News World 212: November 2014

Sunday, November 30, 2014

JC Penney randomly sweetened the deal

Betty Henderson, center, high fives Pat Phillips, left, at JCPenney at Stonebriar Centre on Thanksgiving Day Nov. 27, 2014 in Frisco. Both women were winners of the $100 off coupon. (Kirsten Kearse/The Dallas Morning News)

Its fun watching people win prizes. These two strangers bonded over their discoveries that they both had won $100 coupons at J.C. Penney on Thanksgiving Day.

Even with her instant windfall, Betty Henderson of Prosper, said she was sticking to her plan to buy her grandchildren pajamas and jackets.The $100 coupon would help her budget, rather than extend it, she said.

Henderson, who said shes been a Black Friday shopper since 2005, was wearing a t-shirt that read shop or get out of the way.The rest of her uniform including running shoes and black track pants with white stripes down the legs.

At least 500 shoppers were in line at its store in Frisco at Stonebriar Centre waiting to get it at 5 p.m. Plano-based Penney gives away miniature Disney snow globes and $10 coupons.

Henderson is typical of shoppers who head out on Thanksgiving and Black Friday. They have deliberate plans. These shoppers say theyve been watching prices and know what theyre willing to pay for gifts.

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Source: http://bizbeatblog.dallasnews.com/2014/11/j-c-penney-randomly-sweetened-the-deal.html/

Chiefs wear shirts in support of Eric Berry

Several Kansas City Chiefs players decided to wear T-shirts honoring teammate Eric Berry for the teams game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday night.

Berry was found last week to have a mass in his chest that the teams medical staff believes is lymphoma. He wanted to play in the Week 13 game, but the team would not allow it for obvious reasons.

Chiefs players made sure Berry was in their thoughts Sunday night by wearing T-shirts that said, Be Bold Be Brave Be Berry, on them.

Here you can see long snapper Thomas Gafford in one of the shirts:

And here is quarterback Chase Daniel:

The team also went with their red on red look because of Berry:

Source: http://larrybrownsports.com/football/chiefs-eric-berry-shirts/248875

Cyber Monday 2014 explained: retail frenzy continues

With just four weeks until Christmas, Cyber Monday is traditionally the day when consumers rush online to do their festive shopping, said Simon Black, Sage Pay CEO.

According to the data, noon will be the busiest time for online retailers on Cyber Monday, as it has been for the past two years.

Since 2009, the total amount spent on Cyber Monday has increased by over 250m. The volume of transactions has increased by an average of 11.25pc over the last four years.

However, the rate of Cyber Monday sales growth is accelerating, up by 15pc year-on-year in 2013.

Between 2009-2013 there has been an increase of almost 200,000 transactions, Sage Pay said.

Amazon recently reported that Black Friday was the busiest day ever on its UK website, with more than 5.5 million items ordered at a rate of 64 items a second.

However, the online giant said that it expects Cyber Monday sales to smash this record, and will be offering new deals every 10 minutes throughout the day.

Last year, Amazon's Cyber Monday sales outstripped Black Friday by almost 3pc.

Police were called to supermarkets across the UK on Black Friday as shoppers fought for discounted products

There are fears that UK retailers will be unable to cope with the increased online activity on Cyber Monday.

On Friday, John Lewis said that between midnight and 6am traffic to its site was up 307pc compared to last year, while Currys PC World said it attracted five times more visitors than in 2013.

Tesco, John Lewis, and Argos all suffered website crashes this week, while customers were told they had to wait for up to one hour to access Currys, which is owned by Dixons Carphone.

Gadget retailer Appliances Direct has predicted that 32pc more shoppers will be turning to the internet on Cyber Monday compared with last year.

Darren Williams, founder of online discounting site PromotionalCodes.org.uk, said "Stores have been telling us that theyll be discounting heavily. We're expecting a 200pc increase in the number of searches on our site over the Cyber Monday period.

"British shoppers have become incredibly smart with their money over recent years and are prepared to hang on to get the best deals."

According to the Department of Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS), many UK small businesses are not prepared for the Cyber Monday spending spree.

Its figures show that as many as 2m sole traders and small companies are missing out on an estimated 164bn in sales because they have no online presence.

Business and Enterprise Minister Matthew Hancock said, Thousands of potential customers are searching online for local small businesses and without an online profile businesses will lose out.

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/11262761/Cyber-Monday-2014-explained-retail-frenzy-continues.html

Calls to fire GOP staffer Elizabeth Lauten after attacks on Malia and Sasha Obama

Elizabeth Lauten, a Republican communications director, lashed out at Malia, 16, and Sasha, 13, for 'classless' clothes and sullen attitude
Her Facebook post on Thanksgiving sparked outrage on social media
Lauten 'prayed for hours' then issued an apology
Hundreds called for her to lose job under #FireElizabethLauten hashtag

ByMia De Graaf for MailOnlineand Kieran Corcoran for MailOnline

Published: 12:17 EST, 29 November 2014 | Updated: 01:39 EST, 30 November 2014

A GOP staffer who accused First Daughters Malia and Sasha Obama of being classless teenagers with no good role models is facing an online backlash - and demands that she lose her job.

Elizabeth Lauten, a once-prominent media director for the Republican National Committee, wrote a scathing Facebook post attacking the outfits the girls - 16 and 13 - appeared in for the President's annual Thanksgiving address.

The ill-tempered post, which criticized the girls for 'making faces' on national television and looking like they were after 'a spot at a bar', prompted a tide of online anger.

Scroll down for video

Twitter abuse: Sasha, 13, (left) and Malia, 16, (right) were branded 'classless' by a GOP staffer for their attire

Open letter: Elizabeth Lauten, communications director for Rep Stephen Fincher, wrote this to the girls

By Saturday evening hundreds of people had demanded that Lauten lose her job as communications director for Rep. Stephen Fincher (R-Tenn.) under the #FireElizabethLauten Twitter hashtag.

Lauten had apologized for her post, writing that 'judgmental feelings truly have no place in my heart', saying that 'hours of prayer' had shown the error of her ways.

'Dear Sasha and Malia,' she wrote in the post, recorded by The Root reporter Yesha Callahan, 'I get you're both in those awful teen years, but you're a part of the First Family, try showing a little class.'

Lauten, communications director for Rep Stephen Fincher of Tennessee, added: 'Act like being in the White House matters to you.

'Dress like you deserve respect, not a spot at a bar.

'And certainly don't make faces during televised public events.'

Reaction: They prompted soft criticism for sullenly scowling at their father, the President, on Thanksgiving

Twitter users rushed to defend the girls who Lauten said 'deserve a spot at a bar' rather than the White House

Sasha, 13, was dressed in a short maroon dress with a long cream cardigan that matched her thick cream socks, worn over bare legs.

Her sister Malia, 16, wore black tights under a mini kilt with a grey and cream jumper.

After the President had pardoned the designated bird, a four-month-old 49-pounder called Cheese, he asked Malia if she wanted to pet the turkey.

'Nah', she replied, in a rare departure from her usual, gracious disposition, which prompted a flurry of remarks from viewers.

Unimpressed: The First Daughters looked bored and unimpressed by their father's jokes about turkey

Clothing: Sasha wore a maroon dress and cardigan while Malia wore a mini kilt with black tights and boots

'Awful teenage years': The cyber-bullying post addressed to the young girls said they are at an 'awful' stage

Star Jones, a lawyer and television personality, was among those unimpressed. 'Ive seen tacky peoplebut rarely seen someone as tacky as #ElizabethLauten for slamming the children of the #POTUS' she tweeted.

One commenter, whose username is Eclectic John, wrote: '@RepFincherTN08 There is nothing that excuses what #ElizabethLauten posted re the children of our President. That's off limits. Fire her now.'

The incident was not Lauten's first social media slip-up.

In August, she posted a tweet from her boss's verified Twitter account about 's******g'.

Apology: Hours later she removed the original outburst, issued an apology and set her page to private

Firing: Many Twitter users directed messages to Lauten's boss, Stephen Fincher

Stephen Fincher's followers were baffled when he tweeted: 'G*d I love this song. And beach music. AND s******g #pandora,' in reference to an Embers playlist on Pandora radio.

Lauten later deleted the post and apologized for the 'accident' - but insisted 's******g' is a dance term rather than a sexual reference.

'It had nothing to do with Stephen Fincher. I dont think he knows what Pandora is; he certainly doesnt have it,' she said, according to Politico.

Following mass outrage to her post on Thursday, Lauten deleted it, set her profile to private, and issued an apology: 'I reacted to an article and quickly judged the two young ladies in a way that I would never have wanted to be judged myself as a teenager.

Other accusations: Lauten also took aim at Barack and Michelle Obama, saying they 'don't respect their roles'

Her critique was in response to a national broadcast of the annual White House turkey pardon

The national Thanksgiving turkey Cheese is seen in front of Barack Obama and his two daughters

'After many hours of prayer, talking to my parents and re-reading my words online, I can see more clearly how hurtful my words were.

'Please know that these judgmental feelings truly have no pace in my heart.

'Furthermore, I'd like to apologize to all of those who I have hurt and offended with my words, and pledge to learn and grow (and I assure you I have) from this experience.'

This year, Malia and Sasha were declared by TIME as two of its 25 Most Influential Teens of 2014.

In an interview earlier this year with Today, Michelle Obama told Jenna Bush Hager their family emphasizes health over appearance: 'We dont talk about weight. We don't talk about physical appearance.

'We talk about health. We talk about what's on the inside. We spend so much more time talking to our girls about being kind and treating others well, and being passionate and respectful.'

Reaction: Twitter users were outraged by Lauten's attack on the young girls on the national holiday

Book shopping: Unscathed by the controversy, Obama, Sasha and Malia visited a Washington, D.C., book store Saturday

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Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2854226/Dress-like-deserve-respect-not-spot-bar-GOP-staffer-calls-Malia-Sasha-Obama-classless-outrageous-cyber-bullying-Facebook-post.html

Saturday, November 29, 2014

East Bay luxury home sales soar 46% in October

The East Bay's luxury housing market remained red hot in October, with sales soaring more than 46% from a year ago and the median sale price jumping more than 13%.

The figures, reported by report by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, are based on Multiple Listing Service data of all homes sold for more than $1 million in October in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

A total of 301 luxury homes changed hands in October, up 46.1% from October 2013. Million-dollar sales were also up sharply from the 264 transactions recorded in September 2014.

Once again, the upper end of the luxury market was especially strong last month with 24 sales over $2 million, double the number a year ago and also up from the 18 multi-million-dollar sales in September.

Meanwhile, the median sale price of a luxury home in October rose 13.4% from a year ago to $1,394,918. It was also up from September's median sale price of $1,261,000.

"The luxury housing market here in the East Bay is showing no signs of slowing down as we move through the fall home-buying season," said Mike James, president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. "Demand for well-appointed, fairly priced high-end homes continues to outstrip supply."

"There are just aren't enough properties to meet the strong demand, including many buyers who have crossed the Bay Bridge in search of more affordable prices compared to San Francisco and Silicon Valley," he added.

Some key findings from November's Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage luxury report:

The most expensive sale in the East Bay in October was a five-bedroom, six-bath approximately 5,500 square foot home in Danville that sold for $3,395,000;

Danville also boasted the most luxury sales with 35, followed by Fremont with 33, Oakland and Berkeley with 28, Lafayette with 23, San Ramon with 22, Orinda with 20 and Pleasanton with 18.

Homes sold in an average of 29.8 days on the market, up from 27 days a year ago and 29.2 days the previous month.

Sellers received an average of 106% of their asking price, up from 105.3% a year ago and 104% the previous month.

The East Bay Luxury Housing Market Report is a monthly report by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, a specialist in high-end real estate sales.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage has nine East Bay offices, including one in Pleasanton.

For more information, call (925) 771.5285.

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Source: http://www.pleasantonweekly.com/news/2014/11/28/east-bay-luxury-home-sales-soar-46-in-october

Western Kentucky ends Marshall's unbeaten season in epic 67-66 shootout

Western Kentucky ended Marshalls bid for an undefeated regular season in a 67-66 overtime shootout.

Brandon Doughty hit Willie McNeal for the game-winning two-point conversion in overtime. Marshall (11-1) missed out on its chance to become the third Conference-USA team to finish the regular season with an unbeaten record.

MORE: Week 14 Picks | Top 10 Rivalries | TCU the true king of Texas?| Pelini's 'nine' lives

This shootout featured some epic statistics.

Doughty (34-of-50, 490 yards, 8 TDs, 2 INTs) and Marshall quarterback Rakeem Cato (29-of-46, 417 yards, 7 TDs, 4 INts) combined for a single-game FBS record with 15 touchdown passes. The Hilltoppers scored touchdowns after all four of Cato's interceptions.

The teams combined for 840 total yards in the first half and finished with 1,446 total yards. The FBS record still stands at 1,640 in a game played between Nevada and San Jose State in 2001.

Marshall rallied from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to tie the game and took a 66-59 lead in overtime on Cato'25-yard TD to Hyleck Foster. Doughty answered with a TD pass to Jared Dangerfield before hitting McNeal for the game-winning two-point conversion. That led to a wave and bonus throat slash.

Source: http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2014-11-28/western-kentucky-beats-marshall-67-66-fbs-record-td-passes-single-game

Foot Locker Kicks Off Holiday Season With Its 'Week Of Greatness'

NEW YORK, Nov. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --Foot Locker, Inc. (NYSE: FL), the New York-based specialty athletic retailer, is bringing the greatness back, unveiling four new, humorous commercials in support of the brand's third annual "Week of Greatness." The 30-second spots star boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, WWE Superstar John CenaandNBA Stars James Harden, Tim Duncanand Derrick Rose. Foot Locker's "Week of Greatness" eventa week of the most anticipated sneaker and gear releaseskicks off at Foot Locker stores nationwide on Saturday, November 22.

"Last year's 'Week of Greatness' was such a hit with our customers, we decided to go even bigger with our campaign this year," said Stacy Cunningham, Executive Vice President of Marketing for Foot Locker. "We're excited to introduce four new commercials featuring these outstanding athletes as we begin an incredible week dedicated to showcasing brand new premium sneakers, apparel, and gear. We enjoyed working with each of these athletes to showcase their unique personalities in the newest iteration of our 'Week of Greatness.'"

The spots highlight a much-publicized and notable characteristic of each of the athletes that is well-known by their fans. In "It's Happening," boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao riffs on the ongoing attempts to schedule an oft-rumored mega fight. In another spot, James Harden pokes fun at being "Defensive." In "It's Real," WWE Superstar John Cena shares his admiration for suspension of disbelief. The commercial featuring Derrick Rose and Tim Duncan, aptly titled "Excited," embraces their reputation as stoic individuals. All four commercials debut tonight, November 19, on ESPN.

The spots were created by worldwide agency BBDO.

The "Week of Greatness" features premium releases from top brands such as Nike, Jordan, adidas, Under Armour, PUMA, Timberland and more.

For "Week of Greatness" product information, release details and more, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About Foot Locker:

Foot Locker is part of Foot Locker, Inc., a specialty athletic retailer that operates approximately 3,500 stores in 23 countries in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Through its Foot Locker, Footaction, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, SIX:02, Runners Point, and Sidestep retail stores, as well as its direct-to-customer channel, including footlocker.com, Eastbay.com, SIX02.com, the Company is a leading provider of athletic footwear and apparel.

Additional information may be found at footlocker.com | Twitter: @footlocker #Approved | YouTube: youtube.com/footlocker | Blog: unlocked.footlocker.com | Facebook: facebook.com/footlocker

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wS8WJ6Lz1AU&index=1&list=PLEs0-edzYFq5oKW-5gc0cJpM6jFqgUylx&spfreload=10Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130806/NY59635LOGO

SOURCE Foot Locker, Inc.

Friday, November 28, 2014

Black Friday 2014: Thanksgiving Day shopping at Old Navy in DeWitt (video)

DeWitt, N.Y. Old Navy lures shoppers two ways on Thanksgiving.

The retailer offers deals, of course, but it also gives away a million dollars. The first 100 customers through the doors of each Old Navy in the country are entered into a drawing for the cash.

The stores opened at 4 p.m.

The contest and the chain's sales were certainly on the minds of shoppers at the Old Navy on Erie Boulevard.

Check out the video above for more.

Related: Heading to Destiny USA for your holiday shopping? Check out our guide to the mall with store hours, parking tips, dining info and more.

Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Google + | 315-454-2112

Follow Store Front: Twitter | Facebook | Weekly newsletter sign-up.

Source: http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2014/11/thanksgiving_shopping_2014_old_navy.html

Best Buy's Website Down on Black Friday

Best Buy's website was down on Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year.

The message posted on the site read:"We're Sorry, BestBuy.com is currently unavailable. Checl back soon."

On Thanksgiving morning the website was experiencing issues at around 9 a.m. as well, CNBCreported.

Best Buy attempted to one-up retail competitors this year by opening stores at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving day, providing tickets up to two hours before the doors open. Special sales in-stores included a 50-inch Panasonic TV for only $199.99. Other deals, online and in-store, included discounted GoPros, Dell Laptops, and Samsung UHD TVs.

The company has not acknowledged the website being down on its social media accounts. NBC reached out for comment Friday morning but has not heard back.

Best Buys Black Friday slogan coined the term door busters for customers taking advantage of these deals when the stores opened, but it looks like website busters may be more appropriate.

Source: http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/NATL-Best-Buy-Black-Friday-Deals-Website-Down284145611.html

Local Thanksgiving Day shoppers line up for a run at bargains

For many retailers, Black Friday started on Thanksgiving this year, with the earliest storeopenings yet, and judging from packed parking lots and long lines across central Ohio, the earlierhours encouraged shoppers who were looking for bargains.

While some had criticized the Thanksgiving Day openings as a needless infringement on atraditional family event, shoppers who stood in line on Thursday seemed unfazed.

I actually almost prefer this, said Mike Garvey of Delaware, 40, who was wrapped in a blanketto ward off the late-afternoon chill as he stood at the head of the line outside the Target onSawmill Road, which was opening at 6 p.m.

Last year, I was first, too, Garvey said. My rule of thumb is to get here about 12 hoursahead of time. So I got here about 6 a.m.

When it opened at midnight, it got colder longer, he said of past years. This way wont benearly as cold. And, based on years past, the line is not as long. I think people had to make adecision do I do Thanksgiving dinner or do I stand in line?

This years main reason for venturing out to Target: The big thing Im going to buy is the XboxOne, Garvey said. Its for my son. Hes 10, and hes at home with his mom and grandparents.

Many, like Adeel Hamid of Dublin, said they ate their Thanksgiving dinner earlier in the day,then ventured off to wait in line for the Old Navy on Sawmill to open at 4 p.m.

Yeah, we just finished dinner, Hamid said. My wife and kids are back home. I got here about20 minutes ago. Im going to buy something, then go to Kohls, then to Tuttle mall, the Gapprobably, and Toys R Us. I have to get something for my 4-year-old twins.

Hamid was first in line at Old Navy. He, along with a dozen people behind him, said they wereinclined to go to the store not only because prices on everything were 50 percent off, but also because were going to win $1 million! said one woman standing behind him.

Old Navy had heavily promoted the sweepstakes event, telling shoppers that they had to be one ofthe first 100 people in line at an Old Navy on Thanksgiving to qualify for a chance at the money inthe national contest.

Many retailers, eager to beat their rivals in attracting the first big wave of the holidayshopping season, took the unprecedented step of opening in late afternoon or early evening.

This is all about competing for that early dollar, said Marshal Cohen, the chief industryanalyst for the market research firm NPD Group.

That thinking was much in evidence at Kohls on Sawmill, as employees gathered at the front ofthe store a few minutes before the 6 p.m. opening.

We really think this will make the initial crowd larger, said Jason McAtee, vice president andregional manager at Kohls. The line is a little shorter than last year, but we think the shoppingwill go longer. The kids dont have to be in bed yet, so parents can bring the kids with them andmake it a family event.

We got that feedback last year, when we opened at 8 rather than later, McAtee said. Peopleappreciated it being a little earlier. We want to be family friendly, so its important.

Nearby, manager Matt Poskocil stood on top of a checkout counter, giving a pep talk to about 100employees gathered below, some wearing Santa caps and other holiday clothing.

The shelves are filled, packed and ready to shop, Poskocil said to the workers. Youve donean outstanding job!

Another early opening, at 4 p.m., was Toys R Us. The first person in line at the Sawmill Roadstore was Kayla of Grove City, who didnt want her last name used.

I got here about 1:30, but I sat in my car until they got here, she said, gesturing towardthree other women who were, like her, sitting in folding chairs and swathed in blankets.

We didnt celebrate Thanksgiving today, so it didnt bother me. We did it yesterday, shesaid.

Like most people in line, she said she was waiting to buy Skylanders video-game merchandise.

I usually go out shopping early like this, she said. Its a little uncomfortable, but I lookforward to it. Ill probably go to Tuttle next hopefully, Ill just be there for an hour. Then Imight go to Target.

For some, the shopping day actually began before dawn.

Exactly a minute before the Big Lots on Morse Road opened at 7 a.m., three women walked brisklyfrom their cars as an employee began unlocking the front door of the store.

Were here for the George Foreman Grill, selling for $19, one said before ducking inside.

tferan@dispatch.com

Source: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2014/11/27/Local-Thanksgiving-Day-shoppers-line-up-for-a-run-at-bargains.html

Thursday, November 27, 2014

2 tips add up for best sweet potato pie

Much as I love a classic pumpkin pie, I have to be honest: My heart belongs to sweet potato pie.

The only trouble with sweet potato pie is that it can be a bit more trouble to make. So I set out to make a 1-2-3-easy sweet potato pie that tastes every bit as good as the most complicated versions I've ever made.

The key to a great sweet potato pie is fresh roasted sweet potatoes. Canned sweet potatoes do not work; boiling produces a watery, diluted pie filling.

Once the potatoes are baked, they need to be processed to produce a silky texture. In the past, I peeled the hot sweet potatoes and ran them through a food mill. But I thought that it was a pity to remove the nutrient-rich fiber.

So I tried the food processor, and I loved it. Not only was the pie filling made in no time, the fiber was intact, but pured so that you didn't notice it. Better yet, the food processor created an ethereal fluffy texture, and it was the best sweet potato pie I'd ever eaten or made!

Fluffy Sweet Potato-Bourbon Pie With Gingered Whipped Cream and Toasted Pecans

Start to finish: 2 hours (30 minutes active); Servings: 10

2 or 3 large sweet potatoes (1 to 2 pounds)

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

3 large eggs

cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons bourbon

1 generous teaspoon vanilla extract

cup granulated sugar

cup packed dark brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

teaspoon kosher salt

teaspoon grated nutmeg

teaspoon ground dry ginger

Pinch ground cloves

10-inch graham-cracker pie crust, homemade or store-bought

For the topping:

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

teaspoon ground dry

ginger

Toasted pecans, to garnish

Heat the oven to 425 degrees. Wash the sweet potatoes and pierce on top with a fork. Set them on a baking sheet and roast until soft, about 1 hour, or until juices bubble from the piercings. Let cool.

Peel and roughly chop the potatoes. Measure a generous 2 cups of the flesh, then transfer to a food processor. Process for 2 minutes, or until very smooth. With the processor running, add the melted butter, eggs, cream, bourbon and vanilla. The mixture should begin to look light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the sugars, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. Process again to combine.

Place the pie crust on a baking sheet, then transfer the sweet potato mixture into it. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the filling jiggles just slightly at the center. Let cool to room temperature.

In a large bowl, combine the cream, sugar and ginger. Whip until stiff peaks form, but stop before you make butter. Mound over the cooled pie, then sprinkle with toasted pecans.

Source: http://www.columbian.com/news/2014/nov/25/2-tips-add-up-for-best-sweet-potato-pie/

Richard Sherman and Doug Baldwin mock the NFL's media policies

Seattle Seahawks star Marshawn Lynch has come under fire recently for his unwillingness to speak to the media.

The league has fined the running back for it, as it requires all players to be available to the press.

Wednesday, Lynch's teammates, Richard Sherman and Doug Baldwin, held a mock press conference to...um...mock the NFL and its policies.

Blasting the league on topics ranging from fines to forcing teams to play on Thursday even though player safety has been a major topic of conversation, the players clearly seemed to enjoy the setting.

And why not? As we all know, Sherman has never been one to shy away from the media, or any kind of attention.

Source: http://arizonasports.com/164/1786310/Richard-Sherman-and-Doug-Baldwin-mock-the-NFLs-media-policies

Michael Brown's mother: 'This could be your child'

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

NEW: Michael Brown Sr. calls the officer who killed his son a "murderer"
NEW: "He was intending to kill someone. That's how I look at it," he says
NEW: Neither of Brown's parents believes the officer's version of events
Legal analysts debate whether there should have been a special prosecutor

Watch CNN's interview with Michael Brown's parents at 8 p.m. ET on "Anderson Cooper 360."

(CNN) -- Michael Brown's mother says hearing that a grand jury had decided not to indict the officer who killed her son felt like getting shot.

"We heard this and it was just like, like I had been shot. Like you shoot me now -- just no respect, no sympathy, nothing," Lesley McSpadden told CNN's Sunny Hostin on Wednesday. "This could be your child. This could be anybody's child."

A New York Times video captured the moments after McSpadden heard about the decision not to indict Darren Wilson, the white officer who killed her son, Michael Brown, a black teen. She stood with protesters outside the Ferguson police department, sobbing uncontrollably.

McSpadden's husband, her son's stepfather, wrapped her in his arms before turning to the crowd, screaming: "Burn this b***h down."

"He just spoke out of anger. It's one thing to speak and it's a different thing to act. He did not act. He just spoke out of anger," McSpadden said about her husband, Louis Head.

"When you're that hurt and the system has did you this wrong, you may say some things as well. We've all spoke out of anger before," she told CNN.

Both McSpadden and Brown's father, Michael Brown Sr., sat down with Hostin. Neither believes Wilson's version of events, saying their son would never have taunted the officer, nor reached for his weapon.

They remembered their son as humble, silly and soft spoken. He could fix almost anything and loved animals, his siblings and being a grandson.

"He was different, but he still was like any other teenager -- wanted to explore different things, do different things, be around different people," McSpadden said. "He's young. He's growing up. He's finding himself."

'He's a murderer'

Brown's father didn't mince words when he spoke about Wilson: "He's a murderer."

"He understood his actions. He understood exactly what he was doing. You know, he didn't have a second thought, a pushback thought, or nothing. He was intending to kill someone. That's how I look at it," Brown said. "He was going to kill someone at that point."

Earlier, he'd said the grand jury's decision changed his view of America.

"I was upset. I didn't understand," Brown said in a conversation with the Rev. Al Sharpton on Tuesday on MSNBC. "It just let me know that where we live is not what we thought, or what I thought. It's what people have been saying all the time, for a nice little minute: that this was a racist state."

Sharpton accused Prosecutor Robert McCulloch of trying to disparage Michael Brown Jr. He asked Michael Brown Sr. how he felt about the prosecutor attacking "the character of the victim."

"They crucified his character," Brown said.

In a news conference Monday night announcing the grand jury's decision, McCulloch extended his "deepest sympathies" to the Brown family and referred to the "tragic death."

He said the grand jury's decision was based on evidence and facts, some of which contradicted people who said they witnessed Officer Darren Wilson shooting Michael Brown Jr.

McCulloch had long promised a fair and complete presentation.

"We will be presenting absolutely everything to this grand jury," he told a radio program in August. "Every statement that a witness made, every witness, every photograph, every piece of physical evidence. Absolutely nothing will be left out."

Transcript of prosecutor's news conference

Documents released by the prosecutor's office show that witnesses gave differing accounts.

Should a special prosecutor have been appointed?

Experts disagree over whether McCulloch should have stepped aside and let a special prosecutor handle the case.

His father, a police officer, was killed on the job by an African-American man in 1964, when McCulloch was 12.

HLN legal analyst Joey Jackson said Wednesday that while there can be discussions about the possibility of bias as a result of his father's death, there is a more fundamental reason he should not have taken the case: the close relationship prosecutors often have with their local police.

"You rely upon the police every day" as a prosecutor, Jackson said on CNN's "New Day."

"You give them your support, your resources. They give those resources back to you."

CNN legal analyst Paul Callan disagreed with the reasoning. A prosecutor should not be disqualified "because he's worked with the cops closely in the past. I would say, 'You know something? He's a guy with integrity, I'll trust his investigation.'"

"I think the grand jury reached the right result on the facts of this case," Callan said. Still, "you have to have public confidence in the result." If the public did not have faith in McCulloch because of his father's killing, then "maybe because of the level of public distrust, we should have had a special prosecutor," Callan said.

Complete coverage of what's happening in Ferguson

CNN's Ana Cabrera contributed to this report.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/26/justice/ferguson-grand-jury-reaction/

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Nor'easter Threatens Thanksgiving Travel Chaos for East Coast

A holiday storm system played havoc Wednesday with the Thanksgiving travel plans of tens of millions of people wiping out hundreds of flights in the Northeast, dumping rain on busy roads and threatening more than a foot of snow in some places.

Rain fell on drivers getting an early start from the big cities Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington into the Carolinas. By midday, snow was falling in every state from Virginia to Maine.

"If this was any other day of the year, it would be a pretty big storm but nothing too out of the ordinary," said Kevin Roth, a meteorologist at The Weather Channel. "But it's come at one of the worst possible times, the day before Thanksgiving. It's going to be very, very tricky for anyone planning to travel today."

By the end of the day, parts of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey were expected to get 3 to 6 inches of snow, and interior New England as much as a foot and a half.

Flight cancellations began piling up at major airports. By afternoon, Newark Liberty airport in New Jersey, LaGuardia in New York and Philadelphia International each had more than 150 flights scrapped. Arriving planes at those airports were delayed as much as three hours.

Amtrak said it was in good shape: "The system is working, just busy," said Kimberly Woods, a spokeswoman.

The Defense Department said it would open unused military airspace for commercial flights through Sunday. The airspace, mainly on the East Coast and throughout the Gulf of Mexico and the Southwest, will make available "more highways in the sky that we can move planes through to get people to their destination efficiently," said Michael Huerta, administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.

Roth said the cut-off line between heavy and light snow was likely to be very abrupt. "Someone could go from an inch in the southeast of a city and drive 10 miles northwest and find themselves in more than 10 inches," he said.

The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings many upped from winter weather advisories across a large icicle-shaped area from the Canada Border to North Carolina. The snow was likely to wind up in most places by Wednesday night but would linger in Boston until early Thursday, according to Roth.

First published November 26 2014, 3:03 AM

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/noreaster-threatens-thanksgiving-travel-chaos-east-coast-n256426

Chuck Hagel in awkward position as a lame-duck defense chief still trying to ...

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel left the White House Monday after announcing his resignation and headed back to the Pentagon, where he gathered his top aides and leaders of the various service branches.

Pentagon press secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby said Hagel delivered two messages during the brief meeting: Thanks for your continued support. And get back to work.

For him, its back to business as usual, Kirby said during a Tuesday press briefing.

Still, Hagel finds himself in an awkward situation. Its unclear just how long it will take for President Barack Obama to name a successor and for a soon-to-be-GOP-controlled Senate to confirm that person.

In the meantime, Hagel must try to continue the business of running the military despite his lame-duck status.

The Pentagon has cast Hagels departure as the result of a mutual agreement between the secretary and Obama.

But a flood of White House leaks to various news organizations paint a different picture. They suggest that Obama decided that a change was needed and that Hagel had to go.

Unnamed Obama aides have been quoted suggesting that Hagel wasnt up to the job in one way or another, further complicating Hagels relationship with the White House.

When pressed by reporters Tuesday about that dynamic, Kirby insisted that Hagel is unfazed by those pot shots.

He considers himself a very strong partner inside the national security team. That will continue, Kirby said. And his focus is not on the atmospherics and on the sniping by some anonymous officials in these various news accounts. His focus is on the men and women who wear the uniform and their families and on this very critical time period that we find ourselves in.

Kirby said Hagel wants to continue pressing forward on previously established priorities such as improving security at military installations and shaping up troubled aspects of the nuclear mission.

There are ongoing reviews of the military justice system and the awarding of medals, as well as the effort to combat the militarys epidemic of sexual assault.

On top of all that, theres the transition of the militarys mission in Afghanistan, the campaign against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria and significant budget uncertainty.

Theres a lot of work to do, Kirby said.

Norman Ornstein, a congressional scholar with the American Enterprise Institute, downplayed the potential for the gulf between Hagel and the White House to widen further.

Its fairly clear that there will be some uncomfortable moments, but I dont think there will be any kind of terrible situation or open breach, Ornstein said. He is a good soldier.

Ornstein even suggested that Hagel will feel liberated by his ouster.

Maybe h**l open up more now and ironically it may give him a little more influence.

Source: http://www.omaha.com/news/metro/chuck-hagel-in-awkward-position-as-a-lame-duck-defense/article_7bbc1797-29e2-5b51-983b-b0dec94fed75.html

Mass found in chest of Eric Berry

Updated: November 25, 2014, 9:47 AM ET

By Adam Teicher | ESPN.comBerry Discovered To Have Mass In Chest

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry has what team officials believe is lymphoma -- a form of cancer -- and has been placed on the season-ending non-football illness list. Berry will undergo further testing at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta to complete the diagnosis.

"At this point in time, we don't have a definitive diagnosis," Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder said at a news conference Monday afternoon. "But the leading consideration for what he has right now is lymphoma.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Protesters in Hong Kong brace for more police action

Hong Kong unrest

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STORY HIGHLIGHTS

NEW: Protesters are bracing for more police action Wednesday
Hong Kong police: 86 arrested Tuesday in police scuffles
It developed after bailiffs initiated a court-ordered clearance of a street
Police fire "tear water" to push crowds; hold signs warning they'll use force

Hong Kong (CNN) -- Hundreds of protesters were holding a sit-in along four city blocks in Hong Kong on Wednesday morning, bracing for another day of clashes with police who plan on clearing more of the pro-democracy protest site in the bustling Mong Kok district.

On Tuesday, 86 protesters were arrested in scuffles with police.

Pro-democracy activist and lawmaker Leung Kwok-hung, commonly known as "Long Hair," was among those arrested, his office confirmed.

Hundreds of police were in attendance to support bailiffs' efforts to remove barriers from Mong Kok's Argyle Street between Tung Choi and Portland streets.

The bailiffs were enforcing a court order obtained by a local bus company, following complaints by residents and businesses that the protests have disrupted life in parts of the city for nearly two months. Police warned that anyone obstructing the bailiffs in their work would face contempt of court charges.

Numbers at the protest site swelled dramatically during the day, prompting police to issue a "final warning" to disperse at about 2:45 p.m. Scuffles then broke out, and a number of protesters could be seen being taken away by police.

Arrests, injuries, 'tear water'

Eighty-six people were arrested, Hong Kong's Police Public Relations Branch said at 8 p.m., a few hours after reporting 32 arrests. Some of those were charged with assaulting police officers, others with not obeying court orders.

Three police officers were injured in the clashes. The Hong Kong Information Services Department earlier said that two people were injured at the site; it was not immediately clear whether police were among that number.

And it's not over. After the arrests and clashes, police began spraying liquid -- referred to by a resident and local media as "tear water" -- toward the remaining crowds, slowly pushing them back.

Dressed in riot gear, some of the police held banners that read, "Stop charging, or we use force."

Activists had messages of their own, as seen in the Hong Kong Federation of Students' official Twitter account: "More support urgently needed in Mong Kok! Bring helmets, (goggles), shields, umbrellas, towels and be careful!"

Who's who in the Hong Kong protests?

Plans to relocate?

Earlier in the day, some protesters had said they planned to relocate peacefully to other protest sites in the city, while others said they respected the injunction but would remain at the site as long as possible.

Protesters calling for universal suffrage remain camped at a main protest site outside government buildings in Admiralty on Hong Kong Island and at a separate site in Mong Kok, a busy commercial district in Kowloon.

As bailiffs announced their intention to clear the site, protesters joined in chants calling for universal suffrage and demanding the resignation of Hong Kong's chief executive, C.Y. Leung.

Prior to leaving on a trip to South Korea on Tuesday, Leung said he had confidence in police to handle the situation in Mong Kok and said the government remained willing to engage in dialogue on political reform.

Universal suffrage

The protesters want to be able to nominate candidates for the election of the city's chief executive in 2017. Instead, China's National People's Congress has said they'll be able to vote only for canidates from a short list approved by a pro-Beijing committee.

Currently, the chief executive is elected by a specially appointed 1,200-member election committee.

At the peak of the protests in early October, tens of thousands of people were on the streets at three locations. But numbers have dwindled as the protests have continued, and local polling suggests support has dipped.

In a random survey of 513 people conducted by the University of Hong Kong, 83% said pro-democracy protesters should cease their eight-week occupation of major roads in Hong Kong, while just 13% said the protests should continue.

CNN's Elizabeth Joseph, Vivian Kam, Felicia Wong and Greg Botelho contributed to this report.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/25/world/asia/hong-kong-protests-mong-kok-clearance/

Iggy Azalea reinforces identity as redundant, recycled failure on rerelease

We all know how it goes: First things first, Im the realest. Fancy, released back in February 2014, is an empowering electro hop anthem flush with jagged synths, hip-hop chants and an undeniably commanding and memorable chorus.

I really wanted to like Fancy. It was a worthy addition to a burgeoning female-dominated pop landscape and neutral enough to please both genders. On Fancy, Azalea holds her own with an impressive performance while Charli XCXs chorus necessitates collective drunken chants atop bar tabletops.

But it all seems phony. Maybe its just me, but theres something about an Aussie white girl rapping in vocal blackface that feels deceptive and tasteless.

Still, many would disagree never underestimate the culture of White America. Its popularity unwavering, Fancy broke records by holding the number-one spot on Billboards Hot 100 for seven consecutive weeks.

But Azalea couldnt quite replicate that success. Two months later, she released her debut album, The New Classic, polarizing critics and listeners based on her questionable authenticity. And here we are seven months later with Reclassified, a trimmed re-release of The New Classic with five newly-recorded tracks.

Reclassified is just as nebulous as its predecessor. Azalea relinquishes her artistic agency to musical engineers and fails to highlight her strengths as a rap artist. In a way, Reclassified does exactly what its title articulates it reclassifies Azalea as a directionless, manufactured product whose success has not yet been legitimized.

Theres nothing new here on Reclassified, nothing characteristically Iggy Azalea to latch on to. Her vocal performances bastardize 90s rap flow and evoke a scratchy, feline tone. And what she lacks in originality and wordplay, Azalea overcompensates for with insipid lyricism and a feigned American accent.

Its like I loved you so much and now I just hate you/Feeling stupid for all the time that I gave you, Azalea raps on Black Widow. Azaleas trite lyricism communicates a lack of novelty and recycles exhausted hip-hop tropes of money, fame and s*x appeal. If I told you what Im worth, you would throw up/So have my money on time fore I show up, she continues on Iggy SZN.

But its on Heavy Crown, in a candid moment of irony, where Azalea is most telling. Get rid of the makeup let us just see who you is, she raps. For an Australian-born rapper who denies her roots and sits comfortably in American culture, Azalea seems to forget how much proverbial makeup she cakes on herself. Her lipstick is the illusion of originality and her eye shadow is the emphasis of fame. Azalea hides her true character. And with Reclassified, I still dont know who Iggy Azalea really is.

Perhaps that uncertainty is what makes her appealing; shes a cog in the music industry machine. On Reclassified, Azalea is placed into multiple genres to see what sticks: on Dont Need Yall, shes Drake; on Trouble, shes Motown; on Black Widow, shes Katy Perry; and on Change Your Life, shes Avicii. Besides Fancy, which reappears on Reclassified, Azalea has few ideas that she can truly call her own. Even Beg for It steals its chorus directly from Fancy. Azalea is trying to do too much, extending herself so much that theres nothing really there.

However, album opener, We In This b***h, deserves considerable praise. Here Azalea truly showcases her lyrical abilities. Unpolished product of my environment/Trying to get the same type of love and respect as the peers I be rhyming with, she raps. Its muffled beat, funky wah-wah guitar lick and spacey synth chorus gives Azalea ample space for lyrical play. The production is crisp and juxtaposes effectively with Azaleas corrosive performance that invokes early 2000s Eminem. Whats a world with no I-G-G in this b***h? she asks. On We In This b***h, she gives us a solid something to chew on.

But when the rest of the albums supposed highlights come from the featured artists (Charli XCX, Ellie Goulding, Jennifer Hudson, etc.), Reclassified starts to sound like an album by Various Artists, with Azalea rapping on the sidelines. And that says something.

In an interview with The Guardian, Azalea said, I dont think of other people when Im writing my songsSometimes a feature feels like asking for help. In the context of Reclassified, Azalea starts to look like a rapper made of contradictions.

And with all of Azaleas fame and fortune, First things first, Im the realest, sounds more like a coping mechanism rather than an actual declaration of success and originality.

Reclassified is composed of myriad re- words: redundant, rehashed, and recycled. And contrary to Iggy Azaleas boasts, real is not one of them.

2.0/5

Source: http://badgerherald.com/artsetc/2014/11/24/iggy-azalea-reinforces-identity-as-redundant-recycled-failure-on-rerelease/

1D, Katy Perry win big at American Music Awards

American girls love British boys: One Direction won artist of the year at the American Music Awards, taking home three honors and was the night's big winner next to Katy Perry, who didn't attend the show.

One Direction also won favorite band, duo or group -- pop/rock and favorite album -- pop/rock for "Midnight Memories" at the fan-voted show Sunday night.

"This has been a real perfect day ... America feels like a second home to us," Liam Payne said onstage with his band mates when they won the night's first award. The group released its new album, "Four," last week.

Perry won three honors as well, including single of the year for No. 1 hit "Dark Horse," favorite female artist -- pop/rock and favorite artist -- adult contemporary.

Though she was absent -- she's on tour in Australia -- the 2014 AMAs was still jam-packed with star power at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live. Breakthrough newcomer Iggy Azalea, who was the top nominee with six, won favorite album -- rap/hip-hop for "The New Classic" and favorite artist -- rap/hip-hop, taking down rap heavyweights Eminem and Drake.

"This award is the first award I've ever won in my entire life, and it means so much to me that it is for best hip-hop because that's what inspired me to move to America and pursue my dreams, and it's what helped me when I was a teenager to escape and to get through my life and to better times," the 24-year-old Australian rapper said, as her mentor T.I. stood beside her.

"And it means so much that I can stand here against Eminem and Drake and come out with this," she continued.

Azalea performed her massive hit, "Fancy," which was nominated for single of the year, as well as her new song, "Beg for It."

Taylor Swift kicked off the AMAs as a mad woman and man eater by feeding a boy a poisonous apple, holding burning roses and giving crazy eyes during a performance of her song about her dating life.

She was aggressive, grabbing her male dancers by their blazers and singing in character on bended knee when performing her new No. 1 hit, "Blank Space." She even removed part of her dress to reveal a shimmery, leg-revealing gold number.

She later received the first-ever d**k Clark Award for Excellence, presented by Diana Ross.

"To the fans who went out and bought over a million copies of my last three albums, what you did by going out and investing in music and albums is you're saying you believe in the same thing I believe in -- that music is valuable and that music should be consumed in albums and albums should be consumed as art and appreciated," said Swift, who recently removed her music from streaming service Spotify.

Ariana Grande took the stage to sing lounge-y, piano-versions of her upbeat hits "Problem" and "Break Free." She followed that with a duet of her latest hit, "Love Me Harder," with The Weeknd, as Grande's older brother jumped up in joy, MAGIC! leader Nasir Atweh sang along and Heidi Klum bopped her head.

She returned again to sing "Bang Bang" with Nicki Minaj and Jessie J, who kicked off the song in the crowd. She was rubbing against Khloe Kardashian, singing closely in front of her boyfriend, R&B singer Luke James, and dancing next to Swift and Sam Smith.

Smith, who also performed, won favorite male artist -- pop/rock.

"Genuinely from my heart I didn't think I was going to be winning this. This is unreal," the British singer said, who beat Pharrell and John Legend. "But mainly, thank you to my fan base. You guys are amazing, and last year I wrote an album about being lonely and tonight, I couldn't feel further from lonely, so thank you so much."

Mary J. Blige performed "Therapy," a new song she wrote with Smith and host Pitbull performed with R&B singer Ne-Yo. Fergie gave a hip-hop flavored performance of her comeback single, "L.A. Love (La La)," while Selena Gomez slowed it down for the emotional "Heart Wants What It Wants."

Australian boy band 5 Seconds of Summer won new artist of the year, and they also performed a cover of The Romantics' "What I Like About You."

Beyonc, who didn't attend, won favorite female artist -- soul/R&B and favorite album -- soul/R&B for her self-titled effort.

Luke Bryan took home favorite male artist -- country.

"I wanna thank G*d above for letting me tour night in and night out on the road. I want to thank the fans for making it possible to stand up here and win the awards," he said, also thanking "my band, my crew, bus driver, momma and them, you know."

Carrie Underwood was named favorite female artist -- country and the soundtrack for "Frozen," the year's top-selling album, won top soundtrack.

Source: http://www.times-gazette.com/latest%2520headlines/2014/11/24/1d-katy-perry-win-big-at-american-music-awards

Monday, November 24, 2014

Diana Ross at the AMAs � stylewatch

Diana Ross arrives at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles.Photograph: John Shearer/John Shearer/Invision/AP

Oh, Diana. At last nights AMAs, the 70-year-old Miss Ross arguably upstaged everyone else she encountered on the red carpet, from Selena Gomez to her own daughter Tracee Ellis Ross. All it took? A cloak made from feathers, a velvet off-the-shoulder frock, Im expensive diamonds, red talons and that shock of trademark curls in place since the eighties. A bit Disney villain, a bit barn owl and a lot fabulous, our favourite element of the look comes at ground level with the humble pop sock peeking out of open-toed gold sandals. Its this kind of detail that only the likes of Diana can get away with. Watch and learn, people, watch and learn.

Source: http://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2014/nov/24/-sp-diana-ross-at-the-amas-stylewatch

Pacquiao, Roach already preparing for Floyd Mayweather

Manny Pacquiao punches Chris Algieri during the WBO world welterweight title fight Saturday. Pacquiao says he wants Floyd Mayweather next.(Photo: Chris Hyde, Getty Images)

MACAU -- Manny Pacquiao and his trainer Freddie Roach revealed they are already preparing for the fight boxing craves more than any other a mouthwatering showdown against pound-for-pound No.1 Floyd Mayweather.

After dismantling out-matched opponent Chris Algieri with a unanimous points decision that included six knockdowns at the Venetian Macao's Cotai Arena in the early hours of Sunday, the Pacquiao camp made their strongest statements yet on the matter, all aimed directly in Mayweather's direction.

"People can prepare for (a fight) early next year," Pacquiao said. "It is a fight that I want. It is a fight the fans deserve."

Less than an hour after Pacquiao's resounding victory over Algieri, the Filipino 35-year-old and his advisers revealed a series of fresh pieces of information that painted the picture that a Mayweather fight is closer than the public had dared to imagine.

Roach, the mercurial trainer who has played a major role in masterminding his ascent to the top of the sport, also seems to have played a surprising role on the promotional side that could make the difference in the previously-doomed super fight happening.

Around four months ago, Roach was a central figure in setting up a meeting between Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum and CBS chief executive Leslie Moonves, who controls the Showtime network, with whom Mayweather is four fights into a six-bout deal worth $250 million.

Since then, Arum and Moonves, who had had previously frosty relations for several years, have held advanced discussions about Pacquiao and Mayweather squaring off.

Asked if he trusted Mayweather, Arum replied, "No", before adding "but I trust Les Moonves. For the head of CBS to spend that much time on something would be counter-productive if it was (nonsense)."

According to Roach, Arum has told him that a deal will get done, prompting the trainer to have already starting watching tape on Mayweather in order to get ready for a fight with the 37-year-old American. Roach originally analyzed Mayweather back in 2009, when it appeared the pair would meet before talks collapsed.

Mayweather has been steadfastly reluctant to fight Pacquiao and the biggest stumbling block remaining will be to convince him to sign on the line. However, Moonves may be the deciding factor, with the political weight in the fight game and the financial power he carries.

If this proves to be yet another false dawn ahead of another contractual collapse it would be a devastating blow for boxing. Mayweather and Pacquiao are the two dominant fighters of their generation and even if both are slightly past their peak, the matchup would still be hugely anticipated.

"If boxing is to be considered a major sport the fight has to happen," Arum said. "All the nonsense has to cease. Everyone should work together to make that fight happen. There are no excuses any more. I will be at the phone. We are ready."

Arum says the fight would gross in excess of $200 million, meaning Mayweather could pocket more than $80 million, far above his previous high of $41.5 million for fighting Canelo Alvarez.

"It would be a very challenging fight. He would be the best we have ever faced. I will really have to do my homework. I love Manny (to win) that fight and I look forward to getting him ready for it."

Roach, even with his own preparations underway, still feels Mayweather could need a nudge in the right direction, prompting him to kick the trash-talking into gear already.

"It will haunt them forever if it doesn't happen," Roach added. "They will always be in a conversation and someone will say 'why didn't you fight him?' Maybe calling (Mayweather) out, calling him chicken, we will embarrass him into it."

PHOTOS: Pacquiao defeats Algieri

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Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/boxing/2014/11/23/manny-pacquiao-floyd-mayweather-future-fight/19438533/

How Pacquiao Might Be Vulnerable Against Mayweather

Manny Pacquiao scored a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Chris Algieri in Macau, China, early Sunday afternoon local time.

Prior to the blowout victory, Pacquiaos trainer, Freddie Roach, was emphatic that he wanted to see a knockout. After all, the Pacman has not registered a KO since his 2009 stoppage of Miguel Cotto. Against Algieri, Pacquiao scored six knockdowns and yet was unable to halt the tenacious but overmatched fighter from Long Island, N.Y.

What is next for Pacquiao?

Possible future opponents include Danny Garcia, Diego Chaves, Keith Thurman, and Juan Manuel Marquez. But it is, of course, the mega-matchup with Floyd Mayweather that the world has been patiently awaiting.

Early this month, boxing commentator Larry Merchant said, There is a lot of pressure on Pacquiao in this fight, because if he wins and looks dominant it will put public pressure on Mayweather to fight him.

Pacquiaos promoter, Bob Arum, sees things differently. He said, Floyd is immune to public pressure and makes his own decisions about who he will fight. Arum continued, I really think that Mayweather is afraid of Pacquiao and he wont fight him unless he detects some serious deterioration in Mannys skills.

If Arum is right, is there anything that Mayweather might have seen in this weekends fight to embolden him to make the fight with Pacquiao?

While Pacquiaos speed and reflexes were intact, he was largely unable to cut off the ring on the fleet but relatively inept Algieri. Against orthodox fighters like Algieri (Mayweather is orthodox), Pacquiao comes in behind a double right jab and then fires a highly concussive straight left. In the past, that sequence has driven opponents to the ropes and often into a shell, at which point Pacquiao explodes with another salvo of hooks and uppercuts.

Every time Pacquiao stunned Algieri, and that was frequent enough, Algieri was able to spin out to his left and move the tussle back into the center of the ring, and the center of the ring is where Mayweather is an absolute monarch.

The one-punch knockout at the right hand of Marquez in 2012 has made the Pacman wary of being overly aggressive. After his victory against Algieri, Pacquiao acknowledged that he was going for the knockout but didnt want to get careless and overconfident. Nevertheless, the willingness to apply heat with reckless abandon has always been the Pacmans recipe for success.

Throughout the contest, Pacquiao lammed Algieri with lead lefts. Still, Pacquiao has always had the dangerous habit of squaring his shoulders when he comes in and gets tagged with right hands. Though not very potent, Algieri was able to touch Pacquiao with his right and Mayweathers quick and chopping right is of a much higher magnitude than Algieri.

Before the bout Roach said, My biggest fear is that Manny looks so good against Algieri that it will send Floyd over the bend and away from fighting us forever.

Perhaps, Roach need not worry too much.

Source: http://blogs.wsj.com/dailyfix/2014/11/23/how-pacquiao-could-be-vulnerable-against-mayweather/

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Can UF Handle A Situation Like The FSU Shooting?

GAINESVILLE - The shooting at Florida State has not just affected students in Tallahassee but also has brought concern to college students in Gainesville. One thing that stopped Myron May from causing any more damage at the FSU library were the security barriers in place. But are there enough safety measures in place to prevent these kinds of emergencies at the University of Florida?

The FSU shooting Thursday morning has hit close to home for many students here at UF. But it also has them wondering are they safe on their own campus?

Alfredo Ramirez a junior at UF said, "The library here at UF is a very open place and you know and it's not the most secure area at the university. And I feel like it's very susceptible to any kind of incident."

However, Major Brad Barber with the University of Florida Police Department says they are more than prepared to handle an active shooter situations.

Since the instance that actually occurred at Virginia Tech university many years ago we had gone through accessed our capabilities, the equipment that we had, the training that we go through. Made those assessments, any adjustments necessary to basically handle any situation," Major Barber said.

UFPD owns an armored rescue vehicle. It's completely bullet proof and while it has never been used before, if a gunman came on campus this is how they would respond.

I definitely think it's very easy for someone to blend in when certain thoughts are going through their mind and you don't know what acts they're thinking about committing," Ramirez said.

At FSU you also have to swipe your student ID to come in and the metal gates only allow one person in at a time. In fact, because the gunman was unable to make it past the security barriers he left FSU's library; probably preventing a more tragic turnout. However at UF it's pretty easy to walk in. In fact we got in without a problem.

The Facilities Manager at Library West, Peter Miller tells us they have a security guard at the entrance during the evenings and that student ID's are checked after midnight.

"We don't like to keep out community members because we are paid for by tax dollars so we want to serve the entire community rather than just the university community I wouldn't say it's exactly easy to get in. Because when you work at the circulation desk you see the same faces every day and so you know when someone walks in who is not a normal visitor because that person stands out."

There will be a meeting in the next coming weeks with the security company, the facilities department and the deans to discuss safety on campus in light of the FSU shooting.

Source: http://www.wcjb.com/local-news/2014/11/can-uf-handle-situation-fsu-shooting

Natalie Morales, Willie Geist Were Told They Were Fired From the Today Show ...

You might soon be waking up with new faces if you're a Today show devotee. In a quest to beat rival Good Morning America's ratings, NBC is shaking things up at the morning show.

PHOTOS: Stars who have been fired

Co-hosts Willie Geist and Natalie Morales "were recently told they were fired," an NBC source reveals exclusively in the new issue of Us Weekly. Morales, 42, is now in talks with ABC and Geist, 39, has lined up a gig at CBS, the insider tells Us.

But soon after those radical cuts were made, NBC removed general manager Jamie Horowitz, the most vocal proponent of the changes. In a memo obtained by Us Weekly, NBC News' Deborah Turness explained Horowitz on the job since September was simply "not the right fit. Now its unclear whether Geist and Morales will indeed be exiting or whether the current regime will try to woo them back.

PHOTOS: Best dressed TV hosts

Hoda Kotb and Josh ElliottCredit: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images; Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

The insider adds that there are other ideas "floating around" as well, including demoting fellow co-host Tamron Hall back to MSNBC and adding Good Morning America alum Josh Elliott as a newsreader.Hoda Kotb, who currently owns the 10 a.m. hour with Kathie Lee Gifford, might also be asked to join the 9 a.m. hour.

A separate source, however, tells Us that these proposals may never come to fruition. "An executive went rogue and got fired for suggesting crazy ideas no one agreed with," the source explains of the situation overall.

PHOTOS: Talk show controversies

A rep for the Today show also denies the shake-up and tells Us in a statement, "NBC's Today has the best anchor team in morning television. The entire Today show anchor team -- Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, Natalie Morales, Willie Geist, Carson Daly, Tamron Hall, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Hoda Kotb -- are incredibly talented, valued and have our support. In response to the false rumors that have been circulated about our anchor team, NBC wants to be absolutely clear: The rumors are wrong -- period. This is the team we are committed to. And this is the team that our viewers turn to in the morning."

Source: http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/natalie-morales-willie-geist-fired-from-today-show-details-20141911

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Funeral of Miss Honduras Maria Jose Alvarado and sister at tiny church as ...

A double funeral has been held for murdered Miss Honduras Maria Jose Alvarado and her sister Sofia.

This moving footage shows grief-ridden loved ones of the the sisters - including mum Teresa Muoz who wept over their coffins.

Hundreds of people turned out for the morning ceremony in a tiny church near their home town of Santa Barbara.

Recovered from a muddy grave, the bodies of reigning Miss Honduras Maria Jose Alvarado, 19, and her sister Sofia, 23, were filmed being driven off in the back of a pick-up yesterday after being discovered buried by a river nearly a week after they disappeared.

Forensics experts in protective suits carried the bodies to the truck with the jungle and a crowd of onlookers in the background.

Grief: Mum Teresa Munoz cries over the coffin of her daughter, former Miss Honduras World Maria Jose Alvarado

Maria, who was due to arrive in London for the Miss World competition, and Sofia, are thought to have been killed near their home after leaving the birthday party of Sofia's boyfriend Plutarco Ruiz.

Detectives said the 26-year-old has already confessed to the macabre crime.

Maria Jose disappeared along with her student sister last Thursday, less than a week before the start of this year's Miss World contest.

Her photo still featured on its official website today alongside a profile describing her as a keen volleyball and football player.

Local reports said Ruiz, who had been under arrest since the weekend, had confessed to shooting the two women dead in a jealous rage after his girlfriend had danced with another man at his party.

Police chief Leandro Osorio said: "We have Plutarco Ruiz, the material author of this abominable crime.

Service: The service was held in a tiny church in Santa Barbara, 200 km north of Tegucigalpa, in Honduras

"We have found the murder weapon and the car that was used to transport their bodies.

"We can say 100 per cent the bodies are those of the missing women."

The sisters' bodies were found buried on land by the Aguagua River in a mountainous area known as Piedra Gigante or Giant Stone near to the private party venue where their alleged killer celebrated his birthday.

Ruiz is understood to have led police to the burial spot after confessing following several days of questioning.

Detectives say he used his white Toyota pick-up to transfer the sisters' bodies to the spot where they were buried - before sending the vehicle off to be cleaned and painted at a local garage.

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An alleged accomplice, named locally as Aris Maldonado, is also facing a double murder charge.

The dead womens' mum had made several appeals for their safe return after they left her home in Santa Barbara for the party.

Teresa de Jesus said after Sofia's boyfriend's arrest she considered him a key suspect and claimed neighbours had told her he was "jealous and problematic" when he had been drinking.

Students at their university, the Polytechnic centre of the North, marched in white tops yesterday to demand their safe return.

Designer Eduardo Zabla, who on Sunday was due to hand Maria Jose the dress she hoped to win Miss World with, said before she was found dead: "I am very worried and anguished. I don't know what to think.

Beauty: Maria and sister Sofia were brutally murdered

"Maria Jose is a very good girl, very disciplined. I've been ringing her mobile constantly since her family told me she had disappeared, but there's no answer because it's switched off."

The case has caused consternation in the notoriously violent Honduras home to the most dangerous city on the planet.

San Pedro Sula, just over 30 miles from Santa Barbara, is the murder capital of the world with more than 1,200 killings a year among its nearly one million inhabitants.

Its murder rate of 169 per 100,000 people far surpasses anything in north America or much larger cities like Lagos or Sao Paulo.

Pretty Maria Jose beat 18 contestants to win the Miss Honduras crown in April.

The Miss World grand finale takes place on December 14 at ExCel London in the heart of the capital's Royal Docks area.

Tragic: The two bodies are driven off yesterday in the back of a pick-up after being recovered from muddy graves

Swiss-born medical student Carina Tyrrell, 24, a qualified ski instructor and competition level gymnast, is representing England.

Scotland is represented by media and marketing student Ellie McKeating, 20, from Glasgow.

Ireland's representative is business studies student Jessica Hayes, 20, from Cork.

Julia Morley, chairman of the Miss World organisation, said in a statement this afternoon: "We are devastated by this terrible loss of two young women, who were so full of life.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Maria Jose Alvarado and Sofia Trinidad at this time of grief.

"We are receiving messages of condolences and support from our Miss World family across the world, who all share our sadness at such a tragedy.

"We will be holding a special service with all the Miss World contestants on Sunday, where we will be honouring the lives of Maria Jose Alvarado and Sofia Trinidad, and say prayers for them and their family."

The sister's bodies are removed from muddy graves:

Source: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/funeral-miss-honduras-maria-jose-4665962

Michael Phelps: His Girlfriend Reveals She Was Born A Man

A hot affair with a crazy twist! Michael Phelps, known to the world as celebrated an Olympian, had a wild lover before he went to rehab. But his girlfriend has been hiding a shocking secret that she decided to share with the world before sharing with Michael!

Michael Phelps,29, who is expected to leave rehab this week, already has new drama to deal with: his alleged girlfriend, Taylor Lianne Chandler, was born a man. On Nov. 19. Taylor, 41, revealed that she is intersexand was originally named David Roy Fitch.

Michael Phelps Girlfriend: I Was Born With Male Genitalia With No Testicles

Michael Phelps, who entereda rehab program to get helpafter being arrested for his second DUI on Sept. 30, is making another scandalous splash! His girlfriend, Taylor Lianne Chandler, was born a man according, to her Facebook bio.

On TaylorsFacebook profile her bio reads, Taylor Lianne Chandlers life changed on September 30 when her relationship with Michael Phelps, was made public.

Taylor, who says she met Michael through the dating app, Tinder, had corrective surgery to remove her male genitaliain her twenties.

Michael PhelpsGirlfriend Taylor Lianne Chandler: 5 Things About Her

I was born with male genitalia with no testicles, but I also have a uterus and no ovaries, she explains to Radar Online.

I was never a man, never lived as a man. No one can say they knew me as a man or produce a photo of me as a man, adds Taylor in herFacebook post.

Michael Phelps Girlfriend AdmitsTo Having Amazing s*x

Regardless of the whether their relationship will sink or stay afloat, Taylorcontinues to share steamy details about their relationship with the media while also vocalizing her loveand support for for the legendaryathlete.

One thing led to the next, and we made love during halftime.Later, we had s*x again. The intimacy with him was amazing! It was the first time in my life that someone has made me feel like a true woman, reports Radar Online.

The reported Tinder touchdown apparently took place at a Baltimore Ravens Game on Sept. 21.

On Nov. 18. Taylor also took toFacebook to post a loving message and picture of Michael and a bulldog, with the caption printed, Come Visit Us. She alsowrites,My 64 Body Heater is coming home. Ive missed feeling your arms around me!

Prior to his stint in rehab, thehe 22-time Olympic medalist revealed on Oct. 5 via Twitterthat he was going to take some time away from swimming to focus on himself and to learn from his experiences.

Well, now it seems that Michael is learning a lot more than he bargained for upon his return from rehab.

Taylor, who is apparently anticipating that Michael will react negatively to her admission according to Radar Online, still remains obsessed with the Olympian.

Within seconds ofreviewing herFacebook page, it appearsthat Phelps is the main subject featured on her post and photos!

We hope the troubled swimmer doesnt regress and take a nose dive after coming so far in rehab!

HollywoodLifers what do you think!? Tell us! Will Michael be okay?

Take Our Poll

Jordyn Shaffer

More Michael PhelpsNews:

Michael Phelps: Out Of Retirement For One Last Shot At Olympic Glory

2013 ESPY Awards Winners: Michael Phelps & More Full List

Michael Phelps Wants To Become A Pro Golfer, Says His USA Swim Teammate

Source: http://hollywoodlife.com/2014/11/20/michael-phelps-girlfriend-born-a-man/

Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps arrested on DUI charge

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps apologizes to people he "let down"
22-time Olympic medalist is arrested on a DUI charge
A Land Rover he was driving in Baltimore was stopped for speeding
Phelps, 29, returned to swimming in April, about two years ahead of next Olympics

(CNN) -- Legendary Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, was arrested early Tuesday in Maryland on a DUI charge, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority.

Phelps, known as the "Baltimore Bullet" and winner of 18 Olympic gold medals, was arrested at about 1:40 a.m. and charged with driving under the influence, excessive speed and crossing double lane lines within the Fort McHenry Tunnel on I-95 in Baltimore, the authority said in a statement. He was later released.

Phelps, who returned to competitive swimming in April, said on his official Twitter account that he understands the severity of his actions.

"I know these words may not mean much right now but I am deeply sorry to everyone I have let down," Phelps, 29, said in a series of three tweets.

USA Swimming issued a written statement Tuesday afternoon.

"The news regarding Michael Phelps and his actions are disappointing and unquestionably serious. We expect our athletes to conduct themselves responsibly in and out of the pool," the statement said.

A Maryland Transportation Authority police officer was operating a stationary radar on southbound I-395 leaving Baltimore when a white 2014 Land Rover passed traveling at 84 mph in a 45-mph zone.

The officer followed the vehicle onto northbound I-95, through the tunnel and stopped the Land Rover just beyond the tunnel's toll plaza.

The 22-time Olympic medalist was identified as the driver by his driver's license and appeared to be under the influence, the statement said.

"He was unable to perform satisfactorily a series of standard field sobriety tests," the statement added. "Mr. Phelps was cooperative throughout the process."

Previous run-ins with the law

It was not Phelps' first DUI case.

In 2004, he was arrested on charges of driving under the influence in Salisbury, Maryland. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 months probation. He also issued an apology after that incident.

In 2009, a photograph surfaced of Phelps allegedly smoking pot from a bong at a party.

"I'll make a million mistakes in my life but as long as I never make the same mistake again, then I've been able to learn and grow," Phelps told CNN in 2012. He also said that the incident made him realize who his real friends were.

After the bong incident, Phelps was suspended from competitive swimming for three months and one of his sponsors said it would not renew his contract

USA Swimming, the nation's governing body for competitive swimming, said it was withdrawing financial support for Phelps and barring him from competition during the period of his "reprimand."

Kellogg Co. said it would not renew his advertising contract.

"Michael's most recent behavior is not consistent with the image of Kellogg," company spokeswoman Susanne Norwitz said at the time.

At the time, Phelps admitted "regrettable behavior" after a British newspaper published the photograph. The tabloid News of the World showed Phelps using the bong during what it said was a November party at the University of South Carolina in Columbia.

Back in the water

In April, back in the pool for the first time since 2012, Phelps was close to his peerless best and raced to a second-place finish in the 100-meter butterfly final in front of a sold-out crowd at the Skyline Aquatic Center in Arizona.

Phelps retired after the 2012 Olympics and embarked on a year of travel and golfing, with little mention of a return to swimming.

But he sparked speculation about a potential comeback by re-entering the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency's testing program last November -- which began a nine-month wait required before a swimmer can again compete.

When the question of a return to Olympic action arose -- with a potential fifth games in Brazil in 2016 -- Phelps would only say he is taking "one step at a time."

In August, he won five medals at his first international meet -- the Pan Pacific Championships -- since the Olympics. Phelps won the 100-meter butterfly and was on Team USA's winning 800-meter and 400-meter medley relay teams. He took silver in the 200 individual medley and 400-meter freestyle relay. He was selected as the United States Olympic Committee's male athlete of the month.

Amanda Bynes arrested on DUI charge

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2014/09/30/justice/michael-phelps-dui/