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CNN's Anderson Cooper speaks to the parents of 19-year-old Mohammed Hamzah Khan, who is accused of trying to support the terror group ISIS. | 8 | 7,500 | video |
An all-new Jeep Wrangler is coming in 2017 , and the slow trickle of information has some fans of the storied nameplate concerned that the next model will stray from the off-roader's original formula . Now, a new report suggests the Wrangler may get a hybrid powertrain option. Speaking to Auto Express , Jeep boss Mike Manley said, "You have the potential for hybrid powertrains in the future. For those people who use the Wrangler, the most important thing is the initial torque and the crawl ratio. With an electric motor you have the most torque available and with the right combination of transmission and gear ratios you can create incredible crawl ratios." But the executive admitted that consumers may be wary of using a hybrid for off-roading, especially where battery life is concerned. "Where you have to be careful with the Wrangler is range. If you are eight hours and four miles into a trail, there is not a hybrid that we could do which could provide the battery support," Manley told Auto Express . As of right now, the most important factors going into the development of the new Jeep Wrangler are preserving the iconic look and improving on-road driving dynamics and fuel economy. Aside from a hybrid powertrain, the automaker is also looking into diesel variants for the U.S. market, as well as new materials. Manley went on to say that "The use of aluminum and high-strength steel is huge for us. There is opportunity for carbon fiber as well." Over the last few years, sales for the Jeep Wrangler have steadily grown to an impressive 235,000 units globally in 2014. To keep with the momentum, Manley hinted that there are big plans for the new 2017 Jeep Wrangler and that the automaker may show off a few concepts, like what Land Rover is doing with the new Defender. "You may see concepts before [the production Wrangler's debut] to shift perception, or we may do it a different way," Manley said. There's a lot riding on the next Wrangler, as it will be expected to maintain its heritage and reputation while also sufficiently bringing the nameplate up to date. Do you think a hybrid drivetrain is the right way to go? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section. Source: Auto Express | 9 | 7,501 | autos |
Sports Illustrated's Boomer Esiason lists three players that need to have big games in this weekend's NFL Conference Championships to have their team win on the road. | 1 | 7,502 | sports |
New amateur video shows the moment authorities conducted an anti-terrorism raid in Brussels, Belgium. CNN's Wolf Blitzer reports | 8 | 7,503 | video |
Miguel Cabrera clearly wants to be ready for the regular season. On his Twitter account, @MiguelCabrera, he posted a photo of himself. "Hoy 15 de enero me quitaron LA bota. No more boot," Cabrera tweeted. Cabrera, who underwent surgery Oct. 24 to remove bone spurs in his right ankle and to repair a stress fracture in the navicular bone, has been doing partial weight-bearing exercise while wearing a walking boot. Tigers head athletic trainer Kevin Rand has said that Cabrera is due to be reevaluated in the early part of February. So while Cabrera is not wearing the boot anymore, he still is not cleared for full weight-bearing activity yet. The Tigers will have their first full-squad workout Feb. 24. DIRKS TO TORONTO; PUTKONEN OUTRIGHTED Former Tigers outfielder Andy Dirks signed a minor-league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays claimed Dirks on waivers Oct. 31 but he became a free agent when they non-tendered him. Dirks, who missed all of last season due to back surgery and a hamstring injury, has been invited to spring training. The Tigers outrighted right-hander Luke Putkonen to Triple-A Toledo Thursday. Putkonen, 28, appeared in just two games with the Tigers last season before going on the disabled list with right elbow inflammation. In his Detroit career, Putkonen was 1-5 with a 4.66 ERA in 44 games. | 1 | 7,504 | sports |
Expert Janis Turk tells us how you may be able to find your lost items at the airport. | 8 | 7,505 | video |
Photographed by Molly Cranna. In case you haven't noticed, we're pretty crazy about our dogs here at Refinery29. Our pups flood our Instagram feeds, invade our Facebook pages, and even sit with us deskside on special occasions. We love them like family, so we try to treat them like family.This goes for their grooming routines, of course. When it comes to the four-legged friends of the world, a basic bath won't always do. Oh, no. Some people splurge on their pets' beauty regimens almost as much as on their own.If you believe your fur baby deserves the same quality primping as you do, click ahead to see some of the coolest, hippest, most pampering pet products on the market right now.Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page! These lemongrass- and flaxseed-scented shampoos and conditioners clean without drying out sensitive pup skin and increase shine. They even help ward off fleas and ticks while making your furry friend smell heavenly.John Masters Organics Pet Shampoo & Conditioner, $20 each, available at John Masters Organics. Our beauty director Megan McIntyre loves to spritz this on her pup, Elly, between washes. She claims it's like dry shampoo for dogs, which is a good enough reason for us to pick it up.Kiehl's Spray-N-Play Cleansing Spritz, $13, available at Kiehl's. If your pet doesn't exactly love bath time, this is the bottle for you. Harry Barker's two-in-one formula conditions with shea butter while you lather, which cuts your wash time in half.Harry Barker Shea Butter Shampoo & Conditioner, $14, available at Harry Barker. The man behind Paul Mitchell is a dog lover, just like us. We particularly love the ear-and-eye wipes which were actually tested on humans.John Paul Pet Ear & Eye Wipes, $8.31, available at Petco. Aesop's animal cleanser is definitely on the pricey side, but it leaves behind such a good minty scent. Also, is anything too good for your BFF?Aesop Animal, $39, available at Aesop. Malin + Goetz's dog shampoo was created after the duo rescued their pup, Mr. Greenberg, and realized they were being a bit negligent when it came to bathing him. It uses natural botanicals and hydrating amino acids to gently cleanse and deodorize.Malin + Goetz Dog Shampoo, $28, available at Malin + Goetz. For those moments when your pup just needs a small spot-clean (hello, rain puddle), these all-natural wipes will do the trick.Earthbath Green Tea Leaf Grooming Wipes, $9.59, available at Petco. Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page. Like us on Facebook we'll see you there! | 4 | 7,506 | lifestyle |
Customer service, employee satisfaction and share price performance considered To be truly hated, a company must alienate a large number of people. It may irritate consumers with bad customer service, upset employees by paying low wages, and disappoint Wall Street with underwhelming returns. For a small number of companies, such failures are intertwined. These companies managed to antagonize more than just one group and have become widely disliked. The most hated companies have millions of customers. With such a large customer base, it is critical to keep employees happy in order to promote high-quality customer service. Poor job satisfaction among employees can lead to unsatisfied customers. McDonald's and Walmart have risked alienating workers, and therefore also customers, by not adequately addressing protests against their employees' low wages. While pay may be low enough to put some workers below the poverty line, executives at these companies often make millions. The total compensation of McDonald's CEO Donald Thompson, for example, was nearly $9.5 million in 2013 and nearly $13.8 million in 2012. Layoffs, or even the prospect of layoffs, can also contribute to low employee morale. Sprint announced it would cut 2,000 jobs late last year. Workers at Comcast can reasonably expect layoffs should its planned merger with Time Warner Cable receives government approval. Many of the most hated companies angered the public because of quality issues with their products.. Comcast has long been one of the worst companies in America in terms of customer service and satisfaction. Another example is the General Motors recall scandal. GM announced a recall in early 2014 due to faulty ignition switches in a number of its cars, now believed to have cost 42 people their lives. The company's problems were compounded by the realization that it had known about the defect for over a decade. Nothing harms the long-term reputation of a company in the eyes of investors more than a steep drop in its share price. In the past 12 months, shares of Sprint have fallen by more than 50%, as hopes for a tie-up with rival T-Mobile were dashed while the company had little success in retaining customers. It is worth noting that some of the companies on the list may have performed very poorly by some measures but relatively well by others. A few of the most hated companies have had good stock performances. Others have relatively satisfied customers. All of these factors were taken into account in compiling the final list. Several companies from last year list have improved their public perceptions enough to be removed from this year's list. For example, J.C. Penney is in the midst of a modest turnaround. Abercrombie & Fitch's controversial long-time CEO Michael Jeffries resigned last December. However, the retailer still has problems attracting teenage customers. To identify the most hated companies in America, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed a variety of metrics on customer service, employee satisfaction, and share price performance. We considered consumer surveys from a number of sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and Zogby Analytics. We also included employee satisfaction based on worker opinion scores recorded by Glassdoor.com. Finally, we reviewed management decisions and company policies that hurt a company's public perception. Click ahead for America's five most hated companies, and then visit 24/7 Wall St. for the complete list . No. 5: Bank of America (BAC) Fair or not, Bank of America remains deeply unpopular. The banking giant received an ACSI score of just 69, well below the industry average of 76, and an indicator that customers are highly unsatisfied with the bank. Worse still, the company received the highest share of poor reviews of any business in Zogby Analytics' 2014 customer service survey. Its inability to satisfy customers is not the bank's only problem. After the bank discovered an accounting error in April, the Federal Reserve forced it to suspend both its share buyback program and its planned dividend increase. The bank also reached an agreement with the Justice Department to pay a record $16.65 billion settlement related to its mortgage practices leading up to the financial crisis. This was just the latest in a series of multi-billion dollar mortgage-related fines the bank has paid in recent years. Bank of America's share price has been effectively flat over the last five years, even as the S&P 500 has risen by almost 80%. No. 4: McDonald's (MCD) Low wages are a major flashpoint for McDonald's, with many workers arguing they deserve better pay. Pay at the company is generally quite low, with the average crew member reporting wages of $8.25 an hour, and the average cashier reporting wages of $8.41 an hour. Fast-food workers protested against low wages at the end of 2013. Protests specifically aimed at McDonald's wage practices continued into 2014. Notably, employees and labor advocates protested outside McDonald's Oak Brook, Illinois campus during its annual shareholder meeting. The company's labor issues may increase after the National Labor Relation Board's (NLRB) recent ruling that the company is a joint employer alongside its franchisees. In effect, this ruling means that the company is liable for labor violations at its franchisees' restaurants. Apart from labor issues, the company has struggled to appeal to customers in recent years. No fast-food company received a lower customer satisfaction score in 2014, according to the ACSI. McDonald's has also had to deal with a major drop in sales, with four straight quarters of same-store sales declines in the United States. McDonald's has announced plans to simplify its menu to help stem the decline. No. 3: Dish Network (DISH) More than 20% of respondents on the Zogby Analytics survey rated Dish Network poorly, one of the highest percentages of any company reviewed. Also, Dish Network has fared worse than most companies on the ACSI in recent years, albeit in an industry that largely received extremely low ratings. In the wake of heated and ongoing contract negotiations between Dish Network and Fox, Dish customers can no longer watch Fox News or business channels. The blackout has likely had a negative impact on Dish's customer satisfaction, at least among Fox News viewers who subscribe to Dish. This is hardly the first carriage dispute for Dish in recent years. Other such disputes resulted in long blackouts of AMC Networks and Turner Networks, as well as a brief outage of CBS-owned channels. Customers are not the company's only critics. Past and present Dish employees gave the company an average score of just 2.7 out of 5 on Glassdoor.com, with employees frequently disapproving of upper management. No. 2: Sony (SNE) Sony had perhaps the most difficult holiday season of any company. News broke in November that the company's film division, Sony Pictures Entertainment, had been hacked in response to one of its upcoming films, "The Interview." The hackers, reportedly from North Korea, were offended by the movie's portrayal of North Korea and its dictator Kim Jong-un. Among other information, the hackers leaked unreleased Sony movies, executive salary data, and personal email correspondence between major Hollywood figures. A number of these emails revealed petty disputes and derogatory comments about race from top figures at the company. After being hacked and after a number of major theaters said they would not show the movie Sony initially decided not to release the film. However, it later reversed course, prodded by criticism from, among others, President Barack Obama. In addition to the debacle surrounding "The Interview," Sony's PlayStation Network was also hacked during the holiday season. Sony's problems have not been limited to hacking attacks. Sony has regularly reported annual losses for years, and restructuring announcements have become an almost annual event. So far, however, years of expensive restructuring initiatives have been unfruitful. The company's smartphone division has also taken a hit, with Sony's smartphones losing market share while failing to sell profitably. Sony shares trading on the New York Stock Exchange have declined more than 30% in the past five years, even as American and Japanese stocks have rallied significantly, with the S&P 500 up approximately 80% in that time. No. 1: General Motors (GM) General Motors spent much of 2014 on the defensive, as it had to deal with a number of serious recalls. In the most serious incident, the company disclosed an ignition switch defect that could cause a vehicle's engine to stall and its airbags to fail while it was in motion. The defect triggered the recall of 2.6 million cars and has been linked to 42 deaths. The company reported it had recalled a total of 34 million cars for a number of defects and incurred more than $2.7 billion in recall-related costs in the first nine months of 2014. The public fallout from this recall was enormous. GM set aside $400 million to cover damage claims for victims of the faulty ignition switches, while the U.S. Department of Transportation fined the company $35 million the most it legally could. Even worse, GM employees had known about the defect as early as 2001. Reuters uncovered last April that the company avoided fixing the problem in 2005, despite the fact that replacement switches would have cost just 90 cents each. During the fallout, CEO Mary Barra told Congress, "I never want anyone associated with GM to forget what happened. I want this terrible experience permanently etched in our collective memories. This isn't just another business challenge." Visit 24/7 Wall St. for the complete report | 3 | 7,507 | finance |
Written by John Gardner Thousands of people go missing every year, either voluntarily or inexplicably. Some of these disappearances remain in the public consciousness for decades. Click through the gallery to read about some unexplained (and bizarre) disappearances. AMBROSE BIERCE Ambrose Bierce, the 10th of 13 children ( what did they all have in common ?) and Civil War veteran, was an accomplished journalist ( which famous newspaper publisher did he write columns for ?) during the latter half of the 19th century. "Bitter Bierce" wrote such famous works as "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" and the satirical "The Devil's Dictionary." In 1913, Bierce traveled to Mexico during the Mexican Revolution to witness the struggle for himself. He vanished without a trace in late December 1913. BING: WHO WAS BIERCE RUMORED TO BE RIDING WITH IN MEXICO ? Amelia Earhart Often lost amid the ongoing mystery of Amelia Earhart's disappearance in 1937 was all that she accomplished in such a short time. Earhart was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932 and was a member of this influential women's organization . On June 1, 1937, she took off from Miami ( who was her navigator ?) in an attempt to be the first pilot to circumnavigate the globe. A month into the journey, Earhart and her co-pilot vanished over the Pacific Ocean. Earhart was officially declared dead on Jan. 5, 1939. BING: COULD THE SEARCH FOR HER PLANE FINALLY BE OVER ? D. B. Cooper On Nov. 24, 1971, an unidentified man who came to be known as D.B. Cooper either nearly pulled off one of the most amazing airborne heists or died trying. The man, who bought his ticket using the alias Dan Cooper ( where did the name D.B. Cooper come from ?), hijacked a Boeing 727 between Seattle and Portland, Oregon, extorted $200,000 in cash and parachuted into the night, never to be seen again. BING: WHAT DID AN 8-YEAR-OLD BOY DISCOVER IN 1980 ? Bettie Page Bettie Page's life took two major turns. The first one came in 1950, when she ditched her secretary job in New York to become a model. What followed was a controversial pin-up career ( see photos ) that helped spawn the sexual revolution of the '60s. The second twist was when she mysteriously disappeared from the public eye, which lasted decades. Before resurfacing in the 1990s, Page battled depression and became a born-again Christian ( which highly public figure did she work for ?). BING: WHO LANDED A RARE INTERVIEW WITH PAGE IN 1997 ? Harold Holt Harold Holt, the 17th prime minister of Australia, disappeared without a trace on Dec. 17, 1967, while swimming at one of his favorite spots ( where ?). The surf was heavy that day, so the general theory was that the 59-year-old Holt had drowned. After one of the largest search operations in Australian history, the government made an announcement two days later that Holt was feared dead ( what was named in his honor in the U.S. ?). But not everyone believed the drowning theory. BING: WHAT DID THE MEDIA SUGGEST HAPPENED THAT DAY ? Philip Taylor Kramer Philip Taylor Kramer packed a lot into his 42 years. He was the bass player for the rock group Iron Butterfly in the 1970s. He later worked on the MX missile guidance system for the U.S. Department of Defense. In 1990, Kramer co-founded Total Multimedia Inc. ( with this brother of Michael Jackson ), developing data compression techniques for CD-ROMs. But then Kramer went missing on Feb. 12, 1995, and his story was told on such shows as "America's Most Wanted" and "Unsolved Mysteries." His skeletal remains were found four years later. BING: WHAT DID HE TELL POLICE THE DAY HE DISAPPEARED ? Jimmy Hoffa The theories are wide-ranging. He was buried under Giants Stadium. He was offered up as alligator food in a Florida swamp. Or he wasn't dead at all, rather scooped up and taken to South America by a go-go dancer. What is known is that former Teamsters leader and convicted felon Jimmy Hoffa disappeared on July 30, 1975. Hoffa ( who portrayed him in a 1992 biopic ?) was declared legally dead in 1982. BING: WHAT DOES THE FBI CONSIDER THE DEFINITIVE ACCOUNT OF HIS DISAPPEARANCE ? 'Lost Colony' In 1587, English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh sent a second group of colonists to the Roanoke Colony along the eastern seaboard of North America, the first English settlement in the New World ( what is the area called today ?). In 1590, Raleigh returned to Roanoke to check on the settlers there, but the place was deserted ( what did they find ?). From then on, it was dubbed the Lost Colony since the fate of the people has never been determined. BING: WHAT IS THE PREVAILING THEORY ABOUT THEIR DISAPPEARANCE ? Etan Patz When 6-year-old Etan Patz disappeared on May 25, 1979, a missing children's movement was born. In addition to new legislation, a campaign was launched in the 1980s Patz was the first missing child to be pictured on the side of a milk carton ( see photos ). While Patz was never found, fresh wounds have been opened in the case surrounding his disappearance ( who was the original primary suspect but never prosecuted ?). Patz was declared legally dead in 2001, but the case was reopened in 2010 and remains full of intrigue. BING: WILL THE LATEST TRIAL FINALLY REVEAL THE TRUTH ? Frank Morris In January 1960, 33-year-old Frank Morris was shipped to Alcatraz to serve a life sentence. Almost immediately, he and three others began devising a plan to escape the island. On June 11, 1962, Morris, John Anglin and his brother Clarence Anglin escaped through tunnels behind their cells, boarded a raft and disappeared into the San Francisco Bay ( who was left behind ?). One month later, a body that reportedly resembled Morris ( who played him in "Escape from Alcatraz" ?) was spotted floating in the water, but the body was never retrieved. BING: HOW DID A HARLEM CRIME BOSS CLAIM TO HAVE HELPED THE ESCAPE ? Sean Flynn Sean Flynn switched from being an actor to a freelance photojournalist, and it likely cost him his life. On April 6, 1970, Flynn ( who was his famous father ?) and Dana Stone were on assignment for Time magazine and CBS News, respectively. What is known is that they were captured by Vietnamese Communist forces. What remains unknown is their fate. In 2010, a British search team thought they had found Flynn's body in Cambodia, but DNA samples were not a match. BING: CURRENT CONSENSUS IS THAT HE WAS KILLED BY THIS GENOCIDAL GROUP Margot Kidder Far removed from her days as Lois Lane in four "Superman" movies in the late 1970s and early '80s, actress Margot Kidder was found "dirty, frightened and paranoid" with teeth missing in a woodpile behind a suburban Los Angeles home in 1996. Kidder, whose career had been in decline, had become a street person and been missing for four days. After what she described as "the most public freak-out in history," Kidder was placed in psychiatric care ( what had she been diagnosed with prior to the incident ?). BING: WHAT DID KIDDER BELIEVE HER EX-HUSBAND AND CIA WERE PLOTTING ? Nick Stahl Actor Nick Stahl has played some prominent roles in his career, from John Connor in the 2003 movie "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" to Ben Hawkins in the HBO series "Carnivale." But 2012 was not good to the young thespian, a year in which he went missing twice. Stahl first disappeared in May 2012 and checked into a rehabilitation center a few days later. He left rehab early and went off the grid again, forcing his wife, Rose, to report him missing a second time. Later that year, Stahl was arrested on suspicion of lewd conduct in an adult film store. The following year wasn't much better, as Stahl was arrested for alleged drug possession ( which drug ?) and was placed on a 5150 ( what is it ?). BING: IS STAHL A VICTIM OF 'TERMINATOR' CURSE ? Lost Inuit Village, 1930 People vanish all the time. Airplanes tend to disappear on occasion, as well. But an entire village? In 1930, an Inuit village of 1,200 Eskimos in Canada appeared to do just that. Fur trapper Joe Labelle allegedly came across the village and found no people, food hanging over fire pits, unfinished shirts with the needles still in them, seven dead sled dogs and dug-up graves. The tale was told in various forms in " The World's Greatest UFO Mysteries " and Frank Edwards' book "Stranger than Science," among others. BING: DID IT EVER HAPPEN ? Glenn Miller There were the sensational theories: Famous bandleader Glenn Miller ( hear his music ) died in a failed plot to overthrow Adolf Hitler during World War II. Or he perished in a Paris brothel. Then there was the military's contention that Miller died in a plane crash over the English Channel. Whatever one chooses to believe, one verified detail is that Miller disappeared after boarding a single-engine plane bound for Paris, where he was to play for the troops. BING: A CONFLUENCE OF BAD LUCK LIKELY EXPLAINS HIS FATE Mary Celeste The Mary Celeste was a classic ghost ship of the 1800s. The British merchant brigantine was discovered in the Atlantic Ocean on Dec. 5, 1872, unmanned and likely abandoned, full of six months' worth of food and water onboard. To deepen the mystery even further, all of the crew's belongings, including valuables, were still in place. None of the crew of eight and two passengers were ever seen again. In 1885, Mary Celeste was destroyed when her last owner intentionally wrecked the boat off the coast of Haiti ( for what reason ?). BING: 21ST CENTURY SCIENTISTS BELIEVE THEY HAVE SOLVED THE MYSTERY Malaysian Flight MH370 The Boeing 777-200ER is one of the largest commercial aircrafts in the world, boasting a capacity of 314 to 451 passengers and a range of 5,235 to 9,380 nautical miles. Despite its enormous size, one of these Triple Sevens vanished without a trace over the South China Sea on March 7, 2014. Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, with 227 passengers and 12 crew members aboard, disappeared from radar screens less than an hour after takeoff ( what was the first fictional account of the disappearance ?). To this day, no flight debris has been found. BING: AS OF MAY 2014, WHAT WAS THE ESTIMATED INSURED MARKET LOSS ON THE FLIGHT ? Joseph Force Crater Before he mysteriously disappeared on the night of Aug. 6, 1930, New York City judge Joseph Force Crater had major ties with the corrupt Tammany Hall political machine . Dubbed "the missingest man in New York," Crater hopped into a cab in Manhattan after a night out and was never seen again. A massive manhunt ensued, featuring more than 16,000 tips from around the world. Crater was declared legally dead in 1939. BING: WHAT DID A LETTER UNEARTHED IN 2005 REVEAL ? Louis Le Prince Louis Le Prince has been lauded as the "Father of Cinematography" because of his method of shooting the first moving pictures on paper film using a single-lens camera ( see photos ). Le Prince never was able to demonstrate his invention in the United States because he vanished from a train on Sept. 16, 1890. Theories of his disappearance ranged from suicide to fratricide, none of which have been substantiated. BING: WHAT CLUE SURFACED MORE THAN 100 YEARS LATER ? Agatha Christie The "Guinness Book of World Records" lists Agatha Christie as the best-selling novelist of all time, with roughly 2 billion copies sold worldwide ( see her bibliography ). Her books have been translated into more than 100 languages. Right in the middle of her very busy literary career, Christie went missing in December 1926. An extensive manhunt followed, and her disappearance was featured on the front page of The New York Times. Christie was found 10 days later at a hotel in Yorkshire, some 180 miles away ( under what name was she registered ?). BING: WHAT DID A BIOGRAPHY SUGGEST WAS CHRISTIE'S MOTIVE FOR TAKING OFF ? Maura Murray Maura Murray, a nursing student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, disappeared on Feb. 9, 2004, after crashing her car into a snow bank. Earlier that day, Murray lied to her professors, saying she needed a week off because of a death in the family. More than 10 years later, Murray's disappearance is still being handled as a missing-persons case ( what do her family and friends believe ?), and no evidence of foul play exists. BING: COULD HER DISAPPEARANCE BE LINKED TO CRIMINAL PAST ? Stratojet B-47 bomber On March 10, 1956, a B-47 Stratojet carrying two nuclear weapon cores took off from MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, one of four bombers bound for a base in Morocco. The first in-air refueling linkup went off without a hitch. However, just before the jet was set to hook up for the second refueling above the Mediterranean Sea, it disappeared. The aircraft ( what is it called when nuclear materials are lost ?) and crew of three have never been located. BING: COULD THE NUKES HAVE BEEN DETONATED ? | 5 | 7,508 | news |
If you're searching for a dose of cute to brighten up your day, look no further (Polar) Bear Hug There's no such thing as a hug too big when you're a polar bear. Tiger Kisses The wet willy of all wet willies ... or a tender kiss from Mom. Giraffe Nuzzles Now this is true love. Mom Always Raises You Up The ultimate piggyback ride. How Armadillos Nap We wonder if this armadillo parent had to walk around the block for an hour before Baby finally fell asleep. And God forbid she stop moving! In the Jungle Even mommy lions can be tickle monsters. A Squirrelly Lullabye "Rock-a-bye baby on the treetop" ... literally. Elephant Love I mean, come on! Those big floppy ears, that itty-bitty trunk grasping Mama's trunk is just too cute for words. Mouse Parenting Even mice have to worry about their babies putting everything in their mouths. Family Hug When prairie dogs have an argument, they hug it out, too. Fox Tail Don't go so fast, Mom. Wait for me! Penguin Parental Devotion Grown-up penguins huddle around baby penguins to keep them warm during an Arctic chill parental love knows no bounds. Sheltered Swans When her babies got tired of swimming, this devoted mama let them hop up on her, gently covering them with her wing. Awww! Cuddling Otters Cuddles keep everyone nice and warm, and otters are no exception. Under Her Wings First, how gorgeous is this bird? Second, how cozy do those baby birds look tucked under their mama's wings? | 4 | 7,509 | lifestyle |
Zebra plant, donkey tail and other plants that sound wilder than they really are Indoor Options Most young children, and some pets, have trouble with the concept of looking without touching. So to be safe, plants should be kept out of reach until children and pets can be trusted not to disturb them or put them in their mouths, advises Will Creed, interior landscaper and owner of Horticultural Help, a plant service in New York City. There are, however, several non-toxic indoor plant options that are family-friendly and unlikely to cause harm should a childish finger or furry nose give it a gentle prod. Bromeliad If you're looking for a punch of color to liven up a room, a bromeliad (Bromeliaceae) will do the job. "Originating in the tropics, they have exotic foliage and showy flowers," says Christine Fortman, co-owner of Berridge Nurseries in Phoenix. This indoor plant thrives on indirect light and moderately humid conditions that aren't too chilly. Zebra Plant Its exotic appearance makes the zebra plant (Aphelandra squarrosa) a conversation piece and an attention grabber for young children. "The dark, elliptical leaves striped with ivory veins create a zebra effect that has a large, cone-like, deep yellow flower," Fortman says. Zebras also favor typical household temperatures and slightly tropical environments that are moderately high in humidity. African Violet The fuzzy leaves make this plant tempting to touch, which is fine since it's kid-friendly and not toxic. Excessive touching can inhibit growth, however, so try to keep the handling to a minimum. African violets (Saintpaulia) are easy to grow and flower readily, even for beginners. "No other plant equals the ability of this to thrive and bloom indoors for months on end," Fortman says. "With velvety leaves surrounded by clusters of flowers, it needs bright light and to be kept evenly moist." Donkey Tail This eye-catching green succulent loves bright light and doesn't require a lot of water. Its lush-looking sprouts are best displayed from a hanging basket. Donkey tail, also called burro's tail, (Sedum morganianum) has origins in Mexico and lacks any irritating sap or hairs, which makes it a good family-friendly addition, says Kelly Murray Young of the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension in Maricopa County, Ariz. Boston Fern The Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), with its rustling fronds of little leaflets, begs to be touched and is safe for young hands. Easy to grow, this fern likes indirect light and moist soil. Its drooping nature makes it a good candidate for hanging or placement on a pedestal. Its non-toxicity to people and pets is another reason Young suggests this indoor plant for the family home. Christmas Cactus Lacking the prickly thorns and serrated edges that adorn many cactus species, the tropical Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) doesn't resemble its desert-dwelling relatives, which is a main reason Young recommends it. Large, bright blooms will add visual pop to any monochrome area. If you keep them in bright, indirect light and water regularly, these plants should last years. Corn Plant The corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is a non-toxic plant, native to West Africa. It's drought tolerant and therefore a good match for owners who aren't always diligent about watering. Because it's part of the Dracaena family, it will do well in low light, says Creed, which makes finding an indoor spot for it easier. Spider Plant Another plant that does well in hanging baskets, the spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is non-toxic and tolerant of neglect. It grows in full sun or full shade, as long as the soil is well-drained. What makes the spider plant particularly interesting to curious young minds are the new growths resembling little spiders. "Spider plants put out tiny baby plants that can be rooted quite easily," Creed says. | 4 | 7,510 | lifestyle |
At least two people are killed when Belgian police raided an apartment used by suspected Islamist radicals Thursday, local media said. Deborah Lutterbeck reports. | 8 | 7,511 | video |
Family relinquishes pet after 36-years | 8 | 7,512 | video |
Remember the Honda Ridgeline? The last we heard about the unibody pickup was that it was ending production for a short while before coming back as a next-gen truck in 2016, which looks to be what spy photographers saw testing in the desert. While the heavily camouflaged model's overall shape looks the same as before, that could be the camouflage doing its job. A defining design characteristic on the last model was a roof that sloped down to the bed. The prototype appears to retain that feature, but given that a Ridgeline teaser released in late 2013 showed a more traditional pickup outline, that could be a disguise. From the side, the covered up prototype doesn't appear to be as boxy as the outgoing model, with a sleeker roofline and front end. Rumor has it that the Ridgeline will also benefit from Honda's Earth Dreams technologies. Related link: Research the Honda Ridgeline With the outgoing Ridgeline undergoing very minimal changes for more than a few years, rumors started to swirl that the unibody pickup was destined for the chopping block. Honda, however, dispelled those rumors , saying the "Ridgeline has a significant role in the Honda line-up and it is expected to continue in the foreseeable future." Since then, the automaker teased the above mentioned design sketch, which seems to match up to what we're seeing in the spy photos. Like the outgoing model, the next-gen Ridgeline will be designed by Honda R&D Americas, at the company's Los Angeles and Ohio facilities. We've reported before that the truck will go into production in the spring of 2016, so it's possible it will make its debut within the next year. Photo Source: KGP Photography | 9 | 7,513 | autos |
Chameleons use their long retractable tongues to face off in a game of miniature bowling. Jen Markham (@jenmarkham) has the hilarious video. (Check out the original at Youtube.com/HelloDenizen). | 8 | 7,514 | video |
From federal bans to state-by-state exclusions, here's what's not OK Federal Ban on Mirabelle Plums Strict U.S. import laws are the reason you can't get Mirabelle plums in the States. They're only grown in the Lorraine region of France. Margarine Ban in 'The Dairy State' In Wisconsin, it's illegal to serve margarine in state institutions like schools, prisons and hospitals. Being that the state is a major producer of dairy products, it makes economic sense to push real butter. Federal Ban on Kinder Egg Surprise A 1938 Food and Drug Act prohibiting the distribution of food items "containing imbedded, non-nutritive objects" is why Kinder Egg Surprise is still illegal in the U.S. The toys that come inside Europe's (and the world's) favorite chocolate egg remains banned because it poses a choking risk to children. But a knock-off brand with an all-ages toy inside has been able to navigate the U.S. legal system and is hitting American shelves this Easter. No (Shark Fin) Soup for You in Some States The sale or possession of shark fins is banned in nine states: Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, California, Illinois, Maryland, Delaware, New York and Massachusetts. Similar bills have been introduced in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida and Nebraska. Such measures are meant to conserve shark populations. Federal Ban on Haggis There has been an American import ban on traditional Scottish haggis since 1971. The reason is that the U.S. prohibits foods containing sheep lungs, a key ingredient in the massive sausage that also features sheep liver and heart, and various spices, packed into a sheep's stomach and boiled. Fast-Food Ban in Some Communities In late 2010, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously passed an ordinance that would ban new fast-food restaurants from opening in South Los Angeles. While many cities adhere to an outright fast-food-restaurant ban for aesthetic reasons, the South L.A. decision was part of an effort to combat the area's high obesity and poverty rates, the latter reportedly being an impetus for residents to seek out fatty, low-cost fast food in the first place. Junk Food Ban in Many Schools The U.S. Department of Agriculture has banned the sale of junk food and unhealthy beverages in schools or during school-sponsored events like bake sales and fundraisers. The ban went into effect July 1, 2014. Don't Drink Blood in Louisiana Louisiana doesn't take kindly to people drinking blood, be it from a human or an animal. The state files this ban under its "Ritualistic Acts" legislation. The act was passed in 1989. Sale of Raw Milk Prohibited in Some States Unpasteurized milk, aka raw milk, can come from cows, sheep or goats. As it has not been pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria, this product may contain Salmonella, E. coli or listeria. Its sale is fully prohibited in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. Schools Take a Swipe at Peanut Butter With an increase in reported peanut allergies in recent times, one of America's favorite sandwich ingredients peanut butter is not allowed at various schools, and school districts, across the country. | 0 | 7,515 | foodanddrink |
Mark Cohen, former Sears Canada CEO, and CNBC's Courtney Reagan, remark on the challenges facing RadioShack. | 3 | 7,516 | finance |
It's one of those media truisms even with fancy special effects, debonair actors, and butter popcorn, the book is almost always better than the movie. But, that doesn't mean you shouldn't see the movie. After all, there's nothing more fun than seeing your favorite characters brought to life on the big screen and then dissecting the ink-to-celluloid translation afterward. Plus, if you've read the book first, you're more likely to get all the insider jokes. Luckily, Hollywood just loves turning books into movies, so much so that rights often get snapped up before the book even hits shelves. Here's the forecast for the best of what's coming up, so you can do the reading ahead of time. Photo: Courtesy of Penguin Books. The Mortdecai Trilogy by Kyril Bonfiglioli The Book: The 1970s black comedy cult trilogy Don't Point That Thing at Me, Something Nasty in the Woodshed, and After You with the Pistol (not counting the fourth, unfinished volume The Great Moustache Mystery) stars art dealer Charlie Mortdecai and his manservant Jock Strapp. Shades of Wodehouse and Bond both. The Movie: Hurry up this one, shortened to just plain Mortdecai and starring Johnny Depp as the titular louche, hits theaters January 23. Directed by David Koepp, written by Eric Aronson and also featuring Gwyneth Paltrow, Ewan McGregor, Paul Bettany (as Jock!), Olivia Munn, and Aubrey Plaza. Photo: Courtesy of HarperCollins. Ten Thousand Saints by Eleanor Henderson The Book: Henderson's 2011 debut follows a family (in the extended, ragged, modern sense of the word) through two decades of drugs, music, petty crimes, death, stoner grown-ups, the straight-edge scene, CBGBs, "shirtless New York hardcore boys," Vermont, and the East Village. It's a roaring, unstoppable novel that will leave you nostalgic and forward-thinking and out of breath all at once. The Movie: Set to premiere at Sundance on January 23, the film adaptation stars Asa Butterfield as protagonist Jude Keffy-Horn, along with Hailee Steinfeld, Ethan Hawke, Emile Hirsch, and Emily Mortimer. The film was written and directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, the pair who brought us American Splendor and Cinema Verite. Photo: Courtesy of Ecco. Serena by Ron Rash The Book: Not everyone knows Ron Rash, but those who do love him. With good reason, too Rash crafts dark, graceful, violent stories and novels out of the landscape and characters of the Appalachian wilds. Arguably the best of these is Serena, his 2008 bestseller about George and Serena Pemberton, a couple who move to the mountains of North Carolina in the 1930s to start a timber business. But, George has an illegitimate son in the town, and Serena is one of the toughest women ever committed to fiction, who soon becomes fixated on the son's demise. The Movie: Directed by Academy Award winner Susanne Bier and starring Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper, the film has already been released in the U.K. and France, but is set to come stateside in March. Early reviews are mixed, but most reviewers agree Lawrence, at least, is to die for. Photo: Courtesy of Broadway Books. Dark Places by Gillian Flynn The Book: "I have a meanness inside me, real as an organ." So begins Dark Places, Flynn's deeply upsetting second novel (if you've read Gone Girl, you know this woman can do disturbing), which follows Libby Day, who as a child was the only survivor when her entire family was murdered by her older brother. Now as an adult seeking to profit off her history, she finds The Kill Club, a society of people obsessed with picking apart famous murder stories. But, she gets dragged deeper into the past than she had intended. The Movie: Charlize Theron is Libby Day in the upcoming film adaptation, written and directed by Gilles Paquet-Brenner. The movie also features Christina Hendricks, Nicholas Hoult, Chloë Grace Moretz, Drea de Matteo, and Corey Stoll. Photo: Courtesy of WW Norton. The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith The Book: A 1952 cult classic by one of the greatest writers of psychological thrillers to have ever lived (even if she originally published it under the pseudonym Claire Morgan), The Price of Salt follows two women Therese, a department store clerk dating a man she doesn't love, and Carol, an older married woman who unexpectedly fall in love. Unlike most of the lesbian pulp fiction of the time, this one famously has un-stereotypical characters and a happy ending. Plus it's a total page-turner. That Patricia Highsmith was ahead of her time. The Movie: The film adaptation, which will be released as Carol, stars Cate Blanchett in the title role and Rooney Mara as Therese, plus Sarah Paulson, Kyle Chandler, and one Ms. Carrie Brownstein. Todd Haynes directs, with a script by Phyllis Nagy. Photo: Courtesy of Dover Publications. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley The Book: You know this one it's that time Gothic genius Mary Shelley invented the sci-fi novel and also created a set of characters that would remain relevant for at least 200 years (and counting). The Movie: Out this October, Victor Frankenstein, written by Max Landis and directed by Paul McGuigan, takes a slightly unusual angle: It's told from the perspective of the doctor's assistant, Igor, played by Daniel Radcliffe. James McAvoy is Victor Frankenstein, and Jessica Brown Findlay (you know her as Lady Sybil Crawley!), Andrew Scott, and Mark Gatiss also appear. Photo: Courtesy of Speak. Paper Towns by John Green The Book: Another YA classic from John Green (The Fault in Our Stars, Looking for Alaska), which won the Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Mystery when it hit shelves in 2008. In this one, the girl of Quentin's dreams knocks on his window in the middle of the night dressed as a ninja to take him on a vigilante prank-spree. Then, she disappears, and he tries to unravel what he knows and doesn't know, and knows wrongly about her. The Movie: John Green fans (that's just about everybody, right?) rejoice. Paper Towns was written by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, the same pair who wrote the screenplay for The Fault in Our Stars, and the movie stars Nat Wolff, whom you may remember as Isaac from that film. Cara Delevingne plays Margo, and Jake Shreier directs. Look for it in June. Photo: Courtesy of Penguin Books. In The Heart Of The Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick The Book: Philbrick's 2000 book investigates the 19th-century whaling industry through the story of the sinking of the whaleship Essex and the surviving crew's post-wreck adventures (read: disease, drifting, cannibalism) the real life story that inspired Moby-Dick. The Movie: Scheduled for release on March 15, the film stars Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy, and Tom Holland, plus Ben Whishaw as Herman Melville. Bonus: There is a good chance all of these people will spend a significant amount of time soaked in water. Ron Howard directs. Photo: Courtesy of Vintage Books. Fifty Shades Of Grey by E.L. James The Book: Okay, you don't actually have to read this book before the movie comes out, or ever. If you haven't been living under a rock, you probably know what it's all about, but if not, it's a mega-bestselling erotic novel with a lot of BDSM that started out as Twilight fan fiction. If you don't have a copy, look in your mom's bottom drawer. The Movie: Set to be released February 13, the film stars Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson, and was directed by the super badass Sam Taylor-Johnson and written by Kelly Marcel. Some of the ads for the film show a reclining woman and a dapper gent with his tie ready for action in his hand, with the tagline "CURIOUS?" That about sums it up. Photo: Courtesy of Algonquin Books. The Revised Fundamentals Of Caregiving by Jonathan Evison The Book: Evison's third novel manages to be both hilarious and deeply moving, which is no small feat. It follows Ben Benjamin, a guy so far down the barrel he can't even see the light, and Trev, a 19-year-old with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, whom Ben has been hired to care for. So it basically turns into a road-trip buddy comedy, with some surprises and family horror thrown in there, and the whole thing becomes a big-hearted romp with a seriously black lining. The Movie: It was recently announced that Paul Rudd is set to star as Ben Benjamin, which is frankly perfect. Rob Burnett will adapt the script and direct the film; Donna Gigliotti and James Spies will produce. Production begins January 22. Photo: Courtesy of Knopf. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie The Book: Americanah, which won the 2013 National Book Critics Circle Award and was roundly declared one of the best books of the year, is the love story of two young Nigerians, Ifemelu and Obinze, separated by continents and strife. Beautifully written and basically amazing in every way. The Movie: This one won't be coming out this year, so you have plenty of time to add it to your book club list. It will be produced by Brad Pitt and star everyone's number-one crush, Lupita Nyong'o. It was recently reported that David Oyelowo is set to costar. No director or writer yet, but it's never too soon to get excited. Photo: Courtesy of Simon & Schuster. A Book of Common Prayer by Joan Didion The Book: Didion's excellent 1977 novel tells the story of two American women in the fictional Central American country of Boca Grande: one, an expat anthropologist who married into one of the biggest families in the region, another on the hunt to repair her family. The Movie: Okay, so: Christina Hendricks and Allison Janney will star in an indie adaptation directed by Campbell Scott (who co-directed Big Night). IMDB lists the film as coming in 2015, but according to Variety, filming starts in June. Either way, eeeee! | 6 | 7,517 | entertainment |
Kelly Wallace remembers the carefree parenting her parents practiced and what can be learned from it today. | 8 | 7,518 | video |
With three starts, three straight wins over Heisman Trophy finalists and a national championship under his belt, Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones announced Thursday he's returning to Ohio State for his junior year. Jones, a redshirt sophomore, made the announcement at Ginn Academy in Cleveland, where he played high school football. "I'm going to return next year for school," Jones said. MORE: Cardale Jones, unbelievable hero | Five things to know about him | Photos Just two days ago Jones was undecided on whether or not to return to Ohio State after the Buckeyes' 42-20 win over Oregon in the College Football Playoff National Championship in which Jones threw for 242 yards and a touchdown and ran for another score against the Ducks. "In my personal opinion, I'm not ready for that level yet," said Jones, who's 6-5, 250 pounds. "To me right now, it's far out...my most important thing and my focus is my degree." Despite his comments, a source close to Jones said the quarterback planned to ask coach Urban Meyer if he'd go into next season as the starter. "Cardale's brand right now has never been stronger," Meyer said after the national championship, "and might never be stronger again in his life." The 2015 NFL Draft quarterback is thought to be one of the most lackluster groups in recent years. While Oregon's Marcus Mariota and Florida State's Jameis Winston are expected to be early first-round picks, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. believes that Jones could have been selected as high as the second round . Jones will return to Columbus in a crowded quarterback position that currently features J.T. Barrett, Braxton Miller , and two more four-star quarterback recruits . Jones returns with 863 yards passing, seven touchdowns, two interceptions with a 158.1 quarterback rating. He added 424 yards on the ground with two additional scores. | 1 | 7,519 | sports |
Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones announces his decision to return to the Buckeyes rather than declare for the NFL draft. | 8 | 7,520 | video |
Maroon 5 dropped a new music video for their song 'Sugar' and in it, they crash real weddings, or so it seems. Sean Dowling has the video. | 8 | 7,521 | video |
From a dog to a dolphin, these unlikely heroes came to the rescue Saved From a Wolf Attack A few years ago, just two days before Christmas in Fort Nelson, British Columbia, a dog named Shadow saw something that his human family didn't: two hungry wolves. The family headed out to go tobogganing in the late afternoon, and the three young children were towed out to a hill by their dad in an all-terrain vehicle while mom waited for them at the top. The mom started shrieking when she suddenly saw Shadow spring into action as the wolves moved toward the children. Shadow, a Rottweiler mix, intercepted the lead wolf, which in turn hit Shadow in the side and grabbed his shoulder. The dad began swatting at the wolves with a shovel but they didn't budge. Shadow kept growling at them and ultimately the dad chased them off into the woods. Shadow survived with some bumps and bruises. Saved From Choking In Colorado, a parrot named Willie was alone in a room with a toddler when the little girl started choking on her breakfast. Willie started squawking, "Mama, baby!" and flapping his wings until the toddler's mom ran back into the room only to see her baby turning blue. She successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver but credits Willie for being the real hero. The parrot was honored at a Red Cross Breakfast of Champions event by the governor of Colorado and the mayor of Denver. Saved From the Babysitter A babysitter in South Carolina was hired to care for 7-month-old Finn Jordan, but Finn's parents suspected something wasn't quite right after their dog was growling and snarling at the babysitter, standing between the her and the baby. Killan, a black lab and German shepherd mix, is a sweet dog, so Finn's parents knew something was up; they used an iPhone to record audio of the babysitter. They then heard her cursing at their baby and what sounded like slapping and shaking him. The babysitter was ultimately convicted of child abuse and sentenced to the maximum of three years in prison. Saved From Drowning A teenage boy was on his dad's boat off Manfredonia in southeastern Italy when he fell into the choppy waves and started drowning. A friendly dolphin there named Filippo, a popular tourist attraction in the area after becoming separated from its school of dolphins, swam over and pushed the boy up out of the water. The boy said when he realized what was happening, he grabbed onto Filippo, who then got close enough to the boat for the boy's dad to grab him. Saved From a Deadly Snake You don't mess with an eastern brown snake, which is famous for being the world's second-most venomous land snake. Somehow a 1-year-old Staffordshire Terrier named Jeff on the Gold Coast of Australia just happened to know that. The snake almost killed Jeff, but the dog ended up killing the snake instead in the vegetable garden outside of Jeff's family's home, which is where their three children often play. The family found Jeff just laying there with the snake beside him it took three anti-venom shots from a vet to keep Jeff alive. Just one shot of venom from an Eastern Brown snake is enough to "take out 16 healthy adults." Saved From a Cougar Not everyone is fortunate enough to live with their very own guardian angel. That's because a dog named Angel only lives with young Austin Forman. When Angel was just 18 months old, the golden retriever threw herself between Austin and a cougar that was charging the boy in his backyard in Boston Bar, British Columbia. Austin had been outside gathering firewood when Angel, who would normally run around and play, stuck close by. Angel and the cougar fought while Austin ran inside and had his mom call 9-1-1. Law enforcement arrived soon thereafter and killed the cougar. At first Angel appeared to be fatally injured but managed to get up and walk over to Austin, give him a sniff and then sat down. She ended up surviving the attack and was rewarded for her efforts with a "huge steak." Saved From a Bee Attack It's hard to know if you're allergic to bee stings until you're actually stung by a bee. That was the case with a 9-year-old boy named Richie. He was outside playing with his puppy named Pinky when a swarm of bees attacked him. Pinky seemed to not only sense that Richie had an allergy but also that he had a condition that prevented his blood from properly clotting. While Pinky acted as a decoy from the bees and got stung more than 40 times, Richie ran home and got help. Both Pinky and Richie were taken to the hospital and recovered just fine. Saved From Armed Robbers Moti, a German shepherd, took a bullet for his human family and lived to tell about it. Harshad and Mital Patel and their two daughters were in the liquor store they own in Philadelphia when a masked gunman came in one Friday evening. The gunman pointed his weapon at the mom and demanded money, but before anything else could happen, Moti climbed over the counter and started barking. The gunman took aim at the dog and shot him and then the gunman ran. Moti underwent emergency surgery and survived, even though the bullet remains lodged inside of him. Harshad says Moti now gets "everything good now more than he needs," and he's even back at work protecting the liquor store. Saved From a Great Fall When a 3-year-old was with his mom at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, he wriggled away from her, climbed over the barrier to the ape pit and fell 20 feet inside to the exhibit floor. He was on the ground lifeless when an 8-year-old ape named Binti Jua picked him up and gently cradled him in her arms, turning her shoulder away from the other gorillas. She carried him around carefully while rocking him and then ultimately passed him off to zookeepers. The boy was rushed to the hospital and made a full recovery and Binti Jua was praised for her gentle handling of the toddler. Saved From a Grizzly Bear A guide from a mountain outfitter was leading a group of eight horse riders in Glacier National Park in Montana one summer. An 8-year-old boy was among those in the group a trip booked by the boy's dad for his son's first horse-riding experience. The boy was riding Scout, who stayed behind the leader on a horse named Tonk. The ride was business as usual until the group went around a corner and Tonk "stopped firm and wouldn't move." A white-tailed deer came running out of the bushes and brushed Tonk, and that's when a huge grizzly bear came crashing out in pursuit of the deer. The horses sensed danger and panicked, galloping back to the barn. All but Scout, who ended up going toward the bear, which then started chasing the horse back into the woods with the boy still on him. Tonk and the guide responded by turning around into the trees to act as a wedge between the bear and Scout with the boy. They charged the bear, who ultimately ran off when they were about 10 feet away. The guide ended up keeping Tonk, who had just been on the loan to the outfitting company for the summer. | 4 | 7,522 | lifestyle |
By Doug Kyed Tom Brady decided to kill Ray Lewis with kindness. The former Baltimore Ravens linebacker, known for spewing nonsense during pregame pump-up speeches, perhaps made his most outlandish statement Tuesday while talking about Brady with ESPN's Stephen A. Smith. "The only reason we know who Tom Brady is, because of a tuck rule," Lewis said three days after the New England Patriots quarterback beat Lewis' former team in the divisional round of the playoffs. "There's no such thing as a tuck rule! If the ball is in your hand, and I knock it out your hand, whether it's going backwards, forwards, lateral, sideways, however it's coming out, that's a freaking fumble. "But guess what we created? We created a freaking tuck rule!" Brady was asked about Lewis' comments Thursday during his news conference at Gillette Stadium and decided not to take a shot at Lewis. "Yeah. (Patriots VP of media relations Stacey James) told me that," Brady said. "Yeah. Everyone has an opinion, and I think Ray's a great player, so he's a first-ballot hall of famer. I was fortunate to play against him." But did Lewis ever gouge Brady in the eye ? "No, maybe worse than that," Brady said. "He was a pretty tough player." | 1 | 7,523 | sports |
The Seven Seas Explorer cruise ship's 'Regent Suite' will come with 3,875 square feet of space and a $65,178 price tag when it launches. Mike Janela (@mikejanela) has the details. | 8 | 7,524 | video |
Winchester rifle made back in 1882 found in a Nevada national park | 8 | 7,525 | video |
BALTIMORE (AP) President Barack Obama on Thursday renewed his push for paid leave for parents and other workers, saying he's astonished that so many people don't get paid sick leave. "How can we support working families so they have the tools to succeed in this new economy?" Obama said at a Baltimore cafe that offers earned sick leave to its small workforce. He and Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., had just discussed balancing work and family with a group of women. Obama said the issue transcends demographics and geography. "We really can do something about it," he said. The White House said this week that Obama will make a new push on the issue, beginning with the State of Union address he delivers Tuesday night. Obama will call on Congress, states and cities to pass measures to allow tens of millions of workers to earn up to a week of paid sick time a year. He'll also ask Congress for more than $2 billion to encourage states to create paid family and medical leave programs. In addition, Obama will take steps to provide federal employees with up to six weeks of paid sick leave to care for a new child. And he'll propose that Congress pass legislation to give federal workers an additional six weeks of paid parental leave. Details on how Obama would raise the $2 billion will be released next month. Obama said the Baltimore cafe owner has offered above-minimum-wage pay and earned sick leave to all employees since opening in late 2010. He said that type of investment "pays dividends" and cited reduced turnover as one benefit. Obama wants Congress to pass legislation, sponsored since 2005 by Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., to allow workers to earn up to a week of paid sick leave to care for themselves or a sick family member, obtain preventive care or deal with domestic violence. Workers would earn an hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours they work. Employers that already provide paid sick time would not have to change their policies as long as the time earned can be used for the same purposes. Obama will also call on states and cities to adopt similar legislation; some already have, as the White House noted in a fact sheet. More than 40 million U.S. private sector workers don't have any type of paid sick leave, said White House senior adviser Valerie Jarrett said, meaning they lose pay if they stay home when sick or to care for someone who is. Women make up about half the workforce, and nearly three-fourths of mothers are in the labor force, federal statistics show. Jarrett said paid sick leave would help the U.S. compete globally by reducing employee turnover and contributing to worker productivity. "This is not a partisan issue," she said. "This is a family issue, and it's an economic issue." The National Federation of Independent Business, which represents small businesses, agrees it's an economic issue but opposes the effort. Spokesman Jack Mozloom said required paid leave would force the association's members, most of which have fewer than 25 employees, to make cuts in pay and benefits that would harm the people Obama and the advocates of these policies say they want to help. "It ripples through the economy in ways the advocates and the president, I think, sometimes don't see," Mozloom said. Obama will also outline ways to broaden access to paid family and medical leave. The 1993 federal Family and Medical Leave Act allows workers to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off without losing their job to care for a new child, recover from an illness or care for an ill family member. The White House says most families cannot afford such long stretches of time off without pay. Three states California, New Jersey and Rhode Island offer paid family and medical leave. To encourage others to follow, Obama will propose $2.2 billion in new spending to reimburse up to five states for three years for the actual and administrative costs associated with implementing similar programs. With regard to the federal workforce, Obama will propose legislation providing six weeks of paid administrative leave for the birth, adoption or foster placement of a child. Federal workers receive paid sick leave and vacation time, but no paid time off specifically for family or parental leave. Under the proposal, federal workers could use sick time to care for a healthy child after birth or adoption. Before heading to Baltimore, Obama directed federal agencies to advance six weeks of paid sick leave that federal workers could use as paid family leave. Workers would have to pay back the sick leave over time. DeLauro and women's groups applauded the announcement. "Workplaces need to respond to the reality of family life in the 21st century, and allowing employees to have seven sick days a year is a bare minimum," DeLauro said. "The fact that the United States is one of just a handful of countries that does not require paid family or sick leave is nothing short of shameful." But the odds that Congress will send the bill to Obama appear slim, given that it was first introduced a decade ago. ___ Superville reported from Washington. | 5 | 7,526 | news |
Comet Lovejoy is reaching optimum viewing for stargazers , and both professional and amature photographers are capturing some amazing shots of the fiery green ball. Astronomer Nick Howes took this photo of Comet Lovejoy on Jan. 8, 2015 at the Siding Spring Observatory in Australia. This Image of Comet Lovejoy was taken Saturday, January 10, 2015, by Dr. Bill Cooke. The image is a 3 minute exposure using the iTelescope T3 refractor. At the time of this image, the comet was some 45 million miles from Earth. Comet Lovejoy, pictured Dec. 28, 2014, has become visible to the unaided eye. View of Comet Lovejoy with Mt.Fuji in Japan in December of 2013. This photo of Comet Lovejoy in 2012. The comet's green glow comes from molecules of diatomic carbon fluorescing in ultraviolet sunlight. Comet Lovejoy on November 27, 2013. View of Comet Lovejoy in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan in 2013. In this image provided by NASA the Comet Lovejoy is visible near Earth's horizon in this nighttime image photographed by NASA astronaut Dan Burbank, Expedition 30 commander, onboard the International Space Station on Dec. 21, 2011. Burbank described seeing the comet three nights ago as "the most amazing thing I have ever seen in space," in an interview with WDIV-TV in Detroit. This handout image provided by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, taken, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011, shows the Comet Lovejoy leaving the sun's corona which is several million degrees. A small comet survived what astronomers figured would be a sure death when it danced uncomfortably close to the broiling sun Thursday night. Comet Lovejoy was supposed to melt as it came so close to the sun that the temperatures around it would hit several million degrees. Astronomers had tracked 2,000 other sun-grazing comets make the same suicidal trip. None had ever survived. | 5 | 7,527 | news |
It's no secret we at Bon Appétit love the powdered green tea known as matcha . Heck, we even put it in our holiday cookies . But we're not the only ones smitten by matcha . With one finger on the mug of our green tea latte and the other on the pulse of all things up-and-coming in the food world, we can't help but notice that the chatter about matcha is getting louder. Food-forward Instagrammers are increasingly as likely to snap a picture of a matcha latte (using the hashtag #matcha, of course) as they are a cappuccino, and they can now do so at specialty matcha cafés cropping up across the country, from New York to California to Hanoi. Matcha drinkers are purchasing whisks and glass bowls to prepare the beverage at home. They're sipping for a sustained energy boost, loads of antioxidants, a "calm-alertness" thanks to an amino acid called L-Theanine, increased metabolism, and a caffeine hit without the jittery after-effect. All this means that there's a matcha movement happening, and it's about to reach a fever pitch. What makes this green machine so special? Vibrant in hue, matcha is a finely ground powder made from green tea leaves. Traditional matcha growers gradually shade the plants before hand-picking the leaves and stone-grinding them into a verdant dust. This process preserves both the color and nutritional qualities of the tea. It's ritualistically prepared in single batches by adding hot but not boiling water and whisking vigorously in an "M" shape to dissolve the powder and froth the top. The finished matcha is then drunk in a few sips directly from the glass bowl in which it was prepared. The powder gradually settles to the bottom of the bowl or cup, so it should be drunk quickly. This means that matcha drinkers must prepare the tea immediately before consuming. Giant-sized cup of coffee to be slurped throughout the day, this is not. And that, according to its devotees, is exactly what makes it so attractive. A Homemade Ritual: DIY Matcha Because matcha isn't yet as pervasive in our culinary landscape as, say, the flat white , many enthusiasts who want to drink it must make it at home. And that's just fine with them: It's the process of whisking up a cup that initially draws people in. To Jessica Lloyd, co-owner of matcha distributor Panatea , drinking the tea is about more than sipping a toasty beverage with a caffeine jolt. "I actually look forward to the ritual of making it every morning," she explains. "The act of whisking it forces you to be present and collect yourself if only for a few sips." A well-made "shot" of matcha has a creamy mouthfeel that is reminiscent of an espresso with a nice amount of crema. The term "shot" is marginally misleading although it's only about 2-3 ounces of liquid, a matcha shot is sipped, not tossed back. To achieve this level of matcha-nirvana, you'll need the right equipment and good-quality tea. Although there are many different grades available, most drinkers agree that the daily matcha gets made with decent-but-not-obscenely-expensive tea. (High-end matcha can retail for as much as $165/20 grams , as sold by Samovar tea). Not sure what price point is right for you? Christine Muhlke , BA 's executive editor says: "I recommend to those starting out to buy in the $14-$18 range. The $8 stuff is for baking. The $30-$60 stuff comes later." And if you're still balking at the price, consider the fact that one of those tiny tins lasts Muhlke six months or more. She orders in 20-gram tins from Panatea and Ippodo , and stores them in the fridge to keep them fresh. A freshly-whisked cup of matcha is attractive in its simplicity. But that doesn't mean this green tea can't play nice with other flavors. In fact, many home-whiskers (it's not brewing, per se) have a unique take on the drink. Muhlke says that her favorite way to take a cup of matcha to the next level is to swap hot water for homemade almond milk. She explains: "Almond milk has its own natural sweetness, with a gently rounded flavor that complements matcha's angular grassiness. Milk is too fatty in its mouthfeel and overpowering/cloying for some reason it cancels out the matcha. Soy is fine, but almond also manages to create a nice crema perfect for lattes." The technique is pretty simple: Just add liquid and whisk until frothy. But in case you're looking for a little guided instruction, the matcha community is eager to share its knowledge. Panatea's website features a how-to video , and we even published a pictorial step-by-step on bonappetit.com last year. The San-Francisco-based Breakaway Matcha aims to educate converts through its online " Matcha Masterclass ." MatchaBar , a café devoted to all things green and tea-like in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, offers matcha-making classes every Sunday at 7 P.M. ("You get a discount if you come as a date," says co-owner Graham Fortgang .) For $85 $80 for couples or friends you get hands-on instruction, as well as a matcha starter kit. "We don't actually make all that much money on the classes," says Fortgang. "But that's not the point. It's all about spreading the knowledge." Matcha Out and About: The Rise of Matcha Cafés Although many coffee and tea houses serve some iteration of matcha, there are a growing number across the country that specialize in traditionally-prepared matcha. There are matcha cafés in Portland, OR , Hong Kong , Hanoi , Pasig , and San Diego . In addition to traditional coffee drinks, the menu at Chalait , a café that opened on January 5th in Manhattan's West Village, features matcha front-and-center on the menu. The green tea options at Chalait are modeled after an espresso menu, with drinks like the americano, cortado, and mocha. Although the café offers both tea and coffee, the bar is separated into two distinct stations: One for matcha and another for coffee. "I wanted to really give our staff the space to prepare it properly," explains co-owner Michelle Gardner , who is so passionate about matcha that she quit her job in finance and enrolled in the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) before honing her chops as a barista. Whisk it good! Photo: James Ransom courtesy of Panatea A trip to Japan inspired Gardner, and her partner Ramon Puyani to open their own café in the states. During their time in Kyoto, Puyani tried his first cup of matcha; Gardner had been a longtime devotee. They were both enchanted by the ritual method of preparing it as well as its grassy, fresh flavor. Although they are careful to preserve traditional preparation methods at Chalait, they also aim to present the beverage in a manner that appeals to the Western palate and first-time matcha consumers. "We make each cup of matcha to order," explains Puyani, "but we serve it in an espresso mug [as opposed to the glass bowl]. It familiarizes the experience." Chalait aims to make a morning mug of matcha as much of a daily ritual for New Yorkers as a cup of joe. "We hope matcha will become to tea what espresso is to coffee," says Puyani essentially, a way to deepen into the experience. And that's in large part why Chalait is offering a full coffee bar of matcha options. Puyani's initial question to first-time matcha drinkers is: "How do you take your coffee?" If a customer tends to like it sweet and light, he'll use matcha in a milky latte. If they're fans of black espresso, they'll get the full monty: A matcha shot made with the traditional whisk and hot water. #Matcha: It's a Lifestyle MatchaBar, the half-year-old matcha café that's every bit as cool as the Brooklyn neighborhood where it's located (Williamsburg, of course), keeps the focus on matcha. Not only do co-owners and brothers Graham and Max Fortgang serve the tea in many forms (lattes, shots, etc.), they worship dutifully at the altar of powdered green tea leaves themselves. Talk to Graham Fortgang about his café for any extended period of time, and you'll hear the term "Matcha Fam" (short for family) at least once. As in, "We love our customers they're our matcha fam," or "Nothing makes me happier than seeing the matcha fam come in all pumped about their day." The Fortgang brothers are hardcore matcha enthusiasts, in part because it changed their own lives. "Before matcha, I was working in real estate and had my own event production company. And I was also trying to graduate college. And…" says Fortgang, who grew up in Manhattan and, despite speaking at a very lively clip whenever the tea is mentioned, feels calmer and more centered since embracing matcha. In addition to general feelings of anxiety and stress, Fortgang suffered from acid reflux and a minor heart palpitation which were both aggravated by his coffee and Red Bull consumption. He decided to switch to matcha, and was immediately hooked. "In the modern world, people don't want to just be successful; they want to be healthy in a sustained way," he says. It's this quality, this pursuit of an all-around better-for-you lifestyle, that separates the matcha sippers from the espresso shooters. Matcha isn't for everyone, but those who do embrace it really embrace it. "What's special about the matcha drinker prototype is an openness to inviting a new ritual into their life," explains Fortgang. "We've had a lot of converts who have totally switched from coffee to matcha. To do that, you really have to believe you can. Our biggest challenge is getting people to believe in an alternative. It might not be matcha. But believing in an alternative puts you in the right mindset." Big Tea: Have We Reached Maximum Matcha Saturation? Because matcha has inspired so many wellness-conscious drinkers to explore the tea, matcha-inspired and matcha-adjacent beverages are increasingly available at cafés, which makes Panatea's Lloyd both optimistic and a little frustrated. "The matcha you get at a chain coffee shop is really just pure sugar. You can tell from the light color of the drink." Pure matcha is a grassy, deep green color when prepared in the old-world way. Is it inevitable that matcha will go the way of chai tea? Seasoned chai enthusiasts will remember when the tea was an artisan novelty; now syrupy chai-flavored lattes are poured from cardboard cartons at every corner coffee shop. Lloyd appreciates large-batch matcha makers for spreading the word and piquing an initial interest. Once a potential matcha drinker tries a sweet matcha latte, she says, they're more likely to branch out and try a straight cup, prepared traditionally. Despite the cult-like qualities of the matcha community, it's a surprisingly open and collaborative community. Fortgang even cites MatchaBar's competition as having a "passionate, kind, open-arms kind of attitude." And whether you've been drinking it for years or you're about to sip your first cup, rest assured: There's a place for you in the Matcha Fam. Says Fortgang, "My hope is that my customer drinks their matcha and then goes out into the world. And that day, whether they yell at their intern less, whether they fit in a run at the end of their day, or whether they have a salad instead of a crappy burger for lunch, I don't care. But one healthy habit leads to another. Matcha is inspiring in that way." See more: The Matcha Latte | 0 | 7,528 | foodanddrink |
The Ford Performance team has high expectations for the new GT supercar and Shelby GT350R Mustang revealed at this week's Detroit auto show. Jamal Hameedi, Ford global performance vehicle chief engineer, explains how Ford tailored these vehicles for track use. AUTOMOBILE : What cars did you benchmark for the new Ford GT? HAMEEDI: We did a little bit of benchmarking with the second-generation Ford GT [2005-2006 model] and the [Ferrari] 458 Speciale. Those are really the two main cars that we've been benchmarking. A: How do you want this car to be different from the competition? H: It's obvious that the car is very much a forward-looking engineering exercise. That's really the big thing that we've made a priority. It's an innovation laboratory, a technology laboratory. We wanted it to be very forward looking, to incorporate technology and be very efficient in everything it does. A: Will customers miss it not having a V-8? H: I'm not concerned. I think the last problem that we're going to have is finding customers for this car. The EcoBoost V-6 is more efficient, has better horsepower and torque per liter, better fuel economy, more horsepower and torque per kilogram, and it's extremely package efficient. It really plays well to the tapering fuselage of the car. It really was the ideal choice for an engine. A: Who will be the typical Ford GT buyer? H: Obviously, [2005-2006] Ford GT customers. They've done quite well with their investment! There will also be a lot of the hypercar buyers. They'll look at this and see that it's every bit as advanced as other hypercars, from an aerodynamic aspect, etc. A: How does the new Ford GT compare to the last one? H: The 2005 Ford GT was a road car, a street car. This is much more focused on being a track car. A: Is it so focused that it's compromised for the street? H: Yes, absolutely. It's really more comparable to the original GT40 than the [2005-2006] Ford GT, as far as the focus and what it was designed to do. A: You've stated in the past that you're committed to manual transmissions. Talk to me about the decision to go with a dual-clutch on the new Ford GT. H: I think going forward, we do like manuals. We felt that in the name of efficiency and performance, there is no question the dual-clutch is more efficient and faster shifting. When you're pushing the envelope so much, you can't leave milliseconds on the table on every shift -- every upshift and every downshift. That's lap time you can't leave on the table. You have to take advantage of that. A: Let's move to the Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang. Is this Ford's Camaro Z/28? H: We benchmarked the Camaro Z/28 . We were also interested in what a [Porsche] 911 GT3 was all about. A: Who do you see as the typical buyer of the GT350R? H: There are probably two (typical buyers). Guys that want a track weapon: Put it on the trailer, take it to the track, and have a track-day car. You can also put all the amenities back into a GT350R. So, I think people that want to drive the ultimate, "baddest" Mustang ever created, they'll put the [optional package that includes] A/C and all that stuff back in there and use it as a daily driver… That's one of the key reasons we stuck with magnetic dampers. They are really amazing for what they can do for the car on the track. But, also, switch the drive mode and it turns into a very livable car. A: What about build numbers on the GT350R versus the standard GT350? Launch date? H: The GT350R will be much lower volume but we haven't said anything about how much lower or anything like that. The cars will be launched together later this year (2015). | 9 | 7,529 | autos |
Human rights group Amnesty International says witnesses have spoken of killing ''on a huge scale'' in Nigerian towns attacked by Boko Haram. | 5 | 7,530 | news |
Driving a modern electric car usually requires a host of usernames and passwords if you want to take advantage of the latest integrated smartphone apps. But those same usernames and passwords can make the high-tech tools impractical -- even unusable -- during a casual press-car drive. We tend not to have such electric cars long enough to try all the connectivity features. To overcome this, I recently spent a week in a friend's 2014 BMW i3 Range Extender (REx), complete with login credentials for all the extras, so I could immerse myself as an "owner" of the quirky electron-powered hatchback. Charging at Home The 2014 BMW i3 comes with a 120-volt vehicle charger, called the Occasional Use Cable (OUC), which plugs into a standard household outlet and fully charges the i3 in 20 hours. Most any long-term owner should install a 240-volt fast charger, which can fully recharge the i3 in about 3.5 hours. The price of the quick charger will depend on the aesthetic appeal of the charger's case, as well as the length of the charging cable. Your local BMW dealer will sell you the swanky-looking BMW i Charging Station for a rather pricey $1,080, while a basic unit with a shorter cable from Amazon costs as little as $500. Pick up a 30-amp unit with the longer, 25-foot cable to handle other electric cars with different charging port locations. Installation costs for a 240-volt unit vary. If you buy the original-equipment Bosch Automotive Service Solutions fast charger, BMW dealer setup is included, and you can fold the cost of the charger port into the car's monthly payments. Some local power companies offer rebates to cover both the purchase and installation of a fast charger. Another big advantage of a 240-volt charger is that you can set the 2014 BMW i3 to fully charge during the electrical grid's cheaper off-peak periods. I don't own a fast charger, so during my week with the 2014 BMW i3, I had to recharge the car with the slow OUC setup. As long as I didn't drive it more than about 20 miles in a day, the OUC sufficiently recharged the i3 overnight. On days when I drove it much farther, it took nearly 20 hours to get a full charge. I also had to be diligent about plugging the car into the OUC each time I was home, even if only for a short time. This is the drawback of any short-term car test -- any smart BMW i3 owner will install a fast charger and rarely use the OUC. Charging Out in the World: As electric car popularity grows, so does the charging infrastructure. More public charging stations are popping up in downtown areas, shopping centers, and parking garages. BMW has partnered with ChargePoint, which has a network of nearly 20,000 chargers across the U.S. and Canada. A new BMW i3 comes with a pair of ChargePoint cards you activate online and pay for the stations that are not free. An even cooler ChargePoint smartphone (Apple or Android) app searches for charging stations, displays which stations are unoccupied, and manages your account. You can check how long your i3 has been taking on juice, once the charging cable is connected to the car. Most of ChargePoint's infrastructure are "Level 2" stations, which can add up to 25 miles of range for each hour of charging (like a 240-volt home charger). You can also search for charging locations from the i3's navigation system. The ChargePoint app worked great and helped find locations to replenish the BMW i3. The only quirk was when my iPhone couldn't get a GPS signal and cellular network connection in the basement of a parking garage. I didn't have a ChargePoint card with me, so I walked to the street level to get a signal and unlock the charging station. It was frustrating and added about 10 minutes to the process, but I eventually charged the car. BMW also offers a $700 SAE DC Fast Charging option for the i3. It fits an additional connector to the car's charging port and recharges the battery pack by up to 80 percent in just 20 to 30 minutes. The infrastructure for the Fast Charging option is very limited, with fewer than 40 on the ChargePoint network in the United States, 27 of them in electric-car-friendly California. Last July, BMW North America said it's "working with our partners [read: ChargePoint] to install hundreds of BMW i DC Combo fast chargers in convenient locations across the U.S." This network has nothing to do with Tesla's Supercharger infrastructure, which uses a connector that works only with Tesla's cars. BMW sells its i DC Fast Charger for $6,548 (plus installation) but that's a "subsidized price for BMW Centers (dealerships) and authorized partners" and it's really designed for commercial and public use. I can't imagine any i3 owners needing this type of charger at home. The BMW i Remote App This remote app also is available for both Android and Apple phones. There's some overlap with the ChargePoint app -- specifically the ability to search for public charging stations -- but the BMW app adds a ton of other features. You can precondition the BMW i3 -- warm the interior on a cold day or cool down the passenger compartment in the summer -- with only a few simple swipes of your smartphone. As long as you are connected to a charger during preconditioning, this increases the driving range, because the heater or air conditioner won't have to work as hard on battery power after you unplug. Additionally, you can lock and unlock the car or flash the headlights and honk the horn via the app, and you can check the car's charging status and remotely set up off-peak charging. The BMW i Remote App even overlays a "range bubble" over a map, showing you approximately what locations you're able to reach on the present state of charge. The navigation system on the i3 has this same useful feature. The Range Extender Experience The standard 2014 BMW i3 BEV is a pure electric. For another $3,850, the BMW i3 Range Extender , the model I drove, adds a 647-cc two-cylinder engine, a 1.9-gallon fuel tank, and about 300 pounds to the car's weight, and it extends the estimated range to 150 miles. Once the battery pack depletes to about 5 percent of available power, the gasoline engine fires up. The 38-hp BMW scooter motor never directly drives the i3 or actually charges the i3; it's designed to maintain the battery level. The REx option does not turn the i3 into a conventional car. You have to mind the way you drive once the gas engine fires up. I was cruising down the highway at 80 mph with the small twin-cylinder engine purring away behind the rear seats when the car started losing power. My max speed suddenly became 73 mph (versus BMW's quoted top speed of 93 mph). Think of the REx setup for exactly what it is: a range extender to get you back to a battery charger and full performance. Range The EPA rates the i3 REx's battery-only range at 72 miles versus 81 miles for the lighter, pure-electric i3 BEV. I ran the i3 REx in the winter, driving it like a normal car with little regard for efficiency, and I traveled 45 to 50 miles before the REx engine kicked in. Better use of the electron-saving Eco Pro and Eco Pro Plus drive modes, combined with consistent preheating, would surely improve that range. But the torque of the i3 is just so much fun that you find yourself rocketing away from every traffic light. That's not a good practice if you're looking to maximize range. Verdict I really like the BMW i3 REx and enjoyed my time with it. Sure, it lacks the outright dynamics of a traditional BMW, the ride is rather stiff, and the car is rather expensive. My fully loaded loaner had a sticker price of $54,725 before the $7,500 federal tax credit. But the i3 is funky fun and full of connectivity options that help you live with the hatchback on a day-to-day basis. It has plenty of room for four adults, and rear access is easy via the clamshell door, though rear cargo space is a bit tight. The i3 would make an excellent second car for a smaller family, and it is perfect for many daily commutes. | 9 | 7,531 | autos |
From tracking baby's progress to finding the perfect gear, these are the family-friendly apps you need in 2015. The Bump Pregnancy What It Is: The Bump Pregnancy delivers all of the helpful information from our website directly to your smartphone. With week-by-week pregnancy tracking and daily recommendations, as well as thousands of expert articles and an active community forum, this app makes your pregnancy journey as rewarding as the delivery. What We Love: The ability to search across content and community at the same time. Now it's fast and easy to find out the answers to all of your questions, whether they're medical, emotional or even a little silly. Plus, you can take (and share) belly photos and see them unfold in a slideshow of your own pregnancy. Price: Free Availability: iTunes; Google Play The Bump Baby What It Is: This week-by-week newborn tracker is a new mom's best friend. For every week of your child's development, the app provides expert advice, a community for moms, by moms, and a calendar of milestones and fun activities to help you track and foster baby's development. What We Love: The weekly checklist. It makes it easy to remember everything you need to do and syncs with The Bump website, so you'll always be up to date even on the go. Price: Free Availability: iTunes ArtKive What It Is: No parent wants to part with their children's finger paintings and macaroni art. So when your little Picasso's portraits start piling up, check out this creative solution. ArtKive let's you take pictures of your child's artwork, then label it by kid, grade and date and store it digitally, so you can keep its memory alive while making room in the house for new masterpieces. What We Love: With just a few steps you can turn your child's art collection into a high-quality, hardcover photo album. Or for something extra special, splurge on The ArtKive Concierge. For an additional fee you can ship your artwork to ArtKive and they'll professionally photograph it, digitize the pictures and create a book that has keepsake written all over it. Price: $4.99 Availability: iTunes; Google Play Favored.By What It Is: Founded by actress and former The Bump magazine cover girl Ali Landry, Favored.By is the one-stop shopping review app for baby products. Find and follow other moms who can help you navigate the tricky process of narrowing down the gear you need. What We Love: By focusing on moms' favorite products, Favored.By allows you to find the best baby products as well as share your opinion on the ones you already love. You'll also receive product suggestions, discounts and earn points to redeem on lots of great products. Price: Free Availability: iTunes Baby MedBasics What It Is: Based on the popular book of the same title, the Baby MedBasics app provides new parents with step-by-step emergency medical advice and safety tips for newborns to one-year-olds. This app, which was created by a doctor dad and a nurse mom who had to save their son from choking, is a lifesaver - literally.What We Love: Brightly color-coded tabs let you navigate quickly to the section you need, while simple instructions and illustrations walk you through how to handle CPR, choking, burns, bleeding, allergies and other health emergencies. What Needs Work: Some of the images are hard to read due to small print, and with no zoom option, it's a little difficult to focus on the information you need. Price: $2.99 Availability: iTunes Tinybeans What It Is: Tinybeans is a beautifully designed online photo album and baby journal in one. Capture photo and video moments and track milestones in the daily journal, then safely share them with friends and family so they can stay up to date on everything baby.What We Love: Comprehensive developmental lists let you check off all of baby's milestones, like "begins to hold and play with toys" or "points with index finger," and then add a photo to go along with the moment. Launch the slideshow feature and watch all of your photos come to life in chronological order. Price: Free Availability: iTunes; Google Play White Noise Baby What It Is: Recommended by Katie Couric, White Noise Baby is designed to help baby relax, stop crying and drift off to sleep faster, which is every parent's dream. Choose from several different sounds such as classical music, car ride or even Doppler ultrasound.What We Love: You can set the device to slowly tune out and reactivate if crying is detected. Plus, the app turns into a rattle when you need a quick toy to entertain baby.What Needs Work: The sounds won't run if you close the app's main screen. So, unfortunately, no games or texting for mommy while baby is asleep. Price: $0.99 Availability: iTunes; Google Play Eat Sleep: Simple Baby Tracking What It Is: Designed by a first-time mom, Eat Sleep is no ordinary baby-tracking app. With a simple, intuitive design, it makes keeping track of all those feedings, naps and diaper changes a no-brainer. Over time, the app even compiles trends from day to day, week to week, or month to month to create a record of baby's patterns.What We Love: You can enter feeding, sleeping and diaper change details with a one-finger tap. How easy is that? There's also a note section, so you can add in additional info you'd like to track, like bath time or doctor appointments. Price: Free Availability: iTunes Cozi Family Organizer What It Is: Did we hear a resolution about less stress in the New Year? On the Cozi Family Organizer app, you can have a color-coded family calendar, shopping lists and to-dos all on your phone to help bring order to your family's hectic schedule. What We Love: Since Cozi is a shared app, you only need one account for the entire family, and you can see what everyone else is adding. That means if you're at the grocery store and your partner puts milk on the list, you'll know before you get home! You can also set reminders for each family member, making it easy to alert everyone to upcoming events.What Needs Work: While the free app is helpful, the Gold upgrade allows you to store contacts, get a monthly calendar view on mobile, create a birthday tracker, as well as add more reminders. But it doesn't come cheap: $29.99 for an annual subscription. Price: Free (basic version); $29.99 (gold version) Availability: iTunes; Google Play 7 Minute Workout What It Is: Finding time to workout with babies and kids is hard, but everyone can find seven minutes, right? This workout app targets the entire body in intervals with customizable settings so you can adjust things like the rest time between exercises. From running in place to push-ups and lunges, you'll be breaking a sweat in no time. What We Love: Voice prompts let you workout without ever looking at a timer or your phone, but there are clear text and video descriptions in case you need help figuring out a move or two. Got more time or motivation to burn? You can up the number of cycles to double or triple your workout. What Needs Work: The free app offers only one workout option - you can "unlock" other workouts by earning achievements or by paying for an additional workout pack. Price: Free; additional fee to upgrade to more workouts Availability: iTunes Allrecipes Dinner Spinner What It Is: With 365 days a year, everyone needs some kitchen inspiration. This user-friendly app gives you access to thousands of recipes with step-by-step instructions and videos, and lets you sort by ingredients, dish type and cook time, so you can get dinner on the table, stat!What We Love: The Dinner Spinner, of course! Give it a spin on your phone and the app randomly finds fun recipes for you to try. Save your favorites to the Recipe Box, so you can refer back to them quickly. Price: Free Availability: iTunes; Google Play Pink Pad Period & Fertility Tracker What It Is: Monitor your cycle, chart fertility, and track moods, symptoms and other menstrual-related progress with Pink Pad. The app also offers a women's health community forum and the new Pink Pad Shop, where you can buy fertility tests, feminine care, vitamins, and other health and wellness products. What We Love: Unlike other trackers, Pink Pad can be synced with your Calendar app for easy scheduling. What Needs Work: The app has trouble syncing between separate iPhones and iPads, so make sure you install it on the device you are most likely to use it on. Price: Free (basic version), $1.99 (pro version) Availability: iTunes; Google Play Calorie Counter & Diet Tracker by MyFitnessPal What It Is: Time to shed that baby weight? This is hands-down the best and easiest calorie counter to help track your food and exercise, so it's ideal for busy moms. Plus, you can sync your My Fitness Pal account with other apps to make tracking even more seamless.What We Love: Their food database blows the competition away with more than 4,000,000 (and growing) different foods, which you can search by typing in brand names or simple nouns. Even cooler, you scan the barcode on food with a barcode scanner app to help narrow down your search even faster. Price: Free Availability: iTunes; Google Play | 4 | 7,532 | lifestyle |
The Try Guys get drunk to test how long it would take to reach .08% BAC | 8 | 7,533 | video |
By Jason Rowan While the news lacks the gravitas and significance of say, had it been revealed that Pete Rose's name finally had been placed on a more esteemed list, but the announcement that the man known as "Charlie Hustle" has been placed on the ballot for the Bobblehead Hall of Fame certainly merits some fanfare. Or not. But one thing the 73-year-old living legend can hang his hat on is that he or more accurately, his bobblehead has been nominated for enshrinement by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum. Not only that, the miniature, bobbling version of Rose would be the first bobblehead to receive the esteemed honor. "We want to settle this debate which has been going on for over 25 years right away for the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum," National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum Co-Founder and CEO Phil Sklar said in a statement on Wednesday. "We have found no evidence of any wrongdoing by any of the Pete Rose bobbleheads, so we want to let the public decide whether a Pete Rose bobblehead should have the honor of being the first inducted into the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame." Rose reportedly acknowledged it would be … something … should his bobblehead be the first to be canonized by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame. "Being the only of anything is a big deal," Rose reportedly replied when asked about the potential of receiving such a distinguished and prestigious honor. The museum is slated to open in Milwaukee in 2016 and fans can let their voices be heard on the organization's website by casting a yea or nay on the Rose bobblehead's candidacy. Rose of course voluntarily accepted permanent placement on baseball's ineligible list in August of 1989 for betting on baseball and the lifetime ban precludes the all-time hits king from ever gaining admittance to Cooperstown. While there has been a remarkably consistent push by sportswriters, MLB historians, fans and the like pleading with Major League Baseball to finally lift Rose's ban, unfortunately nothing much has come in terms of progress as a result of the various and passionate attempts. But should he gain admittance to the Bobblehead Hall of Fame, well, it would be nice. Not Baseball Hall of Fame nice -- nor would it take away the sting from the nearly three-plus decades -- but a pretty decent development nevertheless. | 1 | 7,534 | sports |
We know what you're thinking: lingerie sets for Valentine's Day, how groundbreaking. But if you've invested in a pretty, lacy underthing or two, then you know the confidence a push-up bra or a bootylicious pair of panties lends you. And frankly, we can't think of a better time to feel bold than on Valentine's Day. The 50 shades of lingerie below are full of color, yes, but they also range from demure to hot, hot, hot. As you scroll, you'll find designs that climb from modest to superspicy. So choose your comfort level, and then get ready to have a very happy Valentine's day, whether you're wearing a bustier or boyshorts and a bralette beneath that sexy dress. Victoria's Secret The Lacie Boatneck Babydoll Victoria's Secret The Lacie Boatneck Babydoll ($40) Calvin Klein Modern Cotton Set Calvin Klein Modern Cotton Set ($46) La Perla Maison Lace-Trimmed Set La Perla Maison Lace-Trimmed Set ($920) BDG Charlie Ribbed Stripe Set BDG Charlie Ribbed Stripe Set ($32) Wildfox Austen Rose Bustier and Short Set Wildfox Austen Rose Bustier and Short Set ($98) Eberjey Paloma Bralette and Pants Eberjey Paloma Bralette and Pants ($99) H&M Teddy H&M Teddy ($50) Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Chantilly Lace & Satin Gown Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Chantilly Lace & Satin Gown ($88) Natori Boudoir Floral-Lace Cami & Tanga Natori Boudoir Floral-Lace Cami & Tanga ($250) L'agent by Agent Provocateur Lucila Bodysuit L'agent By Agent Provocateur Lucila Bodysuit ($144) Erica M. Hanko Bodysuit Erica M. Hanko Bodysuit ($120) Skivvies Bat Your Lashes Bodysuit Skivvies Bat Your Lashes Bodysuit ($130) For Love & Lemons Infatuation Bodysuit For Love & Lemons Infatuation Bodysuit ($121) Honeydew Intimates Scarlette Bodysuit Honeydew Intimates Scarlette Bodysuit ($38) Forever 21 Point d'Esprit Bodysuit Forever 21 Point d'Esprit Bodysuit ($15) Victoria's Secret Cutout Teddy Victoria's Secret Cutout Teddy ($68) Forever 21 Lace Slip Set Forever 21 Lace Slip Set ($15) Eberjey Carmen Bralet Eberjey Carmen Bralet ($48) BKLYN Noir Microfiber Mesh Cage Longline Bra BKLYN Noir Microfiber Mesh Cage Longline Bra ($48) Asos Leopard Mesh Set Asos Leopard Mesh Set ($53) Forever 21 Rose Print Set Forever 21 Rose Print Set ($15) Carine Gilson Lace-Appliquéd Silk-Blend Set Carine Gilson Lace-Appliquéd Silk-Blend Set ($1,395) I.D. Sarrieri Rhapsody Metallic Lace Set I.D. Sarrieri Rhapsody Metallic Lace Set ($670) For Love & Lemons Luxe Satin Set For Love & Lemons Luxe Satin Set ($142) New Look Kelly Brook Overlay Lace Longline Bra New Look Kelly Brook Overlay Lace Longline Bra ($32) For Love & Lemons Bat Your Lashes Set For Love & Lemons Bat Your Lashes Set ($181) It Was All a Dream Undie Free People It Was All a Dream Set ($76) Only Hearts Lou Lou Triangle Set Only Hearts Lou Lou Triangle Set ($102) Jack Wills Lace Insert Set Jack Wills Lace Insert Set ($55) Relique Andromeda Set Relique Andromeda Set ($162) Asos Chiffon & Lace Frill Set Asos Chiffon & Lace Frill Set ($49) H&M Microfiber Bra and Panties H&M Microfiber Bra and Panties ($28) Xirena Gisele Set Xirena Gisele Set ($131) Only Hearts LouLou Sheer Heart Set Only Hearts LouLou Sheer Heart Set ($135) Cosabella Trenta Ombre Bra Cosabella Trenta Ombre Bra ($68) Asos Open Back Lace Set Asos Open Back Lace Set ($49) Skarlett Blue Minx Lingerie Set Skarlett Blue Minx Lingerie Set ($64) Asos Butterfly Applique Triangle Set Asos Butterfly Applique Triangle Set ($45) Hanky Panky Gilded Lace Side Tie Set Hanky Panky Gilded Lace Side Tie Set ($84) Love Haus by Beach Bunny Bounded Bustier and Panties Love Haus by Beach Bunny Bounded Bustier and Panties ($96) H&M Lace Bustier H&M Lace Bustier ($35) Victoria's Secret Strappy Embroidered Balconet Bra Victoria's Secret Strappy Embroidered Balconet Bra ($78) Dita Von Teese Madame Demi Bustier Dita Von Teese Madame Demi Bustier ($148) Agent Provocateur Rei Suspender Set Agent Provocateur Rei Suspender Set ($580) Love Haus by Beach Bunny Impulse Set Love Haus by Beach Bunny Impulse Set ($78) Agent Provocateur Megan Suspender Set Agent Provocateur Megan Suspender Set ($470) Asos Stella Strappy Triangle Set Asos Stella Strappy Triangle Set ($45) | 4 | 7,535 | lifestyle |
Tuukka Rask gives his thoughts on the win over the New York Rangers. | 1 | 7,536 | sports |
We all know it's Katy Perry's turn to take over the stage at this year's Super Bowl Halftime Show. We also know there's a lot of pressure that goes into putting on a good show. No pressure Katy, only every person in America is watching. And about half the rest of the world. But in case Perry needed a little bit of an ego boost, here are the worst Super Bowl Halftime Shows that have made their infamous mark in the world of football. Madonna and MIA - Super Bowl XLVI Not only was this performance absolutely dreadful , but Madonna wasn't looking as sexy (or flexible) as we remember her. Adding to the horror was MIA flipping the bird to the camera. MIA once had a catchy tune that we all became obsessed with. After this performance, she lost a lot of respect from fans. According to The Independent , MIA begged Madonna for money after the NFL demanded MIA pay $16.6 million over the incident. New Kids on the Block - Super Bowl XXV Don't get me wrong, I love me a boy band every once in a while (and you do too, you just won't admit it) but "It's a Small World" followed by this? It was really bad. I get it, it was 1991, but that's just awful. Didn't they end up breaking up not too long after this? At least we all still have our Donnie and Joey posters. Black Eyed Peas - Super Bowl XLV This could have been such an amazing performance. Slash from Guns N Roses did his AMAZING guitar intro to "Sweet Child of Mine." Fergie tried to do her best Axl Rose impression , and it was just terrible. The vocals were messy and quite honestly, it was boring. Gloria Estefan, and a Bunch of Other People - Super Bowl XXVI I will defend Gloria Estefan to the end. She is not what's wrong with this performance, it's the skating, and the cheesy music that comes into play before she sets foot on the field. I'm so glad we have passed those times. Grab your ear plugs and cover your eyes… Kid Rock - Super Bowl XXXVIII Okay, I'm actually a fan of Kid Rock and like this song. But this is America's Sport, stop talking about meth clinics, crackheads, and hookers. Please. Tony Bennett and Patti Labelle Ruin The Lion King - Super Bowl XXIX I genuinely have no idea what's going on, and nobody else does either. Two of the most historic voices in the world ruined The Lion King for everyone . At the end of the performance, Patti LaBelle and Tony Bennett sang "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" Typically a beautiful song, but this version makes your ears bleed. But no pressure, Katy. | 1 | 7,537 | sports |
His father may be one of the best soccer players in the world, but it seems Cristiano Ronaldo's son is still a huge fan of his dad's great rival, Lionel Messi. The Real Madrid superstar introduced his son Cristiano Jr. to Messi backstage at the Ballon d'Or award ceremony and the adorable four year old was completely starstruck. Cristiano junior is absolutely adorable, so it should come as no surprise that the little guy is fast becoming the star of the internet. | 1 | 7,538 | sports |
Hollywood's hottest actors stepped out for the Critics' Choice Movie Awards on Thursday night, and though you may have witnessed the glamorous red carpet arrivals and epic fashion moments, there were also a handful of fun, silly, sweet celebrity interactions that you likely missed during the show's broadcast. From Chris Evans and Rosario Dawson's backstage kiss to Eddie Redmayne's painfully adorable run-ins with actresses Jessica Chastain, Angelina Jolie, and his The Theory of Everything costar Felicity Jones, keep reading for 32 of the choice moments you didn't see on TV. Julianne Moore and Jennifer Aniston met up for a photo during the show. Eddie Redmayne and Garrett Hedlund went head to head in a hot moment. Chris Pratt goofed around with a costumed Michael Strahan. Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth were game for a selfie with host Michael Strahan. Chris Evan barely missed kissing Rosario Dawson on the lips during a backstage encounter. Common toasted to his big win. Jennifer Aniston and Emily Blunt were matching in red hues. Eddie Redmayne and his Theory of Everything costar Felicity Jones shared a moment. Eddie Redmayne cracked up with Jessica Chastain. Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux kept close during the show. Jared Leto showed off his blue tuxedo in the press room. Emily Blunt met up with Eddie Redmayne for a chat. Angelina Jolie couldn't contain her smile. Ethan Hawke put his arm around his Boyhood costar Ellar Coltrane. Emily Blunt and John Krasinski looked adorable at their table. Jessica Chastain and Reese Witherspoon got cute for the camera. Garrett Hedlund and Michelle Monaghan congratulated Common on his win. Angelina Jolie shared a laugh with Eddie Redmayne. Chris Pratt and John Krasinski had a man moment. Rosamund Pike posed alongside Tyler Perry. John Krasinski and his wife, Emily Blunt, drank Champagne behind the scenes. Leslie Mann and her husband Judd Apatow got goofy with Adam Adams. Angelina Jolie chatted up Ethan Hawke. Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux watched the show. Amy Adams met up with Emily Blunt backstage. Keira Knightley cuddled up to her husband, James Righton, Chris Hemsworth celebrated Ron Howard's big award. Giovanni Ribisi, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Carmen Ejogo shared a table. Chris Pratt toasted with Jessica Chastain backstage. Quvenzhane Wallis picked up a cold drink during the event. Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones posed for a photo. Quvenzhane Wallis got in for a snap with Tyler Perry. | 6 | 7,539 | entertainment |
Pampered pooch Bella Mia is set to inherit and house and a fortune if its owner dies. The three-year-old full breed Maltese lives a life of luxury with owner Rose Ann Bolasny in New York. Accountant Rose Ann has given her beloved pet her own room and two wardrobes bursting with clothes and accessories. And she has changed her will to make sure Bella Mia continues to live the way she is accustomed should the worst happen. As a charity dog, Bella Mia goes to the Ronald McDonald House each week as well as different nursing homes. Videographer / Director: Steve Pitre Producer: Jack McKay Editor: Jack Stevens / Joshua Douglas | 8 | 7,540 | video |
Alternative Valentine's breaks Fancy a break to Paris? Or perhaps sailing down a Venetian canal in a gondola made for two? Thanks to budget flights and well-publicised hotel deals, anyone can whisk their partner off to one of the world's great romantic capitals on Valentine's Day. But a break in a more unsung destination will not only mean that you seriously impress with your initiative, but it will also mean less-crowded streets, lower prices and restaurants where you can actually get a table. Verona, Italy Romance factor: The ultimate setting for star-crossed lovers. While the hordes squeeze into Venice over Valentine's weekend, savvy lovers will be heading to its Veneto neighbour Verona for a far more laid-back break. The city's UNESCO-protected Roman and medieval architecture provides the sort of backdrop that hopeless romantics go to bed dreaming about, and its cobbled streets and elegant piazzas are perfect for hand-holding and meandering. Fair Verona is also the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet , and if you visit the legendary House of Juliet, you can share a moment on the balcony just like the couple pictured. Enontekiö, Lapland, Finland Romance factor: Love in a cold climate. Finnish Lapland may not be the first place on your Valentine's list, but if you want to experience the eerie yet romantic Aurora Borealis first-hand, then you're going to have to head up to Europe's northern reaches for a sighting. The northern lights are at their most vivid in February, so snuggle up together against the cold at the Hetan Majatalo hotel in the village of Hetta, and after dark, scan the sky for the first signs of those glowing ribbons. Lesbos, Greece Romance factor: Have a gay old time in the Greek islands. Birthplace of the poet Sappho - whose ancient odes to same-sex love have made the island she hailed from the namesake for lesbians - Lesbos (also called Lesvos) in the Aegean Sea is a gorgeous idyll of olive-tree forests, long sandy beaches and towering peaks. The island has long been a big draw for gay travellers, who come as much for the bar scene in Mytilene and Skala Eressou as to pay homage to the great lyric poet. Things may be a little on the sleepy side in the weeks around Valentine's Day, but that just means lovers will have more time to relax, enjoy the landscape and perhaps pen a couple of verses of their own... Whitstable, Kent, UK Romance factor: This fishy resort town guarantees a 'plaice' in her heart. Though stylish restaurants and upmarket galleries may now outnumber shellfish sheds, and you're more likely to find yourself sitting next to a graphic designer than a trawlerman in the seafront pubs, scenic Whitstable in Kent is still a fishing town at heart - and it's probably the best place in the UK to buy fresh oysters. Pick up a dozen of these aphrodisiacs from the Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company on Horsebridge Road, and take them down to the town's atmospherically windswept, pebbly beach. There are plenty of lovely B&Bs to check into nearby if the briny bivalves do their work properly. Paphos, Cyprus Romance factor: A romantic break in the lap of the gods. Where better to celebrate Valentine's Day than in the place where the Greek goddess of love was born? According to legend, Aphrodite - known to the Romans as Venus - rose out of the Mediterranean Sea on a scallop shell, and arrived on shore at Paphos to begin a life of unimaginable raunchiness with gods and mortals alike. The city is now an upmarket holiday spot that combines ancient ruins and pristine sandy beaches with a lively bar and restaurant scene, and some of the best hotels in Cyprus. Rioja, Spain Romance factor: Wonderful wine and tapas, with none of the tourists. Buck the trend this year and head to the northern region of Rioja, home to some of the world's best fruity reds and a tapas scene that rivals anything found in the country's biggest cities. With its diverse landscape, which takes in lush vineyards, snow-capped mountains and arid, lunar-like plains, Rioja makes for a fascinating romantic break. And, as it attracts only a fraction of the tourists of the more obvious romantic destinations, visitors will have no problem securing restaurant reservations. Camel Valley, Cornwall, UK Romance factor: For added sparkle. Cornwall's Camel Valley may not be in the same winemaking league as its Napa or Loire counterparts, but it does produce some very good fizz. Its sparkling Camel Valley 'Cornwall' Brut, feted by Oz Clarke and served in Rick Stein's Padstow restaurants, is Britain's answer to champagne and it's cheaper price point will no doubt be a favourite of penny-watching paramours. Amorous oenophiles can stay in one of two atmospheric barn conversions on the vineyard itself. Casablanca, Morocco Romance factor: A classic setting for old-fashioned romance. The famous movie that bears its name may have been filmed entirely in the US, but, thanks to Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, the Moroccan port city of Casablanca will always be associated with misty-eyed yearning. Follow in their characters' footsteps amid the winding alleys and art deco architecture before heading to Rick's Café, an authentic recreation of Bogart's gin joint, for cocktails. Expect tinkling renditions of As Time Goes By from resident pianist Issam Chabaa, as well as a louche, laid-back 1930s ambience. Avoid saying 'play it again Issam' if you can - he's heard it before. La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain Romance factor: A love affair with A-list stars. Situated just off the coast of North Africa, the Canary Islands have long been the destination of choice for those seeking cheap and cheerful romantic breaks in the sun - indeed, Tenerife is where low-rent ITV dating show Take Me Out sends its couples in the hope they get it on. For real romance, though, avoid the resorts of Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, and head up into the hills of La Palma for some seriously spectacular stargazing. Renowned as the best spot in Europe from which to view the heavens, the island is virtually unaffected by pollution. The crystal-clear constellations visible from there year-round have been getting astronomers, astrophysicists and amorous couples hot under the collar for many years. | 2 | 7,541 | travel |
Brokers around the world are crumbling in the wake of the Swiss National Bank's shock decision to remove the cap on its currency. WSJ's Tommy Stubbington reports. Photo: AP. | 3 | 7,542 | finance |
CNN's Karl Pehaul explains how U.S.-Cuba ties may offer a huge boost for private business in Cuba. | 8 | 7,543 | video |
LeBron James and Kobe Bryant knew the situation Thursday night, knew that their rivalry was one step closer to ending. James, as is usually the case, came out the winner in the game, but the fact that they were able to go toe to toe once more was not lost on either man. MORE: Thirty photos for LeBron's 30th | Kobe in 'Let It Go' parody | Iggy and Swaggy's Kiss Cam PDA Their postgame hug was a moment for the cameras and the fans and, at its core, for the two men themselves. "It's always fun, a pleasure," James said, according to The Associated Press, after the Cavaliers' 109-102 victory over the Lakers at Staples Center. "It's two of the best competitors this game has probably ever seen, and to be on the same floor with him, somebody I looked up to when I was a child growing up, seeing him go straight from high school to the NBA, it's fun, it's great. I hated him being out of the NBA last year because of injury, and it's fun having him back." "If we were contending for a championship, I'd be my same moody self, but right now I tend to have a little more perspective, knowing I really won't get a chance to play against him for much longer. So you want to enjoy it," Bryant said, per the AP. James, who's still working his way back from back and knee issues, carried the Cavs in the fourth quarter and finished with 36 points. Bryant scored just 19, but he set a career high with 17 assists. He also got in some trash talk after James clanged a dunk attempt off the rim. "He said, 'That's what old age will get you,'" James told reporters with a laugh. "You start missing dunks when you thought you was up there." LBJ could laugh a little after topping Kobe's club for the 13th time in the past 16 meetings. So how many more times will we see this show? The Lakers will visit the Cavs on Feb. 8, and then the All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden will take place 13 days later. After that, there might be a couple meetings next season. And that could be it. The only thing that's certain is that clock is winding down. Kobe and LeBron know it all too well. That's why this Thursday game in mid-January meant something. | 1 | 7,544 | sports |
Danielle and Alexander Meitiv let their children, 10 and six, walk home alone from a park a mile away from their house. Now, Montgomery County is investigating the couple for child neglect. | 8 | 7,545 | video |
Before going passive, investors need to check under the hood and examine expenses, says Morningstar's Christine Benz. | 3 | 7,546 | finance |
French authorities arrested 12 people who are suspected in helping with the terror attacks in Paris. CNN's John Berman has the details. | 8 | 7,547 | video |
Alex Rodriguez has not played professional baseball since being suspended by MLB in 2013 for his role in the Biogenesis scandal, but he is not letting any potential rustiness deter him. In fact, he still believes he will be an integral part of the Yankees this season. According to Newsday, A-Rod feels that he will be the team's starting third baseman this year despite the presence of Chase Headley, whom the team re-signed with a 4-year, $52 million contract over the offseason. "Alex's mind is that job's not Headley's, it's Alex's to lose," a source told Newsday. "That's what he thinks. Alex is going into training camp thinking that he is the starting third baseman, that if there's a competition, Headley's got to win it from him. It doesn't matter about the money, what they signed Headley for. This guy [Rodriguez] can play." As annoyed as people may be with A-Rod because of his involvement in so many scandals , you have to at least respect his attitude. Rodriguez is set to make $21 million this season and wants to contribute. He wants to prove he can still play. And it seems like he wants to earn the $61 million remaining on his contract. GM Brian Cashman may be tired of dealing with Rodriguez's non-stop drama , but maybe he'll be pleasantly surprised by the former MVP. Newsday says A-Rod has been training seven days a week and plans to report early to spring training. A-Rod won't be the team's starting third baseman that's going to be Headley's job but at least the Yankees will be getting a dedicated DH. | 1 | 7,548 | sports |
A pair of left-handed pitchers, starter Hector Santiago and reliever Cesar Ramos, agreed to terms on 2015 contracts with the Angels on Thursday, avoiding arbitration. Backup catcher Drew Butera, acquired in a December trade from the Dodgers, signed for $987,500 to also avoid arbitration. Santiago, who went 6-9 last season with a 3.75 earned run average in 30 games, 24 of them starts, signed for $2.29 million. The 26-year-old, who was demoted to triple-A Salt Lake for three weeks last May and June, was acquired from the Chicago White Sox in a three-team deal for slugger Mark Trumbo before 2014. Ramos, who went 2-6 with a 3.70 ERA in 43 games, seven of them starts, for the Tampa Bay Rays last season, signed for $1,312,500. The 30-year-old former Long Beach State standout was acquired in November for minor league reliever Mark Sappington. The Angels have five other players -- pitchers Garrett Richards and Fernando Salas, third baseman David Freese and outfielders Matt Joyce and Collin Cowgill -- eligible for arbitration this winter. If they can't come to terms before Friday morning, they will exchange salary figures with the team. The sides will then have two weeks to agree on a 2015 contract before going to arbitration hearings, which are scheduled for Feb. 1-21. -- Mike Digiovanna | 1 | 7,549 | sports |
SN's Ross Tucker says the Colts have a great chance to go into New England and win. | 1 | 7,550 | sports |
Mario Balotelli does a great impression of Cristiano Ronaldo. How would you grade the performance? | 1 | 7,551 | sports |
TUCSON, Ariz. -- Rondae Hollis-Jefferson scored his first of two points with 8 minutes, 15 seconds left in the game. Center Kaleb Tarczewski picked up his first rebound with 8:35 left in the second half. No problem -- though the crowd took notice when Tarczewski grabbed the rebound as it gave a half-hearted cheer -- Elliott Pitts had a career-high 12 points, hitting four 3-pointers and Brandon Ashley had a game-high 11 rebounds to help No. 10 Arizona get by visiting Colorado 68-54 at McKale Center on Thursday night. The latter were "the two (players) that jumped out to me," Wildcats coach Sean Miller said after the victory that moved Arizona to 15-2 overall and 3-1 in the Pac-12 Conference. "They are positive signs moving forward." Arizona will need more on Saturday when it faces visiting No. 8 Utah, a team Miller said is the one to beat in the conference. Utah on Thursday defeated Arizona State 76-59 in Tempe. But first the positives from Arizona's bounce-back win. Stanley Johnson was more aggressive and efficient in scoring 22 points and grabbing eight rebounds. He added three assists. "Last game, I got in foul trouble and I felt I got out of rhythm," he said, of the Oregon State game where he took just four shots. "I'm not a selfish player so I feel I can get other players shots when I'm not in rhythm. It wasn't that people were looking me off (or) that I wasn't open but that was the best thing to do. We sacrifice stuff like that and that's how your team wins." Arizona outrebounded Colorado 41-26 and had 17 second-chance points. Johnson said the "common denominator" in Arizona's two losses was rebounds. "That's definitely one of our main focuses going through the rest of the season; we definitely want to up our rebounding totals," said Ashley, who had four offensive boards. It also helped that Colorado was without starters Xavier Johnson and Josh Scott who were out with varying injuries. "There's absolutely no excuse for our performance because we were missing players," Colorado coach Tad Boyle said. "We aren't going to win a jumping contest with Arizona and that doesn't mean we can't pursue offensive rebounds." Focus was also placed on the defensive intensity. Colorado shot 41.8 percent, but couldn't stop (using a variety of players) Colorado guard Askia Booker, who finished with 30 of the Buffaloes' 54 points. Miller called it "a great performance and one of best I've seen." Did Miller like the intensity compared to last week? "I mean, we had a player score 30 on us," Miller said of his defense. "So ... for the most part we were OK." Translation: Not good enough. They'll need to be better Saturday. "I told our guys in the locker room that Utah is the best team in the Pac-12," Miller said on the final question of his postgame press conference. "They are the deepest, most experienced. They believe in what they do the most and they execute on both sides of the ball." "We're going to have to upset them here in McKale," Miller said. "I'm not saying we're 20 points worse but I think they've proven from the beginning of the season to today that they are the best team in the Pac-12. We're going to have to be at our best. Some of the things you see on (Thursday night's) stat sheet we're going to have in a favorable light." Like the Wildcats shooting 7 for 18 from beyond the 3-point line, with Pitts playing his best game in two years. Miller called every one of the 3s "timely." Pitts hit his first with 13:32 in the half to cut into Colorado's early lead at 9-7. He hit his second with 1:15 left to make it 33-22 and to give Arizona a spark before halftime. His third came at 11:05 when Colorado had cut the lead to 47-42, but he made it 50-42. And his final blow came with 2:53 to give Arizona its biggest lead of the night at 66-49. "I'm really happy for Elliott," Miller said. "Gabe York tweaked his ankle and when that happens you look toward the next player to have a bigger role. That was Elliott. To see him respond like he did I'm happy for him. He's one of our team's hardest workers." Follow Steve Rivera on Twitter | 1 | 7,552 | sports |
Joe Diaz of AFAR Media explains what Americans need to know before traveling to Cuba. | 8 | 7,553 | video |
Hamza Aldaradreh scores four goals in a row to keep Jordan's quarter-final hopes alive with a 5-1 win over Palestine | 8 | 7,554 | video |
We get you caught up with Thursday's top stories, including Ryan Miller's shutout for the 'Nucks, Rockets guard James Harden's huge night and the latest at the Sony Open. | 1 | 7,555 | sports |
SN's Ross Tucker says it's hard to see the Packers, with an injured Aaron Rodgers and no run defense, being able to stop Seattle from returning to the Super Bowl. | 1 | 7,556 | sports |
Scary moment in Canada caught on car's dashcam | 8 | 7,557 | video |
CNN's Rosie Tomkins explores the the striking Airbus Beluga which transports components of airbus aircrafts around the world. | 8 | 7,558 | video |
A disturbing body cam video shows a suspect fatally shoot a police officer multiple times. CNN's Chris Cuomo talks to the officer's father. | 5 | 7,559 | news |
Cardale Jones announced on Thursday afternoon that he would be returning to Ohio State rather than entering the NFL Draft. We get the social media reaction to Cardale's decision. | 1 | 7,560 | sports |
After confronting January chills, it's usually time to start dreaming of a vacation getaway. Get over to the Travel and Adventure Show this weekend at the Donald A. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont for some ideas. CBS 2's Vince Gerasole has a preview. | 2 | 7,561 | travel |
The Hollywood star will take part in the coming superhero civil war. During an interview in China, the fraternal director duo Anthony and Joe Russo announced that Scarlett Johansson will indeed appear in "Captain America: Civil War," which is due in theaters in 2016. Naturally, the actress will reprise her role as Black Widow, a character she played in "Iron Man 2," "The Avengers" and the second "Captain America" movie, "The Winter Soldier," which opened in 2014. Johansson will co-star with Chris Evans, who will once again put on the Captain America costume. After fighting Nazis in the first movie and his former best friend in the second, the superhero will next face off with Iron Man, who will once again be played by Robert Downey Jr. The civil war will also be waged by Sebastian Stan (Winter Soldier), Anthony Mackie (Falcon), Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther) and Frank Grillo (Crossbones). Daniel Bruhl will make his first foray into the Marvel universe in a role that remains unspecified for now, while Jeremy Renner could return as Hawkeye. The Russo brothers, who helmed "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," will return to the director's chair for the third movie in the franchise, which is set to open on May 6, 2016 in the US. | 6 | 7,562 | entertainment |
These chic poufs make a beautiful addition to any room, and can serve double duty as extra seating or a foot rest. Kate Spade Saturday Neon Diamond Wool Pouf By Kate Spade Saturday for West Elm, $199. westelm.com Nate Berkus Geo Print Pouf By Nate Berkus for Target, $60. target.com Ikat Outdoor Pouf By DwellStudio, $193. dwellstudio.com Faux Fur Pouf By Urban Outfitters, $198. urbanoutfitters.com Multicolored Knitted Sari Pouf By World Market, $90. worldmarket.com Red Fade Pouf By Fab, $48. fab.com Moroccan Wedding Pouf By Anthropologie, $298. anthropologie.com Petal Pouf By The Land of Nod, $129. landofnod.com Black & White Moroccan Pouf By Dot & Bo, $150. dotandbo.com Suzani Pouf By Jayson Home, $795. jaysonhome.com White And Blue Pouf By Wayfair, $235. wayfair.com Maisey Rug Multicolor Pouf By Lulu & Georgia, $219. luluandgeorgia.com Knitted Graphite Pouf By CB2, $80. cb2.com | 4 | 7,563 | lifestyle |
If you're super shy around your crush, we have the perfect way to break the ice a group date! Here are some great group date ideas to get things going with that special someone! Beach Hang "Go to the beach with four or five couples. We barbecue, make burgers, have a cookout, and it's really fun. We play sports: volleyball, football, soccer, swim, and more." Beatriz, 16, Fort Worth, TX Bowling "Go bowling! We make it like a couples tournament! It's fun to eat and hang out at the bowling alley, but also have fun and be a little competitive with your guy!" Kara, 18, Brooklyn, NY Laser Tag "The best group date would be going to play Laser Tag. That way no one is left out and you can go around and act like fools. " Phania, 18, Danville, IL Mini Golfing "When I first started dating my boyfriend, we were really nervous around each other, so I asked him if he wanted to go mini golfing with his friend and my friend. We had so much fun. We weren't nervous to talk to each other at all. It opened both of us up, and we have been together for nine months now." Brittney, 17, Pottstown, PA Play Pool "When I'm with my friends but want to be more relaxed, we love to play some pool! " Andrea, 20, Toa Alta, PR Pool Party "I love going to the pool with a bunch of people. There's seriously almost nothing more fun, and if it's a group date, there are lots of opportunities for watery kisses but prepare to be splashed by your friends if they catch you!" Paloma, 14, Victoria, BC, Canada Scavenger Hunt "We have a 'Girls versus Guys' scavenger hunt. Each team makes a list for the other to find, and we meet up at the nearest and biggest mall and scout it out! It keeps us all entertained and is so much fun to see what we all come up with at the end!" Brittney, 19, Pilot Hill, CA | 4 | 7,564 | lifestyle |
Camila Alves shares a fun way to get creative at home with your kids. | 4 | 7,565 | lifestyle |
Watch as plastic surgeons Dr. Andrew Ordon and Dr. Ritu Chopra perform corrective surgery to help realign a woman's belly button, add breast implants and slim her arms with liposuction. | 7 | 7,566 | health |
A new report has drawn quite a bit of attention with its eye-popping prediction that by as early as 2050 no one under 80 will experience cancer. The claim is tremendous, but the researchers from University College London (UCL) and King's College London say they have the science to back it up. In truth, death rates from cancer are a third down from 1996 and are expected to continue to drop. However, according to a report released from the University City London School of Pharmacy, these numbers will nearly disappear for those under 80 in a few decades, thanks to our increasingly effective prevention techniques. Report co-author Dr. David Taylor said healthy habits such as quitting smoking and taking a daily aspirin are helping to wipe out cancer, and 2050 was a "plausible guesstimate" of a time when cancer will only affect those over 80. "If we put all these things together ... these killers of children and working-age adults can be overcome," Taylor told The Times in the UK. Dr. Jack Cuzick, director of the Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine at Queen Mary University in London seemed to agree that advanced preventive measures would seriously change the scope of cancer in Great Britain. "Taking aspirin daily looks to be the most important single thing we can do to reduce cancer after stopping smoking and reducing obesity, and will probably be much easier to implement," he told The Times . "What makes this a special point in history is that cancers are in the process of becoming either preventable or effectively curable." Aspirin, while good at keeping cancer at bay, has been tied to increased chances of stomach bleeding. Cuzick says individuals should therefore consult their physician before taking the drug on a daily basis. Although cancer is becoming far less deadly, a day when nearly no one dies from cancer is not yet here. Cancer prevention can only go so far, and a recent study has suggested that as many as 65 percent of cancer cases come from random genetic mutation that cannot be foreseen or stopped. "When someone gets cancer, immediately people want to know why," said oncologist Dr. Bert Vogelstein of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, who conducted the study, published in the journal Science , with Johns Hopkins biomathematician Cristian Tomasetti, Medical Daily reported. "They like to believe there's a reason. And the real reason in many cases is not because you didn't behave well or were exposed to some bad environmental influence. It's just because that person was unlucky. It's losing the lottery." While many dispute the exact figures of this number, the truth remains that some people get cancer not influenced by lifestyle or genetics. On top of cancer being hard to predict, it's also extremely hard to cure. There will most probably never be any one cure to cancer, and while science has become quite successful in treating some forms of cancer, such as skin cancer, for other forms of cancer, effective treatment remains elusive. One of the reasons for this is the unpredictable nature of the cancer cells. As reported by LiveScience , the cancer cells constantly change their DNA, which means that a method may only be able to prove effective on some cancerous cells. Cancer is also able to hide, rearing its ugly head years later. Source: Gill J, Sullivan R, Taylor D. Overcoming Cancer In The 21st Century. UCL School Of Pharmacy . 2015. | 7 | 7,567 | health |
When you're traveling it's hard to budget, but there are a few tips to help you save cash. Krystin Goodwin (@krystingoodwin) has the best tips to save money when traveling. | 8 | 7,568 | video |
Shelby American revealed the 2015 Shelby GT at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction this week as part of the Ford Motor Company display. The Mustang-based 2015 Shelby GT is the first car available globally from Shelby. During the transformation from 2015 Ford Mustang GT to 2015 Shelby GT, power is increased from 435 hp to 627 hp thanks to a Ford Racing supercharger and Borla exhaust with chrome tips. The Shelby GT is available on coupes and convertibles with an automatic or manual transmission and is 50-state legal and tuned for pump gas. Manual cars get a Ford Racing short-throw shifter. Shelby also upgrades the rear end with a 3.73 gear ratio and Ford Racing performance half-shafts. The Shelby GT rides on a set of Shelby Venice wheels by Weld Racing (20x9.5-inch front, 20x10.5-inch rear) wrapped in Michelin performance tires (275/35ZR20 front, 305/30ZR20 rear). Suspension updates include Ford Racing's new performance handling kit (shocks, springs, and sway bars), while stopping power is enhanced by Wilwood six-piston front brake calipers. Aerodynamic upgrades made from carbon fiber include a new hood with functional air vents, front splitter, deck lid spoiler, and a two-piece rear diffuser. Other carbon fiber pieces include a hood extension, rocker panels, deck lid, and mirror covers. The carbon fiber bits are available painted or unpainted. Billet aluminum is used for the upper and lower front grilles. Other exterior pieces include Shelby GT striping (rocker panels) and badging (front grille and C-pillars), Powered by Ford fender badges, Shelby faux gas cap and Shelby trunk lettering, and washer relocation kit. Inside, the 2015 Shelby GT gets Shelby custom headrests, a CSM dash plaque, a carbon fiber triple gauge dash pod, Shelby GT door sill plates, and Shelby floor mats. Optional equipment includes a performance upgrade for more than 700 hp, front brake cooling system (carbon fiber intakes, fog light relocation, air injection plate with channeling), rear brake upgrade, Shelby Extreme Cooling system, adjustable track suspension package, engine dress up package, a customized interior (for base or Recaro seats), and a Track Delivery Experience. The 2015 Shelby GT is a post-title program and can be built from new or existing 2015 Ford Mustang GT models for $39,995 (not including the cost of the base Mustang). Each Shelby GT receives a Shelby American CSM number and will be documented in the official Shelby American Worldwide Registry. Orders are being taken now for the 2015 Shelby GT , which will be available in all global markets where the 2015 Ford Mustang is sold. Source: Shelby American | 9 | 7,569 | autos |
By Jason Rowan Edward Smith, CEO of College Bound Movers, noted philanthropist and New England Patriots fan, received quite the surprise when Rob Gronkowski showed up at his business and offered to put in some work and help make a very special delivery. Introducing himself as "Bob" while sporting a shirt that indicated the same Gronkowski, being his usual "Gronk-ian" self, joined the crew and helped deliver some furniture to a single mother in the Boston area . "Well, are you ready to get rolling?" Gronkowski asks Smith. "Ready to deliver this furniture? Alright, let's go. Let's do it." After helping move in the furniture, Gronkowski even helped one of the kids with their homework. That Gronk. What a guy. As noted previously , including in a fascinating profile of the all-world tight end in Sports Illustrated , Gronkowski is so much more than meets the eye. He's not just a party-hearty frat boy, even though that was an image he cultivated due to his oft-wild lifestyle. He has always been generous with his time when it relates to charitable endeavors, and now in some respects is attempting to bring that aspect of his personality to the forefront to show that there is a lot of substance to the man known as "Gronk." | 1 | 7,570 | sports |
How should Urban Meyer handle his QB situation in 2015? Shae Peppler brings you the coaching tip David Letterman shared with the Buckeyes' head coach. | 8 | 7,571 | video |
Betty White is winning at life! | 8 | 7,572 | video |
Kevin Hart and Josh Gad are teaming up for The Wedding Ringer this weekend and in honor of the film's release, we're raising a glass to the seven best movie weddings of all time. From My Best Friend's Wedding to The Wedding Singer, and My Big Fat Greek Wedding to Bridesmaids, Hollywood knows just how to cash in on the beautiful chaos that is "the big day." | 8 | 7,573 | video |
You can save thousands of dollars by simply paying attention We just started the new year, and it's already time to start thinking about taxes. W-2 forms will start arriving within the next few weeks … followed by 1099s, K1s and 1098 mortgage interest forms. For the next four months, all things related to federal income taxes will hang around your neck like an albatross. At this point, there's not a lot you can do to lower your tax bill or boost your refund, other than perhaps topping up your IRA or HSA account. What's done is done for tax year 2014. But it's still early enough in 2015 to get your affairs in order so that this time next year, you'll have a smaller tax bill to look forward to. Click ahead for a look at some commonsense moves you can make to tax-proof your portfolio. More from InvestorPlace: The Top 10 S&P 500 Dividend Stocks for January 5 Gold and Silver Stocks Ready to Surge Higher 5 Tips on How to Save Money No. 1: Dump High-Turnover Mutual Funds Mutual funds that constantly buy and sell stocks create taxable gains that get passed on to you, the investor. Don't worry this isn't a tirade against actively managed funds. While low-cost index funds have outperformed most active managers in recent years, there still is room in your portfolio for an active manager that adds value. Even better if that active manager's fund tends to zig when the market zags. But my advice here would be to avoid "closet indexers," or mutual funds whose performance very closely tracks that of the S&P 500 but with higher turnover. Or at the very least, hold those kinds of funds in a tax-deferred account like a 401k plan or IRA. No. 2: Max Out Your 401k Plan This one's a no-brainer. Every dollar of savings in a 401k plan is a dollar not subject to taxes. So assuming you have enough cash on hand for emergencies, you should plow every free dollar of savings into the 401k . In 2015, you can contribute $18,000, not including employer matching, and $24,000 if you are age 50 or over. If you're in the 35% tax bracket, you're looking at tax savings of $6,300 to $8,400. Not everyone has the financial flexibility to forgo $18,000 to $24,000 in paycheck income. But if you can make it work, it's in your best interests to do so. No. 3: Use an IRA or Roth IRA Along the same lines, consider an IRA or Roth IRA if you income allows it. The contribution limit for both in 2015 is $5,500 or $6,500 for those 50 and older. You will get no tax break for a contribution to a Roth IRA, but at least you won't be paying taxes on any dividends, interest or capital gains earned on your investments. Roth IRAs unlike 401k plans and traditional IRAs also have no required minimum distributions. So, after age 70½, you won't be forced to take money out and generate taxable gains in the process. Roth IRAs give you a lower potential tax footprint down the road. For individual taxpayers, your ability to contribute to a Roth IRA starts to get phased out at $116,000. For married couples filing jointly, it's $183,000. If you're looking for an immediate tax break, the traditional IRA is the way to go. But if you are covered by a retirement plan at work such as a 401k plan your ability to deduct your contribution starts to get phased out at $61,000 for individuals and $98,000 for married couples filing jointly. No. 4: Use Health Savings Accounts If your health insurance plan offers the ability to contribute to a Health Savings Account, go for it. In 2015, the contribution limits for single taxpayers and family plans are $3,350 and $6,650, respectively. And if you're aged 50 or over, you can tack on another $1,000. There are a lot of misunderstandings about HSAs. To start, unlike some similar health plans, there are no "use it or lose it" provisions. Excess funds above and beyond what you need for current out-of-pocket medical expenses can be kept as cash or often times invested in mutual funds. If you change jobs and your new insurance plan is not compatible with an HSA account, no worries your existing funds are safe. In a lot of ways, HSAs are not too different from IRAs, with the big exception that HSAs come with a debit card for use at the doctor's office. If you've already maxed out your 401k plan and any IRAs you might qualify for, you can use your HSA as an additional tax-deferred investment vehicle. No. 5: Participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan Take advantage of your company's deferred compensation plan if they offer it. Under a deferred comp plan, your employer diverts part of your pay into a tax-deferred variable annuity. Unlike 401k plans, which are pretty ubiquitous these days, not all companies offer deferred comp plans. And even if they do, they only make sense if you're already maxing out your 401k. If your salary is high enough to allow you to max out your 401k at today's higher levels, a deferred comp plan is the next obvious step. Deferred comp plans will vary from company to company, but typically your employer will divert a portion of your pay to a variable annuity, where the funds can be invested in underlying subaccounts. You'll pay taxes when you pull your funds out, but they can grow and compound tax-free for years or even decades. No. 6: Use an Educational Savings Account If you want to help a child or grandchild save for college, Educational Savings Accounts and 529 plans are the most tax efficient options. As is the case with Roth IRAs, there is no tax break for contributions, at least at the federal level. But your dividends, interest and capital gains can compound tax free. If your child or grandchild uses the funds for qualified college expenses, the withdrawals are tax-free. ESAs have very modest contribution limits $2,000 per account per year though 529 plans allow for much larger contributions. There is really no practical limit on most 529 plans, though any contribution by a single taxpayer over $14,000 would be subject to gift taxes in 2015. Still, a married couple could contribute a combined $28,000 with no tax consequences. No. 7: Gift Stock to Charity Giving to charity is a noble endeavor, but it pays to be smart about how you do it. Selling stock to generate cash for a gift to charity is a horrendously inefficient tax move. Yes, you might get a tax break for the gift itself. But you'll be paying taxes on the capital gains. A better move is to gift the stock itself. As a tax-exempt entity, the charity can sell the stock and pay no capital gains taxes. Think of it like this: Every dollar you avoid in taxes by using a strategy like this is an additional dollar you have available to give to charity. I don't know about you, but I'd rather give that dollar to a cause I care about than to a wasteful government. No. 8: Know Where to Put Your Assets Move your assets around so as to make your portfolio as tax-efficient as possible. For example, index funds generate very little in taxable income. Dividends received are often qualified and thus taxed at a lower rate. And capital gains are very infrequent. These sorts of funds should be held in a taxable account. At the other end of the spectrum, bond interest is fully taxable at your marginal tax rate, and collectibles held a year or longer are taxed at a special 28% tax rate. Tax-inefficient investments like these should be held in IRA or 401k accounts to the extent you can. You can read more about tax-smart asset allocation here . No. 9: Don't Forget About Capital Losses We all hate losing money, but if you do have an investment that goes bust on you, you might as well use the tax write-off. With the S&P 500 near all-time highs and the last bear market a distant memory, you probably have fewer saved-up capital losses than you might have had a few years ago. But if you sold any oil and gas investments recently, you may have some fresh losses to put to work. You can only write off net $3,000 in capital losses per year. So, if you manage your portfolio in a tax-efficient way, one bad loss might last you several years. No. 10: Watch the Calendar Finally, I'll give you a little trading advice. Tax avoidance should never be your primary motive in timing an investment sale. I can't tell you how many times I've seen someone hold on to a stock for an extra month or two to qualify for long-term capital gains, only to see those gains evaporate as the price cratered. It doesn't matter if you are value investor, a momentum investor or anything in between: When your investment methodology tells you to sell, you need to sell. I'd prefer to pay higher taxes on larger gains than no taxes on no gains. That said, you sometimes have to do selling for other reasons, such as rebalancing or generating cash for living expenses. In these cases, it might pay to watch the calendar. To the extent you can, try to hold on to your investments for at least a full calendar year to benefit from the lower capital gains rate, which is 15% or 20% depending on your tax bracket. Charles Lewis Sizemore, CFA, is chief investment officer of the investment firm Sizemore Capital Management and the author of the Sizemore Insights blog. More from InvestorPlace The Top 10 S&P 500 Dividend Stocks for January 5 Gold and Silver Stocks Ready to Surge Higher 5 Tips on How to Save Money | 3 | 7,574 | finance |
It must have seemed like a funny idea. Three years ago, online brokerage firm Interactive Brokers ran a commercial mocking the Occupy Wall Street movement. The animated commercial featured figures protesting the New York Stock Exchange "Occupy-style" with signs demanding lower commissions. The commercial's tag line: "Interactive Brokers, Join the 1%." In an unfortunate twist of fate, it looks like a lot of Interactive Brokers' clients have joined the poor house. On Friday, the online trading firm, which allows individuals to place bets on currency moves and other investments, announced that "several" of its clients' accounts had been completely wiped out by the jump in the Swiss Franc on Thursday, creating huge losses for anyone betting against the currency. Betting that the Swiss Franc would fall had become a popular bet that was considered safe. This week's events have left the firm on the hook for $120 million in losses. And Interactive Brokers's clients weren't even the worst hit. FXCM, the U.S.'s largest online brokerage for retail foreign currency trading, said many of its clients had been wiped out in the markets on Thursday as well. The firm said it was owed $225 million by clients who had lost everything in this week's volatile currency markets. Both Interactive and FXCM focused on individual investors. U.K. brokerage IG Group said it had nearly $50 million in losses and was shutting down. Two other firms said they were closing their doors as well. In the past few years, in the wake of the 2008 market crash, a growing number of individual investors have jumped into currency trading under the impression that it was a safer bet than stocks. On Thursday, when the Euro, the Dollar, and other currencies fell nearly 20% in one day versus the Swiss Franc, those investors learned just how wrong they were. In January 2014, Citigroup released a report documenting the rising popularity of investing in currencies among individual investors, often called forex or FX trading, for foreign exchange. The Citi report said that the average daily volume of retail trading in one large FX market had doubled to 20% of the total market in 2012, or $400 billion in trades, from just over 10% in 2008. The report estimated that the growing horde of retail FX traders, which it estimated at 4 million, were mostly male at an average age of 35. And most were small-time players. The average individual who was trading currencies in the U.S. had just $6,600 in their account. But most believed their accounts were set to grow. The report cited a recent poll that had found that 84% of retail traders in the FX market believed they could make money during most months. In truth, the report said, only about 30% of individual investors make money trading currencies. FXCM FXCM was one of the fastest growing firms that catered to individual investors interested in the currency market. In fact, Barron's had referred to the firm as a "fast growing money machine." The firm handled $1.4 trillion in trades by individuals in the last quarter, and had become the biggest online currency brokerage for retail investors, with over 230,000 accounts at the end of last year. FXCM never promised its clients riches, but, at times, the company and its CEO appeared to play down the risks of swapping the Swiss Franc, say, for Polish Zlotys. In May 2013, FXCM's CEO Drew Niv, who co-founded the company in 1999, told Bloomberg TV that currencies were no more risky than stocks or other assets. And FXCM ran a website DailyFX that sought to teach individuals how to make money in the currency market. A tab on the top of its website is titled "DailyFX for Beginners." On Friday, there was no mention on the website of FXCM's huge losses. In December, Niv told Bloomberg Market's magazine that leverage and the ability to trade more money than investors had on hand had drawn a lot of interest in the currency market from retail investors. "Currencies don't move that much," he told Bloomberg Markets . "So if you had no leverage, nobody would trade." Most of the clients that traded with FXCM lost money. Nearly 70% of FXCM's client accounts lost money in 2014, according to a disclosure the company made with the CFTC. In 2013, FXCM paid Niv nearly $1.5 million in salary and non-stock incentive bonuses. Now, the company looks to be on the brink of failing. FXCM's stock, which had been trading at around $11 on Wednesday evening, plunged 92% into the pennies in pre-market trading on Friday morning. The SEC halted trading in the stock, and it never opened on Friday. On Friday, FXCM secured $300 million in financing from Leucadia National to keep the currency trading firm afloat. "We are pleased to continue to act as the leading online provider of foreign exchange trading and related services to retail and institutional customers worldwide," Niv said in an official statement from FXCM. Interactive Brokers IBKR had also drawn many individual investors into the currency market. It was known for its often funny, and at times controversial, commercials. In 2012, Interactive Brokers' founder, the Hungary native Thomas Peterffy, spent $8 million on ads urging people to vote Republican. In the ad, Peterffy said, "I grew up in a socialist country, and I have seen what that does to people." On Friday, Interactive Brokers said the $120 million in client losses that it might have to cover amounted to less than 3% of the company's assets. By late Friday, its shares were down by 1% to just under $28. Interactive Brokers did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fortune . The turmoil caused by Swiss Franc this week did deliver a few winners. Gain Capital, a Bedminster, N.J.-based currency brokerage firm, said that it made money on Thursday. Two years ago, FXCM had offered $210 million to buy Gain. Gain's leadership rejected the bid. In retrospect, it looks like that was a very good move. | 3 | 7,575 | finance |
Just days after the reveal of the GT350R, Mustang fans have a whole new pony car to covet. Based on the 2015 Mustang GT, the Shelby GT takes the potent 5.0L V8 and tops it with a Ford Racing supercharger. Combined with a Ford Racing Borla exhaust, the 5.0L cranks out almost 200 additional horsepower. The 627hp output is just a handful shy of the recently discontinued GT500. It's not just horsepower that Shelby brings to the table, the Shelby GT moniker has been a harbinger of performance on the road course, so the Shelby GT package also means upgraded shocks, springs, and sway bars along with staggered Michelin rubber, 275/35/20 on the front and 305/30/20 rear mounted to 9.5x20 and 10.5x20 Shelby Venice wheels by WELD Racing. The Shelby GT will also receive a full complement of carbon fiber bodywork including: a hood with customizable hood vents, front splitter, rocker panels, two-piece rear diffuser, rear deck lid, trunk spoiler, mirror covers, and a hood extension. Of course, the car will also wear Shelby badging on the deck lid, grille, fenders, and C-pillar. Inside you'll find Shelby branded custom headrests, dash plaque, and engine plate, along with carbon fiber dash pod with 3 gauges, Shelby GT sill plates, and Shelby branded floor mats. | 9 | 7,576 | autos |
Want to melt flab away? Fitness and nutrition expert John Basedow (@JohnBasedow) lists the best metabolism boosting foods including chicken, fish, strawberries, blueberries, chili peppers, cinnamon, green tea and more to supercharge your fat loss efforts. | 8 | 7,577 | video |
Police search for two Kentucky teens | 8 | 7,578 | video |
The Supreme Court on Tuesday, April 28, will hear oral arguments over whether states' same-sex marriage bans are constitutional, setting the stage for a final decision on marriage equality by the end of June. Federal appeals courts have disagreed on whether states' bans violate the US Constitution's 14th Amendment, leaving it to the Supreme Court to decide the issue. Same-sex marriages are already allowed in 37 states and Washington, DC , but many hinge on lower courts' decisions in favor of marriage equality. The Supreme Court's marriage battle has been years in the making A flurry of legal challenges to states' same-sex marriage bans followed the Supreme Court's decision in June 2013 to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act, the federal ban on same-sex marriages. Since then, lower courts have invoked the Supreme Court's ruling to end states' same-sex marriage bans under the argument that they violate the 14th Amendment's Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses. Here's a look back at the history: The Supreme Court's marriage battle has been years in the making The cases could bring marriage equality to the entire US Legal experts and LGBT advocates widely expect the Supreme Court to rule that states' same-sex marriage bans are unconstitutional a decision that would effectively bring marriage equality to the US. Justice Anthony Kennedy, who could act as the key swing vote in the court, wrote the majority opinion in United States v. Windsor that struck down the federal ban on same-sex marriages in 2013 with a legal rationale that could apply to states' bans. He argued that the federal ban violated constitutional protections and discriminated against same-sex couples by preventing them from fully accessing "laws pertaining to Social Security, housing, taxes, criminal sanctions, copyright, and veterans' benefits." Because a similar legal argument applies to state-level programs and benefits attached to marriage, many court watchers expect Kennedy to rule against states' same-sex marriage bans as well. "The court was so focused on the tens of thousands of children being raised by same-sex parents and so sensitive to the ways those children are being disadvantaged and harmed and stigmatized," Shannon Minter, legal director at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, said. "It's hard to see how those same considerations wouldn't end up applying equally or even more forcefully to state marriage bans." Those considerations are particularly important, LGBT advocates argue, since the Supreme Court in October 2014 effectively legalized same-sex marriages in 11 states by refusing to hear appeals from cases originating in Utah, Oklahoma, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Indiana. "It is almost inconceivable that having allowed so many couples to marry and so many families to gain the legal security and protection of marriage, the court would then roll back the clock," Minter said. "That would be not only cruel but chaotic." Other legal experts go further, suggesting that it's possible that not just Kennedy but Chief Justice John Roberts could join the final decision in favor of marriage equality. "I would not rule him out in terms of a decision in favor of marriage equality," Judith Schaeffer, vice president of the Constitutional Accountability Center, said. "I'm going to be very interested to listen to his questions [to litigators]." It's possible that the Supreme Court might not rule in favor of marriage equality. It could hand down a limited ruling that forces states to recognize but not grant same-sex marriage licenses. It could also uphold states' same-sex marriage bans, which would effectively reinstate bans in dozens of states and potentially rescind the marriages of couples who were married between the time lower courts allowed their unions and the final Supreme Court decision. But, as the history indicates, some of the key members of the Supreme Court have been signaling for some time now that they're prepared to make same-sex marriage rights the law of the land, leaving LGBT advocates very optimistic. The arguments for and against come down to discrimination Supporters of same-sex marriage argue that prohibiting gay and lesbian couples from marrying is inherently discriminatory and therefore violates the US Constitution's 14th Amendment, which require states enforce their laws equally among all groups. So, in the case of same-sex marriage, states' bans likely violate the 14th Amendment because they purposely exclude gay and lesbian couples from marriage laws. The 14th Amendment "was designed to, really, perfect the promise of the Declaration of Independence," Schaeffer, who's studied the history of the 14th Amendment, said. "The purpose and the meaning of the 14th Amendment is to make clear that no state can take no group of citizens and make them second-class." In 1967, the Supreme Court applied both of these standards in Loving v. Virginia when the court decided that the 14th Amendment prohibits states from banning interracial couples from marrying. "This case presents a constitutional question never addressed by this Court: whether a statutory scheme adopted by the State of Virginia to prevent marriages between persons solely on the basis of racial classifications violates the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment," Chief Justice Earl Warren wrote in the majority opinion at the time. "For reasons which seem to us to reflect the central meaning of those constitutional commands, we conclude that these statutes cannot stand consistently with the Fourteenth Amendment." Very similar arguments could be applied to states' same-sex marriage bans. In fact, the Supreme Court applied the 14th Amendment to its 2013 decision in United States v. Windsor , when it struck down the federal government's same-sex marriage ban. Opponents of same-sex marriage argue that individual states are acting in the public interest by encouraging heterosexual relationships through marriage laws. The conservative Family Research Council, for instance, has warned that allowing same-sex couples to marry would lead to the breakdown of traditional families, and keeping marriage to heterosexual couples, FRC argued in an amicus brief , allows states to "channel the potential procreative sexual activity of opposite-sex couples into stable relationships in which the children so procreated may be raised by their biological mothers and fathers." The idea behind this type of argument is that states have a compelling interest to encourage heterosexual relationships without the explicit purpose of discriminating against gay and lesbian couples. If states have a compelling interest, the same-sex marriage bans may be allowed to stand. But if the bans are seen as discriminatory, the Supreme Court may interpret them as violating the 14th Amendment. But the argument hasn't worked well in lower courts. Various federal appeals courts have come out in favor of marriage equality, while only one has ruled against it. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Richard Posner, a Republican appointee, wrote in his court's majority opinion : The argument that the states press hardest in defense of their prohibition of same-sex marriage is that the only reason government encourages marriage is to induce heterosexuals to marry so that there will be fewer "accidental births," which when they occur outside of marriage often lead to abandonment of the child to the mother (unaided by the father) or to foster care. Overlooked by this argument is that many of those abandoned children are adopted by homosexual couples, and those children would be better off both emotionally and economically if their adoptive parents were married. Justice Kennedy, who's expected to act as the swing vote in the Supreme Court cases, similarly flipped the argument around when he wrote in 2013 that the federal same-sex marriage ban needed to be struck down because "it humiliates tens of thousands of children now being raised by same-sex couples." Kennedy's argument and the nearly unanimous decisions in the lower courts give LGBT advocates a lot of confidence that they're headed for a victory. The cases are about two aspects of marriage equality The Supreme Court has consolidated cases from Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee that deal with two key issues: whether states should have to recognize but not license same-sex marriages from other states, and the broader issue of whether states should have to grant marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples. Kentucky has both types of cases, Michigan has a licensing case, Ohio has two recognition cases, and Tennessee has a recognition case. Federal judges ruled in favor of same-sex couples in all these cases before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against them. Here's a quick summary of each case, based largely on Freedom to Marry's great litigation tracker : Bourke v. Beshear in Kentucky: Four same-sex couples sued Kentucky to have their out-of-state marriages recognized by the state. This lawsuit was later consolidated with Love v. Beshear . Love v. Beshear in Kentucky: Two same-sex couples filed a motion to intervene in Bourke v. Beshear so that Kentucky would allow them to marry in the state. A federal judge rolled Bourke v. Beshear into this case. DeBoer v. Snyder in Michigan: April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse sued Michigan so they could jointly adopt their three children, which the state prohibits. A judge later explained that the constitutional amendment that banned same-sex marriages in the state also prohibited the couples from adopting, prompting the couple to eventually expand their lawsuit to contest the state's same-sex marriage ban. Obergefell v. Hodges in Ohio: James Obergefell and John Arthur sued Ohio so the state would recognize their marriage in the death certificate of Arthur, who was dying of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Arthur died in October 2013, as the court challenge was still pending. Henry v. Hodges in Ohio: Four same-sex couples sued Ohio so both parents in a couple could have their names printed on their adopted children's birth certificates. (Under Ohio law, only one parent in a same-sex relationship can have his or her name printed on a birth certificate.) The case was later expanded to cover not just Ohio's birth certificate law, but whether the state should recognize same-sex couples' out-of-state marriages. Tanco v. Haslam in Tennessee: Three same-sex couples sued Tennessee to have their out-of-state marriages recognized by the state. These cases are a small sample of dozens of similar same-sex marriage lawsuits that have passed through the federal court system in the past few years. But the split in the federal appeals court has turned these six cases into quite possibly the most important for marriage equality. Read the legal briefs to the Supreme Court Dozens of organizations have filed legal briefs to the Supreme Court in favor and against same-sex marriage. SCOTUSblog has helpfully compiled all the briefs for several cases: Bourke v. Beshear in Kentucky DeBoer v. Snyder in Michigan Obergefell v. Hodges in Ohio Tanco v. Haslam in Tennessee Here are some of the amicus briefs filed by friends of the court, compiled by Freedom to Marry and SCOTUSblog : US government, in favor of marriage equality Religious organizations, in favor of marriage equality Conservative leaders, in favor of marriage equality National Organization for Marriage, in opposition to marriage equality Family Research Council, in opposition to marriage equality United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, in opposition to marriage equality | 5 | 7,579 | news |
Our Vegas insider Chuck Esposito joins us to go through the possible Super Bowl matchups and look at the line for these potential games. | 8 | 7,580 | video |
Some tourists on an African Safari boat got both a good scare and a great photo when a hippo charges the boat at high speed. Jen Markham (@jenmarkham) has the amazing video. | 8 | 7,581 | video |
Photo: Matt Baron/BEImages. At the Oscar Blandi Salon where I color hair all day, every day I have the good fortune to be surrounded by some of the most talented colorists in the industry. Our department includes 21 pros doing all manner of coloring, but ask any of us what the overwhelming request among our clients is, and the answer will be the same: highlights.I consider myself something of a highlighting specialist: I've been doing it for over 25 years, usually 10 to 20 heads a day. While there's a range of looks, I firmly believe that the most beautiful and interesting is multi-tonal. Monochromatic color can be dramatic, striking, and a host of other flattering adjectives, but place some highlights on it, and the look becomes magnificent like ribbons of light that run throughout the hair. Highlights can accentuate eye color, bring out cheekbones, and even slim faces, which some women appreciate. They show off the lines of your haircut, and they create depth and the illusion of fullness. They're a great first step in changing your hair color, and, honestly, even though I'm clearly biased, I sometimes can't think of a single reason why everyone shouldn't get them. I've put together my top Hollywood highlights and why I think they're the best perhaps these'll inspire you. Photo: Everett Collection/REX USA. Jennifer Aniston Jen's are without a doubt our most requested highlights. The multiple tones, striking color contrast, and definition make them a hit. The thickest and brightest pieces are on the hairline, regressing in size toward the crown. The lightest pieces are multiple levels up from her base color, but avoid looking like stripes because they're bridged by a medium golden-blonde sprinkled throughout. Photo: Matt Baron/BEImages. Blake Lively Blake has the quintessential buttery-blonde look. Her golden tones reflect a ton of light, giving the locks a shiny glow. The warm shades enhance most skin tones but if you have a pink- or red-toned complexion, you may want to avoid this hue, since it could make you look flushed. Photo: Everett Collection/REX USA. Maria Menounos Maria's a great example of a brunette with highlights done right. They're the perfect luscious caramel tone, which doesn't appear brassy next to her darker natural shade. Plus, the front pieces contain the perfect amount of lightness to illuminate her skin. Photo: Jim Smeal/BEImages. Jessica Alba I've always loved Jessica's hair, but her latest hue has totally inspired me. It's been so popular, in fact, that it's helped launch an incarnation of the ombré trend called sombré. It's the same feel of darker color at the roots progressing to lighter hues at the ends, but it's far more natural. It features a fine haze of invisilights, which marries the dark roots to the light tips and provides depth without a pronounced highlight appearance. Photo: David Fisher/REX USA. Jennifer Lawrence I think Jennifer looks best with her cool-blonde highlights, compared with her Hunger Games character's dark-brown. They bring out her blue eyes and are perfect for her skin tone. Although she looks good no matter what, I like how the highlights soften her overall appearance. If you have a similar skin tone and light-blue or green eyes, this could be the look for you. Photo: Rob Latour/REX USA. Jennifer Lopez I'm always getting requests for J.Lo's caramel chunks. This is a great example of perfect placement and tone. The thickest chunks are on the hairline and top of her head. The shade gets lighter at the ends of her hair, giving it that messy, uncontrived feel, reminiscent of a day at the beach. I recommend this for women with a darker natural shade and medium or olive skin. | 4 | 7,582 | lifestyle |
CNBC's Dominic Chu takes a look at whether stocks of companies who are buying back their shares will outperform. | 3 | 7,583 | finance |
Vacations are supposed to be fun and exciting but sometimes they don't go as planned. 1010 WINS' John Montone is on the move to find out about your vacation disasters. | 2 | 7,584 | travel |
It was supposed to say "In God We Trust," but actually says "In Dog We Trust." The police department is auctioning it off for a local animal rescue charity. | 5 | 7,585 | news |
A new analysis of state and local taxes for 2015 shows that despite changes in Kansas and other states that have reduced taxes on the rich, Washington State continues to have the most "regressive" tax system in the country meaning its taxes hit poor families the hardest, compared to rich ones. Overall, the bottom 20% of Washington state's nonelderly households, who earn less than $21,000 a year, will pay 16.8% of their income in state and local taxes this year, compared to the 2.4% of income the top 1% earning more than $507,000, will pay, according to the report from the left leaning Institute On Taxation & Economic Policy. All the states' tax structures are regressive or in ITEP's view "fundamentally unfair" but to widely varying degrees. Overall, the poorest 20% of nonelderly households pay an average of 10.9% of their income in state and local taxes, compared to 5.4% for the top 1%, it calculates. Combined with regressive federal taxes for Social Security and Medicare and a highly progressive federal income tax (including the refundable earned income tax credit, which acts as an income supplement for low wage workers), the overall U.S. tax burden is slightly progressive. Washington State, like ITEP's 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th most regressive states (Florida, Texas and South Dakota), has no state income tax. Instead, it relies heavily on a sales tax, which is 6.5% statewide but as much as 9.6% when local levies are added on. Sales taxes hit the poor harder because they consume a higher share of their income and because services, which the better off buy more of, generally aren't subject to the sales tax. 10 States Whose Taxes Most Favor The Rich Certain states, such as Hawaii and Rhode Island, tax the poor heavily, but don't make ITEP's most regressive list because their wealthy carry a heavy tax load too. By ITEP's figuring, California's taxes rank as the most progressive; among other things, it has the nation's highest rate state tax bracket 13.3% on income over $1 million. ITEP's report comes out as Governors are delivering their annual state of the state reports and making new tax proposals. While the national average of state and local tax distribution hasn't shifted much in recent years, the average masks significant changes that have taken place within individual states, notes Meg Wiehe, state policy director for ITEP. For example, changes in Kansas, North Carolina and Ohio have made their systems more regressive, while a tax overhaul approved last year by Washington, D.C., had the opposite effect. In his address earlier this week, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat, argued the state is being held back by "the nation's most unfair tax system,'' and called for a new 7% income tax on capital gains above $50,000 per couple. The proposed tax, which would apply to gains from stocks and bonds, but not from the sale of homes or farms, seems unlikely to go far in the state's Senate, where majority Republicans have just pushed through a new rule requiring a two thirds vote for any tax hikes . Washington is, of course, home to the country's (and world's) richest man, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, as well as to #15 on the 2014 Forbes 400 richest Americans list, Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos, and #22, former Microsoft CEO and new Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. But you can't blame Gates for the state's regressive tax structure. In 2010, his father, Bill Gates Sr., was a big booster of Initiative 1098 , which would have imposed the state's first income tax, but only on individuals earning more than $200,000 and couples earning more than $400,000. Bezos and Ballmer , as well was Microsoft and Amazon, helped fund opposition to the measure, which the state's voters rejected by a 64% to 36% vote. However in a new poll , 57% of state voters said they could support Inslee's narrower capital gains levy. While Inslee may not be the only governor pushing to tax the rich more in 2015, he's likely to be in the distinct minority. The November elections left Republicans occupying 31 Governors' mansions for 2015 and in full control of 30 state legislatures . (Republicans have control of both the Governor's mansion and the legislature in 23 states, compared to only seven for Democrats.) Voters notably punished governors who had raised tax rates, but not those who had shifted the burden of taxes away from the rich . Among the Republican tax-cutters who won reelection was Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback who has pushed through tax changes that have the made the state's taxes considerably more regressive the sales tax rate was increased and the income tax rate cut, while huge chunks of business, farm and self-employment income were exempted from tax. Meanwhile, a state tax credit meant to offset the impact of sales taxes on food is no longer refundable meaning those too poor to otherwise owe income tax get no benefit from it. While those changes have left Kansas with a big deficit, in his State of the State address last night, Brownback reaffirmed his commitment to further reducing and eventually eliminating the state's income tax altogether. | 3 | 7,586 | finance |
The Mets and Rockies had discussions earlier this winter about a possible trade involving four-time Rockies All-Star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, but Rockies ownership reiterated Thursday that Tulo won't be playing for the Mets next season. "It's not happening," Charlie Monfort, co-owner of the Rockies, told the New York Post . "I can't speak for him, but yeah, we want him. I think he's strong and he's worked hard and he'll be back. He'll be Tulo of old." The Mets have players and prospects to entice the Rockies, including right-hander Dillon Gee, shortstops Ruben Tejada and Wilmer Flores, and prized pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard, but it appears the Rockies are holding on to Tulowitzki for now. While the Mets quietly discussed a Tulowitzki trade, the cross-town rival Yankees have checked in on Tulo last month about replacing recently acquired defensive specialist Didi Gregorius at shortstop, but as is the case involving the Mets, the Rockies are asking too much in return for Tulo . Tulowitzki hit 21 home runs and posted a .340 batting average and 1.035 OPS in 91 games last season before he was felled by a hip injury that required surgery. Although often dogged by injuries, the 30 year-old is batting .299/.373/.517 in his career. | 1 | 7,587 | sports |
The most efficient concepts and production cars to debut at Detroit 2015 New green cars from the Detroit show Crude oil might be getting cheaper and cheaper across the world, but it's only a blip. It's running out and we're soon going to need a way of using much less of it to power our personal transport which is where these impressively efficient green cars from the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, America come in. Click on to read more on the most efficient cars from Detroit 2015. Chevrolet Volt Chevrolet's first generation Volt didn't exactly sell well, despite winning numerous awards. However, it's smartened up the second-gen car, debuting at Detroit, making it much more attractive. It's still a plug-in hybrid, but with a total range of 400 miles (50 of which can be done on electric power alone), it's even more efficient, helped by a new, lighter battery pack. Chevrolet Bolt Alongside the Volt production car is the Bolt concept. It's a small electric car with quite an impressive 200-mile driving range. The Bolt has not yet been signed off for production, but Chevrolet is aiming to develop a long-range EV, according to CEO Mary Bara, so watch this space. The BMW i3 better watch its back. Audi Q7 e-tron Not only is Audi's new Q7 SUV up to 325kg lighter than before, it'll also be available as a plug-in hybrid courtesy of the new Q7 e-tron making its debut at Detroit 2015. It's not just focused on fuel economy, however: with a 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 and an electric motor delivering 373hp combined, 0-60 mph takes less than six seconds. The standard Q7 is pictured. Mercedes-Benz C350 Plug-in Hybrid The numbers you need to know are 134.5, 48, and 19. The first is how many mpg the C350 Plug-in delivers, the second how many g/km CO2 it'll emit. The third is how many miles it can travel on electric power alone. Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid With a range of up to 22 miles on electric power alone, Hyundai's new Sonata PHEV is slick and efficient. It can be recharged in just two and a half hours using a 240V outlet, too, which is nice. Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE Concept The Cross Coupe draws from previous VW crossover concepts and current technology elsewhere in the range. It's a plug-in hybrid SUV that uses a 3.6-L V6 engine running alongside two electric motors to give a total of 360 hp, but no doubt incredible efficiency too, with an all-electric running mode possible. Honda FCV Concept Honda's no stranger to hydrogen fuel cells, and this, the HCV concept, is its vision of "next-generation zero emissions Hondas." As with all hydrogen cars, there'll be no tailpipe emissions. All we need now is for global hydrogen production and infrastructure to catch up. | 9 | 7,588 | autos |
If there's one thing I can usually count on when I'm out of town at new vehicle launches, it's that my Nissan Rogue sits parked in the corner of the MT garage like an unloved child. I guess with a long-term fleet that includes an M3 and an F-Type R Coupe , there are a lot more interesting cars vying for attention. That's quite sad, really -- I'd never expected to be copping to this at the beginning of my chaperoning stint in our long-term Nissan Rogue, but I genuinely like this thing. The Rogue is an honest little cute-ute that's got a lot going for it. Under my tutelage, our Rogue usually spends the majority of its time shuttling me, the girl, and the dogs on errands around L.A., with the occasional road trip thrown in for good measure. For those tasks it really excels. From a packaging perspective, the Rogue is a spacious little SUV, able to swallow up loads more cargo than I'd ever expect. Allowing it to do so is the one-two punch of the Rogue's split-folding (and sliding!) rear seat and its Divide-N-Hide cargo storage system. The latter uses two sliding shelves to organize or cover cargo and expand the available storage area. The sliding rear seats are also a boon for cargo space and have the added bonus of bringing the dogs in back within arm's reach of those in front. Other positives: The Rogue's ride is excellent, and the NASA-inspired "Zero Gravity" seats remain comfortable on long journeys, even after 8-plus hours in the saddle. The Rogue's 360-degree camera system has also become indispensable, though I do wish it displayed high-resolution images. For all the good, there are a couple small things that have started to annoy me about the Rogue, chief among them the array of buttons mounted down by the driver's left knee. The buttons, which include Sport mode and the tailgate switch, are completely out of my line of sight and all feel the same, making using any of them while on the move dangerous. My sole other complaint: lack of USB ports. There's just one, which feels like a remarkable oversight considering how many portable devices most drivers are packing these days. More on our long-term 2014 Nissan Rogue SL AWD here: Arrival Update 1: Transmission Woes Update 2: Rogue Trip Update 3: Overdue First Service | 9 | 7,589 | autos |
Miss Universe vs Miss World: Facts and comparisons Where do the beauty queens live after being crowned? Which country has produced the most winners? Has anyone ever both won both crowns? Click on to see how the two most-watched beauty pageants in the world compare. The owners The Miss World competition is owned and managed by the Miss World Organization. Julia Morley (left) is its president. The Miss Universe pageant is run by the Miss Universe Organization, which is currently owned by business tycoon Donald Trump in a joint venture with broadcaster NBC. The beginnings While the Miss Universe pageant was created in 1952 by clothing company Pacific Mills in the United States, Miss World was a brainchild of Englishman Eric Morley. Recognized as the longest running of the pageants, Morley began Miss World in 1951 to promote the latest swimwear at the time and to entice audiences into the Mecca dance halls, for which he worked. Pictured: Some of the contestants in Miss World 1953 pose in their swimwear. The first winners Beauties from Scandinavian countries were the first winners. 17-year-old Armi Kuusela of Finland (pictured left, being crowned by a ctress Piper Laurie) was named Miss Universe in 1952, while Kiki Håkansson (right, center) from Sweden took home the crown of first Miss World the previous year. The residence Traditionally, Miss Universe lives in New York City during her reign, whereas Miss World lives in London. Pictured: Miss Universe and Miss World contestants showcase their national costumes. The reigning beauties Gabriela Isler (left) of Venezuela is the reigning Miss Universe. The new Miss Universe 2014 will be chosen on January 25 in the USA. The reigning Miss World is Rolene Strauss (right) of South Africa. She was crowned on December 14 in London. The most wins With eight wins so far, the USA boasts the highest number of Miss Universe wins. Venezuela tops the list of clinching the maximum number of Miss World crowns with six wins. Tricky moments In the Miss Universe 1999 competition, Miss Guam was disqualified when she became pregnant. So, in the Q&A, the jury asked contestants a tricky question: "If a Miss Universe becomes pregnant, should she be allowed to keep the title?" While most contestants answered awkwardly, Miss Botswana, Mpule Kwelagobe (pictured left), said, "There was no way Miss Universe was any less spectacular with a bun in the oven, and that she should not only keep the crown, but celebrate her femininity." She went on to win the title. In Miss World 2000, 18-year-old Priyanka Chopra (right) from India, raised eyebrows when she was crowned Miss World despite having cited Mother Teresa as "the most successful living woman" in the Q&A round. Mother Teresa died in 1997. The participants In the first ever contest of Miss Universe, 30 contestants competed for the crown, whereas 26 participants vied for the Miss World title. Pictured: (left) Participants of Miss Universe 1952. (Right) Finalists of Miss World 1951. The scandals These contests have seen their share of scandals and controversies. While Miss Colombia 2010 Catalina Tobayo was accused of making official appearances without wearing any underwear, former Miss USA Rima Fakih (pictured left) who competed in Miss Universe, made headlines in 2012 for her arrest on suspicion of drunk driving. Miss World 1974 - UK's Helen Morgan (right) - had to resign days after her win when it was discovered that she had a child. The next such incident came in 1980, when Germany's Gabriella Brum (Miss World 1980) resigned after 18 hours of her reign, citing her boyfriend's disapproval as one of the reasons. After their reign Over the years a number of the winners have gone on to prove there is a lot more to them than just their looks. Miss Universe 1981, Irene Sáez (left) made a transition from pageants to politics. She also ran for presidential elections in Venezuela in 1998. Aishwarya Rai, Miss World 1994 (right), went on to become a successful actress and an UN ambassador. In 2014, she was also presented with the award for outstanding contribution for 'Beauty with Purpose' by the Miss World Organisztion, in recognition of her commitment to humanitarian causes. The double crown While no one woman has ever claimed both titles, there have been five instances when both the Miss Universe crown and Miss World title were claimed by the same country in the same year. The double win was first achieved by France in 1953 and then by Australia in 1972. In 1981 it was Venezuelan's turn when Irene Saez (top left) was named Miss Universe the same year that compatriot Pilín León (top right) won Miss World. The most recent two occurrences both fall to India, first in 1994 when Sushmita Sen (bottom left) took Miss Universe while fellow countrywoman Aishwarya Rai was crowned Miss World and again in 2000. | 4 | 7,590 | lifestyle |
Washington's legal marijuana market opened last summer to a dearth of weed. Some stores periodically closed because they didn't have pot to sell. Prices were through the roof. Six months later, the equation has flipped, bringing serious growing pains to the new industry. A big harvest of sun-grown marijuana from eastern Washington last fall flooded the market. Prices are starting to come down in the state's licensed pot shops, but due to the glut, growers are surprisingly struggling to sell their marijuana. Some are already worried about going belly-up, finding it tougher than expected to make a living in legal weed. 'It's an economic nightmare,' says Andrew Seitz, general manager at Dutch Brothers Farms in Seattle. State data show that licensed growers had harvested 31,000 pounds of bud as of Thursday, but Washington's relatively few legal pot shops have sold less than one-fifth of that. Many of the state's marijuana users have stuck with the untaxed or much-lesser-taxed pot they get from black market dealers or unregulated medical dispensaries limiting how quickly product moves off the shelves of legal stores. | 3 | 7,591 | finance |
Companies wants restrictions eased | 5 | 7,592 | news |
A woman who was left disfigured after plastic surgery gone wrong reveals her new look after plastic surgeons Dr. Andrew Ordon and Dr. Ritu Chopra perform corrective surgery. | 7 | 7,593 | health |
Cricket World Cup 2015: Players to watch A guide to the players some well-known, some not set to steal the show at the Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. David Warner Age : 28 Country : Australia Role : Batsman "There's no bowler in the world that I'm scared of", the bold statement coupled with the left-hander's blistering Test form that included three centuries in Australia's 2-0 Test series win over India in January 2015 makes him a hot favourite among players to watch out for this World Cup. Virat Kohli Age : 26 Country : India Role : Batsman India's most successful batsmen in recent years, he has been in prolific form scoring 692 runs in the recently concluded test series in Australia. An aggressive batsman, he is also India's vice captain and the player who can single-handedly turn the game around in the batting department for India. Moeen Ali Age : 27 Country : England Role : Allrounder Besides being a hard-hitting batsman, his off-spin can help stem the flow of runs. Of late he has been promoted at the top of the batting order and with his all-round abilities, can surely prove to be a handful for any opposition. Kane Williamson Age : 24 Country : New Zealand Role : Batsman A cool-headed batsman who also happens to be in an excellent form. Williamson has been talismanic for his country and will be pivotal if New Zealand are to succeed in this year's World Cup. AB de Villiers Age : 30 Country : South Africa Role : Batsman/Wicketkeeper He is known for being a consistent batsman, a brilliant timer of the ball and is one of the greatest finishers around. He is also good behind the stumps and a great fielder in any position. South Africa will look to bank on his form and wealth of experience to improve on their World Cup record. Sunil Narine Age : 26 Country : West Indies Role : Bowler Despite making his ODI debut four years ago, he continues to bamboozle batsman world over with his variations. He is a champion of his craft and miserly when it comes to conceding runs to the opposition. His tendency to take the most crucial wickets makes him one of the most lethal spinners playing this World Cup. Shakib Al Hasan Age : 27 Country : Bangladesh Role : Allrounder He is one of most experienced players in the Bangladesh squad and a very talented allrounder. If he gets going, he is capable of turning the match around with his nifty bowling variations and aggressive batting. According to ICC, he is the best allrounder across the three formats test matches, ODIs and T20s. Kumar Sangakkara Age : 37 Country : Sri Lanka Role : Batsman A lot would be expected from the veteran who would be playing his last World Cup and One Day International (ODI) series. He is one of the batting mainstays of Sri Lankan cricket a longwith Mahela Jayawardene. His teammates are expected to rally around him and send him off on a World Cup high. Chris Gayle Age : 35 Country : West Indies Role : Allrounder On his day, he can turn the fortunes of his team around. In the recent T20 Internationals against South Africa, Gayle scored quick-fire 77 and 90 to help his team to a series win over the Proteas. He would look to lead from the front and take the attack to the opposition. Rohit Sharma Age : 27 Country : India Role : Batsman Hitting the record-breaking 264, he became the highest individual scorer in a ODIs this year. In the format, Sharma has scored five centuries in total, two of which are double hundreds, underlining his position as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world. Mohammad Nabi Age : 30 Country : Afghanistan Role : Batsman The Afghanistan skipper is one of the most experienced player in the team and is the only Afghan to score more than 1,000 runs in ODI cricket. Nabi can also contribute with the ball and has an economy rate of just over four runs an over in ODIs. Mitchell Johnson Age : 33 Country : Australia Role : Bowler Winning the ICC Cricketer of the Year and Test Cricketer of the year for 2013-14 will only egg-on the leader of Australia's pace attack to better his performance in the ODI format. Playing at home, Johnson is certain to get friendly pitches which will be an added bonus. In his last four ODI matches, Johnson has taken nine wickets, averaging 16 and a half runs to a wicket. Quinton De Kock Age : 22 Country : South Africa Role : Batsman/Wicketkeeper In his short ODI career of 35 matches, De Kock has already scored six hundreds and four fifties. What's more, he generally scores his runs at a brisk pace and has a strike rate of over 88 runs per 100 balls. He is definitely one of the youngest and freshest talents to watch out for during this year's World Cup. Tillakaratne Dilshan Age : 38 Country : Sri Lanka Role : Allrounder When Dilshan gets going at the top of the order for Sri Lanka, very rarely do the Lankans lose. He has been a star performer for Sri Lanka and is probably playing his last World Cup. He has been in a good nick in his recent outings and with both bat and ball against New Zealand and would look to continue that form. Dale Steyn Age : 31 Country : South Africa Role : Bowler Arguably the best fast bowler in the world at the moment, Steyn has it all pace, line and length, and the attitude of a lethal fast bowler. The South African tops that with game intelligence, which is vital during the new ball spell and during the death overs. In the recent test series against the West Indies, Steyn got a total of 13 wickets, including a six-wicket hall in the first test. Brendon McCullum Age : 27 Country : New Zealand Role : Batsman/Wicketkeeper A batting average of 30 runs may not be the best, but it is his ability to get New Zealand off to a flying start that makes him so vital to his team. McCullum scored 217 runs at an average of more than 72 in the recently concluded test series against Sri Lanka and is expected to lead by example. Shahid Afridi Age : 34 Country : Pakistan Role : Allrounder While he started his cricket career as a batsman, Afridi is more of a bowling allrounder now. In his last four ODIs, Afridi got seven wickets at a bowling average of less than 24 runs per wicket. After recently announcing his plans to retire post the upcoming World Cup, he would be fully charged-up to put on a big show. Bhuvneshwar Kumar Age : 24 Country : India Role : Bowler Blessed with ability to swing the ball both ways, Kumar can be lethal with the new ball. With an economy rate of 4.6 runs an over, the 24-year-old could be crucial to India's chances of retaining the title. Joe Root Age : 24 Country : England Role : Batsman A throwback to old school style batting, Joe Root plays the role of sheet anchor for England. In today's age, when cricket is dominated by aggressive batsmen, player's like Root provide the solidarity that is required when your team is in trouble. The 24-year-old has scored three fifties in his last four One-Day Internationals and is in a sublime form. Faf du Plessis Age : 30 Country : South Africa Role : Allrounder After scoring two hundreds and one fifty in the last four matches (Tests and T20 Internationals), Faf is being hailed as South Africa's go-to man. He is a consistent batsman who is expected to anchor SA's batting. | 1 | 7,594 | sports |
Greg Jarrett reports from New York City | 5 | 7,595 | news |
The Detroit Lions were coming off a four-win season two years ago, but they quickly became the talk of the NFL that March with the free-agent signing of running back Reggie Bush. Bush was just what the Lions needed, most analysts agreed, to give them the electrifying threat in the backfield to complement receiver Calvin Johnson and fill the void left by speedster Jahvid Best's departure. Lions' fans loved the addition and chanted "Reg-gie! Reg-gie!" every time he touched the ball. One restaurant even named a steak after him upon his arrival. But in the NFL -- "Not For Long," as they say -- the adulation can turn to skepticism almost overnight. In a salary-cap era, in which contracts aren't fully guaranteed, any underperforming veteran with a big contract potentially becomes expendable. Bush, coming off an injury-plagued season, has hit this stage of his career. He turns 30 in less than two months. He's played nine seasons in the league, which translates to a lot of hits taken considering the position he plays. A slow-to-heal ankle injury left him in and out of the lineup around midseason, forcing Bush to miss a total of five games. His 550 total yards (297 rushing, 253 receiving) were the second-lowest in his career, ahead of only 2010, his final season in New Orleans, when he played in just eight games. Is this the beginning of the end for him? Bush knows the reality for running backs in professional football, but he's adamant that he's not finished yet. "I think I have a lot left to give this game," he said. "My body still feels pretty good. I don't feel worn down. I don't feel beat up. "As a running back, nine years in this league can make you feel that way. But I still feel pretty good. I'm planning on playing for a while." Shortly after the Super Bowl, NFL teams typically start addressing the cap-casualty issue and release players who are under contract for the next season but don't fit into their plans. The players most targeted are those who have shown signs of age, have big contracts and have a capable replacement behind them who is younger and cheaper. Theo Riddick, a sixth-round draft pick in 2013, doesn't have Bush's experience or all of his running skills, but he could fill the role, especially as a receiver coming out of the backfield. A year ago, the Lions released receiver Nate Burleson and safety Louis Delmas to make room under the salary cap for other additions. The team is going to have to do some creative maneuvering this year with the cap in order to re-sign All-Pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who is eligible for free agency. All of that has led to the suggestion that Bush could be an option when they're looking to create cap space. There's one big difference, though. Cutting Burleson and Delmas saved more than $11 million against the cap. Releasing Bush, who will be owed a $250,000 roster bonus come March, would be worth less than $2 million in cap money. "I do know there's a (business) side of it," Bush said. "I know that I have a contract that says I'm here for another two years. "That's the business side. Until someone tells me otherwise, that's why I'm planning to be back." General manager Martin Mayhew, not surprisingly, wasn't tipping his hand on any possible offseason moves when he met with the media last week. Time will tell, but one thing in Bush's favor is that he showed signs of his old explosiveness late in the season. It was only for a few plays, but they demonstrated his talent, nonetheless. In the second-to-last regular season game, Bush caught a short pass on fourth-and-6 against Chicago and singlehandedly turned it into a crucial 21-yard gain. On the next play, he made another nice move to score on a 13-yard run. He also brought back memories in the playoffs when he scored on an 18-yard touchdown run against Dallas. It was similar to what he had done more consistently the previous year, his first season in Detroit, when Bush finished with a career-best 1,512 yards from scrimmage (1,006 rushing, 506 receiving). One positive this past season was that he didn't have the fumbling problems that he had the previous year. Were those late-season flashes a sign of what's still to come? Or just a throwback tease for a player nearing the end of his career? "It's unfortunate it took this long," Bush said of his late reemergence. "I really started to feel good, felt back to myself." The problem was that he just didn't show it often enough. He played the first five games, missed a game, returned for one week, missed another, played one more game and missed three before being available for each of the final five. His role, however, wasn't nearly as extensive as in the past, largely because of Joique Bell, who had taken over as the team's No. 1 back during Bush's absence. While Bush was enjoying his team's success and its run to the postseason, it was still frustrating from an individual standpoint. "I haven't been injured like this in a while where I missed a good majority of the season," he said. "That's tough to not be out there. Coming back and getting reinjured, coming back and getting reinjured, that was pretty tough to go through mentally. "Hopefully, next season I'll be able to play injury-free." The question that still has to be confirmed is whether that's definitely going to be with the Lions. EXTRA POINT Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin remains a candidate for the head-coaching vacancy in Atlanta after interviewing twice with the Falcons, although Seattle defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is widely considered the favorite. | 1 | 7,596 | sports |
7 Reasons to Pretend You Make Less Money We all know you can get in financial trouble by pretending to have more money than you actually do and most of us know that you can't make an educated guess at someone's salary by checking out the car they drive. So you can appear to be wealthy even if you're not. But can you get ahead by telling yourself (and intimating to others) that your paycheck is smaller than it actually is? There are some pretty compelling reasons to do it, and you could find yourself in a far better position than if your paycheck just barely covers expenses. Here are some reasons to consider pretending your paycheck is just a bit smaller than it really is. 1. Sock Away Money in an Emergency Fund If you don't have an emergency fund (or even if you do), you can pretty much count on having an emergency. Car transmissions break, you need to travel unexpectedly or someone in your family ends up needing help. Experts recommend six to 12 months' worth of expenses in your emergency fund. If you don't yet have that, you may want to make sure you have access to credit. But having the money saved is a better alternative. 2. Pay Down Debt Faster If you pretend you make, say, 10% less than you actually do, you can probably cut expenses to accommodate the reduced pay. But the money you will save isn't pretend and you can send it to your creditors, reducing or eliminating debt much more quickly . This little fib helps keep your spending in check, which will free you to direct the money someplace else, making some other dream a reality more quickly. You can even figure out a timeline for getting out of credit card debt with this nifty calculator . 3. Save for a Down Payment or Your Kid's College Whether you're looking to buy a house, educate a child or take a trip around the world, your dream is likely to require a significant chunk of change. And one way to get that is to pretend that earmarked money does not even exist. You can have it transferred into a designated account the same day you get paid so that you are not tempted to use it for the heavily discounted camping equipment that you know about because the advertisement for it popped up in your inbox. (Another money-saving hint: Most of us will spend less if we unsubscribe.) 4. Put More Money in Retirement Savings Retirement seems a long way off when you are in your 20s, and it is. But most people's expenses grow with time (particularly if you choose to raise children). It is not going to suddenly become easier to save more, at least not until you have far less time to do it, and the money has less time to grow. How many people have you heard complaining that they wished they hadn't saved so much for retirement? 5. Friends Won't Pressure You to Splurge We're not suggesting you do away with little luxuries altogether. You and a friend want to go get manicures? Go for it (sometimes). But think about whether all of your get-togethers need to involve a meal out, shopping or manicures. Maybe they made a resolution to move more. Walks can do double duty to help get your body and finances in better shape. And if your friends know you are on a beer budget, chances are they won't assume you have a champagne salary. 6. Friends & Family Won't Consider You a Human ATM Do you often or always pick up the tab for groups because you can afford it? If you say, "my treat" too often, it's possible you're sending a signal that because you have more, you have an obligation to share it with your friends and family. You may feel that way as well, and if you do, you would be especially wise to pretend you have a little less money than you actually do. If you do choose to give or lend money to friends and relatives, make sure everyone is clear on what is a gift and what is a loan. Money misunderstandings have the potential to damage relationships. 7. Your Income Could Drop It's easy and tempting to think your salary will be on an upward trajectory from your first day of work until your last. (Don't the retirement calculators assume that?) And who plans for a furlough or the loss of a big client? During hard times, it's not unheard-of for companies to levy across-the-board salary cuts. And if you're acting as if you make every dime that you actually do, it will be harder to adjust than if you've been acting as if you made less. This article originally appeared on Credit.com . | 3 | 7,597 | finance |
Decades ago, concept cars were strictly dream machines vehicles built to showcase an automaker's new technology or vision for a far-flung future. But concept cars today are far more pragmatic. They're built as a test bed for new designs 1993 Plymouth Prowler Concept The Plymouth Prowler, a retro-futuristic hot rod, was one of the most unexpected concept cars of the 1990s. This tribute to old-school rods like the '32 Ford seemed like pure fantasy. But with Chrysler having already turned the wild child Dodge Viper into a street-legal car, the notion of a production Prowler sounded (nearly) reasonable. The crowd was smitten when the purple concept car debuted at the 1993 Detroit Show, and so were the dealers, so the Prowler was readied for production and built alongside the Viper beginning in 1997. 1997 Plymouth Prowler Unfortunately, the power didn't match the looks. Under that hood wasn't some high-powered V-8, but a 214-hp 3.5-liter V-6. Plymouth boosted the power for the 1999 Prowler to 253 hp, but the last of these cars left Chrysler's Conner Ave Detroit plant in 2002. 2006 Kia Soul Concept Kia worked hard in the early 2000s to market a sporty and youthful image, but the boring cars in its lineup at the time just couldn't deliver. So, taking cues from the boxy little wagon that Toyota's youth brand Scion had launched, (the xB) Kia showed a box of its own at the 2006 Detroit Show. 2010 Kia Soul The Soul concept used a 2.0-liter four cylinder paired to a five-speed automatic -- not exactly a lot of juice. But people loved the look, and Kia launched the Soul three years later. This was a fun ride, especially when equipped with a manual transmission. Honestly, though, it was the company's hugely popular (and on-going) hamster ad campaign that made the Soul. 1995 Audi TT Concept Small German sports cars were hot in the 1990s: Porsche launched the Boxster concept in 1993, and BMW's retro Z3 starred in the 1995 James Bond film GoldenEye. That same year Audi showed off its own take on the trend, but this concept's simple, modern, and clean shape was unlike anything else on the road. 1998 Audi TT The 1998 production TT lost little of the concept's good looks; for the rest of the decade and beyond automakers would be copying the TT's big round vents. The little car has become such an icon for Audi that it has made only subtle design changes over the past 15 years. If forced to choose, we'd take the second generation TT RS from 2012 packing a 360-hp turbocharged inline five. 2002 Ford GT-40 Concept Ford's legendary GT40 racer put Ferrari on the trailer in the 1960s with its four (1966-1969) Le Mans victories, the first wins there for an American manufacturer. To revive past glory, Ford showed this GT-40 concept at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show, and just about anyone who saw that car was willing to mortgage his or her house (again) to own one. 2005 Ford GT Then Ford surprised everyone by actually building the 500-hp supercar, and just like in the 1960s, the goal here was to beat Ferrari. This time it was a street brawl between the GT and the Ferrari 360 Modena. The Ford was quicker in every speed contest and could top 200 mph. Today, the GT's values have increased well beyond the original sticker of around $150,000. At the Detroit auto show earlier this month, Ford unveiled a new GT. 1994 Volkswagen Concept One VW called the 1994 show car the Concept One, but everyone who saw it knew better -- this was a retro-modern interpretation of the company's classic Beetle. Looking back at the concept today, it still looks fresh and simple, and that's why the production New Beetle was a huge hit when it debuted four long years later. 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Buyers were especially enamored of the dash-mounted flower vase and didn't seem to mind that the Beetle used the Golf's front-drive chassis instead of a rear-engine, rear-drive configuration like the original. Today's Beetle, updated with design tweaks in 2012, is a more muscular evolution of that 1994 concept and in its most sporting form packs 210 hp. 2006 Dodge Challenger Concept By 2006, it had been more than three decades since Chrysler had something that could compete with the Ford Mustang or Chevy Camaro. So when Dodge unveiled the glorious orange Challenger Concept at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, packing a 420-hp Hemi V-8, muscle car fans went wild. Given the staggering success of the 2005 Ford Mustang, with a look that referenced the original pony car, and the reveal of Chevy's new retro-designed Camaro, it didn't take a lot of corporate arm-twisting to turn this concept into reality. 2008 Dodge Challenger The 2008 production model was as close as one could get to driving a concept car. It looked fantastic then, and it still does today. And thanks to the 707-hp SRT Hellcat engine, the Challenger is the most powerful American muscle car ever. 2009 BMW Vision EfficientDynamics When BMW showed the EfficientDynamics concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, few would have thought they'd see it on the showroom floor just five years later. This was something more than just "futuristic." The original concept used a three-cylinder turbo-diesel mated to a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with two electric motors that generated 356 hp and nearly 600 lb-ft of torque. The idea would evolve through two additional i8 concepts (2011 and 2012) and star in the 2011 film Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol on its way to the real world. 2014 BMW i8 The production car looks like a concept -- it's almost otherworldly to see one of these gullwing stunners on the road. The production powertrain uses a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine and dual electric motors to get to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. You can get this beauty from the future for a cool $140,000. 2007 Chevy Volt Concept The Chevy Volt concept was a hunkered-down, chopped roof sport sedan that just happened to conceal a forward-looking plug-in hybrid powertrain. The innovation here was that the Volt promised to use a gas engine like a generator to charge the battery pack -- a smart solution to the range anxiety that owners of pure EVs experience. 2011 Chevy Volt GM invested heavily into the Volt's development. However, the production model looked more like a Prius than the sleek concept. And the Volt's powertrain has proven to be a tough sell, especially now with falling fuel prices. Chevy had planned to move 60,000 of them per year, but the reality proved to be about one-third of that. The next Volt, due in 2016, promises more power and better efficiency in hopes of connecting with more buyers. 2005 Lexus LF-A Concept Built to connect Toyota's road cars to its F1 racing efforts, the 2005 Lexus LF-A concept showed that Toyota could build not only reliable family car but also something to compete with the world's best supercars. The 2005 concept was rumored to use a 500-hp V-10 as an homage to the engine configuration used in F1. Two years later, a second, more complete LF-A hit the show circuit. By 2008, spy photographers were catching shots of prototypes testing on racetracks around the world. 2010 Lexus LF-A The nearly half-million dollar production LF-A would finally hit the road in 2010, generating 552 hp from its 4.8-liter V-10. The LF-A was unlike anything Lexus or Toyota had ever produced, becoming one of the most rewarding sports cars of the day and trumping the performance and aural pleasure of just about any exotic. 2007 Fisker Hybrid Sedan Concept Looking at the Fisker on the show stand in 2007, it was hard to imagine the voluptuous sedan could maintain those insane curves and proportions on the real roads -- even design purists eventually cave to pressure from engineers. But not here. Henrik Fisker is a designer ahead of all else, and once the engineering for the sedan was ready to go (a plug-in hybrid system with a range extender gas engine not unlike the Chevy Volt), the Karma hit the road. 2011 Fisker Karma The Karma looked simply breathtaking. Yet a sedan cannot survive on looks alone, and this stunner was heavy, had a cramped interior, and cost six figures. Add in a handful of fire incidents and this car was a tough sell against reliable mainstream luxury rides. Financial troubles closed the company's doors in 2012 after about 2500 cars were built. 2009 Tesla Model S Show Car Today's hottest electric car began life as the Model S Show Car, unveiled at a private event in Southern California back in 2009. Here was a sleek sedan that cloaked enough battery power to hit an estimated 300-mile range. The proposed specs seems ambitious to say the least, especially coming from a company that was then a relative newcomer to the auto scene. Many believed that this car would never materialize. 2012 Tesla Model S Well, Elon Musk doesn't fail often. In 2012, Tesla Motors delivered on all the performance claims and produced what can now be considered a smash hit for the company. Today's top Model S the P85 D (dual motor) reportedly hits 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and has a range of 295 miles. Those numbers are so far ahead of everyone else that this sedan basically has no competition. 2011 Jaguar C-X16 Concept The original Jaguar F-Type concept of 2000 was a stunning retro-themed homage to the company's greatest sports car, the E-Type. It never came to fruition, but Jag kept the dream of a small sports car alive. In 2011, it unveiled the C-X16 to a feverish crowd at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and instead of going retro, the concept was completely modern and borrowed just a handful of cues from the past. It was a stunner with a V-6 hybrid powertrain. 2014 Jaguar F-Type This time around, Jaguar announced it would actually build the car. The production F-Type marked the return of the first truly sporting two-seat Jag since the E-Type. This sexy Jag packs a potent engine (especially in 550-hp V-8 R form) and sounds evil in the best possible way. 1999 Bugatti Veyron EB 18.4 Concept Volkswagen revived the Bugatti nameplate in 1998 by showing a series of concept cars to prove it was serious about bringing back the storied French marque. The first supercar concept, the 18.4 Chiron, was a wild machine powered by an 18-cylinder (!) engine. The Veyron concept was launched that same year with the same engine configuration. 2004 Bugatti Veyron In 2001 the company decided to produce the monster with a slightly more conventional quad-turbocharged 16-cylinder engine cranking out more than 1,000 hp. It soon became the fastest car in the world, topping out with speed records from 253 mph up to nearly 270 mph. A decade later, the $2.5-million-plus Veyron is still in production, with Bugatti readying a successor. 1999 BMW Z9 Gran Turismo Even though BMW was delivering some truly stunning sedans and sports cars in the late 90s, leadership decided it was time for a design change. The first car to showcase this new direction for BMW was the Z9. Ugly? Just about everyone that saw it thought so. But the Z9 would preview BMW's future the Z9 even had an early version of BMW's iDrive inside. 2003 BMW 6-Series Much of the concept's design was used in the 2002 7-Series as well as the 2003 6-Series coupe. The look of these cars may not have been popular amongst the press, but the public snapped them upthat generation of 7-Series became a BMW best-seller. Many of the styling details on those cars (like the large flat trunk) have been adopted across the industry. 2012 Acura NSX Concept Ever since the original NSX left Acura's lineup in 2005, the company has been trying to fill the void. It tried once with the 2007 Advanced Sports Car Concept, a front-engined V-10 coupe that looked more like a Corvette than an NSX. Thankfully that one died on the vine. Finally, in 2012, Acura showed the NSX Concept, a gorgeous mid-engined all-wheel drive hybrid that looked like the perfect successor to the NSX. It was a proper Japanese supercar, though Acura confirmed it would be engineered and produced right here in America. 2015 Acura NSX The highly anticipated sexy beast should land in showrooms in the spring of 2015. 2008 Land Rover LRX Concept Traditional boxy off-roaders have always dominated Land Rover's lineup of luxury SUVs. So the company revealed LRX concept a small and youthful Land Rover it took the car world by surprise. Gone was Land Rover's old-school design, replaced by a sporty silhouette punctuated by short overhangs. 2012 Range Rover Evoque The LRX looked incredible, and so did the production Range Rover Evoque that followed. The Evoque not only showed Land Rover could sell a small, street-oriented crossover, but it also changed Land Rover design, even for the more expensive models. 1993 Porsche Boxster Concept Back in the early 1990s, Porsche's lineup of cars included the traditional 911 and front-engined sports cars like the 944, 968, and 928. Then, in 1993. Porsche showed a concept that went right back to its roots. One of the first truly retro automotive designs, the Boxster Concept echoed the style of the classic Porsche 550 Spyder. 1997 Porsche Boxster The production Boxster may have lost a bit of the show car style, but it was an instant hit with a 204 hp mid-engined, water-cooled flat six cylinder engine and a supple and responsive chassis. Perhaps the best of the original breed was the 320-hp limited edition and lighter-weight (under 3,000 pounds) 2011-2012 Boxster Spyder. Today's Boxster remains one of the best sports cars on the planet. 2005 Jeep Rescue Concept At the time, Jeep said the Rescue concept was built to explore what a full-size 4X4 Jeep could look like. But in reality, the big vehicle previewed the look of the next Jeep Wrangler (designated JK) due two model years later. 2007 Jeep Wrangler The shape of the grill and fenders and even those marker lights on the flares are very close to that of the 2007 JK Wrangler. Today's JK Wrangler looks nearly the same. Once again, these days a new Wrangler is due in a few years. Perhaps we'll soon see another concept that shows the design direction. 1997 Mini ACV 30 In 1994 BMW bought the Rover Group, which owned the Mini brand. And though the original Mini was still in production, BMW wanted to remake the brand and create a new retro-modern version of the car. The Mini ACV 30 was built to honor the 30 years that had passed since Mini won the 1967 Monte Carlo Rally. It was incredibly cool. The car looked like every bit like what a modern-era Mini could be cute but still muscular and sporting. 2001 Mini Cooper The production 2001 Mini that followed borrowed a lot of the styling, especially the modern take on the central round gauge cluster. And while the ACV was the spark that created the new Mini, the production version that followed may have been an even closer embodiment of the original. 2005 Nissan GT-R Prototype The Skyline GTR was Nissan's supercara turbocharged, all-wheel drive monster so potent it was nicknamed Godzilla. But the model was never sold in the United States. So when a new GT-R hit the stands at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, American enthusiasts wondered if it would finally get a chance to wheel Nissan's legendary beast. The design was aggressive and purposeful but retained a more traditional coupe profile that suggested it was a supercar you could drive every day. 2008 Nissan GT-R The production GTR was launched in 2008 and looked just like the concept. More importantly, right out of the box the GT-R was quicker around Germany's famed Nurburgring than just about anything else. The top version of the Nissan GT-R now makes close to 600 hp. That's way up from the 485 hp it made in 2008.In the right hands, a GT-R is a devastating weapon. | 9 | 7,598 | autos |
Lauren Green reports from New York City | 8 | 7,599 | video |
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