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Celebrity Diet Extremes As if money and fame weren't enough, most of Hollywood's hottest stars have great figures, too. But as much as they would like us to believe that it's all in the genes, sometimes they actually have to work hard at looking that good. Most have personal trainers on retainer; some hire a private chef. Despite having these tools at their fingertips, the lure of the quick-fix fad diet is too appealing to pass up, even for celebrities. See, they're just like us! From an A-list sitcom star who eats like a newborn to a superstar singer who stays drunk all day, here are some crazy celebrity diets. Jennifer Aniston Trainer to the stars Tracy Anderson created the crazy weight-loss plan known as the Baby Food Diet, which she calls a "cleanse." Several of her clients tried it, but it was when Jennifer Aniston jumped on the bandwagon that Gerber got excited. She lost 7 pounds in one week, something Anderson said was possible because the diet gave her body a " boost ." Beyoncé These days, Yolanda Foster is the Master Cleanse's biggest fan. But before the "Housewives" fan jumped on the lemon juice bandwagon, Beyonce sucked it down. She needed a plan that was fast like 20 pounds in two weeks fast for her dream role in Dreamgirls. "Normally they'd just change your makeup or your clothes but I wanted to go the extra mile," Beyonce told China Daily . "Back in the sixties, models like Twiggy were popular and I knew Deena would have been thin then, so even though I love eating, it was necessary to lose weight really fast because we shot Deena at 36 and then Deena at 16 two weeks later." Megan Fox Don't you hate it when a super-sexy celeb is asked how they do it and the first thing they say is that they don't exercise? Well, Megan Fox admitted to being just too "lazy" to attempt breaking a sweat. Instead, she downs shots of apple cider vinegar. This quick-fix diet trick, she says, "cleans out your system entirely. It will get rid of, for women who retain water weight from your menstrual cycle and all that, it gets rid of it really fast," Lady Gaga It was actually the Cookie Diet that prompted Lüc Carl , Lady Gaga's ex-boyfriend, to write The Drunk Diet . It's a plan that fits in perfectly with the pop star's lifestyle and she's happy to admit it. "I am on the drunk diet," Gaga said . "I live my life as I want to, creatively. I like to drink whiskey and stuff while I am working. But the deal is I've got to work out every day, and I work out hung over if I am hung over. And it's about the cross training and keeping yourself inspired. I have to say, I do a ton of yoga." Anne Hathaway Anne Hathaway wanted to lose 25 pounds to play the role of Fantine in "Les Miserables." Instead of hitting the gym, she starved herself, under doctor's supervision, of course. She ate just two squares of oatmeal paste a day and then wondered why no one on set could stand her sunny disposition. Liz Hurley Liz Hurley has been linked to some odd diets in her day. In 2002, in an effort to lose weight after giving birth, she retreated to Elton John's house and ate nothing but oatcakes. Years later, she shared that she thought adults shouldn't eat breakfast. If you happen to be at her house for dinner, you'll indulge in another of her diet fads: watercress soup . "I drink at least six cups a day when I am eager to lose a few pounds," she said . "It's fat-less, low-calorie, full of vitamins and iron, and delicious enough to serve at a dinner party." January Jones You thought Liz Hurley eating oatcakes to lose baby weight was bonkers? January Jones turned to her insides in an effort to get back on set quicker. She turned to a diet of tea, vitamins, and placenta pills to get her body back to pre-baby weight in a record six weeks after giving birth. Madonna Leave it to Madonna to come up with an attention-grabbing diet that has been right in front of our faces, literally, all along. When following the Air Diet , she goes through all the motions of eating: having someone plate the food, put it in front of her, stab it with a fork, and hold it up to her (you don't think she does that stuff herself, do you??). That's where it stops. There is no actual eating involved, unless it's a "soup" of water and salt. We always called that a gargle. Gwyneth Paltrow Gwyneth Paltrow famously turned to a macrobiotic diet in 1999, partly because of her dad's illness (he died in 2002 from complications from oral cancer), but also because Leonardo DiCaprio planted the seed of "how dirty meat is" in her head years ago. She doesn't give her kids gluten, she avoids dairy, and pesticides are a no-no. But, see, there's nothing wrong with a weekend treat. For her, it's cigarettes and booze . It's all about the ying and the yang, people. Snooki We aren't sure there are many people who'd turn to "Jersey Shore" star Snooki (née Nicole Elizabeth Polizzi) for healthy living advice. If there was one diet that made total sense for her, though, it's the cookie diet . In 2010 she made headlines for turning to this odd snack-based regimen in an effort to lose all the weight she gained from binge drinking. "I eat six cookies a day and then I have like chicken for dinner, or fish," she said of the diet. "Something healthy." Billy Bob Thornton At the height of Billy Bob Thornton's career, rumors swirled about his crazy lifestyle. Aside from the gossip about his taste for blood, the story that he only ate orange food was one of the oddest. A vegan with allergies to dairy, wheat and shellfish, Thornton's skin reportedly turned orange because of all the carrots he consumed. He says it all started when his papaya breakfast fascination set the press in a tailspin. "I eat papaya every morning -- it's orange. It's not all I have all day, but it is orange." Glad he cleared that up. Oprah Winfrey There have been some monumental moments on TV. The "Who shot JR?" cliffhanger…Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction,"… Oprah Winfrey wheeling out a wagon full of fat in her size-10 Calvins to show off how much weight she lost. In 1988, Oprah wanted to tell the world that she'd lost 67 pounds in less than five months. (The episode was called "Diet Dreams Come True" and ranks as "The Oprah Show'"s highest ratings episode ever.) How'd she do it? Running six-and-a-half miles per day and surviving on a liquid diet . She was up 10 pounds two weeks later. | 7 | 2,900 | health |
What's next for Tayshaun Prince? Prince was a member of the contending Grizzlies up until a trade that sent him to Boston for Jeff Green this weekend, a deal that became official on Monday. The Celtics are clearly in the depths of a rebuilding project, and whether they want to keep the 34-year-old Prince around remains to be seen. MORE: Green deal could be plus for Grizzlies | Injury bug hits 2014 draft class | Mock draft A source told Sporting News that nothing has been worked out yet between Prince and Celtics team president Danny Ainge. The two are planning to meet, though, and will go from there. Ainge and Prince (whose contract is up this summer) could simply agree to a buyout, which would allow Prince to become a free agent and sign on with a contender. He would have value for contenders in need of wing depth, like the Clippers (Prince is from Los Angeles) or the Spurs (where Kawhi Leonard is recovering from a torn ligament in his hand). But Ainge could decide to keep Prince around, at least through next month's trade deadline the Celtics, who have stockpiled picks for the long term, do need actual NBA players to put on the floor, after all. Prince has averaged 7.3 points in 26 games this season. | 1 | 2,901 | sports |
Ryan Pritchard is recovering after a dangerous fall thanks to a 911 dispatcher who found him on Facebook. Gillian Pensavalle (@GillianWithaG) has the details. | 8 | 2,902 | video |
A woman is now accepting applications for potential dates to her 30th birthday dinner at Noma Tokyo, currently voted the world's best restaurant. Gillian Pensavalle (@GillianWithaG) has more. | 8 | 2,903 | video |
The auto industry shows off its sleek new designs at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Linda So reports. | 9 | 2,904 | autos |
Here are some simple ways to eliminate the student loan debt that's wrecking your finances. Repaying student loans You walk across the stage grinning from ear to ear. College is finally over, and you've landed your dream job. Life's great. Fast-forward a few months, and student loan debt has taken your wallet captive. You're definitely not alone. The Project on Student Debt says , "Seven in 10 seniors (69 percent) who graduated from public and nonprofit colleges in 2013 had student loan debt, with an average of $28,400 per borrower." But there is hope. Here are 13 ways to expedite the repayment of your student loans. 1. Face the music Taking responsibility for your student loans is the first step. It's impossible to solve a problem you don't realize you have. Be positive and remember why you incurred the debt. 2. Make a plan Once your emergency fund and spending plan are intact, list the amount you can realistically afford to pay each month and use a repayment calculator to compute the expected date of completion. If the result is unfavorable, revisit the drawing board to make cuts to your variable expenses. Stop eating out every night of the week, hanging out at the bar with pals, treating yourself to spa treatments, throwing away money on cellphones and cable and going on random shopping sprees. These are just a few ideas to help you get started. 3. Stop using debt Money is tight, but you'll never dig yourself out of the hole if you keep relying on debt in the crunch. And refrain from opening any new accounts. Freeze the credit cards in a block of ice if you have to. 4. Start making payments immediately Still in school? Any amount you can contribute to debt repayment helps, even if it's only $25 biweekly and the loan is deferred. 5. Get a side gig Whether it's a part-time job or an occasional freelance opportunity, any extra income used to pay down your student loans can reduce the repayment period. Let's say you have a $5,000 loan with a five-year term, 6 percent interest rate and $96.66 minimum monthly payment. If you're able to generate $100 per month to use toward the balance, you will reduce the repayment period by 32 months. 6. Implement the envelope system Having a hard time keeping your spending habits in check? Try implementing the envelope system, which forces you to rely on cash. Once the cash is gone, it's gone. 7. Downsize Say goodbye to that posh apartment downtown and hello to your new roommate or parent's basement. This is definitely a sacrifice, but it will free up a nice chunk of cash to allocate toward those balances. Using the illustration from above, if you're now able to reduce your living expenses by $600 and allocate this extra amount to the balance each month, the loan will be paid off in eight short months. 8. Double up on payments This should be easier to do once you have slashed your variable expenses in half. The more you pay each month, the less interest that accumulates. And for those months of the year with an extra week, make an extra payment. But only double up if your wallet permits; if you have credit card debt with an exorbitant APR or any past-due balances, pay those first. 9. Tackle the most costly debts first Similar to credit cards, the higher the interest rate, the more you'll pay over the life of the loan. 10. Enroll in automatic withdrawals Not disciplined enough to make timely payments over the minimum amount? Opt in for automatic payments to ensure the money is remitted to the lenders on time. Some lenders offer discounts for enrolling. 11. Consolidate your loans Loan consolidation is convenient and free of charge for federal loan holders, but limitations apply. It should only be done for the sake of organizing your debts, and not reducing the amount you remit each month through a prolonged repayment term. There are also drawbacks to consolidation , such as losing the beneficial repayment options and terms that came with the original loans. 12. Inquire about loan forgiveness programs Public service workers and government employees, educators and nurses are sometimes eligible for loan forgiveness programs. The U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid website provides a comprehensive listing of the most common discharge, cancellation and forgiveness programs. 13. Pat yourself on the back As humans, we are wired to be rewarded for our accomplishments. If you've trained your mind to sweep successes under the table, now's the time to revive those incentives that you once looked forward to and propel yourself into action. Most importantly, it's mind over matter. If you approach this feat with a negative attitude, you may find yourself drowning in debt forever. But if you take the opposite approach, your debt will be gone in no time. | 3 | 2,905 | finance |
Bobby Fry, Bar Marco co-owner, explains why he took his restaurant to a tip-free policy. | 3 | 2,906 | finance |
Polar Vortex got you down? Don't let the cold get in your way of awesome meals. Here are some amazing meals to make with items that are stocked in most pantry shelves and kitchen drawers. Quinoa: Quinoa and Bean Salad 'Get the recipe' Lentils: Savory Lentils 'Get the recipe' Spaghetti: Winter Herb Pasta 'Get the recipe' Watch: How to Sauce Pasta (01:11) Onions: Six-Onion Pizza 'Get the recipe' Watch: Mincing, Dicing and Cutting Onions (01:13) Canned Tomatoes: Boston Baked Beans 'Get the recipe' Watch: Sorting, Rinsing & Soaking Dried Beans (02:02) Nut Butters: Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls 'Get the recipe' Canned Beans: Refried Bean Quesadillas 'Get the recipe' Watch: Testing Beans for Doneness (01:47) Stock: Mediterranean Garlic Soup 'Get the recipe' Watch: How to Mince & Crush Garlic (01:09) Cereal: Chewy Rice Krispies Bars 'Get the recipe' Rice: Mucendra (Lentils With Rice) 'Get the recipe' Watch: How to Flavor Rice (01:42) Canned vegetables: Easy Chicken Casserole 'Get the recipe' Watch: Roasting & Testing Vegetables (02:03) Yams: Canned Yam Bake 'Get the recipe' Canned Tuna: Tuna Casserole 'Get the recipe' | 0 | 2,907 | foodanddrink |
We love seeing hot celebrity couples show up on the red carpet together, but there's nothing quite like getting a glimpse of where the stars really came from. When A-listers arrive to award shows with their family members in tow, it always makes us smile; at Sunday's Golden Globes, Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal looked like they were having a ton of fun together, and Emma Stone brought her brother, Spencer, who hammed it up for his first-ever red carpet event. Jane the Virgin star Gina Rodriguez celebrated her big win with her sister and parents, who couldn't help tearing up with her in the press room. Keep reading to see all the celebrities who brought their siblings and parents to help them celebrate award season madness. Emma Stone brought her brother, Spencer, as her date to the Golden Globes. So sweet! Gina Rodriguez celebrated her Golden Globes win with her parents, Genaro and Magali, at the InStyle afterparty. Robin Wright met up with her kids, Dylan and Hopper Penn, at the InStyle and Warner Bros. afterparty. Michael Keaton was beaming alongside his son, Sean Douglas, at the Fox Golden Globes afterparty. Gina Rodriguez and her sister, Ivelisse, cried over her big win in the Golden Globes press room. Miss Golden Globe Greer Grammer hung out with her older sister, Spencer, at NBC's afterparty. Joaquin Phoenix brought his mom, Arlyn, as his date to the Golden Globes. Director Richard Linklater and his daughter, actress Lorelei Linklater, posed with their trophies at the InStyle and Warner Bros. Golden Globes afterparty. Jane the Virgin star Justin Baldoni had his parents, Sam and Sharon, by his side on the Golden Globes red carpet. Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal walked the red carpet together. | 6 | 2,908 | entertainment |
Celebrity news for Jan. 12, 2015 Catherine Zeta-Jones transforms into the salsa dancer Emoji Twitter user Zoe Klar pretty much won the Internet Sunday night after noticing the eerie similarities between Catherine Zeta-Jones' Golden Globes ' look and that of a certain red dress-clad salsa dancer who lives inside all of our phones. "Oh s---," Klar posted alongside this image of Zeta-Jones, tweaked to look like the dancer Emoji. Photoshop gold medal. Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda crack jokes about men in comedy ICYMI: Amy Poehler and Tina Fey weren't the only female duo killing it onstage at the Golden Globes Sunday. Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda's introduction to presenting the Best Actor in a TV Series, Comedy or Musical award involved a couple nice jabs at the age-old notion that women aren't as funny as men. "You know, it's nice," said Fonda (via Jezebel ), "it's nice -- that men, at last, are getting the recognition they deserve for being good at comedy." Tomlin chimed in: "I know, I know. Finally, we can put at rest that negative stereotype that men just aren't funny." Then Fonda offered one last zinger: "You've come a long way, baby!" Prior to her appearance with Tomlin, Fonda's boyfriend, music producer Richard Perry was reported to have passed out from the heat of the lights on their table; a rep later told THR the man who passed out was not Perry, and was doing fine after being seen by paramedics. Maggie Gyllenhaal opines on 'revolutionary' women of TV Last night's Golden Globes show was helmed by two strong women who built their careers on TV, while award presenters and winners took multiple opportunities to deal with issues around feminism onstage. On Monday, however, Cosmopolitan, Mother Jones and other outlets hailed Best Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie winner Maggie Gyllenhaal as having had the best comments about women in TV. "I've noticed a lot of people talking about the wealth of roles for powerful women in television lately," said the star of "The Honourable Woman." "And when I look around the room at the women who are here and I think about the performances that I've watched this year, what I see actually are women who are sometimes powerful and sometimes not, sometimes sexy, sometimes not, sometimes honorable, sometimes not, and what I think is new is the wealth of roles for actual women in television and in film. That's what I think is revolutionary and evolutionary, and it's what's turning me on." Yes, Brian Williams watched Allison Williams' crazy 'Girls' sex scene Some of the jokes on the Golden Globes may have been raunchy but none held a candle to the sex scene in the "Girls" season opener. Let's just say it involves Allison Williams' rear, Marnie's boyfriend's face and what Williams told Entertainment Weekly was an "elaborate" piece of wardrobe wizardry featuring Spanx, menstrual pads and two thongs. Turns out the actress' dad, newsman Brian Williams, has already viewed the scene -- and he's impressively cool with it. "She's always been an actress," Williams told Vulture . "For us, watching her is the family occupation and everybody has to remember it's aging, no animals were harmed during the filming, and ideally nobody gets hurt." Lena Dunham thinks Tinder is 'a tool for murder' In a new edition of People TV 's Up Close, "Girls" stars Lena Dunham, Allison Williams, Jemima Kirke and Zosia Mamet lounge around on a bed responding to a fan's question about whether their characters will use Tinder this season. Their initial responses range from "Tinder scares me" (Dunham) to "it's a sex website" (Kirke) to "are Tinder and Grindr different?" Eventually -- after delving into a brief conversation about Tinder for dogs -- Williams announces, "I don't think we'll be on Tinder this season because I don't think any of these people would survive Tinder." Dunham agrees, then amends her confirmation with an admission of fear about the dating app: "It's not about being famous, it's not about being in a committed relationship," she says. "I believe Tinder is a tool for murder." Tinder also seems like an ideal candidate for Hannah to have a panic attack over. Aziz Ansari calls out Rupert Murdoch on Twitter The hashtag #RupertsFault became a trend over the weekend after Aziz Ansari, whose family members are Tamil Muslim, took issue with a few of Rupert Murdoch's tweets about the Charlie Hebdo fallout. "Extraordinary scenes in Paris today, but do not forget the heroic sacrifice of Ahmed Merabet, Muslim police officer whose funeral was today," tweeted Murdoch (via Jezebel ). Ansari's response? "@rupertmurdoch Quit back peddling you racist piece of [insert four-letter word]." A second Murdoch tweet got more traction from Ansari: "Maybe most Moslems peaceful, but until they recognize and destroy their growing jihadist cancer they must be held responsible," Murdoch posted. Ansari responded numerous times, pointing out some of the inconsistencies with Murdoch's argument and creating a new hashtag in the process. "Rups can we get a step by step guide? How can my 60 year old parents in NC help destroy terrorist groups? Plz advise," read one tweet. "Are you responsible for the evil s--- all Christians do or just the insane amount of evil you yourself contribute to?" read another. "You are Catholic, why are you not hunting pedophiles? #RupertsFault," Ansari added. As he went on to ask why Murdoch didn't prevent fellow Christian Mark David Chapman from shooting John Lennon, Ansari's followers joined him, lobbing #RupertsFault hashtags of their own into the Twittersphere. Bethenny Frankel heads to court in Skinnygirl lawsuit Bethenny Frankel will be deposed in a lawsuit filed over her Skinnygirl margarita mix. Radar reports that a Chicago judge approved a request to depose the "Real Housewives of New York" star in an effort to find out more about the ingredients in her cocktail mix, which she claims is all natural. The plaintiffs in the class action suit argue that the drink includes food preservatives. According to the New York Post , the case was filed back in 2011 and Frankel has refused to consider settling. Frankel was also sued by her former management team, which claimed the reality star did not compensate them fairly for their work on the Skinnygirl campaign. Yorkville Endoscopy Clinic fails again in DHHS report The clinic where Joan Rivers was being treated when complications arose that led to her death has apparently not cleaned up its act despite warnings from the Department of Health and Human Services. According to TMZ, the Yorkville Endoscopy clinic was ordered to remedy numerous problems in its system after an investigation stemming from Rivers' death. Yet a new report from the DHHS found that many of the problems remain, including "failing to properly complete and document post-anesthesia evaluations of patients," TMZ reports. The federal government has subsequently cut off Medicare reimbursement from the clinic. Jennifer Lopez, Ryan Guzman to host Oxygen series A few days before Jennifer Lopez and Ryan Guzman's psychological thriller "The Boy Next Door" hits theaters, the co-stars are slated to host a handful of episodes of the Oxygen network's "Snapped," according to People. The true-crime show reportedly wraps up with "Snapped: Killer Couples," which tells the story of a husband and wife who plot to kill the husband's lover. Lopez and Guzman's first Oxygen appearance lands Jan. 18; "The Boy Next Door" arrives Jan. 23. | 6 | 2,909 | entertainment |
Surveillance footage shows Hayat Boumedienne, wife of the kosher shop attacker Amedy Coulibaly, entering Turkey from Madrid just 5 days before the attacks. | 8 | 2,910 | video |
'Cymatics' is the science of visualizing audio frequencies. In this video, musician Nigel Stanford and Director Shahir Duad explain how they used various techniques and materials to create stunning visual effects that correspond to the music. Watch the full video here. | 8 | 2,911 | video |
Volvo is following in the footsteps of AMC and Subaru with the S60 Cross Country , which debuts at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. While the AMC Eagle and sedan version of the Subaru Outback are long gone, the 2016 Volvo S60 Cross Country might just be the right product at the right time. In the crossover-crazy United States, a sedan-based crossover-like all-wheel-drive vehicle isn't likely to become a sales leader, but a worthwhile fleet addition, nonetheless. And if the S60 Cross Country exceeds expectations, who knows, maybe Subaru will reenter the market with an Outback sedan... The 2016 Volvo S60 Cross Country by the numbers : 2.5 - Inches the S60 is lifted above normal S60 sedans 0 - Number of front-drive models to be sold in the U.S., though other markets will have the option 250 - Horsepower of the inline-five-cylinder engine, but expect the new, more efficient 240-hp Drive-E engine to be available down the road 20 - Startlingly, that's roughly how much of the Swedish automotive market Volvo owns, but Swedes are more likely to dig the V60 Cross Country's wagon body style 12.0 - Cubic feet of the S60's trunk, suggesting that S60 Cross Country buyers might prioritize the car's increased ease of entry/exit and climbing up steep driveways over the wagon's greater functionality 100,000 - Number of total vehicle sales Volvo hopes to achieve in the U.S. during the 2015 calendar year - not many will be the S60 Cross Country. Though it's initially a limited-release variant, Volvo brand manager Joseph Haslem tells us the automaker is ready to shift the factory's production for more Cross Country sedans, if necessary. Chinese-made S60 Inscriptions (pictured below), by contrast, are expected to comprise about 20 percent of S60 sales Haslem says that for Volvo, the S60 Cross Country is "an exercise of us expressing us," and we'd agree - not many automakers could pull off a car like it. Whether it's also a car many buyers actually want or whether it will go the way of the Outback sedan remains to be seen -- the S60 Cross Country arrives in U.S. dealerships this summer. | 9 | 2,912 | autos |
New Kickin' Chicken Taco flavored Pringles are popping up in a supermarket chain in the Midwest, apparently part of a new 'Food Truck' collection. Gillian Pensavalle (@GillianWithaG) has more. | 8 | 2,913 | video |
Jay Glazer talks about John Fox and the Broncos parting ways and points out one team that could make the most out of Fox's head coaching services next season. | 1 | 2,914 | sports |
We didn't see this one coming! Hollywood's most eligible bachelor, Leonardo Dicaprio, is known for being a player, but we didn't expect the actor to get all Wolf of Wall Street on us with our girl Rihanna. While at the party at the Playboy mansion, the duo got hot and heavy during the night. An insider told TMZ that the duo exchanged a few kisses, while cozying up to each other at the party. Check out the video to get all the details. | 8 | 2,915 | video |
It's just not a Super Bowl party without a stunning display of dessert options. (At least that's what we always say.) Here are 15 winning sweet treats for the biggest game day of the year. Salted Peanut Butter and Jelly Blondies "These are really peanut buttery and not too sweet, so the strawberry jam on top is a perfect complement." Claire Saffitz, associate food editor. Recipe here. More great Super Bowl recipes Cocoa Brownies For the cake-like brownie fan. Recipe here. Gluten-Free Lemon Bars The toasted coconut in the crust lends flavor and texture and complements the curd filling. Recipe here. Browse: Gluten-free diet recipes Everything Cookies A combination of brown and granulated sugar gives these cookies a chewy texture. Add in raisins, oats, pretzels, and chocolate, and you've got one great dessert. Recipe here. Banana Chocolate Chip Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting This cake is perfect for beginners it's moist, forgiving, and easy. Jif creamy peanut butter is our favorite for the decadent frosting. Recipe here. Browse: Great ideas for frosting Chocolate Brownie Cookies If a fudgy brownie and chewy chocolate chip cookie had a baby, it would be this decadent creation. Recipe here. Bourbon-Butterscotch Pudding This complexly flavored pudding owes its smooth texture to a quick spin in the blender. Recipe here. Related: These are 7 of the greatest boozy foods in existence Pecan Buttermilk Fudge A make-ahead confection similar in flavor to caramelized white chocolate. Tangy buttermilk tempers the sweetness. Recipe here. Mint Chip Ice Cream Cake This labor of love is worth it for the oohs and aahs. Recipe here. Browse: Popular ice cream recipes Gluten-Free Chocolate Cream Pie Gingersnaps add an unexpected zing and are a great foil to the richness of this chocolatey pie. Sub in gluten-free graham crackers if you prefer. Recipe here. Lemon Cheesecake Squares with Fresh Berries Use thawed frozen berries instead, if they're not in season. Recipe here. Browse: More cheesecake recipes Bacon, Oatmeal, and Raisin Cookies Bacon in a cookie? Why not! It adds just the right amount of salt. Recipe here. Chocolate Fudge with Bourbon Sugar The exceptional texture and glossy sheen of this fudge result from the way you mix it. Make sure the chocolate and condensed milk are barely hot. Recipe here. Browse: Great recipes for fudge Toffee Crunch Caramel Cheesecake Broken Heath or Skor bars add an irresistible crunch to this creamy cheesecake. Recipe here. | 0 | 2,916 | foodanddrink |
Kevin Lipton of Beverly Hills started collecting coins when he was 12 years old. Thirty years ago he saw a Birch cent at a New York City Auction house, and he's been searching everywhere for one of his own. Luckily, he finally found it at an auction in Orlando and had the spare $2.6 million to purchase it. Keri Lumm (@thekerilumm) reports | 8 | 2,917 | video |
Need a break? These homemade fizzies exfoliate dry skin and use aromatherapy to help calm your senses, even after a stressful workweek. It's the perfect at-home spa-night ritual. Plus, who doesn't love a nice relaxing bubble bath? On Kirbie: Kardashian Kollection blouse. | 8 | 2,918 | video |
Less than 24 hours after the playoff loss against the Indianapolis Colts, the Denver Broncos have decided to part ways with Head Coach John Fox. To see more Broncos videos download the Broncos DeskSite. | 8 | 2,919 | video |
You can't blame Nissan for promoting its next-generation Titan loudly and proudly with the social media hashtag #cumminssoon. After all, it's been more than a decade since the original Titan launched in 2004, and the truck still in showrooms is largely unchanged since then. The original plan was to share a platform with the Ram 1500. But once Fiat took control, those plans were scrapped, leaving Nissan back at square one. Well, Nissan doesn't plan on staying a distant also-ran in the fullsize truck segment, and the 2016 Nissan Titan XD is irrefutable evidence of that. Heavy-Duty Capability, Half-Ton Comfort With the Titan XD, Nissan is promising a whole other level of capability in the light-duty segment by incorporating several features more closely associated with HD trucks into a smoother-riding, more comfortable package. This idea is not entirely new, with General Motors briefly offering 1500 HD trucks in the early 2000s, and Ram offering the softly-sprung 1500 Mega Cab for a time. Prior to the Super Duty, Ford also offered an F-150-based F-250LD with oddball seven-lug wheels. But Nissan's approach seems much more methodical and deliberate. Let's take a look at some of the hardware. First of all, the engine. It is Cummins' first light/medium-duty V-8 of the modern era. Nissan is hoping to cash in on the popularity of Cummins engines in the Titan XD , a legacy built largely on the shoulders of Chrysler's Ram HD trucks. But the ISV V-8 is an entirely different animal than the B-series inline-six engines that have powered Rams since '89. The 5.0L V-8 features double-overhead cams, 32 valves, a compacted graphite iron (CGI) block, and Cummins' new M2 two-stage turbocharger system, designed to minimize lag by managing boost between the low and high-pressure turbos. Power ratings for the new engine are 310 horsepower at 3,200 rpm, and 555 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. The exclusive transmission is an Aisin-sourced heavy-duty six-speed automatic, the same unit used for the Ram 3500. This powertrain gives the Titan XD a towing capacity of 12,000+ pounds and a payload of 2,000 pounds. Specific towing and fuel economy figures were not announced, but Nissan is claiming a 20-percent improvement over an equivalent gas V-8 model. Taking the current Titan's 13 city, 18 highway figures as a benchmark, some back-of-napkin calculations yield an unofficial 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Be sure to check out our sister site Diesel Power 's in-depth look at the new Cummins ISV V-8 engine ! Further emphasizing its heavy-duty credentials, the Titan XD borrows extensively from the NV fullsize vans, starting with a "proven" Nissan Commercial Vehicles chassis. The chassis was further reinforced with added torsional rigidity and resistance to vertical and lateral bending. Rare for the half-ton segment, the Titan XD has a built-in gooseneck hitch receiver in the bed mounted directly to the frame. For conventional towing, the Titan features a rear view camera with a trailer guide feature to allow the driver to precisely align the trailer ball with the hitch. The suspension is coils and double wishbones in the front, and proven 3.5-inch rear leafs with twin-tube shock absorbers. The rear axle will be familiar to Power Wagon fans as the same 10.5-inch AAM unit that underpins the Ram, however, Nissan stuffs it with an electronic locker of the company's own design. The front differential on 4x4 models is 9.25 inches. Available wheel/tire combinations include LT245/75R-17, LT275/65R-18 and LT265/60R-20 sizes. Not wanting to repeat the early brake woes of the current truck, the Titan XD's brakes also reflect its heavier-duty mission, with vented rotors at all four corners measuring 14.2 inches in the front and 14.4 inches in the rear, a significant upgrade from the current Titan's 13.8 inch front and 12.6 inch solid rear rotors. Two of a Kind The Titan XD is one of two distinct models in the 2016 Titan Lineup, with a unique frame and front-end styling, partially to accommodate the heavier weight and larger size of the Cummins engine, as well as the heavier-duty frame, but also to establish the XD's placement as a viable alternative to traditional HD trucks for buyers looking for greater comfort and a more affordable price point. Nissan believes the Titan XD is a "white-space" truck to offer buyers a powerful, capable tool, but don't need the full capabilities of today's ¾ and 1-ton models. Official details on the two other gasoline engines are sparse for the moment, but we know for a fact that a gasoline V-8 and V-6 will also be offered. The leading candidate for the V-8 is the VK56DD direct-injected 5.6L out of the Infiniti QX80, where it produces 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. The V-6 is a bit more of a mystery, but expect some version of the current VQ40 4.0L V-6, possibly updated with direct injection to increase power and fuel economy. Look for output to be in the 280-300 hp range, and torque to be in the same ballpark. The XD will reportedly be offered with a choice of the Cummins as well as a gasoline V-8. Visually, the Titan XD is much more massive and imposing than its predecessor, but dimensionally, it's not radically different. The XD model stretches 242.9 inches bumper-to-bumper, with a wheelbase of 151.6 inches and a width of between 79.4 and 80.6 inches, depending on configuration. The largest model of the outgoing Titan was the crew cab model with 7-foot long bed, which had a wheelbase of 159.5 inches, and an overall length of 244.2 inches. The XD features a 6.5-foot bed. Non-XD Titan models will offer King (extended) and regular-cab models, and three available bed lengths. The XD is nearly two inches taller than the tallest of its predecessors, the Pro4X, at 78.7 inches. The exterior styling theme for the new Titan was "warrior-like" with designers getting inspiration from ancient battle helmets. Yet the design is thoroughly modern, with a chiseled shape. Love it or hate it, there's no ignoring it, which was likely fully intentional. LED lighting is used extensively on the exterior, with available LED headlights, taillights and bed lighting in the XD model. One of our biggest gripes about the outgoing Titan was its plasticky, dated interior. Nissan made sure it didn't make that mistake again with the '16 model. Materials are significantly improved, with higher-trim models featuring black and tan quilted leather seating surfaces designed to evoke the quilting inside of a premium hunting jacket. In a surprising move away from the predominant industry trend for half-tons, the Titan abandons its console-mounted shifter for a column-mounted shifter to free up more storage space in the center console, which can accommodate a 15-inch laptop computer. Like many other recent Nissan models, the new Titan features available "zero gravity" seats to increase long-range comfort and reduce driver fatigue. The XD and other crew cab Titans also feature lockable rear underseat storage with a fold-up feature, and fold-out flat floor surface. The factory-applied sprayed-on bedliner and Nissan's Utili-track adjustable bed channel system carries forward, and the Titan XD also features in-bed storage options that can still be utilized with the addition of a tonneau cover or camper shell, one of the shortcomings of the RamBox concept. The compartments are watertight, drainable, and removable for times when extra bed capacity is needed. The Titan XD also features an available bed-mounted 120-volt AC power outlet, as well as full bed illumination. Playing to Win It's clear Nissan plans on being a legitimate contender in the fullsize market with the Titan XD, as well as offering a full array of powertrains and cab/bed configurations, covering 85 percent of the fullsize market. Higher sales than the outgoing model are virtually assured, as the current Titan sells as many units a year as Ford sells F-Series every two weeks. From a volume standpoint, it has little chance of toppling Ford or Chevy, but could give the Tundra and Sierra some serious competition. We'll have to see how Nissan's latest warrior battles it out the fullsize truck arena, but we can confidently say with the hardware it's bringing to the table, it's battling to win. | 9 | 2,920 | autos |
Downtown Port-au-Prince: Before Downtown Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on January 14, 2010, two days after it was hit by the earthquake. Haitians are observing the fifth anniversary of the 7.3-magnitude earthquake, which killed an estimated 220,000 people. Five years after the powerful earthquake demolished Haiti's capital, more than a million homeless survivors have been rehoused, but thousands remain under canvas, or struggle with trauma and injury. In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, as the world's media scrambled over wreckage dotted with the corpses of more than 300,000 victims, billions of dollars in foreign aid was pledged. But much of it never came through. Downtown Port-au-Prince: After Downtown Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on December 29, 2014. Sacre Coeur Church: Before The site of Sacre Coeur Church in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on January 14, 2010, two days after it was destroyed by the earthquake. Sacre Coeur Church: After The site of Sacre Coeur Church in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on December 29, 2014. Downtown Port-au-Prince: Before Downtown Port-au-Prince, on January 18, 2010, six days after the earthquake. Downtown Port-au-Prince: After Downtown Port-au-Prince, on December 29, 2014. Haitian Palace of Justice: Before The site of Haitian Palace of Justice Port-au-Prince on January 14, 2010, two days after the earthquake. Haitian Palace of Justice: After The site of Haitian Palace of Justice Port-au-Prince on December 29, 2014. Sacre Coeur Church: Before The site of Sacre Coeur Church in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on January 14, 2010, two days after it was destroyed by the earthquake. Sacre Coeur Church: After The site of Sacre Coeur Church in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on December 29, 2014. Port-au-Prince street: Before A street in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on January 14, 2010, two days after the earthquake. Port-au-Prince street: After A street in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on December 29, 2014. The Haitian National Palace: Before The site of the Haitian National Palace in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on January 13, 2010, one day after the earthquake. The Haitian National Palace: After The site of the Haitian National Palace in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on December 29, 2014. | 5 | 2,921 | news |
Year after year, the Winter Fancy Food Show proves itself to be a great place to scout out the best new snacks, sweets, drinks, and more. We did the legwork for you; here are 13 highly curated snacks (about 80,000 products are exhibited annually) that you need to know. - Additional reporting by Anna Monette Roberts One Potato Two Potato Root Vegetable Chips One Potato Two Potato Root Vegetable Chips come out next month. The thick veggie chips offer a nice crunch and robust flavor with just enough salt to season each bite. Epic Uncured Bacon Jerky Bites Epic Uncured Bacon Jerky Bites are like jerky for those who don't love conventional jerky's leathery, tough-to-chew texture. Plus, who doesn't want another excuse to eat bacon? Eat Well Embrace Life Zesty Sriracha Carrot Hummus If you already snack on carrots dipped in hummus, Eat Well Embrace Life Zesty Sriracha Carrot Hummus will no doubt win you over. The carrot adds sweetness, while the sriracha adds zing. Lucy's Granola Toffee Crunch Lucy's Granola Toffee Crunch neither tastes too wholesome nor too indulgent; it packs in plenty of bittersweet chocolate flavor without too much sweetness. We'd eat it out of hand or as an ice cream topping. Cheddar Moon Cheese At first glance, Cheddar Moon Cheese looks like an ordinary cheese puff, but they're much more akin to a frico than a Cheeto. Nature's All Organic Roasted Corn Freeze-dried fruit has been popular for years, and now freeze-dried veggies are gaining momentum in the snack world too. One of our favorites is Nature's All Organic Roasted Corn. The charred, sweet morsels taste great alone; we can also imagine they'd be great sprinkled on tacos or Mexican-themed salads. Veggie-Go's Carrot Ginger Veggie-Go's Carrot Ginger is like a grown-up take on fruit leather. Be warned: these pack a major ginger kick in a way you'll either love or hate. Saffron Road Korean BBQ When it comes to packaged crunchy chickpeas, you can do no better than Saffron Road, and the company's latest flavor, Saffron Road Korean BBQ, is no exception. Fundelina Chocolate-Vanilla If Nutella and vanilla frosting were swirled together in a jar, you'd essentially have Fundelina Chocolate-Vanilla, a sweet and all-too-addictive spread for toast, crepes, and eating by the spoonful. Clif Family Winery Lemon Ginger Almonds Combine exceptionally high-quality almonds, zesty lemon flavor, and a pinch of candied ginger, and you have Clif Family Winery Lemon Ginger Almonds, a salty-sweet snack we adore. Blue Hill Beet Yogurt Blue Hill Beet Yogurt is far less odd both in concept and in flavor than it may seem on the the surface. Tangy, earthy, and just slightly sweet from the beets, this silky-smooth yogurt would make for a great afternoon pick-me-up. Oolala Saffron and Olive Oil Potato Chips If you're bored of truffles and looking for another fancy flavor to amp up your potato chips, look no further than Oolala Saffron and Olive Oil Potato Chips. The crisp, kettle-style chips truly represent their intended flavor, as there are obvious red strands of saffron on each bite. Laiki Black Rice Crackers Laiki Black Rice Crackers are as pared down and sleek as the brand's minimalist packaging. In this case, simplicity is a great thing indeed. | 0 | 2,922 | foodanddrink |
20 Ways to Get Happy (Almost) Instantly! Being happy may just be the single most important thing you can do for your health, making it just as necessary as diet and physical activity. If you aren't feeling like yourself lately, not to worry. Knowing that times are stressful and the unexpected often occurs, here are ways to help you get back to happiness almost instantly. Play a game (not on your phone) Get your family together, invite some friends over, and have a game night. Not only will you be surrounded by good company, but friendly competition usually guarantees a good time and a good laugh. Smile When in doubt, smile! Not only is it contagious, but smiling also helps relieve stress, boost your mood, and release endorphins. Go for a walk If something isn't going well at work or home, step outside and take a walk. It doesn't have to be long, but a quick stroll will help you get fresh air and clear your mind. Call a friend Don't text; dial! Calling a close friend is a great way to talk over your worries and get advice from someone you trust. Try something new Stop your rut by switching things up. Try a new gym class or restaurant, or take a new route to work in the morning. Unplug Calm your mind by turning off your tech and escaping social media for a minute or two. Sing (out loud!) We give you permission to sing in the shower, car, anywhere. We promise you'll feel better - with or without a record deal. Volunteer Nothing beats the feeling of helping others. Make a difference and meet a few friends in the process by checking out VolunteerMatch . Make a gratitude list It's often easy to focus on the negative or those things you don't have. Quickly boost your mood by jotting down the things you are grateful for, both big and small. Eat up Start cooking those fava beans; they make you happy! Since this bean contains high concentrations of an amino acid known as L-dopa (dopamine), it will boost your mood and decrease depression. Practice yoga Even the celebrities know that yoga has many health benefits. See for yourself by watching this 10-minute yoga series for happiness or finding a studio to begin your own practice. Take time off Maybe you just need a break. Rather than planning a vacation, take the time to adventure around your local neighborhood. Visiting new spots may be just what you need to reset and appreciate what's around you. Take charge Go for it! Instead of getting bogged down by the big picture, take a small step in the right direction, now. Just knowing that you're heading in the direction of your dreams will make you happy. Have fun in the kitchen Even if you're not a cook, take your mind off things by exploring new ingredients or trying a new recipe. Meditate Meditation is a great way to unwind and strengthen the relationship between your mind and body. It's free, too! And it comes with so many benefits. Give a compliment Kick-start a smile with another person and a few genuine words. Declutter For a clean slate, get organized. Getting rid of the clutter and rearranging your space will make it feel new. It is also a great starting point to move forward with future projects. Stay in the moment Rather than trying to micromanage the future or worrying about the past, live in the moment and just be. Rest up If you're having a hard time getting your mind off things, reset with a power nap. A short break will give your mind and body a rest and will help you approach things differently when you wake. Know it's going to be OK Just remember, it's always going to be OK. | 7 | 2,923 | health |
The Flyers had no problem scoring goals on Monday night as they took down the Lightning, 7-3. Seven different Flyers players scored a goal with four getting past Nabakov and three getting past Bishop who replaced him. | 1 | 2,924 | sports |
By Andrew Holleran. Urban Meyer is such a good recruiter he can get top prospects to commit to him while he's coaching a game. Kareem Walker, a five-star prospect and the No. 1 running back in the nation per 247 Sports Composite Rankings , has committed to Ohio State. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound back out of Wayne, New Jersey, tweeted out his commitment to the Buckeyes at half time of the national championship game. It's been a good couple of hours for the Ohio State football program. The Buckeyes (13-1) lead Oregon (13-1) in the title game, 21-10. Ohio State's 2016 recruiting class now has five commitments one five-star and four four-stars. | 1 | 2,925 | sports |
Zayn Malik turns 22 this week, and we thought we'd celebrate by taking an in-depth look at just how beautiful he is. Sure, it goes without saying that all of the One Direction guys are hot, but sometimes it's nice to take a break and consider them one at a time. Keep reading to soak up all of Zayn's beauty, and don't worry if you're not a teenager - we know what it's like being an adult One Direction fan. Proceed with pride. Source: Getty / Gilbert Carrasquillo When He Perfected the Smolder Almost Immediately When He Flawlessly Covered GQ Magazine When He Pulled Off a Handkerchief Like It Was Always Meant to Be on His Neck When He Made You Somehow Feel Jealous of a Baby When He Burned a Hole Through Your Heart With His Stare When One Piece of Hair Was Out of Place, but It Didn't Even Matter When His Jawline Was So Defined, You Were Sure It Could Cut Diamonds When He Shared a Sweet and Smiley Selfie When He Was Basically Begging You to Be His Cuddle Buddy When His Squinty Look Made You Feel Things You'd Never Felt When His Scruff and His Outfit and Everything Else Was Perfect When He Was Full of Sass and It Didn't Change Any of Your Feelings When He Literally and Figuratively Took You on the Ride of Your Life When He Held a Cat and You Wished You Were That Cat When He Stared Thoughtfully Off Into the Distance When He Was Just Lounging and You Desperately Wanted to Join | 6 | 2,926 | entertainment |
Should New York's Rick Nash be in consideration for the Hart Trophy? The guys take a look at the Rangers forward's number. | 1 | 2,927 | sports |
Campus Insiders' Doug Chapman and Pete Fiutak explain why Ohio State dominated Oregon and what makes Urban Meyer's Buckeyes a legitimate threat to go back-to-back in 2016. | 1 | 2,928 | sports |
Ever want to just pack your bags and go on a journey you'll never forget? Perhaps you can find the best of both worlds by getting a job that requires a lot of travel, thereby feeding your insatiable need for travel but putting bread on the table at the same time. Read on to find out what careers could satisfy your globe-trotting urges. Source: Shutterstock Consulting Consultants are problem-solvers, providing companies with expert advice on everything from management to marketing to IT. You won't be tied to one company as a consultant; rather, you'll travel from city to city, visiting the businesses who need your help. These visits may be either short- or long-term, depending on just how much support a company needs. Travel Industry It may sound obvious, but if you want to travel, look for a job in the travel industry! This can be anything from working as a flight attendant or a pilot, to working on a cruise ship, to becoming a travel writer. Sure, much of the time you're traveling, you're also working, but you're bound to have time to get out and explore the places you visit. And as a travel writer in particular, getting out and exploring is part of your job! Recruiting As a recruiter, you'll be expected to travel to colleges and universities around the country to recruit the best new talent, whether for a company or for an athletic team. During the peak of recruiting season, you'll probably spend more time on the road than in your own bed, but during the off-season, you'll find yourself spending more time in the office. Sales While some sales jobs require you to stay behind a desk or in a retail store, others - like pharmaceutical sales - require you to cover a territory, which involves lots of travel. Depending on the size of the company, that travel could involve simply driving to different cities in your geographic area, or it could involve flying to a different state every week. Teaching English English teachers are in high demand in many foreign countries, and in most cases, you don't even need a teaching credential to score this gig. The travel involved in this job is of a different sort - you won't be seeing a new place every week, but you will get to fully absorb the culture around you. Most of these positions require a year-long commitment, so you could teach for a year in one country and then move on to the next. Travel Writer Travel writers seem to have dream jobs - they travel the world and many will get VIP treatment in hopes of a glowing review. A couple of caveats: Getting a travel writing job is tough and you may need some good clips to start with. Start writing for free or on other topics to see where it'll lead you. While you're establishing yourself, your pay may not be consistent or even enough. You could also start a travel blog to build up your clips and your rep in the industry. Au Pair Take off overseas to become an au pair, which is someone who stays with a host family and exchanges domestic services like childcare for a small salary and free lodging. It's a great way to fulfill your travel fantasies on a small budget. Diplomat There are a variety of jobs you can do as a diplomat, some of them being healthcare specialists and administrative assistants. Many diplomats are foreign service officers and have to take a foreign service exam. After you've passed all the requirements, you'll then be evaluated to see if you qualify. Archaeologist Depending on what type of archaeologist you are, you may be able to enjoy a lot of fieldwork, digging up ancient ruins. You need to go to graduate school to attain a career in this field. This job is perfect for the person with a love of history, culture, and the outdoors. Reporter As a reporter, you can choose to go overseas, perhaps working for the foreign branch of a media company based in your country. It's definitely helpful to know another language, though not always required. Auditor Auditors can get sent to different locations, giving them opportunities to travel. As an auditor, you will be checking records and statements for accuracy. Photographer Your love of photography might take you to places you dream about traveling to. Whether it be a photoshoot for an ad or a destination wedding, the possibilities are endless. Although it sounds like a great gig, it can be very tough to "make it" as a photographer, so you might want to find an alternative income while chasing your photography dreams. Volunteer Volunteering can take you far and wide, and even net you paying positions, though the salary will not be high. The Peace Corps and other international volunteer organizations might be a great options if you want a chance to travel and also make your mark in this world by doing some good. | 4 | 2,929 | lifestyle |
A collection of 36 corvettes some of them extremely rare - are in the process of being restored to their former glory after they were hidden away for more than 20 years. The Corvettes were originally won in a competition organised by music channel VH1 in 1989 and were then sold to German born graphic artist Peter Maxx. The thick layer of dust that has covered the cars for more than 20 years has actually protected the paintwork meaning some of them need little in the way of restoration. When the restorations are complete the new owner Scott Heller will attempt to sell the collection in its entirety to one lucky bidder. Videographer / Director: Laurentiu Garofeanu Producer: Daniel Howlett Editor: Kyle Waters | 9 | 2,930 | autos |
National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World The National Geographic Society recently announced the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, a collection of boutique hotels in extraordinary places around the world that excel in sustainability and cultural stewardship. The lodges were judged on the following criteria: the property, guest experience, quality of service and sustainable tourism best practices and came down to 24 names. Click through to see which hotels made into this elite list. To know more about the selected lodges visit www.nationalgeographiclodges.com . Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Location: Western Cape, South Africa Named after the Afrikaans word meaning 'big forest', the lodges of the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve are built on a hillside where a continent ends, two oceans collide, and the smallest of the world's six floral kingdoms flourishes. Nestled amidst the native flowers of the fynbos (or 'fine bush') in South Africa's Western Cape, the complex boasts two acclaimed restaurants, stylish suites and elegant common areas, all oriented toward an expansive, breathtaking vista. Why National Geographic chose this lodge The Lutzeyer family, who own the site, have worked tirelessly since 1991 to protect and promote the growth of the local fynbos. To promote this ethos, Grootbos runs an extensive conservation and horticulture training program for students from nearby villages, with 80% of the staff from these local communities. To learn more about the lodge and to plan your stay visit National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Rubondo Island Camp Location: Rubondo Island National Park, Tanzania The largest island-based national park in Africa, the Rubondo Island National Park lies in the South-Western part of Lake Victoria. Experience a side of Tanzania that few have seen, where elephants splash in the shallows at the edge of subtropical forests, enormous Nile perch fill the lake and elusive sitatunga dart among the papyrus swamps. Why National Geographic chose this lodge It's surrounded by a dazzling array of ecosystems, and full of breath-taking surprises: this place is a paradise for birders and anglers. Rubando became a wildlife refuge in the 1960s when scientists brought chimpanzees rescued from zoos and circuses around Europe to the island to reintroduce them to the wild. Giraffes and elephants were also introduced to Rubondo, as well as a number of other species native to Tanzania. To learn more about the lodge and to plan your stay visit National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Kasbah Du Toubkal Location: High Atlas Mountains, Morocco While visiting a Berber mountain guide in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains in 1989, two British brothers set their sights on a ruined Kasbah perched on a hilltop against the soaring backdrop of the tallest mountain in North Africa. With their Moroccan host, the two brothers created a lodge that has evolved into one of the most authentic and treasured destinations in Morocco, a tribute to Berber culture and hospitality that welcomes hikers seeking a cozy mountain refuge. Why National Geographic chose this lodge The retreat as is it today is all because of the villagers and artisans who built the place by hand, carrying local rocks and building materials up the hills on mules' backs and sometimes their own. This place beautifully depicts traditions of the area - from the decor of the common rooms and the welcoming rituals to the way you are seated and served your meals. To learn more about the lodge and to plan your stay visit National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge Location: Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa The Earth Lodge is set within the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve and offers exceptional safari experience along with some beautiful views of the surrounding bushveld, which stretches along the edge of Greater Kruger National Park. Why National Geographic chose this lodge Sabi Sabi has been a fixture in Sabi Sands for 35 years and has actively been participating in and supporting the local communities and working to protect the area's biodiversity. They also promote inter-cultural interaction with local musicians and dancers performing in the lodge. Wildlife is the main focus here and guests have an excellent chance of seeing lions, leopards, Cape buffalo, rhinos, elephants, cheetahs, wild dogs and some 350 species of birds. To learn more about the lodge and to plan your stay visit National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Sayari Camp Location: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania Sayari Camp, is one of the few safari lodges permitted in the remote wilderness of Serengeti. An amazing wildlife experience awaits you, including the legendary migration of the wildebeests which fills the Lamai Wedge with more than a million creatures every year. Why National Geographic chose this Lodge One of the first safari camps built in the remote north-western Serengeti, Sayari helped create a standard of sustainable tourism for the area and solidify long-term conservation goals. The lodge also sets the bar for their meticulous attention to personal service and the authentic, top-notch wildlife experience they provide. To learn more about the lodge and to plan your stay visit National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Tswalu Kalahari Location: Kalahari, South Africa In 1998, the reserve came into the hands of its current owner, Nicky Oppenheimer, who vowed "to restore the Kalahari to itself." The Tswalu Kalahari Reserve offers a great amount of peace and privacy to travellers. You will also get to see the majestic black-maned lions, black and white rhinos, zebras, leopards, and a wealth of other rare and endangered species. Why National Geographic chose this lodge Tswalu means "new beginning" in their native language, and the game reserve aims to symbolize that ideal with its conservation and restoration efforts. Tswalu puts heavy emphasis on personalising the guests' experience by allowing them to design their own journeys through the many habitats of the Kalahari. To learn more about the lodge and to plan your stay visit National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Sukau Rainforest Lodge Location: Sabah, Malaysian Borneo A gateway into the rare and pristine wilderness of Borneo's Kinabatangan River basin, you get to see some of world's most unusual species: wild orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys. Sukau is placed perfectly in the rainforest close enough to experience wildlife and far away enough to make the guests comfortable. Why National Geographic chose this lodge In order to protect the jungles in Sabah from palm oil barons, native Borneans Albert Teo Chin Kion and Baton Bijamin established the first eco-tourism company in the area. Two decades later, Sukau Rainforest Lodge has developed into an integral part of the Kinabatangan River community with about 80 percent of the staff coming from neighbouring villages. To learn more about the lodge and to plan your stay visit National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Three Camel Lodge Location: Gobi, Mangolia The Three Camel Lodge is an ecolodge placed in the heart of the Gobi desert that preserves its breathtaking surroundings while celebrating Mongolian traditions. The traditional Mongolian tents (known as 'gers') are authentic and locally made, a circular wooden frame of radiating poles resting on lattice walls and covered in thick felts and canvas. Each ger comes with hand-painted, carved furniture and made cozy with wool carpets, thick camel-hair blankets, and wood-burning stoves. Why National Geographic chose this lodge Making it into the National Geographic Traveler's list of World's Best Ecolodges in 2013, the Three Camel Lodge is owned, managed, and staffed by Mongolians and signifies environmental and cultural sustainability. The lodge also engages local residents in a number of projects and initiatives to conserve the natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about the lodge and to plan your stay visit National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Zhiwa Ling Hotel Location: Paro, Bhutan The first five-star Bhutanese-owned hotel, Zhiwa Ling, is an architectural gem that unites Bhutanese culture and heritage with 21st-century comforts. Guests can join monks at the Meditation House and enjoy a unique selection of spa treatments imbued with spiritual symbolism. Why National Geographic chose this lodge Built using 450-year-old wood from the original Gangtey Goemba monastery, one of Bhutan's most cherished sites, Zhiwa Ling Hotel opened its doors in 2005 and is equipped with modern amenities. With excellent customer service and well-trained, motivated, and friendly staff, Zhiwa Ling has seriously worked towards the country's unique notion of Gross National Happiness. To learn more about the lodge and to plan your stay visit National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Lizard Island Location: Great Barrier Reef, Australia Lizard Island is a national park framed by the corals of the Great Barrier Reef. The lodge's location means seclusion amongst some incredible wildlife. Along with relaxing beachside dining, spa treatments, and glass-bottomed boat rides, guests enjoy diving, snorkeling, and even helicopter tours to observe the island's diverse land and water creatures. Why National Geographic chose this Lodge The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and Lizard Island offers a rare and exclusive look at its unique ecosystems. Lizard Island is the world's first certified eco-lodge and seeks to maintain a responsible, sustainable presence within the national park. To learn more about the lodge and to plan your stay visit National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Longitude 131˚ Location: Northern Territory, Australia Longitude 131° appears as a slender crescent of tents in an endless expanse of crimson earth and desert scrub known as Australia's Red Centre. Built into the curve of a sand dune, the lodge is invisible to the township where most tourists stay, isolated from everything but the raw beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Uluru-Katja Tjuta National Park. Why National Geographic chose this lodge The lodge seems built as a tribute to the sacred monoliths it looks out upon, but it is a tribute, too, to the traditional owners of this desert land. The lodge itself is built of the outback, using endemic species in its landscaping and taking care not to disturb the natural lay of the land. It pays particular attention to presenting the source of regional foods and explaining their cultural significance. To learn more about the lodge and to plan your stay visit National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Southern Ocean Lodge Location: Kangaroo Island, Australia Often called Australia's Galapagos for its wealth of endemic species and its wild, unspoiled landscapes, Kangaroo Island lies just off the coast of South Australia and is home to one of the most extraordinary retreats in the world: Southern Ocean Lodge. Luxurious glass-fronted suites offer panoramic views of the Southern Ocean. Why National Geographic chose this lodge The Lodge is perched on a rise above Hanson Bay and takes full advantage of the surrounding nature without disturbing it. It offers some stunning views of the raw geology, and of course, the wildlife that roams the island including creatures like sea lions, ospreys and kangaroos. To learn more about the lodge and to plan your stay visit National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World The Brando Location: Tetiaroa, French Polynesia A private refuge of Marlon Brando who fell in love with French Polynesia while filming Mutiny on the Bounty, The Brando was once the retreat of Tahitian kings. Presently one of the premier eco-lodges in the world, the actor constructed this as a way to preserve the remarkable culture, beauty, and biodiversity of the South Seas. The Brando offers myriad ways to explore the atoll from snorkeling and biking to whale-watching while leaving as light a footprint as possible. Why National Geographic chose this lodge An exquisite luxury resort with a mission, this all-inclusive resort is a model of sustainable technology, integrating green practices and a strong sense of environmental stewardship into an extraordinary guest experience. A part of its mission is to restore the incomparable treasures of Tetiaroa by involving its guests in research, discovery, and exploration on the atoll. To learn more about the lodge and to plan your stay visit National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Kapari Natural Resort Location: Santorini, Greece Kapari Natural Lodge is a testament to the timeless culture of the Cyclades built by Rena and Takis Adamidis, who refurbished the 300-year-old cliff-side cave dwellings that had been in their family for decades. All parts of this Island are easily accessible as Kapari is located in the quiet village of Imerovigli just north of Fira. Why National Geographic chose this lodge "Kapari" is the Greek word for caper, the flower bud that grows wild across Santoríni and is an integral ingredient in local cuisine. The second most visited site in Greece, Kapari was constructed using traditional building materials. What makes this lodge so special is its strong emphasis on traditional Greek hospitality and very high level of personal service and attention. To learn more about the lodge and to plan your stay visit National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Pacuare Lodge Location: Limon Province, Costa Rica Placed deep within the protected Costa Rican rainforest on the banks of the Pacuare River lies Pacuare Lodge. Adventure begins even before you arrive as the Pacuare River is a premier white-water rafting destination. Tourists also get to experience jungle hikes and horseback rides, canopy tours and canyoneering. You also get to enjoy delightful regional fare around a candlelit table either by the riverbank or perched 60-feet up in the rain forest's robust canopy. Why National Geographic chose this lodge Pacuare Lodge was built with minimal environmental impact and maximum local support. Farmers who run a reforestation project sourced the lumber to build the main lodge and bungalows. Without any electricity in the lodge, the impact of Pacuare Lodge is small and the guests feel connected to nature. To learn more about the lodge and to plan your stay visit National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Rosalie Bay Resort Location: Morne Trois Pitons, Dominica Rosalie Bay Resort is an intimate collection of hand-made Caribbean-style cottages that share the incredible natural beauty of the island. Rosalie Bay Resort was built over eight years ago by a Minnesota native and her Dominican partner, offering travellers the chance to discover unique ecosystems and vibrant cultures. Located within the foothills of a UNESCO World Heritage site Morne Trois Pitons, Rosalie Bay is perfectly placed to hike to jungle waterfalls and geothermal lakes, swim in gem-coloured natural pools, find bright birds in the canopy and look at a wild array of tropical flora. Why National Geographic chose this lodge Owned by Beverly Deikel and Patris Oscar, building the lodge so it was turtle-friendly became a top priority. Dominica's first sea turtle conservation program was established by Beverly and Oscar, who discovered nesting sea turtles in 2002. Respecting the surrounding environment and the local people, Rosalie Bay enhances the experience by adding local knowledge and a personal touch. To learn more about the lodge and to plan your stay visit National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Lapa Rios Eco Lodge Location: Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica The Lapa Rios Eco Lodge is built on natural ridges within the rain forest that offer spectacular views of the coast as well as its tropical flora and fauna. Offering a-one-of-its-kind rainforest experience, you awaken to the sounds of the jungle and scarlet macaws. Why National Geographic chose this lodge Created by two former Peace Corps volunteers, John and Karen Lewis, who engaged with the local community by fostering economic opportunities. Opened in 1993, the Lapa Rios Eco Lodge is not technology driven, giving the visitors a great chance to unwind. To learn more about the lodge and to plan your stay visit National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Fogo Island Inn Location: Newfoundland, Canada With stilts, angles and vertical lines that contrast with the rough slabs of ancient granite that surround it, Fogo Island Inn is a great example of contemporary architecture. Designed by local architect Todd Saunders, this Inn is a modern version of traditional Atlantic Canadian outport architecture. Experience centuries-old cultures at this Inn, from mackerel fishing (as the islander's ancestors did) to foraging for wild berries and mushrooms. Why National Geographic chose this lodge Thought up by Zita Cobb, the inn was conceived as a way to save one of Canada's oldest rural cultures. Fogo Island Inn was created by a registered charity of Canada called Shorefast Foundation, and it is operated as a social business. All surpluses from the inn's operations belong to the local community. To learn more about the lodge and to plan your stay visit National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort Location: British Columbia, Canada Accessible only by helicopter or floatplane, Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort lies in the old growth forests of British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest. Nimmo Bay was opened by the Murray family in the early 1980s and was one of the world's first eco-lodges. Get close to nature and see orcas and bears, salmon and sea lions. Adventure and relaxation come hand-in-hand as you unwind with fresh coastal cuisine, a soak in a hot tub beneath a towering waterfall, or an evening of music after long tiring day. Why National Geographic chose this lodge Nimmo bay is a collection of beautifully designed wooden chalets that seem to float at the water's edge. With a waterfall next to the resort, nature and wildlife are literally on the doorstep. There are a number of ways to get close to nature, from tracking humpback whales or hiking in old-growth forests, to fly-fishing for salmon or sitting down to an elegant picnic at the edge of a glacier. To learn more about the lodge and to plan your stay visit National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World The Ranch at Rock Creek Location: Western Montana Wilderness, United States The Ranch at Rock Creek is extraordinary: a five-star luxury experience that is placed in a secluded valley split by the sparkling waters of Rock Creek, south of Glacier National Park. In winters, The Ranch becomes a snowy wonderland ready to be discovered by snowshoe, cross-country ski, or horse-drawn sleigh. In summer, guests can experience more of Montanan life as The Ranch holds its own rodeo every week. Why National Geographic chose this lodge An exceptional culinary experience awaits you at The Ranch with a highly skilled and enthusiastic chef going great lengths to source his products responsibly. All buildings have been built from reclaimed wood and fit discreetly into the landscape with a great collection of old photographs from the area helping create a strong sense of western culture and ranch life. To learn more about the lodge and to plan your stay visit National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel Location: Machu Picchu Pueblo, Cusco, Peru An eco-tourism company that has been blazing the trail for sustainable tourism for nearly 40 years came up with the idea to build the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. The hotel is located among trees, and includes a glass-walled restaurant. There is a wide range of excursions led by exceptional guides. The lodge is also much more than a stop-place for visiting the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary it is a destination in itself. Why National Geographic chose this lodge Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is located at just the right location close enough from the nearest town and deep enough in the forests. To learn more about the lodge and to plan your stay visit National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Mashpi Lodge Location: Choco Rain Forest, Ecuador A breathtaking creation of steel and glass deep in the cloud forests of Ecuadorian Choco, Mashpi is one of the planet's biodiversity hotspots. The lodge makes you feel closer to nature as it is made of glass throughout. Mashpi is a true wilderness retreat and is only three hours from downtown Quito. There are a number of ways to get into the forest, from guided nature walks to an innovative Skybike. Why National Geographic chose this lodge A private reserve focused on conservation and sustainable, luxury eco-tourism was thought up by Roque Sevilla, an orchid enthusiast and the former mayor of Quito. Sevilla trained local people who once worked as loggers to staff his lodge, helping the community transition into a livelihood based on conservation instead of deforestation. For those who stay in this reverse natural history museum where the real-life exhibit outside is eternally on display through glass walls the forest experience is unparalleled. To learn more about the lodge and to plan your stay visit National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa Location: Atacama Desert, Chile Between the surreal landscapes of northern Chile lies Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa, a stunning property of glass and adobe surrounded by natural beauty. The Atacama Desert is on display everywhere here, through immense windows of each guest room to the private terraces or cosy lounge, and even from the infinity pool. Tierra Atacama aims at getting the travellers out into those landscapes to discover their myriad wonders the snow-dusted volcanoes and bubbling, steaming geyser fields; the moonscapes and the glittering salt pans; and all the wild creatures that have made this harsh but spectacular place home. Why National Geographic chose this lodge The owners tapped into some of Chile's leading creative talent to create Tierra Atacama and used local materials wherever possible, hiring local craftspeople for the tasks. Adobe and local rock are an integral component of the design, and furniture and crafts were sourced from local artisans. Tierra Atacama also hosts students from secondary and technical schools for internships, training them in guiding and hospitality at the lodge. To learn more about the lodge and to plan your stay visit National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa Location: Patagonia, Chile Placed on the edge of Chile's Lake Sarmiento, Tierra Patagonia signifies all that is majestic about its surroundings, while offering a space where comfort reigns. The lakes and peaks of Torres del Paine National Park can always been seen thanks to the hotel's big windows. You can spend the day hiking, return to relax with a massage in the spa, and end the day with a fantastic meal and a glass of Chilean wine. Why National Geographic chose this lodge Tierra Patagonia feels like part of the Patagonian scenery as it is built and furnished by the work of Chilean craftspeople and uses natural materials including local wood from a sustainable forest. The design is inspired by traditional Chilean estancias and the building style is in the style of the indigenous Tehuelche people. To learn more about the lodge and to plan your stay visit National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World . To know more about the selected lodges visit www.nationalgeographiclodges.com . | 2 | 2,931 | travel |
This feisty llama brought some drama to an unwanted visitor who she chased out of her pen. The amusing footage, which was shot at Tri State Zoo in Maryland, shows Animal Bytes TV producer Brian Barczyk taking on the role of zookeeper for the first time. But Brian didn't get a warm welcome from Misty a four-year-old llama crossed with an alpaca. Barczyk said he was surprised by the animal's behaviour. Videographer / Director: Animal Bytes TV Producer: Nick Johnson Editor: Sonia Estal | 8 | 2,932 | video |
Terry Lundgren, Macy's chairman & CEO, discusses the retailer's strategy to invest in technology to enhance the omnichannel retail experience. | 3 | 2,933 | finance |
South Korea's Group A win propels them to Asian Cup quarter-finals. | 8 | 2,934 | video |
By Larry Brown An unbelievable photo purportedly from the opening coin toss of the National Championship Game Monday went viral, but it turns out that photo was a fake and just an advertisement by Nike. The photo shows a completely clear look at the coin along with players from both Ohio State and Oregon looking up as the coin flips through the air. The photo went viral with help from ESPN's Don Van Natta, who tweeted out a version of it that received thousands of retweets: Unfortunately, as Deadspin pointed out , the photo was actually created by Nike. The original photo even has a Nike swoosh in the top right corner. | 1 | 2,935 | sports |
Ohio State won the first-ever College Football Playoff on Monday by defeating Oregon 42-20 behind Ezekiel Elliott's four TDs. | 1 | 2,936 | sports |
Marvel released an exciting new trailer for Avengers: Age of Ultron that, despite being jam-packed with explosions, giant robots and magical lightning, was more somber and downtrodden than its previous trailer. | 8 | 2,937 | video |
By Matt Lombardi Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones and Florida State signal-caller Jameis Winston now have at least one thing in common both have fumbled the ball while falling backwards against Oregon in the third quarter of a College Football Playoff game. Jones' miscue led to a Ducks recovery, and eventually, a field goal. Here are the two eerily similar plays. Watch the play here . Ohio State is hanging onto a 21-20 lead. | 1 | 2,938 | sports |
Former Atlanta Brave Chipper Jones live-tweeted the College Football Playoff National Championship. | 8 | 2,939 | video |
Ezekiel Elliott ran for 246 yards and four touchdowns to lead Ohio State to a 42-20 win over Oregon in the inaugural CFP National Championship. | 1 | 2,940 | sports |
Campus Insiders' Bonnie Bernstein interviews the Ohio State defensive lineman following the Buckeyes' 42-20 victory over Oregon in the National Championship. | 1 | 2,941 | sports |
Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota talked about his future after the Ducks lost to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship. | 1 | 2,942 | sports |
By Larry Brown Ohio State offensive coordinator Tom Herman accepted the Houston head coaching job in December but worked out a deal where he would be able to stick around as a Buckeyes coach and help lead the team to the national championship. With Herman's help, the Buckeyes offense looked great in the title game against Oregon and strong against Alabama. Though Herman put in tons of work preparing Ohio State for Oregon, he still had his mind on his new job as Houston's head coach. In fact, he had a Cougars hat with him that he even put on after the Buckeyes won it all . Credit to Houston for allowing him to continue his duties with Ohio State and for also capitalizing on his success with some nice exposure for the program. | 1 | 2,943 | sports |
Hear from Drew Doughty after the shutout win over Toronto. | 1 | 2,944 | sports |
Eight years ago, Urban Meyer ushered in the SEC's dominance by bringing Ohio State and the Big Ten to its knees in the national championship game. It all came full circle for Meyer and the Buckeyes Monday. No. 4 Ohio State beat No. 2 Oregon, 42-20, in a game with shades of the 2007 BCS finale between Ohio State and Meyer-coached Florida. There was the favorite (Oregon, like Ohio State in '07), scoring first. There was Meyer facing a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback (Troy Smith to the Ducks' Marcus Mariota) and there was a defense holding a high-scoring offense in check. History, at least the tomb written by Urban Frank Meyer, III, has repeated itself. Herewith, position-by-position grades from the inaugural College Football Playoff championship: OHIO STATE OFFENSE QUARTERBACK: Three starts, each a more elevated stage than the last and none of it fazed Cardale Jones. He channeled his inner Jameis Winston on a self-fumble, but the Ducks only got three points out of it. Beyond that there weren't many miscues as his one interception was due to a Jalin Marshall bobble. The guy who this summer was the Buckeyes' third-string QB was 16 of 23 for 242 yards, a score and he ran for another 30 yards and a TD. Jones? J.T. Barrett? Braxton Miller (if he inexplicably opts to stay in Columbus)? Meyer is going to have a riveting QB derby on his hands. Grade: A- RUNNING BACK: No running back in Ohio State history had put together three straight 200-yard rushing games; not Les Horvath or Vic Janowicz, Hopalong Cassady, Archie Griffin or Eddie George, all of them Heisman winners. Ezekiel Elliott changed all that, piling up 246 yards and four touchdowns on 36 carries, eclipsing the title game record of 200 yards set by Texas' Vince Young in 2005 against USC and giving Elliott another dominant game after burning Wisconsin for 220 and Alabama for 230. He had 11 runs of 10 or more yards against the Ducks, including backbreaking TD runs of 9 and 2 yards after Oregon cut the deficit to 21-20. Grade: A+ RECEIVER: This group was responsible for two turnovers -- the aforementioned Marshall tip for a Ducks INT and Corey Smith losing the ball after a big game -- but it also had four players with gains of at least 23 yards with Marshall (26), Michael Thomas (23), Devin Smith (45) and Corey Smith (47). Nick Vannett delivered the only TD, a 1-yarder to give the Buckeyes a lead they would never relinquish, but overall this was a mixed bag. Grade: C+ LINE: The Buckeyes racked up 294 yards behind this group and Ohio State's line allowed two sacks, one of which was via Jones' phantom fumble. Vannett was key here, opening up a trap block to free Elliott on his 33-yard TD run, then took out DeForest Buckner on Elliott's 26-yarder. Just a dominant performance. Grade: A DEFENSE LINE: Oregon was dead-set on testing the middle of the Buckeyes' line early, running Thomas Tyner over and over up the middle to free things up for Mariota. It worked for a while, then Joey Bosa, Adolphus Washington and Co. shut the Ducks down, not allowing a run longer than 11 yards in the first half and gave up 132 in all. This group's pressure was key as Oregon was 2 of 12 on third downs. Grade: A LINEBACKERS: With the Ducks seeking a game-tying TD on 4th-and-goal on the Buckeyes' 3-yard line and Curtis Grant was part of the collective that stopped the charge and Darron Lee had a key pass breakup against a streaking Dwayne Stanford when Ohio State led 28-20. Those were the highlights for a unit led by Lee's eight tackles and one that kept the Ducks from getting past the second level on the ground. Grade: A SECONDARY: Von Bell lost his man when Keanon Lowe got the game's first TD and the same happened to Tyvis Powell when Byron Marshall's 70-yarder made it 21-17. Powell did make a heady play, pushing Evan Baylis out of bounds before he could come down with the go-ahead TD in the fourth, leaving the Ducks to settle for a field goal. But this was statistically the weakest link for the Buckeyes as they gave up 333 yards to Mariota through the air. Grade: C SPECIAL TEAM With Meyer's insistence on going for it on fourth down, Cameron Johnston punted all of three times, though he did pin the Ducks inside the 20 on both of them, including one at the 10. Marshall also had a nifty 17-yard punt return in which he spun his way out of trouble. Just one of Oregon's possessions began in Buckeyes' territory, and that was off Jones' fumble. Simply put, this group did its job. Grade: A- COACHING In his third year in Columbus, Meyer delivered his third national title and did so after losing the preseason Heisman favorite (Miller) and a legitimate threat going into the final weeks (Barrett). Meyer didn't let the game dictate his decision-making as the Buckeyes went for it three times on fourth down, converting all of them. He won at Bowling Green, took Utah to a BCS game, claimed two titles at Florida and rebuilt Ohio State on the heels of the Jim Tressel scandal. Of the stats that twill be thrown around regarding Meyer, this one is the most stunning: he is now 54-0 when leading by 10 points or more at halftime and that came despite committing four turnovers. GRADE: A+ OREGON OFFENSE QUARTERBACK: Mariota's final numbers -- he threw for 333 yards on 24 of 37 passing with two scores and ran for 39 more yards -- were what we've come to expect from him, and the score on the opening drive gave him at least one TD pass in every game of his Oregon career. But he uncharacteristically sailed a number of passes and the Mariota Era likely ended an interception as he hung up a ball that was picked off by Eli Apple. He ultimately became the third Heisman winner Meyer beat in claiming a title, joining Smith and Sam Bradford. GRADE: B- RUNNING BACK: Tyner started off strong with runs of four, 10, six and six yards and the Ducks had 84 yards in all on the ground after 15 minutes. After that? They had 48 the rest of the game as Oregon was forced to try and play catchup. Tyner finished with 62 yards on 12 attempts and Royce Freeman, the freshman that generate so much attention leading into this one, had 22 yards on 10 tries. GRADE: C RECEIVERS: Marshall had himself a game with 169 yards and the 70-yard touchdown on eight catches, though he nearly lost that score as he dropped the ball just after crossing the goal line. Luckily for him, replay confirmed the TD. Drops by Charles Nelson and Dwayne Stanford proved costly when the Buckeyes were scoring 21 straight points. Suspended Darren Carrington was missed. GRADE: B- LINE: Consistency was rarely in the cards for the Ducks up front, as they used all five starters in just four games. After that impressive opening, the Buckeyes defensive line set the tone vs. all-Pac-12 picks Jake Fisher and Hroniss Grasu GRADE: C- DEFENSE DEFENSE LINE: Arik Armstead had a solid game with nine tackles, including five solo and he recovered Jones' fumble. But none of that can overshadow the 296 total rushing yards the Ducks were burned for, due in large part of the inability of the line to keep Elliott from getting past the first level. Oregon came in allowing 153.9 yards per game on the ground (153.9). The lasting image here will be Jones bowling over 6-foot-4, 310-pound nose guard Alex Balducci. GRADE: D LINEBACKER Danny Mattingly got an interception off Marshall's tipped pass and Rodney Hardrick supplied seven tackles, with six solo stops. This group got no help from the line, which forced it to help in overcommitting to the run, but it also created consistent one-on-one situations for the Buckeyes' wide receivers. GRADE: D SECONDARY: Covering speedster Devin Smith in the end zone, cornerback Troy Hill got called for pass interference, which set up Vannett's go-ahead score. He made up for it by popping the ball out from Corey Smith in the second quarter, but the Ducks couldn't capitalize. Ranking 108th (265.9) in the nation, this was the bend in Oregon's bend but don't break, and Jones added to it with 242 yards. It wasn't the secondary's fault the Ducks lost, but the big plays they allowed didn't help either. GRADE: C+ SPECIAL TEAMS This may have been the most consistent piece of the game for the Ducks. Ian Wheeler nailed a 52-yard punt that was downed as the Buckeyes' 3-yard line in a busy night for him as Oregon, which averaged 2.9 punts per game, had that many in the first quarter. Meanwhile, Aidan Schneider was good on field goals of 26 and 23 yards. The problem here was the one chance the Buckeyes did get at a return, Curtis Samuel returned it 23 yards. GRADE: B+ COACHING There's no applauding Meyer for not bowing down to the stage and not giving Mark Helfrich the same pass. But he made a game-altering decision by going for it on 4th-and-goal with the Buckeyes leading 14-7 in the second quarter. It wasn't stunning that the Ducks went for it, but that they ran Tyner instead of putting the ball in the hands of his best player, Mariota. Of course, a field goal there could have given the Ducks the lead after Schneider's 23-yard FG in the third, a point you can bet Helfrich was well aware of. He got Oregon back to the cusp of a title and brought it new heights with its first Heisman, but he was simply outcoached by Meyer. GRADE: D Follow Cory McCartney on Twitter @coryjmccartney | 1 | 2,945 | sports |
The Los Angeles Kings can breathe a sigh of relief: Darryl Sutter's team is back to playing Kings hockey. A 2-0 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday at the Staples Center wasn't necessarily a banner win, but it snapped a dismal stretch in which the team has gone 2-1-2 in the last five games. Having been streaky all season, the team has tried everything to break out of its funk. But all it really took was playing the game that they're known for -- a fundamental defensive style of play. "We're a physical team, that's how we wear other teams down," defenseman Drew Doughty said. "We hit hard on forecheck and when the other team is in our zone we make it miserable for them to be down there. We did a better job of that tonight, but I still think we've got some room for improvement." The Kings have been wildly inconsistent for the last two weeks. And there have been other periods over the course of the season as well where the team has gotten away from the structure they typically play. Monday night looked more characteristic with strong possession play and hard checking. "With that run-and-gun style, we were losing games, 5-4 games," Doughty said. "This is how the Kings win games and how we've won two Stanley Cups in the past." The Maple Leafs had 19 shots and Martin Jones stopped all of them. It was the first shutout Dec. 4 and only the fourth of the season. "We did a great job of checking all night," Jones said. "The penalty kill was really good for us when we needed it, and the guys did a really good job around the net. You put those things together, and we are a tough team to beat." Jones' job was made a little easier as the Leafs struggled to keep the puck in the offensive zone. "We are not letting them be down in our zone. When they are down there, we are pinning them, creating turnovers, blocking shots, and making big hits," Doughty said. "For the most part we are just trying to keep control of the puck, and keep it in their zone. We want to get a cycle going and get shots to the net. When we have the puck they can't be down there." Finally, the Kings got a few breaks. Anze Kopitar's goal was reviewed and the Kings made it stand until an empty net goal late in the third. The Kings did the little things right which is exactly what they need to do when the offense is lacking the two top scorers in Tanner Pearson and Tyler Toffoli. In their absence, the Kings relied heavily in their first three lines. Kyle Clifford, the only regular on the fourth line Monday night, played with Jordan Nolan and Andy Andreoff. Clifford picked up a fighting major to take him off the ice for five but neither of his two linemates played more than nine minutes. L.A. is back in sole possession of second place in the Pacific Division, 10 points behind Anaheim. The Kings are typically good at suppressing shots and without the firepower of Pearson and Toffoli, there's a dire need for it. "You have to keep the puck out of your zone and get the puck out of your zone as quick as you can. That's hard," Sutter said. "We're going to have to get better at it because with the goals out of the lineup, and a bit of inexperience at our back end we still have to find a way to get better." The emphasis is firmly back on playing their own defensive brand of hockey. | 1 | 2,946 | sports |
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Ohio State was done when Braxton Miller got hurt in August. Ohio State was done when it lost at home to Virginia Tech in September. Ohio State was done when J.T. Barrett got hurt in November. A funny thing happened: Every time the Buckeyes looked done, they kept getting better. And in the new era of college football, that was enough to earn a chance to win a championship. BOX SCORE: OHIO STATE 42, OREGON 20 They took advantage of an opportunity they never would have had in the BCS, shrugging off questions about if they belonged among the college football's final four. Cardale Jones, Ezekiel Elliott and the Buckeyes won the first College Football Playoff national championship, upsetting Marcus Mariota and Oregon 42-20 on Monday night. Behind their bullish backup quarterback Jones and the relentless running of Elliott, the Buckeyes (14-1) completed a remarkable in-season turnaround with a dominating performance against the Ducks (13-2). "Late August, around camp, everybody counted us out when our Heisman Trophy quarterback went down, and then when the first college football playoff rankings came out we was like No. 16 or 17," Jones said. "Long story short, we weren't supposed to here." Ohio State began the first major college football playoff as the fourth and final seed, and was an underdog against both top-seeded Alabama and second-seeded Oregon. Plenty of people thought TCU or Baylor should have had the Buckeyes spot. No question about it now: Ohio State is the truest champion big-time football has ever crowned, showered by golden confetti as its band played the school's unofficial anthem, "Hang on Sloopy," after the clock hit 0:00. "This will go down as one of the great stories in college football history," coach Urban Meyer said. The Buckeyes overcame two injured Heisman contenders and one awful 35-21 loss to Virginia Tech to win their first national title since the 2002 BCS championship. In the BCS, the early slip to the Hokies could have pretty much eliminated the Buckeyes for the championship race. Before the BCS's 16-year stint, it was up to The Associated Press and coaches' polls to sort out which team was best, with a little help from the bowls. The Buckeyes have three of those championships, too. Now they can add college football's newest championship trophy to the display cases at Woody Hayes Athletic Center back in Columbus. Meyer now has three titles, adding this one for his home state team to the two he won for Florida. He matches Alabama's Nick Saban as the only coaches to win national championship at two schools. It's taken just three seasons for Meyer to put the Buckeyes -- and the Big Ten -- back on top, with a team that looks built to last. Elliott, a sophomore, was the offensive MVP and ran for 246 yards and four touchdowns on a career-high 36 carries. In the last three games -- the Big Ten championship against Wisconsin, the Sugar Bowl semifinal against Alabama and the final against Oregon -- Elliott had 696 yards rushing. "With all the stuff we went through to get here, it's just crazy," Elliott said. "It doesn't feel real." Jones, who took over in the Michigan game for the injured Barrett (who had taken over at the start of the season for the injured Miller), passed for 242 yards and a touchdown and ran for score in his third career start. The 250-pound third-year sophomore proved he could keep up with Mariota -- at least on this night. Mariota passed for 333 yards and two touchdowns, but the Ducks' warp-speed spread offense missed too many red-zone opportunities and couldn't unleash its running game against linebacker Darron Lee and an Ohio State front seven stacked with future NFL draft picks. "We fought through a lot of stuff," Mariota said. "We ended up short tonight, but that shouldn't take away from what we were able to do this year." Even with the benefit of four Ohio State turnovers, the Ducks were held to their lowest point total of the season, four touchdowns below their average coming in. They went 2 for 12 on third downs, with two killed dropped passes in the first half. "Their front seven is unbelievable," Oregon receiver Byron Marshall said. "I think we missed some opportunities, and they played a great game." Oregon has done just about everything as it has blossomed into a national power over the last two decades, but it will likely continue the search for its first national championship without Mariota. Barring a major surprise, the junior is likely to turn pro -- though he wouldn't talk about his upcoming draft decision after the game. Elliott scored the game's last three touchdowns, finishing off the rout with a 1-yarder with 28 seconds left. While Elliott slipped and darted through the Ducks, Jones pushed them around and shook them off. When Jones surged and spun his way into the end zone with 4:49 left in the second quarter it was 21-7 Ohio State and the O! H! I! O! chant made the dome in North Texas sound like the horseshoe in Columbus. The Ducks were facing their largest deficit of the season. If there was any concern that fans wouldn't travel to the championship game in the new postseason system, the packed house at the home of the Dallas Cowboys, awash in Buckeyes' scarlet and Ducks' yellow, put that to rest. The crowd of 85,689 was as charged as any BCS national championship game. But by the time Elliott went in from 2 yards out with 9:44 left in the fourth to make it 35-20 it was clear this night had turned into a Buckeyes Bash. ----- Follow Ralph D. Russo at www.Twitter.com/RalphDrussoAP | 1 | 2,947 | sports |
Kevin Garnett was ejected after head-butting Dwight Howard just four-plus minutes into Houston's 113-99 road rout. Howard received a technical and finished with eight points and five rebounds. | 1 | 2,948 | sports |
Add some weights to your workout to build more metabolism-boosting muscle. This circuit workout will help you get sleek and strong. Build Muscle and Boost Your Metabolism With This Weighted Workout Add some weights to your workout to build more metabolism-boosting muscle. This circuit workout will help you get sleek and strong. Directions: Warm up with three minutes of light cardio, then perform each three-exercise circuit twice. Use five- to 10-pound weights. Cool down with three minutes of stretching. Related At-Home Workout Mixing Cardio With Strength Training For the Ultimate Burn Circuit One: Goblet Squat Reps: 15 Stand with your feet wider than shoulder width with toes pointed slightly out. Hold your dumbbell at chest level with both hands. Keeping your back flat, push your hips back, bend your knees, and lower your body until your thighs are parallel to the floor and your elbows touch your knees. With your weight focused in your heels, push yourself up to the starting position.Do 15 reps. Circuit One: Deadlift With Back Row Reps: 15 Stand upright holding your dumbbells in each hand, with your palms facing in and your knees slightly bent. Keeping your arms straight and knees slightly bent, slowly hinge forward, bending at your hips (not your waist), lowering the weights to your shins without rounding your back.Keeping your back almost parallel to the floor and abs pulled to your spine, bend your elbows toward the ceiling, squeezing your shoulder blades together and performing a back row.Maintain the position of your torso as you lower the weights back to your shins. Squeeze your glutes to return to standing, keeping your back straight. Do 15 reps. Circuit One: Bridge With Chest Press Reps: 20 presses, holding bridge Start on your back with your knees bent and your feet hip distance apart. Holding weights by your chest.Squeeze your glutes as you push your pelvis toward the ceiling, coming into a bridge. Keep your ribs aligned with your pelvis.Holding the bridge, press the weights to the ceiling directly above your shoulders for a total of 20 reps.Lower your pelvis down the mat to compete the set. Circuit Two: High-to-Low Woodchop Reps: 12 each side With feet slightly wider than hip distance apart, twist upward to the right, bringing the dumbbell above your head.Exhale and slice the weight diagonally across your body, ending twisted to the left with the dumbbell outside your left thigh. Pivot on your right foot as needed.The move is a bit percussive, so focus on the rotation initiating in your torso.Control the weight back up to the starting position to complete one rep.Remember you are moving with force but also control. Don't give into the momentum of swinging the weight around. Do 12 reps on each side. Circuit Two: Reverse Fly Reps: 15 Holding a dumbbell in each hand with palms up, stand with knees slightly bent. Keeping your back flat, bend forward at the hip joint. Exhale and raise both arms out to the side, maintaining a slight bend in the elbows and squeezing your shoulder blades together. Then, with control, lower the dumbbells back toward the floor.Do 15 reps for a set. Circuit Two: Split Squat With Overhead Press Reps: 10 each side Holding the weights at your shoulders with your palms facing out, step backward about three feet with your left foot. Press the weights up to the ceiling.Lower the weight to your shoulders as you bend your knees, making 90-degree angles with both legs. Straighten both legs as you press the weights back toward the ceiling. This completes one rep. Do 10, then switch legs. Circuit Three: Bicep Curl With Side Lunge Reps: 20, alternating sides Holding a pair of dumbbells, stand with your feet and knees together. Perform a bicep curl by bending your elbows to bring the weights to your shoulders Lower your arms toward the floor as you take a large step to the left with your left foot, lunging toward the floor. Make sure your left knee does not extend past your toes, and keep your right leg relatively straight.As you push off through your left foot to return to standing, perform a bicep curl. Repeat on the other side for a total of 20 reps. Circuit Three: Lawn Mower Reps: 20, alternating sides Holding one dumbbell in your left hand with your right hand on your hip, squat, bringing the weight toward the floor.Exhale, pull your abs to your spine as you straighten your legs, and pull your elbow behind you, bringing the weight to your chest. Your torso will twist to the left. Bend your knees and squat as you return to the starting position to complete a rep. Repeat on the other side, and continue alternating sides for 20 reps. Circuit Three: Overhead Reach With Leg Lower Reps: 20, alternating legs Lie on your back with your arms reaching toward the ceiling, holding one weight with both hands. With the sole of your left foot on the mat, bring your right toes toward the ceiling.Exhale and lower your arms and leg toward the floor, keeping your lower back touching the mat.Inhale and return to starting position to complete one rep. Repeat on the other side, and continue alternating for 20 reps total. | 7 | 2,949 | health |
ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Legend of Cardale Jones just got even bigger. It would have been enough for Jones to get Ohio State to the national championship game. After all, back in August he was the Buckeyes' third-string quarterback. But for Jones to win the title in just his third game as a starter, that's not just the stuff of dreams. That's legendary. "It's even better than I thought," Jones said. "It's an unreal feeling." After the game, Jones got a congratulatory hug from the reigning sports icon of his hometown. "This is something for all of Cleveland to believe in and rally around," Jones said LeBron James told him. Jones wasn't the star of Ohio State's 42-20 bullying of Oregon. That honor went to running back Ezekiel Elliott and his 246 rushing yards and four touch-downs. But Jones was impressive in his own right with 242 passing yards and a touchdown each passing and running. Jones, nicknamed "12 Gauge" for his ballistic passing arm, fired plenty of jaw-dropping shells at receivers. His one-yard touchdown pass to Nick Vannett in the first quarter was one such rocket. But what really got people gawking were his short-yardage runs for first downs. On the third quarter drive that put the Buckeyes ahead 28-20, Jones ran over an Oregon defensive lineman. At 6-5 and 250 pounds, Jones was a mismatch for most defenders. It was far from a perfect performance for Jones, which can be expected of a quarterback starting his third game. He had a pair of fumbles and threw an inter-ception on the opening drive of the second half. Jones trusted his teammates to overcome those mistakes. "It's hard to be flustered or nervous or down when you have the other guys on defense playing the way they're playing," Jones said. "And then definitely when you've got the guys up front blocking the way they were blocking. We definitely felt we could score any time we want." He was 16-of-23 passing and often stood in the pocket for long periods trying to decipher what was in front of him. If he had more games under his belt, those reads would have come quicker. On one play in the third quarter, he tried to evade pressure and wound up dropping the ball. The Buckeyes lost possession and 17 yards of field position, but that was Jones' only sack. "Even though I made some stupid turnovers, I knew I didn't have to do too much and just have faith in my teammates and faith in our defense," Jones said. Jones knows something about overcoming mistakes. He's had the typical ma-turity issues and sometimes chafed at his lowly status on the depth chart. Before becoming the starter, Jones was mostly known for an infamous tweet that said "Why should we have to go to class if we came here to play football? We ain't come to play school, classes are pointless." Because of injuries to the quarterbacks ahead of him, Jones was given a chance to rewrite his legacy. "Cardale is a case study for overcoming adversity," Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said. "And how if his personal alignment with his mentor, his high school coach and his coaching staff, if that didn't happen, he wouldn't be sitting here." Jones also had a lot of help in the national championship game. The blistering runs by Elliott took a lot of the weight off Jones' shoulders. Yet he was no mere passenger on this ride. Jones calmly executed plays in the end zone on Ohio State's first scoring drive, which went for 97 yards. On the Buckeyes' third scoring drive, Jones was flushed to the right and fired a deep pass on the run to Devin Smith for a 45-yard gain. It was the kind of pass that shows the great potential Jones has if he continues to progress. That may be difficult with Braxton Miller, Ohio State's original starter, and J.T. Barrett, who was injured in the Michigan game, both planning to return next season. Then again when your resume, albeit brief, consists of wins over Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship, Alabama in the national semifinal and Oregon in the national championship, you can't be counted out of anything. Follow Keith Whitmire on Twitter: @Keith_Whitmire MORE FROM FOX SPORTS SOUTHWEST: - Highest paid coaches in college football - Ranking NFL quarterback salaries - Oldest player on every NBA team - Famous Dallas Cowboys fans | 1 | 2,950 | sports |
Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith received bonuses for the Buckeyes winning the Sugar Bowl and National Championship. Is it unfair that Smith gets paid and the players don't make any money? | 1 | 2,951 | sports |
We get you caught up on the Monday in sports, including Ohio State's National Championship and John Fox parting ways with the Broncos. | 1 | 2,952 | sports |
The NCAA is reportedly talking with Penn State about restoring the wins that Penn State vacated under Joe Paterno. The guys share their thoughts on the situation. | 1 | 2,953 | sports |
Cardale Jones threw for 242 yards, a touchdown and an interception and rushed for 38 yards and another score in Ohio State's 42-20 win over Oregon in the CFP National Championship. | 1 | 2,954 | sports |
Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer addressed the media after his team won the National Championship. | 1 | 2,955 | sports |
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Ohio State Bullies. And national champions, too. It got a little too close for comfort in the third quarter after Ohio State's fourth turnover, but Monday night's national championship game was decided in the trenches and dictated by Ohio State's power approach. And it wasn't really much of a contest. Ezekiel Elliott ran for 246 yards and four touchdowns, three in the final 15 minutes, as Ohio State ran away from Oregon and won, 42-20. Elliott was the easy choice as the game's MVP as he scored his team's first touchdown, accounted for 14 first downs and ran 25 times for 148 yards in the second half. "I knew going in we wanted to run the ball," Elliott said. "I knew our offensive line was bigger than their defensive line and we could punch them in the mouth." It was more than one punch, and Oregon had no counter. Ohio State ran up 538 yards, 296 on the ground, as Elliott found room inside and out and battering ram quarterback Cardale Jones picked up tough yards, too. When it was over, Ohio State coach Urban Meyer grabbed the national championship trophy, displayed it for the Ohio State fans and then handed it to Elliott first. Elliott kissed it. "Me being MVP tonight, credit that to my big boys up front," Elliott said. "Actually, credit everyone on offense. Everybody did their jobs. "The way the offensive line showed up towards the end of the season was just incredible. They were the heartbeat of the team." A 225-pound sophomore, Elliott ran for 696 yards and eight touchdowns over Ohio State's last three games. He ran for 230 yards in the Sugar Bowl national semifinal against an Alabama team that hadn't allowed a 100-yard rusher all season. So, Oregon knew it was coming. And couldn't stop it. "Elliott is a tremendous player," Oregon coach Mark Helfrich said. "When you have him being as fast and physical as he is and then you trump that with a 255 or 260-pound quarterback, those are pretty good hammers. "(Elliott) is an exceptional player (running behind) an exceptional offensive line. Our defense needed to create some turnovers and we did, but credit those guys." Ohio State's offensive line returned only Taylor Decker from last year's group and struggled early with four new starters. Elliott was a new starter, too, and Monday night he completed an 1,878-yard season, second only in Ohio State history to Eddie George's Heisman Trophy-winning 1,927-yard season in 1995. Elliott was averaging over eight yards per carry Monday night until well into the fourth quarter. He finishes the season with an average of 6.9 per carry and 18 touchdowns for an Ohio State offense that broke the school scoring record and averaged 45 points per game. Ohio State went over 500 yards of offense in 10 games. "We won this game tonight because of Zeke and because of our offensive line," Meyer said. Elliott scored a 33-yard touchdown to tie Monday night's game in the first quarter. He scored from nine yards out on the final play of the third quarter, from two yards out with 9:44 to go and from one yard with 28 seconds left. His 36 carries were a career high and easily the most he's had since late September, when he carried 28 times for 182 yards against Cincinnati. He had 220 on Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game and 230 on Alabama with 20 carries in each of those. Now, he gets a little time for his body to heal. "I definitely feel it now," Elliott said of his 36 carries. "But I'm good with it. It's crazy. We finished the job. It's a surreal feeling." Follow on Twitter FSOhioZJackson | 1 | 2,956 | sports |
Predicting the 2015 Amway Coaches Poll top 25 teams Predicting the 2015 top 25 teams USA TODAY Sports' national college football writer Paul Myerberg projects the Amway Coaches Poll top 25 for the 2015 season. No. 1 Ohio State Why No. 1? Because the Buckeyes are just getting warmed up. Urban Meyer has said that he thought the 2015 team would be his best yet at Ohio State which is saying quite a bit, seeing that he's won at least 12 games in each of his first three seasons. There's an embarrassment of riches across the board, from quarterback through the secondary; All-America talent at nearly every position; the confidence that stems from this year's run to the national championship game; one of the best coaching staffs in the country; and the idea that no team on the Buckeyes' 2015 schedule can hang with their balanced attack. They are a near-consensus pick for preseason No. 1. 2. Auburn (8-5) Why No. 2? Because adding Will Muschamp as defensive coordinator will give the Tigers the teeth they need to return to the championship race. At the same time, there's no reason to think the offense will struggle in the transition from quarterback Nick Marshall to his likely replacement, Jeremy Johnson better yet, there's reason to think a more experienced offense will be even more explosive under Gus Malzahn's direction. The Tigers look poised to make another run at a national title. 3. TCU (12-1) Why No. 3? Because nearly every piece of this year's superb group remains in the fold. That includes quarterback Trevone Boykin, perhaps the preseason favorite for the Heisman Trophy. Most of the losses come on defense, where TCU must replace a handful of playmakers at linebacker and in the secondary. That will test Gary Patterson and his staff in the early stages of next season, but the Horned Frogs will have the offense to carry the load. The biggest change might come in the team's mindset: TCU will go from being the hunter to the hunted. Patterson will make sure his team stays on course. 4. Stanford (8-5) Why No. 4? Because the Cardinal are supremely motivated by this season's slide out of the championship picture. That Stanford slid to eight wins will push this team during the offseason. At the same time, the Cardinal have the perfect cast for David Shaw's particular brand of football; the offense showed it can survive without wide receiver Ty Montgomery, who missed the last two games of this season, and the defense is superb along the back seven. Just three issues remain: one, if quarterback Kevin Hogan returns for his final season; two, if Stanford can replicate Montgomery's impact over an entire season; and three, if the staff finds quality pieces along the defensive line. 5. Alabama (12-2) Why No. 5? Because Nick Saban's team is loaded, as always. But there are holes to fill: Alabama must replace quarterback Blake Sims, safety Landon Collins, running back T.J. Yeldon and All-America wide receiver Amari Cooper, among others. The Crimson Tide won't fall off the map, not by a long shot, and are very much neck-and-neck with divisional rival Auburn in the Southeastern Conference. Yet much depends on how quickly the offense can find a groove with a new starter at quarterback and new faces in the passing game. 6. Baylor (11-2) Why No. 6? Because Baylor isn't going anywhere. The offense will continue to thrive as it moves away from quarterback Bryce Petty, thanks to holdovers at the remaining skill positions and what should be a terrific offensive line. The defense needs to be more consistent, but bringing back defensive end Shawn Oakman, a likely preseason All-America pick, should give the unit a huge boost. In all, the program has achieved enough during the last few seasons to expect nothing but more of the same in 2015. 7. Florida State (13-1) Why No. 7? Because the Seminoles will be too young to win the national championship. But Florida State will still be considered the preseason favorites in the Atlantic Coast Conference. There will be new starters across the board, from quarterback to cornerback, and an overwhelming and defining sense of youth on both sides of the ball. FSU will have enough talent to notch double-digit wins during the regular season, but this team seems to have a brighter future in 2016 than in 2015. This year's group needs to identify a new leadership core during the offseason. 8. Michigan State (11-2) Why No. 8? Because the Spartans are in good shape if the team's biggest concerns stand on the defensive side of the ball. Even if coordinator Pat Narduzzi is off to Pittsburgh, the system and scheme he leaves in place should lead to no noticeable decline in production. If anything, the bigger concern is in personnel: Michigan State must identify new contributors on each level of the defense. Let's trust in the offense, led by senior quarterback Connor Cook, to deliver at a clip needed to compete for the Big Ten Conference title. 9. Mississippi (9-4) Why No. 9? Because the Rebels improve with each passing season under Hugh Freeze. The offense may be more consistent with a new starter under center, particularly with wide receiver Laquon Treadwell back from injury. The defense will retool in the secondary without two all-conference picks, but the talent along the defensive line is undeniable and it's these contributors, led by Robert Nkemdiche, who set the tone for the entire defense. If they can stay healthy, the Rebels might sneak up and take the SEC West Division. 10. Oregon (13-2) Why No. 10? Because there's no denying the fact that Oregon will take at least a slight step back in 2015. That's not just because the Ducks will lose Marcus Mariota, though that's one of the primary factors behind a projected downturn. Oregon must also replace Hroniss Grasu, Jake Fisher, Keanon Lowe, Tony Washington, Erick Dargan, Troy Hill and Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, and might need to deal with the early departures of two standouts on the defensive line. Oregon will still be one of the best in the Pac-12, but the team might undergo a slight retooling project in 2015. 11. Arizona State (10-3) Why No. 11? Because of the sense of the unfinished business 16 returning starters will bring to the table in 2015. After falling short in the crowded Pac-12 South Division, motivation won't be hard to find. At the same time, Arizona State will improve under center with Mike Bercovici's ascension to the starting role, has an All-America talent at receiver in D.J. Foster, has options in the backfield and may be deeper across the board on defense. There are question marks on the offensive front, however, and a hole in the passing game without Jaelen Strong. 12. Clemson (10-3) Why No. 12? Because the Deshaun Watson-led offense will be the ACC's best. And the Tigers will need an uptick in offensive production while the defense rebuilds behind a handful-plus list of new starters and will need to improve without former offensive coordinator Chad Morris, who left for SMU. There's reason to think the offense will be ready to do the heavy lifting; there's also cause to believe the defense will be better than advertised. It all comes down to whether Clemson can solve Florida State and win the ACC Atlantic Division. 13. Southern California (9-4) Why No. 13? Because the talent is there to compete for the national title. That's true even as USC deals with early departures to the NFL in wide receiver Nelson Agholor and defensive lineman Leonard Williams. Helping to pick up the slack are a number of talented holdovers: Cody Kessler, JuJu Smith, Adoree Jackson, Su'a Cravens and the entire offensive line, for example. The question remains depth, and whether the Trojans will have enough bodies to maintain a high level of play for the entire season. 14. Georgia (10-3) Why No. 14? Because the defense will improve in its second season under coordinator Jeremy Pruitt. That's a big deal: Georgia needs more consistency on this side of the ball to win not just the SEC East Division but the conference as a whole. At the same time, the offense has identified a leader in sophomore running back Nick Chubb, the engine behind the Bulldogs' attack. Look for Georgia to be physical on offense and aggressive on defense; that formula, when combined with the division's highest level of talent, makes this team the favorite to reach the conference title game. 15. Arizona (10-4) Why No. 15? Because the Wildcats return the heart of a team that won the Pac-12 South. There might be some competition at quarterback, but look for sophomore Anu Solomon to hold onto his starting job. He'll be joined by sophomore running back Nick Wilson and a gifted crop of receivers, though the Wildcats need stronger play up front. The defense might remain too spotty in the secondary to survive the regular season unscathed, but Arizona's progression under Rich Rodriguez paints a rosy picture for this program's future. 16. Boise State (12-2) Why No. 16? Because Boise State is the class of the Mountain West Conference. While there are two significant holes to fill, at quarterback and running back, the Broncos should not only win their conference but also claim the top spot among non-major conferences in the push for a New Year's bowl. Even as a few personnel questions loom large, it's easy to have the utmost faith in Bryan Harsin and his staff, led by in-demand offensive coordinator Mike Sanford. Whether the Broncos can squeeze into the Playoff picture hinges on nonconference games against Washington, Brigham Young and Virginia. 17. UCLA (10-3) Why No. 17? Because Jim Mora needs to find a quarterback. Brett Hundley, the star of each Mora's first three teams, will skip his final season of eligibility and enter the NFL draft. Before moving forward, the Bruins must identify a capable replacement under center. But that's one of the few dark spots on a roster otherwise growing more impressive by the season: UCLA will be less reliant on youngsters in 2015, which should prevent any inexplicable meltdowns, and will be able to trot out a depth chart brimming with talent and experience everywhere but at quarterback, of course. 18. Missouri (11-3) Why No. 18? Because even as Missouri deals with a depleted receiver corps and losses along the defensive line, it's silly to count the Tigers out of the SEC race. Missouri might even be the preseason favorite in the East Division if not for those two issues: one, a completely rebuilt receiver corps, and two, the loss of a pair of superb defensive ends. But the schedule plays in the Tigers' favor, with Florida and South Carolina coming at home and Mississippi State and Arkansas coming out of the SEC West Division. 19. LSU (8-5) Why No. 19? Because the Tigers are going to miss former defensive coordinator John Chavis. His departure may very well force LSU's offense to pick up the slack and the Tigers' offense is nothing if not inconsistent. The talent is there, beginning with sublime sophomore running back Leonard Fournette, but LSU won't challenge Auburn and Alabama without vastly improved play at quarterback. And as always, the Tigers must deal with the specter of early departures to the NFL draft. 20. Wisconsin (11-3) Why No. 20? Because new coach Paul Chryst will keep the Badgers humming along. He'll maintain the same approach on offense, which will be a huge positive, and retaining coordinator Dave Aranda will make sure Wisconsin's defense doesn't miss a beat. The question may be overall talent and experience: Wisconsin will miss Melvin Gordon, obviously, and Chryst must maximize the passing game to recoup the lost production. This will be a very good team, likely the best in the Big Ten West Division, but not a legitimate championship contender. 21. Oklahoma (8-5) Why No. 21? Because the Sooners are an enigma. If Bob Stoops' staff shakeup yields immediate assistance especially with the play at quarterback Oklahoma may far exceed this early ranking. If not, the Sooners will stay one or two steps behind TCU and Baylor. It's hard to tell in which direction the program is leaning: Oklahoma could be an influx of energy away from retaking the conference; OU could also be farther away from a national championship than at any point since Stoops' first season. 22. Notre Dame (8-5) Why No. 22? Because Notre Dame remains hard to pin down. There's a competition at quarterback that will remain unsettled until spring drills if not until fall camp while Brian Kelly and his staff take a long look at Everett Golson and Malik Zaire. There are questions about a defense that came in well below expectations in 2014. But the Irish may need to replace just a handful of senior starters, which is a positive; capped this season with a feel-good bowl win; and has a manageable road schedule next fall, so this could be a surprise team nationally. 23. Georgia Tech (11-3) Why No. 23? Because the Yellow Jackets have rediscovered their rhythm on offense. It's clear that quarterback Justin Thomas is the answer under center; he may be the best Paul Johnson has had at the position since arriving in Atlanta in 2008. There's a big hole along the offensive line and some changing pieces in the backfield, but the Jackets should still house one of the best running games in the country. Navigating a tough road schedule will provide the team's sternest test. 24. Oklahoma State (7-6) Why No. 24? Because this year's young team will enter next season with enough experience to make noise in the Big 12. The Cowboys are riding into the offseason on a high note, thanks to wins against Oklahoma and Washington, and have found the right pieces at the offensive skill positions. Whether Oklahoma State can hang with the league's best depends on the growth of its defense, and it's a little too early to say whether that unit is up to the challenge. 25. Nebraska (9-4) Why No. 25? Because there's enough talent to make first-year coach Mike Riley's debut a fairly successful one. Add to that a kind schedule: Nebraska draws Brigham Young, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Iowa at home, though the Cornhuskers do take a nonconference trip to Miami (Fla.) to take on the Hurricanes. In another year, perhaps, Nebraska would be a valid dark-horse contender coming out of the Big Ten. But even with assets in their corner, the Cornhuskers will hit a bit of a learning curve under the new staff. | 1 | 2,957 | sports |
Who will be the Ohio State starting quarterback be in the fall of 2015? The guys answer the big question. | 1 | 2,958 | sports |
Campus Insiders' Bonnie Bernstein interviews the Ohio State wide receiver following the Buckeyes' 42-20 victory over Oregon in the National Championship. | 1 | 2,959 | sports |
Sorry to disappoint you, but all of those rumors about Ram building a Ford F-150 Raptor-fighter turned out to be far from true. This pickup was not built to fight anything. Well, that's not entirely true, either. It sure beats up on all the other Rams that look more similar than different. This one is obviously a rebel. This 2015 Ram Rebel 1500 might not have the suspension or even engine to combat the Raptor across an open desert. But that doesn't mean it's not cool. The exterior is completely different than any of the other nine Ram 1500 trim levels. The Rebel forgoes the typical crosshair grille that Ram has been using for nearly 30 years. (Back then it was still the Dodge Ram.) The blacked-out grille instead uses the word Ram across the front and a silver off-road skidplate at the bottom. There are new tow hooks and new foglamps, and even the headlamps have a smoky look to them. There are also two snorkels on the hood, though they don't provide any function other than give the Rebel the most intimidating 1500 front in the Ram lineup. The truck adopts fenders from the Power Wagon and rests on 17-inch wheels with chunky 33-inch Toyo tires. Even the backside is different, using 5-inch letters to spell out Ram across the tailgate. It arrives in five colors, though all of the models with two-tone paint will have a black base. Monotone Rebels are also available. The interior is also done up with a lot of flair. Red trim replaces other trim options found on other Ram pickups. The instrument panel and center stack also have red trim surrounding them. The Rebel will debut a new center console box that features a cellphone/tablet holder, as well. The rubber holder leans the phone slightly but holds it firmly. Really, it's ingenious. In a quick test, both an iPhone and Android phone, as well as an iPad Mini, fit perfectly, though it is only wide enough to hold two phones at once. The seats are covered in a Sedoso fabric embossed with the Toyo tire tread, bringing some of the exterior design inside. It looks better in person than any photo might suggest. Although it won't fly across sand dunes like a Raptor, the Rebel does come with specially tuned Blistein shocks. It will also feature the Ram's air suspension, allowing it to raise itself up 1 inch higher than other Rams. The Rebel will offer two engine choices: the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 or the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. Both engines have a solid track record, the Pentastar producing 305 horsepower and the Hemi creating 395. For the first time ever, the Rebel will feature a 3.6-liter model with a 3.92 axle ratio for 4x4 models. The 4x2 model will have a 3.92 axle ratio. All Rebels will have an eight-speed automatic transmission. Even though the Rebel isn't a true Raptor-fighter, it still has some serious off-roading chops, considering its power and all of its features. It should also have a much more affordable price, though Ram hasn't announced that yet. The Rebel should be available by the third quarter of 2015. | 9 | 2,960 | autos |
It's never too early to look ahead. Joel Klatt gives us the four teams to look out for in 2015 in college football. | 1 | 2,961 | sports |
Campus Insiders' Bonnie Bernstein interviews the Ohio State running back following the Buckeyes' 42-20 victory over Oregon in the National Championship. | 1 | 2,962 | sports |
Campus Insiders' Bonnie Bernstein interviews the Ohio State running back and offensive MVP following the Buckeyes' 42-20 victory over Oregon in the National Championship. | 1 | 2,963 | sports |
Jenny Taft, Bruce Feldman and Clay Travis talk about the huge let down after Oregon's loss to Ohio State and where the Ducks go from here. | 1 | 2,964 | sports |
Whether you love or hate luxury crossovers, they're hot right now. The midsize premium utility segment currently represents 11 percent of the automotive luxury market on a global scale, and the segment's only going to get more popular. To compete with the top players, Lincoln needed to class it up and clean up, and that's exactly what the 2016 MKX appears to have done at the 2015 Detroit auto show. The improvements are noticeable right away. Thankfully, the 2016 Lincoln MKX's appearance doesn't stray from the concept we saw earlier this year. Like the handsome concept, the MKX wears a more subtle butterfly wing-style grille, with the outgoing car's vertical slats giving way to a horizontal layout. This change helps pull the front end together, as the slats frame the available all-LED headlight system that uses slick-looking blade slapes rather than projectors. Also like the concept, the production MKX keeps the large, brushed-metallic bar that surrounds the side intakes on the lower front bumper. Other styling cues that have transferred from the concept's rear to the MKX's is the taillight arrangement and chrome accents around back, making it look just as good from the back as it does from the front. Customers will further be able to spice up the MKX's appearance with two new Lincoln Black Label themes. One is inspired by 1920s art and fashion in Paris, while the other is inspired by horse racing. Yeah, we're curious to see that, too. Because it's what's inside that matters, Lincoln went above and beyond with the MKX, creating a "cocoon-like environment that is as quiet as it is beautiful." Lots of brushed aluminum and soft-touch materials are found throughout the cabin, while more buttons and knobs decorate the center stack, which could mean less of the former model's annoying capacitive touch switchgear. Also helping keep the interior looking fresh and clean is the push-button gear shift knob found in other newer Lincoln models. Helping the 2016 MKX walk the luxury talk is a host of new premium features that are not only a first for the crossover, but also for Lincoln. A new auto-hold has the potential to make rush hour traffic a little more tolerable. This feature relieves the driver from continuously having to apply the brakes to keep the vehicle stationary in stop-and-go traffic, and once the gas pedal is depressed, auto-hold releases the brakes. Another first for Lincoln is adaptive steering and a feature on the LED headlights that, at slower speeds, adds width to the low beam pattern with additional reflector elements. The MKX is also the first in the Lincoln lineup to boast a a premium audio system from Revel, a new partner for the automaker. The top-trim Revel Ultima system, which comes standard on Lincoln Black Label editions and is optional on Reserve models, features 19 speakers and moving tweeters. Other available features for the 2016 MKX include a 360-degree camera system, 22-way adjustable front-seats, an embedded hotspot, and pre-collision assist. Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot assist, and cross-traffic alert can be checked off on the safety options list. The MKX is also welcoming in the sense that its LED headlights, puddle lamps, and door handles illuminate when it senses the key fob from 9 feet away. Now for the stuff drivers everywhere want to know about. The 2016 MKX's standard engine is a 3.7-liter V-6 that's expected to make 300 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, according to preliminary test data. A 2.7-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6, projected to put out over 330 horses and over 370 lb-ft of torque, will also be available. No matter which engine customers choose, it will be attached to a six-speed automatic, with available all-wheel drive. Lincoln claims that a number of upgrades to the suspension, body structure, and chassis improve the MKX's handling and ride quality. We'll have to see about that. The 2016 Lincoln MKX goes on sale in the U.S. before it reaches other markets including China, Canada, the Middle East, Mexico, and South Korea. | 9 | 2,965 | autos |
The Bruins are playing better hockey and are in the middle of the Eastern Conference race. Will Boston end up making the postseason after a slow start to the season? | 1 | 2,966 | sports |
Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott talked about the challenges the Buckeyes had to overcome to win a National Championship. | 1 | 2,967 | sports |
Anze Kopitar scored early in the first period, and left the game momentarily after getting hit by a shot. Kopitar would return later and the Kings ended up beating the Maple Leafs 2-0. | 1 | 2,968 | sports |
The Get Fit 2015 Challenge has been building toward this workout with weights. Your core should be fired up, your body stronger; now we are going to work you a bit harder by adding dumbbells to each move. Directions: Warm up with three minutes of light cardio, then perform each three-exercise circuit twice. Use five- to 10- pound weights. Cool down with three minutes of stretching. Circuit One: Goblet Squat Reps: 15 Stand with your feet wider than shoulder width with toes pointed slightly out. Hold your dumbbell at chest level with both hands. Keeping your back flat, push your hips back, bend your knees, and lower your body until your thighs are parallel to the floor and your elbows touch your knees. With your weight focused in your heels, push yourself up to the starting position. Do 15 reps. Circuit One: Deadlift With Back Row Reps: 15 Stand upright holding your dumbbells in each hand, with your palms facing in and your knees slightly bent. Keeping your arms straight and knees slightly bent, slowly hinge forward, bending at your hips (not your waist), lowering the weights to your shins without rounding your back.Keeping your back almost parallel to the floor and abs pulled to your spine, bend your elbows toward the ceiling, squeezing your shoulder blades together and performing a back row. Maintain the position of your torso as you lower the weights back to your shins. Squeeze your glutes to return to standing, keeping your back straight. Do 15 reps. Circuit One: Bridge With Chest Press Reps: 20 presses, holding bridge Start on your back with your knees bent and your feet hip distance apart. Holding weights by your chest. Squeeze your glutes as you push your pelvis toward the ceiling, coming into a bridge. Keep your ribs aligned with your pelvis.Holding the bridge, press the weights to the ceiling directly above your shoulders for a total of 20 reps. Lower your pelvis down the mat to compete the set. Circuit Two: High-to-Low Woodchop Reps: 12 each side With feet slightly wider than hip distance apart, twist upward to the right, bringing the dumbbell above your head. Exhale and slice the weight diagonally across your body, ending twisted to the left with the dumbbell outside your left thigh. Pivot on your right foot as needed. The move is a bit percussive, so focus on the rotation initiating in your torso. Control the weight back up to the starting position to complete one rep. Remember you are moving with force but also control. Don't give into the momentum of swinging the weight around. Do 12 reps on each side. Circuit Two: Reverse Fly Reps: 15 Holding a dumbbell in each hand with palms up, stand with knees slightly bent. Keeping your back flat, bend forward at the hip joint. Exhale and raise both arms out to the side, maintaining a slight bend in the elbows and squeezing your shoulder blades together. Then, with control, lower the dumbbells back toward the floor. Do 15 reps for a set. Circuit Two: Split Squat With Overhead Press Reps: 10 each side Holding the weights at your shoulders with your palms facing out, step backward about three feet with your left foot. Press the weights up to the ceiling. Lower the weight to your shoulders as you bend your knees, making 90-degree angles with both legs. Straighten both legs as you press the weights back toward the ceiling. This completes one rep. Do 10, then switch legs. Circuit Three: Bicep Curl With Side Lunge Reps: 20, alternating sides Holding a pair of dumbbells, stand with your feet and knees together. Perform a bicep curl by bending your elbows to bring the weights to your shoulders. Lower your arms toward the floor as you take a large step to the left with your left foot, lunging toward the floor. Make sure your left knee does not extend past your toes, and keep your right leg relatively straight. As you push off through your left foot to return to standing, perform a bicep curl. Repeat on the other side for a total of 20 reps. Circuit Three: Lawn Mower Reps: 20, alternating sides Holding one dumbbell in your left hand with your right hand on your hip, squat, bringing the weight toward the floor. Exhale, pull your abs to your spine as you straighten your legs, and pull your elbow behind you, bringing the weight to your chest. Your torso will twist to the left. Bend your knees and squat as you return to the starting position to complete a rep. Repeat on the other side, and continue alternating sides for 20 reps. Circuit Three: Overhead Reach With Leg Lower Reps: 20, alternating legs Lie on your back with your arms reaching toward the ceiling, holding one weight with both hands. With the sole of your left foot on the mat, bring your right toes toward the ceiling. Exhale and lower your arms and leg toward the floor, keeping your lower back touching the mat.Inhale and return to starting position to complete one rep. Repeat on the other side, and continue alternating for 20 reps total. | 7 | 2,969 | health |
After decades and decades of making movies, Woody Allen is finally making a TV show and he's creating it for Amazon. "I don't know how I got into this," Allen says in a statement. "I have no ideas and I'm not sure where to begin." Without seeing a single episode or announcing a single casting decision, Amazon has ordered an entire season of a TV show to be written and directed entirely by Allen. The series will consist of half-hour episodes, though Amazon hasn't yet said how many. There's no title for the show either, nor is there a description of what it'll be about. It'll debut on Prime Instant Video during 2016 in the US, UK, and Germany. "Woody Allen is a visionary creator who has made some of the greatest films of all-time, and it's an honor to be working with him on his first television series," Roy Price, Amazon Studios VP, says in a statement. Allen jokes, "My guess is that Roy Price will regret this." Allen has written and directed a new movie pretty much every year for decades now. Though they've been of varying quality from masterpieces like Annie Hall to a handful of clunkers he's very much been on an upswing lately, finding some of his biggest successes in recent years with films like Midnight in Paris and Blue Jasmine. That appears to have been enough to give Amazon faith in whatever project he dreams up for it. Amazon is also beginning to find success in comedy, and this is an opportunity to bolster that in a major way. Amazon doesn't say what the funding will be like for Allen's TV series, but it very much seems like the studio was willing to do whatever it takes even so far as committing to an entire season before much work has been put into the show in order to land Allen. Allen typically operates on small budgets (his films have never brought in that much for studios), but he's also been able to bring on terrific actors simply because they're willing to take the pay cut just to work with him. While a television series would be a larger time commitment, it's possible that scoring Allen also means that Amazon will be able to bring on actors with a star power that it otherwise couldn't afford. While Allen is a huge catch for Amazon, which has been trying to scoop up major talent for its series, he will not come without controversy. Over the past two decades, an allegation of child abuse against Allen has continued to resurface, with the matter once again entering the spotlight just under a year ago when the alleged victim published a harrowing open letter in The New York Times. Allen has been cleared of charges and the issue has once again left the spotlight, but it is not unlikely for Amazon to receive criticism for choosing to support him. Allen has another film due out later this year, starring Emma Stone and Joaquin Phoenix. Given that his films are made so close together, it's possible that 2016 could be the first year in a while without a Woody Allen movie. Of course, if that's the case, fans likely won't have much to complain about: it would mean trading an hour and a half of Allen's material for several hours of it and it usually takes a few years to see that much new comedy out of him. | 6 | 2,970 | entertainment |
Get ready to drink up at these bars in the US and Canada. The 19 Most Anticipated Bar Openings of 2015 Get ready to drink up at these bars in the US and Canada. 2015's kicking off strong, with a host of anticipated bars ready to start serving in the first quarter of the year. Just like with restaurant openings, this season appears to be all about established bar experts opening new projects: a new tiki bar from Paul McGee, previously of Chicago's Three Dots and a Dash (Lost Lake), the gin bar to end all gin bars coming up from San Francisco's Smuggler's Cove (Whitechapel), a Portland ham bar from pizza purveyors Oven & Shaker, a second spot from Toronto's Grant van Gameren (Bar Raval), and some New York City favorites banding together to open a neighborhood spot for cocktails, beer, and oysters (The Grand Army Bar). Below, take a look at everything that's about to happen. Related: The 12 Restaurants Where You Need to Eat in 2015 Browse: Cocktail Recipes ATLANTA: AMER Location: Inman Quarter, 280 Elizabeth Street; website . Key Players: Brian Lewis, David Durnell Projected Opening: March From Bocado's owner Brian Lewis and head of bar program David Durnell comes a new cocktail bar, Amer, opening this quarter in the hotly anticipated new development Inman Quarter. Lewis calls Amer a "more specific style of cocktail bar," one that will focus on bitters and Italian amari in a small, smart space. Related: Appliance Lets You Mix Cocktails in Less Than Five Seconds AUSTIN: Small Victory Location: 108 E 7th Street, Austin Key Players: Half Step's Josh Loving and Genuine Article's Brian Stubbs Projected Opening: February Two of Austin's known bar experts will take over the Mike's Pub space on East 7th early this year and bring the city a craft cocktail bar with an added emphasis on wine and sherry and, of course, ice. The partners, who worked together at Fino, will also serve bar snacks in their 800-square-food space. Make: Sherry Cobbler CHICAGO: Lost Lake Location: 3152 West Diversey Avenue, Chicago Key Players: Paul McGee Opening: Mid-January Well known for tiki workmanship at the iconic Three Dots and a Dash, Paul McGee now takes his talents to Lost Lake, opening very soon in Chicago's Logan neighborhood. If tiki alone is not enough of a draw, patrons can get late night American Chinese food from the spot next door: Gabriel Friedman's Thank You, opening at the same time. Martin Cate of San Francisco's popular tiki bar Smuggler's Cove will also run a rum club at Lost Lake. DENVER: Finn's Manor Location: 2927 Larimer Street, Denver Key Players: The Populist's Noah Price, Thomas Taylor, and Robert Sickler Projected Opening: March This bar-slash-food truck courtyard will have space for six trucks outside, while the cocktail bar indoors plays on a "vagabond Americana" theme, drawing inspiration from New Orleans and its classic cocktail scene. Rumor has it boozy snow cones may show up, too. Game On: Bars and Cafes Where You Can Bond with Friends Over Games DETROIT: Cafe 78 Location: Museum of Contemporary Art, 4454 Woodward Avenue, Detroit; website . Key Players: Dave Kwiatkowski and Marc Djozlija Opening: February 6 A team of bartenders from Detroit's The Sugar House, led by owner Dave Kwiatkowski, will open a new spot inside MOCAD this winter. The cafe will serve craft cocktails inspired by art in the museum along with breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee and other beverages, and pastries. HOUSTON: Weights + Measures Location: 2808 Caroline Street, Houston Key Players: Mike Sammons, Richard Kaplan, Ian Rosenberg, Heath Wendell Projected Opening: Now soft open The cocktail component of Weights + Measures, called Love & Squalor, is headed up by Mike Sammons. Look for 70s-themed cocktails, plus beer, wine, and a full bar menu from Richard Kaplan. The bar joins a full restaurant, bakery, and coffee bar in the food hall-esque 5,000-square-foot space. LOS ANGELES: Walker Inn and The Normandie Club Location: Hotel Normandie, 605 South Normandie Avenue, Los Angeles Key Players: Cedd Moses, Eric Needleman, Alex Day, Devon Tarby, David Kaplan Projected Opening: Early 2015 A joint project by 213 Ventures (The Varnish) and Proprietors, LLC (Death & Co.), these two concepts will come soon to Koreatown's Hotel Normandie. In the hotel, find street-accessible The Normandie Club's "pretty high-tech approach to drinks" led by Daniel Eun (PDT, Honeycut), and a unique "bed and beverage program" at Walker Inn: the bar claims ten of the rooms directly above it as "kind of a club floor" for patrons who wish to spend the night. MINNEAPOLIS: Bradstreet Neighborhood Craftshouse Location: 1930 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis; website . Key Players: The original Bradstreet Craftshouse Projected Opening: Winter 2014 Originally located in Downtown Minneapolis's Graves 601 Hotel, Bradstreet shuttered when the hotel was sold and plans to reopen soon in the city's uptown neighborhood. Expect some of the best cocktails in the Twin Cities when the relocation is complete this winter. MONTREAL: Maison Sociale Location: 5386 Saint-Laurent, Montreal Key Players: David Schmidt, Dan Geltner, and seven others Projected Opening: Early January Replacing Mile End's Green Room, this bar/coffee shop/"new wave social club" from cocktail whisperer David Schmidt and his partners will open toward the end of this month. During the day, plans call for a coffee program (and doughnuts) from Montreal's Cafe Sardine as well as a one-item lunch menu. When evening hits? A full restaurant and a strong cocktail bar service from some of Montreal's best. NEW YORK: The Grand Army Location: 336 State Street, New York Key Players: Noah Bernamoff (Mile End), Damon Boelte (Prime Meats), Julian Brizzi (Rucola) Projected Opening: February Three industry veterans join forces to open The Grand Army, a Boerum Hill neighborhood bar that will focus on cocktails, craft beer, and oysters. A full menu will be available, and despite the smoked meat leanings of some of the partners, it promises to stay on the lighter side. PORTLAND, ME: The Honey Paw Location: Key Players: Thomas Pisha-Duffly and the Hugo's/Eventide Oyster Co. teams Projected Opening: March 2015 Eventide one of Portland, Maine, and the nation's best restaurants will open a new spot this March. While, yes, The Honey Paw will focus on food, like the "noodles without borders" the kitchen plans to serve, it should also have a cocktail section on par with the great offerings at its renowned sister spot. PORTLAND, OR: Untitled Ham Bar Project Location: 232 NW 12th Avenue Key Players: Cathy Whims, Ryan Magarian, Kurt Huffman Projected Opening: March The trio behind Oven & Shaker plan to open a new spot, as yet unnamed, around the corner. This new cocktail bar will have a food focus on ham, sliced to order, with accompaniments ranging from Southern staples like pimento cheese and collard greens to Spanish bocadillos. To pair with chef Cathy Whims's menu, bar lead Ryan Magarian will craft a list of complementary spirits and cocktails. PORTLAND, OR: Shift Drinks Location: 1200 SW Morrison Street; website . Key Players: Anthony Garcia (Multnomah Whiskey Library) and Alise Moffatt (Angel Face, House Spirits) Projected Opening: Early 2015 Anthony Garcia's wine expertise coupled with Alise Moffat's cocktail knowledge will mean only good things for this newcomer to the Terminal Sales Building. The charming 3,000-square-foot space has columned ceilings, and the bar's upper deck looks out over 12th Avenue. SAN FRANCISCO: Whitechapel Location: 600 Polk Street, San Francisco; website. Key Players: Martin Cate, Alex Smith, John Park Projected Opening: Early Spring Martin Cate of Smuggler's Cove and bartenders Alex Smith and John Park will open Whitechapel in the first half of this year in San Francisco's Tenderloin. The bar aims to offer the most comprehensive selection of gins and genevers in North America; the 100-seat space will also have a bar snack menu with Dutch, British, and Bangladeshi influences. Quoth Cate, "Whitechapel is not a steampunk bar, but it is steampunk friendly." SEATTLE: Pennyroyal Location: 200 Second Avenue, Seattle; website . Key Players: Walter Pisano Projected Opening: January Inside boutique hotel Palladian, Pennyroyal is set to open adjacent to new seafood restaurant Shaker + Spear. The atmosphere draws on old-world European style bars and "will give off the air of a 'social salon'" in an atmosphere in part provided by the dark wood, exposed brick, and vintage glassware of the 35-seat space. True to the theme, aged spirits and sharable punches will appear on the menu. TORONTO: Bar Raval Location: 505 College Street Key Player: Grant van Gameren Projected Opening: Late January This follow up to Little Italy hit Bar Isabel will open at the end of this month. Get pinxto-like finger food and cocktails, along with a pretty cool space. Says owner Grant van Gameren : "Bar Raval will be as much an art piece as a restaurant." TORONTO: Furlough Location: 94 Queen Street West; website . Key Players: Barchef's Brent VanderVeen and Frankie Solarik Projected Opening: Mid-January Toronto drinks can anticipate the same great cocktails in this second establishment from the owners of Barchef, opening very soon . And while the first bar skews modern, plan for more traditional offerings at Furlough: European wines, bistro dishes, classic cocktails, and even an absinthe fountain. WASHINGTON, DC: Orange Anchor Location: 3050 K Street NW, Washington, DC; website . Key Player: Reese Gardner Projected Opening: January Billed as a "nautical-inspired casual fine dining restaurant," Orange Anchor is slated to open this month in Georgetown. The cocktail menu focuses largely on rum, though the bar will serve Anchor Mules and a selection of beer for all those coozies as well. ATLANTA: Little Trouble Location: 1170 Howell Mill, Atlanta Key Players: Paper Plane and Victory Sandwich Bar's Paul Calvert, Ian Jones, Caleb Wheelus Projected Opening: The first quarter of 2015 Paul Calvert and partners Ian Jones and Caleb Wheelus have two bars in Decatur, and now they're opening across town in Atlanta's West Midtown neighborhood. Inspired by the visuals and food of classic walk-up stalls in Japan and Southeast Asia, Little Trouble plans to riff wildly, with the drink menu including housemade sodas and sharable cocktails in a space that embodies the casual liveliness of Victory and the sophistication of Paper Plane. | 0 | 2,971 | foodanddrink |
Jan. 13 -- Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater talks with Bloomberg's Trish Regan about why the time is right to raise the gas tax in order to fund much needed infrastructure work on the nation's roads and bridges. He speaks on "In the Loop." | 3 | 2,972 | finance |
Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing Nestled on the shores of the beautiful Yanqi Lake and at the foot of the Yan Mountains lies the Sunrise Kempinski Hotel , the latest iconic creation in Beijing and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. Opening in January 2015, the hotel has a fully glass exterior (made from 10,000 glass panels) designed to reflect the sky on the top floors, the mountains in the middle and the lake at the base - and of course, provide visitors with the most stunning views. Inside, it houses 21 floors of the latest eco-technology: electricity is supplied by green hydroelectric power, lighting consists of eco-friendly LED systems and it has started a trend as the first hotel in China to use natural gas in the hotel's heating system, drastically reducing energy consumption. And don't think they've skimped on luxury for all that: there's 14 restaurants and bars, two spas, and even a private marina. Click through the gallery to see more futuristic hotels you could be staying in soon Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing The brainchild of of Zhang Hai Ao and 60 designers from around the world at the Shanghai Huadu Architect Design Co, the Sunrise Kempinski hotel still harks back to classical Chinese culture despite its futuristic technology. From the side, the hotel is shaped like a scallop to represent fortune; from the front, it looks like the rising sun (in its round shape), the symbol of the growing Chinese economy; and the entrance is shaped like the mouth of fish, supposedly to symbolise prosperity. Sea Pearl Hotel, Gold Coast, Australia The Sea Pearl is - as its name suggests - shaped like a giant pearl, and could soon be floating off the Gold Coast of Australia. The proposed hotel by Professor Jianping Zheng will feature 300 bedrooms, a casino, outdoor sightseeing decks, smaller presidential pods linked by an underwater tunnel, a shopping mall, a light show, and, most exciting of all for those wanting a glimpse of Australia's famous corals without getting wet, an underwater restaurant. The development is only in the planning stages, but the professor hopes it will be approved soon. Krystall, Tromso, Norway The first floating hotel in Europe is expected to open in 2017, in Norway's Arctic Circle. Architecture firm Dutch Docklands , who specialise in floating buildings, are planning a glass-roofed, snowflake-shaped hotel which will float on the fjord near Tromso one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Expect 5-star luxury 86 rooms and a spa though the hospitality group linked to the project is yet to be confirmed. Hollywood Sign hotel, Los Angeles If simply having your photo taken next to the iconic Hollywood sign isn't enough, you'll be pleased to know that it might soon be possible to stay in it. Sort of. A Danish architectural practice, Bay Arch , believes that the sign should be turned into a hotel. According to its plans, the letters would be doubled in size and extended at the rear, allowing guests to stay within the individual letters, with pools and suites extending from the rear of the sign. Sadly, there are (perhaps unsurprisingly) no plans to make Bay Arch's plans a reality. But we can still hope. Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman The Alila Jabal Akhdar resort (Jabal Akhdar means 'green mountain') opened in April 2014. The spectacular complex is located amid Oman's Al Hajar mountains, on the edge of a deep gorge. The resort's style is minimalist and chic, combining Omani construction techniques with contemporary architecture. There are 84 suites and two villas, with the villas containing private plunge pools that overlook the 600 metre gorge. The resort is located 150 kilometres from Muscat International airport. ME by Meliá, Dubai Opening in 2016, the ME by Meliá otherwise known as the Opus building will be the first hotel designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The 95-metre-high structure will contain several Michelin-starred restaurants and 100 rooms, and will cover 250,000 square feet. The upper floors will be reserved for private apartments (start saving now) and four penthouses will have private roof terraces. Aerotel The architects behind the Aerotel concept hotel Moscow's Asadov Architectural Studio wanted to create an alternative to manmade islands such as the Palm in Dubai, and came up with a moveable hotel that can positioned for long periods of time in lakes or oceans. The benefits include minimal environmental destruction and lower construction costs. The Aerotel would have two relaxation areas and several large pools one of which can be filled with seawater and an exterior membrane would protect the hotel from the elements. The best (and slightly bizarre) bit? The Aerotel will also feature a landing strip for a zeppelin. Jetaway hotel There's never been more pressure on designers to create hotels that are not just attractive but functional too, and the architect Margot Krasojevic has responded to this demand by creating a hotel that offers ultimate accessibility. The Jetaway is a mobile hotel designed to be placed beside private planes, for cash-rich, time-poor travellers who don't have the time (or inclination) to navigate their way to the nearest Holiday Inn. The hotel's shell can be expanded or reduced depending on the number of guests, and there will be a lounge area (complete with entertainment system), bedroom and bathroom. Graft Tower Say hello to the weird and wonderful Graft Tower, a vertical farm and eco-hotel designed by the architects Diego Taccioli , Sizhe Chen, and Tyler Wallace. Although there aren't currently any plans to build their creation, the trio's chosen location for their masterpiece is San Juan in Puerto Rico more specifically, the intersection of the San Juan's two arterial public transportation routes. The ground level will contain a train station, while the eco-hotel and farm will take over the upper levels. A skeletal frame would allow for the dispersal of water throughout the structure, and act as a vertical garden for a wide range of plants. Raffles Istanbul, Turkey This isn't so much a hotel of a distant future as of the present, because it opened in September 2014. The architects behind Raffles Istanbul were inspired by Raffles Singapore, but were keen to create a building that reflected the Turkish city's old-world charm. Hence bedsteads feature wraparound images of Istanbul and the vast majority of the 130 guest rooms and 51 suites look out over the Bosphorus and Marmara Sea. Paintings, sculptures and video installations all provide an insight into the city, while splashes of luxury including a heliport, enormous walk-in wardrobes and a team of Raffles butlers are sure to appeal to the well-heeled traveller. MORPHotel The architect Gianluca Santosuosso 's MORPHotel is a mobile, floating hotel that can be moved or floated to different locations. Key to the design is a central "vertebrae spine", which allows the shape of the MORPHotel to be changed according to the location or weather conditions. Santosuosso sees his creation as an environmentally friendly alternative to the cruise ship, and one that would allow passengers to spend longer periods of time in certain areas, specifically mid-ocean locations, which larger vessels would normally pass straight through. Its shape also means that smaller harbour cities would become much more accessible, although personally we don't think Santosuosso should bother the residents of Venice with that minor detail. Songjiang, China With its huge waterfall cascading down from the rooftop and two fully submerged floors, this Chinese hotel bears more than a passing resemblance to a villain's lair from a Bond movie. This groundbreaking structure will be China's largest eco-resort when it opens dates haven't been confirmed, but it's thought that its doors could open as early as 2015. The five-star hotel has been designed by a British firm, Atkins , and construction is well underway. Energy will be provided by a roof garden and geothermal sources, and the abandoned, water-filled quarry beneath the building will be used to control internal temperatures. Unbalance hotel, Lima, Peru This wonderfully wonky structure is the creation of Ooiio , an architectural firm with offices in Spain and Peru. The team behind the hotel were keen to design a building that didn't obscure the view of the ocean beyond instead, they created one that framed it. Although construction hasn't yet started, Ooiio report that it designed the hotel for "a Latin American promoter interested in creating a unique, innovative and worldwide recognisable building with a moderate investment." In other words, the Unbalance hotel could become a reality sooner than you think. Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain, Sichuan, China This spectacular resort opens in May 2015, and promises to be one of the hospitality industry's most exciting openings of the decade. To start with, it will be the perfect base for those wishing to explore sites that were previously difficult to get to the ancient town of Jiezi, Mount Emei and the world's largest carved stone Buddha at Leshan will all be within easy reach. Regional architecture and landscaping will be evident throughout the resort, which will have 116 suites and pool villas. | 2 | 2,973 | travel |
The Big Ten caught a lot of flak earlier this season for their performances, but made up for it when it counted. What does Ohio State's National Championship win mean for the Big Ten? | 1 | 2,974 | sports |
Both officers face murder charges | 8 | 2,975 | video |
The top overall running back in 2016 Kareem Walker has committed to Ohio State. Walker made his announcement on Twitter during the National Championship on Monday night. | 1 | 2,976 | sports |
Check out the supermodel's most celebrated snaps. | 6 | 2,977 | entertainment |
Iconic photographs, unforgettable stories Jan. 27 marks the anniversary of the founding of the National Geographic Society in 1888. We celebrate by looking back at some unforgettable covers. March 1961 Photo by Robert F. Sisson Hand-woven shawl protects an Irish beauty from cold mists at Ashford Castle. December 1965 Photo by Hugo Van Lawick Baroness Jane van Lawick-Goodall studies the behavior of wild chimpanzees in Tanzania. March 1966 Photo by Dean Conger St. Basil's Cathedral raises a fantasy of shapes and colors against the Moscow sky. December 1969 Photo by Neil Armstrong Buzz Aldrin stands on the lunar surface. October 1973 Photo by George F. Mobley Shirt matching the red in her nation's flag, a Chilean joins a political rally. August 1976 Photo by Albert Moldvay On a remote mountainside in Mexico, wintering monarch butterflies congregate by the millions. March 1977 Photo by Lee Boltin for the Metropolitan Museum of Art Golden immortal, the boy-king Tutankhamun gazes across the centuries in this funeral mask from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. October 1978 Photo by Koko A newly minted National Geographic photographer makes her own self-portrait. May 1979 Photo by John Roskelley Like a tightrope walker, Rick Ridgeway inches his way up a jagged ridge on K2. His mask helps thwart cold and solar radiation. June 1980 Photo by Rod Brindamour Scientist's son Binti joins an infant orangutan at bath time in the Borneo jungle. June 1985 Photo by Steve McCurry Haunting eyes and a tattered garment tell the plight of a girl who fled her native Afghanistan for a refugee camp in Pakistan. May 1986 Photo by Mitsuaki Iwago A lioness and her cub bask in the protection of the Serengeti, Africa's premier wildlife haven. May 1987 Photo by Jim Brandenburg Denizen of the high Arctic, the male leader of a wolf pack checks the shallows for food. August 1991 Photo by Steve McCurry Resembling creatures from another world, environmentalists in protective suits examine the tar-encrusted ground amid raging oil fires in Kuwait. June 1991 Photo by James Nachtwey Carbon-blackened boys play near a factory in Copşa Mică, Romania, in the heart of polluted Eastern Europe. March 1996 Photo by Frans Lanting An emperor penguin chick gets close inspection on Antarctica's frozen Waddell Sea. April 2000 Photo by David Doubilet The infamous jaws of a great white shark off the coast of South Africa belie the fragility of the species, threatened by nets, long-lines, and illegal fishing. February 2002 Photo by Carsten Peter A fiery new cone on Mount Etna upstages Sicily's night sky during a recent spectacular eruption. July 2009 Photo by Robert Clark Forest Roots at Ta Prohm temple are kept to evoke its pre-conservation look. November 2013 Photo by Carsten Peter Tim Samaras loved chasing storms like this 2003 tornado near the town of Manchester, South Dakota. Throughout his career, his goal was to place probes to collect data about the nature of storms. He died in the tornado that hit El Reno, Oklahoma, on May 31, 2013. | 5 | 2,978 | news |
Attacks on Charlie Hebdo put political cartoons in the spotlight, with a debate over where to draw the line when it comes to freedom of expression. ATTENTION: Contains image of Charlie Hebdo front cover depicting Prophet Mohammed. Duration: 02:26 | 8 | 2,979 | video |
Here's a fun way to practice to help you improve fast. | 1 | 2,980 | sports |
Can one night of binge drinking affect your immune system? | 7 | 2,981 | health |
Cancer death rates continue to decline from their peak two decades ago, American Cancer Society reports. | 7 | 2,982 | health |
Most college football players have decided if they will be returning with their teams next season or enter the NFL Draft. Our experts look at the returning players and let you know their top 5. | 1 | 2,983 | sports |
Written by Charlotte Campbell Hutchison Behind every brilliant idea is a name that may one day become a legacy: Rockefeller, Mellon and Hearst to name a few. Check out how some of America's richest families turned their family name into a legacy. BUSCH FAMILY SOURCE OF WEALTH: ANHEUSER-BUSCH Prohibition nearly derailed the company started by pharmacist Eberhard Anheuser and his son-in-law Adolphus Busch , but Busch managed to keep the company afloat by selling ice cream and Bevo, a nonalcoholic malt beverage. Family control of the company came to an end when former CEO August Busch IV signed off on its sale ( for how much ?) to Brazilian investors InBev, closing the curtain on 156 years of family control. The deal reportedly earned Busch IV $100 million, a three-year term on InBev's board, a personal security team and a $120,000 monthly consultancy fee. BING: WHAT IS THEIR NET WORTH ? COX FAMILY SOURCE OF WEALTH: MEDIA James Cox Kennedy 's career at Cox Enterprises began in 1972 at Cox Newspapers, where he wore many hats including production assistant, reporter, copy editor, advertising salesman and business manager. He was the company's CEO from 1988 to 2008 and now serves as chairman. The media mogul owns 30,000 acres in Montana, including eight miles of land along the Ruby River . When he attempted to block public access to the river from bridges on his land, the locals dubbed him the "most hated man in Montana." The Montana Supreme Court sided with the locals. BING: WHAT IS THEIR NET WORTH ? CARGILL-MACMILLAN FAMILY SOURCE OF WEALTH: CARGILL INC. The largest privately-held corporation in America was started in 1865 by William Wallace Cargill as a small grain storage company. Cargill came into fortune as railroads expanded west at the end of the century. The family owns an estimated 88 percent stake in the food processing and commodities company, which boasts $137 billion in revenue and employs more than 150,000 people in 68 countries. BING: WHAT IS THEIR NET WORTH ? DORRANCE FAMILY SOURCE OF WEALTH: CAMPBELL SOUP CO. In 1897, MIT graduate and chemist John Thomas Dorrance worked at what was then known as the Joseph Campbell Preserve Company. While in that $7.50 per week role, he invented the process of condensing soup by cutting the amount of water in half. From 1914-1930, Dorrance became president of the company before eventually buying out the Campbell family. His heirs remain the company's largest shareholders. BING: WHAT IS THEIR NET WORTH ? DU PONT FAMILY SOURCE OF WEALTH: DUPONT E.I. du Pont gained expertise in chemistry and gunpowder-making while working as an apprentice in France. After fleeing to America, legend holds that a botched hunting trip led to his disappointment in the high price and poor quality of American-made gunpowder and reignited his interest in the business. He returned to France to acquire equipment and funding, producing his first batch of gunpowder in 1804. Although the family members no longer own the company, they do hold a sizeable portion of its shares. BING: WHAT IS THEIR NET WORTH ? FISHER FAMILY SOURCE OF WEALTH: THE GAP INC. Donald Fisher 's desire to find a decent-fitting pair of jeans was the inspiration behind the first Gap store, which he opened in 1969 with wife Doris. Since then, the brand and its five divisions has expanded to more than 3,500 stores globally, making it the largest specialty retailer in America. The family remains involved in the company, claiming a 41 percent stake and holding two seats on the board. BING: WHAT IS THEIR NET WORTH ? GALLO FAMILY SOURCE OF WEALTH: WINE & LIQUOR Brothers Ernest and Julio Gallo founded E & J Gallo Winery in 1933 with a $5,000 loan from Ernest's mother-in-law, following the repeal of Prohibition. Today, the winery is the largest exporter of California wines. Now that both brothers are deceased, the Gallo children are active in running the business BING: WHAT IS THEIR NET WORTH ? HEARST FAMILY SOURCE OF WEALTH: HEARST CORP. The inspiration behind Orson Welles' "Citizen Kane," William Randolph Hearst got his feet wet in the publishing business when he took over management of the San Francisco Examiner, a newspaper his father received as payment for a gambling debt. The publishing powerhouse now includes 49 newspapers, nearly 340 magazines and stakes in cable television. Grandson William R. Hearst III now chairs the Hearst empire. BING: WHAT IS THEIR NET WORTH ? EDWARD JOHNSON FAMILY SOURCE OF WEALTH: MONEY MANAGEMENT Dubbed as the heiress without airs and the billionaire who breaks type, Abigail Johnson now serves as President and CEO of Fidelity Investments, a multinational financial services corporation founded by her grandfather, Edward C. Johnson II. The CEO and her family reside in a seven-bedroom Colonial built in 1905 and valued at $1.9 million ( see a photo ), a modest home given her substantial net worth. BING: WHAT IS THEIR NET WORTH ? S.C. JOHNSON FAMILY SOURCE OF WEALTH: CLEANING PRODUCTS The man behind household brands Ziploc, Windex and Raid started out in the flooring business before expanding to cleaning and household products. Today, the company provides products to more than 110 countries. Following S.C. Johnson's death in 1919, son and business partner Herbert Fisk, Jr. took the reins. Today, the Johnson family still owns 100 percent of the company, with S.C's great-great-grandson Herbert Fisk Johnson III now serving as Chairman and CEO. BING: WHAT IS THEIR NET WORTH ? HUNT FAMILY SOURCE OF WEALTH: OIL Texas oil tycoon H.L. Hunt , who had 15 children by three wives, served as the muse for the "Dallas" TV series' character J.R. Ewing. An avid poker player, Hunt accumulated his fortune by trading in his winnings for oil rights. The apple didn't fall too far from the tree. Hunt's kids have secured their own legacy, with son Lamar being the principal founder of the American Football League, Major League Soccer, the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs and holding the distinction of naming an annual professional championship game . Hunt's family still owns the Chiefs. BING: WHAT IS THEIR NET WORTH ? JACKSON FAMILY SOURCE OF WEALTH: WINEMAKING Attorneys Jess Stonestreet Jackson Jr. and Barbara Banke joined forces in marriage and business in the 1980s to create high quality wine at an affordable price. All of Jackson's children hold interests in the company and are active in operations. The company consists of 35 vineyards over 30,000 acres of California land. Before he died, Jackson took an interest in thoroughbred horse racing, investing more than $200 million on a horse farm and award-winning stallions. BING: WHAT IS THEIR NET WORTH ? KOCH FAMILY SOURCE OF WEALTH: DIVERSIFIED Oldest and youngest brothers Frederick and William Koch sold out of the family business in 1983 for a reported $700 million. That's peanuts compared to what middle siblings Charles and David Koch have raked in over the years, making them among the top 10 richest people in America. Koch Industries is the nation's second largest privately held company ( how much in sales ?). BING: WHAT IS THEIR NET WORTH ? LAUDER FAMILY SOURCE OF WEALTH: ESTÉE LAUDER Estée Lauder ( her name at birth ?) started out selling her uncle's homemade skin creams to women in beauty salons and beach clubs before starting her company with husband Joseph in 1946. The company has grown to include well-known beauty brands Clinique and M.A.C. The family still owns 39 percent of the company and maintains 83 percent of voting power. Grandson William P. Lauder serves as company Executive Chairman and Chairman of the board. BING: WHAT IS THEIR NET WORTH ? MELLON FAMILY SOURCE OF WEALTH: BANKING Venture capitalist son Andrew Mellon inherited his father Thomas' real estate and banking business and grew it by investing in other companies, such as Gulf Oil and Alcoa. Andrew served just under 11 years as Secretary of State under President Warren G. Harding and was one of the founders of Carnegie Mellon University. The new generation of Mellons are still actively building and running various businesses. BING: WHAT IS THEIR NET WORTH ? NEWHOUSE FAMILY SOURCE OF WEALTH: MAGAZINES & NEWSPAPERS You can thank Si Newhouse Jr. and family for bringing to the world Vogue, Vanity Fair and The New Yorker magazines. Along with his brother Donald, Si inherited Advance Publications following the death of their father, Sam Newhouse Sr., with Donald overseeing the newspaper division and Si running magazine publishing house Condé Nast. Si is benefactor to the S.I. Newhouse School of Communication at Syracuse University and once owned a Jackson Pollock painting ( see it ) that is considered one of the most valuable paintings in the world ( how much it last sold for ). BING: WHAT IS THEIR NET WORTH ? PRITZKER FAMILY SOURCE OF WEALTH: HOTELS & INVESTMENTS Eleven members of this family are individual billionaires, a legacy that began when A.N. Pritzker and his sons created the Hyatt hotel chain and invested in industrial conglomerate Marmon Group. Heir and Executive Chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation Thomas Pritzker is the only remaining family member involved in the hotel, owning 14 percent of the international chain. BING: WHAT IS THEIR NET WORTH ? ROCKEFELLER FAMILY SOURCE OF WEALTH: OIL America's first billionaire John D. Rockefeller hit the jackpot in the oil and gas industry when he co-founded Standard Oil. Rockefeller pumped much of his wealth into establishing universities, giving $80 million to the University of Chicago and providing funding to a historically black female institution in Atlanta ( what ?) named after his in-laws, who were fervent abolitionists. BING: WHAT IS THEIR NET WORTH ? E.W. SCRIPPS FAMILY SOURCE OF WEALTH: NEWSPAPERS The diversified media conglomerate was founded by E.W. Scripps , who in 1878 founded his first newspaper, the Penny Press, with a $10,000 loan from his half-brothers. The smalltime newspaper publisher's company grew to include a television division that now broadcasts popular cable networks HGTV, Food Network and Travel Channel. The family controls two-thirds of the board seats, but is hands-off when it comes to daily management. BING: WHAT IS THEIR NET WORTH ? TAYLOR FAMILY SOURCE OF WEALTH: ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR In 1957, Jack C. Taylor started a car leasing business in St. Louis targeted to people whose cars were in the repair shop. Two years later, he expanded his service, concentrating on residential consumers and home pickup services. With its annual revenues ( how much ?), 83,000 employees and more than 1.5 million vehicles, the company is the largest car rental service provider in the world measured by revenue, employees and fleet. BING: WHAT IS THEIR NET WORTH ? WALTON FAMILY SOURCE OF WEALTH: WAL-MART Sam Walton and his brother James, known as Bud, opened the first official Wal-Mart in 1962. What began as a small-town family store in Arkansas has expanded to become the largest retailer in the world ( what were the 2014 revenues ?). After the brothers' deaths, the Walton fortune was left to their children, including Bud's daughter Nancy Walton Laurie , who with her sister Ann inherited a stake worth $9 billion. Together, the family owns 51 percent of the company shares. BING: WHAT IS THEIR NET WORTH ? | 3 | 2,984 | finance |
By Jason Rowan More than 500 Ohio State Buckeyes fans are not only celebrating their favorite college football team's 42-20 victory over the Oregon Ducks in Monday's College Football Playoff National Championship Game, they are also reveling in the windfall of some free furniture. A promotion run by 15 Ashley Furniture HomeStore and Better Sleep Shops in Ohio and Kentucky will reward any customer who purchased more than $1,999 in merchandise between the dates of Dec. 17-30 at any of their stores by picking up the tab. The caveat was that Ohio State had to defeat both the Alabama Crimson Tide in its College Football Playoff semifinal game as well as top Oregon in Monday's title game by at least seven points. Of course, Buckeyes satisfied both conditions and now 500-plus customers get to enjoy their new furniture on the company's tab. "It's been a great promotion," said Rob Klaben, vice president of marketing and advertising at Ashley's parent company, Dayton-based Morris Home Furnishings. "Our customers were very excited the day after New Year's. We had some people wanting to claim their rebate, not realizing the Buckeyes had to win two games." Klaben said he was inspired to pull off the promotion after hearing about how a Houston-area furniture store ran a similar promotion related to Super Bowl XLVIII last February, despite the fact that promotion cost the store nearly $6 million, although insurance covered the losses. All told, Ohio State's big win will cost the company approximately $1.5 million. And much like similar promotions of this nature that have been run in the past , Morris Home Furnishings wisely took out an insurance policy. "We did work with a third-party company that underwrote the promotion," Klaben told ABC News . "So we're excited to see a win." While the customers are thrilled with the free furniture and the company is overjoyed about the publicity, one entity that was unhappy with the promotion was Ohio State University, who issued a statement last week denouncing it. "We consider promotions such as this to be unfair competition, with elements that play off the good will and reputation of the university in lieu of any formal sponsorship or affiliation," the university declared, per the New York Daily News . "We have contacted the company and demanded that they cease and desist using references to Ohio State, either direct or implied." The promotion never specifically mentioned either Ohio State University or the Buckeyes, instead using the generic term, "Ohio's Team." Still, Klaben said the company was never notified of Ohio State's complaints. | 1 | 2,985 | sports |
Although running always promises a good workout, there are others ways to get a cardio kick. For your next workout, try giving the treadmill a rest with alternative moves like jumping jacks and squats. With no equipment needed, these exercises can be done at home and will increase your heart rate, tone your body, and get you out of a running rut. Give this list a shot and get ready to sweat! Stairs : If your home or apartment building has access to stairs, take advantage of them! Stairs are a great way to exercise your heart and lungs, while strengthening your lower body too. Switch it up between running, hopping, and even squatting. The options are endless; these five stair moves are a good place to start. Jumping Jacks : Although basic, jumping jacks are a great way to get your cardio fix. In fact, they are so effective, they are a staple in seven-minute HIIT workouts . You can also switch things up with cross jacks ! High Knees : Also known as running in place, high knees are a popular exercise in Tabata workouts . Try doing them across the floor of your living room or high knees in a plank position for a full-body workout. Burpees : The burpee is a bootcamp and CrossFit staple. It's a great move that gets your heart pounding and works your arms, legs, and core. Learn how to do a burpee here . Squat Jumps : Ready for a toughie? Squat jumps will definitely give you a cardio fix and a burn in your quads. Two sets of 10 reps is all you need. Class FitSugar : Instead of a run, try our very own lower-body cardio workout . A little cardio and a lot of lower-body work will give your booty a lift and tone your gams in minutes. Sliders : For a move that gets your heart pumping in seconds, try mountain climbers . Try to see how many reps you can do in one minute, then rest and repeat. The Valslide or similar alternatives provide an extra challenge. Power Yoga : Although yoga can be relaxing, it can be a great cardio workout too. This power yoga sequence will get your heart rate going. It also has strength-training benefits that will increase your flexibility - bonus! Dancing : Almost too fun to be considered a workout, dancing is a great way to work up a sweat and burn major calories. To get started, crank up your favorite beat or try one of these dance workouts . | 7 | 2,986 | health |
The CFP National Championship has come and gone and now teams set their sights on next season. Our experts give you their top 5 college football teams for the 2015 season. | 1 | 2,987 | sports |
Urban Meyer locked up his third National Championship on Monday, so where does Meyer rank among the all time greats? Travis Johnson lets us know where Meyer ranks among college coaches. | 1 | 2,988 | sports |
The SEC is always praised as one of the best conferences in college football, but there were no SEC teams in the National Championship. Travis Johnson lets us know the best conference in college football. | 1 | 2,989 | sports |
Putting all that much thought into the NHL All-Star Game is a waste of time; fan voting, injuries, veterans who kinda-sorta ask for the weekend off and the "every team gets a representative" model should stop anyone from taking the selection process all that seriously. That said, the game is indeed happening (Jan. 25 in Columbus) and players will, in fact, be on the roster. Not Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard, though; he's expected to miss 2-4 weeks with a slight groin tear, which means that the league will have to find someone to replace him. MORE: Full rosters for the NHL All-Star Game Howard (.920 save percentage, 2.11 goals-against average, 16-7-7, two shutouts) was one of the five goalies selected for the roster behind fan choice Corey Crawford. The others: Sergei Bobrovsky (Columbus), Carey Price (Montreal), Pekka Rinne (Nashville) and Roberto Luongo (Florida). The guy that deserves to take Howard's place, strange as it sounds, is Marc-Andre Fleury. Coming into 2014-15, he'd essentially mixed five years of up-and-down, ultimately average-ish play with a few postseason meltdowns. The wiseness of the contract extension he received was and remains highly debatable . That said, he's been legitimately good over the last three months; his .926 save percentage is eighth overall and fifth among starters, and he leads the league with six shutouts. Wins and goals-against average are more team-oriented than anything, but he's still fifth (16 wins) and sixth (2.16 GAA) in those categories. The process should come down to a coin flip between Fleury and Ottawa's Craig Anderson (.928 save percentage, 2.35 GAA), who has the distinct misfortune of playing on a terrible team. Washington's Braden Holtby should be in the discussion, too Pittsburgh, though, has managed to stay two points of first place in the Eastern Conference despite a brutal stretch of injuries and resultant dip in both even-strength and 5-on-4 production. At 5-on-5, Pittsburgh is 10th in goals for (2.45 per 60 minutes) and 11th in percentage of shot attempts (51.5). Part of the reason they've made up that gap is Fleury. "Look at all the injuries we've had and the numbers he's still put up," winger Beau Bennett said . "He deserves more recognition." He does, actually. Even if it doesn't matter all that much. | 1 | 2,990 | sports |
Alright, alright, alright, Matthew McConaughey's audition tape for 'Dazed and Confused' is seeing the light of day and it shows McConaughey really was the only choice for the role. Patrick Jones (@Patrick_E_Jones) explains. | 8 | 2,991 | video |
Could the third time be a charm for Mitt Romney? The former Republican presidential candidate is making moves to explore another possible White House bid, according to sources. The Post's Karen Tumulty explains what's happening behind the scenes, and what it could mean for the 2016 GOP field. | 5 | 2,992 | news |
Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones comments on potentially entering the 2015 NFL draft. | 8 | 2,993 | video |
Written by Sara Loken When a famous person dies, fans flock to the gravesite to pay their respects for years to come. Click through to find the final resting place of these celebrities and historical figures. WHITNEY HOUSTON The music world was stunned when Whitney Houston tragically died in 2012 at the age of 48. Houston was laid to rest in her home state and buried next to her father. Fearing grave robbers, her family initially hired a guard to stand 24 hours at her grave. BING: WHERE IS HOUSTON BURIED ? Marilyn Monroe Marilyn Monroe continues to draw admirers even in death. The crypt above her sold for $4.6 million in an eBay auction in 2009. Hugh Hefner , the man who featured Monroe in his first Playboy issue, owns the plot next to her. BING: WHERE IS MONROE BURIED ? 'Doc' Holliday Dr. John Henry "Doc" Holliday , famous gunslinger of the Old West, is buried on a hillside overlooking the town he retreated to after being diagnosed with tuberculosis. His exact plot is not known, but the city erected a memorial marker in the hopes of drawing tourists. BING: WHERE IS HOLLIDAY BURIED ? George Harrison George Harrison , writer of Beatles classics like "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and "Here Comes the Sun," died from lung cancer in 2001. Fans of the legendary Beatle will have to make a trek to pay their respects, as Harrison's ashes were spread in a location of significance far from his birthplace of Liverpool, England. BING: WHERE IS HARRISON BURIED ? Rosa Parks An icon of the civil rights movement, Rosa Parks became the first woman to lie in state in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol after her death in 2005. Parks is buried next to her husband in the city she lived in since 1957. BING: WHERE IS PARKS BURIED ? Bruce Lee Martial arts master and actor Bruce Lee passed away at the early age of 32 in 1973. Controversy still surrounds his death ( read more ). Lee is buried in the town where he started his career, next to his son Brandon Lee , who died during the filming of "The Crow" in 1993. BING: WHERE IS LEE BURIED ? Jerry Garcia Like fans of George Harrison, Dead Heads will have to make a trek to visit the site where Grateful Dead front man Jerry Garcia had his ashes spread. BING: WHERE IS GARCIA BURIED ? William Shakespeare The final resting place of William Shakespeare is one of the most famous burial sites in the world. More than 200,000 tourists visit the burial site of the playwright every year. BING: WHERE IS SHAKESPEARE BURIED ? James Dean Iconic Hollywood actor James Dean died at just 24 years old in 1955. Unlike most stars, who are buried in cemeteries surrounding Hollywood, Dean is buried near his uncle's farm, where he grew up. BING: WHERE IS DEAN BURIED ? Freddie Mercury The mystery surrounding the burial site of Queen rocker Freddie Mercury after his death from AIDS-related complications in 1991 continues to this day. Mary Austin , his girlfriend at the time of his death, is the only person who claims to know where he is buried. BING: WHERE IS MERCURY BURIED ? Calamity Jane Legendary Wild West woman Calamity Jane ( her full name ?) was laid to rest in a cemetery next to her friend Wild Bill Hickok . Legend has it Hickok couldn't stand her in life, so she was buried next to him as payback by his enemies. The cemetery has a walking tour that takes tourists past the burial sites of other notable Wild West characters. BING: WHERE IS JANE BURIED ? Gandhi The ashes of Indian civil rights leader and pacifist Mahatma Gandhi were separated into urns to be spread around India and other locations after his assassination in 1948 . A memorial that marks the site where Gandhi was cremated is still active for visitors to pay respects. BING: WHERE IS GANDHI BURIED ? Babe Ruth Baseball legend Babe Ruth stayed close to his New York Yankees even in death. After his death in 1948, fans filtered through Yankee Stadium for two days to view his casket on display. Baseball fans can still pay their respects at a cemetery 32 miles away. BING: WHERE IS RUTH BURIED ? Anne Boleyn Anne Boleyn , the second wife of King Henry VIII , met an untimely end when she was accused of adultery and treason and sentenced to die by beheading at the Tower of London . The former queen was buried in an unmarked grave that was later marked with a marble plaque in 1876. BING: WHERE IS BOLEYN BURIED ? Ulysses S. Grant The burial site of former President Ulysses S. Grant is now a U.S. National Memorial in a major American city. The site was saved from decay in 1997 with a major restoration effort and is now open to visitors. BING: WHERE IS GRANT BURIED ? Jimi Hendrix Considered the greatest rock guitarist of all time, Jimi Hendrix died in London in 1970 after an overdose of sleeping pills . The rocker was flown to his hometown and buried next to his mother after a funeral with more than 200 people in attendance. BING: WHERE IS HENDRIX BURIED ? Al Capone Chicago's most famous mobster Al Capone lived the high life during prohibition as the city's top crime boss. But Capone died a sickly man from complications of syphilis in 1947. He was buried in a cemetery with other famous prohibition era mobsters, including rival leader Dion O'Banion . BING: WHERE IS CAPONE BURIED ? Tupac Shakur Rapper Tupac Shakur was cremated and his ashes were spread on his mother's farm. A strange story emerged when Shakur's former group, The Young Outlawz , claimed to have smoked his ashes with marijuana in 1996. BING: WHERE ARE SOME OF SHAKUR'S ASHES BURIED ? Edgar Allen Poe Literary tourists can visit the burial place of Edgar Allan Poe , in addition to other notable sites including his house and where he was born, in an East Coast city. Poe died in 1849 and the cemetery where he was buried was declared a historic site in 1974, with Poe's burial plot being its most notable grave site. BING: WHERE IS POE BURIED ? Sacagawea It's uncertain exactly when Sacagawea , the famous Native American interpreter and guide on the Lewis and Clark Expedition , died. But a theory that she died in 1884 , instead of the popularly believed 1812, is recognized with a grave marker that was erected in 1963. BING: WHERE IS SACAGAWEA BURIED ? Jane Austen Fans of Jane Austen can take tours of a certain English town where she spent her final days and was laid to rest. Tourists looking to find inspiration from her novels can visit her grave and the house she died in. BING: WHERE IS AUSTEN BURIED ? Princess Diana Visitors to Princess Diana 's burial site can also tour her childhood home. Diana is buried in a tomb on an island of the estate and visitors can pay their respects at a memorial erected in her honor. BING: WHERE IS THE PRINCESS BURIED ? Jim Morrison The grave of former The Doors frontman Jim Morrison is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city of his burial place. Acting as a shrine for the famous rocker, his grave is visited daily by music fans. BING: WHERE IS MORRISON BURIED ? Benjamin Franklin Visitors to the City of Brotherly Love can visit the final resting place of one of America's Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin . The city also features a marble statue and some of his possessions at the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial . BING: WHERE IS FRANKLIN BURIED ? Grace Kelly Hollywood beauty Grace Kelly gave up her career as an actress at the age of 26 when she married Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956. Princess Grace died in 1982 after a car accident. Her husband was buried next to her after his death in 2002. BING: WHERE IS KELLY BURIED ? Mickey Mantle Mickey Mantle , one of America's most celebrated baseball players, passed away in 1995 from liver failure due to years of alcohol abuse. Baseball fans can visit his grave, where he is buried next to his wife and two sons. BING: WHERE IS MANTLE BURIED ? | 6 | 2,994 | entertainment |
One of the hostages held in the Charlie Hebdo Paris attack is speaking out, saying he had to hide underneath a sink for more than eight hours. | 8 | 2,995 | video |
'All is forgiven': Surviving Charlie Hebdo cartoonist describes the cover of the magazine's issue to hit the newsstands. Duration: 01:53 | 8 | 2,996 | video |
They'll be specially tailored to your location. | 8 | 2,997 | video |
It looks like Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard will miss quite a bit more than the All-Star Game. Wings general manager Ken Holland said an ultrasound done Monday confirmed what Sunday's MRI revealed -- that Howard has a slight groin tear and will miss two to four weeks. Howard injured himself trying to get back to the net at 1:53 of the first period in Washington, D.C. Saturday night. Howard was not able to get up past his hands and knees so trainer Piet Van Zant called for a stretcher. Howard was helped onto the stretcher and taken off the ice. The incident occurred a little more than an hour after Howard learned he was the Wings' only representative for the All-Star Game. The Wings are also without backup goaltender Jonas Gustavsson, who dislocated his left shoulder against the New York Rangers Nov. 5. Recovery was expected to be eight weeks but is now at 10 weeks. Gustavsson has been practicing with the team for some time but doesn't seem to be close to returning. Coach Mike Babcock was asked about Gustavsson after Tuesday's morning skate. "No idea," Babcock told reporters in Buffalo. "I think we've done a real good job here, the guys that are playing, wearing a Red Wings uniform. If you're fortunate enough in your lifetime to wear it you have an obligation to wear it right. So whoever plays we expect you do well." For now, the burden falls on 22-year-old Petr Mrazek, who is 5-3-1 with a 2.29 goals-against average and .916 save percentage. Thomas McCollum was recalled from Grand Rapids to back up Mrazek. | 1 | 2,998 | sports |
One of the greatest sports stories in Orange County history didn't occur on a playing field. It took place, as many do in Southern California, on a freeway. There was a young PR guy for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and a passenger in his car. The passenger remarked how dirty the car's windshield was . . . the driver paid it no mind. But his friend insisted that he couldn't see. So the windshield wipers flicked on and nothing came out of them. Insisting that it was dangerous to drive with a windshield that clouded over, the passenger took it upon himself to clean it. With the car still moving. With a water bottle in hand, he hung out the passenger window of the 1980s model Toyota Corolla squirted water while the wipers swished it back and forth and they continued on through traffic to the Pond of Anaheim. That passenger? Teemu Selanne. How many franchise players would risk life and limb for a clean windshield? How many franchise players would even get in a 1980s Corolla? Selanne recalled the story, ribbing the Ducks' longtime PR guy, Alex Gilchrist, while recently sitting in the middle of an Irish pub in Newport Beach. Highlights of his greatest career moments played over his shoulder on a television in the background, as he casually sipped his Guinness and reminisced about those moments with a group of writers. His laid-back demeanor perfectly fits Orange County but if you didn't know any better, you'd think he was just a regular guy with a thick accent instead of a global hockey star. But this is part of what makes Selanne so special: He treats everyone as if they're his best friend. He's not too big or too famous or too talented for anyone, and this how he was throughout his entire Hall-of-Fame-worthy career. "You know how sometimes you can feel just warm feelings about some people?" said former teammate and current Ducks goalie Ilya Bryzgalov. "Some people are just closed, but he's open. He opens the soul, opens the heart for you." On Feb. 11, Selanne's No. 8 banner was raised into the ceiling of the Honda Center after a ceremony in his honor that lasted more than 90 minutes. It's the only one hanging in the rafters, and in talking to people with the organization, past and present, over the last few weeks, the consensus is simple: There really isn't anyone else who they could imagine being the first Duck to receive the honor. That giant No. 8 is a reminder of just how great Selanne's impact was. To truly measure it, one would have to examine what he meant to Finland, Orange County and of course, to hockey as a whole. The Finnish Flash Jari Kurri once loaned a young kid named Teemu a car when he was in Kurri's hockey school back in Finland. "When he brought it back, there wasn't too much left of the tires," Kurri joked. A few years ago, Selanne loaned a quiet young Finn named Sami Vatanen one his many cars after he was called up to the Ducks. "I gave him the worst one," Selanne said, laughing. The worst one is a Mercedes Benz. Vatanen, who has the same humor as Selanne, says he has his own now but might still prefers the Benz. Selanne grew up idolizing Kurri while Vatanen came of age looking up to Selanne. "I have to say, I was a little bit nervous (meeting him)," Vatanen said. "I was at Anaheim Ice and that was the first time. He was right away, a nice guy and he came to talk to me. He helped me a lot when I first got here. Of course you feel more at home, you can speak your own language and do your own things. He helped me with cars and everything like that so it was nice and easy to come here." The Olympic run that the Finns made last year in Sochi was memorable. There were players like Sleanne playing in their final Olympics and players like Vatanen who are just getting started -- a changing of the guard. Selanne has always thrived on the bigger ice of international and European competition and his MVP performance, to go along with Finland's silver medal, brought him immense pride. "I told the boys that most of us will have to overachieve and the rest of us will have to play at least your best in order to win a medal," Selanne said. "There was no weak link, not one." That one final Olympic medal was one of Selanne's greatest accomplishments. "I was just enjoying it," he said. "It was the perfect way to end." Kurri said it best, bestowing one of the greatest honors on him in his Sunday speech, saying, "You are the greatest ambassador for Finnish Hockey and the Finnish country." From Canada to California Selanne was traded from the Winnipeg Jets to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim on February 6, 1996. Only 20 days after Selanne touched down in Southern Calfironia, Wayne Gretzky departed Los Angeles for St. Louis and the burgeoning hockey Southern California hockey culture was left without a star. There was no way of knowing what Selanne would become, but Steve Rucchin, who would later be a linemate of Selanne's, knew it was something special. "I still look back and I still remember the day that the Ducks traded for him," Rucchin said. "It was sort of a surreal feeling. I remember we were sitting around like, 'Wow, we just traded for Teemu Selanne.' And it's amazing how one guy can just change the whole psyche and thought process of a team." Selanne bolstered that culture, helping bring new fans to the emerging franchise when he bolstered the play of the team. "All the sudden we went from being an outside team to thinking, 'We're a playoff team,' " Rucchin said. "And the rest is history." The fans took an instant liking to Selanne, and the best part is that he took an instant liking to them as well. He would be outside the building for hours after games signing every last piece of memorabilia, high-fiving and hugging -- Teemu is a hugger -- every last fan. "If decided that, if they have been waiting two or three hours to get an autograph or a picture, I'm not rushing," Selanne said. "Obviously, it's a matter of personality because I'm always pretty open and easy to talk to, and I like to be around people. It has been very natural. "I've always said if I can make a couple people happy with a picture or an autograph that only takes five minutes of my time, I'm more than happy to do it." Selanne credits the way his parents raised him and encouraged him to embrace the fans in Finland. He likes to joke about how he practiced his signature as an elementary schooler, sitting in class doodling his name. He once doodled his name on a Paul Kariya jersey belonging to a nine-year-old Huntington Beach kid named Matt Cline, who had season tickets since the team's first year in 1993. That nine-year-old is now 29, and considers himself a lifelong fan, thanks, in part, to the many nights that he waited outside of the Pond with his uncle, watching as Selanne signed for everyone. "They got a new player that was supposed to be pretty good," Cline said. "I was young and fairly new to hockey, I didn't know much about the new player but his name was Teemu Selanne. Not only did I notice the Mighty Ducks started to become a better team but there was something else that I really noticed too: I still waited outside for autographs and the new player would stop almost every game. He would stop and sign for everyone that was waiting." Cline carried that with him as a minor-league baseball player. "I ended up being lucky enough to go on and play professional baseball and I took a page out of Teemu's book and would sign as many autographs as I could," he said. Michelle Drinnenberg practically eats, sleeps and breathes Ducks hockey. She once had a boyfriend that named his dog Teemu. Drinnenberg can recall nearly every one of Selanne's major milestones off the top of her head. She's met Teemu at fan events several times and he always remembers her and has never turned down her requests for pictures. But there's one, in particular, that still stands out in her collection. "It was in 2006 when the Ducks played the Kings in Anaheim. I was watching the game at home when Selanne scored his 1,000th point," she said. "I then called one of my best girlfriends and we rushed over to the Honda Center. We waited after the game to see Selanne. Finally, he came out and we asked to take a picture -- but not like any normal one. My girlfriend held up a one while Selanne and I formed zeros with our fingers to signify 1,000." The Selanne family now calls Orange County home. Two of Teemu's three sons play hockey for Santa Margarita Catholic High School while the middle son, Eetu, laces up for the Junior Kings Triple-A team . The fact that his boys are still playing in Southern California instead of at a hockey-rich boarding school on the East Coast shows just how far the sport has come in this area. Selanne himself helped build that. The Cup and his legacy In 2007, Selanne won a Stanley Cup. And it wasn't lost on him just how difficult it is to reach that pinnacle. Some of the best players in the world play their entire careers without winning a championship. "It gave me peace in my mind," Selanne said. "I would trade all of my records for a Stanley Cup. People have no idea how hard it is." Brian Hayward said that Selanne is, "The one athlete that we wish all over professional athletes could be more like." And it wasn't just because of his fan-friendly nature or the love of his country. Selanne didn't believe in taking shifts off or phoning it in when playing lesser opponents. He was constantly working to better himself and be the player that made others better, even as the game evolved and his body sometimes didn't want to keep up. "Satisfaction is your worst enemy," he says. And Selanne means it. Part of the reason he wavered with retirement thoughts like Brett Favre every summer was because he wanted to make sure he was going to be able to contribute. Selanne came to Anaheim in the early stages of what has now become a model franchise. With immense respect for owners Henry and Susan Samueli, general manager Bob Murray and his staff, he's proud to see what the organization has become. "This is the place that players want to come play," he said. "It used to be hard to get free agents to come." Center Ryan Kesler was anxious to come from Vancouver after he had spent his entire career there, the last few years as a captain. Players like the "twins", Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, will likely spend their entire careers in Anaheim. It speaks volumes about the organization and the type of players they build around. But Selanne is loved in Winnipeg, too, where his career began. Current Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau says his first night back in Winnipeg with Selanne (after the Thrashers moved the franchise from Atlanta) was one of the best moments of his career. "I not only had goosebumps, but I had tears in my eyes," Boudreau said. "The ovation was so great and it was all for him. I was really happy for him." Selanne is enjoying his time away from professional hockey at the moment. He plays tennis and golf daily (without throwing his clubs in the water anymore) and he's now a full-fledged junior hockey dad. The family recently rented an RV and drove up to San Jose for a tournament, so clearly his freeway antics are still very much alive and well. Selanne said that he always wonders what his impact will be like now and years from now. Yes, he has his records and he has his trophies and the people in Toronto are likely dusting off a place for him in the Hall of Fame as we speak. But the one thing that Teemu Selanne will ultimately be remembered for is his class and generosity. He was a genuine person. The banner in the Honda Center says it all: Teemu Forever. Just the way it should be. | 1 | 2,999 | sports |
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