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To say it has been a busy couple of weeks for IBM (NYSE: IBM ) would be a gross understatement. The $1 billion acquisition of medical image processing king Merge Healthcare closed recently, expanding IBM's Watson Health data analytics unit capabilities, and its new Bluemix cloud platform is already expanding into China, among a host of other good news. The cloud aspect of CEO Ginni Rometty's "strategic imperatives" also got a boost earlier this month after the company agreed to a $1 billion, 10-year contract with Norway-based IT consulting company EVRY. And with an annual run-rate already approaching $5 billion, IBM's cloud results and 3.5% dividend yield are quickly transforming it into one of the IT industry's best growth and income investments. IBM can now add one more feather to its cloud cap: a new, $700 million deal with Etihad Airways, one of the Middle East's largest airlines, to "develop world-class infrastructure and security". The deal also includes utilizing IBM's budding suite of mobile products to enhance Etihad's airport operations. IBM is hardly the only tech giant jostling for a piece of the fast-growing cloud revenue pie. Longtime providers including Salesforce.com and German-based SAP have both introduced new analytics cloud services recently to supplement their respective platforms. Salesforce.com and SAP also have improving cloud sales to thank for financially strong quarters, too. While these competitors began playing in the cloud before IBM, inking deals with Etihad and EVRY for a combined $1.7 billion in revenue is indicative of why IBM has already become one of the industry's brightest stars. IBM's strategic imperatives account for 27% of total sales, and plans are to up that to 40% by 2018. Considering how quickly IBM is moving up the cloud provider chain, 40% may prove conservative. This $19 trillion industry could destroy the Internet One bleeding-edge technology is about to put the World Wide Web to bed -- and if you act soon, it could make you rich. Experts are calling it the single largest business opportunity of our time. The Economist is calling it "transformative." But savvy investors could someday call it "how I made my millions." Don't be late to the party -- click here for one stock to own when the Web goes dark . Tim Brugger has no position in any stocks mentioned. | 3 | 95,000 | finance |
A new report from The Washington Post shows that there have been at least 43 toddler-related shootings so far this year. | 8 | 95,001 | video |
Woman gives birth mid-flight. Cameras roll. CNN's Jeanne Moos reports on the new baby on board. | 8 | 95,002 | video |
I had always thought about doing a half, but honestly, running for over two hours straight didn't sound appealing whatsoever. That was until a dear friend came to me in desperation after her partner for a two-person marathon relay got injured and couldn't run. My immediate reaction when she asked me to fill in was, "Hell no, are you nuts?" Then I thought about it while falling asleep that night and realized at 38 years old, I wasn't getting any younger, so why the hell not? I was a little worried as the race was just five weeks away, but seeing as I was already running four to five miles, four times a week, I was just about on schedule. One thought that got me through those long-ass Saturday morning training runs was, "I'm gonna be so ripped after this." And my legs and butt were getting crazy-strong. Even the hubs noticed. Walking behind me while going upstairs, he gave my tush a little push so I'd go faster, and said, "Damn, your butt is rock hard. Like, seriously." Bonus! After the actual race, I was hooked on running longer distances. So I kept up with hour-long runs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, then did 90- to 120-minute runs on Saturdays. I also kept up with the two to three weekly strength-training sessions I had been doing for several months. Two weeks postrace, I stepped on the scale to find I had gained seven pounds in less than two months. WTH! I've experienced weight gain from running before , so I was familiar with gaining muscle mass. But a flabbier belly and pudgier face weren't muscle. Not even close. And I was pissed. Damn you half-marathon training! Although I was running four to five hours per week, I wasn't burning enough calories to make up for my insane hunger. When I stopped to think about it, I was eating way too much. Check out an example of my weekday meal plan: 5:45 a.m.: Pre-workout snack: banana or toast with nut butter 7:20 a.m.: Postrun snack: a few handfuls of almonds or a glass of soy milk 8:30 a.m.: Breakfast: huge protein, fruit, and greens smoothie or bowl of oatmeal 10:30 a.m.: Morning snack: trail mix or soy yogurt with fruit 12:30 p.m.: Lunch: big salad topped with chickpeas, sunflower seeds, and strawberries, followed by a square of dark chocolate (OK, maybe two) 3 p.m.: Afternoon snack: granola bar 5:30 p.m.: Dinner: pasta or quinoa with tofu and roasted veggies 8 p.m.: Evening snack (to carb up for tomorrow's morning run, of course): toast, cereal, pretzels, or crackers with hummus, banana with peanut butter Extras: To add to that mega meal plan, I was also finishing half-eaten pieces of toast, extra slices of apple, or bowls of pasta that my kids didn't finish after their meals. I realized that I was never hungry, like, ever. I just ate all day long. And since a little hunger is healthy in order to know when it's time for your next meal, and to avoid overeating like I was clearly doing, I knew I had to make some quick amendments to my eating free-for-all. I ended up cutting about 300 to 400 calories a day. I ditched the pre- and post-workout snacks and ate my breakfast around 7:30 after my postshower workout. Actually, I was pleasantly surprised that not eating before my 6 a.m. run made me perform better because I didn't get hungry toward the end of my run like I used to when I'd eat a little something beforehand. I skipped the morning snack and ate lunch a little earlier at noon. I kept the afternoon snack and made sure to keep it around 150 calories, ate dinner around 6 p.m., and then skipped on that evening snack. I also completely curbed snacking on my kids' leftovers. Within two weeks, I saw the scale number decreasing, and I was so relieved. And I wasn't hungry or tired, and best of all, I could continue with my running schedule. Am I through with half marathons? No way. I'm taking this as a learning opportunity so the next race I train for, I'll monitor my diet a little closer, and not eat whatever the hell I want. | 7 | 95,003 | health |
After nine years of waiting, Toronto FC have finally clinched their first ever playoff spot. All Toronto needed was a draw to clinch the spot, but they left nothing to chance with a 2-1 win against the east-leading New York Red Bulls . Sebastian Giovinco had his 22nd goal of the year, despite just getting off a plane from Italy this afternoon, to give Toronto the victory. This came after Herculez Gomez opened the scoring early in the second half. Shaun Wright-Phillips had the only goal for the Red Bulls. The first half of the match was fairly uneventful, as TFC absorbed the pressure placed on it by the New York Red Bulls and did their best to push the attack. They had their chances, but didn't have the finishing touch. This isn't surprising, considering the fact that 32 of their goals this season were sitting on the bench between Jozy Altidore and Giovinco. The most eventful moment of the first half did involve Altidore, however, as the Toronto striker received a red card from the bench after what appeared to be an altercation with the assistant referee. The reasoning given on Major League Soccer's website was "foul and abusive language". Toronto did not lose a man on the field as a result of this, evidently, and the club pressed on to keep things level going into halftime. As a result they were 45 minutes away from history as both a draw or a win would mean a first ever playoff berth for the club. Early in the second half they extended their lifeline. In the 51st minute Gomez took advantage of some poor New York defending to break through one-on-one and poke the ball by Luis Robles in goal. Gomez was once again centre-stage, but for worse reasons later in the match. His free kick on the edge of the area late in the match hit Toronto FC midifielder Jonathan Osorio in the head, who stayed down for an extended period of time. He would continue to play, however. The veteran attacker was then replaced in the 71st minute in a surprise substitution that saw Giovinco come onto the field despite having just returned to Toronto from Italy this morning. As a result most did not expect the Italian international would get any minutes at all. It did not take him long to make an impact, however, just seven minutes after being introduced he made it 2-0. Collecting the ball in the New York half, Giovinco cut past two New York defenders before finding the back of the net. New York were not ready to roll over, however, as minutes later a volley from Wright-Phillips made things tense again: 2-1 with four minutes plus stoppage time to play. This was especially true when a surprising six minutes of time was added at the end of the match, which seemed disproportionate to the stoppage within the match. The goal sealed the deal for Toronto FC, who officially claimed their first playoff berth in nine years as the final whistle blew. The win also moved them up to second in the Eastern Conference, pushing them closer to a home playoff game. | 1 | 95,004 | sports |
8 Tips for keeping peace with your supervisor 1 . Focus on doing your job Instead of worrying about what your manager is going to do, concentrate on doing your job. Strive to be the best worker your company has on payroll, and focus your energy on doing the best job possible. 2. Always reduce any potential problems Look ahead to try to make sure there are no problems down the road that could upset your supervisor and coworkers. Make the extra effort to reduce any conflicts that could result in you getting yelled at or disciplined. A little extra work can go a long way in preventing any problems. 3. Communication is important Get into the habit of talking with your coworkers and your manager on a regular basis. Talking to people to make sure that everything is being done correctly can reduce any conflicts in your department. It doesn't hurt to play it safe and tell others what you are doing so there are no misunderstandings down the road. 4. Be friendly If your supervisor gives you a difficult time, it's important that you remain friendly and respectful to him. Some people get upset and start to argue, which could lead to other problems. Listen to what your boss has to say, and then respond in a friendly and respectful manner. 5. Come in early and stay late Try to be the first person to get to your office in the mornings and the last person to leave. Most managers appreciate the extra effort of an employee. You never know who is watching you doing your job. 6. Get sound advice Consider talking to a career or mental health counselor when you are having trouble at your job. These people can give you sound advice on what you should do, and you won't feel alone. There is nothing wrong with asking for guidance when it comes to doing your job. 7. Change departments If you have tried everything and nothing seems to work, the next step is finding another job. There are often a variety of jobs available in today's marketplace, so don't feel like you're stuck in a certain position. Learn how to do an effective job search for another position, preferably with the same company and different supervisor. This should help reduce your fears of losing your current job because of your boss. It's almost impossible to find a job where you get along with everybody. The key is to learn how to deal with difficult people in addition to doing your job. The most important thing is to be friendly and outgoing toward everybody you work with. This will help reduce a lot of your problems. | 4 | 95,005 | lifestyle |
Getting the bathroom ready for company takes a little more effort than hanging holiday-themed guest towels. It's time to polish the porcelain and scrub the tub. Fortunately, the experts at Consumer Reports are seasoned grime fighters who test cleaning products all year long. Here are some of our recommended bathroom cleaning products and others you can skip. Paper towels Sponges can be magnets for bacteria and a bathroom is germy enough. Try cleaning with paper towels that you can then discard. In our tough paper towel tests , we measure absorbency, wet strength and how a paper towel holds up when used to scrub a rough surface. For everyday wipe-ups, Bounty Extra Soft was excellent for absorbency and very good for scrubbing and wet strength. But for bigger jobs use the Bounty DuraTowel , which was excellent on all three tests and the top-scoring towel in our tests by far. But it's more expensive than most so you may want to reserve it for tougher jobs. All-purpose cleaners Liquid Pine-Sol Original was the only all-purpose cleaner in our tests that didn't leave streaks on a mirrored surface so that should be your go-to cleaner for the bathroom. It was also very good at removing soap scum and at cleaning up food stains more commonly found in the kitchen. In our tests, three spray cleaners were also very good at tackling soap scum but they all left streaks on the mirror. They include such familiar brands as Seventh Generation , Clorox , and Trader Joe's . And if your grout is discolored, you're better off relying on a tried and true cleanser like Ajax or Comet than on those as-seen-on-TV grout cleaners. In our tests of the Groutinator and Grout Bully , both about $10, they were tricky to apply and neither lived up to its claims. Vacuums A cordless sweeper vacuum with wet and dry options sounds like a good option for a bathroom floor. But in our vacuum cleaner tests of the Dyson Hard DC56 and the Swiffer Sweeper/Vac , neither of the hybrids vacuumed as well as the best hand or stick vacuums in our tests. Instead, try one of our top three hand vacuums, which were all excellent at cleaning bare floors and getting into edges. They include the battery-powered Shark Pet Perfect II , $60, and the corded Eureka Easy Clean , $50, and Bissell Pet Hair Eraser , $35. Our top stick vacuum, Dyson V6 , $300, was excellent at cleaning carpet, pet hair, bare floors, and edges. But it might be a bit pricey for a vacuum dedicated to the bathroom. For that try the Dirt Devil Accucharge BD20035RED , $70, which was very good at bare floors and edges and quite quiet. Toilet paper If you're stocking up on toilet paper, you can't go wrong with White Cloud Ultra Soft & Thick from Walmart, which was our top scorer. It was excellent at softness, strength and disintegration. | 4 | 95,006 | lifestyle |
A downcast earnings forecast from Wal-Mart Stores and a lackluster US retail sales report sent retail stocks diving Wednesday as US stocks finished lower. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 157.14 points (0.92 percent) to 16,924.75. The broad-based S&P 500 fell 9.45 (0.47 percent) to 1,994.24, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index shed 13.76 (0.29 percent) to 4,782.85. Retail behemoth Wal-Mart, a Dow member, plunged 10.0 percent after it predicted earnings per share would fall between six and 12 percent in fiscal 2017 that begins on February 1 due to heavy investment in higher wages and e-commerce. The Commerce Department reported US retail sales for September rose just 0.1 percent from August, half the increase expected by analysts. Leading retailers that fell included Best Buy (-6.0 percent), Costco Wholesale (-1.6 percent), Macy's (-1.0 percent) and Target (-3.5 percent). Delta Air Lines rose 1.8 percent after reporting third-quarter profit of $1.3 billion, more than three times the year-ago level due in part to lower fuel prices. Dow member JPMorgan Chase fell 2.5 percent as its third-quarter earnings came in at $1.32 per share, five cents below analyst expectations. Among other Dow members, Apple fell 1.4 percent, Boeing dropped 4.3 percent and Intel finished up 2.4 percent. Chipmaker SanDisk bolted 11.2 percent higher on reports it has hired bankers and received interest from two of its rivals, Micron Technology and Western Digital. Micron rose 3.5 percent, while Western Digital lost 1.4 percent. TripAdvisor surged 25.5 percent after announcing a partnership with Priceline in which some Priceline brands will employ TripAdvisor's instant booking program. Priceline fell 2.5 percent, while another online travel service, Expedia, fell 4.9 percent. Bond prices rose. The yield on the 10-year US Treasury fell to 1.98 percent from 2.06 percent Tuesday, while the 30-year declined to 2.84 percent from 2.90 percent. Bond prices and yields move inversely. | 3 | 95,007 | finance |
BOISE, Idaho The future of wildland firefighting launched Wednesday morning in Idaho. A Lockheed Martin helicopter capable of flying autonomously with no human control did so as it scooped up water, dropped it on targets and delivered supplies to a distant ridge in a demonstration in front of top federal decision makers 20 miles east of Boise. "Wildland fires are a huge problem, particularly here in the West," said Mark Bathrick, director of the Interior Department's Office of Aviation Services. "I'm a believer in the technology that could be put on other helicopters, that eventually could be put on fixed-wing aircraft scoopers and air tankers." The Lockheed Martin K-MAX put through its paces on Wednesday completed seven tasks in about an hour and a half. A safety pilot was aboard, often holding his hands aloft to indicate to about 200 observers that he wasn't using the controls. Federal officials, who are also considering other aeronautic companies for the choppers, say having an optionally manned aircraft has advantages in that a pilot can fly it from fire to fire. A pilot could also fly it on fires during the day when conditions are safe. The problem is that firefighting from the air stops at night or when smoke reduces visibility to unsafe distances. The unmanned helicopter, though, has high-tech sensors allowing it to fly at night and in smoky conditions too dangerous for manned flights. That means at least tripling the amount of time aircraft could be attacking blazes. "I'm highly confident (the helicopter) has the technology to be able to do that," said Dan Spoor, Lockheed Martin's vice president and general manager for Aviation and Unmanned Systems. "If they bring in unmanned aircraft, they'll be able to do 24-7 flights. So it could be impressive in terms of helping fight fires." The K-MAX demonstrated Wednesday has three communication methods, using line of sight and two different satellite links. The craft can be remotely controlled, but it also flies autonomously after being told what to do. Even if it loses contact with ground controllers, it can complete a task, officials said. It can also be programmed to fly to a specific landing zone on its own if it loses communication for a pre-set amount of time, such as 10 minutes. "The technology of the auto-control for the aircraft is not really the hard part," Bathrick said. "It's all this sensor technology that integrates with the autopilot to tell the helicopter where it's at." The K-MAX itself is battle-tested, literally, having flown for three years in Afghanistan moving supplies so ground troops wouldn't have to risk traveling roads possibly rigged with improvised explosive devices. The flights covered as much as 85 miles. Wildfires could possibly be more dynamic, with the helicopters tasked to make accurate water drops in multiple locations in short periods of time, often in areas with homes. If successful, Bathrick said, wildfires could be contained faster and losses to wildfires decreased. "It will improve the safety of not only our ground firefighters, but the communities they're out there to protect," he said. The K-MAX is considered comparatively inexpensive to fly at about $1,400 per hour, and Lockheed Martin officials said it also requires low maintenance time. Bathrick said federal officials are still analyzing information, which will include results from Wednesday's demonstration. But he said pilotless aircraft could be flying above fire lines next summer. | 5 | 95,008 | news |
The owner of the Love Ranch in Nevada where Lamar Odom was found unresponsive says he believes the former NBA star was taking eight to ten pills of herbal viagra while at the brothel. Rough Cut (no reporter narration). | 8 | 95,009 | video |
Two suicide bombers who carried out Saturday's attacks in Ankara are thought to have links to Islamic State (IS), Turkish officials have told the BBC. Their names are Yunus Emre Alagoz and Omer Deniz Dundar, officials confirmed. The attacks in the capital, the worst in Turkey's modern history that left 97 people dead, triggered widespread anger against the government. Ankara's police, intelligence and security chiefs have been suspended. The bombers struck as crowds were gathering for a rally against violence between Turkish government forces and the outlawed PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party). An official told the BBC's Mark Lowen in Istanbul that the first bomber was the brother of the man who carried out the bombing in the southern Turkish town of Suruc in July, killing more than 30 people. The second is said to have been in Syria on two occasions. Our correspondent says that while it is thought both men had links to IS, Turkey's Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has said IS militants may have collaborated with their PKK counterparts. That would be unusual, our correspondent says, because the two groups are sworn enemies and the target of the Ankara attack was a mainly Kurdish gathering. The interior ministry meanwhile has said the move to suspend the police, intelligence and security chiefs would enable a "robust" investigation to go ahead. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the site of the bombing on Wednesday. He has been criticised for not yet addressing the nation four days on from Turkey's worst ever attack and a time of national tragedy. Separately, two people have been arrested with alleged links to the PKK for apparently tweeting before the attack that a bombing in Ankara was imminent. The authorities are trying to establish if they had links to the bombers. Ankara bombings: Read more How dangerous is Turkey's unrest? - What are the risks of the crisis deteriorating? "This is the worst scene I've ever seen" - Shock and anger in Ankara as mourning begins Blasts divide Turkish media - Not all commentators share the view that IS is to blame The suspects - A look at the groups that might be responsible In his first public comments after the bombing, President Erdogan admitted there had been intelligence failings. There has been widespread anger against the government for failing to prevent the attack. Mr Erdogan laid flowers for the victims as he visited the site of the attack with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto on Wednesday. Turkey is politically polarised, and a ceasefire between the government and the PKK broke down in July. The country is holding a national election on 1 November, a rerun of a vote in June in which the pro-Kurdish HDP won parliamentary seats for the first time, depriving Mr Erdogan's AK Party of its majority. Most of the victims of the Ankara attack were HDP activists, and the party has said it was specifically targeted. The victims Turkey is mourning the deaths of at least 97 people. These are just a few of those who lost their lives, clockwise from top left: Elif Kanlioglu: A 20-year old student in her second year of university, who loved studying foreign languages. Yilmaz Elmascan: Described by a friend as a peace-loving man, who got married last year. His wife is also said to have been killed in the attack. Sebnem Yurtman: Studied at Ankara university, and later in Adana. She was described as "full of life". Mesut Mak: He was a member of an agriculture and forestry union. He had a daughter. Who were the victims? | 5 | 95,010 | news |
With three starters and several key bench players, plus a few freshmen who will join the rotation, the Stanford women look formidable again. Not formidable enough to be picked again to win the Pac-12, however. For the first time in 16 years, the Cardinal weren't the top choice of the league's coaches to win the title Oregon State was, with Stanford second. "To me, it's much more important how we finish than what people think at the start," head coach Tara VanDerveer said Wednesday at Pac-12 women's basketball media day. Last season, Stanford finished 26-10 (13-5 Pac-12) before winning the conference tournament and reaching the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16. At many schools, that's a monumental season. At Stanford, it was a down year. Asked how she felt about not being a "target" for opponents, she said, "When we play, we will be." She enters her 30th season at Stanford and shows no signs of slowing down. VanDerveer signed a two-year contract last month. What she wants out of her team this season is more pace. She wants it to be more like her other favorite team, the Warriors. "We want to be up-tempo, more fast paced than last year's team. This might be our best opportunity to run, pick up full court and play eight, nine or 10 people." Two of last season's top scorers, guard Amber Orrange and forward Bonnie Samuelson, are gone, but guard Lili Thompson (last season's leading scorer) is back. So are speedy guard Briana Roberson, forward Karlie Samuelson (a sharpshooter like her sister, Bonnie) and post players Erica "Bird" McCall, Kaylee Johnson (9.6 rebounds) and Kailee Johnson. Another terrific freshman class will buttress the rotation, including Alanna Smith, a 6-foot-3 forward who led Australia to third place in the FIBA Under-19 World University Championship in Chekhov, Russia, this summer. She is the first high-level international player VanDerveer has recruited. The coach hopes Smith leads other Aussies to the Farm. "She can score a lot of different ways," McCall said. "I never know how she's going to finish." McCall was busy this summer as well. She won a gold medal for the U.S. at the World University Games in South Korea in July. "Being with an amazing group of girls helped my confidence," McCall said. "Being a captain helped my leadership." McCall is being asked to play a much bigger role offensively rather than merely setting picks and getting rebound baskets. She averaged just 5.6 points last season. "This year, she'll be a go-to player rather than a picker," VanDerveer said. Besides Smith, another freshman who will play right away is point guard Marta Sniezek, who was also an All-America soccer player in McLean, Va. "She's a floor leader," VanDerveer said. "She has a very mature game for a freshman." Stanford was hurt when Karlie Samuelson broke a finger last season. The team is healthy for the time being, except for guard Alex Green, who's not expected back until December because of a knee injury. Shannon Coffee, a 6-5 freshman forward/center, is being checked for a possible stress fracture. Even VanDerveer got hurt last year. She injured herself taking part in a drill. "I'm done taking charges," she said. "Another coach said, 'The S on your shirt stands for Stanford, not stupid.'" Tom FitzGerald is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: [email protected] Twitter: @tomgfitzgerald Pac-12 women's basketball preseason poll 1. Oregon State 2. Stanford 3. Arizona State 4. (tie) Cal (tie) UCLA 6. Washington 7. USC 8. Oregon 9. Colorado 10. Washington State 11. Utah 12. Arizona | 1 | 95,011 | sports |
So far this year, some 180,000 refugees have reached the Greek island of Lesbos. Most of them are headed on to western Europe. But one Moroccan runner is training hard in hopes of achieving Greek citizenship. | 5 | 95,012 | news |
Gregg Popovich is hilarious. John E. Sokolowski USA Today Gregg Popovich is one of the five best basketball coaches in NBA history, but he may as well be just as famous for how he treats the media. His sideline antics are the stuff of legend; short, impatient responses that make whoever asks the question feel like a moron. But the Spurs coach is also extremely self aware, and has a great sense of humor. Both traits were on display when he recently answered a question about Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer, Popovich's former assistant: Pop is "very disappointed" in his protege Mike Budenholzer: pic.twitter.com/USlSgXuct0 Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) October 14, 2015 Classic Pop. Sometimes he comes off like an old crank, but more times than not it's all in good fun. In-game sideline interviews pull him away from his team, and, also, his job. So in a way, it's hard to blame him for the way he acts. Then again, every other coach in the league has no problem being courteous and responding with more than one word. | 1 | 95,013 | sports |
As far as accidents go, stumbling upon a potential cure for cancer is one we can all probably forgive. According to a recent study , a group of Danish scientists might have done just that by discovering that a potential malaria vaccine had the unexpected side effect of killing tumors. Malaria is bloodborne disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite. It is spread through humans by mosquito bites and, according to UNICEF , kills up to a million people each year . Malaria is especially dangerous for pregnant women as the parasite may attack the placenta, which then puts the child's life at risk. In their ongoing efforts to prevent these specific infections , scientists from the University of Denmark made a remarkable observation: Due to the similar characteristics between tumors and placentas, the same technique malaria uses to attack and destroy placentas could also be used to destroy cancer tumors. "The placenta is an organ, which within a few months grows from only few cells into an organ weighing approximately 2 pounds, and it provides the embryo with oxygen and nourishment in a relatively foreign environment," study author Ali Salanti said in a statement . "In a manner of speaking, tumors do much the same they grow aggressively in a relatively foreign environment." The researchers attempted to improve on this natural design by attaching a cancer-killing toxin to the malaria protein. They found that the combination was lethal; in lab tests, it was up to 90 percent effective in destroying various cancer samples. The lethal combination was also tested successfully in mice that were implanted with different types of human cancers. And while it may seem jarring to trade off cancer for malaria, Thomas Mandel Clausen, a PhD student involved with the research, explained that the the malaria protein only attaches to the tumor "without any significant attachment to other tissue." It will be at least four years before the treatment will be available for human testing , and researchers are hopeful it'll be a significant step forward in cancer treatment research. However, since the protein they use attaches to carbohydrates found only in the placenta and cancer tumors, this life-saving characteristic will make the treatment too dangerous for cancer treatment in pregnant women. "Expressed in popular terms, the toxin will believe that the placenta is a tumor and kill it, in exactly the same way it will believe that a tumor is a placenta," Salanti said. Source: Salani A, Clausen, Agerbæk M Ø, et al. Targeting Human Cancer by a Glycosaminoglycan Binding Malaria Protein. Cancer Cell. 2015 | 7 | 95,014 | health |
Asian stocks moved higher early Thursday, shrugging off a tepid open brought about by an unimpressive lead from offshore markets. Wall Street finished in the red overnight, as investors digested mixed results from the banking sector as well as the release of lower-than-expected sales forecasts for fiscal 2016 by Wal-Mart (WMT) . The Dow Jones Industrial Average (.DJI) dropped nearly 1 percent, ending below the psychologically key level of 17,000 for the first time since October 7, on the back of declines in Wal-Mart and Boeing (BA) . The S&P 500 (.INX) and Nasdaq Composite (.IXIC) ended 0.5 and 0.3 percent lower respectively. Mainland markets up China's share markets opened higher on Thursday, with the Shanghai Composite edging up 0.7 percent. The benchmark CSI300 Index elevated 0.6 percent, while the smaller Shenzhen Composite ticked down 0.5 percent. Nikkei bounces 0.8% Japan's Nikkei 225 (.N225) index changed course in early trade to reclaim 18,000 points, after finishing under the level for the first time since October 2 in the previous session. A tick down in dollar-yen (JPY=) probably encouraged risk appetite for exporters. Blue chips such as Toyota Motor (7203.T-JP) and Sony (6758.T-JP) pared earlier declines to rise 0.8 and 0.5 percent respectively, while Panasonic (6752.T-JP) halved losses to 1.5 percent. Counters which came under pressure due to their heavy exposure to China, also recovered their footing. Komatsu (6301.T-JP) eked out marginal gains, while Fast Retailing (9983.T-JP) , owner of clothing brand Uniqlo , bounced up 0.9 percent. Defying the rebound, shares of Asahi Kasei (3407.T-JP) tanked nearly 10 percent on the back of news that its subsidiary performed faulty installation of a portion of foundation piles in work for a Yokohama apartment complex, Reuters reported. ASX gains 0.5% Australia's S&P ASX 200 (.AXJO) index stayed on course to snap a three-session losing streak, as the key resources sector enjoyed some reprieve following a sharp sell-off in previous sessions. BHP Billiton (BLT-GB) and Rio Tinto (RIO-GB) rallied more than 1 percent each, while Fortescue Metals (FMG-AU) elevated nearly 6 percent on the back of news that the miner's production costs were beating its fiscal 2016 target. Evolution Mining (EVN-AU) rocketed as high as 10 percent, while Newcrest Mining (NCM-AU) and Kingsgate Consolidated soared more than 4 percent each as gold prices hit a three-and-a-half-month peak overnight on expectations that the Federal Reserve will hold off raising interest rates. Energy producers also recovered some lost ground, with shares of Oil Search (OSH-AU) and Santos () up 3.5 and 4.3 percent respectively. A string of corporate news released before the market open were also eyed. Insurance Australia Group (IAG-AU) (IAG) soared 5.2 percent on the back of news that it plans to pause further investments in China. A statement released by the insurer on Thursday said that IAG will be pursuing "further growth opportunities in other Asian markets and our core businesses in Australia and New Zealand." Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ-AU) (ANZ), which said it will be selling its New Zealand medical insurance business to NIB NZ, dropped 0.7 percent. Kospi rises 1.1% South Korea's Kospi index headed further north after the Bank of Korea (BOK) left interest rates unchanged for a fourth straight month, in line with expectations. The decision to keep interest rates at a record low 1.50 percent was unanimous, Governor Lee Ju-yeol told a news conference. The won (KRW=) shot up more than 1 percent to 1,133.8 against the greenback following the announcement, but has since surrendered some gains to last trade at 1,132.3. Bargain hunters swooped in on battered refiners, with shares of SK Innovation (9677-KR) and S-Oil (1095-KR) jumping 5.1 and 3.2 percent respectively. LG Chem (5191-KR) climbed 4.6 percent. The bourse's top weighted stock Samsung Electronics (593-KR) rallied 2 percent. Lotte Group shares were in focus following new developments in a family feud that has shrouded the country's number 5 conglomerate in recent months. On Wednesday, chairman Shin Dong Bin lost his directorship at Japan-based Kojunsha Corp, the group's virtual holding firm, in the latest move taken by his older brother Shin Dong-joo amid a power struggle over control of the group. Lotte Shopping (2353-KR) and Lotte Chemical rose 1.6 and 5.1 percent respectively, but Lotte HiMart eased 1.3 percent. Lotte Confectionery (499-KR) shares were flat. JKSE up 0.9% Indonesian shares notched up, while the rupiah (IDR=) jumped 2.4 percent to hover near its strongest level since June, ahead of the central bank's policy meeting. Bank Indonesia (BI) is projected to stand pat on Thursday, maintaining its policy rate at 7.5 percent. "The currency remains under pressure after a strong selloff on fears of U.S. monetary policy normalization," a note by Moody's Analytics released last Friday said. | 3 | 95,015 | finance |
The cash-starved Illinois lottery lowered the boom even harder on its players on Wednesday, saying anyone with a winning ticket worth $600 or more will face delays collecting prizes until the state's long-running budget impasse ends. Since July, the state has not been making timely payments to players who have won $25,000 or more, triggering a class-action lawsuit in federal court last month against Republican Governor Bruce Rauner's administration. The state lottery department indicated it had to lower the payout threshold even more because there has been no break in the budget fight between Rauner and Democrats controlling the state legislature. "We don't have the legislative authority to replenish our check-writing account," lottery spokesman Steve Rossi told Reuters. Rossi said players with winning tickets worth $600 and up eventually will be paid once the stalemate is over. The new payout policy takes effect Friday. He said the agency has not contemplated suspending any of its betting games while the budget fight continues. The state is in its fourth month without a spending plan. (Editing by David Gregorio) | 3 | 95,016 | finance |
Ecuador said on Wednesday the British government has refused to let WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange receive medical attention outside the Andean country's London embassy where he has been holed up for over three years. Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino said Ecuador asked Britain for a special "safe-passage" so that Assange, 44, could have a magnetic resonance imaging scan because he has suffered "deep pain" in his right shoulder for the last three months. "The British government is not offering the terms to make this happen," Patino told journalists. "It's an additional fault in his protection, in the defense of a person's human rights." "This is a person who needs to have exams done to understand the situation given it is grave," he said. "We don't know what he may have, and they don't want to give an authorization that they can perfectly well give." Assange, who is Australian, entered the embassy in June 2012 to avoid being extradited to Sweden, where he is wanted for questioning over a rape allegation, which he denies. Assange says he fears Sweden will extradite him to the United States where he could be put on trial over WikiLeaks' publication of classified military and diplomatic documents five years ago, one of the largest information leaks in U.S. history. Britain has accused Ecuador of preventing the course of justice by allowing Assange to remain in its embassy in the upmarket central London area of Knightsbridge. Britain's Foreign Office said the head of its diplomatic service had summoned the Ecuadorean ambassador on Monday to "register once again our deep frustration at the protracted delay." Ecuador in August agreed to discuss a general bilateral accord with Sweden on legal assistance in criminal matters, thereby providing a potential opening for Swedish prosecutors to question Assange. (Writing by Alexandra Ulmer; Editing by Leslie Adler) | 5 | 95,017 | news |
The Texas Auto Writers Association has named the Cummins Diesel Nissan TITAN XD the "2015 Truck of Texas." Despite being a 2016 model the full-size pickup was selected at the Texas Truck Rodeo after a 48 hour test of trucks, SUVs and crossovers. The annual competition took place at Knibbe Ranch in Spring Branch, Texas. Journalists from the lone star state were not done honoring the TITAN XD, which is now built upon a 5.0-liter Cummins turbo diesel engine. The Japanese pickup also won the honors for luxury pickup, off-road pickup and best powertrain. "Of the hundreds of thousands of miles driven during the development of the all-new 2016 TITAN XD, the miles driven by the truck experts of the Texas Auto Writers Association were the most critical miles driven to date as we prepare to launch our new truck," said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing and Operations, U.S.A., Nissan North America, Inc. "This prestigious Truck of Texas award gives us tremendous validation heading into the TITAN XD launch in December. We are humbly honored to accept this award." The 2016 TITAN XD will hit dealerships in December. Follow MSN Autos on Facebook | 9 | 95,018 | autos |
Khloé Kardashian is doing everything she can to help. The reality star arranged for Odom's father, Joe Odom, as well as the former NBA star's two children, Destiny Odom and Lamar Odom Jr. and their mother, Liza Morales, to fly out to Las Vegas as the 35-year-old remains in a coma after being found unconscious in a Nevada brothel following an apparent drug overdose. While it was thought that Lamar and Khloe were officially divorced it seems that it not legally finalized and that means Khloe is in charge of making medical decisions at this time. A hospital source revealed Odom appears to have suffered an "ischemic stroke," which is often associated with a cocaine overdose, among other drugs, and he "likely" suffered brain damage. | 6 | 95,019 | entertainment |
After her doctor told her she had celiac disease , Debbie Ballard faithfully followed a gluten-free diet, but she continued having GI trouble. "I was still having stomach pain and bloating and had to leave work one day because the pain was so severe." Her instincts told her something else was wrong. So she sought a second opinion, and a CAT scan was ordered. The results? Ballard, 61, had Stage I ovarian cancer. Diagnostic errors affect 12 million people that's 1 in 20 every year. Here's how to avoid 5 of the most common misdiagnoses. If you were diagnosed with...Panic attacks Check for...Pulmonary embolism A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot that forms outside the lungs but then moves through the bloodstream and into a lung. The clot impedes circulation and can cause respiratory difficulties. Alan Brau, MD, a pulmonologist in Bethlehem, PA, says symptoms of PE can include anxiety stemming from the body sensing the clot. As a result, respiratory and heart rate may increase, mimicking the symptoms of an anxiety attack (e.g., shortness of breath, chest pain). One study at a trio of Spanish hospitals found 33.5% of patients with PE were sent home or admitted with an incorrect diagnosis. If you were diagnosed with...Fibromyalgia Check for...Lyme disease Often referred to as "the great pretender," Lyme disease is commonly misdiagnosed. According to Steven Bock, MD, of Rhinebeck, NY, "Only 50% of patients have the typical 'bulls-eye' rash commonly associated with Lyme disease." Symptoms of Lyme include headaches, joint pain, brain fog, seizures, and posterior neck pain. Comparatively, fibromyalgia symptoms include migraines, muscle pain, fatigue, and facial tenderness. Bock estimates the number of Lyme cases misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia at 30 to 40%. (Lose up to 13 pounds in a few short weeks with Heal Your Whole Body !) If you were diagnosed with...Irregular periods or perimenopause Check for...Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Women with an unpredictable menstrual cycle may chalk it up to stress or impending menopause, but if accompanied by unwanted body hair and weight gain it may be PCOS. An endocrine system disorder that affects 8% of reproductive-age women, it's responsible for 70% of infertility issues and is under-diagnosed, says Michael Grossman, MD, a reproductive endocrinologist at Central New York Fertility in Albany. To complicate matters, PCOS also mimics pre-diabetes. "Excess weight leads to insulin resistance," Grossman explains. "That causes more androgen release, which makes it harder to have regular periods." If you were diagnosed with...Migraines Check for...Stroke Migraines accompanied by an aura, usually visual (seeing spots/light flashes) or sensory (tingling that travels up a limb) can be "hard to distinguish from a stroke," says James Greenwald, MD, professor of family medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. "Both are caused by an interruption in the normal circulation to the brain." To differentiate them, Greenwald examines the onset and duration of symptoms (strokes develop quickly/migraines more slowly) plus a patient's age and health history. If you're suffering from migraine aura and have risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, ask your doctor if further testing is needed. If you were diagnosed with...Celiac disease, IBS, or cystitis Check for...Ovarian cancer "Ovarian cancer is often overlooked due to the vagueness of its symptoms," says Susan Segreti, an oncology nurse practitioner with the Syracuse (NY) Veterans Administration Medical Center. In fact, it's called a "silent disease." Symptoms include bloating and abdominal pain (similar to celiac disease or IBS) and/or urinary frequency or urgency (mimicking cystitis). If you have these symptoms or have been diagnosed with celiac, IBC or cystitis, Segreti recommends checking for ovarian cancer. "Be your own advocate, be persistent," she says. Because Ballard caught her cancer early, her prognosis is good. Although she still faces a 33% chance of recurrence, she believes her persistence saved her life. "Had I not pursued my lingering GI symptoms, my cancer wouldn't have been discovered as soon as it was," she says. "I'd be facing a graver future." More from MSN Avoid These Eye Infections From Bad Contact Lens Habits 8 Facts About Anesthesia Everyone Should Know | 7 | 95,020 | health |
Expert debate has erupted over a photograph, identified in September by the Houston Police Department's veteran specialist in facial recognition as legendary outlaw Jesse James, seated next to his eventual killer, Robert Ford. James lived a life on the run from the law, and seldom sat for photos before his 1882 death. An image of him would be an exceptionally rare and valuable find, but would require a meticulous process of verification. RELATED: Lost photo of Jesse James, assassin Robert Ford is found HPD's forensic artist, Lois Gibson , spent a month analyzing facial features of the men in the photo. And last week, a genealogist traced the family of the photo's owner back to the James' community in 19th Century Missouri. But even that is only the start. Take, for example, a photo of Billy the Kid another famed Western bandit verified Tuesday and expected to sell for millions. Investigators spent more than a year researching the photo, even locating the building pictured in the background and excavating its remains. The process and discovery were notable enough to merit a National Geographic documentary, scheduled to air this month. The purported Jesse James photo belonged to Sandy Mills, a rural Washingtonian who said she inherited it from her grandmother, who inherited it from her grandmother, who used to tell stories about harboring the infamous outlaw gang in their Missouri farmhouse. Mills sent the photo to Gibson, a Guinness award-winning facial expert, who said in September she was sure it was James. But not everyone agreed. Eric James, a self-described descendant of the bandit family and a prominent Jesse James blogger, published a scathing rebuttal , calling Gibson a "liar," "con-artist" and a "fraud." He said Mills had previously offered the image to him for verification, but that he deemed it "blatantly false." "No evidence exists that Lois Gibson performed any scientific authentication of image assessment, or that she in qualified to do so," he wrote, passing off Gibson's eight pages of analytic illustrations as fraudulent comparisons to fake images of Jesse James. He posted his article via Facebook with Freda Cruse Hardison , 58, a respected historian of the Ozark Region in Arkansas and Missouri. He didn't know that Hardison, who holds a PhD from the University of California, was preparing to publish her new historical novel: "Frank and Jesse James Friends and Family," which details the extended community of the famed outlaw brothers. So when Hardison learned of the emerging controversy over an image of the Western legend, she figured she could weigh in easily. She'd already spent the last decade assembling a 50,000-person family tree for historical residents of Arkansas and Missouri. She contacted Gibson, plugged in some names and made a discovery. Mills' great-great-grandmother, Pauline Roundtree, was indeed linked closely to Jesse James she was the first cousin, once-removed, of Jesse's sister-in-law, Annie Ralston. For 19th Century towns of the Midwestern frontier, Hardison said, that's a tight connection, and means they plausibly lived nearby. "It's not hard for me to believe at all that Pauline Roundtree would have been a part of all of that extended family and extended community of the James brothers," said Hardison, who's been cited as an expert on the Travel Chanel's "America Declassified" and in Oxford American Magazine. It was Jesse James legends like the one Mills' grandma told that inspired Hardison to the topic of her book stories she heard through years of regional research, about the time when grandpa fed the James brothers, when grandma gave them horses or when the outlaws sought refuge in a local cave. Hardison assumed they were tall tales. RELATED: New 'Billy the Kid' photo real, says Lois Gibson Through investigation, she uncovered records of a great web of community relationships that kept the James brothers safe from the law during their years of banditry. When many local legends proved to be true, Hardison asked why people never told them before. They had, they'd tell her, but no one believed them. Eric James, reached by email, said Hardison's research was "a hoax." I t's almost impossible to know for sure. Establishing a family link doesn't prove that's Jesse James in the photo. And there are no national standards for consistency and validation in most forensic sciences, including facial recognition, according to a 2009 report by the National Academy of Science , so Gibson could only present a compelling case, not conclusive evidence. That's why T.J. Stiles , a leading biographer of Jesse James, said he sticks with photographs verified at the time, like a portrait of James in the Missouri State Archives that was signed by his widow. "We have to assume that he did not have many photographs taken of himself, and that only those closest to him ever got their hands on one," he said. "But we want so much to find that hidden treasure, that rare photograph of the eternal fugitive." | 5 | 95,021 | news |
Odom is currently in a coma, after being found unresponsive at his establishment | 8 | 95,022 | video |
FBN's Charlie Gasparino on Walmart's stock plunge. | 3 | 95,023 | finance |
After a scary incident Tuesday, Lamar Odom's life reportedly lies in the hands of Khloe Kardashian The former NBA player remains in a coma in a Nevada hospital after being found unconscious at a Las Vegas-area brothel Tuesday night. In a bizarre twist, however, TMZ Sports reports that Kardashian legally is in charge of Odom's medical decisions as long as he's in a coma. Odom married Kardashian in September 2009, but the couple filed for divorce in December 2013. According to TMZ Sports, though, Odom and Kardashian waited until last July to sign the official documents, and the divorce won't become final for at least two months due to an "extreme backlog in the family law courts." The "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" star arrived at the hospital shortly after Odom was admitted Tuesday night, TMZ Sports reports, and apparently already has made several of Odom's medical decisions. According to reports, Odom arrived at the brothel on Saturday and partied for several days while taking a number of different drugs, including an herbal substance as a substitute for Viagra. | 1 | 95,024 | sports |
Her Jersey Shore days may be long gone. But for Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi , the friendships she formed on the show remain stronger than ever. As Jenni "JWoww" Farley prepares for her wedding this Sunday, her co-star and friend will have a front-row seat to all the action. Snooki says of her friend, "She's definitely a bridezilla, but she has this crazy wedding planned and I can't wait. It's going to be so much fun." The mother of two also talked about how great it is to celebrate her one year anniversary with husband Jionni LaValle. The couple is finally ready to have their long deserved honeymoon. | 8 | 95,025 | video |
What happens inside our brains that makes us zone out when we're sleep deprived? Looking to determine what happens in the brain when we want to sleep but don't, a study published in the journal eLife , from neuroscientists at MIT, describes a newly discovered circuit in the brain's cortex. They believe this circuit has the ability to trigger specific regions to fall asleep or become less alert while the rest of the brain stays awake. If confirmed, the discovery could help researchers invent sleep and anesthetic drugs that better mimic our natural sleeping states. "During sleep, maybe specific brain regions have slow waves at the same time because they need to exchange information with each other, whereas other ones don't," said the study's co-author Laura Lewis, a research affiliate in MIT's Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, in a press release . "I'm inclined to think that happens because the brain begins to transition into sleep, and some local brain regions become drowsy even if you force yourself to stay awake." The special circuit was found inside the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN), a region inside the brain that controls brain waves in deep sleep, during a coma, and while a person is under anesthesia. It may also be where new memories are shared between different areas of the brain, causing a person to zone out and become drowsy while not quite falling asleep. For the study, researchers studied mice and found that when they gently stimulated the TRN in mice, slow waves appeared in the cortex. "We also found that when you induce these slow waves across the cortex, animals start to behaviorally act like they're drowsy," Lewis added. "They'll stop moving around, their muscle tone will go down." From what they understand so far, the researchers believe TRN enhances or reduces slow waves in certain areas of the brain, which then affects a person's ability to stay alert. It could explain why humans momentarily space out without fully falling asleep when they're sleep deprived. What's more, chronic sleep deprivation has also been shown to cause daytime sleepiness, slow reflexes, poor concentration, and an increased risk of car accidents all of this may be due to changes in the TRN. According to the National Sleep Foundation , 50 to 70 million Americans are affected by chronic sleep disorders. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke outlines how the brain zones out during the day, but it doesn't explain why or where it happens in the brain. This is what the MIT neuroscientists set out to do, and how they found TRN's role in drowsiness. But they also found that certain neurotransmitters controlled whether we're asleep or awake by acting on different regions of the brain. Neurons in the spinal cord, for example, produce neurotransmitters that keep certain parts of the brain active when we're awake, while other neurons located at the base of the brain send out signals when we begin to fall asleep. "The TRN is rich in synapses connections in the brain that release the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA," said the study's co-author Emery Brown, a Medical Engineering and Computational Neuroscience professor at MIT and an anesthesiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, in a press release . "The TRN is almost certainly a site of action of many anesthetic drugs, given that a large classes of them act at these synapses and produce slow waves as one of their characteristic features." If stimulating TRN can induce natural sleep states in humans the same way they do in mice, then the team of researchers at MIT may be able to harness the process and mimic it with sleep drugs and anesthetics in the same way, ultimately decreasing risk of side effects. Source: Lewis LD, Voigts J, and Flores FJ, et al. Thalamic reticular nucleus induces fast and local modulation of arousal state. eLife. 2015. | 7 | 95,026 | health |
âWhat do I do? Do I pay? Should I rent a limo?â | 8 | 95,027 | video |
These five celebs have faces that we've love to look at...but unfortunately they're all covered with huge beards! Shia LaBeouf lets his scraggly beard grow long, while James Harden rocks the mother of all beards! Batman costars Christian Bale and Tom Hardy are both rocking the lumberjack look and Matthew McConaughey covers his gorgeous mug with an unruly beard! | 8 | 95,028 | video |
Although it took some time to get to this point -- and included a couple of noticeable missteps in the form of a pair of races that can best be described as duds -- NASCAR delivered some welcome news in unveiling its 2016 rules package Wednesday. The wildly popular low-downforce package is to be used in 32 of 36 races next season, with the only exception restrictor-plate events at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. It might be hyperbole to call the announcement a godsend, but the reality is NASCAR didn't to make this move for the betterment of the sport and any decision otherwise would have been a colossal failure and undermined the very foundation of what stock car racing is supposed to represent at its highest level. Cars are supposed to be difficult to drive and those who can wheel a sliding, near out-of-control vehicle the best should deservedly excel. That is the exact kind of racing that unfolded when NASCAR gave the low downforce a trial run in July at Kentucky Speedway and in September at Darlington Raceway. Drivers struggled with a lack of grip, needed to deaccelerate when corning and the result saw a considerable increase in passing and side-by-side racing. The configuration featuring a rear spoiler reduced by 3-inches among other changes, produced a Kentucky track-record 22 green-flag passes for the lead and more than doubled the amount of green-flag passes throughout the field. Initially, there was pushback by executives, most notably NASCAR CEO and chairman Brian France, who preferred a high-drag package that, in theory, was supposed to stimulate pack racing on intermediate tracks, of which the bulk of the Sprint Cup schedule is made up. Except when that package produced a pair of processional races where passing was largely absent , the tide turned even more so towards the low downforce rules package. Rarely do drivers agree on much of anything, yet when it came to the direction NASCAR should go with its rule package almost universally they lobbied officials to employ the low-downforce aerodynamic package configuration as its base. Adamant in their belief, drivers lobbied officials publically and privately, and when Kentucky and Darlington provided substantial evidence to support their claims, NASCAR was left with little choice but to scrap the high-drag package and embrace its low-downforce counterpart. If there's any downside to Wednesday's announcement it's that the lower downforce package won't be integrated until 2016 and the remainder of this season -- save for the Oct. 25 race at Talladega -- will continue to run a package that continually generated lethargic races devoid much in the way of on-track excitement and has caused a virtual revolt among NASCAR's fan base. But hope is coming next year by way of a rules package that justifiably is better than any NASCAR has seen in some time. And with it is the expectation the term "dirty air" will become a thing of the past replaced by a package that allows a driver's talent to shine. You know, how NASCAR is supposed to be. | 1 | 95,029 | sports |
Ancestry.com says that "discovering your history is easier than you think." Granted, this may be true for some; they've had plenty of celebrities find out who their ancestors were and what they did. However, now Ancestry wants to discover something completely different. It wants to use your DNA to find out more about your medical history. The company claims to have the genetic information of more than one million customers who have used its $99 DNA kits, and it's now in preliminary talks with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to use this information to tell customers what their ancestors' health and disease history means for them. "We think it's totally appropriate that the FDA has stepped in to pretty aggressively regulate direct-to-consumer genetic tests," Ancestry CEO Tim Sullivan told The Verge . "We're just starting from that perspective, and trying to work very closely with them." The $99 kit takes saliva and puts it through genomic analysis to show a customer their ethnic origins, ancestors, and relatives. Using this kit, Ancestry hopes to decipher exactly how DNA affects a person's risk of developing a disease. The FDA doesn't currently allow direct-to-consumer genetic tests, however, and has blocked other genetic-testing companies like 23andMe from doing what Ancestry plans to do. For years, scientists have know that your DNA can tell you how at-risk you are of developing a certain disease . 23andMe has long said that it's DNA kit could tell you exactly how high or low your risk was, at least until the FDA halted sales of the kit in 2013 because the company couldn't verify its products validity. The company also didn't provide people with the support of doctors, who would advise patients on whether or not they should get any kind of treatment based on their results. These inconsistencies became even more apparent when New York Times reporter Kira Peikoff ran a test of three different genetic-testing kits, one of them 23andMe's, and found that all three had wildly different results. She found she was at risk for psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, according to one kit, while another said she wasn't at risk at all. "A lot of people want to get into the genomics risk assessment game. It's seen as highly lucrative," Art Caplan, a bioethicist at New York University told The Verge . "I don't think they're giving customers straight information about their ancestry and I'm wary when I hear them saying, 'Oh well now we're in the health business.'" Though scientists have taken many steps in decoding our DNA and finding out what it all means, there is still a lot of work to be done before we can accurately predict the risks we have of developing certain diseases. | 7 | 95,030 | health |
Tiny Bop makes beautiful apps like Everything Machine which uses a smartphone's camera, gyroscope, light, speakers and microphone to teach coding through games. | 8 | 95,031 | video |
More than 15 million people watched the debut Democratic debate of the 2016 US presidential campaign, a Democratic record but fully nine million fewer than the first Republican clash, CNN announced. The Las Vegas showdown between former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, independent Senator Bernie Sanders, and three others drew 15.3 million viewers, debate host CNN said Wednesday, surpassing expectations of media experts who had predicted viewership in the single digit millions. While the figure marked record viewership for a Democratic primary debate, it was a far cry from the 24 million people who tuned in to Fox News on August 6 for the first Republican clash of the cycle, featuring the party's frontrunner Donald Trump and nine challengers. That was by far the highest rating of any presidential primary debate. CNN hosted the second Republican debate, in mid-September, an event which drew 22.9 million viewers, the biggest-ever audience in CNN's 30-year history. Television ratings firm Nielsen was to release its official viewership numbers for the Democratic debate later Wednesday. No one had expected blockbuster viewership for the Democrats, who featured Clinton and Sanders along with three others who are barely registering in the polls: former Maryland governor Martin O'Malley, former senator Marine veteran Jim Webb, and Lincoln Chafee, the ex-governor of Rhode Island. The ratings would undoubtedly have been higher if Vice President Joe Biden, who for months has weighed the prospects of a late entry into the race, were on stage Tuesday night. CNN even reserved a spot for Biden in the off chance he would show up, and continually posted images of the empty lectern, an indication the cable network was concerned about audience interest. | 5 | 95,032 | news |
The German newsmagazine "Spiegel Online" has reported that Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND) eavesdropped on communications of several of its allied countries until late 2013. According to reports, these operations may not all have taken place under the guidance of the US National Security Agency (NSA) but also under the BND's own initiative. Earlier this year, it had been revealed that the NSA commissioned the BND for years to spy on German targets using so-called "selectors" - search criteria used to flag activity with vested interests for the NSA.. The NSA was reported to have supplied the technology involved in this method of intelligence gathering. The latest disclosures, however, might imply that the BND added its own choice of selectors to the list - an act which would fall outside its constitutional mandate and qualify as illegal. The BND is already under scrutiny for the legalities of doing the groundwork for a foreign spy agency by collaborating with the NSA.. Further setbacks for the BND According to the report, Germany used thousands of such selectors in total, which ended up flagging communications of allied states. France and the United States were reported to be among the nations affected by the intelligence breach. Further investigation by the public broadcaster RBB revealed that some of the search criteria used may have included clearly prohibited terms. If these claims turn out to be substantiated their consequences could be far-reaching. German politicians have already begun to question whether the BND overstepped its official mandate by interfering in communications of friendly states. Further examination of said selectors might reveal highly illegal dealings, as the spy agency continues to suffer further setbacks in its public esteem. Investigation at BND headquarters The "Spiegel Online" report was based on testimony heard at a parliamentary control panel hearing on Wednesday and on information from the parliamentary inquiry investigating NSA activity in Germany. Gerhard Schindler, the head of the BND, was reported to have attended the hearings, which were closed to the public. It could not be established whether the latest revelations were based on his statements. The parliamentary control panel said it would travel to the headquarters of the BND, in Pullach near Munich, next week to investigate the search terms involved in the selectors and to speak with BND employees directly to try to establish the nature of those selectors. ss/cmk (AFP, Reuters, dpa) | 5 | 95,033 | news |
A second congressman admitted on Wednesday that the Republican House committee created to investigate the 2012 terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya, is solely "designed to go after" Hillary Clinton. "This may not be politically correct, but I think that there was a big part of this investigation that was designed to go after people and an individual, Hillary Clinton," Rep. Richard Hanna (R-N.Y.) said on a morning radio show in upstate New York. Republicans say they formed the House Select Committee on Benghazi to investigate the attack. Democrats have complained that the committee, which has cost taxpayers about $4.5 million during its 17 months of existence, was primarily a political stunt. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) last month let it slip that the committee aimed to sink Clinton's poll numbers. His gaffe reverberated across Capitol Hill and was a major factor in McCarthy's abrupt decision to drop out of the race to replace outgoing House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio). McCarthy later walked back his comments, claiming he misspoke. But on Wednesday, Hanna suggested that McCarthy was being truthful. "Sometimes the biggest sin you can commit in D.C. is to tell the truth," Hanna said. Clinton, who has repeatedly said she is cooperating with the committee's investigation, is set to testify next week. On Sunday , a former committee staffer alleged that the chairman, Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.), fired him for not focusing the probe on Clinton and the State Department. Clinton's campaign on Wednesday held up Hanna's comments as further proof that the committee has "zero credibility." "House Republicans aren't even shy anymore about admitting that the Benghazi Committee is a partisan farce," campaign spokesman Brian Fallon said in a statement. "After failing to produce any new information on the tragic 2012 attacks at Benghazi despite a 17-month investigation, John Boehner has reportedly urged the committee to shift its focus to Hillary Clinton's emails in an ongoing effort to try to hurt her politically. Hillary Clinton will still attend next week's hearing, but at this point, Trey Gowdy's inquiry has zero credibility left." HT: ThinkProgress Also on HuffPost: | 5 | 95,034 | news |
Steve Phillips joins us live from Toronto to discuss the seventh inning of the Blue Jays win over the Rangers on Wednesday. | 1 | 95,035 | sports |
A leukemia survivor who uses a wheelchair surprised his daughter when he walked her down the aisle at her wedding in Maine, then danced with her with the help of relatives. (Oct. 14) | 8 | 95,036 | video |
Jeremy Blum has designed and built a home-automation system in his San Francisco apartment that he calls JARVIS: Jeremy's Astute Residential Virtual Intelligent System. Photo: Jake Nicol/The Wall Street Journal | 3 | 95,037 | finance |
WASHINGTON (AP) Anti-abortion activists have given Congress lengthy, unedited videos they recorded showing Planned Parenthood officials discussing their retrieval of fetal tissue, a Republican House committee chairman said Wednesday. Democrats complained that the recordings seemed to be copies and not originals. That could mean they wouldn't help resolve conflicting claims about whether the videos including shorter versions that abortion foes began posting online this summer were misleadingly edited. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee subpoenaed the recordings last month as part of an investigation into whether Planned Parenthood has illegally sold tissue from aborted fetuses for profit. The chairman, Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, said he has set up a viewing room where Republican and Democratic lawmakers and aides can see the recordings. He said the videos will not be released to the public now "out of an abundance of caution to ensure the safety and security of all individuals recorded." Chaffetz said the footage contains nearly 800 gigabytes of data, which he said means it will take investigators "significant time to evaluate." Though recording techniques vary and make estimates difficult, that amount of data is roughly equivalent to several dozen DVDs worth of movies. Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland, the committee's top Democrat, said in a written statement that aides who examined the videos think they are copies. He also complained that the GOP was refusing to give Democrats their own external hard drives containing the data so they could conduct their own forensic investigation of them. Cummings said that violated the panel's subpoena, which required one copy for each party, and "furthers the impression that the committee is trying to cover for" the activists who made the videos. The Center for Medical Progress, a small group of abortion foes who secretly recorded the conversations, says the videos show Planned Parenthood has broken the law by profiting from the tissue sales. In an email Wednesday, the center's founder, David Daleiden, said it had turned over "all the raw undercover recordings in their original format" to the committee. He said the videos provided evidence of a criminal conspiracy "to sell baby parts for profit." Planned Parenthood says it did nothing illegal and only accepted payments covering the costs of retrieving the tissue, which it provides to medical researchers. The group announced Tuesday that it would no longer charge anything for the tissue. Planned Parenthood says videos that the activists have previously released publicly were deceptively edited to distort the conversations. On Wednesday, it said it doubted that Daleiden had given Congress full, unedited footage, saying he has "lied for months" about the videos and has previously said he has several terabytes of footage a far larger amount. "This is a fraud, intended to deceive the public in order to advance an extreme political agenda to ban safe and legal abortion in this country," said Planned Parenthood spokesman Eric Ferrero. Three other congressional committees are also investigating Planned Parenthood, and the Republican-run House has created a special panel to conduct a probe. | 5 | 95,038 | news |
If you can barely remember a time before Kendall Jenner, you're not alone. At just 19 years old, the gorgeous brunette's already a fashion icon, strutting her stuff on major runways, starring in killer campaigns, and having the most "liked" photo on Instagram - ever. For a girl who's always "on" - even her street style is planned! - we wondered if she ever had an awkward stage. A time when her outfits were more quirky than cool, and if Kendall ever went through a Kim Kardashian-like transformation. So we did our homework, the results of which may surprise you. Was this star stylish from day one? Read on to find out. Kendall Never Shies Away From a Sexy Look And Loves to Switch Things Up She Can Be Elegant Furry and Fun Or Travel Ready She's Even Giving Glasses a Go Leg Slits? She's Worn Them She Always Stuns on the Red Carpet Even Her Street Style Gives Us Inspiration She Can Be Red Hot Or Super Glam Show Off Her Midsection Or Sport Some Stripes Kendall's Part of the Balmain Army And Has Attended the Met Gala - Twice! She's Perfected the Art of the Draped Coat And Perfectly Pulls Off a Jumpsuit Going Sheer? She's Down For It As Well as a Coordinated Set Pants on the Red Carpet This Girl Is Fierce All White Done Just Right That's One Stunning Suit Look Barbie, Is That You? Sometimes She Walks the Red Carpet With Kylie But Most of the Time, She's Solo - and Killin' It Like at an Award Show Or a Fashion Event After All, Kendall's Been at This For a While Always in the Spotlight Seriously - Remember When She Wore Bandage Dresses? Or Looked Super Sweet at the Teen Choice Awards? She Could Always Pull Off the Polished Look And Was Elevated From a Young Age Sometimes She Got Quirky! Other Times She Channeled Taylor Swift Hinting at How Versatile She Would Be as a Model Kendall Also Has Always Loved Selfies And Heels And Formfitting Styles Wait - Did She Make Capes Happen? Or Bandanas?! What About Crop Tops?!?! Kendall and Kylie Used to "Twin" a Lot Or, at the Very Least, Coordinate There Were Plenty of LBDs in Her Fashion History And She Could Always Stand Out in a Crowd While Tween Years Can Be Pretty Awkward, Kendall Was Still a Star Although She Did Have Her Fair Share of Questionable Choices She Once Borrowed These From Kris! Luckily, Her Shoe Game Got a Little Stronger Later On And This Airport Look Wouldn't Fly Today She Even Wore Uggs With a Dress! And Took #OOTD Pictures But at the End of the Day, the Model Still Rocked Classics Even as a Little Girl, Kendall Showed Her Style Potential She Mixed Prints Pulled Off the Athleisure Look Baby Model?! Just Look at This Face! Yep - Kendall's Been Runway Ready Since Birth And Red Carpet Ready, Too The Top Model's Been Stylish Since Day 1 And Definitely Deserves Her It Girl Title | 4 | 95,039 | lifestyle |
Non-Diesel Alternatives to the Prius Family When Diesel or a Prius Are Out of the Question Fuel efficiency continues to hold a high place in the criteria people use when shopping for a new vehicle. With VW's #dieselgate scandal, diesel is out of the question for many, so those in the market for efficiency-minded vehicles have fewer options. However, plenty of cars offer excellent gas mileage and range. No, you don't have to go straight to a Toyota dealership and grab yourself a member of the Prius family now that some diesels are off the table. With a little bit of digging around, you'll find that there's a clean or emissions-free vehicle for everyone. With launch of the fourth-generation Prius and to help quell the outrage among environmental warriors, here are some other fuel-efficient alternatives: diesels and Priuses need not apply. Follow MSN Autos on Facebook Chevrolet Volt Improved across the board, the second-generation Chevrolet Volt can take you farther than before and is better to drive. Revolutionary in its own right, the new Volt raises the bar for hybrids and alternative-propulsion vehicles and proves that with the right ingredients a car can be environmentally friendly without sacrificing driving range, agility, and space. Rated by the EPA at 53 miles on a single charge and up to 420 miles with the help of an onboard generator, the Volt offers emissions-free short-distance travel in a package that's practical and ready to go cross country. Research the Chevrolet Volt on MSN Autos Honda Accord Hybrid One of the most fuel-efficient midsize sedans available today, the Honda Accord Hybrid proves that your car doesn't need to look weird to be environmentally friendly. Thanks to an impressive EPA fuel economy rating of 50/45 mpg city/highway, the Accord Hybrid is the gas mileage king of the hybrid midsize sedan segment. That title doesn't come with much sacrifice, because there's still generous passenger space, a decent trunk, strong power, and better driving dynamics than most of its rivals. Research the Honda Accord on MSN Autos Mazda6 Driving fun doesn't have to take a back seat to fuel economy. The Mazda6 expertly blends both in one of the sexiest entries in the midsize sedan segment. When equipped with the optional GT Technology package, which adds active grille shutters and the i-ELoop regenerative braking system, the Mazda6 transforms into one of the most fuel-efficient midsize sedans, rated at an impressive 28/40 mpg. If you do find yourself on a twisty road, there's no need to worry; the Mazda6 has one of the best chassis and suspension setups in its segment, giving it excellent handling and agility. The Mazda6 won a six-car midsize sedan comparison test. Research the Mazda6 on MSN Autos Ford Fusion Hybrid In its gas-powered iterations, the Ford Fusion is one of the most engaging midsize sedans to drive thanks to its excellent chassis and suspension tuning. Thankfully, the transition into a hybrid has kept the Fusion's driving dynamics intact, so you can toss it into a corner confidently. A Fusion Energi, a plug-in variant, is also available for those city dwellers who want to maximize their EV range in a car that's fun to drive and road trip-worthy. Research the Ford Fusion Hybrid on MSN Autos Audi A3 e-tron As the only Audi hatchback currently slated to land on American shores, the A3 e-tron is environmentally friendly and luxurious at the same time. With a combined output of 204 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the A3 e-tron doesn't skimp on power, and an estimated range of more than 500 miles per tank means you won't be stopping frequently for fuel. Because the A3 e-tron is also a plug-in hybrid, you can charge it at home and take advantage of its EV-only range of up to 19 miles before the gas engine kicks in. Research the Audi A3 on MSN Autos Nissan Altima Let's face it. CVTs are becoming more widespread because of the endless quest of improving gas mileage, and Nissan is at the head of the pack. The Altima is notable because it has the best fuel economy of any non-hybrid midsize sedan (sans options) available today at 27/38 mpg, and it's all because of that gearless transmission. A heavily refreshed Altima for the 2016 model year will debut with better aerodynamics and active grille shutters, which will help models equipped with the 182-hp, 2.5-liter I-4 achieve an estimated 39 mpg on the highway. Research the Nissan Altima on MSN Autos Toyota Camry Hybrid Should bulletproof reliability and high fuel economy be on the top of your list of needs when shopping for a car, then the Toyota Camry Hybrid is for you. Powered by a hybrid powertrain with a total system output of 200 hp and rated at 43/39 mpg (40/38 mpg for the SE and XLE trims), the Camry Hybrid offers a great blend of fuel efficiency and power so that you can pass slower traffic with ease without paying an arm and a leg at the pump. Research the Toyota Camry on MSN Autos Ford C-Max Energi Need plenty of cargo space but want something fuel efficient and fun to drive? Look no further than the Ford C-Max, an energetic hybrid based on the Ford Focus. Despite being taller than your average hatchback and wagon, the C-Max is fun to toss into corners, proving that your hybrid doesn't have to bore you when you're behind the wheel. Add to that a total system output of 188 hp and a fuel economy rating of 42.37 mpg, and what you have is a hybrid that lets you have your cake and eat it, too. A plug-in variant called the C-Max Energi is also available and comes with up to 21 miles of EV-only range, making it a great choice for the urban adventurer in need of space and versatility. The C-Max was a winner of a comparison test against the Toyota Prius V. Research the Ford C-Max on MSN Autos Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid Although diesels were Volkswagen's most fuel-efficient offerings, the emissions scandal has left the automaker with one alternative option, the Jetta Hybrid. For those who want a compact hybrid sedan with great driving dynamics, the turbocharged Jetta Hybrid offers that and an impressive 42/48 mpg. Add to that a generous list of standard equipment, and what you have is an autobahn-ready compact sedan that's environmentally friendly, spacious, and fun. Research the Volkswagen Jetta on MSN Autos Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Essentially the loud American among luxury and semi-premium hybrid sedans, the Lincoln MKZ 2.0H retains its eye-catching exterior and plush interior during its transformation into an environmentally friendly four-door. Using a 2.0-liter I-4 paired with an electric motor for a total output of 188 hp, the MKZ 2.0H offers great fuel economy and a quiet cabin with great materials and a clean, modern look. Add to that excellent driving dynamics, and you have a unique-looking luxury sedan that's frugal and environmentally friendly but doesn't bore the driver. Research the Lincoln MKZ on MSN Autos Hyundai Sonata Hybrid The previous-generation Hyundai Sonata Hybrid generated some controversy with its polarizing catfishlike front fascia and a powertrain that didn't really deliver on its fuel economy promise. This new model and its plug-in variant, on the other hand, are better and more refined, enabling drivers to maximize their gas mileage without sacrificing power. Unlike most hybrids, the Sonata Hybrid excels on the highway, where it can sail for long durations on EV power at more than 70 mph; the gas engine rarely turns on and only does so to charge the lithium-ion battery or assist the electric motor in passing and merging maneuvers. Research the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid on MSN Autos Tesla Model S 70 For the environmentally conscious member of the One Percent, no alternative propulsion vehicle will do other than the mind-boggling Tesla Model S. With the new 90-kilowatt-hour battery upgrade, you can now choose between a car with 270 miles of range per charge and 417 hp or 253 miles and 762 hp when equipped with an optional performance package. In short, the Tesla Model S breaks the boundaries and proves that you can make a road trip-worthy electric vehicle with plenty of performance on tap. If you'd like seating for more than five adults, Tesla has just released the Model X, a crossover based on the Model S that promises to have the same 253 miles of range on a single charge. Research the Tesla Model S on MSN Autos Toyota Avalon Hybrid When the current-generation Toyota Avalon debuted for the 2013 model year, a hybrid variant that uses the Camry Hybrid's powertrain arrived alongside the gas-powered model. Like its best-selling little brother, the Avalon Hybrid gives you a nice blend of power and fuel economy wrapped in a large sedan with upscale pretensions. Research the Toyota Avalon Hybrid Hyundai Sonata Eco Between the three gas engine choices in the Hyundai Sonata range, the Eco model equipped with a 177-hp, 1.6-liter turbo-four with 195 lb-ft has the best gas mileage at 28/38 mpg. Even though it's the most fuel-efficient model, our testing showed that the Sonata Eco is the quickest car in the lineup, hitting 60 mph in 7.8 seconds and the quarter mile in 16.1 seconds. This means you won't need to plan your highway maneuvers thanks to the generous amount of low-end torque and the quick-shifting gearbox. Research the Hyundai Sonata on MSN Autos Toyota Mirai Toyota's newest alternative-fuel vehicle, the Mirai, is one of the most technologically advanced cars to ever come to market. With a range of up to 312 miles per hydrogen fill-up, the Mirai promises realistic driving range without emitting pollution. Alongside its older brother, the Prius, and impressive Tesla Model S the Mirai is one of the automotive ambassadors of the environmental movement. The Mirai is available in California only. Research Toyota's Latest Models on MSN Autos Cadillac ELR Closely related to the first-generation Chevrolet Volt, the Cadillac ELR is more stylish and upscale than the car it's based on. The refresh for 2016 also brings along more range at up to 340 miles. Additionally, the ELR's powertrain now makes 233 hp and 373 lb-ft and has an optional performance package with summer tires and 20-inch alloy wheels. This means the ELR is now sportier and more performance-oriented, making it a rare breed among extended-range PHEVs. Research the Cadillac ELR on MSN Autos Nissan Leaf One of the first alternative-energy vehicles to come to market, the Nissan Leaf, has gotten a much-needed upgrade and can now be had with a 107-mile range per charge in the SV and SL trim levels. Although it isn't road trip-worthy, the Leaf is right at home in the city, where it zips around and gets through tight spaces with ease thanks to its compact size. The instant torque from the electric motor also means you won't struggle up inclines as you would in a Prius C. Research the Nissan Leaf on MSN Autos Kia Soul EV When your criteria for a zero-emissions vehicle includes plenty of character and space for you and your friends, then the Kia Soul EV is a great choice. The car's boxy shape, multicolored speaker lights, and available two-tone exterior color choices mean you don't have to skimp on personality and style to save the planet. Plus, with the Soul EV's spacious cabin, you and your friends can keep the party going long after the rest of the world's gone to bed. Research the Kia Soul on MSN Autos Follow MSN Autos on Facebook | 9 | 95,040 | autos |
If you've ever complained that your job is "killing you," your hyperbole may not be totally off base. People with high-stress jobs have a 22 percent higher risk of stroke than those with low-stress jobs, and for women, the contrast is even more stark. Women with high-stress jobs had a 33 percent higher stroke risk compared to those in low-stress roles. Researchers combined six long-term studies with a total of 138,782 participants and found that, overall, the heightened risk was strongest for ischemic stroke, a type that comprises about 87 percent of all stroke cases and is the result of a fatty deposit blocking a blood vessel to the brain. Stroke accounts for one in 20 deaths in America each year. It is also the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the U.S., and annual treatment costs are estimated to be $34 billion . While the study doesn't explain why there might be a link between high-stress jobs and stroke risk, lead author Dr. Dingli Xu of Southern Medical University in Guangzhou, China, had one guess. "It's possible that high-stress jobs lead to more unhealthy behaviors , such as poor eating habits, smoking and a lack of exercise," said Xu in a statement. To categorize participants into high-stress and low-stress jobs, the researchers evaluated their occupations using two measures: demand, meaning the psychological pressures of the job like time pressure, mental load and coordination responsibilities; and control, which is the employee's potential control over work-based decisions. Then they categori participants' work into four groups: low demand, low control; low demand, high control; high demand, low control; and high demand, high control. Jobs were categorized as "low stress" if the work was both low demand and high control -- jobs in science and architecture, for instance. Those who had "high stress" jobs were people whose work was both high demand and low control, such as service industry roles like waitress and nursing aide. Those who fell into other work categories did not have any increased risk of stroke. ...It is of vital importance for individuals with high [stress] occupations to address lifestyle issues. Participants who fell in other work categories ("active" jobs like doctor or teacher, which are a combination of high demand and high control work, for instance) did not have any increased risk of stroke. Research from the past 20 years has already made the connection between high-stress jobs and heart disease, even after controlling for social class, wrote Dr. Jennifer Majersik of University of Utah Health Care in an editorial that accompanies Xu's study. She praised Xu's meta-analysis for being well-conducted, but points out that it didn't adjust for pre-existing stroke risk factors, or measure levels of inflammation and metabolic dysfunction variables that could explain the higher stroke risk in certain groups of workers. Maserjik did say, however, that the analysis gave her enough confidence to tell her patients that their stroke may have been caused by job stress, and engage with them in discussions about how to decrease work stress without quitting their jobs. Xu writes that one way of reducing stroke risk might be to increase access to cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation therapy, as well as help workers quit smoking, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. "Because this meta-analysis revealed that exposure to high [stress] jobs was associated with an increased risk of stroke, especially in women, it is of vital importance for individuals with high [stress] occupations to address lifestyle issues," Xu concludes in his study. More and more workplaces (think Silicon Valley) are investing in the types of relaxation therapies and lifestyle perks that might soothe workers and help them become healthier, but most of these interventions are concentrated in industries with relatively little stress compared to service industry workers. Service industry workers are often poorly compensated, lack control over their work environment and don't have many opportunities for promotion. The restaurant industry, for instance, employs about 10 million people in the U.S. and is growing. However, the jobs are mostly low-wage, with very few benefits. Waitresses make an average of $10.15 per hour, a figure that already includes tips, and one in six restaurant workers lives below the poverty line , according to the Economic Policy Institute. Nursing aides -- another occupation specifically mentioned in the statement about Xu's study -- earned about $11.73 per hour in 2012, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is another industry that is projected to grow rapidly because of the growing senior population in the U.S. and the need for long-term care facilities. No matter what your job, you can reduce the risk of stroke by quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. If you're in a high demand, low control job, the need to get healthy is even more urgent and could even save lives, according to studies like Xu's. Here's hoping all of America's employers -- and not just splashy tech offices -- get the message. | 7 | 95,041 | health |
1,100 college students commit suicide every year in the U.S. | 8 | 95,042 | video |
Too old for trick or treating but still looking for a festive way to satisfy your sweet tooth? Our Snickers cheesecake brownies are just for you! Here's what you'll need: Brownie Mix 1/3 Sugar 1 Egg 1 tsp Vanilla Extract 8 oz Cream Cheese Snickers Grease Baking Pan Mixing Bowl Mixer | 0 | 95,043 | foodanddrink |
For years, fast food chains including Wendy's (NASDAQ: WEN ) and McDonald's (NYSE: MCD ) waged a price war. It was a race to the bottom as the eateries competed with dollar menus and other offerings designed to deliver value over all else. Recently, however, offering value for the money has been replaced with just being cheap. That's a philosophy that evolved in response to the success of various fast- asual chains. Those establishments showed that consumers would pay more for something they considered "worth it". Now, in an increasingly competitive battle for customers, Wendy's and McDonald's are returning to low prices as a way to get customers in the door. It's not just about price While both fast food chains are pushing new, lower-priced offerings, they are being careful to make their deals about value, not just bottom line cost. Wendy's has a new special, which is being touted in television ads, dubbed "4 for $4". This meal offers includes a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, four chicken nuggets, small fries, and a drink for $4. That's a lot of food for very little money, but the commercials clearly highlight that it's not a low-quality burger -- it's Wendy's regular fare, just at a deal price. Similarly, McDonald's has begun offering a double cheeseburger and small fries combo for $2.50. For the fast food leader, the new deal is a way to offer value without entirely reverting to its Dollar Menu strategy. "Some of the challenges we've had in the U.S. have been somewhat self-inflicted," McDonald's CEO Steve Easterbrook said during a conference call with investors this spring. "We moved away from the Dollar Menu and didn't replace it with significant enough value in the eyes of consumers." Walking a fine line The challenge for fast food chains now is delivering decent food at very low prices. Deals like this offer tremendous value and meals at much cheaper prices than the rival fast casual establishments can offer. McDonald's and Wendy's are straddling a very narrow line, here. They need to show consumers that they offer, if not top-quality, at least decent food while also having very low prices. Doing that requires selective discounting and creative offers. These deals are a good start and put both companies' best foot forward. Whether consumers bite will tell investors a lot about exactly how much consumer tastes have moved toward high-priced food at chains with perceived (and often real) quality improvements. For Wendy's, this offer is a little less crucial because the company has a reputation for offering food that's at least better than the other fast food burger chains. It's more crucial for McDonald's, because recent history has shown that it will take a massive effort -- and a lot of time -- to convince consumers that it offers quality food (or even real meat). So, if the chain can't fix at least some of its woes with discounting, then it may have a very serious problem. The next billion-dollar iSecret The world's biggest tech company forgot to show you something at its recent event, but a few Wall Street analysts and the Fool didn't miss a beat: There's a small company that's powering their brand-new gadgets and the coming revolution in technology. And we think its stock price has nearly unlimited room to run for early-in-the-know investors! To be one of them, just click here . Daniel Kline has no position in any stocks mentioned. | 3 | 95,044 | finance |
Last night, Kobe Bryant paid Lamar Odom a hospital visit after the Lakers ' preseason game against the Kings in Las Vegas. He was spotted walking into the Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center in Vegas where Odom is staying after being found unconscious at a brothel . But he's not the only NBA player who has sent prayers and well wishes in Odom's direction. Dwayne Wade sent this: PRAYERS all the way UP for my brother Lamar Odom!!! DWade (@DwyaneWade) October 14, 2015 Paul Pierce sent this: Prayers go out to Lamar Odom and his family please God anything u can do to help him thru this🙏 Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) October 14, 2015 DeMarcus Cousins sent this: Prayers up for Lamar Odom and his family! 🙏🏿 DeMarcus Cousins (@boogiecousins) October 14, 2015 Allen Iverson sent this: Get well soon LO... Fight! We all praying for you Allen Iverson (@alleniverson) October 14, 2015 And a short time ago, LeBron James jumped on Instagram to post a photo of him and Odom along with a lengthy caption: So many prayers sent up to you LO! I truly hope this isn't the last stop for you because you still have so much to give, not even to others but to yourself more importantly. Never know what someone is going through unless you're walking in their shoes. No judgement. Straight up homie! A photo posted by LeBron James (@kingjames) on Oct 14, 2015 at 7:50am PDT Keep praying, everyone. Send all complaints, compliments, and tips to [email protected] . | 1 | 95,045 | sports |
Migrants who were trying to sneak into a truck bound for the UK found themselves face-to-face with a fully grown polar bear. Jen Markham (@jenmarkham) has more. | 8 | 95,046 | video |
NASCAR will use a lower downforce aerodynamic rules package on its cars for the 2016 season, the sanctioning body announced Wednesday. The reduced downforce package is similar to the one used this summer at Kentucky Speedway and Darlington Raceway, where it earned positive reviews for the quality of racing. Lower downforce means the cars have less grip in the corners, making it more difficult for drivers to stay in the gas. In turn, that opens the opportunity for more side-by-side racing and passing. "NASCAR has worked tirelessly with our teams, drivers, manufacturers and Goodyear to develop a rules package that provides fans with the best racing possible," said Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. "The success of the races at Kentucky and Darlington in similar trim proved extremely valuable in accelerating rules development for 2016. Now, as teams have even more time to prepare and a strong baseline of data, we anticipate the racing to be even better." NASCAR had originally wanted to test the 2016 rules package at the All-Star Race in May, with the goal of finalizing the package shortly thereafter so teams could get a head start on next season. But in the spring, NASCAR seemed to suddenly back off from changing the rules at all. The racing was competitive and the races were being won by different drivers, so there perhaps would be no tweaks from the 2015 package. If so, that would have the added benefit of saving money for race teams who wouldn't have to invest extra in research and development. Once word of NASCAR's thinking began to filter, however, the drivers pushed back. They campaigned for a lower downforce package while NASCAR thought a high drag concept would be the way to go. As it turned out, the drivers were correct: Kentucky and Darlington were great races while the high-drag races (Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Michigan International Raceway) were duds. Follow Gluck on Twitter @jeff_gluck | 1 | 95,047 | sports |
WASHINGTON Michelle Obama told students invited to the White House Wednesday that failure and rejection are part of the steps toward achieving success. "Failure is a part of that whole process," Mrs. Obama said. "You just learn to pick yourself up. And the quicker and more resilient you become, the better you are." Mrs. Obama welcomed the local students as part of a music workshop with Smokey Robinson, Esperanza Spalding, MC Lyte, Trombone Shorty and Keb' Mo'. The students from middle schools in Manassas, Virginia; Herndon, Virginia; and Landover, Maryland, learned to rhyme, produce and write songs during the workshop titled "A Celebration of Song." They broke out into five groups to craft and perform original work with their celebrity mentor at the conclusion of the lesson. They were also treated to an impromptu performance by Spalding, Trombone Shorty and Keb' Mo'. Before the breakout session, Mrs. Obama encouraged the students to work hard and practice their craft whether writing or mathematics. "It's really important that you all experience this stuff here in this house," she said. "You all are just as important as those dignitaries that we invite here." "Sometimes it takes sitting in this room to make you start dreaming about all that you can be," she added. The entertainers will perform during an evening concert as part of the "In Performance at the White House" series. The program is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act. It will also include performances by Usher, James Taylor, Queen Latifah, Buddy Guy, Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell and remarks from Carol Burnett. The concert will broadcast on PBS stations in January. | 4 | 95,048 | lifestyle |
The United States released a bleak report on the state of religious freedom around the world Wednesday, decrying jihadist attacks on Middle East minorities and a rise in European anti-Semitism. In its annual survey of religious discrimination, the State Department said that, while many governments had worked harder to end abuses, extremist non-state actors like the Islamic State group are on the rise. And discrimination is not limited to Washington's foes and rivals like Iran and China but is "egregious" in close allies like Saudi Arabia and worrisome even in Western democracies like France and Germany. "No nation can fulfil its potential if its people are denied the right to practice, to hold, to modify, to openly profess their innermost beliefs," Secretary of State John Kerry said as the report was unveiled. "We hope to give governments an added incentive to honor the religious dignity of their citizens." The "International Religious Freedom Report" has no direct impact on US policy towards the countries it studies, but Kerry said it would serve as reference for diplomats and activists lobbying for change. In the 12 months since the last report, the most serious religious persecution has been carried out by jihadist groups like the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria and Boko Haram in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin. "Under their control, captives have been given a choice between conversion or slavery or death," Kerry said. "Entire populations of religious minority groups have been targeted for killing. Terrified young girls have been separated out by religion and sold into slavery." The author of the report, Washington's special envoy for religious freedom, Ambassador David Saperstein, cited the fate of the Yazidi, Christian and other religious minorities in northern Iraq as particularly severe. "There's been a Christian community there for 1,600 years, across the Nineveh Plain church bells have pealed for 1,600 years. Today they are silent," he said. "We're not going to rest until people have a right to live out their religious lives back in their home communities in accordance with their conscience." As it had last year, the report also noted a rise in anti-Semitic rhetoric and attacks in France, Germany and elsewhere in Europe despite efforts -- acknowledged by Saperstein -- by local authorities to contain it. Some of the hostility towards European Jews has been associated with campaigns against Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory, but Washington thinks much of this has crossed the line into outright bigotry. - Crossed the line - "Criticism of the public policy of any nation ... that's appropriate. That's part of the free marketplace of ideas and discourse," he said. "Where it has often crossed the line is where groups have tried to argue that Israel is an inherently illegal state -- that it doesn't have a right to exist as a Jewish state," he said. Saperstein condemned efforts to "de-legitimize" the Jewish state, and argued that: "It's right on the cusp of that line when it holds one country to different standards than it would hold another country. "We normally think of that as racism and we feel that when it steps over that line then it constitutes anti-Semitic activity and not just legitimate discourse about Israel's policies," he said. The report itself warned that "a surge in anti-Semitism in Western Europe during 2014 left many pondering the viability of Jewish communities in some countries." It cited a reported 101 percent increase in anti-Semitic acts in France between 2013 and 2014 and said the number of French Jews choosing to move to Israel had doubled. In Germany, mainstream public figures spoke out against anti-Semitism, but attacks increased "especially in the summer, when there were numerous protest demonstrations against the Gaza conflict." The report also criticized both US ally Saudi Arabia -- a Sunni monarchy with a fundamentalist clergy -- and its regional enemy Iran -- a Shiite Islamist republic. "Both of those countries have structural, systematic, egregious violations," he said. | 5 | 95,049 | news |
A cluster of baby duck-billed dinosaurs hadrosaurs like the adorable character Ducky in the 1988 animated film "The Land Before Time" was uncovered in a slab of rock from a fossil-rich part of Mongolia known as "Dragon's Tomb." Scientists examining a roughly 1-foot-long (0.3 meters) piece of rock from the Dragon's Tomb site, which is located in the Gobi Desert, discovered at least three new baby Saurolophus angustirostris fossils. The rock was part of a dinosaur nest and contained some interesting bones, but until now, scientists didn't know exactly what those bones were. The new discovery, akin to finding a whole new chapter in a family photo album, could help researchers piece together the entire Saurolophus family tree. Saurolophus were large duck-billed hadrosaurs with distinctive crests on the top of their heads. But the newly identified fossils weren't very large at all, the scientists said. In fact, the newfound hadrosaurs were probably at the very earliest stages of life either they had just hatched, or were just about to. [ In Images: Discovering a Duck-Billed Dinosaur Baby ] The Dragon's Tomb hadrosaurs are the youngest Saurolophus angustirostris ever described, the researchers said. These babies could help paleontologists better understand the changes that occurred to the animals' bodies as they grew from 1-foot-long babies into 40-foot long (12 m) adults. One of the most drastic such changes can be understood by looking at the babies' snouts. "While hadrosaurids are considered the so-called duck-billed dinosaurs , we saw a very small snout [compared to adults]," said study lead author Leonard Dewaele, a researcher at Ghent University in Belgium."This had been anticipated by other scientists." The babies didn't seem to have developed the adult's signature crests yet, either. By studying these kinds of changes, scientists can piece together not only how each species lived, but also how many different species are related to each other, the researchers said. To identify the skeletons, the scientists compared the babies to other known specimens of Saurolophus . These types of hadrosaursare common around the Dragon's Tomb region, so there was plenty of reference material. But this new discovery came with some unique challenges, because the fossils had originally been poached from the site and sold to a private collector. The rock slab, in other words, had not been scientifically collected. "The problem is then we don't have all the data about the exact location [the fossils] came from," Dewaele told Live Science. A lot of a fossil's scientific value comes from the context in which it was found what layer of rock, for example, or what side of a hill and most poachers don't bother to record that important information, he said. "So, we couldn't say a lot about [where the animals] died," Dewaele added. While some information had been recorded, much of the bigger picture had been lost, the researchers said. The dinosaur nest was likely originally on a riverbank that was washed away and covered in sand, the researchers said. Though the area is now desert, 65 million years ago, the Dragon's Tomb would have been located in a flood plain with large, winding rivers. The rivercould have easily swept away the nest and begun the fossilization process, although evidence suggests at least some of the babies had already died by the time they were buried, the researchers said Though the fossils were originally poached and sold internationally, the baby dinos have now been returned to Mongolian authorities and are currently housed in the Institute of Paleontology and Geology at the Mongolian Academy of Sciences in Ulaanbaatar. The findings were published today (Oct. 14) in the journal PLOS ONE . Follow Live Science @livescience , Facebook & Google+ . Original article on Live Science . Image Gallery: Dinosaur Daycare 5 Fossil Hotspots: National Parks to Visit Photos: One of the World's Biggest Dinosaurs Discovered | 5 | 95,050 | news |
CNBC's Sara Eisen sits down with Nike CEO Mark Parker to discuss Nike's growth plans and investment strategy. | 3 | 95,051 | finance |
The Rev. Jesse Jackson says Lamar Odom is on life support but that his doctors think he's improving. Jackson visited the former NBA star and reality TV personality at a Las Vegas hospital Wednesday morning. (Oct. 14) | 8 | 95,052 | video |
As he continues to ponder his own White House bid, Vice President Joe Biden said Wednesday he thinks all the candidates in Tuesday night's democratic presidential debate 'did well.' (Oct. 14) | 8 | 95,053 | video |
The Chicago Cubs reportedly intend to leave the home run ball hit by Kyle Schwarber in the 7th inning of Tuesday's series-clinching 6-4 win over the St. Louis Cardinals right where the slugger deposited it: On top of the new scoreboard at Wrigley Field. A source with the team on Wednesday confirmed to the Chicago Tribune that the team will leave the ball where it landed until the conclusion of the Cubs' participation in the postseason. Back from the Cubs Game. We let the @cubs & @kschwarb12 know that we found Schwarber's home run ball. #FlyTheW pic.twitter.com/uqbhucWW1k Tom Comings (@Comings) October 14, 2015 The team did send an employee to inspect the ball so it could be confirmed that it was Schwarber's moon shot home run ball, and an MLB postseason watermark verified its authenticity. The Cubs also intend to place a plexiglass box around the ball to keep the ball safe from the elements and a security staffer will escort any person who travels to the top of the scoreboard until the ball is taken down. The Cubs obviously know a thing or two about curses to put it mildly and the perceived toll such things can have upon an organization, whether it's real or utter nonsense. Whatever the case, perhaps it's not surprising the team is attempting to create some positive mojo by leaving Schwarber's moon shot home run ball right where it landed … instead of waiting around and succumbing to the supposed curses of generations past. | 1 | 95,054 | sports |
A professional rugby player wanted to impress Rory McIlroy with his golf swing. Instead it went hilariously wrong. | 1 | 95,055 | sports |
The Hauser & Wirth gallery showcase an array of contemporary works from a dangling potato to beds and cracked walls at London's Frieze art fair. Rough Cut (No reporter narration). | 8 | 95,056 | video |
Animals have many special talents. Patty, however, might have one of the most creative sides we've seen in a furry friend. Patty, a donkey from Romania, was found very malnourished and wandering the streets. Horse World, the leading UK charity caring primarily for horses, ponies and donkeys, took this special animal under their care. Vicky, a trainer, has been working with Patty for over four years. Through a method called 'Clicker Training' Patty was brought back to good health and high spirits. She learned various tricks like kicking a football and removing Vicki's coat, but her most famous is painting. Patty has been painting for about 4 years now. She started painting as part of a show at the Visitor Centre, which has since closed to the public. Vicky developed the show to demonstrate clicker training and how it is particularly useful for animals who have previously suffered abuse or are nervous, as the training technique involves only positive reinforcement, there is never any punishment involved. Patty has since come out of her shell, becoming very friendly, charismatic and a talented painter. Her work is not only beautiful but also charitable! Get more feel good video clips at http://www.hooplaha.com Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hooplaha Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/hooplaha | 8 | 95,057 | video |
COLUMBIA, S.C. No football program in the Southeastern Conference may be tougher to peg as a "good job" or "bad job" for a potential coach than South Carolina. The good: It's in the SEC. The fan base cares and will fill Williams-Brice Stadium with 80,000-plus every Saturday regardless of opponent. There are quality in-state players, and you're close to other recruiting hotbeds in Atlanta, Charlotte and Florida. Money has been poured into football facilities to bring them up to par. And South Carolina will pay a competitive SEC salary, which these days starts at $3 million. MORE: Spanning the SEC Now, the bad: Three coaches who have won national championships ended up later at South Carolina. The only one to win a conference title there was Paul Dietzel, who won the ACC there in 1969. The only coach to be consistently successful was Steve Spurrier, who put up three consecutive 11-2 seasons before things went south. Though there is usually some quality talent in South Carolina, you've got to fight tooth-and-nail with a red-hot in-state program (Clemson) for the small quantity of four and five-star prospects in your back yard. And though the SEC East has been the weaker division recently, South Carolina is still historically behind Florida, Georgia and Tennessee in the pecking order. "We just had an iconic coach spend the last 11 years with us," athletics director Ray Tanner said. "So I think that speaks volumes. There's a lot of positives." After conversations with several people in the coaching industry, one key factor emerged about the South Carolina job that will determine whether it's "good" or "bad" job for a hot candidate: Expectations. Is the bar for the new coach 8-4 or 10-2? If it's the former, South Carolina is not just a good job but an excellent one. If it's the latter, not so much. If Spurrier's successor can go 5-3 in the SEC, win three relatively easy non-conference games and beat Clemson every other year or so while making $3 million, South Carolina is an excellent job. But if this is a situation where fans are going to be unhappy during those inevitable years when South Carolina goes 7-5 and struggles against the "big four" on its schedule Tennessee, Georgia, Florida and Clemson this could be the type of job that chews someone up and spits them out in four years. That's where Spurrier's work is both a blessing and a curse in this coaching search. Though he made it a much more attractive situation and proved South Carolina can compete with the SEC's big boys, there is almost no tradition or history of it outside of Spurrier. On the other hand, the factors are totally different than they were a decade ago. With facilities and TV exposure essentially equal across the board, the SEC's pecking order is more dynamic now (see the success Ole Miss, Mississippi State, etc.). With that in mind, here are some candidates who make sense for South Carolina: ► Doc Holliday: He has done an incredible job at Marshall (28-6 the last 2 1/2 years), runs a fast-paced offense, has worked in the SEC (associate head coach at Florida from 2005-07) and has a unique recruiting niche in South Florida. If you can get good players out of Miami to come to a Conference USA school in West Virginia, you can get even better players to come to South Carolina. ► Matt Wells : He just keeps winning at Utah State no matter what kind of injuries and setbacks his team faces. He's taken what Gary Andersen started and elevated it to an even higher level, going 15-3 in Mountain West play. Interesting fact: Even though he grew up in Oklahoma, Wells was born in … Columbia, South Carolina. ► Tom Herman: Though the hype around Herman may be a little too big given the fact he's spent all of five games as a head coach (and came into a ready-made winning situation at Houston), the former Ohio State offensive coordinator has an excellent future. Don't overlook this fact: Herman was responsible for recruiting the Atlanta area while he was at Ohio State. The next South Carolina coach will desperately need those connections. ► Justin Fuente: Several insiders who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter told USA TODAY Sports that Eastman & Beaudine search firm has the inside track on handling the South Carolina opening. This is the firm that helped place Fuente at Memphis. Connect the dots. ► Willie Fritz: He's 13-4 at Georgia Southern and is well on his way to running over the Sun Belt Conference again with a high-powered, innovative offense that has scored more than 40 points in four straight games. ► Brent Venables: Not only would South Carolina hire one of the best defensive coaches in college football, it would strike a direct blow to in-state rival Clemson. ► Kirby Smart: The Alabama defensive coordinator has come up for years in SEC circles when people speculate about the South Carolina job. It still makes sense. ► Jeremy Pruitt: Georgia's defensive coordinator has lost some luster in recent weeks given the Bulldogs' performances, but he's destined to be a big-time head coach somewhere in the next five years. ► Mark Dantonio: This would be a big swing, and only even remotely possible because Dantonio is a South Carolina alum. Still, he hasn't maintained a close connection with the school since then, and there's no reason to think he would leave Michigan State for this job. ► Mark Stoops: Is Kentucky to South Carolina a big enough jump up? Maybe not, but it's a jump. ► Bob Stoops: Hey, why not ask? He's BFFs with the HBC, and it may be time for a fresh start. Plus, the idea of Stoops in the SEC would be fascinating. | 1 | 95,058 | sports |
The death toll from the double suicide bombing in Ankara now stands at 99, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on Wednesday, lightly raising the previous toll of 97 people. "Ninety-nine people were killed. Ninety-four corpses have been returned to the families and four corpses are to be given to families who have been informed," Davutoglu told Show TV in an interview. He said that one Palestinian was also killed in the attack and Turkey was waiting for his family to take the body. Davutoglu did not detail under what circumstances the increase in the death toll came about. In the worst attack in modern Turkey's history, two suicide bombers blew themselves up in a crowd of peace activists in the capital Ankara on Saturday. Turkish media reports said Wednesday that the two bombers have been identified as Yunus Emre Alagoz, the brother of the man who carried out a similar attack in the town of Suruc in July killing 34, and Omer Deniz Dundar who had twice been to Syria in recent times. Davutoglu said on Monday that Islamic State (IS) was the prime suspect in the bombing but has also refused to rule out that Kurdish or leftist militants could be involved. | 5 | 95,059 | news |
Six people have been arrested in connection with the death of Lucas Leonard, 19, authorities say. CNN's Jason Carroll reports. | 8 | 95,060 | video |
For those lucky enough to ride in a first class cabin, a 20-hour flight is actually something to look forward to. AirlineRatings.com , which rates airlines on the level of comfort and safety they provide to passengers, recently ranked the top 10 airlines with the best first class cabins. From multi-room suites to double beds covered in plush linens, here's a look inside the cushiest first class cabins in the world. 1. Emirates Business class cabins on Emirates have privacy doors, personal mini bars, and ambient lighting for maximum relaxation. Each seat converts to a fully flat mattress. On longer flights, take advantage of the onboard shower spa stocked with Bvlgari toiletries, or stretch your legs and grab a drink in the first and business class lounge. 2. Etihad Airways On Etihad Airways , cabins feature Poltrona Frau leather seats, ambient lighting, personal wardrobes, and a chilled drinks cabinet. Guests looking for the ultimate experience in luxury can stay in The Residence an upper deck cabin on the A380 airbus that has a living room, separate double bedroom, ensuite shower room, personal butler, and chef. 3. Japan Airlines Each wood grain and leather cabin on Japan Airlines ' 777 is designed with custom airweave bedding, a retractable privacy partition, and a 23-inch personal TV screen. Meals are prepared by chefs like Seiji Yamamoto, known for his three-Michelin star restaurant, Ryugin, in Tokyo. 4. Lufthansa Lufthansa's first class suites include ergonomically shaped seats, lie-flat beds with a mattress topper, pillow, and duvet, and in-flight entertainment in up to eight languages. The wine list is curated by sommelier Markus Del Monego and caviar is served. 5. Singapore Airlines The seats on Singapore Airlines are 35 inches wide, with a bed length of 82 inches and curved side panels for privacy. Passengers are treated to pajamas and bedroom slippers as they relax in the ambient mood lighting. Each seat has a vanity corner with a mirror so you can freshen up before you disembark. 6. Qantas International first class suites on Australia's Qantas airline are designed with lie-flat beds measuring 6.5 feet long. The mattress is made of plush sheepskin and the seat and leg rest are adjustable. There's even an ottoman so you can have a guest in your cabin. Dining options include an eight-course tasting menu or an à la carte menu designed by Chef Neil Perry, with selections from Quantas' award-winning wine list . 7. SWISS Swiss International Air Lines' first class armchairs are available on long-haul flights and can be turned into a lounge armchair, a table for two, or a 6.5 foot bed with a mattress and privacy walls. Passengers are given pajamas by Zimmerli of Switzerland and toiletry bags that contain socks, eye masks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, earplugs, and skincare products by La Prairie. 8. Korean Air Korean Air's first class cabins offer a variety of seating options. The Kosmo Suite 2.0 includes a sliding door that's see-through on the inside, a 9.4-inch partition, and a 79-inch seat. Kosmo Suite seats are 26.5 inches wide and have adjustable back support, a footrest, and one-touch controls to change positions. There's also a Kosmo Sleeper with a 78-inch lie-flat bed and a Sleeper Ottoman with a 180-degree lie-flat bed on B777-300, A330-300, and A330-200 aircrafts. Seats come with personal LCD screens, individual reading lamps, and free noise-canceling headphones. 9. All Nippon Airways ANA (All Nippon Airways) offers first class passengers a cabin with comfortable seating, a large adjustable dining table, and an adjustable cocktail table. What sets this cabin apart is its storage. There's a mini closet for your jacket and shoes, a space underneath the ottoman for baggage, and multiple compartments for smaller items. Seats have two LED personal lights, international telephones with personal satellites to make calls in privacy, a "do not disturb" light, USB port, and 23-inch LCD wide-screen monitor. 10. Thai Airways Guests flying Royal First Class on Thai Airways are greeted with chilled Champagne and caviar. The Airbus A380s and newly remodeled Boeing 747s feature semi-private suites that are almost eight feet long. Seats are either 23 or 27 inches wide on the 747 and Airbus A380, respectively. Chairs convert to 180-degree lie-flat beds, in-flight entertainment systems boast 23-inch flat screes with over 300 programs, and passengers can relax with a full-body massage at the Royal First Lounge of Bankgkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport before their flight. | 2 | 95,061 | travel |
KANSAS CITY, Mo. Johnny Cueto knew the Kansas City Royals had wagered much of their future on him, trading away a bevy of prospects in late July so that he could pitch in moments like this. The decisive game of a playoff series, their season on the line. He responded with a masterpiece on his biggest stage yet, eight dominant innings Wednesday night that allowed the resilient Royals to rally once more for a 7-2 victory over the Houston Astros that sent them back to the American League Championship Series. BOX SCORE: ROYALS 7, ASTROS 2 "I woke up today on the right foot," Cueto said. "As soon as I woke up, I felt something magic, that this was Game 5 and I had to show up for everybody, for this team and the fans." Cueto allowed two hits, a single by Evan Gattis followed by Luis Valbuena's second-inning homer, before retiring the final 19 batters he faced. He struck out eight without a walk in the kind of clutch performance the Royals expected when they got him from the Reds. When Wade Davis breezed through the ninth, the Royals poured onto the field to celebrate. "Johnny Cueto was unbelievable," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "He knew the magnitude of this game. I think we all did. And he came out from the first pitch and had everything going." The defending AL champs will host the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 1 on Friday night. The teams have met once before in the ALCS with the Royals winning in seven games in 1985 -- they would go on to beat the St. Louis Cardinals for their only World Series triumph. "They're a great team," Davis said. "It'll be a fun series to watch." The Royals trailed the Astros 2-1 in the fifth when Alex Rios led another comeback with a go-ahead, two-run double. Eric Hosmer and Ben Zobrist also drove in runs, and Kendrys Morales capped the festive night with a three-run homer off Dallas Keuchel in the eighth to put it away. Collin McHugh (1-1), who won the divisional series opener for Houston, allowed three runs in four-plus innings. His bullpen fared little better just two days after it blew a four-run, eighth-inning lead to send the series back to Kauffman Stadium for Game 5. "The good version of Johnny Cueto is really tough," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "Hats off to him. He pitched a great game. ... We didn't scratch much off him." Nothing, actually, after the second inning. And even that came thanks in part to a rare series of lapses by the Royals defense that briefly quieted a charged Kansas City crowd. With two outs in the second, Gattis sent a slow hopper down the line that third baseman Mike Moustakas fielded cleanly. But with plenty of time, his throw across the infield went wide, and first baseman Hosmer had the ball pop from his glove trying to make a swipe tag. On the next pitch, Valbuena sent his two-run homer streaking into the Astros bullpen. It wasn't until the fourth that Kansas City got a run back, on back-to-back singles by Cain and Hosmer. But by the fifth, the Royals had figured out McHugh's darting curveball. Salvador Perez was hit by a pitch, and Alex Gordon hit a ground-rule double to right. Hinch brought in Mike Fiers in relief, and Rios sent a double bouncing down the chalk of the third-base line, scoring two runs and giving the Royals the lead. Following a sacrifice bunt, Zobrist's lazy sacrifice fly made it 4-2. That was plenty of support for Cueto, who was acquired from the Reds for a package of left-handed prospects just before the July 31 trade deadline precisely for moments like this. Mixing quick-pitch fastballs with hesitation changeups, Cueto made the Astros look foolish most of the night. He jawed with Houston outfielder Carlos Gomez, strutted around like a Wild West gunfighter, and had the unmistakable swagger of an October ace. After all, Cueto was finally proving that he was one. "After the homer he settled in. He was able to use deception, quick-pitch, slow us down and disrupt our timing," Astros slugger George Springer said. "He's got electric stuff." Cueto's star turn came after going 0-2 in his first four postseason starts, including a forgettable outing in Game 2 against Houston. He allowed four runs in six innings in that game, though Kansas City's offense and its stingy bullpen ultimately bailed him out. There was no need for any help this time. Cueto was good enough on his own. "Tonight was Cueto's night," Hinch said. "We didn't get a baserunner after the second, is that right? By my book. I thought the crowd got behind him, and he pitches with emotion. He rose to the occasion. This was his night." | 1 | 95,062 | sports |
Oleg Deripaska, president of aluminium producer Rusal, says Russia still relies upon state-owned businesses and government actions. | 3 | 95,063 | finance |
The European Space Agency's Mars Express has captured an image of the southern part of Mars that showcases many distinct geographic features in detail. | 8 | 95,064 | video |
Capitalizing on your lunch hour as often as possible is important. That doesn't need to mean spending a ton of money or even spending a full hour of time. It does, however, mean doing more than scarfing down a PB&J at your desk. Lunch is an opportunity to give yourself a break physically, mentally, and emotionally and energize yourself for even better work in the afternoon. You know the basics get outside, step away from your desk, eat something healthy but delicious that will give you energy rather than bog you down. If you're ready to take it a step further, here are some unusual methods that will rejuvenate you for the day and possibly even week ahead. 1. Jump on a trampoline. Yes, I'm actually serious. Few things are as mentally freeing as jumping on a trampoline, not to mention that it will actually give you a great workout. There are indoor trampoline facilities like Sky Zone Trampoline Park all over the country, and you can pop in anytime during "open jump" hours. Any exercise is great for releasing tension and refreshing you mentally, but doing something out of the ordinary like this is particularly effective. 2. Network with someone outside your comfort zone. I know, I know, "networking" can often feel like just more work.But more often than not, it's a fun and interesting way to step outside your day-to-day responsibilities and learn about someone else's. Reach out to someone who has a comparable position at a similar company and compare notes, or talk to someone who works at a company where you'd like to do some freelance work. People seem to be amazed by this, but you *can* actually use LinkedIn (or the Levo Profile) for its purpose connecting with other humans! 3. Unplug completely. Talk about out of the ordinary. No matter where I go for lunch I find myself surrounded by individuals scarfing down a sandwich, gyro, bowl of noodles, you name it with one hand and responding to emails with the other. You might as well have just stayed at your desk. Even if you're not necessarily responding to work emails say you're playing Drop 7 you're not actually giving your brain a break. Staring at screens is designed to engage and stimulate your brain, and doing so for extended periods of time can strain your eyes and cause headaches. Instead, take a long walk, sit in a park and people watch, or read or listen to a book. I promise you'll feel way more refreshed afterward. 4. Go ice skating. One of the only things I like about colder weather is the increased availability of ice rinks. When I worked right next to Rockefeller Center, I could dip out during lunch and get a solid half hour skate in, and it was absolutely glorious. Nothing but gliding around in circles, clearing my head, trying to do spins that are far outside my ability, and unconsciously getting one of the best workouts ever. We can't all be 30 Rock-adjacent, but if you have a skating rink near your office, take advantage. It will be the most rejuvenating lunch hour you've ever had. 5. Volunteer. Hey, you know what else is refreshing? Helping people! It also has the added benefit of forcing you to step outside your world and realize that the "crisis" at your office is actually pretty inconsequential. There are approximately one trillion ways to do this, so check out VolunteerMatch.org to find causes and volunteer opportunities in your area. 6. Get pampered. Only after you've done some volunteering, you can be a little selfish and buy yourself a nice hour of midday salon time. Grab a quick manicure, get a blowout so you're ready for Thursday happy hour, do a half-hour massage, or even get your makeup done. If any of these things is going to make you storm back into the office and be more productive with the remaining hours in the day, it is absolutely worth it. | 4 | 95,065 | lifestyle |
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- The Arizona Coyotes traded one of their most most popular and enduring players to get Anthony Duclair, whose first season with them is getting off to a rollicking start. Duclair scored the game's first two goals en route to his first career hat trick, leading the Coyotes to a 4-0 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday night. "He had a solid training camp, but the great thing about him is that he's gotten better and better," coach Dave Tippett said. "For young guys, there's lots to learn in camp and lots to take in, zand I give really give him credit. His biggest strengths are speed and skill. And on all of his goals tonight, he shot the puck quick." BOX SCORE: COYOTES 4, DUCKS 0 Duclair, who had only one goal in 20 previous NHL games, completed his hat trick on a short wrist shot with 9:03 left in the second period. The 20-year-old left wing was acquired last March in a multiplayer deal that sent defenseman Keith Yandle to the New York Rangers. "Getting traded was a bit of a shock," Duclair said. "When you're a young guy and sort of a prospect, you don't expect to get traded. I guess that comes with the business of hockey, but after that I was excited. I talked to (general manager) Don Maloney, and came to the rookie camp and just felt a great vibe here. "Obviously, getting traded for a guy like Keith obviously comes with some pressure," Duclair added. "But by no means am I trying to replace him. I just come to the rink and work as hard as I can every day. We have a special group in this locker room, and that it that much more fun." Mike Smith made 37 saves for his 28th career shutout, rookie Max Domi had a goal and an assist and Martin Hanzal had three assists for the Coyotes, who are off to a 3-0 start for the first time since 2003-04. Last season they lost 50 games for the only time since the franchise relocated from Winnipeg to Arizona for the 1996-97 campaign. "We've got a good balance of speed and skill, we're scoring some goals, we're defending hard and playing the right way. And it's paying off for us," Tippett said. Smith, whose shutout was his first since March 4, 2014, has stopped 104 of the 106 shots he's faced in his first three starts. The 10-year veteran had a league-worst 42 losses last season while giving up a league-worst 147 goals and finishing with a 9.04 save percentage. The Ducks, who have won three straight Pacific Division titles and finished with the best record in the Western Conference in each of the past two seasons, are winless in their first three games following a 2-0 defeat at San Jose and a 2-1 shootout loss at Vancouver in the home opener. The Ducks had gone 8-0-2 against the Coyotes since a 5-3 loss in the 2012-13 regular-season finale. "We didn't win the battles," Ducka coach Bruce Boudreau said. "When you go into the corners and yuou don't come up with the puck, it's because the will of the other team is greater than your will. And we're not used to that being the case. So it's back to the drawing board and seeing why those things aren't working." Anton Khudobin, playing for his fourth NHL team in seven seasons, made his Ducks debut and gave up three goals on eight shots. He was replaced by Frederik Andersen following Domi's goal at 12:53 of the opening period. The Coyotes' began their early barrage when Hanzal won a faceoff deep in the Anaheim zone and Duclair beat Khudobin with a 35-foot shot from the slot at 3:16 of the first. "We want to play fast and physical, especially in a road game. That was the key early on tonight," Duclair said. "I give credit to my linemates and the rest of my teammates for doing a good job of making some space for me and making it much easier." Ducks forward Carl Hagelin was sent off for slashing Oliver Ekman-Larsson at 10:04 of the period, and Duclair poked the puck under Khudobin's leg during the ensuing power play. Domi, the 12th overall pick in the 2013 draft, made it 3-0 about three minutes later. He beat Khudobin high to the glove side with a 25-foot backhander after getting a drop pass from Mikkel Boedker. NOTES: Andersen stopped Domi on a breakaway at 7:27 of the second period and finished with 20 saves. . Bobby Francis coached the Coyotes to their last 3-0 start, but they were winless in their next nine games and won only 17 more games before Francis was fired with 20 games left on the 03-04 schedule. ... Anaheim D Clayton Stoner was scratched because of a lower body injury. . Ducks D Kevin Bieksa played in his 600th regular-season game. | 1 | 95,066 | sports |
Michael Zullo says he's ready for his Melbourne City debut. The ex-Socceroo has big dreams for his time in the A-League. | 8 | 95,067 | video |
CNN Meteorologist Pedram Javaheri breaks down exactly what is the El Niño weather pattern. | 8 | 95,068 | video |
Myanmar has signed a ceasefire with eight ethnic minority rebel groups in a step towards ending decades of civil war. The move was weakened by the refusal of several other armed groups to join the deal, despite more than two years of negotiations. The truce was a key goal of President Thein Sein in advance of November elections, which are likely to sweep his army-backed party from power. Thein Sein signed the agreement on Thursdasy in the capital, Naypyidaw, in a televised signing ceremony attended by the army chief and rebel representatives in ethnic dresses. The refusal of the larger armies, such as the Kachin and Wa, to sign it prevented Thein Sein from reaching what he had hoped would be the crowning achievement of his five-year term. Nevertheless, the agreement, called the National Ceasefire Agreement, is seen as a first step towards ending six decades of fighting between the government, dominated by the Burmese majority, and various minority ethnic groups demanding autonomy and control over their natural resources. Ethnic groups, representing 40 percent of the country's 52 million people, have found themselves victims of military abuses and discrimination in areas spanning from health and education to road construction and access to electricity. "The National Ceasefire Agreement is a landmark gift from us to the generations of the future," Thein Sein said at the signing ceremony. "Even though the agreement is not nationwide yet, we will try harder to gain the agreement with other groups." Myanmar surprised the world by opening politically and economically in 2011 following a half-century of harsh military rule. But early reforms have since either stalled or started rolling backward. That has raised he stakes for getting ceasefire deals with all ethnic armies, one of Thein Sein's biggest pledges. | 5 | 95,069 | news |
Workers at the brothel where basketball star Lamar Odom was found unconscious said he had been using cocaine and an herbal sexual stimulant. Rough Cut (no reporter narration) | 8 | 95,070 | video |
Two women and a young girl go on a safari in their car, stopping to take a closer look at some rams. The experience begins to shift when one of the rams jumps on the hood of the car. The ram continues to push the boundaries of where he is allowed to go, and the two women frantically attempt to safely remove him from their vehicle. | 8 | 95,071 | video |
Prompted by the individual brilliance of true sophomore LSU running back Leonard Fournette, the NFL's draft eligibility rule (the Rule) is now a discussion point in football conversations, as if brought out of mothballs after sitting dormant for years. I have always found it interesting that rules such as this one with eligibility only granted to players at least three years removed from high school can be in place for decades and accepted as the norm until, of course, an exceptional case comes along and sparks the debate. Indeed, there was scant talk of the Rule six weeks ago, before Fournette's weekly breakout performances and the knowledge that he is prohibited entering the NFL until 2017 inserted the Rule into the discussion. Let's examine. Sotomayor Save From a legal perspective, the Rule faced a previous attack and potential eclipse eleven years ago. Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett was, like Fournette, a player demonstrating NFL-ready skills at a (per the Rule) NFL not-ready age. Clarett then took a bold step that Fournette is virtually certain not take; he went from being a running back to being a litigant. Clarett v. NFL was brought as an antitrust lawsuit challenging the legal validity of the Rule. There were lawyers. Clarett actually defeated the NFL in the district court, which found the Rule to be an antitrust violation, causing widespread panic in the league. As general counsel of the Packers, I had a steady stream of executives, coaches, scouts and administrators in my office asking questions such as: What does this mean? Do we have to start scouting true sophomores? True freshmen? High school players? We're going to hire a bunch of new scouts, right? As I tried to get everyone to take a deep breath, the NFL scouting community felt the world, as they knew it, had ended. The NFL did its best to tamp down the panic meter, assuring teams that the decision would not stand upon appeal to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals (sound familiar?). And they were correct: the Second Circuit suspended the lower court ruling, opining the Rule "was necessary to safeguard the NFL from harm" in an opinion was written by now-Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor ( Thank you, Sonia! rattled through NFL league and team offices). Clarett did not appeal to the United States Supreme Court and went from an erstwhile champion of sports law and potential first-round pick as a sophomore to a man without a team and the last pick of the third round in the subsequent draft (to the Broncos) before washing out soon thereafter. But for an NFL-friendly Second Circuit Court of Appeals and Judge Sotomayor Clarett could have been a sports law game changer. But alas, the Rule was sanctioned, and is now embodied in the recent CBA as Article 6, Section 2(b). • THE MMQB ROUNDTABLE: SARAH THOMAS, SUPER BOWL PICKS, THE RACE FOR L.A.: Peter King, Andrew Brandt, Jenny Vretnas and Robert Klemko weigh in on some of the NFL's topics of the moment. To Play or to Preserve The very moment Jadeveon Clowney imploded that poor Michigan running back in a New Year's Day 2013 bowl game, I said to no one in particular: "Game over; he's the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft (16 months later)." There seemed little, other than a catastrophic injury, that could have derailed his ascension to the draft's top pick, which would have been in 2013 but for the Rule. And, of course, what followed was a 2013 season at South Carolina saturated with questions about his motivation and phantom injuries, all of which did nothing to deter the Texans from drafting Clowney first overall. This past Saturday, Georgia running back Nick Chubb suffered a serious knee injury. Chubb had displayed NFL-ready skills last year as a replacement for Todd Gurley, who had shown NFL-ready skills the year before. Of course, in both cases, the players were unable to apply for the draft following those breakout seasons. Another collegiate star who suffered an injury this year, UCLA linebacker (and sometimes running back) Myles Jack a year ahead of Chubb and able to enter the 2016 draft has already left college to prepare for his next play to be a paid one. Now comes Fournette, clearly an imposing talent no matter the age, who is unable to enter the NFL next year as per the Rule. Although Fournette certainly does not appear willing to engage in a legal challenge as Clarett did, there have and will continue to be suggestions that Fournette shut down competitive football in January and spend next year at a draft-preparatory facility (there are many) with expenses covered by one of many willing agents. Fournette's tweet on the subject "I will never jump ship... I'm drowning with my brothers" indicates the chances of that happening are remote. However, the day will come where this unintended consequence of the Rule, for the rare player of that age and ability, does occur, setting precedent that the NFL and NCAA would not at all like. Running Back Redux Having been on all sides of the business of football, I feel for Fournette and Clarett, Gurley and Chubb more than I did for Clowney or players at other positions. Running backs have the shortest shelf life of any position and teams are showing an increasing reluctance to not only reward them with third contracts but even with lucrative second contracts. The Cowboys' handling of DeMarco Murray is a stark illustration of the cutthroat treatment plan teams consider with running backs: Murray had high usage while playing on his fixed and reasonable rookie contract and then was allowed, perhaps encouraged, to play elsewhere when his free agent status demanded higher wages for older years. Despite outliers such as Adrian Peterson and Frank Gore, the NFL running back position continues to get younger (and cheaper). There has been talk of unionization of college players, and there was even a favorable early ruling that Northwestern football players could unionize (although the NLRB muted that process). Running backs face career challenges that call for a union of their own. From a purely business perspective, there is some benefit to Fournette saving the 300-plus carries he would project to have in 2016 for use by a high-paying NFL team rather than a non-paying college one. With only so many productive carries in a career, the argument can be made that he not give away a percentage of those in the name of school spirit rather than what is best for his financial future. Again, that is the stark business approach, one that the NFL, the NCAA (and certainly LSU) does not want to hear. As to those stakeholders. • BARGAIN-BIN BRADY: He has four Super Bowl rings and a legitimate claim to the title of 'greatest quarterback to ever play,' yet Tom Brady is compensated like a low-end journeyman starter. Andrew Brandt breaks down Brady's deal. Rule Beneficiaries The purpose behind the Rule as explained to me by both NFL and NFLPA leadership is to protect college players presumed emotionally or physically not yet ripe for the brutality of the NFL. Fournette's rare ability, however, points to the arbitrary nature of the Rule. As any parent with more than one child knows, everyone matures at a different pace; there is no standardization to physical or emotional maturity. To say that all second-year collegiate players are not ready for the NFL but then magically ready when the clock turns past their third year is certainly arbitrary. Beyond the players, however, the Rule (1) allows NFL team scouting operations to focus on a finite number of players, and (2) protects NFL general managers prone to take chances on younger players for "upside" from themselves, and (3) preserves an important relationship with the NCAA, home of the NFL's built-in developmental system. The NCAA wisely relented on another "rule" affecting Fournette this past weekend, allowing him to sell his jersey and donate the proceeds to South Carolina flood victims; LSU's athletic department initially believed he could not. Whether it was a knee-jerk response to public shaming or an effort to get on the good side of Fournette, who is stuck with them for at least another year, the move made obvious sense. Low Priority Now that collegiate unionization efforts have stalled, one has to wonder: Who is going to advocate for the interests of Fournette and players like him? The NFLPA already sacrificed incoming rookie pay in the 2011 CBA negotiations; they are certainly not going to make draft eligibility a priority in the next CBA. And even if they did, of course, the NFL would want something in return. The Rule, which is not going anywhere, will remain a topic of discussion as long as Fournette continues to rack up mammoth performances. At some point, however, discussion of the Rule will fade and lie dormant again, perhaps for years, until the next Fournette another transcendent talent less than three years removed from high school emerges. | 1 | 95,072 | sports |
Want to creep out your friends and family on Halloween? Then try these treats that look like body parts! Keri Lumm (@thekerilumm) shares some ideas. | 8 | 95,073 | video |
High-flying streaming video titan Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) reported mixed third-quarter results on Wednesday afternoon. While overall subscriber growth and profit came in roughly in line with the company's guidance, domestic growth slowed again in Q3 after two quarters of acceleration. For most companies, Netflix's results would have been perfectly satisfactory. However, Netflix isn't most companies. Naturally, investors are feeling a bit of a letdown after Netflix's strong first-half performance caused the stock to more than double since January. Netflix YTD Stock Performance, data by YCharts Netflix's quarter by the numbers During Q3, Netflix's revenue totaled $1.74 billion, while earnings per share reached $0.07. Analysts (on average) had been expecting slightly better performance on both metrics: revenue of $1.75 billion and EPS of $0.08. The results were also roughly in line with the guidance Netflix had provided back in July. Once again, Netflix's international operations outperformed the company's expectations. The company added 2.74 million subscribers in its foreign markets: 14% ahead of the guidance for an increase of 2.4 million in its international subscriber count. International revenue of $517 million was slightly behind Netflix's guidance of $524 million because of the strong dollar. Nevertheless, the company's international contribution loss was better than expected at $68 million -- Netflix had projected a $77 million contribution loss. Growth was less than stellar in the domestic market, though. Netflix added 0.88 million domestic streaming subscribers in Q3, down from 0.98 million a year earlier. (Additionally, adding 0.98 million subscribers last summer was considered a weak performance at the time.) Netflix's domestic growth is slowing again. Photo: The Motley Fool. Despite Netflix's slower-than-expected domestic subscriber growth, domestic streaming revenue and contribution profit fell only slightly below the company's guidance. Looking ahead Netflix's initial guidance for the fourth quarter calls for 1.65 million domestic streaming subscriber additions, down from 1.9 million a year earlier. On the flip side, Netflix expects to record international subscriber growth of 3.5 million in Q4, up from 2.43 million in Q4 2014. The impact of Netflix's ongoing international expansion will thus more than offset slowing domestic growth. That said, Netflix has been consistently losing money in its international operations because of its rapid expansion and the high costs of getting started in a new market. Netflix launched in Japan last month and is launching in Spain, Italy, and Portugal during October. As a result, it expects to report a bigger loss than ever ($117 million) in the international streaming segment this quarter. Meanwhile, slower subscriber growth in the profitable domestic market means potentially slower gains in contribution profit there. Netflix therefore expects its operating income to decline sequentially from $74 million last quarter to $49 million this quarter, reducing EPS for the fourth quarter to just $0.02. Of course, it's possible that Netflix will record a blowout fourth-quarter performance, as it has frequently done in the past. The company blamed its slowing domestic growth in part on the transition to chip-based credit and debit cards in the U.S., which caused card numbers to change and thereby prevented Netflix from collecting subscription fees. If that's true, then it should be a very short-term issue. Once people realize their Netflix subscriptions are being canceled because of receiving a new card, they should update their payment information to rejoin the service. On the other hand, if growth continues to slow, it could represent the first sign that Netflix is starting to saturate the U.S. market. 3 Companies Poised to Explode When Cable Dies Cable is dying. And there are 3 stocks that are poised to explode when this faltering $2.2 trillion industry finally bites the dust. Just like newspaper publishers, telephone utilities, stockbrokers, record companies, bookstores, travel agencies, and big box retailers did when the Internet swept away their business models. And when cable falters, you don't want to miss out on these 3 companies that are positioned to benefit. Click here for their names. Hint: They're not the ones you'd think! | 3 | 95,074 | finance |
ANAHEIM A month ago, the Arizona Coyotes were arguably among the NHL's least exciting teams, destined for the basement of the Pacific Division and not much else. Such a notion looks ridiculous now. Arizona's young stars are leading the charge to put the NHL on notice: The Coyotes have come to play. Look no further than their third consecutive win to open the season Wednesday night, when 20-year-old Anthony Duclair recorded his first career hat trick by the midway point of a 4-0 Coyotes victory against the Anaheim Ducks . "It's very special," Duclair said after the game. "Even just sharing it with these guys. We have a special group in this locker room and it makes it that much more fun. The veterans here have done a great job of easing the young guys into this team." Drafted by the Rangers in 2013, Duclair arrived in Arizona as the centerpiece of the trade that sent defenseman Keith Yandle to New York last March. The move signaled Arizona was, for better or worse, going younger, taking seriously the task of injecting energy, speed and, well, life into the Coyotes' lineup. "One of our things, we've tried to play fast all season," said head coach Dave Tippett. "We want to be fast in our zone, fast in the neutral zone, fast to their net. We made a couple good plays there (tonight). We were solid throughout the game." Duclair wasn't the only young gun to have a night in Anaheim. Linemate Max Domi had an equally strong showing, grabbing a goal and an assist. "Collectively, we've done a pretty good job of understanding each other and getting some chemistry going," Domi said. "We have a pretty special group here and we know that, and speed is one our things and we're trying to use that to our advantage." Center Martin Hanzal, their other linemate, has been helping them along. The veteran missed much of last season following back surgery and was thrilled to be healthy again, let alone anchoring such a promising top line. "Those younger guys are so fast, and we're trying to use their skill," he said. "Max and Duc, they're so smart; it's so nice to watch them. I'm just standing in front of the net, watching them make plays. We didn't play one game together in the preseason, but it has just clicked." For a team not initially pegged to be a major player, the Coyotes now have defeated the Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Ducks to start the season. But 79 regular season contests await, and standing pat is not an option for the youth of Arizona. "They are really working hard and playing a strong team game and trying to fit in, but we need their (continued) speed and skill," Tipplett said. "You have speed and skill that allows (us) to score some goals and that (also) extenuates when you have (others) defending in front of your net. We have a good balance, and we're playing the right way." Follow Kristen Shilton on Twitter @kristen_shilton . | 1 | 95,075 | sports |
It's "unheard of" for a mother so close to childbirth to adopt an infant. But one chimpanzee in Australia doesn't care much for what humans have heard. | 5 | 95,076 | news |
From Hollywood to New York and everywhere in between, see what your favorite stars are up to! GROOVY, BABY Olivia Wilde and Bobby Cannavale are seen filming scenes for their retro TV series Vinyl in N.Y.C. on Wednesday. OPEN WIDE Hungry? Katherine Heigl is happy with a handful of French fries on the set of her TV movie Doubt in New York City on Wednesday. PICTURE PERFECT Actresses Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett get selfie-aware with Carol director Todd Haynes at the gala screening of their film at the London Film Festival on Wednesday. DRESSED TO IMPRESS The ever-stylish Nick Cannon lights the Empire State Building blue in honor of St. Mary's Healthcare System for Children in N.Y.C. on Wednesday. STRAIGHT CHEESIN' Spotted: Gabrielle Union smiling for the cameras on Wednesday as she stops by The Meredith Vieira Show in N.Y.C. HATS OFF Newlywed Jennifer Aniston leaves her N.Y.C. hotel in a boho-chic ensemble on Wednesday. TAKE A BITE Following his arrest in Austin, Texas, on Friday, Shia LaBeouf and girlfriend Mia Goth walk hand-in-hand Tuesday after grabbing food in Sherman Oaks, California. SNOW WHITE As her family copes with Lamar Odom's hospitalization stateside, Kendall Jenner makes an appearance at Shanghai Fashion Week on Tuesday. BOSS MAN Congrats are in order for Tom Brady! The football player celebrates his new gig as Tag Heuer's brand ambassador on Tuesday in N.Y.C. BURNT OUT They're in the hot seats! Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller answer questions about their upcoming film Burnt following its L.A. screening on Tuesday. AND THE NOMINEES ARE … Joe Jonas, along with Charlie Puth, announces the nominees for this year's American Music Awards on Good Morning America in N.Y.C. on Tuesday. ALL ABOUT THAT GLOW Following her adorable pregnancy announcement, Chrissy Teigen shows off her blossoming baby bump while attending La Mer's Celebration of an Icon event in Hollywood on Tuesday. GIRL THING Is there a new squad to envy? Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Richie and Kate Hudson get their hugs in Tuesday at the La Mer bash. TAKE THE STAGE Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons feels the music during the band's performance in Munich, Germany, on Tuesday. FRIENDLY ENCOUNTER Chelsea Handler poses alongside pro tennis player Maria Sharapova while attending a Porsche event on the athlete's behalf on Tuesday in L.A. LIV, LAUGH, LOVE Liv Tyler is spotted in N.Y.C. on Tuesday, wearing head-to-toe black and a big smile. SCREEN TIME On Tuesday, husband and wife Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany attend the N.Y.C. screening of their new joint project Shelter. GLAM GROUP Co-stars Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston and Mia Wasikowska make a terrific trio at the Bergdorf Goodman Crimson Peak window display presentation in New York City on Tuesday. PAINT THE TOWN Cumber-cuteness alert! Dressed-down actor Benedict Cumberbatch gets his contemporary art fix on Tuesday at the Frieze Art Fair in London. SAY CHEESE Vin Diesel and Ciara walk the red carpet Tuesday night at the New York City premiere of his film The Last Witch Hunter, for which she sings a song for the soundtrack. GOOD ON PAPER Alec Baldwin's daughter, model Ireland Baldwin, covets her cover at the Genlux magazine issue release party in Beverly Hills on Tuesday. EXIT THIS WAY Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban hold hands as they leave the Noel Coward Theatre on Tuesday in London after her performance in the play Photograph 51. YOUNG AT HEART Holy fountain of youth, Batman! A clean-shaven Ben Affleck and father-to-be John Legend pose for pics at the Beasts of No Nation premiere in L.A. on Tuesday. LABOR OF LOVE Cate Blanchett makes a style statement in lace at the photo call for her romantic drama Carol at the London Film Festival on Wednesday. WHAT'S COOKING? Birthday girl Ashanti whips up a dish with a little help from chef Rodrigo Bernal during her Tuesday night birthday celebration at The Carltun at Eisenhower Park in Westbury, New York. BLUE FOR YOU Jessica Chastain pops in a bright blue dress Tuesday while heading into the N.Y.C. Live! with Kelly and Michael studio. SELFIE EXPRESSION Also arriving at the N.Y.C. Live! with Kelly and Michael studio on Tuesday: Gabrielle Union, who makes time for a quick photo op. MORNING GLORY Selena Gomez is all smiles as she chats about her new album on the Elvis Duran and the Morning Show in N.Y.C. on Tuesday. LOBSTER HITS LONDON Costars Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz stun at the Tuesday premiere of The Lobster at the BFI London Film Festival. 'TIS THE SEASON Renée Zellweger gets into the Christmas spirit a few months early while filming scenes for Bridget Jones's Baby in London on Tuesday. FUR WILL FLY Cutest. Carry-on. Ever. Amanda Seyfried's furry friend Finn accompanies her to Los Angeles International Airport on Tuesday. SUCH A JEAN-IUS Eva Mendes keeps it casual as she arrives at The London hotel in Los Angeles on Tuesday. | 6 | 95,077 | entertainment |
With Patrick Kane's sexual assault investigation continuing, the Philadelphia fans booed every time Kane touched the puck on Wednesday and Alex Ovechkin benched for sleeping in. | 1 | 95,078 | sports |
Everyone needs a hobby. While running a multibillion-dollar company requires spending a lot of hours in the office, even the busiest CEOs need to do something other than work. Here are the hobbies that engage some high-profile executives. 1. Steve Wozniak plays Segway polo. The Apple co-founder is often credited as one of the creators of the high-tech sport, in which participants ride Segways instead of horses. Wozniak most recently played in July's Segway Polo World Cup in Cologne, Germany. 2. Marissa Mayer bakes cupcakes. A 2008 San Francisco Magazine profile of Mayer, now the CEO of Yahoo, revealed that she has a penchant for baking cupcakes and creating spreadsheets for all of the ingredients she needs. 3. Warren Buffett plays the ukulele. CEO of Berkshire Hathaway learned to play the ukulele when he was in college to impress a girl, and now dazzles shareholders with his skills from time to time. 4. Peter Thiel plays (virtual) chess. In a 2014 interview with Tech Republic, the PayPal co-founder said that playing chess on the internet is his favorite thing to do in his spare time. "It is some strange combination of art and science and sport, and it's somewhat addictive." 5. Marc Benioff does yoga. When he was at Oracle, Benioff started doing yoga to relieve stress. Now his cloud-computing company, Salesforce, has yoga studios in many of its offices, and classes for employees. 6. Arianna Huffington catches up on sleep. The Huffington Post co-founder tells her friends that "sleep is my greatest hobby," according to a 2011 Rolling Stone profile. She makes sure to get at least eight hours a night. 7. Dick Costolo makes honey. The former Twitter CEO hasn't been shy about one of his favorite pastimes: beekeeping. "The whole way the hive works ... is fascinating. I love just hanging out and watching them," he told Bloomberg. 8. Sergey Brin does trapeze. The Google co-founder enjoys participating in adventurous activities, including flying trapeze. He's even been known to convince some brave Google employees to try it out. | 4 | 95,079 | lifestyle |
Shin Soo-Choo talks about the Texas Rangers Game 5 loss in the ALDS to the Toronto Blue Jays. | 1 | 95,080 | sports |
Who needs postseason baseball when you have preseason hoops? In what's surely going to be the least discussed Toronto sporting event on Wednesday's calendar, the Raptors took their preseason tour on the road to Ottawa Wednesday but fell 89-87 to the Minnesota Timberwolves in front of a packed house at the Canadian Tire Centre. While the Blue Jays celebrated their first postseason series victory since 1993 back in Toronto, the Raps failed to capitalize on a strong first half and faded down the stretch by allowing the young Wolves to score at will on a lineup that seemingly mailed it in in the third quarter. The Dinos, who were up 54-43 at halftime and led by as many as 15 at one point, saw that lead cut to 77-75 at the seven minute mark of the fourth quarter before a back-and-forth stretch ensued in the remaining minutes of the final frame. With 20 seconds left and the scoreboard reading 85-82 in favour of Minnesota, Bruno Caboclo inbounded a routine pass to Patrick Patterson but the Kentucky product let it bounce right off his fingertips and sail out of bounds. There weren't any last second heroics to be had, however, as Patterson's last second three-pointer wasn't enough to even up the score. Rookie point guard Delon Wright and James Johnson led the Raptors in scoring at 11 points apiece thanks to a pair of strong efforts off the bench. Anthony Bennett continued his solid preseason by leading the Raps in boards (8) and steals (3) while looking comfortable and confident on both ends of the floor. Promising young big man Gorgui Dieng paved the way for the T-Wolves by finishing with a game-high 14 points on six-for-nine shooting. Fresh off a record setting 40 point performance against Minny on Monday, red-hot point guard Kyle Lowry received a well deserved breather on the sideline. Meanwhile, for the second time in as many games, Bruno Caboclo effectively blocked 2015 No. 1 pick Karl-Anthony Towns. What a time to be alive. Toronto now sits at 3-2 in the preseason and has two remaining games on tap against the Cleveland Cavaliers (Oct. 18) and the Washington Wizards (Oct. 23) before the games really start to matter. What did you think of the game? How is your post-Blue Jays celebration hangover treating you at work? Let us know in the comments. | 1 | 95,081 | sports |
It's the end of a fierce era. On Wednesday Tyra tweeted that "America's Next Top Model" would end after cycle 22. | 8 | 95,082 | video |
Twin baby boys sit in an empty inflatable pool and giggle hysterically at their Pomeranian puppy who repeatedly jumps up to get a treat from its mom. The boys watch closely as their dog jumps in and out of the pool trying to catch the snack. Nothing is cuter than a clip with twin babies and a pomeranian! | 8 | 95,083 | video |
The FTSE 100 slide has left big-name stocks on mind-boggling yields of 6% or 7%, notably in the stricken banking, supermarket, oil and mining sectors. The danger is that sky-high yields can come crashing down to earth, as investors in Barclays , Lloyds Banking Group , and Tesco know to their cost. They can also make investors a bit sniffy about companies offering less dramatic but potentially more sustainable dividends, like the four companies I'm going to discuss today. Income From Life A few years ago insurance giant Aviva (LSE: AV) was yielding 7% or 8%, and that certainly proved to be unsustainable. As the company struggled to turn performance around and catch up with runaway rivals such as Legal & General and Prudential , the dividend was an inevitable victim. Today, it yields just 3.93%. Aviva is the most disappointing stock in my portfolio, suffering endless false starts. It's making steady progress towards becoming a leaner, meaner business, and appears to have integrated Friends Life reasonably smoothly. Half-year profits rose 9% to £1.17bn, allowing management to hike its interim dividend by a progressive 15% to 6.75p. Charles Stanley recently described Aviva as "too cheap to ignore" at a forecast eight times earnings per share for 2017, and set to yield 6.5%. The future looks brighter for Aviva, but where have I heard that before? Smoke Signals British American Tobacco (LSE: BATS) is seen as one of the most solid dividend stocks on the FTSE 100 but it certainly isn't spectacular, currently yielding 3.93%. Top investors such as Neil Woodford are addicted to its dependably smooth income, as smokers stick to their habit through good times and bad. I am more wary, given the successful anti-smoking campaigns in the West. Emerging markets now account for 70% of sales but smoking could also fall there as populations become richer and better educated. The emerging market currency slump has hit British American Tobacco's revenues when converted into sterling, although its strategy of cutting costs and focusing on premium brands has limited the damage. It is also seizing share as volumes fall. The interim dividend was up a steady 4% and should remain dependable but I am still wary of investing in what is ultimately a dying product. United Stands Up Stocks like water company United Utilities (LSE: UU) aren't supposed to shoot the lights out, but it is up 65% over five years, and 17% over the last 12 months. It still yields a healthy 3.89% although at 18.64 times earnings it can no longer be described as cheap. Ofwat's recently-announced five-year framework, which sets out how much water companies can charge, gives investors an unusually clear view of the future. United Utilities plans to increases dividend by at least RPI inflation until 2020, down from RPI +2% in the previous five years, but that should still be enough to whet most income investors' appetites. Setting Standards Standard Life (LSE: SL) has been hit by the recent FTSE 100 sell-off, falling 13% in three months. That has helped the yield, which is now a tempting 4.28%. The valuation is alarmingly expensive, however, at more than 25 times earnings. Standard Life has evolved from a traditional life insurer to a fee-based asset manager and has benefited from changing pension fashions, such as the move away from final salary schemes into defined contributions, and the introduction of the government-backed auto-enrolment scheme. Today's turbulent markets may harm net inflows but it is well-placed to withstand the volatility. Management recently lifted the interim dividend by 7.5% to 6.02p, a progressive move but that pricey valuation still worries me. Retire in comfort Never ignore the power of dividends, they can generate almost half of your total returns from investing in stocks and shares in the long run. Our latest wealth creation report focuses on top dividend stocks, picking out 5 top FTSE 100 stocks that could help you retire in comfort . These companies offer you some of the best income and growth prospects available in the UK today. The Motley Fool's 5 Shares To Retire On boast dominant market positions and global exposure to some of the fastest regions of the world. To find out the identity of these five top companies simply click here now . Harvey Jones holds shares in Aviva. He has no position in any other of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. | 3 | 95,084 | finance |
Monopoly by elite clans in Philippine politics leaves little room for reform, while some voters clamour for change. Michaela Cabrera reports. | 5 | 95,085 | news |
2016 Zero Motorcycles Lineup | FIRST LOOK A decade in the business and it looks like Zero Motorcycles is on a roll. After a year spent dramatically updating the running gear switching to Showa suspension, J-Juan brakes, and Pirelli tires and getting Bosch ABS for the first time, Zero has continued to drive its product line forward. For 2016, there are two new models, technical updates across the line, and even a new motor. All Zero models feature internal 120-volt chargers and ABS. ©Motorcyclist The Zero DSR is one of two new models for 2016. Motor Madness For 2016, Zero has improved upon its air-cooled, brushless motor. According to the company, the Interior Permanent Magnet motor provides torque more efficiently and sheds heat better than before. This is important because in our testing extended high-speed travel on the non-R models could quickly find the motors' temperature limits. When that happens, controllers begin to reduce max-available torque to keep temps in check, often resulting in limited top speeds and slower acceleration. All Zero models drive through a fiber-reinforced belt and come with internal chargers. ©Motorcyclist New this year is the Charge Tank. Charge Tank Zero has also expanded the ways some of its models can be recharged. In all by the FX-series bikes, there's a cavity above the main battery array that can be used as a storage compartment or filled with an additional battery module for increased range. New this year is the Charge Tank, which takes that physical space (meaning you can't have a Charge Tank and a Power Tank on the same bike). The Charge Tank allows use of the popular J1772 charging plug found at many Level 2 electric-car charging stations. (J1772 is an SAE standard.) Previously, the Zeros depended on internal 120-volt chargers and/or a series of external charging packs; the more packs, the faster the batteries recharged. Zero says that bikes fitted with the ZF9.8 (9.8 kWh packs) charge to 95 percent in two hours, and the ZF13.0 packs charge to the same rate in about three hours using the Charge Tank and a J1772 external charging system. That same ZF13.0 pack, fed from a single 120-volt household source, will take 10.3 hours to charge to 95 percent. Even better, the Charge Tank can be retrofitted to all non-FX 2015 models. ©Motorcyclist Zero adds the FXS, a more street-biased supermoto sporting 17-inch rollers compared to the FX's 21/18 combo. Battery Upgrades As Zero's Chief Technology Officer told us last year, there's more to battery technology than simple stated capacities. It's possible to refine each cell's chemistry to optimize capacity over raw current flow and, yes, this is an oversimplification to create the ideal balance between raw performance and capacity, which is the prime influencer of range. This year, Zero's packs have edged up slightly in capacity. For 2015, the top packs in the Zero S, for example, were the ZF9.4 and ZF12.5, signifying total capacities of 9.4 kWh and 12.5 kWh, respectively. This year, the packs are 9.8 and 13.0 kWh capacities. Adding a Power Tank to any of the applicable models (everything but the FX) results in 15.9 kWh total capacity. You could power a small city with that! About the range figures listed below. Zero offers a host of range figures for each model. We've chosen to highlight just three of the five: city, highway combined (at 55 mph), and highway combined (at 70 mph). City is just that, urban travel, stop-and-go, no sustained high speed. The combined figures assume a half-and-half use of city and highway at the stated average speed. (Zero does not list a range for our Southern California test loop, which amounts to "hit the freeway and pin it.") ©Motorcyclist 2016 Zero FXS New for '16: The Zero FXS Light and frisky, the Zero motocross-style FX was always the closet hooligan of the lineup. And now it has a more street-biased brother in the FXS, which is your basic supermoto electric bike. A what? Don't worry, it'll make sense soon enough. Instead of the 21/18-inch wheel combo the FX uses, the FXS rides on street-ready 17-inchers. We liked the FX we rode during the launch of the Zero 2015 lineup, and the supermoto should be just as fun. Both FX models use the Z-Force 75-5 motor and 420-amp controller, giving 44 hp and 70 pound-feet of torque. As before, the FX chassis carries one or two battery models, resulting in max capacities of 3.3 kWh or 6.5 kWh. ©Motorcyclist Zero FXS and FX Range for the FX on the larger pack is 82 miles city, 62 miles combined city/highway (at 55 mph), and 49 miles combined (at 70 mph). Top speed is 85 mph. The FXS has slightly better range with any given battery pack 90/68/52 miles, respectively. Curb weights range from 247 to 293 pounds. The FX and FXS are the same price: $8,495 with the ZF3.3 battery pack and $10,990 with the ZF6.5 pack. ©Motorcyclist The Zero DSR and DS models The Zero DS and DSR Last year's dual-sport DS returns with the across-the-board lineups and brings with it a new performance version. As Zero did with the S roadster, fitting a more powerful motor brings instant visceral improvements, including stronger acceleration and snappier response. That's the new DSR, which uses the stouter motor from the Zero SR. It produces 67 hp and 106 pound-feet of torque the base motor is good for 54 hp and 68 pound-feet. The R model also gets a higher-capacity controller (660 amps instead of 420). Speed is the word here, with the DRS going 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, according to Zero, versus 5.7 seconds on the DS. Both the DS and DSR can be ordered in 9.8 or 13.0 kWh capacities and can be fitted with the Power Tank or the Charge Tank. Range is variable by performance and capacity, as always. The standard DS ZF9.8 has a city range of 110 miles, highway combined (at 55 mph) of 83 miles, and a highway combined (at 70 mph) of 71 miles. Those numbers go to 147/110/95 with the ZF13.0 pack, and to 179/134/116 with the ZF13.0 and a Power Tank. ©Motorcyclist 2016 Zero DSR The DSR is only available with the larger main battery pack, the ZF13.0, and listed ranges are the same as for the less-powerful DS model. Curb weights range from 381 to 463 pounds. Prices start at $10,995 for the Zero DS ZF9.8 (a reduction of $1,000 from last year despite the greater battery capacity); a DS ZF13.0 runs $13,995 (same as last year), while the DSR ZF13.0 costs $15,995. Add a Power Tank to any of them for $2,674 or a Charge Tank quick-charger for $1,988. The Zero S and SR For 2016, both of Zero's performance/roadster models make a return. Powertrains are essentially the same as on the DS models, with a 54-hp base motor and an up-spec 67-hp R version. Because the S and SR models are slightly more aerodynamically efficient they have better range to go with their surprisingly good performance Zero claims a 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds for the lightest SR example. ©Motorcyclist Zero S and SR Range improves for the S and SR based on increased battery capacities. From the Zero S ZF9.8 range is 121 miles city, 91 miles highway combined (at 55 mph), and 81 miles highway combined (at 70 mph). With the larger ZF13.0 pack, range extends to 161/122/108 miles respectively. Adding a Power Tank increases range to 197/149/131 miles. Curb weights range from 399 to 458 pounds. Prices start at $10,995 for the Zero S ZF9.8 (a reduction of $1,000 from last year despite the greater battery capacity); a S ZF13.0 runs $13,995 (same as last year), while the SR ZF13.0 costs $15,995. Add a Power Tank to any of them for $2,674 or a Charge Tank quick-charger for $1,988. A complete list of accessories is also available for the Zero lineup. Zero Motorcycles 2016 lineup The one electric motorcycle manufacturer really making a go of it so far is Zero. Changes for 2016 are not massive, but they do bring a few key improvements to extend range, increase performance, and cut charging time. There's also a significant new competitor on the market for 2016: the Polaris-built Victory Empulse TT, a lightly massaged and rebadged Brammo. Zero electric motorcycle lineup grows and goes farther. Cycle World's experience testing has shown that Zero's motorcycles generally have expressed the electric motorcycle at their best, at least in this early evolution of their existence. Here's a quick look at what's new in 2016. Zero S and SR NEW MOTOR Zero's performance improvements have been based around efficiency and making the most of battery power and density. The "fundamentally redesigned" Z-Force Internal Permanent Magnet motor is still air-cooled but Zero claims it is more efficient yet again this year, with faster cooling and greater thermal capabilities.The last SR we tested produced 106 pound-feet of torque for an exhilarating ride, but it was pretty easy to trip the "heat" indicator that would eventually cut power if you used the twistgrip vigorously. The flashing light still comes on at the same 100-degrees Celsius temperature, but riders are far less likely to see power cut even through continued hard use, thanks to magnets that are integral to the motor shaft rather than bonded on. The new IPM motor is used in the Zero DSR, SR, FXS, S ZF13.0 and DS ZF13.0 models. RANGE EXPANSION How far you can ride on a charge remains the biggest challenge for electric vehicles. Zero this year has boosted energy density with more efficient cell chemistry. The S and SR models with the $2,674 2.9-kWh Power Tank extra battery and the 13.0-kWh main pack offer a claimed range of 197 miles in the city or 98 miles at 70 mph. Capacity per volume is increased a claimed 4 percent. New this year is the Charge Tank. POWER TANK VS. CHARGE TANK How fast the battery can be charged is another electric-vehicle challenge. For 2016, Zero offers the $1,988 Charge Tank, a Level 2 charging system designed to work with the J1772 standard plug in use at public charging stations. Using this system, Zero's 9.8-kWh packs can be charged to 95 percent in about two hours, and the 13.0 takes about 3 hours. It is a dealer-installed option that also can be fitted to 2015 models. Zero's Charge Tank takes the space where the 2.8 kWh Power Tank extra battery goes, so you choose extended range or faster, more convenient charging. Charge time to 100 percent with the standard 1.3-kWh integrated charger for the 13.0 pack is 8.9 hours, and with the Power Tank added, it takes 10.8 hours. Zero DSR The 2016 Zero DSR is the highest performance dual-sport model Zero has built. It gets the more heat-resistant 67-horse/106 pound-feet motor and the 660-amp motor controller necessary to handle it, plus the ZF13.0 battery pack. Zero FXS and FX We had crazy fun with the Zero FX "urban dual sport." It weighs less thanks to its smaller battery pack, but it packed a ton of torque, making it a total wheelie machine and very quick to turn and accelerate. The FX returns with ZF3.3 ($8,495) pack or ZF6.5 ($10,990). The FXS takes this package in a supermoto direction with sporty 17-inch cast wheels shod with Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tires. Claimed torque is 70 pound-feet and claimed weight is less than 300 lb. Prices are the same as for the FX. Zero says the battery packs allow for 14 percent more power storage and offer the highest energy density in an electric vehicle. There are two battery modules that can be swapped quickly and easily easily for fully charged batteries. Zero adds the FXS Zero adds the FXS, a more street-biased supermoto sporting 17-inch rollers compared to the FX's 21/18 combo. The Zero DSR and DS models The 2016 Zero DSR is the highest performance dual-sport model Zero has built. It gets the more heat-resistant 67-horse/106 pound-feet motor and the 660-amp motor controller necessary to handle it, plus the ZF13.0 battery pack. 2016 Zero SR action PRICE REDUCTIONS The final barrier to electric ownership has been price. The 2016 Zero S ZF9.8 and DS ZF9.8 start at $10,995. The S and DS with ZF13.0 are $13,995 and the SR and DSR are $15,995. 2016 Zero S action AND MORE Belt final drive, no clutch, and a single gear make these Zeros the quietest, easiest to ride street-going electrics we have tested. A Zero smartphone app makes for quick and easy powertrain management, including the settings for the regenerative brakes. Motor and battery performance got a major boost a few years ago, followed up with the improvements again for 2016. And Zero keeps pushing ahead with better quality components like Pirelli tires, improved brakes, and the Showa suspension introduced last year. 2016 Zero FXS 2016 Zero FX 2016 Zero DSR 2016 Zero DS 2016 Zero DSR 2016 Zero S 2016 Zero ZR 2016 Zero FXS | 9 | 95,086 | autos |
Less than three weeks after being named president of the newly defined Volkswagen North American Region, Winfried Vahland has called it quits. He is leaving the Volkswagen Group after 25 years of service. Vahland began working for the Volkswagen Group in 1990, and 15 years later, he assumed the position as CEO of Volkswagen in China. He then served as Skoda chairman in 2010 before being appointed to lead the brand new North American Region unit of Volkswagen. This new division, created after the diesel crisis, is intended to strengthen the company's struggling position in the U.S. as well as in Mexico and Canada. He was expected to take on the new role starting November 1, but it looks like critical differences in opinion led him to resign early. "Differing views on the organization of the new [North American] Group region have led to this decision," a statement from Skoda read. "This decision is expressly not related to current events on the issue of diesel engines." According to a report from German magazine Auto Bild , Vahland was skipped over for Volkswagen's top job. Instead, Porsche boss Matthias Muller took the helm as CEO of Volkswagen after Martin Winterkorn resigned in late September. Meanwhile, Volkswagen is planning a massive overhaul to get past its Dieselgate scandal. Yesterday, we learned that VW has changed course with its new Phaeton flagship sedan and will completely renovate its diesel program. Source: Skoda, Automotive News (Subscription Required) | 9 | 95,087 | autos |
Hey, where's his hall pass? A bear wandered the into a high school in Bozeman, Mont., on Wednesday and made itself at home before being escorted out by a police officer. Around 7:30 a.m., members of the booster club were meeting in the cafeteria of Bozeman High School, when the bear was spotted on the football field, Superintendent Rob Watson told AP. The bear entered the building through an open garage door in the custodial area and eventually made its way to a hallway lined with lockers. As the bear sniffed around the hallway, students peeked out of their classrooms and took videos, Principal Kevin Conwell told the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. "It was pretty skittish," Conwell told the Chronicle. Conwell said they opened all of the doors, and a police officer was eventually able to usher the bear out of the building, the Chronicle reported. Follow @MaryBowerman on Twitter. | 5 | 95,088 | news |
When you think of love and marriage, the last holiday that comes to mind is Halloween. Ghosts and ghouls are hardly romance material - at least, you'd think so. That's why this gorgeous engagement shoot by Two Prince Bakery Theater's Dorangela Bobet is such a frighteningly nice surprise. If your significant other is spookily sweet, perhaps this shoot could inspire your own Halloween engagement! This engagement setup was filled with little touches inspired by The Addams Family, from a Gomez-named cocktail to Morticia's iconic peacock chair. While dark and gothic, the decor of the shoot was warm and inviting - an impressive feat when using primarily black! Candles provided spooky lighting with a hint of romantic ambiance, glowing below a gorgeous flower-adorned chandelier. Scroll on for more frighteningly fabulous Fall romance ideas. You'll Be Creepily Captivated by This Addams Family Engagement Party When you think of love and marriage, the last holiday that comes to mind is Halloween . Ghosts and ghouls are hardly romance material - at least, you'd think so. That's why this gorgeous engagement shoot by Two Prince Bakery Theater 's Dorangela Bobet is such a frighteningly nice surprise. If your significant other is spookily sweet, perhaps this shoot could inspire your own Halloween engagement! This engagement setup was filled with little touches inspired by The Addams Family , from a Gomez-named cocktail to Morticia's iconic peacock chair. While dark and gothic, the decor of the shoot was warm and inviting - an impressive feat when using primarily black! Candles provided spooky lighting with a hint of romantic ambiance, glowing below a gorgeous flower-adorned chandelier. Scroll on for more frighteningly fabulous Fall romance ideas . Photographer: Marc Edwards Photographs // Etsy Designer: Big Sky Rustics // Etsy Designer: Craft That Party // Specialty Foods: Frog Prince Cake and Cookie Design // Invitation Designer: Loralee Lewis // DIY or Handmade Goods Designer: Michelle Dwights Designs // Etsy Designer: Miss Sarah Cake // Specialty Foods: Painted and Sprinkled // DIY or Handmade Goods Designer: Sucre Shop // Etsy Designer: Titi's Tutus // Etsy Designer: Woodburned Doodles // Floral Designer: FH Weddings & Events // Bakery: Two Prince Bakery Theater // Event Designer: Two Prince Bakery Theater // Submitted via Two Bright Lights | 4 | 95,089 | lifestyle |
Hidden fees in retirement plans are confusing and a major problem for retirement savers, according to life strategist and author Tony Robbins. | 3 | 95,090 | finance |
The 23-year-old played a hilarious game of Dubsmash with Jimmy Fallon. | 8 | 95,091 | video |
1. Your IRL friend doesn't include you in a special event even though they invited the entire neighborhood This one hit me hard recently when someone I considered a good friend managed to conveniently leave me off her guest list for a milestone event. Honestly, I wouldn't have really cared if she was getting together with a few close friends, but when we accidentally drove down her street the night of her bash, her block was teeming with cars. When I began to see photos from her party on her Facebook feed, I was pretty hurt. While we had been friends for several years, and I had invited her to a number of special events in my own life, I decided that the party was officially over. While my index finger wavered between unfollow and delete, I finally summoned up the nerve to remove her from my friend list for good. 2. Your friend posts every 45 seconds Unspoken etiquette on Facebook or at least on my page says that if you don't have something witty or clever to say, please don't post 100 times per day. No one can be funny or clever 100 times in a row, and it is so incredibly annoying every time I see a notification and it's from you. It's like the boy who cried wolf after a certain point, we just stop caring. Follow us on Twitter. 3. Your friend spams you so they can win a contest Honestly, I don't know how some of these people wound up on my page in the first place. Even though these people are technically not even my friends, the minute someone sends me a direct message to help them win a contest, I delete them as spam and unfriend them immediately. 4. Your Facebook friend brags just a little too much Look at me, I'm in France! Wait, now I'm skydiving! Here's me on a 75 foot yacht! I just got a major book deal and someone is optioning the movie rights! I'm sorry. While we all like to share our favorite moments on Facebook, if you have that incredible a life, I need to delete you. Honestly, you make me feel pretty bad about my own situation. Of course, if you invite me to a few of those amazing places, I will happily brag right along with you. 5. Your super-opinionated friend insults you if you disagree with them There are certain hot button issues I just don't like to touch upon on Facebook, but plenty of people go there. If you dare to disagree with them, they will happily have a social media shouting match on your page. I'm just not interested in the digital drama. If you want to have a healthy debate, I'm happy to engage in a meaningful discussion; but if you call me stupid or just plain wrong, that's grounds for losing my online friendship for good. Have you had other situations where you've decided to unfriend someone on Facebook? I'd love to hear your reasons or if you relate. Follow us on Twitter. | 4 | 95,092 | lifestyle |
Need sit/start advice? Wondering who to pick up off the waiver wire? Don't worry, Susannah Collins breaks it all down. | 1 | 95,093 | sports |
It's normally a safe assumption that identical twins have the same birthday. Sometimes, you'll get the odd pair whose mother went into labor at night and had one twin before the stroke of midnight and one after. But surely twins couldn't have a birthday weeks or months apart, right? Apparently they can, since one Washington state couple is now preparing for the birth of the second twin after the first twin was born on Sept. 29. Holli Gorveatt first came to the hospital during her pregnancy after the twins she was carrying developed a condition called "twin to twin" syndrome. This meant that one twin was drawing blood from the other in utero, a condition that will leave both twins negatively affected one bloated and one sickly. According to Dr. Martin Walker, director of fetal medicine at Evergreen Health Medical Center, the condition is fatal in 90 percent of cases if left untreated. The pressure of the twins put too much pressure on Gorveatt's cervix, though, forcing Walker and his team to deliver the first twin, Link, at 23 weeks right at the edge of viability. The baby is so tiny that he cannot be picked up and must stay in an incubator to eat with specialized help. Walker told ABC News that the pressure had been relieved after Link's birth, and that he realized it was possible to prevent the birth of the second twin by manually closing Gorveatt's cervix. Because of the procedure that addressed the "twin to twin" problem, the second twin named Logan could remain safely in utero. The medical team hopes Logan can go full term, but Walker says that every day he remains in the womb increases his chances for healthy survival. Gorveatt said that she can feel Logan is doing well. "Logan's good, so he's growing a lot and he's just kicking," she told KOMO-TV. "He's got fluid, he can move around. He was stuck before." Gorveatt will most likely remain in the hospital until the birth of her second twin. | 7 | 95,094 | health |
The Los Angeles Police Department misclassified an estimated 14,000 serious assaults as minor offenses in a recent eight-year period, artificially lowering the city's crime levels, a Times analysis found. With the incidents counted correctly, violent crime in the city was 7% higher than the LAPD reported in the period from 2005 to fall 2012, and the number of serious assaults was 16% higher, the analysis found. When presented with the findings, top LAPD officials acknowledged the department makes errors and said they were working to improve the accuracy of crime data reporting. "We know this can have a corrosive effect on the public's trust of our reporting," said Asst. Chief Michel Moore, who oversees the LAPD's system for tracking crime. "That's why we are committed to ... eliminating as much of the error as possible." The misclassified cases often involved attacks that resulted in serious injuries, such as a 2009 incident in which April L. Taylor stabbed her boyfriend in the stomach with a 6-inch kitchen knife during a domestic dispute, police and court records show. Police arrested Taylor, who later was found guilty of assault with a deadly weapon. In the LAPD's crime database, however, the attack was recorded as a "simple assault." Because of this, the case - like other misclassified incidents - was left out of the department's tally of violence in the city. The errors occurred during a time when the LAPD was reporting major drops in crime across the city. The Times analysis found the misclassified cases were not numerous enough to alter the overall downward trend. Still, the findings are a mark against a department that has long been viewed as a national leader in using data to help deploy officers and set crime-fighting targets. When Mayor Eric Garcetti took office in 2013, he held up the LAPD's data-tracking system as a model the rest of city government should emulate. The findings follow a Times investigation last year that examined LAPD crime data from a 12-month period ending in the fall of 2013 and found widespread errors in the way serious assaults were classified. In response to that report, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck publicly acknowledged problems with the department's process for recording crimes. He launched a series of changes aimed at improving internal accountability and the training officers receive on how to classify crimes. The civilian Police Commission, which oversees the LAPD, also instructed its inspector general, Alex Bustamante, to conduct a wide-ranging audit of the department's crime data. Officials said they expected Bustamante to release his findings later this year. The reforms implemented last year center around a newly formed team of detectives responsible for improving the quality of the department's crime reporting. The team, called the Data Integrity Unit, has retrained hundreds of officers who have a role in classifying crimes. The unit also now conducts frequent spot checks on crime reports from across the department's regional divisions in search of mistakes and signs of confusion among officers and their supervisors, said John Neuman, senior crime analyst. In addition, detailed flowcharts - called "decision trees" - were created to provide step-by-step instructions for station supervisors, who are responsible for approving officers' crime reports and deciding how incidents should be classified. An internal police audit released this week found the crime categorization problems persisted last year - auditors found enough errors in 2014 data that aggravated assaults would have been 23% higher than previously reported. LAPD officials emphasized that the new audit reviewed data captured before the reforms took effect and said error rates are expected to improve in the future. The LAPD continues to search for ways to remove as much human error as possible from the reporting process, Moore said. Replacing the department's badly outdated records management system with new, more automated technology would help. However, city officials denied a department request for money to conduct an assessment of what a new system would cost, he said. The efforts to improve data accuracy within the LAPD have unfolded amid a sharp rise in the city's violent crime over the last year. Moore and other police officials have said that some of the increase may be due to more accurate reporting, but that much of it reflects an actual increase in crime. For example, homicides and shootings - categories less susceptible to classification errors - are both up by double digits this year. To analyze the data, The Times used a computer algorithm. The program used crime data from the Times' earlier investigation to learn key words that identified a crime as a serious or minor assault. The algorithm then analyzed nearly eight years of incident data, and the findings were sampled and manually checked by reporters for accuracy. The analysis found that the number of estimated errors the LAPD made was roughly consistent from year to year - so while the LAPD failed to count misclassified cases in its annual crime tally, the relative declines from one year to the next were still accurate. As in its earlier examination, The Times found examples of serious crimes such as the Taylor stabbing that were dismissed as minor offenses. In 2012, for example, William Wisdom pulled a gun on a man, according to police and court records. Although Wisdom was arrested and found guilty of brandishing a firearm, police counted his crime as a minor one. As part of its reforms, the department now counts all such brandishing cases as serious crimes. Moore said he was confident misclassified crimes were still receiving appropriate attention from detectives. Some current and retired LAPD officers have complained about what they saw as top-down pressure from division captains to meet crime reduction goals, which they said could lead to data manipulation. Moore said holding captains accountable for addressing crime trends in their divisions is a tool the LAPD and many other police departments find useful. He acknowledged, however, that some supervisors complained the intense grilling senior officials deliver at weekly meetings on crime trends were "too pressure-cooked" and "condescending." Moore said he had worked to change the tone of the meetings. "Is there pressure today? Absolutely," Moore said. "We hold our people to high standards. Our issue is to do so respectfully and in a manner that provides people with their dignity." [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] ALSO Former Marlborough School teacher to plead to sex abuse of minors Hillary Clinton just backed healthcare for immigrants in the U.S. illegally L.A. to pay $2.5 million to settle lawsuit with children of woman assaulted by LAPD officer | 5 | 95,095 | news |
One might think body image insecurities plague women alone, but that couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, one-third of guys have negative feelings about their bodies and more men are worried about their physical appearance than their financial circumstances or social life, according to recent data obtained by HuffPost reporter Tyler Kingkade. Thankfully, awareness campaigns redefining self-love and acceptance , meant to break the stigma , have been popping up and not a moment too soon. To gain insight into how men view body positivity, we reached out to our community of readers and asked just that. While their responses varied, one theme prevailed: body positivity means appreciating and taking care of yourself, without worrying too much about perfection. 1. " It's recognizing that your body is not just the outward appearance and that obesity and diabetes have substantial negative impacts on your body." 2. "Accepting your body isn't the goal. The goal is to be healthy. I accept my healthy lifestyle, not my healthy body." 3. " I accept my body by not altering it. No botox, no fake implants, no B.S." 4. "Actually being positive, and taking care of your body in a way that is scientifically proven to beneficial, like vigorous 20 minute exercise daily, a balanced, healthy diet, going to the doctor when you need to, taking care of your mental health and encouraging others to do so , especially those who are [doing] none of those things. If you love your body, you will take care of it. That is truly positive. " 5. "I work my ass off for my body. I push my limits and I sacrifice. For all that it does for me, I love my body. And I'm thankful for it ." 6. " It means I get to love myself, even when I feel no one else does. It means I can look in the mirror and go, 'I am hot, I totally would have sex with me.' For me, it also means I get to love the person I am now and the one I want to become." 7. " It means letting myself enjoy a day at the beach without being preoccupied with my belly. It means realizing my body has a purpose and functions. It's not just for a person's gaze or approval." 8. "It's not attacking perceived prejudices of the opposite sex or interest because one has low self-esteem ." 9. " Take me as I am, or don't. I'm too old to care anymore." 10. "Work on the 'inside' and work your way out. Workouts rarely change the heart. " 11. "I don't have to look at myself. I just look at how my wife looks at me. " 12. " This was the body I was given, simple as that. My health has always been the primary concern, regardless of my looks. " 13. " Being confident enough to remove one's shirt at a sporting event and having the body decorated to the point of drawing people's attention to it." 14. "It means when you see somebody happy at the beach or pool, you don't make fun of them! " 15. "Most guys, including me, know if we are average, hot or ugly, but we just don't care. There are much more important things to do instead of worrying about how our bodies look. " 16. " Not allowing self-doubt to be supported by the negativity of others goes a long way." 17. "I'm always at peace with my body because I don't judge anyone by their looks ." 18. "It's all about heart, personality and sense of humor. " 19. " Stop looking in the mirror. I considered my function over my form, and also realized that women actually don't go for looks. Our looks are enhanced by what we do ... Character and strength [trump] looks any day. " Some quotes have been edited and condensed for clarity. More on MSN: 5 Things That Happen To Your Body When You Walk What Ronda Rousey Really Eats in a Day | 7 | 95,096 | health |
Our Better-Butt Challenge has 21 days of workouts to help you take your butt from flat to full. In the end, you'll have a tighter, stronger backside. Be sure to check back tomorrow when we share the next workout of this three-week plan. You've been working out hard since kicking off this challenge, and today is all about practicing some restorative self-care. No, this doesn't mean you should go for a quick run or sweat-inducing yoga class with friends. It means you should take the day off and rest, because it will support your journey to a better booty - and there's nothing lazy about it. Taking rest gives your body the chance to rebuild and strengthen your muscles and prevent injury that could take you out of commission for the rest of the challenge. Today's your chance. Take a long hot bath with the special salts you've been saving for a special occasion. Dig into the book that's been staring you down on your bedside table. Cook up a special healthy dinner for a loved one while sipping on a nice glass of red wine . Treat yourself to the gift of recovery and relaxation. You've earned it. Then, get ready to gear up for whatever tomorrow's challenge will bring. | 7 | 95,097 | health |
Ukraine threatened Thursday to launch a "legal war" with Russia after Moscow held out on a vital debt restructuring agreement to stop the crisis-torn nation from hurtling into default. The Ukrainian government gave Moscow a strict October 29 deadline to either accept the same terms as its other debt holders or face it in the international courts. "All of Ukraine's creditors by their majority -- which stands at more than 75 percent of the creditors' committee votes -- agreed to write off Ukraine's debt," Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk told a televised government meeting. The Western-backed leader said the deal at talks on Wednesday in London would provide his cash-strapped country with an immediate write-down of $3 billion (2.6 billion euros) and restructure future debt worth $8.5 billion. Ukraine appeared to step back from the brink of default when it reached a 20-percent write-down agreement in August with four Western investments titans that own about half of Ukraine's $18 billion in maturing commercial debt. But that deal had to also be backed by other bondholders who demanded better terms. These funds owned debt with short-term maturities and would have had to wait much longer to see a return on investments made over the past 10 years. Bloomberg reported that the holdouts had agreed to join the other creditors after several rounds of negotiations last week. The final vote itself took place behind closed doors in the London office of one of Ukrainian government's financial advisers. The main sticking point remains Russia, Ukraine's eastern neighbour that bought a $3.0 billion Eurobond from Viktor Yanukovych just months before his ouster by pro-EU demonstrators in February 2014. Russia denies playing any part in the pro-Kremlin insurgency that swept eastern Ukraine in the wake of his fall and views the bond as a sovereign loan that is not subject to the commercial deal agreed with the Western funds. - Moscow demands payment - Moscow wants the money paid back in full by the December 20 deadline. It has otherwise threatened to file a lawsuit against Kiev in a tribunal that may declare Ukraine in official default -- a decision that would complicate the release of further assistance to Kiev from the International Monetary Fund. "Russia has one more deadline -- October 29 is it," Yatsenyuk told his government. "Please, get in line with the normal countries, which accepted the conditions of the Ukrainian parliament on either writing down or restructuring these debts." Yatsenyuk did not explain why he set that specific date. But Russian President Vladimir Putin's official spokesman immediately rejected Yatsenyuk's appeal. "There are no changes in Russia's position concerning the debt," Interfax quoted Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying. "As both Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov and President Vladimir Putin had said -- this is a government-to-government debt." The IMF is expected to rule on whether Kiev or Moscow is right about the commercial or sovereign status of the disputed $3.0 loan within the coming months. | 5 | 95,098 | news |
A press conference was held Wednesday regarding the details that led to Lamar Odom being found unconscious in a Nevada brothel on Tuesday. The two-time NBA champion is "fighting for his life" after a days-long bender at Dennis Hof's Love Ranch South in Crystal, Nevada. It was revealed that the person who called 911 from the brothel to report Odom was unconscious said had been using cocaine and taking Viagra-like medication to enhance sexual performance. The brothel employee also said blood and a whitish fluid had been draining from his nose and mouth. Attempted suicide has not been ruled out, Odom's blood will be tested and criminal charges could stem from the incident. | 1 | 95,099 | sports |
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