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A large amount of scaffolding collapsed outside a building under construction in Houston, causing multiple injuries, a Houston Fire Department spokesman says. | 8 | 96,000 | video |
Volkswagen recalls 2.4 million diesel vehicles equipped with defeat devices under pressure from Germany. It looks like Volkswagen's home market is quickly losing patience with the automaker's response to its dieselgate scandal. German authorities have now demanded that VW recall 2.4 million diesel vehicles equipped with defeat devices, pushing away the automaker's requests to keep the callbacks voluntary. VW must provide the authorities with technical details on the recall fix by mid-November, although the recall won't begin until January of next year. Germany's firm stance will likely speed up the recall efforts and give authorities more control over the process, reports Automotive News. Newly appointed VW CEO Matthias Mller said in a letter obtained by Bloomberg that Germany's decision "opens up the possibility of a common and coordinated response in all European Union states." That means the automaker may be looking at a recall affecting 8.5 million vehicles, which would make it one of the biggest recalls in Europe's history. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has not yet recalled any of the estimated 482,000 Volkswagen diesel vehicles here, although a stop-sale has been issued on new and used models affected by the cheat software. The European Volkswagen recalls will have particularly stark consequences for VW, considering diesels account for more than half of cars sold there. The automaker says that some of the recalled cars will require a software update, while others will need completely new engine bits. Authorities in Italy are also cracking down on the German automaker. This week, Italian police raided VW's local headquarters in Verona and its Lamborghini office in Bologna. Apparently, the raids are related to the diesel scandal, and managers at the companies are now under investigation for alleged fraud. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), The Wall Street Journal Follow MSN Autos on Facebook | 9 | 96,001 | autos |
Remember the old "boo bees" joke? This is how you tell it: First, it requires you to be under the age of 10 and just learning which words will make your parents mad when you say them, like "poo," "damn" and "hell." Then you approach one of your classmates and, making sure the teacher isn't listening, you whisper, "What did the ghost say to the bee?" When your classmate says, "What?" you choke out the punchline: " Boo bee !" And then the two of you laugh and laugh because boobs and butts and farts and toilets are hilarious. Someone put that joke on a shirt, and now that shirt is available to tweens and adults alike for $50 at a Staten Island boutique called Bee Tween . And while most people might read that sentence and shrug and roll their eyes, other people are horrified . Here's the shirt: Oh, sweet sassy molassey! So let's talk about this shirt for a second. It looks comfy, long sleeves, orange, perfect for Halloween. Also, there are two bees in ghost outfits situated right on the wearer's chest, where, if they have them, their boobees are. Or, as another outlet hilariously described it with an almost scandalized sterility, "two bees dressed in ghost costumes with their exposed stingers seeming to simulate nipples." At first the owner of the shop, Janine Detore, who designed the shirt along with her 19-year-old daughter, said the shirt was just a fun thing for Halloween and explained the pun in painstaking detail, probably thinking that people just didn't get the joke: "The 'boo' stands for the costume they're ghosts. The 'bees' not only stands for actual bees, but we call our clients bees because they are bee-tween , just turning into a teenager, and up." Bah-dum-tiss . Is it a shirt that's appropriate for kids? That's relative, but let's go with no, not really. And since the boutique markets its goods for "'in between' girls... in adolescence," that's who would be looking to buy the shirt, most likely, though it's worth mentioning that it's available for adults too. Now, since then, Detore has said that 10 percent of the profits will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, which kind of just feels like she saw that people were mad, so she changed her tune so that people who are "outraged" look like total jerks who don't care about breast cancer. But she didn't have to do that. Because if you look at the above shirt, and it inspires the kind of outrage nay, disgust that inspires you to say these actual words out loud, as one mother did... "It's fine if some adult bimbo wants to wear it but a young impressionable girl? It's insulting as a woman and a mother. We don't need clothing like that out there influencing impressionable young minds." ...then you already look like a huge boob. As far as tween shirts go, this one is pretty tame. It also requires a degree of self-awareness and confidence to wear, since everyone will be staring at your chest. Most tweens we know would rather crawl into a moderately sized hole than offer themselves up to that kind of scrutiny. Plus, unless your tween has a job and limitless autonomy, they aren't going to be making a trip to Bee Tween to purchase this thing without your permission. Assuming your 14-year-old does have 50 bucks to spare and lives in Staten Island, if they come home with this thing, you can always just throw it out. You're still the adult, you know. If you know, deep down in your bosom, that you don't want your child wearing this, just don't let them. Problem solved. This is a very expensive, relatively innocuous shirt, available in one tiny boutique on one street in a huge city, that you are in no way required to buy . There's no need to make melons out of mosquito bites let's save our collective outrage for things that are actually worthy of the reaction, OK? Follow us on Twitter. | 4 | 96,002 | lifestyle |
A British man has been jailed for 20 years for helping try to set up a terrorist training camp in the US state of Oregon. Haroon Aswat had admitted doing so at the behest of the radical London imam Abu Hamza al-Masri. US district judge Katherine Forrest directed that Aswat's sentence should include specialised psychiatric care after he said he had suffered from schizophrenia for the last 20 years. She also indicated she would support an application for the 41-year-old to serve his term in Britain. Aswat pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy and providing material support to al-Qaida last March. He has already spent 11 years in British and American custody, meaning that he could be released in about six years. Prosecutors said that Aswat, a British citizen of Indian descent, and another man named Oussama Kassir went to Bly, in the north-western US state 16 years ago at the direction of Masri, who is accused of employing violent rhetoric. Kassir was convicted in New York in 2009 and sentenced to life in prison. Aswat was supposed to provide religious training at the camp, which prosecutors said was set up to support the terrorist group. A ledger naming Aswat as an al-Qaida associate was said to have been found in 2002 in a Pakistan safehouse that prosecutors say was used by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the accused architect of the 11 September terrorist attacks. Aswat appeared in court on Friday dressed in a faded navy prison shirt with his long dark hair plaited into braids over his scalp and down his back. In 2013, the European court of human rights blocked Aswat's extradition because of his mental condition, for which he had received treatment in the UK. After assurances from the US that Aswat would receive adequate care, the British high court approved the extradition. He arrived in New York in October 2014. Aswat's lawyer, Peter Quijano, had proposed a term of 12-and-a-half years' imprisonment for Aswat, arguing that his client never condoned violence. But the assistant US attorney Shane Stansbury said that, "to paint this man as a pacifist is a complete distortion of the truth". Before his sentence was imposed, Aswat apologised. "I have chosen patience over retaliation, forgiveness over enmity and peace over violence," he told Forrest. Masri was convicted at trial in May 2014. Forrest sentenced him to a life term in January. | 5 | 96,003 | news |
The Obama administration took a number of actions Friday to restrict future offshore drilling in the Arctic Ocean. The Interior Department said it is canceling two drilling rights lease sales it had planned for the next year and a half for the Arctic and denying two oil companies' requests to extend the time on leases that they currently hold. The decisions come weeks after Royal Dutch Shell pulled out of the Arctic for the foreseeable future, saying the little oil it found in this summer's drilling is not worth the cost and hassle of drilling. The administration said its decisions are based on the current oil markets and low interest in Arctic drilling in the industry. But it's also a significant action to greatly crack down on one of the most controversial types of offshore oil and gas drilling that has fired up environmentalists in opposition. "In light of Shell's announcement, the amount of acreage already under lease and current market conditions, it does not make sense to prepare for lease sales in the Arctic in the next year and a half," Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said in a statement, complimenting her staff's work overseeing the safety and environmental standards of Shell's drilling in the Chukchi Sea, about 70 miles northwest of Alaska's coast. Shell's Chukchi lease is due to expire in 2020. Norway's Statoil had also requested an extension of the 2017 expiration of a lease in the nearby Beaufort Sea, which was also rejected. In letters to each company, Interior said they failed to show sufficient plans to actually take advantage of the leases if their terms were extended. The decisions were praised by environmentalists who have long called for Obama to end drilling in the Arctic due to its potential environmental and climate impacts. "Today's announcement moves us away from old arguments about companies' unwise investments and toward better choices for the Arctic Ocean," Susan Murray, vice president of the Pacific for Oceana, said in a statement. "As Shell found out, the Arctic Ocean is unique and unforgiving," she said. "Especially in light of economic, technological, and environmental realities, there is no reason to extend leases or hold new sales." The announcements are certain to bother the oil industry and Republicans, who have blamed Obama for a strict and unpredictable regulatory environment in the Arctic that makes exploration difficult in one of the most promising untapped regions for oil and gas. Hilcorp, Eni, BP, Repsol, ConocoPhillips Co. and Iona Energy Co. also currently own drilling rights in the United States' portion of the Arctic. Interior has proposed one Beaufort sale in 2020 and a Chukchi sale in 2022 as part of its 2017-2022 leasing plan, but it has yet to make the plan final. | 3 | 96,004 | finance |
Oct. 16 -- Bloomberg Intelligence's Carl Riccadonna takes a look at U.S. inflation expectations. He speaks with Bloomberg's Joe Weisenthal, Scarlet Fu and Alix Steel on "What'd You Miss?" | 3 | 96,005 | finance |
A proposed financial package from the EU to Turkey to help ease the refugee crisis is "unacceptable" and "insignificant", the country's foreign minister has said. Feridun Sinirlioglu slammed the offer on Friday, without giving specific details, saying the action plan agreed in Brussels a day earlier was a draft and not final. "There is a financial package proposed by the EU and we told them it is unacceptable," Sinirlioglu told reporters. A day earlier, the EU and Turkey had struck what was described as a deal on an action plan aimed at stemming a massive influx of refugees into the bloc. The minister complained that the EU had been seeking to give the funds out of the budget allocated for Turkey. "It is out of the question for us to accept an understanding of aiding Syrian refugees from funds allocated for Turkey," he said. The final offer had to be more than the "insignificant and meaningless amount that they proposed before," he said. "Support desperate Syrians" He refused to provide any exact amount Ankara required but said: "If (the EU) delivers 3bn euros ($3.4bn) in the initial phase, it would be meaningful. "We have spent $8bn (on refugees) and our gross national product is around $800bn. Their (GNP) is $18trn. "Three billion euro versus $18trn (GNP) is comic but it is much better than the $500m that they had delivered." Sinirlioglu rejected any "bargaining" with the EU, saying: "The aid to be delivered will not be for Turkey but to support Syrians in desperation." Turkey is the main departure point for the more than 600,000 refugees who have entered Europe this year, most of them making the short but dangerous sea crossing to the Greek islands, but some also coming by land. 2.5 million refugees The EU action plan also focusses on measures to combat people smuggling, notably reinforcing the Turkish coastguard patrolling and surveillance capacities. Sinirlioglu vowed that Turkey would keep on combatting human smugglers but said solutions must be produced to eradicate the reasons for illegal migration. One of them, he said, is creating conditions that will keep refugees inside their own country. This includes creating a safe zone inside Syria, he said, an idea that has only found a lukewarm solution from Turkey's western partners. "Before anything else, this is a humanitarian need," he said. Turkey is currently hosting close to 2.5 million refugees - 2.2 million of them Syrians fleeing the four-and-a-half year conflict in their country and as well as 300,000 Iraqis and 50,000 Afghans. Only 266,000 Syrians stay in camps along the border and the rest live in Turkish towns, leading to social tensions. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel is due in Istanbul for talks with Turkish leaders on Sunday. However Sinirlioglu did not seem impressed by the sudden diplomatic traffic. "The EU all of a sudden have rediscovered Turkey," he commented. "Turkey is not a country to just be remembered at times of crisis and not a county to cooperate with only for tactical reasons." More than 3,000 refugees have drowned while crossing the Mediterranean this year. | 5 | 96,006 | news |
There's a chance that Nicklas Backstrom suits up for the Capitals for his first game of the season this Saturday. Backstrom, who has been recovering from offseason arthroscopic hip surgery, has normally been a mainstay in the Capitals top line. The center is always penciled in next to Alexander Ovechkin. The two have unbelievable chemistry. Backstrom's ability to find a man for an open pass perfectly complements Ovechkin's ability to put the puck in the net. But Evgeny Kuznetsov has filled in as the team's top center in Backstrom's absence. And he, Ovechkin and T.J. Oshie are clicking. In their two games together, they have combined for a total of two goals and two assists at even strength. Their most recent goal? Oshie kicked the puck up from his defensive zone, springing Ovechkin and Kuznetsov on a two on one against Chicago Blackhawks' defenseman Duncan Keith. Ovechkin fed it to Kuznetsov, who fired it back to Ovechkin, and Ovechkin put the puck in the net from behind the goal line. "It's really building," Oshie said of his chemistry with his two line mates. "We've been talking a lot on the bench, n games, we've been talking during practices, just trying to get those little small plays, those automatic plays, down. (Ovechkin) obviously plays a different style than a lot of guys that I've played with in the past. I'm all ears to hear what he wants me to do to make things easier for us on the ice. "What happens with a line is, it needs some time to talk things out," Washington Capitals coach Barry Trotz said. "I think there's a mutual respect. A guy like T.J. and Ovi, who's played in this league and scored so many goals...you know, you want to get the puck to him." But if Backstrom is added to the mix, and he's inserted immediately into the top line, it would mean Kuznetsov gets bumped down to the second line. It would potentially break up the lethal chemistry Kuznetsov has developed with Ovechkin and Oshie. Does it make more sense to utilize Backstrom as the second-line center and allow the top line to continue to perform? Trotz said he wasn't sure if he'd be willing to insert Backstrom into the top line when he returns, but said it would "probably" be a difficult decision to separate Kuznetsov from Ovechkin and Oshie. "I think we'll probably have a few different lines throughout the year," Trotz said. Regardless of what decision Trotz makes regarding his top line, this is a good problem for Washington to have. | 1 | 96,007 | sports |
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has been making waves as the only democratic socialist running for president. Here's what you need to know about being a democratic socialist and how it's different from socialism. | 8 | 96,008 | video |
Shoe size: 26. | 8 | 96,009 | video |
Kate Hudson Kate Hudson partied with Nick Jonas in New York City last night (10.15.15). The 36-year-old actress and the 'Jealous' hitmaker, 23, who sparked dating rumors last month, went clubbing together at Up & Down in the Meatpacking District, but were careful not to get too close. An eyewitness said: "Last night they did not show PDA in the night club. They were just friendly. They are not hiding anything, but they also are not publicly talking about their romantic friendship." The pair, who first met while they were dating other people last year and were "reintroduced" by Kate's brother Oliver Hudson over the summer, only recently sparked rumors of a romance, but have been secretly "hanging out casually over the past two or three months." The source told E! News: "Nick loves how fun and easygoing Kate is. Kate is just enjoying herself now and not taking anything too seriously. "She is having a great time and likes hanging with Nick. She feels great, and when they are in the same city they hang out." Nick stayed tight-lipped when recently asked about the 'Almost Famous' star, who has sons Ryder, 11, and Bingham, four, from previous relationships, and his brother Joe Jonas also claims he is being kept in the dark. Asked about the 'Chains' hitmaker's new romance, the 26-year-old star, who is dating model Gigi Hadid, told UsMagazine.com: "I have no idea, I don't know. Um, but. I guess you'll have to ask Nick. I wouldn't even know to be honest. I don't know." | 6 | 96,010 | entertainment |
The Islamic State group is paying supporters up to $10,000 for each person that they recruit to wage jihad in Syria and Iraq, UN experts said Friday after a visit to Belgium, one of the main countries of origin for so-called foreign fighters. Elzbieta Karska, who chairs a UN group studying the issue, said IS is using social media and informal networks of friends and family, with many of them in Syria, to recruit new jihadists in Belgium. The UN experts learned from Belgian contacts that 500 foreign fighters in Iraq and Syria originated in Belgium, the highest per capita of any EU country, she added. "We have heard… about situations where recruiters were paid from two, three thousand to 10,000 dollars depending on... who was recruited," Karska told a press conference in Brussels, adding the findings were preliminary. "If somebody was well educated like computer specialists or doctors, they were paid more," the Polish human rights lawyer added. Her colleague Patricia Arias, a Chilean lawyer, added "they are paid by Daesh," the Arabic acronym for Islamic State. The Belgian-based extremist group Sharia4Belgium enlisted the first wave of recruits for Syria in 2010, according to Karska's UN body, which was set up by the Geneva-based UN Commission on Human Rights. With Sharia4Belgium now broken up and many of its members jailed, recruiting has changed. In the last year, "the key method of recruitment is reportedly through informal networks of friends and family, and through social media," Karska said. "A significant degree of recruitment currently occurs through friends and family in Syria, who are also paid on the basis of the number of persons they recruit and on whether the recruits subsequently marry," she said. Karska and Arias said an increasing number of women or girls is leaving Belgium to marry jihadists or care for those who are ill or wounded, but some may actually fight. They had no figures on how many women had left Belgium, but said the number of boys and men departing for jihad had declined from about 10 per month three years ago to about four or five per month today. Their average age is 23 years old and declining, Karska said. The working group led a fact-finding visit to Tunisia a few months ago and plans a third trip in March to Ukraine, where the Western-backed government in Kiev is fighting pro-Russian rebels in the east. The final report is due next year. | 5 | 96,011 | news |
Fresh violence has erupted between Israel and Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, with three Palestinians killed in clashes, Palestinians say. Two were killed in confrontations with Israeli troops over the Gaza border, medical sources said. Also, in the West Bank, a Palestinian posing as a journalist stabbed and injured a soldier and was shot dead. Violence between the two sides has spiralled, with near-daily stabbings by Palestinians of Israelis this month. Seven Israelis have been killed and dozens wounded in the stabbings and some gun attacks. At least 30 Palestinians, including several of the attackers, have been killed in the growing unrest. The upsurge began last month when tensions at a flashpoint holy site in East Jerusalem revered by Jews and Muslims boiled over amid rumours Israel planned to relax long-standing rules to strengthen Jewish rights at the complex. Israel has repeatedly denied such claims. The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on Friday on the upsurge of violence. 'Reckless statements' Opening the meeting, UN Assistant Secretary-General Taye-Brook Zerihoun welcomed repeated assurances by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the status quo at the flashpoint holy compound, known to Jews as Temple Mount and Muslims as Haram al-Sharif, would not change. But he said that "reckless statements made by Palestinian and Israeli extremist elements reinforced by some mainstream voices as well" had created a different impression. A second factor behind the recent escalation in violence was the "heavy handed approach by the Israeli security services", he said. The Israeli deputy ambassador to the UN, David Roet, defended Israel's approach, saying it faced an enemy "willing to die in order to kill" and was "responding proportionately". What is driving the latest violence? Jeremy Bowen: Fear and loathing in holy city Can Israel and the Palestinians contain spiralling violence? Violent protests spread across parts of the West Bank on Friday, with clashes reported in Bethlehem, Ramallah, Tulkarm and Nablus, where a Palestinian was killed, Palestinian medical sources said. Pictures from Bethlehem showed masked Palestinians throwing sling-shots at troops from behind industrial bins, as soldiers fired tear gas to disperse them. Similar scenes played out in other parts of the occupied territories. In Gaza, protesters, some throwing stones, advanced towards the border fence with Israel when troops opened fire, reports say. The health ministry in Gaza said two Palestinians were killed in separate incidents, and dozens of other people injured. It came on what Hamas, the Islamist group dominant in Gaza, had earlier declared a "day of rage" against Israel. Tomb torched Earlier, Palestinian rioters torched a Jewish holy site in the West Bank city of Nablus, amid soaring tensions. Dozens of Palestinians overran Joseph's Tomb, revered as the resting of the biblical figure, and where Jews go to pray. Palestinian police dispersed the crowd and firefighters extinguished the blaze before Israeli security forces arrived. Israel's military spokesman Lt Col Peter Lerner said the attack was "a blatant violation of the basic value of freedom of worship". It came hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on the Palestinian leadership to stop a wave of attacks. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas condemned the attack on the tomb as "illegal", adding that it "offends our culture and our religion and our values". Elsewhere in the occupied West Bank, a Palestinian disguised as a news photographer stabbed and moderately wounded an Israeli soldier, the Israeli military said. It said the attacker was shot dead in the incident in the Jewish settlement of Kiryat Arba, next to Hebron. US President Barack Obama said he was "very concerned about the outbreak of violence" and urged leaders on both sides to "try to tamp down rhetoric that may feed violence or anger or misunderstanding". The US Secretary of State John Kerry has said he planned to travel to the region in the next few days, amid reports that a meeting may take place in Jordan to include the Israeli and Palestinian leaders. What is happening between Israelis and Palestinians? There has been a spate of stabbings of Israelis - several of them fatal - by Palestinians since early October, and one apparent revenge stabbing by an Israeli. The attackers have struck in Jerusalem and central and northern Israel, and in the occupied West Bank. Israel has tightened security and its security forces have clashed with rioting Palestinians, leading to deaths on the Palestinian side. The violence has also spread to the border with Gaza. What's behind the latest unrest? After a period of relative quiet, violence between the two communities has spiralled since clashes erupted at a flashpoint Jerusalem holy site in mid-September. It was fuelled by rumours among Palestinians that Israel was attempting to alter a long-standing religious arrangement governing the site. Israel repeatedly dismissed the rumours as incitement. Soon afterwards, two Israelis were shot dead by Palestinians in the West Bank and the stabbing attacks began. Both Israel and the Palestinian authorities have accused one another of doing nothing to protect each other's communities. Is this a new Palestinian intifada, or uprising? There have been two organised uprisings by Palestinians against Israeli occupation, in the 1980s and early 2000s. With peace talks moribund, some observers have questioned whether we are now seeing a third. The stabbing attacks seem to be opportunistic and although they have been praised by militant groups, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has said Palestinians are not interested in a further escalation. What is driving the latest violence? Are you in Nablus? Have you been affected by the issues in this story? You can share your comments and experience by emailing [email protected] . Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways: WhatsApp: +44 7525 900971 Send pictures/video to [email protected] Upload your pictures / video here Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay Send an SMS or MMS to +44 7624 800 100 Or use the form below | 5 | 96,012 | news |
Skype makes itself more accessible amid strong competition. | 8 | 96,013 | video |
The start of a new NHL season is usually a time when rookies prove their worth and fight to keep a spot on the roster. However, this year it may also be a period where some coaches fight to keep their jobs. We are only a few games into the 2015-2016 NHL season, but a few coaches have already found themselves in the hot seat. Coaching is not an easy feat: when a team is winning the players are praised profusely, but when things start to turn sour all fingers immediately point to the head coach. It's no wonder that struggling teams change coaches every few seasons. Questions are already floating around concerning which coaches could be on the chopping block next. Let's take a look at some NHL coaches who are already on thin ice: Claude Julien - Boston Bruins The season is barely underway and the Boston Bruins are already off to a noticeably rough start. The Bruins are 1-3-0 so far, and a majority of the blame for their lackluster performance is falling on head coach Claude Julien. Although Julien has an impressive track record since joining the Bruins in 2007, last season's disappointing end is still fresh in the mind of Bruins management. Julien led the Bruins to a Stanley Cup in 2011 and to an Eastern Conference Championship in 2013, but recently Boston's performance has been on a steady decline. Last season the Bruins missed qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since Julien's first year. Over the past year the Bruins have made some big changes to the roster as well as the front office, but Boston's coaching staff has remained untouched at least for now. Julien's performance has been under scrutiny in the past, but the team has always been able to rally a few wins and take the pressure off; however, judging by the Bruins rocky start, that might not be the case this season. The Bruins lost a few key pieces over the offseason, including Dougie Hamilton and Milan Lucic, and didn't get the high caliber players they so desperately needed in return. Add in the rest of the Bruins' aging roster, and this season could spell disaster for Julien. Darryl Sutter - Los Angeles Kings Winning the Stanley Cup twice over the course of four years is an incredible feat, but the heightened expectations that come with this level of success can be tough on any coach, even Darryl Sutter. Sutter won two cups with Kings in 2012 and 2014, but in 2015 the Kings were the first Stanley Cup Championship team to miss the playoffs since the Carolina Hurricanes in 2007. Sutter and the Kings have opened up the 2015-2016 season in disappointing fashion, being outscored 12-2 in their first three games. The Kings have yet to earn a win, and all eyes are turning to Sutter for answers. The bottom line for the Kings is that they've lost the depth and defensive prowess that made them two-time Stanley Cup Champions. Scoring only two goals in their first three games isn't necessarily a death sentence for the struggling team, but if the team falls apart in the same dramatic fashion as last season, Sutter could soon be looking for a new job. Lindy Ruff - Dallas Stars Out of all of the NHL coaches, Lindy Ruff could possibly have the most erratic career coaching record; jumping from round to round of the playoffs, and even missing the postseason altogether, in the span of a few seasons. After being fired from the Buffalo Sabres in 2013, Ruff quickly made himself at home in Texas with a four-year contract as head coach of the Dallas Stars. Ruff's situation is a little better than Julien's or Sutter's. So far the Stars are off to a 3-1-0 start this season; a much better start than that of the Bruins or Kings. But because the Stars missed last season's playoffs after such a strong start, every single mistake on the ice and every loss on their record will be magnified this season. The franchise is looking to put their five-season playoff drought behind them, and any indication that the Stars will miss the playoffs again this year will cause alarm in the front office. The Stars made a lot of big roster changes over the offseason, adding big name players like Patrick Sharp and Johnny Oduya. Add in existing players like Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn, and the team is starting the season off with great potential. But that's where the concern about Ruff comes into play. The Stars, without a doubt, have the right level of talent to be playoff contenders, but if the team ultimately falls short this season, the blame will fall directly on Ruff's shoulders. The talent is definitely there, but the right coach may not be. If the Stars can't hold pace throughout the entire season, Ruff might not make it to the end of his contract. | 1 | 96,014 | sports |
Those empty toilet paper rolls may just be the key to organizing your drawers once and for all. Paper Bags Save those brown paper shopping bags (even the ripped ones) for a rainy day literally. Tear the bag into sections, then loosely scrunch and stuff the pieces into wet shoes or into the sleeves of drenched coats. The thick paper absorbs moisture nicely, helping fibers dry faster and maintain their shape. And unlike newspaper, paper bags won't transfer ink to fabric when wet. Follow us on Facebook. Broken Tile When potted plants sit in saturated soil for too long, they can grow rot and mold. Elevate the roots of your houseplants and improve drainage by adding a layer of broken tile, stepping stones or pavement to the bottom of the planter. For best results, arrange 1" to 3" pieces so they overlap slightly, making sure the drainage hole isn't covered completely. Next, spread soil over the pieces, top with the plant and fill with remaining dirt. Follow us on Facebook. Cooking Oil Don't let those last drops of oil go to waste! Instead, dab the bottom of the bottle with a cotton swab and apply the leftover oil to a creaky door hinge to quiet it down. Be sure to wipe away any excess to avoid drips. Follow us on Facebook. Plastic Jugs Turn empty gallon and half-gallon drink containers into handy mini-shovels perfect for pet food, gardening or even digging snow away from car tires. Start with a clean, dry container positioned upright with the cap on. Use scissors to poke two holes: one about 2" below the handle, another on the opposite side an inch or two lower. Cut from hole to hole around the container to create an angled opening, then trim away any jagged edges. Discard the bottom of the jug. Follow us on Facebook. Cardboard Tubes Make a super-simple drawer organizer for accessories or office supplies using the cardboard tubes from toilet paper and paper towel rolls. Trim each roll so that it's slightly shorter than the height of the drawer. Apply a dot of hot glue to the sides of the rolls to secure a few together in a group. Dot the bottom of each roll with hot glue and press down onto a piece of posterboard trimmed to fit inside the drawer. Once in place, fill each compartment with anything that needs organizing, from necklaces and hair clips to thumbtacks and rubber bands. Follow us on Facebook. Old Knobs A few dated drawer pulls can quickly become pretty hooks on a decorative rack for keys or hats and scarves. First, remove the flat screws from the backs of your knobs; then, if desired, apply a coat of spray paint. While the knobs are drying, take a wood plaque or a piece of molding (hardware stores will trim wood pieces to your desired length for free) and make holes using a screwdriver and a pointed screw that is the same size as the one the knob came with. Remove the pointy screw and push the knobs' flat screws through the holes in your wood base. When the knobs are dry, twist them on so the wood is sandwiched between. Attach a sawtooth picture hanger to the back of the base and hang. Follow us on Facebook. Baby Food Jars Turn empty baby food jars into beautiful custom-made salt and pepper shakers instead of throwing them away. The glass will help keep the spices fresh and free of moisture, and you can easily decorate them as you see fit. If you have too many jars to count, convert your whole spice cabinet! Get the instructions here . Follow us on Facebook. Bread Tags Never quite sure which wire belongs to what device in that mess of cables behind your desk or TV cabinet? Label a plastic bread tag using a fine-point permanent marker, then secure the tag to its cord. Position it toward the tops of wires for easy reading. If charger cord tangles are your problem, group a few of these thin wires together every foot or so with bread tags. Follow us on Facebook. Tea Tins Tea always comes in the most beautiful metal containers, right? So you mind as well reuse them! Our favorite idea: Turn your empty tea tins into beautiful, giftable candles they make the perfect receptacle for poured wax and a wick. (Extra points if you coordinate the scent with the flavor of the tea.) Get the tutorial. Follow us on Facebook. Leftover Bones From Cooked Meat Make your own DIY chicken or beef stock using the leftover bones from other meat dishes. Throw in a few savory vegetables to really give your homemade stock a kick. You can even freeze it for later use. Follow us on Facebook. Aluminum Foil Never throw out used aluminum foil! It comes with a plethora of good uses, from pot scrubber (crumble the foil in a ball and use it to scrub off the stuck-on stuff) to knife sharpener. You can even use it as a silver polisher by submerging your silver in a foil-lined glass pan of boiling water. Add two teaspoons of salt and voila in two minutes flat, the simple chemical reaction dissolves every tarnish without damaging your precious valuables. Toothbrushes Your used toothbrushes may seem super grimy, but that just makes them perfect for getting at that dirty grout in between tiles. Use them to scrub all those hard-to-reach places, and you'll soon be looking at a spotless house. Old Bits of Soap Nothing is more frustrating than when you've almost used up a bar of soap, and all you have left is a useless sliver that you can barely bathe with. So here's a better solution: Save some money by melting down all those old bits into a full bar again. Get the tutorial. Wine Corks Wine corks are a DIY lover's dream material. They're malleable, easy to work with and let's be honest not hard to find. The possibilities are truly endless, but we've rounded up five of our favorite wine cork DIYs here . T-Shirts Old, soft T-shirts make the best all-purpose rags. They're easy to cut up, easy to clean and they're reusable so you're saving tons of money in the long run (no more paper towels!). Dryer Lint Dryer lint may seem like a pain when you have to constantly clean it out of the machine, but did you know it actually makes a great, environmentally-conscious fire starter? Collect your old dryer lint in a small plastic bag, and take it anywhere you need: Camping, to the fireplace, to the bonfire. It quickly and easily starts a fire, and it takes virtually no space to store. Just squish down on the bag to let out the air and it's basically weightless. Newspaper The good news is that you can reuse that newspaper! Old newspaper makes for magnificent garden mulch. Skip out on spendy mulch or hay from the gardening store, and raid that pile of old papers in your garage instead. It will keep weeds at bay and even promotes growth. Empty Liquor Bottles Turn your empty liquor bottles into quirky soap dispensers. (Bottle of Jack Daniels doesn't go with your decor? Try this DIY with a Mason jar instead.) Get the tutorial. Wine Bottles Your empty wine bottles make great supports for tall boots. Prevent your beloved booties from tumbling over and forming crinkles by simply placing a clean wine bottle into the boot. It'll keep the shoe upright and in tip-top shape. Egg Cartons Spiff up some old plastic or paper egg cartons and you've got an ingenious way to store your jewelry. Keep your necklaces untangled, rings organized and bobbles in check. All you need is a little paint and creativity. The best part? When they're not in use, they're easily stacked and tucked away. | 4 | 96,015 | lifestyle |
Adulthood can now take a backseat. Remember that Little Tikes Cozy Coupe car with the yellow roof that you wanted for Christmas but never got, and now have to attempt to fit into one when you go into Walmart drunk? Well, no more of that because a real, adult-sized Cozy Coupe has been created for all of us who refuse to stop blaming our mom for not getting us one when we were young. This adult version was built by mechanic John Bitmead and his brother Geoff at Attitude Autos in England. John and his brother actually built it in 2013, but it is just now going on sale on eBay where you can make your dreams come true for about $33,000. This Cozy Coupe started off as a Daewoo Matiz and took about 1,000 man hours and about $60,000 to turn it into the car that even I can parallel park (with some assistance). It also goes up to 70mph. She's way ahead of everyone: Texas College Girl Drives Around In Barbie Jeep After Her DWI Arrest John has been making good use of the tiny car until it is bought, as he has used it to raise money for children's charities for over two years. "We have covered over 5,000 miles in the past two years driving around shows and charity events in the UK and, apart from it not being the fastest car on the planet, has been the most incredible fun with people queuing up to take photos along dual carriageways and highways on every trip," John states on eBay. Look at this little thing go: Via Mirror | 9 | 96,016 | autos |
When it comes to paying taxes, most Americans think the wealthy do not pay their fair share . There is a sharp divide, however, between Republicans and Democrats when it comes to taxing the rich, who provide most of the cash for political campaigns. All the Republican tax proposals, in fact, cut taxes for the wealthiest Americans. Democrats, on the other hand, are prepared to raise taxes at the top, though they have not been very specific about how they would do so. "Right now, the wealthy pay too little," Hillary Rodham Clinton said at this week's Democratic debate in Las Vegas , "and the middle class pays too much." But what could a tax-the-rich plan actually achieve? As it turns out, quite a lot, experts say. Given the gains that have flowed to those at the tip of the income pyramid in recent decades, several economists have been making the case that the government could raise large amounts of revenue exclusively from this small group, while still allowing them to take home a majority of their income. Sign up for The New York Times' Your Money newsletter It is "absurd" to argue that most wealth at the top is already highly taxed or that there isn't much more revenue to be had by raising taxes on the 1 percent, says the economist Joseph E. Stiglitz , winner of the Nobel in economic science, who has written extensively about inequality. "The only upside of the concentration of the wealth at the top is that they have more money to pay in taxes," he said. The top 1 percent on average already pay roughly a third of their incomes to the federal government, according to a Treasury Department analysis that takes into account the entire menu of taxes including income tax, payroll taxes that fund Medicare and Social Security, estate and gift taxes, excise and custom duties as well as investors' share of corporate taxes. The tax bite on the top 0.1 percent is a bit higher. Most of those taxpayers insist they are already paying more than enough. By comparison, the band of taxpayers right below them, in the 95th to 99th percentile, pay on average about $1 out of every $4. Those in the bottom half pay less than $1 out of every $10. Sidestepping for the moment the messy question of just which taxes would be increased, how much more revenue could be generated by asking the rich to pay a larger share of their income in taxes? To get the most accurate picture possible, throw in all the scraps of income, from the most obvious (like wages, interest and dividends) to the least (like employer contributions to health plans, overseas earnings and growth in retirement accounts). According to that measure used by the Tax Policy Center , a joint project of the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution the top 1 percent includes about 1.13 million households earning an average income of $2.1 million. Raising their total tax burden to, say, 40 percent would generate about $157 billion in revenue the first year. Increasing it to 45 percent brings in a whopping $267 billion. Even taking account of state and local taxes, the average household in this group would still take home at least $1 million a year. If the tax increase were limited to just the 115,000 households in the top 0.1 percent, with an average income of $9.4 million, a 40 percent tax rate would produce $55 billion in extra revenue in its first year. That would more than cover, for example, the estimated $47 billion cost of eliminating undergraduate tuition at all the country's four-year public colleges and universities, as Senator Bernie Sanders has proposed, or Mrs. Clinton's cheaper plan for a debt-free college degree, with money left over to help fund universal prekindergarten. A tax rate of 45 percent on this select group raises $109 billion, more than enough to pay for the first year of a new $2,500 child tax credit introduced by Senator Marco Rubio, Republican of Florida. Move a rung down the ladder and expand the contribution of those in the 95th to 99th percentile who earn on average $405,000. Raising their total tax rate to 30 percent from a quarter of their total yearly income would generate an additional $86 billion. That's enough to cover the cost over eight years of repealing the so-called Cadillac Tax on high-cost health plans, which Senator Sanders and Mrs. Clinton have endorsed. A 35 percent share produces $176 billion roughly the amount that the Federal Highway Administration has estimated is needed each year to improve conditions significantly on major urban highways . Alternatively, those tax increases could be used to help reduce government borrowing: Some combination of those raises could go a long way toward wiping out this year's estimated federal deficit of $426 billion. "Most economists today would agree that raising taxes modestly would bring in more revenue" without doing any serious damage to the economy, said Roberton Williams, a fellow at the Tax Policy Center. The big question is how much is too much, because at some point higher tax rates would discourage extra investment and work. All the Republican candidates share the party's traditional opposition to raising taxes on the wealthy, arguing that it would ruin the economy by sopping up money that would otherwise be used to create jobs. Lowering taxes, they say, will unleash a torrent of economic activity that will in the long run spur growth and revenue. But most mainstream economists, including some on the conservative side of the divide, concede that even with optimistic projections about growth and spending cuts, the Republican plans would leave a whopping budget gap, requiring more borrowing, not less. Revamping the tax code along these lines would also decrease the share paid by those at the top. The argument for raising tax rates on the rich tends to focus on the vast gains that this group has enjoyed in recent years compared with everyone else. The top 0.1 percent of American families each with net assets greater than $20 million own more than 20 percent of the all the household wealth in the country. In the 1970s, that same sliver of the population controlled 7 percent. That shift is behind Senator Sanders's repeated vow to compel Wall Streeters and others in the Rolex-and-Maserati set to pay more than they do now. "Let me tell you, Donald Trump and his billionaire friends under my policies are going to pay a hell of a lot more in taxes today taxes in the future than they're paying today," he declared in Las Vegas. Middle-income families make substantially less money than they did 15 years ago, once inflation is taken into account. The economist Thomas Piketty blames , among other things, "the spectacular lowering of top income tax rates" for the sharp rise in inequality. The lower rate generally a maximum of 23.8 percent on capital gains, or profits from investments, is particularly problematic, Mr. Piketty argues. Estimates show that nearly 70 percent of capital gains benefits go to the top 1 percent. A recent study by Adam Looney at Brookings and Kevin B. Moore at the Federal Reserve found that "the reduction in the long-term capital gains rate is the primary reason" that the income tax system had become less effective in reducing wealth inequality. Aided by a phalanx of lawyers and accountants, the rich have become adept at figuring out ways to shift earnings that would normally be taxed at the top 39.6 percent rate on ordinary income into capital gains, said the economist Gabriel Zucman of the University of California, Berkeley, who is researching the link between widening inequality and tactics legal and illegal used by the wealthy to sidestep taxes. Shifting earnings from one tax category to another is part of the reason that even the top 0.1 percent pay on average no more than a quarter of their income in federal individual income taxes despite that top tax bracket of 39.6 percent, according to a Treasury Department analysis. "Why give a blank check to all of these guys?" Mr. Stiglitz, the liberal economist, asked. He pointed out that current tax law makes no distinction between, say, investing abroad, speculating in land or building a new factory. A better approach, he said, is to say: "We'll give you generous deductions if you invest in America." Eliminating the preferential rates on capital and dividends would generate $1.34 trillion over the next 10 years, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Other breaks that critics say subsidize wealth inequality include one that allows people to avoid capital gains taxes on inherited assets. Getting rid of that adjustment would generate $644 billion over a 10-year period, according to the Congressional Budget Office . Ending the deferral on corporate profits kept overseas a boon for the wealthy that Robert S. McIntyre, the director of Citizens for Tax Justice, calls "the biggest corporate loophole" would generate $900 billion over 10 years. (Mr. Trump also supports shutting down that deferral .) Although an overwhelming proportion of Americans complain that many wealthy people don't pay their fair share in taxes, Democratic voters are more likely to be upset about it than Republicans. According to the Pew Research Center survey , nearly three out of every four Democrats said it bothers them "a lot" compared to 45 percent of Republicans. Yet the problem that any president Democrat or Republican is going to face in altering the tax code is getting Congress to agree. Researchers have repeatedly found that a top priority of the wealthy is reducing their tax burden and that they largely prefer, unlike a majority of the general public, to cut spending rather than raise taxes. Senator Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Finance Committee, said maneuvering any tax overhaul "through that gauntlet of special interests is a herculean task." | 3 | 96,017 | finance |
Your diet can really wreck your mood and not just because you still feel guilty for plowing through a pint of praline pecan ice cream the other night. "My clients easily make the connection between being hungry and being in a bad mood a.k.a. 'hangry' but they don't often realize that what they eat on a daily basis can also have a direct impact on their mood," says Emily Edison, RD, a dietitian and sports nutritionist in Seattle. There's plenty of research proving the food-mood connection as well feasting regularly on the wrong menu can spiral you into real depression. Here, the top offenders: 1. Refined carbohydrates In recent years, simple carbs have been vilified for their fat-promoting, nutrient-lacking qualities. Recently, researchers at Columbia University decided to see if adding refined carbohydrates to your diet will make you depressed. Well, dust off the Paleo cookbook, because the answer is yes: Using the Women's Health Initiative data which is tracking more than 70,000 women the researchers found that the higher a woman's blood sugar rose after eating sugar and refined grains, the higher her risk for depression. In the study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the researchers also found the reverse to be true: A diet high in whole grains and produce actually lowers a woman's risk of depression. 2. Sugar Considering the research on refined carbs, it's easy to see how sugar would also contribute to a higher risk of depression. Sure enough, multiple studies suggest a link. A diet high in sugar can raise levels of inflammation throughout the body and brain and now research is tying inflammation to higher incidences of depression. One study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that brain inflammation was 30% higher in clinically depressed patients; another study published in the same journal found that patients with mild inflammation who took medication used to treat autoimmune or inflammatory diseases saw decreases in their depression symptoms. (Need more incentive to dial down the sweet stuff? Check out these 7 things that happen when you stop eating sugar .) "Sugar is at the root of chronic inflammation," says Edison. Crowding out the junk in your diet with anti-inflammatory foods has a good shot at lowering your levels of chronic inflammation, which in turn can improve your mood. (Check out these 3 surprising signs you're dealing with chronic inflammation .) 3. Artificial Sweeteners So, sugar is bad. The fake stuff with fewer calories must be better, right? Not so much, says Edison, particularly if you already have depression. In one study, researchers at Northwestern Ohio University looked at the effect of aspartame (an artificial sweetener) on people with a history of depression and found that it significantly worsened symptoms. In fact, those symptoms got so bad that the study had to be stopped some study participants actually developed suicidal thoughts. While aspartame did not cause depression in non-depressed study participants, there is some evidence that the artificial sweetener significantly reduces serotonin levels the "happy" hormone in the brain. 4. Trans fats We've all read the news that consuming olive oil can lower the risk of a number of health conditions, including heart disease and depression. What you may not realize, however, is that consuming artery-clogging trans fats can increase your risk of depression by as much as 48%, according to a study published in PLoS ONE. 5. Processed foods It's no surprise that a food group that includes all of the bad guys listed above is one that'll put a damper on your mood. While studies of diet and depression often focus on specific foods, research published in The British Journal of Psychiatry looked at more than 3,000 people and found that those who ate the most processed food faced increased risk of depression, while those who ate the most whole foods had much lower odds. More from MSN 7 Dangerous Misconceptions About Depression Foods That Make Anxiety Worse | 7 | 96,018 | health |
When it comes to fitness, "basic" can be a good thing from planks to push-ups , traditional bodyweight moves are easy and super effective. Still, mixing things up say, learning to move like a ninja sounds a lot more fun than doing three sets of 20 push-ups. In this workout video from Grokker , trainer Angelo dela Cruz, a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, will take you through a 30-minute flexibility, agility, and cardio routine, with no equipment required. Start with a dynamic warm-up to prepare your body for the work ahead, then perform a series of moves that will boost your heart rate and challenge your balance. Though you may not be the next American Ninja Warrior by the end, there's no doubt you'll feel a lot stronger and more flexible. To recap, after the 10-minute warm-up, perform two sets of the following exercises. Murpees Speed Skaters High Knees and Punches Cross-Touch Kicks Cheetah Cross-Jumps Interested in more short and effective at-home workouts? We have thousands waiting for you on Grokker , the one-stop shop online resource for wellness. Join Grokker today and get 14 days of FREE unlimited at-home workout classes. | 7 | 96,019 | health |
Let's be honest, ladies. Everyone's hair gets a tad thinner ( and flatter ) as you age. But that doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to a boring, shapeless style. Luckily, there's a stylist-approved cut that will solve all your concerns. Ready for your new favorite hairstyle? It's the lob! That's right: the long bob , one of the trendiest cuts of the last few years, is actually perfect for women whose hair is getting thinner. And there's definitely a reason why. "This length is supported by layered movement to allow volume and texture," says pro stylist and ReGenesis brand ambassador Christopher Dove. The best part? You don't have to stick with doing the same thing every day. "This style is moving away from the simply straight look to have more options and versatility with blow outs or curling iron sets," adds pro stylist and ReGenesis brand ambassador John Simpson. You can wear your hair sleek and straight, or add curls and waves using heat styling. "A healthy hair and scalp are the answers to any look," says Dove, so keep the heat tools to a minimum and always use a heat protectant so your locks can stay as un-parched as possible. And hey - if you're still concerned with how thin your hair looks, you can always try our incredibly easy eyeshadow trick ! | 4 | 96,020 | lifestyle |
The Visual Arts Curator of CAC, New Orleans shares her must-see exhibits. #TheLIST: Andrea Andersson's Fall Museum Guide The Visual Arts Curator of CAC, New Orleans shares her must-see exhibits. Martin Wong: Human Instamatic at Bronx Museum, New York This is the first museum retrospective of the Chinese-American artist since his death (1946-1999). Featuring over 100 paintings from throughout his career, the exhibition will highlight the artist's defining role in the art community of New York's Lower East Side during the 1980s and 1990s. Wong's work mirrors the rich and complicated environments and cultures in which he participated the Lower East Side's Latino community, NYC's Chinatown, an active scene of graffiti artists, and the San Francisco community to which he returned in 1994. November 4, 2015 to February 14, 2016 Jacqueline Humphries at the Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans Including her signature, abstract paintings in both metallic and ultraviolet pigments, this presentation is the artist's first solo museum exhibition to be held in her hometown. Moving from light-filled to black-lit galleries, this exhibition presents abstract paintings as a theatrical, time-based art. November 19, 2015 - February 28, 2016 Leap Before You Look: Black Mountain College 1933-1957 at Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston This is the first American exhibition to fully explore the influential and interdisciplinary community of thinkers, artists, writers, teachers, and students. Everything I know of American art of the last half century is informed by this time and place of experimentation. Through January 24, 2016 Agnes Martin at Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Dusseldorf This retrospective examines the career of one of the most important 20th century American artists. With a fierce commitment to the infinite possibility of the line, Martin provides bounty in remarkable simplicity. If you missed the show at the Tate Modern, you can catch it in Dusseldorf and then there will be another chance to see her extraordinary pencil drawings when this exhibition travels to LA (Spring 2016) and NY (Fall 2016). November 6, 2015 - March 6, 2016 American Epics: Thomas Hart Benton and Hollywood at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City In his murals and paintings, Benton absorbed the lessons of the European avant-garde to depict every day Americans. His influence is evident in the Abstract Expressionist work of Jackson Pollock, whom Benton taught at the Art Students League in New York. This exhibition shifts the gaze from his naturalist depictions of rural America to those of Hollywood and the American films of the first half of the 20th century. As political as his murals, this work provides another lens for looking at the artist's narrative painting. October 10, 2015 - January 03, 2016 Christopher Knowles: In A Word at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia I heard Knowles read a few years back at White Columns. I had seen his typed works before, but only in hearing his compositions could I fully appreciate his patterns and variations. This exhibition will bring together Knowles' independent work along with his works for Robert Wilson's productions, including Einstein on the Beach. Through December 27, 2015 Diana Thater: The Sympathetic Imagination at LACMA, Los Angeles With over 20 videos and video installations from the past 25 years, this exhibition invites the view into a visual prism, in which removed places converge with gallery spaces and documentation presents an obscured natural world. November 22, 2015 February 21, 2016 James Hoff: B=R=I=C=K=I=N=G at the Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans The first solo museum presentation of Hoff's work, this exhibition focuses on the artists' "virus paintings." Using computer viruses to infect digital files, later transferred to aluminum, this body of work definitively moves the boundaries of painting into the 21st century. November 19, 2015 to February 28, 2016 Jennie C Jones at the Contemporary Arts Museum, Houston Working with the detritus of our sound culture (wires, cables, old cassettes, as well as samples of music, itself), Jones repurposes material remains in her restrained sculptural and sonic compositions. Jones' are quiet works that teach you how to listen and look as much as they give you something to listen to and look at. December 12, 2015 March 27, 2016 Picasso Sculpture at MOMA, New York I still go back to the notes I took after seeing MoMA's exhibition, Picasso: Guitars 1912-1914 about 5 years ago. Even in drawings and paintings, Picasso is always operating in three-dimensions (and gesturing towards the 4th) . This exhibition makes that field of vision concrete. Through February 7, 2016 | 2 | 96,021 | travel |
UNITED NATIONS (AP) Iran's recent ballistic missile test was "a clear violation" of U.N. sanctions, and the United States will seek action from the Security Council, U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power said Friday. Power said that after reviewing available information, the United States has confirmed that the medium-range ballistic missile launched on Oct. 10 was "inherently capable of delivering a nuclear weapon." She said this violated a U.N. Security Council resolution adopted on June 9, 2010 which imposed a fourth round of sanctions on Iran. It was Iran's first missile test since the historic nuclear deal reached July 14 between Iran and world powers. While condemning the ballistic missile test, the Obama administration made clear that it is "entirely separate" from the nuclear deal, which is aimed at preventing Iran from developing atomic weapons. The 2010 U.N. resolution bans Iran from undertaking "any activity related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using ballistic missile technology." Power said the United States is preparing a report to the Security Council committee that monitors sanctions against Iran. She did not specify what action the U.S. would seek. "The Security Council prohibition on Iran's ballistic missile activities, as well as the arms embargo, remain in place and we will continue to press the Security Council for an appropriate response to Iran's disregard for its international obligations," she said in a statement sent to The Associated Press. Shortly after the launch, White House press secretary Josh Earnest said Iran likely violated U.N. sanctions. But he stressed that Iran has abided by its commitments made during the nuclear talks that led to the historic deal. Iran's U.N. mission did not have an immediate comment Friday. Previously, Iran has said none of its missiles are designed to deliver nuclear weapons. Iran's Defense Minister Gen. Hossein Dehghan, told state television after the launch that the liquid-fuel missile "will obviously boost the strategic deterrence capability of our armed forces." He said the missile, named Emad or pillar in Farsi, was a technological achievement for Iran able to be controlled until the moment of impact and to hit targets "with high precision." Since 1992, Iran has emphasized a self-sufficient military production industry, producing missiles, tanks and light submarines. The Islamic Republic already claims to have surface-to-surface missiles with a range of 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles) that can hit Israel and U.S. military bases in the region. | 5 | 96,022 | news |
It's so delicious, and so simple to make, that you can have it as breakfast, a snack, a meal replacement, or even dessert! | 7 | 96,023 | health |
Gas is cheap, and the auto industry is booming again. We're back to 2006 numbers for the first time since Wall Street pulled off the biggest pyramid scheme in history. One of the biggest beneficiaries of this return to bubble-inducing growth spurts? The SUV. But what if you want to sell SUVs to people who might want SUVs but don't really want SUVs that look like SUVs? You build SUV-like objects in as many flavors as possible. Objects like the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe , a swollen, bulbous appendage to the Mercedes lineup, built off the new E-sized range (until recently known as the ML-Class) but with swoopier lines and cartoon-huge wheels. It comes in just two flavors for America: the GLE450 AMG 4Matic and the GLE63 S 4Matic. Research Mercedes-Benz's Latest Models on MSN Autos I recently spent a day wheeling the GLE450 AMG Sport version on and around the famed 11-mile, 300-plus-turn Tail of the Dragon. While I can't in good conscience say I loved it, I can see why people would. The GLE is, after all, a new-generation Mercedes-Benz , which means it can practically drive itself in some situations. Its interior is among the best ever assembled for a volume production car, and it has a feel of quality that justifies the shark bite your wallet will take to get one (base price $66,025, but more like $85,000 nicely configured). So, no matter what options you check off, you won't go wrong with the new GLE Coupe -- except perhaps wishing you'd ponied up for the additional power and more aggressive face of the GLE63, which sadly wasn't available during our drive. As a mode of transport for four people, the GLE450 works just fine. It's comfortable, and it even drives relatively well, with a nine-speed automatic transmission that's quick and affirmative in its shifts, backing up Benz's 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 with 362 horsepower that issues a hushed rumble from ahead of the hermetic cabin when provoked. The exhaust note is likewise muted, but if you use the Dynamic Select knob and choose Sport+, each downshift (whether automatic or paddle-induced) brings a "controlled misfire" program that sounds something like the AMG GT S 's glorious eight-pot overrun heard through an Instagram filter named "Bobby Digital." It's not especially efficient at 17/23 mpg city/highway, but it's quick. Top speed is 155 mph, 0-60 mph comes in 5.6 seconds, and its torque plateau of 384 lb-ft is available from 1,800 to 4,000 rpm. But there is one other number that leaps off the stat sheet: the GLE's 4,894-pound curb weight. Despite the best efforts of AMG engineers to mitigate its heft with a 40/60 front/rear 4Matic torque bias, Airmatic adaptive damping, and active roll stabilization, it can't escape being big, heavy, and sluggish in spots. It's a crossover in the end. For a vehicle bearing the AMG logo, even if adulterated with the "Sport" appendix, the GLE Coupe may seem like an oddball. It is, in a way, but on the other hand, it's a natural chimera, a vehicular portmanteau for AMG's two most iconic vehicle lines: Put the head of a sports car like the GT S on a G-Wagen , and this is what you get. Like the other German ur-Coupe-UV, the BMW X6, it's an answer to a question no one asked. Instead, it's a marketing decision designed to fractalize the booming sales of "trucks" -- crossovers and SUVs in luxury speak. The more models you can build the more incremental sales you add. The decision fits perfectly with both the new Mercedes-Benz philosophy for itself and for its image of what AMG Sport should be. The gap between standard Mercedes-Benz products and the true AMG lineup has traditionally left considerable room in terms of performance and price for some intermediary models. That's where AMG Sport comes in. If you aren't ready to make the leap from the C300 to the C63, where do you turn? Why, the new C450 AMG Sport , of course. In the case of the GLE, Mercedes-Benz USA skipped right over the base offering, but the theory still holds. Mercedes-Benz USA chief Steve Cannon put it in even plainer terms, telling dealers to "treat [AMG] like a Porsche franchise" inside their Mercedes-Benz dealerships. And that, in a nutshell, explains the GLE. No, Porsche hasn't built a rather large coupe-crossover (yet), but it has been expanding its army of sports cars off its SUV profits for a decade already. With the Cayenne and now the Macan, Porsche has found a mix that lets it build a business case around the whole brand, including the iconic models that would likely wither and die if left on their own. Would I recommend the GLE Coupe in AMG Sport guise to a friend? No, not really. But if AMG can finance more cars like the GT S with a few more humpbacked behemoths like the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, hand me the binoculars, and let's go whale watching. 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 AMG 4Matic Coupe Specifications On Sale: Now Base Price: $66,025 Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo DOHC 24-valve V-6/362 hp @ 5,500-6,000 rpm, 384 lb-ft @ 1,800-4,000 rpm Transmission: 9-speed automatic Layout: 4-door, 5-passenger, front-engine, AWD SUV EPA Mileage: 17/23 mpg (city/hwy) L x W x H: 192.6 x 67.7 x 78.9 in Wheelbase: 114.8 in Weight: 4,894 lb 0-60 MPH: 5.6 sec Top Speed: 155 mph Follow MSN Autos on Facebook | 9 | 96,024 | autos |
Fans interested in receiving a closer look at pre-game warmups for the New York Islanders' home contests better have the proper ticket in tow. The Islanders have altered an unwritten rule allowing fans to watch the festivities from as close to the ice as possible, regardless of the ticket in their hand. This season, Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark announced a plan for 91 ticket holders per night to have access to VIP areas and watch the warmups. The decision, according to Yormark, is "another great benefit of being an Islanders season ticket holder." Message from @brettyormark to season ticket holders re: watching warm ups at the glass before face off. #Isles pic.twitter.com/hf6JhLsmYw IslesBlog (@IslesBlog) October 14, 2015 While presumably the No. 91 is in tribute to captain John Tavares, many fans have voiced their displeasure with the most recent turn of events since the team moved from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y. This whole #Isles season is going to be test of which battles to fight. Letting fans on the glass for warm-ups seems like should be one. Dan Saraceni (@cultureoflosing) October 15, 2015 The team initially altered the Subway-style goal horn in the preseason , prompting numerous fans to vent on social media. The original Fog horn blast was returned later in the week. (h/t Islanders Point Blank ) | 1 | 96,025 | sports |
Fact: Accessories are a surefire way to make items and outfits you already own feel fresh. We turned to the fall/winter 2015 runways for inspiration and rounded up seven accessories trends anyone can pull off, no matter where you work. We broke it down by three office types: corporate, business casual, and creative. Corporate is for the ladies in buttoned-up environments where the dress code calls for classic tailored suits. Business casual is best described as an office where suits aren't required, but professionalism is still a requisite (though with a little more room for experimentation). In a creative office, almost anything goes. You have the freedom to wear jeans and can try out fashion trends without raising eyebrows.From modern totes to the shoes guaranteed to elevate your business slacks, find out which accessories will makeover your fall work wardrobe, ahead. PHOTOS: 7 Accessories to Update Work Wardrobes for Every Office Type 1. Wide Belt Give any ensemble more dimension by adding a wide belt. The accessory cinches the waist and can add a much-needed pop of color or print without being too loud for the office. Runway Inspiration (clockwise, from bottom left): Isabel Marant, Balmain, Marni 2. Wide Belt 1. Corporate: Cos, $50; cosstores.com 2. Business Casual: Alice + Olivia, $100; aliceandolivia.com 3. Creative: McQ Alexander McQueen, $225; coggles.com 3. Mary Jane Shoes Mary Janes stand a chance at knocking standard pumps off their pedestal for office footwear. Not only are they stylish, they provide more support for you to comfortably and confidently walk around in heels all day. Runway Inspiration (clockwise, from bottom left): Prada, Rag & Bone, Miu Miu 4. Mary Jane Shoes 1. Corporate: Louise et Cie, $129; nordstrom.com 2. Business Casual: Ron White, $150, lordandtaylor.com 3. Creative: Kate Bosworth x Matisse, $254, nordstrom.com 5. Choker Designers reintroduced the choker as a must-have acessory this fall, and it's a far cry from the faux tattoo versions in the '90s. The new style is a welcome shiny accent to a power suit. Runway Inspiration (clockwise, from bottom left): Narciso Rodriguez, Tod's, Balmain 6. Choker 1. Corporate: Vanessa Mooney, $28; vanessamooney.com 2. Business Casual: Lizzie Fortunato, $325; charmandchain.com 3. Creative: Marc by Marc Jacobs, $158; z appos.com 7. Non-Black Structured Bag While we wouldn't dare pry your beloved black work bag away from you, we encourage you to try fall's new guard of office-ready structured totes in fresh colorways. Runway Inspiration (clockwise, from bottom left): Coach, Fendi, Miu Miu 8. Non-Black Structured Bag 1. Corporate: Burberry, $1,495; neimanmarcus.com 2. Business Casual: Dune, $89; dunelondon.com 3. Creative: DKNY, $248; forzieri.com 9. Brooch What was once an old-fashioned accessory has been reimagined as a fresh addition for a more personality-driven outfit. Pin one on your all-black suit lapel or dress up an otherwise plain top with a sparkling conversation-starter bonus points if your brooch has a story. Runway inspiration (clockwise, from bottom left): Balenciaga, Prada, Chanel 11. Velvet Shoes While leather and suede have long reigned in the shoe department, countless fall 2015 runways presented velvet as the new footwear style to covet. We love it for adding texture and an element of luxury to your everyday work wardrobe. Runway inspiration (clockwise, from bottom left): Marc Jacobs, Dries Van Noten, Dolce & Gabbana 12. Velvet Shoes 1. Corporate: Tabitha Simmons, $695, net-a-porter.com 2. Business Casual: Alexander Wang, $495; saks.com 3. Creative: Topshop, $210; topshop.com 13. Long Pendant Necklace Sometimes all you need to upgrade an outfit is a single necklace. Take a cue from designers who draped long chains over plain tops, and pick a style that adds some visual interest without a ton of distraction. Runway inspiration (clockwise, from bottom left): Tory Burch, Jason Wu, Chloé 14. Long Pendant Necklace 1. Corporate: Asos, $27; asos.com 2. Business Casual: Eddie Borgo, $275; nemianmarcus.com 3. Creative: Alexis Bittar, $125; alexisbittar.com | 4 | 96,026 | lifestyle |
A German killed one of the largest elephants seen in Zimbabwe in decades, wildlife groups report. The tourist paid an estimated 53,000 euros ($60,000) for the privilege of killing the elephant, whose tusks alone weighed 54 kilograms (119 pounds). "This elephant, which was more than 50 years old, was shot and killed outside Gonarezhou National Park last Thursday," said Emmanuel Fundira, chairman of the Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe (SOAZ). "We have never seen any animal that big," he added. A spokeswoman for Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority said agency officials had not heard about the hunt, but said the German would have only needed to secure the proper permits to kill the animal. However, Fundira said that even representatives of the hunt-friendly SOAZ believed that Zimbabwe should have treated the elephant as a "national treasure" rather than allowing the man to kill it. 'We are disgusted' In July, American dentist Walter Palmer caused outrage after luring a 13-year-old lion named Cecil out of Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park aided by local guides, before shooting him with a bow, tracking and then finally killing him. The act of luring the lion out of the park by strapping meat to a car so he would follow is what made that killing technically illegal. A well-known attraction for visitors to the Hwange National Park, the lion wore a tracking collar as part of an Oxford University research project. Earlier this week, Zimbabwean officials abandoned their bid to press charges against Palmer, saying his papers "were in order" and that he did not know that it was wrong to kill Cecil. "Right now, there is no evidence that the same thing happened to the elephant," Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force chairman Johnny Rodrigues said, meaning that the pachyderm appeared to have been killed in a legal hunting area. Still, he said, being within the boundaries of the law did now make the killing right: "We are disgusted. It's wrong to kill an iconic animal like that." The parks department vowed to increase patrols after ivory poachers killed 40 elephants in separate incidents with poison over the past month. However, such patrols would not have prevented the German from killing the elephant last week. "The last time one was seen [of such size] was more than 40 years ago," Rodrigues said. "The hunter should not have shot it." mkg/msh (EFE, AFP) | 5 | 96,027 | news |
USA TODAY Sports' Jeff Zillgitt discusses the players who are under the microscope for the 2015-16 season. | 1 | 96,028 | sports |
Watch as this Dachshund named Tango rushes to his owner, but then has to find a crafty way to make his way off the ledge. | 8 | 96,029 | video |
Social media footage shows Los Angeles area residents who are stuck in their cars after torrential downpours brought mudslides to Interstate 5 on Thursday, Oct. 15. | 8 | 96,030 | video |
MEMPHIS, Tenn. Prosecutors say a convicted felon who is facing a state weapons charge in the fatal shooting of an off-duty Memphis police officer now faces a similar federal charge. The U.S. attorney's office in Memphis said Friday that 36-year-old Lorenzo Clark has been charged with felony possession of a firearm. Clark already had been charged in Shelby County with being a felon in possession of a handgun in the death of 31-year-old Terence Olridge. Police say Olridge was shot multiple times Sunday in a shootout with Clark, a neighbor of the officer. Police say the men "exchanged words" before the shootout. A court affidavit says Clark acknowledged firing several shots with a 9mm handgun. A judge has assigned a public defender for Clark in the state case. | 5 | 96,031 | news |
Turkey's deputy prime minister says an unidentified drone was shot down by Turkish warplanes after crossing into its air space near Syria. Rough Cut (no reporter narration). | 8 | 96,032 | video |
Who needs weights when you have grocery bags? This is How You Get A Sexy Back in 2 Minutes...While Grocery Shopping Find your balance Stand up straight and pull your belly button toward your spine, arms at your sides. Hold a grocery bag or some other type of weight in each hand. Squeeze your shoulder blades Roll your shoulders in semicircles: first up, then back (squeezing your shoulder blades together) and down. Do 10 reps, then repeat in the other direction. | 4 | 96,033 | lifestyle |
What is 'herbal Viagra?' CNN's Elizabeth Cohen reports on the potential dangers of sexual enhancement products. | 7 | 96,034 | health |
With a monogram, photo, or other special touch, this gifts are far from ordinary. Cutting Board A perfect gift for a newlyweds building their homes (or "oldlyweds" who could really use some new stuff), this pretty kitchen accessory is available and beech, walnut, and maple. $50, aheriloom.com Cosmetic Case Perfect for a gal with timeless style, this monogrammed herringbone bag will ensure she looks chic while traveling even when all her makeup is packed away. $49, markandgraham.com Photo Candle Don't just daydream about your favorite memory bring it to life again on a flickering candle. $28 -$31.99, shutterfly.com Coaster Set This set of slate squares is neutral enough to match any of you friends' homes, and is an especially nice gift for avid party-throwers. The stone acts as a cleanable slate, so guests can mark their drink on the non-monogrammed side. $16.00, westelm.com Terry Robe Is there anything more relaxing than padding around on a Sunday morning in a crisp white robe? Ensure your gift's recipient never has to share by slapping her initial right on the front. $95, potterybarn.com Letter Earrings Gold studs are classic, but a little tame. Give your favorite girl a bit of glitz with a subtle twist instead. The smallest statement can make the biggest impact. $24, brit.co Monogram Mug Gift a personalized mug to any friend or family member you know works in a rather lifeless, gray office building. It'll be a welcome treat to have on their desk. $10, pier1.com Holiday Wreath Your mom will love a lovely seasonal wreath that proudly displays her family's monogram. $42, etsy.com Wine Glasses Stemware with initials are the perfect, simple addition to your favorite wine lover's collection. $45, wayfair.com Memorable Dates Milestones like anniversaries and birthdays remind us just how much one day can change your entire life. This unique art piece is truly personal it will mean the absolute most to the person you gift it to. $25, etsy.com Photo Serving Tray A decorative with a favorite photo is a clever stand-in for the regular ol' photo in a frame. $45, zazzle.com Cheese Board The personalized slate says "welcome to our home!" makes for an easy cleanup once the party is over. $60, kohls.com Birthstone Charm Bracelet This lightweight (and adjustable!) bracelet keeps grandmas favorite kiddos close to her always. $24, etsy.com Family Handprints A family photo gets a super-fun upgrade with a framed set of their handprints next to the portrait. Surprise mom with this one but leave a spot for her hand, too! $20, bedbathandbeyond.com Travel Alarm Clock Your pal who's always on the go will never be late and always feel dapper with a tick-tock clock that puts digital alarms to shame. $79, markandgraham.com | 4 | 96,035 | lifestyle |
The United States will conduct surveillance and intelligence operations against Boko Haram inside Nigeria, sources familiar with the plan told AFP Friday, a significant escalation of Washington's role in combatting the Islamist group. The operations will be carried out as part of the recently announced deployment of up to 300 US military personnel to neighboring Cameroon, officials said. "This is going to be part of our Boko Haram efforts that will be operating throughout the region," one of the sources said on condition of anonymity. It will not include boots on the ground or offensive combat, but will see US military operations against Boko Haram in Nigeria for the first time. "It's surveillance and intelligence gathering, not anything offensive," said the same source. US President Barack Obama on Wednesday announced 90 US personnel had already been sent to Cameroon and may eventually number up to 300. The White House has been at pains to stress that personnel would not take part in combat operations and would be armed only for self-defense. Nigeria greeted that announcement as a "welcome development." President Muhammadu Buhari took office in May vowing to end the violence that has killed scores and spooked much-needed international investors. But US efforts to give him military assistance have been hampered by concerns about human rights abuses carried out by the country's military. And until now Washington has largely shied away from engaging its vast military assets to combat Boko Haram, with policymakers wary of fueling militant recruitment or fusing the group's ties with Middle Eastern Islamists. The group's leaders have allied themselves with the Islamic State group, but experts doubt the scale and scope of collaboration. However, there are growing fears that a once regional Muslim anti-colonial movement is now metastasizing into a regional jihadist threat. The US moves come as Boko Haram steadily expands operations beyond its traditional base in northern Nigeria, conducting attacks in Cameroon and Chad that have killed dozens. An uptick in violence is expected in the coming weeks with the end of the rainy season and amid growing resistance to a nascent multi-national joint task force bringing together countries in the region to fight Boko Haram. | 5 | 96,036 | news |
Demi Lovato pleased a crowded Times Square as the beauty broke out into song. The singer had earlier hinted that she had something special planned posting this picture with the caption "MIDNIGHT. BE HERE #FindConfident" | 8 | 96,037 | video |
WASHINGTON -- Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) ran away from a 9/11 responder who approached him outside a Washington apartment building to talk about reauthorizing the 9/11 health treatment program, the man told The Huffington Post. Dan Moynihan, a former volunteer firefighter and ex-Marine who was at ground zero on Sept. 11, 2001, visited the capital this week to lobby lawmakers to pass a new bill to replace the expiring James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act . On Thursday morning, Moynihan said he was leaving a building when he spotted the Republican presidential candidate in the lobby, talking on a cell phone. Since the dozens of visits that Moynihan and other 9/11 responders had made on Capitol Hill on Wednesday were with staffers, he took the chance to buttonhole Paul, who has so far declined to support a new bill. "I said, 'Sen. Paul, could I have a moment of your time? I'd like to talk to you about the World Trade Center health bill,'" Moynihan said. "I'm talking fast, it's the elevator pitch, and now the sidewalk pitch," said Moynihan, who described Paul as looking relaxed while he was on the phone, but nervous when he saw that a man wearing a firefighter T-shirt and Marine pin had recognized him. "Now he's out the door and he's mumbling and tumbling, 'Well, my car is waiting,'" Moynihan said, adding that Paul mentioned getting to a meeting. "He literally jets out into two-way traffic, oncoming traffic." Moynihan has a penchant for acting when he sees a chance. A volunteer firefighter from Long Island, he happened to be in upper Manhattan on the day of the 9/11 attacks. He responded immediately to the disaster, still dressed in shorts and a T-shirt, and spent nearly a month working the site. After making little headway with Paul's office this week, Moynihan said he saw a chance to advance the bill when he saw the senator in person, and took it. Neither Paul's Senate office nor his presidential campaign responded to requests for comment. Paul gave at least two interviews in Washington later on Thursday, according to his Twitter posts. The building where Moynihan spotted him is close to the Senate office buildings, Union Station and many media outlets, and serves as home to numerous Capitol Hill staffers. Moynihan first told his story to friends at the New York City Firefighter Brotherhood Foundation, which posted his tale on Facebook and encouraged members to call Paul's offices. The firefighter foundation pointed out that while Paul has not backed a 9/11 bill, he has tweeted about never forgetting that day . Most other Republican presidential contenders have also declined to take a stance on the 9/11 bill. So far, only former New York Gov. George Pataki (R) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) have supported replacing it. However, more than a dozen Republicans in the Senate have signed on to the measure. The health portion of the old Zadroga Act expired on Sept. 30 , and the treatment program it funded will run out of money sometime in 2016. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which is expected to take the lead on the legislation, has not yet set a date to do so, though committee chairman Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) has said the bill is a high priority. Responders and advocates for the bill are trying to get the replacement passed before Congress leaves for Christmas. Michael McAuliff covers Congress and politics for The Huffington Post. Talk to him on Facebook . | 5 | 96,038 | news |
Jose Bautista's epic bat flip after his homer in the ALDS on Wednesday will live on forever on one fan's leg. | 1 | 96,039 | sports |
After many home runs and a few other fireworks, the two teams from Texas have been eliminated, each in five game series. Now we have the scrappy bunch from Kansas City, who use Gold Glove defense and an incredible bullpen to keep their opponents from scoring and the upgraded Blue Jays who prefer to keep fielders out of the equation whenever possible. For both teams, this series should be a little like moving up from the kids table, as there was no question during the regular season that these were the top two teams in the American League. Will we finally see the pitching we have been promised? This was the second season in what looks like it could be the second deadball era, and most of the best pitchers in the game were on playoff teams. Despite this, no game in the ALDS finished with a run total below six and half the games finished at nine or more. With pitchers like David Price, Johnny Cueto and Dallas Keuche,l and considering run scoring is generally at a premium in the playoffs anyway, a little better pitching was to be expected. Of continuing note are Price and Cueto, as they were Cy Young contenders during the season (Price will probably win the AL award, switching leagues cost Cueto a chance at the NL) fighting among the best in baseball. In the playoffs however, it has been a different story. After posting a 2.62 ERA in Cincinnati, Cueto struggled mightily in five starts from August 21st through September 13th with a 9.70 ERA and .390 average against. It appeared to be this Cueto who pitched Game 2 against Houston, allowing four runs in six innings although the Royals eventually won 5-4. In the series finale, he was significantly better, allowing just two runs on two hits with eight strikeouts through eight innings. We have seen him even better than this at times and he will have to be to keep the high powered Blue Jays offense from running up the score. Since he has been so wildly different in his starts with Kansas City, however, it's hard to tell what to expect. Can David Price be the ace the Blue Jays paid for? For the Blue Jays and Price, Toronto won the Division Series despite of him, not because of him. After posting a 2.30 ERA after the trade (2.45 cumulative), they were expecting to ride Price early and often throughout the playoffs. He pitched in game one and allowed five runs in seven innings in the Rangers win. Staying in the bullpen for the rest of the series, he was used again with a six run lead and allowed three more runs in three innings. He will certainly be back in the rotation for the round against the Royals, but how much the Blue Jays can depend on their ace is questionable, particularly with how well Marcus Stroman, Marco Estrada, and R.A. Dickey pitched in the first round. Price is a free agent at the end of the season and cost Toronto Daniel Norris and Matt Boyd, the former of which has already shown some greatness for Detroit. The fact that the Blue Jays likely won't have him around next year is possibly why they were so quick to use him in a relief role, making sure they get every ounce of value before he is gone. Which perfect closer will break first? Both the Royals and Jays needed to replace their closers during the season, but Roberto Osuna and Wade Davis did an excellent job filling the void both during the regular season and beyond. As the Royals have the deeper bullpen of the two teams, Osuna was used slightly more as he pitched 5.2 innings in the five game series including 1.2 in the finale. Davis pitched four innings over the same span as well, including one inning in the finale and neither pitcher allowed a run. In addition to not blowing anything, neither closer has been close with Osuna holding the Rangers hitless and Davis giving up just one. Both have been nearly spotless in their careers as closer, but those careers have just recently begun and chances are, one is going to break before this whole thing is done. Can the Blue Jays use their Canadian magic to destroy the Royals defense? If you didn't see the seventh inning in game five against Texas, take the time to watch it now (if you did see it or are a Rangers fan, feel free to skip to 2:52): The Rangers weren't the best defense in the regular season (that was the Royals), but they might have been the worst in the seventh inning against Toronto. After Texas took the lead thanks to an odd play where Russell Martin's return throw hit the bat of Shin-Soo Choo and Rougned Odor scored from third. Playing under protest, the Rangers infield forgot how to catch the ball as four dropped balls lead to a run and two on with two outs. The infamous Jose Bautista bat flip occurred shortly thereafter, but without the miscues, it would only have tied the game instead of putting it out of reach. This is not legitimately saying anything about baseball karma (the play in question was correctly called anyway), but if the Blue Jays are to beat the Royals, they will have to do something to disarm the defense. Whether that is with aggressive slides (like the one at home in the video above), bunts or hitting against the shift, the Astros proved that smashing the ball to the outfield over and over again is not enough to score runs. The Jays have a more complete offense than the Astros, but the Royals defense has a way of diminishing any team's production no matter who's on the mound or at the plate. Will Joey Batflips turn the ALCS into the WWE? Apparently you can mess with Texas. To end that crazy inning, Bautista crushed a ball off the facing of the upper deck in left center, stood and watched it leave before tossing his bat almost as far. This of course ultimately incited further milling about by players on the field, adding to the drama created after the initial interesting call. Aside from the fact that the two greatest collections of talent in the American League will be facing off, there will be a very intriguing storyline of the biggest showboating team in baseball (those mad about the Bautista bat flip must have missed Edwin Encarnacion watching his game tying home run earlier in the game) facing off against a team that won't tolerate that kind of behavior. You may remember the Royals of early 2015 as a team playing with a chip on their shoulder. They had a legitimate point as many national writers picked them to finish third or worse in the division after taking the AL pennant the year before, but they possibly took it a bit too far. Yordano Ventura had an odd tendency of hitting people he didn't like and multiple bench clearing incidents ultimately lead to Ventura, Edinson Volquez, Lorenzo Cain, and Kelvin Herrera all getting suspended in late April. The Royals and Ventura seem to have matured as the season went on and they retained the respect they earned the year before. Tensions are certain to be high, however, with the American League on the line and with one team ready to celebrate and another ready to fight, things could get very interesting. | 1 | 96,040 | sports |
Official word from Porsche is "Vee don't comment of zee future of our products" but according to a highly placed source not authorized to speak on the matter, the rumored purist-oriented 911, now known to be called the 911 R, is for real, and really awesome. Built for the purest of the pure, the 911 R is essentially a 911 GT3 with a seven-speed manual transmission, and toned-down aero. Andreas Preuninger, head of development for Porsche GT cars and his team are handling the build even though the special-edition vehicle will bear an R badge (as a callback to the '60s lightweight homologation special). The 2016 911 R will follow its predecessor's ethos; with naturally aspirated power from the GT3's 475-hp 3.8-liter flat-six engine crammed into the widest of the three 911 bodies (also from the GT3). It will also be mono-spec: rear-wheel drive and manual transmission only, believed to be the seven-speed gearbox from the current 991 line. This should quiet the purists who howled when the new GT3 debuted with only the dual-clutch PDK. Suspension will be GT3 spec, tuned to handle a less aggressive front splitter and ducktail rear spoiler. No word on whether center lock wheels and carbon ceramic brakes will be directly ported over, but the latter should be available as an option. Like other recent special-edition 911 models, like the 50th Anniversary Edition, the 911 R should have some unique interior bits; possibly sport cloth seat inserts. To reduce production complexity, paint colors will be limited to a few, or even just one: white. Speaking of limited, volume will be kept to somewhere between 500 and 1,000 units globally. We've seen the number 600 thrown around, but that doesn't necessarily fit with Porsche's recent sales strategy of tying volume to a historically significant number (nine-hundred and eighteen 918 Spyders for instance and 1,953 50th Anniversary 911s). Whatever the final number ends up being, we do know that in the U.S., first right of refusal will go to the 300 owners of the 918 Spyder but only those who bought the vehicle from Porsche and still have it. No word on price (though it is believed to be about as much as the GT3) or when the 911 R will be officially revealed, but we're thinking the Detroit or New York auto show. Stay tuned. Follow MSN Autos on Facebook | 9 | 96,041 | autos |
Hungary will close its southern border with Croatia, pressing ahead with a unilateral crackdown on the flow of migrants to a Europe still divided over how to handle them. Hungary will close its southern border with Croatia, pressing ahead with a unilateral crackdown on the flow of migrants to a Europe still divided over how to handle them. Migrants make their way after crossing the border at Zakany Migrants make their way after crossing the border at Zakany, Hungary October 16, 2015. Hungary it would close its southern border with Croatia, pressing ahead with a unilateral crackdown on the flow of migrants to a Europe still divided over how to handle them. Migrants walk to the border with Hungary after arriving by train at Botovo, Croatia Migrants walk to the border with Hungary after arriving by train at Botovo, Croatia October 16, 2015. Migrants walk to the border with Hungary after arriving by train at Botovo, Croatia Migrants walk to the border with Hungary after arriving by train at Botovo, Croatia October 16, 2015. Migrants are seen behind barbed wire make their way after crossing the border at Zakany Migrants are seen behind barbed wire make their way after crossing the border at Zakany, Hungary October 16, 2015. Migrants walk to the border with Hungary after arriving by train at Botovo, Croatia Migrants walk to the border with Hungary after arriving by train at Botovo, Croatia October 16, 2015. Migrants walk to the border with Hungary after arriving by train at Botovo, Croatia Migrants walk to the border with Hungary after arriving by train at Botovo, Croatia October 16, 2015. Migrants make their way after crossing the border at Zakany Migrants make their way after crossing the border at Zakany, Hungary October 16, 2015. Croatian police control the flow of migrants walking to the border with Hungary after they arrived by train at Botovo Croatian police control the flow of migrants walking to the border with Hungary after they arrived by train at Botovo, Croatia October 16, 2015. A migrant carries a child as he walks to the border with Hungary after arriving by train at Botovo A migrant carries a child as he walks to the border with Hungary, after arriving by train at Botovo, Croatia October 16, 2015. Migrants walk to the border with Hungary after arriving by train at Botovo, Croatia Migrants walk to the border with Hungary after arriving by train at Botovo, Croatia October 16, 2015. Hungarian police watch migrants waiting to cross the border at Botovo Hungarian police are silhouetted against the sky as they watch migrants waiting to cross the border at Botovo, Croatia October 16, 2015. Migrants make their way after crossing the border at Zakany Migrants make their way after crossing the border at Zakany, Hungary October 16, 2015. | 5 | 96,042 | news |
There is reportedly some good news in Lamar Odom's fight for life after being hospitalized earlier this week. According to ABC 7 , Odom opened his eyes and said, "Good morning" on Friday. He is reportedly breathing on his own, although still with a mask, and also gave doctors a thumbs up. A spokeswoman for JaNean Mercer, Odom's maternal aunt and godmother, confirmed that the former NBA star woke up and spoke "a greeting" on Friday, according to the Associated Press. A statement was released on Mercer's behalf that read in part, "No words can express the overwhelming gratitude we feel for the outpouring of support from around the world." "His complete healing is paramount and our primary focus," the statement also read. ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reports that Odom is still in critical condition and is "not out of the woods yet." E! Online reports that Odom awoke , saw his estranged wife Khloe Kardashian -- who has reportedly been at his side since he was hospitalized -- and said, "Hey, baby" before giving her a thumbs-up and going back to sleep. The Kardashian family posted a statement to their website: "As a family, we've decided to hold off on publishing content across our apps while we continue to support and pray for Lamar." Odom was initially hospitalized Tuesday after being found unconscious in a southern Nevada brothel. A 911 call indicated that he had taken an herbal Viagra alternative. A separate report from Entertainment Tonight earlier Friday morning stated that Odom had responded to being asked if he wanted to see his children, but it was unclear if the communication was verbal: #BREAKING When asked if he wanted to see his kids, #LamarOdom communicated "Yes". It's unclear if he spoke or used body language to answer Jennifer Peros (@jenperos) October 16, 2015 Odom had reportedly been at the brothel since Saturday and was discovered in a VIP suite on the property, where he was unresponsive. He was transported to a Pahrump, Nev., hospital before being taken to Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas. | 1 | 96,043 | sports |
During their perilous journey across Europe, some children have managed to find moments to smile and play in the the face of their harrowing experiences fleeing from poverty and conflict with their families. | 8 | 96,044 | video |
Each of us is programmed to obey authority, even if that authority commands us to do evil. That was the controversial finding of a series of psychological experiments done in the 1960s, now known collectively as the Milgram Experiment . While Milgram watched from afar, one of his assistants, dressed up in a light grey lab coat, asked people who'd volunteered for the experiment to quiz a complete stranger. Each time the stranger got a wrong answer, the quizzer was told to shock them with an increasing amount of electricity. A new film called "Experimenter," which premieres October 16, explores Milgram's now-famous work. But it also sheds light on some crucial parts of the experiment that Milgram ignored. And those missing parts tell another story about human nature that's more complex than the one Milgram chose to tell. The experiment As the film shows, even when the person getting shocked shouted out in pain, the people giving the shocks continued to deliver them just as they were told to do. But some people didn't go through with it. They refused and left. And many others paused, hesitated, or protested before they carried out their orders. That's a crucial part of the experiment that Milgram left out, according to dozens of psychologists who've since critiqued Milgram's work. Because while many people did simply follow orders even when what they were doing appeared to be causing direct harm to an innocent stranger many people did not . Across the studies as a whole, in fact, a majority of participants chose not to see the experiment through to the end. They objected and flat-out refused, contrary to their orders. Psychologists are by no means unified on what the actions of those objectors mean for the experiment as a whole. But they have some ideas. For one thing, it's possible that what ultimately drove people to either go through with the experiment or not wasn't whether they felt the experiment was right or wrong, per se, but which side of it they identified with more strongly. Did they identify with the person giving them the orders, the "cause" of the experiment itself, or did they identify with the person getting shocked, the random sufferer? "The Milgram studies seem to be less about people blindly conforming to orders than about getting people to believe in the importance of what they are doing," writes Alex Haslam, a psychology professor at the University of Queensland in Australia and co-editor of a special issue of the Journal of Social Issues which focuses on Milgram's legacy. "Considerable anguish" For another, the decision is by no means an easy one for any of the participants. "They are torn between two voices confronting them with irreconcilable moral imperatives, and the fact that they have to choose between them is a source of considerable anguish," Haslam writes. Before they decide to either continue with the shocks or refuse, the participants get incredibly tense, as the film captures well: But even though most of them resist at first, especially when the lab assistant says, "The experiment requires that you continue," many stop altogether, in particular when he says, "You have no other choice, you must go on." Here's Haslam describing the situation the participants went through in detail in his paper: "They sweat, they laugh, they try to talk and argue their way out of the situation. But the experimental set-up does not allow them to do so. Ultimately, they tend to go along with the Experimenter if he justifies their actions in terms of the scientific benefits of the study (as he does with the prod "The experiment requires that you continue"). But if he gives them a direct order ("You have no other choice, you must go on") participants typically refuse." During his first sets of experiments, carried out in a tiny room at Yale, almost all of the subjects carried out the shocks from start to finish despite the sounds of pain from the person they were shocking (which they later found out were prerecorded and played as part of the experimental hoax.) But in later iterations of those experiments, where Milgram and his team played with the setting of the lab by making it seem less official (i.e. changing the setting of the office from a neat office at Yale to a room in a decrepit building on the periphery of the city), the results were much more varied. Rather than 100% of the participants completing the experiment from start to finish, close to no one did. Everyone who had been asked to administer the shocks protested, gave up, or simply refused to continue. So no, not everyone Milgram subjected to his experiment simply give into following directions, even when those directions were clearly causing an innocent person harm. Instead, most of them put up a fight, and many deserted. | 7 | 96,045 | health |
Pope Francis, whose concern for the poor has become central to his papacy, takes time to chat with the homeless at a new shelter near St. Peter's Square. Rough Cut - Subtitled (no reporter narration). | 8 | 96,046 | video |
Martin Scorsese is planning a fresh chapter in his four-decade partnership with Robert De Niro with a new movie called "The Irishman", the veteran US director said Friday. The pair have collaborated since the early 1970s on some of Hollywood's best-loved and most influential movies, including "Goodfellas" and "Raging Bull", which won De Niro his second best actor Oscar. Speaking at the Lumiere film festival in the eastern French city of Lyon, 72-year-old Scorsese confirmed they were planning to team up again for their first feature-length film since gangster and gambling epic "Casino" in 1995. "It's a film called 'The Irishman' -- we're still working on all the details," Scorsese said. "Bob and I are trying to work on our schedules and the finance." But before starting work on the film he has two other projects in the works -- "Silence", a film about Christian missionaries in 17th-century Japan and "Vinyl", a series for HBO about the record industry in the 1970s. Scorsese is set to co-produce the TV series with legendary Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger. The pair have been mulling the project since the late 1990s and had originally envisaged it as a movie. The director, known for gritty crime movies liberally spiced with swearing and graphic violence but also original, imaginative cinematography, says he has no plans to stop work. "I don't know, as many as I could make," he said when asked how many more movies he planned to make. | 6 | 96,047 | entertainment |
It's getting colder! Help your local birds through the season with well-placed feeders and shelter. Here are our favorite DIY solutions. Feeders Hang homemade bird treats Here's what you'll need to create these: Bread Cookie cutter Peanut butter (I've heard you can also use Crisco) Birdseed Yarn Skewer (or a tapestry needle will work) Pick up the full instructions VIA Pint-Sized Treasures Orange-rind feeders This is a great weekend project to do with kids. It's quick and easy. Get the full how-to VIA Sheri Silver. Upcycle a mason jar Get creative with mason jars. The folks over at Two Llamas and a Whole Lotta Drama on Facebook did just that: How many of you have one of these old metal chick feeders hanging around? #upcycle! Take a Ball Jar and some copper tubing and #REPURPOSE it into a bird feeder! The folks over at 2 Bees in a Pod achieved a similar result with this 3-minute DIY: See the full how-to VIA 2 Bees in a Pod Another trend among the DIY set: Tea cup feeders Read more VIA Bushel & A Peck. The proper glass/ ceramic glue is key to this DIY. Get the full how-to VIA eHow. Wanna build a birdhouse, too? You should, because with leaves falling from trees there will be less cover and warmth for birds as temps drop. Keep reading for a few of our favorite projects... Birdhouses VIA nestwatch.org To build one similar to shown above: Here's what you'll need: 4 feet of 1-by-6 redwood fencing 25 inches of 1-by-8 fencing 15 1½-inch woodscrews Two eightpenny nails Electric drill Drill bits 1¼-inch paddle bit Tape measure Straight-edged ruler or combination square Pencil Get the full how-to VIA Sunset Another trend to check out: Green-roofed birdhouses See the full how-to for this succulent-roofed creation right here at The Snug! | 4 | 96,048 | lifestyle |
Several people have been injured after scaffolding collapsed Friday morning at an unfinished building in downtown Houston. The incident happened about 11:10 a.m. at 500 Crawford near Congress at a building under construction across the street from Minute Maid Park. "All I heard was a thud and that's when the scaffolding fell. I rushed toward the window to see what was happening and everything was falling apart," said Eric Valdez, an 18-year-old plumber who was working inside the building along with his father and a friend named Juan. His father had made it out of the construction safely, but he was unsure about his friend. All of the construction workers inside have been accounted for, said Capt. Ruy Lozano, spokesman for the Houston Fire Department. Six construction workers have been rushed to area hospitals so far. Details of the injuries to other workers were not known, Lozano said. "They are not life-threatening, but they are serious." Firefighters continue to sift through the debris to look for other potential victims. HFD specialists are using specialized equipment to scan the building for any potential weaknesses or inner movement that could cause a secondary collapse. Uninjured workers staged inside the lobby of the Houston Astros' ballpark. HFD has about 30 trucks at the scene, including several heavy rescue units. HFD specialists "We heard a loud echo, like a crash," said Tina Sharkey, who works at a building nearby. " ... but by the time we ran out, the scaffold had already collapsed. The construction workers came running out. Everyone was focusing on trying to find out how many people were on the scaffold and where they were located once the scaffold collapsed. "The main focus was toward the middle part because a lot of the guys were hearing 'Help! Help! Help!' The people that were around started pulling the fence off the building trying to get to the workers." Marla Johnson, 59, works in a building next door to the construction site. She said she parks her car in a handicap spot under the construction scene every morning but "a voice" told her not to on Friday. When the scaffolding fell on the spot where her car normally might have been parked, her coworkers ran from the building fearing that she had been trapped inside. Coworkers told her they saw a black car clip the side of the scaffolding, causing the collapse, before driving off. Neither HFD nor HPD have confirmed that incident. The new complex there, owned by The Finger Cos., was expected to have 397 units. The Finger Cos. is a decades-old Houston-based apartment developer that's built thousands of units across the city. The company was a pioneer of a new wave of downtown residential development with its One Park Place apartment tower just west of Discovery Green park. "We are monitoring the situation very closely and working alongside authorities as we try to determine the cause of this accident. In the meantime we are grateful for the first responders on the scene and praying everyone is okay," a spokesman for the company said Friday. More details will be reported as the story develops. Dale Lezon and Nancy Sarnoff contributed to this report. | 5 | 96,049 | news |
KABUL, Afghanistan With the Afghan security forces gravely challenged by Taliban offensives, the government is moving to rapidly expand the number of Afghan Local Police militiamen by thousands of members, Afghan and Western officials say. The move, prompted by the disastrous loss of the northern city of Kunduz to the Taliban almost three weeks ago, is being described by officials speaking privately as an attempt to head off panic in Afghan cities threatened by the insurgents. But the expansion amounts to an open admission that the United States' main legacy in Afghanistan the creation of national army and police forces numbering more than 350,000 members is failing under pressure even before any final American military withdrawal. On Thursday, President Obama called off that pullout , originally due at year's end, leaving 9,800 American troops in the country for at least another year. Sign Up For NYT Now's Morning Briefing Newsletter Further, the plan would involve a sudden, and potentially poorly vetted, expansion of the Afghan Local Police, an American-created force that in many areas of the country has become synonymous with human rights abuses even when directly supervised by the American Special Forces. Some of the NATO countries involved in Afghanistan have already expressed concerns about the move. Until recently, requests for funding an expansion of that police force, a collection of local militias with around 30,000 total members, were repeatedly turned down by the United States military. While the forces have performed well in some parts of the country, in other parts, like Kunduz, they are seen as a source of chaos and banditry rather than security. "The Taliban have all of a sudden felt a rush after Kunduz they are abandoning plans for districts and making runs on cities," said a senior Afghan official, who like others interviewed about security spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid political risk. The militia expansion plan is a reversal for President Ashraf Ghani, who had long talked about the importance of solidifying "the state monopoly over the use of force" in a country still deeply scarred by its civil war and recent history of warlord abuses. Afghan officials who described the new plan, however, bluntly called it a matter of survival: Given a choice between ceding territory to the Taliban and reinforcing areas with semiformal militias deemed abusive and predatory, the government is opting for the latter. Officials said the plan called for the immediate recruitment of an additional 15,000 armed militiamen under the Afghan Local Police program, and according to some accounts that may rise to as many as 30,000. The measure is supposed to focus on beefing up defenses at the district level, potentially freeing up the badly overstretched army and the national police to concentrate their forces for more strategic strikes. While the Americans had long told the Afghan government to respect the 30,000 cap for the force, at least two Afghan officials said that discussions were underway and that the American military had shown interest in finding a way to fund the program's expansion, which is believed to cost more than the force's current $120 million annual budget . Mr. Ghani has told his officials he will seek other sources if the American funding does not materialize. American military officials declined to respond to requests for comment on the issue. But European members of the NATO coalition have expressed concern about the expansion, officials said. And Franz-Michael Mellbin, the European Union's special representative to Afghanistan, said that even successful reform of the force would not be enough to justify its expansion. "There is nobody on the European side who want to invest in anything that even remotely resembles the A.L.P.," Mr. Mellbin said in an interview. "The fear is still there that the A.L.P. becomes the arms of local strongmen. We do not think the A.L.P. has worked especially in the north, where they have become the extension of local interest groups." Afghan officials describe the move as one born of necessity. Mohammed Hanif Atmar, Mr. Ghani's national security adviser, said the government was faced with a big influx of Taliban from Pakistan, as well as of other foreign militants, just as the effects of the reduction in NATO forces and their close air support were taking a toll. The insurgency has also changed tactics this fighting season, Mr. Atmar said, noting that the Taliban "no longer fight in small groups, they now fight in large formations," with intentions of overruling and holding major territory. In the meantime, the Afghan security forces have faced a problem that Mr. Atmar called "chronic": At the local level, a significant number of the forces are scattered, deployed at the service of local strongmen rather than the posts they are assigned to. For example, a recent government assessment of the A.L.P. force, which is nominally under the Interior Ministry's authority, found that more than 2,000 officers, about 7 percent of the entire force, was at the direct service of strongmen, according to security officials briefed on the assessment. That is particularly the case in northern areas like Kunduz, where they are widely seen as unaccountable armed groups that extort the local population and turn their guns against one another as much as on the Taliban. Beyond that, the real numbers of police and military members stationed in some areas are often much lower than officially reported. Naqibullah Fayeq, a member of Parliament from Faryab Province, a vital northwestern region that has come under major Taliban assault recently, said that as much as a third of the security strength in the province is made up of the "ghost police" empty spots officially reported as drawing a salary. The widespread nature of the problem has prompted Mr. Ghani to order an immediate "personnel asset inventory," official said. Mr. Atmar said the increase in recruitment of the A.L.P. was to "front-load" for other national forces, with the goal of eventually using the new recruits to fill the vacancies that exist in the army and the police. The Afghan Local Police were established by American commanders as a low-cost auxiliary force trained by the United States Special Forces. But even when units have been under direct American supervision, some have committed abuses. Several assessments, the most comprehensive of them by the International Crisis Group, have concluded that the A.L.P. "has not improved security in many places and even exacerbated the conflict in many districts." The current expansion is happening without the mentorship of American forces, and under difficult circumstances. Thousands of men who had once been disarmed by government campaigns costing hundreds of millions of dollars are now being rearmed. The design is also being rolled out at a time when factional strongmen and elements of the former government in Kabul have mounted pressure on Mr. Ghani's government, accusing him of exclusionary politics. In the wake of the Kunduz disaster, the strongmen, many of whom have pasts as northern warlords, have been pressing the government to use militias loyal to them in the fight against the Taliban. Some officials fear the militia expansion amounts to a political payoff to these strongmen, who have often used A.L.P. units for their personal business. The Kabul government's political struggles have had a direct affect on the morale of the security forces, some officials say. Many of the army and police commanders who were in Kunduz maintain factional loyalties that at times have been at odds with the central government. In the confusion of the Taliban assault, some simply chose not to fight when the moment arrived, some officials claimed. "The security challenges cannot be seen in isolation," said Mr. Mellbin, the European Union representative. "The political space needs to be worked more effectively. If the elite had come together on Kunduz, the situation could have been managed before it became a national security threat." Mr. Atmar conceded that amid the intense fighting this year, extensive background checks and training might not be immediately realistic for the expanded forces, but he said better vetting could take hold later. He insisted, however, that the government had made it clear that any new force in the districts would have to serve under the local police chief, and the larger chain of command. "Without the state's permission, people used their guns against the enemy," Mr. Atmar said. "We did not authorize that, but as a responsible government we know they have done the right thing to protect themselves because we were not enough in numbers. Now we go there and say, 'Look, you did the right thing, but if you continue this' and this will continue 'you have to now be properly integrated into our forces.' " As a sign of how difficult it is in practice to bring order to the militias, Gen. Baba Jan, who was the police chief of Badakhshan Province, recently posted his resignation. His province has been facing a major Taliban offensive, and in response the local strongmen had armed their militias, often in coordination with the government. But General Jan said he could not control the illegal armed men anymore, and he included the Afghan Local Police in that category. "They are tied to powerful individuals," the general said, "and one cannot expect to have authority and order over them." | 5 | 96,050 | news |
A group of Russian hackers infiltrated the servers of Dow Jones & Co. Inc., owner of the Wall Street Journal and several other news publications, and stole information to trade on before it became public, according to four people familiar with the matter. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Secret Service and the Securities and Exchange Commission are leading an investigation of the infiltration, according to the people. The probe began at least a year ago, one of them said. The breach is described by the people as far more serious than a lower-grade intrusion disclosed a week ago by Dow Jones, a unit of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. The company said last week that it was working with a cybersecurity firm and law enforcement after learning that hackers had sought contact and payment information of about 3,500 customers. It is unclear if the incursions are related. It was also unclear whether the company's newsgathering operations were affected in the insider-trading matter. Two of the people familiar with the investigation said the hackers sought information including stories being prepared for publication. Information embargoed by companies and the government for release at a later time could be valuable to traders looking to gain an edge over other market participants, as could stories being prepared on topics like mergers and acquisitions that move stock prices. Dow Jones publishes the Wall Street Journal and Barron's and provides information through a number of services including Dow Jones Newswires. Bloomberg LP, the parent of Bloomberg News, competes with News Corp. in providing financial news and services. Colleen Schwartz, a spokeswoman for Dow Jones, didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. Kelly Langmesser, a spokeswoman for the FBI New York office, confirmed the office is investigating a breach at Dow Jones but declined to comment further. Jim Margolin, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, declined to comment, as did spokesmen for the Secret Service and the SEC. The hack investigation shows how quickly law enforcers are shifting to a new front in insider trading: cyberspace. Market- moving, nonpublic information used to trade hands in secret meetings. Hackers are now stealing sensitive information and selling it to traders. This new vulnerability in the financial markets is challenging law-enforcement officials who are trying to keep pace with cyber-criminals' rapidly evolving moneymaking schemes. For would-be inside traders, business journalists and data providers are a rich target. Potentially market-moving scoops often develop in-house for days or weeks, promising intruders a long pre-publication window to mine information and execute trades. Data being held for public release at a specified time can also be a gold mine in markets where the profitably of a trade is determined in a fraction of a second. Dow Jones says in its annual report that its Factiva service provides global business content to about 1.1 million active users. "More than 4,000 sources make information available via Factiva on or before the date of publication by the source," according to the report. Dow Jones Newswires publishes more than 16,000 news items each day to financial professionals and investors. U.S. authorities are ramping up their pursuit of hackers after a series of high-profile attacks on corporations. In August, federal authorities made several arrests in what they called a years-long scheme that fused insider trading and hacking. In that matter, Russian-speaking hackers working from Ukraine were indicted along with traders for siphoning more than 150,000 press releases, including corporate earnings containing data that could be used to anticipate stock market moves, prosecutors said. Those hackers broke into the servers of PRNewswire Association LLC, Marketwired and Business Wire, a unit of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc., over a five-year period, according to prosecutors. The group allegedly made more than $100 million in trades using unreleased earnings releases of companies such as Panera Bread Co., Boeing Co., Caterpillar Inc. and Oracle Corp., through retail brokerage accounts. Information companies are regularly bombarded by hackers. When he disclosed the customer-data breach on Oct. 9, Dow Jones Chief Executive Officer William Lewis said the incursion was part of a "broader campaign involving a number of other victim companies." Dow Jones learned of the hack from law enforcement officials, Lewis wrote, saying it had determined its system was breached at times between August 2012 to July 2015 by hackers whose goal appeared to be gathering contact information for customers so it could send them fraudulent solicitations. The company said it had no direct evidence that information was stolen. | 3 | 96,051 | finance |
A survey of UK travelers found that the majority believe New Yorkers have the sexiest accent across the United States. | 8 | 96,052 | video |
Sandy Halperin captures his memories and 'grandpa thoughts' to pass on to his family. Watch more of Sandy's struggle against Alzheiemer's. | 7 | 96,053 | health |
Schizophrenia could be treated with cheap, accessible anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, according to new research. The study, published on Friday in the American Journal of Psychiatry , concluded that patients suffering from schizophrenia showed high levels of inflammation in their brains They also discovered that people with other markers for a heightened risk of schizophrenia were likely to have higher-than-normal inflammation levels. The findings suggest that, if detected early enough through brain scans, schizophrenia could potentially be prevented or at least mitigated in at-risk patients using simple anti-inflammatory drugs. Peter Bloomfield, a doctoral student at the Medical Research Council's (MRC) Clinical Sciences Centre and the paper's lead author, says that the findings could change the way schizophrenia is diagnosed and treated. "There's potential for us to treat very early," says Bloomfield. "Also, this is a completely new type of theory of schizophrenia, so a whole new range of medication could be produced based on this research," He adds that over-the-counter medication "something like ibuprofen or just any anti-inflammatory" could be used to treat the mental disorder in the future, subject to clinical trials. Schizophrenia affects more than 21 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite the fact that it is treatable with anti-psychotic medication and psychological therapy, the WHO said that one in two sufferers do not receive treatment for the condition. Higher levels of activity in microglial cells was found in those at risk of schizophrenia, as well as those already suffering from the disorder. Medical Research Council The recent study assessed the levels of activity of a type immune cells in the brain known as microglia of 56 patients in total, including current sufferers of schizophrenia as well as those at risk of the disease. Researchers injected the subjects with a chemical dye that sticks to microglia, which they then used to record the activity levels of the cells. Microglial cells are the primary immune cells of the brain and spinal cord (or the central nervous system), where their function is to destroy pathogens and clean up debris. The cells also prune connections between brain cells, known as synapses. Bloomfield explains that abnormal activity levels in microglia can lead to patients developing symptoms of schizophrenia including hallucinations and delusional thoughts by changing the way the brain is hard-wired. "If they're over- or under-active or active in an inappropriate way, then you would end up with the wrong number of synapses or inappropriate connections between different parts of the brain, which would fit very well with our hypothesis of how schizophrenia is actually manifesting," says Bloomfield. Oliver Howes, head of the MRC Clinical Sciences Centre's psychiatric imaging group and the paper's senior author, told Sky News that the advance was the most significant in schizophrenia research for decades. "We're still using treatments that were essentially first developed in the 1950s and we desperately need new avenues and new approaches," said Howes. | 7 | 96,054 | health |
OB-GYN Jennifer Ashton shares three refreshing beverages that can soothe hot flashes, fight fatigue and beat bloating. For the full recipes, click here . | 7 | 96,055 | health |
Donald Trump invests in hats while Hillary Clinton piles up cash. WSJ's Shelby Holliday looks at highlights of third quarter campaign finance reports. Photo: Getty | 3 | 96,056 | finance |
A question about the FBI investigation into her private email server caused former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to laugh out loud during a Friday interview with CNN's Jake Tapper "Bernie Sanders said that 'the American people are tired of hearing about your damn emails,' but there are a lot of people who are not, including FBI officials looking into whether national security was compromised because of this server," Tapper said in the interview, prompting Clinton to produce several hearty guffaws. Clinton reiterated that she never transmitted classified information over the private server that she held during her tenure at State. The Democratic primary front-runner also characterized reports to the contrary, which say she did house classified information on her server, as a "very strong difference of opinion." Clinton said the conflicting reports are commonplace examples of cross-departmental bickering. "So I think a lot of this is being a public display of the very common arguments that go on between different agencies and our government," she said. "This happens every time there is a Freedom of Information Act request." | 5 | 96,057 | news |
Iraqi forces backed by Shi'ite militia fighters say they are making progress in a new offensive to re-take territory from Islamic State militants. Rough cut (no reporter narration) | 5 | 96,058 | news |
With Anu Solomon back at quarterback last week the Arizona Wildcats scorched Oregon State 44-7 and amassed 644 total yards. Arizona beat the Buffalos 38-20 least season. Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre is 1-19 against in Pac-12 games since he took over the program. Even with all that history against the Buffalos heading into Saturday night's game on FS1, MacIntyre made a bold prediction at the school's homecoming parade Friday night. CU football coach Mike MacIntyre address Homecoming Parade crowd: "I guarantee you we're going to win tomorrow night" vs Arizona. Alex Burness (@alex_burness) October 17, 2015 Very bold, coach. We'll see. | 1 | 96,059 | sports |
A few days before the Panthers started their season, Jaromir Jagr sat in front of his locker and said he disliked the first few games of a new year. "The toughest part of a season is the start of it,'' Jagr said. "Once you get going, get into game shape, you feel better and good about your game. I love it then. But the start is tough, it's tough to get going. This is the toughest part." Well, the Panthers sure hope Jagr gets going soon. Coming into Friday, Jagr was tied for fourth in the NHL in scoring (three others have seven points) with four goals and two assists. On Thursday, Jagr had a hand in all three Florida goals in a 3-2 victory over Buffalo. Jagr gave the Panthers a 2-0 lead with a pair of first period goals then Sasha Barkov finished off a Jagr rebound in the third for the game-winner. The 43-year-old Jagr didn't score his fourth goal with New Jersey last year until his 23rd game. With the Panthers, he continues to climb up the NHL record book. With 726 career goals, Jagr is five behind Marcel Dionne for fourth all-time and 15 goals behind Brett Hull for third. Jagr needs 42 more points to tie Gordie Howe for third all-time and is 79 points behind Mark Messier for second. With his devotion to fitness and staying on top of his game - "I try to become a better player every day. I have to." - no one knows how long Jagr will continue to play at a high level. "He's always working on something whether it's working out or walking around with weights on his ankles or a weighed vest,'' goalie Roberto Luongo told SiriusXM Radio on Friday. "He's always doing something to push himself. ... It's something you don't see anywhere else, really. I don't know how long he can play but probably until he's 50.'' Jagr appears to have been rejuvenated since joining the Panthers in February and paired with youngsters Jonathan Huberdeau and Barkov. The trio were all scoring at about a point a game pace at the end of last season and have picked up where they left off. Barkov, 20, has scored in each of the past two games and has five points. Huberdeau, 22, has yet to score a goal but his play has been praised by coach Gerard Gallant. It seems to be only a matter of time before Huberdeau starts putting up points as well. The Panthers have won 15 of 24 games since Jagr joined the team. "He's incredible out there and to see him at 43 still be one of the best players in the NHL is crazy,'' Huberdeau also told SiriusXM Radio on Friday. "He's a legend in the NHL, you know the records. Last year, he was setting something every other game. It's cool to have the chance to play with this guy." - Former NHL defenseman Hal Gill officially joined the Panthers organization on Friday by being named manager of player development. Gill, who played in over 1,100 NHL games and won the Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh in 2009, will work with former Florida captain Bryan McCabe in working with the Panthers' prospects. - The Panthers announced Friday they would match all donations up to $100,000 this fiscal year for the Boys & Girls Club of Broward County to benefit math, reading and homework help programs in Broward. | 1 | 96,060 | sports |
Hillary Rodham Clinton has spent more than twice as much as any other presidential candidate on campaign staff, more than three times as much on office space and millions of dollars more on advertising, according to reports filed this week with the Federal Election Commission. Three months before the first nominating contest, Mrs. Clinton has built a cash-hungry campaign juggernaut that is more far-flung and more expensive than anything else on the horizon. The goal is to overwhelm her rivals for the Democratic nomination including those who are still considering a bid before the first flowers of spring, and to amass an organizational advantage that no Republican rival will be able to match by Election Day. Sign Up For NYT Now's Morning Briefing Newsletter Mrs. Clinton's aides say they have learned their lessons from the 2008 campaign, when she larded her campaign with highly paid consultants and ultimately succumbed to a rival with surprising financial strength and superior organization. This time, they say, Mrs. Clinton was spending heavily to build an unparalleled campaign infrastructure that could quickly morph into a general election machine. "You can't just parachute into a state at the last minute and hope to build a campaign overnight," said Mrs. Clinton's campaign manager, Robby Mook, in an email. "That's why we made smart early investments in data, analytics, tech, digital and on-the-ground organizing to build a strong, sturdy campaign designed to fight for and earn every vote in every state." But the filings also reveal the size of the gamble Mrs. Clinton is taking. After a record-breaking spring on the fund-raising circuit, her cash intake over the summer barely kept pace with her spending, a reflection of the sheer cost of maintaining the largest campaign infrastructure in either party. "I think these are very smart investments for them," said Robert Shrum, a longtime Democratic strategist who advised John Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign. "But it is premised on one thing: that they can keep up the fund-raising pace." Mrs. Clinton has more than $31 million on hand for the primary, a sizable cushion even if her cash flow does not improve in the next quarter. But her financial advantage over her closest rival for the Democratic nomination, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, is quickly evaporating. Mr. Sanders, who has so far focused on building an organization in New Hampshire and Iowa, now appears well positioned to compete against Mrs. Clinton in both states. Financed almost entirely by a network of small donors making repeated donations, Mr. Sanders is now moving to build an organization for later contests in states like Nevada, where Mrs. Clinton's team is already well established. And reports filed by the Republican campaigns this week present a wealth of warnings about the risks of early spending that is not supported by strong fund-raising. Like Mrs. Clinton, Jeb Bush said he was planning to build for the long haul. Bolstered by a burst of intense fund-raising in early June, his campaign built an expansive operation, with seven field offices and almost 30 paid staff members in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada, along with a database with detailed profiles of targeted voters in those states, according to his campaign. But such an operation is expensive: The Bush campaign reported that it had spent four out of every five dollars it raised in the previous three months, while raising far less than it had earlier. "Any campaign that is legitimately seeking the presidency must be able to compete with the Democrats," said Danny Diaz, Mr. Bush's campaign manager, in a memo the campaign sent to supporters, seeking to explain its spending. "There are very few G.O.P. campaigns committed to building a real infrastructure, and among those we are confident ours is best in class." Mr. Bush helped raise more than $100 million earlier in the year for the super PAC backing him, Right to Rise, which in turn subsidized his exploratory expenses and employed staff for his campaign-in-waiting for months. But when Mr. Bush formally entered the presidential race in June and was required to begin paying campaign expenses with contributions capped at $2,700 the transition was jarring. Disclosures with the Federal Election Commission show that Mr. Bush was forced to cut salaries for dozens of campaign staff members over the summer after his fund-raising failed to keep pace with spending. Some candidates did even worse. Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin, who formally entered the race in July, dropped out barely two months later, unable to raise enough money to support his campaign, which had a large and well-paid staff: Several senior aides were on track to earn more than $200,000 a year, F.E.C. filings show. Mr. Bush began the fall with about as much cash on hand for the primary as one of his main rivals, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida. Like other Republican candidates, Mr. Rubio's cash intake collapsed over the summer. His operational costs including payroll, field consulting, advertising and office expenses appeared significantly lower than Mr. Bush's, according to F.E.C. disclosures. Compounding the difficulties for the Republicans was Donald J. Trump, the real estate mogul and television star, whose command of Twitter and knack for earning free media have allowed him to reach a large audience while spending relatively little. Mr. Trump has led the Republican field in most polls despite employing only 40 paid staff members, including hiring state directors in Alabama, Florida and Texas since the ending of the last disclosure period. Mr. Trump has spent more on hats and T-shirts about $678,000 during the three months ending Sept. 30 than he did on field staff and offices in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, where those expenses totaled just $353,363, or on advertising, voter list rentals and campaign materials. "We are a real campaign," said Corey Lewandowski, Mr. Trump's campaign manager. "If you look at the models where campaigns staff up and overpay, that model doesn't seem to work so well, either in past campaigns or in the current one." Mrs. Clinton is raising far more for her campaign than any Republican candidate. And she is dominating national polls in the Democratic race, even as the Republicans who her campaign believes are her likeliest opponents in a general election fall in polls behind Mr. Trump and Ben Carson, a retired neurosurgeon and political novice. Mr. Bush, despite his spending, remains in the single digits in most national polls. Mr. Rubio is not much higher. Other Republican and Democratic candidates, such as former Gov. Martin O'Malley of Maryland, Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey and Gov. John Kasich of Ohio, are even further behind in polls, fund-raising or both. Mr. Sanders's aides decided over the summer to test how much they could raise online. It quickly became clear that the sums would be significant, according to Jeff Weaver, his campaign manager, and Mr. Sanders rapidly expanded his organization. His team had 28 staff members at the end of June, and 132 by the end of September. Now, they believe they are better prepared to keep raising money from their donor base than Mrs. Clinton is with hers. "We feel like we're in as good a position as anybody in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Nevada," Mr. Weaver said. "There's not anybody that has a better case to make than us." But while Mrs. Clinton invested in infrastructure early, the F.E.C. filings show, Mr. Sanders only recently sent a few paid staff members to Nevada, and he has no office there. He has yet to spend anything on television ads. And Mr. Sanders's organization is far smaller than the one Mr. Obama had built by the same point in 2007, when he was a senator making his first White House run. Mr. Obama had 631 paid staff members by the fall of 2007, more than four times what Mr. Sanders has now. To beat Mrs. Clinton as Mr. Obama did, Mr. Shrum said, Mr. Sanders will need to grow quickly. "You can't just do it with social media," he said. "You've got to have people on the ground in those early states." Find out what you need to know about the 2016 presidential race today, and get politics news updates via Facebook , Twitter and the First Draft newsletter . | 5 | 96,061 | news |
In what undoubtedly will be seen as a controversial move, Texans owner Bob McNair donated $10,000 this week to a group advocating against LGBT rights. The donation comes at a time when the NFL has been publicly promoting acceptance of gay players, particularly after Michael Sam, the league's first openly gay player, was drafted last year. McNair's contribution went to The Campaign for Houston, a group that is opposing a proposition called Houston's Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO). The ordinance would prohibit discrimination in the city based on race, gender, sexual orientation, age and a number of other factors. A Campaign for Houston spokesman, Jared Woodfill, confirmed the donation Friday. "We're very excited," Woodfill said. "Obviously it speaks volumes to the support we have if a hero like McNair is contributing to our campaign." The group has called the proposed ordinance "an attack on the traditional family." Proposition 1 goes to a vote Nov. 3. The 78-year-old McNair has been the Texans' owner since their inception and has an estimated net worth of $3.3 billion. | 1 | 96,062 | sports |
Sparked by a two-run third inning, the Royals notched a 5-0 victory over the Blue Jays in Game 1 of the ALCS on Friday. Royals RHP Edinson Volquez threw six scoreless innings in the win. | 1 | 96,063 | sports |
Hillary Clinton talks to Jake Tapper about Vice President Joe Biden's possible presidential bid. | 8 | 96,064 | video |
Click through the slideshow above to see the 10 states that are consuming the most energy. According to data released earlier this year, the United States consumes approximately 97 quadrillion British Thermal Units (Btu) annually, behind only China in total use and equal to nearly one fifth of the world's total consumption. This value is still more staggering when it becomes clear that even relative to the size of our population, the country burns through more electricity and fuel than all but a handful of nations. With close to a fifth of the world's total energy consumption, the U.S. accounts for less than 5% of the world's population. Regional differences also mean that some parts of the country are an even bigger drain on the nation's energy supply. While the U.S. consumes 306.9 million Btu per capita, Wyoming consumes more than 900 million Btu each year per person. While we often think of the nation's homes and businesses as the biggest draw on the country's electricity and fuel, that usage is dwarfed by manufacturing and other industrial uses. Residential use accounts for slightly more than 21% of total U.S. energy consumption, compared to nearly one third of total energy pulled for industrial purposes. A major part of the U.S. industrial energy use is from energy-producing states. In an email to 24/7 Wall St., U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) State Energy Profiles expert Allen McFarland explained that "It tends to take a lot of energy to produce energy." Operating mines and transporting and processing raw materials requires a great deal of fuel and electricity. The 10 states consuming the most energy accounted for 46.6% of the country's entire energy production. This also explains why the states that use more energy are the states that produce the most energy. Wyoming, the biggest per capita energy user of any state, is also the biggest coal-mining state in the U.S. Wyoming's per capita energy use is just under 200 Btu, which is more than New York state uses per person for industrial, residential, commercial, and transportation purposes combined. Energy prices are exceedingly low in the states consuming the most energy. All but one of the 10 states with the highest energy use per capita are also among the 15 with the lowest prices per Btu. Prices are likely low in these states, explained McFarland, because they are rich with natural energy-producing materials like coal, petroleum, and natural gas. Importing these materials to generate electricity, heat homes and businesses, and fuel vehicles can be expensive, and these states have the luxury of using the materials extracted locally, which drives down costs. One possible explanation for this relationship may be that state residents and businesses are taking advantage of cheaper energy. "Cheaper energy may have some influence on consumption." McFarland explained, although he added that the relationship was unclear, and was more apparent on the side of states that use less energy. "From what I can tell… more expensive energy tends to have a bigger impact on behavior. States like California and Hawaii have promoted energy conservation in response to high prices." One additional factor that could be driving up use in these states, Added McFarland, is climate. While the energy requirements for space heating has declined in recent years due to improvements in technology, it still accounts for more than 40% of total energy consumption in the country. Not surprisingly, eight of the 10 states with the highest energy are in cold-weather climates, including Alaska and North Dakota. "Weather … has a major impact on residential sector consumption." Added McFarland. Cold temperatures tend to have a bigger impact than warm ones. It takes more energy to heat a house from 30 degrees Farenheit to 70 degrees Farenheit than to cool it from 90 degrees." To determine the 10 states consuming the most energy per capita, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed energy end-use consumption data for 2013 from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. According to the EIA: "U.S. energy consumption per capita is the ratio of total energy consumed and total U.S. population. It is not an average of energy consumed directly per person. In addition to energy resources consumed directly by households and commercial businesses, total energy includes energy consumed in industrial processes, for transportation, and to generate electric power." In addition to energy consumption, we reviewed electricity generation by source for 2013, also from the EIA. All data are for the most recent available year. More from 24/7 Wall St.: The Most Educated City in Every State America's Richest and Poorest Cities The Worst Cities for Black Americans | 3 | 96,065 | finance |
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BMW has finally developed a successor to the 1 Series M Coupe, and the 2016 BMW M2 is ready to fill those shoes. As the smallest and likely most affordable vehicle in the M lineup, the M2 was developed on the Nrburgring and is powered by a direct-injected, turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 producing 365 hp and 343 lb-ft of torque. And while its performance pedigree may be impressive, the styling as aggressive as you'd expect from an M car, with functional styling enhancements to give this vehicle the appearance that even though it may be small, it can still pack a punch. But is the 2016 BMW M2 a true successor to the 1M coupe? The 2011 BMW 1M Coupe had a similar overall appearance to the new M2, with a sculpted lower grille and signature kidney grille. The lights feature a similar design, but the 2016 BMW M2 adds a modern take. The overall shape of the housings remains the same, but tapers to a fine point as they reach closer to the grille. The front air intakes flanking the lower grille appear similar to those on the 1M, just inverted. The center lower grille also features a more hexagonal design than the 1M Coupe, which is more rectangular. Looking at the side profile of both models, the 1M Coupe has a more rounded roofline, while the 2016 M2 has a more dramatic slope at the rear. The character lines along the sides are more aggressive on the new model, giving the vehicle a more aggressive look. The taillights again feature BMW's signature "L" shape, but in place of the 1M's molded trunklid spoiler the M2 gets a barely-there trim piece that gives it a subtle lip. The tailpipes retain the typical M quad-tipped setup, but the M2's exhausts are pushed closer together. Inside, the 2016 BMW M2 and the 1M Coupe couldn't be more different. Within the last few years, BMW has refined its interiors, and the generational differences are clear looking at the two cabins. The infotainment screen is no longer inset in the dash but instead juts out of the center stack almost as an afterthought. The air vents are smaller, while the controls for the infotainment system and HVAC have been updated. The steering wheel is much sharper in the new model, with a smaller center design and chrome accents, while the instrument cluster has been given a much-needed update. Research BMW's Latest Models on MSN Autos The new 2016 M2 is the spiritual successor to the 1M Coupe, and it certainly looks the part with its interior and exterior updates. How do you think the 2016 BMW M2 compares to the 1M? Let us know in the comments below. Last week's Styling Size-up pitted the all-new Jaguar F-Pace against the BMW X4, Porsche Macan, and Lexus NX. According to the comments, there wasn't really any consensus but many liked the F-Pace's looks. "The Jag is the only one I have yet to see in person (for obvious reasons) but based on the picture I like it the best. However, it's a close call with the Porsche which looks very good in person," said ThrottleBlip . "The X4 is gorgeous from the front and side, make it an X4M and this discussion is over," said knaack46 . "Macan all dayim not a fan of knob shifters or tablets sticking out of the dash. The BMW is nice, however it is 2nd choice for me," said Jay69 . "There is no styling contest with any of these because all of them borrow heavily from other models under their brands, or look like smaller versions of larger models: the F Pace has a F facia and F Type rear, the Macan is just basically a smaller Cayanne, the pointless X4 is a smaller even more pointless X6, and the NX has the Predator front fascia and sharp angles all other Lexus' have now," said Lawrence Hodge . Follow MSN Autos on Facebook | 9 | 96,068 | autos |
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Team Penske's Brad Keselowski will start the second race of the Contender Round of the Chase from the pole position. Todd Warshaw Brad Keselowski scored his 10th career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pole on Friday, snaring the top starting spot for Sunday's Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway. Keselowski, the driver currently on the bubble for advancing to the next round of the Chase for the Sprint Cup, led all qualifiers with a blazing-fast lap of 195.503 mph. Fellow Chase driver Carl Edwards (195.454 mph) will join Keselowski in leading the field to the green flag for Race No. 5 of NASCAR's 10-race playoff. "I'm still kind of shaking," Keselowski said after getting out of his No. 2 Team Penske car. "I've always felt like Darlington is the hardest qualifying session of the year, but this is harder. You're right on the fringe of being wide open." Although Keselowski has a prime starting spot, he'll have to forego first dibs on pit selection as a result of a penalty his team incurred this week for accumulating four written warnings from NASCAR for issues in the inspection line. "It fuels something inside of me," Keselowski said of the penalty. "As a team we'll have to deal with it the best we can." Edwards will have the No. 1 pit stall as a result of the penalty on Keselowski's team. "That's a gift," the Joe Gibbs Racing driver said. Chase drivers Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin completed the top five. Chase drivers Jeff Gordon and Martin Truex Jr. were sixth and seventh, respectively, followed by non-Chaser Ryan Blaney, and title contenders Kurt Busch and Ryan Newman. Chase driver Matt Kenseth (11th) and non-Chaser Greg Biffle (12th) were last among the dozen drivers who reached the third and final qualifying round. Just two Chase drivers -- Joey Logano and Dale Earnhardt Jr. -- failed to make the final qualifying round. Logano, who starts 14th, has nothing to sweat, however, since he's the one driver who has already punched a ticket to the next round of the Chase. Earnhardt will start 15th, last among the 12 title contenders, but the Hendrick Motorsports driver was fairly upbeat after his qualifying run. "I was tight in the middle of (turns) 3 and 4 all day, but we were trying to work on it ... and I just barely missed (the final qualifying round)," said Earnhardt, who is 11th in the standings among the 12 championship-eligible drivers. "I liked some things I saw today, and I think the car has good speed." With one race down and two to go in the Chase Contender Round, Earnhardt, Kenseth, Kyle Busch and Newman are the four drivers on the wrong side of the cutoff for advancing to the next round. | 1 | 96,070 | sports |
KANSAS CITY, Kan. Brad Keselowski won the pole, but not everything that comes with it. He said he can make due. The Team Penske driver posted the fastest lap on Friday to claim the top starting spot for Sunday's Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway as he attempts to hold onto the eighth and final transfer spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Keselowski will lead the field to green for the middle race in the second round of the Chase for the Sprint Cup, but the other 11 title-eligibles won't be far away. The Chase field will be culled from 12 to eight next week at Talladega Superspeedway. Keselowski covered the 1.5-mile track with a best lap of 195.503. He will start out front but lost an ancillary benefit of the pole. His No. 2 Ford team was denied its opportunity to select the pit stall this week because it accumulated a fourth written warning for a minor technical inspection violation last week. His team will pick 42nd. Tony Stewart, who was also issued a fourth written warning last week, will pick last. The 2012 series champion likened the loss of a primerace-influencing pit stall to "a nice cheesecake with no topping," but added, "we'll make the most of it." Carl Edwards, who is fifth in points, qualified second at 195.454 mph. Points leader Joey Logano (194.035 mph) qualified 14th, but has already assured entry into the third round by winning at Charlotte Motor Speedway last week. Four drivers outside of the transfer boundary posted reasonable times in their bid to amass points before the wild-card restrictor-plate race at Talladega. Ryan Newman (194.301), who is ninth in points, will start 10th. Kyle Busch (11th in points) will start third after a best lap of 194.826. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (12th) starts 15th with a best lap of 194 mph, but was encouraged by the speed potential in the No. 88 Chevrolet. Matt Kenseth (12th) will start 11th with a top lap of 194.161. Edwards' Joe Gibbs Racing team will therefore have first pit stall selection. "That's a gift and we'll take it," Edwards said. Among other Chase drivers, defending series champion Kevin Harvick (second in points) qualified fourth (194.756). Denny Hamlin (fourth) qualified fifth at 194.735. Jeff Gordon, seventh in points, qualified sixth at 194.623. Martin Truex Jr., who is third in points, qualified seventh at 194.370 and Kurt Busch (sixth) finished ninth at 194.335. Keselowski won at Kansas in 2011. Hollywood Casino 400 Lineup After Friday's qualifying at the 1.5-mile Kansas Speedway (car number in parentheses): 1. (2) Brad Keselowski, Ford, 195.503 mph. 2. (19) Carl Edwards, Toyota, 195.454. 3. (18) Kyle Busch, Toyota, 194.826. 4. (4) Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 194.756. 5. (11) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 194.735. 6. (24) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 194.623. 7. (78) Martin Truex Jr., Chevrolet, 194.37. 8. (21) Ryan Blaney, Ford, 194.363. 9. (41) Kurt Busch, Chevrolet, 194.335. 10. (31) Ryan Newman, Chevrolet, 194.301. 11. (20) Matt Kenseth, Toyota, 194.161. 12. (16) Greg Biffle, Ford, 193.861. 13. (27) Paul Menard, Chevrolet, 194.056. 14. (22) Joey Logano, Ford, 194.035. 15. (88) Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, 194. 16. (33) Brian Scott, Chevrolet, 193.993. 17. (14) Tony Stewart, Chevrolet, 193.833. 18. (17) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ford, 193.743. 19. (6) Trevor Bayne, Ford, 193.715. 20. (42) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet, 193.486. 21. (48) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 193.34. 22. (55) David Ragan, Toyota, 193.313. 23. (43) Aric Almirola, Ford, 193.036. 24. (5) Kasey Kahne, Chevrolet, 193.036. 25. (3) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet, 192.342. 26. (15) Clint Bowyer, Toyota, 191.795. 27. (47) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet, 191.714. 28. (1) Jamie McMurray, Chevrolet, 191.707. 29. (10) Danica Patrick, Chevrolet, 191.435. 30. (51) Justin Allgaier, Chevrolet, 190.995. 31. (9) Sam Hornish Jr., Ford, 190.766. 32. (7) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet, 190.59. 33. (38) David Gilliland, Ford, 190.04. 34. (83) Matt DiBenedetto, Toyota, 189.527. 35. (34) Brett Moffitt, Ford, 189.487. 36. (26) J.J. Yeley, Toyota, 189.321. 37. (46) Michael Annett, Chevrolet, Owner Points. 38. (13) Casey Mears, Chevrolet, Owner Points. 39. (35) Cole Whitt, Ford, Owner Points. 40. (23) Jeb Burton, Toyota, Owner Points. 41. (40) Landon Cassill, Chevrolet, Owner Points. 42. (98) Reed Sorenson, Ford, Owner Points. 43. (32) Will Kimmel, Ford, Owner Points. Failed to Qualify 44. (62) Timmy Hill, Chevrolet, 185.211. | 1 | 96,071 | sports |
LOS ANGELES With strong El Niño conditions now established in the Pacific Ocean, Southern California has been getting a taste of what might be in store this winter: lots of desperately needed rain, but also dangerous mudslides and flash flooding. After several hours of heavy rain, mud and debris cascaded down hillsides north of Los Angeles on Thursday, blocking two freeways, including Interstate 5, the critical artery linking this city with San Francisco, Sacramento and Seattle. Mud, sometimes up to windshields, swallowed hundreds of vehicles across the region. Traffic coming south toward Los Angeles all but stopped, stranding travelers far from home. Near Tehachapi, north of here, the hills beside State Route 58 suddenly caved in. Jessica Rose, who was driving to her grandfather's funeral in Los Angeles, pulled off the highway and onto an overpass just before it hit. Sign Up For NYT Now's Morning Briefing Newsletter "I saw the mudslide it looked like a brown waterfall coming down the mountain," Ms. Rose, 22, said. "It was like Niagara Falls but brown, like the chocolate waterfall from Willy Wonka. Cars were all crashing into each other because there was 15 feet of water. Semi trucks were stuck in it. It was the most serious thing I've ever seen." In all, about 115 cars and 75 tractor-trailers were stuck on the Route 58 freeway. No injuries were reported, but 300 people were evacuated, and many spent the night at American Red Cross shelters. Some remained in their vehicles overnight and did not get out until Friday morning, said Ray Pruitt, a spokesman for the Kern County Sheriff's Department. More than 100 vehicles were still lined up on the highway on Friday, Mr. Pruitt said, and bulldozers had gotten stuck trying to clear them out. "There are four to five feet of mud covering the highway in both directions," Mr. Pruitt said. "It basically looks like a wall of mud. I'm looking at semis buried in four feet of mud. It's a miracle no one was seriously hurt." Rain was heaviest just southwest of Lancaster, where more than three inches fell in just an hour; golfball-size hail was also reported in the area. Funnel clouds were seen near Lake Hughes, not far from the mudslide on Interstate 5. With more rain expected, flash flood warnings remained in place for much of the region on Friday. Local and state officials have been trying to alert citizens to the dangers El Niño will bring in addition to the welcome rain after four years of record drought in hopes of limiting damage. Los Angeles has set up a website devoted to El Niño preparation , which warns, "El Niño may bring much-needed drought relief to our state, but it could also mean El Monstruo-type storms creating disastrous flooding and mudslides." The site encourages residents to obtain sand bags from the Fire Department, clear storm drains and prepare catch basins. But many of those who got in trouble on Thursday and Friday ignored warnings, officials said. Fire crews across Los Angeles and Kern Counties performed dangerous swift-water rescues, pulling people from trapped vehicles through windows as water rose too high for doors to open. Near Tehachapi, a woman who was seven months pregnant was helped to safety through her car's sun roof. Patrick Chandler, a spokesman for the California Highway Patrol, offered a message repeated by many frustrated officials on Friday: The public needs to heed warnings about dangerous conditions, especially with heavy rains and mudslides likely all winter. There were plenty of signs warning people to stay away from Interstate 5, he said, but thousands kept coming anyway and ended up stranded when the road was closed. "We really need people to look at a map and have everything they need before they head out, especially with El Niño coming," he said. "We have got to get people out of that trance." Luisa Zavala was on her way south from Seattle when the storm closed Interstate 5. When she took a detour to Route 58, that was closed, too. So she and her husband, with their 8-year-old daughter, cut onto a back road. They got stuck in mud so high they could not open the doors. About two hours later, the sheriff's deputies arrived. It was 4 a.m. They planned to head on to Los Angeles again Friday. "There is still a flash flood warning for one potential route," Ms. Zavala, 27, said, "so we're not going to go that way." | 5 | 96,072 | news |
It's "worth considering" whether the United States should emulate Australia by instituting a national gun buyback program, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said Friday at a town hall in New Hampshire. A man in the audience asked Clinton whether she thought it would be possible for the U.S. to enact such a program, and if not, why. Gun buybacks have happened at the metropolitan level in the U.S., but any effort at the national level would be sure to run into intense political opposition. Clinton, for her part, seemed open to the idea. "Australia is a good example, Canada is a good example, the U.K. is a good example. Why? Because each of them have had mass killings" she said. "Australia had a huge mass killing about 20, 25 years ago, Canada did as well, so did the U.K. And, in reaction, they passed much stricter gun laws." Australia's mandatory gun buyback program of semiautomatic and automatic rifles and shotguns was enacted after a shooter killed 35 people in 1996. The country bought back more than 650,000 weapons . "The Australian government, as part of trying to clamp down on the availability of automatic weapons, offered a good price for buying hundreds of thousands of guns," Clinton said. "Then, they basically clamped down, going forward, in terms of having more of a background check approach, more of a permitting approach, but they believed, and I think the evidence supports them, that by offering to buyback those guns, they were able to curtail the supply and to set a different standard for gun purchases in the future." Clinton said such a gun buyback program "would be worth considering" federally, "if that could be arranged." She compared it to President Barack Obama's so-called "cash for clunkers" program, which bought back old cars with lower levels of energy efficiency in order to stimulate the economy and reduce pollution. "I do not know enough detail to tell you how we would do it, or how would it work, but certainly the Australian example is worth looking at," she added. While voluntary gun buyback programs at the municipal or county level in the U.S. haven't been found to contribute to a reduction in gun violence , they do appear to increase public awareness of gun violence and reduce the incidence of accidental shootings. The candidate has made gun control a central part of her campaign since the Oct. 1. mass shooting at a community college in Oregon renewed the national debate over how to address gun violence. She has promised to take executive action to close gun show and Internet sale loopholes and to make it more difficult for domestic abusers and stalkers to buy and own firearms. Clinton has pushed to repeal the law that allows gun manufacturers and dealers to have legal immunity from civil lawsuits -- a law her leading primary rival, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), voted for as a member of the House of Representatives. She has also called for "a national movement" to counteract the political power of the National Rifle Association, and for gun rights supporters to form an alternative organization that is willing to compromise. The NRA said Friday in a press release that Clinton's comments reveal that "the real goal of gun control supporters is gun confiscation" -- a sentiment various conservative websites echoed . Also on HuffPost: | 5 | 96,073 | news |
The second episode of the most recent season of "Homeland" contained subversive graffiti , which if you were paying attention and are fluent in Arabic reads, "Homeland is racist." Produced by Jacqui Frank Follow BI Video: On Facebook | 6 | 96,074 | entertainment |
Technology, industrial, health-care and consumer companies all report earnings in the week ahead and may provide some clues on the extent of the economy's soft patch. So far the earnings season has been lackluster, and some high-profile warnings have already given investors pause. Wal-Mart said its sales would be weaker than expected next year, and Yum Brands said its sales in China are too difficult to predict because of volatility there. "The earnings are not good. Companies are giving cautionary guidance," said David Bianco, chief U.S. equity strategist at Deutsche Bank. Those corporate warnings follow on a batch of weaker U.S. economic reports that have dragged down third-quarter growth targets to an average 1.6 percent, according to a CNBC/Moody's Analytics survey. Some forecasts are as low as 1 percent, after second-quarter GDP grew at a 3.9 percent pace. When the Fed held off hiking interest rates in September, it warned that it was watching international developments because of the potential impact on U.S. growth. There will be little new information on the U.S. economy this week. The economic calendar is light in the coming week and dominated by housing reports. But there will be heavy focus on a release of Chinese economic data Monday, and economists are anxious to see if it is stabilizing or getting weaker. China releases third-quarter GDP, industrial output and retail sales. GDP is expected to slip below 7 percent for the first time since 2009. China does not have a big direct impact on the U.S. economy, but it does have an indirect impact because of its significant influence on other economies that have trade relationships with the U.S. Commodities and currency markets could be especially sensitive to the Chinese data early in the week. "If you look at the various drivers here, it's pretty clear that China's economy is changing, and that means we're looking at probably a weaker environment for metals and mining companies. On the flip side, we think supply in the energy space might come down because of the capex cuts in recent quarters. We see probably a better picture for energy than some of the metals," said Francisco Blanch, Bank of American Merrill Lynch head of global commodities and derivatives research. Blanch said confusion over the Fed has helped some commodities as the dollar weakened. "We think overall the commodity markets are in better shape, but considering the negative backdrop of weaker China and stronger dollar, this has changed with the Fed not hiking. Some commodities like gold, have started to move up. How much gold can move up depends on the outlook for interest rates. The market is saying June, and that's giving gold some room to move higher," said Blanch. "There's a lot of talk around about QE4 in the market," said Blanch, adding BofA expects a December hike. "I think just the fact that the Fed's message is confusing and six months ago they seemed hell bent on hiking rates and now it's unclear on what they're thinking, that has created some confusion for gold." QE4 is used in the market to describe a resumption of Fed asset purchases. The Fed ended the last of its quantitative easing programs, on the expectations it would move ahead to begin normalizing interest rates. Investors in the week ahead will also focus on how the markets trade in response to the data and on expectations for a Fed rate hike. Stocks have rallied since the Fed held off raising rates, and analyst say the market has begun to respond positively to somewhat weaker economic data because it could delay Fed tightening. Jim Caron, fixed-income portfolio manager at Morgan Stanley Investment Management, said he sees a 50/50 chance of a Fed rate hike in December, while the market is pricing in just a 1-in-3 chance. "I think we have to live through a period right now of softish data that's not going to necessarily make it obvious the Fed has to hike." Caron said the markets need to see whether fourth-quarter growth is stronger before investors believe the Fed could hike rates sooner than next year. The data will have to improve, but financial conditions will have to look strong enough for a Fed hike, as well. "I think the markets are going to focus on what's happening to prices equities prices, credit spreads … oil prices, things like that. I think that's really what the criteria becomes and what we start to look at. We're going to start to be led by prices," he said. Stocks closed out the past week with a third week of gains. The S&P 500 was up 0.9 percent to 2033, and the Dow was up 0.8 percent at 17,215. Treasury yields were lower on the week, with the 10-year yield at 2.03 percent from nearly 2.1 percent, the week earlier. The dollar index was off slightly for the week, while commodities were mixed. Gold was up 1.7 percent for the week but West Texas Intermediate crude futures were down nearly 5 percent and copper futures were down about a half percent. More than a fifth of the S&P 500 report earnings in the coming week, including tech heavies, IBM, Google's parent Alphabet, and Microsoft. Consumer brands Coca-Cola and Procter and Gamble also report, as do industrials, such as Boeing, GM and Caterpillar. U.S. data include homebuilder sentiment Monday, housing starts Tuesday and existing home sales Thursday. "The profits are still going to be very weak this quarter and next quarter," said Bianco. "Exports are still contracting. China imports are contracting. West Coast U.S. exports are contracting. Everything is still very challenging in the industrial space." The majority of companies have been beating Wall Street earnings estimates, but the S&P 500 companies are expected to see an earnings decline of nearly 4 percent and just over half of the companies reporting so far have been missing revenue forecasts. Some technology companies could be challenged, said Bianco. "There are cautionary things coming out of semiconductors, and the business spending side of tech is still very weak. I think earnings season will have continued weakness in sales on the enterprise spending side… . I think the consumer side of tech spending … that stuff should be pretty good," he said. Bianco said the economy, however, has been concerning since the Fed has been confused markets. "There's so much confusion about whether the data will start improving or continue to deteriorate, and those that were expecting a further deterioration are beginning to think the Fed has to do something (more stimulus)," he said. There are a half-dozen Fed appearances in the week ahead, before Fed officials go into a quiet period before their Oct. 28 meeting. "There's really nothing they can say that can help at this stage. Everything at this stage is 'Just show us what you do.' You want to show some courage? Just hike in December. Nobody expects that," said Bianco. "There's just too much confusion between what they're saying and what they're doing. On the one hand they're trying to be communicative. But we're really just more confused and doubting what they're saying." Fed officials this past week added to the already confused state of the markets, when two Fed governors said they didn't think the Fed should hike rates this year, while Fed Chair Janet Yellen has said she would like to hike rates if the economy is strong enough. Monday Earnings: IBM (IBM) , Morgan Stanley (MS) , Halliburton (HAL) , Hasbro (HAS) , Six Flags (SIX) , Flextronics (FLEX) , Crown Holdings (CCK) , Celanese (CE) 10 a.m.: NAHB survey 10 a.m.: Fed Gov. Lael Brainard on regulatory burden Noon: Richmond Fed President Jeffrey Lacker Tuesday Earnings: Travelers (TRV) , United Technologies (UTX) , Bank of NY Mellon (BK) , Lockheed Martin (LMT) , Yahoo (YHOO) , VMWare (VMW) , iRobot (IRBT) , Cree (CREE) , Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) , Chubb (CB) , Discover Financial (DFS) , Tupperware (TUP) , Pinnacle Financial (PNFP) , Brinker International (EAT) , Canadian Pacific Railway (CP-CA) , Omnicom (OMC) , Harley-Davidson (HOG) 8:30 a.m.: Housing starts 9 a.m.: New York Fed President William Dudley at market conference 9 a.m.: Fed Gov. Jerome Powell at market conference 11 a.m.: Fed Chair Janet Yellen makes welcoming remarks at ceremony Wednesday Earnings: Boeing (BA) , Coca-Cola (KO) , American Express (AXP) , eBay (EBAY) , Abbott Labs (ABT) , Biogen (BIIB) , Texas Instruments (TXN) , Kimberly-Clark (KMB) , Las Vegas Sands (LVS) , General Motors (GM) , Credit Suisse (CSGN-CH) , Owens Corning (OC) , St. Jude Medical (STJ) , SanDisk (SNDK) , Norsk Hydro (NHY-NO) , Northern Trust (NTRS) , Angie's List (ANGI) , Manpower Group (MAN) , SallieMae (SLM) , Polaris (PII) , Morningstar (MORN) , Raymond James (RJF) 1:30 p.m.: Fed's Powell on panel on liquidity Thursday Earnings: 3M (MMM) , Caterpillar (CAT) , McDonald's (MCD) , Amazon.com (AMZN) , Alphabet (Google) (GOOGL) , Microsoft (MSFT) , Daimler, Dow Chemical (DOW) , Danaher (DHR) , AT&T (T) , Raytheon (RTN) , Eli Lilly (LLY) , Dr Pepper Snapple (DPS) , Freeport-McMoran (FCX) , Nasdaq OMX (NDAQ) , PulteGroup (PHM) , Sirius XM Radio (SIRI) , Under Armour (UA) , Southwest Air, (LUV) Juniper Networks (JNPR) , Pandora (P) , Union Pacific (UNP) , Alaska Air (ALK) , Dunkin Brands (DNKN) , Capital One (COF) , Stryker (SYK) 8:30 a.m.: Initial claims 9 a.m.: FHFA home prices 9:45 a.m.: Manufacturing PMI 10 a.m.: Existing home sales Friday Earnings: Procter and Gamble (PG) , American Airlines (AAL) , Autoliv (ALV) , Cabot Oil and Gas (COG) , State Street (STT) , LM Ericsson (ERIC.B-SE) , Tenneco (TEN) , Lear (LEA) , Citizens Financial (CFG) , VF Corp. (VFC) | 3 | 96,075 | finance |
Lindsay Lohan for president? It looks like there's going to be a star-studded ballot come 2020, because along with Kanye West, LiLo has announced that she's planning to run for Commander in Chief as well. Is she serious? We're not positive, but she sure seems enthusiastic about it. The actress took to Instagram to make the (maybe-serious-maybe-not) announcement, posting a photo of herself in deep conversation at a formal dinner. She followed up with a black and white Instagram photo of her and Yeezy Nearly two months ago, West made his announcement at the MTV VMA's that he will run for president in 2020, and no one was sure if he was serious. Spoiler alert: He was. | 8 | 96,076 | video |
MORTON, Ill. A 75-year-old Army veteran who fought off a knife-wielding man who was threatening to kill children at an Illinois library says training he received nearly five decades ago helped him in the scuffle. James Vernon was teaching a chess class with 16 children at Morton Public Library when authorities say 19-year-old Dustin Brown entered the room with two knives. According to a court affidavit, Brown told police afterward that he "failed in his mission to kill everyone." "He actually ran into the room yelling, 'I'm going to kill some people!' He was holding two knives," Vernon told the Pekin Daily News (http://bit.ly/1LegA6o ). Vernon described the knives as "hunting types" with "fixed blades about 5 inches" long. Vernon, a retired Caterpillar Inc. employee, told the newspaper he remembered the knife-fight training the Army had given him. Despite his cuts, Vernon contended he won his "90 seconds of combat" with Brown, "but I felt like I lost the war." He suffered two cut arteries and a tendon in his left hand as he blocked Brown's knife swipe. He said he first tried to calm Brown and deflect his attention from the children attending his class. "I tried to talk to him. I tried to settle him down," he said. "I didn't, but I did deflect his attention" from the children "and calmed him a bit. I asked him if he was from Morton, did he go to high school. I asked what his problem was. He said his life sucks." Vernon said the man backed away as he got closer to him, but he was able to put himself between Brown and the room's door, with the children hiding under the tables behind him. "I gave them the cue to get the heck out of there, and, boy, they did that!" Vernon said. "Quick, like rabbits." Vernon said Brown responded by slashing him with a knife. Vernon, saying he was "bleeding pretty good" at the time, held the suspect until a library employee arrived to remove the knives, and kept the man pinned until police officers and paramedics arrived. Brown, who was free on child pornography charges, is being held on $800,000 bond on charges of attempted murder, armed violence and aggravated battery. It wasn't immediately known whether Brown has a lawyer who could comment on his behalf. ___ Information from: Pekin Daily Times, http://www.pekintimes.com | 5 | 96,077 | news |
Match Group, the company behind more than 45 online dating brands including Tinder, OkCupid, and Match.com, filed for an initial public offering of its stock today. Match is owned by IAC, the conglomerate run by billionaire media mogul Barry Diller, and counts 59 million monthly active users and 4.7 million paying users across its dating network. In 2014, Match Group had sales of nearly $900 million and earned $240 million in profit. IAC announced in June that it intended to take Match Group public with an offering of less than 20 percent of the company in common stock, ensuring that IAC retains majority ownership. Match Group counts 4.7 million paying users across more than 45 services The company's filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission doesn't offer much detail on Tinder, one of Match's fastest-growing dating services, save for one section of the S-1 filing detailing how Facebook could essentially break the app by altering the terms and conditions for connecting with the social network. "Facebook has broad discretion to change its terms and conditions applicable to the use of its platform in this manner and to interpret its terms and conditions in ways that could limit, eliminate or otherwise interfere with our ability to use Facebook in this manner and if Facebook did so, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected," the filing reads. Also in the risk factors section of the filing, Match admits it cannot protect itself wholly from the threat of cyberattacks on its systems or on a partner's system. The section is ostensibly referencing the hack of cheating site Ashley Madison, which crippled the service, forced its CEO's resignation, and resulted in multiple lawsuits. We are frequently under attack by perpetrators of random or targeted malicious technology-related events, such as cyber attacks, computer viruses, worms or other destructive or disruptive software or distributed denial of service attacks. While we have invested heavily in the protection of our systems and infrastructures and in related training, there can be no assurance that our efforts will prevent significant breaches in our systems or other such events from occurring. Any cyber or similar attack we are unable to protect ourselves against could damage our systems and infrastructure, prevent us from providing our products, erode our reputation and brands and/or be costly to remedy. The impact of cyber security events experienced by third parties with whom we do business (or upon whom we otherwise rely in connection with our day-to day operations) could have a similar effect on us. Moreover, even cyber or similar attacks that do not directly affect us or third parties with whom we do. Match filed to be listed under the Nasdaq listing MTCH with an offering amount of $100 million, but that figure is a placeholder and it may change in the future. | 3 | 96,078 | finance |
Heartwarming. | 8 | 96,079 | video |
NAPA, Calif. Rory McIlroy has taken to the stunning wine country here in Northern California. His putter, however, is leaving a sour taste in his mouth. While the world No. 3 was obligated to play this week three years ago he was granted a release to play in a non-sanctioned event in Turkey in return for playing this event at least once in three years he's thoroughly enjoyed his maiden voyage to Napa Valley. Superb weather? Check. Fine food? Check. Great wine? Check. And he was moved to take a picture and post it to Twitter of Friday's sunrise, which was punctuated with a hot air balloon. "You can see why everyone is so relaxed," McIlroy said. "Beautiful weather. A lot of stuff to do away from the golf course." Maybe too much. The vineyards were calling McIlroy so he made a trek to the Opus One Winery to see how his favorite wine is made. Of course he did some wine tasting. As they say, when in Rome. "Just trying to find a balance between not feeling too hung over when you tee it up the next day," McIlroy laughingly said. Now, for his putting, that's another matter. As has been the case of late for the four-time major winner, his ball-striking is on point while his putter is leaving him agitated and on edge. In his first-round 68, he missed six putts inside 12 feet. In Friday's round of 71, he missed another bunch of putts that passed over the lips of cups instead of disappearing into the hole. Through two rounds, he has 59 putts. His work on the greens finally caught up with him and his ball-striking diminished late in the round. Nonetheless, at 5 under he is within striking range heading into the weekend and certainly has the firepower to go low even if his putter is a pop gun right now. "It's a bit frustrating," McIlroy said of his putting. "I think it's mental more than anything else. Whenever you don't see anything go in, it makes it harder and harder each and every hole that goes by. "Hopefully I'll find something on the putting green tonight and then hopefully I can get off to a good start in terms of holing putts tomorrow. Hopefully that can feed through and I get some momentum and go from there. " … I don't expect to hole everything but I expect to hole more than I am right now." He said the same thing after his first round when he played brilliantly from tee to green. Then again, he's been saying the same thing for some time now. "It's sort of been like this since I've been back," said McIlroy, who returned to golf at the PGA Championship in August after missing two months because of an ankle injury. "I need to sort of figure it out a little bit." However McIlroy leaves this week satisfied with his effort or mulling what is wrong with his putter he'll be glad he came. In addition to embracing all that is around him, he's got his first tournament of his 2015-16 Tour season under his belt. "The last couple of years in the FedExCup I feel like I've always been playing catchup because I start the PGA Tour season at the end February when most guys are starting now," McIlroy said. "It's nice to get a couple events in before the turn of the year. Hopefully when I get back to Florida I won't be feeling the pressure of trying to catch up to these guys. It's important to get a good start." Especially if the first start is in Napa. Now if he can just get that putter going. | 1 | 96,080 | sports |
Video footage of a fatal police shooting in Michigan emerges after the dead teenager's family files a lawsuit against the officer. (Oct. 16) | 8 | 96,081 | video |
Cramer says investorss may not have been paying attention t o Nordic American Tanker, but it's now on the upswing. | 3 | 96,082 | finance |
Kyle Schwarber's monster home run in Game 4 of the NLDS against the Cardinals is in a shrine, and now it is in a flip book. Take a look at it here. | 1 | 96,083 | sports |
Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel was pulled over after a domestic argument "got out of hand," according to WEWS NewsChannel 5 in Cleveland . There was an argument between Manziel and his girlfriend, Colleen Elizabeth Crowley, and the police were called after Manziel's car used the shoulder of the road to pass a witness at high speed, according to the report. The witness told police that Manziel and Crowley were arguing and that Crowley attempted to leave the vehicle while they were on the road. The report, obtained by WEWS, says the couple stopped the car in a neighborhood and continued arguing, at which point a second witness called police. Manziel said he and Crowley had been drinking in downtown Cleveland earlier that day, but officers did not believe the couple were intoxicated enough to warrant a charge. Crowley did claim that Manziel pushed her head into the window, and police found an abrasion on her arm, but they determined the abrasion came from Manziel trying to prevent her from leaving the car while it was on the road. Neither were arrested and no charges were made. The report states alcohol was involved and Manziel admitted to drinking earlier, but he would have been taken in if police suspected he was above the legal limit to drive. Browns general manager Ray Farmer made a brief statement on the matter, saying the team is aware of the situation, that they take this thing seriously and that their conversations with Manziel will "remain private." Manziel took to Twitter to offer up an explanation in a series of Tweets: "Colleen and I got into a dumb public argument on the way home Monday afternoon. It probably looked more interesting than it was and I know I would stop and check if I saw a couple arguing on the road," Manziel said. "It was embarrassing but not serious, and when we talked to the police and they realized everything was alright and I was sober, we went home together and everything is fine." Crowley posted on her Instagram following the incident, echoing the sentiment. Manziel checked into a drug and alcohol treatment facility in January and completed over two months of treatment before being released in April of this year. He is currently the Browns' backup quarterback, behind Josh McCown . | 1 | 96,084 | sports |
Long-time Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin spoke briefly after testifying Friday in front of the House panel investigating the Benghazi attacks. | 8 | 96,085 | video |
The Nuescas had just picked their children up from school when they found themselves surrounded by mud and water in a remote area north of Los Angeles. They fled their car, climbed onto the roof and eventually found their way to safety. (Oct. 16) | 8 | 96,086 | video |
Chris Buescher has led the NASCAR XFINITY Series standings almost the entire year, won two races and is in position to claim the title in just over a month at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Particularly impressive is that Buescher has done it all in a year when the organization for which he competes -- Roush Fenway Racing -- failed to put a driver in the Chase for the Sprint Cup for the first time. Yet a lot of people -- including many NASCAR fans -- don't really know Buescher, a 22-year-old native of Prosper, Texas. Perhaps it's time to let the youngster introduce himself. "I'm just a redneck from Texas that gets to go racing, really," said Buescher, a former ARCA champion who made his XFINITY debut in 2011. "I'm a big outdoors guy, I like to spend all my time I can outside. We go ride four-wheelers on the weekends and I go fishing with a couple guys on the team and try to keep busy. "I like to work on stuff and I'm pretty mechanically inclined and love fabrication and do a lot of stuff in the shop at my place, and work on a lot of my own vehicles. I'm really good at taking stuff apart and not quite as good at putting it back together. ... Personality-wise, I'm not very loud, but I have obnoxious vehicles, and that's kind of my getaway." Buescher might like loud vehicles, but his quiet demeanor has contributed largely to him flying well under the radar all season and continuing to do so despite holding a reasonably comfortable 26-point lead in the standings over second-place Chase Elliott. While many followers of the sport are unfamiliar with Buescher, some of the Sprint Cup Series' biggest stars haven taken notice of his outstanding season, highlighted by wins at Iowa and Dover. "He's awesome," said Chase driver Carl Edwards, who spent his entire career pre-2015 with Roush Fenway. "He seems like a great guy and he really races very well. It seems like he's not easy to fluster even when things do go poorly for him. From an outside perspective, watching and just being around him a little bit, seems like he's really confident and he's very even and steady. ... He's going to be tough to beat. Those guys don't quit over there, either. I know those guys well enough at that shop to know that they're not going to give up, and he's doing well." Sprint Cup points leader Joey Logano also has been impressed by the young Texan, who maintains a healthy lead not only over reigning XFINITY champ Elliott, but also over veteran Regan Smith and Richard Childress Racing's Ty Dillon. "He's obviously doing a great job over there leading the points in XFINITY," Logano said. "He's been consistent and kind of doing his thing out there. He's got some good drivers aimed at him trying to win this championship as well, and it doesn't seem like the pressure is making him crack yet." In just his second full season in NASCAR's No. 2 series, Buescher has come a long way in a short time. Last year, he won a race but missed the season opener at Daytona when he failed to qualify. He went on to finish a solid seventh in the standings, however, which made him confident that this year could be special -- despite not being on most folks' short list of pre-season title favorites. "We expected to be here. Our team expected to be here," Buescher said. "We know we're very capable of it. We ended 2014 with some really solid runs, and we started this year right where we knew we should be. I'm not surprised at all to be in the position we're in. ... A lot of guys have put their head down and worked really hard to make sure we're in this position, so it's a testament to our whole organization and making this thing better, and our guys having the chemistry within our team and being able to get results out of it." To go from missing a race in 2014 to being in position to win the championship in 2015 is a remarkable turnaround in a relatively short time. "Last year, it was motivation," Buescher said of failing to qualify for last year's season opener. "That was not at all where I wanted to be. I did not want to sit in a motorhome. I think I spent half of it on a pit box watching a race that I know we should have been in. We were plenty fast to be in it, and between the new qualifying format and trying to wrap our head around that, and then with Mother Nature raining a little bit right there in the middle, that caught us off-guard and made for a really bad Daytona weekend, and a really bad season opener for our team. But our guys used that as a way to get motivated and work harder." And the work has paid off. While Roush Fenway's three Sprint Cup drivers have combined for just four top-five finishes in 2015, Buescher has 11 by himself in the XFINITY Series So how has Buescher managed to excel while Roush Fenway's Sprint Cup program has endured arguably its worst season ever? "On our (XFINITY) side we've been pretty solid for the last several years," said Buescher, whose cousin, James, won the Camping World Truck Series championship in 2012. "We've had fast race cars a lot of places. We're not where we need to be, but on this side of the garage area, in the XFINITY Series, we're not changing rules constantly. There hasn't been major updates for the past several years, and we've had time to really tune on our Mustangs and make them better. So I think that shows. "When our Cup program got down a little bit, it was the same time that rules were constantly changing, and you can't make it better if as soon as you find something, they change another rule, and now you've got to start all over. So that's not helped our Cup side, but it really hasn't affected us over here." With Buescher in prime position to capture the XFINITY title with just four races remaining -- including Saturday's Kansas Lottery 300 at Kansas Speedway -- the future looks bright. But does that future include a full-time Sprint Cup ride with Roush Fenway next year? The organization has room to expand from three to four cars. Buescher has made six Cup starts this year for Front Row Motorsports, another Ford organization, but doesn't know yet what he's doing next year. "I hear more rumors from other people about what I'm doing than from people in charge, which is interesting right now," he said. "We have a really good thing going right now, and we're trying really hard to focus on the XFINITY side and making sure this championship comes to. We had the opportunity to run a couple more races with Front Row and get some more experience on the Cup side this year that ultimately we turned down to keep the focus here and make sure this goes according to plan. If we are able to turn this up and make this work at the end of the year, then we'll be able to talk about 2016 with more depth." | 1 | 96,087 | sports |
The Golden State Warriors are on the defensive even before they begin to defend their NBA title. The Warriors are mad and they aren't going to take it anymore from the L.A. Clippers - or anyone who questions their championship credentials. Who said there's no drama in the preseason? There's already plenty of back-and-forth heading into 2015-16. This West Coast rivalry between the Warriors and the Clippers has been kicked up a notch, maybe two. When ESPN asked Clippers coach Doc Rivers if the Warriors "deserved" to win the title last season, he said, "You need luck in the West. Look at Golden State. They didn't have to play us or the Spurs." Whoa, did the Warriors return fire this week. My favorite was center Andrew Bogut's drop-the-mike response in a radio interview: "I've actually got my [championship] ring fitted for my middle finger, so they can kiss that one." Warriors point guard Steph Curry, the league MVP, also chimed in with a clever take. "I apologize for us being healthy. I apologize for us playing who was in front of us. I apologize for all the accolades we received as a team and individually. I'm very, truly sorry, and we'll rectify that situation this year," he said. There was some truth in what Rivers said about luck, and I even attached an asterisk to the Warriors' championship chase in this space. Not because their postseason road didn't include San Antonio or the Clippers (Rivers' team didn't help his case because it was knocked off by Houston before getting to Golden State.) No, my beef with Golden State's golden run was in the NBA Finals. Things would have been much different if Cleveland had All-Star Kevin Love (shoulder) available during the series and All-Star Kyrie Irving (knee) for more than one measly Finals game. Cleveland was left with LeBron and The Pips, and they were ousted 4-2 by Golden State. The Warriors won their first title in 40 years, so maybe that's why they seem overly sensitive. "If they're saying that, they aren't the champs," Warriors forward Draymond Green said of the Clippers. "It's simple. Gregg Popovich didn't say that. That's one organization I really respect. And you haven't heard anybody in their camp say that. You ain't heard anybody from OKC say that ... some of the organizations that I really respect." Tweaked Warriors guard Klay Thompson, "I wanted to play the Clippers last year [in the playoffs], but they couldn't handle their business." Emerging from the banter is an ever-growing grudge between Golden State and L.A. that should keep the regular season enticing. (We won't have to wait long: Nov. 4 on ESPN.) I mean, true rivalries are dead in the NBA, fitted for toe-tags years ago. Free agency keeps stars moving. Players also have changed more than their addresses. They largely are one big happy family who hug at tip-off and party together later. When LeBron and the Cavs met James' former team, the Miami Heat, it was a lovefest among players. Old big-market standbys like the Lakers, Knicks and Celtics are ghosts today. Thank the Clippers and Warriors for this offering. And to Rivers for stirring the pot. For the league, it's just want the Doc ordered. Magical Cubbies Finally caught up with Magic chairman Dan DeVos to get his thoughts about his family's involvement as minority owners with the Chicago Cubs. DeVos' father, Magic owner Rich DeVos, bought a stake in the team this spring from the Ricketts family in exchange for helping the Cubs finance renovations to Wrigley Field. The timing was perfect for the DeVos clan as the Cubs are in the NLCS. "It has been fun to watch the Cubs success this year and how Chicago has responded," Dan said in an e-mail. "I was in Chicago for another event so I could not attend the game [Tuesday night], but the city certainly was engaged. "I hear that when the Cubs are playing that the traffic is very light and people are not shopping. And there were more than a few celebrations in downtown Chicago after the game. "My family has enjoyed watching baseball this year. It is great that basketball and baseball seasons are opposite." Added Dan, "We have always been a multiple sports family (the other mainly hockey, of course) but certainly MLB is at a different level." This 'n' That From the Be Careful What You Wish For Dept.: Knicks star Carmelo Anthony wants his coaches to call him out for defensive lapses. "Call it out in the film session so everybody can see that and hear that. By them doing that, it kind of forces me to be at the top level of my game on both ends of the court," Anthony told reporters. Sounds good in theory, but hearing that repeatedly might not make Anthony so 'Melo. ... Magic fans don't want to hear about the 2016 NBA draft lottery yet, but there's a bright side. Plenty of power forwards could be available in the top 10, among them: LSU's Ben Simmons, projected to go No. 1; Kentucky's Skal Labissiere; Gonzaga's Domantas Sabonis; Israel's Dragan Bender; Cal's Ivan Rabb; and Kansas' Cheick Diallo. ... Magic F Tobias Harris, Orlando's highest-paid player after signing a four-year, $64-million contract extension, was ranked No. 78 in Sports Illustrated's player rankings. Rated ahead of Harris is teammate Nik Vucevic (No. 67). Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton were featured on SI's "snub" list, for what it's worth. ... Sacramento Kings coach George Karl on temperamental PG Rajon Rondo: "My relationship with Rondo is so good that if it gets better I'll be scared." [email protected] | 1 | 96,088 | sports |
Jeb Bush isn't the leading Republican candidate but recent campaign finance data shows he and Hillary Clinton are Wall Street favorites. Jeanne Yurman reports. | 3 | 96,089 | finance |
A look at how flash floods and mudslides have caused huge problems in California. Several cars and other vehicles were trapped after a massive mudslide on Interstate 5 in Southern California on Oct. 15, 2015. Click through to take a look at the images from this mudslide and its effects. This still frame from video provided by KABC-TV shows vehicles stuck on a muddy road in the mountainous community of Lake Hughes, California. In a photo provided by Caltrans, water and mud cover Interstate 5 at Fort Tejon, about 75 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. Debris sits along Interstate 5 at Fort Tejon, about 75 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. Cars on a road are stopped because of flooding, with some stuck in the mud in the distance, in Lake Hughes, California. Rancher Bill Wells asks a Los Angeles County sheriff's officer for help on checking his livestock. Traffic is diverted off southbound Interstate 5 at Castaic. A Los Angeles County firefighter use a front end loader to clear mud. A Los Angeles County firefighter use a front end loader to clear mud. A truck sits trapped by mud off of Elizabeth Lake Road in Leona Valley. This image taken from video provided by KABC-TV shows a vehicle stuck along a muddy road in the mountainous community of Green Valley. This still frame from video provided by KABC-TV shows vehicles stuck in a muddy road in the mountainous community of Lake Hughes. | 5 | 96,090 | news |
A gunman has shot dead five people at a Shia gathering in eastern Saudi Arabia before police shot him dead, the interior ministry said. A group claiming affiliation with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant said it carried out the attack on Friday. "As result of his shooting, five citizens... were killed, including a woman. Nine others were wounded," an interior ministry spokesman said in a statement. He said that at about 7pm (16:00 GMT) on Friday, a suspect with an automatic weapon "started to shoot randomly" at al-Haidaria hussainiya in the Saihat area of Qatif city. Police intervened and opened fire, killing the suspect, the spokesman said without giving details about the attacker. "The situation is still under investigation," he said. The Saudi Press Agency added the suspected gunman was in his 20s and that "authorities believe that he is mentally challenged". A group calling itself Islamic State-Bahrain State said in a statement that one of its "soldiers", Shughaa al-Dosari, "attacked a Shia infidel temple with an automatic weapon" in Saihat. The group posted a picture of the alleged attacker and warned that "infidels will not be safe in the island of Muhammad". In May 2015, ISIL claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing during midday prayers at a Shia mosque in eastern Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Health Ministry said at least 21 people had been killed and more than 120 others injured. Another suicide bomber killed at least 15 people in an attack on a mosque used by members of a local security force in southwest Saudi Arabia in August. | 5 | 96,091 | news |
Here are the the 10 best candidates for NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2015-16. The sixth man is the first player off the bench, meant to energize the team with his skills. The biggest asset a sixth man can typically give a team is explosive bursts of scoring. In some cases a sixth man would start on other teams, but is better suited in a bench role for his own squad. Here are the best candidates for this year's Sixth Man of the Year. 10. Manu Ginobili Manu Ginobili appeared to seriously deteriorate from the player he once was last year, especially in the playoffs. His coach, Gregg Popovich, even received criticism for sticking with Ginobili in key moments during the Spurs' first-round defeat against the Clippers. This Spurs team is in uncharted waters. With a brand new superstar in LaMarcus Aldridge, everyone's game will change. Ginobili's will enhance. It's his last hurrah. 9. Gerald Green Gerald Green was another underrated Miami Heat signing. The Heat got him on a one year-vet minimum deal. In his role backing up Dwyane Wade, he will inevitably see starters minutes when Wade goes down. Green's minutes will make him a more effective sixth man and give him good exposure to playing with Goran Dragic and Chris Bosh. 8. Jared Dudley Jared Dudley was brought in to replace the role that Paul Pierce vacated when he left for Los Angeles. Dudley is one of the most respected veterans in the game and is also an underrated player. Dudley commented on Zach Lowe's podcast that he thinks he can help the team as a stretch four. 7. Dennis Schroder We have been waiting for Dennis Schroder to bust out for two seasons. His mid-range jumper has definitely gotten better but his defense still needs to improve. He's still only 22 and with another season under his belt, he has the potential to become a legit player. Not to mention, he's also in his contract year. 6. Andre Iguodala Coming off his incredible performance as NBA Finals MVP, Iguodala has to be itching to get back on the court. Steve Kerr is out at the beginning of the season, so a veteran presence like Iggy will be more important than ever. 5. Jeremy Lin Lin has tried to be a starter in other spots since leaving the "Linsanity" era behind. It just hasn't worked, as his time with the Lakers was a nightmare. Going to Charlotte was a great move for him. He will be an excellent backup for Kemba Walker. He can play well with Batum and Jefferson, and could even play with Walker. 4. Taj Gibson Taj Gibson has been a sixth man since coming into the league, and there have always been questions about what he would do if he were a starter. Still he remained on the bench in Chicago, because that is the perfect spot for him. With a new coach, an offensive one in Fred Hoiberg, Gibson's numbers could go up even more. 3. Josh Smith Smith took the vet-minimum to play for the Clippers this season, turning down more money and years from other teams. Clearly Doc Rivers pitched Smith on a particular role and minutes that he has in mind for the talented, yet sometimes misguided, big man. Expect a possible career season for Smith. 2. Ryan Anderson The Pelicans are at their best when Anderson and Anthony Davis are on the floor together. It is a contract year for the 27-year-old and New Orleans should bring him back. Especially with new coach Alvin Gentry, an offensive mind who will get Anderson even more opportunities. 1. Isaiah Thomas Thomas could have won the award last year. From the bench, he put the Celtics on his back after being acquired during the season and took them to the playoffs. The expectations are even higher this year in Boston, and a lot of that has to do with Thomas. | 1 | 96,092 | sports |
To say that I'm a Harry Potter fan is KIND OF an understatement. Growing up, I was the kid at the midnight releases of the books and midnight premieres of the movies decked head to toe in proper Potter fandom attire. So, to say that I had high expectations for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Florida is putting it lightly. However, from the moment I rounded the corner of the wall dividing muggle London from Diagon Alley, I knew that the people who built this park had gotten it really, really right. What makes the park stand out are the nuances and subtle references to the wizarding world that toe the line by keeping everything entirely canon while still making magic come to life. There are so many things to see and do - both big and small - but it's the Harry Potter World hacks you have to look out for. While there, we discovered some secrets in both the Hogsmeade/Hogwarts and Diagon Alley sections of the park, ones that any true fan should definitely not miss out on. Here's what to look out for when you're there. To say that I'm a Harry Potter fan is KIND OF an understatement. Growing up, I was the kid at the midnight releases of the books and midnight premieres of the movies decked head to toe in proper Potter fandom attire. So, to say that I had high expectations for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Florida is putting it lightly. However, from the moment I rounded the corner of the wall dividing muggle London from Diagon Alley, I knew that the people who built this park had gotten it really, really right. What makes the park stand out are the nuances and subtle references to the wizarding world that toe the line by keeping everything entirely canon while still making magic come to life. There are so many things to see and do - both big and small - but it's the Harry Potter World hacks you have to look out for. While there, we discovered some secrets in both the Hogsmeade/Hogwarts and Diagon Alley sections of the park, ones that any true fan should definitely not miss out on. Here's what to look out for when you're there. You can exchange your muggle money for Gringotts bank notes. At Gringotts Money Exchange, you're able to speak with an interactive animatronic goblin who will answer your questions, and then exchange Muggle money for bank notes that can be used like cash in all of the Diagon Alley shops. The phone booth outside of King's Cross will connect you to the Ministry of Magic. If you dial 62442 (MAGIC) in the phone booth in Muggle London, you can get the Ministry itself on the line. You can catch a glimpse of Kreacher the house elf at 12 Grimmauld Place. When you're in muggle London, you can climb the stairs of 12 Grimmauld Place, but make sure you keep an eye on the upstairs windows - Kreacher can be caught peeking out periodically. You can send your purchases from Honeydukes and other shops to the park entrance. It's pretty much impossible not to want just about everything you see in the magical worlds of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, but carrying a bunch of wizarding supplies around all day isn't ideal (and the charm Hermione uses to stuff loads of items into a tiny bag is some pretty tricky magic). You can ask the wizards working at the registers to have your purchases sent to the front of the park, where you can collect them at the end of the day. The Hog's Head has specialty drinks. In addition to Firewhisky (which is a warm, cinnamon delight that goes down easy!), the dodgy Hog's Head pub also offers several Butterbeer options and a special red ale that comes from a beer tap with an awesome hog's head. The Hog's Head Brew is made exclusively for Universal - so make sure to get it while you're in Hogsmeade while you can! Moaning Myrtle haunts a bathroom in Hogsmeade. You won't find Moaning Myrtle in her usual haunt at Hogwarts Castle. Instead, she wails her laments while you're using the "public conveniences" in downtown Hogsmeade. Nearly all of the Horcruxes are available for purchase at the parks. The only missing Horcruxes are Helga Hufflepuff's cup and Harry himself. The locket, ring, Tom Riddle's diary, a stuffed Nagini, and even Rowena Ravenclaw's bedazzled diadem are for sale. You can order Harry's favorite ice cream from Florean Fortescue's. In the summer before his third year at Hogwarts, Harry spent several weeks staying in Diagon Alley at the Leaky Cauldron. Florean Fortescue would give Harry ice cream sundaes every half hour while he studied, and you can get one at the shop, too! Interactive wands allow you to do spells all throughout the park. To truly get the full experience of both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, you need to be armed with an interactive wand (ideally the one that chooses you if you get picked at Ollivander's!). There are gold plates throughout the park with the spell name and wand motion for casting it - the results are magical , literally. The Magical Menagerie animal shop has a snake in the window that will speak to you. If you stand outside the window, the snake will say things to you in Parseltongue and English à la the Brazilian boa constrictor at the zoo in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone . The talking shrunken Knight Bus head is interactive. Stan Shunpike is there to greet you at the Knight Bus in Muggle London, and Dre Head isn't just for show. He can interact, answer questions, and make jokes - all specific to the person he's talking to! Ask the employees in London's King Cross station how to find Platform 9 3/4. They will look at you like you're crazy, bristle in annoyance or confusion, or make a sarcastic remark about how bonkers you are. The wizards working at both Potter-themed parks know their stuff - and they stay in character (and challenge your Harry Potter knowledge) at every turn. The animatronic Weasley on the Weasley's Wizard Wheezes building has some tricks up his sleeve. At first, it appears that he is just tipping his hat and wriggling his eyebrows, but if you watch carefully, you'll see that periodically a rabbit pops out of the hat, then disappears again. The advertisement inside of King's Cross station is like the one from the Half Blood Prince film. When you're on the way to Platform 9 3/4, don't miss the perfume ad that is almost straight out of one of the opening scenes in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince . The Hogwarts Express does different things depending on which direction you take it. While on the train, passengers will experience a variety of events, such as a dementor invasion, familiar faces outside the window, and even a visit from the trolley lady offering snacks. Make sure you take the Hogwarts Express both from Platfrom 9 3/4 to Hogsmeade, and then back to the Diagon Alley part of the park. You will see different things happen depending on the direction you're going! You can catch special performances throughout the day. Make sure you stick around Diagon Alley long enough to catch an incredible re-creation of "The Tale of the Three Brothers" (really - it's amazing!) or a performance by renowned singing witch Celestina Warbeck. The mermaid fountain does more than just spout a bit of water. When casting the Aquamenti spell to get the small fountain in front of the mermaid to spout water - watch out! While the frog fountain does indeed offer a reasonable amount of water, the spell also makes a large stream come crashing down on the spell caster unless they hop out of the way quickly enough. The Gringotts dragon breathes real fire. The massive winged creature that tops the wizarding bank randomly breathes throughout the day, and you can feel the heat of it from the streets of Diagon Alley. The Vanishing Cabinet in Borgin and Burkes has a special surprise - if you listen closely. Throughout Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince , Malfoy is hard at work attempting to fix the Vanishing Cabinet in the Room of Requirement - the cabinet that has a match in Borgin and Burkes. One of his tests is to send a bird to the shop, and if you listen closely to the cabinet, you can hear a subtle chirping. The Mirror in Madame Maulkin's talks. While you're trying on your Hogwarts robes, you can expect to hear some quips and comments from the mirror in the robe shop. The Gringotts ride has subtle differences depending on when you ride it. The trip through the bank and up to the ride itself can vary - you'll either be led up a winding staircase to your destination or will pass Bill Weasley's meeting with a goblin on the way to a very realistic lift ride before you go on quite the adventure through the vaults. The sky of Knockturn Alley is different than the rest of Diagon Alley. If you dare to walk down Knockturn Alley, you'll notice that the temperature drops significantly, and that the sky changes from day to night, with ominous clouds rolling overheard as you traverse the uneven cobbled path. Real props from the movies are scattered around the park. The Quality Quidditch Supplies store keeps the Quidditch trophies from the movies on the top shelves, and the luggage in the Leaky Cauldron is from the set of the films. Don't miss the dancing skeleton. One of our favorite spells in all of Diagon Alley is easily missed because it's hidden down darkened Knockturn Alley. But don't miss the dancing skeleton spell that makes a seemingly stationary skeleton projection come to life and mimic your own movements. There are hundreds of small details to look out for. The Owl Post's owls move and make realistic noises, a Boggart rattles in a trunk in Borgin and Burkes, shadows move behind the windows of shops in Knockturn Alley, and wizards' names are carved over the fireplace in the Hog's Head. While all these are tiny details (and there are countless more just like them), each one adds to the overall experience significantly. You could easily spend an entire day seeking out all of the subtleties - we did, and it was amazing! | 2 | 96,093 | travel |
WASHINGTON The Obama administration is canceling its plans to sell oil drilling rights in the Arctic Sea through 2017, a remarkable turnaround since expanding drilling by approving new drilling permits for Shell Oil earlier this year. But Royal Dutch Shell's decision last month to suspend its oil exploration in offshore Alaskan waters citing disappointing results from a well in the Chukchi Sea prompted the Interior Department to cancel further oil leases. "In light of Shell's announcement, the amount of acreage already under lease and current market conditions, it does not make sense to prepare for lease sales in the Arctic in the next year and a half," said Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. The Obama administration came under fire from environmental groups after approving permits for Shell to drill even as President Obama was embarking on a three-day trip to Alaska to highlight the effects of climate change in the Arctic. Those same groups applauded Friday's move, with the Natural Resources Defense Council calling it "an essential reprieve" for Arctic Waters. "The next step should be to take Arctic and Atlantic waters off the table to oil and gas drilling for good," said NRDC's Franz Matzner. Also Friday, the department also denied requests by Shell and the Norwegian company Statoil to extend existing years beyond 10 years. Both companies had asked for five-year extensions, arguing that they should have more time because regulations had prevented them from exploring for oil. Without those extensions, the leases will expire by 2020. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said the decision was "absurd." The Interior Department is throwing up regulatory roadblocks to prevent drilling, she said and then using the lack of drilling to justify canceling the lease sales. "This is a stunning, short-sighted move that betrays the Interior Department's commitments to Alaska and the best interests of our nation's long-term energy security," said Murkowski, who chairs the Senate Energy Committee. "Today's decision is the latest in a destructive pattern of hostility toward energy production in our state that began the first day this administration took office, and continued ever since." | 5 | 96,094 | news |
ARLINGTON - Baseball doesn't stop, not even in the initial moments after the final out of a team's season. As soon as Will Venable struck out Wednesday to complete the Texas Rangers' 6-3 gut-wrenching loss in Game 5 of the American League Division Series, next season was already hanging in the air. For every mention of the Rangers' high hopes in 2016, much has to happen during the off-season to allow them to trek back to the postseason. And the work is under way. Decisions about the coaching staff were made Friday, when hitting coach Dave Magadan and bullpen coach Andy Hawkins split from the club. The other six assistants on manager Jeff Banister's staff were invited to return, but no contracts have been signed. Decisions are also pending on Rangers players who can become free agents. A blueprint for 2016 roster will undergo a first draft in the coming days, first with an internal review of the players in the organization and a dissection of free agents who might be a fit. By the time the final out of the World Series is recorded and the off-season business begins in earnest, general manager Jon Daniels and his staff want to be ready to launch into the hot stove league, though they might not be as busy with the core group returning and with the July 31 acquisitions of Cole Hamels, Jake Diekman and Sam Dyson serving for 2016, too. "We're just starting our meetings," Daniels said. "Obviously, we have meetings during the summer and are constantly analyzing where we're at. As we said at the time, I think we did a lot of our heavy lifting in July." Here are some of the things that will be considered: Gallardo, Lewis decisions Two members of the starting rotation, right-handers Yovani Gallardo and Colby Lewis, can become free agents, and both will likely get that opportunity despite combining for 30 victories. The question with Gallardo, the Fort Worth resident, is whether to make him a qualifying offer, which this year is expected to be worth $16 million. Gallardo, who turns 30 in February, wants a multi-year contract in his first crack at free agency, but $16 million to pitch another season at home might be somewhat tempting. Even that seems doubtful. No player has ever accepted a qualifying offer. 30 Combined wins in 2015 for right-handed starters Colby Lewis (17) and Yovani Gallardo, both of whom can become free agents this off-season Lewis, 36, won a career-high 17 games and is beloved within the organization. With Gallardo potentially gone, pitching depth thinned by the Hamels trade and Yu Darvish out until May, the Rangers will need rotation help. Lewis just makes sense, even with Chi Chi Gonzalez ready to take a rotation spot. "I would expect this winter, between Colby, Yovani and/or somebody outside the organization, that we will look to add some stability to the organization," Daniels said. Beltre, Hamilton, Gallo Adrian Beltre could need surgery to repair ligament damage in his left thumb and possibly his left index finger, and while his ALDS back injury was said to not be anything more than a nasty strain, the Rangers might want back specialist Dr. Drew Dossett to take another look. Beltre will turn 37 early next season, the last of his six-year, $96 million contract. He is considered one of the toughest players in the game, because he is constantly playing through injuries. Josh Hamilton is also regularly injured, though this woes in 2015 are thought to be related to not having a proper spring training. Joey Gallo took Jeff Samardzija deep in his second career at-bat, and also took Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw deep June 17 at Dodger Stadium. With the health of Beltre and Hamilton a concern, top prospect Joey Gallo will be on the roster radar. He needs to solve Triple A before advancing to the majors, but the Rangers also might feel compelled to have an offensive threat on hand who can play third and left field. "He helped us win a couple games," Daniels said. "Ultimately, the big leagues are hard. I think he will ultimately be better for all the challenges he faced this year, but he's got more development time ahead of him." Upgrades The group of hitters that did enough to lift the Rangers to the AL West title are all under contract for 2016, so there don't seem to be any holes assuming everyone is healthy. Daniels, though, will ask if the Rangers can be better at certain areas. Catcher could be one area, though the free-agent market is typically thin on catching help. The Rangers like what Robinson Chirinos and Chris Gimenez did behind the plate, and Gimenez has become Hamels' preferred catcher. Darvish is also a Gimenez fan. Rangers GM Jon Daniels on possible roster activity this winter Many of the key pieces from the 2015 Rangers return next season, but that won't keep GM Jon Daniels from testing the market this off-season (video by Jeff Wilson). Mike Napoli, a fan favorite and a terror on left-handed pitchers, can also be a free agent. The Rangers would like to have him back, but he believes he can still be an everyday player. The Rangers are heavy with left-handed hitters, something they'd like to see balanced out. "There are some areas that I would expect that we'll look to upgrade," Daniels said. "I think we'll have a lot of conversations with other clubs and kind of see where the market is. I don't feel like there are any glaring holes if we are healthy." Don't forget Profar Infielder Jurickson Profar, who has missed the past two seasons because of shoulder injuries, is still highly regarded by the club and is expected to be fully healthy by spring training. The catch is he no longer has a spot to slide into. Daniels won't do something as extreme as trade shortstop Elvis Andrus and his bulky contract to create a spot for Profar, who will likely time in the minors to catch up on two years' worth of lost at-bats. He also needs to stay healthy and prove that he can make throws from shortstop and third base. "No. 1, we've got to get him healthy, get him playing, and then it's a question of how does he look in spring training and what's best for him and what's best for us," Daniels said. "Does he compete for a multi-position spot on the club? It's a pretty unique skill set for a manager to have." | 1 | 96,095 | sports |
Donald Trump declines to comment on the statements he made earlier in the day about suggesting George W. Bush shared in the blame for the 9/11 terror attacks. | 5 | 96,096 | news |
Veterans groups are criticizing Sen. Bernie Sanders over comments the presidential hopeful made during Tuesday's Democratic debate . Sanders was chairman of the Veteran Affairs committee in 2014, during the height of the Veterans Health Administration scandal . When asked at the debate about his lack of urgency in handling the crisis, Sanders said he passed "a $15 billion piece of legislation which brought in many, many new doctors and nurses into the VA, so that veterans in this country could get the healthcare when they needed it and not be on long waiting lines." "As a result of that legislation," Sanders continues, "we went further than anytime in recent history in improving healthcare for the men and women in this country who out their lives on the line to defend this country." Some groups, like the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), say Sanders failed to do enough for struggling veterans who faced months-long wait times while attempting to receive care. Paul Rieckhoff , CEO of IAVA told CNN, "For far too long he was apologizing for the VA. He was refusing to acknowledge the severity. He was positioning it as a smaller issue than it was while veterans were dying waiting for care." The long wait times and subsequent cover-ups on behalf of the VA prompted several investigations into the administrative backlog; at the VA medical center in Pheonix, Ariz., "official data showed they waited an average of 24 days for an appointment. In reality, the average wait was 115 days." Still, Sanders isn't facing a veteran crisis just yet. While the presidential candidate famously sought a Conscientious Objector exemption for the Vietnam War and voted against the Iraq War in 2002, some veterans think Sanders' progressive policies mirror the reforms needed for veterans. As Louis Celli , National Director Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation at The American Legion asked the Boston Globe , "who better than a socialist to advocate for veterans' health care?" >> Follow Elizabeth Preza on Twitter (@lizacisms) | 5 | 96,097 | news |
Preseason NBA action is a tease. NBA Preseason 2015: Early Surprises and Disappointments Preseason NBA action is a tease. "It's basketball!" we're told. "Finally, after all these weeks of searching for distractions, feigning interest in which types of saturated fats LeBron James endorses and wondering whether the Sacramento Kings exist only to troll us all, it's actual basketball!" "But don't read too much into it," we're then advised. "It's basketball that doesn't mean anything." Well, you know what? Forget that. Preseason roundball matters, even if it's presented with the caveat that what we're watching doesn't count toward the standings. Sure, the significance of exhibition performances and everything else that happens ahead of the regular season varies by team and player. But it's our job to separate the real from the misleading the actual surprises from the unsustainable anomalies, the legitimate disappointments from the irrelevant concerns. In looking at the most shocking preseason developments, both good and bad, we will only tackle topics that might hold weight during the regular season. Can certain players remain hot? Should certain teams be wary of their exhibition efforts? Are there secondary plot lines that could have an impact on what transpires past opening night? Basketball is back, Jack. And, despite stances to the contrary, it's basketball that matters. Disappointment: Tristan Thompson Everything Opening night is less than two weeks away, and yet the Tristan Thompson-Cleveland Cavaliers contractual tango plows on. Oh, also: There is no end in sight. "I actually believe it will probably go months," ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst told Grantland's Zach Lowe on The Lowe Post podcast ( h/t RealGM ). "This will go well into the regular season." Months. As in, the Cavaliers would start 2015-16 down at least two of their four best players. Kyrie Irving won't be ready in time for opening night, as he continues to recover from a fractured left kneecap, per the Akron Beacon Journal's Jason Lloyd . Kevin Love only just returned to practice without restrictions following the rehabilitation of a separated left shoulder, according to Northeast Ohio Media Group's Chris Haynes . And on top of that, sources told Lloyd that James will miss the rest of the preseason after receiving an injection in his back. Holdouts are rare, and they are never ideal. But Thompson's dance with Cleveland is especially ill timed given all of these murky bills of health. That the two sides don't appear to have made any progress is even more frustrating. The Cavaliers pulled their initial five-year, $80 million offer, according to Basketball Insiders' Larry Coon , and there are only two teams, the Philadelphia 76ers and Portland Trail Blazers, that have enough cap space to up Cleveland's ante. The most likely really only imaginable outcome still entails Thompson returning to the Cavaliers. But the longer that seemingly inevitable resolution takes, the worse this looks. And the worse this looks, the more distracting it becomes to a banged-up Cleveland team that, despite playing in the Eastern Conference, has no business splitting focus. Surprise: Charlotte Has Found the 3-Point Line Last season, the Charlotte Hornets ranked 24th in three-point attempts, tossing up an average of 19.1 per game. The year before that, in 2013-14, they ranked 27th with an average of 17.9. Through four preseason contests, though, the Hornets are pushing the three-point bill, jacking up 26.8 triples per game, a mark that would have ranked sixth in the league for 2014-15. For those thinking this is just some preseason fad, here's some advice: don't. Three-point shooting isn't a trend. It's the new standard . Besides, as ESPN.com's Tom Haberstroh found, there is value in how many treys teams chuck during the preseason: Maybe, you might say, 3s are just a preseason fling. However, dating to 2010-11 when RealGM.com data tracking begins, preseason 3-point rates have just about mirrored the regular-season rates. In fact, teams actually launch slightly more 3-pointers in the regular season than the preseason, which runs counter to conventional wisdom. What's most surprising isn't that the Hornets are falling in love with the three-ball. Their presently paced jump is no doubt eye-opening, but they're merely late to a years-long party. The accuracy with which they're draining long-range missiles is what's truly stunning. Charlotte finished dead last in three-point percentage last season, converting just 31.8 percent of its deep balls. But, through four preseason matchups, its players are drilling rainbows at what would have been a league-leading rate last season (40.2 percent). Sustaining this marksmanship is probably out of the question. The Hornets didn't add a ton of shooters over the summer though they're admittedly more three-point friendly and many of their players are finding nylon with untenable frequency. Frank Kaminsky, Jeremy Lin and Brian Roberts won't shoot 50 percent or better from beyond the arc forever. Marvin Williams and Kemba Walker's career-high clips are not a given. Cody Zeller will have to miss a three-pointer sooner or later. (No, seriously, he's a perfect 3-of-3 from deep through four preseason tilts.) Still, these impossibly awesome individual improvements don't take away from the Hornets breaking character and finally finding the three-point line. Disappointment: The Unknowable Relationship of Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose If only the Jimmy Butler-Derrick Rose speculation factory could take a chill pill. Or maybe a case of chill pills. Rumors began surfacing just after the Chicago Bulls' second-round playoff exit last season, when CBSChicago.com's Dan Bernstein described the relationship between Butler and Rose as being far from perfect. More recently, a former Bulls player told the Chicago Sun-Times' Joe Cowley that, while Butler counts Rose among his friends, he "doesn't have a lot of respect for his work ethic." To the credit of both Butler and Rose, they've done little to fuel this narrative. Butler has even reached the point of supreme frustration. "I'll try to keep my cuss words to a minimum, but it's making me mad," he said, per the Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson . "Let us be the fierce (expletive) competitors that we are and just let us play together." Perhaps it's because Butler and Rose haven't played that these rumors persist. The two have been teammates for more than four years, but they're practically strangers on the court. Butler and Rose have spent 1,489 minutes on the floor together since 2011-12, when the former entered the league. Seventy-nine two-man combinations played more through last season alone. Once Rose returns from his latest injury, a left orbital fracture, and the two start playing together regularly, they can let the Bulls' record do the talking. Until then, there is only knowing that when it comes to Butler and Rose, we know nothing at all. Surprise: Thin Kyle Lowry Is Big Kyle Lowry lost a substantial amount of weight over the offseason. He is noticeably leaner and, as he put it, harder. "I've got abs now," he said at Toronto Raptors media day, per Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun. He got game now, too. Already an All-Star, Lowry has always had game. That the Raptors were able to lock him up at four years and $48 million last summer is incredible. Not only did he quarterback the league's third-best offense , but he also was one of just five qualified players to average at least 18.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.5 steals per 36 minutes. His company: Stephen Curry , James, Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook . Now, we could posit that more of the same drool-drawing numbers await Lowry in 2015-16. But that would be selling him short. Lowry is averaging 30.3 points through three preseason appearances on less than 14 shots per game. His assist totals are unusually low, but he's shooting 68.3 percent from the floor, including 64.7 percent from downtown. In Toronto's 112-105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, he went for 40 points...on 18 shots. Four games is four games, preseason is preseason and yada, yada, yada. You shouldn't care. Lowry is that good at this basketball thing. Disappointment: New Orleans' Misfortune Is it too much to ask that the New Orleans Pelicans begin the season at full strength? Yes. First Alexis Ajinca was sidelined by a right hamstring strain that, per a team announcement , takes four to six weeks to rehab. Then Omer Asik was hit with a right calf strain that, per another team announcement , will keep him out of action for a few weeks. Shortly thereafter, backup point guard Norris Cole suffered a high ankle sprain that will take up to six weeks to heal, according to John Reid of the Times-Picayune. Reid also noted Eric Gordon has been battling back spasms. And, oh, by the way: Jrue Holiday recently told SI.com's Rob Mahoney the Pelicans will be capping his minutes to start the season as he continues to work his way back from a stress reaction in his right ankle. These injuries don't spell the death to New Orleans' playoff hopes. The Pelicans have picked up a stopgap at point guard in Nate Robinson, according to ESPN.com's Marc Stein , and so long as they have Anthony Davis, they remain a threat in the Western Conference. Even so, the projected starting lineup of Asik, Davis, Tyreke Evans, Gordon and Holiday appeared in just 13 games together last season. It would be nice for that combination to get its feet wet early rather than just eventually be thrown into the regular-season fire. Surprise: Stanley Johnson Is Rookie of the Preseason (So Far) Some thought the Detroit Pistons made a mistake when they selected Stanley Johnson with the eighth overall pick in this year's draft. Justise Winslow was still on the board, and he had played his way into the top five of certain big boards after a strong NCAA tournament. He seemed like the logical pick. Coach and president Stan Van Gundy rolled with Johnson instead, and as of now, Pistons fans should be glad he did. Johnson is averaging 15.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and one steal through five preseason outings. He's shooting just 40.6 percent from the floor overall, but he's found his touch from long range, torching twine on 46.7 percent of his three-point attempts. Those numbers, like most preseason explosions, are bound to drop during the regular season, as Johnson cedes touches and status to Andre Drummond, Reggie Jackson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The rookie is posting a usage rage north of 23 , which will be difficult to maintain when he's surrounded by so many other mouths that need feeding. Nevertheless, Johnson's value to the Pistons as someone who can stroke the long ball and defend either forward spot is obvious. More importantly, it's immediate. Disappointment: Spurs' Shot Selection When LaMarcus Aldridge agreed to join the San Antonio Spurs, the eulogies for opposing defenses wrote themselves. To an extent, they're still writing themselves. Indeed, the Spurs offense has been largely inefficient during the preseason, pumping in just 90 points per 100 possessions . But that offensive rating is so bad, it has to get better. The NBA's worst offense last season (Philly's) still mustered 93 points per 100 possessions . There have also been moments when the Spurs' point-piling machine actualizes initial visions when Aldridge makes a pass out of a pick-and-roll, hitting a wide-open Kawhi Leonard for an automatic three. Everything seems to make sense on those plays. But overall, and aided in part by Aldridge's presence, the Spurs' shot selection has not been good. Eighty-one of their preseason looks have come from mid-range , which accounts for nearly 33 percent of their total field-goal attempts. For comparison's sake, less than 25 percent of their shots came from mid-range in 2014-15. We could chalk this up to preseason basketball rearing its part-meaningless head. But exhibition games offer a nice preview of the way teams intend to play, including the types of shots they'll let fly. Last year, the average team did attempt a greater percentage of its shots from mid-range in the preseason. But those preseason numbers were, on average, less than one percent larger than the regular-season results. By that logic, the Spurs are still on course to waste more than 30 percent of their shot attempts on mid-range looks. Six teams did the same last season: Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Washington Wizards, Hornets and Timberwolves. Not one of them ranked in the top half of offensive efficiency, and five of them finished in the bottom 10. To be fair, a three-game sample size isn't much. To be even more fair, Aldridge isn't even San Antonio's biggest mid-range culprit. That honor belongs to Leonard . So no, the Spurs' onset shot selection shouldn't be interpreted to mean their offense is on life support. It's just surprisingly disappointing and something worth monitoring moving forward. Surprise: The Knicks Are Playing Defense...and Running Don't look now, but the Knicks are playing defense. And running like, actually running. New York averaged just 93.67 possessions per 48 minutes last season, checking in as one of the league's three slowest teams . But the Knicks have pushed their pace factor to 102.5 during the preseason , which would have made them the absolute fastest squad in 2014-15. Go figure. Abnormally paced basketball does tend to be a symptom of preseason play, as coaches experiment with different players, many of them young and looking to run. But, as the Wall Street Journal's Andrew Beaton underscored, New York's decision to run, not crawl, should be taken seriously: Unsurprisingly, teams tend to play faster in the preseason. Last year, teams averaged three more possessions per 48 minutes in the preseason than in the regular season. But how quickly a team plays in the preseason can also be a strong indicator of how quickly it will play in the regular season. Last year, 18 of 30 NBA teams ranked within five spots of their preseason pace during the regular season. For example, the Phoenix Suns led the NBA preseason in possessions per 48 minutes, then ranked third in the regular season. The NBA champion Warriors, who played the fastest of any team last season, played third-fastest in the preseason. Averaging three fewer possessions during the regular season would put the Knicks at 99.5 per 48 minutes. That's still dramatically faster than last season's painfully paced group, and it should still be good enough for a top-five mark. New York's defense is trending in a similar direction. And truthfully, that's to be expected after team president Phil Jackson stocked the roster with defensive gems such as Robin Lopez and Kyle O'Quinn. Opponents are scoring 88.6 points per 100 possessions against these Knicks, and while such stinginess is beyond unsustainable, this team is a far cry from last season's turnstile that relinquished 107.2. And if we use the same logic as we did when projecting pace, the returns remain promising. In 2014-15, defenses allowed, on average, 4.6 points more per 100 possessions during the regular season than they did during the preseason. Tack those 4.6 points on to the 88.6 that the Knicks are giving up now, and they're at 93.2. That mark is still unsustainable, to be sure. The Golden State Warriors finished first in defensive efficiency last season, and they let up 98.2 points per 100 possessions. But even if the Knicks' defensive efficiency climbs by 15 points, they're still in line to be much better. Which, in the end, is all that matters. Stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com and NBA.com unless otherwise cited and are accurate leading into games for Oct. 16. Dan Favale covers the NBA for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter, @danfavale . | 1 | 96,098 | sports |
Andre Drummond is certainly capable of lifting the Pistons with a big season. Raj Mehta AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- After three seasons with the Detroit Pistons, Andre Drummond has experienced plenty of frustration. He's had enough. "I hate losing. I can't stand it. It's the worst feeling," he said recently. "People laughing at our team, that's not a good feeling. I want to rub it in somebody's face that we're a great team." If the Pistons are going to make good on Drummond's hopes for this season, the 22-year-old center may need to take another step toward stardom. Detroit hasn't made the playoffs since 2009, and last season's 32-50 record was actually the team's best since then. Now the Pistons have to move on without big man Greg Monroe, who departed via free agency, leaving Drummond as the team's only remaining force under the basket. The 6-foot-11 Drummond is certainly capable of lifting the Pistons with a big season. He's averaged 12.1 points and 11.8 rebounds through three seasons, but his shooting dipped to 51 percent last season. Detroit needs him to be even more productive on a consistent basis. The Pistons did make moves this offseason that could help. They traded for forwards Ersan Ilyasova and Marcus Morris and signed point guard Reggie Jackson to a long-term contract. Detroit also used its lottery pick on forward Stanley Johnson. Coach Stan Van Gundy made mild progress in his first season with the Pistons. The team played well in stretches after a 5-23 start. But Detroit has been eyeing a return to the playoffs for a while now and hasn't really come any closer, so the burden is on the Pistons to show that this season will be different before fans around the Motor City really start to get excited about this team again. Here are a few things to watch with the Pistons this season: POINT GUARDS Detroit's most encouraging span last season -- a seven-game winning streak that began in late December -- coincided with a terrific stretch of basketball from Brandon Jennings. He then went down with an Achilles tendon injury. The Pistons later traded for Jackson, and they're clearly committed to him going forward, but if Jennings comes back healthy and effective, Detroit could have a dynamic 1-2 punch at the point. OUTSIDE SHOOTING The Pistons shot 34 percent from 3-point range last season -- better than in 2013-14 but still in the lower half of the league. Guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope improved a bit in his second season, and if he continues to make strides offensively it would be a big help. The 6-foot-10 Ilyasova can also be effective from the perimeter. YOUTH MOVEMENT The Pistons could at some point field a starting lineup of Drummond (22 years old), Ilyasova (28), Johnson (19), Caldwell-Pope (22) and Jackson (25). So there's clearly room for growth, most significantly in Drummond's case. Drummond's offensive game could use more polish, and if he can improve his free throws (39 percent last season) then he'll be even harder to defend. BUILDING BLOCK Last season was the first time Van Gundy finished under .500 in his coaching career. When he arrived, the Pistons had three big men (Drummond, Monroe and Josh Smith) they were trying to build around, but now only Drummond is left from that group. This roster should be a better fit for the style Van Gundy's teams have played, with one talented big man surrounded by outside shooters. PISTON DEFENSE Drummond is an intimidating shot-blocking presence and a terrific rebounder, but the Pistons have not been a great defensive team lately, and that's another improvement Van Gundy can hope to see in his second season with Detroit. | 1 | 96,099 | sports |
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