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Kevin Harvick's NASCAR career Kevin Harvick, born Dec. 8, 1975 in Bakersfield, Calif., began his NASCAR Cup career in February of 2001 in the Dura Lube 400 at Rockingham Speedway. President Barack Obama talks about Kevin Harvick during an event to honor the reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion at the White House. President Barack Obama stands with Kevin Harvick and his No. 4 car on the South Lawn of the White House. Kevin Harvick celebrates with a bottle of champagne, a bottle of Budweiser and the championship trophy after earning his first NASCAR Sprint Cup championship on Nov. 16, 2014. Kevin Harvick, right, celebrates his 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup championship with wife DeLana Harvick, left, and son Keelan in victory lane. Kevin Harvick does a burnout after winning the Ford EcoBoost 400 and his first NASCAR Sprint Cup championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Kevin Harvick, left, and team co-owners Tony Stewart, second from left, and Gene Haas, second from right, do an interview with ESPN in victory lane at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Kevin Harvick's Stewart-Haas Racing crew congratulates their driver and presents him with a flag after Harvick won the Ford EcoBoost 400 and his first NASCAR Sprint Cup championship on Nov. 16, 2014. Kevin Harvick (4) burns out after winning the Quicken Loans Race For Heroes 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. Kevin Harvick (4) celebrates after winning the Quicken Loans Race For Heroes 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. Kevin Harvick celebrates in victory lane after winning the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 11, 2014. Kevin Harvick holds his one-year-old son Keelan in the garage area during practice for the 2014 Daytona 500. Kevin Harvick drives through the garage area during practice for the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. NASCAR drivers Tony Stewart, left, and Kevin Harvick talk in the garage during practice on June 1, 2007 at Dover International Speedway. Close friends off the track, Stewart announced Harvick would race for Stewart-Haas Racing starting in 2014. Kevin Harvick prepares to drive during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway on June 28, 2013. Kevin Harvick celebrates in victory lane after winning the Budweiser Duel race one at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 21, 2013. Kevin Harvick holds his son, Keelan, as his wife, DeLana, tends to him during pre-race ceremonies for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway on Oct. 27, 2012. Kevin Harvick celebrates winning the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18, 2007 at Daytona International Speedway. Kevin Harvick celebrates after winning the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18, 2007 at Daytona International Speedway. Kevin Harvick narrowly leads Mark Martin to the finish line to win the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18, 2007, at Daytona International Speedway. Kevin Harvick and wife DeLana during pre-race activities for the 2007 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Harvick won the Great American Race for his only Daytona 500 victory far. Kevin Harvick holds the trophy over his head as he celebates with car owner Richard Childress after clinching the NASCAR Busch series championship on Nov. 3, 2001, at North Carolina Speedway. Team owner Richard Childress promoted Kevin Harvick a year earlier than planned after the death of seven-time champion Dale Earnhardt at the Daytona 500. Just three weeks later, Harvick was celebrating his first Cup win in just his third start, on March 11, 2001 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Kevin Harvick stands in the garage area of North Carolina Speedway near Rockingham, N.C., as he waits for a practice session on Feb. 24, 2001, a week after replacing driver Dale Earnhardt, who was killed on the last lap of the Daytona 500. | 1 | 7,800 | sports |
@willsmith9099 wants to know if Tom Brady will consider retirement if the Patriots win the Super Bowl. | 1 | 7,801 | sports |
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Yasiel Puig just dropped nearly $2 million dollars on a gift for himself. Puig recently turned 24-years-old, and to celebrate growing a year older he purchased himself a $1.8 million mansion in Sherman Oaks, California. The luxurious mansion is 4,663 square feet and includes six bedrooms and six bathrooms. | 1 | 7,802 | sports |
NBC's "Saturday Night Live" poked fun at singer Justin Bieber in a skit spoofing his recent Calvin Klein underwear commercial. | 8 | 7,803 | video |
MIDLAND, Tex. With oil prices plummeting by more than 50 percent since June, the gleeful mood of recent years has turned glum here in West Texas as the frenzy of shale oil drilling has come to a screeching halt. Every day, oil companies are decommissioning rigs and announcing layoffs. Small firms that lease equipment have fallen behind in their payments. In response, businesses and workers are getting ready for the worst. A Mexican restaurant has started a Sunday brunch to expand its revenues beyond dinner. A Mercedes dealer, anticipating reduced demand, is prepared to emphasize repairs and sales of used cars. And people are cutting back at home, rethinking their vacation plans and cutting the hours of their housemaids and gardeners. Dexter Allred, the general manager of a local oil field service company, began farming alfalfa hay on the side some years ago in the event that oil prices declined and work dried up. He was taking a cue from his grandfather, Homer Alf Swinson, an oil field mechanic, who opened a coin-operated carwash in 1968 just in case. "We all have backup plans," Mr. Allfred said with laugh. "You can be sure oil will go up and down, the only question is when." Indeed, to residents here in the heart of the oil patch, booms and busts go with the territory. "This is Midland and it's just a way of life," said David Cristiani, owner of a downtown jewelry store, who keeps a graph charting oil prices since the late 1990s on his desk to remind him that the good times don't last forever. "We are always prepared for slowdowns. We just hunker down. They wrote off the Permian Basin in 1984, but the oil will always be here." It's at times like these that Midland residents recall the wild swings of the 1980s, a decade that began with parties where people drank Dom Pérignon out of their cowboy boots. Rolls-Royce opened a dealership, and the local airport had trouble finding space to park all the private jets. By the end of the decade, the Rolls-Royce dealership was shut and replaced by a tortilla factory, and three banks had failed. There has been nothing like that kind of excess over the past five years, despite the frenzy of drilling across the Permian Basin, the granddaddy of American oil fields. Set in a forsaken desert where tumbleweed drifts through long-forgotten towns, the region has undergone a renaissance in the last four years, with horizontal drilling and fracking reaching through multiple layers of shales stacked one over the other like a birthday cake. But since the Permian Basin rig count peaked at around 570 last September, it has fallen to below 490 and local oil executives say the count will probably go down to as low as 300 by April unless prices rebound. The last time the rig count declined as rapidly was in late 2008 and early 2009, when the price of oil fell from over $140 to under $40 a barrel because of the financial crisis. Unlike traditional oil wells, which cannot be turned on and off so easily, shale production can be cut back quickly, and so the field's output should slow considerably by the end of the year. The Dallas Federal Reserve recently estimated that the falling oil prices and other factors will reduce job growth in Texas overall from 3.6 percent in 2014 to as low as 2 percent this year, or a reduction of about 149,000 in jobs created. Midland's recent good fortune is plain to see. The city has grown in population from 108,000 in 2010 to 140,000 today, and there has been an explosion of hotel and apartment construction. Companies like Chevron and Occidental are building new local headquarters. Real estate values have roughly doubled over the past five years, according to Mayor Jerry Morales. T he city has built a new fire station and recruited new police officers with the infusion of new tax receipts, which increased by 19 percent from 2013 to 2014 alone. A new $14 million court building is scheduled to break ground next month. But the city has also put away $39 million in a rainy-day fund for the inevitable oil bust. "This is just a cooling-off period," Mayor Morales said. "We will prevail again." Expensive restaurants are still full and traffic around the city can be brutal. Still, everyone seems to sense that the pain is coming, and they are preparing for it. "We are responding to survive, so that we may once again thrive when we come out the other side," said Steven H. Pruett, president and chief executive of Elevation Resources, a Midland-based oil exploration and production company. "Six months ago there was a swagger in Midland and now that swagger is gone." Mr. Pruett's company had six rigs running in early December but now has only three. It will go down to one by the end of the month, even though he must continue to pay a service company for two of the rigs because of a long-term contract. The other day Mr. Pruett drove to a rig outside of Odessa he feels compelled to park to save cash, and he expressed concern that as many as 50 service workers could eventually lose their jobs. But the workers themselves seemed stoic about their fortunes, if not upbeat. "It's always in the back of your mind being laid off and not having the security of a regular job," said Randy Perry, a tool-pusher who makes $115,000 a year, plus bonuses, managing the rig crews. But Mr. Perry said he always has a backup plan because layoffs are so common; even inevitable. Since graduating from high school a decade ago, he has bought several houses in East Texas and fixed them up, doing the plumbing and electrical work himself. At age 29 with a wife and three children, he currently has three houses, and if he is let go, he says he could sell one for a profit he estimates at $50,000 to $100,000. Just a few weeks ago, he and other employees received a note from Trent Latshaw, the head of his company, Latshaw Drilling, saying that layoffs may be necessary this year. "The people of the older generation tell the young guys to save and invest the money you make and have cash flow just in case," Mr. Perry said during a work break. "I feel like everything is going to be O.K. This is not going to last forever." The most nervous people in Midland seem to be the oil executives who say busts may be inevitable, but how long they last is anybody's guess. Over a lavish buffet lunch recently at the Petroleum Club of Midland, the talk was woeful and full of conspiracy theories about how the Saudis were refusing to cut supplies to vanquish the surging American oil industry. "At $45 a barrel, it shuts down nearly every project," Steve J. McCoy, Latshaw Drilling's director of business development, told Mr. Pruett and his guests. "The Saudis understand and they are killing us." Mr. Pruett nodded in agreement, adding, "They are trash-talking the price of oil down." "Everyone has been saying `Happy New Year,'" Mr. Pruett continued. "Yeah, some happy new year." | 5 | 7,804 | news |
Snack Smarter for a Healthy 2015 Today's between-meal bites are not your grandmother's snacks. Current practices and trendy foods we call snacks have gotten an overhaul over the past few years. Gone are the days of traditional "snack foods," such as a couple of cookies after school or a handful of potato chips while watching TV. Surveys show that snacking is more popular than ever, focusing on taste, convenience, portability and ease just what American consumers crave. As highlighted in Food Navigator , market researchers at Dupont found that "more than 86 percent of Americans snack daily and 51 percent of snacking consumers eat three or more snacks per day." Food markets report a climb in portable snacks, hefty portions and personalization. Individually-packaged hummus and pretzels, name-adorned Coke cans and seemingly endless flavors of chips are all current examples of bites you'll be seeing more of in 2015. The right snacks bring to mind the words "satisfaction" and "svelte," while poor choices could welcome mindless munchin g and expanded waistlines. Though your New Year's resolution may have involved a diet overhaul, you may have come up against a barrage of temptation in your workplace . Even if you're consuming three nutritionally-sound meals daily, mindless snacking in between can be the culprit of those last stubborn pounds that seem to be clinging to your body. Many workplaces dish out food at every meeting or birthday, and some coworkers' desks look like candy shops. If your workplace environment is to blame for snacks that distract you from work and derail dieting efforts, then it might be time to clean up your act at work by removing tempting treats in clear jars and BYOS (Bring Your Own Snacks), so it's easier to take charge of your choices. Here's your healthy snacking how-to guide for a nutritious 2015: Pair proper nutrients A nutritionally balanced snack will help stave off hunger and hold you over between meals. Be sure to include whole-grain carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats for a winning combination. Plan ahead Prior planning is a surefire way to get the components of a decent snack at your fingertips. You may not feel the need to eat your planned snack daily, but having it in your office desk or fridge is insurance in case you're struck with a snacking emergency. Look for at least 5 grams of fiber Whether it's a cup of blackberries or whole-grain crackers, consuming sufficient fiber will help keep you full, prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and keep you, ahem, moving! Include protein Protein aids in satiety and satisfaction, but you may not need to include as much as you might think. Look for about 5 to 10 grams of protein per snack. Some great sources include nut butters, a few slices of leftover turkey, dried chick peas or Greek yogurt . Stock your desk properly Choose easy-to-store, non-perishable snacks to keep in your desk at work so you have a nutritious option when a hunger pang hits. Almonds are an excellent choice for their heart-healthy benefits. In fact, a recent study from the Journal of the American Heart Association showed that snacking on the same caloric quantity of almonds versus a muffin led to lower LDL, or "bad," cholesterol values and waist circumference. Be mindful Daily mindless munching packs on pounds faster than you can say 2016! Don't eat while looking at a screen including TV, your computer or your smartphone so that you can eat with your stomach and assess fullness, and eat with your mouth to appreciate flavor. Get a makeover You may not even realize that your "healthy" snack contains hidden sources of sugar or salt. Be sure to read the ingredient label to find stealthy ingredients. Sugar is the master of disguise, appearing in the form of synonyms including sucrose, corn syrup, brown rice syrup, molasses, malt and cane juice. And don't fall for the word "natural." At this point, it has no standard definition and it says nothing about calories. Sugar, fat and salt are all natural. Skip store-bought smoothies You may think you're doing your body good by snacking on a fruit smoothie , but you may be consuming way more fruit and concealed ingredients, such as cream and syrups, than you may have realized. Make your own smoothie at home for a lighter take. Try my sweet potato smoothie today! While it's said that it can take at least 21 days, and up to six months, to change a habit , giving your snacking routine a makeover will have lifelong benefits that you can start today. Copyright 2014 U.S. News & World Report | 7 | 7,805 | health |
The Miss Universe competition is sparking controversy in the Middle East after two contestants, Miss Israel and Miss Lebanon, took a selfie together. Mara Montalbano (@maramontalbano) explains. | 8 | 7,806 | video |
The New England Patriots are under investigation for illegally deflating footballs during the AFC Championship game. According to Bob Kravitz of WTHR, at one point during the game, officials took a ball out of play and weighed it. | 8 | 7,807 | video |
Squat, plank, push-up, jump forward, explode up, and repeat. You've gotta love burpees (or hate them because they're so intense!). There's a lot going on in this dynamic move, and not only does it tone your arms, core, and legs, but it also gets the heart rate pumping, so you know it's burning calories too. Check out this GIF to ensure you have the proper form and order of moves. Lower into a crouching squat with your hands on the floor. Do a squat thrust by jumping your feet back into a plank position. Do one basic push-up, bending the elbows and then straightening back to plank. Jump the feet forward to the hands, and come into a squat. Do an explosive jump straight up, getting as much height as you can. Start off cycling through 10 in a row, or if you're ready to step it up, try this challenge: see how many burpees you can do safely and effectively in one minute . If you prefer, you can also do a burpee by jumping first, and here's a tutorial breaking down that version. | 7 | 7,808 | health |
You don't have to adopt the extreme 1980s fad diet to enjoy the health benefits of grapefruit and watch your waistline shrink. Although this sweet and tangy fruit is mostly known by its diet reputation, it is actually loaded with health benefits (like lycopene and vitamin C) and is versatile enough to be enjoyed as a treat beyond breakfast. It's considered a fat-burning food that can kick-start your metabolism, so there is no reason to let this fruit be deemed an '80s has-been. Since it's currently in season, here are four reasons why grapefruit can help you lose weight. Keeps you full : Grapefruit is loaded with fiber, keeping you full longer and reducing the likelihood of mindless snacking. One serving of grapefruit has only 53 calories and about 2 grams of fiber. Research has also found that eating half a grapefruit before every meal can lead to greater weight loss in dieters. While trying this at every meal may be a bit extreme, this tactic would work well for breakfast. Makes a low-calorie substitution : There are several ways to enjoy grapefruit beyond breakfast. Consider substituting dried fruit for slices of grapefruit in salads or using it to serve up a satisfying dinner alongside jerk grilled chicken. You can even use it to satisfy your sweet tooth as a light dessert using this sabayon gratin recipe . Stabilizes blood sugar : Study shows that this magic fruit has compounds that can reduce insulin levels. Low levels of insulin mean your body can more efficiently use food for energy rather than storing it as fat; a candy bar can't claim that. Curbs cravings : There is something to be said about kick-starting your day with grapefruit. Studies show that the mere smell of grapefruit can aid in weight loss. Researchers speculate that sniffing grapefruit oil has an effect on liver enzymes, which can help to nix cravings and spur weight loss. Time to consider those grapefruit-scented bath products! | 7 | 7,809 | health |
The past few months have had me behind the wheel of lots of trucks and SUVs more often than in the Mazda3's driver's seat. Yet the car has not sat idle -- it's been in the diagnostic hands of the rest of the staff, several of whom came back to me with unsolicited and positive first impressions. Associate online editor Carol Ngo loves how easy it is to pair her iPhone to the 2014 Mazda3 . And not just the initial pairing but also how well the systems syncs with her Bluetooth every time she gets back into the car. She is in and out of all sorts of new cars, but as of late, none has paired as easily as the '3. She recently picked up a friend who asked, "What car is this? The leather is really thick on these seats. Cool red stitching, too." Creative director Alan Muir is pleased and amused by the radio-tuning interface. The round digital graphic mimics an analog dial from days gone by, and coupled with the 2014 Mazda3's big rotary multi-knob, it makes quick work of dialing in his favorite FM broadcast. The steering wheel impressed managing art director Mike Royer. "I like the size of the wheel, and it feels great in my hands," he says. "That's a better-feeling wheel than in most cars costing a lot more than the '3." Testing director Kim Reynolds adores the handling and steering. "Arguably that car is more poised than it needs to be," he says. "It's quick, nimble, agile, and sets a benchmark for sportiness in the compact car segment." New photo hire Robin Trajano sounded off on how much he likes the shift paddles on the wheel, yet he still wishes this bigger-engined '3 had a manual transmission. I brought to his attention that the 2015 Mazda3s can now be had with the same six-speed manual that originally came only with the base 2.0L. His eyes lit up, and he immediately logged on to mazdausa.com to spec out an S with the manual, noting that choosing a self-service (and self-serving) gearbox shaves $1,000 off the cost. It's cool that by adding the manual to the more powerful engine, Mazda seems committed to offering the most entertaining car in this segment. If only Robin and I could swap this auto-box for that new manual. More on our long-term 2014 Mazda3 S GT: Arrival 1500 Miles in a Mazda3 s Grand Touring Hatchback Update 1: Mazda Connect Infotainment System Update 2: A Solid, Small Car, and a Great Fit For My Lifestyle Update 3: The Mazda3 and Our New Hatchback King | 9 | 7,810 | autos |
A couple things have happened over the past couple months with our long-term 2014 Kia Soul Exclaim . The first is that it was taken in for its first service a little before the suggested 7,500-mile mark. I tried to make an appointment a couple days in advance but was surprised to find that the next available appointment wasn't for another two weeks. I decided to take my chances and walk in instead, and I was pleased that they were able to take me. After all was said and done, the Soul's oil and filter were changed and the tires were rotated for a grand total of $73.84. That was a little more than I expected to pay. However, the dealer's site does say oil changes for turbocharged cars cost extra. Related link: Research the Kia Soul Another first for the Kia Soul was a day at the slopes. With the snow sport season in high gear, the Soul has already rolled through the parking lots of the Big Bear Mountain Resorts more than a few times. Although the Soul only has to transport our snowboards about 5 miles from our cozy cabin to the resorts, the boards still managed to beat up the Soul's interior quite a bit. With the 60/40 split rear seats folded down the 40 side, the three boards fit just fine, but they've left scratches on the back of the passenger seat and on the black shiny plastic trim on the right rear passenger's door panel. Wrapping the boards in a blanket or towel could help remedy this issue, but either way, it'll be interesting to see how the Soul's interior holds up throughout the season. An easy solution would be getting Kia's $280.20 roof racks and $129.00 roof ski/snowboard attachment, except that it's not even an option. Our long-termer has the panoramic sunroof, which basically means nothing can be installed up there. No roof racks. No cargo box. No bike attachment. No kayak attachment. Bad news for those who like to get out of the city every once in a while. Even if I could get one installed, Kia's roof ski/snowboard attachment can only accommodate one snowboard. Gee, thanks. After a little research, I found that automakers such as Audi don't let panorama sunroofs limit roof rack installation, so it would be nice for Kia to figure out a system to allow owners to enjoy both. That doesn't mean I still can't prep the Kia Soul for snow duty, though. To prevent further damage to the Soul's interior, I have a couple things down on my wish list: all-weather floormats, a cargo tray, and a cargo tray seat-back protection. Stay tuned to see if we can get our hands on some of these accessories. More on our long-term 2014 Kia Soul Exclaim here: Arrival Update 1: Already Painting a Good Picture Update 2: Track'ster-Inspired Soul is no Track Star | 9 | 7,811 | autos |
Jessie J has some party tricks up her sleeve! | 8 | 7,812 | video |
The Senate map is the Democrats' friend in the 2016 cycle. They are defending only 10 seats, while Republicans have two dozen to hold. But wait, it gets better. Seven of those 24 Republican seats are in states that President Obama won not once but twice: Florida, Illinois, Iowa, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. To win the majority, Democrats need to win five of those seven seats in November 2016. (If Hillary Clinton, or another Democrat, wins the White House in 2016, then Senate Democrats need to win only four of those seven.) That's the exact path Republicans took to the Senate majority in 2014 when, needing a six-seat gain, they won all six of the Democratic-held seats Alaska, Arkansas, Louisiana, Montana, South Dakota and West Virginia that Mitt Romney carried in 2012. (Republicans also won two states Iowa and Colorado that Obama carried twice, and one North Carolina that Obama won in 2008 and Romney won in 2012.) Of course, 2014 was a historically good year for Senate Republicans. The last time the party won more than nine seats in a midterm election was 1994, when it scored 10. Prior to 1994, you have to go back to 1946, when Republicans netted 12 seats. And while the map looks great for Democrats on paper, several of those seven races look less rosy in reality. Iowa is a tough Democratic pickup unless Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R) decides to retire, which he insists he isn't going to do. Ohio Sen. Rob Portman (R) is a gifted politician and fundraiser, while the Democratic bench in the state is decidedly thin. The Democratic fields in New Hampshire, Florida and Illinois are still quite muddled. And neither Sens. Patrick J. Toomey (R-Pa.) nor Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) are political dead men walking. There are also two genuinely vulnerable Democrats Sens. Harry M. Reid (Nev.) and Michael F. Bennet (Colo.) on the ballot in 2016. Still, as the 2014 election revealed, the map and the math are huge factors in the battle for the Senate. Both are on Democrats' side this time around. Below are the 10 most competitive Senate contests on the ballot in 2016. The No. 1-ranked race is the most likely to switch parties in 2016. 10. Kentucky (Republican-controlled). Sen. Rand Paul (R) is staffing, as expected, for a presidential run next year. Paul still has to figure out how he's going to run for president and hold his Senate seat if that former race doesn't work out. His opponent in that effort could be none other than 2014 Senate nominee Alison Lundergan Grimes , given her role as Kentucky's chief elections officer. 9. Ohio (R). This may be the swing state at the presidential level. But Portman isn't seen as particularly vulnerable in 2016. A lot of that is because he banked $5.8 million by the end of 2014. Another big reason is that Democrats have a slim bench in Ohio. Among the names mentioned are Cincinnati Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld, former governor Ted Strickland, former congresswoman Betty Sutton and Rep. Tim Ryan. 8. Florida (R). Whither Marco Rubio? The Florida senator could be the odd man out in the presidential race , with fellow Floridian Jeb Bush and other establishment-friendly candidates such as Mitt Romney and Chris Christie in the mix. Consider this: Rubio is just 43 years old, and he's got his 2016 reelection campaign to worry about. Perhaps it's better to focus on staying in the Senate and waiting for the next opportunity. 7. New Hampshire (R). The question here is what Gov. Maggie Hassan (D) does. Democrats think there's a decent chance she will run against Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R), but a New England College poll showed Ayotte leading that matchup by five points. 6. Colorado (Democratic-controlled). No one thought Bennet would even be in the Senate in 2016. After being appointed as an unknown in 2009, he ran a perfect campaign in 2010 and benefited from the fact that his Republican opponent was, well, not very good. Given Colorado's swinginess, Bennet will be a major Republican target again. But whom will Republicans put forward? Rep. Mike Coffman and newly elected state Attorney General Cynthia Coffman are mentioned they're married as is Rep. Scott R. Tipton . 5. North Carolina (R). Sen. Richard Burr (R) isn't doing much to inspire confidence in Republicans about his future plans. His fundraising is weak $720,000 on hand as of the end of September and rumors continue to swirl about him not running again in 2016. ( Burr has said he plans to run .) If Democrats can persuade former senator Kay Hagan (D) to run, this race moves up on our rankings. But even if they don't, it's hard to see this not being a very competitive race in a presidential year. 4. Pennsylvania (R). Attorney General Kathleen Kane (D) was once the Democrats' dream opponent for Toomey. She now faces potential criminal charges for allegedly violating the secrecy of a grand jury. The Democratic establishment does not want 2010 nominee and former congressman Joe Sestak as its nominee, but Sestak is pretty gung-ho about running again. 3. Illinois (R). State Attorney General Lisa Madigan is the Democrats' first choice to take on Sen. Mark Kirk (R). But she has passed up so many winnable races for higher office that it's hard to see why she would run this time. If not Madigan, then Democrats will turn to Rep. Tammy Duckworth or Rep. Bill Foster. Kirk is an excellent fundraiser and knows the seriousness of the challenge he faces. Much depends on the top of the ticket; if the Democratic presidential nominee wins Illinois by 15 points (Obama carried it by 17 points), then it's hard to see a path to victory for Kirk. 2. Nevada (D). Reid got knocked down hard while working out at his home in Nevada. He got so banged up that he missed the first days of Congress and might not regain vision in his right eye . He said it won't affect his reelection decision. The bigger question is what Gov. Brian Sandoval (R) does. Does he wait for Reid to decide whether to seek reelection? Force his hand? This is a big question in a race Republicans would love to win to stem possible losses elsewhere. Meanwhile, former lieutenant governor Brian Krolicki, who blames Reid for a 2008 indictment that Krolicki later beat, is considering running . 1. Wisconsin (R). Johnson seems unaware that he won a Democratic-leaning (at the federal level) state in 2010. He had the ninth most conservative record in the Senate, according to National Journal's 2013 vote ratings . Democrats are banking on former senator Russell Feingold, who lost to Johnson in 2010, running for his old seat. If Feingold does run, he'll have to put forth a much better campaign than he did five years ago. If he doesn't, expect Rep. Ron Kind, who has been itching to run statewide for as long as we can remember, to leap into the race. | 5 | 7,813 | news |
Fitness guru was filming on the tracks when he was killed | 8 | 7,814 | video |
Police from a Florida department are facing heat for using old mugshots for sniper target practice. CNN's Jason Carroll reports. | 5 | 7,815 | news |
New England Patriots players react to their conference win over the Indianapolis Colts, including LeGarrette Blout, Darrelle Revis, Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman and more. As the AFC Champions, the Patriots continue on to Super Bowl XLIX vs the Seattle Seahawks. To see more Patriots videos download the Patriots DeskSite. | 1 | 7,816 | sports |
The England squad complete a gruelling fielding circuit training session in hot conditions at The Gabba before heading to the nets to hone their skills ahead of their second Tri-Series match against India. | 8 | 7,817 | video |
With the Seahawks down a significant amount of points in the fourth quarter in the NFC championship, some of the fans at CenturyLink Field left the game early. And of course, once the Seahawks managed to turn the game around, the fans who left early wanted back in. | 8 | 7,818 | video |
The 2015 Nissan Murano debuted with a huge EPA-rated fuel economy improvement compared to its predecessor, but how will the midsize crossover perform in the real world? Not bad, it turns out. Motor Trend recently ran a 2015 Nissan Murano Platinum in front-drive form through our Real MPG program , an alternative source of standardized fuel economy numbers. The result? The Murano got 19.7/28.5 R-MPG, compared to the EPA's 21/28 mpg result. That's 6 percent below the EPA estimate in city driving and actually 2 percent above it with highway driving. All 2015 Muranos are powered by a 260-hp 3.5-liter V-6 that's mated to a revised CVT. Until we get our hands on the 2015 Ford Edge , we can offer by comparison the Real MPG results of a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. In front-drive form, the Santa Fe Sport got 19.4/27.9 R-MPG, right in line with its 19/27 mpg EPA numbers and the 2015 Murano, but the Nissan is quicker than the Hyundai. For those searching for an efficient people-mover within the Nissan family, we've also Real MPG tested a 2014 Quest LE , at 18.6/24.3 mpg to the EPA's 19/25 mpg. The 2015 Quest received updates that put EPA results at 20/27 mpg. An all-wheel-drive 2014 Pathfinder SL was good for 17.3/25.3 R-MPG (EPA: 20/26 mpg), while an all-wheel-drive 2015 Rogue SL landed at 22.6/28.9 R-MPG (EPA: 25/32 mpg). The bottom line for Nissan crossover shoppers is that although Rogue I-4 drivers should see better fuel economy in the city and on the highway, the bigger gap over the new Murano V-6 might be in city driving. If you were buying a midsize crossover such as the 2015 Nissan Murano, how important would fuel economy be to your buying decision? | 9 | 7,819 | autos |
Wynn Las Vegas Director of Race and Sports Operations Johnny Avello discusses the odds of the Patriots and Seahawks winning Super Bowl XLIX. | 8 | 7,820 | video |
The Seahawks put themselves back in the game on a fake field goal in the third quarter of Sunday's NFC championship game. Punter Jon Ryan threw a floater to Garry Gilliam for 19 yards to give Seattle their first touchdown of the game. The play pulled the Seahawks to within 9 points. | 1 | 7,821 | sports |
Click here to see the story » NOW WATCH: Beautiful drone video of epic trip across South America | 3 | 7,822 | finance |
Iran beat UAE 1-0 with last gasp goal at Asian Cup | 8 | 7,823 | video |
The FAA is investigating two very close calls at JFK International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. CNN's Rene Marsh reports. | 5 | 7,824 | news |
Ahmed stunner gives Bahrain victory over Qatar | 8 | 7,825 | video |
When it comes to financial stability, black Americans are often in much more precarious financial situations than white Americans. Their unemployment rate is higher, and so is the level of poverty within the black community. In 2013, the poverty rate among white Americans was 9.6 percent, among black Americans it was 27.2 percent. And the gap between the wealth of white families and black families has widened to its highest levels since 1989, according to a 2014 study by Pew Research Center. The facts of this rift aren't new, or all that surprising. But perhaps what's most unsettling about the current economic climate in black America is that when black families attain middle-class status, the likelihood that their children will remain there, or do better, isn't high. American Income Distributions, by Race "Even black Americans who make it to the middle class are likely to see their kids fall down the ladder," writes Richard Reeves, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute. In a recent blog post Reeves says that seven out of 10 black children who are born to families with income that falls in the middle quintile of the income spectrum will find themselves with income that's one to two quintiles below their parents ' during their own adulthood. A 2014 study from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, which looked at factors like parental income, education, and family structure, shows a similar pattern: Many black Americans not only fail to move up, but show an increased likelihood of backsliding. According to the study, "In recent decades, blacks have experienced substantially less upward intergenerational mobility and substantially more downward intergenerational mobility than whites." The greater probability of slipping back applies toblacks across income groups. According to the Fed study, about 60 percent of black children whose parents had income that fell into the top 50 percent of the distribution saw their own income fall into the bottom half during adulthood. This type of downward slidewas common for only 36 percent of white children. But the gap in mobility was also significant for lower-class families as well. "For most of the bottom half of the income distribution, the racial differences in upward mobility are consistently between 20 and 30 percent," writes senior economistBhashkar Mazumder, the study's author. "If future generations of white and black Americans experience the same rates of intergenerational mobility as these cohorts, we should expect to see that blacks on average would not make any relative progress." The explanations for this phenomenon are varied, but largely hinge on many of the criticisms that already exist in regard to socioeconomics and race in the U.S. Economists cite lower educational attainment, higher rates of single-parent households, and geographic segregation as potential explanations for these trends. The latter determines not only what neighborhoods people live in, but often what types of schools children attend, which could play a role in hindering their educational and professional attainment later on. According to Reeves, "In terms of opportunity, there are still two Americas, divided by race." Still, most economists lack a clear, definitive explanation for why, after reaching the middle class, many black American families quickly lose that status as their children fall behind. This article was originally published at http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2015/01/how-black-middle-class-kids-become-black-lower-class-adults/384613/ | 5 | 7,826 | news |
One great photo from every Super Bowl in history Super Bowl I (Packers 35, Chiefs 10) Green Bay Packers wide receiver Max McGee makes a juggling touchdown catch during the first Super Bowl. Packers quarterback Bart Starr was named MVP. Super Bowl II (Packers 33, Raiders 14) Legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi is carried off the field after his team's second consecutive Super Bowl win. Super Bowl III (Jets 16, Colts 7) Quarterback Joe Namath of the New York Jets hands off the football to Matt Snell during Super Bowl III on Jan. 12, 1969. Namath came through on his famous "guarantee" of a Jets upset against the heavily favored Colts. Super Bowl IV (Chiefs 23, Vikings 7) Kansas City quarterback Len Dawson is grabbed by a Minnesota defender after handing the off to running back Mike Garrett. Super Bowl V (Colts 16, Cowboys 13) Baltimore kicker Jim O'Brien (80) leaps with joy after kicking the winning field goal against the Dallas Cowboys in the final seconds. Super Bowl VI (Cowboys 24, Dolphins 3) Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach (12) tries to escape the grasp of Miami Dolphins defender Jim Riley. Super Bowl VII (Dolphins 14, Redskins 7) Miami Dolphins' Jim Mandich takes in a Bob Griese pass near the goal line during the second quarter. The 1972 Miami Dolphins remain the NFL's only team with a perfect record (17-0). The 1948 Cleveland Browns of the AAFC also posted a 14-0 record. Super Bowl VIII (Dolphins 24, Vikings 7) Larry Csonka of the Miami Dolphins runs down the field. Csonka became the first running back to be named Super Bowl MVP. Super Bowl IX (Steelers 16, Vikings 6) Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle "Mean" Joe Greene encourages his teammates. Super Bowl X (Steelers 21, Cowboys 17) Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Lynn Swann dives as he catches a pass from quarterback Terry Bradshaw. Super Bowl XI (Raiders 32, Vikings 14) Coach John Madden of the Oakland Raiders is carried from the field by his players after his team's win. Super Bowl XII (Cowboys 27, Broncos 10) Dallas Cowboys' defensive tackle Randy White, left, and defensive end Harvey Martin shared the Most Valuable Player award. Super Bowl XIII (Steelers 35, Cowboys 31) Wide open Dallas Cowboys tight end Jackie Smith drops a pass in the end zone against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Super Bowl XIV (Steelers 31, Rams 19) Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris carries the ball as quarterback Terry Bradshaw (12) and Sidney Thornton (38) raise their arms in celebration after Harris scored the Steelers' final touchdown. Super Bowl XV (Raiders 27, Eagles 10) Oakland Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett fades back to pass in the first quarter. Super Bowl XVI (49ers 26, Bengals 21) San Francisco 49ers celebrate their third quarter goal line stand that stopped a Cincinnati Bengals inside the 1-yard line on fourth down. Super Bowl XVII (Redskins 27, Dolphins 17) Washington Redskins receiver Charlie Brown gets ready to spike the ball after he scored a fourth quarter touchdown. Super Bowl XVIII (Raiders 38, Redskins 9) Los Angeles Raiders linebacker Matt Millen gestures as he celebrates with nose tackle Reggie Kinlaw (62) following their win. Super Bowl XIX (49ers 38, Dolphins 16) San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana signals his second touchdown during the first half. Montana was named MVP. Super Bowl XX (Bears 46, Patriots 10) Bears players carry coach Mike Ditka off the field after winning the Super Bowl. Super Bowl XXI (Giants 39, Broncos 20) New York Giants tight end Mark Bavaro kneels down after catching Phil Simms' touchdown pass in the third quarter. Super Bowl XXII (Redskins 42, Broncos 10) Washington Redskins running back Timmy Smith goes around Denver Broncos linebacker Jim Ryan on long run in the first quarter. Super Bowl XXIII (49ers 20, Bengals 16) Over 11 plays, the San Francisco 49ers drove 92 yards to secure a narrow victory. Pictured above is wide receiver and game MVP Jerry Rice. Super Bowl XXIV (49ers 55, Broncos 10) Denver quarterback John Elway dives for extra yardage. Super Bowl XXV (Giants 20, Bills 19) Dejected Bills kicker Scott Norwood walks off the field after missing a 47-yard field goal on the last play of the game, clinching a victory for the New York Giants. Super Bowl XXVI (Redskins 37, Bills 24) Washington Redskins wide receiver Art Monk picks up yardage after pulling in a pass during first-quarter action. Super Bowl XXVII (Cowboys 52, Bills 17) Dallas Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson is drenched by team members during the closing moments of the Super Bowl. Super Bowl XXVIII (Cowboys 30, Bills 13) Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith is hit by Buffalo Bills cornerback Thomas Smith as he scores a touchdown in the third quarter. Super Bowl XXIX (49ers 49, Chargers 26) San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice is chased by San Diego Chargers safeties Darren Carrington and Stanley Richard on his way to a touchdown. Super Bowl XXX (Cowboys 27, Steelers 17) Cornerback Larry Brown of the Dallas Cowboys returns an interception for 44 yards. Brown was named MVP. Super Bowl XXXI (Packers 35, Patriots 2 Green Bay Packers defensive end Reggie White points to teammates after sacking New England Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe. Super Bowl XXXII (Broncos 31, Packers 24) Terrell Davis of the Denver Broncos in action during Super Bowl XXXII at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. Davis scored three TDs and was named MVP. Super Bowl XXXIII (Broncos 34, Falcons 19) Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway slaps hands with tackle Tony Jones after the Broncos scored on an 80-yard touchdown pass play to wide receiver Rod Smith. Super Bowl XXXIV (Rams 23, Titans 16) Titans wide receiver Kevin Dyson tries to stretch across the goal line on the final play of the game. He is stopped by Rams linebacker Mike Jones. Super Bowl XXXV (Ravens 34, Giants 7) Baltimore's Keith Washington celebrates with Michael McCrary after sacking New York's Kerry Collins in the second quarter. Super Bowl XXXVI (Patriots 20, Rams 17) New England Patriots' kicker Adam Vinatieri celebrates his 48-yard game-winning field goal in the final seconds against the St. Louis Rams. At left is teammate Ken Walters. Super Bowl XXXVII (Buccaneers 48, Raiders 21) Tampa Bay's Dwight Smith races into the end zone ahead of pursuing Oakland Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon on a 44-yard interception runback for a touchdown. Super Bowl XXXVIII (Patriots 32, Panthers 29) MVP Tom Brady hoists the Lombardi Trophy after victory in the Super Bowl. Super Bowl XXXIX (Patriots 24, Eagles 21) Corey Dillon makes a third quarter touchdown, bringing the score to 21-14. Super Bowl XL (Steelers 21, Seahawks 10) Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward jumps in the air and scores after catching a 43-yard touchdown pass from fellow wideout Antwaan Randle El. Super Bowl XLI (Indianapolis Colts 29, Bears 17) Chicago Bears kicker returner Devin Hester sits dejected on the field following the loss to the Colts in Miami. Super Bowl XLII (Giants 17, Patriots 14) New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree hauls in a catch against his helmet to sustain the game-winning drive. Super Bowl XLIII (Steelers 27, Cardinals 23) Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes catches the winning touchdown pass in front of Arizona Cardinals safety Aaron Francisco late in the fourth quarter. Super Bowl XLIV (Saints 31, Colts 17) Saints quarterback Drew Brees celebrates with his son after his team's first Super Bowl win. Super Bowl XLV (Packers 31, Steelers 25) Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson and quarterback Aaron Rodgers celebrate after they connected for the first touchdown of the game. Super Bowl XLVI (Giants 21, Patriots 17) New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz celebrates his team's win over the New England Patriots. Super Bowl XLVII (Ravens 34, 49ers 31) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones celebrates with teammates after returning a kick for a touchdown. Super Bowl XLVIII (Seahawks 43, Broncos 8) Seahawks cornerback Byron Maxwell celebrates a touchdown with outside linebacker Malcolm Smith during the first half. Super Bowl XLIX (Patriots 28, Seahawks 24) | 1 | 7,827 | sports |
The Washington Nationals and Max Scherzer have reportedly agreed to a seven-year contract, sources confirm on Sunday. Scherzer is a career 91-50 with a 3.58 ERA in seven seasons. | 1 | 7,828 | sports |
CHICAGO James Elmore was putting Vienna, a pit bull mix, through her paces. On command, she sat, went to the down position, crawled, reached to shake hands. And if that didn't impress, there was one of those "easy" buttons sitting nearby. Vienna smacked it with a paw, triggering a disembodied "That was easy." Elmore and Vienna, along with four other veterans and 14 other dogs, are part of the pilot program for Veterans Advancing Lives Of Rescues (VALOR), a combined effort by Safe Humane Chicago, the mental health agency Thresholds and Chicago's Commission on Animal Care and Control. Safe Humane Chicago, a nonprofit that seeks to create safer communities through education and stronger human-animal relationships, provided animals from its court case dogs program abused or neglected dogs that were confiscated or saved by law enforcement personnel. Thresholds, which provides health services, guidance, education and support for people struggling with various degrees of mental illness, recruited former service members and provided caseworkers. The training sessions were held at the animal control facility where the dogs were housed. During the eight-week pilot program the dogs and veterans worked two, two-hour sessions each week. From all accounts, it helped the dogs. "I look at it like they've been falsely accused of something," says Elmore, a former Marine. "Like if they were taught to fight, but we bring them back, to where they can be adopted. I get a thrill out of that." On a recent afternoon, Elmore and fellow vets Shana Hughes and Winman Dickey worked with four dogs Vienna, Cello, Dilly and Otto, a charming 2-year-old pit mix with a broken tail who is the last of the program's original 15 dogs. Each dog was given a series of commands. Kat Budrean, Safe Humane's court case program manager, monitored the canine students. "Kat questions the handlers on the dogs' progress in particular manners," said Cynthia Bathurst, Safe Humane's board chair and executive director. She said the goal is to improve the animal's social behaviors. "If they have good manners, people are more likely to consider them for their homes." The VALOR program is the brainchild of Lynda Stein, Christa Velbel and Mary Bookman, three longtime rescue volunteers. The seed was planted about three years ago. Velbel and Bookman were PAWS Chicago volunteers. They received an email from someone within the Veterans Administration, asking if PAWS had any sort of outreach program for veterans. It didn't, but they held onto the email. Making small talk at a party a short time later, Stein, Velbel and Bookman kicked around ideas to help veterans and shelter animals. They tried to put together a program, but never could get all the pieces to fit. Then Stein brought the idea to Bathurst, and the wheels were in motion. "The veterans share the plight of this dog population," says Janice Triptow, trainer for VALOR and Safe Home Chicago's manager of behavior and training. "They're a little unsettled and making their journey. I think they bring empathy to the dogs and learn patience. They learn that small improvements are to be celebrated." As any pet owner knows, caring for a dog entails a lot of work, and the VALOR program serves as an introduction to those tasks for veterans who might be at a point in their lives when they're looking for more to take on. They learn how to keep a dog's ears clean, clip the nails and other things dogs require. There are benefits for both sides. Once in the program, the dogs are on a path to being saved. They're uncaged, getting exercise if only for a few hours a week they're getting training and their socialization skills are being sharpened. They are also being prepared to join society. Of the 15 original dogs approved for the pilot program, 14 have been adopted, moved to foster homes or taken in by others. The veterans are benefiting as well. "This got me back in touch with my emotions," says Dickey, who served in the Army in the '70s. He said that for years after leaving the service, he had difficulties coping. "I knew I had a problem, but I didn't know how severe." He said his depression comes and goes, but "When I came in (the program) with the dogs and got my mind into it, it was a beautiful experience." The next group of dogs and veterans will begin training shortly. The five who graduated from the pilot program will help out and continue working with the court case dogs. They also became volunteers at Animal Care and Control. "I have problems finding my self-worth. I have suicidal thoughts and stuff," said Hughes, an Air Force veteran. "So this brings something meaningful to my life. There's a sense of accomplishment. ... It's a great program." | 5 | 7,829 | news |
American Lindsey Vonn wins the Super-G event in Cortina d'Ampezzo to break the record for the number of wins in women's Alpine skiing. | 1 | 7,830 | sports |
Nick Irving was first black sniper in the Army's Third Ranger Battalion | 8 | 7,831 | video |
With more than 900 types of cheeses in the world, National Cheese Lover's Day is worth celebrating. Lindsey Granger compiled some of the best recipes to celebrate this tasty holiday. | 8 | 7,832 | video |
When Jourdan Dunn revealed her no-fail selfie strategy last week, we were struck by how many times we'd seen her do that exact same pose on her Insta. But, Dunn's far from the only one. Turns out, despite their much-hyped flair for versatility, models tend to give more or less the same face when it's selfie time. Better to get the people double-tapping with a look that works, right? We took to six of our favorite models' Instagrams to reveal exactly what kind of face they serve constantly and we'll break down how to get the look yourself. Your guide to Karlie's sass, Joan's hauteur, and Cara's kookiness, straight ahead. Karlie Kloss: The Boomerang Brow Step one: Purse lips. Step two: Smile wryly, as if all that you behold is beneath you (because it is, sort of). Step three: Arch your brows into perfect, upside-down V's. Making Taylor Swift look plain in comparison: optional. Karlie Kloss: The Boomerang Brow Karlie Kloss: The Boomerang Brow Karlie Kloss: The Boomerang Brow Karlie Kloss: The Boomerang Brow Jourdan Dunn: The Headache Step one: Tilt head to side. Step two: Touch hand alluringly to your head (ouch!) or neck (so tense!). Step three: Usually be wearing a sports bra. All Dunn! Jourdan Dunn: The Headache Jourdan Dunn: The Headache Jourdan Dunn: The Headache Jourdan Dunn: The Headache (Baby Edition) Jourdan Dunn: The Headache Gisele Bündchen: The Bushy-Tailed Smize Step one: Scrunch your eyes shut. Step two: Open them wide, then smile slightly with your mouth closed, like you're gazing at your beloved over a candle-lit dinner. Oh wait, we forgot, there's a step zero: Be the world's most symmetrical woman. Gisele Bündchen: The Bushy-Tailed Smize Gisele Bündchen: The Bushy-Tailed Smize Gisele Bündchen: The Bushy-Tailed Smize Gisele Bündchen: The Bushy-Tailed Smize Gisele Bündchen: The Bushy-Tailed Smize Cara Delevingne: The Wonky Eye While the Miley Tongue and Wavy Tongue were in close competition, it is the Wonky Eye pose that we most associate with Cara. To do: Cross just one of your eyes, form mouth into ironic duck lips, or a faux-surprised gasp. Voilà: Now you, too, look like a supermodel! Cara Delevingne: The Wonky Eye Cara Delevingne: The Wonky Eye Cara Delevingne: The Wonky Eye Miranda Kerr: The Doll Face Step one: Tilt chin down, smile sweetly. Step two: Hold phone at an extreme overhead angle. Think MySpace. Step three (optional): Surround yourself with several larger, taller people so you look extra tiny and adorable! Miranda Kerr: The Doll Face Miranda Kerr: The Doll Face Miranda Kerr: The Doll Face Miranda Kerr: The Doll Face Joan Smalls: The Bewildered Babe This one's counterintuitive, but stick with us: You are going for the absence of facial expression here. Step one: Clear your mind. Step two: Let your lips fall slack, your mouth slightly open (bonus: this will cut your cheekbones). Step three: Hold the camera below you. You are superior to all other beings. Step four: Gaze absently at, or just to the side of, the camera lens. Look like a befuddled alien. These mere mortals, they do not compute. Joan Smalls: The Bewildered Babe Joan Smalls: The Bewildered Babe Joan Smalls: The Bewildered Babe Joan Smalls: The Bewildered Babe Joan Smalls: The Bewildered Babe Joan Smalls: The Bewildered Babe | 4 | 7,833 | lifestyle |
Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray have all advanced to the second round of the Australian Open. Ana Ivanovic was bounced by Lucie Hradecka in a first-round shocker. | 1 | 7,834 | sports |
Some auto insurance coverage is required and some is optional. It pays to read your policy carefully. WHAT'S IN YOUR POLICY -- OR NOT Have you ever carefully read your auto insurance policy? Understanding what's covered and what's not is critical, not least because knowing the details can save you money. Be sure to check for these 10 types of contingencies, perhaps in a conversation with your agent. Some fall under the umbrella of standard coverage, but other incidents are insured only through optional a la carte clauses that add to the premium's cost.Numerous factors affect auto insurance rates, including age, gender, education, geographic location, type of car, and driving history. Each state requires a certain minimum coverage, invariably involving liability for bodily injury to others and damage to property. After that, you can choose to pile on coverage, such as comprehensive (non-collision damage to the car, theft), collision damage to your car, and roadside assistance; the specifics vary by carrier. How much insurance you buy is a decision based, in part, on your own tolerance for risk and out-of-pocket costs versus the price of the premium. RENTAL CAR DAMAGE Rental car companies often advise customers to pay an additional daily fee for insurance to cover any damage to the rental. Full stop. This coverage may already be included in your personal auto insurance policy, depending on the carrier and the type of coverage you have bought. Or, it may not; know the fine print. TOWING Towing is usually an insurance add-on (i.e., extra coverage beyond the required minimum), but policy holders often aren't aware they have bought this protection. Examine your current policy before paying for a tow. RUNNING OUT OF GAS Roadside assistance is often automatically included with towing coverage in an auto insurance policy. If so, the insurance company will provide assistance if you run out of fuel or another essential fluid, such as oil and water. Other emergencies, such as lost keys and a dead battery, may also be covered. Beware, though -- excessive use of these coverages may mean higher premiums. ANIMAL COLLISION Damage to your car from hitting an animal is covered by insurance -- but only if you have opted to buy comprehensive protection. Contact your insurance agent immediately after a collision, and only then consult with a body repair shop. VANDALISM Vandalism is another type of optional coverage included in most comprehensive clauses. Under this provision the insurance carrier covers costs associated with restoring your car to its original state prior to damage caused by, say, an angry neighbor or ex. THEFT Auto theft is commonly covered under an auto insurance policy's optional non-collision (comprehensive) clauses. Even certain components, such as stereos and installed DVD players, are covered. That said, insurance companies don't pay for "unattached" personal items that disappear from a car. PAIN AND SUFFERING If you are at fault for an accident, the insurance company will pay for proven pain and suffering, including emotional stress. This type of coverage is generally mandatory (part of liability coverage) and may even cover medical costs for emotional counseling, which can save you hundreds of dollars in doctor visits. TRANSPORTATION EXPENSES If you added this coverage to your policy, then the insurance company will pay for you to rent a car if yours is totaled or damaged in an accident. No need to reach out to friends for rides or to shell out for a rental on your own. LOST WAGES You might be surprised to learn that your insurance company will pay for wages lost due to missing work related to an accident that's your fault. How much the insurance company pays depends on your coverage amounts and exclusions. Either way, it's comforting to know that your income won't entirely disappear following an accident. NATURAL FORCES Don't consider your car a complete loss if so-called natural forces damage or destroy it. Again, comprehensive coverage is your friend, providing aid to repair damage arising from weather-related incidents such as a flood, forest fire, or hailstorm. | 3 | 7,835 | finance |
Let's face it: Finding a credit card that meets your needs can be challenging. If your application gets rejected, it's natural to feel a little miffed especially when you're not sure why you were denied. Here are five common reasons credit card applications get turned down, and what you can do about it. 1. Your credit score is too low. The first thing to do is to call up the issuer, and ask why your application was denied. Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, a lender must give you the specific reason for rejecting your loan or credit application. You must ask within 60 days of being notified. One of the most common responses is that a would-be cardholder's credit score is too low . Of all the information about you that card issuers evaluate, your credit score is the most important. This three-digit number, which ranges from 300 (worst) to 850 (best), represents how responsible you've been with borrowed money in the past. The higher your score, the more creditworthy you are. If your credit score isn't up to snuff, taking steps to improve it is your best option. These include: Paying your bills on time. Keeping the balances on your other cards below 30 percent of their credit limits. Limiting applications for new credit (especially credit cards). After following these new habits for six to 12 months, your score will likely improve . This is a good time to consider reapplying for the card you couldn't get before. Note: If your credit score is low and the reason is a mystery, it's a smart idea to review your credit reports for errors . You can access your credit report from the three credit bureaus (TransUnion, Experian and Equifax) for free each year at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you discover that a mistake on one or all of the reports is dragging your score down, you can dispute it and have it corrected. 2. Your income is too low. The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (known as the CARD Act) requires issuers to consider a customer's ability to pay before handing over the plastic. This means that if you have a low income, you may not qualify for a credit card. Banks interpret this rule differently; there's no industry standard for what constitutes a "high enough" income. Consequently, while one issuer might reject an application for inadequate pay, another might find the same amount acceptable and grant you a card. When calculating your income, don't forget sources besides your regular paycheck. Remember, overtime pay at your job and the money you're making from a side business both count. Be sure to factor those into your application the next time around. 3. You applied for the same card recently. Although many issuers allow you to apply for the same credit card more than once, most require a waiting period before you go try again typically 30 to 90 days. Unfortunately, the only thing you can do in this case is wait until you're eligible to reapply. 4. You're unemployed. Being between jobs makes it more difficult to get approved for new plastic, but it's not impossible. This goes back to the income issue: Without a clear way to make your payments, banks might be leery of extending credit. However, if your spouse is employed, using his or her income on your application is permitted. A 2013 amendment to the CARD Act allows non-working spouses to cite a partner's income on credit card applications as long as they have "reasonable access" to the funds. This is something to consider before reporting $0 as your current income on a credit card application. 5. You've never had a credit card before. Lack of a credit history might not seem like much of a reason for rejecting your application. But if you've never had a card before, getting credit is challenging. A blank credit profile makes lenders nervous because they aren't sure how you'll handle borrowed money. You have a few options. You could try to recruit a loved one with good credit to serve as a cosigner. Cosigners essentially backstop your credit card play; if for some reason you miss your payments, the cosigner is responsible for making good on the debt. This puts many issuers at ease, because they know that someone with a good credit history is on the hook for paying the bill if you don't. Another idea is to get started with a secured credit card . This will require you to put down a deposit, which, as the name implies, guarantees the bill is paid. But otherwise, secured credit cards function exactly like their unsecured counterparts. By using this card consistently and responsibly, you'll build a solid credit history . In fact, you should be able to upgrade to a regular card within a year or so. Getting rejected for a credit card isn't the end of the world if you use the tips above, you should be able to qualify soon. Copyright 2015 U.S. News & World Report | 3 | 7,836 | finance |
@NeyrubYetagasum wants to know what you think of Duke and Coach K after they beat the Louisville Cardinals. | 1 | 7,837 | sports |
Kaleb Whitby's pickup truck was crushed between two semi trucks in a pileup on I-84 in Oregon. He walked away with only scratches. | 5 | 7,838 | news |
Tape reveals reality of homegrown terror threat | 5 | 7,839 | news |
If you're a pop-culture junkie who loves movies, TV, and everything in between, then this post is perfect for your growing family. Why not name your child after something that you adore? We've rounded up over 200 gorgeous names for your little one that go way beyond the typical - after all, you can find those anywhere! You're sure to love these pop-culture-inspired names, from those of obscure TV show characters to A-list celebrities. Names Inspired by Cult TV Shows Though many of the most beloved cult television shows in history are now off the air, you can help them live on forever through your baby's name. Check out this list of unconventionally beautiful names inspired by your favorite cult classic shows: Girl names: Gemma (Sons of Anarchy) Skyler (Breaking Bad) Juliet (Lost) Britta (Community) River (Firefly) Deandra (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) Kima (The Wire) Maeby (Arrested Development) Willow (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) Clara (Dr. Who) Lane (Gilmore Girls) Boy names: Duncan (Veronica Mars) Dexter (Dexter) Jax (Sons of Anarchy) Walter (Breaking Bad) Saul (Breaking Bad) Sawyer (Lost) Desmond (Lost) Hugo (Lost) Dean (Supernatural) Sam (Supernatural) Troy (Community) Malcolm (Firefly) Dennis (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) Omar (The Wire) Fox (The X-Files) Xander (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) Rory (Dr. Who) Jess (Gilmore Girls) Sherlock (Sherlock) Watson (Sherlock) Names Inspired by Comedians Do you have a fun-loving family that is always laughing? Comedic names are a great option for your new addition! Honor some of the greats with these fun names: Girl names: Tina (Fey) Amy (Poehler) Ellen (DeGeneres) Maya (Rudolph) Carol (Burnett) Hope (Bob Hope) Lucille (Ball) Boy names: Chevy (Chase) Robin (Williams) Murray (Bill Murray) Leslie (Nielsen) Owen (Wilson) Carrey (Jim Carrey) Martin (Steve Martin) Names Inspired by Young Adult Franchises Many young adult books-turned-films have inspired baby name trends - just ask the thousands of toddlers named Bella and Jacob! These gorgeous YA-inspired names haven't reached peak popularity, however, so consider them for your bundle of joy: Girl names : Luna (Harry Potter) Fleur (Harry Potter) Beatrice (Divergent) Primrose (The Hunger Games) Rue (The Hunger Games) Esme (Twilight) Hazel (The Fault in Our Stars) Clary (Mortal Instruments) Maia (Mortal Instruments) Boy names: Damon (The Vampire Diaries) Augustus (The Fault in Our Stars) Miles (Paper Towns) Patrick (The Perks of Being a Wallflower) Lucian (Mortal Instruments) Names Inspired by Quirky Films Whether you're a die-hard Wes Anderson fan or have seen Sofia Coppola's films more times than you can count, quirky-movie lovers will dig these unique names: Girl names: Agatha (The Grand Budapest Hotel) Margot (The Royal Tenenbaums) Mia (Pulp Fiction) Sofia (director Sofia Coppola) Charlotte (Lost in Translation) Lux (The Virgin Suicides) Juno (Juno) Amélie (Amélie) Boy names: Wes (director Wes Anderson) Eli (The Royal Tenenbaums) Quentin (director Quentin Tarantino) Lawrence (Pulp Fiction) Jules (Pulp Fiction) Archie (Inglourious Basterds) Martin (director Martin Scorsese) Joss (director Joss Whedon) Names Inspired by A-Listers Any pop-culture junkie should consider naming their child after one of Hollywood's finest. After all, they set the trends in every other way! These celebrity names are seriously great picks: Girl names: Marion (Cotillard) Reese (Witherspoon) Rooney (Mara) Emma (Stone or Watson) Zooey (Deschanel) Kendall (Jenner) Selena (Gomez) Ariana (Grande) Gigi (Hadid) Chrissy (Teigen) Gwyneth (Paltrow) Keira (Knightley) Sienna (Miller) Lena (Dunham) Chanel (Iman) Mila (Kunis) Blake (Lively) Meryl (Streep) Boy names: Liam (Hemsworth) Brenton (Thwaites) Channing (Tatum) Hayden (Christensen) Benedict (Cumberbatch) Leo (DiCaprio) Anderson (Cooper) Kellan (Lutz) Keanu (Reeves) Ansel (Elgort) Niall (Horan) Anders (Holm) Names Inspired by Old Hollywood Retro names are a huge trend right now, and you won't find a better selection than the ones stamped on Hollywood Boulevard! Let these classic film stars serve as baby name inspiration: Girl names : Katharine (Hepburn) Marilyn (Monroe) Audrey (Hepburn) Grace (Kelly) Vivien (Leigh) Ginger (Rogers) Bette (Davis) Rosalind (Russell) Eleanor (Parker) Marlene (Dietrich) Judith (Garland) Boy names: Clark (Gable) Humphrey (Bogart) Cary (Grant) Marlon (Brando) James (Stewart) Laurence (Olivier) Charles (Chaplin) Orson (Welles) Clint (Eastwood) Names Inspired by Primetime TV While you may not be thinking of baby names when you tune in for your favorite show, there are some seriously unique names on primetime TV. Check out some of the best ideas: Girl names: Olivia (Scandal or Law and Order: SVU) Quinn (Scandal) Meredith (Grey's Anatomy) Maggie (The Walking Dead) Beth (The Walking Dead) Piper (Orange Is the New Black) Kalinda (The Good Wife) April (Parks and Recreation) Annalise (How to Get Away With Murder) Aria (Pretty Little Liars) Spencer (Pretty Little Liars) Boy names: Harrison (Scandal) Daryl (The Walking Dead) Glenn (The Walking Dead) Ben (Parks and Recreation) Connor (How to Get Away With Murder) Asher (How to Get Away With Murder) Ezra (Pretty Little Liars) Cooper (Big Bang Theory) Celebrity Baby Names Celebrities excel at choosing unique baby names, so why not gain some inspiration from their little ones? Girl names: Blue (Beyoncé and Jay Z) Apple (Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin) Nahla (Halle Berry) Shiloh (Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt) Scout (Bruce Willis and Demi Moore) Harper (David and Victoria Beckham, Shonda Rhimes, Bill Hader, Jenna Fischer) Olive (Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen, Drew Barrymore) Penelope (Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick, Tina Fey) Willow (Will and Jada Pinkett Smith)Kaya (Hayden Panettiere) Violet (Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck) Wyatt (Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher) Delta (Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard) Frances (Jimmy Fallon) Briar (Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen) Esmerelda (Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes) Rose (Scarlett Johansson) North (Kim and Kanye West) Boy names: Knox (Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt) Brooklyn (David and Victoria Beckham) Kingston (Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale) Moses (Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale) Marlowe (Sienna Miller) Bingham (Kate Hudson and Matthew Bellamy) Aleph (Natalie Portman) Otis (Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis) Jaden (Will and Jada Pinkett Smith) Bodhi (Megan Fox) Solo (Rosamund Pike) Milo (Alyssa Milano) Bowie (Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale) Mason (Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick) Reign (Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick) Abel (Amy Poehler and Will Arnett) Archie (Amy Poehler and Will Arnett) Names Inspired by Romantic Movies and Television Everybody's got a soft side, but your child may be more predisposed to the sweet things in life if given a romantic name. Try one of these monikers, selected from classic romantic pairings: Girl names: Rose (Titanic) Scarlett (Gone With the Wind) Holly (Breakfast at Tiffany's) Elizabeth (Pride and Prejudice) Claire (Outlander) Jane (Jane Eyre) Boy names: Rhett (Gone With the Wind) Forrest (Forrest Gump) Jack (Titanic) Noah (The Notebook) Westley (The Princess Bride) Paul (Breakfast at Tiffany's) Fitz (Pride and Prejudice) Jamie (Outlander) Edward (Jane Eyre) Names Inspired by Fantasy There's nothing more magical than bringing life into the world, so why not match your baby's arrival with an equally magical name? These fantasy series are perfect for finding the perfect moniker: Girl names: Arya (Game of Thrones) Sansa (Game of Thrones) Daenerys (Game of Thrones) Arwen (The Lord of the Rings) Brienne (Game of Thrones) Boy names: Godric (Harry Potter) Renly (Game of Thrones) Arthur (Merlin) Names Inspired by Cartoons While it can be hard to find cartoon names that are actually usable for kids (SpongeBob? No thanks!), there are a few great options for cartoon-loving parents: Girl names: Daphne (Scooby-Doo) Lana (Archer) Louise (Bob's Burgers) Dot (Animaniacs) Lillian (Rugrats) Boy names: Sterling (Archer) Finn (Adventure Time) Elroy (The Jetsons) Phillip (Rugrats) Names Inspired by Science Fiction Usable sci-fi names are few and far between, but the diamonds in the rough are absolutely gorgeous. Consider these science-fiction-inspired names for your baby: Girl names: Leia (Star Wars) Ripley (Alien) Neytiri (Avatar) Boy names: Kirk (Star Trek) Montgomery (Star Trek) Lucas (director George Lucas) Dallas (Fifth Element) | 4 | 7,840 | lifestyle |
Who doesn't listen to Warren Buffett? The chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway is the most iconic investor of all time and has been enormously influential for decades. No matter your age or your wealth, if you're interested in money, you listen when Warren Buffett speaks . Google him, and you'll find pictures of Buffett playing golf with LeBron James, laughing with Jay-Z, sitting courtside with Bill Gates, shaking hands with President Barack Obama and even hanging out with fans of his beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers football team. It helps that he's eminently quotable, of course. And while he's known primarily for his investing prowess, much of what he says is applicable far beyond the trading floor. Credit card holders, for one, would be well served to listen to what he has to say. Not only is he a major investor in credit card giants Visa and MasterCard Berkshire's latest SEC filings, from November 2014, reportedly show that he upped his holdings in each company by at least 15 percent but a lot of his basic tenets of money management can make you smarter about handling your credit . Here are a few famous Warren Buffett quotes that you can apply to using credit: The most important thing to do when you find yourself in a hole is to stop digging. It's such simple advice typical of the famously homespun Buffett but it's one of the most important things for a credit card holder to know: If you're in debt, stop adding to it. Stop buying things with your card, and start knocking that debt down. Make bigger monthly payments. Call your issuer, and ask for a lower interest rate you're more likely than you think to get your wish. Look for a balance transfer card with a low rate. But above all else, stop digging that hole you've found yourself in. Risk comes from not knowing what you're doing. Credit cards are complex things, there's no doubt. We've all seen the terms and conditions that come with the cards they can be about as easy and fun to read as a textbook on advanced economics. But here's the thing: Those confusing terms are really important and ignoring them can cost you a bundle. Take a balance transfer credit card , for example. They can be a great way to reduce the interest you pay on your credit card, as long as you know the rules. Just how long does that introductory 0 percent interest rate last? What will my interest be once that introductory period is over? Do I have to transfer the balance in a certain amount of time after I get the card? Can I lose that low APR if I'm late with a payment? Is there a fee for doing the transfer? If you know the answers to all these key questions, balance transfer credit cards can be a great tool. If you don't, you could get slammed with fees and sky-high interest rates that will cost you a bundle and that's a risk that you don't want to take. You only have to do a very few things right in your life so long as you don't do too many things wrong. This is a great way to look at credit scores and reports, which many people have a tendency to overthink. Even though we all have many credit scores that rank us in many different ways, the fact is that you only have to do a few things right to have a good credit score as long as you don't too many things wrong. It basically comes down to this: Pay your bills on time, every time, and keep your debts low. Of course, that can often be easier said than done, but if you can manage to do those two things over and over again, you've got a great chance to have great credit. The better your credit, the lower the interest rate you can get when you borrow for a house or car. And of course, the lower the interest rate, the more money stays in your pocket. Rule No. 1: Never lose money. Rule No. 2: Never forget Rule No. 1. Believe it or not, you can follow these rules and still use a credit card. If you have a no annual fee rewards credit card and you pay your balance off in full every single month, you won't pay any interest and you won't pay any fees. Factor in your rewards say 2 percent cash back or a $100 signing bonus and you may even come out a little bit ahead of the game. The most important thing any credit card holder can do is to pay entire credit card balances off each month. Otherwise, the math starts to work against you quickly. For example, getting 1.5 percent cash back on your credit card might sound like a good deal, but it isn't if you're carrying a balance on that card and paying 15 percent interest. That's a sure way to break both Buffett's first and second rules and find yourself in debt. | 3 | 7,841 | finance |
A summer vacation may seem far away, but the time to start thinking about it is now. | 8 | 7,842 | video |
There will be plenty of time to discuss the Super Bowl over the next two weeks, but what will people be talking about? Jason McIntyre lets us know some storylines for Super Bowl XLIX | 8 | 7,843 | video |
The Post's Ed O'Keefe details the pomp and circumstance of the most-watched political event of the year: the annual State of the Union address. | 5 | 7,844 | news |
The Korean obsession with great skin is all about that bounce dewy, taut complexions that sing with hydrated resilience. There's even a whole set of vocabulary surrounding this trend, with onomatopeias like "chok chok" ("moist"), "taeng taeng" ("taut"), and "jjon jjon" ("taut" or "moist" in reference to skin) to describe the enviable spring of a flawless visage. If 2014 was the year of the butt elsewhere in the world, in Korea it was about the bounce of an entirely different set of cheeks. This trend means Korean shelves are full of products with markedly different textures than those of the West. Some of these formulas even jiggle dare I say, twerk while others are less literal about the bounce aspect. Moisturizing creams rule this category. Of all the steps in the lengthy Korean skin-care regimen, this is one I'll never skip. As Derek Zoolander put it, "Moisture is the essence of wetness, and wetness is the essence of beauty." To that aim, Korean "bounce creams" aim to be light, refreshing, and above all, ultra-hydrating. While some can melt like butter or jiggle like Jell-O, most have a gellish, almost watery creaminess similar to Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream. This lightweight texture means they're great for skin types that can't handle the typical heaviness of traditional moisturizing creams. Intrigued? We've corralled our top picks for giving your skin that perky bounce. Keep clicking to get the scoop. There are moisturizing creams, and then there's this. This is my special, unique little star. The texture is so light that when I dip my finger into it, I can't even detect whether I've made contact with the product. For all its souffle-like weightlessness, it packs a plethora of skin-care powers. Despite the name "water cream," this formula actually doesn't contain water, a common ingredient in moisturizers. I find this crazy it's just extracts and pure goodness. It's also made of natto, which is a super gooey fermented soybean. Thankfully, it doesn't smell like natto. It has a distinctly delicate, fermented scent, which is weirdly pleasant. After application, I can feel a warm tingle on my skin, which makes me think it's working. But, what I love most is how my skin glows because of it. So hydrating, so good. It's my new fave. Whamisa Organic Flowers Water Cream, $35, available at Glow Recipe . I absolutely love the rich and subtly springy, yet incredibly silky texture of this lifting cream. It's almost gel-like but somehow also creamy. It contains seaweed extracts to penetrate deep into the skin and moisturize. The scent is typical Sulwhasoo: gorgeous herbal notes with a hint of ginseng. Reminds me of my Korean grandma, in the best way possible. Sulwhasoo Hydro-Aid Moisturizing Lifting Cream, $100, available at Sulwhasoo . The bounce trend gets literal with this moisturizing cream. The product begs to be poked; it's just so…bouncy. It spreads like a dense pudding (hence the name), but absorbs surprisingly well given its thick texture. The formula boasts Cremorlab-exclusive T.E.N. thermal mineral-rich water, straight from the springs of Gangwon-do, South Korea, as well as adenosine to fight fine lines and wrinkles. The proof is in the pudding: You'll get supple skin with a hydrated glow. Cremorlab Smooth Pudding, $48, available at Peach and Lily . This concoction became popular in Korea because of an ad campaign touting it as "date butter." What the eff is date butter? It's Korea-speak for moisturizer so good, it'll get you dates. From The Face Shop which I consider a drugstore-equivalent brand this product is interesting because of what it half-promises to do. As a straight-up moisturizer, it's disappointing. Though it spreads (and looks) just like butter, it's not as ultra-hydrating as others in this roundup. The smell also feels a bit artificial and overly sweet (and weirdly, not that much like mango). But, it's not meant to be used alone as moisturizer. It actually functions as a moisture sealer and should follow moisturizer to lock in hydration. I have yet to understand the science of Sudanese mango seeds as an unquestionably superior moisture-sealing coat, but the packaging claims this product can go for 48 hours. I'm not a huge fan of creating more steps than necessary, but there are hordes of Korean girls who claim this does indeed get them all the dates. The Face Shop Mango Seed Heart Volume Butter, $32.99, available at Momomango . This one's a darling of Korean home-shopping networks. Elensilia is a small Korean cosmetics brand that focuses on snail secretion-based products, which really, people aren't going to buy unless they're on TV at 4 a.m. But, judge not. Snails secrete mucin to self-heal and repair their broken shells. These reparative properties are meant to wield the same powers on spots and blemishes, while hydrating and plumping skin. The product is basically a gloppy, brownish gel. I guess the inventors figured that if you've already committed to the idea of smearing snail slime on your face, there isn't really a point in prettying it up. I have never loved snail products, but I can't deny that this one really hydrates. I like to use it as a mask usually overnight to wake up to an intensely moisturized, almost glossy face. Elensilia Escargot Original Repair Cream, $18.78, available at Gmarket . I was impressed (though not surprised: Etude House's parent company is Amorepacific, Korea's cosmetics giant) when I stumbled upon Etude House's Moistfull Collagen Cream, which is a far departure from the cutesy lip glosses the teenybopper brand is known for. This is a serious, grown-up moisturizer. The texture is typical for Korean bounce creams it's like a sheer, jelly cross between a gel and a cream. It contains baobab-leaf mucus and 30% hydrolyzed marine collagen, two major players in the bounce game. The baobab is a tree found in African savannahs, known for its ability to carry tons of water in its spongy trunk, which makes it insanely drought-tolerant. Its leaf mucus has a hyper-emollient effect, making skin supple and soft. Hydrolyzed marine collagen is a protein extracted from the skin of deep-sea fish that's rumored to have anti-aging antioxidant powers. Etude House Collagen Moistfull Cream, $25, available at Soko Glam . Yep, Bounce Cheese Cream is as weird as it sounds. In Korea, people often describe good skin using parallels with food. To be compared to a boiled egg or mozzarella cheese means you've got beautifully smooth, plump skin. The cheese connection doesn't end there: The bounce cream also harnesses the moisturizing power of whey in its formula. Thankfully, it doesn't smell like cheese. Glow Recipe's co-CEO and cofounder Sarah Lee explains, "We received emails about one of our weekly special items, Enprani's Bounce Cheese Cream; about if the formula smells like cheese. We told them that the texture feels and looks like bouncy mozzarella cheese, and the result of the use is plump, more 'bouncy' skin, and customers purchased them right away! We were sold out in less than a week." Enprani Dear by Enprani Bounce Cheese Cream, $27.99, available at KoreaDepart . This cream is an oldie, but a goodie. It's got staying power, because it drenches your face in moisture. In all honesty, it pretty closely resembles L'Oréal's Hydrafresh Aqua Cream in packaging and function, from the gel-to-water consistency to the pink and blue variations based on skin type. But, Nature Republic has also created an additional green option for combination skin. Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream, $16, available at Amazon . Belif's formulas are based on the herbal recipes of Duncan Napier, a Scottish botanist from the 19th century. One of its most-loved products is The True Cream Aqua Bomb, a lightweight gel cream that delivers a strong hit of hydration. Comfrey-leaf extract is rich in allantoin, a compound found in animal urine, which softens skin and allows it to better retain moisture. Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb, $40.52, available at KoreaDepart . This cream's getting a lot of hype right now I've been seeing ads for it all over. According to the brand, one jar of this stuff is sold every 15 seconds worldwide. Like other gel creams, it has a smooth, springy consistency and gets full points for moisture. The formula is centered around mineral water, with extracts of aloe and centaury for nourishing skin. I like that it's a bit thicker than others, but doesn't leave behind a sticky, greasy mess as it absorbs. Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream, $32, available at Target . | 4 | 7,845 | lifestyle |
We now know the New England Patriots will be taking on the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl. Who are the best players that will be competing in Super Bowl 49? | 1 | 7,846 | sports |
Russell Wilson was able to erase an ugly start with a glorious finish. After the Seahawks pulled off a very unlikely OT win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC championship game, the star quarterback broke down on national television. The Seahawks completed an incredible comeback, erasing a 12-point deficit with less than three minutes to play, and are now advancing to the Super Bowl for the second season in a row. | 1 | 7,847 | sports |
Written by Charlene Kay The best defense is a good offense, right? Well, some celebs certainly think so. Instead of nursing their broken hearts, these stars rebounded right into another relationship some of which lasted weeks and others that resulted in marriage ( like who ?). Read on to find out just who their rebound was and how long they lasted. JENNIFER ANISTON The world shed a collective tear when Hollywood's golden couple split in 2005. Married for five years, Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt ( see photos of the exes ) have both found love again her with fiancé Justin Theroux and him with wife Angelina Jolie but immediately following their split Aniston dated another very popular actor ( one of his early films ?) for more than a year. BING: WHO WAS HER REBOUND ? Fred Armisen Before his divorce from Elisabeth Moss was even finalized, "Portlandia" ( watch clips ) co-creator and star Fred Armisen rebounded with an actress he previously worked with on "Saturday Night Live." They were together for about a year before splitting in September 2011. BING: WHO WAS HIS REBOUND ? Lance Armstrong Long before cyclist Lance Armstrong admitted to doping in 2013, he was flying high with win after win in the Tour de France. What wasn't working out so well was his marriage to wife Kristin. Following their 2003 divorce, he started dating a Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter in what ended up being a three-year relationship. BING: WHO WAS HIS REBOUND ? Henry Cavill It would have been incredibly hard to miss Superman Henry Cavill's 2013 rebound relationship with a well-known television actress ( her current show ?). They spent about two highly publicized weeks together before they split and he got back together with his ex . BING: WHO WAS HIS REBOUND ? Leonardo DiCaprio When Leonardo DiCaprio and Bar Refaeli ( see photos of the exes ) finally ended their on-off relationship in 2011, DiCaprio went straight into the arms of one of the stars of "Gossip Girl." The rebound relationship lasted about six months and ended right around the time she got together with her now-husband . BING: WHO WAS HIS REBOUND ? Liam Hemsworth Co-stars in 2010's "The Last Song,"Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus called off their engagement in 2013 (maybe her VMAs performance had something to do with the split?). Hemsworth ( when's the next "Hunger Games" film out ?) rebounded pretty quickly, to say the least, and was spotted kissing this Mexican actress days later. BING: WHO WAS HIS REBOUND ? Jesse James "Monster Garage" ( watch clips ) host Jesse James and his third wife Sandra Bullock's relationship raised a few eyebrows from the beginning but their marriage seemed to work until rumors of his infidelity began to surface. His post-divorce rebound to a well-known tattoo artist ( her former reality show ?) lasted about a year. BING: WHO WAS HIS REBOUND ? Scarlett Johansson When Scarlett Johansson's marriage to heartthrob Ryan Reynolds ended in 2011 ( see photos of the exes ), she rebounded with an actor-ambassador ( for what country ?) old enough to be her father. Their highly publicized fling lasted about five months. BING: WHO WAS HER REBOUND ? Kim Kardashian For some reason, no one was that surprised when Kim Kardashian ( see photos ) split from Kris Humphries after less than three months of marriage ( how long, exactly ?). It was a little surprising who she got together with right after, however. A rapper, fashion enthusiast and Kardashian's longtime friend, he became her next husband. BING: WHO WAS HER REBOUND ? Stacy Keibler He's a married man now ( to whom ?), but back in 2011 George Clooney was still the eligible bachelor he's always been. WWE diva Stacy Keibler ( see photos ) snagged him for two years before immediately moving on with a longtime friend and tech entrepreneur. They married six months later and welcomed a daughter last year. BING: WHO WAS HER REBOUND ? Heidi Klum Despite annual vow renewals ( see photos ), Heidi Klum and Seal ended their seven-year marriage in 2012. The supermodel and "Project Runway" host ( who won last season ?) moved on quickly with a member of her staff in a rebound relationship that lasted just over a year. BING: WHO WAS HER REBOUND ? Ashton Kutcher Their hefty age difference ( how many years ?) raised a few eyebrows when Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore ( see photos of the exes ) first got together but their marriage lasted six years before they separated. He moved on with his former "That '70s Show" co-star and they remain together today. BING: WHO WAS HIS REBOUND ? Jennifer Lopez When Jennifer Lopez and friend-turned-husband Marc Anthony ( see photos of the exes ) split in 2011, the singer-actress didn't waste any time moving on. She immediately began what became a nearly three-year relationship with a former back-up dancer not her first relationship of the kind ( the dancer she previously married ?). BING: WHO WAS HER REBOUND ? Madonna Madonna went for a sports star when she and English filmmaker Guy Ritchie ( his next film ?) divorced in 2008. The major league baseball player, who was recently suspended for using steroids, reportedly dated the pop legend very briefly before moving on to this actress . BING: WHO WAS HER REBOUND ? Adrienne Maloof Fans of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" ( watch clips ) will remember housewife Adrienne Maloof's spats with now ex-husband Paul Nassif well. She divorced the plastic surgeon in 2012 and within months was dating the son of this rock legend a man almost 20 years her junior. BING: WHO WAS HER REBOUND ? Denise Richards Who remembers this love triangle or was it a square? When Denise Richards split with Charlie Sheen in 2006, she rebounded with one of her best friends ' soon-to-be ex-husband. Confused? Here's a hint he's the lead guitarist for Bon Jovi ( watch videos ). BING: WHO WAS HER REBOUND ? Nicole Richie When reality star turned fashion designer Nicole Richie ( watch the show that made her famous ) split from her longtime partner, the late DJ Adam Goldstein, she briefly dated another reality personality and Kardashian relative. The 2006 relationship didn't last long, as she started dating husband Joel Madden ( see pics of their family ) later that year. BING: WHO WAS HER REBOUND ? Emmy Rossum When Emmy Rossum ( see photos ) filed for divorce from music exec Justin Siegel in September 2009, she didn't waste any time jumping into another relationship. By October, she was dating a musician ( watch his bands' videos ) more than 20 years her senior. The relationship lasted about a year. BING: WHO WAS HER REBOUND ? Ryan Seacrest If it seems like all celebs do is date each other, then this rebound relationship won't do anything to change that perception. When Ryan Seacrest and Julianne Hough's three-year relationship ended in 2013 ( see photos of the exes ), he soon started dating this Sports Illustrated model and ex of actor Chris Pine ( his next film ?). BING: WHO WAS HIS REBOUND ? Jessica Simpson When Jessica Simpson's marriage to Nick Lachey ( watch clips of their reality show ) ended in 2006, she rebounded with one of the most notorious Hollywood playboys. The musician ( watch the video for one of his hits ) has dated a string of celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston and Katy Perry. BING: WHO WAS HER REBOUND ? Britney Spears Britney Spears and her former agent Jason Trawick ( see photos of the exes ) called things off in January 2013 and by March the pop star ( watch videos ) was already in another relationship this time with a "normal guy" she met at a party. They stayed together for more than a year before ending it, reportedly due to his infidelity. BING: WHO WAS HER REBOUND ? Taylor Swift It's no surprise singer-songwriter Taylor Swift has potential suitors lining up to date her. With an uber-popular new album ( watch videos ) and upcoming tour, the singer is on a roll. But in a long string of relationships, just who came after political heir Connor Kennedy? Here's a hint he's in one of the most popular boy bands ( watch videos ) of all time. BING: WHO WAS HER REBOUND ? Kate Winslet When Kate Winslet and Sam Mendes separated in 2010 ( how long were they married ?), she rebounded briefly with a British model. The Burberry model may not have stayed with her long she met now-hubby Ned Rocknroll when they were still together but he's found love again, with Bradley Cooper's ex-wife . BING: WHO WAS HER REBOUND ? Reese Witherspoon Shortly after her divorce from Ryan Phillippe ( see photos of the exes ), Reese Witherspoon dated one of her co-stars from the 2007 film "Rendition" ( watch clips ). They were together for two years before splitting at the end of 2009 just a couple months before she started dating current husband Jim Toth. BING: WHO WAS HER REBOUND ? | 6 | 7,848 | entertainment |
Super Bowl Power Rankings: Who is the best NFL championship team ever? The best Super champ of all time is ... There is no such thing as a bad Super Bowl winner. Not when so much quality football is needed en route to winning the big game. But some champions played at a higher level than others. FOX Sports Senior NFL Writer Alex Marvez ranks them all from No. 48 to No. 1. -- Alex Marvez 48: 2011 New York Giants (Super Bowl XLVI) The Giants are the only team to have lost seven regular-season games and won a Super Bowl. New York got hot when it mattered most by winning its final two regular-season games and surging through the playoffs with two road victories. 47: 1970 Baltimore Colts (Super Bowl V) Johnny Unitas remains the only starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl after throwing more interceptions (18) than touchdown passes (14) during the regular season. Fittingly, the Colts prevailed in what is known as the "Blunder Bowl" after committing seven turnovers against Dallas. 46: 2001 New England Patriots (Super Bowl XXXVI) Rather than highlighting the offensive and defensive starters, this was the first Super Bowl squad that took the field as an entire team during pre-game introductions. It was fitting. These Patriots as a whole were far better than the sum of their parts. 45: 2013 Baltimore Ravens (Super Bowl XLVII) After his squad sputtered in December, Baltimore's Joe Flacco enjoyed arguably the greatest postseason of any quarterback in NFL history. He threw 11 touchdown passes without an interception and won Super Bowl MVP honors with another brilliant showing against San Francisco. 44: 1987 Washington Redskins (Super Bowl XXII) The Redskins were a modest 8-4 in non-strike games during the regular season but got hot in the playoffs. Doug Williams became the first African-American quarterback to both start and win a Super Bowl. 43: 1969 Kansas City Chiefs (Super Bowl IV) Eight future Hall of Fame selections, including head coach Hank Stram, were members of a club whose championship run was sparked by a nasty defense that led the league in the fewest rushing and passing yards allowed. 42: 2010 Green Bay Packers (Super Bowl XLV) With every regular-season loss coming by four points or less, this Packers team was better than its 10-6 record indicated. That became evident in the playoffs, when Green Bay won three straight road games before defeating Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLV. 41: 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers (Super Bowl XLIII) A vicious Steelers defense that led the NFL in most statistical categories was spearheaded by outside linebacker James Harrison. He was the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year and set a Super Bowl record with a 100-yard interception return against Arizona. 40: 2006 Indianapolis Colts (Super Bowl XLI) It wasn't his most dynamic season statistically, but quarterback Peyton Manning got two monkeys off his back. He defeated New England for the first time in the playoffs after two previous losses and then captured his first Super Bowl title nine years into his NFL career. 39: 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers (Super Bowl XL) Pittsburgh won three playoff road games behind a strong running game and tough-as-nails defense that helped cover for the growing pains of Ben Roethlisberger, who at age 23 became the youngest quarterback to ever win a Super Bowl. 38: 1988 San Francisco 49ers (Super Bowl XXIII) The 49ers had a 6-5 record before catching fire. San Francisco's overall .684 winning percentage was the lowest by any Super Bowl winner until the 2011 New York Giants (.650). 37: 1968 New York Jets (Super Bowl III) Joe Namath's "guarantee" of an upset victory over the Baltimore Colts remains one of the Super Bowl's most iconic memories. Namath backed his words as the Jets proved an AFL team could more than hold its own with an NFL rival in head-to-head competition. 36: 1981 San Francisco 49ers (Super Bowl XVI) Dwight Clark put the 49ers in the Super Bowl with "The Catch" against Dallas in the NFC title game. San Francisco's 1980s dynasty then began in earnest with a hard-fought Super Bowl win over Cincinnati. 35: 1980 Oakland Raiders (Super Bowl XV) The Raiders became the first wild-card team to win a Super Bowl largely because of Jim Plunkett's career rebirth. The 33-year-old retread posted a 13-2 record after replacing an injured Dan Pastorini as Oakland's starting quarterback. 34: 2007 New York Giants (Super Bowl XLII) This team could truly call itself a road warrior. The Giants won three road playoff games and upset previously unbeaten New England in the Super Bowl to set an NFL single-season record with 11 victories away from home. 33: 1971 Dallas Cowboys (Super Bowl VI) The Cowboys avenged a Super Bowl loss the previous season with a roster that would continue to thrive throughout the 1970s. Dallas surrendered only one touchdown in the postseason while quarterback Roger Staubach won Super Bowl MVP honors. 32: 2009 New Orleans Saints (Super Bowl XLIV) Quarterback Drew Brees was brilliant, and a hard-hitting defense helped the Saints post consecutive postseason wins over offenses led by future Hall of Famers in Kurt Warner, Brett Favre and Peyton Manning. 31: 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Super Bowl XXXVII) The trade by the Buccaneers to acquire head coach Jon Gruden from Oakland paid immediate dividends with a Super Bowl win over his old team. Gruden's offense complemented a crushing defense that featured two players already in the Hall of Fame today -- Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks. 30: 1990 New York Giants (Super Bowl XXV) The Giants executed one of the greatest game plans in Super Bowl history by playing keep-away from Buffalo's high-powered offense. Head coach Bill Parcells also deserves credit for guiding New York to a championship behind a backup quarterback in Jeff Hostetler. 29: 1997 Denver Broncos (Super Bowl XXXII) John Elway exorcised the ghosts of three previous Super Bowl losses by orchestrating an upset of Green Bay. The Broncos made a surprising postseason run behind running back Terrell Davis and an aggressive defensive approach by coordinator Greg Robinson. 28: 1967 Green Bay Packers (Super Bowl II) Vince Lombardi went out in style as Green Bay's head coach, defrosting from the legendary "Ice Bowl" victory over Dallas to trounce Oakland for a second straight Super Bowl win. 27: 2013 Seattle Seahawks (Super Bowl XLVIII) The Seahawks and their "Legion of Boom" secondary capped a three-loss season by lowering the boom on Denver in one of the most one-sided Super Bowl wins in NFL history. 26: 1982 Washington Redskins (Super Bowl XVII) The Redskins weathered a strike-shortened season better than any other NFL team with a 12-1 record including the postseason. A key to their success was The Fun Bunch -- Washington wide receivers and tight ends who would hold group celebrations after every touchdown. 25: 1995 Dallas Cowboys (Super Bowl XXX) With a beastly roster assembled by the departed Jimmy Johnson still largely intact, replacement head coach Barry Switzer guided the Cowboys to their third championship in four seasons. Emmitt Smith led the way offensively with a career-best 1,773 rushing yards. 24: 2000 Baltimore Ravens (Super Bowl XXXV) The Ravens fielded one of the greatest defenses in NFL history and boy did they need it. Baltimore's offense had little juice beyond a rushing attack led by Jamal Lewis and Priest Holmes. 23: 1979 Pittsburgh Steelers (Super Bowl XIV) Pittsburgh's fourth and final championship team of the 1970s enjoyed a great last hurrah. The Steelers won all of their postseason games by double digits, and Terry Bradshaw captured his second Super Bowl MVP honors in a rout of the Los Angeles Rams. 22: 2003 New England Patriots (Super Bowl XXXVIII) The Patriots started 2-2 and didn't lose again. New England led the NFL in scoring defense and won a second Super Bowl in three years thanks to another last-minute field goal by Adam Vinatieri. 21: 1983 Los Angeles Raiders (Super Bowl XVIII) The franchise's last championship season culminated on what was known as "Black Sunday" with an upset Super Bowl victory over Washington. The Raiders hit their stride in the playoffs by winning their three postseason games by a 106-33 margin. 20: 1973 Miami Dolphins (Super Bowl VIII) The 1972 Dolphins deserve acclaim for their perfect record, but the franchise's 12-2 squad the following season might have been even better. Miami's "No-Name Defense" surrendered only 10.7 points a game, and the triumvirate of Larry Csonka, Jim Kiick and Mercury Morris ran for more than 2,000 rushing yards combined. 19: 1996 Green Bay Packers (Super Bowl XXXI) Following three seasons of playoff losses to the Cowboys, the Packers finally broke through to give Brett Favre his lone Super Bowl ring. Favre threw 39 touchdown passes to win NFL MVP honors, while the Reggie White-led defense surrendered the lowest touchdown total (19) in a 16-game season. 18: 1974 Pittsburgh Steelers (Super Bowl IX) After becoming the only team to select four future Hall of Fame players in the same draft, the Steelers rumbled to their first Super Bowl title behind the AFC's top-ranked running game and the NFL's No. 1 defense. 17: 1999 St. Louis Rams (Super Bowl XXXIV) An offense known as "The Greatest Show on Turf" lived up to the billing behind quarterback Kurt Warner, although it was a last-second defensive stop by linebacker Mike Jones that preserved the Rams' Super Bowl victory over Tennessee. 16: 1993 Dallas Cowboys (Super Bowl XXVIII) Once running back Emmitt Smith ended a contract holdout following Dallas' 0-2 start, the Cowboys began rolling toward defense of their Lombardi Trophy. Dallas lost only twice more before defeating Buffalo in the Super Bowl for a second straight year. 15: 1977 Dallas Cowboys (Super Bowl XII) The Cowboys rode their "Doomsday Defense" and the legs of rookie running back Tony Dorsett to a 12-2 record and dominant postseason. Harvey Martin was voted NFL Defensive Player of the Year and co-winner of Super Bowl MVP with fellow defensive lineman Randy White. 14: 1975 Pittsburgh Steelers (Super Bowl X) The Terrible Towel made its debut, but there was nothing terrible about this Steelers season. Pittsburgh defended its Super Bowl title with cornerback Mel Blount becoming the second straight member of the Steel Curtain to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors. 13: 2004 New England Patriots (Super Bowl XXXIX) New England's third Super Bowl winner in a four-season span was the best of the group. The Patriots cruised to a 14-2 regular-season record, won two playoff games by 14-plus points and handled Philadelphia in a Super Bowl more lopsided than the 24-21 score indicated. 12: 1998 Denver Broncos (Super Bowl XXXIII) The Broncos defended their Super Bowl championship in impressive fashion. Denver opened with a 13-0 record, won all of its postseason games by double digits and fielded the third 2,000-yard rusher in NFL history (Terrell Davis). 11: 1992 Dallas Cowboys (Super Bowl XXVII) Three years after finishing 1-15, the Cowboys returned to NFL supremacy with the league's youngest roster. Dallas sported the NFL's No. 1 defense and rushing leader in Emmitt Smith. 10: 1966 Green Bay Packers (Super Bowl I) The winner of the first AFL-NFL World Championship game was arguably the best of Green Bay's Lombardi Era dynasty. Quarterback Bart Starr was at the top of his game as the 12-2 Packers suffered their only losses by a combined four points. 9: 1976 Oakland Raiders (Super Bowl XI) This was from an era where the franchise's "Commitment to Excellence" motto carried ample weight. The Ken Stabler-led Raiders won 13 straight games after a Week 4 loss on the way to the team's first Lombardi Trophy. 8: 1994 San Francisco 49ers (Super Bowl XXIX) Besides the 1986 season, when Lawrence Taylor won both awards, these 49ers are the only Super Bowl champion to have ever fielded the NFL's overall MVP (quarterback Steve Young) and defensive MVP (cornerback Deion Sanders) from the regular season. 7: 1986 New York Giants (Super Bowl XXI) The last defensive player to earn NFL MVP honors, linebacker Lawrence Taylor led the "Big Blue Wrecking Crew" defense with his 20.5 sacks. Quarterback Phil Simms won Super Bowl MVP honors for completing 22 of 25 passes against Denver. 6: 1984 San Francisco 49ers (Super Bowl XIX) These 49ers and the 1985 Chicago Bears remain the only teams to finish the regular season at 15-1 and subsequently win the Super Bowl. San Francisco fielded the only secondary in NFL history that had all four starters voted to the Pro Bowl. 5: 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers (Super Bowl XIII) Ten members of this team were voted to the Pro Bowl, led by quarterback Terry Bradshaw, who was voted the NFL's MVP. Pittsburgh finished 14-2, which stood as the franchise's best record until the 2004 Steelers went 15-1 before losing in the playoffs. 4: 1991 Washington Redskins (Super Bowl XXVI) The Redskins had it all, outscoring the opposition by an average of 16.3 points while marching to a 14-2 record. Footballoutsiders.com rated this team as the NFL's top champion since 1950 based upon statistical analysis. 3: 1989 San Francisco 49ers (Super Bowl XXIV) Pro Football Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott said this was the most talented of the four 49ers Super Bowl winners he played for in the 1980s. San Francisco capped a 14-2 regular season with a 55-10 thrashing of Denver that remains the biggest blowout in Super Bowl history. 2: 1985 Chicago Bears (Super Bowl XX) With a cheesy music video and larger-than-life personalities, "Da Bears" were the personification of 1980s excess. But this squad had plenty of substance, most notably an all-time great defense that recorded two playoff shutouts and surrendered just 10 points to New England in the Super Bowl. 1: 1972 Miami Dolphins (Super Bowl VII) From a statistical standpoint, the Dolphins don't compare well to other Super Bowl winners. But they rank first in the category that matters most wins. Miami (17-0) remains the only team ever to complete a perfect season. | 1 | 7,849 | sports |
The Green Bay Packers had a massive collapse in the NFC Championship, blowing a 16-0 lead. Who is to blame for the Packers meltdown? | 1 | 7,850 | sports |
MEET Omkali Singh, 76, who is mother to a six-year-old boy Akashvani. She became the world's oldest mother of twins in 2008 when she gave birth at the age of 70, and now lives with her husband and son's father Charan, 89, in Utter Pradesh in northern India. The female twin, Barsaat, tragically passed away at the age of four, but Akashvani keeps his elderly mother on his feet with his youthful energy. Videographer / Director: Virendra Khanna Producer: Aamir Bashir Editor: Sonia Estal / Joshua Douglas | 8 | 7,851 | video |
The States Where Foreclosure Rates Rose in 2014 One in every 118 U.S. homes was in some state of foreclosure during 2014, bringing the national foreclosure rate below 1% for the first time since 2006. The year-end report from RealtyTrac puts the foreclosure rate at 0.85% for 2014, a 17.94% decline from 2013. Only 11 states plus the District of Columbia reported increases in foreclosure activity and most of those still have low foreclosure rates on a national scale. Even Florida, the perpetual ruler of the foreclosure kingdom, saw a 23.51% decline in foreclosure activity in 2014 from the year before, though it still took the No. 1 spot with one in every 44 housing units with a foreclosure filing at some point in the year. North Dakota is the true winner in these rankings: Only 30 properties were in foreclosure in 2014 (one in every 10,649 units), a 72.73% drop in foreclosures from 2013. Homeowners are doing pretty well up there. A property in a state of foreclosure can mean a few things: The owner has either been issued a notice of default, the property has been repossessed, or it has been scheduled for auction. In 2014, about 1.12 million U.S. properties had at least one of these filings, down from the peak of about 2.87 million in 2010 and up from the low of 717,522 in 2006. Even as the foreclosure rate falls nationwide, it's gaining momentum in some areas of the country. Here's where foreclosures climbed. 12. Wyoming Properties in foreclosure in 2014: 773 Percentage of homes in foreclosure in 2014 (foreclosure rate): 0.3% Change since 2013: up 0.52% As the least populated state, a few extra foreclosures can really impact the foreclosure rate. Despite the small increase, Wyoming has one of the lowest foreclosure rates in the U.S. It ranks 43rd out of the 50 states. 11. Idaho Properties in foreclosure in 2014: 4,114 2014 foreclosure rate: 0.62% Change since 2013: up 0.71% Idaho's foreclosure rate, while up slightly, remains below the national average. It's roughly in the middle of the pack with the 23rd-highest foreclosure rate in 2014. 10. North Carolina Properties in foreclosure in 2014: 29,052 2014 foreclosure rate: 0.67% Change since 2013: up 2.04% North Carolina's foreclosure rate actually declined about 15% over the past two years, ticking up just a bit in 2014. It ranks 19th among states' foreclosure rates. 9. New York Properties in foreclosure in 2014: 47,612 2014 foreclosure rate: 0.59% Change since 2013: up 3.72% Even though New York's foreclosure rate isn't too bad it ranks 27th nationally activity has been on the rise in the past two years. It's up 39.01% from 2012. 8. Oregon Properties in foreclosure in 2014: 10,857 2014 foreclosure rate: 0.65% Change since 2013: up 5.42% Foreclosures in Oregon are down about 20% from 2012, but a 22% increase in foreclosure starts in 2014 helped drive up the state's overall foreclosure rate. Still, it's only the 21st-highest in the country. 7. Massachusetts Properties in foreclosure in 2014: 10,361 2014 foreclosure rate: 0.37% Change since 2013: up 6.35% Fewer foreclosures were completed in 2014 than in 2013, but a flood of new filings bumped up the foreclosure rate in Massachusetts. It still maintains one of the lower rates, coming in at No. 40 among the states. 6. Maryland Properties in foreclosure in 2014: 40,143 2014 foreclosure rate: 1.69% Change since 2013: up 7.95% It may have only nudged up only about 8% in the last year, but foreclosures in Maryland have exploded since 2012: 134.4% growth in the past two years. As a result, it has the third-highest foreclosure rate in the nation. 5. Montana Properties in foreclosure in 2014: 490 2014 foreclosure rate: 0.10% Change since 2013: up 14.22% There weren't a ton of foreclosures happening in Montana, but there are more than there were in 2013. Only Vermont, D.C. and North Dakota have lower foreclosure rates (though D.C. doesn't get a spot in the rankings). 4. Alaska Properties in foreclosure in 2014: 1,451 2014 foreclosure rate: 0.48% Change since 2013: up 22.04% The courts in Alaska moved things along this year by completing 28% more foreclosures than in 2013. Even though there were fewer foreclosure starts than last year, the home repossessions helped boost Alaska's foreclosure rate more than 22% from 2013 to 2014, putting it at No. 33 in the national foreclosure rankings. 3. District of Columbia Properties in foreclosure in 2014: 213 2014 foreclosure rate: 0.07% Change since 2013: up 41.06% RealtyTrac doesn't include D.C. in its foreclosure rate rankings, but if it did, it would be the second-lowest, after North Dakota. The number of properties entering the foreclosure process skyrocketed in the past two years up 409% from 2012 contributing to the significant increase in foreclosure rate. 2. Mississippi Properties in foreclosure in 2014: 2,251 2014 foreclosure rate: 0.18% Change since 2013: up 50.67% There was an explosion of foreclosure starts in Mississippi in 2014 an increase of 501% from 2013. They're not being completed very quickly, but that influx of filings pushed Mississippi's foreclosure rate up significantly, even though it has one of the lowest rates in the nation (No. 45). 1. New Jersey Properties in foreclosure in 2014: 66,627 2014 foreclosure rate: 1.87% Change since 2013: up 70.82% It's no challenge finding New Jersey properties in foreclosure it's the most densely populated state in the country (though D.C. has a higher population density), and it has the second-highest foreclosure rate, with one in every 53 housing units in some state of foreclosure last year. Foreclosure starts and completions were up in New Jersey from 2013 to 2014. In the fourth quarter of 2014, New Jersey actually beat Florida out for highest foreclosure rate. Foreclosure can have a devastating effect on a homeowner's finances and credit standing, though it's not impossible to recover. It all starts with buying a house you can actually afford that means getting a mortgage that suits you best and quickly adjusting when circumstances change your ability to pay all your bills on time. If you make timely mortgage payments and keep a balanced budget, the loan will almost certainly improve your credit and your financial future. You can see how your mortgage is impacting your credit scores for free on Credit.com . | 3 | 7,852 | finance |
Have what it takes to be a #MCM? While promoting their 2015 Buffalo David Bitton calender, the InstaBabes reveal their Mancrush Monday criteria plus, the worst pickup lines they've ever heard. | 8 | 7,853 | video |
Masha, a Russian cat, kept an abandoned baby warm and saved its life. | 8 | 7,854 | video |
When people think of toughness, in football terms, Mike Ditka is a name towards the top of that list. You don't earn the title "Iron Mike" by shying away from contact. But even Ditka re-thinks the effects the sport can have on the body. The Hall of Fame tight end and Super Bowl-winning coach recently told HBO's Real Sports that playing football isn't worth it. During an interview with Bryant Gumbel, Ditka asked Gumbel if he would want his hypothetical eight-year-old son to play football. Gumbel responded with a no, and Ditka agreed. "Nope and that's sad," Ditka said in the piece. "I wouldn't. My whole life was football. I think the risk is worse than the reward. I really do." Gumbel interviewed Ditka as part of an upcoming piece on the 1985 Bears, who Ditka coached. The Bears went 15-1, winning their only Super Bowl to date with a team featuring Hall of Famer's Walter Payton, Mike Singletary and Richard Dent. | 1 | 7,855 | sports |
By Mike Cole Vince Wilfork's best play Sunday night might have come off the field. The Massachusetts State Police said Monday that the New England Patriots tackle helped rescue a woman from an overturned Jeep after the Patriots' AFC Championship Game win. State troopers responded to reports over an overturned vehicle on Route 1 in Foxboro shortly before 1 a.m. ET on Monday morning. When they got to the scene, Wilfork was there next to the vehicle checking on the driver. Mary Ellen Brooks, the driver of the Jeep, was unable to get out. A state trooper held the drivers door open and Wilfork reached in and pulled her out with hand. Wilfork downplayed his role in the situation on Monday. "I saw somebody that needed help, and I helped," he told Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald . | 1 | 7,856 | sports |
Arsenal midfielder Santi Carzorla played helped his side to a 2-0 away win at Manchester City | 1 | 7,857 | sports |
Ever meet someone with extra pep in his (or her) step, no coffee required? If the concept of being a "morning person" is pretty difficult to wrap your head around, we've got some good news: How you stock and arrange your home can help ease you into the morning routine. Read on for 10 simple tips that will energize your A.M. Pick the Right Color Choosing the right bedroom color might have an impact on your rest and wakefulness. Some experts recommend yellow, green, or orange paint to boost energy and concentration. So if your serene blue bedroom walls find you curling up in bed come sun-up, it might be time for a new paint job . Related: Why We Love Blue Bedrooms 11 Dream-Filled Spaces Know That Your Mattress Matters A good night's sleep ought to leave you energized for the new day, right? So if you're waking up, not only tired, but with an achy lower back, your current mattress needs to go . Before buying, be sure to test the new mattress on the showroom floor and check the return policy a mattress that feels perfect in the store for 10 minutes might not feel the same after a week at home. Let It Shine For a sunnier disposition first thing, enlist the help of natural light to wake up. Try moving the bed in front of window, or leaving the curtains open before you go to sleep. If you're if you're the type of person who needs closed black-out curtains to fall asleep, invest instead in an alarm clocks that lights up the room like the morning sun. Related: 13 DIY Window Treatments to Dress Up Your Space Limit Screens in the Bedroom One simple rearrangement of the bedroom can be the key to a better night's sleep: Lose the television . Left sitting at the foot of your bed, a TV screen can tempt you with hours of binge-watching your favorite show until you doze off. More than just delaying your curfew, research shows that the blue light from the screen can disrupt how well you sleep if used within an hour before bedtime. Related: 11 Things You Should Never Have in Your Bedroom Warm Your Floors Yes, it's easier to stay in a bed than get out of one when it means touching icy, cold floors with your bare feet. But adding a plush area rug in the bedroom even investing in heated flooring is positive reinforcement, rewarding you every time you get up, especially in winter! Related: 10 Doable Designs for a DIY Rug Heat Up with a Smart Thermostat And after you leave your plush bedroom flooring, set the rest of the home to a comfortable temperature. A smart thermostat that learns your wake times can adjust the heat before you move about the house. As your body warms up, it'll wake up. Set to Auto-Pilot If the smell of breakfast cooking wakes your senses best, invest in programmable kitchen appliances. Then time your coffee maker to sync up with your alarm clock, and the smell of java will keep you from hitting Snooze. Also prep an automatic rice cooker before bed for ready-to-eat oatmeal in the morning you'll never leave for work without breakfast again. Related: The Tiniest Appliances You Never Knew Existed Turn On the Tunes A wake-up playlist is the prequel is to a better morning . If you're always hitting snooze, consider trading in your traditional alarm clock for a newer device. SoundRise is an alarm, a USB charger for your phone, and an FM radio. The best part? It's very, very hard to ignore! Make Your Bedding Less of a Chore One less thing to worry about before running out the door: The hassle of a morning chore. But you don't need to sacrifice a clean room for extra minutes in the day. Switch your bedding to a duvet cover that attaches to the top sheet, like this one from Crane and Canopy you'll be able to make your bed in just a few tugs! Save Some Stuff for Last In a frenetic weekday morning, each "one last thing" adds a bit of stress. Yes, certain tasks say, brushing your teeth are more or less unavoidable. But many can be eliminated from your A.M. routine, thanks to smart home products that can do them on your behalf. One such time-saver: the WeMo line of light bulbs and light switches enable you either to put your home's lighting on a schedule or to kill them from a smartphone after you've already left home. Related: 12 Gadgets to Lead Your Home into the Future | 4 | 7,858 | lifestyle |
Star-studded events are far from predictable, but there's one thing that's practically guaranteed: photobombs! Most recently, Benedict Cumberbatch really went for it when Meryl Streep participated in Margaret Cho's controversial bit at the 2015 Golden Globes, giving us one of several GIF-worthy moments from the show. Jared Leto, Emma Stone, Andrew Garfield, and Jennifer Lawrence have also perfected the art of jumping in other people's shots, and that's just the beginning of the excitement. Keep reading to see stars execute hilarious photobombs over the years, and if you're loving the surprises, check out unexpected celebrity selfie duos. Source: NBC, Getty, Reddit user TreasureTrolls and Instagram user ryanseacrest Prince William William got a good laugh out of photobombing cyclist Chris Hoy at the Commonwealth Games in 2013. Kelly Clarkson Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi were posing for a cute couple's picture at the 2013 Grammys when Kelly leaned to her left with an open smile. Emma Thompson Emma snuck behind Lupita Nyong'o at the 2014 SAG Awards. Ringo Starr Justin Bieber and Kesha were just striking pop-star poses backstage at the 2010 Grammys rehearsals when the Beatles icon flashed the peace sign behind them. Queen Elizabeth The queen had flawless placement when two Australian athletes were taking selfies together at the Commonwealth Games in 2013. Emma Stone Emma got hilarious when she got mere inches away from her boyfriend, Andrew Garfield, in 2013. Ellen DeGeneres Technically, Ellen videobombed Leonardo DiCaprio and Sandra Bullock at the 2014 Oscars. Cameron Diaz and Jimmy Fallon Cameron and Jimmy gave two tourists a frame-worthy picture in NYC in April 2014. Jesse Tyler Ferguson Jesse was a ball of energy behind Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom at the Vanity Fair Oscars party in 2013. Jennifer Lawrence Not even Sarah Jessica Parker's extravagant headpiece could block Jennifer at the 2013 Met Gala. Rihanna Rihanna's duck face popped up as the Full House guys - John Stamos, Dave Coulier, and Bob Saget - took a selfie at Good Morning America in January 2014. Zach Braff This bride and groom's wedding picture included a smiley Zach, who, in his defense, was just trying to cross the street in NYC in 2013. Jared Leto Anne Hathaway didn't see Jared coming at Vanity Fair's 2014 Oscars bash. Jennifer Lawrence Taylor Swift got an unforgettable surprise on live TV at the 2014 Golden Globes, all thanks to Jennifer's lack of inhibitions. Prince Harry Harry might be all the way in the back, but you can't miss him in this snap from the 2013 Commonwealth Games. He managed to get in between rugby star Gordon Tietjens and boxer Trevor Shailer. Benedict Cumberbatch Benedict soared to new heights when he got in U2's spotlight at the 2014 Oscars. Beyoncé The singer made a fan's dream come true when she got in her selfie in 2013. Lupita Nyong'o Lupita got animated behind fellow Oscar winners Jared Leto and Matthew McConaughey backstage at the 2014 award show. Tina Fey Tina was ready for Mariska Hargitay's close-up at the 2009 Emmys. George Clooney George's shenanigans go beyond the sets of his movies. He photobombed Steven Spielberg and Jessica and Jerry Seinfeld in 2013. Benedict Cumberbatch Benedict proved he's the photobomb king when he got in on Meryl Streep and Margaret Cho's shot at the fun-filled 2015 Golden Globes. When a fan tried to take a selfie that clearly captured Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield in the background at a restaurant, the actors decided to give her way more than she expected. The image went viral in January 2015. | 6 | 7,859 | entertainment |
It turned out NSA hacked North Korea way before the Sony debacle. | 8 | 7,860 | video |
The Atlanta HaWWWWWWWWWWWWWks beat the Pistons to win their 13th straight game. Check out what Twitter has to say about their win streak. | 1 | 7,861 | sports |
Carbon emissions, immigration reform and a minimum wage hike: Which of President Obama's 2014 State of the Union proposals actually got done? The Post's Fact Checker, Glenn Kessler, on what flopped and what succeeded. | 8 | 7,862 | video |
Gas below $2, stocks at record highs, unemployment at pre-recession levels, deficits shrinking, Wall Street contained, inflation low, and the dollar's rallying. Basically, America has the strongest economy on the planet - recovering from the depths of a crisis. Yet, it scores Obama zero political points. | 3 | 7,863 | finance |
Devin Harris comments on the Mavericks' 103-95 win over a tough Grizzlies team. | 1 | 7,864 | sports |
Pizza may be the most popular dining option for kids and teenagers, but a new study says it could cause a whole host of issues for kids. CBS2's Dr. Max Gomez reports. | 4 | 7,865 | lifestyle |
A portion of the profit will go towards buying glasses for 1.5 million visually impaired children in Mexico. | 8 | 7,866 | video |
The crew looks at the top NBA salaries by college. What is the combined salary of players who played for Kentucky? | 1 | 7,867 | sports |
Thousands of people marched and protested across the nation chanting "black lives matter" and "no justice, no peace" on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. | 8 | 7,868 | video |
Sylvester Stallone, an Everton supporter, appeared at Monday's match to give a halftime speech to the crowd and promot his newest Rocky movie. Would you want any other celeb to give a halftime speech to your team? | 1 | 7,869 | sports |
DURHAM, N.C. (AP) -- Because all those Duke's guards put up some big numbers, their Hall of Fame coach is on the brink of an even bigger one. Mike Krzyzewski moved one victory from 1,000 for his career in the fifth-ranked Blue Devils' 79-65 win over Pittsburgh on Monday night. "It means we're 16-2," Krzyzewski said, referring to his team's overall record. "That's exactly what that means. And hopefully we can be 17-2 the next game we play, and that's the way we approach everything. We'll continue to approach it that way." Coach K improved to 999-308 during his 40-year career. His first chance to become the first men's coach in Division I history to reach four figures comes Sunday against St. John's in Madison Square Garden. That's also where in 2011 he passed Bob Knight as the winningest men's coach in college basketball's top tier. Nearly everyone in the backcourt played a big role in this one for the Blue Devils (16-2, 4-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) -- who shot 46 percent and made 11 3-pointers while holding Pitt to three of them. "We saw the ball go in," Krzyzewski said. Freshman Tyus Jones matched a season high with 22 points and hit a season-best four 3-pointers. So did Rasheed Sulaimon, who finished with 13 points. Quinn Cook -- who was just 3-of-10 from the field -- finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds. And for the second straight game they mixed in a 2-3 zone defense -- an out-of-character move for Krzyzewski, a noted man-to-man disciple. Jamel Artis had a career-high 21 points for Pitt (13-6, 3-3), which shot 45 percent and had its two-game winning streak snapped. "We had open shots, we had good looks," coach Jamie Dixon said. "We got exactly what we wanted, and at times it seemed like we haven't handled that well." Pitt trailed by 21 in the second half before making things interesting down the stretch by twice cutting Duke's lead to 10, the last coming on Michael Young's layup with just over a minute left making it 75-65. Pitt missed its next four shots while Justise Winslow, Amile Jefferson and Jones combined to make 4 of 6 free throws in the final minute. Jahlil Okafor finished with 14 points. His three rebounds were a season low, but his five assists led the team. That helped Krzyzewski inch closer to another milestone: This marked his 420th career ACC victory -- two shy of the record held by his former chief rival, North Carolina's Dean Smith. Those two most recent wins came against schools that haven't been in the ACC all that long: Two days after beating league newcomer Louisville -- in a game they debuted that zone D -- the Blue Devils took care of Pitt. ------ STAR WATCH Winslow arrived in a bit of a slump and left sore. He made just 5 of 22 shots during his previous three games, then missed his first three shots before swishing a 3 with just over a minute left in the first half. He finished with seven points on 2-of-7 shooting while twice going down with injuries to his right shoulder and ribs. Krzyzewski says the injuries don't appear serious but Winslow could use a couple days off. STAT LINE Duke's 11 of 23 shooting from 3-point range included an off night from long range for the team's lone scholarship senior: Cook was just 1 of 8 from beyond the arc. His teammates combined to make 10 of 15. TIP-INS Pitt: Chris Jones finished with 13 points and Young had 11. ... Dixon fell to 22-17 against top-10 opponents and 12-10 against top-five teams. Duke: Tyus Jones entered just 8 for 32 in ACC play before shooting 7 of 11 in this one. UP NEXT Pitt plays host to No. 10 Louisville on Sunday. Duke visits St. John's on Sunday. ------ Follow Joedy McCreary on Twitter at http://twitter.com/joedyap | 1 | 7,870 | sports |
Who is the most overpaid coach in college basketball? Antoine and Ro make their picks. | 1 | 7,871 | sports |
In the world of hot tools, the flat iron has always seemed like the workhorse of the bunch. Thanks to Pinterest, we're now privy to a million and one styles that we can craft with it everything from beach waves to cute crimps. Our curling irons, on the other hand, stay tucked away under our sinks, only to be pulled out when we want, well, curls. But, it turns out we've been all wrong about our curling irons' capabilities. The barrels of these tools can create a multitude of different styles you just have to know how to use 'em. Ahead, find seven types of styles you can achieve with a curling iron, plus the specific gadgets that work best for each. It's time to give your flat friend a break and see what this bad boy can do. Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page! Photo: Nick Harvey/Rex/REX USA. Victoria's Secret Curls Those big, bodacious waves the ladies of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show are known for are beyond easy to whip up. Edward Tricomi, cofounder of the Warren Tricomi salons, says the trick to mastering them is all about how you section your hair. "Divide your hair into four sections, one on either side, and then two down the back of your head, on top of each other," Tricomi says. Then, place the iron at the bottom of your hair and curl upward, section by section. Pin each section at the top, and allow your hair to cool. Once your entire set is no longer warm, let down your strands and shake. You'll have huge, blended waves that are big on volume. Tricomi suggests a 1.5-inch curling iron with a clip, like this one from Hot Tools, for maximum oomph. The clip will ensure your curls stay neat, making it easy to pin them into place. Hot Tools Gold Curling Iron with 1.5 Inch Barrel, $29.99, available at Ulta. Photo: David Fisher/Rex/REX USA. Cool-Girl Waves Who says short-haired ladies can't rock curls? For Emma Stone's pretty Golden Globes style, celebrity stylist Mara Roszak went for an undone look. "The whole point of that hairstyle and look is that you don't want it to look too styled ever," she says. Instead of a barrel, she went for this oblong wand from GHD. "It's shorter and wider, which makes it easier for you to wrap shorter hair around," Roszak says. "When you wrap your hair around it, it automatically gives it a less barrel-like shape, and more of a messy wave."Aside from using the right tool, Roszak says that the trick to those #WokeUpLikeThis waves is to switch up the direction of the curls. "Curl a few pieces around the face, and then style a few toward the face," she says. "This gives it a more broken-up, kind of effortless look automatically." GHD Curve Classic Wave Wand, $245, available at Sephora. Photo: Matt Baron/BEImages. Undone Waves To get the waves of Alexa Chung, you have to leave part of your style (shocker) undone. Roszak says the ends are the way to go: You'll easily get that couldn't-care-less look. The easiest way to leave out your ends? Reach for a curling wand. "Since there's no clip, and you don't want to burn your fingers, it automatically forces you to keep the ends of your hair out," Roszak says. "It gives you that piece-y, wavy look." For a less-than-perfect wave, she also suggests holding the wand vertically. "Start at the root, and wrap your hair down." José Eber 19mm Clipless Curling Iron, $125, available at José Eber. Photo: Matt Baron/BEImages. Smooth Curls Sure, Gina Rodriguez's shiny, blown-out curls are gorgeous. But, if you aren't one for a blowout, followed by a tango with your curling iron, Tricomi has good news. "All you have to do is pull your hair into a ponytail," he says. Confused? Read on. Once your hair is dried and fairly straight, pull it into a ponytail on top of your head. "Divide the loose hair into four sections and curl, just like you did for the Victoria's Secret curls," Tricomi says. Pin the sections in a circle around the hair elastic. Once they're cooled, let them out, and then let your hair down. "It will give you those big, effortless waves that everyone loves," he says. Try a one-inch curling wand for big-time waves like these. Sultra The Bombshell 1 Inch Curling Wand, $130, available at Sephora. Photo: Jim Smeal/BEImages. Loose, Breezy Bends So, you finished curling your entire head, and think you did pretty well. But, when you look in the mirror, your curls are a little too tight nothing like the loose, easy waves on Taylor Swift here. Should you wait for them to fall limp or wet your head and start over? Neither, says Roszak. Grab a section of hair and place it into the clip of your curling iron, closer to the root. Drag the tool straight down the section. "This will help release the wave and break it up," says Roszak. For an even more undone look, don't do this to every curl. Leaving a few tight will make your style more natural. T3 SinglePass Twirl 1.25" Curling Iron, $99, available at T3. Photo: Jim Smeal/BEImages. Next-Level Crimps That's right: You can achieve your favorite middle-school hairstyle sans crimper. In fact, crimps created with a curling iron tend to look more cool-girl and less '80s throwback. Just ask Naya Rivera. Be warned: In our experience, the technique takes some practice. Take your first section of hair at the root, and then wrap it once away from your face. Move the curling iron down the hair, just below the indent you've created. Then, wrap it again in the opposite direction toward the face. Repeat this process until you've reached the bottom. "It's definitely a little tricky and requires some practice," Roszak says. But, if you don't want to invest in a crimping iron, this may be a good option. She suggests a 1.5-inch curling iron for maximum hold. Remington CI5238 Instant Curls 1.5 Inch Curling Iron, $13.24, available at Walmart. Photo: Evan Agostini/BEImages. Baroque Curls Tight, springy curls like the ones Sarah Jessica Parker sported during her Carrie Bradshaw days are totally within reach for those of us not naturally blessed with them. You just have to find the right tool and technique. "Don't be afraid of a smaller curling iron," Tricomi says. For these types of curls, he suggests wrapping the hair flat against the tool, not leaving any space between strands and iron. "Instead of untwisting the hair from the iron, just try pulling the iron from the hair," he instructs. "It will leave the tight coil intact." Conair Infiniti Pro "You Curl" Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron, $24.99, available at Drugstore.com. 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 | 7,872 | lifestyle |
Monty Williams explains why the Pelicans couldn't get by the New York Knicks. | 1 | 7,873 | sports |
It's no secret that drinking alcohol excessively harms our bodies, damaging the liver and heart, and increasing our risk of cancer and alcohol-related injuries like car crashes. It's for these reasons drinking in moderation is stressed so much. But drinking responsibly won't only get you a buzz and reduce your risk of harm, it might also it might also have a protective effect on the heart, a new study finds. Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston found in their study that moderate alcohol consumption, defined as seven drinks per week, was associated with a 20 percent lower risk of heart failure in men and a 16 percent lower risk in women, when compared to people who didn't drink at all. "These findings suggest that drinking alcohol in moderation does not contribute to an increased risk of heart failure and may even be protective," said study author Dr. Scott Solomon, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and senior physician at Brigham and Women's, in a press release . "No level of alcohol intake was associated with a higher risk of heart failure. However, heavy alcohol use is certainly a risk factor for deaths from any cause." Excessive drinking begins to weaken the heart muscles over time. This leads to problems in the way blood flows through the body, and changes the very shape of the heart muscle as it stretches and becomes thin this condition is called cardiomyopathy . Eventually, it leads to a complete breakdown of the heart's ability to keep up with the body's needs, and the heart fails symptoms of this include shortness of breath, wheezing, edema, fatigue, and nausea. For the study, the researchers looked at data on 14,629 people aged 45 to 64 who were participating in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study from 1987 to 1989. The researchers followed these participants until 2011, and interviewed them at the beginning and during three follow-up visits about their drinking habits. Each drink was defined as either one small glass of wine (about 125 milliliters), about 12 ounces of beer, or a little less than a shot of vodka or whisky. After looking at rates of heart failure among the participants, the researchers found those who drank moderately, or about seven drinks per week, were least likely to have it. In men, moderate drinking was found to reduce risk of heart failure by 20 percent when compared to those who abstained from drinking. Women who drank moderately were 16 percent less likely to develop heart failure. Former drinkers, however, were the most likely to develop heart failure, with a 19 and 17 percent higher risk among men and women, respectively, when compared to abstainers. These findings held even after accounting for things like diabetes, smoking, age, and blood pressure and cholesterol levels. "The people who were classified as former drinkers at the start of the study had a higher risk of developing heart failure and of death from any cause when compared with abstainers," Solomon said. "This could be related to the reasons why they had stopped drinking in the first place, for instance because they had already developed health problems that might have made them more likely to go on to develop heart failure." Other studies have also found moderate alcohol consumption might reduce risk of heart failure. One from last year , for example, found women who had one drink per day and men who had two per day were 13 percent less likely to experience a heart attack. It's possible these benefits come from the antioxidants found in both wine and beer, for example. Red wine is rich in heart-healthy resveratrol, which is derived from the skin of red grapes, while beer is rich in polyphenols a type of antioxidant compound derived from hops and the fermentation process . Solomon warned that while these findings suggest drinking moderately will lower your risk of heart failure, they don't prove causality. In other words, drinking responsibly won't guarantee you'll live without heart failure. Source: Solomon S, Gonçalves A, et al. Alcohol consumption and risk of heart failure: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. European Heart Journal . 2015. | 7 | 7,874 | health |
History made Monday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mike Kzyschevski now stands one win away from number 1,000. Campus Insiders historian Michael Bradley discusses with Ray Crawford how Coach K has become one of the most revered figures in college athletics. | 1 | 7,875 | sports |
Protests broke out in various countries across the world including Niger, Russia and Iran over the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and its latest cover featuring a cartoon of the prophet Muhammad. | 8 | 7,876 | video |
A single person influenced by Internet jihadist propaganda can wreak havoc. CNN's Susan Candiotti reports on why it can be hard to identify and stop a lone wolf. | 5 | 7,877 | news |
Conor McGregor made quick work of Dennis Siver on Sunday night. Luke Thomas joins the show to break down the fight. | 1 | 7,878 | sports |
Would a four-man starting pitching rotation be a good idea in the MLB? The guys discuss the possibility. | 1 | 7,879 | sports |
Guests discuss whether or not it was appropriate for the Seattle Seahawks to reference Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in a recent tweet | 8 | 7,880 | video |
A crisp, crunchy salad makes the perfect lunch, but here's a secret: packing your meal in a mason jar actually makes it taste better. Why, you ask? Layering your favorite mix-ins and dressings helps keep your meal from getting soggy ahead of time. It's no matter if you prefer a hearty and sweet salad with grains or a refreshing mix that features the flavors of zesty guacamole; these 12 recipes will help you step up your lunches (or dinners) for good. Spicy Peanut Soba Noodle Salad This edamame- and carrot-packed spicy peanut soba noodle salad will keep you full all afternoon long. Check out more healthy lunch ideas Guacamole Mason Jar Salad Step away from the chips and guac! This zesty guacamole mason jar salad offers a satisfyingly tangy crunch with every single bite. Chicken Caesar Kale Mason Jar Salad Keep your croutons crunchy and your lettuce wilt-free by packing this chicken and kale caesar for lunch at the office. Chopped Salad With Balsamic-Dijon Vinaigrette Instead of getting a takeout chopped salad, whip up this homemade take that packs chickpeas, turkey, mozzarella, bulgur, cucumbers, and more into each bite. Zucchini Noodle, Quinoa, and Pea Salad This zoodle, quinoa, pea, and feta salad is so fresh and so green. The Ultimate Fall Mason Jar Salad Crunchy pumpkin seeds mixed with belly-filling vegetables and bold pomegranate make this Fall mason jar salad satisfying no matter the season. Chickpea, Farro, and Greens Salad A Greek-inspired salad of chickpeas, farro, greens, olives, and feta will inspire lunch-envy from your co-workers. Rainbow Mixed Mason Jar Pack a week's worth of salad in one sitting by stocking up on your go-to ingredients like chickpeas, grapes, and tomatoes. Then assemble your lunches all at once so you can be stress-free the rest of the week. Marinated White Bean Salad You'll look forward to lunch all day when this marinated white bean salad is packed in your work bag. Grilled Chicken, Beet, Apple, and Spinach Salad With Strawberry Vinaigrette If your ideal salad is a mix of savory and sweet, this grilled beet and apple salad offers the ideal fruity twist on traditional greens. Roasted Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad With Mango Balsamic Vinaigrette A hearty, protein-packed sweet potato and quinoa salad will keep an afternoon slump at bay. Vegetarian Taco Salad If you love the bold south-of-the-border flavors of traditional tacos, this taco salad with cilantro-lime dressing is sure to satisfy your taste buds. | 0 | 7,881 | foodanddrink |
A young Packers fans was hysterically crying after Green Bay lost to Seattle in the NFC Championship Game. | 1 | 7,882 | sports |
Jahlil Okafor and Duke dominated the Pitt Panthers en route to securing Coach K's 999th career win. | 1 | 7,883 | sports |
@dfbaer is wondering... Would you rather have Max Scherzer or Stephen Strasburg for the next seven years? | 1 | 7,884 | sports |
A stunning start for Sacramento, spear-headed by the dark horse MVP candidacy of DeMarcus Cousins , had us believing the Kings were one of a dozen Western Conference teams contending for eight playoff spots. One case of viral meningitis and an ill-advised firing later oh, and whatever happened to Denver and the West is, more or less, a 10-team race for eight slots. The injury riddled Oklahoma City Thunder are a .500 basketball team after the unlikeliest slew of injuries this side of Chicago; they share ninth-place with New Orleans, either the oldest-youngest or youngest-oldest team ever assembled, and possibly the worst team in league history built around an All-Star averaging 24 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks per game. Each week, the West changes we've seen a flurry of trades well in advance of the February trade deadline, if only for contenders like Dallas, Memphis, and Phoenix to better their chances of jostling through the NBA's varsity league. San Antonio is closer to missing the playoffs than securing one of the top two seeds for the fifth consecutive season, while Golden State has elevated itself from a No. 6 seed to mostly unbeatable. This is why I've decided to pull out my figurative camera over the next couple months of this devilishly fun season to take some snapshots of the West. Let's start at the bottom there's a Drake reference to be made and work our way to the top. T-9th Place: Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans (20-20) Since Oklahoma City's seven-game win streak in December, the team has started-and-stopped, as the Thunder are 8-7 over their last 15 games. Much of that is because of Kevin Durant's ankle injury, as the game's smoothest criminal was in and out of the lineup, and the Thunder were just 3-4 without him. Durant is averaging 27.3 points and 8.5 rebounds in January thus far, and with scorching shooting splits of .562/.472/.806, meaning the four-time scoring champ is coming back to life. This should do wonders for Oklahoma City, a team that has been terrible on the road (8-13) with just a single impressive road victory Christmas Day against San Antonio, which was missing Boris Diaw, Patty Mills and Kawhi Leonard (more on him later). Russell Westbrook has been awesome this season , and finally, in his seventh season, it seems like the conversation with him has evolved past "Is he holding Durant back?" although literally the conversation with him is something else completely . But Westbrook alone is not enough to lift the Thunder back into the crowded Western playoff field, and the numbers suggest the Thunder are nowhere near functioning at full optimization. Durant and Westbrook have shared the floor for 312 minutes this season, per NBA.com, and have managed just 102.8 points per 100 possessions, far below their typical firestorm production. Oklahoma City has an East Coast road trip coming against Miami, Washington, Atlanta and Cleveland this week about as taxing a stretch against the East as it gets. The Thunder need to break even at the least over these games or they risk falling even further out of eighth place (they are currently three games out). The Pelicans, meanwhile, are 4-4 in January, with wins against Houston and Memphis (Yay!) and losses against Charlotte, Boston and Philadelphia (Boo!). They beat Toronto on Sunday without Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday. What the heck is this team? Well, we know one thing about New Orleans: Anthony Davis is really freaking good, and when he sits, the other four Pelicans might as well go to the pine with him. New Orleans gives up 109.2 points per 100 possessions when Davis is out of the game, per NBA.com, a rate below the anemic Knicks. But the unfortunate truth with New Orleans is that many of their most talented combinations of players just can't seem to make it work on both ends. Davis, Holiday and Omer Asik the team's best two-way players have shared the floor for 353 minutes this season, and have posted a 102.8 offense rating and 103.6 defensive rating. In other words, this trio is losing points for the Pellies, which shouldn't happen! This is a team in desperate need of shooting without sacrificing any more defense we're looking at you, Ryan Anderson and Tyreke Evans. Quincy Pondexter is a nice upgrade over Austin Rivers in just about every way, but is Pondexter pushing them over the top and into the postseason? I have my doubts. New Orleans needs to be better when Asik is on the floor; they allow 105.3 points per possessions whenever he is manning the paint, a rate that doesn't make sense until you consider their perimeter defense. I'm pulling for New Orleans because we all want to see Davis in the postseason sooner rather than later. 8th Place: Phoenix Suns (24-18) (Explicatory reference to how the Suns would be the No. 5 seed in the East.) This team was 18-16 after an OT loss to Oklahoma City in December, but the Suns have won 6 out of 8, even if it has been against an ultra-light schedule, and their two losses were against the Spurs and Grizzlies. Phoenix is going to be tested over its next nine games (Lakers, Portland, Houston, Clippers, Wizards, Bulls, at Warriors, Grizzlies, at Portland), but they are mostly at home over that stretch, and if they make it out alive, Phoenix can take comfort in knowing it belongs in the playoff race for a second straight season. There is plenty that we don't know about this team, not the least of which is how quickly Phoenix would pull the trigger on a Goran Dragic deal if they slip any further in the standings. But this team is certainly good, one of the 12 or 13 best in the league. Their starting lineup wreaks havoc on most opponents, and when breakout star Markieff Morris is on the floor, the Suns outscore opponents by 9.5 points per 100 possessions, per NBA.com. ( He and his brother's contracts look better and better by the day. ) As their 103.8 defensive rating suggests, however, this is not a very strong defensive team; essentially when Bledsoe, Markieff Morris, P.J. Tucker or Alex Len sits, the defense hemorrhages points. Opponents have offensive ratings of 110.4 and 107.9 when Markieff Morris and Tucker sit, respectively. This team has the sixth-best offense in basketball, a superb starting unit that is greatly aided by a pair of supernovas off the bench . It's Phoenix's defense that is likely going to keep it out of the postseason after the Thunder kick into full swing, which is likely why the team is shopping Dragic and not Bledsoe. 7th Place: San Antonio Spurs (26-16) There is plenty to comment on about San Antonio's struggles this season, in theory, but most of it can be summed up very simply: The Spurs run on Kawhi Leonard. The numbers and the eye test align brilliantly in San Antonio's pair of victories since Leonard returned from his unusual hand injury. The reigning NBA Finals MVP was sinking baseline jumpers and engulfing passing lanes per the norm blowout wins against Portland and Utah. The Spurs travel to Denver and Chicago this week before hosting the Lakers and Bucks. That looks like another four wins, and that could catapult the Spurs up in the standings. While it was okay to be a little nervous about them earlier this winter , the signs were there all along the Spurs have just been waiting to get their team back. When Tony Parker, Danny Green, Leonard, Tim Duncan and Boris Diaw share the floor this season, San Antonio has a mighty 113.2 offensive rating and an equally impressive 98.1 defensive rating they score and get stops at the top of the league. When the Spurs have their best guys, they are freakishly protective of the ball; sub-in Manu Ginobili for Green and that lineup has an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.5 to 1. 6th Place: Los Angeles Clippers (27-14) It seems like the national media has been pouring it on the Clippers of late, and on the surface, the reason is not perfectly clear LAC has won 8 of its last 12 games, dating back to its Christmas Day victory against Golden State. The Clippers are scoring 109.7 points per 100 possessions over that run, and with elite assist and true-shooting marks. The why is because LAC is a below-average defensive team that falls into the pit whenever their starters sit. The Clippers a team which boasts the NBA's leading rebounder (DeAndre Jordan) and Blake Griffin is getting whipped on the glass , night after night. As Bill Simmons has brought up often the past couple seasons, the Clippers just cannot seem to find the correct five guys to finish games. Their starting lineup has blitzed teams, per usual; in 188 minutes over the past 12 games, LAC's starting unit is scoring 116.6 points per 100 possessions, per NBA.com, with a 60.7 true-shooting percentage. That lineup is average defensively, but take Barnes out for Jamal Crawford and all hell breaks loose. The trio of Crawford, J.J. Reddick and Griffin have a defensive rating of (gulp) 124.7 over 59 minutes the last dozen games. That would be unplayable only these are three of the team's five best players. The next couple weeks are light for the Clippers (Boston, Brooklyn, at Phoenix, Denver, at Utah, at New Orleans), and the team could do well for itself to make up ground behind Dallas and Houston while the Spurs are still digging themselves out of a mini-hole. If LAC can rattle off 5 or 6 wins, we may see the Clippers back in the mix for home court in round one. T-4th Place: Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets (28-13) If the season ended today, these in-state rivals would square off in round one, which is probably exactly what should/will happen. Dallas has won 8 of 11, still adjusting to "Life With Rondo" (which is the best Reality TV show we'll never get to watch). Houston is 7-4 over their last 11 games, some days looking like a great pick to win the NBA Finals, and others looking like the same unprepared squad of drivers-and-chuckers that couldn't cut it against Portland. Since adding Rondo, Dallas has a 98.1 offensive rating over 100 minutes with its new starting lineup, per NBA.com. That looks hideous next to their No. 1 overall offensive rating on the year (110.6), and the truth is the Mavericks are not the same team offensively with Rondo on board. They are, however, a highly capable defensive team with Rondo at the point, as that same lineup is holding opponents to 96.8 points per 100 possessions. Rondo is not a great shooter, and the gap between he and even the likes of Jameer Nelson are enough to where starting he and Tyson Chandler significantly limits how much spacing they can create. When Rondo, Monta Ellis, Chandler Parsons and Dirk Nowitzki share the floor without Chandler, per NBA.com, they score much better (104.3 offensive rating) and with a significant boost in true-shooting percentage (49.3 to 52.8 percent). Rondo and Chandler are not unplayable, but so far it isn't working, and head coach Rick Carlisle has been wise to isolate Nowitzki and Rondo with bench units and letting Ellis and Parsons run with Chandler for chunks of the game. This week, Dallas goes to Memphis, Minnesota and New Orleans, and hosts Chicago, a bitter little pill of a four-game stretch when stacked next to the Clippers'/Spurs' schedules. 3rd Place: Memphis Grizzlies (29-11) As under-the-radar as they have ever been, the Grizzlies are 8-3 over its last 11 games despite Zach Randolph missing time over the past few weeks with a knee injury. Team Grit-N-Grind was exactly that over this recent stretch, as Memphis clawed out above-average offensive (103.7) and defensive (102.2) production with elite rebounding, of course. Oh, and their best players stepped up as you'd expect: in 154 minutes, the trio of Tony Allen, Mike Conley and Marc Gasol held opponents to just 90.3 points per 100 possessions! Randolph has been ferocious since returning, averaging 19.2 points on 54.7 percent shooting, 13.8 rebounds and 7.0 FTA per game. Memphis beat Portland this weekend without Conley despite the Trail Blazers hitting 13 3s in large part because of Randolph the team was +10 on the glass and hit 50.6 percent of its shots. Memphis parted ways with some draft picks and Pondexter in order to add Jeff Green last week, a small forward that badly addresses the team's need of wing scoring. Courtney Lee has been a breath of fresh air on the wing beside Allen, and Vince Carter has already had some spectacular offensive moments in second units, but Green is the type of athlete that can give Memphis 20 points any given night from the small forward spot without giving up a drastic amount of defense. That Green won't likely start or play starter's minutes for Memphis makes the partnership even better; Green proved during his time in Boston he is a wildly inconsistent player too uneven to start and end pivotal playoff games for a West contender. Green has looked OK in three games with his new team, all Memphis wins, averaging 16 points per game. 2nd Place: Portland Trail Blazers (30-11) Portland has won 13 of 18 games, giving itself a half-game lead above Memphis for second-place in the West but that lead is shrinking. The Trail Blazers have lost three straight to the likes of the Clippers, Spurs and Grizzlies; their schedule hasn't exactly been a puff from a magical Oregon cigarette. (Their other two losses over this stretch? Houston and Atlanta.) Second place or third place, it doesn't matter this team should be scaring people. We know what this team can do offensively, and any decline in production on that end can be credited to the absence of Robin Lopez. Over the past 18 games, Portland is scoring 104.5 points per 100 possessions (12th), but when Damian Lillard, Wes Matthews, Nic Batum and LaMarcus Aldridge share the court, the Trail Blazers are outscoring opponents by 16.3 points per 100 possessions over 219 minutes, per NBA.com. Want to know something about that stat, though? The key is this team's seismic improvement defensively this year; that four-man unit has posted a defensive rating of 90.0 this without Lopez. Portland has the fourth-best defensive rating in the NBA this season at 99.4, a rate they have maintained from start to finish. Continuity has been a powerful theme this season, as many of the best teams in the league have consciously opted to keep their nucleus together an extra year in anticipation of the most wide-open season in recent memory. This was never more evident than in Golden State's decision to hang onto Klay Thompson during the height of the Kevin Love trade rumors last summer. Perhaps Portland, even more so than Golden State (which added Shaun Livingston and changed its starting lineup), is the poster child for how letting a nucleus grow for multiple seasons can enhance the play of each individual player. With the exception of Batum, no one in Portland's starting lineup, on their own, is a defensive standout. But after years of playing together, Portland has become hyper-aware of each other's strengths and weaknesses, tendencies and habits. The Trail Blazers appear to have leaped from an above-average to a great defensive team, and I don't think anybody wants to test them come April. 1st Place: Golden State Warriors (32-6) This team is 9-1 over its last 10 games, its only loss coming on the road against Oklahoma City, and without Andre Igoudala and Andrew Bogut. Over that stretch, the Warriors are scoring 116.4 points per 100 possessions, posting a defensive rating of 98.2, assisting on an astronomical 71.2 percent of their buckets without hardly ever turning the ball over, ripping a true-shooting percentage of 59.7 and playing at a pace of 101 possessions per 48 minutes, per NBA.com. So, umm, yeah, they are OK. Their next seven games are against Denver, Houston, Sacramento, Boston, Chicago, at Utah and Phoenix. Are there any losses over that stretch? It's possible Golden State could push its lead for first-place out to five or six games before the All-Star break. | 1 | 7,885 | sports |
Kobe Bryant has sat out out five of the last seven games, and he says that he has considered retiring after this season. Will this Kobe's last season in the NBA? | 1 | 7,886 | sports |
Bill Self punched and broke the screen on the scorer's table in frustration during the Kansas-Oklahoma tilt on Monday. | 1 | 7,887 | sports |
By Jeff Garcia Remember Michael Beasley? You now, the guy who played with the Heat and was picked No. 2 overall in the 2008 draft? Well, he resurfaced and is playing overseas in the Chinese Basketball Association and recently was named the MVP of the CBA All-Star game after dropping 59 points in the win . Nothing like a game where absolutely no defense is played for Beasley to shine. | 1 | 7,888 | sports |
Russell Wilson wasn't examined by a trainer after a violent collision in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday. Ovie gives a player's perspective on the situation. | 1 | 7,889 | sports |
A look at the rise of radical Islam | 8 | 7,890 | video |
Kansas opened up with a 51-32 lead in the first half against Oklahoma on Monday, but let the Sooners bounce back in the second. However, Kelly Oubre would lead the Jayhawks down the stretch to a 85-78 win. | 1 | 7,891 | sports |
The guys make their Super Bowl XLIX picks, and tell you why they will win. Who are you going with? | 1 | 7,892 | sports |
You'll hear plenty of Mike Kzyschevski stories between now and number 1,000, but wait till you hear the moment our Seth Davis learned what makes him such a special coach, teacher, and person. | 1 | 7,893 | sports |
Georgetown's bench scored 31 points, including 17 points from Isaac Copeland in Monday night's 78-58 upset win over No. 4 Villanova. | 1 | 7,894 | sports |
The festive season is behind us and it's time to get moving to burn off the indulgence of the celebrations. Thankfully, technology is here to help and fitness trackers are better, cheaper and more abundant than ever. Here's our quick guide to the best of the bunch for the start of the new year. Jawbone Up Move Cost: £40 The Up Move is the low-cost fitness tracker from Jawbone, makers of the popular Up band. The Move is a small square button-shaped tracker that counts activity, steps and sleep using an accelerometer. It uses a coin cell battery, lasting for around six months per battery. Swapping out the battery is easy using the small screw-on door at the back and saves having to charge it every five days or so. The Move is water resistant, but not water proof, has an LED display to show activity progress and syncs via Bluetooth to an Android or iPhone. The Jawbone Up app is one of the best available with useful graphs and suggestions for improving sleep, activity and general health. It comes with a belt clip but wristbands are available in a variety of colours. Verdict: cheap and cheerful with a good app but an ugly device Misfit Flash Cost: £50 The Misfit Flash is the follow up to the great Shine fitness tracker that packs all the same features into a cheaper, plastic body. The Flash is waterproof, unlike the Move, and can track activity, sleep and steps using an accelerometer. It can be worn almost anywhere, including while swimming, and like the Move is powered by a coin cell battery lasting around six months per cell. The Flash comes with a comfortable wristband and belt clip, while clothing such as cycling socks with small pockets for the Flash are available. It can also be used as a watch to tell the time using a hidden ring of LED lights that also show your activity progress through the day. The small device is about the size of a pound coin and syncs via Bluetooth to an iPhone or Android device. The Misfit app shows hours of light and deep sleep, calories burned and steps taken, but can output the data to a variety of fitness services including RunKeeper and MyFitnessPal. Verdict: waterproof, attractive and lasts six months per battery Fitbit Charge Cost: £100 The Fitbit Charge is a chunky wristband fitness tracker with a rechargeable battery that lasts around a week and is charged via a magnetic cable from any standard USB charger. Like most other fitness gadgets it tracks activity, steps, calories burned and hours slept using an accelerometer. It also has an altimeter that tracks the number of stairs climbed and a silent vibrating alarm for waking you up. It has a small screen that displays the time and fitness stats, activated by a small button on the side of the band. The screen can also show caller ID notifications from a smartphone syncing via Bluetooth. The Fitbit app is available for Android, iPhone and Windows Phone and can export data to a number of third-party services. The button clasp on the band can be difficult to shut, but stays closed even with vigorous activity. The band is comfortable to wear, but bulky on the wrist and struggled to fit under a shirt cuff. The Charge is water proof to 1m, which means it will be fine in the shower but not while swimming. Verdict: screen is useful, but basic, bulky and needs charging once a week Jawbone Up24 Cost: £100 The Up24 is Jawbone's more sophisticated wristband fitness tracker. Like the Up Move it tracks steps, activity and sleep using an accelerometer. But the Up24 also has a silent alarm that can be set to wake you up at the best time for your sleep pattern in the morning, within 30 minutes of your ideal wakeup time, to help you feel refreshed. The band is charged via a USB cable and will last around two weeks per charge. The Up24 has no screen, but has a button on the end and two icons that show tracking of sleep or activity, which the user has to manually switch between. The Jawbone syncs to the Up app on an Android or iPhone via Bluetooth and gives activity and health advice for better sleep and general fitness. The Up24 is water-resistant, but can't be taken in the shower. Verdict: two-week battery life and solid fitness tracking with useful app Sony Smartband Talk Cost: £120 The Sony Smartband Talk is a cross between a smartwatch and a fitness band. It tracks steps and calories burned, but not sleep, using an accelerometer. It connects via Bluetooth to a Android phone and Sony's Lifelog app that tracks activity but also what music you listen to, who you spoke to and other "life events". The Talk has an e-ink screen like an e-reader, which displays the time, activity and can be used for alarms and smartphone notifications such as emails, texts and WhatsApp messages. It can also make and take calls using a built-in microphone and speaker like a Bluetooth headset on the wrist. The microphone is sensitive enough that the band doesn't have to be held close to the face to continue the conversation. The Smartband Talk is waterproof to 1.5m for 30 minutes, fine for a shower or in the rain but not for swimming. It's charged by a standard microUSB cable and lasts around three days between charges. Verdict: a fitness band turned simple smartwatch but only for Android phones Basis Peak Cost: £169 The Basis Peak is the latest fitness tracking watch from Intel. Unlike the others in this group it has a heart rate monitor as well as galvanic skin sensors for measuring temperature and sweat, and an accelerometer for general activity. It constantly measures heart rate for around four and a half days between charges using a little magnetic USB charging dock. The screen is constantly on simply displaying time unless you are walking or running, at which point is displays distance and heart rate or other information appropriate for the activity. The screen has a small backlight for reading at night. Sleep monitoring with heart rate also allows the Peak to track sleep quality instead of just how long you slept a big step forward in sleep tracking. It can tell which phase of sleep you're in between light, deep and REM sleep. The Peak promises to perform smartwatch duties after a firmware update, but right now it feels slightly unfinished. The Android or iPhone app is also confusing, but the data is accessible from the easy to use Basis website. Verdict: the fitness tracker with the most promise, but not fully baked yet • The future of wearable technology is not wearables it's analysing the data • Click tock: which is the best smartwatch this Christmas? | 5 | 7,895 | news |
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Whether it's a case of art imitating life or the other way around, the over-40 baby boom shows no signs of stopping. Check out which celeb mamas haven't let their biological clocks get in the way of important family business. Gwen Stefani Gwen Stefani was 44 years old when she welcomed Apollo Bowie Flynn to her growing brood of boys. She was already mom to Kingston and Zuma, who she had in her 30s. Rachel Zoe Rachel Zoe was 42 when she announced she was expecting her second child with husband Rodger Berman on her site, The Zoe Report. "Before we head into the chaos of fashion season, we wanted to take a moment to officially confirm that we are expecting another child. We are beyond excited for Skyler to have a sibling and for us to fall in love all over again. We feel incredibly blessed." Halle Berry Halle Berry was 41 when she had her first child, daughter Nahla Ariela Aubry, in March 2008. Contrary to the difficulties so-called older mothers cope with during pregnancy, Berry told Harper's Bazaar: "My pregnancy was amazing. I was happy that whole time, I felt good, I had energy, I was like Superwoman. I wish I could feel like that for the rest of my life, that's how fantastic it was." Berry was 47 when she gave birth to her second child, Maceo. Kelly Preston After the heartbreaking loss of their son Jett at 16, Kelly Preston and John Travolta were thrilled when the mama delivered healthy baby Benjamin in 2010 - at the ripe young age of 48. Speaking to the Today show shortly after the birth, Preston said:"I didn't (consider the risks). I just considered that it was difficult. I never thought that would be me at all. So I think we're just really happy that we're so fortunate." Marcia Gay Harden Marcia Gay Harden was 44 when she had twins Hudson and Julitta Dee with husband Thaddaeus Scheel. Their first daughter, Eulala Grace, was born when Harden was 41. Tina Fey For everyone's favorite funny woman Tina Fey, the decision to have another baby - Fey is mom to 5-year-old Alice - wasn't an easy one. In her memoir Bossypants, Fey explains her trepidation about having another baby, writing: "Science shows that fertility and movie offers drop off steeply for women after 40." Fey gave birth to baby number two, Penelope, at 41 years old. Salma Hayek Salma Hayek was 40 years old when she gave birth to her daughter, Valentina Paloma Pinault, with now-husband Francois-Henri Pinault. About not starting a family until she was 40, Salma said: "I'm a more fulfilled human being now, and I probably wouldn't have been 10 years ago. She gets a better mother for being born now." Susan Sarandon Susan Sarandon gave birth to her first child, daughter Eva Amurri, at 39 and then went on to welcome sons Jack Henry at age 42 and Miles Guthrie at age 45. Kim Basinger Fiercely protective and notoriously private, Kim Basinger had daughter Ireland - with then-hubby Alec Baldwin - when she was 41. Brooke Shields After the birth of her first daughter, Rowan Francis, in 2003, Brooke Shields suffered from a crippling case of postpartum depression. After penning Down Came the Rain, her 2005 memoir about her battle with PPD, Shields had daughter Grier in 2006 at the age of 41. Celine Dion After multiple rounds of IVF and one devastating miscarriage, Celine Dion was 42 when she gave birth to twin boys, Eddy and Nelson, in 2010. That makes three boys for Dion and her husband, René Angélil, who also have 10-year-old René-Charles. In an interview with Us Weekly, Dion candidly discussed her understandable fears about a healthy pregnancy: "My doctors had to constantly reassure me . . . Each week I had sonograms. I heard their heart beats . . . It's stressful but I'm relaxing. I look at my little belly. I do almost nothing. If you tell me I have to stay in bed, I will stay in bed until November, when the babies are born. To bring them into the world, there's nothing more important than that. It's incredible." Molly Ringwald John Hughes muse Molly Ringwald was 41 when she gave birth to twins, Roman Stylianos and Adele Georgiana, in 2009. Ringwald was already a mom to daughter Mathilda Ereni, now 7. Helen Hunt Helen Hunt was 40 years old when her daughter, Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan, was born. Hunt discussed her challenges getting pregnant in a 2008 article for Ladies' Home Journal: "It turned out to be tougher to get pregnant than I thought it would be. I tried for a long time, and it just didn't happen, to the point where getting pregnant became the greatest wish - and the greatest challenge - of my life. My fate wasn't to jump into the backseat of a car and have a baby. My boyfriend and I were on our last big try, and if the baby hadn't come, we would have adopted. But then I did get pregnant - in 2003." Geena Davis In 2002, at age 46, Geena Davis gave birth to daughter Alizeh. That worked out so well that, in 2004, the 48-year-old had twin sons, Kian and Kaiis. Meryl Streep Meryl Streep had her fourth child, Louisa Jacobson Gummer, in 1991 just before her 42nd birthday. Nicole Kidman Already a mother to Isabella and Connor, her children with ex Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman gave birth to her first biological child, Sunday Rose, at the age of 40 in 2008. About having a child after 40, Nicole said: "I raised two kids when I was in my 20s, but that was a different thing. I was a kid and still so young mentally and emotionally - a totally different mom. There is something about mothering late in life. A lot of it is I want to stay alive for Sunday. There is plenty of deep fear and emotion. Sunday has healed an enormous amount in me. It's a very private thing, but she just has." Faith Margaret, Kidman's second daughter with husband Keith Urban, arrived via gestational surrogate in 2012. Mariah Carey One of the most anticipated celebrity births of 2011, 42-year-old Mariah Carey gave birth to twins Moroccan and Monroe in April that year. About trying for a successful pregnancy after a miscarriage, Mariah said: "The main thing I did that was tough, was to go on progesterone like every month . . . and then when I was pregnant, I had to stay with the progesterone for 10 weeks. It minimizes the chance of miscarriage by 50 percent." Marcia Cross Not content to merely play one on TV, Marcia Cross desperately longed to be a real housewife. In less than one year, she got everything she wanted: Cross married Tom Mahoney in 2006 and gave birth to twin girls, Eden and Savannah, in February 2007 - just before she turned 45. Cross was very realistic about her chances of conceiving. Instead of a honeymoon, the couple began in vitro immediately after the wedding, and clearly it worked. Beverly D'Angelo In 2001, at age 49, Beverly D'Angelo gave birth to twins Anton and Olivia Pacino with Al Pacino. Mira Sorvino After a complicated pregnancy followed by a taxing labor and delivery, Mira Sorvino delivered her third child, Holden Paul Terry, in June 2009 at age 41 and her fourth child, daughter Lucia, in May 2012 at age 44. Sorvino and husband Chris Backus were already parents to Johnny Christopher King and Mattea Angel. Cheryl Tiegs Supermodel Cheryl Tiegs had her first child, Zack, at age 44 with then-husband Anthony Peck. Tiegs didn't push her luck - in 2000, when Tiegs was 52 and married to Rod Stryker, the couple had twin boys Jaden and Theo - via a surrogate. Jennifer Connelly Jennifer Connelly was 40 years old when she and husband Paul Bettany added a daughter to their all-boy brood. Agnes Lark joined big brothers Kai, 13, and Stellan, 7, in May 2011. Mary Stuart Masterson The third time was definitely the charm for Mary Stuart Masterson, who had her first baby, a boy, at age 43 with her third husband, actor Jeremy Davidson. Like many women who try to get pregnant a little later in life, Masterson had to work at it a bit, she admitted. "I've been trying to get pregnant for a long time. I'm ready, I'm excited!" The couple is clearly doing something right: they welcomed twins in August 2011 when the actress was 44, and she gave birth to a fourth child in October 2012, when she was 45. Uma Thurman After having two kids with ex-husband Ethan Hawke, Maya and Levon, Uma Thurman welcomed her third, Rosalind Arusha Arkadina Altalune Florence Thurman-Busson, in July 2012 at 42 years old. Julianne Moore In April 2002, Julianne Moore welcomed her second child, Liv, at the age of 41. Her first child, Caleb, is five years older. Naomi Watts Naomi Watts began building her family in 2007 with the birth of Sasha at the age of 39. 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