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AP Taylor Swift has been one of the biggest pop stars in the world for half a decade now. While many stars wilt under the pressure of fame, Swift shows no sign of slowing down. Her most recent album, 1989, is a smash hit filled with great songs that appeal to a mainstream audience as well as music snoots. How has she managed to keep her head on her shoulders despite being fabulously wealthy and getting pulled in all sorts of directions by people? She explained to Chuck Klosterman for GQ : "I used to watch Behind the Music every day," she says. (Her favorite episode was the one about the Bangles.) "When other kids were watching normal shows, I'd watch Behind the Music. And I would see these bands that were doing so well, and I'd wonder what went wrong. I thought about this a lot. And what I established in my brain was that a lack of self-awareness was always the downfall. That was always the catalyst for the loss of relevance and the loss of ambition and the loss of great art. So self-awareness has been such a huge part of what I try to achieve on a daily basis. It's less about reputation management and strategy and vanity than it is about trying to desperately preserve self-awareness, since that seems to be the first thing to go out the door when people find success." In essence, she's been studying success and failure since she was young preparing for this moment. So far, she hasn't blown it. Read the full story over at GQ, it's filled with many great insights on Swift and her career . NOW WATCH: The most expensive and extravagant vacations in the world | 6 | 95,300 | entertainment |
6 Things You Should Never Put in the Dryer1700While there's no doubt clothing dryers are total life savers, some items just don't mesh well with this heavy-duty appliance. If you want to avoid warping,or straight-up destroying some of your favorite pieces in your wardrobe, listen to us.Good Housekeeping | 8 | 95,301 | video |
Scottish prosecutors said Thursday they had identified two new Libyan suspects in the bombing of a Pan Am jet over the Scottish town of Lockerbie in 1988, which killed 270 people. Scottish and US officials agree "there is a proper basis in law... to treat two Libyans as suspects in the continuing investigation into the bombing of flight Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie," according to a statement released by prosecutors. "The two individuals are suspected of involvement, along with Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi," it added. Megrahi, a former intelligence officer who died three years ago, was jailed over the bombing in 2001. He is the only person ever convicted of the crime. Scotland's chief legal officer on Thursday issued a formal letter to the Libyan attorney general in Tripoli, which identifies the suspects and calls for cooperation. "The Lord Advocate and the US Attorney General are seeking the assistance of the Libyan judicial authorities for Scottish police officers and the FBI to interview the two named suspects in Tripoli," the statement said. The head of investigations department at the Libyan Attorney General office in Tripoli declined to comment to AFP. Scottish media named one of the two suspects as former intelligence chief Abdullah Senussi, who was sentenced to death in July for crimes during the 2011 uprising against Moamer Kadhafi. Senussi has been in custody in Libya since 2012. The second person was named by Scottish media as Abu Agila Mas'ud, a bomb expert, who featured in a recent US documentary by Ken Dornstein, the brother of one of the Lockerbie victims. He is also reportedly in Libyan custody. The Scottish government released Megrahi on compassionate grounds in 2009 after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He died in Libya in 2012 still protesting his innocence. - 'Who murdered our families?' - Family members of the victims welcomed the development. "I'm delighted that they are doing this -- we the American families have been pressing and pressing for the bombing to be properly investigated," US citizen Susan Cohen, whose daughter Theodora was 20 when she was killed in the attack, told Britain's ITV news. "The governments have been dragging their feet and they should have been looking for other people involved, because it wasn't just Megrahi." Jim Swire, a spokesman for the families of the British victims, said there was still uncertainty over Megrahi's role and the involvement of the Libyan state. "If there is material that shows other people were involved then we want to know," Swire said. "We want to know who murdered our families." Libya admitted responsibility for the bombing in 2003 and the regime of slain dictator Moamer Kadhafi eventually paid $2.7 billion (2.4 billion euros) in compensation to victims' families as part of a raft of measures aimed at a rapprochement with the West. The attack took place two years after the United States conducted a series of air strikes against Libya that nearly killed Kadhafi and some observers believe it was a form of retaliation. The air strikes were themselves a response to the bombing in 1986 of a Berlin disco popular with US military personnel in which three people were killed. The US blamed the Libyan government for that attack. All 259 people on board the Pan Am flight -- most of them Americans heading from London to New York for Christmas -- were killed, along with 11 people on the ground in Scotland. Since the fall of the Kadhafi regime in 2011, British and US detectives have travelled to Libya to investigate whether other perpetrators can be identified. | 5 | 95,302 | news |
1. There are more car crashes in the weeks just after clocks are set back. The early sunset means more drivers and pedestrians are out at twilight when it's hardest to see. 2. There are fewer heart attacks on the Monday following fall daylight saving time. The extra hour of sleep could improve people's heart health. 3. Overnight train trips via Amtrak are an hour longer on the eve of the change . Trains running on schedule are an hour early when the time changes and are held an hour at their next station stop. 4. We no longer set back clocks before Halloween. If you remember setting back clocks in October, you're not mistaken. Congress extended Daylight Saving Time to end in November to save energy starting in 2007. 5. The Candy Lobby tried to push back the time change in 1985. They wanted people to set back clocks in November instead of October for an extra hour of daylight for trick-or-treating (and more money spent on candy). To try to get their way, they put candy pumpkins on senators' seats! 6. No, you don't get an extra hour of drinking the day the time switches. Bars that close at 2 A.M. don't stay open for an extra hour on fall-back day because they technically shut their doors at 1:59 A.M. Sources: NowIKnow.com ; American Heart Association; Amtrak; Energy.CA.gov | 4 | 95,303 | lifestyle |
Imagine the irony: You spend most of your young adult life trying not to get pregnant. Then when you're ready to be in the pink or blue, month after month that stupid pregnancy test says no. That's the reality for the 1 in 8 couples who have trouble conceiving. Yep, it's that many. Don't think you know anyone? Take it from someone who hid it from most of her friends they're just not telling you. Keep these facts in mind should they choose to confide. 1. It can be cheaper to buy a Mercedes. Infertility medications and procedures are absurdly expensive (on average $11,000 and up per attempt for in vitro fertilization, aka IVF), and you're in the minority if your health insurance picks up any of the tab. Only 27% of businesses with more than 500 employers cover IVF, according to the consulting firm Mercer. And just 15 states have any laws pertaining to whether health plans must offer coverage for any infertility procedures or medications (go to the National Conference of State Legislators at ncsl.org to get details for your state). "I stopped counting how much we spent when we reached $50,000," says Lisa Newton, a blogger at amateurnester.com, who has attempted IVF three times. While most couples with infertility trouble don't have to go as far as IVF to conceive, even less-complex treatments such as fertility drugs combined with intrauterine insemination (a procedure in which sperm is injected directly in the uterus, bypassing the cervix and giving it a head start to reach the egg) run a couple of thousand dollars per try. 2. Monthly disappointment is the norm. IVF is the most drastic and most successful fertility procedure. But it's far from a guarantee. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention complies success rates from fertility centers nationwide into one massive annual report: The latest one shows that 40% of IVF attempts in women under age 35 using their own fresh embryos (as opposed to ones frozen from a previous attempt) resulted in a birth, but that happy outcome dwindles to 11% in 41- and 42-year-olds. "You hear a lot about the infertile couple who tried and tried and then adopted a child only to get pregnant naturally," says Lindsley Lowell, who has been trying to have a baby for five years. "Those are 1 in 10,000. These stories make it impossible for people to really know how hard infertility is and that thousands of women never reach their goal." 3. The marching orders are complicated. Forget to take your heartburn medicine after dinner one night? Oh well. But missing a dose of fertility meds or taking them at the wrong time can be disastrous. Timing is everything because the drugs cause the release of hormones that regulate or trigger ovulation. If you botch the medication schedule your doctor gave you, your eggs might not be ready to be retrieved (in the case of IVF) or you might not have your IUI when you have the best chance of success. "I started with one injection in the morning and then added two in the evening," says Monica Higgins, who underwent fertility treatments on and off for three years. "You're typically given a one- to two-hour window, but I always made it a point to do it within 15 minutes of my set time. And before my egg retrieval for IVF, I have to take an injection at midnight." 4. Telling us to "just relax" is easy for you to say! While stress reduction techniques may help women struggling with infertility to cope emotionally, they're not going to produce the elusive pregnancy bump. "It's hard not to slap the person who says 'Just relax and it will happen,' " admits Lowell. "Relaxing is not a strategy because infertility is a disease." Better words of comfort: I'm sorry you're dealing with this. I'm here for you. 5. It's an emotional roller coaster. Women with infertility usually start taking medications a few days after their periods start. And that's when the waiting begins. "For the next four weeks you get your hopes up, you dream, you wish, you tell yourself, 'It's going to happen this month,' and then when the stick says you're not pregnant or the doctor tells you your embryo didn't take, it's soul-crushing," says Laura Saltman, who has been doing fertility treatments for three years. 6. Plus, it's physically painful. It hurts inside and out, as the medications have major side effects. "My ovaries were so swollen from all the egg-producing follicles that it hurt to even walk," says Higgins. "I looked three months pregnant, even though I wasn't." Adds Lowell: "Every day on fertility meds I feel like a dumpy, ugly sack of potatoes. Imagine the worst PMS combined with the pain you usually feel on the first day of your period." 7. Friends' pregnancy announcements are tough to hear. "You want to be truly excited for them, but deep down it makes you hurt more for yourself," says Higgins. So don't judge a friend if she's not as enthusiastic as you'd hoped. "It's far too painful to come in contact with someone else's bliss when you're feeling broken," says Juli Fraga, PsyD, a San Francisco psychologist who specializes in treating women with infertility. So give your friend space, realize that she may have to sit this one out, but lavish her with attention when it's her turn. More from MSN 7 Surprising Things You Didn't Know Vitamin D Could Do For You 5 Things That Happen To Your Body When You Walk | 7 | 95,304 | health |
OK, so it's all still sugar-filled candy and inherently not great for you, but sometimes there's no avoiding that sweet tooth. And while there may be no real "healthy" answer to Halloween, there's no need to fear all those delicious, tempting Halloween delights. We've rounded up the healthiest (or, at least the least guilt-inducing) trick-or-treat favorites. All our picks come in under 100 calories, 6 grams of fat, and 10 grams of sugar per serving. Plus, we've considered the satisfaction factor so treating that sweet tooth won't leave the tummy grumbling. 1. Hershey's Special Dark This classic is easy to love thanks to the antioxidant benefits of dark chocolate . Snack on two miniatures for a total of only 88 calories and 5.2 grams of fat. 2. Twizzlers Hailed as a low-fat treat, the snack-size version is even more regret-free. Nosh on two for less than 100 calories and 0 grams of fat. 3. Peanut M&Ms It's hard to stop at just one handful of this irresistible peanut-chocolate combo, so choose a snack-size bag (about 7 pieces) to limit intake, and dive in! Plus, Peanut M&Ms boast protein, fiber , and even some calcium with just 93 calories, 4.7 grams of fat, and 9.1 grams of sugar. 4. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups Miniatures Even though the filling to this sweet treat is a dangerfood , sticking to a couple classic Reese's cups can make the perfect sweet snack. Plus, all those annoying wrappers help halt the binge at only two mini cups, keeping this Halloween classic on the "nice list" with 88 calories, 5.2 grams of fat, and 9.2 grams of sugar. Choose dark chocolate for extra antioxidants! 5. Tootsie Rolls While the Tootsee Roll (yes, the 1990s dance move) probably burns calories, Tootsie Rolls (the candy) don't tack on too many calories themselves. Three minis contain only 70 calories and 1.5 grams of fat. 6. 3 Musketeers These fluffy bars are light enough to snack on a few minis with no guilt. But stop at two; while they clock in at less than 50 calories, the 8 grams of sugar make them more of an indulgence. 7. Tootsie Pop We don't know how many licks it takes to get to the center, but we do know it takes only 60 calories and 0 grams of fat (tootsie roll center included!). Beware the sugar though the 10 grams in a single pop make this a one-and-done deal. 8. Payday Despite what the name may suggest, a fun-size Payday doesn't take a huge toll on your diet. One bar contains 90 calories, 5 grams of fat, and 8 grams of sugar. Plus, thanks to the peanuts, it also boasts 2 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein. 9. Mounds Drift away on an imaginary tropical vacation with this candy's coconut filling. No need to worry about swimsuit season: One snack-size bar has 80 calories, 4.5 grams of fat, and 8 grams of sugar. 10. Almond Joy This coconut-filled candy is nearly identical to its cousin, Mounds, as far as calorie, fat, and sugar content are concerned. For those who feel like getting a little nutty, Almond Joy has a slight upper hand thanks to the almonds ' dose of fiber and unsaturated fat. 11. Raisinets We know, we know, dried fruits can be a dangerfood . But this chocolate and raisin combo has only 67 calories and less than 3 grams of fat per snack-size bag (about 42 pieces). Proceed with caution, though with nearly 10 grams of sugar, it's important to stop at one. Extra points for choosing the dark chocolate variety ! 12. Kit Kat "Gimme a break, gimme a break… " No really, go ahead. Kit Kat bars are relatively low in calories and fat thanks to their light, crunchy wafer center. One two-piece bar has 70 calories, 3.6 grams of fat and 9.2 grams of sugar. 13. Jolly Rancher These fruity hard candies keep a mouth busy for minutes, upping their satisfaction factor. And two are only 47 calories and 8 grams of sugar. 14. Dum Dum Lollipop With flavors from cream soda and cotton candy to the classic cherry and grape, what's not to love? Plus, these small pops have only 20 calories, 0 grams of fat, and under 4 grams of sugar. 15. Nestlé Crunch Like Kit Kats, Nestlé Crunch bars pack a satisfying crunch, and those crispies don't pack on too many extra calories. One fun-size bar has 60 calories and 3 grams of fat, making it one of the lightest chocolate bars on the list. 16. Air Head Don't be an airhead by passing on this sweet treat (yeah, we went there). One mini Air Head bar comes in under 50 calories and 7 grams of sugar. Plus, it's easy to get extra spooky with the "mystery" flavor! 17. Mike & Ike Chewy and fruity, one snack-size box (easy to find around Halloween) makes the perfect snack. That one box has only 50 calories and 0 grams of fat, plus the candies contain some real fruit juice. 18. SweetTarts For those who love a mouth-puckering sweetness, SweetTarts are the only sour candy to land on our list. The Halloween two-packs are hardly enough to satisfy a craving, though, so we're OK-ing three mini packs (for a total of 6 pieces) running about 30 calories, 0 grams of fat, and 7.2 grams of sugar. 19. Heath Bar Excellent as an ice cream mix-in, even better on its own especially when it's earned trick-or-treating. One snack-size bar has 77 calories and 4.7 grams of fat. 20. Smarties Trying to eat smart-ie? Smarties aren't a bad option. One roll is only 25 calories(!), 0 grams of fat, and 5 grams of sugar. | 4 | 95,305 | lifestyle |
Well that didn't last long: Reuters reports that Winfried Vahland, designated to become the next chief of Volkswagen's U.S. division, is quitting the company, allegedly over differences of opinion over VW's new U.S. strategy. Vahland, who served as head of Volkswagen Group's Skoda unit, was intended to join VW's brand management as part of the reshuffling after VW Group CEO Martin Winterkorn resigned as the scandal over Volkswagen's emissions-cheating diesels unfolded. In addition to being the favorite for a new position overseeing U.S. operations, unnamed sources told Reuters that Vahland was being considered as a successor to Winterkorn as CEO. Follow MSN Autos on Facebook | 9 | 95,306 | autos |
A quick peek under your shirt can reveal so much. T-Shirt You have never met a cookie you didn't like. One of your best traits is that you're very independent whether that means going to a movie no one else wants to see on your own or picking up volunteer work to help others on the weekend, even if everyone you know is going elsewhere. You've always related more to Molly Shannon's character in Superstar than any actual superstar. Balconette You're charismatic and always willing to put yourself out there. As a kid, you were great at making friends from the first day of school to the last. You are unabashedly yourself and always try to say what you mean to you, lying is one of the worst offenses another person can make. You really, really want to be good at Pinterest hair tutorials , but they never turn out the way you want them to. Corset Your ambition and drive know no bounds. Everyone around you thinks your accomplishments are effortless, but you work hard to reach your goals you're just great at keeping how much effort you put in under wraps. You have a favorite lipstick that you always get complimented on because it so perfectly fits your style. Strapless You're an adventurous person, always trying new activities and cuisines, though when given the choice, you will always pick a nice glass of champagne over any other alcohol. You tend to be so easygoing that you sometimes get taken advantage of, but you know how to stand up for yourself or better yet, your loved ones when necessary. Push-Up You're headstrong and people occasionally accuse you of being too outspoken. But one of the reasons your friends love you is because you aren't afraid to speak your mind. Still, this boldness is why you always get ahead at work and why you're so good at meeting new people. You wish rollerskating were still a socially acceptable way to get around. Multiway You hate hearing other people complain, as you believe in either solving issues on your own or being private with your frustrations. You secretly want to dye your hair a crazy color, but keep backing down because you're afraid it will be impractical. You love being in control, which explains why you always prefer to be the one driving rather than in the passenger's seat. Sports You're a busy lady, and a practical one at that. Whether you're on your way to an important meeting at work, taking care of your family, or picking up a new hobby, you believe in staying comfortable not to mention quick, because time is money and you are excellent at budgeting. You're not one to fall easily for trends, but admit it: You definitely wore a scrunchie in the '80s. Full-Cup If there's anything you hate, it's lateness. You're an incredibly understanding person, especially when it comes to your loved ones, but it nevertheless bothers you when people don't respect your time. Still, you're an incredibly warm person everyone says you give amazing hugs! Oh, but hey: You should really stop biting your nails. Bandeau People appreciate how well you balance honesty and sensitivity, which explains why your loved ones always come to you for advice when they need help. You always know which music and movies are trending at the moment (you should really start a blog to show off your pop culture skills). Your favorite animal is the giraffe, but you also enjoy baby pandas. | 4 | 95,307 | lifestyle |
Welcome to your next dinner. 16 Recipes That Will Make You Fall in Love With Butternut Squash Sausage And Butternut Squash Frittata You're going to want to eat this dish for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Get the recipe at Cook Eat Paleo . Mediterranean Quinoa-Stuffed Butternut Squash This simple dinner recipe couldn't be easier to pull off. Get the recipe at My Food & Happiness . Butternut Squash Carbonara with Fried Sage and Caramelized Onions Just add a glass of wine and you've got the perfect fall dinner. Get the recipe at Katie at the Kitchen Door . Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna Need a recipe for Meatless Monday? This one is calling our names. Get the recipe at Julia's Album . Black Bean and Butternut Squash Enchilada Casserole Calling all Mexican food lovers! This casserole is full of spicy goodness. Get the recipe at Julia's Album . Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Have a couple picky eaters in your house? Kids and adults alike will love this easy recipe. Get the recipe at Baby Foode . Apple and Butternut Squash Pulled Pork Casserole Butternut squash + apple + pulled pork = dinner nirvana. Get the recipe at The Healthy Foodie . Butternut Black Bean Burger Give your burger a healthy makeover! Get the recipe at Peas & Crayons . 5 Ingredient Butternut Squash Fritters If you like potato pancakes, you're going to love these butternut squash versions. Get the recipe at Just A Taste . Butternut Squash and Sausage Stuffed Shells One look at this ooey gooey recipe and we were sold. Get the recipe at Rachel Schultz . Roasted Butternut Casserole With Sweet and Crunchy Pecan Topping This is the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving dinner. Get the recipe at Seasons & Suppers . Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce Pasta and cheese. What's not to love? Get the recipe at Lauren's Latest . Orzo With Butternut Squash and Spinach This dish is both tasty and healthy. Get the recipe at Diet Taste . Crock-Pot Butternut Squash Alfredo Busy night ahead? Pull out the slow cooker and whip up this pasta dish ASAP. Get the recipe at Lauren's Latest . Fall Harvest Pizza Not a fan of butternut squash? This pizza will definitely change that. Get the recipe at Eat Wisconsin Cheese . Butternut Squash and Kale Quiche Make your dinner light and fun with this yummy quiche. Get the recipe at Taste and Tell Blog . | 0 | 95,308 | foodanddrink |
By Tripfilms filmmaker MikesRoadTrip. Changing of the Guards in AthensShare your travel videos on Tripfilms.com! | 2 | 95,309 | travel |
Dez Bryant is seemingly getting close to making his return. As Todd Archer of ESPN.com notes, Bryant took the practice field on Thursday wearing shoulder pads. While he was not expected to participate in practice with his teammates, Bryant was scheduled to go through some on-field rehab with an athletic trainer. Archer reports that the Cowboys are hoping Bryant can make his return in Week 7 against the New York Giants, which is consistent with what we passed along a little over a week ago . The initial timetable for Bryant's recovery was 4-6 weeks. NFL Media's Ian Rapoport later reported that Bryant is expected to miss 10-12 weeks after undergoing a bone graft , while ESPN's Ed Werder said the bone graft performed should help and result in a 6-8 week recovery period. All signs point to Bryant returning much sooner than expected, and the Cowboys need him badly. With a quarterback situation that is looking as uncertain as ever and Tony Romo still weeks away from coming back, Dallas needs to find a way to keep its season alive. Bryant would provide a major boost in the passing game. | 1 | 95,310 | sports |
Welsh captain Sam Warburton knows they are in for a physical battle when they face South Africa's Springboks in the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal. | 8 | 95,311 | video |
Oscar Pistorius, the South African paralympic athlete who shot and killed his girlfriend, will be released from prison on parole. Nathan Frandino reports. | 8 | 95,312 | video |
Take a look around you. Whether you're on the subway, walking down the street, or sitting at a bar, you'll notice a common thread: Everyone is on their phones. Heads down, we're ignoring what's happening in front of us, and the people we're actually with. Artist and photographer Eric Pickersgill decided to create a photo series to illustrate what we really look like doing this, and the results are powerful. Pickersgill first got the idea for this project, "Removed," two summers ago while at an artists' residency in upstate New York. At a coffee shop one morning, a family of four sat down to eat breakfast at the table next to him. "There were two girls and their dad, and they were all on their personal devices and not talking to each other. The mom didn't have her phone out and was sitting there looking out the window, looking so isolated but within arms' reach of the most important people in her life," Pickersgill told us. "It was a very striking moment."After that experience, he resigned himself to be more present, but three nights after getting back home, he fell asleep with his phone in his hand and was jolted awake by the sound of his phone slipping out of his dozing grasp and hitting the floor. "I looked at my empty palm and it was still in the shape as if I was holding this device," Pickersgill said. He now knew how he wanted to capture what he'd felt while observing the family at that cafe: photographs of people who look as if they're gazing at their devices, but with an empty hand instead. "I think the [image] that speaks to me the most is the photograph that's of my wife and I. Not just because she's super-cute, but because it puts myself within the project. I want to show that I'm part of it, too. I'm not some person casting judgment on society; I'm implicated also." "The big narrative that started it was two summers ago. I'd go to a coffee shop every morning to start my day. I was there and this family came in and was eating breakfast next to me. There were two girls and their dad, and they were all on their personal devices, not talking to each other. The mom didn't have her phone out and was sitting there looking out the window and looking so isolated but within arms' reach of the most important people in her life." "That got me obsessively looking at people while they're on their devices. I noticed it so much more." "I enlisted friends and family members and put them in scenes that were normal for them, at the dinner table together." "I'd find people engaged with their devices, come up to them with this big camera I sometimes startled them because they were so engrossed with what's in their hands. I'd tell them what the project was about and they'd have that response, 'Oh, I get it, I see what you're doing here.'" "Some people were slightly embarrassed but not uncomfortable they still wanted to partake in the photograph with me." "I ask them to get back on their device, do exactly what they were doing, actually use their phone to check their email. Then, once they're engaged, I set up my shot." "The wedding photograph was just one negative. I thought I had destroyed it I had a little accident in the darkroom, but I ended up losing a different extra shot from a different shoot. I got lucky." "Right before you're ready to make the exposure, you slide the device slowly out of the person's hand, tell them to keep the gesture the same, keep a relaxed face. Or laughing there's a couple on a boat and the guy, Kevin, was kind of grinning at something he was looking at." "They kind of laugh and talk about how they might change the way they engage with their device around other people." "After we make the picture, I give them my card and ask them to contact me if they're interested in seeing the image and want the print." "Some haven't followed up with me, but most people I've stayed in touch with." "I'm not Photoshopping the phones out; I want [the subjects] to be implicit: They are agreeing to this contract of what I'm portraying them as doing." "I'm using a large-format 4x5 Cambo camera; most people call it a large-format or a 4x5 camera. It depends on the light, but they are pretty slow exposures 1/15th of a second is the average. [The subjects] have to be very still." "I take two to four shots at the most; sometimes I'll move my position around a bit." "When you're behind the camera, you have to put the dark cloth over your head, and they appear on the back of the camera upside down and backwards." "I just hope people see [these photos] and reassess what it is they're doing and think about how much time they are spending with their device." "The more we all normalize using our devices around one another, the more it's going to occur. If you're tired of it, you have to model that behavior." "There have been multiple instances when I've had this work in public and in print, big mural-size prints, and viewers would come into the gallery, circle around the space, and then on their way out, someone says, 'I can't believe he removed the phones,' and other people didn't even notice the phones were gone." "I wish we were a little less smartphone-obsessed. I do. But I'm certainly not trying to tell anyone not to be." "The project is to point attention to [smartphone obsession] but not to tell people what to do." "I saw some photo projects a guy was photographing people in public places while they're on their phones. He was sneaking these shots of people. I didn't want to do anything like that." "I'm sensitive to photography and how it's exploitative to certain groups of people. I was not going to be that kind of artist." "It's exhausting but so exciting to have so broad of an impact with this body of work." | 4 | 95,313 | lifestyle |
The World Economic Forum's recently-released Global Competitiveness Survey looks at the financial health and risks of countries around the world. One of the most interesting and important rankings is actually the level of government debt. By looking at level of gross government debt as a percentage of GDP, it can indicate how able a country is to pay back debts without incurring further debt. In the red The World Economic Forum's recently released Global Competitiveness Survey looks at the financial health and risks of countries around the world. One of the most interesting and important rankings is actually the level of government debt. By looking at level of gross government debt as a percentage of GDP, it can indicate how able a country is to pay back debts without incurring further debt. Basically the lower the debt-to-GDP ratio the better. In Britain, the level of government debt is used as a political football and it's regularly commented on about how high the country's debt is in relation to GDP. However, if you look at WEF's rankings, Britain doesn't even come close to the top 10, with government debt as a percentage of GDP at 90.1%. When you see who made the top 17, you'll understand why Britain isn't as bad as you think. Click ahead to see the 17 countries with the highest levels of government debt. 17. Iceland 90.2% Prior to the credit crisis in 2007, government debt was a modest 27% of GDP. Eight years on and the country is still dealing with the collapse of the banking system. 16. Barbados 92.0% The tax haven nation is the wealthiest and most developed country in the Eastern Caribbean but its growth prospects look weak due to austerity measures to combat the effects of the credit crisis eight years ago. 15. France 93.9% The eurozone's second-biggest economy has been recovering "in fits and starts," says the country's statistical agency. But this month it put out some good news PMI services came in better than expected and retail sales are rising. 14. Spain 93.9% S&P is confident that Spain's buoyant growth prospects and labor market reforms will boost its outlook. In the second quarter, Spain's economy grew 3.1% year-on-year. 13. Cape Verde 95.0% The island nation is a service-oriented economy and suffers from a poor natural resource base. This means it has to import 82% of its food, leading to vulnerability from market fluctuations. 12. Belgium 99.8% The country is known as "the sick man of Europe." The government managed to reduce the budget deficit from a peak of 6% of GDP in 2009 to 3.2%, but its debt is still incredibly high. 11. Singapore 103.8% It's one of the wealthiest countries in the world, but the island nation suffers from high debt. The government is now trying to find new ways to grow the economy and raise productivity. 10. United States 104.5% The U.S. is on the cusp of raising interest rates for the first time in seven years. However, some analysts warn that this could trigger another financial crisis due to the hike in repayments people will face in paying back debt. 9. Bhutan 110.7% The small Asian economy is closely linked to India and depends heavily on it for financial assistance and foreign laborers for infrastructure. 8. Cyprus 112.0% The country's excessive exposure to Greece hit it hard when the European sovereign debt crisis rippled across the world in 2010. Like Greece, it had to be bailed out by international creditors and enforce capital controls and austerity measures to get funding. 7. Ireland 122.8% The country exited its bailout program two years ago but still faces a huge debt pile. But it's on the right track. Ireland has already had success in refinancing a large amount of banking-related debt. 6. Portugal 128.8% Portugal exited its own bailout program in the middle of 2014. However, GDP was still 7.8% lower than it was at the end of 2007. 5. Italy 132.5% The country's proportion of debt to GDP is the second highest in the Eurozone. It spiked earlier this year because the Treasury increased its available liquidity. 4. Jamaica 138.9% The services industry accounts for 80% of GDP but high crime, corruption and large-scale unemployment drag the country's growth down. The International Monetary Fund said Jamaica has to reform its tax system amongst other things. 3. Lebanon 139.7% The country used to be a tourist destination, but spillover from the civil war in neighboring Syria and domestic political turmoil has led to a lack of an official budget for months. 2. Greece 173.8% The country has taken over 320 billion euros worth of bailout cash, and it's looking increasingly impossible to pay it all back especially since it has had to implement painful austerity measures to get its loans. But it's surprisingly not the worst country in the world for government debt. 1. Japan 243.2% The country is in a troubling spot. Its economy is growing very slowly. Standard & Poor's, one of the world's biggest credit-ratings agencies, cut Japan's rating in September and changed its outlook from stable to negative. | 3 | 95,314 | finance |
Celebrity news for Oct. 15, 2015 Rosie 'extremely depressed' after daughter's tell-all interview Shortly after Rosie O'Donnell's daughter, Chelsea, surfaced after either running away or being kicked out of the house, depending on whose version you believe, she sat down with the Daily Mail to explain the events that led up to police finding her with the former heroin dealer she'd been dating. Speaking to the tab, Chelsea said her relationship with Rosie deteriorated as she grew out of childhood and into her teenage years. She also made specific accusations about her troubled interactions with her mother. Now, a source tells Us Weekly the " View " host is "extremely depressed." The insider says Chelsea has stopped speaking to her mother. "It's very sad," says the source, "and Rosie doesn't know how to handle it." How Meghan Trainor's Insta-pal inspired a hit song Sometimes success comes out of the most unexpected situations. When Meghan Trainor was recovering from vocal cord surgery , for example, she used social media to communicate because she had to avoid talking while she healed. She ended up chatting with someone who was later rumored to be her online boyfriend, but as she told Ellen DeGeneres on Oct. 14, that wasn't quite on target. "It was a guy that I Instragrammed, and I didn't put a caption so the whole world freaked out, a.k.a. all my Megatrons," she said, according to ET. What they talked about, she said, "was just a little nothing." Until that "nothing" inspired something big. "But I did get a great song out of it. I wrote a smash out of it," Meghan admitted. "It was really sweet. He said [something] like, 'I never intended to lead you on.' So, that was, like, the main hook." And just like that, a chart-topping single -- "Lead Me On" -- was born. Oprah Winfrey: Gender wage gap 'conversation has hit a critical moment' Jennifer Lawrence's revelations about her " American Hustle " experience with Hollywood's gender wage gap left Oprah Winfrey reeling. When she read Jen's op-ed, Oprah told Kathie Lee Gifford on " CBS This Morning ," "I said, 'Wow, this sounds like 1985.'" Oprah went on to recount a few of her own experiences fighting for equal pay from the '80s, including the response to her request for raises for her producers when " The Oprah Winfrey Show " went into syndication. Four of those staffers were female. "The management at the time said, 'Why do they need raises? Why do a bunch of girls need raises?' They're not married; they don't have children; they don't own their own houses,'" Oprah recalled, according to THR . "This is 1985 in Chicago." On the bright side, Oprah added, "I think the conversation has hit a critical moment." Jimmy Fallon launches quirky sportswear line Baseball playoffs are in full swing and Jimmy Fallon hopes he's tapped into a whole new way to show love for your team -- by flashing your underarm. Yep, Fallon announced this week he's collaborated with the brand G-III to create team-centric apparel that bears your favorite sports team's logo right on the pit. "That's prime real estate," he assured his audience, according to People . "Luckily, they talked me out of the name Pitz." Jonathan Cheban hopes 'everything works out' between Kourtney and Scott With Scott Disick back in rehab, some of the people closest to him and to his ex, Kourtney Kardashian, are optimistic the pair can heal enough to get back to a positive relationship. "I'm sure they can work it out. There's three kids, he lives not that far from her. Once he gets this out of his system I'm hoping that it will be somewhat back to normal," Jonathan Cheban tells People , adding that the "18-year-olds" Scott's been photographed with in recent weeks "are all in it for pictures on the beach. It doesn't necessarily mean that anything is going on." Cheban also believes telling his friend Scott to shape up would only backfire, inspiring Scott to "do the opposite" of what he's told. At the end of the day, Cheban says, Kourtney, Scott and their three kids need one another's company. "They're really the best together," he says. "They're perfect together. So with anybody else it would be like weird. At this point it's hard to get with our program. I'm hoping everything works out." Selena Gomez: Ghostbuster? When Halloween rolls around, Selena Gomez is going to be prepared. "I believe in ghosts, so I have a ghost app," the singer admitted on " The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon " on Oct. 14 (via JustJared ). And yes, she also believes ghosts are up-to-date enough to interact with her iPhone. "I believe spirits can tap into technology," she added. We know who we're gonna call ... Heidi Klum: 'I'm mom and dad at the same time' The way Heidi Klum sees it, men have more trouble handling multiple responsibilities simultaneously than women. In the new issue of Redbook (via Celebitchy ), she asserts that "Women are capable of juggling a lot of balls" while "Men typically can juggle only one ball, and even then they're like, 'I'm confused. Should I put it in my right or left hand?'" But that opinion might stem from Heidi's now defunct marriage to Seal. Asked how things have changed since she called time with the singer, she suggests she got used to wearing multiple hats at home when they were still married. "Obviously things have changed, but they haven't changed drastically," she says. " [Seal] was never your typical dad who left for work in the morning with his briefcase and would be home by dinnertime every night. He traveled a lot. The kids knew it was part of his job. I'm a mom and a dad at the same time." 'Grey's' star Jesse Williams welcomes a son It's baby No. 2 for " Grey's Anatomy " star Jesse Williams and his wife, Aryn Drake-Lee! Us Weekly reports the couple welcomed a son two months ago. Little Maceo joins his 21-month-old sister, Sadie. "I try to raise them with the greatest [values] from my life, but times are completely different now," Jesse recently told Us. "We were at an age where we didn't have [Internet] or email addresses it's both exciting and terrifying." Ivanka Trump: My father's Megyn Kelly conflict has been 'sensationalized' "Regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum, I think everyone can appreciate the fact he's creating dialog about some very real issues." That's how Ivanka Trump summed up the controversy surrounding her dad Donald Trump and his bid for the Republican nomination. "As a citizen, I love what he's doing. As a daughter, it's obviously more complicated because [of] the level of interest and scrutiny," she said, according to Page Six . As for the Trump dialog that's come under the most scrutiny in recent weeks, Ivanka says her father's beef with Megyn Kelly has been "sensationalized" for the sake of TV. Julia Roberts sounds off on bullying ahead of GLSEN Respect awards The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network fights to end discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation for kids from kindergarten through high school. It's a cause Julia Roberts believes in wholeheartedly. That's why she and her husband, Danny Moder, are serving as honorary co-chairs at the organization's Respect Awards in Los Angeles on Oct. 23. "Ignorance is the root of any kind of discrimination and hatred and so the thing that's great about GLSEN is that it's about education," Julia recently told People . "It all comes down to the simplest thing to treat others the way you want to be treated. People that are truly, deeply unkind are the ones that lack any real knowledge of what they are talking about or who they are talking about." She went on to point out that bullies' behavior boils down to general ignorance -- not personally directed hatred, saying, "It's important to realize it has nothing to do with you but it actually has to do with the person being cruel and unkind and that is the person who has the confusion and the problems." | 6 | 95,315 | entertainment |
Continuing what has been the most exciting MLB playoffs in recent history, the Kansas City Royals and Toronto Blue Jays will face off in the 2015 ALCS. The Royals defeated the Houston Astros in dramatic fashion on Wednesday night clinching the series 3-2. Toronto was down 0-2 and came back to win three straight games to beat the Texas Rangers, advancing to the ALCS. Two powerful teams are going head-to-head in what promises to be an exciting Championship series, and here are the five deciding factors in the series. Toronto Blue Jays are hot As many baseball experts are prone to mention, the hot teams are the ones that make the great playoff runs. There is no hotter team right now than the Toronto Blue Jays, as proved by coming back down two games after facing elimination against the Rangers. Backed by clutch defense and timely hitting, like Jose Bautista's massive home run in Game 5, accompanied by his unheard-of bat flip, the Jays are clicking at all the right times. . @JoeyBats19 sent the @BlueJays to the #ALCS with a bat flip for all-time: http://t.co/g6TPvAdu1Z pic.twitter.com/bU6OMdvdWb Cut4 (@Cut4) October 15, 2015 David Price With left-handed pitcher Aaron Loup leaving the team due to personal reasons and lefty Brett Cecil out for the remainder of the postseason after tearing his calf in Game 2, David Price is the only lefty starter remaining for Toronto. Price is all but promised a record-breaking contract as he enters free agency this offseason after putting up record numbers in the 2015 season, with two different teams. However, Price has had some serious ups and downs in his postseason career. The former first overall pick in the 2007 MLB draft, Price has allowed eight earned runs in 10 innings in the 2015 ALDS. In his last seven playoff appearances, he owns a 5.48 ERA while allowing 49 hits in 44 innings. If the Blue Jays want to continue their historic run and make it back to the World Series for the first time since 1993, then they will need Price to figure out how to stay dominant in the postseason. Kansas City Royals do not strike out All baseball coaches preach putting the ball in play and not striking out. However, there is no other MLB coach that believes in this more than Royals manager Ned Yost. Kansas City struck out an MLB-low 970 times this season. As comparison, the Blue Jays struck out 1,151 times in the regular season. The Royals and Blue Jays play completely different styles of baseball. The Royals put the ball in play, fight deep into counts and steal bases. The Blue Jays live and die by the long ball, belting 232 homers in the regular season. Good things happen when you put the ball in play, and the Royals have the edge in that category. The Royals Bullpen In an era where starting pitchers are brought back on short rest and in relief appearances, bullpens are often overlooked in the playoffs. With the shutdown pitching of relievers Ryan Madson and Kelvin Herrera, if the Royals enter any late inning ALCS game with a lead it's going to be extremely tough for the Blue Jays to make any late inning rallies. Closer Wade Davis is second among all AL relievers with at least 50 innings pitched with an average fastball of 95.8 mph, and his teammate, Herrera, holds the top spot at 97.2 mph. With gas like that, Blue Jays hitters will have some serious problems catching up to the ball and putting it in play. Home Field Advantage Both the Blue Jays and the Royals clinched their respective ALDS series on their home turf. Heading into the ALCS, the Royals will have the home field advantage with the first two games taking place in Kauffman Stadium on Friday and Saturday nights. During the course of the 2015 MLB regular season, the Royals posted a home record of 51-30 and the Jays went 53-28, tied for the best home record in the American League. With the rowdiness of the Toronto fans in the seventh inning of game 5 on Wednesday night, the Royals are very thankful they have home field advantage. In what promises to be an entertaining ALCS, we predict it will take all seven games and that the Royals will edge out the Blue Jays and make it back to the World Series for the second year in a row. | 1 | 95,316 | sports |
Stronger lending to consumers and small businesses emerged as a bright spot in bank earnings this week, even as the oil market downturn stood out as an emerging risk. Results from JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo showed lending to be particularly strong in areas like credit cards, auto loans and home mortgages, as large banks strive to make up for the drag from low interest rates by increasing loans to consumers. At Wells Fargo, the nation's largest mortgage lender, a 6.5 percent gain in community earnings to $3.7 billion compensated for an 8.1 percent drop in wholesale banking to $1.7 billion. That trend is a welcome antidote to the slow-growth economy that has banks planning for a "lower-for-longer" baseline scenario for US interest rates. The economy is "getting better, but only incrementally better," said Wells Fargo chief executive John Stumpf. Stumpf sees more muted activity ahead, with US growth at just 2.4-2.5 percent in 2016. "The biggest risk to the US economy is what's happening in the rest of the world," he said. JPMorgan Chase also reported higher net income in consumer and community banking behind increased mortgage banking profits. The biggest US bank by assets suffered drops in other businesses, including corporate and investment banking and commercial banking. Consumer banking was also a standout division at Bank of America, which cited year-over-year increased activity in deposits, mortgage originations, credit card issuance and brokerage assets. "On Main Street there is a little bit more momentum than you might see in the overall economy," said Marty Mosby, a bank analyst at broker/dealer Vining Sparks. Small businesses and households "are starting to get some traction, which they haven't had so far in this recovery, whereas the corporate sector is the one where we are seeing a little bit less momentum," he said. Mosby said businesses had halted big investment plans as worries about a potential Greek debt default in the spring morphed into summer concerns about China's slowing economy and market turmoil, and then to the risk of a US government shutdown before year-end due to budget strife on Capitol Hill. "That uncertainty causes businesses to say, 'Let's wait and let the landscape calm down'" before making investments, Mosby said. - Oil defaults ahead? - Large banks have also lifted their reserves in case of energy industry defaults. Wells Fargo's wholesale profits were dented by such an increase because the company believes the energy industry "will incur greater challenges in the near term as it adjusts to lower commodity prices," said chief financial officer John Shrewsberry. Bank of America also lifted its reserves for oil-related loans after placing additional loans on the watch list for potential default. BofA chief executive Brian Moynihan said the company's oil exposure was "manageable" because much of the bank's work has been to package loans where "the risk is distributed out to investors." Citigroup also lifted its reserves for institutional clients by $275 million, although chief financial officer John Gerspach said the bank feels "very good" about its overall exposure. | 3 | 95,317 | finance |
Seattle Seahawks fullback and special teams player Derrick Coleman was arrested by Bellevue police on investigation of vehicular assault and a hit and run, according to the Seattle Times . Following the incident, the Seahawks announced that Coleman would be suspended indefinitely until they gather more information. On Monday afternoon, Seahawks head coach Peter Carroll announced that Coleman's suspension would be lifted . According to Carroll, the team met with Coleman and determined that he should be reinstated based on his account of the incident and video tapes of his interviews with police. "We will lift the suspension on Derrick Coleman. We'll find out what the timing is of that, but as soon as we can," Carroll said, according to Seahawks blog Field Gulls . "We really don't have a lot of information -- we don't have any information for you -- about what's going on or the issues. We have not received stuff other than to know the basics and the fundamentals of it. So we will do that and then we will move from there." Coleman was booked at 1:20 a.m. on Thursday after reportedly striking another vehicle and possibly causing the other driver to suffer a broken collarbone. Coleman was released from jail on Friday, with an investigation into the incident expected to take "at least a month." His first court appearance was waived, and a decision on whether or not he will be charged rests with county prosecutors, according to Gregg Bell of The News Tribune . At 6:20 p.m. on Wednesday, police were dispatched to the scene of the incident. Coleman left the scene and an officer tracked him down after "several minutes" two blocks away, according to the Bellevue Police Department. He was cooperative with officers, walking up to the patrol car as they located him. Police said they were not aware of why he left the scene, but that it will be "a focus of the investigation," stating that whatever the reason for leaving, it's "his duty" to remain at the scene. Three witnesses identified Coleman after he was detained, and a police canine found a scent in the vehicle and led officers to Coleman two blocks away after he had already been detained. A field sobriety test was conducted, and officers obtained a search warrant to do a blood test on Coleman, the results of which are unavailable. Police said that there was enough evidence, based on "statements that were made and observations made by the officer," for them to suspect drugs or alcohol may have been involved. Coleman was driving in a 35 mph zone and collided with the back of a vehicle traveling in the same direction at a "high rate of speed." They will do an accident reconstruction to determine exactly what happened, but Coleman's vehicle pushed the other vehicle up an embankment, where it came to rest upside down. Police said the driver of the other vehicle sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries. A photo taken of the scene revealed what appears to be extensive damage. Photo from Bellevue PD shows crash scene involving Seahawks FB Coleman. http://t.co/iin4WChKT3 pic.twitter.com/eyYB4saJYl KING 5 Sports (@KING5Sports) October 15, 2015 Coleman's agents offered up an explanation for the incident in a statement, via the Seattle Times : "While the facts of the case are still being determined, it seems Derrick may have fallen asleep while driving home from a Seahawks' facility. The health and well-being of all involved is our primary concern, and we are thankful to report that both parties are expected to make a full recovery. We will continue to work closely with the local officials while a full investigation is being conducted." Coleman, who is in his fourth year in the NFL, has appeared in just 22 games for the Seahawks since being signed by the team in 2012. He's been deaf since the age of 3 and in July published a memoir, No Excuses: Growing Up Deaf and Achieving My Super Bowl Dreams . His story was highlighted in a commercial for Duracell batteries last January . Coleman went undrafted in 2012 after graduating from UCLA, where he earned second team All-Pac-12 honors for his work on special teams. He has four career touchdowns -- two as a receiver and two on special teams. Coleman is just the second NFL player to get arrested this season. The first was Titans rookie wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham , who was arrested for not paying a speeding ticket . | 1 | 95,318 | sports |
At these haunted hotels in New York City, Los Angeles, Sweden, and beyond, you can check out any time you like but there are some ghosts that have never left. Sorrento Hotel Seattle, WA Stanley Hotel Estes Park, CO Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast Fall River, MA Hotel Chelsea New York City Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Banff, Canada Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel But there's a nicer spirit, too: Sam the bellman, who worked at the hotel until 1975 and claimed he'd come back to haunt the joint. Supposedly, his spirit pulls shifts helping people with their bags before disappearing. Borgvattnet Haunted Vicarage Borgvattnet, Sweden Langham Hotel London, UK RMS Queen Mary Long Beach, CA RMS Queen Mary But she embraces her haunted past with a three-course "Dining with the Spirits" meal and a night walk guided by a paranormal investigator who gives visitors equipment to record Electronic Voice Phenomenon. The first-class swimming pool, now drained, is a popular hangout spot for ghosts, because come on, they're not slumming it. Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Roosevelt Marilyn Monroe haunts one room (allegedly, her spirit hangs out in a mirror), while you might hear echoes of Montgomery Clift's voice in his old suite, room 928. Besides hosting golden oldies, the hotel boasts an iconic rooftop sign and a swimming pool painted by artist David Hockney. Grand Hyatt Hotel Taipei, Taiwan Grand Hyatt Hotel The solution: feng shui consultations and Buddhist scrolls near the entrance. Can't get enough of scary destinations? We have a full round-up of eerily beautiful abandoned places . | 2 | 95,319 | travel |
LOS ANGELES It was a honeymoon that Dr. Angelica Zen likely won't ever forget, and not just because of the romantic Bali vacation. On her way home to Los Angeles last week, the UCLA physician made her first unassisted delivery of a newborn baby when a passenger suddenly went into labor over the Pacific Ocean. The China Air flight, which had departed from Taiwan, was diverted to Alaska. Mother and newborn daughter left for a hospital, and the flight continued on to Los Angeles. "When the baby came out healthy, I was just very relieved," Zen, back at work at UCLA on Thursday, said laughing. The fourth-year resident had previously delivered two infants, both under the supervision of more experienced doctors. "Usually I see adult patients, older patients and pediatric kids," she said, adding this was "definitely outside of my job description." Zen had been trying to catch a little sleep toward the end of her 14-hour connecting flight from Bali last week when she heard an announcement asking if there was a doctor or nurse on board. "They initially told me it was just a lady having some abdominal pain, so I thought it was going to be something simple," she told The Associated Press. "But when I saw her she was, like, very pregnant." The woman was seated in the plane's first-class section, where the desks made it impossible to work, so Zen had her moved to the main cabin and placed on the floor. The flight attendants quickly pitched in, providing towels, blankets and makeshift instruments as fellow passengers recorded videos with their phones. "The baby got delivered, and everybody applauded," said passenger Edmund Chen, who filmed part of the delivery from his seat one row behind. "I don't really like to video other people, but this was just a once-in-a-lifetime thing, you know," he said. He added he was amazed that when, just like in the movies, the crew asked if there was a doctor on board one stepped forward. Zen said her husband, an engineer, stood by ready to help, but she didn't ask him. "I think he was more nervous than I was," she said. It's unclear if the birth, first reported by KABC-TV, occurred within a 12-mile radius of Alaska, which would make the baby a U.S. citizen. Airport officials wouldn't say how close the plane was to landing, but Zen noted it was making its approach when the baby arrived. "It was right when we were descending that the baby crowned," she said. ___ Information from: KABC-TV, http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/ | 5 | 95,320 | news |
NEW YORK NBCUniversal's latest effort to target millennials is coming: An online video service focused on comedy that costs $4 a month. The service, Seeso, will have original content and NBC shows like "30 Rock" and "The Office," ''Saturday Night Live," standup and the "Monty Python" movies. The plan is for a January debut. NBCUniversal and its owner, cable and Internet giant Comcast, have been trying different ways to get young people's attention as live TV viewing declines, like investing in new media outlets BuzzFeed and Vox. But Seeso will have to compete for attention in a crowded market. There's live online TV like Dish Network's Sling; Netflix, with its huge library of content; HBO's online channel; and niche services like anime-focused Crunchyroll. | 3 | 95,321 | finance |
A recent study revealed that increased intake of antioxidants may cause cancer to spread faster, a finding that could change how we think of these powerful molecules. Antioxidants are often promoted for their "cancer-killing" properties, but in a recent study , researchers found strong evidence to suggest that these unique molecules may actually promote the spread of certain cancer cells a finding that could change the way doctors advise cancer patients to eat. Antioxidants are compounds that can help to neutralize free radicals, natural substances that attack our cells and DNA. By neutralizing free radicals, antioxidants can prevent or delay some types of cell damage. These compounds can be found naturally in many types of food, most notably fruits and vegetables, but can also be man-made and taken in supplement form. In order to investigate what effect antioxidants had on cancer cells, a team of researchers from the Children's Research Institute at UT Southwestern gave these compounds to mice that had been transplanted with melanoma cells from cancer patients. The team observed that cancer spread faster in mice that were administered antioxidants than it did in mice that were not. According to the press release , since the spread of cancer, also known as metastasis , is the leading cause of death in most cancer patients, the finding was significant. These results also directly contradict past research that has shown that increased levels of antioxidants prevented cell damage associated with cancer development . According to Morrison, these findings may lead doctors to revise their dietary recommendations for cancer patients. This is not the first time researchers have linked antioxidants to increased progression of cancer. In 1994, a study in The New England Journal of Medicine found a higher incidence of lung cancer among men who took the antioxidants vitamin E and beta-carotene. And again last year, a study published in Science Translational Medicine found that taking high doses of antioxidants such as vitamin E could actually speed up the progression of lung cancer in smokers and other high-risk patients. "The idea that antioxidants are good for you has been so strong that there have been clinical trials done in which cancer patients were administered antioxidants," said Dr. Sean Morrison in a statement , explaining that some trials had to be stopped because the patients getting the antioxidants were dying faster. "Our data suggest the reason for this: Cancer cells benefit more from antioxidants than normal cells do." Based on these results, Morrison suggests that pro-oxidants , compounds that promote rather than inhibit oxidation, may instead be beneficial to cancer patients. However, despite the finding, not everyone needs to take antioxidants off their menu. The study suggests that healthy people who do not have cancer can continue to receive that many benefits, such as fighting obesity, and protecting their eyesight without worry of adverse effects. Source: Morrison SJ, Piskounova E, Agathocleous M, et al. Extended Data Table 3: Treatment with the antioxidant NAC increased tumour formation by intravenously transplanted melanoma cells. Nature. 2015. | 7 | 95,322 | health |
Sunday River Resort in Maine hopes to be open before Halloween. That would make their earliest opening day in 20 years. What conditions do they need to make the deadline? | 8 | 95,323 | video |
The Alabama Crimson Tide visit the Aggies of Texas A&M on Saturday, but who will win this SEC matchup? Our guys preview this game and weigh in with their predictions. | 1 | 95,324 | sports |
German authorities are giving Volkswagen no choice but to repair diesel vehicles in the country that are equipped with software to evade emissions tests. The German federal transport authority is requesting a mandatory recall for 2.4 million models with the cheating engines starting in early 2016, according to Automotive News . The regulators are also demanding that the company outline a fix for the problem to them in November. A mandatory recall should allow all of the vehicles to be repaired sooner, but it's also going to cost VW more money. Company CEO Matthias Müller previously said he expected the repairs to be done by the end of 2016. According to Automotive News citing a report from Germany's Bild , VW had originally asked the German regulators to make the campaign a voluntary one. Unsurprisingly, that request was denied. VW hasn't been specific about how it plans to fix the 11 million engines around the world with the rigged software. An update is expected for many of them, but mechanical changes might be necessary for others. On this side of the Atlantic, VW has until Nov. 20 to outline fixes for regulators in California. Although, the Environmental Protection Agency intends to check any proposed fixes thoroughly to make sure that they actually work. That process could take months. Follow MSN Autos on Facebook | 9 | 95,325 | autos |
Here are the best All-Star candidates for every team in the NBA. The All-Star game will always be a subject of controversy. Many think that the fans having all the power is silly when they vote in Kobe Bryant while he is injured and having the worst year of his career. Others argue that it is just an exhibition. If the players don't take it seriously, why should anyone else? More than anything, the ASG is a badge of an honor for the players that helps cap off a great individual season. Atlanta Hawks: Al Horford People always like to say that the Hawks don't have a superstar and they don't have a go-to scorer on their team. That's just not true. Horford is a three-time All-Star who has played out of position for his team for the last eight seasons. In his contract year, expect big numbers possibly even a career season from Horford. Boston Celtics: David Lee This one may seem unlikely to some, I know. Isiah Thomas is an incredible scorer. But if Lee has the season I expect him to have, then he will get plenty of votes from the fans. It won't be enough to make him a starter, but it'll be enough to get the attention of coaches around the league who vote on reserves and will respect his comeback. Brooklyn Nets: Brook Lopez Brook Lopez is coming into the season in the best shape of his career. That's because for the first time in years he isn't rehabbing from an injury. Lopez is the best offensive center in the NBA and the cornerstone of the franchise. He got his big money contract over the summer and made it clear he never wanted to leave in the first place. It should help that Lopez tends to play better with new starter Jarrett Jack than old PG Deron Williams. Charlotte Hornets: Al Jefferson It's a contract season for "Big Al". You could argue that Kemba Walker should be here. As Zach Lowe said on his podcast, "The guy has to shoot 40 percent for a season at some point, right?" But until he does, there's no reason to trust him. Jefferson, on the other hand, can hugely benefit from a big season. It's not just a contract year for him; he turns 31 in January, and he's getting older. This could be his last big deal. Chicago Bulls: Jimmy Butler Jimmy Butler won Most Improved Player last year and was an All-Star. Derrick Rose is still the most famous player on the team, but Butler can officially take over the role with another season like last year. There have been rumors of dissent between the two, and Butler stepping up to be the leader with a new coach would give a great impression with his teammates. Cleveland Cavaliers: LeBron James He's the best player in the game. LeBron James will be voted an All-Star, and barring injury, he will play. Dallas Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki Dirk may not be the player he once was, but next year could be his last. With that said, he could pile up the votes. Even though he may not get the votes to be a starter, the coaches voting will show respect to the future Hall of Famer. Denver Nuggets: Danilo Gallinari Many people would probably guess rookie point guard Emmanuel Mudiay here. Coaches won't vote for him, or almost any rookie for that matter, unless he has an incredible season. People think I'm crazy when I say that Gallo is an All-Star talent. He is the perfect player for the new NBA. He can step out to the three-point line and make a three. At 6-foot-10 he can take a big away from the hoop. New coach Mike Malone will have a great influence. Detroit Pistons: Andre Drummond The future of the Pistons franchise is who Stan Van Gundy hopes will become his new Dwight Howard, in a manner of speaking. SVG has made it no secret that he is going to build the team around Drummond. That's his guy. Drummond learned a lot playing with the National Team at the FIBA games over the summer. He's been a dominant rebounder and shot blocker. It's time for him to take the next step on offense. Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry Stephen Curry is one of the hottest athletes in the country right now. He will most likely start for the second straight year. Coming off of a championship season, he expects to succeed two years in a row. Houston Rockets: James Harden Another incredibly popular athlete right now, Harden is one of the other players on the cover of NBA 2K16. His non-stop highlight reel style of play makes him a lock for starting in the game. People love watching him play. Indiana Pacers: Paul George George is attempting to make a triumphant return after an unfortunate injury while playing for the national team. No one in the league is more motivated than him this season. Not only was he out for almost the entire season, but he couldn't help his team make the playoffs. George's comeback at the end of the season showed heart and his dedication to the squad. Los Angeles Clippers: Blake Griffin Some are going to say, "But Chris Paul is the best point guard in the league?" Of course he is. You can go either way, in my opinion, but the backcourt in the West is absolutely loaded. Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant Kobe Bryant could set a vote record this year. Hopefully he can play. Memphis Grizzlies: Marc Gasol The best center in the league will most likely start for back-to-back seasons. Coming off getting the big contract and making superstar money with a long-term commitment to his squad, Gasol has earned even more respect around the league. Miami Heat: Dwyane Wade After last year's "negotiation" with Pat Riley and the Heat, Dwyane Wade made an Instagram post praising the city of Miami. During the big three era, he escaped a majority of criticism. It wasn't his fault LeBron followed him. He's still popular. People still love him. Milwaukee Bucks: Jabari Parker Jabari Parker will average 25 points a game someday. He's that gifted. As talented as Greg Monroe is, people want to see the youngster. Milwaukee fans will love him. Minnesota Timberwolves: Andrew Wiggins Minnesota won't be on national TV this year very much, so we should all want to see Andrew Wiggins as much as we possibly can. New Orleans Pelicans: Anthony Davis Anthony Davis is many people's pick to win the MVP. He just received a huge extension and arguably passed Kevin Durant to become the second-best player in the league. New York Knicks: Carmelo Anthony Carmelo Anthony is not just the most likely option, he's the only option the Knicks have to be an All-Star. He probably will be one as well. Oklahoma City Thunder: Kevin Durant We all want to watch the best players, and Kevin Durant is one of them. If he's healthy he'll be there. Hopefully he is. Orlando Magic: Victor Oladipo Oladipo is primed for a breakout season. With new coach Scott Skiles being a disciplinarian and a defense first coach, Oladipo should improve a great deal this season. Philadelphia 76ers: Jahlil Okafor I guess the only other option is Nerlens Noel. But Okafor has a better chance because he will score more points and get more media hype. Phoenix Suns: Eric Bledsoe It was between Bledsoe and Brandon Knight for me and could have gone either way. But I chose Bledsoe, because it seems he is going to be the top man this year with Dragic gone. Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard Like New York, Lillard is the option by default. We are going to find out a lot about Damian Lillard this year. Is he really a superstar? He just got paid like one. Sacramento Kings: DeMarcus Cousins Cousins finally became an All-Star last season for the first time. All the trade talk and talk about how he won't be able to get along with new coach George Karl should be motivation. Of course, he could be representing another team by then. San Antonio Spurs: LaMarcus Aldridge I don't think anyone from San Antonio will make the All-Star team, but I guess Aldridge is the best bet. Duncan's numbers will decrease significantly, because he doesn't care about them until the postseason. The All-Star game is irrelevant to the Spurs. Toronto Raptors: Jonas Valanciunas Valanciunas is another big man who got a large contract extension over the summer. His game doesn't trend towards today's NBA, but Toronto loves him. Valanciunas is a classic big man who is fun to watch. Utah Jazz: Derrick Favors In my opinion it's between Derrick Favors and Gordon Hayward. I went with Favors, because he is the heart of that team. I think he has a good chance as well, because the Jazz are going to improve again this season. Washington Wizards: John Wall John Wall has steadily become one of the best point guards in the NBA -- perhaps even the third best behind Russell Westbrook. He will be in the game; it's just a matter of whether or not he will start or be a reserve. | 1 | 95,326 | sports |
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Or, more importantly these days, in the eye of the friend clicking "like" on your latest post. For pics that are guaranteed to get likes, we've curated this list of the EU's most gorgeous locales -- one scenic spot in each country. 1. Alpbach, Austria Alpbach's been voted Austria's most beautiful village by... all of the people in all of Austria. Or, at least, enough of them to win a "most beautiful village" poll; so you get why it's on this list. The area's lush green fields were reportedly a filming location for theSound of Music and in the winter, the hills are even more alive as snow-caked ski runs. 2. Flanders Fields, Belgium This poppy field isn't only beautiful, but also deeply symbolic. After World War I, vivid red flowers sprung up on former battlefields like this one, and the image is now synonymous with the heavy burdens of war. Today Flanders Fields is also a much-visited cemetery and memorial. 3. Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria Ask any Bulgarian, and they'll tell you the Seven Rila Lakes is not to be missed. These seven glacial pools are rugged and majestic, sitting 8,200-feet above sea level in the country's remote northwest. A day's trek around this meandering region, and you'll understand the meaning of living free. 4. Dubrovnik, Croatia It doesn't get more grandiose than the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik. You know it best as King's Landing from Game of Thrones, and truth be told, it doesn't differ much from the show with its breathtaking drawbridges, fortified battlements, and baroque architecture. 5. Aphrodite's Rock, Cyprus According to Greek mythology, this boulder marks the spot where the Goddess of Love was born amidst wild, churning water. Which makes sense, as the waves are rough and swimming is ill-advised (although local legend has it that anyone who does will be blessed with eternal beauty, assuming of course they survive). 6. Moravia, Czech Repuclic Prague tends to take a lot of credit for the Czech Republic's beauty, but there's something equally as magnetic -- and delightfully underrated -- about Moravia. These emerald landscapes and vineyards seem to stretch on forever... maybe it's the wine goggles, but settling down here doesn't sound like such a bad idea. 7. Skagen, Denmark Skagen's where Denmark's artistic and bohemian crowd have been coming for inspiration for years. It's no wonder because the scenery is amazing, crystal blue waters layered with colorful fishing boats and the most surreal sunsets. At the tip of Skagen you can find Råbjerg Mile, northern Europe's largest wandering sand dunes. Although where they're wandering, nobody knows. Badum-ching! 8. Tallinn, Estonia Estonia's capital is one of few destinations in the world that seamlessly blends medieval and modern, with glass skyscrapers and ancient turrets both locked in the same gaze. Tallinn's one of Europe's best-preserved walled cities, and 21st-century history definitely adds another interesting veneer to its rickety cobblestone streets. 9. Finnish Lakeland, Finland Thousands of years ago, continental glaciers shifted to create one of Europe's most striking natural masterpieces: Järvi-Suomi, or the Finnish Lakeland. It's the continent's largest lake district, a labyrinth of thousands of ponds, rivers, islands, and streams. 10. Giverny, France Giverny is the real-life setting for some of Claude Monet's most famous works. Today, the birthplace of French impressionism is every bit as stunning as it was in watercolor: a fairytale garden of rose arches, weeping willows, and water lilies tucked into Normandy's countryside. 11. Balvarian Alps, Germany Even if you find dirndl and lederhosen to be a questionable -- albeit totally sexy -- fashion statement, there's no denying that the Bavarian Alps is surefire beauty. Thick fir forests, rural pastures, and the rugged mountains (of course) are what make this region so alluring. Also, the beer. 12. Santorini, Greece It's impossible not to fall in love with Santorini. Just look at it!!! As if the island's natural beauty, multi-colored cliffs and deep-blue waters, wasn't already dreamy enough, the characteristic, Cycladic architecture is seriously spellbinding. Definitely one of the world's most romantic destinations. And cheap these days, from what we hear. 13. Lake Balaton, Hungary Lake Balaton is nothing but gorgeous turquoise for as far as the eye can see. Hungary's most famous blue-green body of water is also the largest and shallowest in all of Europe (that's right, probably the most relaxing swim of your entire life). It would all seem rather Mediterranean if it weren't for all those cute Hungarian farmhouses wrapped in thick woodland groves. 14. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland As seen in Harry Potter, the Princess Bride, and some Maroon 5 video (does it really matter which one?), the Cliffs of Moher are one of the world's must-see attractions -- and with good reason. From atop these platforms of vertical limestone, you can see for miles on a clear day. The rush of the wind and the salty sea air make this the kind of spot that everybody should throw on their bucket list before they Runaway. Fine, there, we told you the song. 15. Venice, Italy It's kind of impossible to pick the most beautiful place in Italy, but giving it to Venice seemed right, what with all that sinking and all. But in all seriousness, the Queen of the Adriatic is considered by many to be the most beautiful city in the world. Describing Venice's gorgeous Venetian architecture and lacework waterways doesn't nearly do it justice. 16. Venta Rapid, Latvia Okay, so this probably won't fit into your Instagram square, but it's still one of Mother Nature's most mystic creations. Venta Rapid is Europe's widest and shortest waterfall, spanning 360-feet wide by only six-feet high. It's sheer cascade falling over green moss and rocks is peaceful and a lot of fun to splash around in. 17. Curonian Spit, Lithuania Wild forest, sand dunes, and the ocean hypnotically unite at Curonian Spit. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a lagoon with Europe's highest sand dunes and Drunkard's Forest, which is covered in tree trunks that are mysteriously curled, twisted, and always asking for money to hit the liquor store. 18. Chemin de la Corniche, Luxembourg Hailed as Europe's most beautiful balcony, a stroll down Chemin de la Corniche never gets old. The promenade offers amazing views of the river canyon and Luxembourg's ancient fortress Wenceslas Wall. In the winter, when the trees and houses are tipped with ice, Chemin de la Corniche looks even more like it came out of a storybook. 19. Dwerja Bay, Malta This giant rock arch on the island of Gozo is home to some of Malta's best rockpooling, snorkeling, and diving. Its most famous spot is the rock formation called the Azure Window, like a limestone picture frame for the Mediterranean sea and sky. 20. Keukenhof, Netherlands This psychedelic flower field is only open from March to May every year, and it's seriously a blooming spectacle. Keukenhof is one of the world's largest flower gardens, with over seven MILLION tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and so on packed onto a mere 80 acres. 21. Zakopane, Poland Poland's winter capital, Zakopane, is one of those rare places that truly comes alive after the snow falls. It's rather secluded, with rustic log cabins set against glistening summits and alpine meadows. If you're thinking about a cozy ski getaway in the middle of nowhere, consider your decision made. 22. Sintra, Portugal Located just outside of Lisbon and once the home of Portuguese monarchs, Sintra is still just as enchanted; it's often called Disneyland for grownups, because of its collection of towering castles. Pena Palace draws from a broad range of architectural styles, and the National Palace apparently still looks exactly the same as it did in the 16th century. 23. Danube Delta, Romania The Danube River stretches from Germany to the Black Sea, and the stretch that runs through Romania is dead sexy. Reed marshes and swampland accents the clear blue waters, and there are even secluded beaches to discover. 24. High Tatras Mountains, Slovakia The tallest range of the Carpathian Mountains, the views from the High Tatras Mountains are astounding. Here you'll find top ski resorts tucked into an alpine wonderland, and some of the most gasp-worthy trails that Europe has to offer. 25. Bled, Slovenia Despite the foreboding name, this is Slovenia's most popular holiday resort town and is found between the highest peaks of the Julian Alps and the Karavanke. Lake Bled's known for its transparent azure waters and Vintgar Gorge, a 5,249-foot wooden walkway (built 1893) that daringly crisscrosses over the Radovna River. 26. Formentera, Spain Ibiza's little neighbor, Formentera, couldn't be any more different in its atmosphere. It's calm, relaxed, and utterly spoiled by untouched beaches and lapis lazuli water. The Balearics are well known for their sunsets and sunrises, which you can enjoy without having stayed up all night at the club. 27. Kosterhavet, Sweden One road trip through Sweden's marine national park, and you'll fall head over heels with Kosterhavet's idyllic scenery. Life just moves slowly here too, like the gentle breeze on the water rocking the docked fishing boats. This is the kind of place you can count on for an adventure, but you know, the laidback kind. | 2 | 95,327 | travel |
Click through the slideshow above to see America's richest and poorest cities. U.S. median household income increased in 2014 to $53,657, an increase of roughly $600 from the previous year. Still, U.S. incomes have yet to recover to pre-recession levels. Adjusting for inflation, U.S. 2014 median income was still below its 2009 level. Periods of recession and economic boom have an impact on the overall wealth of a country, as well as on metropolitan areas although to varying degrees. In most cases, the impact does not change the relative wealth of a metropolitan area, especially of the most affluent and extremely impoverished metropolitan areas. People living in Brownsville-Harlingen, Texas, where the typical household earns $32,093 a year, likely have a considerably different life from those living in San Jose, California, where the median household income is approximately three times that of Brownsville's. 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the wealthiest and poorest cities in the U.S. Income and poverty levels, although not always perfectly correlated, are closely related. The federal poverty threshold $11,770 for a single individual is based on the income necessary to sustain a household, and depends on the age of the home owner, the family size, and the number of children. As a result, poverty tends to be more prevalent in places with exceptionally low incomes. Notably, the poverty rates in all 25 poorest metro areas exceeds the national poverty rate of 15.5%. More than 35% of residents in Brownsville-Harlingen, for example, live in poverty, the highest poverty rate nationwide. An area's labor market can be a significant factor in determining incomes. A lower unemployment rate is often a sign of a healthy, competitive job market. Not only are more people employed, but also workers are more likely to be better paid. In addition, the more occupants in a household who are able to bring in income, the higher that region's wealth will be. Of the 25 wealthiest metropolitan areas, the unemployment rates in 19 are equal to or lower than the national rate. All but one of the 25 poorest areas have higher than average jobless rates. (Read this complete report at 24/7 Wall St .) To determine America's richest and poorest cities. 24/7 Wall St. reviewed data from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2014 American Community Survey (ACS). We identified the 25 U.S. metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) with the lowest median household incomes, and the 25 highest for that year. Median income data for all previous years is adjusted for inflation in 2014 dollars. We also reviewed figures on poverty, home values, and income distribution, and educational attainment from the Census Bureau's ACS, as well as annual average unemployment rates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of August, 2015. Figures on gross domestic product for metro areas, called gross metropolitan product (GMP), are for 2014 and are from IHS Global Insight. More from 24/7 Wall St.: The Worst Cities for Black Americans 10 States Draining the Country's Energy The Most Dangerous Cities in America | 3 | 95,328 | finance |
The upcoming Ford GT supercar could get a set of carbon fiber wheels similar to those on the new Shelby GT350R Mustang, according to Australia's CarsGuide.com. As with the Shelby GT350R, Australia-based wheel manufacturer Carbon Revolution will supply the carbon fiber wheels for the Ford GT. Carbon Revolution is the first wheel company to produce carbon fiber wheels that are stronger than a comparable alloy wheel. The company has doubled its number of employees in the past 10 months. "No-one has been able to do what we've been able to do," Jake Dingle, CEO of Carbon Revolution, told CarsGuide.com. "Even the aerospace industry couldn't figure out a way to do it." Related Link: Research Ford's Latest Models A set of four carbon fiber wheels save roughly 60 pounds of weight over a set of alloy wheels. In addition to reducing total vehicle weight, the weight savings also reduce rotational mass, allowing more engine power to get to the ground. The wheels are put through several durability tests including a curb strike test and hitting potholes at 62 mph. "A lot of people think they're going to turn to dust when they hit a pot hole, but these wheels are stronger than alloy wheels," said Jamal Hameedi, global head of Ford Performance. "This shows Ford is prepared to go to the ends of the earth to get an advantage over our competitors," he said. "Make no mistake; this is a step change in the automotive world." While neither the automaker or wheel manufacturer will reveal the cost of the carbon fiber wheels, they acknowledge they cost "several times" more than alloy wheels. In two years' time, Carbon Revolution plans to produce 50,000 wheels a year, which could reduce cost per wheel and make them more readily available. Source: CarsGuide Follow MSN Autos on Facebook | 9 | 95,329 | autos |
CORONA, Calif. Two friends say they rescued a dog by rappelling more than 100 feet down a mine shaft in Southern California. Michael Schoepf and Nick Gladden were off-roading last week near Lake Mathews, about 60 miles southeast of Los Angeles, when they discovered an abandoned mine and shined a flashlight into it. They saw a pair of eyes looking up at them. Using sections of nylon rope tied together, Gladden carefully lowered Schoepf down. Schoepf tells the Press-Enterprise newspaper (http://bit.ly/1NenBoF ) that the pit bull climbed right onto him and he brought the animal to the surface. Keri Berka of Happy Tails Animal Hospital says it treated the dog for some scratches and traumatic glaucoma in its left eye, which could have happened if it fell down the shaft. They hope to find the animal's owner. ___ Information from: The Press-Enterprise, http://www.pe.com | 5 | 95,330 | news |
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish host the USC Trojans in Week 7 of the college football season. Who are you taking in this one? | 1 | 95,331 | sports |
The United States said Thursday it has ended all litigation stemming from the Exxon Valdez oil spill, closing the books on a 25-year legal saga over one of the 20th century's worst environmental disasters. The Justice Department cited the recovery of duck and sea otter populations as the reason for its decision not to press for more damages. Around 11 million gallons (42 million liters) of crude spilled off the coast of Alaska in March 1989 when the tanker ran aground on a reef. Images of birds covered in oil traumatized America. In its immediate impact, the spill is estimated to have killed up to 250,000 sea birds, 2,800 sea otters, 300 seals and 22 killer whales. The longer term effects turned out to be worse than expected. The herring industry, for instance, which until then was bustling, collapsed in 1993. A legal battle spanning the 1990s and 2000s ensued as Exxon was ordered to pay damages and the company filed appeal after appeal to try to get the amount reduced. The oil giant ultimately had to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in damages and interest and spent billions cleaning up the mess. A ruling in 1991 allowed Alaska and the federal government to demand another 100 million dollars from Exxon in the event animal and plant populations declined significantly. In 2006, it was estimated the populations of harlequin ducks and sea otters in the Prince William Sound, which was ground zero of the disaster, continued to suffer from the presence of subsurface oil residue. US authorities called on Exxon to do something about it. But nine years later "scientists have concluded that exposure to the subsurface oil is no longer biologically significant to these species," the Justice Department said in a statement Thursday. Populations of harlequin ducks and sea otters have returned to their pre-spill levels, so the government plans no further litigation against Exxon, the department said. | 3 | 95,332 | finance |
Millennials will surpass baby boomers as the largest pet-owning generation in about three years and make up almost half of the workforce by 2020. Now companies are looking to attract those younger employees by letting pets into the office. A 2015 Society for Human Resource Management survey found 8 percent of American workplaces allow employees to bring their furry loved ones to work, and up from 5 percent in 2013. The same survey found 9 percent of companies such as Google (GOOGL) offered pet health insurance to employees, which also marks an increase in recent years. "Employers are starting to realize that having a millennial bring ... a pet to work, you wind up getting a more focused employee, you get someone more comfortable at the office and a person willing to work longer hours," said Bob Vetere, president and CEO of the American Pet Products Association, a trade group representing about 1,200 manufacturers of pet products. According to Vetere, the millennial segment (18- to-34-year-olds) tends to look at their pets "as practice families or substitute families and seem to be more verbal in their wants and needs for their pet and for making sure their pet is well tended and well cared for." At Autodesk (ADSK), Lizzie Bennett was able to take her Welsh corgi named Jackson to work at the company's Lake Oswego, Oregon, facility when he needed her most. "He had some knee surgery and needed constant care and medication.They let me bring him in which was really convenient and I didn't have to hire a pet sitter or have my parents or friends help me. It's just peace of mind for me." In Denver, Boa Technology office manager Colleen Antonio brings one of her Labrador retrievers to work "just about every day. Usually it's wonderful because if I'm having a stressful day I can reach over and pet Emma or Mattie. When other people are coming in the office especially when they're here for an interview which can be stressful for people my dogs will turn around and welcome them. It sort of calms people down." Other companies allowing pets at work include Amazon (AMZN), Etsy (ETSY), Google, Bissell, Clif Bar and Petco, just to name a few. Some companies have dog owner play groups and offer pooch play areas, pet gates in cubicles, and a few provide free pet training, pet walkers, offsite pet sitters as well as pet pampering services such as grooming and dog spas. "We know about 30 percent of our dog population comes into the office on any given day," said Lara Hirschfield, who oversees Amazon's dog program and is facilities manager at the Seattle headquarters. "We're really focused on celebrating the dogs. When the Seahawks are playing, I certainly see the dogs in their blues and greens." More than 2,000 dogs are brought in regularly to Amazon's main campus where about 25,000 employees work. The company also provides doggy treats at all of its reception desks and each of the nearly 30 buildings on the campus has spaces for pet exercise. "We feel a responsibility to respect and invest in people's lives beyond their workstations," said Keely Wachs, a spokesperson for Clif Bar in Emeryville, California. "Millennials really connect with our purpose-driven approach and appreciate how we invest in their whole lives whether it's having dogs in the office or paying our people to exercise and volunteer in their communities on company time." Several executives from "dog friendly" companies said it's tough to get commercial real estate space in major cities, since many buildings have "no pets" policies. Petco the big pet retailer was one of those companies, and it searched for a couple years before it found a headquarters site. About 650 people work at Petco's headquarters in the San Diego area, and on any given day up to 45 percent of the employees will have a dog or cat, or sometimes a habitat where they have fish, reptiles or a bird. "Having a pet stand next to you when you go to a meeting is such a huge icebreaker," said Petco Chief People Officer Charlie Piscitello. "It eliminates some of the natural human barriers and some discomforts that people have interacting with each other." At Etsy, roughly 10 percent of the company's Brooklyn, New York, staff have dogs they occasionally bring into the office. The company's London and Dublin offices also allow pooches in the workplace, along with Etsy's facility in Hudson, New York. "Millennials make up a lot of our workforce," said Sarah Starpoli, Etsy's manager of culture and engagement. "As the population has increased in our offices, the dogs have grown with us. People want it. People know about it when they come in and are hired." She recalls a meeting where a dog was seen dragging a pizza across the room. "They will do something funny and make people laugh. It breaks up the day." | 3 | 95,333 | finance |
Bryan Bedder/Getty Rapper Lil Boosie, 32, spent five years in the Louisiana State Penitentiary after pleading guilty to drug charges. But when he was released in March 2014 , the outside world was a different place. Lil Boosie went to prison in 2009, but both Instagram and FaceTime didn't launch until 2010, making the technologies the most mind-blowing things the rapper has seen since his release. "I was surprised when I looked on my iPhone and you could look at people and talk on the phone at the same time," he told TMZ after his release . "I wasn't used to that so I was like, the world has changed!" He added, " I ain't never seen Instagram. I heard about it, but it was a new experience seeing it in person." But while Boosie was away, his team created an Instagram account for him, often posting flashback photos with the hashtag #FreeBoosie . While he was locked up, @officialboosie amassed nearly 388,000 followers. On March 10, 2014, Boosie took over the account and changed the handle to @officialboosieig. Today, the rapper who now goes by the name Boosie Badazz boasts 1.9 million Instagram followers . According to social media, it appears Boosie is really enjoying his freedom: Bryan Bedder/Getty While behind bars, Boosie says he wrote 1,018 songs. In May, he released his sixth studio album, "Touch Down 2 Cause Hell." Today, he spends much of his time performing at clubs across the country. Bryan Bedder/Getty In his first Q&A after his release, Boosie noted that the musical landscape, in addition to technology, had also changed. "I feel like what I been hearing these last three or four days on the radio it's different from my music, and different brings greatness," the rapper says. "So I just feel I stand alone in the music industry to tell you the truth." | 6 | 95,334 | entertainment |
11 Terrifyingly Hilarious Pinterest Food Fails1700Get ready to feel a lot better about your cooking skills.Country Living | 8 | 95,335 | video |
Turkey and Saudi Arabia on Thursday warned Russia over the consequences of its intervention in Syria, with Ankara telling Moscow its bombing campaign in support of the regime was a "big mistake". The two majority Sunni Muslim powers both support the moderate opposition in Syria and have been infuriated by Moscow's bombing campaign to prop the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. Turkey's anger grew earlier this month when Russian aircraft operating in Syria twice violated the air space of the key NATO member. "Russia is making a big mistake," Turkish Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioglu told reporters after talks in Ankara with Saudi counterpart Adel al-Jubeir. "What it does will bring no meaning or benefit, other than delaying the transition process to help Syria out of the chaos," he added. "We will continue with our warnings." The Turkish army meanwhile said a Russian military delegation led by air force Lieutenant General Sergei Dronov arrived in Ankara on Thursday to share flight data "to prevent a repeat of incursions." Ankara is also particularly concerned over claims -- denied by Moscow -- that its bombing campaign has targeted anti-Assad rebels rather than the stated aim of Islamic State (IS) jihadists. "Saudi Arabia and Turkey are in agreement on supporting the opposition in Syria. What is important is a political solution," Jubeir said. "We are in agreement that there will certainly be no role for Bashar al-Assad," he added. He said that in recent talks with top Russian officials, Riyadh had told Moscow that the Syria crisis should be solved according to the 2012 Geneva communique which envisages a political transition in Syria. "We (in Ankara) discussed the intervention of foreign powers, especially the Russian intervention which is a very critical issue," Jubeir said. Their united opposition to the Russian bombing campaign has intensified a rapprochement between Turkey and Saudi Arabia that has gained pace over the last months. Riyadh and Ankara fell out badly over Saudi's support of the toppling by the Egyptian army of president Mohamed Morsi in 2013 who Turkey has strongly supported. But in a sign of warming ties, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan strongly defended Saudi Arabia against vehement criticism from within the Islamic world over the deaths of hundreds of pilgrims at a stampede during the hajj pilgrimage. - 'Come to senses'- Turkey has grown increasingly concerned over US and even Russian backing for Syrian Kurds who Ankara accuses of being allies of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Turkey summoned the Russian and US envoys this week to warn against supporting militarily the Democratic Unity Party (PYD), which Ankara accuses of being the Syrian offshoot of the outlawed PKK. PYD leader Salih Muslim has reportedly said Syrian Kurds would not attack Turkey but would defend themselves in case of any Turkish assault. "I am inviting Salih Muslim to come to his senses," Sinirlioglu said. "It would not be good for him if he forgets about Turkey's will and determination," he added. "We have sent a clear message to the PYD. Any action against Turkey will be punished without any hesitation." Moscow's attitude to the PYD has worried Ankara, with Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov meeting Muslim in Paris on October 8. But Moscow has vehemently denied supplying arms to the Syrian Kurds. After the air space violations, Erdogan had warned Moscow against losing Turkey's friendship. Bogdanov, quoted by Interfax news agency, said Moscow hoped to hold talks with Turkish diplomats in the next days to "find where our approaches merge." | 5 | 95,336 | news |
President Barack Obama announced plans Thursday to keep 5,500 U.S. troops in Afghanistan when he leaves office in 2017, casting aside his promise to end the war on his watch. (Oct. 15) | 8 | 95,337 | video |
USA TODAY Sports' Jeff Zillgitt breaks down the East. | 1 | 95,338 | sports |
Oct 15, 2015; 2:24 PM ET A few skaters attempted a raw skating run down Norway's Trollstigen mountain pass back in July. This footage captures their moves as well as the beautiful scenery of the area. | 8 | 95,339 | video |
A trove of 47 fossil human teeth from a cave in southern China is rewriting the history of the early migration of our species out of Africa, indicating Homo sapiens trekked into Asia far earlier than previously known. Sharon Reich reports. | 8 | 95,340 | video |
Borussia Monchengladbach's manager has come to Fabian Johnson's defense, as the back and forth over the player between the club and U.S. national team manager Jurgen Klinsmann continues. Andre Schubert has backed the U.S. winger/defender after Klinsmann dismissed him from U.S. camp prior to Tuesday's friendly vs. Costa Rica . Johnson asked out of the USA's CONCACAF Cup playoff vs. Mexico in extra time but was not injured at the time and only concerned about picking up an injury, according to U.S. Soccer. Monchengladbach followed that with a statement of its own that he was undergoing treatment for a thigh injury and was a doubt for the weekend's match vs. Eintracht Frankfurt. Asked about that following the USA's 1-0 loss to Costa Rica , Klinsmann responded defiantly and put the ball in Johnson's court by saying: "If you want to test it out, then see if he's playing on the weekend and you have the answer." Schubert said that even though Johnson is likely able to play Saturday, he defended his decision making in the heat of the moment vs. Mexico. "Fabian has a thigh problem, but I'm assuming that he will be available in Frankfurt," Schubert said Thursday . "We won't know that until tomorrow either though. I can vehemently deny everything that has been written and said about him recently. I know Fabian to be a top professional who has a great mindset when it comes to the team, his job and his health. When a player feels a tightening of their thigh in added time in a game and could then be on the verge of a more serious injury, I only think it's the responsibility of the team and himself to have him subbed off in that situation." | 1 | 95,341 | sports |
For years, wine cocktails got a bad rap, and it was almost exclusively because of a thing called the wine cooler. Like yacht rock and The Golden Girls , wine coolers are associated with a different time in American culinary history, a time before artisanal cocktails and craft beer were listed on every other restaurant's menu. Now the butt of jokes, wine coolers are made from a combination of wine, fruit juice, carbonated water, and sometimes sugar. But trace the history of the wine cooler and it leads to the wine spritzers of Eastern Europe and tintos de verano of Spain. Since the 1980s wine coolers have been mass produced, bottled, and sold in six-packs; they come in dozens of shades of pink and many different, often sickly sweet flavors. Thankfully, the wine cooler is not the only wine cocktail around. The history of wine in cocktails is as old as civilization itself: Once early man discovered that fruit juices fermented into a boozy beverage, it was only a matter of time before the concept of distilling to further enhance a beverage's ethanol content was realized. Prior to the successful advent of alcohol distillation in the 13th century, it's likely that humans got drunk off of wine and wine mixed with other liquids, honey, spices, and herbs. Wine is an indispensable cocktail ingredient. By definition, at base, a cocktail consists of a distilled spirit, sugar, and a bitter. Though this definition is no longer commonly employed, it's an easy way to see how wine can fit into a cocktail, either as the distilled spirit (brandy), a sweetener (sparkling wine), or the bitter (vermouth). On top of its base ingredients, a cocktail can contain any number of liquids, fruits, infusions, dilutions, and flavorings. Wine, or a beverage made from wine, adds complexity to the sharp taste of high proof spirits, and is an indispensable ingredient behind the modern bar. Regular young or aged wine sometimes finds its way into cocktails. For example, the classic French aperitif known as the Kir is a combination of crème de cassis (a black currant liqueur) and white wine. But most wines used in cocktails today are sparkling, fortified, aromatized, or distilled spirits made from wine. It's a mistake to think a cocktail that contains wine is lower in alcohol content than one that does not. This is sometimes the case, as in a spritzer or sangria, but not the case in a Sidecar or French 75. Wine Coolers [Photo: Aly/ Flickr ] Here now is a primer to the most common ways wine is used in cocktails today, starting with the precursor to the much-maligned wine cooler of the '70s and '80s, a popular wine cocktail known as a spritzer. Wine Spritzer: A combination of wine, usually white or rose, and bubbly water served chilled. As with most alcoholic beverages, the history of the wine spritzer is murky. It may have originated in Hungary in the mid-1800s, but most certainly appeared somewhere in Eastern Europe during that century. According to The Sage Encyclopedia of Alcohol: Social, Cultural, and Historical Perspectives , spritzers are German in origin. Because the drink of the ease of its preparation and consumption, spritzers spread quickly throughout the wine drinking world. As previously mentioned, they led to the advent of the wine cooler, a tainted version of the classic drink. Numerous variations exist. Here are the most notable: Tinto de verano (Spanish): Red wine mixed with bubbly water, served chilled. Sometimes Sprite or another soft drink is used in place of carbonated water. The literal translation means "red wine of summer." Süssgespritzter (German): A combination of wine and fizzy lemonade. Fröccs (Hungary): The Hungarian repertoire of spritzers is vast and calls for specific proportions of wine to bubbly water or other ingredients. For example, a Újházy fröcss ('Ujhazy spritzer') is made from 20 mil. of wine plus a type of pickle juice; Macifröccs ('teddy bear spritzer') is a combination of red wine, soda, and raspberry syrup. Fortified Wine: A wine to which a distilled spirit, usually brandy (a distilled wine), is added. Fortified wines are incredibly versatile. They are often consumed as is, but can add a sweet base or bitter note to cocktails. There are several major types, but only sherry is commonly used in mixed drinks. Sherry : No other fortified wine has gone through a revival as robust as sherry's. In recent years, bartenders and sommeliers have highlighted obscure sherries on separate lists and dedicated sections of cocktail menus to sherry cocktails. According to Sherry: A Modern Guide to the Wine World's Best-Kept Secret , sherry is produced in Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa María. The process of fortifying sherry depends upon the type of sherry (fino, Manzanilla, amontillado, palo cortado, oloroso, Pedro Ximénez, or moscatel). At some point during the production of each type, brandy is introduced to the fermenting liquid. This both raises the beverage's alcohol content and halts the fermentation process, in a way setting its taste so that the flavor and alcohol content does not continue to evolve. The many shades of Sherry [Photo: Shutterstock] Sherry has historically been misunderstood in the U.S. as a hyper-sweet wine; in fact, traditional, unblended sherries are rarely too sweet. In Sherry , author Talia Baiocchi writes: "There is no other wine in the world whose spectrum is more versatile and wildly contrasting, and no other that defies an easy explanation quite so well." There are dozens and dozens of cocktails that use sherry today. Here are a select few: Sherry Cobbler: The renaissance of this classic drink is credited to cocktail historian David Wondrich. It's a combination of sherry, sugar, and citrus, shaken and served over crushed ice. Adonis: A cocktail created in New York and named for the first Broadway musical to run for more than 500 performances. It's a combination of dry oloroso sherry, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters. Lankershim Fizz: A frothy combination of gin, Pedro Ximenez sherry, simple syrup, lemon juice, an egg white, and club soda. La Perla: In The PDT Cocktail Book , Jim Meehan writes that the combination of reposado tequila, manzanilla sherry, and pear liqueur was invented within the last decade by Tomas Estes in London. Madeira : A fortified wine usually made from Malvasia, Bual, Verdelho, or Sercial grapes produced on the Portuguese archipelago in the north Atlantic Ocean. It is often consumed as an aperitif or digestif and used in cooking, but may also be used in mixed drinks, especially in punch, according to David Wondrich in Punch: The Delights and Dangers of the Flowing Bowl . Quoit Punch: A 18th century creation. A combination of lemons and their juice, sugar, Jamaican rum, cognac, and madeira. Marsala: A dry or sweet fortified wine produced in Sicily near the city of Marsala made usually from Grillo, Inzolia, Catarratto, Perricone, Calabrese, Nero d'Avola, or Nerello Mascalese grapes. It is classified by age and color, from Oro (golden) and Ambra (amber) to Rubino (ruby). It is aged for anywhere from several months to five years, and while it is often used in recipes for sauces, stews, and sweets, it does not often appear on cocktail menus. Aromatized wine: Fortified wine that has been flavored with spices, herbs, or flowers. Aromatized wine is often served as part of a mixed drink or is diluted in some way. It is also often served as an aperitif. Aromatized wines, which historically were used as medicine, tend to be strongly flavored and can be bitter, making them a perfect foil for strong liquors in a mixed drink. Others, like Barolo Chinato, are sipped as is, no mixer needed. Many aromatized wines are steeped with quinine, a flavoring derived from cinchona bark. Quinine gives tonic water its somewhat bitter taste, and has the added distinction of causing liquids to glow in the dark. These are the most common aromatized wines that are mixed into cocktails. Quinquina: An Italian aromatized wine flavored with quinine. Americano: An Italian aromatized wine flavored with gentian root, which imparts bitterness in addition to the quinine. Vermouth: From the German word for "wormwood," vermouth is an essential ingredient of the modern bar. Most vermouths do not contain wormwood, but get their bitterness from other herbs and spices. Vermouth comes in many styles, including light, dry, sweet, and red. The beverage was first bottled in 18th century Italy and remains a crucial ingredient in the classic gin martini. Other notable vermouth-based drinks include: Vermouth Cocktail: Vermouth and bitters. Manhattan: Rye, whiskey, or bourbon, vermouth, bitters (there are many variations). Gibson: Gin and vermouth garnished with a cocktail onion. Lillet: According to The Wine Bible , two French brothers created Lillet in 1872 when they blended Bordeaux wine with a mixture of macerated fruits and a bit of quinine. Now protected under AOC guidelines, it is only produced in Bordeaux and the recipe for Lillet is a company secret but is said to include green, sweet, and bitter citrus along with cinchona bark (quinine). Lillet Blanc is made from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle; Lillet Rosé contains Muscatel, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon; Lillet Rouge is made from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Lillet Cocktail: A combination of gin and Lillet. Vesper: Gin, Lillet, and vodka, stirred and served up Sangria: A Spanish beverage that combines wine with cut up fresh fruit. Traditionally brandy, a distilled wine, is also added. Sangria is considered an aromatized wine. There are white wine versions, sparkling versions, and red wine versions and, while the drink is usually served cold, it is also rarely served warm. [Photo: Shutterstock] Perennially in vogue, Spain's most famous cocktail is best known as a sweet, wine-based, punch-like beverage seasoned with fresh fruit. No one knows exactly who first thought to drop slices of fruit into wine, but it was certainly a Spaniard. According to dozens of sources, the drink was formally introduced to the U.S. at the 1964 New York World's Fair. Last year, the European Parliament passed a law that defines true sangria as a wine-based beverage that comes from Spain or Portugal. Sparkling Wine: Wine made fizzy due to the addition of carbon dioxide. The gaseous bubbles in sparkling wine are a result of either carbon dioxide injections or natural fermentation. The only constant in a cocktail that involves sparkling wine is that it's served chilled. Champagne: The most elegant of all sparkling wines, true Champagne is only produced in Champagne, France. The distinction of the region has to do with the flavor profile of the final wine. It's may be a shame to mix a fine Champagne into a cocktail, but many hard alcohol-based drinks benefit from a bit of effervescence. Champagne cocktail: According to the International Bartenders Association, this drink is composed of Champagne, sugar, Angostura bitters, brandy and a single maraschino cherry. Though it was likely invented in the mid-1800s, it's popularity today could be attributed to its on screen success. It was one of two true cocktails ordered in the film Casablanca . The other was the French 75. French 75 (Soixante Quinze): The measured combination of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and Champagne. Multiple sources write the cocktail was invented in France at the New York Bar in Paris by barman Harry MacElhone. It is named after the powerful French guns that shot 75 milliliter shells at the Germans during World War I, the drink is sometimes made with brandy or Cognac instead of gin. Mimosa: Possibly the most famous of all Champagne cocktails, it's the combination of orange juice and Champagne. Endless variations exist, and it is often not made with actual Champagne, but with some other kind of sparkling wine. Buck's Fizz: Traditionally a Mimosa sticks to a ratio of 1 part Champagne to 1 part orange juice. In a Buck's Fizz, it's 2 parts Champagne to 1 part orange juice. Kir Royale: A Kir is a combination of crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) and white wine. It becomes a Royale when Champagne is used instead of white wine. [Photo: Shutterstock] Prosecco: Italy produces many sparkling wines but none are as famous or as widely used in cocktails as Prosecco. According to The Oxford Companion to Wine , Prosecco DOC can be spumante or fully sparkling; frizzante or semi-sparkling; or tranquillo, still. The wine is made from Glera grapes, known also as Prosecco. Other grape varieties may be included so long as they don't make up more than 15 percent of the total percentage of wine. Bellini: Nearly as famous as the Mimosa is the combination of Prosecco and peach nectar or juice. Multiple sources say it was invented in 1948 by Giuseppi Cipriani at Harry's Bar in Venice. According to the Cipriani family (still prolific restaurateurs), grandfather Giuseppi was inspired by the works of 15th-century Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini in which the skirts of the women were peach-colored. Endless, unofficial, variations exist, including the Puccini (mandarin juice and Prosecco), Rossini (strawberry puree and Prosecco), and Tintoretto which combines the Prosecco with pomegranate juice. Sbagliato: Literally translated as "messed up" or "mistaken," according to Imbibe , the recipe is a result of a busy bartender accidentally using Prosecco instead of gin in a Negroni . Served on the rocks, the drink contains sweet vermouth, Campari, and Prosecco. Sgroppino: A cold, frothy combination of lemon sorbet, limoncello, vodka, and Prosecco. Mulled Wine: Wine that is warmed, usually with spices, flavorings, or fruit. Mulled wine. [Photo: Shutterstock] It's said to have originated in Rome in the 2nd century. Unlike sangria even warmed sangrias it is known more for its spiced, warming flavors than its freshness. It is called mulled wine in England and the U.S. but goes by other names in other countries including Glühwein (Germany), Glögg (Norway and Denmark), bisschopswijn (The Netherlands), vin chaud (France), vinho quente (Portugal and Brazil), svařené víno (Czech Republic), Sıcak Şarap (Turkey). Distilled Wine: Wine that has been distilled, a process that stops fermentation and increases alcohol content by removing much of the liquid (mostly water) that diluted the original beverage. In English, this is called brandy. All such spirits contain between 35 and 65 percent ABV. Brandy: Technically brandy may be made from the distilled fermented juice of any fruit, but it is then labeled with that fruit's name: Peach brandy, for example. When the beverage is labeled "brandy," it is always made from wine that was made from grapes. It is a high-proof alcohol and is made in slightly different ways around the world. Brandy Alexander: The most famous cocktail made from brandy, though there are many. It contains brandy (sometimes Cognac), crème de cacao, and heavy cream. Grappa: This Italian distilled wine is unique in that it is made from the fermented mashed grapes, seeds, stems, and vines that are the byproduct of winemaking. This process is protected under DOC regulation. Limoncello Cocktail: A combination of limoncello, simple syrup, and grappa. Pisco: A clear or amber-colored high-proof spirit distilled from grapes grown in and around Chili and Peru. The Puro (Pure) variety is made from a single variety of grape, (Quebranta or Mollar); Aromáticas (Aromatic) is made from Muscat or Muscat-derived grape varieties, Albilla, Italia, or Torontel grapes; Mosto Verde (Green Must) is distilled from partially fermented must; Acholado (Multivarietal), is made from a blend of different grape varietals. Pisco Sour: The most well-known Pisco cocktail is made from Pisco, lime or lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white, and bitters. Cognac: Brandy that is made in and around Cognac, France. It is an AOC-regulated product; Cognac cannot be produced anywhere else in the world. It also must be made from a minimum of 90 percent Ugni blanc (Trebbiano) grapes. It is always aged in Limousin oak casks for at least two years before being bottled and sold. It is graded: V.S. ( for "very special") has been aged in cask for two years; V.S.O.P. (for "very superior old pale") means it has been stored for at least four years; XO (for "extra special") means it has been aged for a minimum of six years. Cognac was once frequently used in classic American drinks like the Mint Julep. Sidecar: Made from cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, it's believed to be named after the motorcycle attachment and traces its origins to London at the end of World War I. Between the Sheets: A cocktail containing white rum, cognac, triple sec, and lemon juice. Armagnac: Like Cognac, Armagnac is a French AOC-regulated spirit that cannot be made outside of the Armagnac region in Gascony in the southwest of France. It is made from a blend of ten possible grapes grown in that region, and like Cognac, it is commonly graded as V.S., V.S.O.P., or XO. Armagnac is sometimes used interchangeably with Cognac in cocktails. May Daisy: Jim Meehan's The PDT Cocktail Book lists this recipe for a sour that's a mix of Cognac (or Armagnac), lemon juice, green Chartreuse, and simple syrup garnished with mint. | 4 | 95,342 | lifestyle |
Want a natural mood-booster that just happens to be rather tasty as well? Look no further than the seafood counter at your local market: New research in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health suggests that loading up on fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, and pollock makes you less likely to become depressed. (Are you just bummed out or depressed? Take our depression quiz to find out.) And if you really want to feel spectacular, opt for fatty fish, which a separate study found so effective at fighting mood disorders that they stopped a study on manic depression five months earlier than anticipated. In the instance of the first study, women who regularly ate fish had a 16% lower risk and men had a 20% lower risk of depression than people who ate less or no fish. Because it's an observational study, researchers can't pinpoint exactly why the association exists, but they do have a few ideas on how the mood-boosting magic happens. Photo by ALLEKO/Getty Images For one, the omega-3 fatty acids in fish may affect the brain in ways that modify levels of dopamine and serotonin, both of which are neurotransmitters thought to be involved in depression, says study co-author Dongfeng Zhang. Or, high quality protein, vitamins and minerals could have a protective effect. And of course, fish eaters may just tend to eat a healthier diet in general and exercise more both factors that are associated with reduced risk of depression. (Here are 12 fish you should stay away from .) As far as the second study, the 9-trial of bipolar disorder (manic depression) was terminated by researchers after only 4 months because omega-3s found in fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines were so effective at smoothing out moods. And other research suggests you can reap the mood boosting perks with as few as two servings of fish per week. Fish aren't your thing? No problem. There are a whole slew of satisfying foods from apricots and yogurt to walnuts and chocolate that can legitimately lift your spirits. And if just thinking about winter gets you down, consider loading up now. | 0 | 95,343 | foodanddrink |
What's REALLY Inside Your Halloween Candy Will Scare You You know what's a total buzzkill? Hanging out on your couch, enjoying some Halloween candy, only to then read the ingredients list. What IS this stuff you are ingesting? (And how do you even pronounce most of it?!) Food additives have been controversial as of late, and that's why Ingredients: A Visual Exploration of 75 Additives & 25 Food Products by Steve Ettlinger and Dwight Eschliman is so valuable: The fascinating new book lays out these mysterious food additives, explaining what they are and how they came to be. Inspired by our reading, we took three common Halloween treats and stripped them down to find out exactly what's in them. Click through to find out what additives are lurking in your candy corn, Warheads, and Butterfingers, what they actually do, and what else they are used for (hint: everything from explosives to open-wound healing). Warheads What's in those Warhead candies that make your taste buds feel like they are going to explode off your tongue? Warheads Soybean Oil. If you ever felt like Warheads were mini bombs detonating on your taste buds, you may be interested to know that soybean oil is extracted by being soaked with a toxic, explosive petroleum product known as hexane. Before you freak out, know this: Apparently, hexane "disappears" during a boiling process once the oil has separated. Phew! But also, "?!?!" Warheads Cornstarch. Cornstarch is something we're all familiar with, and seems to be in everything…and it kind of is. According to the book, 750 million pounds of cornstarch are produced each year, but only 7% of it goes into food. The rest? You can find it in paper products and cardboard, as well as textiles, film, food containers, furniture, and more. Warheads Ascorbic Acid. Fear not! Ascorbic acid is just a fancy science name for vitamin C. According to Ingredients, all the factories making ascorbic acid these days are in China, except for one in Scotland. The process behind how it's made is a trade secret, but we know it has multiple applications beyond food (including in photographic developers and as an industrial stain-remover). Candy Corn Love it or hate it, candy corn is ubiquitous this time of year. But what's actually in this famous treat? Candy Corn Dextrose. Turns out dextrose is quite the show pony: This food additive does everything from adding "smoothness, flavor, and shelf life to tobacco" to bringing "glossiness and pliability to shoe leather." It also "stabilizes adhesives, prolongs the setting of concrete, moisturizes air-fresheners, and controls evaporation of perfumes." Also, you know that lotion you've had on your bathroom shelf for, like, years and years? Well, it's probably still creamy thanks to dextrose. If the thought of ingesting this chemical is making you a little queasy now, rest assured that it is absorbed as simple glucose (sugar) when it hits your bloodstream. Candy Corn Gelatin. Well, first some good news: Gelatin is not made from hooves, as you may have heard. But it is made from "cow bones, cow hides, pig skins, and bones, sometimes even some fish skin." Ugh. The process of making gelatin involves extracting protein and converting it into collagen. While that might seem like it requires super-modern machinery and chemical manipulation, the production of gelatin actually goes as far back as 1685 in the Netherlands and about 1700 in England, according to Ingredients. It also has a bunch of industrial applications, like cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, paper-coating, printing, and more. Candy Corn Salt. I know this one is also not a shocker, but since it's my favorite food additive (I'll take salty fries over candy any day), I had to include it. My personal preferences aside, did you know that salt is technically an edible rock that has an estimated 14,000 industrial uses?! And next time you spill the salt, think about this: Salt was once considered as valuable as gold. In fact, Roman soldiers were paid in salt, giving rise to the word "salary." Intrigued? There is an entire book on the history of salt and its tremendous influence on human history (wars, trade routes, and much more). Candy Corn Yellow 5. Food dyes are a mystery, and reading about this just made me more confused: Yellow 5 is also known as tartrazine, and it's made from "gray powders" that are "atomized in a spray-drier with walls so hot that when the mist hits them, it dries immediately into a perfectly colored powder." Say what? Whatever. Suffice it to say that this hard-to-conceptualize process happens enough to make 17 million pounds of artificial food coloring every year. Also, there is no taste or preservative quality to Yellow 5; it's just an additive that colors food for "psychological reasons." Butterfinger Will you still lay your finger on a Butterfinger when you find out what's in it? Butterfinger TBHQ. This ingredient really is fit for Bart Simpson: In extremely low doses, TBHQ is used as an antioxidant, but you know what else it does? It makes "a good corrosion inhibitor in biodiesel fuel [and] helps to slow the evaporation of lacquers and paints." So, yeah, in high doses it can be toxic or fatal. But again, no need to fear Ingredients assures us that we would need to eat over 300 Chicken McNuggets in one day to get sick. And for those McNuggets addicts out there, no need to worry TBHQ doesn't accumulate in your system. Butterfinger Soy Lecithin. It used to be known as a waste product, but now soy lecithin is an ingredient in everything from food to printing inks, cosmetics, waxes, adhesives, lubricants, and explosives. In fact, there are trace amounts of soy lecithin "in almost all living cells." When it comes to food, the ingredient is a superstar for bakers, doing everything from "improving dough handling, moisture retention, texture, volume, browning, and shelf life." Only thing I don't know now is how to actually pronounce "lecithin." Butterfinger Sugar. Okay, okay, I know this one is not a shocker, but I thought there were some pretty cool sugar factoids in this book that are worth sharing. Like this one: Sugar is not only sweet, but it's also widely used in foods because it "steals water from bacterial cells", which prevents spoilage. That helps create our favorite jellies and jams, but has also been used by medics to prevent infection in wet wounds (say what?!). Also, did you know that sugar was first refined in India, and the word "sugar" derives from a Sanskrit word ("sharkara")? Beyond applications to food, it also plays a big role in fortifying cement, and can also be used as a substitute for charcoal in gunpowder mixtures. | 7 | 95,344 | health |
Now that the Playa has been cleared, it's time to look back at Burning Man's most out-of-this-world art cars. Photographer Tomas Loewy is a habitual "burner" (Burning Man festival attendee) who shoots amazing photos of the event every year and has released a book of his photography. He shared some of his best photos of art cars over the years with Tech Insider. "Art cars are designed by burners from all over the country," Loewy said, "And they usually become the unofficial mascots of their owners' camps." Attendees are welcome to climb into the art cars and check them out up close. Keep reading to see Loewy's coolest photos of Burning Man art cars. Follow MSN Autos on Facebook This art car is designed to look like the Cheshire Cat from "Alice in Wonderland." The 100 Hottest Cars of All Time Here's a phone with wheels, with two burners hanging out on top. Horrible cars of the last four decades This yacht car fits dozens of burners on top. 50 supercars you've (probably) never heard of This giant bee attracted plenty of fans. The Greatest Concept Cars of All Time This dragon is one of the biggest art cars we've seen. The 10 Most Unusual Engines of All Time This dinosaur car is Flintstones-esque. The Top 10 Animated Cars of All Time This one is shaped like a building. Top 15 motorcycles of all time This rubber duck art car was one of the biggest attractions. America's Best and Worst Car Brands Many of the cars, like this flamingo-shaped vehicle, light up at night. Worst Car Names Ever This car is shaped like a deep-sea angler fish. 100 Ugliest Cars of All Time This robotic go-cart looks like something out of Mad Max. Movie cars: 20 best of all time This airplane vehicle seems to be missing a few parts. Most Extravagant Cars of All Time Here's an ornate version of a classic car. The 51 Coolest Cars of the Last 50 Years This art car is modeled after a double-decker bus from London. The crazy and colorful world of Art Cars | 9 | 95,345 | autos |
Technology is set to revolutionize the museum experience as institutions test immersive exhibits and look for new ways to engage visitors. Photo: The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown | 8 | 95,346 | video |
Large-scale dissections are a tradition at some Scandinavian zoos. | 5 | 95,347 | news |
U.S. Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III has come out and said he would welcome both Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson as leaders on a Ryder Cup team. The comments came after analyst Brandel Chamblee torched the idea that Woods and Mickelson would do a good job, calling them 'undeserving.' | 1 | 95,348 | sports |
A Katy man is in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service after a serious chunk of change was found inside his tractor trailer along the Texas-Mexico border. Roman M. Sanchez, 51, of Katy, was driving at about 6:45 a.m. Monday in Hidalgo County, just north of the Mexican border, when he was pulled over by a Texas Highway Patrol trooper for a routine traffic violation. However, when the trooper inspected the trailer which Sanchez allegedly was towing, he discovered 12 hidden bundles of cash, totaling $1,239,755. Sanchez was arrested and charged with federal money laundering and taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service. | 5 | 95,349 | news |
Wall Street has been the scene of some dramatics over the past 24-hours, with a two-day drop through Wednesday pushing the Dow Jones Industrial Average back below the 17,000 level, and the Russell 2000 seemingly confirmed a nasty looking five-month downtrend pattern. Investors were bothered by weak guidance from Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT), weak economic data and ongoing fears over the third-quarter earnings season. But as if on the flip of a switch, the tide turned Thursday; starting with a rally in the overnight futures session and nice gains in Asian markets after Federal Reserve whisperer Jon Hilsenrath at the Wall Street Journal confirmed what I've been saying for weeks: Fed chairman Janet Yellen will be unable to ignore signs of economic stalling. Already, futures market odds put a rate hike at the March 2016 policy meeting at about 50-50. A 2015 rate hike is pretty much off the table at this point. The WSJ piece just proves the Fed is kowtowing, once again, to market expectations. Bolstered by the promise of a continuation of the Fed's 0% interest rate policy into its ninth calendar year, the bulls powered U.S. equities higher in an afternoon of smooth, powerful, professional buying. 7 Doomed Stocks That Could DEVASTATE Your Retirement Planning In the end, the Dow Jones gained 1.3%, the S&P 500 took 1.5%, the Nasdaq Composite went up 1.8% and the Russell 2000 finished 2.3% higher. The dollar was mixed, however, but gold extended its run with a 70 basis point gain, while crude oil grew 40 basis points to close at $46.81 a barrel. Some early-session weakness was attributed to comments from New York Fed President William Dudley, who said that a rate hike is still a possibility this year and that a return to the Fed's 2% inflation target wasn't a precondition. Yet the overall impression, despite the somewhat mixed messaging, is that the Fed can't afford to pull the trigger on rate liftoff too early and rattle fragile, stimulus-addicted markets. So they'll wait. In earnings news, investors kindly greeted Q3 results out of the financial sector. KeyCorp (NYSE:KEY) gained 4.7% after reporting inline profits on better fees and loan growth trends. Citigroup (NYSE:C) gained 4.4% on better-than-expected earnings per share. Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) reported that its fixed income, currency, and commodities trading revenue fell 33% over last year, but managed to meet earnings expectations. Shares rallied 3%. Overall, financial shares gained 2.3% to lead the market high. Materials were the laggards, adding 0.3%. Edge subscribers have exposure to the move via their KBW Regional Bank (NYSEARCA:KRE) ETF, which added 1.8% today. Edge Pro subscribers are enjoying a 22% gain in their C November $52.50 calls recommended last week. Looking ahead, we'll get results from General Electric (NYSE:GE) on Friday morning as well as an update on the labor market from the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey and the latest industrial production data. Anthony Mirhaydari is founder of the Edge and Edge Pro investment advisory newsletters. A two-week and four-week free trial offer has been extended to MSN Money readers. | 3 | 95,350 | finance |
Nate Robinson played sparingly the past two seasons for the Nuggets and the Clippers, but the 10-year NBA veteran can still be effective in certain situations. He'll get his latest shot with the Pelicans, on a one-year veteran's minimum deal for the upcoming season. ESPN sources say Pelicans are signing veteran guard Nate Robinson Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) October 15, 2015 It's a one-year veteran minimum deal for Nate Robinson with New Orleans, which also signed Euroleague ace Bo McCalebb to fortify backcourt Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) October 15, 2015 It's hard to imagine Robinson signing if the contract wasn't guaranteed for the entire season, which will mean that New Orleans has some decisions to make. They also added Bo McCalebb, and if that deal is also fully-guaranteed, the team will have reached its maximum number of regular season roster spots. Robinson's last effective season was in 2013 as a member of the Bulls, when he appeared in all 82 regular season games and contributed some memorable playoff heroics. MORE NEWS: Want stories delivered to you? Sign up for our NBA newsletters. | 1 | 95,351 | sports |
A Modified 1955 T-bird powered by a 302 Ford Engine It's an interesting phenomenon, but somehow even when you are immersed in a sea of over 7,000 collector cars of every description, a certain few reach out and grab you. This time it happened during Cruisin' the Coast as we were walking through one of our favorite cruise spots, Bay St. Louis. The streets were filled to overflowing with hot rods, muscle cars and restorations, and yet amid this collage of cars we spotted this simple 1955 Thunderbird, parked off the road in front of a vintage garage. It was obvious at first glance this is no stocker, and while the modifications are many, they all enhance the original design of the Thunderbird. As we moved in for a closer look we met the owner, Debbie Alleman who was kind enough to share the interesting story behind this fine automobile. Over the years Debbie and her husband, Pat Alleman, enjoyed a string of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. While that was enjoyable, Debbie suggested they try entering the collector car world with a nice modified car, as it would open up new avenues of motorized pleasure. Follow MSN Autos on Facebook That suggestion spawned a great idea for Pat Alleman. He would search for a suitable car and have it built for Debbie's 50th birthday. Luckily Pat and Debbie had a friend Tim Meaux who owns Mo Muscle Cars, in Monroe, Texas. Pat found and purchased this 1955 T-bird and brought it to Tim Meaux to be built as a birthday surprise for Debbie. In a cruel twist of fate Pat was struck down by a severe stroke the very day he delivered the car to Tim. Pat Alleman passed away soon after. It would be several months before Tim Meaux told Debbie of the car and Pat's plan. Debbie quickly decided to move forward with the project and bring it to completion. The end result is seen on these pages. Tim and Pat had discussed the build and like most good plans this was a simple approach. No major body mods, just some careful tweaking to enhance the original lines of the car along with a complete update of the running gear for better drivability. S tarting with a fine example of Ford's two-seater, the body was removed from the frame and the front suspension was updated with RideTech coilover shocks, power rack and pinion steering and Baer brakes. Out back a 9-inch Ford rear mounts with a tri-angulated four-bar, an anti-sway bar and RideTech coilovers. A second set of Baer brakes complete the rear suspension and Polished American Torque-Thrust wheels are found on all four corners. Power for the Thunderbird comes in the form of a 302 small-block Ford fed by Edelbrock Pro-flow fuel injection. MSD ignition provides a hot spark while headers handle the exhaust. All of the accessory items mount to the front of the engine with a Vintage Air Front Runner system. An interesting side note, this was one of the very first Front Runner systems Vintage Air produced for the Ford small block motor. Externally, milled the aluminum air breather and valve covers continue the alloy look. Behind the 302 Ford is a C4 transmission with a Lokar shifter. The body mods are few but effective. Out back the crossed flags have been removed from the gas tank door and the exhaust surrounds have been separated from the bumper, shortened and mounted to the pan above the bumper, providing a clean, uncluttered look to the rear of the car. Speaking of bumpers, both the front and rear bumpers have been flipped, once again making for a much lighter, cleaner look. The custom bumper irons tuck the front and rear bumpers close to the body and the ends of the bumpers have been trimmed to flow with the quarter panels. After untold hours of block sanding and panel fitting the 'bird was covered with Ferrari red urethane from PPG. Moving inside we find two-tone brown leather in a tradition rolled and pleated pattern along with a small console to house the Lokar shifter. Stock T-bird metal inserts remain on the door panels and the dashboard, once again maintaining the original T-bird feel. But our favorite part of the entire interior are the two A/C ducts skillfully integrated into the dashboard on either side of the speedometer, outlets once reserved for the clock and tachometer now provide cool air. The Vintage Air controller blends seamlessly into the stock dash. The crowning touch was the license plate, one that Pat Alleman had chosen for the car. And so the car was completed much the way Pat had planned, and while the car was not completed for a birthday surprise the unveiling was still as special day, as Debbie told us, "The car wasn't ready for my 50th but we did unveil it on 2/14/07 with a big Valentine party and that happens to be the date Patrick asked me to marry him." Today Debbie enjoys the car on weekends and for local drives. One thing is certain, with the timeless modifications and reliability built into this T-bird it will never go out of style. | 9 | 95,352 | autos |
Finding a man who's willing and ready to settle down and love you FOREVER is no easy task. So when you do find the one, it's like walking down the street and discovering a hundred dollar bill on the ground - a sweet surprise that you'll snatch up in an instant. Here are nine signs the guy you've got is so helplessly in love, he'll never fall out of it. 9 Signs of a Man Who Will Never Stop Loving You Finding a man who's willing and ready to settle down and love you FOREVER is no easy task. So when you do find the one, it's like walking down the street and discovering a hundred dollar bill on the ground - a sweet surprise that you'll snatch up in an instant. Here are nine signs the guy you've got is so helplessly in love , he'll never fall out of it. He caters to you. He makes sure you're happy day in and day out. He listens to your crazy work stories; he rubs your neck when it's sore; he cooks you dinner on the nights you're feeling sleepy. Caring for you is one of his top priorities, and he does a damn good job of it. He wants to hang out with you . . . a LOT. If he's texting you every day to see if you'd like to Netflix and chill (I kid, I kid), you mean something to this guy, because, let's face it - they're notorious for spontaneous ghosting. Sex isn't the main factor for him. Sure, he likes to do the dirty here and there, but sex isn't the reason he's with you. Far from it. In fact, he wants to do SO much more with you by his side - travel to another country! Sample beer! Have a half-birthday party! The possibilities are endless. He keeps you in mind when making major decisions. He doesn't take a new job without talking to you first. Or maybe he's thinking about renting an apartment across the city, but he wants to double check that the commute between your place and his will be OK (or perhaps he wants you to move in with him!). Sizable decisions like this have a bearing on your partnership, and he's well aware. He tells you things he's never told anyone. Late at night - which everybody knows is prime time for life's most meaningful conversations - he tells you things he's never, ever told anyone . . . not even his best bro. FYI: this is the equivalent of a man forking over his heart. He doesn't flirt with other girls. If he has eyes only for you (seriously - just you!), this guy's a different fish. And you don't have to monitor his every move to see if he's hitting up other ladies - call it a woman's instinct or whatever, but you just know . . . you know? He doesn't mind talking about the future. When you bring up buying a house or getting engaged somewhere down the line, he doesn't flee for the front door. He doesn't have to be 100 percent on board with big relationship steps, but he's totally open to having a real conversation about them. He shows you off. He totes you around like the flashiest new handbag. His mom, his best friend, and a dozen of his cousins know a heck of a lot about you, because he's head over heels and wants to share it with the world. He loves making you feel special. He doesn't just treat you like a queen - he wants to treat you like a queen. Sure, it can feel like a chore in any committed relationship, but for the most part, he's got a smile on his face when he's with you . . . because you're the one. | 4 | 95,353 | lifestyle |
Being the first lady is by no means an easy job, but Michelle Obama always manages to do it in style. Whether she's stepping out on the red carpet at a formal function or she's just headed out for a walk with Barack, we've come to love how she always manages to give an elegant look her own surprising spin. With some heavy-hitting designers in her corner (hello, Jason Wu, Ralph Lauren, and Tom Ford!), we've come to expect not just a great outfit but a bona fide style moment whenever she steps out of the White House. And while we may not have the occasion (or income) to copy every one of her iconic looks, there is still plenty to learn from her flawless FLOTUS style. There's No Such Thing as a Hue too Bright or a Print too Bold Wearing a Kenzo dress and Roksanda Ilincic belt during a Trip to Tokyo in 2015. Sheer Doesn't Have to Be Overly Sexy Wearing a Monique Lhuillier gown to the 37th annual Kennedy Center Honors. Matching Your SO is Pretty Darn Adorable When You Can Rock a Runway Look, Do it This Tanya Taylor tank dress actually took the form of a two-piece set on the designer's Spring 2014 runway. Ombré Is More Than Just a Hairstyle A Great Midi Dress Will Take You From Work to Play Wearing a custom floral-appliqué Naeem Khan dress. Never Underestimate the Power of Prints When It's Your Moment in the Spotlight, Go All Out Wearing a beaded liberty blue silk faille Carolina Herrera gown and coordinated Sutra earrings. Black Tie Doesn't Mean Black Dress Wearing a hand-draped gown by Marchesa in 2013. Plaid Isn't Just For Lumberjacks Keep an Eye Out For Affordable Fashion Finds In a yellow and white dress from Talbots. Boatneck Dresses Look Great On Land Too Relaxed Outfits Can Still Be Polished When You're Sticking to One Color Head to Toe, Switch Up the Hue Wearing various shades of blue in Pretoria, South Africa. Khakis Aren't Just For the Guys Wearing khaki cropped trousers and a printed blouse while visiting Dakar with the president. Outfit Repeating Is Totally Underrated Wearing a blue-printed Tracy Reese dress and flats. Always Opt For a Little Sparkle Wearing an embellished navy top and blue and gold pleated skirt. Match Your Shoes and Your Purse to Make an Outfit Feel Extra Put Together Wearing a powder blue Zac Posen set and sleek black accessories Dressing to a Theme Doesn't Have to Be Cheesy Wearing a custom-made silver art deco-inspired Naeem Khan gown on Oscars night in 2012. A Long Red Dress Will Always Make a Statement In a custom ruby chiffon and velvet gown by Jason Wu and Jimmy Choo shoes. A Matching Dress and Jacket Makes For Serious Power Suiting Wearing a custom ivory wool-applique Naeem Khan coat and matching sleeveless dress. Sometimes An Outfit Is All About the Accessories Wearing a Thom Browne coat with a J.Crew embellished belt, suede knee-high boots, and berry-hued gloves. Bold Hues and Prints are Great, But Sometimes It's the Material That Makes the Dress Wearing a pink and gold toile Tracy Reese dress and J.Crew pumps. Black Will Always Look Great, But Sometimes It Takes a Pop of Color to Stand Out From the Crowd Keep All Eyes On Your Dress By Choosing Simple Shoes Wearing a boldly printed Duro Olowu dress and tan pumps. Give an Old Dress New Life By Adding a Belt or Sweater In Boy by Band of Outsiders's popular toile-print sleeves cotton dress with a patent belt, ballet flats, and a light-blue cardigan. Sometimes a Well Dressed Date Is the Ultimate Accessory Wearing a red-and-black gown by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. Add Personality to a Formal Look By Mismatching Your Shoes In a custom, lemon-hued Isabel Toledo coat and dress with olive-green leather gloves and her favorite green Jimmy Choo shoes. A Dress Looks Totally Different When You Throw Something Unexpected On Top Wearing a Junya Watanabe for Comme Des Garcons asymmetrical cardigan, Jason Wu dress, and green Jimmy Choos. White Gowns Aren't Just For a Wedding Wearing a white ethereal Jason Wu gown on the night of President Obama's inaugural ball. Add Gloves For An Extra Bit Of Elegance Wearing a cream Tom Ford gown at a state dinner at Buckingham Palace. Putting a Brooch on it is a Lot More Chic Than You Think Wearing a purple ombré Peter Som dress and coat. If You're Meeting the Queen, Wear Your Very Best Wearing a Ralph Lauren gown for a dinner at the US Embassy in London. Invest in an Arsenal of Great Coats In a custom ivory Thakoon coat with black trim. A Statement Necklace WIll Never Go Out of Style Wearing a one-of-a-kind Peter Soronen gown and layered pearl necklace. You Can Never Go Wrong With J.Crew Wearing a J.Crew skirt and a gold-toned Michael Kors top. It's Surprisingly Easy to Dress Up a T-Shirt If You've Got a Favorite Body Part, Flaunt It In an elegant Marchesa off-the-shoulder gown with strands of Tom Binns pearls. You Can Dress Your Age and Still Have Fun With it In a Wes Gordon top with Helmut Lang foil jeans. Matching Your Mom Is Actually Pretty Cool Wearing a Preen dress. There's Nothing Wrong With a Little Retro Influence Wearing Carolina Herrera. Add a Belt for an Extra Slimming Effect Never Feel Obligated to Blend In Florals Aren't Just a Spring Thing | 4 | 95,354 | lifestyle |
Germany's Angela Merkel is used to owning the room when she speaks to her party faithful, but the mood turned hostile when she defended her open-door refugee policy this week. In a heated atmosphere, some of the 1,000-odd members at the meeting warned of a "national disaster" and demanded shuttering the borders as Germany expects up to one million migrants this year. "Stop the refugee chaos -- save German culture + values -- dethrone Merkel," read a banner at the congress late Wednesday in the eastern state of Saxony, the home base for the anti-foreigner PEGIDA movement. Merkel, who grew up behind the Iron Curtain in the communist East, insisted she would stay the course and told party members that "isolation already failed in the days of East Germany". Managing the refugee crisis has turned into Merkel's greatest domestic political challenge since she took power almost 10 years ago, in November 2005. Long valued by the electorate for her level-headed leadership amid the eurozone turmoil, Merkel has scared many with her welcoming stance amid a growing sentiment that the boat is full. "The chancellor is walking on thin ice," judged the conservative daily Die Welt, pointing to a "growing gap" between Merkel and the base of her centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU) who demand she stem the record influx. "The chancellor believes the nation can manage the crisis, but this belief is rapidly vanishing in the country," said the newspaper. - 'We can do it' - In a crisis that is local, regional and international, Merkel was heading to a Brussels summit to reiterate her call for European "solidarity" and push for member-states to share the burden in a quota system. On Sunday, she jets off to Turkey to discuss with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan how to slow the inflow sparked by war and upheaval across the Middle East and North Africa, with almost 600,000 people arriving in Europe so far this year. On the home front, Merkel has bravely insisted "we can do it", recalling US President Barack Obama's campaign rallying cry of "Yes we can". But many Germans -- who in the summer greeted refugees at railway stations -- are losing faith as thousands keep coming daily and improvised refugee centres are bursting at the seams, including tent cities exposed to below-zero temperatures as winter approaches. The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung said that "the revolution" Merkel had sought to lead within her party "threatens to derail". The CDU has seen the defection of several thousand members, while usually rock-solid approval ratings for Merkel and her party are slipping. The party and their Bavarian allies the CSU have slipped by three points to 38 percent, their lowest level since the last election in September 2013. A letter by an initial 34 CDU members protesting against her policy has now been signed by 126, including many state legislators, reported Bild daily. Bild even asserted Merkel was losing the support of her loyal veteran Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble and mused whether he could replace her. "The refugee crisis is stressing the successful duo," it said. "He disapproves of what she is doing." "Merkel is still the driving force," it added. "But if it goes on like this, how much longer?" With three state elections in March, the report said, "everyone in the party knows: Schaeuble is the only one who could replace Merkel." - 'Grand failure' - Merkel meanwhile faces an open rebellion in the southern state of Bavaria, the main gateway for migrants who arrive via the Balkans and Austria. State Premier Horst Seehofer said Thursday some 300,000 refugees had arrived since September 1 and that municipalities were struggling to cope. "Even improvisations and emergency measures are finite," he said. "The district administrators can calculate very well how many sports gyms they have left." "Without restricting immigration, we will face a grand failure in Germany and Europe." The lower house Thursday passed a law that eases repatriation for asylum-seekers from Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro by declaring them safe countries of origin. The law will also replace cash payments for asylum seekers with vouchers for food and other services to reduce a financial incentive for some migrants. Hoping to further appease the discontented, Merkel has said she is open to a CSU proposal to create "transit zones" near the border, where asylum seekers with no chance of staying could be quickly sent back home. But this plan was rejected by the Social Democrats, her coalition partners, whose parliamentary leader Thomas Oppermann said his centre-left party would never accept "border detention centres for thousands of refugees". | 5 | 95,355 | news |
PHILADELPHIA Two men accused of beating a gay couple on a Philadelphia street last year must stay out of downtown under a plea agreement that spares them prison time. Philip Williams and Kevin Harrigan apologized as they pleaded guilty Thursday to aggravated assault and conspiracy charges. The 24-year-old Williams and 26-year-old Harrigan say the attack wasn't motivated by the couple's sexual orientation. Harrigan was accused of using slurs to ask if the couple were gay. Zachary Hesse was then punched in the face; Andy Haught suffered a broken jaw and cheekbones. Williams was banned from downtown Philadelphia for five years while on probation. Harrigan's ban is three years. Each will have to perform 200 hours of community service at an LGBT center. A third defendant says she'll go to trial. | 5 | 95,356 | news |
Russia's struggle against alcoholism is no laughing matter, but a St. Petersburg lawmaker's proposal to ban its sale and consumption on Wednesdays is likely to produce more black humor than sobriety. When Soviet leader and notorious teetotaler Mikhail S. Gorbachev declared war on drunkenness in 1985 with vodka production cuts and price increases, the country's legions of abusers turned to imbibing perfume and jet fuel and any other alcohol-containing substance they could get their hands on. Poisoning deaths soared, fist fights broke out at barren liquor stores and little progress was made in weaning Russians from drinking before the well-intentioned health crusade was abandoned. The main result of Gorbachev's hated sukhoi zakon dry law was to spur an eruption of jokes and ridicule: A man waiting in a long line to buy vodka despairs of the slow progress and begins ranting against the Kremlin leader, one popular joke began. "I'm going to the Kremlin and I'm going to kill that (expletive) Gorbachev!" he vows as he stalks off, leaving his place in line. An hour later he returns to the store, to the surprise of those still waiting. "So, did you shoot him?" one man asks. "No," says the would-be assassin. "The line to do that was even longer!" Russia's health crisis from alcohol overconsumption afflicts the population with one of the lowest life expectancies and highest suicide rates in the world, not to mention the cost of medical care and lost production. Lawmaker Andrey Anokhin, from Russia's imperial capital, last week proposed a more gentle approach to cutting consumption. He suggested that regional officials in St. Petersburg and Moscow begin with a weekly "Temperance Day" on Wednesdays, as well as reduced hours for alcohol sales the rest of the week. Both cities have already imposed limits on when alcohol can be sold and where it can be consumed, with sales suspended from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. and drinking in public venues a ubiquitous problem until a few years ago strictly prohibited. Anokhin's bill would further narrow the sales window, banning alcohol purchases from 10 p.m. to 11 a.m., with some exceptions for bars and restaurants. The deputy from the centrist Fair Russia party proposes Wednesday as the day of sobriety as it is in the middle of the workweek, when he believes people should be focused on their jobs, school and home life. Wednesday is also the traditional day of fasting among the Russian Orthodox faithful. Anokhin's bill has yet to be taken up for debate, and there has been little rallying behind it among other lawmakers. Reports that a Moscow politician had joined Anokhin's campaign spurred immediate denial, The Associated Press reported. That hints at the uphill battle the legislation is likely to face, even as the government tries to rein in alcohol-fueled disorderly conduct. A member of the Russian parliament's upper house, Anton Belyakov of the Federation Council, has submitted a bill to raise the nationwide drinking age from 18 to 21, the RBC news agency reported last month. It, too, has yet to be scheduled for discussion or a vote. Russia's consumer protection agency, Rospotrebnadzor, immediately endorsed the call to restrict young Russians' drinking, citing health statistics showing an alarming trend toward underage consumption. One in 3 teenage boys and 20 percent of teenage girls drink alcoholic beverages at least every other day, the consumer watchdog reported, according to the Tass news agency. "The task of prevention of alcohol addiction is coming to the fore in Russia, where about 500,000 alcohol-related deaths are reported a year," the report said. "Some experts put the number of alcohol addicts in Russia at about 5 million, or 3.5 percent of the entire population." Soviet-era estimates of alcoholism were much higher, with some suggesting that more than half of all men drank to excess on a regular basis. Russia ranks 153rd in the world in life expectancy, according to the CIA World Factbook, with women averaging 70 years of life and men expected to live to 64 on average, an improvement from 20 years ago when male life expectancy fell below 60. | 5 | 95,357 | news |
If your iPhone's battery life has been slipping at a higher rate than usual, it might be Facebook's fault. A handful of reports have surfaced suggesting Facebook's app for the iPhone is causing the battery on smartphones to drain faster than normal. It started with a Medium post from Matt Galligan, the CEO and co-founder of news app Circa, the Facebook app continued to guzzle battery life even with the feature background app refresh disabled. The feature allows app content to update in the background when the user is within a working Wi-Fi or cellular network. "Despite having background app refresh disabled, because the app isn't 'sleeping' properly when I hit the home button, it continues to drain," writes Galligan. In a statement to TechCrunch , Facebook says it is aware of a battery drain issue on its iOS app and exploring a fix. "We have heard reports of some people experiencing battery issues with our iOS app," reads the Facebook statement. "We're looking into this and hope to have a fix in place soon." Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23 . | 5 | 95,358 | news |
S&P Capital IQ data indicate that 2015 will likely set a new record for M&A activity.Total M&A value in 2015 is trending 42 percent higher than 2014's total.Healthcare, financials and information technology sectors have led the 2015 M&A wave. A new report by S&P Capital IQ analyst Richard Peterson focused on the explosion of M&A deals in 2015. By the time 2015 draws to a close, it may go down as the biggest year for M&A in history. The Numbers The combined total value of all M&A deals so far this year is $1.69 trillion. That number represents a 42 percent increase over the running annual total this time last year. At this point, it seems almost certain that this year will eclipse the all-time record total for M&A activity of $1.73 trillion set way back on 2000. Related Link: Is Western Digital On Board With A SanDisk Buyout? Value However, Peterson added that buyers in 2015 seem to be getting better deals than buyers in 2000 were getting, as the 2015 total enterprise value to EBITDA multiple of 15x is much lower than the 21.1x average multiple of 2000 deals. Buyers in the consumer staples sector have paid the lowest multiple of any sector this year at just above 11x. Dominate Sectors According to Peterson, healthcare, financials and information technology sectors have accounted for 56 percent of the deals so far in 2015. Back in 2000, these sectors comprised only 46 percent of the deal mix. "Besides seeing a record year for deal activity in 2015, totaling over $350 billion, the health care sector was one of the few instances where we observed an increase in valuations from 2014," Peterson added. The Select Sector Financial Slct Str SPDR Fd (NYSE: XLF) has lagged the S&P 500 in 2015, while both the Health Care SPDR (ETF) (NYSE: XLV) and the Technology SPDR (ETF) (NYSE: XLK) have outperformed on the year. Disclosure: The author holds no position in the stocks mentioned. Image Credit: Public Domain 2015 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Profit with More New & Research . Gain access to a streaming platform with all the information you need to invest better today. Get your first month of Benzinga Pro streaming news and analysis for just $1. | 3 | 95,359 | finance |
With every monumental fact that science unearths about Stonehenge , the more mysterious the large stones become. According to new research conducted at a site believed to be a settlement for the builders of Stonehenge, the team of slab draggers may have spent their off-hours preparing meals of barbecue-style meats. A team of archaeologists from the University of Sheffield and the University of York analyzed fat residue found on animal bones and shards of pottery at Durrington Walls, an area two miles away from Stonehenge that researchers say was once home to the largest Neolithic settlement in the whole of northern Europe. According to the study, published in the journal Antiquity , there were burn patterns on the bones that are consistent with barbecue-style cooking. "This new research has given us a fantastic insight into the organization of large-scale feasting among the people who built Stonehenge," Mike Parker Pearson, an archaeologist at University College London and lead on the Durrington Walls excavation, said in a University of York press statement . "Animals were brought from all over Britain to be barbecued and cooked in open-air mass gatherings and also to be eaten in more privately organized meals within the many houses at Durrington Walls." The team also found that the pots used by the Neolithic settlers were kept in different areas, depending on their use. Dairy pots were stored in a ceremonial area, while cooking pots were found around the residential area. "The special placing of milk pots at the larger ceremonial buildings reveals that certain products had a ritual significance beyond that of nutrition alone," Pearson added . "The sharing of food had religious as well as social connotations for promoting unity among Britain's scattered farming communities in prehistory." | 5 | 95,360 | news |
Dozens of worshippers were killed Thursday when suicide bombers blew themselves up in a mosque in the northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri, witnesses said. "All the people in the mosque died. Not a single one escaped," said Muhtari Ahmadu, a trader near the scene. A vigilante supporting the security forces in the fight against the militant Islamist group Boko Haram, which has carried out repeated attacks in the region, said he had counted 42 bodies of victims. "We counted 42 dead bodies outside the mosque. Most of them are sympathisers and a few are our members who went to help," vigilante Amadu Marte said. The bombers slipped into the mosque disguised as worshippers, witnesses said. The blasts went off around 6.30pm (1730 GMT) in Molai, in the western suburbs of Maiduguri, where worshippers had gathered for evening prayers, the witnesses said. "The mosque can accommodate at least 40 people at a time but I don't know whether many people were inside at the time of the incident," Ahmadu, the trader, said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack but suspicion fell on Boko Haram, which was founded in Maiduguri in 2009. At least 17,000 people have been killed and more than 2.5 million made homeless since the group began its bloody campaign for an Islamic state in northeast Nigeria. | 5 | 95,361 | news |
15 swoon-worthy rides for less than $35,000 15 swoon-worthy rides for less than $35,000 If you're buying a new car, chances are you've considered things such as fuel economy, reliability, and performance. But at the end of the day, most buyers will end up choosing with the heart. Check out these 15 swoon worthy cars less than $35,000. Mazda MX-5 Miata Yep, you probably read our minds. How could we not choose the Miata? For the 2016 model year, the new Miata is lower, wider, and lighter than before, and it loses its signature smiley-face grille for a more aggressive front end with narrow headlights. Although prices climbed by $945 from the 2015 model, the classic convertible stays affordable for 2016 at $25,735. Research the Mazda MX-5 Honda Civic Si Coupe If you're like us, you've probably seen a wide range of modified Civics out there from the good to the downright bizarre. But the Civic Si coupe has the curves and the look to stand out all on its own. Take one look at its bodylines, and it's easy to notice this is no regular Civic. The model is complete with an aggressive rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels, a power moonroof, and race-inspired red and black seats with Si badging. We'll find out before long how attractive the 2016 Civic coupe will be. Research the Honda Civic Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Back in 2012, Mercedes-Benz revealed its Concept Style Coupe at the Beijing auto show. It wasn't long after that Mercedes introduced the CLA-Class using many of the same design cues. The CLA's sweeping roofline, dazzling diamond-block grille, aggressive taillights, and strong character lines make it stand out among a sea of entry-level luxury cars that too often feature a dulled design. Prices for the CLA start at $32,425. Research the Mercedes-Benz CLA Chevrolet Camaro The Camaro is arguably sexier than ever before thanks to an extensive makeover for the 2016 model year. Perhaps "extensive makeover" is an understatement, as Chevy says the only two parts that carry over from the previous generation are the bow tie emblem on the taillamp panel and the SS badge. The new Camaro is slightly smaller than last year and receives a slimmer front grille that curves deeper into the hood. Many of the changes to the Camaro were made to improve aerodynamics, but we also think they make the car look even more aggressive than before. Research the Chevrolet Camaro Dodge Dart It may be a traditional sedan, but its race-inspired exterior and thoughtful interior give it an edge over the competition when it comes to style. Vitamin C orange and Laser Blue Pearl are just two of the many color choices, which can be accented with red, black, or gray Mopar stripes along the hood for a bolder look. Inside, the Dart features one of the nicest interiors in its class, complete with soft-touch materials, accent stitching, and colorful Sedoso cloth seats with sport mesh inserts. Prices for the 2015 model begin at less than $18,000 for the base model or around $22,000 for the sport-oriented GT trim. Research the Dodge Dart Mini Hardtop Style is all about freedom of expression. Mini estimates that it offers "more than 10 million possible combinations" for customizing the Mini Hardtop, including different colors, stripes, wheel designs, and interior trims. Fun standard colors include Volcanic Orange, Electric Blue, and British Racing Green, and the color play continues on the inside of the cabin. Drivers can also opt for a rear spoiler, roof rails, and mirror caps painted with Union Jack or checkered flag patterns. Prices start at just more than $21,000, giving customers a little wiggle room to play around with options if they'd like. Research the Mini Hardtop Volkswagen Tiguan Although the Tiguan is a crossover through and through, its high ground clearance and structured bodylines harken back to the design of a traditional SUV. Compared with the ubiquitous Ford Escape , Honda CR-V , and countless other models, you won't see too many Tiguans around. Available bright-white LED daytime running lights add some sparkle to the front end, and chrome accents, gloss black window frames, and other thoughtful accents complement the rest of the body. For an even bolder look, buyers can opt for the R-Line trim that adds a classy roof spoiler, body kit, and R-Line badging. For the 2016 model year, the Tiguan receives a few package updates and a nearly $1,400 price drop, which should put it around $26,000. The Tiguan gets redesigned for the 2017 model year. Research the Volkswagen Tiguan Nissan 370Z The design of the 370Z has changed little since the car's debut for 2009, but it still doesn't look old on the road. Chances are you can immediately recognize one by its uniquely sloped rear end, low center of gravity, and bold silver door handles. The Roadster version may be out of reach for most budget-conscious consumers, but the coupe fits the bill at $30,815. Research the Nissan 370Z Ford Fusion When revamping the Fusion sedan for the 2013 model year, Ford didn't just look to the Accord, Camry, and Malibu as a design comparison but instead set its sights on battling luxury cars from BMW and Mercedes . Today, the Fusion's design is often compared to the design of Aston Martin cars because of the shape of its grille, the uncommonly narrow headlights, and the character lines across the hood. For 2016, the Fusion debuts an Appearance package that brings a rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels, and other upgrades. Research the Ford Fusion Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ Both the Scion FR-S and its mechanical twin, the Subaru BRZ, are bargain sports cars priced around $26,000. Although they look almost identical, there are a few noticeable differences on the sheetmetal, including the BRZ's side air vents that replace the FR-S's badging near the nose of the car. Both models are available in a different set of standard colors. The FR-S offers a Hot Lava orange; the BRZ is available in a bright blue color called WR Blue Pearl (a special-edition BRZ is pictured here). Research the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Although it's a conventional compact crossover, subtle style cues set the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport apart from the pack in a big way. The model's flat-nose grille gives it a more premium look than the competition. Tack on chrome garnishes, shapely headlights, black roof rails, and muscular character lines across the doors, and the look is complete. Research the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Mazda CX-3 If you want to be on top of the latest style trends right now, there's no better choice than a subcompact crossover. The Mazda CX-3 looks a lot like its Mazda2 cousin, complete with a wing-shaped chrome trim grille that blends nicely into the flared headlamps. Black cladding along the wheel wells and rocker panel adds a bit of athletic appeal to the "cute ute," and dual exhaust tips and a shapely spoiler finish off the look. Prices start at $20,840. Research the Mazda CX-3 Honda CR-Z When the Honda CR-Z first entered the scene for the 2011 model year, some people were taken back by its polarizing looks. But what is style without a bit of risk-taking? The Honda CR-Z's deeply raked roofline looks perfect on this compact hatch, and standard LED brake lights and optional LED daytime running lights add a bit of sparkle. From the looks of it, you may never realize it was a hybrid car packing a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor system for a total output of 130 hp. Research the Honda CR-Z Volkswagen CC Buyers looking for something a bit more daring than the standard Volkswagen Passat may want to consider the CC. Unlike its similarly styled brother, the CC blends the best design elements of a coupe and a sedan into one package. Its sloped roofline flaunts a bolder look, but the CC keeps the convenience offered by a four-door sedan. Dazzling LED daytime running lights, chrome window trim, sport bumpers, side skirts, and bold character lines running across the body give it a bit of pizzazz. Research the Volkswagen CC Acura ILX Luxury-lovers on a budget may find their sweet spot in the Acura ILX. The car's standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels flank an otherwise sedate-looking sedan. Opting for the A-Spec package brings a rear spoiler, 18-inch wheels, side-sill extensions, aluminum pedals, contrast stitching, and red interior lighting. Either way, prices come in well below $35,000. Research the Acura ILX | 9 | 95,362 | autos |
WASHINGTON As he described the factors that went into his decision to keep American troops in Afghanistan , the one word President Obama did not mention on Thursday was Iraq . Four years ago, he stuck to his plan to pull out of Iraq, only to watch the country collapse back into sectarian strife and a renewed war with Islamic extremists. Facing a similar situation in Afghanistan, Mr. Obama has opted not to follow a similar course. Whether keeping a residual American force in Iraq would have made a difference is a point of contention, but the president decided not to take a chance this time. In reversing his plan to pull out of Afghanistan by the end of next year, Mr. Obama abandoned his desired legacy of ending the two wars he inherited in the hopes of avoiding a repeat of the meltdown in Iraq. Sign Up For NYT Now's Morning Briefing Newsletter While not openly drawing any lessons from the Iraq withdrawal, Mr. Obama tried to draw an implicit distinction by emphasizing that the new Afghan government of President Ashraf Ghani, unlike the Baghdad government in 2011, still supports an American military presence and has taken the legal steps to make it possible. "In the Afghan government, we have a serious partner who wants our help," Mr. Obama said in his televised statement. "And the majority of the Afghan people share our goals. We have a bilateral security agreement to guide our cooperation." Lisa Monaco, his homeland security and counterterrorism adviser, later addressed the comparison during a conference call with reporters. "The difference with 2011 is clear," she said. "The Afghan government has asked us to stay, has invited us in and wants to work with us," she said. On Iraq, the Obama administration and the government of Nuri Kamal al-Maliki , then the prime minister, had negotiated over the possibility of keeping thousands of American troops there after 2011 but were bogged down in a dispute over a legal agreement limiting liability for American forces. Ultimately both sides gave up and decided to stick to the original schedule for a 2011 withdrawal enshrined in an agreement reached between President George W. Bush and Mr. Maliki at the end of 2008. Mr. Obama then went on the campaign trail seeking re-election boasting about pulling out all troops from Iraq. But without an American presence, Mr. Maliki turned increasingly sectarian, repressing Sunnis and aligning with Iran, which seemed to encourage the rise of the Islamic State , also known as ISIS or ISIL. Mr. Obama has since sent back about 3,000 American troops to help advise and assist a new Iraqi government's fight with the Islamic State. Similarly, despite years of fighting in Afghanistan and a temporary surge of American troops at the start of Mr. Obama's presidency, the Taliban has made a comeback, as underscored by the brief takeover of the city of Kunduz , and the Islamic State has begun making inroads as well. Mr. Obama has made it clear he is loath to commit American military forces to the Middle East, especially ground troops, deeming it a largely losing proposition that costs American lives without fixing the problems being addressed. And he repeated on Thursday that he opposes "endless war." But Afghanistan is still seen as more directly tied to American interests than Iraq or Syria, since it was the base from which Al Qaeda planned its attack on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. And Mr. Obama does not want to pass along to his successor a fraying situation in Afghanistan on top of the current turmoil in Syria and Iraq. The continued presence of 9,800 American troops next year and then 5,500 after that down from more than 100,000 at its peak may make only a modest difference militarily. But Mr. Obama is gambling that it matters politically by showing that the United States is not giving up on the Kabul government and leaving a vacuum for other forces to fill. "We've made an enormous investment in a stable Afghanistan," Mr. Obama said. "Afghans are making difficult but genuine progress. This modest but meaningful extension of our presence while sticking to our current, narrow missions can make a real difference. It's the right thing to do." Follow the New York Times's politics and Washington coverage on Facebook and Twitter , and sign up for the First Draft politics newsletter . | 5 | 95,363 | news |
Every October, the NFL asks players to don a very non-uniform color pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month. For Pittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams, you don't have to ask him twice. His mother, Sandra Kay Hill, passed away from breast cancer in May 2014, and he's glad to have the opportunity to honor not only his mother but also four of his aunts, who sadly died of breast cancer as well. This year, he even asked his bosses at the NFL if he could continue to wear pink shoes or wristbands throughout the year. But the NFL's vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said no, citing uniform rules. RELATED: 22 Ways to Help a Friend With Breast Cancer When asked what it felt like to get that response, he told ESPN's Lisa Salters: "The same way it made you feel after you heard it like, man. He told me no ." But shortly after, he announced that he will pay for 53 mammograms at a hospital in Pittsburgh, and in Charlotte, North Carolina; one mammogram for every year of his mom's life. Insurance covers mammograms, but people without insurance must pay out of pocket, making it quite an expense for many. RELATED: 25 Breast Cancer Myths Busted And while the NFL covers equipment and merchandise in a hot, magenta pink every October (and only for October), purportedly to raise money for breast cancer research, they've come under fire recently about how much of that money actually goes towards cancer research and how much goes straight back to the NFL. Just think what could be accomplished if every NFL player donated a few mammograms this month instead of just wearing pink? Still Williams' commitment to that awareness color is heart-warming. To that end, he actually already has a workaround for wearing pink every month, regardless of the NFL rules: he can dye his hair. "It's part of the uniform from the standpoint of being tackled, but it's not specific on what color it has to be or if it has to match the uniform," he told ESPN's Stalter. This is dedicated to my mom, my aunts & women everywhere affected by Breast Cancer. I love you. #WeAreInThisTogether https://t.co/bAwaanlfzV DeAngelo Williams (@DeAngeloRB) October 11, 2015 In the above NFL video, he summed it up with this: "Pink is not a color, it's a culture for me. I'll wear the color pink on the field for the rest of my career." RELATED: 15 Worst Things You Can Say to Someone Battling Breast Cancer | 7 | 95,364 | health |
The mother of a 12-year-old boy fatally shot by Cleveland police in a playground last year demands that a special prosecutor take over the case, her lawyer said on Thursday, days after prosecutors released reports that might clear the officer. "The prosecutor released purported 'expert' reports that ignored crucial facts and were skewed in favor of exonerating the officers," the lawyer, Subodh Chandra, said in a statement. Samaria Rice, the mother of Tamir Rice, and Chandra plan to discuss the release of the reports at a news conference on Friday. Rice will then deliver a letter to Cuyahoga County Prosecuting Attorney Timothy McGinty outlining her reasons why she believes he should allow a special prosecutor to take over the case, Chandra said. McGinty on Saturday night released reports, one by a retired FBI agent and another by an out-of-state prosecutor, that concluded the officer's Nov. 22, 2014 shooting of Rice within seconds of arriving at the park was reasonable under current law. Activists and Rice's family criticized the late Saturday release of the reports as a ploy to provide cover if a grand jury absolves the officers in his shooting. Cleveland Police Officer Timothy Loehmann shot Tamir Rice twice in the abdomen after responding to a 911 call of a man brandishing a handgun outside a recreation center. The officers responding were not told by 911 dispatchers that the caller had said it might be a child with a fake gun. Tamir Rice had a replica handgun that typically fires pellets. He died the next day. Joe Frolik, a spokesman for McGinty, said a scene reconstruction and the reports by former FBI agent Kim Crawford and Denver's Senior Chief Deputy District Attorney S. Lamar Sims were released to provide transparency in the high profile case. "We are still in the investigation and analysis stage on this case. Contrary to what some people may believe, we have an open mind and have not come to any conclusions," Frolik said. "The grand jury ultimately will decide what to do based on the evidence and the law," he said. "There is no reason for Prosecutor McGinty to step aside from this matter." All cases of police use of lethal force in the county are heard by a grand jury. It is not known when the Rice case will be presented. (Reporting by Kim Palmer; Editing by David Bailey and Grant McCool) | 5 | 95,365 | news |
Ronda Rousey's mom is not a fan of her daughter's coach, Edmond Tarverdyan, at all. | 1 | 95,366 | sports |
SAN FRANCISCO An era of airline consolidation concludes Friday night when US Airways Flight 1939 takes off from San Francisco. The red-eye flight to Philadelphia is the last-ever departure for the airline. Come Saturday morning, US Airways reservations system will go dark as merger partner American presses ahead with its integration of the two airlines. For consumers, it's the last domino to fall in a series of mergers that has squeezed nine of the USA's biggest airlines into just four since 2005. That has reshaped the pecking order of the U.S. industry, creating a quartet of very large airlines that dwarf the rest. Those four airlines Delta, United, Southwest and the "new" post-merger American now control 80% of the U.S. market. In other words, 4 out every 5 U.S. passengers flies on one of those four airlines or their regional affiliates. American CEO Doug Parker has been at the center of two of the five megamergers since 2005. He was at the helm of America West when it acquired and took the name of US Airways in 2005. And US Airways under Parker helped initiate the merger with American. "It really comes full circle," says Seth Kaplan, editor of the Airline Weekly trade publication. "This whole era of consolidation really started with the management team that's now running American." The transformation has been remarkable for the flying public. A decade ago, customers could choose from a variety of large and medium-sized carriers. There were industry-leading carriers, but overall the market was fragmented. There has since been a shakeout. Of the 11 biggest airlines by revenue in 2004, only six are still flying today. The other five disappeared via mergers. Experts say that has cut both ways for consumers. Brett Snyder, author of The Cranky Flier blog, says that "with fewer competitors, there's a better chance that fare increases will stick." But Snyder also says the airline profits that have accompanied airline consolidation also has an upside for fliers. "Airlines are more stable," Snyder says. "They now are able to invest in operations, to invest in a better product, all that kind of stuff that we're seeing happen now." The change at airlines in recent years has been palpable, Kaplan adds. As recently as late last decade, carriers routinely were in and out of bankruptcy. Some were struggling to survive. "Now you feel like you're flying an airline that isn't just struggling to get through the day anymore," Kaplan says. A decade of merger mania; How 9 become 4 US Airways-America West (2005) Liquidation loomed as a real possibility for then-bankrupt US Airways, but the merger with America West helped stave off that threat. The deal combined then-No. 8 America West and then-No. 7 US Airways to create the USA's sixth biggest carrier. It also made a truly national carrier by stitching together the western-focused America West and eastern-focused US Airways. The company initially struggled with the integration but soon improved the airline's performance and transformed it into one of the USA's most-profitable outfits. It gave CEO Doug Parker a platform to try to engineer even bolder mergers. A hostile bid for Delta failed and later talks with United fizzled before a deal with American was struck. Delta-Northwest (2008) This merger knocked longtime leader American out as the USA's No. 1 carrier and signaled the wave of consolidation that was soon to wash over the industry. The company took Delta's name in what was then the largest U.S. airline deal ever. Despite Northwest's reputation for uneven customer service, Delta's management team engineered what's considered to be the gold standard of modern airline mergers. Today, most industry experts point to Delta as the one other big airlines are chasing in terms of customer service and operations. United-Continental (2010) It quickly was apparent the Delta-Northwest deal would spur more mergers. Continental, which long had insisted it wanted to go it alone, responded just a day after the Delta news by telling employees it would have to reconsider staying independent to "make sure we remain a strong long-term competitor." Indeed, Continental agreed to merge with United in 2010, assuming the title as the world's biggest airline. But the new United has been plagued by operational glitches. New CEO Oscar Munoz acknowledged the "rocky" integration earlier this month, pledging "that's going to change" in an open letter to both customers and workers. Southwest-AirTran (2011) It took Southwest more than three years to completely fold AirTran's operations into its own, with the deliberate pace helping avoid integration snafus that plagued some other mergers. The deal helped Southwest grow, pushing it into AirTran's hometown of Atlanta and paving the way for it to begin flying its own international flights. But the deal also essentially eliminated one of Southwest's leading low-cost rivals. By the merger's end, Southwest dropped service to more than a dozen cities that had been served by AirTran and got rid of nearly a third of the planes it acquired in the merger. American-US Airways (2014) The merger came as American worked to exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and once completed restored American's status as the world's biggest airline. It also secured a spot for US Airways. Even after its 2005 merger with America West, "US Airways was the marginal competitor," Kaplan says. It also was important for American, which had slipped to No. 3 and was at risk of being dwarfed for corporate contracts by merger-enhanced rivals Delta and United. The US Airways merger put American back on par those carriers, leaving it the biggest among a group of four super carriers to have emerged from consolidation. "This completes the round of big mergers," Kaplan says. "It's unimaginable that any other merger involving one of the big four would be approved" by government regulators. The merged industry now is facing new pressure from one of the regulatory agencies that helped allow the five big mergers to happen. In July, the Justice Department announced it was probing the USA's big four airlines for possible collusion. At the heart of the probe, which is ongoing, is whether the airlines were attempting to coordinate to restrain capacity and pressure fares higher. | 2 | 95,367 | travel |
And mornings are about to get infinitely better. 7 Ideas For The Ultimate Home Coffee Station Adding containers for coffee beans, stirrers, or tea bags, plus a tray to hold your cups, like Elsie Larson did here, is an easy way to keep your morning station looking expertly organized. Your bar cart is most likely going to be in your kitchen, which means it can be an extra storage area for your colorful dishwares. Try matching your coffee accessories to your favorite kitchen items or paint detailing onto the side of the cart to pull all the colors together. This one is actually an IKEA hack that you can easily do yourself. Think of your coffee cart as a vignette. Sure, function should come first, but mixing in some florals or other plants lends a bit of style and whimsy to the design, as Chelsea Mohran did here . For a modern and sophisticated look, a silver-frame bar cart works perfectly. Not only will it add a touch of glamour to a small space, Lexi Holzberg Kritzer made sure her's was mobile, so it can go where ever the guests are. This idea from The Sorority Secrets takes a less is more approach by adding fewer, but still eye-catching, accents (the gold-tinted Champagne flutes, the monogrammed mugs), and combines the best parts of the coffee cart and the bar cart in case you can't choose between the two. This coffee cart idea from A Beautiful Mess is a vision in white. A few pops of color and playful wall art above help to soften the stark look. Oh how we love that Scandinavian style . An industrial-inspired bar cart, like this one from Musta Ovi , outfitted with minimal, neutral-hued accents will blend in perfectly in a modern kitchen. | 4 | 95,368 | lifestyle |
These cats are totally over Halloween, and they want you to know it. | 4 | 95,369 | lifestyle |
Ty Burrell is a big University of Oregon fan, as you can see in this bizarre video. | 1 | 95,370 | sports |
Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell has been ruled out for the NLCS with a hamstring injury, the team announced Thursday. Russell, 21, was injured running out a triple during Game 3 of the NLDS and missed Game 4 as a result. Renowned for his defense, Russell is hitting .250 in four postseason games. He was replaced by 22-year-old Javier Baez, who homered in the series-clincher and will likely start at shortstop in Russell's stead. Starlin Castro also has significant experience at shortstop, but has slotted in comfortably at second base for Chicago. Chicago will be able to add another player to its roster for the coming series against the winner of Thursday's game between the Mets and Dodgers. Russell would be eligible to return for the World Series, if healthy. The NLCS begins on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET. Jon Lester is slated to start Game 1 for the Cubs. - Jeremy Woo | 1 | 95,371 | sports |
Your passport is key to exploring the world. TC Newman (@PurpleTCNewman) has passport tips for before and during your trip. | 2 | 95,372 | travel |
Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson suffered a hamstring injury in his team's Week 1 loss to the Miami Dolphins, and it would appear it is still bothering him more than a month later. Jackson has practiced on a limited basis this week, but he suffered a setback on Thursday. Gruden said DJackson had twinge after going out for deep ball today; took himself out of practice and stayed out. Still hopeful Sun return Liz Clarke (@lizclarketweet) October 15, 2015 As Rotoworld notes , that is the same way Jackson hurt the hamstring in the first place. He claims he is still optimistic about playing Sunday against the New York Jets, but even a little "twinge" has to be very discouraging at this point. | 1 | 95,373 | sports |
Venezuelan opposition politician Manuel Rosales, who fled into exile after authorities charged him with corruption in 2009, was arrested Thursday after returning from Aruba, officials said. Rosales, a former governor who lost the 2006 election to late socialist leader Hugo Chavez, flew into the western city of Maracaibo just as the country gears up for key legislative elections on December 6. Prosecutors said the 62-year-old, founder of center-right party A New Era, was arrested soon after arrival. A heavy contingent of troops from Venezuela's Bolivarian National Guard and officers of the Bolivarian Intelligence Service had been awaiting him since early in the day. "This deployment for my arrival ought to be made to fight crime and insecurity. We will do that in peace. We are going to claim our due on December 6," he said in a video of his arrival released on streaming service Periscope. | 5 | 95,374 | news |
Candidates running for president released their quarter three financial statements to the Federal Election Commission on Thursday. Here's a snapshot of the winners and losers. WINNERS Bernie Sanders People would be forgiven for predicting that a 74-year-old Democratic Socialist from Vermont, who is the only candidate in the race to refuse support from billionaire-funded super-PACs, might have a little trouble raising cash. But Bernie Sanders has shattered expectations throughout his presidential run and his extraordinary fundraising is yet another example of his ability to defy doubters. Sanders finds himself at the end of quarter three with $26.5 million cash on hand, which is more than any other candidate in the race besides Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton. Sanders' fundraising, which is powered by small-dollar donations, is fast catching up to Clinton. The Vermont senator reported raising $26 million in the third quarter, just shy of Clinton's $28 million. Sanders' campaign is also spending at a significantly slower rate than Clinton's which bodes well for the months ahead. Ben Carson Another outsider, who has risen unexpectedly to second in national polls of GOP primary candidates, Carson has also stunned pundits with his vast small-donor fundraising operation. The retired neurosurgeon raised $20 million in the third quarter, more than any other Republican presidential candidate. But Carson is spending a lot to raise a lot. Raising money in small-dollar amounts via direct mail and online which are the Carson team's preferred techniques to raise funds is expensive, and the Carson campaign confirmed that it directed $11 million of the $14 million it spent in the third quarter to fundraising costs. But despite these sunk costs, Carson's army of small-dollar donors sets him up well for the future. The wide donor base means he has a reservoir of contributors he can continually tap for further donations as many of these contributors have not come close to exceeding their maximum legal donation of $2,700. Ted Cruz Cruz's campaign raised $12.2 million between July 1 and Sept. 30, and his campaign said it finished the quarter with $13.5 million cash on hand more than any other Republican candidate. The Texas senator has received less attention than he is accustomed to this primary season, largely due to the never-ending media presence of a billionaire reality TV celebrity who is leading the Republican field. But over the past six months Cruz has built a fundraising operation that would be the envy of any of his competitors, with the possible exception of Ben Carson. Cruz's campaign is spending at a fairly frugal burn rate of just over 50 percent, which compares favorably to Hillary Clinton who spent nearly nine out of every 10 dollars her campaign earned over the last quarter. Hillary Clinton Bernie Sanders is catching up both in polls and fundraising, and her campaign is spending at a faster rate and hauling in money at a slower rate than the previous quarter. Yet despite these caveats, it would be difficult to describe Hillary Clinton's fundraising quarter as anything other than a "winner." The Clinton campaign raised $28 million in the recent quarter, more than any other candidate currently running for president. Her "burn rate," at 89 percent, is high, however, and having built a massive staff and sophisticated technology teams harvesting voters across the United States, Clinton's team will need to continue a frantic pace of fundraising to avoid laying off staff over the coming months. A candidate's burn rate is the ratio of spending to income, and is viewed by political operatives as a key indicator of a campaign's health. Carly Fiorina The former Hewlett Packard CEO reported a solid-enough fundraising quarter to prove her candidacy is serious, raising $6.8 million, which is more than a number of candidates whom pundits previously judged more seriously than Fiorina. The businesswoman is also spending at a reasonably frugal rate outlaying just $2.2 million and finishing quarter three with $5.5 million cash on hand. It also helps having a super-PAC called CARLY for America , that operates more like an arm of the Fiorina campaign - paying for duties such as staging events - than as an independent group. Donald Trump GOP front-runner Donald Trump had a good quarter, raising $3.8 million from the general public for his campaign. The billionaire, who has promised to self-fund his campaign, has had to dip very little into his own pockets so far, spending just $101,000 in the last quarter and about $1.9 million to date. He has benefited more than any other candidate from almost continuous earned media coverage. MIXED Jeb Bush On the face of it, Jeb Bush had a strong fundraising quarter, raising $13.4 million, which is more than any of his Republican competitors besides Carson. But the pace of Bush's fundraising has slowed significantly from quarter two, when the Bush team raised nearly $1 million a day for the 15 days after he entered the race near the end of the cycle. Given Bush's main advantage over his competitors was supposed to be fundraising and given he is lagging at fifth in the polls, this total cannot be judged an unalloyed success. Marco Rubio, John Kasich and Chris Christie None of these three establishment candidates was bragging about his quarter three fundraising totals and there are good reasons for the quietness. With Rubio raising $6 million, Kasich reportedly raising $4.4 million , and Christie raising $4.2 million, all three performed about average compared to candidates in this cycle and in the last presidential campaign. They lag well behind Carson's $20 million, Bush's $13.4 million, and Cruz's $12.2 million. Looking back at 2012, these three were also beaten by eventual nominee Mitt Romney, who raised $14.2 million in the same quarter of 2011, and Rick Perry who raised $17.2 million. But Rubio, Kasich, and Christie can reassure nervous supporters that they are still ahead of the previous cycle totals of two candidates who ended up being formidable competitors for the nomination: Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich. LOSERS Rand Paul A year ago today, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul was second in the national polls of likely Republican candidates for president. But since then, his popularity has plummeted, dropping to 2.7 percent and to eighth place among GOP primary contenders in the RealClearPolitics average of national polls. Paul's falling popularity has been mirrored by disappointing fundraising, and his third quarter total is not the sign of a first-tier candidate. The Paul campaign raised $2.5 million and spent $4.5 million in the recent quarter operating at an unsustainable "burn rate" of 180 percent. Bobby Jindal Jindal's press secretary, Shannon Dirmann, tried to put a positive spin on the Republican's latest fundraising haul, telling The Hill in an email: "This is an election not an auction. We are running a lean mean campaign. We are tied for 5th right now in Iowa and plan to win it on February 1st." But Jindal's dollar figures tell a more sobering story. The Louisiana governor raised $579,000 and spent $832,000 between July 1 and Sept. 30. He finishes the fundraising quarter with just $261,000 in the bank, and he does not have a well-funded super-PAC that can spend lavishly on his behalf. Rick Perry When former Texas Gov. Rick Perry quit the race on Sep. 11, there were rumors that his campaign was running low on cash. How low, exactly, was unclear, but the financial report released on Thursday reveals Perry's team was next to broke. Perry's campaign had about $45,000 cash on hand at the end of the reporting period which covered from July 1 to Sept. 30 and the candidate was spending at a vastly faster rate than he was earning. Team Perry raised just $287,000 in the third quarter and spent $1.1 million during the same period. NO SHOWS Among those who had not reported as of 6:30 p.m. Thursday: Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum; former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R); Sen. Lindsey Graham, and on the Democratic side, former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley. | 5 | 95,375 | news |
The hospitalization of former NBA star Lamar Odom has spotlighted the dangers of using supplement products that can contain hidden, potentially harmful ingredients. Odom, husband to reality TV star Khloe Kardashian, was found unconscious with blood coming from his nose and white fluid coming from his mouth on Tuesday at the Love Ranch brothel in Crystal, Nevada, where he had been staying since Saturday. During his time at the brothel, the 35-year-old reportedly took up to 10 tablets of so-called herbal Viagra that were obtained over the counter, according to a 911 call that was released Wednesday by the Nye County Sheriff's Office in Nevada. Odom, who reportedly also used cocaine before arriving at the brothel, has been hospitalized in Las Vegas and is said to be on life support. And while it isn't clear what caused his current condition, federal authorities have warned that the type of supplements he took can cause dire health problems. According to The Washington Post , Odom took a supplement called "Reload," which the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning notification about two years ago. The supplement, the agency wrote, contained the undeclared ingredient sildenafil, which is the active ingredient in the prescription drug Viagra, used to treat erectile dysfunction. The ingredient can lower blood pressure and be particularly dangerous to men with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease who often take nitrates. As pictured in the 2013 FDA notice, Reload's packaging directed users to take one capsule and warned them to "seek advice from a health professional prior to use if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or are using prescription drugs." "Consumers should stop using this product immediately and throw it away," the FDA said. A spokesman for the Love Ranch also said that Odom bought another brand of sexual enhancement pill, Libimax Plus, from the brothel's shop. In 2007, the FDA announced that the California-based maker of a supplement called Libimax was voluntarily recalling it after it also was found to include an active ingredient used in an FDA-approved drug for erectile dysfunction. "Distributors of tainted products are operating outside of the law," FDA spokeswoman Lyndsay Meyer says. "It's hard for us to keep up." Supplements like Reload and Libimax aren't preapproved by the FDA, which reviews doctor-prescribed medications like Viagra along with food, drinks and medical devices for safety and effectiveness. Meyer warns that it's a misnomer even to call such products supplements because they contain an active pharmaceutical ingredient. Instead, the FDA refers to them as "tainted products." Dr. Jennifer Caudle, a family physician and assistant professor at the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in New Jersey, says she's had patients come to her with kidney problems and muscle aches that she attributes to herbal Viagra-type products. People taking other medications that can interact with the supplements are at particular risk of suffering adverse reactions. "The truth of the matter is that herbal or dietary supplements can have inherent risks in taking them, even if you're not taking illicit drugs with them," she says. "These pills make claims, and many people simply believe them." Caudle says it's difficult to speculate on the exact dosage of supplements Odom took. But she says in a typical month she prescribes a patient nine or 10 pills of Viagra, and that the maximum dose for that drug is one pill a day. According to the FDA , consumers perceive supplements and herbal products as safe because they are often sold with labels suggesting they are all-natural alternatives to prescription drugs. But the agency has long warned the public to be wary of sexual performance-enhancement products that claim to be natural and promise rapid or long-lasting effects. This year alone, the FDA has issued at least 25 notifications about "tainted" products that promise male sexual enhancement. And while the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act gives the FDA some power to crack down on such products the agency can send warning letters to those who sell them and even outright ban them doing so can be difficult. For example, it took years for the FDA to ban dietary supplements containing ephedra, an herb linked to numerous poisonings and deaths . To create such a ban, the FDA needs to demonstrate that a product caused harm to people who used it as the manufacturer directed on its labeling. Internet merchants also pose a particular problem. "Once they know FDA is after them, they'll change their names and websites," Meyer says. Because the FDA cannot test all products on the market to identify those that contain potentially harmful hidden ingredients, it asks consumers to report potentially dangerous products online through its MedWatch site. It also encourages consumers to sign up for email alerts about products. Copyright 2015 U.S. News & World Report | 7 | 95,376 | health |
Adrian Peterson has changed his mind. He no longer thinks he's the LeBron James of the NFL. He's upping his game to Michael Jordan. Let's compare the two. | 1 | 95,377 | sports |
He's sponsored by ResponsibleOhio to help pass a marijuana legalization bill in November. | 8 | 95,378 | video |
LAS VEGAS Authorities are retracing Lamar Odom's $75,000 visit to the brothel where he was found unconscious as the former NBA and reality TV star remains hospitalized and the Kardashian team spars with the brothel's owner over media attention surrounding the ordeal. There's been no official word on Odom's condition, but the Rev. Jesse Jackson visited him Wednesday and said he's on life support. Odom's grandmother, Florence Odom, declined to comment on his status Thursday, saying she was becoming distressed at unfounded speculation that her grandson would be taken off life support. His father, Joe Odom, also declined to discuss his condition, saying that information was confidential. Nye County law enforcement and brothel officials said Odom's incident was a rarity for the Love Ranch, in the rural community of Crystal, and have summed it up as a possible drug-related medical episode. "We're going to be looking at the entire situation, how he actually came to be where he is now," Nye County Sheriff Sharon Wehrly said at a Wednesday news conference. Odom was found unconscious at the brothel Tuesday with white and reddish substances coming from his nose and mouth. His breathing was consistent, but he seemed to be in a deep sleep-like state, said Richard Hunter, a Love Ranch spokesman and one of the people who called 911. He was to be flown by helicopter about 80 miles to Las Vegas, but he had to be taken by ambulance because he couldn't fit in the aircraft. Odom's estranged wife, Khloe Kardashian, rushed to his side at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center. Since then, friends, teammates and loved ones have visited and posted requests for prayers on social media. Authorities have taken a blood sample to find out if Odom overdosed on drugs or alcohol, but the results could take several weeks. The Kardashian team and Love Ranch owner Dennis Hof also locked horns over media attention while about a dozen reporters and camera crews staked out the hospital. Khloe Kardashian's representatives reached out Wednesday to Hof and asked him not to speak to the press. But Hof said he's troubled by the lack of communication from the reality TV star, and he dismissed her rep's request that Khloe Kardashian do interviews instead of him. She has so far issued no public statements. "I know what happened," Hof said. "I'm the one protecting my business and telling the truth about it." Kardashian's rep said they politely asked Hoff to respect their privacy. Hunter said Odom scheduled his brothel visit a week in advance and asked for a ride to the business Saturday, arriving at 4:30 p.m. He paid by credit card after putting down an initial 10 percent deposit for the reservation, Odom's first-ever visit to the Love Ranch. He stayed in the "best VIP suite" and chose two women to accompany him. Per Nevada law, prostitutes negotiate services and prices privately with customers as independent contractors. Hof gets 50 percent. Odom spent about $75,000 for a minimum four-day stay, Hof said. The site has a five-day maximum policy, but the owner said Odom talked about staying the entire week to celebrate Hof's recent birthday. When he got to the brothel, Odom told at least one of the women he had done a "small amount of cocaine" that day, Hunter said. He added Odom knew the brothel has a strict anti-drugs policy, and the only drugs anyone there saw him take were herbal sexual performance enhancement capsules. But Hunter noted the company doesn't search customers and said he couldn't rule out the possibility that Odom used other substances. "The only way that's possible is if no one knew it and he had it completely to himself," Hunter said. Hof also said earlier that Odom drank alcohol from the brothel bar. On Sunday, Odom was heard talking on the phone about the latest "Keeping Up with The Kardashians" episode. "He was upset," Hunter said. "It affected the temper of his mood." Odom bought the supplements Reload and Libimax Plus marketed as sexual stimulants or "herbal Viagra" at the brothel. Libimax sells for $14.99 per pill. In 2013, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning against Reload after it was found to contain sildenafil, the active ingredient in prescription Viagra. The hidden additive could cause dangerously low blood pressure in men taking nitrates for high blood pressure or cholesterol. Asked Wednesday if the brothel's license could also be at risk over what happened, the sheriff said that decision would be up to county commissioners. "We're only after the truth here," Wehrly said. "So we need to find out. At the end of the investigation, we'll be able to let you know what happened." Hunter said the owner is cooperating with authorities. "He's held good licenses for decades without any sort of problem like this" Hunter said. "We certainly understand their concern, but he believes if it was determined that Lamar Odom had any type of drugs, or (overdosed) from drugs, it was completely unbeknownst to us here." | 1 | 95,379 | sports |
Paris museum dedicated to human evolution, reopens after a six-year renovation. Rough Cut (No reporter narration). | 2 | 95,380 | travel |
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, legendary Cuban group Buena Vista Social Club performs at the White House. Rough Cut (no reporter narration). | 6 | 95,381 | entertainment |
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho criticised his treatment by the English FA following outbursts against Premier League officials and said he doesn't believe he can finish his coaching career at Chelsea at a book signing event. | 1 | 95,382 | sports |
McDonald's (MCD) all-day breakfast may have bolstered the chain's public perception and spiked optimism for higher sales in the fourth-quarter, but the restaurant still has a lot of ground to recover. The company is close to deciding what, if anything, it will do with its massive U.S. real estate holdings, McDonald's board member Miles White told the Wall Street Journal on Thursday. McDonald's confirmed the article's accuracy for CNBC. The company also noted that senior leaders will continue to discuss business strategy during the November investor's meeting. McD's business model has always stressed the importance of owning its property, but steadily declining sales could prompt the burger giant to spin off its U.S. holdings. McDonald's has yet to make a decision, but "we have had a lot of review and a lot of debate," White said in the interview. An analyst from Morgan Stanley estimated that McDonald's real estate worth in the United States is $16 billion to $18 billion, according to WSJ . Read the full article from the Wall Street Journal. | 3 | 95,383 | finance |
Finding just the right bookcase for your space in a store just may never happen which is why we love this DIY version from Hester Van Overbeek's book, ' Furniture Hacks .' Filled with clever ideas like this and more, you'll be inspired to tackle your space once and for all, all without breaking the bank. "This bookcase doubles up as a display case. I made it from pieces of MDF, but you can create something similar from old wooden crates or boxes. If you wish to store heavy items., use thicker wood or MDF . The boxes are stacked on top of each other, creating a large storage space which can easily be reconfigured into a different shape. To make the bookcase secure, I screwed my boxes together and anchored the finished structure to the wall. I can still move the small cubes about whenever I fancy a change," writes Van Overbeek. Materials: measuring tape pencil and paper leftover pieces of MDF (medium-density fiberboard) or readymade boxes saw wood glue masking tape hammer nails wood screws screwdriver corner brackets drill wall plugs paint (I used a white milk paint) paintbrush Directions: Measure how long, wide, and deep you want your bookcase to be. Mine is built into an alcove and I made it 12 in (30cm) deep. Make a drawing of squares and rectangles to see what would work well in your room. If you have any large items you wish to store or display, make sure that the cubes are a suitable size. Work out how many boxes you need, or how much MDF you need to buy. Cut the MDF to shape or have this done by your local home improvement or do-it-yourself store (this will save you a lot of sawing and measuring!). It's a good idea to label the pieces at this stage to make assembling the cubes easier. To assemble the cubes, apply wood glue to the edge of your wood, place it in position, and press it down. Always double-check you are attaching the correct pieces together before you apply the glue. Apply strips of masking tape to hold the cube together, then hammer nails into the joins. When assembling larger cubes, it's helpful to position a stool or chair under the MDF to support it and keep it in place while you hammer in the nails. Make all your cubes and rectangles in this way. Stack your finished pieces on top of each other. To make the bookcase more secure, screw the big pieces together using small wood screws. Also, anchor the bookcase to the wall by screwing a couple of corner brackets to the underside of a shelf and to the wall (use wall plugs). Paint your bookcase any color you like. I chose white, as this ties in with the wall and means the bookcase doesn't dominate the room. If you want your color to stand out, use a primer first. I just gave mine two coats of white paint, allowing the first coat to dry properly before applying the second. Tip: If you wish to make the bookcase from pre-made boxes, ask a wine merchant if they have any wine boxes for sale, or a grocery store for apple or vegetable boxes. You may have to smooth any rough edges with sandpaper before assembling the bookcase. Available on Amazon . Excerpted from 'Furniture Hacks And Other Creative Updates For a Unique and Stylish Home' by Hester Van Overbeek. Published by Cico Books. | 4 | 95,384 | lifestyle |
25-year-old David Lama pulled it off effortlessly. | 8 | 95,385 | video |
Single-arm Cable Toe Touch Works: Upper and Lower Abs Lie back with your left arm extended behind you holding a cable handle. Keep your right leg extended and elevated a few inches off of the floor and your left knee bent 90 degrees. Lift your right leg and simultaneously crunch the cable up until your left hand touches your right shin. Return your left arm and right leg back to approximately six inches off of the floor. Repeat for two sets of 20 reps on each side. Dumbbell Leg Raise and Crunch Works: Upper and Lower Abs Sit on the side of a bench with your hands grabbing its back edge. Grab a five-pound dumbbell between the arches of both your feet and lean back. Keeping your knees bent 90 degrees, crunch your legs upward and simultaneously perform a crunch with your upper torso. Lower your legs until the dumbbell is at or just below bench height, leaning your torso back slightly. Perform two sets of 20 reps. Tip: Engage your abdominals, not your hip flexors, to lift your legs with each rep. Dumbbell Torso Twist Works: Obliques, Core Start with a wide stance and your knees slightly bent. Hold an 8- or 10-pound dumbbell at chin level with your arms extended straight ahead of you. Keeping your arms parallel to the floor, and straight, twist to the right, rotating on the ball of your left foot. Stop rotation when the dumbbell is in line with your right leg. Then repeat the move to your left, rotating on your right foot and bringing dumbbell to your left leg. Perform two sets of 20 nonstop reps without pausing at the center. Tip: Change it up with cable twists or kettlebell twists. Cable twists are done slowly, but a kettlebell twist should be explosive, then slowed down at the end of the movement. High-cable Side Crunch Works: Obliques, Serratus Attach a cable to a high pulley and stand in profile with your right side to the machine. Reach up with your right hand and grab the cable, still facing sideways. Keeping your elbow slightly bent, crunch down until your elbow is in line with your rib cage. Return cable to start, keeping elbow slightly bent and arm engaged. Perform two sets of 25 reps on each side. TIp: Make sure to bring your elbow toward your hip to execute the full range of motion. Kettlebell Pullover Works: Entire Abdominal Region Lie on a bench with your legs suspended and your knees bent 90 degrees. Hold a 10- or 15-pound kettlebell over your sternum, with your arms extended and the handle of the kettlebell facing the wall behind you. Lift your head and shoulder blades off the bench. Extend the kettlebell overhead and simultaneously straighten your legs. Crunch back inward, drawing your legs back and bringing the kettlebell over your kneecaps. Perform two sets of 15 reps. Tip: Stop kettlebell when it is just above your face to maintain tension throughout the move. | 7 | 95,386 | health |
Flickr/Heisenberg Media Microsoft approached Lenovo more than a year ago and asked if Lenovo would help Microsoft sell its Surface Pro PCs to businesses, says Lenovo's COO Gianfranco Lanci. He told Microsoft no. Lanci told the story on Wednesday at an event for PC resellers held in Barcelona this week, the Canalys Channel Forum . That's when the topic of Microsoft's unusual " Surface Enterprise Initiative" came up, as reported by The Register's Paul Kunert. The initiative got Microsoft's biggest PC partners to sell and support the Surface Pro 3 . "I said no to resell their product," Lanci said at the conference, adding that Microsoft "asked me more than one year ago, and I said no I don't see any reason why I should sell a product from, within brackets, competition." Dell, on the other hand, said yes. And the initiative was launched with much fanfare last month, with video statements from both Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Dell CEO Michael Dell extolling the arrangement. It wasn't surprising that Dell signed on. Dell has been especially cozy with Microsoft since Dell went private in 2013, with the help of a $2 billion loan from Microsoft . And Dell is trying to shift away from the sinking PC market and into more lucrative consulting and high-end enterprise products anyway, which is why it announced plans to buy EMC earlier this week. HP later joined Dell and agreed to sell and support the Surface Pro 3, too. But on Wednesday HP PC chief Dion Weisler hinted on stage that he wasn't really thrilled to be part of Microsoft's plan. "These are customers we have been working with for many, many years and we don't simply want to cede those relationships to a competitor, so we said 'OK, we'll participate in that'." But HP sales people won't get commissions for selling the Surface and HP will only "sell, service and support Surface if the customer absolutely insists upon it but that is not our first preference," he said. For its part, Microsoft insists its PCs complement its partners , and doesn't compete with them. Still Microsoft's PC partners are quietly fuming at Microsoft since it released yet another Surface product, the Surface Book laptop. PC execs at this conference indicated they were wary of Microsoft and "need to be a little bit careful," Lanci said, since they still rely on so heavily on Microsoft Windows. | 3 | 95,387 | finance |
It seems there is a growing number of people calling in sick when they aren't ill. And not everyone is faking something as simple as a cough. Hena Daniels shares some of the most creative excuses (1:53). WCCO 4 News At 5 October 15, 2015 | 3 | 95,388 | finance |
London Mayor Boris Johnson knocks down a 10-year old boy before scoring a try in a rugby game with Japanese schoolchildren. | 8 | 95,389 | video |
Stanford WR Francis Owusu deserves a trophy of some kind for the touchdown catch he made against UCLA on Thursday night in Palo Alto. Leading 35-17 in the third quarter, Stanford decided it was time to pull a trick out of the bag. Setting up from the wildcat, Chrisitan McCaffrey took the snap, handed it to RB Barry Sanders who then flipped the ball to QB Kevin Hogan. Hogan launched a deep 41-yard pass over the middle to Owusu and then this happened: Best. Catch. EVER. Watch on @espn . #SCTop10 #GoStanford #BeatUCLA pic.twitter.com/5rdxyiqwP3 Stanford Athletics (@GoStanford) October 16, 2015 That's not just the catch of the night, that's the catch of the year, folks. Game over. That catch even made David Shaw smile. Clay Travis (@ClayTravisBGID) October 16, 2015 Stanford head coach David Shaw's reaction to the catch pretty much sums it up. SAME @CoachDavidShaw #Pac12FB #Pac12AfterDark pic.twitter.com/GZ8JyXALVF Pac-12 Networks (@Pac12Networks) October 16, 2015 | 1 | 95,390 | sports |
NEW YORK (AP) -- Slowly but surely, the New York Islanders are getting acclimated to their new home. John Tavares and Nikolay Kulemin scored in the third period and the Islanders held on to beat the Nashville Predators 4-3 Thursday night. BOX SCORE: ISLANDERS 4, PREDATORS 3 Anders Lee and Kyle Okposo scored in the second period to tie the score for the Islanders after they fell behind, and Thomas Greiss finished with 44 saves. Tavares and Lee also had an assist and Mikhail Grabovski added two as New York won its second straight and improved to 2-0-1 in its new Brooklyn home. "You've got to find ways to win," Tavares said. "You won't always have your best. We were able to beat one of the best teams in the West. You look at their team. It was a good way to battle back and find a way to win. "Our crowd has been great. Fans have been great. They have brought energy and passion." Austin Watson, Filip Forsberg and James Neal scored for the Predators, who lost for the first time after opening the season 3-0-0. Pekka Rinne had 24 saves. The game was Nashville's first at Barclays Center, the Islanders' new home after spending the franchise's first 43 years at the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island. Tavares' goal with 8:11 left in the third period gave the Islanders a 4-2 lead. It was his third in three games at home this season. Neal pulled the Predators within one less than three minutes later, but they couldn't get the tying goal past Greiss. "It was our best game of the year by a mile," Predators coach Peter Laviolette said. "Worst result." Watson opened the scoring 2:14 into the game with an unintended assist from New York defenseman Marek Zidlicky, who redirected the Nashville left winger's jam shot into the net. The unassisted goal was the first of the season for Watson. It also highlighted a first period in which the Predators outshot the Islanders 17-7. Forsberg doubled Nashville's lead 4:22 into the second period with his second of the season. The sequence began with Neal carrying the puck into the offensive zone and taking a shot that Greiss stopped, but the puck bounced over the New York goalie and Forsberg poked it into the net. "That's probably the best game of the four," Nashville captain Shea Weber said. Lee made it 2-1 just 40 seconds later with a wrist shot that beat Rinne. Okposo tied it with a 4-on-4 goal with 8:04 remaining in the second. He corralled a loose puck in the defensive zone and then skated up the ice and outwaited Rinne before whipping a shot into a semi-vacated net. "It was a broken play," Okposo said. "(The puck) hit a skate and I caught it. (I) tried to beat my guy up the ice (and) I just tried to make (Rinne) hesitate a little bit. There's not a lot of room on the net to shoot at and I was able to get it past him." Kulemin stuffed a rebound of a shot by Brock Nelson past Rinne to put the Islanders up 3-2 at 6:42 of the third. NOTES: Predators C Mike Fisher skated in his 950th NHL game. ... New York D Thomas Hickey and G Jaroslav Halak missed their fourth straight game with upper body injuries. ... The Islanders scratched F Steve Bernier. ... Nashville scratched Anthony Bitetto, Viktor Arvidsson and Victor Bartley. ... The announced attendance was 10,542, which included members of the Italian State Police. | 1 | 95,391 | sports |
FANGCHUAN, CHINA You can almost smell the sea air from here, at the point where China, Russia and North Korea meet, where slogans pronounce "One eye, three countries" and tourists pose for photos against a green landscape in which the borders are imperceptible. But for the Chinese, smelling the sea air is all they can do. Their border lies 10 miles inland, because of the Russian annexation of the area in 1860. That means China's landlocked northern provinces are dependent for sea access on Russia, whose efforts to develop eastern ports haven't amounted to much, and North Korea which has some reliability issues, to say the least. Now, China is hoping to triumph over decades of false starts and finally secure access to the sea, enabling it to ship goods produced here to destinations elsewhere in Asia and farther afield instead of sending them by train to ports to the south. Authorities are pumping money into infrastructure projects as part of President Xi Jinping's plan to build a new Silk Road trading route and to make this area, which incorporates the Yanbian autonomous prefecture with its large ethnic Korean population, relevant again. South Korea wants a part of the action, too. It is eyeing the area as a kind of off-site Korean unification project, with businesses preparing for when North Korea opens up or for when it fails, although they are careful not to talk in such a pointed way. "There are lots of companies just perched here, just waiting for North Korea to collapse," said one foreign resident in the area, speaking on the condition of anonymity so as not to jeopardize his work. The biggest South Korean presence here although its officials swear they're here for the trading hub, not positioning themselves for the demise of North Korea is Hunchun Posco Hyundai International Logistics. A joint venture between two South Korean corporate behemoths, it has built a big distribution center on the outskirts of Hunchun, a Chinese city half an hour's drive from the point where the three countries converge. "Of course we see the potential of this area," Yeon Jei-sung, the company's president, said in an interview in his office. "The three countries meet here, and that in itself can be a core place for trade." Such a pronouncement, however, is predicated on one crucial factor: the development of Rajin port. And Rajin port is in North Korea. "We should have taken it while we had the chance," said a local real estate developer, referring to the Korean War, when China came to North Korea's rescue. He spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid annoying local Koreans. While North Korea is promoting the area Rajin and the neighboring city of Sonbong are together known as Rason as a special economic zone, previous efforts at opening have not gone far. Over the years, this area has been described as "the next Rotterdam." In the early 1990s, the U.N. Development Program spearheaded an ambitious project called the Greater Tumen Initiative, named after the river that runs through the region. The project went nowhere. This is not an obvious place for the world's next great logistics hub. This is where some of the most forgotten parts of three countries converge: the Far East of Russia, where 6 million people live in an area the size of Europe; the depopulating northeast of China, which managed to miss out on the country's boom of recent decades; and the northern reaches of North Korea, a difficult place to survive and where the "hostile" classes have long been sent to languish. North Korea established Rason as a free-trade zone in 1991, modeled on zones that had powered the export-led explosion of growth in China. But nothing much happened until 2010, when the regulations governing the area were loosened and the regime of Kim Jong-il began some tentative experimentation for example, allowing residents to buy apartments and foreigners to enter more easily. [ North Korea might be courting Russia, but China still looms larger ] This time, the project might stand more of a chance, said Adam Cathcart, a lecturer in Chinese history at the University of Leeds in England. "It's been 25 years since they started talking about this, and it's gone in fits and starts, but mostly not moving," he said."There is a certain critical mass now." The huge amount of money that China is spending on infrastructure in the region could prove to be a game-changer, Cathcart said. China has built a $7 billion, 225-mile-long high-speed railway line from Changchun, the capital of Jilin province, to Hunchun. It is set to open this month. The Russian news agency Interfax reported in May that provincial authorities had suggested extending the line to Vladivostok, Russia. The plan is that the rail line will eventually connect with North Korea. For now, China is building a bridge across the Tumen River at the Quanhe border crossing with North Korea it is clearly visible from lookout points in the area and China also is building a road to Rajin. This area of northeastern China was a center for heavy industry, particularly mining and automotive manufacturing, during the first half of the 20th century, especially during the Japanese occupation. But it suffered under the market-oriented economic reforms that Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping initiated in 1978 and more recently as large numbers of the ethnic Korean population have left for better opportunities in South Korea. Xi has a plan to stimulate the growth of heavy industry in northeast China, part of his "Belt and Road" initiative, through infrastructure such as the rail project, aimed at making it easier for people to come here. The area is also crucial for South Korean President Park Geun-hye and her "Eurasia Initiative," which would link South Korea to Europe by rail but for the not-inconsiderable physical obstacle that is North Korea. With that in mind, Posco, a South Korean steelmaker, has teamed with Hyundai to build the logistics center in Hunchun, a city of 220,000. It has three storage units acting as a staging post for goods on their way in and out of the region, including seafood clams, squid and octopus from North Korea. The logistics center also handles agricultural goods, timber and auto parts from China, and expansions are planned depending on demand. A Washington Post reporter saw several trucks with Rason license plates entering China at the Quanhe border crossing near Hunchun. But being able to ship Chinese products out in the other direction, through Rajin port, would provide a huge boost to the region, proponents say. Today, sending a container from Hunchun by train through China and then by sea to South Korea costs about $2,000. Exporting it directly from the port of Rajin would halve that cost, said Yeon, the Posco president. "Rajin is going to open up maybe in three to five years," he said. "It's imminent." But Yeon has never been to Rajin, partly because of a South Korean government requirement citizens to get official permission to enter North Korea. Despite the obstacles to gaining access to North Korea, South Korean companies, hungry for new markets and eyeing the 26 million potential consumers in the North, still view the area as a new opportunity. Recent reports , including one by the South's Korea Development Institute, have suggested that South Korean companies could contract Chinese firms to run factories in border cities including Hunchun and hire North Korean workers. North Koreans already work in factories run by South Korean companies at a small inter-Korean industrial park, but sanctions have limited the firms' ability to hire additional cheap labor from the North. A recent poll from the South's Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry found that 87 percent of companies surveyed have or would have an interest in doing business in the North if unification were to occur. There are many impediments to a breakthrough, not the least of which is North Korea and its irascibility. "The problem is still Rason and getting to it," said Cathcart, who has written reports about the region. "The relationship between China and North Korea with regards to the use of Rason is still problematic. It's not unfettered access." South Korea's Eurasia Initiative and its plans to link up with the Trans-Siberian and Trans-China railways depend on North Korea's allowing the South's trains to pass through the country. But Pyongyang in June blocked South Korea's bid to join the organization that approves cross-border rail lines, a requirement in building a trans-Asian railway. And China's plans have been complicated by North Korea's 2013 nuclear test, which resulted in new international sanctions, and by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's decision to execute his uncle, Jang Song Thaek , the main interlocutor in business deals between North Korea and China. For its part, Russia has shown little interest in the area. A lonely-looking Russian-built storage facility is visible from the Posco center, but locals say it has never been operational. And Russia's Summa Group was supposed to be developing the port at Zarubino, also near this intersection, but has reportedly run out of money. China has more reason than ever to develop this area, says Xuan Dongri, director of the Institute of Northeast Asian Studies at Yanbian University. "China is pretty anxious about this," he said, adding that without North Korea's cooperation to develop the region, China will be hampered in realizing its dream of greater prosperity. "No matter what, this brother of ours is still very important," Xuan said. "And for China's dealings in northeast Asia, North Korea is the biggest obstacle." Seo Yoon-jung and Gu Jinglu contributed to this report. Read more: In Cambodia, the push and pull of China's orbit North Korea's growing economy and U.S. misconceptions about it North Korea might be courting Russia, but China still looms larger China promotes 'Asia-Pacific dream' to counter U.S. 'pivot' | 5 | 95,392 | news |
The Denver Broncos' offense doesn't scare anybody right now. And even after a 5-0 start driven by their Super Bowl-caliber defense, there is reason to be concerned quarterback Peyton Manning has become so limited physically the other side of the ball simply can't catch up. A high-ranking executive for another NFL team who has studied the Broncos recently explained it this way: The offensive line isn't what it was, hurting the run game and protection. They don't a great running back. They're trying to figure out coach Gary Kubiak's offense and fit it to Manning on the fly. Manning, 39, still has a quick release. He's still really smart and accurate underneath. But he doesn't have much zip on the ball even less than a year ago and that mitigates some of the mismatches they can create with Pro Bowl receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. "He didn't look the same," the executive told USA TODAY Sports of Manning, speaking on condition of anonymity for competitive reasons. "Their vertical pass game has been kind of nonexistent. You've just got to take away the dink-and-dunk and stop the run. He can't push it downfield like a lot of guys. And when the weather gets bad, it's only going to get worse." The exception is when Manning who threw 55 touchdown passes and won his fifth MVP just two years ago can climb in the pocket, get a couple good shuffle steps and put his full body into the throw, as he did on a 45-yard strike to Sanders early last week at Oakland. Peyton Manning Career Passing Accuracy | PointAfter But look at the third-and-6 play midway through the second quarter against the Raiders, who held the Broncos without an offensive touchdown. Sanders gets the perfect matchup: one-on-one against rookie linebacker Neiron Ball on a sort of wheel route out of the backfield. Instead, Manning throws incomplete for a well-covered Thomas on a drag short of the sticks, leaving Sanders standing with an arm raised in frustration and the Broncos with a field goal. Did Manning doubt he could make the throw with Raiders safety Charles Woodson playing center field? Or was Manning just trying to get the ball out before the rush could arrive? The latter would be understandable, given Manning's medical history, including neck surgeries that robbed him of arm strength years ago. He's known to go fetal to avoid getting hit. But if he's concerned about pulling the trigger without a shot putter's start, that's a whole other issue. Woodson later caught Manning's sixth and seventh interceptions of the season, on a throw over tight end Owen Daniels' head in the end zone and a heave to Thomas on a corner route that hung in the air forever. The previous week, the Minnesota Vikings picked off a couple floaters, too. "Some (interceptions) have just been poor decisions and a couple have been bad luck, but regardless, I need to eliminate them," Manning told reporters this week. "It would be a great week to do that this week." It's also a great week to run against a Cleveland Browns defense that's giving up 149.4 yards a game on the ground. But they, like every other Broncos opponent, figure to devote more resources near the line of scrimmage because Manning rarely will beat them over the top. The good news for the Broncos is they have a defense loaded with difference-makers that has come up with a clutch takeaway five straight weeks. The bad news is that may be all they have. "It's the reality of it right now," the executive said. "They're undefeated. But it's going to catch them, when they play a good team." CASSEL GOOD FOR SHORT RELIEF Matt Cassel's former teammates and coaches rave about his work ethic and leadership. But can Cassel do something the Dallas Cowboys' other backup quarterback, Brandon Weeden, couldn't in three starts: win with starter Tony Romo on the sideline? "Well, probably not for very long, but you can probably win a couple," said one NFL assistant coach who knows Cassel well. "You've got to be mentally and physically tough, and Matt Cassel is both. Even though he's not the most talented, he's going to be very tough and very smart." Cassel, 33, doesn't have Weeden's arm. But he has the edge in experience, having started 73 NFL games. His last full season as a starter was 2010 with the Kansas City Chiefs, who reached the playoffs with Cassel throwing 27 touchdowns to just seven interceptions. One knock on Cassel since: He'll sometimes try to do too much, leading to turnovers that tend to come in bunches. He has given away the ball 44 times in 31 games (27 starts) since 2011 while bouncing from Kansas City to Minnesota to Buffalo and now Dallas. Cassel's next chance comes Oct. 25 on the road against the Giants after this week's bye. CAN PANTHERS RALLY? Here's a question Cam Newton and the unbeaten Carolina Panthers probably will have to answer sooner than later: How does their offense adjust when they have to play from behind? They've yet to trail by more than 10 points (and by 10 just once, for 6½ minutes in the second quarter against the Saints) or in the fourth quarter. That's ideal for a Panthers team that needs to play dominating defense and run the football to be successful. The loss of top receiver Kelvin Benjamin to a knee injury in camp was a huge blow. Tight end Greg Olsen is now easily the Panthers' top receiving threat, with speedy Ted Ginn the only real perimeter weapon (and he's inconsistent). Jonathan Stewart is averaging 3.7 yards a carry. "They don't have some of the weapons they've had in the past," one coach who has game-planned against the Panthers this season told USA TODAY Sports. "It's a matter of containing Cam, in the run game as well as making him become a pocket passer." Sunday's trip to Seattle could be telling. The Seahawks have led in the fourth quarter of every game this season, but they've uncharacteristically blown those leads in three of them. In last year's divisional playoff loss at Seattle, Newton rushed for 37 yards on 11 carries and was 23-of-36 passing for 246 yards with two interceptions and two touchdown throws both to Benjamin, who led the Panthers in targets (10), catches (seven) and yards (75). INSIDE RUNS How strong is the expectation the New England Patriots will drub the Indianapolis Colts in Sunday night's rematch of the AFC title rout that spawned Deflategate? After opening as 5- to 6½-point favorites at various sportsbooks, the Patriots were -9½ to -10½ as of Thursday afternoon. If the Colts let coach Chuck Pagano walk after the season, don't overlook the possibility he stays in the AFC South. At least one and perhaps multiple jobs figure to open up in a division where Pagano's Colts teams have won 16 consecutive games, an NFL record. Worth noting as speculation swirls about Sean Payton's future with the Saints: A head coach technically can't be traded. Under the NFL's anti-tampering policy, another team can request permission to speak to and sign a coach who's under contract (as Payton is) after the season ends. Before permission is granted, the teams can agree on compensation to release the coach from his existing contract if he agrees to a new one. In other words, a team can't send a coach packing against his wishes unless it fires him. Also, the new team still must comply with the Rooney Rule by interviewing a minority candidate. Keep an eye on the division of labor in the Seattle Seahawks' backfield against Carolina. They've wanted to lighten the load on Marshawn Lynch for years, and Thomas Rawls' emergence in Lynch's recent absence might earn him continued action. Not bad for an undrafted rookie out of Central Michigan who signed for a $15,000 bonus. TOM'S TOP 10 (Last ranking in parentheses) 1. Green Bay Packers (1): Mike McCarthy's time with the defense may be paying dividends. 2. New England Patriots (2): Don't dismiss the impact of losing left tackle Nate Solder. 3. Cincinnati Bengals (5): Derailed by injuries in 2014, Tyler Eifert looks like the missing piece. 4. Denver Broncos (4): Wade Phillips may have been their most important offseason addition. 5. Seattle Seahawks (3): Too high at 2-3? Not if the defense jells and somebody finds Jimmy Graham. 6. Pittsburgh Steelers (6): Rebounding for a road win in Ben Roethlisberger's absence was huge. 7. Atlanta Falcons (7)*: A lot hinges on how well Julio Jones can play through a bad hamstring. 8. Arizona Cardinals (8): Still not "retired," Bruce Arians gets his shot at the Steelers on Sunday. 9. Minnesota Vikings (10): Player who's not getting enough credit: nose tackle Linval Joseph. 10. New York Jets (NR): No surprise Todd Bowles is getting the most from a talented defense. Dropped out: St. Louis Rams (9). *Note: Does not factor in Thursday night's result. Follow Tom Pelissero on Twitter @TomPelissero . PHOTOS: Week 6 games ranked by watchability | 1 | 95,393 | sports |
Every day new figures show how China is slowing. Manufacturing, imports, exports, inflation, bad debt: all the numbers are pointing in the wrong direction. Investors who seek solace in the fact that this may trigger another Chinese stimulus blitz should remember that easy money has less and less traction. China is hurting, and the FTSE 100 is feeling its pain. Time and again when I review stocks for The Motley Fool, I see the impact China is having at an individual company level. Fashion retailer Burberry is the latest to feel the squeeze. Its shares fell 13% on Thursday morning as its poor Chinese performance rattled investors. It didn't help that Burberry posted strong sales growth in North America, Europe and Japan, China blighted all. The mainland government's crackdown on excess has hit sales of luxury goods and even a 2% rise in underlying Q2 sales to £774m didn't avert the rout. Bank Blitz China has claimed far larger victims. Like UK-listed banks HSBC Holdings and Standard Chartered , which do around 75% and 90% of their business in emerging markets respectively, primarily China and Asia. At 519p, HSBC is 21% down on its 52-week high. Given that it single-handedly makes up more than 6% of the FTSE 100, this has quite an impact on overall index performance. The fall is even more dramatic at Standard Chartered: at 745p its share price is 36% off its year high. HSBC's strategy of pivoting to Asia could hardly come at a worse time. The slowdown in China will affect the rest of the region. At least HSBC still yields 6.12%. Standard Chartered has scrapped its dividend. Commodity Crash The damage inflicted by slowing China can be felt across the oil and commodity sectors, which make up 11% and 5% of the FTSE 100 respectively. In the last six months BP and Royal Dutch Shell are down 20% and 16% respectively.Falling Chinese demand isn't entirely to blame, oversupply is also a factor, but it certainly doesn't help. Slowing Chinese demand for metals and minerals has savaged FTSE 100 mining giants BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto , as well as Antofagasta , Anglo American , and of course Glencore . Since 2012 it has driven 14 commodity stocks out of the FTSE 100 altogether, including Amec , Cairn Energy , Evraz , Kazakhmys , Lonmin , Petrofac , Tullow Oil and Weir . Reckitt Ralphs Household goods giants Reckitt Benckiser and Unilever are rare exceptions: Chinese consumers are still buying cleaning and beauty products. We can't blame China for everything, but when the world's second biggest economy catches a cold, UK PLC can't help but sneeze. Pretty much all the affected companies are responding in the same way, scaling back capital expenditure, slashing hundreds of millions off costs, shelving developments, and in some cases dropping their dividends. This has a negative impact on UK business confidence and growth. FTSE 100 companies generate 77% of their earnings overseas, an increasingly large part of that from emerging markets, which makes the index vulnerable to events elsewhere. No wonder it is trading at roughly the same level it was 12 months ago. More bad news from China will spell bad news for the FTSE 100 as well. For better returns, you may want to look beyond the FTSE 100. You might want to start with this exciting prospect, which the Motley Fool's Head of UK Investing has singled out as his 1 'under-the-radar' pharmaceutical stock with blockbuster potential . The stock has already delivered a strong return and our top expert believes there could be more to come. In fact, he reckons it offers investors potential upside which may be as high as 45%! To find out which stock we consider one of the best small caps in the country, simply download our brand-new wealth report. It is free and without obligation, so click here now . Harvey Jones has no position in any shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended shares in HSBC, Burberry and Tullow Oil. 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 | 95,394 | finance |
The Dallas Cowboys have been on a three-game losing streak since Tony Romo became injured, and they have apparently started to clean house over their bye week. Along with an overhaul at the backup quarterback position that swaps out a failing Brandon Weeden for Matt Cassel, it appears the Cowboys are going to get running back Christine Michael more involved in the team's offense. Gary Brown, asked about C-Mike's comfort level: "I think he's where he needs to be, and we want to take the reins off him and let him rock." David Helman (@HelmanDC) October 15, 2015 Michael arrived in Dallas after spending two seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. When given the limited opportunity to play, Michael rushed for an average of 4.9 yards per carry. While it is uncertain as to whether Randle will remain the team's starter, Michael, who is much larger than Randle and Darren McFadden could present more of a challenge to opposing defenses. Thus far this season the Cowboys run game has not been very impactful, having only totaled only 531 yards and five touchdowns. Michael, who has never been given an opportunity to start because he played backup to Marshawn Lynch, drew only positive comments by Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett (via ESPN): "He's quick. He's explosive. I think he's proven to be a good runner in college (and) when he's had opportunities in the NFL. Again, we just want to get him into the mix. We'll keep giving Joe opportunities. We'll keep giving Darren opportunities. He's worthy of a chance to play a little bit more." While this sounds like a step in the right direction for a struggling Dallas Cowboys offense, this isn't exactly the news fantasy football owners want to hear who are considering picking up Michael off the waiver wire. | 1 | 95,395 | sports |
China shares are headed for their first two consecutive weeks of gains since August, as expectations build that Beijing will announce more stimulus to achieve year-end growth targets. The Shanghai Composite is on track to finish up nearly 6% this week and has gained 13% as of Thursday's close from the nadir of its recent selloff on Aug. 26. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index is on track for its third straight week of gains, up 3% this week and 13% since its late September low through Thursday. On Friday, the Shanghai Composite Index edged up 0.5% and the Hang Seng Index gained 1.2%. Hopes for stimulus are lifting shares in Japan, too, with the Nikkei, up 1.4%, near its highest level in a month at 18354.13. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 is up 1%. "There's a bit of chasing the rally phenomenon going on," with regional funds ready to spend their cash after a summer sell down, said Angelo Corbetta, head of Asian equities at Pioneer Investments. "You don't want to miss a possible rally in the last part of the year." Beijing is known to ramp up spending during the fourth quarter to boost growth by year-end, and to announce measures ahead of its annual meeting, where it discusses five-year economic plans. This year, the Communist Party is scheduled to meet the last week of October. Many economists expect that the central bank will either cut interest rates for the sixth time since last November or lower the amount of reserves banks are required to hold, after three such reductions in that time. China's banks also have ramped up lending, with bank credit at its highest on record for the month of September. Local Chinese investors have regained some of their appetite for stocks, too. Outstanding margin loans on the mainland, mostly from brokerages, edged up 5% this week through Thursday, on track for the biggest weekly increase since April, according to database Wind Information Co. At 96.1 billion yuan ($15.1 billion), loans remain down 57% from a record 2.27 trillion yuan in June. The latest indications of China's deteriorating economy bolsters the case for more government help. Earlier this week, trade and inflation figures for September fueled concerns that China may not be able to meet its growth target of about 7% for this year. Investors are now turning their focus to China's third quarter growth figures, due for release Monday. In the second quarter, the country had surprised investors with stable growth of 7%. In Japan, expectations the central bank will take additional easing steps has lifted shares. Foreign investors became net buyers of Japanese stocks, buying a net 521 billion yen ($4.38 billion) of Japanese stocks last week, after eight consecutive weeks of net selling, according to data from Japan's Ministry of Finance. Currencies of emerging markets continue to get a lift from a weakening dollar, after falling U.S. consumer prices added to the batch of disappointing economic data that reduces the odds of an interest-rate increase this year. That also helped lift U.S. stocks overnight. The WSJ Dollar Index, a measure of the dollar against a basket of major currencies, traded as low as 86.40 early Thursday in New York, its lowest since June. The dollar is currently at ¥119.09, up 0.2% in Asia trade, after trading as low as ¥118.08 on Thursday, the dollar's weakest level against the yen since late August. Indonesia's rupiah is trading near a four-month high, last at 13,525 per U.S. dollar. Bank of Indonesia's announced late Thursday that it is keeping benchmark interest rates unchanged. The U.S. dollar traded as low as 13,200 rupiah on Thursday. Despite Friday's gains, worries about China's economy led to tepid weekly performance for the region's indexes. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index is down 1.2% this week in local currency terms through Thursday, snapping two consecutive weeks of gains. Shares in Australia and Japan are headed to end flat and down 0.6% for the week, respectively. Fund managers have been cautious about buying up the region again, even though it has gotten cheaper. Pioneer's Mr. Corbetta said he has bought Chinese firms trading in Hong Kong in recent weeks, despite concerns about economic growth, because of stimulus expectations. A gauge of that sector, the Hang Sang China Enterprises Index, is up 1.4% this week, bouncing 16% from its recent low on Sept. 7. Mr. Corbetta said he remains underweight on Australian shares and is buying selectively in Japan. Meanwhile, Chinese investors have flocked to China's bond market, as demand for haven assets rise following the summer stock market crash. Yields on Chinese five-year government bonds fell to as low as 2.907% on Friday from 3.5% in April. On Wednesday, the government sold 10-year government bonds at the lowest yield since 2008. Gold prices have extended a three-month high this week, settling at $1,187.50 a troy ounce overnight in New York, the highest close since June 19. The metal doesn't pay interest and has an easier time competing with Treasurys when interest rates are pinned near zero. Prices were last down 0.5% in Asia trade at $1,182. Brent crude oil rose 0.8% to $50.15 a barrel in Asia trade. Oil prices fell slightly overnight after data confirmed a large addition to U.S. crude stockpiles last week, another sign that a global oversupply of crude isn't going away. Brent is now down from above $54 a barrel last week. Write to Chao Deng at [email protected] | 3 | 95,396 | finance |
NASA has released breathtaking new images of Jupiter taken by the Hubble Space Telescope - and they confirm that the planet's Big Red Spot is shrinking. | 8 | 95,397 | video |
Jim Cramer saw investors reaching to growth where ever they could find it on Thursday. And sometimes when the market gets desperate for growth, stocks that one would least expect to make a comeback will rally. However based on the action happening around the globe recently, Cramer wasn't surprised that investors reached for growth. First the Fed decided not to raise rates, then China produced weak numbers, major industrials confirmed slowing business, housing weakened and job creation in energy came to a stop. The coup de grace came on Wednesday when Wal-Mart (WMT) , the world's largest retailer, announced disappointing sales and earnings forecast. "You put all these together and you get something that we have seen happen time and again in periods of economic softness: buyers cut loose from the industrials and they go for the gusto, they return to growth," the " Mad Money " host said. Considering that Cramer thinks the market is overbought currently, he speculated that buyers simply revered to the most ridiculously oversold groups in the market high growth and banks. In Cramer's point of view, these stock rotations tend to be short lived. So he said to enjoy it while it lasts. When Trian Partners, the activist hedge fund run by Nelson Peltz , disclosed that it had taken a giant position in General Electric (GE) , Jim Cramer was intrigued. In fact, when Cramer was doing research for his last book he found that Nelson Peltz was the only activist investor that consistently beat the market if investors piggybacked after he had disclosed that he had taken a position. Many activist money managers can beat the market, but they are only required to disclose holdings once a quarter. That means investors will almost always end up paying a higher price for the same stock, because the stocks will tend to spike once the news breaks. "But Nelson Peltz is so talented at convincing companies to unlock value that it is often worth buying his favorite holdings, even if you have to buy into the spike that almost always comes with his announcement of a hefty new position," the " Mad Money " host said. So a week and a half ago when Trian Partners announced it had become one of the 10 largest shareholders in General Electric and said the stock was undervalued and under-appreciated, and predicted it could travel as high as $45 in 2017, Cramer was excited. However, Peltz is invested in this company for the long-term. So between GE's oil business and its exposure to China , Cramer expects a good but not a blowout quarter. "Given that the stock has rallied 20 percent since bottoming in late August, any kind of sub-par performance will likely cause it to sell-off," Cramer said. Cramer also head some surprisingly positive stories from the big national banks earlier this week, so he was interested in hearing what the regional banks had to say on Thursday. BB&T is a regional bank that is heavily concentrated in the southeast, and has a 2.95 percent yield. It has been making a series of acquisitions, as back in August investors learned that it would buy National Penn Bank for $1.8 billion in cash and stock, right after it had closed on its purchases of Susquehanna and Bank of Kentucky. With interest rates still low and the economy getting better and the stock only a few points above its 52-week lows, Cramer thinks it could have more room to run. To learn more, he spoke with BB&T's CEO Kelly King. "I think there was kind of a general lackluster view, and while all of our earnings are not fantastic, they are a lot better than I think people thought. And so you are getting a positive kick appropriately in the market," King said. One of the most exciting privately held companies in Silicon Valley came under fire on Thursday. Theranos has been viewed by some as a revolutionary company, and has been valued at as much at $9 billion in its most recent round of fundraising. Theranos is a diagnostics company with fast finger-prick blood testing technology that aims to upend the traditional health care establishments by making it easier, less expensive and less uncomfortable to get tested for various conditions. However the company also has critics, as The Wall Street Journal ran an article about Theranos alleging that the company's proprietary testing devices may be inaccurate. The Journal cited a former employee that claimed that of the 240 tests offered by Theranos, only 15 are actually performed on the company's proprietary Edison diagnostic machine, with the vast majority done on traditional lab equipment. A WSJ representative earlier told CNBC the newspaper "fully stands by [author] John Carreyrou's article about Theranos, which was richly sourced and thoroughly researched." With that in mind, Cramer always likes to make sure both sides of a story are represented. That is why he spoke with Elizabeth Holmes, the founder and CEO of Theranos, to give her a chance to provide her perspective. The CEO speculated the reason why Theranos has garnered so much attention and scrutiny, stating "This is what happens when you work to change things, and first they think you're crazy, then they fight you and then all of a sudden you change the world," Holmes said. (Tweet this) In the Lightning Round, Cramer gave his take on a few caller favorite stocks: Laredo Petroleum: "When they are all real down, you go for high quality. That's the way it works. I like Occidental it's got that good yield. I know it's controversial. If you don't like that go with ETP for a little yield." The Carlyle Group: "My feeling is that while the Carlyle Group is certainly well respected, I'm not going to disagree with that, I have been partial on this show to the Blackstone Group...I think it's got a better profile. I like those guys." | 3 | 95,398 | finance |
Flipkart, the Indian e-commerce giant, has a valuation of $15.5 billion . It's poaching executives from major brands such as Google, Yahoo, and Calvin Klein. And its founders, Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal, debuted on the Forbes India Rich List this year, tying at number 86, with an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion each. Is it time to stop calling Flipkart a startup? The term "startup" is as loosely defined as it is ubiquitous which makes it hard to know when a startup has graduated to the next level. Should the number of years a startup has been around be the deciding factor, or is it based more on growth, profitability, staffing levels, or valuation? Quartz reached out to the experts to ask when a startup stops being a startup, and instead becomes a company. "In startups, most of the decisions are known to most of the people. You're small, in a room, in a floor," says Vijay Shekhar Sharma, founder and CEO of the mobile payment company Paytm. "A startup becomes a company when the founder doesn't know what's happening so, when teams can take independent decisions without including the founding members." Sachin Bhatia, co-founder of the dating app TrulyMadly and of the travel platform MakeMyTrip, uses a similar rule of thumb. "When I don't know the name of all the employees in my workplace, it is no longer a startup. It's a company then," says Bhatia. Writing in Founding Fuel about Flipkart, which has 33,000 employees, and Snapdeal another Indian e-commerce giant Haresh Chawla, a partner at India Value Fund, recently noted : And why are these companies still called startups? These are enterprises. With thousands of employees, they are now large and unwieldy cruise-liners slow to maneuver. What we ought to ask is how much innovation have they ever really done? They just ran harder and faster than anyone else using the money they had. In a 2014 article , TechCrunch's Alex Wilhelm proposed a "50, 100, 500" rule to determine what a startup is. If you have a revenue run rate greater than $50 million, 100 or more employees, or are worth more than $500 million, then it's time to "hang up your startup uniform, and realize that you are just another technology company either hunting for or actively avoiding an IPO," he writes. Sanat Rao, partner for mergers and acquisitions at Indian software industry think tank iSPIRT and a former Intel director, believes that any company that has gone beyond raising series C funding should stop calling itself a startup. "A startup is a company that hasn't yet found a scalable business model and is experimenting with several ideas," Rao told Quartz. "A company that has raised angel or seed funding and done two rounds of large venture capital or private equity investment is not a startup anymore because it has found its business model and is just expanding that now. These are companies in a growth mode, not startups." But even companies that have clearly graduated to the next level might feel motivated to hold onto their startup status for as long as possible. After all, the label can offer a certain halo effect. "If you call yourself a startup, your honeymoon period is longer. People think you are still young and so they are more patient with you," Yugal Joshi, head of the digital practice at the US-based consulting firm Everest Group, told Quartz. "Sometime ago, there were reports of Tata Consultancy Services laying off employees, and that made front-page headlines. But recently, there have been reports of some startups sacking people, and that does not get so much attention. People forgive startups because they know it's a young company and is experimenting." The startup label also can contribute to the perception that the company is young and innovative even if it has been around for decades and has long been doing the same thing. (Just ask Dell, the Texas-based computer vendor founded in 1984, which billed itself as " the world's largest startup " three decades later, after it was taken private.) "An ugly part of being large companies is that they aren't able to switch to new business models in a short span of time. They are known to have this moment of inertia," Paytm's Sharma said. True startups, he added, can make bold moves with nimbleness. The difference can be "very easily seen when you calculate their reaction time to a market opportunity or crisis," he said. Another definition of startups that several experts go by is a company that is experimenting with a business model. Under that definition, most internet companies in India despite being valued in billions and employing thousands will remain startups for some time, since they are first-generation companies and might need to tinker with several new ideas before deciding on the business model they want for the long term. "They should be called change agents," Sharma said. "They have figured out what needs to be changed and built, and they are constantly changing the way we live, work, or have a problem solved in a day." | 3 | 95,399 | finance |
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