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A 60-year-old businessman lost his job and much of his personality to dementia. But despite his mentally debilitating condition, he learned to play the saxophone for the first time in his life, and played exceptionally well, according to a new report of his case. The Korean man, called J.K. in the report, had developed a form of dementia known as frontotemporal dementia (FTD), in which the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain shrink. As a result of the condition, J.K.'s personality gradually changed. He started behaving inappropriately in social situations, and began having language and memory problems. But thanks to encouragement from his wife, he took up learning to play a musical instrument. He even ended up outperforming other, healthy students in his saxophone class, according to the report, published Jan. 14 in the journal Neurocase . The case shows that people with dementia may have hidden talents and abilities that can emerge when given the opportunity, said Dr. Daniel Potts, a dementia specialist in Alabama and a member of the American Academy of Neurology. Potts was not involved in the man's case but called it "fascinating." "If we really give people an opportunity and don't give up on them, and try to affirm their traits and personhood many of them may be able to do things like this." [ 16 Oddest Medical Case Reports ] FTD is a type of dementia that tends to affect people who are younger than those affected by other types of dementia, such as Alzheimer's. Potts said that FTD is also different from Alzheimer's in that, "rather than short-term memory loss, you have more of a behavioral problem that manifests itself as inappropriate social behavior, disinhibition, withdrawing from normal social engagement, and you get some language problems as well." However, patients with FTD may keep skills they've learned, such as playing games, and even show an artistic enhancement of their visual or musical abilities, as previous studies have reported. "The thing that was different about this case was that this individual took up playing a musical instrument during the time after he was diagnosed with FTD and had never done that before and I think this makes this case unique," Potts said. In contrast to skills like language, movement and memory, the ability to both appreciate and perform music involves a large proportion of the brain, so diseases that involve only certain parts of the brain may not affect all areas involved in music, Potts said. People may get even better at art because, as the parts of the brain that are involved in inhibitions begin to deteriorate, their artistic creativity may be unleashed , he said. According to researchers in South Korea who wrote about the case, J.K. began to show symptoms of dementia at age 58, when his wife of 32 years noticed odd changes in his personality. For example, during conversations at work, J.K. would say his thoughts out loud, without considering the feelings of his co-workers, and he did not appear to care at all when his wife was hospitalized for an illness. A year later, J.K. who had always been gentle and introverted, started to become aggressive and impulsive. "He often became angry over trifling matters, spoke ill of others, and even became both verbally and physically violent," the researchers wrote. At age 59, after receiving a diagnosis of FTD, J.K. began to take saxophone lessons for 2 hours daily, because his wife thought that playing a musical instrument would soothe his abnormal behaviors. Previously, he had not had any musical education. "At first, it took a long time for him to learn how to read musical notes and to play the saxophone. However, his skills progressed, and soon, he was able to play new, unfamiliar songs every two to three months," the researchers wrote in their report. When examined at age 61, three years after the start of his symptoms, J.K. was found to have some behavioral problems, but his aggressiveness and anxiety were less severe than when his condition was first diagnosed, according to the report. Learning to play an instrument might have been therapeutic for J.K., Potts said. "I think that it probably gave him a way to express himself when he was losing his language abilities, when he was no longer able to get his emotions out in a proper way, perhaps," Potts said. "Maybe this gave him an outlet to deal with some of that." Giving dementia patients a chance to explore their artistic talents could be beneficial for both patients and their caregivers, Pott said. It may be hard to maintain a relationship with someone who has such cognitive problems, but people may be able to connect through music and art, he said. Email Bahar Gholipour or follow her @alterwired . Follow Live Science @livescience , Facebook & Google+ . Originally published on Live Science . 4 Unusual Ways Music Can Tune Up the Brain 5 Mind-Bending Facts About Dreams Why You Forget: 5 Strange Facts About Memory | 5 | 6,000 | news |
Nationwide's ad about accidents that kill children was the most depressing commercial of the Super Bowl. It was also the most talked about . The spot features a young boy saying he'd never learn to fly, travel with his best friend, or get married because he died in an accident. Then the camera cuts to a bathtub overflowing with water and open kitchen cabinets with spilled chemicals. Critics slammed the ad, calling it morbid and disturbing and accusing the company of using child deaths to sell insurance. Nationwide has since responded to the backlash, saying it wasn't intended to be a sales pitch. "The sole purpose of this message was to start a conversation, not sell insurance," the company said in a statement. "We want to build awareness of an issue that is near and dear to all of us the safety and well being of our children." The point of the ad was to inform people that the No. 1 cause of child deaths is preventable accidents around the house, the company said. Nationwide said it knew the commercial would ignite a backlash. "We knew the ad would spur a variety of reactions," the company said. "In fact, thousands of people visited MakeSafeHappen.com, a new website to help educate parents and caregivers with information and resources in an effort to make their homes safer and avoid a potential injury or death. Nationwide has been working with experts for more than 60 years to make homes safer. While some did not care for the ad, we hope it served to begin a dialogue to make safe happen for children everywhere." | 3 | 6,001 | finance |
Icelanders will soon be able to publicly worship at a shrine to Thor, Odin and Frigg with construction starting this month on the island's first major temple to the Norse gods since the Viking age. Worship of the gods in Scandinavia gave way to Christianity around 1,000 years ago but a modern version of Norse paganism has been gaining popularity in Iceland. "I don't believe anyone believes in a one-eyed man who is riding about on a horse with eight feet," said Hilmar Orn Hilmarsson, high priest of 'Asatruarfelagid', an association that promotes faith in the Norse gods. "We see the stories as poetic metaphors and a manifestation of the forces of nature and human psychology." Membership in Asatruarfelagid has tripled in Iceland in the last decade to 2,400 members last year, out of a total population of 330,000, data from Statistics Iceland showed. The temple will be circular and will be dug 4 meters (13 feet) down into a hill overlooking the Icelandic capital Reykjavik, with a dome on top to let in the sunlight. "The sun changes with the seasons so we are in a way having the sun paint the space for us," Hilmarsson said. The temple will host ceremonies such as weddings and funerals. The group will also confer names to children and initiate teenagers, similar to other religious communities. Iceland's neo-pagans still celebrate the ancient sacrificial ritual of 'Blot' with music, reading, eating and drinking, but nowadays leave out the slaughter of animals. (Reporting by Ragnhildur Sigurdardottir; Writing by Daniel Dickson, editing by Simon Johnson and Gareth Jones) | 5 | 6,002 | news |
Juventus has signed Alessandro Matri from AC Milan on loan until the end of the season, with the striker returning to Turin for a second spell. The Bianconeri were in the market for a replacement for Sebastian Giovinco, who left the club Monday to join MLS side Toronto FC. Juventus' three main targets had been Pablo Osvaldo, Simone Zaza and Matri, and the club confirmed it has opted for the latter, who had been on loan at Genoa. "Alessandro Matri has today returned to Juventus after agreeing terms on a loan switch from Genoa until 30 June 2015," a statement on the club's official website read. Matri scored 29 goals in 83 games for the Old Lady from 2010 to 2013, winning two Scudetti. He then transferred to his youth team club Milan for 11 million euros, but endured a miserable time at San Siro. After just one goal in 18 appearances, he moved to Fiorentina on loan in January 2014. He then was sent out on loan again last summer to Genoa, and this season he has scored seven Serie A goals in 16 games. Matri has now completed a third loan move in the space of a year by returning to Juventus, where he will compete with Carlos Tevez, Fernando Llorente, Alvaro Morata and Kingsley Coman for a starting position. The 30-year-old has won six caps for Italy, scoring one goal. | 1 | 6,003 | sports |
Super Bowl XLIX is officially in the books, so that means there is only one thing left to do. Let's take a look at the odds for Super Bowl 50. Who is your early pick to win it all next season? | 1 | 6,004 | sports |
The groundhog survived. Mayor de Blasio traveled to Staten Island on Monday for the second Groundhog Day of his mayoralty - but this time stayed far away from the squirm-prone Staten Island Chuck. The animal emerged from a cage and - based on the absence of his shadow- predicted an early spring. Unlike in years past, the groundhog stayed behind a plexiglass cage and was not handled by the mayor. "This new approach will be safer for both species," de Blasio joked. Last year, he dropped the animal after it was handed to him. The groundhog died a few weeks later. Zoo officials insisted the mayor wasn't to blame but a cloud of suspicion has remained ever since. The changes were done to minimize any contact between the mayor and the animal. He's not the first politician to have problems at the annual event. Several years ago, Chuck bit then Mayor Michael Bloomberg. [email protected] | 5 | 6,005 | news |
By now, even my mom knows that Shake Shack (SHAK) went public on Friday and more than doubled its initial offering price on the first day of trading. When she called me on Sunday, she asked if I had bought the stock. I said no. My mom has never had one of their burgers, but I told her they're good really good. Then why not buy the stock?, she asked. There are a number of reasons. I have a little bit of experience in the burger-investing space. During my years of working on Wall Street at various hedge funds, I invested $1 million in Fatburger and owned the rights to the chain for the state of New Jersey. It started off as a west coast casual-dining franchise that claims the biggest, juiciest hamburgers anyone has ever seen along with an old school jukebox-type feel to the place that gives it some atmosphere. The concept is great and the food is delicious. The investment didn't quite work out: My first mistake was overvaluing the company from the beginning. Then, along with everyone else in the financial collapse, we got hit with rising food cost fuel costs and rent. It wasn't sustainable with a lagging economy. And we ultimately picked a couple of bad locations that set us back. Shake Shack is getting a lot of hype now but here are four reasons why I think it's not a "buy" right now: Valuation. Shake Shack has demonstrated remarkable growth thus far, but its decreasing margins and current stock price do not support owning shares at these levels. Growth. At these prices, the stock is already assuming multiple years of growth already priced in. If you are buying the stock today, you are buying it for 2020 year earnings when the multiple compresses. I can find better places for my money. Competition. People are making the comparison to Chipotle (CMG) , the fast-casual fresh Mexican food chain, but that's looking at it all wrong. Sure, they are in the same sector but what they offer is completely different. When you crave that kind of food, your options are limited to Taco Bell or an old-fashioned sit-down dinner with menus and wait staff. It's the only game in town. They also benefit from demand for a more health-conscious society. SHAK is part of a highly crowded burger-and-fries universe. Cool factor. I'm always hesitant when a company goes public and there's a certain cool factor to owning the stock. In my opinion, most of the buyers have not done their homework. Analyst and investors have been trying to put a valuation on COOL forever, but have yet to do it successfully. We have no idea if this is the Facebook or MySpace of burgers yet. Because they key to analyzing cool is longevity. When you figure out that formula give me a call we should talk. This is not to say that Shake Shack will never be a buy. I actually think the chain will do quite well. But there are hurdles to climb and growing pains to come over the next few years, especially if investors are expecting the type of growth that the current stock price indicates. Not every location is going to be a winner there will be some losers along the way. (Trust me on this.) The cost of food will have a direct effect to margins. Even fuel will play a role into realizing profits. This isn't as easy as flipping burgers. SHAK is a sell. Maybe I'll be wrong, but I'm okay missing this trade. But I'll be first in line to order a cheeseburger next time I'm in Tribeca. Commentary by Turney Duff , a former trader at the hedge fund Galleon Group. Duff chronicled the spectacular rise and fall of his career on Wall Street in the book, " The Buy Side ," and is currently working on his second book, a Wall Street novel. He is also featured on the CNBC show, " The Filthy Rich Guide ." Follow him on Twitter @turneyduff . | 3 | 6,006 | finance |
Adam Silver faced the challenge of picking between DeMarcus Cousins and Damian Lillard for the All-Star game and he may now be considering expanding the ASG. Is this a good move for the NBA? | 1 | 6,007 | sports |
A New York City firefighter discovers that a dog he thought was a local stray actually had an entire Facebook page dedicated to bringing it home. | 8 | 6,008 | video |
Exxon Mobil Corp said on Monday its quarterly profit fell 21 percent as weak oil prices took a toll, but results topped Wall Street expectations due to tax benefits and a favorable arbitration ruling. Global oil markets are over supplied at a time when demand is waning, a situation that has caused crude prices to tumble by more than half since June. During the quarter, the average price for benchmark Brent fell 30 percent from a year earlier. Exxon also said it will reduce its share buyback program in the first quarter by more than half to $1 billion. In the fourth quarter, Exxon spent $3 billion on share repurchases. Profit in the fourth quarter fell to $6.57 billion, or $1.56 per share, from $8.35 billion, or $1.91 per share in the same quarter a year earlier. Analysts, on average, expected a profit of $1.34 per share, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Earnings were helped by about $1 billion in items that included deferrals on income tax and a favorable arbitration ruling for expropriated assets in Venezuela, Exxon said. "I think the quality of the earnings beat is questionable," said Brian Youngberg, an oil analyst at Edward Jones in St. Louis. "Some net-tax effects and Venezuela really drove the beat. They remain growth challenged." Oil and natural gas production fell 3.8 percent, according to Irving, Texas-based Exxon. Shares initially rallied as much as 3 percent in premarket trading, then edged slightly lower to be nearly unchanged from Friday's New York Stock Exchange close of $87.42. | 3 | 6,009 | finance |
John King, Jackie Kucinich and Jonathan Martin on comments by the former Arkansas governor about homosexuality. | 8 | 6,010 | video |
Gold futures lost ground Monday, retreating as U.S. stocks looked to begin the week on a positive note, but remain up solidly for the year after posting the biggest monthly rise in three years in January. Gold for April delivery on Comex fell $12.20, or 1%, to $1,267 an ounce, while March silver lost more than 14 cents, or 0.8%, to $17.07 an ounce. On a continuous basis, gold rose more than 8% in January, its biggest monthly rise in three years, finding support as investors sought havens amid worries over the outlook for global economic growth as well as political and financial market turmoil. "The macro fundamentals of collapsing currency values, global stimulus, and negative rates continue to support an argument for more upside in gold," wrote Peter Hug, global trading director at Kitco Metals. Earlier, gold had found some support after a gauge of Chinese manufacturing activity indicated that activity in sector had shrunk. As noted Friday, inflows into gold exchange-traded products surged in January. Provisional full-month estimates show physically-backed exchange-traded products rose 68.7 tons in January, which is likely the largest inflow since September 2012, according to analysts at Barclays. "The inflow is significant on a number of levels; it is the first after five straight months of net redemptions and is sizeable," the Barlcays analysts said. "We think it is likely that the uncertainty across Europe and Japan has stemmed the wave of outflows for now, with 14 straight sessions of inflows not seen across ETP flows since 2010." They noted that the bulk of the buying has occurred in SPDR Gold Trust at 49.35 million tons, although European-listed products also drew fresh interest. It's a busy week for U.S. economic data. Gold futures showed little reaction to December personal income and consumer spending figures released Monday morning, but investors will keep a close eye on the Institute for Supply Management's January manufacturing index. The big event for the week comes on Friday, with the release of nonfarm payrolls and other labor data for January. Economists surveyed by MarketWatch forecast payrolls to show a rise of 245,000 versus a gain of 252,000 in December. | 3 | 6,011 | finance |
The Ohio State Buckeyes won the College Football Playoff National Championship so running back Ezekiel Elliott went and got a tattoo to commemorate it. Do you think Elliott went big enough? | 1 | 6,012 | sports |
Marissa Mayer and Mark Zuckerberg had similar problems last week but gave Wall Street starkly different answers. And the choices the CEOs of Yahoo (YHOO) and Facebook (FB) made speak volumes about their companies' futures. Both are sitting on huge piles of cash Mayer from Yahoo's $40 billion stake in Chinese e-tailer Alibaba (BABA) , and Zuckerberg from the $11.2 billion stash generated by Facebook's accelerating operating cash flow, which reached $5.5 billion last year. Yahoo is taking a conservative path, essentially giving the Alibaba windfall back to shareholders by spinning the stake off into a separate company, along with an undisclosed Yahoo operating business. Meanwhile, Facebook is putting the hammer down: Zuckerberg plans to boost Facebook's operating spending by 50 percent to 65 percent this year, pushing R&D spending as high as $4.4 billion to accelerate development of everything from Facebook's search engine products to its video advertising business. That one Web giant is playing offense, while the other is playing defense reflects the age and culture of their companies, as well as the opportunities they have, said Josh Spencer, manager of T. Rowe Price's $1.6 billion Global Technology Fund. It's also a result of the sharply lower trust Wall Street has in Yahoo, where Mayer has struggled to turn around the company's core search and media businesses while making little headway in convincing investors that its $1.1 billion 2013 acquisition of microblogging site Tumblr is successful enough to make much difference, he added. "With Facebook, the market is more willing to give them the benefit of the doubt," that spending now will pay off later, Spencer said. That difference in trust is partly about each company's stock price. Facebook stock has declined in the past three months in line with the tech sector performance, but its shares have tripled since mid-2013. Meanwhile, Yahoo's recent run, driven by the value of Alibaba stake after the e-tailer's 2014 IPO, turned into a double-digit percentage drop in the past three months since hitting a mid-November 52-week high. Facebook has had a kind of golden touch with its big initiatives lately, especially a reversal of fortunes in its mobile-advertising business. Mobile's share of Facebook's total ad revenue has hit 69 percent, triple what it was in 2012, as 2014 company-wide sales neared $12.5 billion. Other new ad platforms are also zooming: The number of videos watched on Facebook tripled between the third quarter and the fourth to 3 billion, driven by the World Cup and the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and raising hopes that Zuckerberg can cash in anew on video advertising, which commands higher prices than most other Web ads. "Look how far these guys have come," Sterne Agee & Co. analyst Arvind Bhatia said. "Who would have thought in 2012 that they would do $10 billion in revenue from mobile, when they had no mobile strategy." On the other hand, RBC Capital Markets analyst Mark Mahaney cut his estimate of 2015 earnings before interest, taxes and noncash charges for Yahoo's remaining businesses last week by 10 percent, to $1.21 billion, citing declining market share in both search and display advertising. Yahoo's sales dipped 1.3 percent in 2014, to $4.62 billion. "Yahoo is a deteriorating platform," Mahaney said. "It's very hard to turn around, and if you can't, the right strategy is to be conservative" and return the Alibaba money to shareholders. At bottom, Wall Street's trust in each company may boil down to the progress of two billion-dollar deals, done a year apart, Facebook's 2012 deal to buy photo-sharing network Instagram, followed by Yahoo's Tumblr deal. Neither company discloses much detail about how much cash its new unit is bringing in, but analysts believe Instagram is thriving while Tumblr struggles, Spencer said. Instagram has 300 million users and is essential to Facebook's video push, as well as connecting it to a younger demographic that some had thought was cooling on Facebook until it began its push in mobile and video, said Bhatia. Mahaney estimates that Instagram is now worth $10 billion, based on Facebook's market cap of $212.5 billion. "Facebook for Instagram is like EMC buying VMWare or Google buying YouTube fantastic," Spencer said. "Yahoo and Tumblr are more destined for, 'Well, that money's gone.'" Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer is painting a much different picture of Yahoo's push into mobile, social and video advertising than analysts do. Yahoo's mobile revenue is accelerating and now growing faster than the rest of the industry's, she said on a conference call with analysts last week. Its emerging businesses, a mélange of mobile, video, social and native advertising that the 39-year-old CEO refers to by the acronym MaVeNS, generated $1.1 billion in 2014 sales, double the year before, Mayer noted. She also argued that Tumblr had passed Instagram in its total number of users late last year. At the same time, she conceded that Yahoo's traditional display-advertising business is continuing to shrink. "The core of Yahoo's business is returning to health and stability and, we believe, growth," Mayer said. The 13 percent decline in adjusted 2014 earnings stemmed from Yahoo's own reinvestments in the MaVeNS strategy, Yahoo CFO Ken Goldman said. But analysts aren't buying. If Tumblr were making a big difference, it should be showing more in the company's overall numbers, Mahaney said. Across Yahoo, sales actually fell about 1 percent for both the fourth quarter and for all of 2014. "There's no evidence Tumblr has worked yet, but it's almost impossible to tell from the outside," Mahaney said. "If it were working better, they would make more disclosures." Facebook doesn't give out granular numbers about Instagram either, but the company's overall success has the Street willing to accommodate Zuckerberg's ambitions, up to a point. Several analysts wrote approvingly last week about Facebook's decisions to slightly reduce its guidance for how fast it will boost spending this year, Bhatia said, because it gave them a clearer sense that management has a plan and isn't just tossing money around. He said it will take two to three years before the success or failure of this year's investment surge becomes clear. "The difference between 65 percent and 70 percent is just how fast they can hire,'' Bhatia said. "But they're addressing a $500 billion market, with 1.3 billion people on Facebook and 700 million on [Facebook-owned instant-messaging service] WhatsApp, and they need infrastructure to support all that.'' The worry is that Zuckerberg, 30, and his team won't be demanding enough in deciding which projects are promising enough to fund, or tough enough on fat elsewhere in the budget instead of pumping fresh money into hiring engineers, Spencer said (his fund doesn't own Facebook). He thinks Yahoo will eventually make small acquisitions to try to build a new core, but without dramatic deals. "I'm more convinced that Yahoo's move is correct, while Facebook's is what it is,'' he said, pointing to operating profit at Facebook that narrowed by 14 percentage points in the fourth quarter, measured under formal accounting principles rather than the pro forma numbers analysts most often use. "Usually with companies of this size and scale, if their margins start going down, it's not a good sign. I've been wrong so far, but this is just getting started." But Facebook may have learned the opposite lesson from its slow start on mobile, which caused the stock to plunge in the months after its 2012 IPO, Mahaney said. Back then, Facebook was knocked for spending too little to make sure it hit the next big market a misstep he said shoved both eBay and, yes, Yahoo from their places among tech's elite. | 3 | 6,013 | finance |
GLENDALE, Ariz. Darrell Bevell was 20 miles from home, but he really just wanted to go one yard. That was how far the Seattle Seahawks were from the winning touchdown in the final seconds of Sunday's Super Bowl. How they got there was Bevell's decision. As a teenager, Bevell and his father, Jim, would watch film of games together, pushing the button to make it go forward and back and forward again, analyzing what worked and what did not. Jim Bevell was the coach at Chaparral High School in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Darrell Bevell was his star quarterback. "To be able to play in a Super Bowl here, you couldn't even dream it up this good," Darrell Bevell, 45, said last week. And now here he was, with the game's key calculation, the ball at the 1-yard line, the fourth-quarter clock ticking into the final half-minute, the N.F.L.'s toughest running back on the field. But Bevell did not call for a handoff to Marshawn Lynch. Through the headset he called a pass play, as Coach Pete Carroll wanted. Quarterback Russell Wilson was intercepted, and the Seahawks lost, 28-24. Bevell became the goat, not the hometown hero. "That was the worst play call I've seen in the history of football," Emmitt Smith, the former Cowboys running back, wrote on Twitter. Countless critics were equally exasperated by Bevell's decision not to give the ball to Lynch, nicknamed Beast Mode, who had rushed for 4 yards on the previous play and 102 in the game. Former N.F.L. running backs now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, like Smith, were most indignant. "WCE!!!" the former Rams back Eric Dickerson tweeted. "Worst Call Ever. Beast Mode in the backfield and you throw it?" Carroll took responsibility ("There's really nobody to blame but me," he said), and Wilson admitted that he did not make his best throw. But second-guessing flooded past them and washed over Bevell, in charge of Seattle's offense for four years, including during last year's 43-8 Super Bowl victory over Denver. History appears determined to cement the interception as a play-calling blunder as head-shaking as any. "I mean, shoot, it didn't turn out the way I hoped it would, so of course I am sitting here saying, 'Could I do something different?'" Bevell said after the game. His father, now retired and still living in Scottsdale, was among the family and friends in attendance at University of Phoenix Stadium. Days before, Darrell Bevell, married with three daughters, had allowed himself to dream of a winning ending. "That would be extra special," he said. "You get to share it with your friends and your family a little bit. It is right here in your backyard. Everyone gets to say, 'Yeah, I remember when he went to Chaparral.' It is really cool and exciting to be back." Bevell was born in Arizona, started high school in Tucson and moved to Scottsdale to play for his father. He was an all-city quarterback as a sophomore and junior, then missed most of his senior season with a broken finger. He went to Northern Arizona and redshirted his freshman season, then went on a Mormon mission for two years. By then, Brad Childress, an assistant coach at Northern Arizona, had moved on to Wisconsin as an assistant. Bevell headed there. He started for the Badgers for most of four seasons. He helped Wisconsin get its first Rose Bowl victory, in 1994 against U.C.L.A. Undrafted by the N.F.L., though Bevell moved into coaching, like his father. Childress, who had risen to head coach of the N.F.L.'s Minnesota Vikings, gave Bevell his biggest career break, naming him offensive coordinator. Bevell held that position for five seasons, then went to the Seahawks. Bevell has built a dynamic offense around Wilson, a third-year quarterback, and Lynch, the bruising running back, and is a frequent candidate for head-coaching jobs in the N.F.L. His play call in the final moments of the Super Bowl will probably be a question he will be forced to answer repeatedly. Seattle had a 10-point lead before New England quarterback Tom Brady led the Patriots on two fourth-quarter touchdown drives. The Seahawks, suddenly losing, 28-24, got the ball with 2 minutes 2 seconds remaining. Wilson lobbed a pass down the sideline to Lynch for a 31-yard gain, and the clock stopped for the two-minute warning with 1:55 left. After an incompletion, Seattle used its first timeout. There was 1:50 left, and the Seahawks were at New England's 49-yard line. Wilson threw incomplete on second down, but his 11-yard pass to Ricardo Lockette gave Seattle a new set of downs. From the 38-yard line, Wilson lobbed a ball down the right side for Jermaine Kearse, who made one of the more memorable catches in Super Bowl history. In tandem, Lockette and New England cornerback Malcolm Butler leapt for the ball. It bounced off Lockette's hand as both men fell backward to the grass, then ricocheted off one of his knees, then another, then off his hands and into his arms. The Seahawks had a first down at the 5-yard line, and called a timeout with 1:06 left. Bevell called to hand the ball to Lynch, who ran to the left for 4 yards. The clock ticked. The Patriots could have called a timeout, to give themselves more time on offense if Seattle scored. They could have let the Seahawks score immediately for the same reason. "We would have used our timeouts if that had been a running play," Coach Bill Belichick said, though that still would have left the Patriots with just about 20 seconds. The championship would rest on whether the Seahawks would score a touchdown. "We wanted to be really conscious about how much time was on the clock," Bevell said. "We wanted to use as much of it as we could. We had one timeout left, so we ran it on first down and changed the personnel up quick from it." The clock ticked toward 30 seconds. The Patriots inserted their goal line defense, front-loaded with stout linemen. The Seahawks had Lynch in the backfield and three receivers. Bevell, speaking into a headset connected to Carroll and Wilson, called for a pass. It was what Carroll wanted, too. "I told him to throw it, because of the matchup," Carroll told ESPN in the locker room. To the Seahawks, the play would either be a touchdown or an incompletion, which would stop the clock. Seattle would have two plays sandwiching its remaining timeout. "At that moment, I didn't want to waste a run play against their goal line guys," Carroll said. "Throw the ball, we'll come in on third and fourth down, and we can match up. It's a really clear thought." Kearse and Lockette were lined up to the right, covered by two Patriots. The ball was snapped to Wilson, in the shotgun formation, with 26 seconds left. Kearse was jammed by one defender. Lockette cut inside along the goal line and appeared to be open. Wilson threw. He did not anticipate how quickly Butler would surge forward from a few yards deep in the end zone. "I thought it was a touchdown, honestly," Wilson said. Lockette never saw Butler, either. Just as the ball arrived to Lockette's hands, Butler snared it from the air. "In retrospect, we could have easily run it and we wouldn't be talking about this," Carroll said. "We might have got stuffed on third and fourth down. I don't know. This is what happened." Butler stole the game. Bevell had questions to answer. It is a part of being the offensive coordinator. "I know I have a hard job because I think everybody feels like they can call plays, whether it's the guy in his living room or the people in the stadium," Bevell told The Seattle Times in January 2014. "But there is a rhyme and reason why we do everything." He added: "And really, I'm my own worst critic. I like to go back and look at everything I do. Why did I do that? I know there are situations where I wouldn't want to do that again." | 1 | 6,014 | sports |
Last 4 in: Tulsa, Temple, Ole Miss, Miami. First 4 out: Tennessee, North Carolina State, UMass, UCLA. Others considered: Davidson, George Washington, Kansas State, BYU, Alabama, St. Mary's, UConn, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Boise State, Nebraska, Rhode Island, Florida, Washington, Valparaiso, Pittsburgh, Wyoming, UNLV, New Mexico, Oregon, Oregon State, Clemson, Memphis, Louisiana Tech, Purdue, Syracuse, Richmond. Moving in: Ole Miss. Moving out: Washington. No longer considered: Rutgers, Georgia Tech, California, Loyola-Chicago, UTEP, Marquette, Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Bowling Green, Colorado, Evansville. Multi-bid conferences: Big 12 (7), Big East (7), ACC (6), Big Ten (6), SEC (6), AAC (4), Pac-12 (3), Atlantic 10 (2), Conference USA (2), Missouri Valley (2), Mountain West (2). Conference leaders from projected 1-bid conferences (21 total): Albany (America East), FGCU (Atlantic 10), Eastern Washington (Big Sky), High Point (Big South), UC Davis (Big West), William & Mary (CAA), Green Bay (Horizon), Yale (Ivy), Iona (MAAC), Buffalo (Mid-American), North Carolina Central (MEAC), St. Francis-NY (NEC), Murray State (Ohio Valley), Bucknell (Patriot), Wofford (Southern), Stephen F. Austin (Southland), South Dakota State (Summit), Georgia Southern (Sun Belt), Texas Southern (SWAC), New Mexico State (WAC), Gonzaga (West Coast). MIDWEST REGION Louisville (1) Kentucky vs. (16) Play-in: Bucknell/St. Francis (New York) (8) Dayton vs. (9) Texas Jacksonville (5) Baylor vs. (12) Western Kentucky (4) Maryland vs. (13) Iona Columbus (3) Virginia Commonwealth vs. (14) William & Mary (6) Oklahoma vs. (11) Iowa Charlotte (7) Ohio State vs. (10) St. John's (2) Duke vs. (15) FGCU SOUTH REGION Portland (1) Arizona vs. (16) South Dakota State (8) San Diego State vs. (9) LSU Seattle (5) Butler vs. (12) Wofford (4) Wichita State vs. (13) Stephen F. Austin Jacksonville (3) North Carolina vs. (14) Yale (6) Northern Iowa vs. (11) Michigan State Omaha (7) Indiana vs. (10) Xavier (2) Kansas vs. (15) UC-Davis WEST REGION Seattle (1) Gonzaga vs. (16) New Mexico State (8) Stanford vs. (9) Texas A&M Portland (5) West Virginia vs. (12) Green Bay (4) Utah vs. (13) Eastern Washington Pittsburgh (3) Louisville vs. (14) Buffalo (6) Arkansas vs. (11) Old Dominion Columbus (7) SMU vs. (10) Seton Hall (2) Wisconsin vs. (15) Texas Southern EAST REGION Charlotte (1) Virginia vs. (16) Play-in: Georgia Southern/Albany (8) Cincinnati vs. (9) Oklahoma State Omaha (5) Georgetown vs. (12) Play-in: Temple/Miami (Fla.) (4) Iowa State vs. (13) Murray State Louisville (3) Notre Dame vs. (14) North Carolina Central (6) Providence vs. (11) Play-in: Tulsa/Ole Miss Pittsburgh (7) Georgia vs. (10) Colorado State (2) Villanova vs. (15) High Point *** Banned from participating: Wisconsin-Milwaukee, San Jose State, Alabama State, Appalachian State, Florida A&M, Houston Baptist, Lamar, Central Arkansas. Note: All RPI and statistical data is used from WarrenNolan.com . About our bracketologist: Shelby Mast has been projecting the field since 2005 and has finished as one of the top 5 national bracketologists for his website, Bracket W.A.G. He's predicted for The Indianapolis Star, colllegeinsider.com and is an inaugural member of the Super 10 Selection Committee. Follow him on Twitter @BracketWag . | 1 | 6,015 | sports |
The General Motors compensation fund set up to pay victims of ignition-switch-related accidents saw a surge of applications in the final week before last Saturday's deadline. The fund, created to reduce the number of lawsuits the automaker would confront in the courts, received over 1,000 claims last week, to 4,180, GM confirmed on Monday. Detroit-based GM says 455 of these claims are for deaths caused by an engineering miscalculation that causes the ignition key to sometimes accidentally slip out of place. The glitch results in an unexpected engine stall and disabled air bags, power steering and power brakes. Kenneth Feinberg, administrator of GM's ignition compensation claims resolution facility , has offered payments on 51 death claims and 75 claims of injury, including six for serious life-altering conditions like amputation, brain injury and paralysis. Feinberg told CNBC's " Squawk Box " on Monday that the final tally of claims will be out in about 10 days. "We've already noted that about 3,000 of them are either ineligible, deficient they send in a photo or a police report that doesn't say very much, or nothing," he said. "About 1,500 claims have no documentation at all." Feinberg says GM's offers will be at least as much as plaintiffs would win in court. As of Jan. 23, 1,294 claims have been rejected for insufficient proof, while 1,649 are under review. (These numbers do not include the estimated 1,100 claims GM received last week.) Feinberg has said it could take well into the spring to process the claims. More than 150 cases have been filed against GM related to the ignition-switch flaw, including suits from families that object to GM's stance that it will not recognize claims in accidents where the air bags deployed . GM is also fighting drivers who are suing over the lost re-sale value of affected cars, most of them Chevrolet Cobalts and Saturn Ions. GM says the cost of paying out death and injury claims could reach $600 million. General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM) will announced its fourth quarter earnings on Wednesday. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters forecast the world's third-largest automaker earing net profit of $1.42 billion, up from $1.153 billion in the same quarter the previous year. The automaker is seen earning $40.12 billion in revenue, down from $40.49 billion in the fourth quarter of 2013. Per-share earnings are expected to be 80 cents, up from 57 cents in the year-ago quarter. GM's stock was up less than 1 percent to $32.76 in Monday morning trading. The stock has shed 6 percent since the start of 2015, underperforming compared with the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which is down 3.6 percent. GM's share are down 9 percent over the past 12 months while the Dow increased 9.4 percent in the same period of time. | 3 | 6,016 | finance |
Superbowl Commercial: Always #LikeAGir | 8 | 6,017 | video |
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) said parents should have "some measure of choice" when it comes to vaccinating their children. Christie, speaking to reporters during a three-day trip to the United Kingdom, said all four of his children have been vaccinated, but noted he thinks a parent's opinion about the issue is more important than what a public official thinks. "Mary Pat and I have had our children vaccinated and we think that it's an important part of being sure we protect their health and the public health," Christie said, according to The Washington Post. "I also understand that parents need to have some measure of choice in things as well, so that's the balance that the government has to decide," Christie added. His comments break from President Barack Obama's recent remarks urging parents to get their children fully vaccinated amid what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said could become a " large outbreak " of measles. "I understand that there are families that, in some cases, are concerned about the effect of vaccinations," Obama told NBC's Savannah Guthrie in an interview ahead of the Super Bowl on Sunday. "The science is, you know, pretty indisputable. We've looked at this again and again. There is every reason to get vaccinated, but there aren't reasons to not." "You should get your kids vaccinated," he added. "It's good for them and the challenge you have is if you have a certain group of kids who don't get vaccinated, and if it grows large enough that a percentage of the population doesn't get vaccinated and they're the folks who can't get vaccinated, small infants, for example ... they suddenly become much more vulnerable." The CDC has said there are at least 102 reported cases of measles in 14 states. In an interview on CBS's "Face the Nation" Sunday, CDC Director Tom Frieden said that the U.S. is "likely to see more cases." | 5 | 6,018 | news |
BMW has patched a security flaw that left 2.2 million cars, including Rolls Royce and Mini models, open to hackers. The flaw affected models fitted with BMW's ConnectedDrive software, which uses an on-board Sim card. The software operated door locks, air conditioning and traffic updates but no driving firmware such as brakes or steering, BMW said. No cars have actually been hacked, but the flaw was identified by German motorist association ADAC. ADAC's researchers found the cars would try to communicate via a spoofed phone network, leaving potential hackers able to control anything activated by the Sim. The patch, which would be applied automatically, included making data from the car encrypted via HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) - the same security commonly used for online banking, BMW said. "On the one hand, data are encrypted with the HTTPS protocol, and on the other hand, the identity of the BMW Group server is checked by the vehicle before data are transmitted over the mobile phone network," it said in a statement. This should have already been in place, said security expert Graham Cluley. "You would probably have hoped that BMW's engineers would have thought about [using HTTPS] in the first place," he wrote on his blog. "If you are worried that your vehicle may not have received the update (perhaps because it has been parked in an underground car park or other places without a mobile phone signal, or if its starter battery has been disconnected) then you should choose "Update Services" from your car's menu." | 5 | 6,019 | news |
BOSTON (AP) New England Patriots fans from Boston to western Massachusetts celebrated another Super Bowl title raucously, but without the destruction and mayhem that has often followed championship victories by local sports teams. Crowds of mostly college-aged fans gathered in various areas around Boston on Sunday night after the Patriots' 28-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, and although they screamed and chanted, they remained orderly. Most fans were watched carefully by police. Boston police said on their official Twitter account that there were no arrests, adding: ''Way to make your team & city proud.'' Celebrations at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst were also largely restrained. The campus has had problems with violence at prior sports celebrations. Several thousand students poured out of dorms in the Southwest residential area, but a campus spokesman says there was just one arrest. | 1 | 6,020 | sports |
The New England Patriots took home the Lombardi Trophy Sunday night as they beat the Seattle Seahawks 28-24. Laurence Holmes joins us to give his thoughts on the big game. | 1 | 6,021 | sports |
Forget the oddsmakers, if you really want to know who's going to win the big game, break out your copy of Madden. The long-running Electronic Arts (EA) videogame franchise, in its annual prediction of the Super Bowl last week, not only predicted the New England Patriots' last minute comeback to defeat the Seattle Seahawks, it nailed the final 28-24 score. And that was just the start of its Nostradamus-like qualities. Tom Brady's fourth-quarter game-winning pass to Julian Edelman? Yep, it told fans that would happen. MVP? It named Tom Brady long before the NFL got around to it. It also knew the Patriots would score first and what the score would be at the end of the third quarter. The predictions were made on Jan. 26, using a game that was run on Microsoft's (MSFT) Xbox One console system. And the accuracy went way beyond the final score and winning play. Take a look at a few of the statistical predictions of the game, versus the real like performance of the players: Brady: Madden predicted he'd pass for 355 yards with four touchdowns. (He passed for 328 yards with four TDs.) Seahawk running back Marshawn Lynch: Prediction: 188 yards, two TDs. Reality: 102 yards, one TD Edelman: In the Madden simulation, eight catches, 106 yards and one TD. In the Super Bowl, nine catches, 109 yards and one TD While this year was Madden's best prediction to date, the game has an incredible history when it comes to predicting the Super Bowl. In the 12 years that EA has rolled out a prediction, the game has accurately forecast the winner nine times. Five years ago, it came within one point of the final score and nailed precisely how many yards Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes would run. In fairness, when the game gets it wrong, though, it misses by a country mile. It gave the edge in last year's Super Bowl matchup between Denver and Seattle to the Broncos, predicting Peyton Manning would lead his team to a 31-28 victory. (In reality, it was a blowout 43-8 victory by Seattle.) It correctly predicted the outcome of the two Super Bowls prior to that lopsided game, however. EA's other sports franchises aren't too bad at prognostication either. Last year, the company's FIFA series told everyone that Germany was going to win the World Cup well over a month before the game was actually played. (That game also predicted the winner of the 2010 Cup.) | 5 | 6,022 | news |
The Nets continue to receive offers for center Brook Lopez , with the latest coming from the Denver Nuggets . Denver, according to a report from ESPN's Marc Stein , recently offered Brooklyn a package of JaVale McGee , J.J. Hickson and one of the two draft picks it received from Cleveland in the Timofey Mozgov trade in exchange for Lopez. The Nets rejected the deal. Nets Daily has a breakdown of the picks Brooklyn would have received in the deal, plus some analysis on why the Nets decided to pass on Denver's proposal. McGee, an athletic but often injured seven-footer, has played 20 games in the past season and a half, only returning to action this weekend. He is owed a guaranteed $23.2 million over this year and next. Hickson, who comes off the bench in Denver, is owed $11 million over the same period. McGee, Hickson and Lopez are all around the same age. The Nets believe that Lopez's value has increased dramatically in the last month and believe they can wait till the trade deadline for better deals, not just for him, but for Joe Johnson and possible Deron Williams as well . Lopez is averaging 15 points and six rebounds per game this year and is shooting 50 percent from the field. He has one year left on his contract: a player option for the 2015-16 season worth a little less than 17 million. This is also not the first rumor that he's been involved in this year. There were reports that the Nets and Thunder were seriously discussing a deal that would have sent Lopez to Oklahoma City in exchange for Jeremy Lamb and Kendrick Perkins. Before that, Lopez had been mentioned in rumors about a three-team deal involving the Thunder , Nets and Hornets , which also would have had Lopez ending up in Oklahoma City. Miami has been mentioned as a team going after Lopez as well . The Nets are currently 18-28 and 1.5 games behind the Hornets for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. Pistons to sign John Lucas III to 10-day deal With Brandon Jennings out for the year the Pistons are in need of another point guard. According to Marc Stein of ESPN , the man they're targeting is John Lucas III, the 32-year-old veteran who is currently wrapping up his season in China. The plan, according to Stein, is for the Pistons to sign Lucas to a 10-day contract this week. Sources told ESPN.com that the Pistons, who have been looking for another point guard ever since Brandon Jennings suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, are in the process of finalizing a deal with Lucas, who is fresh off completing his season in China. Lucas played in 42 games for the Jazz last year, averaging four points and one assist in 14 minutes per game. In China, playing for Fujian Quanzhou Bank, he averaged 27 points, seven assists and five rebounds per game. For more on Lucas potentially signing with the Pistons, check out Detroit Bad Boys . Mo Williams is on the trade block The Timberwolves guard is attracting interest around the league, according to Darren Wolfson of KTSP in Minnesota. Teams to watch on the Mo Williams front: Cavs, Clippers , and Heat . Small chance Detroit. Nothing imminent. #Twolves return will be minimal. Darren Wolfson (@DarrenWolfson) January 30, 2015 Williams, 32, is averaging 13 points and six assists per game this year. He also memorably dropped 52 points in a Jan. 13 game against the Pacers . Williams can still score and his presence would bolster the bench of any contending team. As for the teams mentioned in Wolfson's tweet: it's worth noting that Williams has a relationship with two of them. He played for the Clippers from 2010-2012 and was with LeBron and the Cavaliers for the '08-'09 and '09-'10 seasons. For a quick breakdown of how Williams would fit with the Pistons, check out Detroit Bad Boys ' writeup. | 1 | 6,023 | sports |
Mets' arbitration season is over as they agree with Duda on a $4.2 million deal. One day before his 29th birthday, first baseman Lucas Duda has agreed to terms with the New York Mets on a $4.2 million deal for 2015, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. Duda, who made $1.9 million in 2014, is coming off a breakout season where he batted .234/.349/.481 with 30 home runs and 92 RBIs. He had the third-highest wRC+ among first baseman in the National League behind only Anthony Rizzo and Freddie Freeman. This is his second year of arbitration and he will be eligible to become a free agent after the 2016 season. This agreement means the Mets have successfully avoided arbitration with all of their eligible players this year. Ruben Tejada signed for $1.88 million; Jenrry Mejia signed for $2.595 million; Dillon Gee signed for $5.3 million; Daniel Murphy signed for $8 million; and Bobby Parnell signed for $3.7 million. The Mets have not gone to arbitration since 2008 with Oliver Perez . | 1 | 6,024 | sports |
Depending on what you read, the market for step-and-sleep-tracking wristbands is either set to explode, or is hanging in a wobbly balance while everyone waits for the Apple Watch to deal the death blow. Both of these things might be true. As a result, we've seen a bunch of new wrist wearables hurriedly announced over the past few months. That includes not one, but three new Fitbits : The $130 Charge, the $150 Charge HR and the $250 Surge. Fitbit is in an interesting position. The seven-year-old, San Francisco-based maker of wireless health products claims a 68 percent share of the activity-tracking device market in the U.S; it now sells six different wearables. Two of its new products include optical heart-rate sensors, a growing trend in wearables ; the Surge is Fitbit's first-ever watch for fitness buffs. But competition is coming in from all sides. Everyone from Jawbone to Garmin to Intel to Apple is elbowing in with new, compelling health trackers. Let's assume for a moment that you're considering a new Fitbit. Which one should you buy? I've been testing the three new models over the past six weeks, syncing them up with my iPhone (Fitbit's app runs on iOS, Android and Windows, and also syncs to the web). I've had mostly positive experiences with them, but my biggest concern is the accuracy of the heart-rate sensors in the Charge HR and the Surge. And when it comes to dedicated fitness watches, the Surge isn't totally comprehensive. Charge Let's call the $130 Charge what it is: A do-over. Last year, Fitbit was forced to recall its Force activity-tracking wristband after a small percentage of users suffered from skin rashes . So the Charge is essentially the Force, made with new materials and incorporating a couple new features. The flexible, elastomer Charge is filled with sensors that track steps, sleep, stairs climbed, calories burned and distance traveled. My least favorite feature of the Charge is the clasp: It awkwardly fastens to your wrist with two rubber teeth pressed into a railroad-style strap. The best feature is its tiny, OLED display (which the Flex, yet another Fitbit, lacks). You can just toggle through the display to see time of day or how many steps you've taken, without having to open up the Fitbit mobile app. The Charge also has Caller ID, which means if you pair the wristband with your smartphone via Bluetooth, the display will show you when someone is calling. I wore the Charge on and off for over a month, for around 10 days at a clip. I wore it while I hoofed around Las Vegas at International CES (where I had a banner day of more than 14,000 steps). I wore it in the shower which Fitbit advises against and I wore it through some sweaty workouts. I never experienced any skin irritation. I liked the Caller ID notifications. And battery life was superb, usually lasting between eight and 10 days. But it's not uncommon to go for a bike ride, or go to a yoga class, and still have the Fitbit app tell you you've been dismally inactive. This Fitbit doesn't track everything. And that may be why a lot of them end up in drawers. Bottom line : The Fitbit Charge is fine for people who want some type of wristband with display, who want to keep track of their steps and sleep patterns, and who like the idea of Caller ID on the wrist. That's about it. As a fitness motivator, it's kind of a "Yay, you're actually doing something!" kind of thing. The Charge is not a product for people who do a variety of workouts, or want to know precisely how many miles they're running. Charge HR The $150 Charge HR looks so similar to the Charge that it would easy to mistake one for the other when you go to buy one. The Charge HR has the same tiny OLED display, and measures all of the metrics listed above steps, sleep, etc. Here's the key difference: The Charge HR has optical heart-rate sensors on the underside of the band. As a result, the Charge HR is ever-so-slightly heavier than the Charge, and has more of a standard watch buckle, to ensure that the band fits snugly. And its battery life, when I tried it, was just about five days per charge. Let's take a step back for a moment. Why would you want to measure your heart rate all day and how does Fitbit's heart-rate technology work? Heart rate is an important benchmark for your overall physical health. According to the Mayo Clinic, a lower resting heart rate implies more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness. That's true for everybody not just athletes. Athletes like to use heart rate as an indicator of how hard they're really working out. Fitbit's optical heart-rate sensors work by shining tiny green lights through the skin on your wrist and measuring your blood flow. Fitbit calls its proprietary technology PurePulse, though it's not too dissimilar from the sensors others are using. I became slightly addicted to checking my heart rate throughout the day, but the Charge HR was disappointing during workouts. In my experience, the heart-rate reading I got from the wristband rarely matched the reading I got from a chest strap. It was not unusual for me to get my heart rate up to 160 during a spin class, according to the data captured with the chest strap, and have the Charge HR tell me my heart rate was around 130. This has been the case with other optical heart-rate sensors I've tried, as well. Fitbit says that since heart rate fluctuates very rapidly, the reading on the wrist might not be a real-time measurement, and there might be a lag of several seconds before the Charge HR "catches up." But even my averages at the end of workouts seemed off. Bottom line: The Charge HR is ideal for people who want the basic features of a Charge, and like the idea of knowing their resting heart rate. But serious athletes need not apply. They'll want a more accurate method of tracking heart rate during workouts. Surge The Surge is the mother of Fitbits. The company's first wearable aimed at athletes and fitness buffs, it's also Fitbit's first wristband with a watch form factor. Let's get looks out of the way. The Surge is not particularly attractive. It's not as geeky as most smart watches, but it's not something I enjoy wearing out at night (though I have done so). It just looks like a giant freaking Fitbit, one with a backlit, touchscreen display. There are three physical buttons: A home button on the left side, which also doubles as a shortcut to the "Run" screen, and two selection buttons on the right side of the watch face. The Surge is equipped with GPS, for running and hiking. In addition to those activities, the watch will record treadmill runs, spinning, weight lifting, elliptical, yoga and general "workout" sessions. Like the other two, it pairs with your smartphone to show Caller ID notifications on the wrist, as well as text messages. It does this over Bluetooth LE, which is also how it syncs activity data to your smartphone app. You can also use the watch the control your smartphone music, provided that the two devices are paired over Bluetooth Classic (yes, two different kinds of Bluetooth). Finally, the Surge has the same optical heart-rate sensor technology as the Charge HR, for all-day heart-rate readings over the wrist. Here's what I liked about the Surge, which I've been testing over the past week. It has an intuitive interface. Initially, I was confused by the fact that there's a shortcut to "Run," but all other activities are listed under "Exercise." Now it makes sense. I also really liked that I could record a weight-lifting session, or a yoga class, just by going to that option in the menu and pressing a physical button. Few other wearables track these types of activities, so most of the time I just manually log these in a workout app. Despite its size, the Surge was comfortable to wear to bed, for sleep-tracking. Battery life was okay. Like most fitness watches, utilizing GPS really has an impact on this. I got a "low battery" warning after four days of use, and I managed to extend the life by another day by turning the backlight from Auto to Off. The downsides: It's a fitness watch, and it doesn't track outdoor cycling or swimming. The former might be added in future updates to the watch, but the latter won't be it's not waterproof. More importantly, the heart-rate readings during workouts once again seemed off. Fitbit suggested that I wear the Surge further up my wrist, where blood flow might my better, but even when I tried that, I got a wild variety of heart-rate readings during a spin class last Friday, as compared again with a chest strap. Finally, there's the app component to all this. Fitbit's app is fine. And it will share your data to some other apps, like RunKeeper. I'm also told it will soon work with Strava (yay). But Fitbit's app doesn't sync with Apple's HealthKit and Google Fit, both of which which act as health-data repositories on smartphones. So if you have a workout app you absolutely love, you'll want to check here first to see if Fitbit connects to it. Bottom line: If you're a triathlete, Fitbit's Surge watch isn't for you. If you want precise, real-time heart-rate readings during workouts, it's not for you, either. If you're a runner who wants a GPS watch that gives you an idea of what your heart rate is, without needing a chest strap, and you sometimes do things like yoga and weight lifting and spin, you have my blessing. | 5 | 6,025 | news |
Pennsylvania's most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his burrow and after seeing his shadow, predicts six more weeks of winter. Rough Cut (no reporter narration). | 8 | 6,026 | video |
Winter may be here to stay for a bit longer, but you can still get inspired with these 17 fresh recipes for spring. Herb-Roasted New Potatoes Get the recipe. Watch: How to Cook With Herbs (4:08) Dandelion Greens Salad Get the recipe. Watch: Choosing Salad Greens (1:54) Peas in Mint Cream Get the recipe. Roasted Spring Onions Get the recipe. Watch: How Roasting Affects Vegetables (3:11) Spring Rice Salad Get the recipe. Watch: How to Flavor Rice (1:42) Blinis with Smoked Salmon Get the recipe. Watch: How to Test Salmon for Doneness (2:34) Spring Minestrone Get the recipe. Watch: Making Stock-Based Clear Soups (3:39) Asparagus Frittata Get the recipe. Watch: Making a Basic Frittata (7:02) Pasta with Prosciutto, Snap Peas, Mint and Cream Get the recipe. Watch: Pasta Cooking Essentials (2:12) Creamy Parmesan Primavera Pasta Get the recipe. Watch: Matching Sauces to Pasta (1:33) Arugula Prosciutto Pizza Get the recipe. Roasted Tarragon Chicken with Spring Carrots and Peas Get the recipe. Watch: Roasting & Serving Chicken (3:00) Chicken with Spring Vegetables Get the recipe. Roast Lamb Shoulder with Mint Get the recipe. You also might like: How to Debone and Tie a Lamb Loin (5:42) and Tips on Buying Lamb Stew Meat (00:32) Veal Chops, Cherry Gastric, Veal Sweetbreads Get the recipe. Cherries Jubilee Get the recipe. Lavender Scones Get the recipe. | 0 | 6,027 | foodanddrink |
Some of the web's biggest companies have been paying to get around AdBlock Plus, according to a new report from Financial Times . Microsoft's Bing search ads and Taboola's "recommended links" box are among the ads that are currently slipping through AdBlock's filter, and FT confirms that it's the intentional result of a paid deal between the makers of AdBlock and the owners of the ads. According to FT sources, the companies have paid Eyeo (the maker of AdBlock) to be added to an official whitelist, which allows them to bypass the plug-in. Google and Amazon have similar deals, the report suggests. Eyeo has discussed the whitelist in the past as part of the company's "acceptable ads" program , which is designed to let less aggressive advertising through the filter and encourage companies to tone down their ads. The program is optional for users, but encouraged. "By doing this you support websites that rely on advertising but choose to do it in a non-intrusive way," the AdBlock website reads. But while enlisting as part of the program is free for smaller companies, giants like Google and Microsoft appear to be paying hefty fees to participate and are bankrolling much of AdBlock's development in the process. | 5 | 6,028 | news |
Check out some of the best Super Bowl-inspired memes from Katy Perry's halftime performance. | 8 | 6,029 | video |
No matter how crazy you are about your career, chances are that at one point or another you've made like The Clash and posed yourself the question point-blank: Should I stay or should I go? Hell, for some, this might even be an everyday occurrence. The conventional wisdom tends to be something along the lines of "If you're not happy, move on!" Which, sure, is ideal, but at the end of the day, declaring "I quit!" to your boss amidst a sea of slow claps only flies in the movies. In reality, there are so many economical, professional, and personal factors to consider before giving your notice. Not to mention real incentives for holding off after all, pressure makes diamonds, as they say.To prove just this, we consulted three career experts, who laid out some pretty convincing reasons not to throw in the towel just yet. 1. You don't have a back-up plan. "Most people leave one unhappy situation just to end up in another. Or worse, no job at all. Later you may decide to leave, but do your research and strategize a career plan first. An unhappy job becomes far less unhappy if you know you're working on a plan for the future." Eileen Sharaga, career counselor and psychologist 2. Money, obviously. "Before you do anything impulsive, crank out the numbers. Having cash flow is key, as well as that 401k matching program. There's always the cold hard fact of salary versus the dream of telling your boss you're leaving pronto." Vicki Salemi, career expert and author of Big Career in the Big City 3. The benefits are crucial to your current lifestyle. "If you're thinking about starting a family, you might not want to leave a job with disability insurance and/or maternity leave benefits." Lindsey Pollak, millennial workplace expert 4. Your job provides stability while you concentrate on other things. "Maybe the job is a way to pay the bills while you build a small business on the side or are focused on family. As long as you are competently doing your work, you don't have to be in love with a job to stay in it for the time being." LP 5. A tough job can be an awesome learning experience. "If you're unhappy because you're working long hours and getting crushed with difficult assignments, perhaps the experience is worth it for the skill set you're building. Pushing through a tough situation as long as you're learning and growing can be a great story to tell in your next job interview, or a reason you're noticed for a raise or promotion." LP 6. You haven't thought through why you're unhappy. "Is it your boss? The company? The industry? The work itself? Pinpoint the issue. You're fortunate to have a job in this economy and you may be able to work within your existing company to refine and reshape your current job into one that's more satisfying and more fulfilling." ES 7. The alternative might not be as great as you think. "Sleeping in until 11 a.m. and taking that noon spin class at your gym sounds pretty enticing. But after a week or two the novelty will wear off. And as much as you get that pit-in-the-stomach feeling on Sunday nights, that other potential pit of being unemployed and, dare I say it, bored, could actually be worse." VS 8. You need to keep your skills sharp. "If you quit now and don't have another job lined up, not only will there be a gap in your resume, there'll be a gap in your skills. They may get rusty. Although you're not exactly pumped, stay in the routine of coming to work every day as there is hopefully at least one aspect you like about it. Leverage that piece and stay on top of your game." VS 9 9. You can keep your networking contacts alive and well . "You'll have more time and opportunities to network internally for that next job. Maybe there's someone in marketing who worked on a cool project invite him or her to lunch. Maybe your former boss just got promoted time for celebratory drinks! Enjoy having internal connections at your fingertips." VS 10. Your situation is temporary, so make the best of it. "You know that quote that says, 'If you're going through hell, keep going?' It's true. Hang in there. This is a temporary chapter adopt an attitude of gratitude. Focus on small things to get you through the day-to-day as you pound the pavement to get out and get out fast." VS | 4 | 6,030 | lifestyle |
Photos via Design Boom As promised, "street" and "chic" have met and made nice with the debut of a three-piece furniture collaboration between gothy fashion designer Alexander Wang and Italian label Poltrona Frau. This much-hyped collection is now on view at the Alexander Wang Flagship Store at 103 Grand Street in NYC, and more importantly, for our purposes, some detailed images of the pieces recently surfaced. Time to take a closer look. The pairing matches Wang's swagged-out Mad Max aesthetic with Frau's legacy of quality leather craftsmanship. Ahead, all-black beanbag-style chairs and a trunk bar fit for at the very least a mid-level duke, each with brass accents shining through all that black. This $8,800 adult beanbag chair sports leather upholstery and brass footing. It looks perfect for slouching back in your all-black jogging ensemble and kicking those sporty Nikes into the air. Like the leather version, the velvet one has a nine-sided base. Edgy! Closed, the $18,500 trunk bar is reminiscent of a slim little black dress with a zipper running down the back. Inside, curvy brass shelves are there for only your most serious liquors. Kara King · Alexander Wang fashions limited edition furniture for Poltrona Frau [Design Boom] | 4 | 6,031 | lifestyle |
Minecon is back. The annual celebration of all things Minecraft will return in 2015, after going on hiatus last year. This year's convention will be taking place in London this July, and developer Mojang expects around 10,000 attendees. That's a good deal larger than the last Minecon, in which 7,500 people turned up in Orlando in 2013. Tickets will go on sale sometime this month, and they'll likely go fast: the 2012 Minecon sold out in just two hours. Despite last year's hiatus, the return of Minecon shouldn't be too much of a surprise, as the game remains hugely popular even though it was released in 2009. Of course, Minecraft has also changed quite a bit since the last event in Orlando there's everything from a feature film in the works to an upcoming story-based adventure game from the studio behind The Walking Dead . It's become a cultural touchstone referenced by late night talk shows and Lego . Oh, and Microsoft purchased the game and its studio for $2.5 billion , and could potentially turn Minecraft into a killer app for its new holographic goggles . Minecon 2015 will be taking place on July 4th and 5th at the ExCeL London Exhibition and Conference Centre. | 5 | 6,032 | news |
No venture capitalist is crazier about outer space than Steve Jurvetson, who has been listening to unrealistic space company pitches for two decades. In the early 2000s, he helped back SpaceX. But mostly he's impatiently waited for space to turn into Silicon Valley's next playground the kind of pulse-quickening, virgin land of hope and opportunity that the Internet once was. Well, this is space's Netscape moment, Jurvetson tells me. As often happens in technology, a bunch of advances in different fields are converging to make space less the final frontier and more like the next startup garage. In 1995, Netscape's explosive IPO signaled that several technologies the PC, software, the clunky government-run Internet, Tim Berners-Lee's hyperlinking and Netscape's graphical browser had come together to create a world-changing new platform. Today, cheap launch capabilities from SpaceX and Virgin Galactic, plus smartphone technology, cloud computing and big data, are keys to the space platform. Space is the new Internet. This is not about human exploration that might turn Kepler-186f into Earth's suburb in five generations. It's about new companies and money to be made 200 miles up in the next five years. Events have started to unfold quickly. In January, Google and investment company Fidelity announced they would pump $1 billion into SpaceX. Together, the companies plan to put 4,000 tiny satellites into low-Earth orbit to provide global Internet access. Also last month, Richard Branson's Virgin Group teamed with smartphone chipmaker Qualcomm to develop OneWeb , which intends to send up to 2,400 satellites into orbit to similarly blanket the planet with Internet. Over the past decade, both SpaceX and Virgin have been working on building a reusable spacecraft that can take satellites into orbit, drop them off and come back for another load. And both are close to succeeding. That will be a huge factor in making space cheap and accessible. In the old model, every rocket could be used only once, which made getting into space prohibitively expensive. It cost $300 million or more to launch a satellite, so hardly anyone did it. Imagine if every time UPS delivered a package to your door, the truck then blew up. You wouldn't get many packages. SpaceX and Virgin can't put up thousands of satellites without developing cheap, reusable launch technology and, in turn, launching thousands of satellites will help drive down costs and improve the technology. At the same time, all those launches will provide lots of opportunity for satellite hitchhiking. Jumping into some available space for a ride to orbit didn't make much sense when satellites were at least the size of cars. But the same kind of technology that's put a touch-screen computer in your pocket is helping reduce satellites to the size of a loaf of bread. The cost of both making satellites and putting them up is crashing. In fact, launching a satellite is going to get 10,000 times cheaper than it is today. "I've never seen something in business where the costs will come down by 10,000 times," Jurvetson says. And the falling cost creates room for something fantastically important in technology: experimentation. One young company, Planet Labs , calls this new era "agile aerospace." Planet Labs sends up tiny satellites that gather images and data, and it just closed a $95 million investment round. Basically, the once-enormous barriers to building space-based technology are shriveling. That's igniting the imaginations of entrepreneurs, who can now think more about what to do in space rather than how to get there. SpaceX's Elon Musk, Branson and their partners have presumably run the numbers and found they can serve up connectivity to, oh, a couple of billion people with satellites that cover the Earth. These customers might be folks who live in remote regions. They might also be Iranians who are tired of having their Internet blocked. That could have an interesting impact on world affairs. True, we've seen attempts at satellite-based global networks before. Teledesic and Iridium were both colossal failures in the 1990s. But the platform wasn't right satellites and launches were too expensive and the devices and demand on the ground weren't there yet. One early and obvious space business is imaging or, really, big data from imaging. This is where Planet Labs, Skybox Imaging and a few other companies are heading. The idea: Cover the planet with low-orbit cameras that can monitor every crop on every farm or count every car at every Wal-Mart and do it daily, all over the world. Such information doesn't yet exist. A hedge fund would love to have it. "When launch costs drop, new customers will emerge," Dick David, chief executive officer of space industry information provider NewSpace Global, told Fortune . "But most of the customers that will be interested don't even realize today what impact access to space will have on their business models." "And then there's all the stuff we haven't thought of yet," Jurvetson says. It's hard to see what a new platform will engender. In 1995, Amazon.com sold books, Yahoo was an Internet directory, and a few newspapers started putting stories online. Nobody had heard of blogs, social networks, streaming music or software as a service. Similarly, as it gets easier and cheaper to build a space business, a new generation of entrepreneurs will create technology and applications that would barely make sense to us today. As some investors point out, swarms of new satellites in orbit will generate business ideas for servicing that ecosystem like how to revitalize dead satellites or clear out old space flotsam. By that point, business in Earth's orbit will seem so ordinary, we'll see ads for 1-800-GOT-SPACEJUNK on late-night Golden Girls reruns, and that one small step for man will have turned into something more like the Christmas stampede at the Mall of America. | 5 | 6,033 | news |
She's creating a full menu for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Hospital food is notorious for being awful, but Miami-based chef Michelle Bernstein (Michy's) is hoping to change that. According to CBS , the chef is teaming up with a group of South Florida hospitals to create a special menu for patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. Find Michelle's recipe collection here . Bernstein will develop "two signature recipes" alongside a full menu. The James Beard Award-winning chef will also personally train and "provide assistance to" the kitchen staff of the hospitals. There's no word on what the menu will look like, but Bernstein is known for her skill with Latin flavors. A hospital in France has also taken measures to improve their patients' stay: CHU Clermont-Ferrand Hospital allows terminally ill patients to indulge in "medically supervised" wine drinking. They are given access to everything from wine to Champagne to whiskey. | 0 | 6,034 | foodanddrink |
It comes in a fancy wooden box. Sick of Sriracha? Need a new sauce to squirt on everything? You're in luck: According to the Independent , McDonald's is finally selling bottles of its super secret, questionably orange, Big Mac Special Sauce . Yes, now you can make everything taste like hangovers and broken childhood memories. Until now, the only way customers could get their hands on the sauce was to eat copious amounts of Big Macs, or attempt to make one of the thousands of copycat recipes . Only 200 500ml bottles are being produced and the first is currently up for grabs on eBay. If you have nearly $18,000 to blow that is. Currently, the bid is at $23,000 AUD ( $18,056 USD ) with eight days left to go, and all proceeds will go to charity. The description on eBay might just sell you on the hefty price tag: It promises that the sauce will make everything taste better including Hungarian Goulash and "your boyfriend's gross lasagne" because it will all just taste like a Big Mac. Plus with 500ml to experiment with "you'll have enough to impress your friends at dinner parties, cheat your way to cooking show fame, and get elected as Prime Minister!" If you miss your chance on eBay (or don't want to drop thousands of dollars) and can get to Australia, Metro writes that McDonald's will sell 600 25ml tubs of the sauce in locations around the country for just 50 cents ($.39 USD). The Independent notes that lines will probably be around the block. Perhaps if McDonald's sold the sauce full time, it could save the struggling chain from financial ruin . | 0 | 6,035 | foodanddrink |
WASHINGTON President Barack Obama launched Monday into the first clash in a series of budget battles as he unveiled his nearly $4-trillion spending plan, immediately calling on Republicans to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security despite their objections to his new immigration policy that the agency will carry out. "Don't jeopardize our national security over this disagreement," Obama said Monday in remarks at the department. Its funding is set to expire at the end of the month. He warned Republicans not to "play politics" with economic and national security. Obama made the push as he released a budget for fiscal 2016 aimed at securing his political position as the defender of the middle class. His plan blows past mandatory spending caps to beef up programs that benefit lower- and middle-income Americans and proposes to pay for the programs with tax hikes on the wealthiest taxpayers, major corporations and financial firms. The document completes Obama's shift from years of grim economic forecasts and austerity cuts into what he's labeled "America's resurgence." His budget projects an unemployment rate of 5.4 percent in 2016 and falls to a low of 4.9 percent in 2017 and 2018 before climbing slightly over the next several years. Over that same period, Obama's plan would essentially maintain deficit spending at the current levels as a slice of the economy around 2.5 percent of gross domestic product and would continue to add to the debt over the next decade. Obama made the case Monday for the increased investment as necessary to sustain a strong recovery and to ensure the success of U.S. missions abroad. "We can afford to make these investments while remaining fiscally responsive," Obama said. "In fact ... we can't afford not to." Obama's approach won poor marks from advocates of entitlement reform. "Failing to address the drivers of the debt will ultimately undermine the president's other priorities," said Maya MacGuineas, president of the bipartisan advocacy group Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. "The focus on promoting investment today will do little good if our massive debt is choking the investments of tomorrow. And the desire to strengthen middle-class families cannot be fulfilled if Social Security and Medicare remain on a path to insolvency with huge across-the-board cuts looming in the future." Republicans have already declared much of the new spending a liberal pipe dream with no chance of winning approval a point the White House did not dispute. Still, the plan was an opening offer with elements meant to draw Republicans into talks. The president's budget includes a proposal to overhaul how companies pay taxes on offshore profits with a one-time 14 percent tax and a 19 percent tax rate going forward. The plan would pay for roughly half of a new $478 billion public-works program. Republicans have signaled their openness to such a scheme in the past. Obama's budget also calls to end the so-called sequestration budget restraints set to take effect this spring. Republicans also have expressed interest on removing the caps although only for defense spending. Obama indicated he was ready to use that as leverage in winning money for domestic programs. "I'm not going to accept a budget that locks in sequestration going forward," Obama said, adding that he would oppose a deal that "severs the vital link" between defense spending and domestic priorities. "Those two things go hand in hand," he said. | 5 | 6,036 | news |
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has now won four Super Bowls -- and he will be 38 when the 2015 NFL season gets underway. | 8 | 6,037 | video |
Egyptian Courts have just sentenced 183 men to die because of their alleged involvement in the deaths of 16 police officers in 2013. | 8 | 6,038 | video |
A kid jumps on a moving treadmill and falls. | 8 | 6,039 | video |
A man is under arrest after he pulled over a real officer while pretending to be an officer himself. Gillian Pensavalle (@GillianWithaG) has the story. | 8 | 6,040 | video |
It's Groundhog Day! And with six more weeks of winter headed our way, Punxsutawney Phil is retreating back into his burrow. With that in mind, Jordan Cornette is retreating back and giving us his best plays of the season so far. | 1 | 6,041 | sports |
WASHINGTON (AP) Casey Janssen and the Washington Nationals have finalized a one-year contract that includes a mutual option for 2016 and guarantees the reliever $5 million. Janssen had spent his entire big league career with the Toronto Blue Jays, going 29-24 with 90 saves and a 3.52 ERA since 2006. The right-hander had 25 saves in 30 chances with a 3.94 ERA last year but struggled following a stomach illness during the second half of the season, believed to be caused by food poisoning or a virus. Washington, which announced the agreement Monday, was in the market for a late-inning arm after trading Tyler Clippard and trading Ross Detwiler to Texas and allowing Rafael Soriano to become a free agent. Drew Storen is expected to be the closer. Janssen gets a $3.5 million salary this year, and the option is for $7 million with a $1.5 million buyout. He can earn $500,000 annually in performance bonuses based on games: $100,000 each for 40 and each additional five through 60. Right-hander Eric Fornataro was designated for assignment to clear a roster spot. | 1 | 6,042 | sports |
PHOENIX -- The doorbell could ring at midnight or at 7 a.m. and the brief visits could come three weeks apart or three days in a row. But not matter the timing, Mark Grace had to provide a plastic cup of reassurance -- until the next ring. "It sucked," Grace said recently. It is finally over. Grace is on the other side of unsupervised probation following a second DUI offense in August 2012; the conviction included a stay in Tent City. Grace's probation was scheduled to end last week but was reduced for good behavior. His driver's license was returned two weeks ago, the final legal hurdle in a return to good graces. The Diamondbacks believe in the good Grace. When the tough times hit, they remained in Grace's corner. A job as coach with the organization's Arizona League rookie team in 2013 turned into a job as hitting coach at short-season Hillsboro in 2014 before another advancement this offseason, when manager Chip Hale hired him as Turner Ward's assistant hitting coach. It was not a difficult call, D-backs president/CEO Derrick Hall said. "He has been great to this game and to our organization," Hall said. "He deserves the same loyalty from us that he has shown. He is important to us and can make a difference in the development of our players. He was sincere and honest with us and showed tremendous regret. This is also selfish on our part because we believe in his talent and his knowledge of the game." Grace does not take lightly the loyalty shown by Hall and managing partner Ken Kendrick. "I'm fortunate that they believed in me. Not a whole lot of people are believed in as much as I was in that situation," Grace said between working with some of the D-backs' hitters assembled at Salt River Fields three weeks before spring training starts. "I have an unbelievable amount of gratitude. I'm not about to mess this up. They've been too good to me. I'm not going to embarrass them or the organization or myself anymore." A baseball lifer, Grace, 50, obviously has a lot to offer. He was one of the preeminent two-way first basemen during his 16 seasons, the first 13 with the Chicago Cubs and the last three with the Diamondbacks, where he won a 2001 World Series ring. He was the first D-backs player to homer in Yankee Stadium, as he was the first player to drop one into the Chase Field pool while with the Cubs. Less remembered but perhaps most valuable was his leadoff single in the ninth inning of Game 7 of the World Series, the hit that started the D-backs on their Series-winning rally. Grace had 1,774 hits in the 1990s, the most in the majors that decade, and was a career .303 hitter as a three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner. With a resume that full, Grace would seem a good fit to assist Ward. The way Grace describes it, he and Ward will double-team hitters while reinforcing the same message, one that deals not only with the different mechanics that make each hitter unique but also with a general message of positivity. "To get these guys, every time they step to the plate, so that they are brimming with confidence, whether they are facing a No. 1 starter or a middle reliever," Grace said. "Just go up there with the confidence to know that they not only can achieve success, but that they will. A confident baseball player is a very good baseball player." Grace's methods worked with Hillsboro last season, where with manager J.R. House and former NL Cy Young winner Doug Drabek as pitching coach, the Hops won the Northwest League championship. It was a long road back to the field, although Grace was never far away from the game. After retiring in 2004, Grace spent the next nine years as analyst on the D-backs' TV network and the FOX national network, equal parts humor and inside knowledge, before losing his job because of his legal troubles. Grace was interviewed as a candidate for the D-backs' managerial position that went to first Wally Backman and finally Bob Melvin in 2005, but that was a close as he got to a full-time on-field position until he joined the Arizona League in 2013. His willingness to start his coaching career at the bottom was an indicator of his commitment, Hall said. "That tells us a lot about Mark Grace," Hall said. "He embraced it and made a difference, and now he is at the big league level, where he belongs. He had an incredible career and is one of the best hitters the game has ever seen. He will have great influence on our players when it comes to being prepared, being a professional and prolonging their careers. I see a man who is passionate about his craft and wants to give back. "He has always been a team player with a positive outlook on life and career." Grace believes he is back where he is meant to be. "I love doing this," he said. "I told people when I got in trouble, it was terrible and it was awful, but it ended up being a blessing. Had that not happened, I would have never gotten to realize how much I love coaching. It's always been something that I wanted to do, but you kind of do the broadcasting thing. The organization likes what you do, the fans like what you do, so you do it. "But the uniform is special to a baseball player and former baseball player. You don't get the adrenaline flow in the booth that you get in the dugout. You're not as near to the action as you are when you are in the dugout. The competitive juices ... you live and die vicariously through your hitters and your pitchers. You grow to love them. When you get to watch a player improve on a summer league basis and watch him get better, all of a sudden things that he wasn't able to do in April he is able to do in June, and not only do it but do it well, it's a great feeling. That you got a job done there." Follow Jack Magruder on Twitter | 1 | 6,043 | sports |
1. Settle Up With the Bartender If you're at the bar having a drink while waiting to be seated for dinner, pay your bill before you leave. If transferring your bill to the table will make life easier, be sure to leave a cash tip for the bartender before you go. When you transfer the drinks to your dinner tab, the bartender loses out most, if not all of the tip money. In many restaurants, servers tip-out ten percent of their tips to the bartender at the end of the night. So even though the bartender made and served the drink, she won't see a fifteen percent tip from the drink she made for you. 2. Don't Be High Maintenance When you're demanding and rude to a bartender or waitress, it's stressful to everyone, especially to the people with you. The server is not your servant. If the server makes a mistake, be gracious and forgiving. There are other people around who need service as well. Waiting on customers is not an easy job. 3. No Cellphones in the Restaurant or Bar Unless you're a doctor on call, or your wife is going into labor, do not answer your phone or send texts at any point during the evening when you are with others. The work emails, social media, and games can also wait. If for some reason you MUST make a call or answer your phone, excuse yourself from the room where others are drinking and dining, and conduct your conversation in solitude as you would have done in the days of pay phones. 4. Teach Your Children How to Dine Out You can't expect young children to sit still through an entire meal, eat with their knives and forks, or engage in meaningful conversation. What can be expected by the wait staff and your fellow patrons at the restaurant is that children at your table will be able to remain in their seats for the entire meal and not run around the restaurant. Bring paper and crayons, a book, or a mini chess game, and let your kids get to work. Allowing them to explore the restaurant while others are dining is inappropriate and potentially dangerous. 5. Respect the Chain of Command If something goes wrong while dining out, seek the help of the expert before the executive. Don't like where you've been seated? See the hostess. Unhappy with a wobbly table? Ask the busboy for help. Fish overcooked? Alert the server. If these knowledgeable individuals are not able to help, then it's appropriate to contact the manager, owner, or, in an extreme case, the corporate office. 6. Be Mindful of Your Friends' Incomes For many people, dining out is a luxury. If you're not planning on picking up the check, don't start ordering dishes or appetizers for the table unless you make it clear that those items should be put on your bill. For a couple on a tight budget, dining out with a couple who has a large or unlimited income can make the evening stressful and unpleasant, especially when your affluent friends order expensive wines and multiple appetizers for the table but expect the bill for them to be split evenly. The couple watching their pennies will most likely not speak up in an effort to avoid looking cheap and being embarrassed. When you're ordering, you can say to the server, "And we'd like the gourmet appetizer plate for the table but please put that on our check." That also eliminates the need to ask for separate bills. You just made it clear that that's what you want. 7. Be Ready to Order on the Third Pass Every time you send the server or bartender away with a request for more time to make a decision about what to eat or drink, you risk losing his/her for what may seem like an eternity. Catch up with your friends but get the ordering out of the way first. Then your server can do her job to make you happy and you can dive into conversation without continuous interruptions. 8. Prepare for Sticker Shock The old expression, "If you need to ask, you can't afford it" still holds true in most fine restaurants and bars. It is not the responsibility of the server or bar staff to broadcast the cost of the specials; it is the customer's responsibility to ask. If that feels embarrassing, choose an item on the menu with a listed price. If you choose to order without asking for the price, prepare for sticker shock. 9. Out-tip with Class When the check is split, you are entitled to leave more than the standard fifteen percent tip; however, there is no need to announce your generosity. No one likes a show-off. Without drawing attention to yourself, leave that fat tip quietly. Buy Jordan & Jocelyn's book here. | 4 | 6,044 | lifestyle |
More than four months have passed since Miami Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton took a fastball to the face, prematurely ending his MVP-worthy season. Stanton, who sustained several facial fractures and dental damage Sept. 11, plans to wear a protective face guard when batting this season. When speaking with media after signing his record-breaking 13-year, $325 million deal in November, Stanton said he had been in contact with St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jason Heyward, who has worn a face guard since getting hit by a pitch August 2013 while with the Atlanta Braves. "There's no concerns on our part," president of baseball operations Michael Hill said via teleconference from Tokyo last week. "We've worked closely with Giancarlo and the helmet manufacturer. He'll be wearing a cage to protect the injured area. He's worked out with it. There's no issues that will prevent him from being ready and 100 percent for spring training and a productive 2015." During last week's feature titled "The Offseason: Hope in Chicago and Miami" with Peter Gammons on MLB Network, Stanton said he still doesn't have complete feeling on the upper left part of his lip. His jaw is also a "little off when I open it wide. It'll pop out (on the right side) a little bit." The 25-year-old is still getting dental surgeries that remind him of the incident, which he refuses to watch again. It hasn't affected his offseason workout much, just on days when he has procedures. "I try not to focus on them, because I know it'll be a slow process of getting out of," Stanton said during the special. "I've looked past that in terms of thinking about it." You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at [email protected] . | 1 | 6,045 | sports |
@TroySports1 wants to know what's the best Super Bowl you've ever seen. | 1 | 6,046 | sports |
"Selma" director Ava DuVernay is headed to the small screen for a new drama series on OWN with Oprah Winfrey. The series will be based on Natalie Baszile's first-time novel Queen Sugar , which tells the story of a young black mother who uproots from Los Angeles when her late father mysteriously leaves her an 800-acre sugarcane farm in Louisiana. DuVernay, who previously worked with Winfrey on "Selma," will write, direct and executive produce the series while Winfrey will executive produce and appear in multiple episodes. "From the moment I was introduced to the book, I was captivated by the idea of a modern woman wrestling with identity, family, culture and the echoes of history," DuVernay said in a statement. Winfrey also echoed her love for the book upon first reading it, saying in a statement, "The story's themes of reinventing your life, parenting alone, family connections and conflicts, and building new relationships are what I believe will connect our viewers to this show." The Golden Globe-nominated director previously hinted at her first television project last December in an interview with The Guardian, saying it would be an eight to 10 episode series about "the black experience in America." The number of episodes of the untitled series have yet to be revealed, but production is expected to begin later this year. DuVernay also recently announced that her next film will be a "sweeping love story and complex murder mystery" set against Hurricane Katrina. While DuVernay was not nominated in the Best Director category at this year's Oscars, "Selma" is up for Best Picture. | 6 | 6,047 | entertainment |
Healthy snack foods Snacks are a great way to keep your energy up until your next meal. So don't waste those opportunities on foods and drinks with empty calories. Make your snack count! Dr. Martica Heaner , a Manhattan-based exercise physiologist and nutritionist, has put together 15 ideas for snacks that will fill you up and pack a nutritious punch. Almonds All nuts are great for munching, but a handful of almonds are packed with calcium and fibre. Click here to know nutritional benefits of Almonds. Avocados This super-high-fibre fruit is filled with creamy unsaturated 'good' fat, no cholesterol and lots of nutrients. Click here to know nutritional benefits of Avocados. Yogurt Either the low-fat dairy or the good-fat-filled soy versions are convenient and keep you satisfied. Click here to know nutritional benefits of Yogurt. Bananas Easy-to-eat bananas are high in fibre and a variety of nutrients, and if they're slightly green, contain more 'resistant starch' which is thought to be beneficial for bacteria in the gut. Click here to know nutritional benefits of Bananas. Popcorn Sprinkle with nutritional yeast for an amino-acid boost. Click here to know nutritional benefits of Popcorn. Edamame High-fibre beans that contain all the essential amino acids are easy to steam and carry as an anytime snack. Click here to know nutritional benefits of Edamame. Watermelon Watermelon This sweet, juicy melon is jam-packed with nutrients, fibre and refreshing water. Click here to know nutritional benefits of Watermelon. Nut Protein Bar (like Kind Bars) Skip the candy bar and choose a nut-and-whole-grain-based protein bar. Click here to know nutritional benefits of Nut Protein Bar. Cranberries Make high-protein trail mix with this dried fruit, nuts and raisins. Click here to know benefits of Cranberries. Grapes Freeze them for an antioxidant-rich popsicle-like treat. Click here to know nutritional benefits of Grapes. Seed crackers High-fibre brown-rice and seed-based crackers give you a healthier crunch than potato chips (like Mary's Gone Crackers brand). Click here to know benefits of Seed crackers. Kale Chips Roast with light coat of olive oil for folate and Vitamins A, C and E. Click here to know nutritional benefits of Kale Chips. Peanut Butter Glob a tablespoon on an apple or celery stick for a filling creamy-crunchy mouthful. Click here to know nutritional benefits of Peanut Butter. Eggs A hard-boiled egg gives easy protein with Vitamin D and B12. Click here to know nutritional benefits of Eggs. Bean chips (or Hummus chips) Junk food is getting healthier as chickpeas and black beans are used instead of potatoes to create a high-fiber, protein-rich chip (like Beanitos or other brands of hummus or garbanzo/chickpea chips). Click here to know nutritional benefits of Bean Chips. | 0 | 6,048 | foodanddrink |
The standing-desk craze had only just arrived in 2011 when things started getting a little weird. First came the clunkier "treadmill" desk, followed by the wildly awkward-looking "elliptical-machine" desk. "I've seen boardrooms stocked with stationary bikes around the table," says Phil Haberstro founder and executive director of the Wellness Institute. That's right, the enormous communal spinning desk. While these may seem like a great idea exercise is, after all, linked to faster learning, speedier memory encoding and retrieval, and greater creativity exercise while working is actually a complicated issue. "Research shows that people who use treadmill desks or even those balancing balls that look so cool are finding that multitasking physical tasks [such as walking or balancing while typing] can be just as counterproductive as multitasking mental tasks," Fried- man says. In other words, if that's what you're doing, you're doing too much. "You're splitting your attention, and you're probably making a lot of typos." The research, published by the journal PLOS ONE last February, calculated that treadmill desks cause a dip in performance that lasts up to six months. In the case of exercise-ball chairs, there's evidence suggesting you may want to avoid them, too. A 2009 U.K. study showed that sitting on an exercise ball promoted an unhealthy slumping posture, and a study by Dutch researchers that same year found that it led to the compression of your vertebrae, or spinal shrinkage. GET ON YOUR FEET TO BURN OFF FAT We at Men's Fitness officially endorse the standing desk. Not only does working standing up not overtax the brain, it has the added benefit of burning 80 100 calories an hour, improving blood flow, alleviating back pain, strengthening muscles, and actually boosting productivity. "The health benefits are probably even greater than the data already suggests," says James Levine, M.D., Ph.D., a lead researcher on the PLOS ONE study and author of Get Up! Why Your Chair Is Killing You and What You Can Do About It. So what's the right way to pull it off? For starters, ease into it. "People usually start standing all day, instantly, and that's a mistake," says Levine, who's also co- director of the Mayo Clinic and Arizona State University's Obesity Solutions Initiative. "The risk is that your body will get worn down by working your muscles far longer than you're used to." And be prepared to experience a firm tightness in your meniscus, the padding in your knees that absorbs pressure it will fade over time. As with every fitness activity, the key is proper technique, and that starts from the top down, says Heather Moore, P.T., D.P.T., C.K.T.P., owner of Total Performance Physical Therapy. Stand tall, she says. Roll your shoulders up, back, and let them drop, then "stick your butt all the way out and tuck your pelvis all the way under." Next, unlock your knees slightly. Finally, "bend your elbows 90 degrees, keep your wrists straight, and make sure your weight is going through the middle of your feet not your toes or heels." Once you're there, you'll find your weight perfectly distributed as human evolution intended. TAKE A LOAD OFF TO FIGHT FATIGUE Any time you find yourself truly uncomfortable, take a seat, says Levine, who suggests setting a timer to alternate standing for 50 minutes with sitting for 10 minutes when you start out. It's also helpful to use an anti- fatigue mat, a rubber pad that palpably softens the pressure on your knees and ankles by promoting subtle movements of your leg muscles, which then pump more blood through the body. (The effects are profound especially if you're wearing leather dress shoes.) If your colleagues make fun of you for hovering like a watchtower over your floor and they will counter with the facts. "You have to be prepared to give everyone in your office the full health rundown," says Mat Honan, Buzzfeed's Silicon Valley bureau chief and a devout stand-up worker. They'll ask you about it for the first three weeks, he warns. But after that, they'll just be eyeing you with jealousy. | 7 | 6,049 | health |
Car shoppers in the U.S. often dip into new cars at dealer showrooms and deeply inhale "that new car smell," as it's affectionately known. Sure, a lot of the scent is the lingering odor from a mixture of industrial materials, but to many Americans the aroma of a brand new car is as sweet as clean mountain air. Not so in China. Perhaps it's the smog in China's biggest and wealthiest cities that makes locals wrinkle their noses at the smell of off-the-factory-floor plastics, glues and leathers used to make car interiors. But whatever the reason, the head of Lincoln Motor Co., Ford's luxury division, says his company is removing the smell from new Lincolns headed to Chinese dealerships. "They don't like it," Kumar Galhotra, Lincoln's president, told The Detroit News in a report published Monday. "We've gone through a very thorough process of understanding the materials that contribute to that smell." It's all part of the learning curve for selling luxury cars in China. To scrub the car of odor, each Lincoln gets a container of odor-absorbing carbon sheets placed inside the cabin before the car is loaded onto a cargo container headed to China. By the time the vehicle arrives, the container is removed, along with the smell. "The experiences are different, expectations are different between U.S. and China," Galhotra said. Ford is a relative newcomer to the Chinese market. While it sold vehicles there before World War II, it didn't return to the country until 1997, well after its main foreign rivals in China, Volkswagen and General Motors, had become dominant players. As China's luxury car market grows, Galhotra is facing a big challenge in boosting Lincoln market share from other luxury brands, namely GM's Cadillac, Volkswagen's Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Other automakers are aware of the issue and have, like Audi does, so-called "nose teams" that inspect cars for chemical odors, including cars sold in China. Leather is scrutinized for the sometimes overbearing scent of animal fats used to soften it -- including fish oil. Mats are checked to make sure they aren't exuding strong scents from the plastics used to make them. Luxury cars tend to get more scrutiny than other mass-produced vehicles in the odor department. In addition to neutral-odor cabins, Chinese luxury car consumers also prefer longer cars that provide the most rear seat legroom, typically because buyers of the cars have drivers and spend more time in the back. Audi makes A4 and A6 sedans in China that are longer than the ones it sells elsewhere in the world. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz last year released a lengthened C-Class for the Chinese market. Almost every major automaker is working on cars and SUVs with special attention to back seat spaciousness, comfort and legroom. GM's Cadillac ATS-L and Lincolns sold in China have more rear-seat padding and contouring to meet Chinese expectations. | 3 | 6,050 | finance |
A nine-year-old boy was suspended after bringing "the one ring to rule them all" into school. Gillian Pensavalle (@GillianWithaG) explains what happened. | 8 | 6,051 | video |
Cooking meat as an amateur can be overwhelming. We gathered a few tips for cooking steak, bacon, and more. From more hygienic practices, to hacks that will make cooking easier, here is the best advice we could find. 1. Using the same cutting board for meat and vegetables. Uncooked meat will leave bacteria on everything it touches, including your cutting boards, utensils and your own hands. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends using separate boards for meat and vegetables. But "if you can only have one board, cut all your vegetables first then go to your meat or fish, and wash in between," Makiko Itoh, who runs the blog JustHungry.com , advised in a recent thread on Quora . "You should also keep all cooktops and work surfaces clean. Not to be overly paranoid but better safe than sorry later. Remember as a home cook you're the last line of defense food-health-wise for you and your family." To properly wash everything that has touched uncooked meat, use hot water and soap. The USDA also advises sanitizing cutting boards with bleach. 2. Thawing uncooked meat at room temperature. The "danger zone" for bacterial growth in food is between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services . So don't listen to anyone that tells you thawing meat on the counter is a good idea. The USDA advises using a cold-water bath or the refrigerator to thaw meat. The latter method is the easiest: You just take the meat out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator. The meat should be thawed in 8 to 24 hours, depending on the weight. For a quicker option, use a cold-water bath. For this method, tightly seal your meat and place it in a bowl or pot of cool water. Change the water every 30 minutes so it continues to thaw. The process should take an hour or less for a one-pound package. A three-to-four pound package may take two or three hours. 3. Cutting meat too soon after cooking. It's important to let your meat cool for a couple minutes after cooking. "That cooling-off time helps the juices, which migrate to the center of the meat, to be distributed more evenly throughout," according to Cooking Light magazine. " With small cuts like a steak or boneless, skinless chicken breast, five minutes is adequate. A whole bird or standing rib roast requires 20 to 30 minutes. Tent the meat loosely with foil to keep it warm." 4. Keeping raw meat in the refrigerator for too long. For raw ground meats, poultry and most seafood, the USDA recommends refrigerating for no more than two days. Raw roasts, steaks and chops (beef, veal, lamb, and pork) can stay in the refrigerator for up to five days. So if you aren't going to cook it right away, it's best to freeze it. 5. Not properly freezing your meat. If you are getting meat from the butcher, don't just throw the wrapped package into the freezer and forget about it. The quality of the meat will be preserved better (and you won't get freezer burn) if you wrap it properly in wax paper or aluminum foil (or both, as described here ) and then seal it in an air-tight freezer bag. 6. Crowding your pan. "Food releases moisture as it's cooked, so leave room for the steam to escape," Cooking Light advises. By overcrowding the pan, you won't get the brown, caramelized crust that is critical for flavor. 7. Frying bacon in a pan. To avoid the splattering, smoky mess of frying bacon on a stove top, consider cooking it in the oven. It's a surefire way to get the perfect, crispy strips you want without all the work and mess that the traditional method demands. Simply place the bacon strips on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and stick them in the cold, unpreheated oven. Turn the heat to 400 degrees and set the timer for 18 minutes. Your bacon will be golden and crispy every time. For another oven-baked bacon recipe, click here . 8. Slicing meat at room temperature. If you are slicing meat into small chunks for a stir fry or a stew, partially freezing it will make cutting a lot easier . Popping thawed meat in the freezer for about 30 minutes should do the trick. 9. Using worn wooden cutting boards with raw meat. Some cooks warn against using wooden cutting boards with uncooked meat, poultry and seafood, saying bacteria can get stuck in the grooves of the wood. However, the USDA says nonporous surfaces, such as wood, are fine for raw meat as long as the boards aren't worn and cracked and they are properly cleaned and sanitized. "Once cutting boards become excessively worn or develop hard-to-clean grooves, they should be discarded," the USDA advises. 10. Using warm water to thaw your meat. Beginner cooks can become impatient with the cold-water thawing method, and might think that using warm water will quicken the process. But using warm water is no safer than letting it sit out on the counter, because it subjects your meat to the "danger zone." | 0 | 6,052 | foodanddrink |
Tiger Woods' 82 on Friday at TPC Scottsdale was not only a career-worst single-round score for the fading ace, but, as he plummeted to No. 56 in the world, Woods' second straight DFL finish set the stage for him to drop to his lowest spot in the world rankings since 1996. The missed cut in his 2015 PGA Tour debut, after posting that extremely crooked number in the second round of the Phoenix Open, also jeopardized Woods' appearance at the WGC-Cadillac Championship in March. The 14-time major champion, who has gone winless since capturing the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in August 2013, must play himself into the top 50 if he's to earn a start at an event he has dominated to the tune of seven victories. A back injury that required surgery last year can explain Woods' awful 2014. But nothing -- not even his nine chunked chip shots that led to a share of last place at last month's Hero World Challenge -- prepared the golf world for the yips Tiger displayed at the WMPO last week. SMDH. pic.twitter.com/9Z2tLS6clv Chris Chaney (@Wrong_Fairway) January 30, 2015 "We all have days like this," Woods said on his way out of town after missing his second consecutive cut for the first time in his career. His play has been nowhere near world class, but The dramatic rankings plunge is shocking nonetheless for someone who sat atop the world last May. The numbers tell the tale of Tiger's tumble. Since he was last ranked No. 1, Woods has: Started five official events Posted three MCs and one withdrawal Finished T17 (or tied for last) in the limited-field, no-cut World Challenge Carded that career-worst 11-over 82 Woods worked his way back up from 52nd in November 2011 to the top position and can do it again. His recent portfolio, however, indicates that it's far more likely he'll nosedive past the 61st ranking he held as a rookie after notching the first of 79 tour Ws in Las Vegas in October 1996. Woods has two upcoming competitions in which he can begin to turn things around and play his way into the Doral tilt next month -- this week's Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, where he's won eight times, and the Honda Classic in March. Should he fail to earn enough points, Tiger will not qualify for a WGC event for only the second time in his professional career (2011 HSBC Champions). | 1 | 6,053 | sports |
No. 1: Kahlil McKenzie - Concord (Calif.) Clayton Valley - Tennessee The nation's top player was dominant at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He'll follow his father and uncle's legacy when he plays defensive tackle for the Volunteers. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 2: Trenton Thompson Albany (Ga.) Westover Georgia The University of Georgia kept the top prospect in their state at home. The defensive lineman has a chance to play on day one due to his skill-set and body. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 3: Martez Ivey Apopka (Fla.) Florida Ivey was the guy this year at the top when talking offensive line. There is a lot to like with Ivey, but his attitude on the field stands out. He loves to finish his blocks and put defenders on their back. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 4: Malik Jefferson - Mesquite (Texas) Ralph H Poteet - Texas In his first year in Austin, Charlie Strong convinced the top player in the state to play for the Longhorns. Jefferson is an elite linebacker talent, running a 4.39 laser-timed 40-yard dash. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 5: Josh Sweat Virginia Beach (Va.) Oscar Smith Florida State Sweat missed most of his senior season with a torn ACL, but his combination of size, strength and speed should fit well in Florida State's fast defense. This defensive end has the speed of a safety. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 6: Derwin James Haines City (Fla.) Florida State James committed to the Seminoles as a sophomore and he will make an impact there as a freshman. He is one of the most college-ready prospects in this class. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 7: Iman Marshall - Long Beach (Calif.) Poly USC A four-year starter at Long Beach Poly, Marshall is one of the best cornerbacks to ever play in the Southland. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 8: Byron Cowart Seffner (Fla.) Armwood Auburn A versatile defensive lineman who can set the edge and rush the passer at strongside end or become a quick tackle on the next level. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 9: Kendall Sheffield - Missouri City (Texas) Alabama Sheffield is one of the most elite prep hurdlers in the country, thus making him one of the fastest and most athletic prospects. For the third year in a row Nick Saban has landed the top-rated cornerback prospect in Texas. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 10: Kevin Toliver Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian LSU A cornerback with size you cannot teach, Toliver has a chance to be the next star at this position in Baton Rouge. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 11: Daylon Mack - Gladewater (Texas) Gladewater Texas A&M Mack is extremely quick off the ball for a prospect who weighs 330 pounds. He earned MVP honors after a dominating performance in the Under Armour All-America Game and was one of the most sought-after defensive tackles in the country. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 12: Josh Rosen- Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco- UCLA One of the best quarterbacks to come from the West in the last decade, the UCLA early enrollee will have every chance to win the starting job as a true freshman. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 13: CeCe Jefferson Glenn Saint Mary (Fla.) Baker County Florida An athletic end with a quick burst off the ball and great speed to pursue the quarterback. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 14: Daron Payne Irondale (Ala.) Shades Valley Alabama Payne is an interior defensive lineman you want to build around. He has great power, he is tough to move, and he will be a force in Tuscaloosa. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 15: Preston Williams Hampton (Ga.) Lovejoy Tennessee A true No. 1 wide receiver. He has everything you look for in a top wideout. He will stretch the field and make a lot of big plays on the next level. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 16: Canton Kaumatule- Honolulu (Hawaii) Punahou - Oregon The last time a 5-star came from Punahou it was Manti Te'o, a Heisman finalist. Kaumatule may have even more upside. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 17: Tarvarus McFadden Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage Florida State McFadden is a big corner who looks like a safety. Has excellent ball skills, tracks the ball well and he covers a wide radius with his length. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 18: Sotonye Jamabo - Plano (Texas) Plano West Senior UCLA The No. 1 running back in the country, Jamabo is an elite level athlete who is also an excellent receiver. He has great stop and start moves and put up monster numbers against some of the most elite prep competition. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 19: Osa Masina- Salt Lake City (Utah) Brighton - USC The best recruit to come from Utah since Haloti Ngata, Masina is one of the most physical and athletic linebackers nationally. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 20: Mitch Hyatt Suwanee (Ga.) North Gwinnett Clemson So much upside when talking Hyatt. Great coordination, very good feet, and as his body develops, his game will become more complete. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 21: DaMarkus Lodge - Cedar Hill (Texas) Cedar Hill Mississippi Lodge helped lead his prep team to back-to-back state titles. He is a true outside receiver who has the ability to be a deep threat who can high point the ball, climbing the ladder to make elite level plays. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 22: Rasheem Green - Gardena (Calif.) Serra USC An impressive athlete for his size, Green could play end or tackle in college. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 23: Chris Clark Avon (Conn.) Old Farms UCLA Clark is a complete tight end who can block, catch the tough ball in traffic and also stretch the field. He plays physical and fast, and he has very good ball skills. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 24: Breiden Fehoko- Honolulu (Hawaii) Farrington- Texas Tech A defensive tackle, he may be the strongest player in the country in the 2015 class and is one of the most high profile recruits Texas Tech has ever landed. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 25: Ricky DeBerry Mechanicsville (Va.) Atlee Oklahoma DeBerry brings a combination of power and speed, and he plays with a low pad level. The linebacker prospect can get to the sideline and possesses a high football IQ. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 26: Christian Kirk- Scottsdale (Ariz.) Saguaro - Texas A&M Owns just about every major receiving record in the state of Arizona and will team with old friend Kyle Allen in College Station. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 27: Calvin Ridley Monarch (Fla.) Alabama Ridley is such a versatile athlete with length, speed, and hands. Could project as a wide receiver, corner, or free safety he is that good. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 28: Donte Jackson Jefferson (La.) Riverdale LSU Jackson grew so much as a player from his junior to senor season. He has speed to burn with elite instincts and ball skills at corner. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 29: Keisean Lucier - South Orange (Calif.) Lutheran - UCLA Can play with his hand down or standing up, but UCLA wants to use him like they did Anthony Barr. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 30: Blake Barnett - Corona (Calif.) Santiago - Alabama The top dual-threat quarterback in the 2015 class, Barnett is a big, physical runner who can spin it. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 31: Terry Godwin Hoganville (Ga.) Callaway Georgia Godwin has done just about everything in high school. He is one of the best athletes in Georgia starring in basketball, baseball, and football. He is star on both sides of the football field. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 32: Alize Jones - Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman - Notre Dame The top prospect in Nevada will continue Notre Dame's history of stellar tight ends. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 33: Jarrett Stidham - Stephenville (Texas) Stephenville - Baylor Stidham will play QB for Art Briles in Waco, and if things go right he could have an NFL upside. He played receiver as a sophomore, which only speaks to his athleticism at the position. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 34: George Campbell Tarpon Springs (Fla.) East Lake Florida State Not many are at Campbell's level athletically. He is one of the fastest prospects in Florida with size coaches covet at wide receiver. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 35: Chuma Edoga Powder Springs (Ga.) McEachern USC Edoga is known for his footwork and his ability to move in open space. He could be a tackle or guard in college. He is strong in pass protection and good at getting to the second level. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 36: Minkah Fitzpatrick Jersey City (N.J.) St. Peter's Prep Alabama No. 37: Kyler Murray - Allen (Texas) Allen - Texas A&M Murray is one of the best high school prospects to suit up, helping capture three consecutive state championships and never losing a game he started throughout the course of his prep career. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 38: Ykili Ross - Riverside (Calif.) Poly- USC The highest rated four-star in the country, Ross will play corner at USC but shined at the Army Bowl at receiver. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 39: Christian Wilkins Suffield Academy Clemson Wilkins is an athletic and explosive defensive tackle who can do a standing backflip. He is explosive at the snap of the ball, uses his hands well and can run down a play from behind. No. 40: Terry Beckner - East Saint Louis (Ill.) HS Missouri Big, athletic tackle with a lot of upside. Went from 260 when we evaluated him as a sophomore to a 293-pound monster who performed well against top competition at national events like The Opening and Under Armour All-American Game. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 41: Kris Boyd - Gilmer (Texas) Gilmer Texas Boyd will play corner in college, but played a bit of everything in high school and was a real terror on the offensive side. But as a defender he is physical and daring with great size for the position. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 42: Maea Teuhema - Keller (Texas) Keller - LSU When Teuhema walks in a room you will definitely notice him. The massive offensive lineman is a road grader, who will be playing with his brother, Tristan Teuhema, at LSU. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 43: Ronald Jones - McKinney (Texas) McKinney North - USC Jones is already drawing comparisons to former Trojan standout Reggie Bush. Jones has a similar style and his speed makes hin a true home-run threat every touch. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 44: Marvell Tell - Encino (Calif.) Crespi - USC A rangy and physical safety with exceptional ball skills and closing speed, he should compete for early playing time with the Trojans. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 45: Derrius Guice Baton Rouge (La.) Catholic LSU Another strong, powerful running back heading to LSU. Guice can stretch out on the perimeter and bang in the middle with power. Balance and vision are two key strong points. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 46: Deon Cain Tampa (Fla.) Tech Clemson Cain played quarterback in high school and some schools offered him at that position, but his future is at wide receiver. He is still raw now, but he has NFL potential. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 47: Porter Gustin - Salem (Utah) Salem Hills USC Exploded on to the scene despite playing in a small town in Utah after moving from Idaho and became a top 50 player. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 48: Tristen Hoge - Pocatello (Idaho) Highland - Notre Dame The highest rated player to ever come from Idaho, the nephew of Merrill Hoge does his damage in the trenches. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 49: Kyle Phillips Nashville (Tenn.) Hillsborough Comp. Tennessee When healthy, Phillips can dominate a football game. Big end who could slide inside on the next level. Good at the point of attack and quick to the quarterback. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 50: Tyron Johnson - New Orleans (La.) Warren Easton LSU The in-state Tiger verbal is a very physical wide receiver with speed, hands and toughness. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 51: Josh Barajas - Merrillville (Ind.) Andrean HS - Notre Dame Great athlete who played running back, safety and other positions in high school but projects to receiver because of his size and skill set. Has enrolled early at Notre Dame, a good thing for him since he needs polish, but has top-notch physical tools. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 52: Torrance Gibson Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage Ohio State Gibson still may have some doubters when it comes to him playing quarterback, but he has the tools to do well in the right system. He is a dual-threat quarterback with size, arm strength, and mobility on his side. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 53: Johnny Frasier Princeton (N.C.) North Carolina State Small town kid with big-time talent. He is a traditional running back who likes to follow his lead blocker. Very good blend of power, finesse, and quickness. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 54: John Houston- Gardena (Calif.) Serra USC Has been a staple on defense for the vaunted Serra squad and may be one of the productive linebackers in the region the last three years. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 55: Damien Harris - Berea (Ky.) Madison Southern HS - Alabama Explosive back who is a threat to score from anywhere on the field, but also showed he could run between the tackles and break tackles. Also a good pass receiver and blocker who adds yet another horse into Nick Saban's running backs stable. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 56: Chris Warren - Rockwall (Texas) Rockwall Texas The son of former NFL star of the same name, the younger Warren has a scary combination of size and athleticism. A great running back, he could probably also play some defensive positions if need. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 57: Jamal Peters Bassfield (Miss.) Mississippi State The state of Mississippi has been producing top defensive backs in recent years and Peters is one of the best coming out of high school. He has great closing speed, the size to play now, and he comes out of a great high school program. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 58: Kamonte Carter Gaithersburg (Md.) High Penn State Cater is high on potential, but needs to refine his technique. He is explosive and long, and he reacts well to the play in front of him. He needs to learn how to play defensive end, but his athleticism is superb. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 59: Deionte Thompson - Orange (Texas) West Orange-Stark - Alabama Thompson played both ways in high school, but will be playing defensive back at Alabama, likely fitting in at free safety. He was the first commit for the Crimson Tide in its 2015 class. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 60: Holton Hill - Houston (Texas) Lamar Texas It seems hard to believe that teams would try to pick on him at all, but he hauled in a remarkable 12 interceptions in 2014. He has the size to play safety, but the skill set of a cornerback. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 61: Jacques Patrick Orlando (Fla.) Timber Creek Florida State Patrick started picking up scholarship offers in ninth grade. He has not disappointed. A running back who looks more like a college senior instead of one in high school. Great size with the ability to move in space too. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 62: Roquan Smith Montezuma (Ga.) Macon County uncommitted Not many top prospects come from Smith's small town. That is what makes his story more special. He is a mature young man with instincts, speed, and toughness at linebacker. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 63: Justin Hilliard - Cincinnati (Ohio) St. Xavier HS - Ohio State Attacking style linebacker who is great at timing his blitzes and shooting gaps. Played great competition in high school and was always productive, making splash plays. Projects as a middle backer for the Buckeyes. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 64: Isaiah Langley- Pleasanton (Calif.) Foothill - USC A gifted two-way player, Langley will play cornerback for the Trojans, and could play early. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 65: L.J. Scott - Hubbard (Ohio) Hubbard HS - Michigan State Size and style of play will remind Spartan faithful of Le'veon Bell. Big back with excellent balance who breaks arm tackles and runs hard, but also a good receiver. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 66: Lester Cotton Tuscaloosa (Ala.) Central Alabama Cotton is going just a couple of miles to play college football at the University of Alabama. He will fit right in there. Cotton is big, strong, and tough. He loves to drive defenders off the ball. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 67: Richie Petitbon Washington (D.C.) Gonzaga Prep Alabama Petitbon, who has NFL lineage in his family, is strong and physical. His legs are massive and he has the ability to recover when getting knocked off balance, which is rare for an offensive lineman. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 68: Abdul Bello Montverde (Fla.) Montverde Academy Florida State Bello moved from Nigeria before his junior season, so he is still new to football. If you want to draw up the perfect NFL tackle, he looks like Bello. Small ankles, light on his feet and a very high ceiling. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 69: Mike Weber - Detroit (Mich.) Cass Technical HS - Ohio State Weber had a fantastic senior season. He is a complete back who catches the ball like a receiver and is also a willing blocker. Runs with great feel and vision and will put his head down and get tough yards. One-time Michigan commit could play early for the Bucks. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 70: Connor Lanfear - Buda (Texas) Jack C Hays - Texas A&M No. 71: Brandon Wimbush Jersey City (N.J.) St. Peter's Prep Notre Dame No. 72: Jacob Daniel - Fresno (Calif.) Clovis North- USC Missed much of his senior year with a knee injury but returned for the U.S. Army Bowl and showed why he was such a heavily recruited defensive lineman. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 73: Justin Dunning - Whitehouse (Texas) Whitehouse - Texas A&M After missing his junior season with a torn ACL, this defensive back bounced back strong to earn an invite and then standing out amongst top prospects at The Opening. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 74: Isaiah Prince Greenbelt (Md.) Eleanor Roosevelt - Alabama Prince, an offensive tackle, can be a cornerstone player on an offensive line for several years. He moves his feet well and has the length to keep rushers from getting around the edge on him. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 75: Brian Cole - Saginaw (Mich.) Heritage HS - Michigan Great athlete who played running back, safety and other positions in high school but projects to receiver because of his size and skill set. Has enrolled early at Michigan, a good thing for him since he needs polish, but has top-notch physical tools. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 76: Dechaun Holiday - San Marcos (Calif.) Mission Hills UCLA Holiday can play corner, safety or receiver, but his future is definitely on the defensive side of the ball. No. 77: Alex Ofodile - Columbia (Missouri) Rock Bridge Sr. - Oregon The son of a coach is more than just a cerebral player, as he has an elite skill set and can stretch the field. A deep threat. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 78: Taj Griffin Powder Springs (Ga.) McEachern Oregon Griffin is perfect for the Oregon offense. The Ducks plays fast and Griffin may be faster than fast. He is a spread guy who is tough to touch in space with the ability to take it the distance at any time. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 79: D'Andre Walker Fairburn (Ga.) Langston Hughes Georgia Had over 40 sacks the last two years of high school and he is explosive off the edge. Not many better coming off the edge. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 80: Drew Lock - Lee's Summit (Missouri) Lee's Summit - Missouri Lock is a great athlete as he was also pursued by colleges on the hardwood, but he is not one to run around and make plays. He can sit in the pocket and use his big arm and quick release to pick defenses apart. No. 81: Chidi Valentine-Okeke Stockbridge (Ga.) Faith Academy LSU When talking high upside and potential, Valentine-Okeke has to be talked about. He is a lot like Bello; a player that came over from Nigeria and has what you look for in an offensive tackle. He just has to learn the game and position. No. 82: Keenan Walker - Scottsdale (Ariz.) Chaparral - Arizona The Under Armour All-American is the most athletic lineman in the West and the top tackle in the region. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 83: Kerryon Johnson Madison (Ala.) Madison Academy Auburn A natural leader, and that stands out as much as anything when watching Johnson. Has won state titles and he plays big in big games. He's athletic enough to play safety or running back. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 84: Jordan Stevenson - Dallas (Texas) South Oak Cliff - Wisconsin Stevenson is a speed back, possessing some of the best foot quickness you will see. That allows him to dance away from defenders, but he is also a grinder who will run hard in the middle of the field. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 85: Javon Patterson Petal (Miss.) Mississippi Patterson is an offensive lineman who shined at tackle in high school, but he will slide in to guard in college. He displays very good balance when engaged and he moves well down the field. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 86: Darius Slayton Norcross (Ga.) Greater Atlanta Christian Georgia Slayton is another one of those guys who could shine on offense or defense in college. His preference is wide receiver and that is where he is best, most natural. Good speed down the field, smart, and excellent body control. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 87: Asmar Bilal - Indianapolis (Ind.) Ben Davis HS - Notre Dame Very athletic linebacker who can run and cover like a safety, but also is not afraid of contact and will deliver big hits. Still needs to add weight and strength, but has a lot of upside. No. 88: Neville Gallimore - St. Catherine's (Ont.) Canada Prep - Oklahoma A defensive lineman, Gallimore is the first player from Canada ever selected to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 89: Trent Irwin - Newhall (Calif.) Hart - Stanford Owns several receiving records in California and is the most productive pass-catcher the state has ever had. No. 90: Patrick Vahe - Euless (Texas) Trinity - Texas Vahe played all five offensive line spots in his time at Euless Trinity and will play center or guard for Texas in college. The lone recruit to commit to Mack Brown and sign with Charlie Strong. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 91: Jonathan Ledbetter Tucker (Ga.) Georgia Ledbetter made a lot of big plays as a tight end in high school; that just tells you how athletic he is. His future is on the defensive line and likely as a tackle, but could be a strong-side end as well. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 92: Jahvoni Simmons Virginia Beach (Va.) Ocean Lakes - Virginia Simmons is a strong, physical linebacker with great instincts. He reads and reacts well and plays sideline to sideline while taking good angles on the ball carrier. No. 93: Joseph Wicker- Long Beach (Calif.) Poly Arizona State Emerged as a top 100 player after recording over 20 sacks in his senior season. No. 94: Bobby Evans - Allen (Texas) Allen - Oklahoma Evans went down with an ACL injury during his senior year, but as an early enrollee at Oklahoma he could be on track to push a fall return. Still a red-shirt year may be in store for the offensive tackle. No. 95: John Reid - Philadelphia (Pa.) St. Joseph's Prep - Penn State The future Nittany Lion is explosive and his change of direction and burst are phenomenal. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 96: Shy Tuttle Lexington (N.C.) North Davidson Tennessee Tuttle is big, but he moves better than many would expect. Shows good lateral movement and quickness in tight space. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 97: Jake Browning - Folsom (Calif.) Folsom - Washington The two-time California State Player of the Year shattered the state passing records in leading Folsom to a state title and he'll compete for the Huskies' starting quarterback job. No. 98: Hale Hentges - Jefferson City (Missouri) Helias - Alabama Hentges is the type of tight end who has done well in Tuscaloosa. He can be a true tight end who will have the size to block well and the skills to move the chains and be a red-zone option. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 99: Ricky Town - Ventura (Calif.) St. Bonaventure - USC Battled injuries his senior year but is still one of the most polished quarterbacks in this class. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS No. 100: Van Jefferson Brentwood (Tenn.) Ravenwood Mississippi Jefferson is a smooth wideout with the game in his genes. His father, Shawn Jefferson, was a successful NFL receiver, so Van has an edge on many. Jefferson may be the best route-runner in the South. VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS | 1 | 6,054 | sports |
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) For the longest time, Brooks Koepka was known primarily for the stamps in his passport. His peers knew better. As he began his first year as a PGA Tour member in the Frys.com Open last October, players would stop when they saw Koepka and watch him walk to the putting green or driving range. The consensus? This guy is going to be good. More than the words of other players, Koepka now has the trophies to back it up. He won the Turkish Airlines Open last November during the final stretch of the Race to Dubai on the European Tour. Against an even stronger field in the Phoenix Open, the 24-year-old Floridian went 64-66 on the weekend and played his last 47 holes without a bogey. Koepka (pronounced KEP'-kuh) was among five players tied for the lead in the final hour, but only after rolling in a 50-foot eagle putt from the fringe on the 15th. He seized control when his 3-wood on the 322-yard 17th hole rolled over the green and stopped a foot from the water. One hole away from his first PGA Tour victory, on a closing hole at the TPC Scottsdale framed by bunkers, he blasted his drive 331 yards down the middle. It was a strong performance, and it looks even better considering Koepka now has won twice in his last four starts, rose to No. 19 in the world and put his name into the conversation for a U.S. team at the Presidents Cup that is getting younger by the week. Golf is going through an undeniable generation shift, led by Rory McIlroy, who won in Dubai on Sunday to expand his growing gap in the world ranking. Jordan Spieth, the 21-year-old Texan, is No. 9 in the world. Patrick Reed, 24, won his fourth PGA Tour event at the start of the year. Koepka was never mentioned in that group when he turned pro because he didn't have their credentials. He was the guy who pursued his career in golf's remote outposts - Kazakhstan and Kenya, Norway and the Czech Republic. He had a decorated career at Florida State, though he never won a tournament until his senior year (and won three times) and played in the NCAA Championship only twice, never finishing higher than a tie for 18th. Spieth was a Sunday feature at the Byron Nelson Championship when he was 16, joined Tiger Woods as the only multiple winners of the U.S. Junior Amateur, played on an NCAA title team at Texas and in the Walker Cup. Reed helped Augusta State to a pair of NCAA titles and reached the semifinals of the U.S. Amateur. Koepka won a Challenge Tour event - the equivalent of the Web.com Tour in Europe - in Spain, and then tried his hand at Q-school for a PGA Tour card. He failed to get out of the second stage, missing by two shots in Texas. He wasn't alone. He tied that week with Spieth. And that's when their paths went in different directions. Spieth chose sponsor exemptions, and Monday qualifying if needed, on the Web.com Tour. He got a break by tying for second in the Puerto Rico Open on the PGA Tour after getting a sponsor's exemption. Then came a rocket rise - tour status in May, a victory in July and a spot on the Presidents Cup team in October. Koepka headed for the airport. He had status on the Challenge Tour from his win at the Catalunya Challenge, and he won in Italy in May. He followed with victories in Spain and Scotland to earn an instant promotion to the European Tour, each step bringing higher status. And he already had more wins than he did in college. ''Whether it be success or failure, I have learned a lot,'' Koepka said. ''I think I won maybe two, three times in college. But it's funny. Looking back, I have won on the Challenge Tour, one in Europe and one here now. It's been special. But my drive, I think, is what it is. I want to be the best player in the world. I'm not there yet, and I know it's going to take time. But I want to get to that point.'' And he runs in good circles. His roommate in Florida and frequent travel companion on the global road of the European Tour was former U.S. Amateur champion Peter Uihlein, who tied for 13th in Dubai. He also plays practice rounds with McIlroy, whom he knows from Europe and living in South Florida, though they rarely see each other at home. Koepka says he might be a late bloomer, though hard work cannot be dismissed. And he has no qualms with where he went to get to where he is now. He wanted experience. He wanted four rounds on Challenge Tour events instead of being hopeful for exemptions or lucky with Monday qualifiers. He can't complain about the results. | 1 | 6,055 | sports |
Sony Online Entertainment, developer of EverQuest, Planetside and the recently released H1Z1 , has been sold by Sony to investment firm Columbus Nova, the company announced today. The developer will now operate as an independent game studio under a new name, Daybreak Game Company. "We are excited to join Columbus Nova's impressive roster of companies," said John Smedley, president of Daybreak Game Company. "They have a proven track record in similar and related industries and we are eager to move forward to see how we can push the boundaries of online gaming. "We will continue to focus on delivering exceptional games to players around the world, as well as bringing our portfolio to new platforms, fully embracing the multi-platform world in which we all live." Daybreak Game Company will continue to work on H1Z1 , EverQuest Next , EverQuest Landmark and other game projects that started at SOE. And now that the studio is independent of Sony, it will develop its titles for Xbox and mobile platforms, not just PlayStation and PC. "So what exactly does this mean for you? It will be business as usual and all SOE games will continue on their current path of development and operation," the developer said in a post on Reddit. "In fact, we expect to have even more resources available to us as a result of this acquisition. It also means new exciting developments for our existing IP and games as we can now fully embrace the multi-platform world we are living in." Developing... | 3 | 6,056 | finance |
1.In terms of comfort level, he's basically a third pillow with a dick. Dating a Big 'N' Tall essentially doubles your thread count, and you will recline nightly on a luxurious man-cloud. 2.His largeness makes you feel like a gossamer porcelain ballerina. Which is especially nice if you're constantly either farting or tripping over wires, like a friend of mine who is me. 3.You can eat whatever you want in front of him without being self-conscious. Snuggle inside a bed-size burrito if you want, nary a fuck will he give. 4.If he was teased as a kid for his weight, he may be uncommonly emotionally perceptive when it comes to other people's feelings. Which ultimately made him a wonderfully sensitive boyfriend/human. Thanks, shithead kids! 5.He looks like Paul Bunyan in flannel. I don't care if he works at a tech startup and can't throw a football. Get him to wear a red plaid flannel shirt, and he suddenly becomes a rustic woodsman with a rough childhood who will do things like take your hand and run it along a gorgeous teak desk that he carved so you can feel the intricate craftsmanship and sense a strong erotic subtext. TRULY IT IS WITCHCRAFT. 6.Resting your head on his chest does not mean "attempting to find a semi-comfortable place on his jutting collarbone." It is awkward snuggling with Jack Skellington. 7.He's not one of those image-conscious bro-y gym rats whose only friends are the commenters on bodybuilding forums. And he won't leave those ridiculous vats of protein powder around the house. 8.Semi-related: He won't pressure you to "be healthier." Your entire relationship will be based around carbs and dairy, and you will be so much happier than you were with that dude who was so obsessed with eating clean that he had the trans fat percentage of French fries tattooed on his body. 9.His presence generally has a calming effect. If you're a nervous flyer and you forgot your Xanax when you were packing, I hope you brought a husky. 10.He might be a good cook. He might love cooking you dinner. I … I have to sit down. | 4 | 6,057 | lifestyle |
What follows is a translation of Manu Ginobili's latest column from Argentine newspaper La Nacion, originally published on Jan. 30. * * * * * I don't think we are playing well yet but at least the schedule is giving us a break with more games at home and different level of opponents. We have to play Chicago and then we get two easier games at home. December was rough and hard to get through and we were not healthy, to boot. As a general assessment, we are winning more often but we are still not satisfied with our performance yet and know we have to keep improving. The reality is we need to go back to feeling like we need to play well for the full 48 minutes instead of just 20 or 30 depending on the rival. We play well for a while and then relax. At times it seems like we want things to come easy to us instead of busting our backs like we've always have. We are not a team with talent to spare who can win at half speed. It doesn't matter if we are playing against the best or worst teams, we need to play well and do all the little things to win or we are going to struggle no matter the opponent. This year it seems we are inadvertently taking some breaks during the game and that's why some games are tougher than expected. It feels like the better the opponent, the easier it is to go into it focused and in the right mindset. That's something that we need to be more consistent with. We have had some good nights in which we get a good lead and then take the foot off the gas pedal and nights in which we start off poorly and then work hard to claw our way back. That leads to close games but it's not enough because anything can happen in the final minutes. We are lacking the consistency to play well for the full game and not just stretches. We are 45 games in and we should be more comfortable with the way we are playing. It seems to me that winning the last ring closed that open would and has led us to inadvertently relax. That might have played a part early but at this point we are all trying to solve the problem and start resembling the team we were last year because when we are playing well, moving the ball and winning, the day-to-day gets easier. We need to understand that's they only way. I really don't think anyone believes that because we won it all last year, we should be at the top now. It's just natural to unconsciously feel that way but we are still training like before, saying the same things during games and we have the same hunger. We know how well we play depends on ourselves. I don't know if the other teams are scouting us more but the truth is, while we are doing better than in December, we are still not playing at a high level. Also, we are facing different type of opponents. Some are not going through a good stretch but they are playing the champions and they take it as an opportunity to turn things around or feel better about themselves and are motivated by that. We are also seeing teams packing the paint and daring us to make the extra pass and teams letting us play two-on-two and having a guy stay with Danny Green , Patty Mills or Matt Bonner , forcing us -- especially Tony and I, who run pick and rolls -- to make tough decisions. Having said that, I don't think it's about others figuring out our game plan. The Rodeo Road Trip is coming and that's always a special time for us because we start to round out into form for the final stretch of the regular season and the playoffs. We are really hoping to play at the level the trip demands. We are also hoping to get all of our soldiers back -- Marco Belinelli is out now -- because we haven't played a game with everyone healthy. We are excited about that because we need everyone to contribute since we don't have a LeBron or a Durant. Everyone needs to feel valuable and pitch in. And since we haven't had the full team available yet, we are all anxious to see how that looks. We realize that we are slowly starting to play better and that will help us get through the Rodeo Road Trip, which is key for us. We know there's more parity this year. The West has always been balanced but this time there are ten teams which could easily make the playoffs and fighting for seeding will be tough. The East has been surprising, with three teams no one was expecting to be on top playing well, so it's really there for the taking. Like it has happened over the last few years, it's a step below the West in terms of parity and quality of teams. Atlanta is surprising everyone with their play but the rest go through a lot of up and downs. At times, the two conferences look like two different leagues. As for me, in December I had to fill a different role. With Patty Mills still out and Tony missing a bunch of games, I was the back up point guard. I think now everything will be getting back to normal. With Kawhi back and taking more of the offensive burden, Tony getting better and everyone on the team feeling like themselves we will slowly get back to our normal shots, assists and minutes distribution. I've been playing more than usual but if you look at the stats from last season and this one, they are similar so it wasn't that big a change. And the truth is, considering how preseason started and the years I've been doing this, I'm happy. I'm glad to play an important role in a good team and I'm definitely feeling well. That's why I don't focus on things like scoring 27 points or any individual achievements. I really don't pay attention to that. Playing with Tim makes all of that look small in comparison. He reaches milestones like 30,000 points, 147,000 rebounds, 150,000 whatever -- it's really crazy. That happens to legends like him. He gets all the attention and he really deserves it. Since I'm from Argentina and I got to the NBA late, at 25 years old, there are a lot of players with the same career numbers. That's all irrelevant to me, in all honesty. What I enjoy is the day-to-day, watching the team win and try to get in a good place to enter the playoffs strong. I feel like I am in -- well I wouldn't say a bonus stage, but I do realize how rare it is to play for such a good team at this level. I'm fully aware that these are the last seasons and I want to treasure every moment. Now I can't truly say I'm doing that more often than in December. | 1 | 6,058 | sports |
A woman sleds and crashes head first. | 8 | 6,059 | video |
Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad 4-1 to stay top of La Liga, one point clear of Barcelona | 1 | 6,060 | sports |
RadioShack Corp. is preparing to shut down the almost-century-old retail chain in a bankruptcy deal that would sell about half its store leases to Sprint Corp. and close the rest, according to people with knowledge of the discussions. The locations sold to Sprint would operate under the wireless carrier's name, meaning RadioShack would cease to exist as a stand-alone retailer, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the talks aren't public. The negotiations could still break down without a deal being reached, or the terms could change. Sprint and RadioShack also have discussed co-branding the stores, two of the people said. It's also possible that another bidder could emerge that would buy RadioShack and keep it operating, the people said. The Chinese backers who took the Brookstone chain out of bankruptcy, Sanpower Group, also have been in discussions about bidding for RadioShack assets, one person familiar with the talks said. The discussions represent the endgame for a chain that traces its roots to 1921, when it began as a mail-order retailer for amateur ham-radio operators and maritime communications officers. It expanded into a wider range of electronics over the decades, and by the 1980s was seen as a destination for personal computers, gadgets and components that were hard to find elsewhere. In more recent years, though, competition from Wal- Mart Stores Inc. and an army of e-commerce sellers hurt customer traffic. Standard General RadioShack received a rescue financing package from Standard General LP in October, and the hedge fund would serve as the lead bidder in a filing and provide debtor-in-possession financing after filing, said the people. That would allow the investment firm to recoup some of the costs of the $535 million loan. Liquidating the stores also would let RadioShack avoid a battle with lenders over control of the company. RadioShack currently has more than 4,000 company-operated U.S. stores. Sprint is discussing the acquisition of 1,300 to 2,000 locations, the people with knowledge of the matter said. Merianne Roth, a spokeswoman for Fort Worth, Texas-based RadioShack, declined to comment, as did representatives for Standard General and Brookstone. Sanpower didn't immediately respond to a request for comment outside of business hours in China. The shares tumbled 13 percent to 24 cents on Monday in New York. RadioShack has lost about 90 percent of its value over the past year. Comeback Plan RadioShack CEO Joe Magnacca has been remodeling stores and revamping the retailer's product lineup in a bid to revive sales. Still, the former Walgreen Co. executive hasn't halted a decline at the electronics chain, which has posted 11 straight unprofitable quarters. Sprint, meanwhile, is expanding its chain. CEO Marcelo Claure told investors at a conference last month that the company would be adding retail locations. "This is a year in which we intend to grow our distribution dramatically," Claure said. "You are going to see the opening of more and more Sprint stores as this is one area that we work on." --With assistance from Katie Benner in San Francisco. To contact the reporters on this story: Lauren Coleman-Lochner in New York at [email protected]; Jodi Xu Klein in New York at [email protected]; Scott Moritz in New York at [email protected] To contact the editors responsible for this story: Nick Turner at [email protected]; Sarah Rabil at [email protected]; Shannon D. Harrington at [email protected] Niamh Ring | 3 | 6,061 | finance |
Groundhog Jimmy of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin let everyone know that spring is coming early. He also reminded everyone that groundhogs and ears are natural adversaries. | 8 | 6,062 | video |
This year's Tough Guy Challenge had nearly 5,000 participants and over 200 obstacles. | 8 | 6,063 | video |
Australian journalist Peter Greste said on Monday it was a great relief to be freed from prison in Egypt but added in an interview on Al Jazeera that he felt "incredible angst" about leaving two colleagues behind in prison.Rough Cut (No reporter narration) | 8 | 6,064 | video |
Attrition and finding replacements are a key part of any college football offseason. A coaching staff may find answers through the junior college ranks for a quick fix, or they may feel comfortable with a replacement that's been on the roster waiting for his turn to step into the starting lineup. Regardless of how the player is replaced, all-conference and All-America talent departs every year, leaving big shoes to fill for coaching staffs at all 128 FBS teams. Athlon has examined five key players leaving and their replacements by conference. Now, let's take a look at the national scene and breakdown which 10 players are expected to step up in their absence in 2015. Key Replacements for 2015: ACC | Big 12 | Big Ten | Pac-12 | SEC Corey Clement, RB, Wisconsin Replacing: Melvin Gordon (2,587 yards, 29 TDs in 2014) 2015 Year of Eligibility: Junior Wisconsin has recorded a 1,000-yard rusher in 10 consecutive seasons, and it's a safe bet to assume that streak will extend to 11 by the end of 2015. Melvin Gordon was the nation's top running back last year, rushing for 2,587 yards and 29 scores on 343 attempts. New coach Paul Chryst could have certainly used Gordon in 2015, but the cupboard is far from bare. Clement is a breakout star waiting for his opportunity to start. On 147 carries in 2014, Clement rushed for 949 yards and nine scores. Overall, in his first two years in Madison, Clement has 1,496 yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. Gordon will be missed, but Clement should ensure Wisconsin's ground attack doesn't miss a beat. Jeremy Johnson, QB, Auburn Replacing: Nick Marshall (3,330 total yards in 2014) 2015 Year of Eligibility: Junior Mississippi State's Dak Prescott should be the early favorite to earn preseason first-team All-SEC honors next year. But don't be shocked to see Johnson receive some consideration as the starter in a high-powered offense. The Montgomery native started two games over the last two seasons and appeared in 12 overall contests. In the 2014 season opener against Arkansas, Johnson started for Nick Marshall (suspension) and completed 12 of 16 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns against the Razorbacks. In his two-year career, Johnson has completed 57 of 78 passes for 858 yards and nine scores. The junior isn't as dynamic of a runner as Marshall was but has 40 rushing yards on 11 attempts in two seasons. Coming out of high school, Johnson was ranked as the No. 165 overall prospect in the 247Sports Composite and was regarded as a four-star recruit. Malzahn's offense is adaptable to mobile quarterbacks or pro-style passers. Expect Johnson to thrive in his first year as the starter for Auburn. Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson Replacing: Vic Beasley (33 career sacks, first-team AP All-American in 2014) 2015 Year of Eligibility: Junior Clemson's defense led the nation by holding opponents to 4.03 yards per play in 2014. The Tigers also limited opposing offenses to 16.7 points per game, recorded 45 sacks and led the nation in third-down defense. Matching those totals in 2015 will be a challenge for coordinator Brent Venables. Of the nine players listed in the trenches on the final 2014 depth chart, six expired their eligibility after the Russell Athletic Bowl. Lawson was listed as the backup to Vic Beasley and is a breakout candidate for 2015 after recording 34 tackles (11 for a loss) and 3.5 sacks last year. Jeff Lockie, QB, Oregon Replacing: Marcus Mariota (2014 Heisman Trophy Winner) 2015 Year of Eligibility: Junior There's no doubt Lockie has the biggest shoes to fill of any player on this list. Needless to say, following a Heisman winner and replacing Marcus Mariota's production will be nearly impossible for the Ducks in 2015. The quarterback battle in Eugene is up for grabs, but Lockie has to have a slight edge based on his experience for the last two seasons as the backup. In his brief Oregon career (2013-14) Lockie has completed 29 of 41 passes for 264 yards and one score, while adding 32 yards and one touchdown on the ground. Although Lockie enters the spring at the top of the depth chart, the battle to replace Mariota is far from finished. Freshmen Travis Waller and Morgan Mahalak are expected to push for time, while sophomore Ty Griffin is eligible after sitting out 2014 due to NCAA transfer rules. Could the Ducks land a graduate transfer like Eastern Washington's Vernon Adams? Marcus Loud/Charles Harris, DE, Missouri Replacing: Markus Golden/Shane Ray (24.5 total sacks in 2014) 2015 Year of Eligibility: Sophomore Missouri consistently churns out talent from the defensive line to the NFL. Three linemen were selected over the 2013-14 drafts, and the number drafted only grows if you expand into 2011 (Aldon Smith) and 2009 (Ziggy Hood and Stryker Sulak). The Tigers will add to that total in 2015, as Shane Ray (a likely first-round pick) and Markus Golden (a top-100 prospect) will be targeted high in the draft. Replacing productive linemen is nothing new for the Tigers, and the focus shifts in 2015 to Harris and Loud as they replace Golden and Ray in the starting lineup. Loud recorded 14 tackles in 14 games last season, while Harris registered 19 tackles (four for a loss) and two sacks in 14 appearances. Golden and Ray leave big shoes to fill, but Missouri also has a track record of finding the right answers at defensive end. Sean Maguire, QB, Florida State Replacing: Jameis Winston (2013 Heisman winner) 2015 Year of Eligibility: Junior Out of the five players mentioned in this article, Maguire has the biggest shoes to fill. The New Jersey native has played in 12 career games and made one start against Clemson in 2014. With Jameis Winston suspended against the Tigers, Maguire stepped into the starting lineup and completed 21 of 39 passes for 304 yards and one score. And in his career, Maguire has completed 38 out of 70 passes for 455 yards, three scores and four interceptions. Regardless of whether it's Maguire, J.J. Cosentino, John Franklin III or an incoming freshman, Florida State's quarterback in 2015 isn't going to match Winston's production and ability to perform in the clutch. However, coach Jimbo Fisher is one of the top quarterback gurus in the nation. The Seminoles will find enough production in the passing game to conted in the ACC in 2015. Kyle Murphy, OT, Stanford Replacing: LT Andrus Peat (first-team All-Pac-12 in 2014) 2015 Year of Eligibility: Senior Stanford's offensive line has been one of the Pac-12's top units in recent years, placing a lineman on the first-team for all-conference honors for seven consecutive seasons. The Cardinal return four starters in 2015, but there's a huge hole to replace on the left side. Andrus Peat finished his career with 27 consecutive starts at left tackle and should be a first-round pick in the 2015 draft after leaving with one season of eligibility remaining. Murphy started all 14 games at right tackle in 2014 and is a candidate to flip to the left side to replace Peat. Murphy earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2014 and will be counted upon to replace Peat, as well as be the lead blocker for a Stanford ground attack that averaged 4.4 yards per carry in conference games last year. Seth Russell, QB, Baylor Replacing: Bryce Petty 2015 Year of Eligibility: Junior Bryce Petty will be missed, but Baylor's offense isn't going to miss a beat with a new signal-caller at the controls. In each of the last five years, the Bears had a quarterback throw for at least 3,500 yards. And from 2011-13, Baylor signal-callers eclipsed the 4,00-yard mark. Coach Art Briles clearly has one of the top offensive systems in the nation, and Russell is expected to take control of the high-powered attack in 2015. In two years of playing time in Waco, Russell has completed 74 of 128 throws for 1,231 yards and 11 scores. The Texas native also has good mobility, rushing for 332 yards and six touchdowns on 56 attempts the last two years. Russell will be pushed by sophomore Chris Johnson and incoming freshman Jarrett Stidham. However, he should get the first opportunity to replace Petty in 2015. Cam Sims, WR, Alabama Replacing: Amari Cooper (228 career catches) 2015 Year of Eligibility: Sophomore Replacing Amari Cooper's production will be more of a team effort than just one individual for the Crimson Tide in 2015. Cooper was one of college football's top players in 2014, catching 124 passes for 1,727 yards and 16 scores. While there's no doubt losing an All-American receiver is a huge blow to any offense, Alabama also has to replace DeAndrew White (40 catches in 2014) and Christion Jones (19 catches in 2014). Sims was regarded as the No. 84 prospect in the 2014 signing class and caught seven passes for 62 yards and one score in his true freshman campaign. Sims was listed as the backup to Cooper at the "X" receiver position, and the 6-foot-4 Louisiana native figures to be an even bigger part of the receiving corps next season for coordinator Lane Kiffin. JuJu Smith, WR, USC Replacing: Nelson Agholor (first-team All-Pac-12 in 2014) 2015 Year of Eligibility: Sophomore USC is pegged as the early favorite in the Pac-12 South , but for coach Steve Sarkisian's team to claim the conference title, the offense has to find a replacement for standout receiver Nelson Agholor. The first-team All-Pac-12 performer isn't the only loss for USC, as top end Leonard Williams also must be replaced. Both sides of the ball have key holes to fill, but Smith is one of the Pac-12's rising stars and caught 54 passes for 724 yards and five scores in his first season with the Trojans. The California native was a five-star prospect in the 2014 247Sports Composite and may play a few snaps on defense next year. Regardless of whether Smith is on offense or defense, he's one of USC's top playmakers and will play a key role in replacing Agholor. | 1 | 6,065 | sports |
1. Go on your first date… again. Couples that reenact their first date with as much detail as possible bring back the same sweet (or smokin') feelings they had at the beginning of their relationship. "By reliving your memories, your emotions go back in time," says Guy Winch, Ph.D., author of Emotional First Aid. Hey, pizza and beer worked once, didn't it? 2. Get a little handsy. PDA is what turns dinner into a date . No smooching over the appetizer required experts say a little hand-holding or a hug as you walk in the door releases oxytocin into your system. That's the stuff you need for some private displays of affection later. 3. Take two, and we'll see you in the morning. If you're feeling like your relationship is tipping from comfy to too comfortable, Deidre Guillory of the blog WifeMomSuperwoman suggests throwing a few low-key date-night ideas into a jar whenever you come up with them. Should a few free hours present themselves, pick two and just do them, no overthinking! "Sometimes a random night of takeout Chinese and a round of mini golf is just what a marriage needs," she says. 4. Watch and learn. Dinner and a movie is a great date, especially if you time it right: Elly Klein, author of Men Are Like a Box of Chocolates , says having dinner after the movie means you're guaranteed more exciting conversation topics than kids and bills. Plus, experts say that when couples discuss what they loved and hated about movies they saw together, they get more in tune with each other. Now just decide: Are you a rom-com or Hot Tub Time Machine 2 (out this month) kind of couple? 5. Go low-tech. The biggest date-night ruiner: distraction. Studies say our phones are sapping the spark out of one-on-one time. Turn them off, pour a glass of wine, and cozy up by the window to catch the awesomeness of the brilliant February 3 full moon. 6. Make it a double. The most counterintuitive thing your couple time needs: more people. Invite friends along on your date (just for the dinner part what did you think?!). University of Maryland researchers found that maintaining friendships with other couples solidifies your relationship with your partner and intensifies your attraction to each other. 7. Leave a note… or three. Take it from a true love expert: The Bachelor veteran Sean Lowe (author of the new book For the Right Reasons ) turns date night into date day . "I leave [my wife] Catherine Post-it notes on the bathroom mirror aboutour date that night. They keep the romance alive." Works for us normals too: Experts say anticipating something fun is a big part of happiness. 8. Make him blush. Give your partner a sweet compliment. "Focusing on the positive immediately strengthens the relationship," say (married) marriage experts Charles and Elizabeth Schmitz. And he does look good, don't you think? | 4 | 6,066 | lifestyle |
Two French restaurants tasted the ultimate accolade in top-level gastronomy on Monday, winning three coveted Michelin stars in the guide's 2015 edition. "La Bouitte" in the French Alps, run by father-and-son team Rene and Maxime Meilleur, and Yannick Alleno's Parisian restaurant "Ledoyen" joined the pantheon of top eateries in the self-styled bible of gastronomy. Rene, 64, and Maxime, 39, were awarded the industry's top prize for their "extraordinary" skills with fish, said Michael Ellis, director of international guides for Michelin. The food bible hailed the Alpine chalet restaurant, located at an altitude of 1,500 metres (5,000 feet), as "generous, authentic and full of emotion". The fishy delights on the menu include trout, scallops and crawfish, while meat eaters can tuck into frogs' legs with black garlic and watercress, duck foie gras escalope, sweetbreads and venison. But such three-star cuisine does not come cheap. A three-course "surprise" menu will set you back 115 euros ($130), while an eight-course banquet weighs in at 225 euros. The restaurant has come a long way in 40 years from its beginnings as a refilling stop for skiiers, serving them raclette and fondu. "I turn 40 this year," said Maxime. "This is really a great present. All the empty tables will be full from now on." - 'Explosion of flavour' - Away from the snowy mountains, "Ledoyen", near the capital's famed Champs Elysees, retained its three-star status but with a new chef, the 46-year-old Alleno, at the pass. Alleno, who already won three stars in 2007 for his work at "Le Meurice" in Paris, was cited for his skill with sauces. He has perfected an "extraction" technique for sauces, resulting in an ultra-pure jus with an intense flavour. "We found a Yannick Alleno at the top of his game," said Ellis. "The techniques have been mastered in an extraordinary fashion. The concentration and explosion of flavour are quite simply remarkable," he added. He singled out for special praise a souffle of smoked eel with a watercress reduction and a brioche of pike with celery extract. "These three stars have a special flavour," said Alleno. "It's the first time I have been recognised as a head chef." While the champagne corks were popping there, others were left crying into their soup as they were demoted to "mere" two-star status. The "Arnsbourg" in eastern France was relegated from three stars to two following the departure of chef Jean-Georges Klein. And "La Cote Saint-Jacques", in central France, had a star removed due to a "lack of consistency in certain dishes". - 'Exceptional cuisine' - The 2015 guide crowned 26 three-star restaurants in France, one fewer than last year. Worldwide, there are 111. There were 80 two-star restaurants (seven of which were new) and 503 one-star restaurants (37 of them making the grade for the first time). In total, there are now 609 Michelin-starred restaurants in France. The criterion for winning three stars is that the restaurant must serve up "exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey." The three previous editions of the guide crowned one new three-starred chef each and none in 2011. Last year, the most coveted accolade in gastronomy went to Arnaud Lallement, of the family-run "L'Assiette Champenoise" near Reims in the Champagne region of northeastern France. The new guide was unveiled at the French foreign ministry, which is determined to maintain the country's reputation as the top destination for foodies. Last week, an American food critic threw salt in Michelin's sauce by declaring that most of the top Paris listings were not worth their exorbitant prices. Meg Zimbeck, who runs Paris By Mouth, a respected online review site that also provides foodie tours to English-speaking visitors, backed up her argument with research: four months of anonymous dining in all Paris restaurants boasting two or three Michelin stars. What she found, after booking into 16 restaurants under false names and paying a total 7,150 euros for the meals, was that Michelin's recommendations didn't always deliver. | 2 | 6,067 | travel |
Mavericks point guard Rajon Rondo suffered an orbital fracture in his left eye as well as a nasal fracture and will miss at least three games while undergoing additional testing, the team announced Monday. | 1 | 6,068 | sports |
Feb. 2 -- Bloomberg "Money Clip" Host Pimm Fox reports on President Obama's $4 trillion budget plan | 8 | 6,069 | video |
Romance and sex may be just "metaphorical concepts" when you've got little children running amok in your house, but the intimacy shouldn't be nonexistent. In fact, if you let your sex life die with your partner, your marriage will suffer down the line. And really, can you make a whole relationship sweet (romance) and spicy (sexy time!) in just one day, aka Valentine's Day? That's a huge task for one little "24-hour" period of time, you know. Between wiping mouths and butts and screaming phrases that make you sound exactly like your mother, step away from mommy duty for a minute, grab your big-girl sexy panties, and take on the 28 Day Romance and Sex Challenge! You can do it - you're Wonder Woman, remember? This "challenge" is full of simple yet fun and easy things you can do in the month of February to spice up life with your old ball and chain! It will be a month to remember, and who knows? Maybe the ball will keep rolling throughout 2015. Your marriage will thank you for it. Get ready to play ladies - and gentlemen! Day 1: The Sexy Note You text and FB message, don't you? Well, take a few minutes out of your day to start February off right with a sexy message to your main squeeze. Something like, "I can't wait to see you naked tonight." If you just giggled out loud saying that, go tamer with: "I want to show you my panties later." And if you're really racy, get descriptive! You can't go wrong. Day 2: Shower Time You don't always have time to have sex, but you should have time for a shower. OK - let's be real . . . Getting a shower in during those infancy days or if you have more than one kid is a challenge. But set aside even just five minutes early in the morning or late at night, and ask your partner to join you! It doesn't have to lead to sex - it could just be five or 10 minutes of sensual time together. If your kids catch you, just explain your cleaning Daddy's boo-boo. Oh, that didn't sound good now, did it? Day 3: Go Commando I'm not suggesting you pull this off at a playdate, but find an opportune - or inopportune time, if you're a kinky mommy - and leave the panties in the laundry hamper. Whether you've got time to show your partner in love or not, casually mention you forgot your thong today. Let him witness and confirm . . . And you take it from there! Day 4: The Snapshot There's nothing more memorable than a picture. Tuck a shot of the two of you, prekids, into your significant other's bag, wallet, or wherever! Are you strictly a digital momma? Send a tender image via text - make sure though it's from the early days of your courting. Day 5: Massage Offer a massage. Maybe it's while you're catching up on your DVR, or perhaps it's just a five-minute shoulder rub while he's shoving down breakfast. Touch is usually reciprocated with . . . touch. And the more touching well? If you're happy and you know it . . . use your hands! Day 6: Sweets For Your Sweet Sneak your love's favorite sweet somewhere, and add a little love note. Not exactly a wordsmith? Find a Shakespeare love quote via your BFF Google, and add it with those Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Tasty - and tender at the same time! Day 7: Return to the Beginning Make it a point to spend even just a few minutes back where you met - or where you had your first date. Just talking about that first time will let the memories flood back. Day 8: May I Have This Dance? Unless he's comfy on his feet, chances are he may dodge this offer. Give him a glass of wine or a beer first, and then take a spin on the living room "dance floor" to some music. You may feel like a klutz or a bit foolish, but add another tune on Pandora and keep the flow going. Pick the right tunes also: Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On," anyone? The rhythm is gonna get you? If you want to up the ante, take him out for a trial dance lesson. What's sexier than salsa? This is why I was formerly married to a Cuban guy. Nice tush - good feet. Day 9: Role-Play It's time to get down and dirty (naughty schoolteacher) or slow and easy (nurse wife at your services). Whatever your best mate's fantasy, enact it. If you're ambitious and open-minded, send him a text telling him that the teacher needs to see him after the kids are in bed for a serious lecture - he won't know what hit him! Then, get in costume. If your acting chops make people want to chuck a tomato at you, just stick to a little bit of dirty talk during sex. Worst-case scenario? If your kid catches you, tell her you're just playing dress-up like she does. Just try to cover up your boobs if need be. Day 10: Take a Stroll I understand that for some of us on the East Coast and Midwest, it's a tad bit nipply out - no pun intended! But grab a time that's not below zero, and head out for a walk with your love. Number one - it's a free date! Number two - it's good exercise and fresh air. Just be sure to get a babysitter or even just a neighbor to watch the kids for 30 minutes even. One rule? No talking about the kids. Day 11: On Camera This isn't something for everyone, but if you feel daring . . . tape yourselves during the act of lovemaking . . . or even just kissing. Then, watch it alone a few days later, but no matter how fat you think your thighs are (they're not!), enjoy it. It might even turn you on. Day 11: The Quickie Pick 20 minutes out of your day - whether it's during a nap, midnight, or 5 in the morning, and have a quickie with your partner . . . anywhere. Kitchen, basement, bathroom - just do it! Day 12: The List It's very common for couples to talk when there is a problem or issue at hand, but how often do you just stop to tell your partner, "Hey, you're awesome?" You probably say I love you a billion times, but after a while, how much weight does that carry? Write an old-fashioned note listing 15 things you love about your partner. Day 13: The Public Act Pick a public place to get naughty. If you can get a babysitter, make out at a bar. If you can't get a babysitter, fool around in the car late at night. Will you feel stupid at first? Sure, but once all the "body parts" activate, you won't feel so stupid. Changing "location" is good for your sex life, and a public act just ups the excitement. Day 14: Be the Model Let your partner pick your outfit out for the day. If your partner in crime loves you in red, deal with it and flaunt it! How lovely is it to feel sexy for your partner? Day 15: Let the Games Begin Free date-night alert: naked Twister! Before you roll your eyes, this will be not only fun but also funny. Perhaps the winner gets to pick out his or her favorite "sexual" favor as a prize. Be sure to do while the kids are sleeping; otherwise, they might want to join in, especially if they're between the ages of 1 and 3 when kids love to be naked! Day 16: No Sex, Just Kissing Remember when you had to tell your boyfriend, "No second base?" Well, this is a similar game. Stick to just the three bases - do I need to explain those? - but no intercourse. Then the next day, try this again. The third night? Go buckwild. It's the thrill of the chase and buildup, isn't it? Day 17: Wedding Song Send an audio or video clip of your wedding song, or if you're a hopeless romantic, write out the words to your sweetie and hit send. This is one text that's safe enough to be read at work. Day 18: Food = Love Make your loved one's favorite meal for dinner - and let him eat it by himself, in peace and quiet. (Just like you wish you could do as a mother sometimes, right?) Let him savor the food! Day 19: Sexual, Chocolate Bring woman's best friend chocolate to the dinner table . . . after the kids are asleep. Whip out an assortment - white, dark, milk, truffles, bars, etc. . . . And as your partner feeds you a bite at a time, you remove one article of clothes. No chocolate? No nakey. Hint: start with white and build to the darkest cocoa. Day 20: Officer, We Have an Arrest Too tired for sex but feeling a little pissed off? Channel your anger and handcuff your hot stuff and tease away! Then afterward, go to bed. OK . . . I would prefer you weren't so cruel. The goal of this challenge: tease and then please. If not that night, the next day. Day 21: The Wedding Revisit the walk down the aisle. Watch the video. Look at the photos. Remember the love. Day 22: Sexy Sunday Remember when you could lie around in a t-shirt and panties while having sex or eating comfort food all day with your partner on a Sunday prekids? Do it! Drop the kids off at the grandparents, and spend the day in your skivvies. Note: He can't watch sports. No social media or checking email. Just movies, sex, and food. Repeat. Day 23: The Talk For 20 minutes today, sit down and talk to your partner while holding hands. The chat topics: no work or kids. Stick to these three: sex, life dreams, or why you have chosen to be with each other. If you must bribe a quiet guy to speak, use your wiles if need be! Day 24: Lunch Is on Me Make your partner a lunch to take to work, but be sure it's a childhood lunch favorite - think homemade pizza, PB&J, or macaroni and cheese. Tuck in a note that tells your partner how much you love him. Day 25: Just For You If you don't know, ask your partner what his favorite "porn" themes are. Yes, he probably watches porn. Then, find a good one, and send him a link. Tell him to let you know later if he enjoyed it. Too prude for that? Send him some photos of some sexy women to his phone. He'll like it. Day 26: Flirt and Tell Whether you're a SAHM or working momma, flirt with someone - appropriately. Obviously don't jump into the sack with someone. Flirt and then tell your partner. Tell them how good it made you feel - it usually does. If he's insanely jealous - you may want to reconsider that and, instead, tell him to flirt and report back. Remember, you've chosen each other. Be confident! A little flirting won't hurt. Day 27: Instruct and Deliver It's Friday night! When the lights are out - or on, if you prefer - give your partner a tutorial in oral activities. A man likes to be instructed now and then - just don't be too mean, OK? Also, be sure to take a little instruction yourself. You can't just receive - you must give. Day 28: Stranger Saturday Can you snag a sitter? Both of you go out - without each other. Dress up. Make him clean up well. Go have fun. Don't say where you're going. A little mystery is exciting. Remember when you wondered where he was when you first dated? What he was doing? When you get back later, don't talk - just go to the bedroom. The kids should be asleep already, god willing. If not, kiss them good night. Then just proceed to have sex for at least an hour. Don't worry about being tired. You're a mom. You're tired for life, lady! Mission Complete Now that the challenge is done, how do you two feel? Talk about it! Happy Valentine's Day, and may love be with you all year long! | 4 | 6,070 | lifestyle |
Could a fully plant-based diet bring you closer to Beyoncé? It might, if you agree to her vegan meal delivery program, a new project launched with her trainer, Marcos Borges, an exercise psychologist and the founder of the program 22 Days Nutrition . The challenge is the very same vegan diet regimen that Beyoncé and Jay-Z embarked on in 2013, some of which she documented on Instagram . "I am so grateful that I took the challenge and credit Marco with leading by example," Beyoncé said in a statement . "He came up with a great program to get people motivated to make better nutritional choices. All you have to do is try. If I can do it, anyone can. I am excited to partner with him." Meals from the 22 Day Challenge range from $9.76 to $16.50, are entirely plant-based, and do not include gluten, soy, dairy, or GMOs. The 22 Day Challenge has three meal plans to choose from, ranging from one to three meals a day. | 0 | 6,071 | foodanddrink |
Nissan surprised us all when it debuted not only the new Maxima but also its radical Le Mans prototype during this past weekend's Super Bowl. Now, the automaker has revealed a few more details on its front-engine, front-wheel-drive GT-R LM Nismo . First, it's important to clear up what the "front-drive" bit actually refers to. The internal combustion engine, a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6, solely powers the front wheels. But a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) transmits power to the front and rear wheels, giving this LMP1-class racer part-time all-wheel drive. What gives the GT-R LM Nismo its unique profile is its front-mid engine layout. Putting the engine ahead of the driver is highly unusual for a sports car prototype, especially considering mid-engine designs have won the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the last 50 years or so. But Nissan technical director and LMP team principal Ben Bowlby, who also designed the Delta Wing , is no stranger to unusual designs. "The regulations have allowed us the freedom to create a significantly different looking car," Bowlby said in a release. Those regulations also dictate when the prototype is able to use its KERS hybrid power. Bowlby says that the energy collected from braking is released very quickly coming out of a corner, helping the race car get back up to speed. Nissan doesn't say exactly how much power the GT-R LM Nismo makes, but the tehnical director does elaborate on why the twin-turbo V-6 was chosen. "This is a very efficient engine so it produces a large amount of power using the allotted fuel flow limit. The fuel flow limit is one of the new regulations at Le Mans. We're not limited by the engine capacity or the boost pressure or the RPM of the engine; we're limited by how many grams of fuel per second we can burn. So the more efficient you make the engine, the more power you have because you are still burning the same amount of fuel whether you are efficient or inefficient. So if you can make a very efficient engine, you get a lot of power. We are burning a smaller amount of fuel, around 30 percent less than was used by a gasoline engine at Le Mans in 2013, for example." The prototype wears 14-inch Michelin racing tires in the front, and narrower 9-inch tires in the rear. Nissan says this is due to the way the weight is distributed, which also necessitated the aero being moved forward. Testing for the car began last year in Arizona and continues in the U.S. today. The car will contest the 2015 FIA World Endurance Championship, and make its racing debut at Silverstone Circuit in the U.K. on April 12 before running the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. We'll have to wait until then to find out if Nissan's radical design can compete against the mid-engine hybrid prototypes of Audi , Porsche , and Toyota . Source: Nissan | 9 | 6,072 | autos |
Apple Inc said it plans to invest $2 billion to convert a failed sapphire glass plant in Arizona into a data command center. Apple partnered with GT Advanced Technologies Inc, to set up the plant in Mesa in 2013 to manufacture scratch-resistant sapphire screens. But GT Advanced filed for bankruptcy last October and closed the plant, after the company's sapphire glass was left out of Apple's new iPhones. "This multi-billion dollar project is one of the largest investments we've ever made," Apple spokeswoman Rachel Wolf said in a statement on Monday. The investment is expected to create 600 engineering and construction jobs at the data center, Apple said, adding that the plant would be powered mostly by solar energy. (Reporting by Anya George Tharakan in Bengaluru and Noel Randewich in San Francisco; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty) | 5 | 6,073 | news |
The world's safest cities Do you feel safe living in one of the world's major cities? Or perhaps you're debating a move towards the bright lights? The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has selected 50 prospering cities from across the globe and analyzed which is the safest. To compile its "Safe Cities Index 2015", the EIU investigated and ranked the locations based on four criteria: health security, digital security, personal safety and infrastructure safety. While Jakarta (50) and Tehran (49) ranked in the bottom two for safety, here, CNBC takes a look at what cities took the top spots. No. 10: New York With 8.4 million New Yorkers, the city does a considerable amount for its health and digital security, which both scored highly on the index. EIU Cost of Living Editor Jon Copestake said North American cities scored relatively highly when it came to digital safety because they invest in the appropriate infrastructure. Not only does New York flourish on the digital front, but this metropolis has seen a phenomenal drop in homicides since its "six murders per day" rate in 1990. In 2013, the city's murder rate stood at 335 a historic low. Performance rankings: •Digital Security: 3rd •Health Security: 2nd •Infrastructure Safety: 16th •Personal Safety: 28th No. 9: Melbourne Somewhat smaller than Sydney, this Australian city gained top marks for its infrastructure and personal safety. In the EIU's "Global Liveability Ranking", Melbourne has come first since 2011. The report made note of Melbourne's average life expectancy currently 86 years old compared to Australia's overall average of 82 years. The average life expectancy of those living in the top 25 cities ranked by the EIU is 81 years. Performance rankings: •Digital Security: 20th •Health Security: 14th •Infrastructure Safety: 2nd •Personal Safety: 8th No. 8: Toronto This Canadian city comes top of the EIU's "Index of Indexes," - being named the "best place to live" by the EIU, as it scored well for business environment, food security and democratic structure. It also has one of the lowest crime rates in North America, with Statistics Canada confirming in 2013 that the country's crime rate was at its lowest since 1972. Performance rankings: •Digital Security: 11th •Health Security: 21st •Infrastructure Safety: 8th •Personal Safety: 7th No. 7: Zurich Zurich may be known for its banking industry, but it's also located in 2014's "most happiest country", Switzerland, according to the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development. While Zurich only has around 366,800 citizens, it is home to an extensive public transport system and one of the world's busiest train stations. The city also comes first for health security and infrastructure safety, although its residents do face a high cost of living. Performance rankings: •Digital Security: 19th •Health Security: 1st •Infrastructure Safety: 1st •Personal Safety: 13th No. 6: Sydney The second Australian city in the top 10, Sydney was named as one of the most "liveable" of all 50 locations analyzed by the EIU. According to the CIA's World Factbook, Australia's urban population makes up 89.2 percent of its population, and some 4.5 million inhabitants live in Sydney alone, making it Australia's most populated city. As such, maybe it's unsurprising that it comes third in the EIU's infrastructure safety rankings. In addition, Sydney has one of the largest tram systems worldwide. Performance rankings: •Digital Security: 14th •Health Security: 17th •Infrastructure Safety: 3rd •Personal Safety: 10th Source: Australian Government's official website for the "Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development" No. 5: Amsterdam Despite having less than 800,000 residents, the Netherland's cultural capital is named one of the best places to live in the world by the EIU, coming fourth on its Index of Indexes. In Mercer's "Quality of Living" index for 2014, Amsterdam came 11th out of 460 cities. Slagin Parakatil, senior researcher at Mercer, highlighted the city's low crime and corruption levels. Performance rankings: •Digital Security: 17th •Health Security: 13th •Infrastructure Safety: 4th •Personal Safety: 9th Source: Mercer's "2014 Quality of Living" report No. 4: Stockholm The Swedish capital scored highly when it came to democratic status and business environment. In fact, the only area that let Stockholm down was its infrastructure safety. Sweden itself has a gross domestic product (GDP) of $552 billion and is the fifth-best country to do business in, according to Forbes. However, while it has universal healthcare, Stockholm ranks lower in health safety than many other European cities analyzed by the EIU. Performance rankings: •Digital Security: 7th •Health Security: 10th •Infrastructure Safety: 21st •Personal Safety: 4th No. 3: Osaka Home to 2.6 million people, this Japanese city was names the third safest city in the world by the EIU, helped by its flourishing IT sector, strong economy, food security and high "liveability." But the report noted that Osaka lost points to Tokyo, which had a higher number of cyber security teams and privacy-based policies. Overall, however, Osaka performed well in most of the top categories, with only infrastructure blemishing its score. Performance rankings: •Digital Security: 5th •Health Security: 6th •Infrastructure Safety: 12th •Personal Safety: 2nd No. 2: Singapore Having ranked first for personal safety, it comes as no surprise that Singapore did so well in the overall ranking. It also scored well in digital security and infrastructure. The city-state is the third richest country in the world, according to Forbes, and was named by Lonely Planet as the top country to visit in 2015, due to recent developments in its tourism sector. Charles Ross, senior editor at EIU, noted that "traditional crimes" in Singapore were very low, meaning that its inhabitants felt protected. However, he added that cybercrime was an area that Singapore needed to focus on in order to enhance its safety. Performance rankings: •Digital Security: 2nd •Health Security: 12th •Infrastructure Safety: 7th •Personal Safety: 1st No. 1: Tokyo As cybersecurity becomes more of a concern, Tokyo appears to have it covered. In fact, its high digital safety rating helped the city of 38 million people be named the world's safest by the EIU. "The world's most populous city is also the safest in the Index," the report said. While EIU senior analyst Chris Clague added its personal safety was "unmatched." Tokyo, which will be the host for the 2020 Olympics, was also ranked in the top five cities for infrastructure and personal safety. Performance rankings: •Digital Security: 1st •Health Security: 8th •Infrastructure Safety: 5th •Personal Safety: 3rd | 3 | 6,074 | finance |
Tiger Woods fell to 56th in the world rankings released Monday and is in danger of failing to qualify for next month's World Golf Championships event at Doral. The 14-time major champion, chasing the record 18 majors won by Jack Nicklaus, needs to reach the top 50 after the Northern Trust Open at Riviera or Honda Classic later this month in order to qualify for the WGC Cadillac Championship that begins March 5 at Doral. Former world number one Woods has captured that WGC event seven times and won four times at Doral, most recently at the 2013 WGC Cadillac event. Woods, 39, has failed to qualify for only one WGC event, the 2011 HSBC Champions, in his career. Woods dropped nine ranking spots after missing the cut at last week's Phoenix Open and enters this week's US PGA event at Torrey Pines only two spots above his worst ranking, 58th, since his first PGA victory at Las Vegas in 1996. With 79 career titles, Woods is only three shy of matching the all-time record of 82 PGA triumphs by Sam Snead. But he last won a title at the 2013 WGC Bridgestone Invitational and has not won a major since the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines, when he won a playoff over Rocco Mediate limping on a broken leg. Woods had been the world number one until last May but nagging back injuries and struggling to revamp his swing have seen him fail to finish in the top 20 in his past nine events. | 1 | 6,075 | sports |
Sebastian Vettel's first two days in Ferrari colours could hardly have gone better as the German has wiped away the ghosts of last season in the first pre-season test in Jerez. The four-time world champion has been fastest on both the opening days in southern Spain and will hand over the reins to teammate Kimi Raikkonen for the rest of the test. Vettel's start to the new campaign is in stark contrast to his disastrous first test ahead of a troubled final season with Red Bull last year. The 27-year-old spent almost the entirety of his time in Jerez in the garage as he completed just 11 laps over two days in a sign of what was to come as he sank from world champion to fifth in the driver's standings. "It could be worse, especially compared to last year at this stage," said Vettel after completing 88 laps despite a rain interrupted afternoon on Monday. "We did a lot of laps, especially today. I think it is normal in winter testing if you see anything running a bit odd to take the time to stop and have a look which unfortunately takes time, but the new engines seem to work well even in these conditions. "I'm happy, especially at the end with the wet running that I kept the car on the track. We already have a long night ahead, I didn't want to make it any longer for the guys in the garage. "I hope that tomorrow and the day after that Kimi finds at least the same if not better reliability." Vettel's times have put reigning double world constructors champions Mercedes in the shade despite Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg racking up over 200 laps in their first days in the new W06 car. However, Vettel insisted there is still a long way to go if Ferrari, who finished nearly 500 points adrift of the German giants in fourth place in the constructors' champions last season, are to challenge this campaign. "I think we have to remember where we're coming from, there is a lot of change," added Vettel. "There are a lot of new things. There is a lot of stuff that we have learned and from that point of view the most important thing is to keep running, to learn about the car, the numbers and make sure we are ready for the next test. "Mercedes are running a slightly different approach. They have done some very long runs, so in thar regard it is difficult to judge. "But in terms of feeling inside the car I am quite happy." | 1 | 6,076 | sports |
I am an unmarried mom, in a committed relationship. The Chief and I live happily together in mortal sin, and our two year old daughter is blissfully unaware her parents are going to burn in the fiery depths of hell because of her creation. Although, we were already screwed by the very nature of making her outside the marital bed anyway. We have been driving each other crazing for over a decade. We live, travel, and work together. There might be some boundary issues, but our current focus is on raising our daughter together. If you saw us walking down the street, you'd think we were a "real" family. The whole package, with wedding rings and shared life insurance policies. But you'd be wrong. Because we're not married. And we don't have any plans to be. The questions started, politely at first. "You're going to get married before you start to show, right?" (I do not need a ring on my finger to push a baby out of my hoo-ha. Believe you me, women have been doing it, sans ring, since Mary Magdalene.) "Well, now you have to get married." (Well, of course we do, since you said so. Let me call the minister right now. Just hold your breath until I get back.) "Doesn't it bother you that you're not married?" (Wouldn't I be married if it did?) The award for most inappropriate marriage question goes to the tall, thin, husband hunting divorcee. She opened her big, botoxed piehole at a party while I was happily pregnant, surrounded by married mamas. (Cue nickname "Piehole." Names changed to protect the guilty.) "Oh. My. Gosh. You must be so excited about this baby!!!" I smiled demurely, nodded, and rubbed my belly lovingly. Carry on. Discussing anything baby is my forte. I am obsessed. "So, when are you guys going to tie the knot?" I answer with the usual, "No plans to marry. We've been together a long time, and we're both committed." I diplomatically add since pregnant, "I'm sure we will eventually. But at this point, we're going to wait to see if it's important to our little girl." A look of confusion crosses Piehole's face. Pregnant pause (come on, puns are fun!), followed by: "But you don't want your child to be a bastard, do you?" Screeching tires. Snapping heads. Sloshing wine glasses. Hold the phone. What did she just say?! In hindsight, there were many comebacks. I, however, am not a witty person and sat silently, shell-shocked. But Piehole was not finished. "Just imagine how your kid will feel when she walks into school the first day of kindergarten and Teacher gets her last name wrong. And she has to explain in front of her class that mommy and daddy don't love each other enough to get married. You'll pick her up and she'll be sobbing and hate you. You don't want to do that to happen, do you? I just don't think it's fair to make her a bastard." (Side note: I am paraphrasing, but I have to hand it to Piehole she really set the scene for my daughter's future emotional trauma. Talk of her cute little backpack weighing her down, coupled with guilt and shame, and tears coursing down plump, rosy cheeks. It was inspiring, really.) Cue Witty Comeback Girl. No, it wasn't me. Sadly, I'm not quick enough. The gathered Marrieds studied the bottom of their suddenly drained wine glasses and strained to listen without looking. "Well, I think we can all agree that marriage doesn't work for everyone. After all, Piehole, haven't they been together longer than your first two marriages…combined?" Smile, sip, and segue into meaningless chatter. Game, Set, Match. Piehole, you've been served. I tell that story to illustrate there are many enemies of the Unmarried Mom. I never would have thought a twice divorced mom would be the one to judge my life decisions. Please, don't get me wrong. If marriage is important to you, kudos. Honest. I will happily attend your wedding and cry tears of joy through the ceremony. I really do wish you the best. And I solemnly swear to buy you an awesome, handcrafted wedding gift off Etsy, that magical little wedding fairies blessed prior to wrapping. Every morning I have to re-commit to making my relationship work. I can't rely on a piece of paper to keep my partner from walking out the door. We have issues. Who doesn't? But you'll find an Unmarried Mom's issues look just like yours. They just don't involve white dresses or court decrees. So the next time you see a ringless mom, pretend she's just like you. Because chances are, she is. | 4 | 6,077 | lifestyle |
Former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn faced another humiliating day in a court Monday when he appeared on charges accusing him of procuring sex workers for an international prostitution ring operating out of luxury hotels in Europe and the United States. The case, dubbed the "Carlton Affair" after the luxury hotel in the northern city of Lille where authorities say the prostitution network was based, has riveted France and stirred debate about the extent to which the personal lives of public figures should remain private. Paying for sex is not illegal in France, but it is against the law to procure prostitutes for others or to run a prostitution business. Strauss-Kahn, 65, has admitted attending "libertine" parties in Paris, Brussels and Washington between 2009 and 2011, when he was serving as IMF chief, according to French news reports. But he says he did not know that some of the women present were prostitutes. "As you can imagine, at these kinds of parties you're not always dressed, and I challenge you to distinguish a naked prostitute from any other naked woman," his attorney, Henri Leclerc, told reporters after the investigation was launched in 2011. Prosecutors had recommended dropping the charges against Strauss-Kahn on grounds of insufficient evidence, but the judges who ordered the trial in Lille said he must have known that the women were paid, as the parties were organized on his behalf. Participants quoted in court documents described scenes of "carnage" and said Strauss-Kahn was the "king of the party," according to a report in the French weekly Le Journal du Dimanche. [Link in French] If convicted, Strauss-Kahn could face up to 10 years in prison and fines totaling $1.7 million. He is accused with 13 others, including a police commissioner, high-flying businessmen and the owner of a chain of sex clubs who is known as "Dodo the Pimp." The trial, which is scheduled to last three weeks, has been described as a test of changing attitudes in France about the seamier side of politicians' personal lives. Strauss-Kahn's defenders contend that he is the victim of a feminist-inspired moral crusade in a country that has long poked fun at Anglo-Saxon "puritanism." His critics argue that he has a history of predatory behavior toward women. Strauss-Kahn was forced to resign as IMF chief when he was arrested in May 2011 and accused of sexually assaulting Nafissatou Diallo, a housekeeper at the Sofitel Hotel in New York. He claimed that the sex was consensual and involved no violence. The criminal charges against him were eventually dropped over concerns about Diallo's credibility, and he reached a settlement in a civil suit brought by his accuser. French prosecutors in 2011 also dismissed a French writer's claim that Strauss-Kahn had tried to rape her during an interview in 2003. Officials said the statute of limitations for pursuing the case had passed. Strauss-Kahn is not expected to testify in the latest case until next week. | 5 | 6,078 | news |
Too many people succumb to the mistaken belief that being likeable comes from natural, unteachable traits that belong only to a lucky few the good looking, the fiercely social, and the incredibly talented. It's easy to fall prey to this misconception. In reality, being likeable is under your control, and it's a matter of emotional intelligence (EQ). In a study conducted at UCLA, subjects rated over 500 adjectives based on their perceived significance to likeability. The top-rated adjectives had nothing to do with being gregarious, intelligent, or attractive (innate characteristics). Instead, the top adjectives were sincerity, transparency, and capacity for understanding (another person). These adjectives, and others like them, describe people who are skilled in the social side of emotional intelligence. TalentSmart research data from more than a million people shows that people who possess these skills aren't just highly likeable, they outperform those who don't by a large margin. We did some digging to uncover the key behaviors that emotionally intelligent people engage in that make them so likeable. Here are 13 of the best: They Ask Questions The biggest mistake people make when it comes to listening is they're so focused on what they're going to say next or how what the other person is saying is going to affect them that they fail to hear what's being said. The words come through loud and clear, but the meaning is lost. A simple way to avoid this is to ask a lot of questions. People like to know you're listening, and something as simple as a clarification question shows that not only are you listening, you also care about what they're saying. You'll be surprised how much respect and appreciation you gain just by asking questions. They Put Away Their Phones Nothing will turn someone off to you like a mid-conversation text message or even a quick glance at your phone. When you commit to a conversation, focus all of your energy on the conversation. You will find that conversations are more enjoyable and effective when you immerse yourself in them. They Are Genuine Being genuine and honest is essential to being likeable. No one likes a fake. People gravitate toward those who are genuine because they know they can trust them. It is difficult to like someone when you don't know who they really are and how they really feel. Likeable people know who they are. They are confident enough to be comfortable in their own skin. By concentrating on what drives you and makes you happy as an individual, you become a much more interesting person than if you attempt to win people over by making choices that you think will make them like you. The Forbes eBook Of Motivational Quotes Discover the timeless advice that the world's great thinkers, billionaires, writers and businesspeople have to offer. They Don't Pass Judgment If you want to be likeable you must be open-minded. Being open-minded makes you approachable and interesting to others. No one wants to have a conversation with someone who has already formed an opinion and is not willing to listen. Having an open mind is crucial in the workplace where approachability means access to new ideas and help. To eliminate preconceived notions and judgment, you need to see the world through other people's eyes. This doesn't require you believe what they believe or condone their behavior, it simply means you quit passing judgment long enough to truly understand what makes them tick. Only then can you let them be who they are. They Don't Seek Attention People are averse to those who are desperate for attention. You don't need to develop a big, extroverted personality to be likeable. Simply being friendly and considerate is all you need to win people over. When you speak in a friendly, confident, and concise manner, you will notice that people are much more attentive and persuadable than if you try to show them you're important. People catch on to your attitude quickly and are more attracted to the right attitude than what or how many people you know. When you're being given attention, such as when you're being recognized for an accomplishment, shift the focus to all the people who worked hard to help you get there. This may sound cliché, but if it's genuine, the fact that you pay attention to others and appreciate their help will show that you're appreciative and humble two adjectives that are closely tied to likeability. They Are Consistent Few things make you more unlikeable than when you're all over the place. When people approach you, they like to know whom they're dealing with and what sort of response they can expect. To be consistent you must be reliable, and you must ensure that even when your mood goes up and down it doesn't affect how you treat other people. WATCH: Goldie Hawn On Mastering The Art Of Happy They Use Positive Body Language Becoming cognizant of your gestures, expressions, and tone of voice (and making certain they're positive) will draw people to you like ants to a picnic. Using an enthusiastic tone, uncrossing your arms, maintaining eye contact, and leaning towards the person who's speaking are all forms of positive body language that high-EQ people use to draw others in. Positive body language can make all the difference in a conversation. It's true that how you say something can be more important than what you say. They Leave a Strong First Impression Research shows most people decide whether or not they like you within the first seven seconds of meeting you. They then spend the rest of the conversation internally justifying their initial reaction. This may sound terrifying, but by knowing this you can take advantage of it to make huge gains in your likeability. First impressions are tied intimately to positive body language. Strong posture, a firm handshake, smiling, and opening your shoulders to the person you are talking to will help ensure that your first impression is a good one. They Greet People by Name Your name is an essential part of your identity, and it feels terrific when people use it. Likeable people make certain they use others' names every time they see them. You shouldn't use someone's name only when you greet him. Research shows that people feel validated when the person they're speaking with refers to them by name during a conversation. If you're great with faces but have trouble with names, have some fun with it and make remembering people's names a brain exercise. When you meet someone, don't be afraid to ask her name a second time if you forget it right after you hear it. You'll need to keep her name handy if you're going to remember it the next time you see her. They Smile People naturally (and unconsciously) mirror the body language of the person they're talking to. If you want people to like you, smile at them during a conversation and they will unconsciously return the favor and feel good as a result. They Know When To Open Up Be careful to avoid sharing personal problems and confessions too quickly, as this will get you labeled a complainer. Likeable people let the other person guide when it's the right time for them to open up. They Know Who To Touch (and They Touch Them) When you touch someone during a conversation, you release oxytocin in their brain, a neurotransmitter that makes their brain associate you with trust and a slew of other positive feelings. A simple touch on the shoulder, a hug, or a friendly handshake is all it takes to release oxytocin. Of course, you have to touch the right person in the right way to release oxytocin, as unwanted or inappropriate touching has the opposite effect. Just remember, relationships are built not just from words, but also from general feelings about each other. Touching someone appropriately is a great way to show you care. They Balance Passion and Fun People gravitate toward those who are passionate. That said, it's easy for passionate people to come across as too serious or uninterested because they tend to get absorbed in their work. Likeable people balance their passion with the ability to have fun. At work they are serious, yet friendly. They still get things done because they are socially effective in short amounts of time and they capitalize on valuable social moments. They minimize small talk and gossip and instead focus on having meaningful interactions with their coworkers. They remember what you said to them yesterday or last week, which shows that you're just as important to them as their work. Bringing It All Together Likeable people are invaluable and unique. They network with ease, promote harmony in the workplace, bring out the best in everyone around them, and generally seem to have the most fun. Add these skills to your repertoire and watch your likeability soar! How to Become a Successful Young Leader at Work | 3 | 6,079 | finance |
Google is preparing to offer its own ride-hailing service, putting it in direct competition with Uber, Bloomberg News reported, citing a person close to Uber's board. Google is one of the biggest investors in Uber. David Drummond, Google's chief legal officer and a member of Uber's board, has informed Uber of Google's plans, Bloomberg reported. (http://bloom.bg/1zNI93Z) The source also said Uber's board was weighing whether to ask Drummond to resign, Bloomberg reported. Uber executives have been made privy to screenshots of Google's ride-sharing app, which is currently being used by Google's employees, Bloomberg reported. Google's move may imperil Uber's reliance on the search giant, as the cab service's smartphone applications for drivers and riders are based on Google Maps. Both Uber and Google were not available for comment. (Reporting By Anya George Tharakan and Lehar Maan in Bengaluru; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty) | 3 | 6,080 | finance |
Two men charged with plotting to derail a train traveling from New York to Toronto had their plans foiled by an undercover police officer who convinced them he could help pull off the attack, jurors heard at the opening of their trial on Monday. One of the men, Tunisian Chiheb Esseghaier, told the undercover officer that he had met with "mujahideen" in Iran and had a plan in place with a "Palestinian brother," a reference to the second defendant, Raed Jaser, the court heard. Mujahideen are radical Islamist guerilla fighters. In opening remarks, prosecuting lawyers said the two were motivated by Islamic extremism and wanted to murder people to instill fear, and so that Canada and the United States would remove their troops from Muslim lands. The pair also spoke of other plans, including the use of a sniper to target political leaders, the undercover officer said. "We don't want the sheep. We want the wolf," Jaser told the undercover officer and Esseghaier in September 2012, making reference to the Group of 8 summits often held in Canada. The two men were arrested in April 2013, and police at the time said the plot was backed by al Qaeda. Each of the men faces five terrorism-related charges, and not guilty pleas have been entered on their behalf. The undercover officer, whose identity is the subject of a publication ban, told the Toronto court that he befriended Esseghaier on a flight from Houston to Santa Clara, California, in June, 2012. He told Esseghaier he worked for his uncle in a high-end real estate business. On the 3-1/2 hour flight they talked about "a great deal of religion, some politics," said the officer, the first witness put on the stand by prosecutors in a trial that is expected to last six to eight weeks. The agent visited Esseghaier in Montreal, where he was living while a PhD student in medical biotechnology. At Esseghaier's one-bedroom apartment, the agent sat on a mattress in the living room while Esseghaier told him to turn off his mobile phones and then showed him visas and stamps for his recent trips to Iran, the court heard. The Muslim guerilla fighters he meet with in Iran told Esseghaier to return to Canada, the officer said. The pair later visited potential sites for the attack on at least two occasions, prosecutors said. Jaser's father and lawyer both declined to comment when approached by Reuters. Esseghaier has refused to acknowledge the authority of the court and has not retained legal counsel. (Reporting by Alastair Sharp; Additional reporting by Randall Palmer; Editing by Steve Orlofsky) | 5 | 6,081 | news |
Samsung Those curious about Samsung's next big thing may not have to wait much longer. The Korean electronics giant on Monday distributed invitations to a March 1 press event in Barcelona that's likely to host the debut the Galaxy S6. The event coincides with Mobile World Congress, which officially kicks off the following day. Samsung, which typically introduces a new Galaxy S phone in the spring, has debuted some Galaxy S models at this industry trade show in the past. So the timing feels right. The invite offers few clues about the device, though a curved line suggests that perhaps a flexible display is part of Samsung's plan. The company recently used a flexible display in a higher-end, limited-run product called the Galaxy Note Edge, which featured a thin display along one edge of the device in addition to the main front screen. One of the other big changes expected in the Galaxy S6 is a new chip: Samsung's own Exynos processor. Prior Galaxy S models relied on Qualcomm chips for some markets, including the United States. Qualcomm recently said that a major customer opted not to use its Snapdragon 810 in a forthcoming flagship device . Samsung is believed to be that customer. Samsung has a manufacturing advantage this time around, with its chip factories turning out processors with thinner wiring than the process available from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., which makes Qualcomm's processors. | 5 | 6,082 | news |
These 11 Restaurants Banned Tipping. Here's Restaurants all across the country are doing away with tipping for a variety of reasons, and we've tracked down 11 of them to find out why. Alinea, Chicago Achatz's legendary avant-garde Chicago restaurant requires that customers pay for their meals when making their reservation which you might also call buying a ticket and that fee includes the price of the tasting menu with tax and a 20-percent tip. Bar Marco, Pittsburgh Back in April , this popular Pittsburgh spot banned all tips, and instead opted to pay employees a salary with health benefits; full-time employees earn $35,000 per year and are given stock options in the business. Instead of raising prices, the restaurant takes reservations and will expand to fill more seats nightly. Black Star Brewery, Austin, Texas This brewpub is actually a co-op, meaning that everyone who works there is an "employee-owner" who is paid a living wage. Slightly higher menu prices make up the difference. Brand 158, Glendale, California This bistro charges 15 percent on all dine-in meals, and doesn't accept any additional tips. Instead, they pay their servers between $12 and $15 per hour, and spend downtime training them on the restaurant business. Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare, Brooklyn, New York You pay for the price of the meal when making a reservation at this in-demand Brooklyn hotspot , and that charge includes an 18-percent service fee that's distributed evenly between the entire restaurant staff. In early December, there were reports that several servers were filing suit against the restaurant, claiming that they didn't receive any cut of that fee and that the restaurant withheld "significant portions" of additional cash tips as well.) Chez Panisse, Berkeley, Calif. At Alice Waters' groundbreaking Berkeley restaurant , a 17-percent service fee is added to the price of every meal. While guests are welcome to add additional gratuity, they're not obligated to. Packhouse Meats, Newport, Kentucky This recently opened meatball-only restaurant doesn't accept tips , and has even posted "No Tipping" signs around the restaurant. Instead of accepting tips, servers are paid either $10 per hour or 20 percent of food sales. Per Se, New York City An automatic gratuity is added the prix-fixe price of every meal at this high-end New York restaurant , run by chef Thomas Keller. Sushi Yasuda, New York City Head to this sushi hotspot , and when you receive your bill you'll find no tip line, just a note that says: "Following the custom in Japan, Sushi Yasuda's service staff are fully compensated by their salaries. Therefore gratuity is not necessary." The staff has actually been known to chase customers down the street to return cash to them when an additional tip has been left! The French Laundry, Yountville, California At Thomas Keller's Northern California landmark , like at Per Se, diners aren't under any obligation to leave a tip because a service fee of about 18 percent is added to the price of the $295 prix fixe meal. | 0 | 6,083 | foodanddrink |
By Larry Brown The NFL season has finally ended, which means it's time for NFL writers to do what they do best: criticize easy targets. It's no surprise that the columns about Robert Griffin III have already started. The Washington Post's Jason Reid checked in with a column Monday about RG3's personality. The crux is that the quarterback isn't "one of the boys" and that hurts his ability to be a leader. Here's what Reid wrote: (Tim) Brown said publicly what some of Washington's coaches and players have shared with me privately: Griffin's aloofness has been an issue in the locker room. Combine that with Griffin's poor performance the past two seasons and a Super Bowl-sized ego that tripped him up after his magical rookie year, and it's clear Griffin isn't close to becoming the player the Redskins need him to be. Reid's writing was inspired mostly by comments Tim Brown, who was on the radio Thursday to promote his Hall of Fame candidacy. Brown has interacted with Griffin during Heisman Trophy gatherings and shared some insight on Griffin's character . "But I know RGIII well enough to know that he's a little different," Brown said on ESPN 980 last week. "I mean, I know he is maybe not the brother that you're gonna be hanging out in the locker room with. And from that standpoint, that's something that he has to work on. If he's going to be a leader, he has to be a leader of everybody in the locker room, and not just one or two guys in the locker room." Brown also said that Griffin has a hard time joking around with the other Heisman winners, which leads him to be an outcast. Brown suggests Griffin should loosen up in order to relate better to his teammates. None of this should come as a surprise. Everything from Griffin's spouse to his political leanings have been cited in painting him as an outsider. And we already know that Redskins head coach Jay Gruden has issues with Griffin off the field in addition to on the field. RG3 has a lot of work to do. | 1 | 6,084 | sports |
Its curiosity quickly turned into embarrassment. Luckily, its keepers were there to help. | 8 | 6,085 | video |
Bradley Cooper, who earned a best actor Oscar nomination for his performance as a deadly marksman in Clint Eastwood's "American Sniper," said on Monday that he did not foresee how the Iraq war biopic could become a charged political conversation. "You never know when you make a movie if anybody's going to see it, so to have the audacity to think that it would cause any sort of effect at all would be pretty presumptuous," Cooper told reporters at the Academy Awards nominees luncheon. "American Sniper," which tops the U.S. box office and has so far grossed nearly $250 million, tells the real-life story of late U.S. Navy SEAL sharpshooter Chris Kyle, whose 160 kills in Iraq is considered the highest count ever in U.S. military history. The film has been nominated for six Oscars including best picture. It has become a flashpoint in U.S. public debate with some liberals and conservatives sparring over its portrayal of war, soldiers, and Eastwood's interpretation of the history leading up to the 2003 Iraq invasion. The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee has said that its members have been targets of "violent threats" caused by the film's language directed at Muslims. Oscar-winning Eastwood, who is a staunch supporter of veterans, has said "American Sniper" has nothing to do with party politics. Cooper, who is also a producer on the film, said he wants the spotlight to be on soldiers. "Any discussion that sheds light to the plight of the soldiers and the men and women in the armed services, for that discussion to occur is fantastic," Cooper said of the film, which has been nominated for six Oscars including best picture. Cooper has previously been nominated for acting Oscars in 2013 for "Silver Linings Playbook" and 2014 for "American Hustle." (Reporting by Mary Milliken; Writing by Eric Kelsey; Editing by Piya Sinha-Roy and Diane Craft) | 6 | 6,086 | entertainment |
A close finish in the Super Bowl means there were plenty of amazing reactions captured, and we bring you the best of the best. | 1 | 6,087 | sports |
With the Oscar-nominated film "American Sniper" earning more than $30 million at the box office this weekend and over $240 million altogether, thousands of people now see U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle as the deadliest American sniper. But he may not be the world's most lethal sharpshooter, the U.K.'s Telegraph and the Sun reported Monday. An unnamed Royal Marine is allegedly the world's deadliest sniper with 173 confirmed kills against Taliban insurgents, the Telegraph wrote. Kyle reportedly accumulated 160 confirmed kills (of 255 probable kills) during his 10 years with the U.S. Navy SEALs, according to his book. After four Iraq tours, Kyle earned multiple accolades, which included the Bronze and Silver Star. But the British corporal in question, who is still serving, could have a kill count that is higher, sources told the Sun via the Telegraph. "He is one of a unique band of marksmen who have done extraordinary things," an insider said. "He's not the sort of man to brag. He's very professional and humble, but with a gun in his hands this bloke is deadlier than the plague. He's a legend, a unique breed." The Ministry of Defense will not comment on the Royal Marine's identity or how many confirmed kills he has. "Only people inside the community know about his incredible contribution -- but young recruits are in awe of him," a source said. The reports by the Telegraph and the Sun emerged on the same day Texas Gov. Greg Abbott named Feb. 2 as "Chris Kyle Day." "We need heroes to protect us from evil like Chris Kyle did," Abbott said on " Fox and Friends ," before the proclamation was signed at the Texas Capitol. "He is the face of so many other military heroes that we've had in this country." "The reason why all these other people have the First Amendment right to criticize Chris Kyle is because he had the guts to stand up and defend this country and its Constitution," Abbott said. "They should all be on their knees thanking Chris Kyle that we have the United States Constitution." Fellow vet Eddie Ray Routh allegedly killed Kyle, a Texas native, two years ago at a North Texas gun range. Follow me on Twitter @mariamzzarella | 5 | 6,088 | news |
Sure, if you enjoy the sport, it's fairly easy to keep up with a running routine when the weather is warm and sunny. When the sun is shining and a light breeze is blowing, most days, it won't take much effort to convince yourself that heading outside for a run is a great idea. But when frigid temperatures, chilling winds, and even snow become a part of the picture, the thought of doing anything outdoors , let alone running, suddenly isn't so enticing. There are a few tricks and tips you can use to help make sure you'll keep your running routine on track through the winter , though. First, you have to make sure that you have the right gear and apparel to keep warm while you run outside. Once you have that covered, all you have to do is wrap your mind around the fact that, no matter how awful you tell yourself it might be, running outside in the winter really isn't so bad. In fact, with the right gear and a positive attitude it can actually be enjoyable. Of course, preparing yourself mentally, or motivating yourself, is often the most difficult part of the process. So, to find out how you can learn to stay excited about running outdoors, even through the wrath of winter, we asked runners to share the different tricks they use to stay motivated. Here's what they had to say. 1. Schedule your running workouts with others so you'll have someone else to hold you accountable. Jessi @jessiforch 2. Get the weather out of your head. If you wear the right gear for warmth and comfort, you shouldn't have to worry about being uncomfortable or too cold. "Just run, don't think," says Ben Barwick. @bennyFP 3. Runner Lauren Foley says that watching other runners (like in documentaries about extreme running) helps to motivate her. "[It] gets me out there every season," she said. @LNFole4 4. Make sure you have something to look forward to for when your run is finished. "I put a pot of my [favorite] coffee on a timer so it's ready for when I return from the run," says Cassandra Stinn. @Zaraanity 5. Remind yourself of how great you'll feel afterwards, and if you're training for a particular race, that each workout will make you more prepared for the challenge and take you one step closer to reaching your goal. When she doesn't want to run, Amanda Loudin says that she reminds herself that she's never regretted a workout after it was over. @MissZippy1 6. If worst comes to worst, you can always opt for the treadmill . "[I've] been struggling with this," said Patty Rivas. "I do intervals 2 to 3 times a week on the treadmill." @PattyRivas13 | 7 | 6,089 | health |
Pianist Paul Zanarella entertained crowds while he and his grand piano were suspended from a crane. | 8 | 6,090 | video |
Three students from Vanguard Collegiate Middle School in Baltimore ended up in the hospital after an altercation with school officials. As Mara Montalbano (@maramontalbano) shows us, the brawl was caught on video. | 8 | 6,091 | video |
President Obama's annual budget proposal includes a $4 trillion price tag, a 10-year deficit reduction plan and almost no chance of passing a Republican-controlled Congress. Here's what you need to know about his proposal and its political implications. | 8 | 6,092 | video |
The Grammy Awards are always eventful. The performances, the mayhem, but when it comes to rocking the red carpet, there are a few performers who always seem to stand out above the rest. Krystin Goodwin (@krystingoodwin) has this year's Grammy fashion forecast! | 8 | 6,093 | video |
NEW YORK (AP) An estimated 114.4 million people watched New England's thrilling win over Seattle, making it the fifth time in six years that a Super Bowl game has set a record as the most-watched event in U.S. television history. The Nielsen company said the game's viewership exceeded the record of 112.2 million set last year, when Seattle beat Denver. The game also set records for social media reach. A stirring comeback by New England and game-saving interception in the final minute kept viewers glued to the set. | 6 | 6,094 | entertainment |
It did not surprise Jamelle Elliott to hear that Geno Auriemma, her former coach and boss, would get his first chance to win his 900th career game against Cincinnati, the team she has coached for six seasons. "The best part of playing a part in what potentially could be his 900th victory is that I will get a chance to congratulate him in person and spend some time with him as opposed to congratulating him through a text or over the phone," Elliott said. "I was a part of quite a few of those wins [as a player and UConn assistant] and I've been a part of quite a few more as coach of Cincinnati in terms of losses. I've been on both sides of it." On Tuesday at the XL Center, Auriemma, already with the greatest winning percentage in the history of women's college basketball (899-134), will likely reach 900 victories quicker than any of the five who preceded him to the milestone. "Obviously it's something to celebrate for what it signifies in terms of what's happened the last 30 years, it's not a singular event," Auriemma said. "It's an event that's taken 30 years and it's taken a lot of players and coaches and a lot of hours of practice and games. It does remind you that you've been doing it for a long time." On Jan. 25, the Huskies blasted the Bearcats 96-31 at Fifth Third Arena. Auriemma won his 899th game on Sunday against a Temple team coached by another of his former assistants, Tonya Cardoza. The coincidence did not escape Cardoza. "Yes, I know, he's going to get it against J.J. [Elliott]. I was kind of hoping it would get snowed out," Cardoza said, smiling. "I mean, he gets 899 against me and 900 against J.J? That's not fair considering how we helped him get so many of them. She does not want to be that milestone." Tennessee's Pat Summitt sits on top of the list with 1,098 wins in 38 seasons. Over the 10 seasons preceding this one, UConn has averaged 34.7 victories. Should good fortune and health remain on his side, Auriemma will be 66 and in his 36th season when he approaches that six years from now. "He's earned that opportunity," said Barb Jacobs, the associate commissioner of women's basketball for the American Athletic Conference. "He's been a women's basketball coach his entire professional life. People [who may resent his passing Summitt] just need to accept that fact. He's a coach. Period." Auriemma has always been reluctant to focus on milestones and he knows this one is made possible by those who have played and worked for him. "I've coached over 1,000 games," Auriemma said. "I have a lot of friends who have been in coaching for a very long time that will never have that chance. So that puts things in perspective for what we've been able to accomplish and how much has gone into it. But I don't know, on Tuesday night I might feel a little bit different. For Cardoza, Auriemma's assistant for 14 seasons beginning with the first national championship team in 1994-95, seeing one of her mentors reach another historic peak has great meaning. "But it's such a remarkable accomplishment when you think about what's been going on for the last 20 years," she said. "You look at how many players go to other schools [than UConn] to gun for him and he can still be on top. That's amazing, a credit to him to maintain the type of athlete he attracts to play for him." Considering how much the game has changed, and how many additional pressures there are on coaches, Auriemma could even be the last coach to ever win 900 games. "I don't think anyone will ever do it again," said Jacobs, a former coach at Syracuse. "When Geno first started his coaching career, when I first started my coaching career, the profession was quite different. Now it's so very demanding that I don't believe there will be many coaches sticking around for enough years [to approach the milestone]." | 1 | 6,095 | sports |
Uber faces an ever-growing cast of adversaries that includes dubious regulators, litigious drivers, hostile members of the press, and some well-funded rivals. But the most significant threat to the app-based transportation company may be much closer to home: one of its biggest investors, Google. Google Ventures, the search giant's venture capital arm, invested $258 million in Uber in August 2013. It was Google's largest investment deal ever, and the company put more money into Uber's next funding round less than a year later. Back then, it was easy for observers to imagine Google partnering closely with Uber, or even one day acquiring it. David Drummond, Google's chief legal officer and senior vice president of corporate development, joined the Uber board of directors in 2013, and has served on it ever since. Now there are signs that the companies are more likely to be ferocious competitors than allies. Google is preparing to offer its own ride-hailing service, most likely in conjunction with its long-in-development driverless car project. Drummond has informed Uber's board of this possibility, according to a person close to the Uber board, and Uber executives have seen screenshots of what appears to be a Google ride-sharing app that is currently being used by Google employees. This person, who requested not to be named because the talks are private, said the Uber board is now weighing whether to ask Drummond to resign his position as an Uber board member. Uber has also reportedly initiated plans to open its own research facility in Pittsburgh, PA to develop its own autonomous vehicle technology, according to a report in Techcrunch. The technology news site also reported that Uber has hired more than 50 scientists from Carnegie Mellon University and the affiliated National Robotics Engineering Center. Google has made no secret of its ambitions to revolutionize transportation with autonomous vehicles. CEO Larry Page is said to be personally fascinated by the challenge of making cities operate more efficiently. The company recently said the driverless car technology in development within its Google X research lab is between two and five years from being ready for widespread use. At the Detroit auto show last month, Chris Urmson, the Google executive in charge of the project, articulated one possible scenario in which autonomous vehicles are patrolling neighborhoods, picking up and dropping off passengers. "We're thinking a lot about how in the long-term, this might become useful in people's lives, and there are a lot of ways we can imagine this going," Urmson said in a conference call with reporters on January 14th. "One is in the direction of the shared vehicle. The technology would be such that you can call up the vehicle and tell it where to go and then have it take you there." Those comments, according to the person familiar with deliberations of the Uber's board, have left executives at Uber deeply concerned, and for good reason. Google is a deep- pocketed, technically sophisticated competitor, and Uber's dependence on the search giant goes far beyond capital. Uber's smartphone applications for drivers and riders are based on Google Maps, which gives Google a fire hose of data about transportation patterns within cities. Uber would be crippled if it lost access to the industry-leading mapping application, and the alternatives such as AOL's MapQuest, Apple Maps, and a host of regional players are widely seen as inferior. Google's entrance into the ride-sharing market would also leave Uber without a partner in the suddenly plausible future where cars without steering wheels roam the streets. Uber will either have to develop the technology itself or form an alliance with another company if it wanted to offer autonomous vehicles within its fleet. Mercedes, Audi, Tesla, and other carmakers have said they are developing their own driverless cars, though it's not yet clear whether any of them are as far along as Google. A Google spokesperson declined to comment. An Uber spokesperson also declined to offer a comment for this article. Travis Kalanick, Uber's CEO, has publicly discussed what he sees as the inevitability of autonomous taxis, and said they could offer cheaper rides and a true alternative to vehicle ownership. "The Uber experience is expensive because it's not just the car but the other dude in the car," he said at a technology conference in 2014, referencing the expense of paying human drivers. "When there's no other dude in the car, the cost [of taking an Uber] gets cheaper than owning a vehicle." There's already one other possible sign of a rift between the companies. Last week Google announced it would start presenting data from third party applications inside Google Now, a service that displays useful information prominently on the screen of Android smartphones. Google said it had struck deals to draw data from apps like Pandora, AirBnb, Zillow, and the ride-sharing service Lyft. The company most obviously missing from that list? Google's old and possibly former friend, Uber. To contact the author on this story: Brad Stone at [email protected] To contact the editor on this story: Katie Drummond at [email protected] | 3 | 6,096 | finance |
The right-hander will join his fifth team in three seasons. The Rockies have signed reliever John Axford to a minor-league deal, according to the team's transactions page. As reported by Thomas Harding of MLB.com, the deal will pay Axford a $2.6 million base salary if he makes the major-league roster, with incentives pushing the deal's potential maximum value to $4.1 million for next season. Axford, 31, split last season between the Indians and Pirates , posting a 3.95 ERA while recording ten saves in 62 appearances. He reportedly drew interest from the Blue Jays and multiple other clubs this winter before deciding to sign with Colorado, and seems like a good bet to make the team's bullpen out of spring training. Axford joins Gus Schlosser and David Hale as recent additions to the Rockies' bullpen, and will likely work with Tommy Kahnle , Boone Logan and LaTroy Hawkins at the back-end of the team's bullpen. In parts of six major-league seasons with the Brewers (2009-2013), Cardinals (2013), Indians (2014) and Pirates (2014), Axford is the owner of a lifetime 3.40 ERA and 116 saves in 343 relief appearances. He is best known for his time with the Brewers, as he led the league in saves with 46 in 2011. | 1 | 6,097 | sports |
Monty Oum , a Web-based animator best known for his work with Rooster Teeth , has died, the production studio announced on its website. He was 33. Rooster Teeth released the news in a blog post , three days following a post that said Oum was in critical condition and that his recovery was questionable. The post says Oum entered a coma from a severe allergic reaction during a "simple medical procedure." Oum was best known for his animated fight scenes in the "Halo"-inspired Web series " Red vs. Blue " and anime Web series " RWBY ." To honor Oum's creative impact, the production studio asked that those who knew or followed Oum "do something creative" and "use your imagination to make the world a better place in any way that you can." The studio also announced it would not be releasing a new video today. We will not be releasing any videos today. Please take today to remember Monty. Thank you for your support & love during this difficult time Rooster Teeth (@RoosterTeeth) February 2, 2015 The blog post on Rooster Teeth's homepage reads: "Our friend, inspiration and co-worker Monty Oum passed away yesterday afternoon at 4:34 PM surrounded by people who loved him very much. Ten days ago Monty suffered a severe allergic reaction during a simple medical procedure that left him in a coma. Although he fought bravely, his body was not able to recover. During his time in the hospital he was well cared for and never in pain at any time. Monty is survived by his wife Sheena, his father Mony, his brothers Woody, Sey, Chivy and Neat, and his sisters Thea and Theary, as well as a countless number of fans and friends. We were so proud to be a part of his life and we will miss him greatly. Your generosity during the hours after the public statement on Friday will help his family deal with the costs of his care and his passing. You made an incredible difference during a difficult time and we cannot thank you enough. As for honoring Monty, we will do that in our own way. In lieu of flowers or gifts, we ask that you simply do something creative. Use your imagination to make the world a better place in any way that you can. If you know Monty like we do, then you know he would certainly be doing that if he were able to. Monty was 33 years old. We love you, Monty." | 6 | 6,098 | entertainment |
The hunt for extraterrestrial life just grew a little hotter. On Monday, during his "State of NASA" speech, administrator Charles Bolden announced that NASA will be selecting projects to accompany a probe to Jupiter's moon Europa. Floating in space about 390 million miles from earth, Europa is a remote ice ball that harbors a massive ocean underneath its surface. So massive, in fact, that scientists suspect Europa could have as much as two to three times more liquid water than Earth! Judging from the abundance of life thriving in Earth's oceans: Where there's liquid water, there's the potential for life. Not only that, Europa is absolutely gorgeous. Europa is about 1,900 miles in diameter slightly smaller than our moon. The brown veins that give the moon it's iconic beauty are still a mystery, but the leading theory is that they show where Europa's crust cracked open letting warmer, dirtier water seep through and then freeze. Jupiter's strong gravitational tug on the tiny moon generates tidal forces that stretch the entire surface similar to how the Moon's gravity tugs the water in Earth's oceans, creating tides. The stretching then cracks the crust letting water deeper beneath the surface to seap through. But that's not the only impact the gas giant has on its moon. As NASA astrobiologist Kevin Hand explains in a video about Europa: The reason that Europa has liquid water is because it's orbiting Jupiter and the tidal tug and pull causes Europa to flex up and down and all that tidal energy turns into friction and heat that helps maintain this liquid water ocean beneath and icy shell. Below is a close up of the circular impact crater in the southern hemisphere in the image above. Called Pwyll, the impact crater is a relatively new feature on the surface of Europa, and it is also compelling evidence of the enormous ocean sloshing underneath the surface. Scientists suspect that when the impactor hit, it splattered fresh, fine water ice particles everywhere that now show up as the bright-white arms adorning the moon's face around the darker crater. NASA's Galileo spacecraft the only probe to flyby Europa more than once took the image below in 1998. Showing the darker crater, which is about 16 miles in diameter. The impact crater's arms reach far across the surface. Even 620 miles north of the crater you can see evidence of the white streaks in the awesome close-up shot below. The white and blue colors are the residual ice particles from the blast. Galileo snapped this photo of this region, which is 44 miles wide by 19 miles long, in 1996. Even though humans have never sent a probe to the surface of Europa, the beautiful moon has been a hot topic of interest for many years. And just last year, NASA issued a Request for Information to the scientific community to offer up their ideas on the best, economically viable approach to study this amazing moon. Now, it looks like some of those ideas might have paid off as scientists look forward to learning more about the future mission to Europa this spring. | 5 | 6,099 | news |
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