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INCHEON, South Korea (AP) -- South Korea's Sung Hyun Park shot a course-record 10-under 62 on Thursday to take a four-stroke lead in the LPGA KEB Hana Bank Championship. The 22-year-old Park birdied three of the last four holes after making six birdies in a seven-hole stretch in the middle of the round on Sky 72's Ocean Course. Making her first LPGA Tour start, Park played alongside Michelle Wie and Lexi Thompson and often drove past the long-hitting U.S. stars. "I thought it was not an easy course, but my tee shots, my iron shots, my putting, everything just went really well," Park said through a translator. "I have to say that with Lexi and Michelle, there were some holes where they shot farther than I did, so we were kind of going back and forth there. ... Michelle and Lexi are taller and bigger than I am and they are much more powerful than I am, but I notice that maybe my swing speed is a bit faster than them." "I think today, I was especially lucky, but looking ahead to the next three days, I know that double or triple bogeys are a possibility," Park said "So, it's really anybody's game at this point. I'm going to try to not focus on winning too much and really try to do my best." Ranked 54th in the world, Park won the Korea LPGA's Se Ri Pak Invitational two weeks ago for her third victory of the season. She won the Korea Women's Open in June. "It was awesome to watch, that's for sure," Thompson said. "She shot 10 under, and I swear it seemed like she birdied every hole. It was amazing to watch. I've never seen her play before and she's a great player. Amazing putter and great ball-striker and she hits it long." Thompson had a 68, and Wie shot 71. U.S. Solheim Cup hero Gerina Piller and England's Charley Hull were tied for second at 66. Piller had six birdies in a bogey-free round that started on No. 10. "I just made some putts," Piller said. "The greens are rolling pretty quick and they are pretty pure. I missed the green on the first hole and I had about a 10-footer (for par), so I think that just kind of kick-started the whole day." Hull birdied five of the first seven holes in a bogey-free round. "Just patience at the moment," Hull said. China's Shanshan Feng was five strokes back at 66 along with South Koreans Chella Choi, Hyo Joo Kim, Eun-Hee Ji and Han Sol Ji. Kim and Choi won their first LPGA Tour titles this season. Kim took the Founders Cup in Phoenix, and Choi the Marathon Classic in Ohio. "This tournament is my favorite tournament the whole year, because my hometown and my whole family came out here," Choi said. "I'm so excited and I'm really proud of my country." Top-ranked Inbee Park had a 69. The South Korean star won two of the five majors this year and is tied with second-ranked Lydia Ko for the tour victory lead with four. Ko also shot 69. She tied for second last week in the LPGA Malaysia after winning her previous two starts in Canada and France, where the 18-year-old South Korean-born New Zealander became the youngest major champion. American Jessica Korda, the Malaysia winner, opened with a 71. U.S. Solheim Cup captain Juli Inskter, the oldest player in the field at 55, also had a 71. | 1 | 94,900 | sports |
Ryan Weimer has gone from transforming just his son's wheelchair into an epic Halloween costume, into a non-profit to help lots of kids. Keri Lumm (@thekerilumm) reports. | 4 | 94,901 | lifestyle |
LOS ANGELES Too bad Major League Baseball officials can't suddenly dictate the New York Mets-Los Angeles Dodgers series will be best-of-seven. They can't, can they? Surely that wish must have crossed their minds, considering the drama and high TV ratings this National League Division Series has generated. The matchup of teams from the country's two largest markets was bound to draw plenty of attention despite the relative lack of playoff history between the clubs, but then Jacob deGrom reenacted his astounding All-Star Game appearance only over seven innings Chase Utley broke Ruben Tejada's leg, Yoenis Cespedes sent a 111-mph laser into the second deck at Citi Field and Clayton Kershaw found vindication. Without need of any extraneous hype, this clash has become the postseason's most compelling theater. "It's turned into a really good series, obviously,'' Dodgers manager Don Mattingly understated. And for the capper, Thursday's decisive Game 5 still sure we can't stretch it to seven? matches up two of the game's top right-handers in deGrom and Dodgers co-ace Zack Greinke, the Game 2 winner and a strong candidate to earn his second Cy Young Award. And that only begins to tell the story of this elimination game. The Dodgers, winners of three consecutive NL West crowns for the first time ever, are looking at the possibility of getting bounced out in the first round for the second year in a row, leaving them still searching for their first World Series title since 1988. With a record payroll in excess of $300 million, the Dodgers have made it clear nothing short of a championship will satisfy them. Mattingly has gone 446-363 in his five seasons in L.A., accumulating the sixth-most wins in franchise history, but there's a strong belief among team observers that he may not be brought back if Los Angeles falls short of the World Series. Another key piece who may not return is Greinke, whose 1.66 ERA this season was the lowest in the majors since Greg Maddux's 1.63 in 1995. Greinke speaks highly of his time in Los Angeles "I really can't think of anything not positive to say about the whole experience,'' he said but he's widely expected to opt out of his six-year, $147 million contract because, well, pitchers who hit the market after going 19-3 with a 1.66 ERA can pretty much name their price. The Dodgers have enjoyed the rare luxury of sending two legitimate aces to the mound on back-to-back games for the last four years, rekindling memories of the 1960s, when they boasted the Hall of Fame duo of Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale. "With Clayton and Zack, they've given us two guys that stop streaks, save your bullpen, are just day-in, day-out consistent guys,'' Mattingly said. "You can really count on what you're going to get from them 90-something percent of the time.'' A victory this evening would extend their time together and perhaps add one more reason for Greinke to stay, especially if the Dodgers go on to win the World Series. The Mets will face a huge free-agent decision of their own as soon as their postseason is over. Cespedes, probably more responsible for their first trip back to the playoffs in nine years than anybody else wearing blue and orange, is about to test to market as well, and with lots of leverage for demanding a nine-figure contract. The powerful Cuban outfielder is building a case as one of the game's most impactful players. The Oakland Athletics plummeted after trading Cespedes on July 31 of last year although other factors also played into their collapse and the moribund Mets offense came to life after the club acquired him exactly a year later. Again, other elements were involved including David Wright's return, Michael Conforto's emergence and the addition of infielders Kelly Johnson and Juan Uribe but Cespedes made a huge difference, with 17 homers, 44 RBI and a .942 in 57 games as a Met. He's batting .313 with two homers in this series. "Putting Cespy in the middle of the lineup gets everybody in a different spot and lets them settle in,'' Johnson said. Cespedes, who turns 30 on Sunday, has said he wants at least a six-year contract, and the Mets have not shown much of an appetite for mega-deals in the last several years, so his New York stay could wind up being memorable but short. With all the subplots involved, this prime-time affair has the makings of a special game. Before the series, both teams set their rotations so they had an elite starter rested and ready for Game 5. DeGrom, who overwhelmed the Dodgers with a five-hit, 13-strikeout performance in the series opener, has usually excelled following Mets loses and said he believes he raises his game in those situations. "You try to get your team back on a winning streak,'' he said. "I think that will kind of be in my mind and I'll go out there and just try to put up zeroes.'' | 1 | 94,902 | sports |
A rate hike by the Federal Reserve could have greater global repercussions than in the past because the economy has changed and central banks have little experience moving away from interest rates of zero, European Central Bank Vice President Vitor Constancio said. A Fed hike would have a bigger impact because emerging markets, particularly China, are now integrated in the global economy to an unprecedented degree, countries are more interlinked in production, cross-border capital flows have increased, and forward guidance has become a crucial monetary policy instrument, Constancio said on Thursday. "The truth of the matter is that given the lack of historical precedents on what the impact of a major economy departing from a zero lower bound environment is, market analysts and policy makers do not have much of a choice other than 'learning in real time'," he said in prepared remarks for a speech in Hong Kong. While diverging monetary policies reflect differences in fundamentals in the euro zone and the United States and the traditional view is that this should create no problems, "This time the divergences could have greater global repercussions than in the past", Constancio said. (Reporting by Balazs Koranyi; Editing by Leslie Adler) | 3 | 94,903 | finance |
The Oakland Raiders fear that defensive end Justin Tuck may have a torn pectoral muscle that could end his season, according to a report. Tuck, 32, was injured in a Week 5 loss to the Denver Broncos. NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that the team worries it's a torn pectoral muscle for Tuck, which would be a season-ending injury. At the least, Tuck is expected to miss several games. #Raiders fear that veteran DL Justin Tuck tore his pec, source says. He's undergoing tests, but will many several games, possibly the season Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 14, 2015 Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio didn't offer much encouragement on the matter Wednesday when speaking with the media: JDR: says MRI on Tuck's shoulder was "not good" bad sign for Jack to go that far. Didn't want to speculate about IR. Scott Bair (@BairCSN) October 14, 2015 Tuck has started every game for the Raiders this season at left end. He has recorded 14 tackles and a sack. The 32-year-old is in the final season of a two-year deal with the team. | 1 | 94,904 | sports |
Check out Wednesday's top plays on the ice, including Michal Neuvirth's save and Kyle Turris' goal. | 1 | 94,905 | sports |
Seven highly-modified 2016 Ford F-150 pickups will be shown at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas next month. The trucks will be among more than 50 vehicles at the automaker's display, making it the largest OEM stand at the show. MRT 2016 Ford F-150 Beginning with a two-wheel-drive regular cab pickup, MRT custom-installed a six-speed manual transmission behind the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. The engine is upgraded with a custom stainless steel exhaust system with a Max-Flow H-pipe and back-half exhaust system, custom air intake, JMS Pedal MAX accelerator pedal signal controller and JMS Boost MAX boost signal controller, a Turbosmart blow-off valve, and SCT custom ECU tune. Installation of the Tremec Magnum six-speed manual required a QuickTime bell housing, an Exedy performance clutch and flywheel, and Wilwood pedal box. Drive Train Specialties supplied a lightweight driveshaft and limited-slip rear differential, while Air Lift and MRT bits lower the suspension. The braking system has been upgraded with Wilwood components. The MRT F-150 rides on a set of Forgiato performance 20-inch wheels wrapped in Toyo performance tires. Exterior modifications include a two-tone paint job, metal heat extractors in the hood, rear spoiler and hard tonneau cover by Team Z Motorsports, tinted glass, and custom headlights and taillights from The Lighting Firm. Inside, the truck features Sparco race seats and harnesses, Team Z Motorsports roll cage, MRT switch panel and rear seat delete, Innovate Motorsports gauges, and a GPS track app. Follow MSN Autos on Facebook Leer 2016 Ford F-150 The Leer -tuned F-150 SuperCrew has been modified for improved off-road capabilities. Engine modifications include a K&N Engineering air filter, DynoMax three-inch exhaust with Ultra Flo muffler and 4-inch tips and matte black ceramic coating by Specialized Powder Coating, a Tune-Logic ECU reflash, and an Odyssey battery. The suspension has been upgraded with a Rancho Performance Pro Series MT six-inch lift kit to house the 22x10-inch Fuel Off-Road FF14 Forged wheels wrapped in 35/12.5-R22LT Fuel Off-Road Gripper M/T tires. Exterior features include gloss blue paint with black matte black accents, LightWurkz headlights with PIAA bulbs, fender flares, Pelican Pro Gear storage boxes, a Leer custom fit bed cap, Amp Research powerstep, BedRug bedliner, Rigid Industries spot light bar and rock light kit, and Aero Vogue wiper blades. Interior bits include Roadwire leather seat covers, arm rest, center console cover, and steering wheel in black with Grabber Blue accents, a 1,000-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system, custom floor mats, 3M Crystalline window tint, PIAA bulbs, and SRP Racing aluminum pedals. Roush Performance 2016 Ford F-150 Roush Performance boosts the performance of the 2016 Ford F-150 in a more conventional way than the MRT pickup. The long-time Ford tuner adds the company's R2300 supercharger system to the F-150's 5.0-liter V-8 boosting power to 650 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque. Other performance bits include an air intake kit and active exhaust system. The truck features a Crown Suspension lowering kit for a 3-inch front and 5-inch rear drop, while Power Stop drilled and slotted rotors peek out from behind Weld 22x9-inch wheels shod in Falken 265/40R22 tires. In addition to the Roush graphics exterior wrap, the truck features a Roush three-piece grille and front bumper cover, and 3M window tint. Inside, there is a custom Katzkin leather interior with heated and cooled seats. CGS Performance Products 2016 Ford F-150 CGS Performance Products improved performance of the F-150's 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 with a cat-back exhaust and cold air kit as well as an intercooler from Whipple Superchargers. The truck also uses Amsoil fluids, a Reikken battery, and PML differential cover. A reduction in ride height is made possible by a McCaughey's lowering suspension and Air Lift air bag kit. The full-size pickup rides on 24x10-inch Savini Forged SV60-C wheels wrapped in 305/35ZR24 Pirelli P-Zero tires. Exterior bits include a Leer tonneau cover, a custom paint job, Raptor Retrofit headlights and foglights, AMP Research Powerstep, Cerakote Ceramic paint trim, BedRug carpeted bed, hood scoop, billet badges, and more. Inside, there is custom Alea Leather, Nav-TV, custom floor mats, and more. AIRDESIGN USA 2016 Ford F-150 Performance upgrades on the AIRDESIGN USA Ford F-150 include a Vortech intercooler upgrade, Gibson cat-back exhaust, and Bilstein lifted reservoir shocks. The truck rides on a set of Fuel Cleaver two-piece 20x9-inch wheels wrapped in Fuel Mud Gripper M/T 33-inch tires. Exterior modifications on the red and black pickup include AIRDESIGN USA front bumper guard, hood scoop, fender vent and flares, door moldings, rear tailgate applique and spoiler, and a Pace-Edwards Bedlocker electric tonneau cover. Interior bits include custom Roadwire red and black leather seats, red and black accent colors, window tint, and Focal audio components. Forgiato 2016 Ford F-150 In addition to a set of 24x14-inch Forgiatao wheels wrapped in Nitto tires, the Forgiato F-150 pickup's 5.0-liter V-8 is topped with a Whipple supercharger. Additionally, a Rancho six-inch lift helps clear the massive wheels and tires. Exterior modifications include an AMP Research Powerstep, Leer tonneau cover, Fab Four premium bumpers, Rigid lights, and a full Airdesign USA body kit. The interior is upgraded with Alea Leather. Galpin Auto Sports 2016 Ford F-150 While the most noticeable feature of the Galpin Auto Sports (GAS) 2016 Ford F-150 is the custom PPG Paint Gulf paint scheme, the engine has been upgraded with a Full Race Motorsports Freak-O-Boost front-mount intercooler kit with three-inch cold air intake and three-inch cat-back exhaust system. Chassis modifications include Addictive Desert Designs (ADD) stage 3 suspension kit with Sway-A-Way 3.0 front coilover suspension and 3.0 bypass shock rear suspension, GAS reinforced rear-end housing, and Wilwood six-piston calipers with 16-inch rotors. The GAS F-150 rides on a set of ADV1 ADV6R Truckspec CS 20-inch wheels wrapped in 37-inch Cooper SST Pro tires. Exterior bits include ADD XTR body kit, SMP Fabrication front and rear off-road bumpers and chase rack with Rigid Industries lighting, GAS machined differential cover, custom front grille and puddle lights, and Lighting Firm LED headlights. Inside, GAS added a Diamond Audio sound system, Katzkin leather, and painted interior trim. Source: Ford Follow MSN Autos on Facebook | 9 | 94,906 | autos |
Does Florida need QB Treon Harris to perform well in order to knock off LSU, or does Florida's defense have to contain RB Leonard Fournette if to come away with a win? #120Talk | 1 | 94,907 | sports |
Not every celebrity goes by the name on their birth certificate (what, you didn't know Lady Gaga wasn't born that way?), but some stage names are definitely more obvious than others. There are a handful of stars who have been using their middle names throughout their careers, and you probably didn't even realize it! Whether they're using it as their first name or their last, we've rounded up 29 stars who you may be surprised to learn have been low-key lying to you this whole time - scroll through to see them all now. Angelina Jolie = Angelina Jolie Voight Brad Pitt = William Bradley Pitt Ashton Kutcher = Christopher Ashton Kutcher Rihanna = Robyn Rihanna Fenty Reese Witherspoon = Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon Téa Leoni = Elizabeth Téa Pantaleoni Drake = Aubrey Drake Graham Theo James = Theodore Peter James Kinnaird Taptiklis Kevin Spacey = Kevin Spacey Fowler Bruce Willis = Walter Bruce Willis Aaron Paul = Aaron Paul Sturtevant Tina Fey = Elizabeth Stamatina Fey Zachary Levi = Zachary Levi Pugh Lea Michele = Lea Michele Sarfati Lucy Hale = Karen Lucille Hale Jonah Hill = Jonah Hill Feldstein Faith Hill = Audrey Faith Perry Tim McGraw = Samuel Timothy McGraw Dakota Fanning = Hannah Dakota Fanning Elle Fanning = Mary Elle Fanning Skylar Astin = Skylar Astin Lipstein Rooney Mara = Patricia Rooney Mara Jude Law = David Jude Heyworth Law Norah Jones = Geetali Norah Jones Shankar Marie Osmond = Olive Marie Osmond Paul McCartney = James Paul McCartney Garth Brooks = Troyal Garth Brooks Tom Cruise = Thomas Cruise Mapother IV Will Ferrell = John William Ferrell | 6 | 94,908 | entertainment |
Who "won" the Democratic debate? The Democratic Party won. All the presidential candidates, from the most flamboyant to the most contained, talked seriously about issues, even straying from liberal orthodoxy. Hillary Clinton's upbeat morning-in-America approach contrasted with Bernie Sanders' eve-of-destruction -- I mean revolution. But both stood grounded in reality, with special kudos to America's favorite socialist for some refreshing breaths of nuance on polarizing issues. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich -- not a crazy Republican but one who often talked crazy -- once called Democrats "the enemy of normal Americans." Who's looking normal now? Surely not Republican Carly Fiorina, condemning abortion with a gruesome description of a fabricated video she never saw. Not Ben Carson or Rand Paul, who, despite being doctors, didn't strenuously counter Donald Trump's contention that vaccinations put children at risk. Trump doesn't seem normal even when he's right. The consensus said that Clinton walked off with it. She did, but it was an ensemble performance. Sanders struck the high note by mocking the overblown controversy over Clinton's use of private emails as secretary of state. "The American people are sick and tired of hearing about your damn emails," Sanders said. "Let's talk about the real issues facing America." And the Democrats generally dived under the surface of today's public debates. Clinton chided Sanders for his skepticism on some gun control measures, but Sanders had it exactly right. He explained that his state, Vermont, has a rural hunting culture that doesn't see guns as always evil. Sanders backed a ban on assault rifles but opposed letting gun shops be sued if a gun they sell legally is used in a crime. Common sense all around. The immigration discussion offered a welcome balance between the need to deal humanely with people here illegally and the need for controls. Sanders defended his attack on an immigration plan that would have admitted huge numbers of "guest workers" to compete with low-wage Americans. If only more Democrats would talk that way. Former Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia spoke up for struggling poor whites, another welcome reference in a party that too often frames policy in racial or ethnic terms. And thank you, Jim Webb, for saying, "No country is a country without defining its borders." All in all, though, it was Clinton's show. Responding to Sanders' declaration of love for Scandinavian socialism, Clinton firmly replied: "We are the United States of America. And it's our job to rein in the excesses of capitalism so that it doesn't run amok and doesn't cause the kind of inequities that we're seeing in our economic system." The consensus erred in naming Webb the evening's "loser." The former Navy secretary did great in his seething, quiet way. He steered the debate away from cloying political correctness. This very smart son of Appalachia would make a great vice presidential candidate. Few noticed that Webb provided the wittiest remark of the evening. That came when he dryly informed Sanders that he doesn't "think the revolution's going to come." The most unintentionally funny line was from CNN moderator Anderson Cooper. "In all candor," Cooper said to Clinton, "you and your husband are part of the 1 percent. How can you credibly represent the views of the middle class?" To borrow from the MasterCard ad, being questioned about losing credibility on matters of class because you've become rich: $2.03. Being so questioned by the son of a Vanderbilt: priceless. Clinton is clearly moving on from intraparty debate to general election mode. The other candidates seemed to genuinely respect that pivot and gave her space. How gratifying to hear a leading presidential candidate sound like a normal American and not get punished for it. COPYRIGHT 2015 CREATORS.COM | 5 | 94,909 | news |
The general consensus after Hillary Clinton's polished performance in the first Democratic presidential debate is that Joe Biden squandered the excitement about his potential run, and would face a difficult political path if he disrupted what's shaping up to be a strong Democratic primary . Biden's already months behind in fundraising, and as FiveThirtyEight notes , candidates who make a late entry into the race don't necessarily get a bounce in the polls. But politics aside, is it even technically possible for Biden to declare his candidacy at this point? The vice president has yet to miss any crucial deadlines, but within a few weeks his path to the nomination will go from challenging to extremely implausible and he knows it. His staff reportedly met with the Democratic National Committee last week to go over the complicated rules for entering each state's primary, and last month Biden told the Catholic magazine America , "It's just not there yet and it may not get there in time to make it feasible to be able to run and succeed, because there are certain windows that will close." Here's the timeline Biden's facing. NOVEMBER Missing the second Democratic debate on November 14 would send a bad message, but there are also several important filing deadlines next month. For those not up on the intricacies of the nominating process, basically the primaries determine how many delegates are allotted to each candidate. They're awarded proportionally based on total votes by district, so a candidate can pick up delegates even if they don't win the primary. About 4,800 delegates will vote at the Democratic convention in July, so a candidate will need around 2,400 delegates to secure the nomination. In order to get on the ballot in Alabama, Biden must sign a statement of candidacy with the state party, gather 500 signatures, and pay a $2,500 fee by November 6, according to ABC News. Alabama only has about 60 delegates, so missing that primary wouldn't be a huge blow. But several states have filing deadlines later that month, each with their own requirements: Arkansas (November 9), New Hampshire (November 20), and Florida (November 30). If Biden still hasn't entered by the end of the month, he'll haven given up on nearly 400 delegates. DECEMBER Eleven state deadlines fall in December, so if Biden doesn't declare by the end of the year, he'll have forfeited more than 1000 delegates. There is one far-fetched way that Biden could further delay his decision without giving up on states with early filing deadlines. Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, tells ABC News that Biden could put his name on the ballot without officially declaring his candidacy. "He could sign the paperwork and say he's doing it in case he decides to become a candidate," Sabato said. "Who is going to challenge that, given his personal situation?" But Sabato described that scenario in September, and post-debate, prominent Democrats are already pushing Biden to make up his mind. JANUARY Assuming Biden hasn't started filling out paperwork just in case, the major cutoff when it comes to filing deadlines is January, when another 15 states require candidates to register. According to an analysis by the Brookings Institution, by the middle of the month an undeclared candidate will have forfeited 2,232 delegates, or about the number needed to become the nominee. FEBRUARY-JUNE The Iowa caucus is on February 1, and starting with the New Hampshire primary on February 9 the other candidates will start divvying up delegates. A few states don't have filing deadlines, but they only total about 500 delegates. We should know who the Democratic nominee is well before June, when the last half-dozen states hold their primaries. JULY Couldn't Biden rush up to Philadelphia on July 25 to fight for the nomination on the convention floor, or rescue a Democratic party hopelessly divided between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders? Theoretically, yes, but as Rassmussen explains , that's extremely unlikely: Now, in the event of a deadlocked convention, other candidates could emerge. The convention could hypothetically turn to a candidate who didn't win the largest number of delegates or who didn't win delegates at all. But let's not assume wild hypotheticals: Not since 1968 has either party picked a nominee who didn't participate in the primaries (the last one was the Democrats' Hubert H. Humphrey). Moreover, we haven't seen any true convention drama since 1976 for the Republicans (the tight Gerald Ford-Ronald Reagan contest that went down to the wire) and 1980 for the Democrats, when a fiery Ted Kennedy tried to pry loose enough Jimmy Carter delegates to steal the nomination. And what if Biden is just positioning himself as Clinton's understudy , as some columnists have suggested? If Biden steps up to fill the void after Clinton is ... let's say hauled away in chains over her emails, that would put the vice president in a more advantageous position. As Sabato explains , a party desperate to avoid nominating a socialist could come to the vice president's aid, helping him claim Clinton's delegates and much of her campaign apparatus: While he would be getting in very late, there might be some campaign infrastructure he could effectively inherit. Any Super PACs set up on Clinton's behalf, such as Priorities USA Action, could decide to back Biden instead. Super PACs are legally required to keep their distance from formal campaigns, so a pro-Clinton Super PAC could morph into a pro-Biden one. The donors who have given to the Clinton Super PACs probably wouldn't mind the changed course: In fact, many of them would likely donate to the new Biden campaign, too. The remaining money in Clinton's primary and general election accounts which would be millions upon millions of dollars could be reimbursed to donors with a strong suggestion that they re-donate the cash to the Biden campaign. The vendors and contractors with which Clinton is working could simply sign up with Biden heck, so could many of the staffers. But at this point we might as well be speculating about how Elizabeth Warren, Al Gore, or (on the Republican side) Mitt Romney could cinch the nomination at the last minute. People like talking about wild convention scenarios, but the 2016 convention will almost certainly be a week-long prime time commercial for a candidate selected months in advance. Unless Biden plans on becoming the Democratic Donald Trump and sending his party into a tailspin, which doesn't really seem like his style, he'll announce his intentions in the next few weeks. | 5 | 94,910 | news |
Even if your cat will only tolerate wearing a Halloween costume for a few brief moments, Jen Markham (@jenmarkham) has a rundown of some of the most hilarious Halloween costumes for cats that will make all the work getting the cat into the costume worth it. | 4 | 94,911 | lifestyle |
Nothing elevates and personalizes the look of your home more than one-of-a-kind works of art. You don't need to haggle with an art dealer to land something in your price range, though. To fill your walls without busting your budget, check out these 10 unintimidating ideas for creating do-it-yourself artwork that looks like a million bucks. Sublime Scribbles Displaying kids' artwork is a lovely way to show off your family's creativity. For an abstract expressionist flair, use photo editing software to transform your child's set of doodles into a Jackson Pollock esque piece by zooming in on just the most interesting corners of the page. You can even tweak the colors to complement your room! Color Wheel A DIY painting on a scrap piece of plywood lends a modern vibe to a living room. To achieve a similarly graphic pinwheel design, apply strips of painter's tape so that they meet at a central point, then fill the spaces between the strips with paint. Add texture by mixing the paint with water putty. Statement Piece Oftentimes the wall art we choose to display is truly personal, speaking to who we are and where we've been. This crafty blogger stenciled the shapes of the states (and one country) where she or her spouse have lived onto a set of salvaged and stained wood slats . Want a look that's more mod than rustic? Paint the shapes on a glossy red or orange background instead. Into the Woods Depending on where you shop, canvas can cost a pretty penny, but if you start by covering up a thrifted piece of art with a coat of white paint, you can get a blank slate for cheap. Once you have your fresh canvas, try creating a simple birch forest scene like this one: Arrange strips of masking tape to create tree trunks, paint the background, remove the tape (leaving white trunks), then scrape contrasting black paint along the edges of the white trunks using an old credit card. A gold-foil heart a message from a pair of lovebirds completes the arrestingly graphic stand of trees. Bohemian Rhapsody Handwoven fiber art is very on trend these days. Good thing for you, it's an easy trend to achieve on your own. To create a wall hanging on a budget, try this project, which assembles an assortment of materials a string, beads, and wire hoops from the craft store using some ultrabasic knot-tying . Go Big Make a huge impression on guests by hanging a favorite photo, supersized in a black-and-white engineering print , in an entry hall or living room. Getting hold of an enlargement is as simple as showing up at your nearby copy center. Or, for a little more money, outsource to a site like Photojojo and have your blown-up pic delivered to your doorstep, crease-free. Leave a Note Say it loud and proud: Turn a favorite quote, a scrawled personal anthem, or a loved one's jottings into a framed poster. Here again, your local copy shop can enlarge the words to just the right size for any frame you might have on hand . Brush It Up Don't be discouraged by the price tags of large paintings you admire. Rather than buy at an intimidating cost, this homeowner chose to DIY her own abstract work, and you can too. Just paint freely in a range of colors that complement your decor. The best part about abstract art is that your finished piece doesn't have to look like anything specific. A flurry of brushstrokes later, you, too, will have your own masterpiece to hang. Quick Cuts If you don't trust yourself with a paintbrush, there's still hope. A crafting knife and paper were the fabulously wallet-friendly ingredients for this modern wall display. Just draw a simple shape on black paper, make some partial cuts around the outline, flip the paper over, and then back it with a sheet of paper in a contrasting shade, or even a patterned sheet . Scattered Platters To add sumptuous color and pattern to your room for absolutely free, look no further than your own cabinets. Pull out your prettiest plates (try for a harmonious range of colors), then display them on the wall in an attractive pattern, securing them with some seriously strong adhesive or spring-loaded plate hangers. | 4 | 94,912 | lifestyle |
In the Senators 7-3 win over the Blue Jackets, Mark Stone and Kyle Turris hooked up for an impressive goal, while Mike Hoffman and Jean-Gabriel Pageau took advantage of multiple Jackets mistakes. | 1 | 94,913 | sports |
CBS2's Tracee Carrasco reports. | 0 | 94,914 | foodanddrink |
A neighbor of the insular church congregation family that beat their two teenage sons in church -- one fatally -- says the incident shocked everybody in the town. (Oct. 14) | 8 | 94,915 | video |
Tom Brady does a lot of things well, yet even he knows his limits. The New England Patriots quarterback is a good-looking dude. There's no denying that. But when it comes to modeling, Brady understands his wife , Gisele Bundchen, is the family's crown jewel. "She's a lot better at this than I am," Brady said of modeling Tuesday night at a launch event in New York City, according to PEOPLE magazine. "She should give me more advice. I should listen to her more often. That would probably be the best advice I could give myself." Brady is no stranger to modeling, of course. He's one of the most recognizable athletes in sports, with his handsome looks surpassed only by his on-field prowess. The four-time Super Bowl champion also is the new brand ambassador of TAG Heuer watches. But Bundchen has made quite a living off her beauty and style. So when she offers fashion tips, Brady listens. After all, why risk landing in the doghouse? "She has her own recommendations, and I certainly listen, because if your wife doesn't like it, then you should probably move on to something else," Brady said laughing, according to PEOPLE. Spoken like a smart husband. | 1 | 94,916 | sports |
Pope Francis on Thursday called on the world to reject the "idolatry of money", claiming that greed was driving societies to ruin. In an interview in his modest apartment in the Vatican, the pope told the glossy French magazine Paris Match that the world economic system as it stands was "unsustainable". "Capitalism and profit are not diabolical if we don't turn them into idols. They are not if we just leave them as tools," he said. "Nevertheless, if money and profit at any price become the idols that we adore, and if greed is the basis of our social and economic system, then our societies are heading towards ruin." The comments to a magazine whose usual fare is the lives of celebrities, billionaires and royals, hammered home the Argentinian pontiff's twin concerns about the need to tackle poverty and the environment. "Man and all creation must not be at the service of money... humanity must renounce its adoration of money and instead put at its centre the person, the common good and future generations who will people the Earth after us," he said, saying a world climate change conference in Paris in December could help turn that around. Christians, he said, were realists and not inclined to preach catastrophe. "However, we cannot hide the obvious. The world (economic) system is unsustainable." On the wars in Syria and Iraq, the pope said the world had to act in the "face of the emergency", but said it also had to deal with the causes of the conflicts. "Let's ask ourselves why there is so much war and violence... Let's not forget the hypocrisy of world powers who talk about peace but sell arms under the table." | 5 | 94,917 | news |
Janet Jackson gave some fans the shock of their lives. | 8 | 94,918 | video |
Chipmaker's huge bet on corporate data centers is still a work in progress | 3 | 94,919 | finance |
Rock stars can party the night away, but with their grueling work schedules and exhausting social calendars, how can they stay healthy? One naturopathic doctor uses holistic remedies to keep music industry elites rockin' | 7 | 94,920 | health |
The church bell at St. George the Martyr in London malfunctioned causing it to ring overnight. As Mara Montalbano (@maramontalbano) tells us, the sleep-deprived locals had a sense of humor about it. | 8 | 94,921 | video |
CNN's Thom Patterson looks at the "golden age" of airline travel and how despite some of the nicer accommodations, it was also a lot more expensive. | 2 | 94,922 | travel |
I lived in the Bahamas until I was 3 years old, then grew up 10 minutes from the beach in sunny South Florida. And while I knew a few boys who were into surfing, Florida doesn't have the surf culture of California or Hawaii where big waves reign supreme. Despite the 27 years on this Earth I've spent calling myself a beach bum, I didn't actually attempt surfing until a few weeks ago. I was lucky enough to be a guest at the Swatch Women's Pro Trestles in Orange County, CA, and after talking to impressive pros like Courtney Conlogue, Coco Ho, and Sofia Mulánovich, I was ready to head out into the water. I'm comfortable in the ocean, am a certified yoga teacher, and consider myself to be a strong and athletic woman, so I expected that popping up on my board would be a breeze. Right? Wrong. I walked down to the beach with two other women and three handsome surfers in their early 20s. The guys broke down the basics, telling us the conditions were just about as rough as they would take three newbies out in. Soon after that, one of the women on our trip backed out, so it was just me and one other brave soul who headed out into the waves. She popped up on her first try. Me? Not so much. I couldn't get the fluidity of the motion down, and my timing was just always a little off. After about 15 spills, I was exhausted, but on one of my last attempts, I was able to stand up on the board for five glorious seconds. The exhilaration I felt - no matter how brief - was well worth the embarrassment of falling and getting all that water that flew up my nose. I get it. This story may not feel very accessible to you, especially if you don't have a beach vacation planned in the near future. But it's my humble opinion that my experience is applicable to just about every new unknown fitness challenge you take on. It's so easy to stay comfortable, but turning up the resistance a little higher in your indoor-cycling class, grabbing a set of heavier weights, going one extra mile farther than you've ever run, or getting up on a surfboard for a few moments are not naturally occurring accomplishments. They happen because you're willing to test your limits and aren't concerned with the possibility of failure. My takeaway? Don't be afraid to fall, literally or figuratively. Without risk, there's no juicy reward. | 7 | 94,923 | health |
Impress your boss on Boss's Day with these fun facts and trivia! Bosses can either make your work experience heaven, or they can make it a living hell. These significant people in our lives definitely deserve some pampering, and what better day to do it than on Boss's Day on Oct. 16? Read on to learn some interesting trivia about the day, its origins and its evolution. Follow us on Facebook. The first time Boss's Day was observed was in 1958, when Patricia Bays Haroski decided to dedicate a day to her boss, who was also her father, when she was working at State Farm Insurance Company in Illinois. She chose Oct. 16, as it was her father's birthday. The day gained official recognition four years later, in 1962. Follow us on Facebook. Boss's Day is not a holiday, rather a celebration or observance. If Oct. 16 falls on a weekend, it is celebrated on the nearest working day. Follow us on Facebook. Contrary to popular belief, Boss's Day is not a dedication to Bruce Springsteen, who is known as The Boss. It is, in fact, a day when employees are supposed to do something nice for their boss. Some offices take it to the next level and organize parties that may even include games. Follow us on Facebook. The word "boss" originates from the Dutch word "baas," which implied a leader or someone in charge. It came about as a result of an attempt to refrain from using the word "master." The word was also used as the title for a ship's captain. Follow us on Facebook. According to 2014 data , only 24 women are currently CEOs of Fortune 500 companies in the United States, which is higher than 20 in 2013. Due to this slowly but surely rising ratio of female superiors, websites have now taken to creating unique gift ideas for Boss's Day for men and women. Follow us on Facebook. Boss is reportedly the 3714th most common last name in the United States. Follow us on Facebook. Hallmark, the largest manufacturer of greeting cards in the United States, did not publish Boss's Day cards until 1979. For 2015, they offer more than 56 cards for the occasion. Options are plenty: for a male boss or female, from an individual or a group, ready-made or customized, take your pick. Follow us on Facebook. The celebration that started in the United States and moved to Canada, Lithuania and Romania is now observed around the world and is popular in Australia, India, South Africa, Ireland and Egypt. Follow us on Facebook. Boss's Day could be considered a controversial holiday in the United States. Not everyone believes that it is appropriate or fair to honor the person in the position of power when there is no Employees' Day. Follow us on Facebook. A 2008 survey conducted by Yahoo revealed that a whopping 43% of employees are not satisfied with their boss's style of management and lack of mentorship at the company. It is not surprising, then, that an oft-used saying goes, "People don't leave companies, they leave managers." Follow us on Facebook. There are numerous options to choose from when deciding upon a gift for your boss: for female supervisors, you can go for flowers, cards, business stationary, gift baskets, plants, lunches, chocolate or wine. For men, choose from cards, golf gifts, lunches, gift certificates, business stationary, cigars, whiskey, mugs, sports memorabilia or pens. Follow us on Facebook. Good and bad bosses have been portrayed in movies and on TV for a long time. Who can forget the cruelty of Miranda Priestly ("The Devil Wears Prada"), John Milton ("The Devil's Advocate") and Gordon Gecko ("Wall Street"), or the generousness of Oskar Schindler ("Schindler's List"), Danny Ocean ("Ocean's Eleven") and Ben Bradlee ("All The President's Men")? (Pictured) Clockwise from left corner: Oskar Schindler, Miranda Priestley and Danny Ocean. Follow us on Facebook. | 4 | 94,924 | lifestyle |
Google has registered a pair of new drones that could be testing platforms where Internet and data are delivered by air. | 3 | 94,925 | finance |
The Calgary Flames expect to be without forward Lance Bouma for the next three months. Candice Ward USA Today Calgary Flames forward Lance Bouma is expected to be sidelined three months after suffering a broken left fibula, general manager Brad Treliving told Sportsnet's Hockey Central on Wednesday. Bouma suffered the injury after absorbing a big hit from Ryan Reaves during the second period of Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues. The 25-year-old Alberta native was able to skate off the ice. #Flames GM, Brad Treliving tells HC at Noon, Lance Bouma broke his fibula and will have surgery today. 3 month time frame for recovery. Leah Hextall (@leahhextall) October 14, 2015 Bouma, who has been held without a point in each of his three games this season, signed a three-year, $6.6 million contract extension in July on the heels of a scintillating campaign. A third-round selection in the 2008 draft, Bouma recorded career highs in goals (16), assists (18), points (34) in 2014-15 while his shooting percentage (15.5) was more than double his previous career high. Bouma also led all Flames forwards in blocked shots (82) last season and finished with a positive plus-minus rating (10) for the first time in his career. (h/t Calgary Flames ) | 1 | 94,926 | sports |
Oct 14, 2015; 1:45 PM ET Take a look at this video of the One World Trade Center in New York City being struck by lightning Oct. 9. | 5 | 94,927 | news |
There's no doubt about it: Awaking atop water is the most idyllic, soothing, and romantic way to start a day. But chartering a yacht isn't exactly practical, and cruises are, well…no. Houseboats, on the other hand, offer urban-dwelling travelers the chance to get a modern glimpse at the maritime life, while avoiding the same old hotels.And, thanks to the increasing popularity of vacation rental sites like Airbnb and HomeAway, floating accommodations can now be found all over the world, from Paris to New Orleans to Belgrade. Ahead, discover 10 awesome houseboats to book for your next trip. All aboard! Paris This sleek two-bedroom, two-bath houseboat is moored on the Seine in the forested 16th arrondissement, known for its sprawling woods and affluent inhabitants, just a 10 minute walk away from the Arc de Triomphe. The décor combines both contemporary and retro-pop elements, with all the comforts of a high-end hotel and then some (think: Wi-Fi, TV, a washing machine). There's also a fully equipped kitchen and dining table that seats 10; invite your new French comrades over for a meal, then head to the outdoor deck for cocktails. . AmsterdamAmsterdam is a city built around a concentric ring of canals. It makes sense, then, that as a visitor, you embrace this reverence for the water. This bright and cozy floating apartment is suitable for up to four guests, and is walking distance from the city center, museums, parks, and what the listing describes as "special coffee places" and we can only assume that the experience of staying on a boat is enhanced after partaking in some of Amsterdam's famous "special coffee." . LondonSituated on the secluded Regent's Canal in King's Cross, this barge is the definition of garden-boat luxury. Plants a-plenty, a metal tub fitted into a basin, shelves stocked with British novels, and painted 19th century-style portraits decorate the ultra-charming space. And better yet, it's just $150 a night. . SeattlePacific Northwesterners are obsessed with the outdoors, and sleeping on a boat is sort of like sleeping outside, without actually having to sleep outside. This magnificent renovated home was featured on the Discovery Channel's Ultimate Homes series, and you'll understand why when you see the Seattle skyline winking at you from bed, shower on marble floors, and have a gander at the muscled University of Washington team rowing crew just a few meters from your private en suite hot tub. It's pricey, but whoa, is it gorgeous. . CopenhagenI can personally attest to the majesty of this particular houseboat. Docked on a quiet river with a few other equally fashionable houseboats scattered around, this boat is a constantly unfolding wonderland. The bedroom takes up the entire lower level, and was seemingly designed to answer the question, "What if an ice cream sundae was a boat?" The record player is accompanied by tons of incredible rare vinyl and lots of 70s rock standbys. The kitchen is immaculate, and on my visit, the host left us fresh fruit and beer along with impeccable directions for getting around town. Take a dip in the harbor, or hit the upper deck and bask in the famous Denmark sun (?). . PragueDocked within the trendy quarter of Holešovice, this stunning houseboat boasts glass walls, modern art, and a cool, minimalist design. Built and designed by the famous Czech architect collective SAD, it's a modular concept; from the outside, it resembles a massive steel book binding. Floor to ceiling glass windows on the opposite side allow guests to gaze out and feel at one with the water. It's a five-minute walk from the tram stop. . New OrleansHave you ever stayed in a villa that just wasn't quite…floaty enough? Well, you won't have that problem here. Just minutes away from the French Quarter, this spacious two-bedroom, two-bath luxury houseboat sleeps eight and comes replete with a pool, hot tub, bar, and rooftop deck but the real appeal is waking up on the water with a view over the lovely Lake Pontchartrain. . Rockaway Beach, New YorkLocated in Queens on the south shore of Long Island, this sweet houseboat is a quick subway ride from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, but it feels much further in the best way. Why stay in the Big Apple when you can eat an apple whilst overlooking the Atlantic and take an afternoon nap in the hug of a hammock, surrounded by plants, books, and cozy wood furnishings? . Srinagar, IndiaThe next time you're in Srinagar (located in the Kashmir Valley on the Jhelum River), consider renting one of these magnificent houseboats, which are staffed with a personal chef who cruises along with you as you traverse the city's beautiful gardens and lakes. In addition to having every possible comfort for the duration of your stay, you can wake up on the banks of an ancient city, lunch at the Valley of Flowers, and watch the sunset while gazing at beautiful temples. . BelgradeThis funky, floating two-story house on water is a massive but elegant stunner. Moored just opposite the Kalemegdan fortress, where the Danube meets the Sava river, it will afford you the best of Belgrade (which is known for its river nightlife). The two bedrooms each come equipped with private baths, there are beautiful green plants dotted throughout, a dining table can fit up to 12 guests comfortably, and there is modern art adorning every clean, whitewashed surface and wall. . | 4 | 94,928 | lifestyle |
Motorola and Verizon Wireless are preparing to unveil their 2015 line of Droid smartphones. The companies have just sent out press invites for a joint event scheduled for October 27th in New York City. "Everything you expect from a phone will change," is the invite's bold tagline just what you'd expect for a Droid. Recent rumors have suggested we'll see a Droid Turbo 2 and perhaps a Droid Maxx 2 to go along with it. We'll definitely be seeing more than one smartphone, as the invite specifically says "the newest Droids." | 3 | 94,929 | finance |
Netflix shares fell sharply Wednesday after the media company met earnings expectations but fell short of projections for U.S. subscriber growth. The streaming giant posted third-quarter earnings of 7 cents per share on $1.74 billion in revenue, just missing analysts' expectations for 8 cents per share on $1.75 billion in sales, according to a consensus estimate from Thomson Reuters. Its shares fell as much as 14 percent in extended trading before gaining back most of the losses during a webcast with executives. Netflix added 880,000 new U.S. members in the quarter, much lower than the 1.19 million analysts expected, according to StreetAccount. It attributed the subscriber sluggishness to higher-than-expected "involuntary churn," as user transition to chip-based credit and debit cards made account renewals more difficult. "It's likely multifactor, but certainly the transition to chip cards is not helping," said David Wells, chief financial officer of Netflix, after the results. Shares of Netflix, known for original series like "House of Cards" and "Orange is the New Black," have enjoyed a torrid run. The stock soared more than 125 percent this year ahead of the results. International net additions totaled 2.74 million, beating Wall Street's projection of 2.46 million. Netflix has spent heavily on reaching new global markets. In the webcast, CEO Reed Hastings did not comment on the success of specific international markets. However, he said "every market is growing." The company announced last week it would increase the price of its standard monthly plan by $1 to $9.99, starting in November. Existing customers will continue to pay $8.99 for the package until next October. Hastings said he was not worried about pricing consumers out of Netflix, as the standard definition offering will stay at $7.99 per month. Service remains "highly available," he said. Netflix added that its spending will increase in the fourth quarter as it launches in Spain, Italy and Portugal. Last month, the company said it would expand into South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan in early 2016 as it looks to roll out service globally by the end of that year. | 3 | 94,930 | finance |
Rafa Nadal had to toil for almost three hours to beat Ivo Karlovic and move into the third round of the Shaghai Masters. In contrast, top-seed Novak Djokovic breezed through with a 6-2 6-1 victory over Martin Klizan. Nadal eventually won through 7-5 6-7(4) 7-6(4) after two hours and 43 minutes of a closely fought encounter. After trailing 3-5 in the opening set, Nadal produced a series of stunning returns to break Karlovic in the 10th game to claim the lead. The Croat, however, refused to give up, prevailing in the second set tie-break to force the decider, which again went to the wire before the Spaniard claimed victory. There was no such drama for Djokovic as the world number one dropped only three games against Klizan. Eyeing a third Beijing-Shanghai double, Djokovic converted half of the 10 break points that came his way to sweep aside his error-prone Slovak opponent. French Open champion Stan Wawrinka also maintained his winning run with a 7-6(3) 6-3 victory over Viktor Troicki to set up a third-round contest with Marin Cilic. Third seed Andy Murray beat American Steve Johnson 6-2 6-4, Bernard Tomic eliminated seventh seed David Ferrer 6-4 6-2 and Japan's Kei Nishikori overcame Australian Nick Kyrgios 1-6 6-4 6-4. | 1 | 94,931 | sports |
As long as there are people with imaginations, there will be new variations of golf. The newest one I've run across: Drone Golf. Yes, that's playing golf using a drone. Drone golf is the invention of a man named John Mendonca, a retired electrical engineer who lives in Las Vegas and has been tinkering with the concept at Las Vegas Country Club. "I always loved remote control stuff, and this is even more fun," Mendonca told KLAS-TV in Las Vegas . WATCH: 5-year-old has winning game and personality | Korda sisters "power up" for wins The object of his game is pretty simple. You equip a drone with a cup big enough to hold a golf ball, then fly your drone over a golf hole. When you think your drone is directly over the hole, you have the drone drop the ball. There's no putting or anything after you drop. Your score is determined by the number of inches your ball comes to rest away from the flagstick. It's just that simple. And that's why his slogan for his game is "Fly drop win." Mendonca is still developing his concept for the game, and so far has restricted it to the practice range at Las Vegas CC. He does, however, have some big ideas. "I hope to have a professional drone golf association," he told the TV station, "where people from all around the world can come to compete for prize money." | 1 | 94,932 | sports |
For the second time in as many weeks, South Africans took to the streets in Johannesburg on Wednesday demanding the government stamp out corruption. | 8 | 94,933 | video |
When the news of Lamar Odom's tragic health situation made the rounds, it was impossible to find an NBA player, coach or media member who had a single negative thing to say. It's rare in any walk of life that you'll find someone who is universally liked, but Odom is that in NBA circles. Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry told a story of just how uncommon Odom is during a conversation with Sean Deveney of Sporting News . It was early March in 2003, and the Clippers, awash in youth and potential but unable to put aside personal agendas, were 19-39. Coach Alvin Gentry took the fall, and was fired from his post. Shortly after that, his phone rang. It was Lamar Odom, the team's star forward. "He picked up the phone and called me up," Gentry recalled Wednesday at Pelicans training camp. "He said, 'I want to apologize because I feel like I am as responsible as anybody for getting you fired because I didn't play the way I supposed to and I didn't do what I was supposed to.' I been in the league 27 years, and that's happened once, OK? And it was Lamar Odom who did it." MORE NEWS: Want stories delivered to you? Sign up for our NBA newsletters. | 1 | 94,934 | sports |
If the word chia brings up a mental image of a clay creature sprouting hair, you are not mistaken. But the seeds responsible for sprouting fuzz on Chia Pets are also an excellent source of anti-inflammatory omega-3s. Who knew? For women, the RDI of omega-3s is 1.1 grams (1,100 mg) a day, so if you're looking for a new source that's vegan, gluten-free, and easy to consume, you'll want to pick up some of these seeds immediately. One ounce of chia seeds (about two tablespoons) contains 137 calories, one gram of saturated fat, 11 grams of fiber, four grams of protein, 177 milligrams of calcium, and 4.9 grams of omega-3 fatty acids. Aside from offering omegas, when chia seeds come in contact with water, they bulk up just like flaxseeds do. So when you eat them, they make you feel full. This means not only will they prevent you from overeating, but they'll also improve your digestion. A 16-ounce bag of chia seeds costs around $14 and will last a long time. They have a mild flavor and don't require much prep, so with a little creativity, chia seeds can easily be incorporated into your diet. Drink and debloat : Celebrity trainer Valerie Waters recommends all her clients drink this debloating chia seed drink to start their day. By boosting levels of fiber and aiding in elimination, you'll be feeling free of bloat thanks to chia. Blend into breakfast : High in vitamin C and boasting more than 10 grams of fiber, this refreshing antioxidant smoothie bulks up breakfast with some chia power. Dress up your salad : Chia seeds and poppy seeds are similar in stature, so amp up the fiber and protein in this lemon salad dressing with chia seeds; the flavors are a riff on classic poppy-seed dressing. Bake them into muffins : Versatile chia seeds are easy to toss into a classic baking recipe like these gluten-free blueberry muffins that are low in calories but full of tasty flavor. Enjoy a sweet treat : Chia seeds and coconut milk marry for a Paleo-friendly pudding that works great for breakfast but feels like an indulgence. Mix together the ingredients the night before, pop it in the fridge, and look forward to it tomorrow. It's that easy. | 7 | 94,935 | health |
NEW YORK Tennis star Eugenie Bouchard filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the United States Tennis Association that alleges the sport's national governing body was negligent, leaving her to slip and fall in a locker room during the U.S. Open. Bouchard, who was a runner-up at Wimbledon last year, has suffered severe pain and economic loss after the Sept. 4 incident, she said in the federal lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn that seeks unspecified monetary damages. The 21-year-old Bouchard had just played in a mixed doubles match after earlier defeating Dominika Cibulkova when she returned to the locker room at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens shortly after 10 p.m. Minutes later, she slipped and fell on the tile floor of a physiotherapy room that is inside the locker room, slamming her head against the ground. The fall left Bouchard with a concussion and "serious head injury." She later withdrew from the U.S. Open and tournaments in China and Japan. "Ms. Bouchard entered the physiotherapy room of the women's locker room when she was caused to slip and fall by a slippery, foreign and dangerous substance on the floor," the suit says. The substance was not identified in court papers. The Canadian player, who was once ranked No. 5, contends her injuries "were caused solely by the reason of carelessness, negligence, wanton and willful disregard on the part of Defendant USTA." She claims the organization didn't keep the locker room in a "safe and suitable condition" because the organization failed to maintain, clean and repair the floor, which led to her fall. Bouchard said her world ranking has dropped at least 13 spots since the incident last month and believes it is likely to continue to decline. Chris Widmaier, a spokesman for the United States Tennis Association, declined comment, saying the organization had a longstanding policy of not discussing ongoing litigation. | 1 | 94,936 | sports |
Speaking on Wednesday, President Mahmoud Abbas urged Palestinians to peacefully resist Israel while also calling on the international community to intervene. In the pre-recorded address, Abbas railed against Israel for rejecting peace and continuing to build settlements in the West Bank, insisting peace will only come once Israel ends its occupation of the Palestinian territories. "This is a threat to peace and stability, and could trigger a religious conflict that can burn everything, not only in the region but maybe in the entire world," German news agency dpa reported Abbas as saying. While the leader urged Palestinians to resist Israeli aggression, he also made an appeal to the international community, insisting the current conflict could eventually lead to a holy war. Earlier this month, Abbas accused Israel of escalating the violence, which began when an Israeli settler couple was shot to death on October 1. The violence has only intensified since then, with as many as 21 knife attacks directed at Israelis and at least 25 Palestinians dead. blc/cmk (dpa, AFP, AP) | 5 | 94,937 | news |
A hammer-like noise reverberates in Mexican drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman's cell minutes before his jailbreak. Almost 30 minutes later, a guard finally arrives outside the empty room and asks, "Guzman?" New surveillance footage of Guzman's July 11 escape, leaked to the Televisa channel on Wednesday, featured for the first time audio from the maximum-security prison cell near Mexico City. The images show previously unseen footage before and after Guzman sneaked down a hole in his shower. Televisa also obtained images from the surveillance camera control room. Guzman, 58, lay on his bed while watching a show on a small television when the loud hammering suddenly rings out. The Sinaloa drug cartel chief gets up, heads to the shower, bends down behind a dividing wall, and disappears at 8:52 pm. At 9:18 pm, a guard appears outside the cell and asks, "Guzman? Guzman? Guzman Loera?" using the most-wanted man's full last name. A guard is later heard speaking to a commander, saying as he looks between the cell's bars: "There's a hole in the shower." When the commander asks the size of it, the guard answers: "Large, chief, large." "But the intern is not there?" the commander asks. "No, chief. He's not." It is only at 9:29 pm, or 37 minutes after Guzman slipped out, that guards finally open the cell door and go into the hole. Guzman fled through a 1.5-kilometer (one mile) tunnel with a redesigned bike on special tracks, emerging in a house outside the prison. The escape was a massive embarrassment for President Enrique Pena Nieto, who lost one of the greatest victories of his administration. Guzman had been captured in February 2014 after a 13-year manhunt. He had previously escaped from another maximum-security prison in 2001 by sneaking out inside a laundry cart. | 5 | 94,938 | news |
Whether you belong to the Royal Family or you're simply a Style Queen, if you're British, you're always fashionably polished. Here, with the help of British style guru Misha Nonoo, we're breaking down the do's and do NOT's of British Style. Start dressing like you live across the pond here! | 4 | 94,939 | lifestyle |
As Volkswagen struggles with its biggest ever crisis over the global pollution cheating scandal, its car parts suppliers in Germany are bracing for deep cuts. Business newspaper Handelsblatt, quoting unnamed sources, said the auto giant is planning to save 3 billion euros ($3.4 billion) on the back of its suppliers, mainly component makers. VW declined comment on the report, but the sector has become increasingly jittery. Wiring systems supplier Leoni cut its revenues and margins forecast for this and next year, saying that "sales to some customers will likely not be at the previously budgeted level". The company did not specify which customers these were, and would not draw a link with Volkswagen, saying that creating a connection would be "speculation". "The Volkswagen case has nothing to do with the adjustments of our forecasts," group spokesman Sven Schmidt told AFP, adding that he had seen no impact on the company's business with Volkswagen. But Leoni conceded that "the VW affair has introduced a factor of uncertainty that affects the solidity of our planning". The group's shares lost a third on the Frankfurt market on Tuesday, dragging other car parts suppliers like Rheinmetall down too. Businesses in some of Germany's regions are particularly exposed. In northern Germany's Lower Saxony, where Volkswagen is based in the city of Wolfsburg, "200,000 people work for the component makers and their suppliers," said state premier Stephan Weil. And that does not include the service industry catering for these companies and their families. Quite simply put, Volkswagen is the "basis of existence" for many more people, said Weil. - 'Delays, cancellations' - Volkswagen has been forced to reexamine all its investments after a global storm erupted over the revelations it had fitted 11 million diesel vehicles with software designed to cheat official pollution tests. The company has set aside 6.5 billion euros in the third quarter for the scandal, but its chief executive said that was likely only enough for repair costs. Volkswagen may also have to pay large fines as it is under investigations in several countries over the case. In the United States, the company could be fined up to $18 billion (15.8 billion euros) by the Environmental Protection Agency alone. The Volkswagen brand itself is expecting to slash its investments by 1 billion euros a year. But the group's other brands, including Audi and Seat, could also be hit. On Friday, Germany's Federation of Metal Traders said there had been "delays, even cancellations on contracted volumes". Orders could drop by 10 percent, said the president of the federation, whose members include suppliers to car components makers. Like Leoni, many other component manufacturers are still hoping that the repercussions will be limited, or that they will be able to fill their order books elsewhere. "We sell our components to several different manufacturers," said Boris Mutius, spokesman for seat maker Grammer, which generates a fifth of its revenues from Volkswagen. Pump and engine components maker SHW, which generates 40 percent of its sales from Volkswagen, also put on a brave front. "Our current production volumes and orders are unchanged," said spokeswoman Anja Siehler, dismissing any attempt at forecasting possible repercussions as "gazing into a crystal ball". "Our contracts with Volkswagen are for the long term and there have not been any changes to date," she said. But for analysts it is clear that Volkswagen will try to put the squeeze on its suppliers as it seeks to save. "Obviously, Volkswagen needs to make considerable savings and will look to save through its suppliers," said Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, professor at the automobile research centre of Duisburg University. "But I doubt if it will be able to make substantial gains on this," he added, explaining that the German suppliers are either "too big for Volkswagen to dictate its conditions to" -- like tyre giant Continental or Bosch -- or "too small to survive a cut in revenues". | 3 | 94,940 | finance |
A bear has been shot dead after it burst out of shopping mall, where it was trapped, in far-eastern Russia. | 8 | 94,941 | video |
Dating sites are beginning to tackle an age-old issue: customers who lie about their age. MarketWatch's Quentin Fottrell discusses with WSJ's Tanya Rivero on Lunch Break. Photo: Getty | 3 | 94,942 | finance |
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE: GS) is scheduled to report its third-quarter financial results Thursday before the markets open. The consensus estimates from Thomson Reuters call for $2.91 in earnings per share (EPS) on $7.14 billion in revenue. In the same period of last year, the bank posted EPS of $4.57 and $8.39 billion in revenue. When one investment banking firm initiates coverage on a rival firm, some cynical investors may think that the firm is really talking up its view on itself. That has not proven universally true, but recently a key analyst made a very positive initiation for Goldman Sachs. Oppenheimer started coverage of Goldman Sachs with an Outperform rating, and it assigned a $236.00 price target. Oppenheimer's Chris Kotowski was the analyst behind this call. Oppenheimer said that it has been on the sidelines for Goldman Sachs' stock, mainly because the firm has had a bearish outlook on the trend in fixed income, currencies and commodities (FICC) trading. The firm pointed out that FICC trading accounted for 25% of Goldman's revenues in 2014, down from 48% in 2009. Overall, industry FICC trading revenues have been down in 17 of the past 22 quarters. One key issue is that Goldman Sachs' shares have underperformed in the past few years. Oppenheimer noted that Goldman's shares were up just 10% since the beginning of 2010, versus about 67% for the KBW Bank Index and 76% for the S&P 500. Kotowski said that the argument that Goldman cannot thrive in this environment is "increasingly sounding like the argument that bumble bees can't fly." A few analysts weighed in on Goldman Sachs ahead of its earnings: Sandler O'Neil upgraded the stock to a Buy rating with a $220 price target.Citigroup upgraded the stock to a Buy rating.Susquehanna has a Neutral rating but lowered its price target to $190 from $219.RBC Capital lowered its price target to $190 from $200. So far in 2015, Goldman Sachs is one of the Dow stocks in the red, with shares down 5.7% year to date. Over the past 52 weeks, shares are up 2.5%. Shares of Goldman Sachs were last seen trading down 0.4% at $180.36, with a consensus analyst price target of $210.83 and a 52-week trading range of $167.49 to $218.77. | 3 | 94,943 | finance |
The Miami Dolphins are off to a disappointing start this season, and wide receiver Jarvis Landry is apparently taking it worse than some of his teammates. The second-year receiver has exhibited some questionable conduct this season that reportedly has the team concerned. For starters, Landry was fined more than $23,000 after the Dolphins' loss to Jets for abusive behavior against a game official. He was also called for an unsportsmanlike penalty conduct during the game. Then in September, The Miami Herald reported that Landry got into a fight with teammate LaMichael James , who was later released by the team. "Landry was acting like a child and making fun of James and basically poking at him until he infuriated James to the point where James grabbed him and took him down to the floor," Bleacher Report's Jason Cole said his sources told him. "Ultimately, where the Dolphins look at this is that Landry is a talented wide receiver and even more talented return man. New head coach Dan Campbell is going to have to find a way to get Landry to be less child-like and more focused on his job." Landry caught 84 passes for 758 yards and five touchdowns last season. He was expected to take a big leap forward this season, but that hasn't exactly happened. He does have 28 catches for 270 yards this season, but his lone score came on a punt return. | 1 | 94,944 | sports |
"Nobody said healthy eating wasn't without it's downside." | 7 | 94,945 | health |
"Dance Moms" star Abby Lee Miller has been indicted for 20 counts of bankruptcy fraud stemming from a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. | 8 | 94,946 | video |
Photos recently posted on WeChat show a number of female flight attendants in China stuffed into overhead bins, which is reportedly part of a hazing ritual. | 2 | 94,947 | travel |
Now that they've disrupted one TV genre after another with dramas and comedies like "House of Cards" and "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," Netflix has set its sights on another staple of the medium: news programming. In a video-conference session following its third-quarter earnings call, CEO Reed Hastings and chief content officer Ted Sarandos made clear they were headed in that direction. After Sarandos answered affirmatively a question regarding Netflix's interest in programming news content, Hastings followed up with a question of his own for Sarandos. "What is the likelihood we compete directly with Vice in the next two years?" Hastings said to Sarandos. "Probably high," Sarandos answered. The comment was the first public indication Netflix has given of interest in the genre, though not entirely surprising considering the streaming service has already edged up to news in terms of another genre where the company has been very aggressive in the past few years: documentaries. "On the news side, we are definitely being more adventurous about the genres we are going in | 6 | 94,948 | entertainment |
A large new study by the federal government found that injuries caused by dietary supplements lead to more than 20,000 emergency room visits a year, many involving young adults with cardiovascular problems after taking supplements marketed for weight loss and energy enhancement. The study is the first to document the extent of severe injuries and hospitalizations tied to dietary supplements, a rapidly growing $32 billion a year industry that has attracted increased scrutiny in the past year and prompted calls for tougher regulation of herbal products. Sign Up For NYT Now's Morning Briefing Newsletter Critics of the industry said that the findings provided further evidence that the relatively low level of regulation in the United States put many consumers at risk. But industry representatives said that the products were used by roughly half of all Americans and that the data showed only a tiny fraction sustained major injuries. The new study was published Wednesday in The New England Journal of Medicine and led by health authorities at the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The researchers tracked emergency room visits at a large network of hospitals around the country over a 10-year period and then analyzed those in which a dietary supplement was implicated. Among the injuries cited were severe allergic reactions, heart trouble, nausea and vomiting, which were tied to a broad variety of supplements including herbal pills, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Roughly 10 percent, or about 2,150 cases yearly, were serious enough to require hospitalization, the researchers found. In comparison, prescription drugs are responsible for 30 times as many trips to the emergency room each year. One finding was that emergency room visits caused by supplements occurred predominantly among young people, whereas those for pharmaceutical products occurred in large part among older adults, said Dr. Andrew Geller, a medical officer at the division of health care quality promotion at the C.D.C. and the lead author of the study. "The contrast is striking," he said. More than a quarter of the emergency room visits occurred among people ages 20 to 34, and half of these cases were caused by a supplement that was marketed for weight loss or energy enhancement, commonly producing symptoms like chest pain, heart palpitations and irregular heart rhythms. These products typically contain a variety of herbs and extracts and are widely advertised online, in magazines and on television with names like Hydroxycut, Xenadrine, Raspberry Ketones and Black Jack Energy, the researchers said. It was unclear how many, if any, of these cases are fatal because the study tracked hospital visits, not deaths. Weight loss supplements and energy boosters have been implicated in serious problems, including one outbreak in 2013 that sickened 97 people and caused at least one death and three liver transplants. Medical experts say that these products can be particularly hazardous because they have potent effects on the body and are frequently adulterated with toxic chemicals . The new study found that cardiovascular problems were even more commonly associated with weight loss and energy supplements than prescription stimulants like amphetamine and Adderall, which by law must carry warnings about their potential to cause cardiac side effects. Dietary supplements marketed for weight loss and energy, however, do not have to carry such a label. Under a 1994 federal law that has been widely criticized by health authorities, supplements are considered safe until proved otherwise. Unlike prescription drugs, they do not have to be approved by the F.D.A. before they are sold to consumers, nor are they required to list major side effects. "This is very disheartening," said Dr. Pieter Cohen, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School who was not involved in the new research. "What we're seeing from this study is that the system has failed. It's failing to protect consumers from very serious harms." The study also pointed to other flaws in the regulations. The F.D.A., for example, recommends limits on the physical size of prescription drugs, but no such regulations exist for supplements. The new study found that about a third of supplement-related emergency room visits for people 65 and older were caused by choking on pills like calcium and other vitamins and minerals. A large proportion also had allergic reactions. But Duffy Mackay, a spokesman for the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a supplement industry trade group, said that if anything, the new research highlighted how relatively safe supplements are given how many people took them. "We have over 150 million Americans taking these products each year," he said. "This suggests that far less than one-tenth of 1 percent of supplement users will visit the emergency room." Mr. Mackay said that choking and other hazards highlighted by the study could be addressed by the F.D.A. "If they think that capsule sizes in the elderly are an issue, they could put out an advisory and the industry would respond," he said. "The current law as it's written has everything in it to make this change." | 7 | 94,949 | health |
We caught up with Bradley Cooper this week and had to ask: was he willing to confirm or deny Amy Schumer's Saturday Night Live announcement that they're engaged? Yes, it turned out, he was. See his hilarious response and stay tuned for more of our interview with Bradley and his Burnt costar Sienna Miller! | 8 | 94,950 | video |
There are always those moments when you're a kid on a trip with your parents to see family and your folks decide to take a drive through the town where one or both of them grew up. They carry on for about 15 minutes about how everything has changed, point out all the vacant buildings or chain store joints that used to be charming Mom and Pop places, and reminisce about how "back in the day" there weren't so many gosh damned McDonald's or Burger Kings. You come to scratching your head about it all until you get older and you find yourself doing the same stinking thing. It's the cycle of life, and ageism, I suppose. At any rate, there's comfort in that old place, with fewer stores, where you can name off the silly moments from your youth and discuss who lived where and who has passed away since you've shoved off and moved on as people tend to do. For Michigan and Michigan State, probably earlier than you'd imagine, they're back home again. They're driving through Rivalry Town with a little mist in the eyes, patting junior on the knee saying, "it's good to be back here again, even after so much has changed." The time away has been better to the Spartans than the Wolverines. Since Michigan grew tired of Lloyd Carr and his consistent but not grand enough winning, the Spartans have lost once in 7 meetings, a record for the rivalry. That loss was a 12-10 defeat with a Wolverine field goal at the horn after three hours of what was essentially the football version of two stone drunks bashing each others' heads in as best they could in an ally. Prior to this current run, Michigan had won 6 straight and 7 of 8. Now that Jim Harbaugh is around, respect, and expectations are more sky high than any time in an individual point in the season than I can recall since the 2006 year when they went unbeaten all the way to Ohio State. The Wolverines opened up around touchdown-point favorites (depending on where you looked) for this weekend's clash, the symphony of hitting that it promises to be. That's a staggering reversal considering the Spartans were a top-5 team to close last season and Michigan couldn't scuttle past five wins. History suggests that this is a crossroads game for both programs. In a piece on CBS by Jon Solomon, it shows that for all the years these two have been playing college football, they've only both finished in the top 25 a total of 13 times . While this year figures to be 14, there has been no consistent sustained success at a high level for both programs simultaneously in their history together. Contrast that to basketball, where both programs have shown an acute ability to be in the national picture at the same time. The rub is that this might be logistics as much as anything. There are only so many recruits in Michigan that are FBS level talents, and no matter how wide-ranging your recruiting base is, you fill the roster with in-state players. The Midwest in general isn't like the South, Plains, or West, all of which have anchor states (Florida, Texas, and California, respectively) where talent oozes out enough to satiate both the in-state programs and still leave room for invasion from others. Ohio is probably the closest state, and prying kids away from You Know Who is a difficult task in its own right. For that reason, expect a lot to be made of the final result, especially if Michigan wins. MSU, on the other hand, has been savage against the Wolverines, not just winning games of late, but taking Michigan's soul in the process. During the recent streak, they've beaten the Wolverines bloody by an average of over 16 points per game. The Wolverines haven't scored a touchdown against the Spartans in a remotely competitive part of a game since 2011, and have had only one of any kind in that span. Yes, 2011. Can a change in coaching staff really make up for that much? Yes, it can, especially when there's talent on the roster for that coaching staff to work with. Michigan looks like Michigan State, whilst the Spartans have played the role of winning, but doing it in a not overly convincing fashion. Yes, there are injuries, but needing late game heroics to beat the likes of Purdue and Rutgers shouldn't be necessary for a team as good as we're accustomed to the Spartans being. Whoever wins this one will most certainly feel as though they've taken some sort of proverbial flag and stuck it back in the ground in the recruiting wars, especially in the state of Michigan where new staffs are tasked with having to make connections very quickly with high schools that the other rival school has invaded. For MSU to win in Ann Arbor, they'll mostly need to keep doing what they've done. The problem is that these Wolverines tend to hit back, registering three shutouts in a row and looking generally ornery on a weekly basis. Now, they're cleaning up their turnover issues that plagued them like a guy with halitosis who consistently forgets to brush his teeth since, well, since Carr left. The dislike, either fabricated, enhanced, or real from the beginning has always been there on MSU's side. It's an odd rivalry of sorts, one that has all the hallmarks of true nastiness and delusion, but with one bullet in the chamber and no option of telling MSU it can stand behind Ohio State so the bullet goes through both, the ire and dislike from Michigan will always and forever be aimed at OSU more than the Spartans. Mike Hart was the Michigan player who made the infamous "little brother" comment about the Spartans many years ago, and they still bring it up on an annual basis as Hart collects paychecks and wards off gray hair (probably, because we all do) at Western Michigan as a running backs coach. A line in the sand will be drawn based on the outcome of this game. Either MSU still "owns the state," or UM came back for the class reunion and decided to move their multi million dollar business back in town and run for mayor, with the first order of business making sure there is no scarlet, gray, or green on any building facades or in visible view. The the above two narratives are exaggerations of something that's only partly true. The challenge for both will be sustained success as the other attempts to peak at the same time. There will always be those that like the task of bullying the successful rich kid. There will always be those who want to be the successful rich kid. These are weak and exaggerated metaphors, but they're ones that exist in extremes in this rivalry. The truth is, both are excellent schools with excellent athletic departments and fan bases. That said, everyone likes a story that you don't have to think too hard to imagine. So latch down the back in the station wagon, grab some beef jerky and Jolt, and let's go through Dad's old hometown, where everything's changed over the years but feels so comfortable after only five minutes back. The only question here is whether or not your folks are paying a visit, or looking for real estate. So what happens? Michigan 20, Michigan State 9. Plant said flag however you choose. | 1 | 94,951 | sports |
Aztecs men's basketball head coach Steve Fisher spoke to Campus Insiders' Jordan Cornette at 2015 Mountain West Media Days about his future career plans. | 1 | 94,952 | sports |
There's been a lot of talk surrounding self-driving cars but former General Motors (GM) Vice Chairman Bob Lutz, told CNBC a completely autonomous model is five to six years away. "What's much closer is what I call 'super cruise,'" Lutz said on Wednesday's " Power Lunch ." "On the freeway you can hit the super cruise button and the car will steer and drive and brake and accelerate and slow down etc. automatically." This technology is made possible by lane departure inputs and electric power steering. Cars with this feature will be available as early as next year from high-end brands like Cadillac and "possibly" others, according to Lutz. Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk tweeted that his company would be unveiling related software on Thursday. Elon Musk Tweet However, the super cruise option is not necessarily good for driving through local roads with many stoplights and which still require human supervision. The next step, Lutz said is a car that "comes to your house, picks you up ... and then [takes you] wherever you're going to go to your final destination, and then goes away and parks itself." Lutz added, "There's really no reason why these cars can't be on the market in five years at the latest." He also said that insurers and lawmakers will have to accept the changing tides as autonomous technology slowly creeps into the auto sector. "They're just going to have to deal with it and they will because the self-driving car is inevitable," he said. And in terms of accidents, Lutz said self-driving cars have a better safety record than human drivers so he sees no reason why insurers would be reluctant to jump on board. "Now, will there be accidents? Sure." he said. "But it'll probably be 10 percent of what we have today." | 3 | 94,953 | finance |
Spanish football side Getafe have launched a smartphone application to help fans hook up at matches, hoping supporters will couple and boost the club's fanbase by making Getafe-loving babies. The club said its "Getafinder" works like the popular app Tinder in helping users meet potential soulmates nearby, but it will only work near the side's Alfonso Perez stadium in the Madrid suburbs. "Getafe is historically one of the football clubs with the fewest fans and the most empty stands in the first division," the club said in a statement. "With this app you can seek out the Getafe fan you like best in complete anonymity. And if someone you like likes you too, make a match and procreate!" AFP | 1 | 94,954 | sports |
Houston police are still searching for the suspects | 8 | 94,955 | video |
When Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE:WMT) forecast earnings per share (EPS) at the end of the second quarter it noted that its estimate of $4.40 to $4.70 included a negative impact of $0.24 per share related to its pledge to raise wages. The mega-retailer raised wages to $9 an hour in April and plans to raise that to $10 an hour in February of next year. Wednesday morning the company warned that fiscal year 2017 EPS will decline by 6% to 12%, and the stock took its worst one-day beating in years on the report. And the ripples are still forming: four ETFs have taken big hits and there is some concern that the promised wage increases might have to be shelved. Fellow DJIA component McDonald's Corp. (NYSE: MCD) raised wages in April for the 90,000 or so workers at its company owned stores to $9.90 an hour and has said it will increase that to more than $10 an hour by the end of 2016. But if the impact on earnings promises to shave 5% or so off the total, can either Walmart or McDonald's resist the pressure from shareholders to delay the pay hikes, or to forego them altogether? In its statement today, Walmart said it expects an impact of $1.5 billion on operating income in fiscal year 2017 related to the promised wage hike to $10 an hour. The company's operating income in its most recent fiscal year totaled $27.15 billion. Walmart also said this morning that sales are expected to rise 3% to 4% a year, adding $45 to $60 billion to the top line over the next three years. Combined with CEO Doug McMillon's statement that "Our investments in our people, our stores and our digital capabilities and e-commerce business are the right ones," the company does not appear to be backing away from its promise to raise wages. And unlike many other large firms that could attract an activist attack on behalf of shareholders, Walmart may be immune from such an attack simply because the Walton family holds so much of the outstanding stock. In April the family announced that it would distribute about 6% of its stake in the company to a new family-controlled trust in order to keep its stake at less than 50%. The family apparently prefers de facto control. While Walmart may not have to worry much about an activist attack, McDonald's does not have the same luxury. The fast-food giant recently just last week began offering an all-day breakfast menu to boost sales, and the jury's still out on how successful that will be. The drive by some labor organizations and some federal legislators and officials to push the minimum wage to $15 an hour could be derailed by today's announcement from Walmart. For example, both Senator Bernie Sanders and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have supported the higher wage; Sanders as a federal minimum wage for everyone, Clinton for New York fast-food workers. The argument concerning the impact of a $15 an hour minimum wage on the number of jobs that will be lost rages on, and both sides have their own studies supporting their own view. But judging by the reaction to Walmart's warning, investors have made their position pretty clear. Walmart shares traded down more than 10% today and have posted a new 52-week low of $60.14. The 52-week high is $90.97 and shares trade at around $60.28 in the late afternoon. ALSO READ: The 10 Cheapest Cars in America | 3 | 94,956 | finance |
Famed astronomer Geoffrey Marcy resigned Wednesday from his $217,600 faculty job at UC Berkeley after an investigation found that he violated the university's sexual harassment policy, campus officials confirmed. Pressure had been growing across the country for Cal to fire Marcy, who gained fame as a "planet hunter" by discovering hundreds of worlds outside this solar system. "We recognize and share the frustration that many have expressed," said a joint statement from UC Berkeley Chancellor Nick Dirks and Provost Claude Steele in which they called Marcy's conduct "contemptible and inexcusable." A campus investigation had quietly determined in June that Marcy had sexually harassed female students during a nearly 10-year period. Last week, Buzzfeed broke the story that at least four graduate and undergraduate students had complained that Marcy groped them or that they saw him behaving inappropriately with other women. The UC Berkeley investigation found that Marcy's improper behavior had to do with "a number of incidents believed to have occurred between 2001 and 2010." Marcy, who became a science celebrity in 1996 when he and his graduate student Paul Butler found the second and third planets outside of this solar system, posted an apology last week "regarding my conduct some years ago involving some women in our field." But the campus did not fire their star astronomer, who is considered by many to be a candidate for a Nobel Prize, and this perceived light treatment led to a chorus of complaints among fellow astronomers and other academics. The Twitterverse lit up on Tuesday with the hashtag #FireMarcy. On Wednesday, Dirks and Steele said that "as Berkeley's leadership considered disciplinary options, we did not have the authority, as per University of California policy, to unilaterally impose any disciplinary sanctions, including termination." Their statement said it would have been a "lengthy and uncertain process" to fire Marcy, who had tenure, and would have required "a full hearing" with strong standards of evidence. Dirks and Steele said they intend to work with the office of University of California President Janet Napolitano and the Academic Senate to change UC's displinary processes "so that in the future we have different and better options for discipline of faculty." Marcy did not return a call for comment. He has agreed not to attend a major conference in Hawaii on "exoplanets" beginning next month and has resigned from the committee organizing the conference. The news of Marcy's resignation did not not calm all critics. "It's almost even worse," said Michael O'Hare, a professor at the campus' Goldman School of Public Policy, who pointed out that Marcy's behavior with students had been going on at least since 2001 and was widely known. "People talked about it at astronomy meetings. A colleague, dean or department chair should have said (to Marcy), 'Look, this has to stop, or next time I'll take you off teaching for a year and you'll have to explain why.' "It is not a perk of this job to paw your students," O'Hare said. If someone had intervened early on, "he wouldn't have had to resign." Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: [email protected] | 5 | 94,957 | news |
Two days ago, Grace Coddington, the creative director of Vogue, posted an illustration on Instagram with the caption: "Thanks to my friend Louis Licari, I am a 'natural' redhead! #confession." Obviously, this got the beauty skeptics/investigative journalists in us wondering and basically questioning everything we've ever known to be true: Is Grace, one of the most notable redheads in the industry, not actually a natural redhead? Is this real life? What's next? Is coconut oil not all it's cracked up to be? The jury's still out on the last one, but the former is, indeed, real life. Coddington's trademark fiery hair is, in fact, the work of a very talented colorist Louis Licari. Licari tells us that, while Coddington's hair was red when he first met her, it's not her natural hue (cue the sobs). "Her hair color was less than perfect when she first [sat] in my chair, so we started out correcting it," Licari says of Coddington's first visit to his salon over 20 years ago. "The process was a bit long and tedious. Grace was a champ."Turns out, Coddington isn't the first big name and surely won't be the last to join the faux-ginger club. There's a slew of ladies and gents who have strayed from their au naturel hues. And why shouldn't they? While red is a tough color to maintain, the color is an automatic conversation-starter. If you're thinking of going the red route, keep in mind that the hue isn't for the faint of heart, advises Licari. Some things to consider: "Make sure you have the right complexion. If you have sallow skin, red is almost always a major faux pas," says Licari. "Make sure you're not shy redheads are always noticed." Also, clear your schedule for frequent trips to the salon. "Red hair is the most fugitive; it literally changes from shampoo to shampoo," he says. "It usually needs to be refreshed often to keep the color constant."For some inspiration, we rounded up 10 celebrities who ditched their natural colors and went red (if only temporarily, in some cases). You might never see red the same way again. Cynthia Nixon was a redhead for her six-year run as Miranda on Sex and the City. While the character's son Brady got the red "gene" on the show, Nixon was born blonde. . We recognize some industry giants by their signature looks. There's Anna Wintour's blunt bob, André Leon Talley's caftans, and Grace Coddington's bright-red hair. Though we now know her color's provenance, Grace will always remain one of our favorite redheads. . Emma Stone came to the acting scene with red hair in Superbad, but she dyed it back to her born-with-it blonde color for her role in The Amazing Spider-Man. "My natural hair is blonde, so it's kind of nice," Stone said in an interview with MTV. "I looked in the mirror and said, 'Oh my God, it's me again! It's been so long!'" . Molly Ringwald reportedly dyed her hair after an agent advised her that it was a good way to get attention in the film industry. It clearly worked she stuck with the vibrant shade throughout her mega-stardom during the '80s. . Brittany Snow went from blonde to red for her turn in Pitch Perfect. Though she's since gone back to the light side, her brief flirtation with the color was pretty aca-mazing. . Try to picture Joan from Mad Men without her signature red hair. Pretty hard, right? Well, it turns out Christina Hendricks is a natural blonde (she even has the lawsuit to back it up). . This one time (maybe at band camp, who knows), Alyson Hannigan dyed her brunette locks red for her role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. "Joss [Whedon] had us all over to his house," she told PopSugar back in 2011. "Charisma [Carpenter] and Sarah [Michelle Gellar] and I all had brown hair at the time. Joss said, 'All of your hair is kind of the same shade. Does anyone want to be red?' I went for it." . Lucille Ball's bright hair was basically a character of its own on I Love Lucy. Do we think Ricky would love Lucy just the same without the hue? Probably, but we like to think it played a teeny-tiny part. . Actress Deborah Ann Woll who played a blood-sucking, redheaded vampire on True Blood has been dyeing her hair since her teenage years. "As a fair-skinned blonde, I disappeared into the background," Woll told Elle in 2009. "I've always been a loner, so I suppose dyeing my hair red was a way to say, 'I'm here, I exist, I'm a human being, and you can't just push me aside.'" Her color, believe it or not, was the result of L'Oréal Excellence Creme in Reddish Blond, which will only set you back $10. . Born a strawberry-blonde, Amy Adams began to see more career success after her switch to red. She debuted the new hair for a part in the TV show Dr. Vegas, and shortly after booked her breakthrough role in Junebug. "It really changed things up. People began to see me in a different way, for different roles," she said in an interview with Backstage. "I don't know if I can give credit to just the hair color, but maybe it did help people see me past blonde." . | 4 | 94,958 | lifestyle |
Some educators are worried the fundraisers put kids' health at risk. Citing the "largest preventable health crisis in the U.S." and calling it "wholly inappropriate for McDonald's to exploit cash-strapped schools to market its junk food brand," teachers across America have asked McDonald's to scrap McTeacher's Nights. In a letter sent to CEO Steve Easterbrook, the group said the company's practice of having educators and volunteers raise money by working McDonald's registers is a harmful practice, and if it isn't stopped, "many children will be burdened with diet-related diseases like obesity and Type 2 diabetes, affecting their heath for life." "McTeacher's Nights negate the good work of educators to create healthy food habits and environments in schools," the letter reads, per Consumerist . "Parents and children trust us to make decisions based on what's best for our students. Using teachers to market anything to children undermines that trust. But given the dire health consequences, promoting any fast food brand is especially unconscionable. Educators should not have to choose between school resources today and the health of our students tomorrow." In a statement provided to Eater, a spokesperson for McDonald's said McTeacher's Nights are all about having fun, and that educators choose to participate in them. "McTeacher's Nights are all about community, fun and fundraising. As parents and members of their communities, McDonald's franchisees and our corporate restaurants have long supported what matters most to them. McTeacher's Nights are one example. "Teachers and parent teacher organizations have a choice in how they seek to raise additional funds, and for years they have told McDonald's and franchisees that, in addition to the extra financial support these events provide for their schools, they have a great time connecting with their students and neighbors." The spokesperson noted that from January 2013 through September 2015, company-owned McDonald's restaurants paid more than $2,525,000 to organizations for donations from McTeacher's Nights. McDonald's owns roughly 10 percent of its restaurants, and it's difficult to pinpoint how much money has been donated from franchisee-owned locations. There was no mention of possible health concerns. The kerfuffle over McTeacher's Nights comes at the same time McDonald's is receiving flack for 540 Meals: Choices Make the Difference , a film that targets middle and high schoolers. The fast food giant calls it a documentary, but detractors say it "promotes the McDonald's brand so aggressively," it is essentially an infomercial for the chain. | 4 | 94,959 | lifestyle |
After the former NBA player was found unconscious in a Nevada brothel, TheWrap looks at other athletes whose careers were damaged by drink or drugs Lamar Odom and 13 Other Sports Stars Who Battled Addiction After the former NBA player was found unconscious in a Nevada brothel, TheWrap looks at other athletes whose careers were damaged by drink or drugs Michael Phelps The Olympic swimmer got DUIs in 2004 and again in 2014, resulting in a suspension from U.S. Swimming. Kellog's also dropped Phelps as a spokesperson in 2009 when photos leaked of him apparently smoking marijuana from a bong. Darryl Strawberry The former Mets, Dodgers and Yankees slugger was suspended three times by the MLB for substance abuse, which resulted in a number of arrests and visits to rehab. Diego Maradona The Argentinian soccer legend battled cocaine addiction from the mid-80s to 2004. After being rushed to the hospital in 2000 with heart problems, he was treated for alcohol-related hepatitis. Josh Hamilton The Texas Rangers outfielder started experimenting with drugs in 2001. He then got clean after being confronted by his grandmother, but relapsed in 2009, 2012 and most recently, in Feb. 2015. Ricky Williams The New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins player began taking marijuana to ease social anxiety disorder, prompting a surprise retirement from the NFL in 2004. He later returned but failed at least two subsequent drug tests after being reinstated. Lawrence Taylor The New York Giants linebacker tested positive for cocaine in 1987. He quit shortly after but relapsed upon retirement. Donte Stallworth The Cleveland Browns wide receiver was charged with DUI manslaughter after he struck and killed a pedestrian while driving his car in March 2009. Following a plea deal, he received a sentence of 30 days in the county jail and 8 years probation. Charles Barkley The NBA star turned TNT analyst was arrested in Phoenix in 2008 for DUI after running a stop sign. According to the police report, Barkley was in a hurry to receive oral sex from his female passenger. He spent three days in jail and entered an alcohol treatment program. Michael Irvin In March 1996, the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver was arrested on charges of cocaine possession when police found him lying on the floor covered in cocaine with multiple strippers. Irvin pled no contest to the charges and the NFL suspended him for five games. Nate Newton Newton made six Pro Bowls in the NFL before being busted for marijuana, earning him two-and-a-half years in a federal prison. Todd Marinovich The quarterback was busted for cocaine at USC before being drafted by the NFL. While playing for the Oakland Raiders, he began taking LSD during games. After numerous NFL suspensions, he ended up at the Canadian Football League, where he started with heroin. At one point Marinovich severely cut his hand with a crack pipe during halftime. Len Bias Bias, an All-American college basketball forward at the University of Maryland, was selected by the Boston Celtics as the second overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft. He died two days later from cardiac arrhythmia induced by a cocaine overdose at age 22. Dock Ellis Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Ellis threw a no-hitter on June 12, 1970, claiming to have done it under the influence of LSD. He also had a substance abuse problem, and acknowledged after his retirement that he never pitched without the use of drugs. | 1 | 94,960 | sports |
When in doubt, add some gummy bears!!!! | 8 | 94,961 | video |
Kids ask a lot of questions. mental_floss has answers. WHY?, our new series for kids and parents, tackles all types of questions children have about how the world works by providing science-based, kid-friendly content. Our answers are written with early readers (ages 4 to 7) in mind, but we think they're interesting and educational for everyone. Have a question? Send it to [email protected] . Everyone farts, every day. But not all farts are the same. Some farts make no sound but are really stinky. Others are loud but don't smell. Some you can smell clear across the room, but others you can let out without anyone noticing. (Secret: I'm farting right now!) The smell of your booty bomb depends on what you've been eating. Broccoli, cabbage, onions, eggs, and meat all contain a lot of sulfur , a chemical that helps give rotten eggs their stink. When your body digests , or breaks down, those foods, the teeny-tiny creatures in your gut called bacteria feast upon the proteins in the food that contain sulfur. This process creates smelly gases like methanethiol (METH-ain-THIGH-all). When those gases leave your body, they end up as pungent farts. All smells are chemicals in the air that your nose can pick up. Farts are made up of chemicals like oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, methane, carbon, and the super villain of stinkiness: sulfur. (Sulfur is the reason that skunk spray smells so gross!) The more sulfur in your toots, the more likely they are to clear the room. You also swallow air as you eat or talk. Some of that comes out of your rear end too. Let's talk about bacteria again. When you eat carbohydrates (CARB-oh-HIGH-drates) like potatoes, bread, and vegetables, your stomach doesn't fully digest them. They pass into the small intestine and then the large intestine, which are really long tubes leading to your anus (where poop and farts come out). Bacteria break the carbohydrates into smaller pieces. That releases gases like hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Those gases don't smell. But other bacteria in the gut take those odorless chemicals and make them into compounds (mixes of chemicals) that do smell. Hydrogen sulfide (HIGH-dro-jen SULL-fide) is the smelliest of the gases that might come out of your butt. For more fart science, check out AsapSCIENCE's illustrated video explanation of why your farts don't smell as bad as other people's do. | 4 | 94,962 | lifestyle |
Jennifer Lawrence's essay in Lena Dunham's newsletter shows Hollywood has some catching up to do, when it comes to the gender pay gap. | 5 | 94,963 | news |
The Blue Jays battled back from a controversial call in the seventh inning to pull out a dramatic 6-3 win over the Rangers on Tuesday and advance to the ALCS. | 1 | 94,964 | sports |
Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara attend the London Film Festival premiere of 'Carol.' Rough cut (no reporter narration) | 8 | 94,965 | video |
The South Bend Tribune/NDInsider's Al Lesar and CineSport's Noah Coslov talk about which USC team to expect in South Bend and Al makes his pick against the spread for Saturday's game. | 1 | 94,966 | sports |
The Palm Beach Post's Matt Porter and CineSport's Noah Coslov talk about the challenge of facing Virginia Tech's defense and where the team is mentally coming off the loss to Florida State. | 1 | 94,967 | sports |
Frozen meals are certainly convenient, but they're not exactly the most nourishing option. Although some brands do focus on healthier ingredients, you can definitely step up your satisfaction by adjusting your frozen meal habits. Regularly hit the freezer for dinner? Learn how to improve the quality of frozen meals by making these five easy tweaks to your TV dinner routine. Amp Up the Protein The issue: Frozen meals tend to be heavy on the carbohydrates, but protein? Not so much. Quality can also be an issue - who hasn't fallen victim to rubbery, chewy chicken bits? How to make it healthier: Improve your frozen dinner by adding organic grilled chicken or baked tofu. Not only will the extra protein help you to stay satisfied, but it will also make up for the lacking nutrients. Related : The Best Healthy 1-Pot Meals For Busy Days Slash the Extra Sodium The issue: Plenty of preservatives can translate to sky-high sodium levels, and excess sodium leads to a range of health issues. How to make it healthier: Monitor sodium levels by checking the nutrition label right away. Notice that the content is a bit high? Skip buying the meal altogether. If you do pick a sodium-packed dinner, consider eating only half and don't add any extra salt. Boost the Nutritional Value The issue: Frozen meals often contain just a handful of ingredients, which means an absence of necessary vitamins. How to make it healthier: Toss fresh veggies, herbs, and spices onto your frozen dinner to amp up the vitamin factor. Even if you're short on time, just a handful of fresh basil or a few brussels sprouts will boost both flavor and nutrition. Related : Improve Your Digestion and Lose Weight With 30 Low-Calorie Dinners Practice Portion Control The issue: Most frozen dinners are on the smaller side, but if the dish consists mainly of noodles and sauce, it doesn't qualify as a balanced meal. How to make it healthier: Consider dividing or sharing the meal, then add a side salad or simple steamed vegetables to create some balance. Even better? A variety of tastes is more likely to leave you satisfied so that you're not tempted to grab a snack later on. Think Beyond the Calories The issue: Just because a meal is low in calories doesn't mean it's necessarily good for you. That "healthy" macaroni and cheese may clock in under 400 calories, but the dense, carb-packed dinner can be high in unwanted ingredients - and Weight Watchers points. How to make it healthier: Thanks to detailed, easy-to-track nutrition labels, it's easy to reach for a frozen dinner when you're trying to lose weight. Still, it's smart to evaluate the meal from more than just a calorie perspective. Related: 7 Recipes That Kick the Carbs Out of Pasta | 7 | 94,968 | health |
VIDEO: Definitely smile. | 7 | 94,969 | health |
Amid the countless blockbuster thrillers full of eerie lore and artificial gore, chilly mysteries also occur in real life. Some stories transcend the imaginary and seep into the woodwork of dwellings from bygone eras. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, these homes carry bizarre histories with claims to match. Check out these five allegedly haunted homes for sale across the country - if you dare. John Sowden House 5121 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA For sale: $4.799 million It only makes sense to begin with this home at the epicenter of Hollywood . It has appeared in several films and was the suspected murder site of the infamous Black Dahlia homicide. Built in 1926 by Lloyd Wright for painter/photographer John Sowden, the residence was bought in 1945 by George Hodel, the prime suspect in the 1947 murder of Elizabeth Short, better known as the Black Dahlia. Subsequent inhabitants have reported paranormal activity, and the TV show "Ghost Hunters" reportedly caught an apparition on video. The Sandlin House 401 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL For sale: $1.150 million Built in 1893 by one of Punta Gorda's most successful early businessmen, this charming Victorian looks innocent - despite having a somber past. In 1909, owner James Sandlin's daughter died in a freak accident on the front porch. Current owners report that her presence remains , with footsteps sometimes heard in various parts of the home. Pillars Estate 13800 W County House Rd, Albion, NY For sale: $1 million This Civil War-era home fell into disrepair in the late 20th century. As new homeowners began to restore it in 2006, they sensed spiritual activity - but report it as friendly. One such spirit is the Woman in White, possibly a former resident, Myrtle Carr, who loved the home. The Turret House 550 N Cherokee St, Muskogee, OK For sale: $94,500 This Queen Anne Victorian home isn't far removed from the hands of the family who built it - the current owner purchased it from them . The origination of the home's paranormal activity, which includes music emanating from vacant rooms, has not been specified. The owner reports that the original owners' niece passed away in the home, and unmarked graves could be nearby. Haunted Castle House 841 Highway C, Brumley, MO For sale: $195,000 Currently operated as a unique bed-and-breakfast, this Queen Anne Victorian has been witness to over a century of documented hauntings since it was built in 1850 by Dr. Walter Dixon. Guests, ghost hunters, and paranormal investigation teams have visited the home, contributing to the abundance of ghostly reports. Many of the happenings can be credited to Mrs. Dixon, who mysteriously died at the top of the staircase. Related : 7 Real-Life Haunted Houses for Sale What's It Like Living in a Haunted House? Christopher Meloni Snags Haunted 'Ozzie & Harriet' House See open houses near you this weekend | 3 | 94,970 | finance |
Urban Meyer's Buckeyes are traveling down a similar path to the previous reigning national champion Seminoles. We use Pro Football Focus grades to compare the two teams a year after winning it all. | 1 | 94,971 | sports |
Netflix results came up short, Square filed for an IPO, and Wal-Mart stock weighs on the markets. Bobbi Rebell reports. | 3 | 94,972 | finance |
The United States is sending up to 300 troops, along with surveillance drones, to Cameroon to bolster a West African effort to counter Nigeria's Boko Haram armed group. In a letter to Congress on Wednesday, President Barack Obama said 90 military personnel began deploying to Cameroon on Monday ahead of the arrival of additional troops "to conduct airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations in the region". "The total number of US military personnel to be deployed to Cameroon is anticipated to be up to approximately 300," Obama said. "These forces are equipped with weapons for the purpose of providing their own force protection and security, and they will remain in Cameroon until their support is no longer needed." A Defence Department spokesman told Al Jazeera in a statement that the deployed personnel will support Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) flights being conducted in the area. The statement said the personnel had been deployed at the invitation of the Cameroon government. "The results of these ISR flights will better enable African partners to secure their borders against violent/illegal activities disrupting our common desire for stability in the region," the statement said. "Most importantly, all information collected by US unarmed remotely piloted aircraft is used to support international counter-violent extremist organisation operations." US officials said the troops would provide intelligence to a multi-national task force being set up to fight Boko Haram and composed of troops from Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, Chad and Benin. RELATED: On Nigeria's frontline against Boko Haram White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the US had offered its "unique capabilities" to assist with the regional effort. "This deployment will be part of an effort to conduct airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations in the region," Earnest said. "This is obviously a unique capacity that the United States has to bring to bear to this effort and it will be used in support of the ongoing regional counter-extremist efforts that are ongoing there." Boko Haram, which wants to implement Islamic law in Nigeria's northeast, has launched attacks in Nigeria and neighbouring countries over the past few months. | 5 | 94,973 | news |
If you live in the United States, it's statistically likely you'll eat around 6000 slices of pizza over the course of your life. But how much do you actually know about that delicious combo of dough, cheese, and sauce? Where did pizza come from? What makes a great slice? Whether you're a fan of thin crust, deep dish, or the New York slice, here are 46 facts that'll tell you everything you need to know about pizza: 1. The word "pizza" dates back over a thousand years it was first mentioned in a Latin text written in southern Italy in 997 CE. 2. In 1835, Alexandre Dumas, author of The Three Musketeers , traveled to Naples, where he observed that the Neapolitan poor ate nothing but watermelon during the summer and pizza during the winter. 3. The first pizza place in America was Lombardi's in New York City originally a grocery store , Lombardi's started selling pizza in 1905. 4. During the first few decades of the 20th century , pizza was predominantly eaten and sold by working class Italian immigrants... 5. … But after World War II, American GIs came home from Italy with a craving for pizza, bringing the food to a broader consumer base for the first time. 6. The first American cities to start selling pizza were New York, Boston, New Haven, Conn., and Trenton, N.J. All four of these cities had an influx of Southern Italian immigrants around the turn of the century. 7. At first, pizzas were sold exclusively by the pie. But in 1933, Patsy Lancieri (of Patsy's Pizzeria in New York City) started selling pizzas by the slice a trend that was quickly picked up by other pizzerias. 8. Humans aren't the only ones who love the taste of pizza: there's even a mini pizza for dogs called the "Heaven Scent Pizza" made of flour, carrots, celery, and parmesan cheese. 9. The first known Chicago deep dish pizzas were created in 1943 by the restaurant that later became the Pizzeria Uno chain. 10. Domino's was founded in 1960. The restaurant chain's founder, Tom Monaghan, is one of three people in the world who hold an advanced degree in "Pizza-ology" from the "Domino's College of Pizza-ology" a business management program he founded in the '80s . 11. Domino's dropped its "30 minutes or less" guarantee in 1993 after a series of lawsuits accused the company of promoting unsafe driving. 12. The Domino's delivery offer is still good in some places around the world. The guarantee has been great for business in Turkey , for instance. 13. The first frozen pizza hit the market in 1962. It mostly tasted like cardboard until the genius food inventor Rose Totino got her hands on it. 14. The Hawaiian pizza was invented in 1962 by Sam Panopoulos, a native of Greece who ran a pizza place in Canada. 15. In the late '60s, the U.S. Army's 113th Military Intelligence Unit spied on reporters and politicians using fake pizza deliveries . 16. Pizza may have originated in Italy, but countries around the world have developed their own regional spins on the classic food. In Brazil chefs top their pizzas with green peas, the French love fried eggs on their slices, and in China a crust made of mini-hot dogs is surprisingly popular. 17. The first pizza ordered by computer happened in 1974: the Artificial Language Laboratory at Michigan State needed to test out its new "speaking computer," so they used it to order a pepperoni, mushroom, ham, and sausage pizza from a local pizza joint. 18. In the 1980s, the Pizza Connection trial became the longest running criminal jury trial in American history, running from 1985 to 1987. It prosecuted a group of mafia members who were using pizza restaurants as a front for drug trafficking. 19. Chuck E. Cheese's was founded by Nolan Bushnell, the co-founder of Atari as a way to make more money off of the game consoles . 20. Chuck E. Cheese may be the most famous animatronic pizza-selling animal in the world, but in the '80s, ShowBiz Pizza Place's "Rock-A-Fire Explosion" gave the rat a run for his money. ShowBiz's animatronic band played hit pop songs and original tunes at locations across America, and were the creation of Aaron Fechter (who also invented Whac-a-Mole). 21. When pizza chefs around the world need help with their recipes, they turn to "Dough Doctor" Tom Lehmann. Lehmann, who lives in Manhattan, Kans. is a pizza expert who's been working with the American Institute of Baking since 1967. One of the biggest challenges he's faced? Low-carb dough requests during the height of the Atkins diet craze. 22. Plenty of famous people got their start making and delivering pizzas. Stephen Baldwin and Bill Murray both worked at pizza restaurants, and Jean Claude Van Damme used to deliver pizzas. 23. The only pizza-themed superhero movie made to date is called Pizza Man released in 2011, the film stars Frankie Muniz as a pizza delivery guy who acquires super powers from eating a genetically modified tomato. 24. In 2013, former child star Macaulay Culkin formed a pizza-themed Velvet Underground cover band called Pizza Underground. The band performs hits like "I'm Waiting for the Delivery Man" and "All the Pizza Parties." 25. Pizza played a role in helping police catch an alleged serial killer known as the "Grim Sleeper" in 2010 when an undercover officer took a DNA sample from a slice of pizza the killer had been snacking on at a family birthday party. 26. Pizza has also helped prevent several crimes: In 2008 when a pizza delivery man in Florida was confronted by robbers, he threw the hot pizza he was delivering at them and escaped harm . 27. In 2014, a woman called 911 to report a burglary and sexual assault, but because the burglar was still in her home, she came up with a novel way to get the attention of police: she pretended to order a pizza . Fortunately, the police figured out that something was not quite right with the pizza order, and instantly responded to the call. 28. In 2001, Pizza Hut delivered a six-inch salami pizza to the International Space Station the first pizza delivered to outer space 29. A little over a decade later, in 2013, a group of NASA-funded scientists invented a 3D printer that could cook pizza in just 70 seconds, literally spraying on flavor, smell, and micronutrients. 30. The U.S. Military Lab recently invented a ready-to-eat pizza that can last for up to three years. The pizza is intended for soldiers abroad who are craving a slice… and also presumably for anyone preparing for a zombie apocalypse. 31. Pizza is such an iconic food, it even inspired an art show . In 2013, the Marlborough Broome Street Gallery in New York curated a show called "Pizza Time!" featuring more than 25 pizza-inspired works of art. The works ranged from paintings like "Caveman on Pizza," which featured a sunglasses-wearing caveman surfing a giant slice of pizza, to works of art made of actual pizza, like John Riepenhoff's "Physical Pizza Networking Theory." 32. Pizza chefs use a wide variety of pizza lingo to show they're in the know. For example, a ball of dough that's been stretched and is ready for toppings is called a "skin," mushrooms are often referred to as "screamers," and slices of pepperoni are called "flyers," for the way they're thrown around the pizza kitchen like Frisbees. 33. Pizza chefs call the internal cell structure of pizza dough "the crumb" most pizza makers try to achieve a crumb that's airy with large holes. 34. The four primary kinds of mozzarella used to make pizza are mozzarella di bufala (made from the milk of water buffalo in Italy, and used on Neapolitan-style pizzas), fior di latte (similar to mozzarella di bufala, but made from cow's milk), burrata (a fresh Italian cheese known for its creamy filling), and "pizza cheese" (the less perishable whole-milk or part-skim mozzarella used by the majority of American pizzerias). 35. In 2014, food scientists studied the baking properties of different cheeses, and found scientific evidence for a commonly known fact mozzarella makes the best pizza cheese. 36. Ever eat a soggy slice of pizza that seemed to have a gross gooey layer between the base and the toppings? There's a term for that. It's called the "Gum Line," and it's dreaded by pizza chefs. It's caused when dough is undercooked, has too little yeast, or is topped with sauce or cheese that's recently been pulled from the refrigerator and hasn't had a chance to reach room temperature. 37. Think spinning pizza dough sounds simple? Think again. Dough-spinning has its own professional-level sporting event where pizza teams compete in acrobatic dough-spinning competitions at the World Pizza Championships . 38. But spinning pizza dough isn't just for show: it's the best way to evenly spread dough , create a uniform crust, and even helps the dough retain moisture. 39. There's an association called the Associazione Verace Pizza Nepoletana ("True Neapolitan Pizza Association") that sets specific rules about what qualifies as a true Neapolitan pizza and certifies pizza restaurants accordingly. 40. According to legend, the "Pizza Margherita" takes its name from Queen Margherita of Savoy who, in 1889, sampled three pizza flavors made by master pizza chef Raffaele Esposito and expressed a preference for the version topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, and designed to resemble the Italian flag. Nice story and while the Queen did eat Esposito's pizza, there's no evidence of what was on the menu, and a lot of skepticism that this was mostly a marketing scheme concocted (complete with forged historical documents!) to boost business. 41. Over the years a number of strange pizza-flavored products have been released, including potato chips, condoms, ice cream, beer, and e-cigarettes. 42. There's a pizza museum in Philadelphia called Pizza Brain that is home to the world's largest collection of pizza memorabilia. 43. Pizzerias sell the most pizzas on Halloween, the night before Thanksgiving, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, and Super Bowl Sunday. 44. The largest pizza in the world was 131 feet in diameter, and weighed 51,257 pounds. 45. The inventors of Bagel Bites got the inspiration for their first recipe off the back of a Lender's Bagel bag . 46. Research firm Technomic estimated in 2013 that Americans eat 350 slices of pizza each second, and that 40 percent of us eat pizza at least once a week . | 4 | 94,974 | lifestyle |
Jane Goodall and Malala among them | 8 | 94,975 | video |
A Dutch-led criminal probe to find those responsible for shooting down flight MH17 has now become the top priority after the cause of the crash was unveiled, but doubts remain whether the culprits will ever be caught. Analysts said Wednesday that Russia's cooperation in the investigation to identify those behind the downing of the Malaysia Airlines flight on July 17 last year was now essential -- but also highly unlikely. Air crash investigators released their final report Tuesday into the doomed flight, saying the jetliner was brought down by a BUK surface-to-air missile, killing all 298 on board. Forensic investigators have also finished repatriating body parts collected from the crash site which at the time saw heavy fighting between the Ukranian army and pro-Russian separatists. "If Russia cooperates in the criminal case it also means their alleged involvement in the Ukraine comes under the spotlight in a court of law," said Tony van der Togt, international relations researcher at the respected Clingendael Institute in The Hague. "They (Moscow) will never accept this," he told AFP. Although the Dutch Safety Board's (OVV) official report states the official cause of the crash, it had always maintained it would not point fingers at those responsible. But OVV chairman Tjibbe Joustra suggested after the report's release that the area from where the deadly BUK missile was fired was indeed under rebel control. His remark supported the Ukrainian and US-held theory that pro-Moscow rebels were behind the downing of the Boeing 777 on a routine flight between Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur. The Kremlin and the state-owned Russian BUK manufacturer firmly rejected the accusation, with the Kremlin instead pointing the finger at the Ukranian military. - 'Justice complicated' - In the Netherlands, where most of the victims came from, the call to catch those who pulled the trigger intensified after Tuesday. "What's missing now are the guilty!" said the headlines in several Dutch newspapers with the local media acknowledging that a criminal investigation will be bumpy, particularly if Russia failed to cooperate. Dutch prosecutors who are coordinating the international criminal probe said they have "identified certain persons of interest" but are yet to release the names of particular suspects. "The investigation is being conducted under difficult conditions, especially regarding evidence collection and interviewing witnesses in an area where an armed conflict has been ongoing," prosecutors said. Following the report's release Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte urged Moscow to cooperate, but he carefully phrased his comments. "We know what happened but getting legally valid and convincing evidence to show who the culprits are is another story. It's going to take time," Rutte said. "I understand that some people would want to draw quick conclusions... but the road to justice is complicated enough. We mustn't complicate it even more," he urged. - Growing anger - The Netherlands and its allies have already run into a diplomatic wall after Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution to establish a special tribunal to try those who shot down the flight. "So far the Russians have been trying to sow confusion about the air crash probe including that it had not properly been investigated," Van der Togt said. "They're going to do the same thing (in the criminal probe)," he said, also pointing out that Russia did not extradite its nationals. Some of the victims' relatives and families are already reacting with anger and cynicism. "So what if next year the team of international investigators pinpoint the perpetrators?" one relative, Remco de Ridder wrote in a letter, published in the centre-left daily Volkskrant. "Will Moscow allow an extradition that easily?" writes De Ridder. Or if the guilty parties were in Russia, "will they have another Powerpoint presentation to challenge the findings of the international investigators?" he asked. | 5 | 94,976 | news |
Russian and American aircraft flying above Syria had another close encounter that pushed officials to hold talks Wednesday on air safety. Two Russian and two American military planes zoomed within 10 to 20 miles of each other on Saturday, according to Pentagon officials. At that distance, the aircraft were considered to be within visual contact of each other, which is so close that the type of aircraft can be identified with the aid of a pilot's targeting camera. "While we will not reveal specifics, at no time were our pilots in imminent danger nor did they feel any reason to alter their assigned mission," Army Lt. Col. Michelle L. Baldanza said in an email. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said on Tuesday that the Pentagon will seek to coordinate air safety with Russia. "Our talks there are very professional, they're very constructive, and I expect them to lead in very short order to an agreement," Carter said at a Boston press briefing. Russian defense officials are also confident that they're closing in on a deal with their American counterparts, the BBC reported. It was the third round of talks between Russian and American military officials about governing safety in the Syrian skies. Saturday's incident was the latest in a series of aerial encounters between the two countries since Russia launched airstrikes late last month to prop up Syrian President Bashar al Assad in the ongoing civil war. The U.S. first intervened in the conflict in September 2014 by bombing alleged Islamic State targets. Despite the talks, the U.S. will not curtail its airstrike program against the militants, officials have previously said. | 5 | 94,977 | news |
There are very few guarantees when Elon Musk takes the stage to announce a new product. There is one , however: he'll say some crazy stuff. Today's autopilot announcement was no exception. Talking about the future of self-driving, Musk mentioned that he believes his company is about three years away from a fully autonomous car that the driver never has to control, so you can sleep or work or whatever suits your fancy while you go about your commute. "Eventually, they're won't be wheels or pedals. You'll just jump in a car and go somewhere," he said. That's an extreme take, but it's a vision that Google shares . Later, though, Musk walked it back a bit, admitting that a fully autonomous pod "sounds boring" and suggesting that cars of the future could function like Will Smith's Audi RSQ in I, Robot usually autonomous, but with an optional manual override, popping a steering wheel out of the dash on command. "I think you want to have a steering wheel and pedals and be able to take control of the car when you want to take control," he said. I think we can all agree that's the way to go. We can also agree that Elon Musk opining on the fly during a press event is Best Elon Musk. | 9 | 94,978 | autos |
CHICAGO The cash-strapped state of Illinois announced Wednesday they'll be handing out IOUs for the time-being to any state lottery winner who wins more than $600. The IOUs are one of the many side effects of the stalemate over a new a budget between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and the state's Democratic lawmakers who control the Illinois General Assembly. "Payment delays will occur because there currently is no legal authority for the Illinois Comptroller or the Illinois Lottery to issue checks," the Illinois Lottery said in a statement. "Please note that the funding to pay winners exists, but the legal authority to issue checks does not." The lottery said the payments will be made once a state budget is passed. The lottery has been delaying payments to big winners since the current fiscal year started on July 1. Initially, only winners who were set to get $25,000 or more were being receiving IOUs. On Wednesday, the Illinois Lottery lowered the threshold to $600. Last month, two winners, who won $50,000 and $250,000 prizes in July but had yet to be paid, launched a class-action suit against the Illinois Lottery. The lawsuit estimated the lottery had failed to pay out more than $288 million in prizes since the last state budget expired on June 30. One of the lead plaintiffs in the suit questioned how the Illinois Lottery can continue to operate when they are failing to make payouts to winners. "How the heck can they do this, and they're still selling tickets?" said Homer Glen resident Rhonda Rasche, 48, according to the Chicago Tribune . "If I was the one selling raffle tickets and I didn't pay, I would be sued or in jail or both." Meanwhile, Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger said Wednesday a $560 million payment due to Illinois' pension system will also be delayed.She said that retirees will still receive benefit checks as scheduled. But the impasse has led to an immediate cash shortage, altering the way her office will dole out payments to the system. "This decision came down to choosing the least of a number of bad options and it saddens me that we've reached this point. But the fact is that our state simply does not have the revenue to meet its obligations," Munger said | 5 | 94,979 | news |
The U.S. Justice Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are probing whether the business model of daily fantasy sports operators violates federal law, according to people familiar with the matter. FBI agents from the Boston office have been contacting customers of DraftKings Inc. to ask them about their experiences with the Boston-based company, one person familiar with the matter said. The probe is in the preliminary stage, two people said. It is part of an ongoing discussion within the Justice Department about the legality of daily fantasy sites, in which customers pay entry fees to draft virtual sports teams that compete against each other for prize money based on the real-world performances of athletes. Congress in 2006 prohibited financial companies from transferring money to online gambling sites and several were shut down. But so-called games of skill were exempted. Fantasy sports sites have since operated under that exemption. So-called daily fantasy sites like DraftKings and FanDuel, Inc. didn't become popular until after the law was enacted. The Justice Department is trying to determine whether daily fantasy games are a form of gambling that falls outside the purview of the exemption. No decision on the matter has been reached, these people said. Hundreds of millions of dollars in venture capital and player money are flowing into the booming fantasy-sports industry, which counts sports leagues, Google Inc.'s investing arm, and major media companies such as Comcast Corp. and 21st Century Fox Inc. among its investors. Wall Street Journal-owner News Corp and 21st Century Fox were part of the same company until 2013. Walt Disney Co. earlier this year scuttled a planned investment in DraftKings, though the companies maintain a marketing relationship. Daily fantasy came under scrutiny last week after a DraftKings employee admitted on a fantasy-sports message board last week that he had prematurely released sensitive data about the site's biggest contest. The same week, he won $350,000 on FanDuel, something both companies acknowledge. DraftKings said the leak was an accident, and both companies said he didn't benefit from having early access to data. FanDuel has hired an outside investigator to conduct an internal review and make recommendations on how to strengthen controls on sensitive information. DraftKings has hired an investigator to look into unspecified allegations against an employee. "It is entirely predictable that the government would follow up on the misleading reports about our industry," a DraftKings spokeswoman said in a statement. "We have no knowledge of the specifics of any federal investigation but strongly disagree with any notion that our company has engaged in any illegal activities." FanDuel has said daily fantasy is a game of skill, not luck, and is therefore exempt under the 2006 law. The New York Attorney General's office has asked both companies for a raft of internal data including the win/loss records of players, algorithms that determine the fantasy pricing for athletes and details on their policies to prevent fraud. The companies have until Thursday to respond. The Massachusetts Attorney General's office is in talks with both companies over putting in place proper consumer protections, according to a person familiar with the discussions. Write to Devlin Barrett at [email protected] | 3 | 94,980 | finance |
Worried about the gluten-free sides you'll be serving at Thanksgiving this year? No need to stress about that part of the menu! Here are 10 healthy and delicious options that will do your meal justice. Both gluten-free eaters and gluten-lovers will enjoy one (or a number!) of these additions to your table. Sausage, Apple, and Squash Stuffing To all the gluten-free gals out there, meet your new favorite Paleo and gluten-free stuffing . Sweet butternut squash stands in for cubed bread, while high-quality sausage and an assortment of other traditional ingredients like apples, celery, and onion round out the recipe. Creamy Cauliflower Mash Lighten up your standard, starchy mashed potato side with this Paleo-friendly twist on tradition: creamy mashed cauliflower . This decadent-tasting dish has that texture you're craving, reminiscent of the classic, while the baked-potato toppings like scallions and diced bacon make the dish even more delicious. Cornbread Dressing An old family recipe with a gluten-free twist? We're sold on this gluten-free cornbread dressing for our table this year. You'll be happy to know that making this recipe suitable for dairy-free eaters is also a breeze! Sweet Potato Casserole Sweet potato casserole is traditionally gluten-free, and this lightened-up casserole weighs in at under 210 calories per heaping serving. The flavor is familiar, but this recipe is fresh, new, and easy to follow. Panko-Crusted Green Bean Casserole Freshen up your casserole with this healthy green bean recipe from Bobby Deen. Panko and parmesan cheese are a healthier and gluten-free revamp of traditional toppings, while fresh mushrooms up the veg factor. Trust us - this lighter riff on the classic casserole is better than the original. Just be sure you're using gluten-free panko ! Quinoa Stuffing Instead of a dense, bready mix to stuff your bird, this quinoa stuffing offers a lighter option loaded with Fall flavors, like butternut squash and dried cranberries. With a kick of mint, this vegan, gluten-free recipe adds unique flavors to complement your Thanksgiving turkey. Spicy Sweet Potato Salad Cooking for a table of guests with dietary restrictions ranging from Paleo to gluten-free and all the way to vegan? This spicy sweet potato salad is the answer to your prayers. High-fiber sweet potatoes lay the base, while an antioxidant-rich red pepper and jalapeño dressing ties everything together. You're going to love these leftovers the day after Thanksgiving. Balsamic Brussels Sprouts These easy roasted brussels sprouts are not only packed with fiber, they also offer a truly delicious taste - with very little hassle in the kitchen. Adding walnuts provides a boost of healthy fat and the extra crunch you're craving. Kale and Chard Mix Instead of a creamed spinach or swiss chard recipe that uses flour, get your green on with this nutrient-rich jewel-toned Winter greens salad . Kale and chard provide the hearty base, while pomegranate arils add some crunch, sweetness, and immunity-boosting power . Low(er)-Carb Mashed Potatoes Mashed potatoes are gluten-free, but it's butter, cream, and more butter that traditionally give the dish its richness; these ingredients are hardly necessary as long as you have our lower-carb recipe that uses a secret ingredient. | 7 | 94,981 | health |
Aston Martin, the British-based sports car maker which counts James Bond among its customers, said Wednesday it will cut up to 295 jobs -- more than 10 percent of its workforce. "The upper limit of affected positions is 295," the company said in a statement, adding that the planned cuts would make the company "more efficient and appropriately resourced". The company employs 2,100 people. Aston Martin said it hoped to minimise compulsory redundancies by offering early retirement, voluntary redundancies and not filling vacancies. "Production and sales targets for this year remain unchanged, and Aston Martin will continue to design, develop and engineer new models," it said. Aston Martin said last week the cuts would mostly be in administration jobs rather than production at its Gaydon plant in central England. The 102-year-old company is clocking losses and is planning to diversify production including with electric cars, British media reported. | 3 | 94,982 | finance |
Before the US invasion in his country, Gulwari Passarlay was a shepherd, spending most of his childhood with his grandparents in Afghanistan's mountains. But then everything changed with the US invasion. "All I could hear at night was the sounds of guns and rockets and airplanes," Gulwari recalls. It was in a conflict with US troops and the NATO-backed Afghan army that Gulwari's father and five other members of his family were killed. After that, the Taliban came looking for Gulwari and his brother. They wanted to recruit him so that he could take revenge. "They were actively seeking us to join them and they were threatening us," he says. Gulwari's mother feared for her sons. She wanted them out of Afghanistan immediately. The plan was to get them to Europe. So the brothers left Afghanistan for Pakistan. But once there, the two were separated. Gulwari, then 12, continued the journey alone. His trek took him to nine different countries, including Iran, Turkey, Greece and Bulgaria. "I used all sort of transport…by foot, by planes, by cars, you name it," he says. "I went through hell. I saw death with my own eyes," he says. Gulwari spent time in a jail in Turkey. He was sent back to Iran, from where he had made the journey to Turkey. He went hungry for days and walked for days on end. He hitchhiked his way across borders and finally managed to get to the UK his 10th country hiding in a banana truck. When he finally made it to the UK, Gulwari's ordeal wasn't over. "The journey itself was really hard but being in England was as hard as the journey," he says. That's because he had to prove his age, his nationality and that he was a refugee. "It took me five years to prove that I was a genuine refugee and I needed protection," he explains. But Gulwari wasn't one to give up. Taken in by a foster family, he managed to go to school and learn English pretty fast. Now 21, he will soon start his studies in politics and philosophy at Manchester University. He hopes to one day be able to go back to Afghanistan and help those in need. "My hope is to make sure people like myself don't have to leave Afghanistan and mothers don't have to send their kids away," he says. Gulwari Passarlay has written a book about his journey called "The Lightless Sky: An Afghan Refugee Boy's Journey of Escape to a New Life in Britain." | 5 | 94,983 | news |
The Real Costs of Connectivity Ever wondered how much the telematics connectivity system costs in your new car? Have you ever discovered a wonderful must-have feature when researching a new car, truck, or crossover only to see an asterisk at the end of the description? You hover your mouse over the little star only to discover a cryptic message. "Paid subscription required after trial period." How much will it really cost? How long is the trial period? Vehicle telematics systems that are built-in such as OnStar, the Kleenex of vehicle telematics systems typically call for help in an accident or emergency or help you unlock your car if the keys get stuck inside. Several even offer a concierge service. These nine systems cover the majority of new cars available with a telematics system. OnStar OnStar is available across the range of General Motors brands, including Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick. Buyers of used vehicles can get three months of Guidance for free, and all new GM vehicles (2014 and later) get a free Basic Plan for five years. Premium plan pricing is fairly straightforward, with three levels of capability and monthly options with discounts for paying for the year all at once. Protection is $199.90 per year (or $19.99 per month), Security is $249.90 per year (or $24.99 per month), and Guidance is $349.90 per year (or $34.99 per month). Research Chevrolet , Buick , GMC , and Cadillac vehicles OnStar OnStar has several other add-ons, which include data (for the Wi-Fi hot spot, if so equipped), Family Link, and options for calling plan minutes. Pricing is as follows: 200 MB for $5 (+$5 if you're not a subscriber to one of their other plans), 1 GB for $15 (+$5 for non-subscribers), 3 GB for $30, and 5 GB for $50. Family Link is $3.99 per month, and calling minutes range from $5 for 30 minutes to $20 for 300 minutes that renew monthly. If you prefer buying minutes in bulk, then it's $39.99 for 100 and $299.99 for 1,000 minutes, which expire after 12 months. Research Chevrolet , Buick , GMC , and Cadillac vehicles AcuraLink Acura makes the standard features for the AcuraLink system available for free for three years. The basic Connect level is $159 per year (one-year commitment), but discounts are available for three-year commitments. The Premium level is $249 per year and also has discounts for extended commitments. Research Acura vehicles Audi Connect Audi Connect is included for a six-month trial period with all new Audi vehicles, and then either T-Mobile or AT&T provide service. T-Mobile provides service for all but the A3 sedan and prices its data plans at $25 per month, $199 for the year, and $450 for 30 months. The A3 is provided service by AT&T, which has data limits and is $20 per month with 1 GB of data, $99 for six months with 5 GB of data, and $499 for 30 months with 30 GB of data (the 2016 Audi S6 is shown here). Research Audi vehicles BMW Assist BMW Assist is included as standard for new BMW models (as of 2014) that are equipped with navigation, though some features are available separately. Prior to 2014 there were two levels of subscription available: $199 per year for Safety and $199 per year for Convenience. To get Convenience and its features, you must also be subscribed to Safety. Research BMW vehicles Infiniti InTouch Infiniti's InTouch system is free for the first year of ownership and then available in two different levels: Connection for $179 per year and Connection Plus for $308 per year. Connection Plus includes the Infiniti Personal Assistant (a concierge service), in addition to a suite of other helpful features. Research Infiniti vehicles Lexus Enform The Lexus Enform system is free for the first year. After the first year, Enform Safety Connect includes Enform Service Connect for $139.95 per year. Enform Remote, which includes Safety Connect, is $219.95 per year. Enform Destinations, which also includes Safety Connect, is $264.90 per year. If figuring out which plan to go with is too much, then the Enform Complete package at $344.90 per year includes absolutely everything. Research Lexus vehicles Mercedes-Benz Mbrace Mercedes-Benz has the Mbrace telematics system, which has a generous five years of free service included with the Connect level of capability. The Mbrace Secure package is available as a six-month trial but is $199 per year after that. Two other systems, Concierge and Entertain, offer neat features for $20 or $18 per month, respectively, or they can be bundled for $28 per month. Both the add-ons require a subscription to the Mbrace Secure package. Research a Mercedes-Benz vehicles Subaru Starlink Subaru provides the basic Safety Plus package free for one year then charges $99 per year. Adding Security Plus is $49 for the first year and $149 per year after that. Refreshingly simple pricing. Research Subaru vehicles Uconnect Access Uconnect is the infotainment system of choice for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which includes Dodge, Chrysler, Fiat, Ram, Jeep, and SRT. Uconnect Access is available in six- to 12-month trials then is $149.99 per year or $14.99 per month. Research Dodge , Chrysler , Ram , and Fiat vehicles | 9 | 94,984 | autos |
Samir rushes forward and hurls the flaming bottle with all his might at the observation tower and the Israel soldiers inside, his contribution to the "intifada". "We either kick out the Jews or we die," says the 20-year-old Palestinian, one of hundreds protesting violently near the Gaza Strip's border with Israel. "Anyway, we have nothing to lose. Our life is the blockade, unemployment, destruction. And no one cares about us." Gaza, the tiny enclave on the Mediterranean hit by three wars with Israel since 2008, has been drawn into the unrest that erupted recently in annexed east Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank. Nine Gazans were killed by Israeli fire in border clashes over the weekend, and dozens have sought to breech the fence. In response to two rockets fired from Gaza, Israeli warplanes carried out an air strike Sunday, demolishing a house in northern Gaza and killing a pregnant woman and her two-year-old daughter. Israel said it was targeting two arms manufacturing facilities belonging to Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs Gaza. But some analysts say they believe that Hamas, which does not recognise Israel's right to exist and opposes the Jewish state's occupation of Palestinian lands, does not want yet another conflict. Last year's 50-day war killed more than 2,200 people and left 100,000 homeless, and reconstruction has been slow. But Salafist jihadists and other movements are also active in Gaza, and Hamas would likely not remain on the sidelines and watch the situation develop beyond its control. There are more than enough hopeless young people in Gaza who would be potential volunteers for the cause. The strip has been under an Israeli blockade for years. Unemployment among its 1.8 million people is around 45 percent, one of the highest rates in the world, and more than half of the population wants to leave. - 'We want to fight' - Samir walked the five kilometres (three miles) to Tuesday's protest at the Erez crossing with his friends from his home in Jabaliya. Like many protesters, he wore a traditional Palestinian keffiyeh scarf to cover his face. They aimed to confront the Israeli soldiers posted behind the long wall separating Gaza from Israel. "We came to support the young people in the intifada in Jerusalem and the West Bank," he says. "We want to fight, even with stones and firebombs." Atop the tower the youths were targeting, the barrel of a submachine gun can be seen, but no soldiers. But eventually, the tear gas cannisters fly and gunfire rings out, and some of the youths fall to the ground. During the clashes, 35 people were wounded by live fire or rubber bullets, or were overcome by tear gas inhalation, Gaza medics said. The work of ambulance medics has been complicated not only by the gunfire and tear gas, but also by protesting youths blocking roads. Some have gone on foot to retrieve the wounded with stretchers. Suhail, a 31-year-old teacher, decided to volunteer after seeing the rescuers difficulties on television. "I thought that I should come with my friend to help transport the wounded," he says. "I don't want our young people dying for nothing; they're there because they're desperate and only want a better life." As for the stone throwers, they seem unconcerned by the danger. "We know that our stones will not kill any soldier, but I swear to you they tremble before us because we are the generation of freedom," says one of the protesters, his face hidden. Not far away, Hamas police hold back, allowing the protest to continue. "How can we stop young people from shouting their rejection of the occupation?" one asks. | 5 | 94,985 | news |
Ebola virus fragments were discovered in male survivors' semen up to nine months after they experienced symptoms. | 7 | 94,986 | health |
Iran's nuclear accord with world powers has won final approval in the Islamic republic with a top panel of jurists and clerics giving the green light, state news agency IRNA reported. The Guardians Council, which ensures legislation does not violate Iran's constitution and Islamic rules, approved on Wednesday a Tuesday parliamentary vote that endorsed the deal curbing Iran's atomic programme in exchange for an end to sanctions. Nejatollah Ebrahimian, the council's spokesman, said the body approved the parliamentary bill implementing the deal "by an absolute majority of the votes." He did not offer a voting breakdown. The council meets behind closed doors. Some council "members raised objections to the bill and found it contrary to the constitution. There were debates," state television quoted Ebrahimian as saying. "At the end, a majority of the council members voted that the parliamentary legislation is not against the constitution and Shariah law." The vote came after fierce debate over the terms of the July 14 accord, which has faced a rough ride from hardliners in both Tehran and the US Congress. Sanctions lifted by December Lawmakers in the US and Iran had insisted on voting on it. The deal will lift nuclear-related sanctions in return for Tehran, which has always denied seeking an atomic bomb, curbing its nuclear activities. Members of Congress failed in September to torpedo the deal, with President Barack Obama securing enough support in the Senate to protect the agreement. Iranian officials have said sanctions should be lifted by the end of the year or January at the latest. However, Iran also has to satisfy the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN nuclear watchdog, of the exclusively peaceful nature of its atomic programme. The IAEA faces a December 15 reporting deadline to resolve what it had termed "ambiguities" over Iran's past nuclear activities. | 5 | 94,987 | news |
There's a reason why Pinterest has such a devout user base: The platform not only puts you on the pulse of the prettiest trends in fashion, food, and beyond, but it also teaches you how to make them your own, on your own, and for a fraction of the price. But are these simple at-home solutions as easy as they seem? A DIY newbie, I put my Mythbusters hat on to find out. I gave Pinterest a go a few years back, but all I have to show for it are a few dozen half-assed boards and a mishmash of style inspiration and ambitious (but never tested) recipes. Mostly, it's because I belong to the school of "Rather Buy than DIY." But every now and then I stumble across a collection of Pinterest-sourced fashion hacks promising to change the way I wear, style, or think about certain items. Fine, Pinterest. You've got my attention. I scoured Pinterest and plucked seven tricks that promised the world while seeming vaguely possible to pull off. Some of these tips and tricks made total sense; others, I was dubious about. I should use panty liners to prevent sweat stains? Freeze my sneakers and my jeans to get rid of a funky smell? Tape my toes together to make my heels less painful? Challenge accepted. Then, I gave each hack one shot (exactly one), and rated them based on ease, result, and my overall satisfaction with the whole thing. I will say this: I'm much more open to trying out ideas found on Pinterest than I was when I started as long as they don't involve taping my breasts. Ahead, this novice pinner's deep-ish dive into the world of fashion hacks. The Hack: Turn any bra into a racerback using a paper clip. Rating: 9/10 Normally, I try to make a point of buying bras with built-in hooks in the back, so they can easily be converted. However, not all bras are equipped with this little game-changer. Or, it could be laundry day, and all your racerback bras and non-racerback shirts are dirty. It's not the biggest deal, but you might find yourself in this pickle at some point. Apparently, all you really need is to raid your desk for a paper clip, and all your sartorial problems will be gone. A paper clip pins together the bra straps, and can easily be moved up or down the back to adjust for fit. I will say, though, it was a little cumbersome to orchestrate: First, I put both straps in the paper clip and adjusted where it sat on the back (easy), then lengthened the straps slightly (also easy), and then put the bra on without ruining my careful clip placement or totally warping the clip (not so easy). But the racerback stayed put all day. And, while I thought it would be weird to have a piece of metal sticking so close to my skin for hours, I hardly noticed the paper clip after a while, and straight up forgot about it until I took my bra off at the end of the day. Conclusion: This may not be an everyday life-changer, but it's a solid option if you absolutely, positively need a last-minute racerback bra. The Hack: Tape your third and fourth toe together to prevent pain in (closed-toe) heels. Rating: 1/10 I inherited (read: borrowed indefinitely) a pair of very stiff pointed-toe heels from my mother.They make me feel very adult (because, again, I took them from my parent's closet). They are also undeniably the most uncomfortable item in my possession. So, I had high hopes that this trick to tape two toes together to form one bulkier super-toe, theoretically reducing the space occupied by each digit in such tight quarters would turn my dreamy special-occasion heels into my wear-everyday heels. Alas. Maybe it was the shoes. Maybe I didn't tape my toes tight enough. But this simply did. not. work. The aggressively pointed toe was as unforgiving as ever. In fact, I gave up on my experiment halfway through the day, changing into my Emergency Desk Flats in defeat. I'll pass on this one. The Hack: Run a razor over your sweater to remove pilling. Rating: 7/10 Ironically, before I began this project, I overheard a few colleagues complaining about sweater pilling as the temperatures began to dip. "I have a hack!" I proclaimed. "Pinterest told me this works!" I clearly put a lot of faith into this endeavor. A few days later, I found myself hunched over my newly-recovered pile of winter sweaters, carefully running a generic razor up and down my favorite knit. I want to say upfront that this trick does, indeed, work. I just underestimated how much effort it would take. It wasn't an instantaneous, one-swipe-and-you're-done hack, as I'd erroneously thought all Pinterest-sourced tips were. Instead, I had to be careful and calculating with my sweater shaving. The razor truly had to be basic: the most rudimentary, no-lotion, dollar-store kind. I'd also have to make sure to be gentle as I ran it down my tops, as I could risk a pull. Mini sweater balls would often get stuck between the blades, so I had to take frequent breaks to clean my implement. In the end, I got most of my stack pill-free, save for a few odd fuzz balls I was not patient enough to deal with. So, this is definitely a great thing to do on a weekend, maybe as you re-watch 30 Rock, because it requires some time, care, and more than 50% of your attention. The Hack: Put stinky sneakers in a sealed plastic bag, and then store in the freezer to remove their smell. Rating: 10/10 The trick itself is simple enough: When you've got a particularly odorous pair of sneakers, store them in the freezer (inside of a sealed plastic bag, mind you). The cold temperature kills the bacteria responsible for the stench. This hack can also be applied to jeans. I left my gym shoes in overnight, and was pleasantly surprised when I took a cautions sniff the next morning. The unpleasant odor was mostly gone! Afterwards, I let them sit on the plastic baggy to... defrost, I guess? This would also be the second phase of my experiment: Would the stench come back after they'd warmed back up, or would this get rid of the smell altogether? Hours later, when they were back at room temperature, I gave the sneakers another whiff. Still good. I'll call this one a success. The Hack: Use a panty liner to prevent sweat stains on shirts and cardigans. Rating: 6/10 I'll start this off by saying that yes, this hack is legit in the most fundamental way: It technically works, in that it achieves exactly what it purports to. Will I be introducing it into my daily routine? Probably not. The idea is this: You stick panty liners squarely on the underarm seaming, where your armpit will hit. These absorb your sweat (cute mental image, right?) before it hits your shirt. Thus, no stains and no residue smell to boot. At the end of the day, the odor of the panty liner was far from pleasant. Once I removed it, though, my top still smelled fresh. And, yes, there were no sweat stains, despite it having been a particularly humid fall day. So, the hack met its goal with ease. However, I'll likely never do it again, outside of the context of experimentation. Granted, sweat stains are not something I deal with very frequently (that's not meant to be a humblebrag, truly), so this tip wouldn't really solve any problems for me. It also didn't really feel weird or disruptive throughout the day. To me, it was just a little too gross for the small gain. So, I'll pass! The Hack: Tape your breasts instead of wearing a sticky backless bra to go with an open-back dress. Rating: 2/10 In lieu of sticky bras, some pinners have turned to tape surgical, masking, and other types used in many different techniques to achieve a backless look. This is seen as an alternative for women who don't require much support from a bra but still want coverage in the front. Now, you may be thinking: What about the skin? What about the nipples?! There are different ways to keep your most sensitive areas protected. I found foam cups from old bathing suits, and used those to cover my breasts, and used masking tape to secure them to my torso. The tape only touched the skin on the side of and below my boobs. I loosened the adhesive, too, before actually applying it to my breast skin, by putting it on and gently pulling it off my hand. I had achieved the exposed-back look, but at what cost? On top of the fact that I could feel it all day, the rough texture and sharp edges of the tape was visible through the fabric. For the first 20 minutes, I couldn't not think about the fact that my boobs were taped up. After a while, though, I forgot about it until I stretched. I could feel the adhesive tugging at my skin, a horrifying preview of the pain that awaited me at the end of the day. When the time came to take this alternative bra off, I panicked at the thought of tearing off all the sticky stuff. Luckily, the morning loosening paid off. It was only a tad cringe-inducing. The takeaway: I'd rather pick out a really pretty bra to peek out of my backless dress than try this again. The Hack: Speed up the shoe break-in process with socks and a blow dryer. Rating: TBD. Will try again. We've all developed our own methods for breaking in our shoes preferably, ones that don't involve just wearing them through the pain. I've seen the recommendation to wear tight shoes with thick socks crop up a few times, which Pinterest one-ups with a simple addition: Blast the shoe-and-sock combo with hot air. Many pins illustrating the idea share similar imagery: a flat lay of the shoes, socks, and hairdryer, the caption expressing satisfaction with this quick hit. Others fill in the nitty-gritty details, like how long you should be pointing the dryer at your feet (about two minutes) and what to do right afterwards ("let it cool on your feet"). So, I figured this would be yet another opportunity to redeem my pointy shoes from the toe-taping experiment. For the sake of this experiment, I'll say it was the shoes. I put on my chunkiest socks and dutifully crouched down to blow hot air at my toes for two minutes, then left the heels on for longer than needed just to make sure I got the most stretch possible. They were definitely less snug right after. I'm just not entirely sure if it was a temporary thing, or if the shoes will retain this new looseness. I'm optimistic about this trick, though, and plan on trying it again with a brand-new pair of stiff shoes. So, I'll leave these results as inconclusive. Guess I'll have to get some new shoes to try it again. | 4 | 94,988 | lifestyle |
Hillary Clinton bested her challengers in the campaign's first Democratic presidential debate, but her biggest accomplishment may have been to neutralize a potential rival who was not even on stage: Joe Biden. Analysts and observers said Clinton delivered a commanding performance Tuesday in the party's two-hour Las Vegas showdown, reasserting her control of the presidential race after months of slipping poll numbers. She reassured her many supporters that she is not the weakened candidate many had feared -- or hoped -- and it leaves Vice President Biden the odd man out in a Democratic primary that is suddenly going the former secretary of state's way. For months Biden has been weighing whether to jump in. The 72-year-old has been an American political fixture for decades: 36 years in the Senate, seven years as President Barack Obama's wingman and twice a candidate for the White House, in 1988 and 2008. A third run would come only if the vice president, whose early adult life was marred by tragedy with the death of his wife and daughter, could overcome the anguish of losing his son Beau earlier this year to brain cancer. It has long been assumed he would be much more likely to run should Clinton's candidacy implode and supporters, particularly donors and key operatives, begin clamoring for him to ride in as a political savior. Biden acknowledged the Democratic field performed admirably without him in the debate. "I thought every one of those folks did well," Biden told reporters Wednesday in Washington. - 'Very personal decision' - Clinton's deft parrying of her rivals' attacks on her political judgment and her 2002 vote for the Iraq war left her the undisputed frontrunner less than four months before the first votes are cast in the Democratic primary race. "Clinton's good night reduced the rationale for Biden's candidacy," David Axelrod, chief strategist for Obama's 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns, wrote on CNN's website. "After Tuesday, the calls on him to save the party from a weak frontrunner will be more muted. He is running third in the polls and nothing that happened in Tuesday's debate likely closed that gap." Time is an enemy for Biden. His team has set a series of deadlines for a decision whether to run -- first it was the end of summer, then it shifted back to October. But registration deadlines for key primary states are rapidly approaching. Debate host CNN had teased viewers that Biden might jet in for the debate, dramatically preparing a podium for him in the event he showed up. But he did not and the declared candidates -- Clinton, her main challenger Senator Bernie Sanders, and three low-polling hopefuls -- made no mention of the vice president. "This debate was about the five people on this stage," Clinton strategist Joel Benenson said. Biden "has a very personal decision to make." - Gift to Clinton? - Clinton parried former Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee's accusation of "poor judgment calls" on Iraq and the Middle East, reminding viewers that she and Obama clashed at length over Iraq during their many debates but that he ultimately picked her as his top diplomat, having beaten her to the Democratic nomination last time. "He valued my judgment," the 67-year-old Clinton asserted. She hit back at Sanders on gun control and disagreed with him on how to rein in crony capitalism. And she said Washington should stand up to Russian President Vladimir Putin's "bullying," a veiled shot at the Obama administration's -- and ostensibly Biden's -- handling of the war in Syria. Sanders was left proclaiming he is "not a pacifist." Ultimately, Sanders may have given Clinton the greatest of campaign gifts: a call to move on from the obsession over her use of a personal email account and server while secretary of state. "The American people are sick and tired of hearing about your damn emails," he said, turning to Clinton, who reached out to shake her rival's hand. Longshot candidate Jim Webb, a former senator and navy secretary, may have inadvertently helped Clinton when he bluntly rejected the viability of Sanders' political revolution that targets the "billionaire class," despite its grass-roots appeal. "Bernie, I don't think the revolution's going to come, and I don't think the Congress is going to pay for a lot of this stuff," Webb said. | 5 | 94,989 | news |
From Aries to Pisces, here are 12 get-ups to spark your Halloween spirit Halloween by Horoscope The pressure of coming up with a witty Halloween costume idea year in and out whether it's for you or for the kids isn't always the easiest of tasks. Add to that any costume contests and Halloween can quickly turn frightful (and not in the fun way). To help make this year's decision a bit less stressful, look to your Zodiac sun sign for some extra inspiration. From the adventurous Aries to the "water baby" Pisces, this list of costume ideas has you covered. Photo by: Tanna Valentine/Flickr Aries As someone who is always "on the go" and up for a new adventure, sporting a favorite super hero's identity is a classic choice for an Aries. A comic book character, such as Super Girl, would be a good fit (as an added bonus, it's on-trend too thanks to the new TV series). Plus, the super hero character also makes for a great ensemble theme if you happen to be looking for one with dad being Superman and the kids being their choice of other heroic characters. Photo by: taymtaym/Flickr Taurus A Taurus is a sucker for comfort and retro-glam, which means your ideal Halloween costume should have elements of both. Dressing as Audrey Hepburn or another iconic star of the '60s would be chic yet simple enough to put together especially if you so happen to already have a little black dress, sunglasses, large hat and gloves. And don't forget to factor in the comfort (this costume gives you permission to wear flats!). Photo by: The Coincidental Dandy/Flickr Gemini Gemini represents the twins, which makes for a great opportunity to grab your bestie or one of your kids and costume-coordinate with him or her. A few ideas that go well in tandem? The "twins" emoji (which is perfect if you happen to have a black leotard lying around), the Double Mint twins, the Dr. Seuss characters Thing 1 and Thing 2 or perhaps a pair of Twinkies. Photo by: jaredeberhardt/Flickr Cancer Known to be homebodies, a cancer doesn't like straying too far from her roots. So look to something that's reminiscent of wherever you call home whether that be your hometown or country. One idea is to embody a patriotic symbol. For the United States, think the Statue of Liberty, Uncle Sam or Rosie the Riveter. Or use a landmark that's symbolic of a particular country, such as the Eiffel Tower for France or Big Ben for the United Kingdom. Photo by: Alexphotocamera/Flickr Leo As the "kings and queens" of the zodiac, Leos relish in their royal status. And they never shy away from the drama, too. That said, a royal icon would be a prime choice. If you happen to have a baby girl, one option could be the Duchess of Cambridge with Princess Charlotte in tow. Or tap into both the royalty and the drama by dressing as Grace Kelly who was the Princess of Monaco as well as a Golden Globe and Oscar-winning actress. Photo by: The Coincidental Dandy/Flickr Virgo Ever the intellectuals, Virgos will likely enjoy providing a bit of a history lesson or cultural explanation when asked about their costumes. If you'd like to go the history buff way, one option (which also has stylish costume potential) could be Zelda Fitzgerald decked in an Art Deco flapper outfit. Bring along some tidbits about the Roaring Twenties to share with friends over champagne. And don't forget to practice a few dance moves characteristic of the time period, such as the Charleston and the Lindy Hop. Photo by: Bellafaye Garden/Flickr Libra Considering that Libra is represented by scales, a good Halloween choice for a Libra is to dress as someone who wants to see justice served. Turn a bed sheet into a toga, create makeshift scales and strap on a blindfold (preferably one you can still see out of) and go as Lady Justice. Or for a pop culture option, dress as the white-hat-wearing Olivia Pope from Scandal. Photo by: Disney | ABC Television Group/Flickr Scorpio Strong, passionate Scorpios are powerhouses to be reckonedwith. They don't take "no" for an answer, are resilient and unafraid to use manipulation when the situation calls for it. They would also be willing to sacrifice themselves rather than be overtaken by others. That said, a clear choice is Cleopatra, who embodies all of these characteristics. Find yourself a black wig (or straighten your hair), loads of ornate-looking baubles and heavy eye makeup and your costume is complete. Photo by: theglobalpanorama/Flickr Sagitarrius As the archer of the Zodiac, it's practically a given todress up as a character who happens to have comparable skills. For a morelow-key look, sweep your hair into a side braid and dress in black as Katnissfrom The Hunger Games. For a more in-depth costume, don a curly red wig (or simply curl your hair if you happen to be a redhead), Celtic dress and go as Merida from the animated movie Brave. Photo by: Xubaet/Flickr Capricorn Since Capricorns are all about DIY, it's obvious that you'll want to build your Halloween costume from scratch. Caps also tend to be sensible about extraneous spending, so you'll likely prefer your costume be assembled with things you already own. That said, have some fun with face paint this Halloween and feel free to bend the rules when it comes to gender, too (Caps are ruled by Saturn, which exudes masculine energy). One look that doesn't have to involve a seasoned artist's skills to recreate? A band member from KISS. Photo by: Suzanne Schroeter/Flickr Aquarius When thinking of "The Age of Aquarius," it's only natural that the musical Hair comes to mind. And since Aquarians are naturally independent and free-spirited, dressing as a "flower child" from the Summer of Love would be a natural choice. Slip into a pair of bell-bottoms, straight-iron your hair and strap a headband around your forehead to finish off your ensemble. Photo by: Tetsumo/Flickr Pisces As the "water baby" of the zodiac, finding a sea-loving character is right up your alley. Pick your favorite among sailors, pirates, mermaids or sea creatures. Since Pisces is a fish, consider it as one of your options. Going as a Japanese fighter fish in particular allows you to wear bold, flowy garb and attach extra material to fans as your "fins." Photo by: Tanna Valentine/Flickr | 4 | 94,990 | lifestyle |
Forget Mars, Jupiter is what's hot in the (solar) streets today. | 8 | 94,991 | video |
The runway is being shut down after more than 12 years. "America's Next Top Model" was not renewed for a 23rd season by The CW, effectively ending the network's longest-running and most-recognizable series. The cancellation, which was reported by Deadline , means the show's final episode will take place on Dec. 4, when the current season is scheduled to end. The program, which was created by supermodel Tyra Banks, premiered in 2003 on the now-defunct UPN network, which became The CW in 2006. The show employs a panel of judges, who evaluate budding young models each week based on their appearances, performances in challenges and their best photo from their weekly shoot. The show has been extremely popular throughout its tenure, especially from 2007 to 2010, when it was the network's highest-rated show. "America's Next Top Model was a successful franchise for two networks, first at UPN and then The CW, and it became not just a ratings hit, but a global pop culture phenomenon," The CW President Mark Pedowitz said in a statement to the Daily News. "I want to thank Tyra and (producer Ken Mok) for all their years of success in establishing a show that was not just popular in the U.S., but all across the world," he added. Banks, who also serves as the show's host, said Wednesday that she agrees with the network's decision to end the show. "Thinking #ANTM #cycle22 should be our last cycle," she wrote on Instagram. "Yeah, I truly believe it's time." | 6 | 94,992 | entertainment |
Spanish soccer club Getafe has turned to technology in order to populate its stadium. Getafe on Tuesday launched a dating app, which fans can use to meet and socialize while attending games at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez. Getafe hopes the "Getafinder" will help fans "reproduce" enough supporters to increase attendances at the 17,393-seat stadium on the outskirts of Madrid. "Getafe have the least season ticket holders in la Liga," Getafe said on its Facebook page. "We need to reproduce." "Because the mood has never failed us." Getafe is averaging just 7,753 fans this season. We'll check back in nine-plus months' time to gauge the effectiveness of "Getafinder." | 1 | 94,993 | sports |
Jay Z and Timbaland arrive at Los Angeles court house for testimony in copyright trial. No reporter narration. | 8 | 94,994 | video |
An Army captain who saved his commander and others while nearly losing his leg during an attack in Afghanistan will receive the Medal of Honor next month from President Obama, the White House said Wednesday. Capt. Florent A. "Flo" Groberg, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in France and a former college-level runner who joined the military in 2008, is the 10th living recipient of the Medal of Honor for actions in Afghanistan. "The Medal of Honor is awarded to members of the armed forces who distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry above and beyond the call of duty," the White House said in a statement. Born May 8, 1983, in Poissy, France, Groberg became a U.S. citizen in 2001, the same year he graduated from Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, Md. He was a track and cross-country athlete at the University of Maryland. On Aug. 8, 2012, Groberg led a security team of six troops assigned to protect Col. James Mingus, a brigade commander in Afghanistan. A suicide bomber set off an explosives-laden vest, knocking Groberg back 5 to 10 feet, breaking his leg and nearly burning the flesh off his foot. Groberg nearly had to have his leg amputated and spent years in rehab. "Injured during combat, he spent his recovery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center from August 2012 through May 2015 and was medically retired ... on July 23, 2015," the White House said in announcing the Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor ceremony will be held at the White House on Nov. 12. | 5 | 94,995 | news |
11 Great Underappreciated Features Features we can't live without Let's take a minute to recognize some of the great, underappreciated features in some of our modern automobiles. Sure, many of these have been around for years, but they perform their functions in obscurity. They hardly warrant even a picture, much less a short description, on a vehicle's features overview page. With one exception, these features are available on vehicles across the market and are things we've appreciated during the grind of a daily commute. Here are 11 features that would ask, "What am I, chopped liver?" if they could speak. Automatic headlights Imagine or remember if you've done it leaving home before sunrise, driving to work, forgetting to turn your headlights off, then returning to a car with a dead battery. Automatic headlights, which switch on or off depending on outside conditions, are a boon. Another handy but under-appreciated feature is automatic high-beams. A camera mounted behind the rearview mirror can detect approaching headlights and will switch the high-beams off as a vehicle passes. They're no replacement for attentive driving, but we figure automatic high-beams could save you some bad karma by not blinding other drivers on a dark highway. Find out about which other features the Ford Fusion offers The Auto-Dimming Mirror The auto-dimming mirror does pretty much what its name implies and automatically darkens the rearview mirror when another vehicle's headlights are shining a bit too brightly. We've all been there; someone has some spectacularly bright HID or LED headlights, and in addition to driving much too close to your rear bumper, they've gone and left their high-beams on. The auto-dimming rearview mirror on a 2016 Ford Mustang GT is particularly enjoyable because the muscle car's lower ride height places it at optimum blinding height in our crossover world. What is normally an infuriating glare and a hazard becomes a green-tinted curiosity. "Hmm that driver seems to have left their high-beams on. How quaint." Find out about which other features the Ford Mustang offers HondaVAC (Honda Odyssey) When we commented in a 2014 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite First Test that the new minivan sucked, we meant literally. The HondaVAC is a built-in vacuum cleaner that can make quick work of the types of spills associated with parenthood and children's snacks. The HondaVAC has a removable waste bin and a hose long enough to stretch to the front footwells. Although it was initially only available on the most expensive Touring Elite trim level, now the SE is also available with the handy HondaVAC. Find out about which other features the Honda Odyssey offers Head-Up Display The automotive head-up display isn't as much underappreciated out of a forgetful neglect like the automatic headlight but rather derided as technology that's been on GMs since the '80s or in fighter airplanes since the 1940s. Neither fact detracts from the usefulness of the systems, which can display things such as vehicle speed, the speed limit, and navigation directions. Find out about which other features the Mazda3 offers Matte infotainment screen Almost everyone has seen an automotive touchscreen in the wild. They typically come installed somewhere near the top or middle of the center stack, and most units have a glossy screen that looks great in the showroom. In the real world, however, those glossy screens are rendered almost useless in direct sunlight, not to mention direct sunlight on anything else in the interior that could reflect in the screen. Acting as a collector of and display case for fingerprints doesn't help, either. Mini's infotainment screen, though not totally immune to direct sunlight, is worlds better. Fingerprints are resisted, reflections are dulled, and all with no loss of quality to the image. Why aren't more companies doing this? Find out about which other features the Mini Hardtop offers Rotary controller knobs All this talk about touchscreens leads to the rotary control knob. In the beginning, there was BMW's iDrive, and then there were more. Rotary knobs were initially controversial but are now the go-to choice for the big three from Germany. Mazda, too. The biggest advantage the rotary knob holds over the touchscreen is the ability to easily select what you're aiming for. Have you ever tried to dial a specific contact off a list (maybe a complex name keeps you from using voice commands) while driving down a less than stellar road? You're calling grandma instead of Georg Kacher. With a rotary controller your arm is supported by, fancy that, the armrest, which allows you to click that tiny wheel around to make sure your "love you!" and "Guten Tag" make it to the right contacts. Discover what other great features BMW cars offer Pause/Rewind/Fast-Forward live radio Drive certain models from General Motors, and you're in for a treat: live radio control. Sadly, you're not the host of your own radio station (though you can pretend; I won't tell). You can pause, rewind, and fast-forward live radio. Even satellite radio. The feature looks to be going away, however, as it's hard to find even a mention of it in any consumer documents, and from a sample size of one (we had a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu in our fleet today) it doesn't appear to be on the latest iteration of MyLink. Those who enjoy the feature, pause your NPR broadcast, and pour out a little of your black coffee for our soon-to-be-departed live radio control. Research the Chevrolet Malibu Window washing mist We've all been there. Somehow your windshield washer nozzles have been knocked out of alignment and are either squirting the windshield right above the wipers, which leads to annoying streaks, or they're spritzing the car behind you. In the past few years, some automakers saw fit to give this feature a mist pattern. Mercedes-Benz has even given the SL-Class a feature called Magic Vision Control, which sprays warmed water ahead of the wiper blades as they wipe, eliminating the moment of blur before the window is wiped, and additionally not spritzing passengers should the top be down. Discover what other cool features the Mercedes-Benz SL has Attention Assist Buried in the driver assistance features on the most luxurious models from Lexus and Mercedes-Benz is a little feature called attention assist. The Mercedes-Benz system monitors 70 different parameters, and the Lexus system uses an infrared camera to monitor where the driver is looking. This is the sort of feature you'll forget is even there, much less appreciate. It's the one that hopefully keeps you from driving tired, and if your attention lags, it alerts you and can make small driving corrections. Plus, it's nowhere near as messy as my method for staying awake while drowsy: a dry bowl of Froot Loops. They end up everywhere no matter how neat you think you're being. Research Lexus and Mercedes-Benz vehicles Windows and Convertible Tops Did you hop out of the car and forget to roll up the windows or close the convertible top? We've all been there. Using the key fob to roll up the windows or open and close the convertible top isn't exactly new, but it sure is helpful. Take the Porsche 911 Targa 4S, for example. It allows you to operate the top from outside the car. It's quick, works well, and looks like a synchronized mechanical ballet. This is form meets function. Research the Porsche 911 Capless fuel filler Pop open the fuel door on many new models, and one thing you won't see is a filler cap. Missing? Left it at the last gas station? Nope and nope. Many models are switching to a capless system for a variety of reasons, which include avoiding splash back, thwarting fuel theft, and ostensibly so people cannot forget to put the cap back on. Although they have been marketed as simplifying the process ( Ford 's Easy Fuel comes to mind), they can be a bit balky in practice. The capless fuel filler might have earned its unappreciated status, but I can say with certainty I've never left the cap on the roof of our long-term Chevrolet Corvette. Research the Chevrolet Corvette | 9 | 94,996 | autos |
The 2015 American Music Award nominations are out with Taylor Swift leading the pack, earning six nominations including Artist of the Year and Song of the Year. Here's a look at other nominees and other details. Photo: Getty | 8 | 94,997 | video |
The White House announced Wednesday that it is deploying 300 U.S. troops to Africa to set up a drone base to track fighters from Boko Haram, the network of Islamist extremists that has destabilized Nigeria and neighboring countries during a long and bloody uprising. The U.S. forces will be based just to the east of Nigeria in Cameroon, where they will operate a small fleet of unarmed Predator drones that will conduct surveillance across the region, according to the Defense Department. About 90 troops arrived Monday, with the remainder expected in the next several weeks. Boko Haram has been waging a vicious insurgency for several years that originated in Nigeria but has since spilled into neighboring Cameroon, Chad and Niger and left an estimated 20,000 people dead. Although the group has not targeted U.S. interests, the Obama administration has become increasingly concerned that the threat could spread. Boko Haram leaders pledged allegiance earlier this year to the Islamic State; both groups are fighting to establish a caliphate across the Middle East and Muslim lands in Africa. "We obviously take the threat, the terror threat from Boko Haram in Africa, seriously," Josh Earnest, the White House press secretary, told reporters. The deployment marks the most direct U.S. involvement to date in the campaign against Boko Haram. The Pentagon deployed one surveillance drone and 80 U.S. troops to Chad in May 2014 to help locate more than 200 missing schoolgirls who had been kidnapped by Boko Haram. But that mission ended after several months. [ I've seen the Taliban's brutality in Afghanistan. Boko Haram might be worse. ] The U.S. military also flies unarmed drones from Niger , but those surveillance aircraft are dedicated to flights over the Sahara to spy on other Islamist extremists in North and West Africa, not Boko Haram. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Falvo, a spokesman for the U.S. Africa Command, declined to identify where exactly the U.S. troops would be stationed in Cameroon. He said the U.S. military was still examining the suitability of setting up a drone base at "a temporary location" in the country. He said the U.S. troops would also help to train Cameroonian forces to enhance border security and improve intelligence collection. The mission, he added, had been approved by the government of Cameroon. "We will remain as long as our presence is requested," Falvo said. The U.S. troops will be armed with weapons "for the purpose of providing their own force protection and security," according to a letter that President Obama sent to Congress on Wednesday. But they are not expected to engage in direct combat. The epicenter of the fight against Boko Haram has been in Nigeria. But the Obama administration has been reluctant to provide substantial military or counterterrorism assistance to the Nigerian military, which has a long record of human rights abuses. Nigeria is in the process of establishing a multinational force to fight Boko Haram with soldiers from Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin. According to local officials, the United States, France and China have all pledged to offer training. Last month, the White House announced that it would provide $45 million in military aid to help the regional force combat Boko Haram. Boko Haram, which means "Western education is forbidden" in the local Hausa language, was designated as a terrorist group by the U.S. government in 2013. It has embraced brutal tactics bombings, beheadings and kidnappings to seize control of large parts of northern Nigeria. Obama is sending three times as many troops to Cameroon as he has assigned to another counterterrorism mission in a different part of Africa the hunt for Joseph Kony , the guerrilla leader of the Lord's Resistance Army. About 100 U.S. Special Operations troops are working in Uganda, Congo, South Sudan and the Central African Republic to track Kony. That mission began in October 2011, and Obama is expected in the coming days to extend it for at least another year. Over the past eight years, the Pentagon has gone from having virtually no military presence in Africa to running an extensive network of small bases and camps, many of which are focused on surveillance operations. In addition to Cameroon and Niger in West Africa, the U.S. military flies drones from Ethiopia and Djibouti, where it has a large counterterrorism base on the Horn of Africa. The Pentagon also operates manned surveillance aircraft from Uganda and Burkina Faso . | 5 | 94,998 | news |
Wal-Mart's stocks fell as the company announced low growth rates. Investors are worried about the company's long-term investments paying off. | 3 | 94,999 | finance |
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