Shiny, loud, subversive: Six is the must-see show of the summer

No longer plus ones, the wives of Henry VIII step into the spotlight in spectacular new blockbuster.

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Cranbourne trainer Greg Eurell believes Star Missile's 800-strong ownership group will be able to vote the four-year-old into this year's All-Star Mile, as they did with Urban Ruler last year.

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Answers to dwindling Super crowds in NZ may offer clues for Australia

Kiwi marketing experts have challenged officials to do more to win back fans in a crowded marketplace.

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Meghan signs deal with Disney after royal split: Times report

The British newspaper says the voiceover deal was struck in exchange for a donation to a charity that protects elephants from poaching.

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The biggest issue for the NBN in 2020 isn't writedowns, it's upgrades

The quality of Australia's telco infrastructure has been in focus in recent weeks. The topic is likely to remain in the spotlight as the NBN rollout finishes.

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Blue Diamond late entry a consideration for Jabali Ridge

Connections for two-year-old Jabali Ridge will need to weigh up whether they want to pay a $55,000 late entry fee into next month's $1.5 million Blue Diamond.

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New on Sports Illustrated: 49ers Cruise Past Vikings, Advance to NFC Championship

San Francisco held the Vikings scoreless in the second half on Saturday to move on to the NFC Championship game next week.

In the days leading up to Jimmy Garoppolo's first career postseason start, the sixth-year QB's teammates and coaches spoke glowingly about their signal-caller. "I don't have to talk to Jimmy about that," WR Emmanuel Sanders said of playoff pressure. "He knows what it takes to go all the way and win it all." 

And on Sunday, Garoppolo delivered as San Francisco moved one step closer to winning its first Super Bowl since 1994. The Niners, behind their balanced offensive attack and stout defense, pulled away in a 27-10 victory over the Vikings, scoring 13 second-half points and pitching a shutout in the game's final 30 minutes. They limited Minnesota's bell-cow running back Dalvin Cook to only 18 yards on eight carries, reinforcing the same dominance that they showed throughout their 13-3 regular season.

Despite only 11 players on the 49ers' active roster on Saturday having postseason experience, San Francisco looked both calm and poised to open the first quarter. After forcing a Minnesota punt, Garoppolo marched his team downfield on an eight-play, 61-yard scoring drive, completing five passes to four different receivers, the last of which was a three-yard score to wideout Kendrick Bourne. 

Minnesota would answer on its ensuing possession thanks to a 41-yard touchdown catch from Stefon Diggs, but the Vikings would total only 42 total yards on their 20 other plays of the first half. 

San Francisco led 14-10 at halftime, but tacked on a field goal on its first drive out of the locker room. Following a Richard Sherman interception, the Niners needed only eight plays and 44 yards to double their seven-point lead. Another field goal early in the fourth quarter pushed their advantage to 17. Garoppollo finished with 131 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. Tevin Coleman rushed for 105 yards and a score to highlight San Francisco's 186-yard rushing day.

It was 32 years ago when a Vikings team coach by Jerry Burns went on the road in the wild-card round and beat the Saints in New Orleans. The next week, they followed that up by beating the 49ers in San Francisco. 

This year's Vikings, now coached by Mike Zimmer, entered Saturday looking to follow a similar script. But this season's iteration struggled to muster up enough production on both offense and defense. With Cook limited, Kirk Cousins threw for only 172 yards. He added one touchdown and one interception. As a team, Minnesota recorded only seven first downs compared to San Francisco's 21.

Earlier in the week, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan talked about his QB's poise, saying he knew that Garoppolo could handle himself in big games. But more broadly, the 49ers as an entire team handled the pressure that accompanies being the NFC's No. 1 seed with a familiar calm. As a reward, they'll host the winner of Sunday's Seahawks-Packers game next weekend.

A Super Bowl appearance sits only four quarters away.

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January 12, 2020 at 06:01AM
49ers Cruise Past Vikings, Advance to NFC Championship

BBC NEWS - Saving an indigenous language from extinction

The Sami are the only officially recognised indigenous people in the EU and some of their languages are on the brink of extinction.


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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-50939985

'One of our most experienced': Veteran firefighter dies battling Omeo bushfire

A veteran firefighter and married father-of-two who died fighting a fire in Victoria's north-east has been described as a "much-loved colleague, friend and member of the community".

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Fifty years after toddler Cheryl Grimmer was kidnapped, NSW offers $1 million reward

The toddler was last seen being carried away from Fairy Meadow Beach by an unknown male on January 12, 1970. Her body has never been found. 

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Firefighters still battling alpine blaze but milder conditions aid back burns

Firefighters in Victoria are now moving to back-burning operations, as the severity of the fire threat is reduced.

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Researchers: Are we on the cusp of an ‘AI winter’?

AI researchers admit that the hype around AI may be cooling off once again.

from BBC News - Technology https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-51064369

The biggest issue for the NBN in 2020 isn't writedowns, it's upgrades

The quality of Australia's telco infrastructure has been in focus in recent weeks. The topic is likely to remain in the spotlight as the NBN rollout finishes.

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BBC NEWS : 'I've paid £250,000 for a ticket into space'

Space tourism is set to take off in 2020 as firms offering tickets get ready for the final countdown.


January 12, 2020 at 05:47AM

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Netanyahu in constant contact with U.S. in lead up to Soleimani hit

The assassination of Iranian commander Qasam Soleimani a little more than week ago has brought the world to the brink of another war.

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UK ambassador arrested in Iran amid anti-regime protests in Tehran

Tehran [Iran], Jan 12 (ANI): British Ambassador to Iran Rob Macaire was temporarily arrested on Saturday evening amid the ongoing anti-regime protests in Tehran in the wake of the Iranian Guards' 'uni

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'One of our most experienced': Veteran firefighter dies battling Omeo bushfire

A veteran firefighter and married father-of-two who died fighting a fire in Victoria's north-east has been described as a "much-loved colleague, friend and member of the community".

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Federer shrugs off criticism from climate activists over sponsorship

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Fifty years after toddler Cheryl Grimmer was kidnapped, NSW offers $1 million reward

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Firefighters still battling alpine blaze but milder conditions aid back burns

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New on Sports Illustrated: Buddy Boeheim Lifts Syracuse Past No. 18 Virginia in OT

The sophomore guard scored nine of his 14 points in overtime as Syracuse outlasted No. 18 Virginia 63-55 on Saturday.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Buddy Boeheim scored nine of his 14 points in overtime and Syracuse outlasted No. 18 Virginia 63-55 on Saturday. The Orange scored 20 points in the extra period after netting just 19 in the second half.

Boeheim hit the third of three consecutive 3s for the Orange (9-7, 2-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) and added another when he made a desperate heave from well behind the 3-point line to beat the shot clock late in the extra period.

Elijah Hughes, who scored 18 points, hit the first 3 of the overtime for the Orange and freshman Joe Girard, who scored 19, hit the second.

Jay Huff had 16 points and 10 rebounds for Virginia (11-4, 3-2), which lost back-to-back games for the first time since the 2016-17 season. Mamadi Diakita and Kihei Clark each added 13 points for the Cavaliers.

Neither team scored in the final 1:20 of regulation, but the Orange hit their first four shots of the extra period.

BIG PICTURE

Syracuse: The Orange scored 34 points in their first game against the Cavaliers, which was the season-opener for both teams. Syracuse started Saturday averaging 73.7 points and hasn’t scored fewer than 54 in a game since the opener. They had 43 at the end of regulation at Virginia.

Virginia: The Cavaliers’ inconsistency on offense was on full display in the second half when they didn’t score for nearly 3 minutes, then scored 12 consecutive points in about 3 1/2 minutes to take a 35-30 lead. Immediately thereafter, they went 7 minutes without a point.

UP NEXT

Syracuse returns home to face Boston College on Wednesday night.

Virginia goes on the road to face No. 10 Florida State on Wednesday night.

January 12, 2020 at 05:30AM
Buddy Boeheim Lifts Syracuse Past No. 18 Virginia in OT

New on Sports Illustrated: Clemson Snaps 59-Game Road Losing Streak vs. UNC

Clemson ended its NCAA-record road losing streak against a single opponent on Saturday, defeating UNC in OT.

When the final overtime buzzer sounded, Clemson forward John Newman III picked up head coach Brad Brownell in celebration. The Tigers had seconds earlier done something that no Clemson team had ever done before: win in Chapel Hill. 

Clemson entered Saturday's contest having lost 59 straight games on the road against UNC, an NCAA-record road losing streak against a single opponent. But after a late second half rally forced the game into overtime, Clemson prevailed in the extra frame, winning 79-76.

“We have to play really well to beat a team like North Carolina at North Carolina,” Brownell said leading up to contest. “That’s just the way it is.” The Tigers did just that.

Williams had a chance to make his own history on Saturday. A UNC win would have moved the Tar Heels coach above North Carolina legend Dean Smith into fourth all-time for most Division I men's college basketball victories. But with the loss, the Tar Heels dropped to 8-8 on the season and are in danger of letting 2019-20 slip away.

UNC entered Saturday's matchup having lost seven of its last 10 games, including its last two, falling to Georgia Tech and Pitt. Following the loss to the Yellow Jackets earlier this week, Williams issued a blunt assessment of his team, calling them "the least gifted team I've ever coached in the time that I've been back here."

"We stunk, O.K. We were not very good," Williams said on his radio show Roy Williams Live last Monday. "The crazy thing about it is, our team, and we've had some very gifted teams, this is not a very gifted team. It's just not."

UNC lost three players from last year's roster who were first-round picks in the 2019 NBA draft. Forward Cameron Johnson led North Carolina with 16.9 points per game before being selected No. 11, while point Coby White went No. 7 to the Bulls. North Carolina added five-star point guard Cole Anthony in the class of 2019, but Anthony was ruled out indefinitely with a knee injury on Dec. 15. North Carolina added five-star point guard Cole Anthony in the class of 2019, but Anthony was ruled out indefinitely with a knee injury on Dec. 15.

Williams has only missed the NCAA tournament twice: his first season at Kansas (1988-89) and the 2009-10 season at North Carolina. 

Clemson (9-7), on the other hand, is looking to reach its second NCAA tournament in three seasons. Tigers forward Aamir Simms finished the win with 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists while Newman added 17 points.

UNC guard Brandon Robinson scored a game-high 27 points in the loss. The Tar Heels travel to Pittsburgh next weekend looking to avenge their recent loss Panthers and snap a three-game losing streak.

Clemson hosts No. 2 Duke on Tuesday evening. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET. 

January 12, 2020 at 05:26AM
Clemson Snaps 59-Game Road Losing Streak vs. UNC

BBC NEWS - Qasem Soleimani: Crisis puts Mid-East friends and foes on edge

The effect of the US-Iran flare-up is rippling across America's allies and enemies in the region.


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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-51048117

BBC NEWS - Why Meghan and Harry have Canada in their sights

Canadians are excited at the prospect that the royal couple might make Canada their home.


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BBC NEWS - What Iran crash clues point towards a missile strike?

Western powers believe it could have been a missile, but Iran denies it.


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BBC NEWS - Did Britain meddle in a US presidential election?

When President Bush needed a smoking gun on his rival Bill Clinton, a key US ally dug for dirt.


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BBC NEWS - A chatbot pulled me out of a 'really dark place'

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BBC NEWS - How to travel by train - and ditch the plane

Some governments have introduced measures to increase train travel, but is it enough?


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BBC NEWS - Pakistan forgiveness laws: The price of getting away with murder

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New on Sports Illustrated: Lakers Promote Rob Pelinka to VP of Basketball Operations, GM

The Lakers are rewarding Pelinka for his recent success as the team's general manager.

The Lakers have promoted Rob Pelinka to Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager, the team announced Friday. His contract has  been extended from his initial five-year deal, according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Adrian Wojnarowski. 

Pelinka was first hired as the team's GM in March of 2017 following Mitch Kupchak's dismissal. Pelinka was the longtime agent of Kobe Bryant before joining the team's front office.

"I'm extremely pleased with the work Rob has done in order to put this franchise in a position for success," Lakers governor Jeanie Buss said.  "His strong leadership skills, as well as his commitment to building a winning  culture, both on and off the court, have brought us one step closer to being a championship-caliber team and I look forward to our continued work together." 

Pelinka was initially brought in alongside Magic Johnson, who was previously the team's President of Basketball Operations. Pelinka remained in the GM role following Johnson's departure last season. 

"We have worked closely with Rob for many years and have firsthand experience with his knowledge of the league and the business of basketball,'' Buss said upon hiring Pelinka. ''In our recent discussions, it was clear that he also shares our goal of returning the Lakers to being an elite NBA franchise."

Pelinka is already on the second head coach of his brief tenure as the team hired Frank Vogel last May. He helped orchestrate Anthony Davis's arrival this past June in a mega-deal and signed LeBron James in July 2018.

The Lakers currently own the best record in the Western Conference. They visit Dallas Friday night to face off against the Mavericks. Tip-off is set for 9:45 p.m. ET.  

January 11, 2020 at 05:53AM
Lakers Promote Rob Pelinka to VP of Basketball Operations, GM

Djokovic opts out of Adelaide International

Novak Djokovic has pulled out of next week's Adelaide International in a body-blow to the South Australian capital which was celebrating the return of top-level tennis.

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Price slips to third in Dakar Rally after tyre 'falls off'

Australia's defending champion Toby Price suffered a setback to his hopes when tyre problems saw him finish 11th in Friday's (Saturday AEDT) sixth stage.

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57,000 Germans want Siemens to quit Adani mine over climate

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BBC NEWS - India's first trans queen: 'Show yourself loud and proud'

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Lisa Lloyd's elaborate designs - made out of tiny bits of paper - have sold all over the world.


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CES 2020: The biggest surprises from big tech at the show

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US Bans Charter Flights to Cuban Cities Besides Havana

HAVANA - The Trump administration is banning charter flights to Cuban cities besides Havana in a new tightening of U.S. restrictions on the island.

In October, the administration banned comme

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Opera House chief executive Louise Herron said she hoped the display would "send a message of hope and strength to the people of Australia".

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New on Sports Illustrated: Inside the Decision to Move the U.S. National Soccer Team Training Site From Qatar

U.S. Soccer altered its plans to hold its January camp in Qatar, the site of the 2020 World Cup. Here's how the decision was made.

At 9:35 p.m. ET on January 2, Tom King, U.S. Soccer’s managing director of administration, was two hours into a 14-hour flight from Chicago to Doha on Qatar Airways Flight 726 when an unsettling email landed in his inbox. The subject line was “Latest News from Iraq,” and it contained a link to a news story that would shake the world. The U.S. had killed Iranian general Qassim Suleimani, the nation’s second-most powerful figure, in a missile strike in Baghdad.

The possibility of a new war in the Middle East had just increased dramatically, and it meant that King had a problem, too. For the last 25 years, the genial Brit has been in charge of scheduling games and arranging all travel aspects for the U.S. national teams. It’s a job that requires the skills of foreign diplomacy, large-scale logistics and, in this case, crisis management. The USMNT was set to begin a three-week training camp in Doha, with players arriving less than 48 hours later, and now news reports were saying that Americans in the Middle East could be targets for reprisal.

King, who was joined on the flight by team administrator Sam Zapatka and equipment manager Kyle Robertson, digested the news and got to work. “We were aware of the protest situation outside the U.S. embassy in Baghdad [starting December 31], so we knew there were some issues going on in the area,” King told SI.com in an interview. “So for the preceding 24 hours before departure we were already in contact with the embassy in Doha to discuss that and make sure from a security standpoint there were no concerns. But as soon as the [Suleimani] attack had happened, I immediately contacted our primary security contact at the embassy and arranged to meet him as soon as we landed.”

King’s plane landed in Doha at 4:40 p.m. local time (8:40 a.m. ET) on January 3. By 6 p.m., he was sitting down with officials from the U.S. embassy at his hotel to discuss the situation in detail. The meeting lasted three hours.

***

Security is a big thing when it comes to the U.S. national soccer teams. They’re a symbol of America in the world’s most popular sport, after all.

Much of the security around U.S. teams is not conspicuous, but some is. At World Cup 2002 in South Korea, less than a year after 9/11, the USMNT had even more guards than usual, including an armed officer next to the bench during games. Four years earlier, European law enforcement made more than 100 arrests and broke up a terrorist plot backed by Osama bin Laden that planned to attack three locations during World Cup ’98 in France: The USMNT at its hotel in Paris, the England-Tunisia game in Marseille and a nuclear reactor in central France.

“On every single international trip we take, not only the men and women but every single youth team, we interface with a regional security officer in the embassy of the country that we’re going to,” King explained. “The security plan is taken care of in conjunction with local authorities based on any concerns they may have.”

By 9 p.m. in Doha on January 3, King concluded his meeting with U.S. embassy officials. Next came individual phone calls to U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter, sporting director Earnie Stewart and Brian Remedi, the acting chief administrative officer of U.S. Soccer. Then came a conference call with the senior leadership of the federation, including president Carlos Cordeiro.

They were following a process to reach a decision as quickly as possible. But on the ground in Doha, King had a sense in his gut. “It didn’t feel right to me to keep the camp [in Qatar],” he said. “It just didn’t feel right.”

***

Gregg Berhalter woke up in Chicago on the morning of January 3 and saw a missed call on his cell phone from Stewart. Berhalter was planning to leave for Doha that evening with several other staff members, a day before the players were set to do so. Now he got Stewart back on the phone. “The first call with Earnie was, ‘O.K., what’s the situation?’” Berhalter said. “’What does it mean for the team? And what do we need to do?’ To me, the most important factors were if there’s going to be a change, how quickly can we get information and make new plans?”

The plan for having a three-week training camp in Qatar, the host of World Cup ’22, had been a sound one, Berhalter said. In the past, the U.S. has taken trips to World Cup hosting countries before the event, including to South Korea before 2002, to Germany before 2006, to South Africa before 2010 and to Brazil in January of 2014. “The idea of Qatar was a great idea, I think,” Berhalter explained, “to let the guys see what the environment is, to give them a goal to reach to make the World Cup and become familiar with the environment.” Several club teams like Bayern Munich and Ajax also spend their winter breaks in Doha, and the U.S. was planning to have some closed-door games, including one against Red Bull Salzburg.

When Berhalter spoke to King on the phone, though, it became clear that the circumstances had mitigated the benefits of the trip. “It was due to the uncertainty of the situation,” he said. “There was no longer an upside. We felt like we wouldn’t be able to get the most out of training.”

When U.S. Soccer had its conference call with senior leadership at 10:30 p.m. Doha time, there was no disagreement among the participants. They decided to change the site of the January camp. King said: “If you put the best interest of the players and staff in the center of the decision and balance that with the uncertainty of everything going on in the region … it really is important to draw the distinction between the region and Qatar itself, because the security issues within Qatar are extremely buttoned-down. But when you look at what’s going on now within the region as it relates to flight paths and things of this nature, even before the tragedy in Tehran [of a Ukrainian airline being shot down], just within the region it didn’t feel right. Even though we knew that the Qatar authorities would have done an admirable job in making sure every aspect of our stay was safe and secure, as they will in 2022 [if the U.S. qualifies].”

***

Cordeiro made the final decision on the conference call to move the training venue from Qatar, and then they followed a strict protocol sequence to communicate the news internally and externally. First, Cordeiro called his counterpart at the Qatari Football Association, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al Thani. Then they contacted staff members who were set to fly to Qatar that day to tell them plans had changed. Next came the U.S. players and their union, teams that U.S. Soccer had been making plans to play in Doha and the MLS clubs of the players.

More calls were made, and within two hours they had secured a new January camp location at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. More than 4,000 pounds of team gear had already arrived in Doha, including balls, training gear, medical and high-performance equipment and the mannequins you stick in the ground to form a wall in training. Now all of that had to be shipped to Miami, then put on a truck and taken up to Bradenton.

The final shipment wasn’t set to arrive on the Gulf Coast—from the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Mexico—until midnight on Friday. But U.S. Soccer staffers always have contingencies in place if customs don’t work on time, and so they had enough gear to start training sessions last Tuesday morning with the players.

“To me, it’s incredible that our first session was going to be on Monday afternoon in Doha, and we ended up training Tuesday morning in Bradenton,” Berhalter said.

Before he left Qatar, King—ever the diplomat—made sure to visit with four entities and leave on good terms. “I wanted to meet personally with the QFA, with the Aspire Academy, with the hotel and with the State Department and just make sure those four entities understood why we took the decision we did,” he said, “and just to make sure we left Qatar with everybody understanding how much we appreciated the incredible support they had given us setting up the camp. And we certainly plan on coming back before too long.”

Quite likely, he said, in January 2022.

January 11, 2020 at 05:45AM
Inside the Decision to Move the U.S. National Soccer Team Training Site From Qatar

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New on Sports Illustrated: Odell Beckham Jr. Gifts LSU Beats Headphones Ahead of National Championship

The LSU football team got a pregame gift from one of its most famous former players.

One of LSU's most famous former football players gave the Tigers a pre-national championship gift earlier Thursday.

Former LSU receiver Odell Beckham Jr. sent Beats headphones to each Tigers player, accompanied by a good luck note. No. 1 LSU is set to play No. 3 Clemson in the College Football Playoff national championship on Monday night.

"This is your opportunity to leave behind a legacy and write yourself into the history books, not just as the undefeated national champions but as legends," the note read. "You're here for a reason, now make it count. Best of luck men! #geauxtigers"

According to ESPN, Beckham Jr. reached out to the school ahead of gifting the presents to allow the university to ensure that his action's were NCAA-compliant. 

Just a few weeks ago, Beckham Jr. also sent the LSU players new Nike Air Max 720 sneakers before the team's playoff matchup against Oklahoma.

The current Browns receiver is also not the first current professional athlete to gift headphones to a 2019 College Football Playoff team. LeBron James sent Ohio State players Beats headphones ahead of the Fiesta Bowl.

Beckham Jr., who was born in Baton Rouge, played at LSU from 2011 to 2013. The Tigers went to the BCS National Championship game in his freshman season, losing to Alabama 21-0.

Kickoff for Monday's game is set for 8 p.m. ET.

January 10, 2020 at 05:45AM
Odell Beckham Jr. Gifts LSU Beats Headphones Ahead of National Championship

New on Sports Illustrated: MLB Rumors: Will Cardinals Flip Just-Acquired Liberatore for Arenado or Betts?

Check out the latest rumors and notes from around MLB.

On Thursday, the St. Louis Cardinals reportedly agreed to a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays acquiring well-regarded pitching prospect Matthew Liberatore in exchange for at least one big-league outfielder in a deal massive, six-piece deal.

The move to acquire Liberatore, however, may just be an initial step in St. Louis dealing for Rockies All-Star Nolan Arenado. According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, a deal for the star 3B seems "inevitable," whether that be by Opening Day or by the July trade deadline. USA Today's Bob Nightengale notes that Liberatore is the type of high-level prospect Colorado would likely want in a possible trade for Arenado. ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Tuesday that Colorado is intrigued by St. Louis as a trade partner.

The Cardinals have just three players signed beyond 2021, giving them the financial flexibility needed to take on most or all of the seven years and $234 million remaining on Arenado's contract. The one potential road block is their commitment to aging third baseman Matt Carpenter, who is under contract for two more years and $39 million, with a vesting option for 2022.

In acquiring Liberatore, there is also speculation the Cardinals are setting up a deal with the Red Sox in exchange for MVP outfielder Mookie Betts. Betts has been the topic of trade rumors throughout the offseason, with the Dodgers often floated as another possible destination.

Check out the latest rumors and notes from around MLB:

• Shortly before Christmas, the Indians reportedly asked teams for their "best and final offers" for All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor. (Ken Ronsenthal, The Athletic)
• On Wednesday, Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti reiterated that he expects Lindor to be the team's Opening Day shortstop. (Mandy Bell, MLB.com)
• The Twins are among a number of teams looking to sign free-agent third baseman Josh Donaldson, but if they can't strike a deal with Donaldson, they might look to make a trade for a player at any number of positions. (Dan Hayes, The Athletic) 
• A possible trade market for Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant and catcher Wilson Contreras hasn't been what the team once hoped. (Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma, The Athletic)
• The Phillies are looking for a righthanded hitting complement to Adam Haseley in CF. (Jon Morosi, MLB Network)
• The Yankees have agreed to a minor-league deal with veteran catcher Chris Iannetta. (Bryan Hoch, MLB.com)
• The Pirates have officially signed outfielder Guillermo Heredia to a one-year deal.
• The Jays and Brandon Drury have avoided arbitration, agreeing to a one-year, $2.05 million contract. (Jon Heyman, MLB Network)

January 10, 2020 at 05:42AM
MLB Rumors: Will Cardinals Flip Just-Acquired Liberatore for Arenado or Betts?

US House Passes Resolution Limiting Military Action Against Iran

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a resolution Thursday directing President Donald Trump to not use the military to engage in hostilities with Iran. The vote was 224-194.

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Thailand's fugitive ex-PM siblings tout new DNA venture at Vegas expo

BANGKOK - They are both former prime ministers and officially Thailand's most-wanted siblings, but in exile abroad, ousted Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra and his sister Yingluck have turned to the more modest task of promoting a DNA nutrition app at a convention in Las Vegas.

The pair appeared on Wednesday (Jan 8) at the Consumer Electronics Show 2020 in Vegas, an annual technology and electronics industry expo running from Jan 7-10, to promote one of their investments.

They were photographed at the booth of DNANudge, a company that uses a cheek swab containing a person's DNA to recommend dietary choices, according to its website.

"My brother and I are here at Consumer Electronic Show 2020 (CES 2020) Las Vegas, the United States, launching our business we invested (in) and just launched in London," Yingluck said in a post on Twitter.

Back home in Thailand, both had been ousted during military coups, Thaksin in 2006, and his sister in 2014.

The 2014 coup maker is the South-east Asian nation's current prime minister, Prayuth Chan-o-cha.

The pro-Thaksin Pheu Thai party is currently the largest opposition party in Thailand.

from Asia
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After the firestorm

Sydney Morning Herald photographer James Brickwood captures the aftermath of the bushfires that hit Conjola Park.

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Cambage and overseas guns called in for Opals' Tokyo qualifiers

The Australian Opals have taken no chances as they attempt to lock in their place at the Tokyo Olympics early next month.

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After the firestorm

Sydney Morning Herald photographer James Brickwood captures the aftermath of the bushfires that hit Conjola Park.

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Iran plane shooting not intentional: Morrison

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Australia's intelligence reports says the downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet over Iran was not "intentional".

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BBC NEWS : Energy customers hit with backdated bills

Householders are getting billed extra for energy they used years ago, despite a ban on the practice.


January 10, 2020 at 05:30AM

from BBC News - Business
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https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51005983

BBC NEWS : Which retailers were the Christmas winners and losers?

Some retailers had a cracking Christmas, while for some, 2019 was a bit of a turkey.


January 10, 2020 at 05:31AM

from BBC News - Business
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51049894

BBC NEWS : US wine sellers compare tariffs to Prohibition

The US plan to impose a 100% tax on European wines will be as bad for business as Prohibition, the industry says.


January 10, 2020 at 05:31AM

from BBC News - Business
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51014048

BBC NEWS : Why we've never fallen in love with virtual reality

It was thought VR would be as common as televisions, but despite improvements it is yet to take off.


January 10, 2020 at 05:31AM

from BBC News - Business
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-50265414

Victoria Police rejects social media campaign claiming arson caused fires

Police are not treating any of the major Victorian fires as suspicious, amid what a university researcher called a social media "disinformation campaign" claiming arsonists were at fault.

from Sydney Morning Herald - National
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Man's arm trapped in meat slicer west of Brisbane

Police, firefighters and advanced care paramedics worked to free the man, who suffered significant arm injuries.

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Labor calls for bushfire trauma counsellors for schools and firefighters

Anthony Albanese says the federal government needs to boost health services for bushfire victims, including funding trauma counsellors in schools.

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Tablet interactive: State on edge as weather conditions worsen

Bushfire activity is at risk of spiking again today, as temperatures rise and emergency crews brace for a worryingly hot Friday.

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Victoria Police rejects social media campaign claiming arson caused fires

Police are not treating any of the major Victorian fires as suspicious, amid what a university researcher called a social media "disinformation campaign" claiming arsonists were at fault.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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'Gutted': Green cops throwing ban on the chin

Sydney Thunder spinner Chris Green has declared he will return to the game after being suspended by Cricket Australia for an illegan bowling action.

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Man's arm trapped in meat slicer west of Brisbane

Police, firefighters and advanced care paramedics worked to free the man, who suffered significant arm injuries.

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'Thermal winter'? Finland's lack of snow in January is unusual

Mainland Finland recorded a high temperature of 7.9 degrees Celsius and the Aland Islands, an autonomous Baltic Sea region recorded a high of 8.7.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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BBC NEWS - Justin Bieber: Singer reveals he has Lyme disease

The Canadian pop star says it's been a "rough" few years but vows to return "better than ever".


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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-51041033

BBC NEWS - Are Europe's rape laws letting women down?

Pressure is growing on countries that don't base their definition of rape on a lack of consent.


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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-50976830

New on Sports Illustrated: Brewers Extend Manager Craig Counsell Through 2023 Season

Counsell has led the Brewers to consecutive postseason appearances for the first time in team history.

MILWAUKEE (AP) Milwaukee general manager David Stearns didn't have to do much thinking when it came to a new long-term deal for Brewers manager Craig Counsell.

''Both Craig and I thought this was probably an inevitability at some point,'' Stearns said Wednesday after announcing a three-year extension for Counsell through the 2023 season. ''It was just a matter of finding a time to work through the details.''

Hired to replace Ron Roenicke a month into the 2015 season, Counsell led the Brewers to consecutive postseason appearances for the first time in team history.

Counsell already is the longest-tenured manager in the National League. Among all big league managers, he is fifth behind Oakland's Bob Melvin, Cleveland's Terry Francona, Houston's AJ Hinch and Tampa Bay's Kevin Cash.

''You know this job doesn't have much security,'' Counsell said. ''I think we've taken steps to put the franchise in a good place, and that's going to be the job moving forward -- to keep it in a good place and to keep us contenting for playoff appearances and World Series titles. That's our mission going forward, and hopefully with some stability, that helps us do that.''

Milwaukee went 96-67 in 2018, beating the Chicago Cubs in a tiebreaker game for the NL Central title and tying the franchise record for wins. The Brewers reached Game 7 of the NL Championship Series, losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers, then lost to Washington in last year's NL wild card game after wasting an eighth-inning lead.

The 49-year-old Counsell finished second in NL Manager of the Year voting in each of the last two seasons. He is 405-381 with the Brewers.

''I get to continue to work for a franchise that means a lot to me while we get to continue doing what we've been doing, and try to take it to another level,'' Counsell said. ''It's really that the work gets to continue -- that's what I'm excited about.''

Counsell was raised in Milwaukee and his father, John, worked in the Brewers' community relations department and ran the team's speakers bureau. Counsell played 16 seasons in the major leagues and won World Series rings with the Florida Marlins in 1997 and Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001. He spent his last five big league seasons with the Brewers, who hired him after the 2011 season as a special assistant to general manager Doug Melvin.

January 09, 2020 at 05:52AM
Brewers Extend Manager Craig Counsell Through 2023 Season

New on Sports Illustrated: MLB Rumors: Marcell Ozuna Prefers Return to Cardinals

The Hot Stove is not done cooking yet. Check out the latest MLB news and rumors around baseball.

Marcell Ozuna became a free agent for the first time in his career after declining a qualifying offer from the Cardinals this offseason, but it seems he may end back up in St. Louis.

The Cardinals and Rangers are reportedly the two front-runners to sign Ozuna, with his preference being to return to St. Louis, according to Neftalí Ruiz of Dominican news network CDN 37.

If the Cardinals do not bring back Ozuna, the team that does sign him will forfeit a draft pick as compensation because the outfielder declined the $17.8 million qualifying offer. By turning down the offer to remain in St. Louis and instead test free agency, Ozuna perhaps made it more likely that he re-signs with the Cardinals, because other teams might not want to lose the draft pick in addition to whatever salary they'd pay him.

The Reds were also among the teams interested in Ozuna, but the team recently signed Japanese outfielder Shogo Akiyama, a move that could take Cincinnati out of the running.

Here are the other latest MLB rumors: 

• Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antoinette is confident superstar Francisco Lindor will be their starting shortstop next season despite rumors that he could be traded. (Mandy Bell, MLB.com)
• Pitcher Héctor Rondón is reportedly nearing a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. (Nick Pierco, The Arizona Republic)
• The Brewers are signing manager Craig Counsell to a contract extension through 2023. (Robert Murray, The Athletic)

January 09, 2020 at 05:26AM
MLB Rumors: Marcell Ozuna Prefers Return to Cardinals

UTS professor allegedly continues fake harassment campaign while on bail

University of Technology Sydney Science dean Professor Dianne Jolley has spent the night behind bars after further charges were laid in relation to an alleged fake harassment campaign against herself.

from Sydney Morning Herald - National
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This Festival Could Alter Your Sense of Film History

By BY BEN KENIGSBERG from NYT Movies https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/08/movies/moma-film-festival.html?partner=IFTTT
To Save and Project, the annual MoMA series, unearths forgotten work by Australian women, a French auteur and even George A. Romero.

Pulling rank: the numbers behind getting to the top in tennis

Players used to get a tournament spot via a "star system". Now rankings are the key – calculated every Monday, almost all year round. How do they work?

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Hamstring injury was a blessing in disguise: Hazlewood

Josh Hazlewood has described his recent three-week injury lay-off as a "blessing in disguise" ahead of Australia's limited-over tour of India this month.

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Royal family split: How an Instagram post rewrote the royal rules

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan have increasingly been operating in a silo that has been a source of mounting anguish in the royal family reports London's Daily Telegraph.

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Complicated, remarkable, Megxit: How the Royal announcement unfolded

Confusion, shock and bewilderment were the initial responses as Prince Harry and Meghan's sensational Royal resignation went live.

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UTS professor allegedly continues fake harassment campaign while on bail

University of Technology Sydney Science dean Professor Dianne Jolley has spent the night behind bars after further charges were laid in relation to an alleged fake harassment campaign against herself.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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BBC NEWS : Danger washing machine repair dates to be revealed

Owners of the fire-prone Hotpoint and Indesit machines fear a much longer wait to hot wash their clothes.


January 09, 2020 at 05:31AM

from BBC News - Business
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https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51036168

BBC NEWS : 'Worst year for retail in 25 years' says trade body

Total sales fell last year for the first time since 1995, says the British Retail Consortium.


January 09, 2020 at 05:31AM

from BBC News - Business
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51035672

BBC NEWS : As the ice melts, Greenland considers its future

As the US prepares to open a consulate in Greenland, there are concerns over American influence.


January 09, 2020 at 05:31AM

from BBC News - Business
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51014148

BBC NEWS : Bosses are wary of the return of the corporate raider

Corporate raiders may now style themselves as "shareholder activists" but firms are no less worried.


January 08, 2020 at 05:40AM

from BBC News - Business
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-50609165

Thais asked to shower less as drought worsens

BANGKOK - Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday (Jan 7) urged people to turn off their taps and shower less to cope with a drought afflicting northern and central Thailand.

Last week, Bangkok's water authority said the capital's tap water was becoming saline as seawater pushed up the depleted Chao Phraya River, a source of much of central Thailand's water.

The Cabinet agreed on Tuesday to spend three billion baht (S$134 million) on boreholes and pipes to extract groundwater to relieve a drought that is expected to worsen in the next few months, a government spokesman told reporters.

Thailand's dry season started in November and usually lasts through April, although this year authorities say it could go on through June. A drought has been declared in 14 provinces in the central, northern and north-eastern farming regions.

"Please all help save water. Turn off all the taps. Use less water," Mr Prayut said. "Reduce tooth-brushing and shower time by one minute."

With reservoir levels low, the government has also asked farmers in some provinces near the Chao Phraya River basin not to grow off-season rice.

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Indian court orders execution of bus rapists on Jan 22 for gang rape of student in 2012

NEW DELHI - An Indian court on Tuesday (Jan 7) ordered the execution on Jan 22 of four men convicted of the infamous 2012 gang rape and murder of a Delhi university student.

Six people were originally charged with taking part in the brutal attack aboard a city bus, but one was released after a brief detention as a juvenile and another committed suicide while awaiting trial.

On Tuesday, Delhi court judge Satish Kumar issued a warrant ordering the four on death row to be executed on Jan 22 at 7am local time.

The men still have one avenue of appeal remaining, and they can also petition the Indian president for mercy.

Ms Jyoti Singh, 23, was attacked in December 2012 while returning home after visiting the cinema with a male friend.

Her assailants took turns to rape and violate her with a metal rod as the bus drove around the capital, before dumping her and the beaten-up friend in a roadside ditch.

Ms Singh died of her injuries nearly a fortnight after the attack - in Singapore, where she had been flown to for specialist treatment.

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BBC NEWS - Bow ties give dogs in shelters a 'second chance'

Sir Darius Brown, 13, makes canine bow ties so unwanted dogs in shelters can get a "second chance".


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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-51011500

More foreign suitors emerge for fuel giant Caltex

Australian fuel retailer Caltex has received approaches from a "number of parties" interested in making a takeover offer for its assets,

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Australian NBA stars donate $1.1 million to bushfire aid

Ben Simmons, Patty Mills and Australia's other NBA stars are digging deep to help their homeland fight the horrific bushfires.

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How late is too late to arrive at a party?

Beyonce made it to the Golden Globes an hour in. But what do the experts say about party late arrivals?

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Australia's Price up to sixth in Dakar Rally

Australian motorcyclist Toby Price finished fifth in the third stage of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia.

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Already blackened by fire, Victoria's bushfire peak could still be ahead

Victoria is blackened by flames, but the worst of the bushfire season could still be around the corner, stoking fears residents in the most at-risk zones won't be prepared.

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'Shocking': Finch leaves winless Renegades with heavy heart

It is with a heavy heart that Melbourne Renegades captain Aaron Finch leaves his side for a one-day international tour of India.

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More foreign suitors emerge for fuel giant Caltex

Australian fuel retailer Caltex has received approaches from a "number of parties" interested in making a takeover offer for its assets,

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Malaga suspend coach after sex tape leak

Second-division Spanish club Malaga have suspended their coach after an intimate video was released online.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Mane named African Footballer of the Year

Sadio Mane was named African Footballer of the Year for 2019 on Tuesday after winning the Champions League with Liverpool and leading Senegal to the Africa Cup of Nations final.

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Four charged after far north Queensland riots

Four people have been charged with riot and arson offences after the unrest in the Cape York community of Aurukun last week.

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Already blackened by fire, Victoria's bushfire peak could still be ahead

Victoria is blackened by flames, but the worst of the bushfire season could still be around the corner, stoking fears residents in the most at-risk zones won't be prepared.

from Sydney Morning Herald - National
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New on Sports Illustrated: Raiders Rookie RB Josh Jacobs Buys House for Dad

Jacobs made the purchase after leading all rookies in rushing yards in 2019.

Raiders running back Josh Jacobs capped an impressive rookie season on Tuesday by buying a house for his dad, Marty.

Jacobs tweeted that he "bought my pops a house" on Tuesday afternoon, and the Raiders later tweeted a video of Jacobs' gift to his father.

The Alabama product detailed his childhood in Tulsa, Okla., in 2019, noting he and his four siblings would at times have to live out of a car. 

"Sleeping in the car, I always look back on it," Jacobs said, according to ESPN's Paul Gutierrez. "It's always going to be something that molded me into who I am. It might have been rough, but, I mean, it's my life."

Jacobs earned a four-year, $11.9 million contract upon being selected with the No. 24 pick in the 2019 draft. He rushed for a rookie-leading 1,150 yards this season, adding seven touchdowns. 

January 08, 2020 at 05:54AM
Raiders Rookie RB Josh Jacobs Buys House for Dad

New on Sports Illustrated: Browns to Interview Josh McDaniels, Jim Schwartz for Head Coach Opening

Cleveland is the lone team remaining with a head coaching job to fill.

The Browns are the final team with a head coaching vacancy after the Panthers and Giants landed their respective new coaches on Tuesday, and Cleveland appears to have no shortage of options. 

Cleveland management has already interviewed Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman, as well as 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. And Cleveland has a slate of interviews planned to close the week, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. 

Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will meet with Cleveland on Wednesday, per Schefter. Schwartz has been in Philadelphia for four seasons, and he previously went 29–51 in five years with the Lions from 2009-13. 

The Browns will interview a pair of offensive coordinators after Schwartz. Vikings OC Kevin Stefanski is slated to meet with Cleveland on Thursday, followed by Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. The Pats' OC accepted the Colts' head coaching vacancy in February 2018, but he quickly reversed course and returned to New England. 

Cleveland hopes to have a deal with a new head coach by Saturday, per Schefter. 

The Browns' new head coach will be the franchise's eighth since 2010. Freddie Kitchens lasted one season in Cleveland before being fired on Dec. 29. 

The Browns finished third in the AFC North in 2019 at 6–10. They have not made the playoffs since 2002. 

January 08, 2020 at 05:34AM
Browns to Interview Josh McDaniels, Jim Schwartz for Head Coach Opening

New on Sports Illustrated: Cavs' Kevin Love Regrets Recent 'Childish' Outbursts During Games

The Cavs forward spoke openly and in-depth for the first time since an outburst on the bench in Toronto and for showing up his teammates and coaches during a loss to OKC.

CLEVELAND – Kevin Love knows he should have better handled his recent frustrations.

He was childish.

''I wasn't acting like a 31-year-old, I was acting like a 13-year-old,'' Love said. ''That was not me.''

The Cavaliers star forward spoke openly and in-depth Tuesday for the first time since an outburst on the bench in Toronto last week and for showing up his teammates and coaches during a loss to Oklahoma City on Saturday.

Love threw his arms up in disgust several times on the floor, fired a hard pass in anger and had his back turned on defense as one of the Thunder's players streaked past him for a basket.

Also, before that game, Love got into a verbal exchange with general manager Koby Altman because he was angry at being fined for losing his cool against the Raptors on Dec. 31. Love said the situation was overblown in the media and that he and Altman spoke before Sunday's game against Minnesota and are on good terms.

''I went in there and talked to Koby about it in conversation,'' Love said following the morning shootaround as the Cavs prepared to host Detroit. ''Came to the arena, Koby and I were great, gave him a (fist) pound right when I came in. There was no altercation, there was no screaming match, you can ask him, that's what it was.''

Love has been the subject of trade rumors almost since the moment he arrived in Cleveland five years ago, and it's likely the young and rebuilding Cavs will deal him before the Feb. 6 deadline to add future assets.

Not long after LeBron James left as a free agency following the 2017 season, the Cavs signed Love to a four-year, $120 million contract. They wanted him to be the center piece of their rebuild but things haven't gone exactly as planned as the team has made a coaching change and move several veteran players.

Love could be next. But he has no regrets about staying with Cleveland.

''No,'' he said when asked if he wished he hadn't signed the deal. ''It's there. Everybody wants to paint a narrative that I didn't want to be here and just signed it because it was there. No, I've always wanted to be here. I don't know what the next few weeks are going to hold and this has been a frustrating situation and I know this is a team that's rebuilding and wants to go young.

''I've accepted that. Let the chips fall where they may.''

Love has been open in the past about his struggles with anxiety and depression. He's become a national advocate for mental wellness. The stress of the past two seasons have taken a toll, but he said he's learning to cope when faced with challenges.

''I think you have to see all sides of it, and I've had to take a step back the last number of years and do that as well,'' he said. ''Seeing things in their entirety when things are bad, when things are kind of not at a place where you want them to be is super hard. I think that transcends the basketball court, professional sports, any walk of life. I think we can all be better.''

Love acknowledged his failings over the past weeks and vowed to learn from them. He's had a hard time coping with the reality that he's not going to win another NBA title with Cleveland, but that can't affect the ways he acts toward teammates, coaches, fans and media members.

He's a work in progress.

''I've been at ease,'' he said. ''People ask me, `Hey, are you OK?' and `What's going on?' I'm like, I'm good. Listen ... I showed my actions on a national level. That was childish of me, and just goes to show you, I'm an unfinished product, like anybody.

''That's why I speak to you guys not Kevin Love the basketball player, as a human because it's no B.S. I just want to be authentic. I know I can get a lot better, and that can't go on here, especially when you have young guys that you are trying to help and I told that I would help.

''So, I got to be a better leader, but also a better person as somebody who has more often than not a majority of the time done the right thing, said the right thing, and shown that I can.''

January 08, 2020 at 05:26AM
Cavs' Kevin Love Regrets Recent 'Childish' Outbursts During Games

BBC NEWS : I'm being charged £42,000 to extend my lease

Leaseholders await a report on Thursday from the Law Commission, which is considering reform.


January 08, 2020 at 05:31AM

from BBC News - Business
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51026374

BBC NEWS : Travelex customers 'thousands of pounds out of pocket'

The criminals behind the hack told the BBC they are demanding $6m (£4.6m)


January 08, 2020 at 05:31AM

from BBC News - Business
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51026383

BBC NEWS : Quarter of minimum wage workers underpaid, says study

Firms which fail to pay the minimum wage should face tougher penalties, the Resolution Foundation says.


January 08, 2020 at 05:31AM

from BBC News - Business
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51020098

BBC NEWS : Why is my train often late?

The challenge can be summarised in two simple words: punctuality and overcrowding.


January 08, 2020 at 05:31AM

from BBC News - Business
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51026379

BBC NEWS : What Google and Facebook owe to a 19th-Century machine

Often called the "new oil", data is immensely valuable - but only if processed in the right way.


January 08, 2020 at 05:42AM

from BBC News - Business
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-50578234

BBC NEWS : A chatbot pulled me out of a 'really dark place'

There are many mental health apps on the market, but how much help are they?


January 07, 2020 at 05:33AM

from BBC News - Business
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-50432574

'We've stuck together': After a week in isolation, the phones are back on at Walwa

With fires all around it, the tiny township of Walwa in Victoria's north-east had been all but cut off for a week with no power, no phones and almost no way of communicating with the outside world.

from Sydney Morning Herald - National
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40 goldfish netted from Queensland home pond in bizarre theft

The Shubunkin goldfish were taken from suburban Mackay sometime between 11pm on January 2 and 4pm on January 4.

from Sydney Morning Herald - National
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Africa: How Debt Markets Can Supercharge Trump's 'Prosper Africa' Initiative

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New on Sports Illustrated: Predators Fire Head Coach Peter Laviolette After Five-Plus Seasons

The Predators have decided to make a coaching change halfway through the 2019–20 season.

The Nashville Predators have fired head coach Peter Laviolette and associate coach Kevin McCarthy, the team announced Monday. 

Under Laviolette, the Predators reached the NHL postseason in five consecutive seasons, reaching the Stanley Cup Final in 2016–17 and the second round of the postseason twice. 

"Under the leadership of Peter and Kevin, our organization reached unprecedented heights - from our franchise-altering run to the Stanley Cup Final to a Presidents' Trophy and our first two Central Division titles," David Poile, the team's president of hockey operations/GM said in a statement. "Their passion for the game, ability to motivate a team and drive to be the best makes this a difficult decision. On behalf of the entire organization, I would like to thank Peter and Kevin for all their contributions to the Nashville Predators over the past five-and-a-half seasons."

He was hired in 2014–15 and led the team to 248 wins, the sixth-most in the league over that span. In addition to the numerous team accolades, Laviolette and his staff represented the team at the All-Star Game in 2014–15, as Nashville lead the league in percentage points at the season's midpoint. 

In 2017, the Predators became the third team seeded lowest in its respective conference to advance to the Stanley Cup Final since 1994. 

Laviolette was previously the head coach of the Islanders, Hurricanes and Flyers, winning the Stanley Cup in Carolina in 2005-06.

Nashville (19-15-7) has 45 points this season and is sixth in the Central Division. Entering Monday, the club is 22nd in goals against, but has a +5 goal differential. 

Nashville sits only four points out of the Western Conference's two wild card spots. 

January 07, 2020 at 05:35AM
Predators Fire Head Coach Peter Laviolette After Five-Plus Seasons

New on Sports Illustrated: In Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys Get Experience and a Proven Track Record

Also, notes on who might fill out the coaching staff in Dallas under McCarthy, what scouts have to say about Tua Tagovailoa ahead of the NFL draft, the rest of the still-spinning coaching carousel and more.

For the Cowboys, this wasn’t the time to take chances at head coach.

They’re about to pay their quarterback. They just paid their two-time NFL rushing champion. Their offensive line is well-compensated and not getting younger. There’s a star receiver waiting on a contract, and a young defense that hit developmental bumps in 2019. There’s a messy season to move past, one in which the team’s lack of resiliency and loss of identity was stark to those making the biggest decisions.

Bottom line: Whoever walked through the door in Frisco needd to bring credibility to steady a ship that was knocked well off course in 2019. Jason Garrett, who’d been there for nine years, and made the playoffs in three of the previous five seasons, couldn’t do it. And with all due respect to the coordinators who cashed in on the play-caller craze of last January, it was going to be about more than what’s on a playsheet.

So here comes a coach with the capital of a Super Bowl ring and the experience of 13 years coaching in the pressure-cooker of another NFL flagship franchise.

Mike McCarthy is not perfect. There was truth in what was said about his relationship with Aaron Rodgers—it did go sideways, especially after lieutenants/buffers Tom Clements and Alex Van Pelt left one after the other, before his second-to-last and last seasons in Green Bay. I think he would tell you there were times when the politics and circumstances of the organization there got the best of him.

But until the end, McCarthy continued to win. The Packers made the NFC title game in his second year, took a step back in the Brett Favre/Rodgers transition year, then won it all in his fourth year, which marked the first of eight straight trips to the postseason. The wheels did come off in 2017 with a Rodgers injury, and he didn’t make it through the ’18 season.

Still, it was rare when Green Bay couldn’t weather whatever storm was in front of them—and there were a few, with McCarthy at the helm. Having a year off, like he now has, has a way of teaching coaches they don’t have all the answers.

Jerry Jones is hoping McCarthy follows in Andy Reid’s footsteps—when Reid was fired from Philadelphia and hired by Kansas City, he reevaluated his entire program, hired Nevada coach Chris Ault to teach him the college spread and took off from there.

But even if it doesn’t go exactly that way, Jones can bank on having a coach who’ll be good for his quarterback and his locker room, and help to reestablish the identity and resiliency that the Cowboys lost in 2019, which sets the floor relatively high, with the idea the ceiling could be up there too very much on the table.

Of course, no one knows how any of these hires are going to play out in the months and years to come. What we do know on this one is that it was very much about where the Cowboys are as a franchise heading into a new decade.

They are, in short, right where they have been for a while. The roster isn’t broken, nor is it far off from being at a championship level. Which made taking a risk, for a man who’s made his fortune on high-yield gambles, the wrong play this time around.

Now, some more notes on what’s going on around the NFL …

Mike Nolan (left) has been the linebackers coach in New Orleans since 2017.

• The staff in Dallas is expecting Saints linebackers coach Mike Nolan to be tabbed as McCarthy’s defensive coordinator. Nolan was McCarthy’s last boss before he became a head coach—the then-49ers coach hired him to be his offensive coordinator in 2005, where McCarthy spent a year before the Packers hired him in ’06. It also wouldn’t be surprising to see Jim Haslett, McCarthy’s boss in New Orleans from 2000-04, join the defensive staff. Haslett was part of McCarthy’s “shadow staff” this fall and could slide right in as Dallas’ linebackers coach. The coaches on that side of the ball will be important too, and not just because McCarthy’s expertise is on offense. It’s also because leadership was lacking on that side of the ball last year. The old staff hoped captains DeMarcus Lawrence and Jaylon Smith would step to the front of the room more forcefully. It didn’t happen.

• The other side of the ball raises more questions. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, quarterbacks coach Jon Kitna and line coach Marc Colombo all remain under contract, and Jones has intimated to candidates that, ideally, he’d like to retain Moore. It would help ease Dak Prescott’s transition through the coaching change, but my sense is that the Cowboys want to keep a coach they really, really like (not totally unlike how they invested in Jason Garrett). If Moore were to leave, I would not be surprised to see a division rival—the Eagles—take an interest in him.

• Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is positioned well now, with interviews scheduled for tomorrow with the Panthers in Boston, Wednesday with the Giants in Jersey and Friday with the Browns in his native Northeast Ohio. The key word for McDaniels will be the same one you heard Browns owner Jimmy Haslam use over and over again: Alignment. I don’t think McDaniels will go to a place where the organization is splintered and set up in silos, and I don’t think that’s about it control. Moreso, it’s about what I think he believes works. That said, he’s very much ready to leave New England, having lined up key assistants like Redskins OC Kevin O’Connell and Colts DBs coach Jonathan Gannon to play major roles on his staff.

• Tua Tagovailoa’s decision to declare for the 2020 draft was met with affirmation from across the NFL that he made the obvious (and correct) call after dislocating his hip in mid-November. Another injury would have effectively ended his hopes of being a first-rounder, and cost him not only money but perhaps opportunity to have a team install him as a long-term answer at the position. As it stands now, injuries are still a concern, but he has good, recent tape, and reasonable results from his medicals at the combine should keep him in the Day 1 discussion. 

“If his hip clears, I still think first round—I’d say third quarterback off the board if healthy,” said one NFC exec. “His mobility, ability to run the RPOs, his playmaking ability, that’s all there. Very calm demeanor on the field. Command. And he’s an accurate passer with good touch and a very good deep ball thrower.” 

An NFC college scouting director added, “He’s very talented. I think the injury history is obviously going to be a major factor on where he ends up and it should be. If you are a team that needs a guy to go on day 1, turn the thing around and help you compete for 16 weeks, he may not be for you. He hasn’t been able to stay healthy for 12. If you have an aging vet, and you draft him for the future and let him get healthy, and continue to grow as a player, I think that would be best case scenario for him and the drafting team.” 

I think Tagovailoa has a shot to maybe even be the second quarterback to go— he’ll battle for position with Oregon’s Justin Herbert. To me, that’s more than enough to justify a move to the NFL, and leave all the risk he’d face otherwise behind.

• The Rams’ decision to move on from Wade Phillips didn’t come as a shock to anyone inside the team’s facility—Sean McVay had become more involved in the defense as Phillips came closer to the end of the three-year deal he signed in 2017, which was a sign to those there that he had a clear vision for where he wanted the defense to go. I’m told the Rams will look at candidates both internal (assistant head coach Joe Barry is one, and also a candidate for the USC DC job, and DBs coach Aubrey Pleasant is another) and external to replace Phillips.

• J.J. Watt played 61% of the Texans’ defensive snaps, putting him second among the team’s defensive linemen, on Saturday night. That’s a lot for a guy at Watt’s position, but it’s still not near what he was doing pre-injury. In the seven games he finished this year, Watt played 90.9, 98.5, 94.6, 92.5, 91.9, 96.4, and 89.0% of the team’s snaps on defense. Will he play more in Kansas City? Here’s how Bill O’Brien addressed that: “We’ll see how he does during the week, how he’s feeling. That’s a lot of communication between he and I and Romeo. He’s been doing this for a long time, so he’ll help us determine how he’s feeling and how much he’ll be in there.”

• According to candidates who have interviewed with the Giants, there are three primary people leading these interviews: CEO John Mara, GM Dave Gettleman and assistant GM Kevin Abrams. The leader in the clubhouse for the job, Baylor coach Matt Rhule, will get to New Jersey tomorrow to interview, and my sense is Rhule will have his own set of questions. He has a pretty developed idea of what he wants and how a football operation should be set up, and it’s only been strengthened by what he went through with the Jets last year.

• Did Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph push off on his game-winning touchdown on Sunday? “Not at all,” he said, and I could almost see the smile through the phone line. “I mean, they reviewed it. If I pushed off, they would have reviewed it and called it offensive pass interference. That's why that's rule is in.” For the record, I do believe the call was way too close to overturn. And the fact that it happened in the Superdome? An unfortunate coincidence for the league.

• With the Redskins deciding to table their search for a GM (or GM type) until after the draft, it’s not hard to see a trend developing. More teams may wait until May, the end of the scouting year, to make moves in that area. It already happens in lower levels of scouting, since that’s when contracts come up. So it’s not crazy to think that more and more teams will let their scouting departments finishing the annual cycle up before making changes. For the record, I don’t think the Redskins will be the only team looking for a GM when we get there.

Question or comment? Email us at talkback@themmqb.com.

January 07, 2020 at 05:23AM
In Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys Get Experience and a Proven Track Record