 on the 23rd. We remember when she was just a little girl on the Disney channel. Boy, has she grown up! Keep clicking to check out more sunny-haired celebs with birthdays this month. Country cutie Miranda Lambert showed off her slimmed down body just in time for her 30th birthday last year. And she's definitely kept it off and then some for her 31st on Nov. 10! Doesn't the "Automatic" singer look so fabulous these days with her toned bod and blonde locks? Married life looks good on Kaley Cuoco. "The Big Bang Theory" starlet, who tied the knot with Ryan Sweeting earlier in the year, is set to celebrate her 29th birthday on Nov. 30. We wonder if she'll keep her fun blonde pixie cut for much longer. Blonde bombshell Jenny McCarthy turned 42 on Nov. 1. But she had a lot more to celebrate than just her birthday. The former "The View" co-host also got married to fellow actor Donnie Wahlberg this year. New mom Scarlett Johansson may be too busy doting on her baby girl Rose, born in September, to celebrate her birthday on Nov. 22. But she'd better carve out a bit of time seeing as she's turning the big 3-0! Can you believe it's been 10 years since "The Notebook" was released? Regardless of how much time has passed, we still have so much love for the romantic movie's strawberry blonde leading lady Rachel McAdams, who's going to be 36 on Nov. 17. We hope that as Rita Ora gets older she doesn't lose her super-fun sense of style. The blonde "Black Widow" singer is set to turn 24 on Nov. 26. Christina Applegate has come a long way since playing ditzy teenager Kelly Bundy on "Married ... With Children." Now she's a proud mama to her daughter Sadie and she's set to turn 43 on Nov. 25. We wonder how Rebecca Romijn manages to stay lookin' so young and vibrant when she's raising twins! No matter how the blondie does it, good for her! The "X-Men" actress celebrated her 42nd birthday on Nov. 6. November is a big month for blonde Katherine Heigl. She's set to return to TV in the new NBC show "State of Affairs" on the 17th and her 36th birthday is on the 24th. We fell in love with Ellen Pompeo on the hit TV series "Grey's Anatomy." It's hard to believe that in real life the blonde turned 45 on Nov. 10. Meg Ryan is set to celebrate her 53rd birthday on Nov. 19. Isn't it crazy that she was only 27 years old when "When Harry Met Sally" was released in 1989? Tara Reid turned 39 on Nov. 8. No matter how old the blonde gets, we'll always remember her as high schooler Vicky in the 1999 classic comedy "American Pie." Platinum blondie Natasha Bedingfield will be celebrating her 33rd birthday on Nov. 26. We still have her song "Unwritten" stuck in our heads from when it was the theme song for the reality-TV show "The Hills." Goldie Hawn is ageless! She's turning 69 years old on Nov. 21, but still looks like she could be her daughter Kate Hudson's sister. Jodie Foster has had a very long career and is still going strong. Did you know she starred in her first commercial at the age of 3? And now the dirty-blonde actress is set to turn 52 years old on Nov. 19. | 6 | 2,564 | entertainment |
When Scott Spitz was faced with a cancer diagnosis, he coped by focusing on one of his strongest passions: his ability to run. The Runner's World Cover contest winner joined HuffPost Live host Caroline Modarressy-Tehrani to discuss how his dedication to training has helped keep his spirits high through his tough battle. "Running was a part of my life leading into my cancer diagnosis, and so a huge part of it was to retain my life after diagnosis, after surgery, going through chemotherapy," said Spitz. "It's just a part of our every day as runners, and so I didn't want to leave that behind -- that's something I look forward to every single day." Spitz also believes that maintaining his strength and endurance through running have real health benefits. "I do sort of bank on the idea that it may be helping maybe hold off cancer for me," he said. "My cancer didn't grow after the surgery for the past year and a half -- we don't know why, cancer is a very complicated disease obviously, but you know it's something I want to keep in mind and hold onto every day that I can continue my life through this... For me, the most important thing was the psychological and emotional component of getting back to running as soon as I could." To hear more about how running has helped Spitz through his battle with cancer, watch the full HuffPost Live clip in the video above. | 7 | 2,565 | health |
For years, Jonathan Reilly, a 41-year-old biomedical engineer based in Los Angeles, would start his workday in a fog. "I'd come into my office feeling like I had woken up at four to take someone to the airport," he says. "It took me twice as long to accomplish anything important." But now he walks into his regular 8 a.m. meetings with crystal-clear focus and enough energy to drive through an intense 12-hour day at the office. Plus, he's always in a good mood. Reilly isn't high or wired on caffeine he's taking a pill called Nuvigil. "It's made me feel awake for the first time," he says. "I don't mean 'awake' like going to Burning Man and taking acid, or being on speed, where you just think you're smarter. I'm much more creative and much more productive. If I'm project- managing, it's like seeing the matrix. It makes it easier to put the pieces together to come up with a complete picture." In lieu of Adderall and eight-balls, hard-charging professionals are turning to a new class of nootropics (a type of smart drug) to score an edge at work. It's a category of substances that includes prescription analeptics like Nuvigil and Provigil, as well as less-potent supplements like New Mood and Alpha Brain (both are sold on Amazon.com for around $30 a jar) that are made of vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants, which purportedly stimulate your brain receptors. Devotees say nootropics are a wholly different experience from energy drinks , as they give you a mental edge, increasing memory, intelligence, motivation, and concentration without the jitters or crashes that can come with stimulants. "These drugs are being used in industries where there's less room for failure and immediate results are expected," says Roy Cohen, a career coach in New York City and the author of The Wall Street Professional's Survival Guide . "These people thrive on accomplishment it's in their DNA. It's incredibly seductive to have this potential for guaranteed peak performance." Joe (not his real name), 26, a banking consultant in Chicago, started taking Alpha Brain while getting his M.B.A. and continued to use it as a study aid before his CPA exam. "I'd retain more information than I would if I hadn't taken it," he says. Alpha Brain's still his go-to before presentations, which used to make him nervous. "It gives me confidence," he says. "I feel like I'm working on my optimal levels while I'm on it." (His brother, a lawyer, agrees. "My brain feels a little cleaner," he says.) That clarity is key, say users, who feel like they're actually doing something good for their mind, as opposed to simply getting hopped-up so they can push through another all-nighter. And while most of these guys would rather not skip a dose, they say they can miss a day with no ill effects. Many users have found that their physicians will prescribe Provigil or Nuvigil if they contrive complaints of frequent jet lag or excessive fatigue. But those with less-flexible doctors have better luck online although it's illegal, you can order a month's supply of these drugs for about $90 (usually imported from India). So have these guys actually found a magic pill? Emily Deans, a psychiatrist in private practice outside Boston, cautions that, in high enough doses, smart drugs may affect your temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure and advises seeking a prescription. Supplements, unlike prescription- or pharmaceutical-grade drugs, can be prepared with varying amounts of active ingredients meaning two pills from one jar may be three times the strength of two of the same pills from a different jar. Deans says to be especially careful of the plant-derived supplements that contain Huperzine A (as Alpha Brain does). "This ingredient can make you more alert or sharpen thinking," she says, "but if you take too much at once, you can make yourself psychotic." Even Deans admits, though, that some guys could benefit from brain drugs. "I don't know if it's ethical to recommend, but for students using it to study or surgeons trying to stay up all night long, a [prescription nootropic] might be useful," she says. "If they were willing to not burn the candle at both ends for too long, it might help people do a better job." For four months, when he couldn't get a prescription, Reilly missed Nuvigil's effects. "I was getting up later in the day and getting less done," he says. He recently started taking it again. "I enjoyed the person I was more when I was taking it, so I decided this is something that should be part of my life." • • • Smart Drugs Available in the Vitamin Aisle These common vitamin-store supplements are nootropics, too, according to nutritionist Rania Batayneh, author of The 1:1:1 Diet . The supplement : DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish and seaweed. The payoff : Improves memory by strengthening communication between brain cells. The supplement : Passionflower, a flowering vine. The payoff : Promotes relaxation by reducing blood pressure. The supplement : Turmeric, a spice used in mustards and curries. The payoff : Reduces performance anxiety by curbing the stress hormone cortisol. The supplement : Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea. The payoff : Helps with focus by upping dopamine levels. • • • 5 Ways to Train Your Brain Drug-averse? You can keep your mind agile with games instead. Science long held that the brain couldn't grow new cells, but that's been proved wrong. You can continue to create them and connect them until the day you die, upping memory, clarity, and perhaps intelligence. "But you have to force the brain to grow," says Cheryl Deep of the Brain Neurobics program at Detroit's Wayne State University. Try these simple mental exercises. 1. Use your computer mouse with your nondominant hand. 2. Turn the analog clock you use the most upside down. 3. Wear your watch on the opposite wrist (up the cognitive boost by turning it upside down, too). 4. Avoid the word the in a conversation. 5. Chew gum (FYI: The brain stimulation lasts only while you're chewing). | 7 | 2,566 | health |
Beyonce has 99 problems but her derriere isn't one of them. The singer posted a series of stylish selfies but it's one in particular that really grabbed our attention. And it doesn't look like this one will have any thigh gap controversy around it. Queen Bey donned a custom bathing suit with her hubby's lyrics on them and made everyone take notice. We agree Beyonce, your booty is definitely not a problem. Jay Z should be thanking his lucky stars because she's absolutely flawless. | 4 | 2,567 | lifestyle |
George W. Bush has worn many hats over the years, and lately, the former president has been trading in his Stetson for a beret. The result of his latest artistic endeavor is a portrait of himself with his father, former President George Bush, that the younger Bush unveiled Monday in an interview with NBC's Savannah Guthrie. Speaking about the painting, Bush told Guthrie that he wanted to capture his feelings for the elder Bush -- feelings that he elaborates on at greater length in his new book, 41: A Portrait of My Father , slated for release this week. "I was proud to be standing next to a man I admired greatly," Bush said, adding that he struggled to get the noses right. "I tried to paint a gentle soul, and I did." After leaving the highest office in the land, it wasn't the power or the fame that he missed. "The first shocking experience was that I didn't have any responsibilities," Bush confessed. "But then you get this sense of longing to make sure you remain stimulated. Painting helps fill that void." Bush emphasized that the painting, like the book, which he describes as "a love story" for his father, is more about the elder Bush. He wasn't as attentive while painting himself as he was while working on his dad. "I bumbled through," he said. Although George W. Bush didn't consult his dad when deciding to run for president, he said, his father played a significant role in guiding his path when he was a young man. "When I first moved to [Midland, Texas,] I was single and drinking pretty hard," Bush told Guthrie. "There was a moment when I got into Harvard Business School. He said, 'It'll open up new horizons,' and that was very sage advice. He was right." The portrait is hardly our first glimpse of Bush as an artist. His first appearance on the art scene was in February 2013, when a hacker gained access to his sister's email account and published photographs of several paintings, notably, self-portraits set in the bathtub and the shower. "Yeah, I was annoyed. And nor do I want my paintings to get out," Bush said at the time . "I found it very interesting the first painting that came out was the one I painted of myself in the bathtub. I did so because I wanted to kind of shock my instructor." But Bush soon changed his mind, and stopped hiding his hobby. About a year later, his oeuvre went on display for the first time at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, in a solo exhibition called "The Art of Leadership: A President's Personal Diplomacy." Bush perplexed the art world with a repertoire that included portraits of animals and family members, as well as the era's great political players from Russian President Vladimir Putin to Czech playwright and President Vaclav Havel , represented in a style Gawker characterized as "awkward" and "simple." But, hey, the best artists are never appreciated in their own time. | 5 | 2,568 | news |
We've heard about the merits of building a stronger core it solves back problems! It makes you run faster! which is why gym acolytes have been grunting it out in plank position ever since. But if you're tired of watching the seconds tick by on your stopwatch, look past the stretch mat and head to the kettlebell rack. Why You Need More Kettlebell We've long heard about the merits of building a stronger core it solves back problems! It makes you run faster! which is why gym acolytes have been grunting it out in plank position ever since. But if you're tired of watching the seconds tick by on your stopwatch, look past the stretch mat and head to the kettlebell rack. This humble piece of iron can drastically improve your midsection when you use it in core-building moves like the suitcase carry (see below). "Think of it as the new plank," says Don Saladino, who co-owns Drive495 fitness club in New York City and has trained Ryan Reynolds and Ryan Gosling. "To maintain upright posture as you walk, you have to engage all the muscles of your middle." The evidence isn't anecdotal: Research from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, shows that two kettlebell workouts a week can boost core strength by 70 percent. And there are satisfying superficial benefits, too. A study found that kettlebell training burns more than 800 calories an hour, helping shed your body's top layer of fat to reveal the definition underneath. It makes sense that the now-ubiquitous gym tool's homeland, Russia, requires a kettlebell workout not the push-up or pull-up as a standard physical test for army recruits. How It Works Do these four exercises as a circuit, performing all the reps of one exercise, then moving immediately to the next. Rest two minutes, then repeat the circuit for a total of five sets. Single Leg Dead Lift Stand with left foot in front of right and a kettlebell on the floor about two feet in front of you. Bend left knee slightly and lift right leg as you lower torso toward the floor, keeping back straight so that body forms a T. Grab kettlebell and push hips forward as you return to standing. That's 1 rep. Do 10 reps, then switch sides. Single Arm Swing Stand with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, hips back, knees bent slightly, back straight, and hold the kettlebell with left hand. Hike bell between your legs. In one explosive movement, straighten legs as you push hips forward and swing arm to shoulder height in front of you. Let bell fall back between legs and repeat. Do 10 reps, then switch sides. Suitcase Carry Stand tall and hold a kettlebell in left hand at your side without leaning toward it. Walk 50 yards, then turn and walk back to start. Switch sides and repeat. Kneeling Bottoms-Up Press Kneel with right leg in front, left leg back. Hold a kettlebell vertically by the handle in right hand, right arm bent with wrist near right shoulder. Keep biceps close to ear as you press the bell directly overhead. Return to start. Do 5 reps, then switch sides. | 7 | 2,569 | health |
$3 trillion overall in assets under management MALVERN, PA. (MarketWatch) Vanguard isn't Apple or Coca-Cola, but with its huge retirement-accounts business and its $3 trillion overall in assets under management, it's a familiar name for many Americans. Those who have heard of the company typically think of it as a bastion of straightforward, inexpensive index-fund investing. Still, there are a few things about the financial giant that most customers and investors are likely unaware of, including a "family feud" legal battle it weathered and the quirky nautical theme of its corporate campus. Click ahead for more. 1. The index-funds pioneer has a lot of active funds Vanguard launched the first index mutual fund back in the 1970s. But the company got its start with traditional, actively managed funds run by stock pickers. It still offers active funds that have beat the market over long periods. (Don't tell the passive-investing purists, but roughly half of Vanguard's assets under management are in actively managed funds.) "Quietly, Vanguard's actively run funds have outperformed their more-famous index siblings," said Morningstar researcher John Rekenthaler in a recent column, pointing to returns over the past 15 years. That's a particularly striking result, since in general, most active funds aren't able to beat their benchmarks consistently. What's Vanguard's secret to success? It includes making sure its active funds are low-cost, as well as outsourcing the stock-picking to fund managers who go through an extensive screening process. "We think we have a very good process for selecting managers," Vanguard CEO Bill McNabb told MarketWatch. He also said: "If you're going to take active risk, your best chance of preserving any outperformance is to have a low-cost portfolio." 2. Vanguard's crew has a thing for nautical themes A visitor to Vanguard's campus outside Philadelphia might be surprised to encounter quite a bit of high-seas vocabulary. Employees are called crew members, the cafeteria is the galley, the gym is named ShipShape and the company store is the chandlery. It turns out the nautical theme goes far deeper than that. The company itself is named after HMS Vanguard, the British admiral Horatio Nelson's flagship in the Battle of the Nile in 1798, and buildings on the corporate campus are named after Nelson's other ships, such as Victory, Zealous and Goliath. There's also a ship incorporated in the company's logo Jack Bogle, Vanguard's founder, has said that a dealer in antique prints visited him in 1974 and left him a book about Great Britain's naval achievements. One part of the book talked about Nelson's flagship, leading Bogle to think, with regard to Vanguard, "What a great name." To some eyes, including those of some Vanguard crew members, the layout of the core campus even resembles a ship, as shown in the adjacent aerial view. A company spokesman said there is a resemblance but that it's just a coincidence, noting that a recent addition to the campus a few buildings that are being called "Malvern West" takes away from the resemblance. What do crew members have to say about the nautical theme? "I like it, and I think it baffles people who are from outside Vanguard, which maybe even makes it better," said Martha King, managing director for Vanguard's financial adviser services division. Chris Philips, a senior analyst in Vanguard's investment strategy group, said the nautical terms resonate. "The crew of a ship has to work in tandem, in union, otherwise you're going to go nowhere," Philips said. 3. Critics say 'slow'; the company says 'careful' Yes, Vanguard was first with index mutual funds. But the company took a few years to get into the game with exchange-traded funds, those increasingly popular investing vehicles that mostly track indexes. The company launched its first exchange-traded fund in 2001 eight years after the first ETF started trading. "We didn't see the application of ETFs to long-term investing," Vanguard's McNabb told MarketWatch, adding that the early ETFs were seen as short-term trading vehicles. Vanguard also isn't moving quickly to launch ETFs in a hot niche known as smart beta, an area of index investing that seeks to enhance returns or minimize risk relative to conventional market cap-weighted benchmarks. These ETFs, which Morningstar prefers to call "strategic beta" funds, have been around since at least 2005. Some existing Vanguard ETFs deserve the strategic beta label, according to Morningstar, but Vanguard has criticized this area and hasn't joined rivals in offering more ETFs in this trendy space. "What we're looking for are long-term, enduring ideas that are going to help somebody create wealth," McNabb said. "The idea of back testing a bunch of factors which is all smart beta is throwing them up and saying, 'Well, in the back test they worked really well. We'll see what happens when they get real money.' … We're just not going to do that." 4. It's the house that Bogle built, but Jack's moved out Vanguard's best-known figure is arguably still Jack Bogle, the company's founder and its first CEO who has been called "Saint Jack" by some appreciative mom-and-pop investors. His link to the company is now rather limited, though, even as the outspoken octogenarian continues to talk and write about investing. The company's board required that he step down in 1999 at the mandatory retirement age of 70; at the time, Bogle argued that the "creator of a company deserves a tad of extra consideration" about retirement rules. It's interesting that current CEO McNabb, when asked about Bogle, said he will "see Jack periodically in the halls." McNabb said Bogle deserves credit for his vision, passion and Vanguard's solid foundation, while Jack Brennan, Vanguard's second CEO, gets credit for the company's broader reach and scope. 5. Vanguard went through an indexing family feud As an index investing giant, you'd expect Vanguard to have close relationships with the folks managing the main market benchmarks. It went through a legal dispute in the early 2000s, however, with the company behind the S&P 500 index, Standard & Poor's. In that spat, Vanguard argued that its license to use the S&P 500 for its mutual fund tracking that index also should work for an ETF. Lawyers for Standard & Poor's disagreed, saying that Vanguard was trying "to trample brazenly" on the index provider's rights, and Vanguard lost the resulting court case. An Associated Press story at the time described the legal battle as a "family-style feud." Vanguard in 2010 set up a different licensing arrangement and finally launched its Vanguard S&P 500 ETF . Does this battle and the launch delay it caused explain why the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF has far more investor dollars than the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF? Jim Rowley, a senior analyst in Vanguard's investment strategy group, disputes that notion. Convincing investors to go for exposure to the total market, rather than to 500 big-cap companies, was "an easy story to tell," Rowley said. | 3 | 2,570 | finance |
Scientists say they have found a gene variant that may provide better protection against typhoid fever, which infects millions of people each year. The discovery, which came from screening the genomes of hundreds of infected people and healthy controls in Vietnam and Nepal, may aid the development of better vaccines for typhoid and other bacterial diseases, said the authors of a study published in Nature Genetics. "We found that carrying a particular form of the HLA-DRB1 gene provides natural resistance against typhoid fever," study co-author Sarah Dunstan of the University of Melbourne said in a statement. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 21 million people are infected with typhoid fever every year, and an estimated 216,000 to 600,000 die. It is caused by the Salmonella typhi or Paratyphi bacteria carried in contaminated food or water, said the study authors. The gene they found protects against infection by recognising proteins from invading bacteria, thus stimulating an immune response. Vaccines against S. typhi do exist, but are not always effective and are not suitable for young children -- the group most at risk, according to the study authors. "Consequently, these vaccines are not widely deployed in the populations with the greatest need," they wrote. "Notably, there is currently no licensed vaccine against enteric fever caused by S. Paratyphi pathovars, potentially constituting a huge problem as the incidence of S. Paratyphi A infection is increasing in many countries across Asia." The team said their discovery may lead to "improvements in the rational design of vaccines" for this and other bacterial infections. | 7 | 2,571 | health |
open 1.39.53 PM 10 "The Rockefeller clan might not have wanted to believe it, but author Hoffman is convincing about what led to the scion's death. It's not pretty…but it IS fascinating."Savage Harvest: A Tale of Cannibals, Colonialism, and Michael Rockerfeller's Tragic Quest for Primitive Art by Carl Hoffman, $17.55, available at Amazon. 3 "Strong, brilliant stories about survival of something almost as dangerous as war itself its aftermath."Redeployment by Phil Klay, $16.15, available at Amazon. 6 "Told in the many voices of the Latin American tenants of one apartment complex in Delaware, this novel illuminates several different kinds of immigrant experience."The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez, $15.78, available at Amazon. 8 "The best kind of King book: a little horror, but mostly pitch-perfect details about youth and faith and family."Revival by Stephen King, $18.12, available at Amazon. 9 "A beautiful, atmospheric story about two young people, one French, one German, growing up on the eve of World War II."All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, $16.20, available at Amazon. 5 "At once extremely personal and culturally wise, this reported memoir will change the way you think about race, class, and the meaning of friendship."The Short And Tragic Life Of Robert Peace by Jeff Hobbs, $16.20, available at Amazon. 7 "Moriarty dazzles with another novel about 'ordinary' Australian families and the secrets they keep."Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty, $10.99, available at Amazon. 4 "Set in the not-so-distant future, this apocalyptic novel is surprisingly hopeful in its depiction of a culture that both mocks and mourns its disappeared past."Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, $14.97, available at Amazon. 1 "Quiet and beautiful, this novel about an unknowable teenage girl in a mixed-race family in the 1970s Midwest will make you cry."Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng, $16.17, available at Amazon. 2 "The ultimate adventure story, but with a touch of romance and intrigue. A historical The Perfect Storm."In The Kingdom of Ice by Hampton Sides, $17.37, available at Amazon. | 4 | 2,572 | lifestyle |
"I'm never drinking again." | 8 | 2,573 | video |
Novak Djokovic started his bid for a third successive ATP Tour Finals title with a sublime 6-1, 6-1 victory over Marin Cilic at London's O2 Arena on Monday. Djokovic took just 57 minutes to thrash US Open champion Cilic as the world number one extended his winning run at indoor events to 28 matches, a streak that includes 11 consecutive victories at the Tour Finals. AFP | 1 | 2,574 | sports |
Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert have been together for nearly a decade, and in that time, they've delivered plenty of cute moments. Whether they're on stage performing or walking a red carpet, they always make time to sneak in a kiss, a hug, or a loving glance - especially when the cameras are on them. To celebrate Miranda's birthday, we've rounded up all the times they couldn't keep their hands off each other. Keep reading to see all of their sweet PDA moments, and if that's not enough Miranda for you, check out all the times she and Carrie Underwood were like Miranda and Carrie from Sex and the City. You can also find out which country darling you're most like in our quiz! | 6 | 2,575 | entertainment |
Make sure beneficiaries get what they're owed Having a life insurance policy is one of the best ways to ensure the financial security of your family after your death. But if you're not careful, your survivors may never get the pay out they deserve. Click ahead for five mistakes to avoid so that your beneficiaries get what they're owed -- no matter what type of life insurance policy you have. More from Insurance.com How much auto insurance do you need? 7 reasons your car insurance rates drop When to drop collision coverage and risk it all 1. Lying on your life insurance application They say the truth hurts, but it can hurt even more if you lie on your life insurance application. While it may be tempting to deny that you're a smoker, or that you've been treated for a particular disease or medical condition, you could find your policy null and void. Life insurance companies consider these factors when setting rates -- or determining whether to insure you at all. If your life insurer finds out you lied, it's considered "material misrepresentation," and your application for life insurance will probably be denied. If the policy has already been issued, there's typically a two-year contestability period. If your insurer finds out during that time that you've lied, the policy may be canceled or you might face higher premiums. If the lie is particularly egregious, the insurer could deem it fraud, even after the two-year contestability period is up, and the policy could be rescinded 2. Failing to pay and letting your policy lapse Just because you miss a payment doesn't mean your policy is dead in the water. Life insurance companies typically offer policyholders a 30-day grace period for payment, and some companies extend that to 60 days. During that time your policy will still be in effect. Even after the grace period is up, you usually can get your term policy reinstated, but if the lapse has been lengthy you may need to undergo another medical examination. If you have a permanent life insurance policy, the insurer might use the cash value in the policy to cover the premiums and prevent a lapse in coverage. The important thing to remember is if your policy lapses and is not in force when you die, your beneficiaries are out of luck. 3. Failing to tell loved ones about your life insurance policy If you never tell your beneficiaries about your life insurance policy, it doesn't mean the insurer won't pay them after your death, but it does make it a more difficult process. While most life insurance companies conduct database checks for the death of policyholders so beneficiaries will get paid, not all of insurers do so in a timely manner. That's why it's wise to be sure your loved ones know about your policy and where to find it after you're gone. In some cases beneficiaries are unaware they are named on a policy, and proceeds go uncollected for years because some insurers are not diligent about tracking down survivors of policyholders. Several large companies, including Prudential, AIG, Lincoln Financial and others, have recently entered settlements with states to improve their practices. Legislators are also addressing the issue, with eight states, including Maryland, New Mexico and New York, among others, passing laws that outline the steps companies are required to take to find people owed benefits. 4. Not naming a secondary and final beneficiary It is important to name secondary and final beneficiaries. If your primary beneficiary dies before you, policy proceeds will go to the second beneficiary you have listed. If the secondary beneficiary has passed away when you die, then the death benefit goes to the final beneficiary. If you don't have anyone waiting in the wings, it doesn't mean the money disappears. In that case the proceeds will go to your estate. However, if the estate is subject to probate, your survivors may have to wait a long time to get the death benefit. 5. In some cases, death due to risky behavior and suicide Life insurance policies typically have a two-year exclusionary period for suicide, so your beneficiary typically would receive whatever you paid in premiums, but not the policy's face amount. So-called "suicide clauses" vary by insurer and are designed to discourage people from buying life insurance when contemplating suicide. If you're involved in criminal activity, and you're killed while committing a crime, your beneficiary will still receive the proceeds from your policy. However, if you don't disclose to your insurer when you apply for a policy that you have a high-risk hobby such as sky-diving or auto racing, and you die while doing it, your insurer may decline the claim. More from Insurance.com How much auto insurance do you need? 7 reasons your car insurance rates drop When to drop collision coverage and risk it all | 3 | 2,576 | finance |
Experimental mice have been telling us this for years, but pot-smoking humans didn't want to believe it could happen to them: Compared with a person who never smoked marijuana, someone who uses marijuana regularly has, on average, less gray matter in his orbital frontal cortex, a region that is a key node in the brain's reward, motivation, decision-making and addictive behaviors network. More ambiguously, in regular pot smokers, that region is better connected than it is in non-users:The flow of signal traffic is speedier to other parts of that motivation and decision-making network, including across the superhighway of "white matter" that connects the brain's hemispheres. The researchers who conducted the study speculate that the orbital frontal cortex's greater level of "connectedness" which is especially pronounced in people who started smoking pot early in life may be the brain's way of compensating for the region's underperforming gray matter. Whether these "complex neuroadaptive processes" reverse themselves when marijuana use stops is an important unanswered question, they added. The new findings, reported Monday in the journal PNAS, confirm findings about chronic marijuana use from rodents. But scientific evidence in humans has been more mixed. Even now, however, the authors of the study acknowledge that they cannot discern whether a pot smoker's smaller orbital frontal cortex is the cause or the result of chronic marijuana use. A 2012 study found that subjects with a smaller orbital frontal cortex at age 12 were more likely to start using marijuana by age 16, suggesting that deficits in this crucial region may predispose one to substance-abuse behaviors. This study, conducted by researchers from the University of Texas' Center for Brain Health and the Albuquerque-based Mind Research Network, did not follow subjects over time, so it is at a disadvantage in showing cause and effect. Instead, it compared 48 "chronic" marijuana users (at least four times a week over the past six months) with 62 non-using control subjects who were matched for age and gender with the using group. Subjects were an average age of 28 to 30 years old. Researchers noted that the IQ of the marijuana-using group was significantly lower than that of the non-using group not a finding of the study, but an incidental factor that might be indirectly linked to marijuana use. | 5 | 2,577 | news |
If you've spent the first 10 months of the year waiting to dust off all of your favorite fancy outfits, we're right there with you. But our biggest challenge this time of year is making it through the Holidays without double-dipping on dresses. Since we know your celebratory schedule is filling up quick, we're helping you with the one gift that just keeps on giving: options. Before you drain your bank account on gifts for others, treat yourself with a pretty little shift that won't eat your entire holiday budget. Check out our favorite finds under $150 and rejoice - it's the most wonderful (and party-filled!) time of the year! Asos Kimono Wrap Dress With Embroidery Asos Kimono Wrap Dress With Embroidery ($123) Madewell Matinee Dress Madewell Matinee Dress ($138) Zara Dress With Necklace Detail Zara Dress With Necklace Detail ($80) Lumier Modern Lover Cape Dress Lumier Modern Lover Cape Dress ($135) Mango Leopard Gown Mango Leopard Gown ($120) Everleigh Bryce Dress Everleigh Bryce Dress ($128) River Island Silver Sequin Bodycon Dress River Island Silver Sequin Bodycon Dress ($120) Maggy London the Illusion Dress Maggy London the Illusion Dress ($148) Forever 21 Iconic Fringe Dress Forever 21 Iconic Fringe Dress ($30) French Connection Romanov Rose Collar Dress French Connection Romanov Rose Collar Dress ($138) Keepsake Countdown Strappy Cutout Maxi Dress Keepsake Countdown Strappy Cutout Maxi Dress ($150) Victoria's Secret Cutout Slip Dress Victoria's Secret Cutout Slip Dress ($70) Topshop Two-Tone Sequin Bodycon Dress Topshop Two-Tone Sequin Bodycon Dress ($130) Wyatt Alice Dress Wyatt Alice Dress ($185) Charlotte Russe Kimono Sleeve Midi Dress Charlotte Russe Kimono Sleeve Midi Dress ($29) Reformation Zinnia Dress Reformation Zinnia Dress ($138) Loft Leopard Jacquard Flare Dress Loft Leopard Jacquard Flare Dress ($98) Bebe Lace Panel Midriff Dress Bebe Lace Panel Midriff Dress ($129) A Wear Galatic Foil Racer Dress A Wear Galatic Foil Racer Dress ($95) Chicnova Round Collar Cloak Chiffon Dress Chicnova Round Collar Cloak Chiffon Dress ($40) BR Monogram Metallic Crepe Dress BR Monogram Metallic Crepe Dress ($130) Lulu*s Navy Blue Dress Lulu*s Navy Blue Dress ($45) Free People Peekaboo Lace Slip Free People Peekaboo Lace Slip ($98) Pixie Market Keri Off the Shoulder Organza Dress Pixie Market Keri Off the Shoulder Organza Dress ($58) Missguided Juliet Scuba Lace Trim Midi Dress Missguided Juliet Scuba Lace Trim Midi Dress ($57) Choices Red Lace Dress Choices Red Lace Dress ($54) NBD Lipstick Bodycon Dress NBD Lipstick Bodycon Dress ($148) Lovers + Friends Sapphire Dress Lovers + Friends Sapphire Dress ($148) JOA Floral Cutout Faux Leather Dress JOA Floral Cutout Faux Leather Dress ($125) Cheyanne Velvet Strappy Midi Dress Burgundy Cheyanne Velvet Strappy Midi Dress Burgundy ($38) BB Dakota Kinley Dress BB Dakota Kinley Dress ($97) Minkpink First Glance Dress Minkpink First Glance Dress ($99) Nasty Gal Metamorphose Dress Nasty Gal Metamorphose Dress ($68) H&M Beaded Velvet Dress H&M Beaded Velvet Dress ($149) Pisarro Nights Embellished Mesh Cocktail Dress Pisarro Nights Embellished Mesh Cocktail Dress ($148) | 4 | 2,578 | lifestyle |
Jack Bogle, Vanguard founder, makes the case for investing in an index fund. | 3 | 2,579 | finance |
Almost everyone who's read the action-packed trilogy (or at least enjoyed the last few films) has been waiting patiently for the next installment of The Hunger Games to hit theaters. Now, the time has finally come: Mockingjay Part 1 is mere weeks away from its Nov. 21 release date, which, lucky for us, also means more red carpet hits from the always-lovely Katniss Everdeen Jennifer Lawrence. The actress has been attending her fair share of premieres, photocalls, and interviews as of late, sporting some killer looks every step of the way. Keep on scrolling - we've got pictures of them all, from every beautiful angle, below. Jennifer Lawrence at the World Premiere of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 The actress showed up in a gorgeous, quilted Dior dress. Jennifer Lawrence at The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 Photocall The actress decided to ditch the dress and go with a Public School pantsuit instead. She also wore an EF Collection necklace. The actress poses with her fashionable co-stars, Julianne Moore and Elizabeth Banks. Jennifer Lawrence attends the German talk show Wetten, dass . . ? The actress wore another fabulous Dior dress. | 4 | 2,580 | lifestyle |
Photo: Courtesy of Dreamworks. It's November, which means it's time to celebrate Movember, or its grooming-adverse cousin, No Shave November. The month, formerly the property of Thanksgiving and Black Friday, has been commandeered by the likes of Cyber Monday and these facial-hair movements. The result is a booming male population of mustaches. Since many men will be sporting a 'stache for the next few weeks, we've rounded up the greatest iterations of this grooming style in pop culture history. Ahead, more than 30 looks you can aspire to this Movember. Photo: Courtesy of BBC. The Downton Jazz Man As seen on: Jack Ross, Downton Abbey For maximum effect: Pair with a smooth singing voice and a devil-may-care attitude. Photo: Courtesy of MGM. The Clark Gable As seen on: Michael Anthony, Love On The Run For maximum effect: Kiss Joan Crawford. Photo: REX USA/c.Warner Br/Everett. The Looney Groom As seen on: Yosemite Sam, Looney Tunes For maximum effect: Grow while in hot pursuit of your arch nemesis. Photo: Courtesy of Comedy Central. The Law Enforcer As seen on: Lieutenant Jim Dangle, Reno 911 For maximum effect: Bust out those short shorts and your loose knowledge of the legal system. Photo: Courtesy of Dreamworks. The Ron Burgundy As seen on: Ron Burgundy, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy For maximum effect: Confidently spout lies to anyone who'll listen. As far as that mustache is concerned, diversity is an old wooden ship, you did over a thousand arm curls, and your apartment smells of rich mahogany. Photo: Courtesy of Dune Entertainment. The Borat As seen on: Borat, Borat: Cultural Learnings Of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation For maximum effect: Thick and bushy, this 'stache is the butt of its own joke. Best used when actively looking to repel romance. Photo: Courtesy of Gladden Entertainment. The Dead Man As seen on: Bernie Lomax, Weekend At Bernie's For maximum effect: Take excessively long naps. Photo: Courtesy of NBC. The Richard As seen on: Dr. Richard Burke, Friends For maximum effect: Be perfect in every way except for your lack of desire to raise a set of babies all over again. Cigar smoking encouraged. Photo: Courtesy of Miramax Films. The Bad Motherf*cker As seen on: Jules Winnfield, Pulp Fiction For maximum effect: The mustache should extend down past your chin, and don't let your mutton chops graze the 'stache itself. Be overly protective of your wallet. Photo: Courtesy of Disney. The Swedish Chef As seen on: The Swedish Chef, The Muppets For maximum effect: Have equally bushy eyebrows. Never open your eyes fully. Surround yourself with chickens. Photo: Courtesy of Miramax. The Butcher As seen on: Bill Cutting, Gangs of New York For maximum effect: Sides of this 'stache should be curled upward in a gentlemanly but menacing fashion. Inspire fear in anyone who dares to look at you. Photo: Courtesy of NBC. The Ron Swanson As seen on: Ron Swanson, Parks and Recreation For maximum effect: Disapprove of everything. Scowl. Order all of the bacon and eggs. Photo: Courtesy of Nintendo. The Mario As seen on: Mario, Super Mario Brothers For maximum effect: Cut hair into scalloped pattern. Somehow make your mustache go up to your eyeballs. Talk in an exaggerated, potentially offensive Italian-American accent. Photo: Courtesy of AMC. The Heisenberg As seen on: Walter White, Breaking Bad For maximum effect: Wear a hat that says, "I mean business." Take no one's shit, ever. Be the one who knocks. Photo: Bonnie Schiffman/Getty Images. The Fe-he-he-ny As seen on: Mr. Feeny, Boy Meets World For maximum effect: Best employed when reprimanding teenagers. Never feel mad just disappointed. Call everyone Mr. or Ms. Photo: Courtesy of Fox Searchlight. The Kip As seen on: Kip, Napoleon Dynamite For maximum effect: Spend your days chatting with babes online. Wear glasses that are both too big and just a touch ridiculous. Grow up to be hot. Photo: Courtesy of Disney. The Colonial As seen on: Governor Ratcliffe, Pocahontas For maximum effect: This look should be executed in three parts: left flank, right flank, and lower third. No portion should touch another. Also, you should be the greediest man who ever lived, and wear pigtails. Photo: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures. The Secret Prince As seen on: Prince Akeem, Coming To America For maximum effect: Play, like, four different people in every social situation. Only date those who are pure of heart and not after your money. Photo: Courtesy of HBO. The Jon Snow As seen on: Jon Snow, Game of Thrones For maximum effect: Brood. Know nothing. Photo: Courtesy of AMC. The Zombie Apocalypse Survivor As seen on: Rick Grimes, The Walking Dead For maximum effect: Constantly furrow your brow. Take long pauses between dramatic phrases. Cry sometimes. Say "Carl" like this. Photo: Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox. The Purple Cobra As seen on: White Goodman, DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story For maximum effect: Grow mustache down about halfway to your chin. Add a little bloop of hair under your lip. Fluff that all right up. Your insults are best when they don't make any sense. Photo: Courtesy of Fox. The Ned Flanders As seen on: Ned Flanders, The Simpsons For maximum effect: Pair with an annoyingly positive attitude and dad sweaters. Photo: REX USA/SNAP/Rex. The Pirate As seen on: Captain Hook, Hook For maximum effect: Be a dodgy pirate with a fear of clocks. Pro tip: If you think you've curled the ends enough, you haven't. Keep. Curling. Photo: Courtesy of Pixar. The Mr. Potato Head As seen on: Mr. Potato Head, Toy Story For maximum effect: This is the everyman's mustache. Great for beginners. Photo: Courtesy of NBC. The Doctor Who Cares Too Much As seen on: Dr. Peter Benton, ER For maximum effect: Just be Eriq La Salle. Photo: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures. The Turk As seen on: Murray, Clueless For maximum effect: This look is a lesson in acceptance. Know that, even though we all loved Murray, everyone will refer to this wispy 'stache as the Turk, because of Scrubs. Photo: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures. The Gomez Addams As seen on: Gomez Addams, The Addams Family For maximum effect: Overdo the PDA with your partner. Wear a lot of black. Constantly look as though you are about to engage in a duel. Photo: Courtesy of Touchstone Pictures. The Royal Tenenbaum As seen on: Raleigh St. Clair, The Royal Tenenbaums For maximum effect: Your mustache should be part of a much larger garden of a bushy beard. Be a pushover well educated, but a pushover. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros. The Lethal Weapon As seen on: Roger Murtaugh, Lethal Weapon For maximum effect: Channel everything that was good about the '90s. Photo: Courtesy of Netflix. The Pornstache As seen on: George Mendez, Orange Is The New Black For maximum effect: Be the scummiest scum of all time. Have a stupid haircut. Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd./Getty Images. The Alex Trebek As seen on: Alex Trebek, Jeopardy For maximum effect: Shave it off for 10 years. Then, bask in its glorious return. Like this post? There's more. Get tons of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and cat videos on the Refinery29 Entertainment Facebook page. Like us on Facebook we'll see you there! | 4 | 2,581 | lifestyle |
WASHINGTON President Barack Obama on Monday dove head-first into the heated net neutrality debate, urging the Federal Communications Commission to adopt "the strongest possible rules to protect net neutrality" by aggressively regulating Internet service providers like Verizon, Comcast and AT&T. "We cannot allow Internet service providers to restrict the best access or to pick winners and losers in the online marketplace for services and ideas," Obama said in a video posted on the White House website. Obama called for an "explicit ban" on paid prioritization, which would allow the deep pockets of large services such as Google, Skype or Netflix to pay for better, faster streaming for its users. It's a lucrative deal for the big Internet companies, but one that opponents say discriminates against smaller and newer services that would never get off the ground. "No service should be stuck in a 'slow lane' because it does not pay a fee," Obama said in the statement. "That kind of gate-keeping would undermine the level playing field essential to the Internet's growth." His outline of "common-sense" steps for service providers to keep the Internet fair and open includes no blocking of legal content by service providers and "no throttling," saying companies should not "intentionally slow down some content or speed up others." FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler's original net neutrality proposal allows Internet service providers to engage in "commercially reasonable" deals, including some of the paid prioritization criticized by Obama. The president's statement comes amid intense debate among Internet service providers, technology companies and lawmakers as the FCC tries to draft new net neutrality laws that will stand on solid legal footing. They are replacing the rules that were struck down by a federal appeals court in January, on the grounds that the FCC does not have the authority to regulate Internet companies the same way it does telephone carriers. The president's statement was applauded by online advocacy groups and quickly denounced by Internet service giants and their supporters, who argue that the FCC lacks the authority to get involved in their business. If the FCC heeds the White House's statement by enacting "onerous government regulation," it would be a "mistake that will do tremendous harm to the Internet and U.S. national interests," AT&T said in a statement. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was quick to slam the president's support of regulation, calling net neutrality "Obamacare for the Internet" and declaring in a Facebook post that the "Internet should not operate at the speed of government." Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., said the regulation the president supports would stifle the Internet industry "with rules written nearly 80 years ago for plain old telephone service." On the other side of the aisle, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the president's statement reflects that "millions of Americans have made their voices heard in support of net neutrality." The FCC received a record-breaking 3.9 million public comments on its net neutrality proposal earlier this year, most of them asking the agency to preserve the level playing field and opposing "fast lanes." "When the leader of the free world says the Internet should remain free, that's a game changer," Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., said in a statement. The president emphasized that the final decision is up to the FCC, an independent agency. Wheeler has said he wants to vote on new net neutrality by the end of the year, but with the White House and others weighing in and pressure from all sides as the agency tries to craft a complicated hybrid proposal, that looks increasingly unlikely. | 5 | 2,582 | news |
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen don't frequently hit the red carpet, but when they do, it's always a treat. The twins stepped out last week for the 2014 World of Children Awards looking chic, per the usual. And it got us thinking - we rarely get to see these fashion ladies out. Why, you might ask? Because they are busy working on their fashion lines, including The Row, Elizabeth and James, Olsenboy, and StyleMint. On Allison: Equipment top | 4 | 2,583 | lifestyle |
Action video games like "Call of Duty" can teach young adults new skills while also improving the way the skills are learned, new research suggests. It's not clear how the improved learning abilities may translate to life outside of screen and joystick. And don't get too excited, gamers: There's also no evidence that endless playing of video games is a good idea. "Our studies are no excuse for binging on video games," said study co-author Daphne Bavelier, a research professor with the department of brain & cognitive sciences at the University of Rochester in New York. Still, she noted, the research reveals the "beneficial effects of playing action video games on vision, attention, and now learning." At issue is a phenomenon known as "perceptual learning." In particular, the small study examined the kind of perceptual learning that's involved in detecting the subtle differences between things -- "the process whereby one person might be able to taste the difference between wines because he has had perceptual practice, but to another person they taste the same," said Felice Bedford, an associate professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Arizona who's familiar with the study. In the study, the researchers launched several different experiments to test what happened to young adults -- both skilled and unskilled, whose average age was 22 -- when they played video games. In one experiment, they trained 26 players for 50 hours on the action video games "Call of Duty 2" and "Unreal Tournament 2004" and then compared them to players of non-action video games like "The Sims." Those who played the action games showed improvement in not just their skills but also their abilities to learn in certain areas, the test showed. What's going on? "I think they are learning how to better apply themselves to certain types of tasks," said Aaron Seitz, a psychology professor at the University of California, Riverside, who was familiar with the findings. The brain, he said, may be adjusting to using certain skills. This kind of learning is important in real life, he added. "Many tasks that we do involve understanding what to look for. This ranges from finding the cereal that we are looking for at the grocery store to the skills of radiologists and even athletes," Seitz said. The researchers noticed no difference between the genders, although fewer women took part. Seitz said the new study is helpful because it provides a framework for understanding how the brain works in this area. The study will help researchers explore things such as whether video game players are good at learning in any way or just certain ones. "Maybe they are also worse at other things," he said. Other future areas of possible research, Seitz added, could explore what happens in the brain that allows it to become better at learning and why certain video games may be especially helpful. Bedford agreed about the importance of understanding why certain video games cause kinds of "learning to learn" in the brain. "I would also like to test the limits of what video games help you learn," she said. The study, which was funded by various research programs (but not the video game industry), is published in the Nov. 10 online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences . | 7 | 2,584 | health |
Shortcuts to the entrepreneurial dream All 113 trailblazers on CNBC's NEXT List possess a natural instinct to go against the status quo, thus sparking transformative changes in their fields. Yet while so many on this list are graduates from top universities, many of them Ivy League, there are some who willingly abandoned their educational careers as a shortcut to the pursuit of their entrepreneurial dreams the path trod most famously before them by Bill Gates, who left Harvard to start what would become Microsoft. From Ryan Seacrest and Elon Musk to Tyler Perry and Nasty Gal founder Sophia Amoruso, see what catapulted these visionaries on the path to phenomenal success. Ryan Seacrest/University of Georgia Seacrest was already interning at WSTR, an FM radio station in Atlanta, while still a high school student in Dunwoody, the Atlanta suburb where he was born and raised. He enrolled in the University of Georgia in 1992 to study journalism. The following year, he landed the host's role for a weekend TV sports game show for ESPN, Radical Outdoor Challenge. The year after that, by then a junior, he quit school to head for L.A., where he got his breakthrough by fronting KYSR-FM's afternoon drive-time show (reportedly for $15 an hour) and hosting three TV shows for kids. Elon Musk/Stanford Musk is a bit of a cheat in this list of dropouts, as he does hold two bachelor's degrees. The first, in physics, was started as Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, after he moved to Canada from his native South Africa as a 17-year-old. It was completed at the University of Pennsylvania, to which he had transferred after two years to do his second bachelor's degree, in economics, at its Wharton School. That was completed the following year. Musk then headed for Stanford to start a Ph.D. in applied physics but dropped out after two days to develop Zip2, a company owned with his brother Kimbal, which created online city guides for newspaper publishers that they later sold to Compaq for $340 million four years later. James Murdoch/Harvard media mogul Rupert, went up to Harvard to study film and history after graduating in 1991 from Horace Mann, an elite New York City private prep school. At Harvard, the younger Murdoch, in line with his reputation as a young rebel complete with bleached hair and eyebrow stud, drew a comic strip for the satirical magazine Harvard Lampoon and edited student newspapers. He dropped out of the university in 1995 to set up with friends, including Uproxx CEO Jarret Myer, Rawkus Records, an independent hip-hop label that his father's News Corp. would buy in 1998. Travis Kalanick/UCLA Kalanick enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles, to study computer engineering but dropped out to start Scour an ill-fated multimedia search engine that had morphed into a peer-to-peer file-exchange service with six of his classmates. Scour had to declare bankruptcy to save itself from a $250 billion copyright-infringement law suit brought by the three big film and music industry trade groups. The Scour team reformed as Red Swoosh, a peer-to-peer file-sharing service that Akamai Technologies would buy for $19 million before founding the Uber ride-for-hire sharing service with Garrett Camp, co-founder of StumbleUpon and himself a graduate school dropout. Elizabeth Holmes/Stanford Holmes interned at the Genome Institute in Singapore between her freshman and sophomore years as a chemical engineering major at Stanford; she spoke Mandarin, having learned the language as a teenager in Houston and then spending some years in China. She had also just filed a patent for a wearable patch to administer medicines that could also monitor the patient's blood and adjust the dosage accordingly. She had yet to turn 20. She created Theranos to develop the technology and, a semester into her sophomore year, dropped out to run the company full-time. Daniel Ek/Sweden's Royal Institute of Tech Ek, when still a music-obsessed teenager, albeit one already running a successful Web design and hosting business, was famously told by Google to come back when he had a degree. Google's loss. After completing high school in his hometown of Stockholm, the future founder of the Spotify music-sharing service enrolled in Sweden's Royal Institute of Technology to study engineering. Eight weeks in, having realized his first year would be devoted to nothing but theoretical maths, he dropped out. On the rebound, he wrote a program for a local ad network, TradeDoubler, from which he made his first million selling it the rights and the second from the associated patents. Kat Cole/University of North Florida Cole, one of three daughters of a single mother, was the first in her family to attend university, starting an engineering major at the University of North Florida. But a high school job serving wings and burgers at casual food chain Hooters had turned into management duties and then an offer of a corporate job. Frequently dispatched to open Hooters franchises around the world, she dropped out of college but made executive vice president by 26. Only then did she go back to college, this time to Georgia State for a master's in business administration, making the now president of bun-maker Cinnabon the only member of CNBC's Next List to have an MBA while having failed to finish a bachelor's degree. Sophia Amoruso/community college Amoruso was born in San Diego, raised in Sacramento and moved to San Francisco after her parents divorced. There she attended community college but dropped out and bounced around retail jobs. She was accepted into art school to take a photography course but balked at the thought of taking on student debt. Instead, she started to sell vintage designer clothing through eBay under the moniker Nasty Gal. Catching the overlap of eBay and social media at an optimal moment and turning her eye for photography and styling to commercial good effect, she has turned a start in thrift-store shopping into a $125 million fashion retail business in barely eight years. | 3 | 2,585 | finance |
You Won't Believe Why These Restaurants Were Sued It's been said time and time again that we live in a litigious society, where everybody sues everybody over seemingly miniscule offenses. While most people are perfectly fine with handling their disagreements without getting lawyers involved, for others it's the first thing that comes to mind whenever they feel that they've been slighted. Yul Brenner vs. Trader Vic's Back in 1973, actor Yul Brenner (best known for portraying the King of Siam in The King and I) ate some pork spare ribs at the New York outpost of legendary Tiki-themed restaurant Trader Vic's, located in the basement of the Plaza Hotel. He came down with a case of trichinosis which he blamed on the restaurant, and sued for $3 million. The case was settled out of court four years later; Brenner was awarded $125,000 and the restaurant vowed to serve only well-done meat going forward. Hot Hash In July 2010, a woman named Allysen Kauppinen dropped into a Ypsilanti, Mich. restaurant called Luca's and ordered eggs and corned beef hash. Unfortunately for her, the hash was scorching hot, and it allegedly burned her mouth. Instead of complaining, she took the restaurant to court, seeking $25,000 in damages for the "great emotional upset, embarrassment, and pain" the traumatic event caused. No details are available on how the case played out. Hot Coffee One of the most famous (and infamous) lawsuits of all time, this one stems from a very hot cup of McDonald's coffee that was served to one Stella Liebeck, a 79-year-old Albuquerque woman who was sitting in the passenger seat of a parked car when it spilled on her lap. The normal coffee temperature is around 140 degrees, but this was closer to 190, leading to third-degree burns over six percent of her body. She took McDonald's to court, and was awarded $160,000 in compensatory damages and $2.7 million in punitive damages, which a court later reduced to $480,000. Both sides appealed, and the case was settled out of court of an undisclosed sum, but the case went down in history as a textbook example of an overly-litigious society. Napkin Discrimination All Webster Lucas wanted was an extra napkin with his McDonald's order, but upon being asked for it, the manager on duty reportedly became argumentative and mumbled something that the African-American Lucas took to be racially discriminating. Lucas was "unable to work because of the undue mental anguish and the intentional infliction of emotional distress," and is suing the chain for $1.5 million. Mean Restroom Mirror Under what circumstances do you think it would be appropriate to sue over a restroom mirror? For one disabled customer at a California restaurant called La Casita Mexicana, the mirror being too high for customers in wheelchairs set off a lawsuit. The plaintiff had in fact filed more than 500 Americans with Disabilities Act-related lawsuits, and when surveillance footage revealed that he'd never even visited the restaurant, the case was thrown out. Fattening Fast Food A man named Caesar Barber was dealing with obesity and other related health problems stemming from eating fast food four or five times per week, so he decided to do something about it: no, not to start exercising and eating healthier, but to sue McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and KFC. In a class-action lawsuit filed with other fast-food junkies, he demanded that fast food chains "offer a larger variety to the consumers, including non-meat vegetarian, less grams of fat, and a reduction of size." The case was dismissed a year later. Car Crash If an underage woman drinks excessively at a sports bar, gets behind the wheel, and then crashes her car, who's responsible, her or the bar? Most would agree that the woman, 20-year-old Chelsea Hess, shouldn't have been drinking in the first place, but she still sued the Bluffton South Carolina restaurant where she over-imbibed for negligence. She also sued the state's department of transportation for not properly maintaining the road she was driving on when she crashed. No word on how the lawsuit played out. "There's a Finger in My Chili!" Here's an odd one: In 2005, a woman named Anna Ayala filed a claim against a Wendy's franchise owner after claiming that she found a human fingertip in her chili. The negative publicity reportedly cost the chain more than $21 million in lost sales, but authorities simply could not figure out where in the supply chain the finger could have made its way into the chili. The culprit? Ayala herself, whose husband took the finger from a co-worker who lost it in a work-related accident so that she could hide it in her dinner. Ayala was found guilty of extortion and served four years in prison. Shorted on Sandwiches After Subway was caught red-handed selling "footlong" sandwiches that were actually only 11 inches long, three class-action lawsuits were filed in Illinois, New Jersey, and California. "The length of the bread baked in the restaurant cannot be assured each and every time as the proofing process may vary slightly each time in the restaurant," Subway countered, but the 11 plaintiffs didn't give up, and the case was settled a year later. | 0 | 2,586 | foodanddrink |
In 2009, the world's most famous paleontologist made a bold claim. In "How to Build a Dinosaur ," Jack Horner proposed re-creating a small dinosaur by reactivating ancient DNA found in its descendants, chickens. His 2011 TED talk on the subject went viral. And then for the past four years, the public heard nothing. While the Internet moved on to other viral videos and ideas, Horner and his team have been working on the "chickenosaurus" and moving ahead the science of evolutionary development. The project has already resulted in some of the first research into the embryonic development of tails . The idea that birds are descended from dinosaurs is no longer questioned within the mainstream scientific community. Paleontologists have long studied the changes in bone structure of dinosaurs and birds over time. Meanwhile, molecular biologists have studied the composition of modern bird genes. By merging these scientists' work, Horner, who is curator of paleontology at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Mont., hopes to answer questions about evolution. Horner's premise can be viewed from the launchpad of the late Michael Crichton's novel and film " Jurassic Park ," a story that involved obtaining dinosaur DNA from undigested blood in mosquitoes preserved in amber. The idea of finding dinosaur DNA this way was taken seriously by many people, and the possibility was explored by scientists. Jack Horner knows the "Jurassic Park" theory very well, having served not only as the inspiration for one of the main characters but also as a technical adviser for the film. But 24 years after the novel was published, we have yet to find any DNA in mosquitoes from the time of the dinosaurs. DNA degrades under even ideal storage conditions. Cool, sterile conditions can extend its useful life to as long as perhaps a few million years, and dinosaurs disappeared about 65 million years ago. No matter how perfect a mosquito we find in a blob of amber, we cannot make a dinosaur out of that mosquito's last blood meal. There is only one way that DNA has been proved to survive millions of years relatively intact: by replicating itself during that time. This is exactly what happened as birds evolved from dinosaurs. The obvious choice? Chickens may not seem like the most obvious modern bird to convert into a dinosaur. Ostriches are the most primitive surviving species of bird. Sandhill cranes have been largely unchanged for about 10 million years. The chicks of a bird called a hoatzin have dinosaur-like claws on their fingertips that they use to climb trees before they are fledged. But ostriches, sandhill cranes and hoatzins would each be challenging to work with in a laboratory. Chickens have the advantage of being highly domesticated and easy to care for at low cost. Working with chickens also allows scientists to benefit from decades of work that has already been done on their genome and anatomy. A massive amount of research has already been conducted on the domestic chicken due to its economic importance. Poultry science is a large field with long-established journals and entire departments at respected universities. A genome does not evolve in a tidy fashion. Old genes are not always discarded when they fall out of use. For example, there may be a whole host of genes that direct the growth and movement of a dinosaur's arm and fingers. If another gene evolved to fuse some of those bones into a wing during embryonic development, many of those arm-and-finger genes would be pushed to the sidelines. But the potential for a dinosaur arm could still be there. If you can identify the newer gene that causes bone fusion and disrupt its expression, those sidelined genes may suddenly start producing arms. Horner posits that three primary engineering tasks will lead him from a conventional chicken to something resembling a miniature velociraptor (a small predator that became famous in "Jurassic Park"): creation of a long tail; the development of a toothed, beakless head; and the fashioning of arms with fingers and claws instead of wings. The toothy snout is already here. At his lab at Harvard Medical School, Matthew Harris has made chicken embryos that express ancient genes for the growth of conical, crocodile-like teeth. The project is considered more than an effort to make a living toy; in fact, it has the potential to affect medical research. "We were asking, 'What are the genetic means by which nominal features come about?' " Harris said. "After 70 million years, the organism still maintains the latent mechanisms of making the beginning stages of these teeth. If that is the case, what other sort of latent potential still exists in other animals or ourselves? How does that equate to ideas about repair or medicine?" Horner's team will build on Harris's work, but it will have to combine that with transgenic work, which means taking a gene from one organism and inserting it into the genome of another. "We can do the teeth already, but birds have lost the enamel gene," Horner said. "To make real teeth, we are going to have to do some transgenics. We are going to have to add the enamel back. This isn't actually a very big deal to get done." "The hands are probably the easiest to deal with," Horner said. Indeed, an X-ray of a chicken's wing reveals the same bones found in the arm of a small dinosaur. All of the parts are already there. To date, the biggest challenge in making the chickenosaurus has been the tail. Modern birds don't have a tail beneath their feathers. Instead, they have a complicated appendage called a pygostyle, with short, fused vertebrae and connected muscles that allow them to control and fan out their tail feathers. Turning a pygostyle back into a long tail requires learning how the pygostyle evolved in the first place. This was a question that nobody had been able to answer until recently. Horner and colleagues recently published a paper that reveals 23 different mutations that can result in fused, shortened tails among mice. In effect, they sought to mimic the history of the fossil record in a laboratory. Bird embryos still grow dinosaur-like tails before absorbing the structure through a process known as resorbtion. Learning how to cause tail resorbtion in gecko embryos may help scientists prevent tail resorbtion in birds. "Using genetic markers, we've identified what genes turn on to make certain parts and what is resorbing that particular part," Horner said. "We are looking for what kinds of genes actually take out whole segments of tail. Our next step really is now to get ourselves a colony of [geckos] and then see if we can take some of these pathways and actually see if we can knock out the tail. . . . We're pretty sure that the tail genes we've discovered in mice will work here." 'A really awful monstrosity' Harris is skeptical about the idea of making a chickenosaurus. "Just because you can do an experiment doesn't mean that you should do an experiment. What is the scientific question that is being asked? Jack is asking a question: 'Can you remake something that was once lost?' It is the wrong question to ask. What are you going to learn if you could do it? Technically, you are going to have a messed-up chicken. It's not a dinosaur. It's never going to be a dinosaur. It's just going to be a really awful monstrosity. What we should ask is: Knowing the history of birds, what are the interesting parts of their biology that can tell us something about the dinosaurs?" Horner disagrees about the appropriateness of making a chickenosaurus. "I think we could achieve a suite of changes in one embryo so that the resulting animal could hatch and live out a normal life span, eating, moving and functioning without difficulty," he said. Horner and Harris agree that the research involved in designing a chickenosaurus could pay scientific and medical dividends. Research into factors that influence embryonic tail growth could lead to new treatments for spinal disorders. Understanding more about the mesenchyme tissue (cells that develop into circulatory, lymphatic and connective tissue) of chicken embryos that direct the growth of teeth may eventually have applications in treatment of human sarcomas, which are cancers of mesenchymal cells. As all small dinosaurs did, the chickenosaurus would have feathers. "Jurassic Park" got that wrong, though the creator of the film's special effects is making it up to Horner. George Lucas has funded most of the cost of the chickenosaurus project thus far, and the final price tag is expected to be relatively low. "I'd be really surprised if we don't have them in 10 years," Horner said. "If we're lucky, we'll have them in five years. [We wouldn't need] more than $5 million. If we did have $5 million, then we would have three different labs working on it." For less than the cost of the special effects for any of the "Jurassic Park" films, Jack Horner just might succeed in making a living dinosaur. Landers is an author and freelance writer in Charlottesville. | 5 | 2,587 | news |
'Happiest Place on Earth' has some extra holiday spirit | 2 | 2,588 | travel |
From her seductress dance in The Bling Ring to her very grown-up red carpet fashion to her romantic vacation with boyfriend Matthew Janney, Emma Watson has proven in recent years that she has fully shed her witchy robes and become an adult. As a 24-year-old woman, Emma is no longer frizzy-haired Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter films - a role she played for nearly a decade. Having studied at both Oxford and Brown universities, Emma is a talented actress and dedicated student, but also, her thoughtful interviews with media outlets show that she's got a level head and a sense of humor in regard to her dating life, confidence as a woman, and romantic entanglements with costars. And how can we forget her epic speech at the UN? As the UN Women Global Goodwill Ambassador, she's proven herself to be a feminist icon to a younger generation. Check out some of our favorite quotes from the smart and sweet Emma Watson now. | 4 | 2,589 | lifestyle |
America is in pain and being killed by its painkillers. It starts with drugs such as OxyContin, Percocet and Vicodin prescription narcotics that can make days bearable if you are recovering from surgery or suffering from cancer. But they can be as addictive as heroin and are rife with deadly side effects. Use of these and other opioids has skyrocketed in recent years. Prescriptions have climbed 300 percent in the past decade, and Vicodin and other drugs containing the narcotic hydrocodone are now the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. With that increased use have come increased deaths: 46 people per day, or almost 17,000 people per year, die from overdoses of the drugs. That's up more than 400 percent from 1999. And for every death, more than 30 people go to an emergency room because of opioid complications. With numbers like that, some argue that the Food and Drug Administration would do all it could to reverse the trend. But against the recommendation of its own panel of expert advisers, the agency last December approved Zohydro ER, a long-acting version of hydrocodone. "We think the benefits of the drug outweigh its risks," says Douglas Throckmorton, who oversees regulation of drugs for the FDA. He says that Zohydro ER offers an option to some people in pain and that the FDA has taken steps to make all opioids safer by, for example, requiring stronger warnings on drug labels. The FDA says it will also keep a close eye on how Zohydro ER is used in the marketplace. But attorneys general from 28 states have asked the FDA to reconsider its decision because the drug offers no clear advantages over others already on the market and its potency makes it a target for misuse and abuse. And more than a dozen Republican and Democratic members of Congress have signed a bill that would ban Zohydro ER. Deadly misconceptions One of the biggest misconceptions people have about opioids is that the risks apply to other people, not themselves. But the typical victim of overdose might not be whom you think. About 60 percent of overdoses occur in people prescribed the drugs by a single physician, not in those who "doctor-shopped" or who got the drugs on the black market. And a third of those were taking a low dose. Used properly, opioids can ease severe short-term pain from, say, surgery or a broken bone. But people run into trouble when they inadvertently misuse the drugs combining them with alcohol or other drugs (such as sleeping pills), taking them in too high a dose or for too long, or using them while driving or in other situations when they need to be alert. The general public and health-care providers harbor outdated and dangerous notions about opioids. Here are three of the biggest misconceptions and the facts you need to know to stay safe: ●Misconception: Opioids work well for chronic pain. Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts longer than three to six months and that is not associated with a terminal illness. An estimated 90 percent of people with chronic pain wind up being prescribed an opioid despite little evidence that the drugs help much or are safe in such situations. People who take opioids for more than a few weeks often develop tolerance, so they require higher doses, which breeds dependence. And although higher doses can ease pain, they commonly cause nausea and constipation, disrupt your immune system and sex life, and leave you feeling too fuzzy-headed to participate in things such as physical activity that can speed your recovery. And in a cruel twist, the drugs can make some people more sensitive to pain. The safer approach: For certain types of pain including nerve pain, migraines and fibromyalgia other prescription medications usually work better than opioids. For other types of chronic pain, ask your doctor about trying over-the-counter drugs such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen before prescription drugs. Nondrug measures such as exercise, massage, behavioral therapy and acupuncture might also help. ● Misconception: Opioids are not addictive when used to treat pain. Between 5 and 25 percent of people who use prescription pain pills long-term get addicted. Fewer women are dependent on prescription painkillers than men, but they may become dependent more quickly and are more likely to doctor-shop. The safer approach: Chronic pain often waxes and wanes. If you and your doctor feel you need an opioid, reserve it for flare-ups. ● Misconception: Extended-release versions are safer. Opioids such as hydromorphone (Exalgo), oxycodone (OxyContin and related generics), morphine (Avinza, MS Contin and generics), and the newly approved Zohydro ER stay in the body longer and are usually stronger than short-acting opioids. They should be reserved for patients who need round-the-clock relief. But doctors sometimes prescribe them for convenience patients need to take fewer pills and because they believe that long-acting drugs are less likely to cause a drug high and lead to addiction. But there's no evidence those drugs work better or are safer than short-acting ones. The safer approach: It's usually best to start with a short-acting opioid. Because long-acting drugs are more likely to be stolen, misused and abused, expect careful monitoring if your doctor prescribes one. "For example, your physician may insist that you return for regular visits or that he count your pills to ensure that you are taking them on the prescribed schedule. Copyright 2014. Consumers Union of United States Inc. | 5 | 2,590 | news |
Some of the most magical moments of fashion (and biggest shopping successes) come when you walk into a store, check out the racks and know, without a doubt, that particular dress is the one you need. But what if that instant attraction actually isn't random at all and, instead, there's some predetermination involved. The idea that our astrological signs could affect how we dress and shop makes total sense to me, so much so that I've started covering it on the regular here . In celebration of all you Scorpio ladies celebrating birthdays now through Nov. 21, first, yay, and secondly, take a look at the below and let me know if they feel fitting. You know you're a Scorpio if in your closet... 1. There's a lot of neutrals and not many bright prints. "Scorpios are likely to be concealed observers, the detectives trying to pull the levers and affect situations subtly and secretively," astrologer Amy Zerner explained to me. As such, your M.O. is all about blending in with building blocks made of simple colors, not tons of bold choices like leopard and geometric designs. 2. It's a statement piece-free zone. You avoid aggressive silhouettes and figure-exaggerating numbers. "They do not traditionally like to call attention to themselves, so over-the-top dramatic pieces aren't usually their things." The caveat? If your posse likes loud items, you might shop them, too. "The exception is if everyone else is wearing them and they need to blend in." 3. You have some pricey designer basics. Since you skip the trendy items you'll be over by next season, you have the pocket power to spend a little bit more on your basics. "Simple items need to be of high quality so they can convey an air of quiet power." 4. Certain items evoke a lot of passion from you. Even if the items you prefer are simple, that doesn't mean you don't care deeply about them. Amy says Scorpios "approach their wardrobe as an artist approaches a canvas. The reasons they have for choosing items are felt at such a visceral level that they couldn't explain it to you in words." 5. There aren't many pieces with sentimental value. "It's a sign associated with endings, and they're legendary for cutting things off and never looking back," Amy told me. Basically, your closet does not still include the dress you wore to your college graduation or the blouse bought for that big job interview. 6. Space is devoted to practical items. Whether it's an actual rain jacket or a pair of wool leggings, you value practical items. "Scorpios are more likely to listen to their survival instincts than their heads or hearts. It's a sign associated with our Limbic snake brain, so food, sex, and survival, and it's a filter they apply to decision making." 7. And some pieces are super sexy. Of the words Amy picked to describe Scorpios, passionate and sexual were the first two on her list. As such, your closet probably has some body-con numbers, cutouts, or sultry leg slits. The exact item will differ based on your personal style, but as a general rule, you're not the type of person who's caught without something steamy for a last-minute date. Any Scorpios reading? Do you think this sounds like you? And, of course, happy birthday! | 4 | 2,591 | lifestyle |
Will the real Ohio State please stand up? Are the Buckeyes closer to the team that lost at home to Virginia Tech or the one that mauled Michigan State in East Lansing? Bonnie Bernstein, Doug Chapman and Pete Fiutak predict where Urban Meyer's squad will be placed in the polls. | 1 | 2,592 | sports |
The only slowmo hamster video you will ever need to see. | 8 | 2,593 | video |
I didn't finish the project. I have no idea where your files are. I think I spilled coffee on your laptop. Clearly, these are incredibly obvious phrases you know your boss doesn't want to hear. But, surprisingly, the majority of statements that make bosses cringe may seem like NBD to a lot of us. In fact, many of the lines most likely to irritate your boss are the ones you might utter because you think you're helping them out. So, we asked nine powerhouses across a wide range of industries to reveal the phrases that won't score you a promotion anytime soon. Some of them learned these lessons the hard way while others dish on their personal pet peeves. Either way, they all provide universally useful insights no matter your job. And, of course, it goes without saying that none of these are written in stone. In most offices, hard work and a good attitude are far more memorable than one slip of the tongue. Learn from your mistakes, move on, and when you're the boss, make sure to tell your team the story of that one time when you said something you shouldn't have. Designed by Elliot Salazar. You Should Never Say: "Do you really think you should do that?" Kristin Newman, Screenwriter & Memoirist This comedy writer has written for small-screen favorites like That '70s Show, Chuck, and How I Met Your Mother, and is the author of the travel memoir What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding. Here's the trick that's helped her stay on top in her career, the one that she wishes every career newbie knew. "Don't try to teach your boss something they learned the first day on the job. One of the basic rules of comedy writing, the thing you learn in any 'Intro to Comedy' class at any community college, is to put the hard laugh at the end of the sentence. When I was a young writers' assistant on the last season of Mad About You, I was taking dictation for a script from Paul Reiser. I decided he had buried the laugh in the middle of the sentence, and I asked if he wanted to reword his joke so it was at the end. The comedian who was making a million dollars an episode turned his head very, very slowly toward the 23-year-old trying to school him in comedy, and just said, 'No.'" Designed by Elliot Salazar. You Should Never Say: "If I don't get this, I'm going to quit." Mike Indursky, Bliss World President Bliss Spas may be where you go to get an ahh-inducing massage, but that doesn't mean the CEO thinks work is anxiety-free. Formerly the Chief Marketing & Strategic Officer of Burt's Bees, Inc, Indursky says threatening to quit will definitely cause your boss' shoulders to tense. "Never hold a gun to your boss' head. When an employee gives an ultimatum, it tells me it's not a matter of if they're going to leave, but when. Instead, go into any negotiation with respect and good intentions." Designed by Elliot Salazar. You Should Never Say: "I was waiting to see if [insert potential disaster here] would work itself out before telling you." Leigh Belz Ray, Lucky Magazine Deputy Editor As an editor at a fast-paced magazine, Leigh Belz Ray needs to be in the loop on everything so that pages get out the door before deadline. Her advice: Trying to help your boss may end up hurting you in the long run."No boss likes to be surprised. So, it's always important to keep them looped in, even if it means telling them that something's in the midst of going wrong. It's better for any boss to have a heads up on a potentially problematic situation, as opposed to finding out in the eleventh hour that there's an issue." Designed by Elliot Salazar. You Should Never Say: "It's just that so-and-so coworker is so [insert complaint here]. She's ruining everything!" Elizabeth Chambers, TV Reporter A chief correspondent for the Human Rights Foundation and a co-owner of BIRD Bakery in San Antonio, Chambers has experienced a very wide range of workplace environments but she finds certain truths remain constant no matter where you work. Specifically, drama is never going to score you points with the big boss."It may be tempting to vent your frustrations about a coworker, but no one likes unnecessary drama in the work place. It's best to vent at home and avoid unproductive negativity at work." Designed by Elliot Salazar. You Should Never Say: "I don't know..." Sarah Fincke, SoulCycle Director of Recruiting In order for everything at mega-fitness brand SoulCycle to, ahem, spin smoothly, it's essential that staffers are confident in their problem-solving skills and often that means bringing solutions to their bosses. Meaning, there are a few words that no SoulCycle staffer will ever utter, either on or off the bike. "Be solution-oriented, and if you don't know the answer to something, come prepared with several possible ideas for how you think the problem can be solved. Approaching challenges as opportunities to learn something new and develop yourself professionally can make a huge difference in both your success and your company's success." Designed by Elliot Salazar. You Should Never Say: "We have a problem." Kerry Diamond, Restauranteur & Editor As co-owner of three Brooklyn hotspots (Nightingale 9, Wilma Jean, and Smith Canteen), co-creator of the indie foodie mag Cherry Bombe, and editor of Yahoo! Food, Diamond's juggling a lot. How she does it? By making sure the people she surrounds herself with are just as fast on their feet as she is. "Glenda Bailey, my former boss and the editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar, gave me great advice one day. She said, 'Don't bring me problems, bring me solutions.' It really changed my way of thinking and working with my superiors. Instead of telling them what went wrong or is wrong, reframe the issue. Your boss might not agree with your solution, but it's better than dumping a problem on his or her lap!" Designed by Elliot Salazar. You Should Never Say: "As a millennial…" Josh Bank, Executive Vice President of Alloy Entertainment Overseeing the creation of major book-to-television crossover hits like Pretty Little Liars and Gossip Girl, Bank understands his audience. His finger is on the pulse of what millennials want and what millennials shouldn't say if they want to impress their boss."Don't begin any sentence with, 'As a millennial...' Ever. I get it. You are younger than me. Much younger than me. Telling me you're a millennial is another way of telling me I'm a clueless old loser who's going to die shortly. A good rule of thumb is that bosses don't like to be reminded of their mortality." Designed by Elliot Salazar. You Should Never Say: "I agree with you." Sarika Doshi, Rank & Style Founder A former corporate lawyer turned member of a management team at a venture-backed company, Sarika Doshi knows how to work under pressure. So, it makes sense that she's really thriving as founder of Rank & Style, a site that creates Top 10 lists of the most essential buys in fashion and beauty. Her thoughts on what you should and shouldn't say:"I thrive on getting dissenting opinions from my team. Hearing an agreement too quickly or too often can be a red flag. While I think reaching a consensus is important in how companies make decisions, I thrive on getting dissenting, sometimes critical opinions from my team. When we all agree without much back and forth, it leaves me to wonder if there is a better way we haven't considered. Challenging your boss (without overdoing it) demonstrates confidence, shows you are engaging, proves you are being thoughtful, and conveys passion." Designed by Elliot Salazar. You Should Never Say: "It can't be done." H. Kim Bottomly, Wellesley College President Trained as an immunobiologist with a doctorate in biological structure from the University of Washington School of Medicine, H. Kim Bottomly is the first scientist to ever lead Wellesley College. Since her inauguration in 2007, Bottomly has received accolades for her work advocating women's leadership in higher education, particularly STEM education. Here, her secret to coming out on top. "I have spent the majority of my career testing out new ideas from when I was a child conducting lab experiments in my parents' basement (the 'boss' of my younger brother and reluctant lab assistant), to teaching immunology and running my own lab at Yale, to now, as president of Wellesley College. As a scientist, and especially as a woman in a male-dominated field, I have learned that you must have enough confidence in your own original thinking to be willing to test your ideas. Saying 'it can't be done' is the easy way out. Instead, step outside of your comfort zone to figure out a way that it can be done. Ask challenging questions, experiment, and draw conclusions based on good data. I recognize that scientists are more accustomed to this way of thinking and working but, if more of us were willing to test out our new ideas, perhaps we could make even more positive change in this world and find many things that can be done. Albert Einstein told us that we can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." Designed by Elliot Salazar. You Should Never Say: "I need a raise." (Ed note: Just to be clear, you should absolutely ask for a raise when you deserve it just be smart about how you position that request.) Dante Gaudio, Healthline SVP Of Sales As a SVP of one of the top-rated health information and technology portals on the Internet, Gaudio manages a steadily growing national sales team and forges relationships with a clientele that includes IBM and UnitedHealth Group."Rather than telling me you 'need' a raise at the review, convince me of why you deserve it. It's extremely helpful to present to your boss the value you've delivered to the organization and the responsibilities or projects you've taken on. Almost everyone needs more money. So, make it clear why I should stick my neck out to my boss and fight for your higher compensation." | 4 | 2,594 | lifestyle |
White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu took home the AL Rookie of the Year in a landslide. | 1 | 2,595 | sports |
Michelle Obama spoke on Monday at a veterans' hiring event and shared new statistics. | 8 | 2,596 | video |
Carson Palmer on coping with his season-ending ACL injury and his future with the Cardinals. | 1 | 2,597 | sports |
Only Campus Insiders delivers this week's top highlights from the top Heisman candidates including Trevone Boykin, Marcus Mariota, and Bryce Petty in one all out reel. | 8 | 2,598 | video |
Your skin probably doesn't fall into the category you think it does, but knowing whether you're dry, oily, sensitive, or a combination can stop breakouts, bring life to dull skin, and even prevent early aging. Don't buy another cream or cleanser without reading our quick run-down: Skin Type: Oily Skin becomes shiny and greasy throughout the day and pores are visibly large. What to Do: Use a cleanser with salicylic acid to unclog pores and reduce oil production and don't skimp on moisturizer your skin is producing oil because it isn't properly hydrated. Pick one that's oil-free. Skin Type: Dry Skin feels tight and rough and sometimes flakes or turns red from irritation. What to Do: Soothe and nourish skin with a face cleanser that has hydrating essential oils. A gentle scrub used a few times a week will help skin shed dead, flaky cells. A rich moisturizer, plus a a weekly hydration mask, will boost your natural glow. Dry skin is a hotbed for fine lines and wrinkles, so look for products labeled as antiagers. Skin Type: Normal Skin has an even tone and texture and pores are small. What to Do: Find a routine that works and stick with it. Use a general cleanser and moisturizer daily and exfoliate a few times a week to prevent the buildup of dead skin. Skin Type: Sensitive Skin is easily irritated by products and prone to occasional breakouts or rashes. What to Do: Prevent irritation by sticking with gentle products that are fragrance-free and have all-natural ingredients. Skip the tough scrubs, too. Skin Type: Combination Forehead, nose, and chin areas tend to be oily, while cheeks and eyes are dry. What to Do: Follow the basic guidelines for normal skin, but add a weekly clay mask to just the oily T-zone areas. Use a heavier eye cream under the eyes and on cheeks and a lighter moisturizer for the rest of the face. | 7 | 2,599 | health |
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