Tuesday 31 May 2016

Alastair Cook becomes first English cricketer to reach 10,000 Test runs



• England captain passes mark in second Test against Sri Lanka
• Cook becomes the 12th Test batsman to join the 10,000 club
• Alastair Cook’s 10 greatest Test innings - in pictures

Alastair Cook has become the first Englishman past 10,000 in Test cricket on thefourth day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Riverside.

Cook achieved the feat when he tucked Nuwan Pradeep for a boundary to midwicket from the sixth ball he faced as England closed on a series-sealing victory.

The opener began needing just another five runs for his five-figure milestone, as his team set out to make just 79 to take an unassailable 2-0 series lead. A sparse crowd was there to witness his achievement, marked by Cook with a shake of partner Alex Hales’ hand and then a raised bat.

Already England’s record run scorer, the 31-year-old has become the 12th player to join the 10,000 club having played 127 Tests for England and scored 28 centuries since making his debut against India in 2006.

Sunil Gavaskar was the first man to reach the landmark in 1987, followed by Allan Border six years later. Steve Waugh, Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, Mahela Jayawardene and Shivnarine Chanderpaul followed in their footsteps, with Kumar Sangakkara the last man to join the club in December 2012.

At 31 years and 157 days, Cook has displaced Tendulkar as the youngest player to reach five-figures in Tests.

“Cook will be a top Test batsman and breaking records for a long time yet, there’s no sign of him fading,” said the former England captain Nasser Hussain. “His greatest thing is his stubbornness and taking the hard path. I really don’t think there’s ever been an England player mentally stronger than Alastair Cook.

“When you first saw him on the field you didn’t quite know who was captain of England. In these last couple of years, you watch England play and it’s crystal clear. He’s got an authority and aura about him now, his captaincy has gone from strength to strength and you can’t argue with it. Cook’s record for England is fantastic.”

Another former England captain Michael Vaughan was among thsoe to pay tribute to Cook on Twitter. “10,000 Runs and still counting ... Unbelievable achievement from the England Skipper ... Cook,” he wrote.

BBC broadcaster and former professional cricketer Jonathan Agnew added: “Clear Cook would be a special Test player from the start. Flew round the world from Windies to Nagpur 2 days before debut: scored 60 and 104”

Even prime minister David Cameron got in on the act, describing Cook’s feat as “an incredible achievement.”

EastEnders spoilers: Steven Beale, Lauren Branning, Johnny Carter love triangle heading to Walford following shock kiss and flirting?


Steven Beale and Lauren Branning are now an item according to the latest scenes from Albert Square - but where does that leave Johnny?


An Albert Square love triangle is on the way, according to the latest scenes from EastEnders.

Returning EastEnders villain Steven Beale locked lips with Lauren Branning at the end of Monday night's episode but he was also seen flirting with Johnny Carter.

Following the shocking scenes - with viewers thinking Ian's eldest (adopted) son Steven was gay - viewers were left speculating the future of the complex character.

Steven, played by actor Aaron Sidwell , only returned to Walford last week and now he's gone and got himself a couple of love interests.

Steven and Stacey were once an item after growing closer in early 2008.

Stacey initially rejected his advances, but eventually agrees to date him but it didn't go well. When Steven decided that he was ready to lose his virginity, their attempt at consummation ended in disaster when Steven couldn't perform the deed.

Steven realised he was gay after the failed attempt to sleep with Stacey, and attempted to seduce his uncle Christian, and then, when rejected, tries to convince everyone that Christian hit on him.
* EastEnders airs weeknights on BBC One

Adebayo Akinfenwa: AFC Wimbledon icon released after play-off final win



Iconic AFC Wimbledon striker Adebayo Akinfenwa revealed he has been released by the club - seconds after helping them win the League Two play-off final at Wembley.

Akinfenwa - nicknamed 'The Beast' - asked managers to "hit me up on WhatsApp" in his post-match interview.

The 34-year-old scored a 101st-minute injury-time penalty in the 2-0 win over Plymouth Argyle.

Embracing manager Neal Ardley, Akinfenwa shouted: "He's releasing me!"

Ardley said the decision to release Akinfenwa was made in the week before Monday's final after a very long, heartfelt chat".

But he added that he felt the 16-stone frontman had got his "mojo back" and still had "two years of starting games still left in him".

AFC Wimbledon will play in English football's third tier for the first time in their history next season after sealing their sixth promotion since the club's formation in 2002.

They were set up by fans of the old Wimbledon FC, following their relocation to Milton Keynes.

Cult hero Akinfenwa, who is known for his bulky physique and strength, told BBC Radio 5 live: "Come on now, there ain't no better way to send off.

"I said let's complete this fairytale - and that's what we've done. It's what dreams are made of. It's beautiful."

He added: "To see this team get promoted, to score with the last kick of the game, I couldn't even write that.

"I'm going to miss this team, I'm going to miss this place, but there ain't no better way to leave it. It's about progression and AFC Wimbledon are getting stronger and stronger."

On his future, he told Sky Sports: "I think I'm technically unemployed, so any managers hit me up on the WhatsApp and get me a job."

Lyle Taylor's goal looked to have settled the match for AFC Wimbledon.

But they had the chance to score a second when Adebayo Azeez was fouled in the Plymouth penalty area 11 minutes into injury time.

Callum Kennedy picked up the ball for the spotkick, but Akinfenwa grabbed it off him as the two players argued about who should take it.

Akinfenwa eventually got his way and scored to seal victory.

"I did promise Cal K that I would let him take the pen, but it was just set up too beautifully and I'm bigger than Cal so Cal's unlucky," said Akinfenwa. "Sorry Cal K, I love you, though."

The lower league journeyman revealed he had been nervous taking the spotkick.

"I would have usually said I had it covered, that I knew I was going to score," he told BBC Radio 5 live. "But I was nervous. When it hit the back of the net, it was elation."

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows review – halfwits in a halfshell



With 2014’s live-action/CGI hybrid Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, megaproducer Michael Bay refashioned the deathless reptilian merchandise in his preferred image. Bay’s Turtles were high-fiving meatheads buffed to a fine digital sheen, thus broadly interchangeable with the steroidal heroes of 2013’s Pain & Gain and last year’s 13 Hours.

Sequel Out of the Shadows reintroduces this foursome via graphics that label Donatello as “Donnie” and Michelangelo as “Mikey”. Accompanying adults are thereby spared from having to explain why these guys have such funny, non-American names, but the touch also betrays how far we now are from anything as lofty as art.

Approached as commerce – as any 3D Ninja Turtles movie should be – it’s soon clear that OOTS follows the model of Bay’s Transformers sequels. Longer, louder and boasting even more hardware, it does everything to generate the illusion of bleeding-edge bang-per-buck, while cribbing shamelessly from 1991’s Secret of the Ooze. The Turtles must again stave off Shredder (Brian Tee), who has escaped custody and rearmed himself with scientist Tyler Perry’s world conquering serum. Bay’s subtexts remain questionable: here we’re asked to cheer heavily weaponised pizza guzzlers against a cabal of non-Caucasians, in a way that altogether uncomfortably aligns turtle power with its white equivalent.


Laura Linney's presence suggests some Tina Fey parody of Bay’s cinema, only with laughter replaced by sadness

That may make for good business; for human interest, not so much. These überturtles – joshing pixelated clumps – remain incredibly dull company, their flesh and blood sidekicks little better: Will Arnett replaying his glib jerk shtick without the material that makes it funny, Megan Fox handed disguises that run the gamut from “sexy nerd” to “minxy schoolgirl”. The heart flatlines upon the arrival of multiple Golden Globe winner Laura Linney, stuck with the one understandably disbelieving expression as New York’s police chief; her presence suggests some Tina Fey parody of Bay’s cinema, only with laughter replaced by sadness at such an egregious example of thesp waste.

OOTS is assembled with consummate slickness, nominal director Dave Green – following up 2014’s semi-heartfelt Earth to Echo – approving many of the right effects shots. Yet only Bay could conceive of blowing this much time and cash on identifying the exact spot at which zesty, subversive trash (as the Turtles might once have been) sours into ugly, empty junk, assembled solely to school our young in brute market forces and indiscriminate consumption. Our former heroes in a halfshell have become hulking, cold-bloodied bullies, demanding our pocket money and offering nothing in return – save a joyless, two-hour noogie such as this.

Mariah Carey Says She and James Packer Won't Necessarily Have a Big Wedding: 'I Have Some Things in the Works'



Don't expect Mariah Carey's upcoming wedding to match her over-the-top engagement ring.

The pop diva told Kelly Ripa and Jussie Smollett on Live! with Kelly on Monday that she has "some things in the works" when it comes to planning for her wedding to billionaire fiancé James Packer.

"I can't really talk about them right now because everything is still being figured out," she teased, noting, "I never said it was gonna be a big wedding."

Although Carey, 46, played coy, a source tells PEOPLE that she has tapped a Paris-based designer to craft her gown.


Keep up with Mariah Carey in the pages of PEOPLE Magazine by subscribing now.



In April, the star visited both Balmain and Azzedine Alaia in France, settling on a dress that has intricate embroidery.




"It looks good. They came and brought it ... I can't say the people," Carey toldEntertainment Tonight. "I can't say their names. The fabulous designer house that's amazing."

Who Is Bill Kristol's Third-Party Candidate? The Conservative Columnist Says He's Got Someone Lined Up



Republicans who oppose Donald Trump have spent the better part of a month trying to draft a third-party presidential candidate, and they may have succeeded. Conservative writer Bill Kristol, one of the leading members of the #NeverTrump movement, said Monday that “there will be an independent candidate” in the 2016 race. So, who is Kristol’s third-party candidate?

Kristol didn’t say, revealing only that they’re “impressive” and will have “a strong team and a real chance.” But we can certainly speculate. The most obvious draftee is Mitt Romney. The 2012 Republican nominee has been one of the most forceful voices against Trump from within the GOP, and helpedlaunch the effort to recruit a third-party challenger after Trump clinched the nomination. He had a one-on-one meeting with Kristol in early May, andKristol all but admitted that he tried to convince Romney to run during this meeting.

Romney has ruled out a 2016 candidacy on many occasions, but according to Kristol, he may be reconsidering.

“The real last chance here is with Mitt Romney, who has said ‘no’ but who I think is thinking seriously about it,” Kristol said on May 26th. “He is a very serious person, he really knows that Trump should not be president of the United States. He strongly believes that Hillary Clinton should not be president of the United States.”

Still, Romney has said he won't run as a third-party candidate. That doesn't mean he definitely won't do it — plenty of politicians have ruled out running for president before ultimately running — but let’s consider who else Kristol’s mystery candidate might be.

It could be Ben Sasse, the freshman Nebraska senator who’s spoken vehemently against Trump on many occasions and has endorsed the idea of a third-party challenger. Sasse is fresh-faced, charismatic and quite eloquent, and while his accomplishments in the Senate are somewhat slim, he’d arguably be one of the more appealing recruits to take on Trump and Hillary Clinton. Alas, Sasse has said that he will “absolutely not” run for presidentthis year, citing family obligations.

Perhaps it’s Ted Cruz, the Republican runner-up? He’s got the conservative bona fides and an existing campaign infrastructure, so it’s not a completely crazy idea. But running against the GOP in 2016 would make it a lot harder for him to win a Republican primary in 2020, and it definitely seems like Cruz wants to run in 2020. Oh, and he’s already ruled out an independent run.

Other names that frequently get mentioned include former Sen. Tom Coburn, retired four-star General James Mattis, and former National Security Advisor Condoleeza Rice. Coburn has already denied that he’ll run, butMattis left the door open and Rice has been tight-lipped.

Not surprisingly, Trump responded to Kristol’s announcement by going on a tirade against him on Twitter, referring to him a “dummy” and a “loser.” Given that a third-party conservative candidate would almost certainly split the Republican vote and hand the White House to Democrats, it’s understandable that Trump would be worried.

General Hospital's Kirsten Storms confirms break due to 'skin issues'


General Hospital

Posted May 30 2016 — 2:21 PM EDT


Kirsten Storms took to Twitter Sunday to confirm she’s temporary leaving General Hospital due to skin problems.

After thanking fans for their dedication and concern, Storms, 32, elaborated on the condition. “I am taking a little break from work due to some skin issues I’ve been having. My dr’s say my breakouts are due to stress, but shouldn’t take too long to get under control. (I can say that I’m on the better end of it now),” the actress wrote. “However, it was becoming too difficult for GH to coverup.”

She continued: “We all know this biz appearance is important. In the meantime I look forward to seeing Molly on screen as I take the next few weeks to heal. Again - thanks for the love and you will see me again in no time!”

Although Storms’ return date is not yet clear, Molly Burnett (CSI: Cyber, True Blood) will take her place in the role of Maxie Jones through July. Storms began playing Maxie on the long-running daytime soap opera in 2005. She was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for her performance in 2009, but lost to fellow General Hospital star Julie Berman.

This isn’t the first time Storms has taken a break from the show. In 2011, she left for 10 months, also due to medical complications, and returned to the program in August 2012. Actress Jen Lilley (Days of Our Lives) stepped into the role of Maxie in Storms’ absence.

Storms — who made a name for herself as a teenager in Disney’sZenon trilogy — took to social media in April to announce her divorcefrom husband Brandon Barash.

General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC. (Check local listings.)

Obama Marks Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery



President Barack Obama challenged Americans on Memorial Day to fill the silence from those who died serving their country with love and support for families of the fallen, "not just with words but with our actions."

Obama laid a wreath Monday at the Tomb of the Unknowns to honor the nation's war dead. Under mostly sunny skies at Arlington National Cemetery, he bowed his head for a moment, then placed his right hand over his heart as taps was played. Obama in his address commemorated the more than 1 million people in U.S. history who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Obama said the markers at Arlington belong mostly to young Americans, those who never lived to be honored as veterans for their service.

The Americans who rest here, and their families — the best of us, those from whom we asked everything — ask of us today only one thing in return: that we remember them," Obama said.

In his remarks, Obama called for Americans to honor the families who lost loved ones and the battle buddies left behind. He said it's important to ensure veterans get access to good health care and jobs. "We have to do better," he said. "We have to be there not only when we need them, but when they need us."

Special operations forces continue to serve in dangerous missions in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, even as the U.S. military presence in the latter two countries has been greatly reduced under Obama's watch. Obama acknowledged the continuing threat to service members, singling out for praise three who have died in Iraq in recent months: Master Sgt. Joshua L. Wheeler, Staff Sgt. Louis Cardin and Chief Special Warfare Operator Charles Keating IV.

Obama said Keating joined the Navy SEALs because it was the hardest thing to do. He quoted a platoon mate who told Keating's parents in a letter soon after their son's death "please tell everyone Chuck saved a lot of lives today." On Cardin, Obama said he gave his life while protecting the Marines under his command. "Putting others before himself was what Louis did best."

Obama noted that Wheeler was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan 14 times and earned 11 Bronze Stars. He also participated in a mission in October that rescued some 70 hostages. He died before his son, David, could be born, but that son and Wheeler's widow, Ashley, were at Monday's ceremony.

"Today this husband and father rests here in Arlington in Section 60," Obama said. "And as Americans, we resolve to be better, better people, better citizens because of Master Sergeant Joshua Wheeler."

Prior to traveling to Arlington, Obama held a breakfast reception at the White House for military leaders, family members of fallen service members and veterans groups.

ZAC EFRON HINTING ON REUNION WITH VANESSA HUDGENS FOR ‘HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 4?’



Zac Efron is seemingly hinting on a possible reunion with his ex-girlfriend, Vanessa Hudgens for “High School Musical 4.” The 28-year-old actor recently shared a throwback photo of him together with his co-stars from the hit Disney Original movie. Can we expect Efron and Hudgens to make a cameo in “HSM 4?”

Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens’ reunion is one of the most highly anticipated scenes among fans of the couple and that of the Disney original movie. When the studio announced earlier this year that “High School Musical 4” was in the works, many fans hoped that this would pave the way for the former couple’s reunion onscreen.

Just recently, Efron shared a photo of himself next to his “High School Musical” co-stars Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu and ex-girlfriend, Vanessa Hudgens. According to Us Weekly, Efron called that chapter as “one of the most cherished and exciting times of my life.”

The aforementioned photo led to speculations that the “Neighbors 2” actor was more than willing to appear in “HSM4.” This is in contrast to reports that Efron hated his role in “High School Musical.” Rumors about Efron’s refusal to reprise his role as Troy Bolton in the Disney movie began after the actor did not attend the cast reunion for the movie’s celebration of its 10th anniversary.

Fashion & Style, however, reports that none of the original cast will be returning to “High School Musical 4.” According to the publication, the upcoming sequel will feature new stars and Efron, Hudgens, Corbin Bleu, Ashley Tisdale, Monique Coleman Lucas Grabeel will no longer be reprising their respective roles in the movie.

Despite this news, many fans are still hoping to see Efron and the 27-year-old actress appear in “High School Musical 4” for a cameo role. After all, Efron’s post can be taken as a hint that all is well between him and his ex-girlfriend.

Do you think Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens should appear in “High School Musical 4?” Sound off in the comments!

Also Read: Zac Efron And Vanessa Hudgens Reunion: ‘High School Musical 4’ Casting Begins

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons/Ivo Duran from Brazil

American flag sales surge amid 'rise in patriotism'





In the flag business, summertime is like Christmas. After Memorial Day weekend, there's Flag Day (June 14) and the Fourth of July, which all give sales a healthy boost.

Eder Flag Manufacturing Co. in Oak Creek says it's having a banner year. Sales are up 15% from a year ago, partly from 2016 being a national election year and political events needing flags.

An improved construction industry has helped, too, as new buildings often get new flag

"Most importantly, we feel there's a rise in patriotism," said Jodi Goglio, chief operating officer at Eder, a company that has been making flags for more than a century and dates to 1887 when the Eder family started a business making pillows, felt pennants, rag dolls and hunting jackets.

For many flag companies, sales soared following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Eder made the flag that firefighters grabbed from a yacht and raised at New York's ground zero on Sept. 11, a scene immortalized in a now iconic photo.

In the week following the attacks, Eder sold more than 3 million flag-related items — mostly flags but also things like flag lapel buttons. People stood in line for hours to buy a flag, and the company worked day and night to meet the demand.

More from USA Today:
Girl Scouts spend hours placing American flags on veterans' graves
'Flags In' honor fallen at Arlington National Cemetery
A brother and uncle and the horrible price of war


"It was all hands on deck. Everyone pitched in wherever there was a need," Goglio recalled.

The original flag in the Sept. 11 photo has been lost, and documentary filmmakers have spent years trying to track it down.

Flag sales drooped in the recession, partly from a drop in construction of new buildings and reductions in spending at many levels.

"Most importantly, we feel there's a rise in patriotism," said Jodi Goglio, chief operating officer at Eder, a company that has been making flags for more than a century and dates to 1887 when the Eder family started a business making pillows, felt pennants, rag dolls and hunting jackets.

For many flag companies, sales soared following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Eder made the flag that firefighters grabbed from a yacht and raised at New York's ground zero on Sept. 11, a scene immortalized in a now iconic photo.

In the week following the attacks, Eder sold more than 3 million flag-related items — mostly flags but also things like flag lapel buttons. People stood in line for hours to buy a flag, and the company worked day and night to meet the demand.

More from USA Today:
Girl Scouts spend hours placing American flags on veterans' graves
'Flags In' honor fallen at Arlington National Cemetery
A brother and uncle and the horrible price of war


"It was all hands on deck. Everyone pitched in wherever there was a need," Goglio recalled.

The original flag in the Sept. 11 photo has been lost, and documentary filmmakers have spent years trying to track it down.

Flag sales drooped in the recession, partly from a drop in construction of new buildings and reductions in spending at many levels.

An Eder flag measuring 50-by-80 feet weighs 119 pounds and is hand-sewn. Even the stars are placed by hand.

The company has 120 production employees, including flag makers who do hand embroidery and create banners for every nation in the world.

"It's just amazing to see the personal touch they put into creating our product. We are really proud of that," Goglio said.

One thing Eder won't do is make offensive or controversial flags.

Last year, it stopped making and selling the Confederate flag following a wave of public reaction against the symbol of the Confederacy.

Likewise, it bothers Goglio to see someone flying a U.S. flag that's damaged and should be retired with dignity.

"I think it mars the meaning of the flag," she said.

Millions of U.S. flags are made in China, but Eder makes its banners in Oak Creek using American-sourced materials.

The company's longtime owner, the late Eugene Eder, was a World War II veteran who believed strongly in fighting against bigotry, hatred and tyranny.

His experience in the U.S. Navy, along with the passion for flag-making instilled by his father, Morris, convinced him that American flags should be made in America.

"I feel as if there's a growing demand for domestic-made goods in general. We are very proud to supply a symbol of the country made in the USA," Goglio said.

Eder sells its flags through 5,000 independent dealerships, including the Flag Center, which has stores in Oak Creek and Wauwatosa.

Sales at the Flag Center are up from 2015, according to the company, partly from new construction that's fueled a demand for both flagpoles and banners.


"Also, this year in particular, Wisconsin is in play politically. So we have done a lot of business with the campaigns on both sides of the aisle," said Flag Center owner Tom Pluster.

Recently, Pluster's business installed a 70-foot aluminum flagpole at the governor's mansion in Maple Bluff, after the previous pole was damaged by years of exposure to the wind.

In the flag business, every day brings a different challenge.

A crane service was used to remove the old flagpole at the governor's mansion and lift it over the building.

"That was a lot of fun," Pluster said.

A gratuitous gallery of warbirds for Memorial Day



Americans have honored those lost in war in some shape or another since just after the Civil War. Memorial Day as we know it—a federal holiday on the last Monday in May—is more recent, dating back to 1968. But the sentiment is the same—remembering those who paid the ultimate price in defense of their country. Since a recent trip happened to take us by the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, we've decided to celebrate it here at Ars by bringing you this gallery of some fine-looking warbirds.



The museum can be found at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. It's truly vast—even giants of the air like the B-36 and B-52 can seem small underneath the roof of one of its hangars. It also has some rather significant planes in its collection, notably Bockscar, one of the two B-29s that dropped atom bombs on Japan in World War II (the Enola Gay lives at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy collection in Dulles, VA).

The collections under those massive hangars are organized chronologically, from the beginning of flight through World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, through to today. Sadly, we weren't able to check out one of the museum's most fascinating aircraft, the remaining North American XB-70 Valkyrie; the new hangar for research and experimental aircraft (and old Air Force Ones) doesn't open until next week.

Listing image by Jonathan Gitlin

How in the world did Russell Westbrook make this catch and layup?

By Andrew LynchMay 30, 2016 at 10:15p ET




When Magic Johnson was still in the league, his teammates knew that they always had to keep their hands up for unexpected passes from any angle.





Now, Dion Waiters is no Magic -- so when he throws absurd passes, there's no way his Oklahoma City Thunder teammates are expecting them. Yet somehow, Russell Westbrook had the presence of mind to catch this Waiters pass whle moving at full speed, then get his feet set for a pretty layup at the rim:

The best part is Westbrook bending over backward to watch the ball go through the hoop. Just a ridiculous athlete admiring his handiwork, as the Thunder took a 48-42 lead into halftime of Game 7 against the Golden State Warriors.

FedEx: TNT Express To Strengthen Global Presence


Summary


FedEx’s acquisition of TNT will bring the combined company’s market share from 22% to 24%.

TNT also gives FedEx over $7 billion in revenue in addition to cost-reducing synergies.

FedEx’s undervaluation and double-digit expected EPS growth is likely to drive the stock to outperform.

FedEx (NYSE:FDX) has a positive catalyst with its acquisition of TNT Express (OTCPK:TNTEY) (OTCPK:TNTEF). TNT will give FedEx a new source of revenue and cost-reducing synergies. It will allow FedEx to grow in Europe, South America, Asia, the Middle East and Australia. The acquisition makes FedEx more attractive as an investment. I like the valuation and growth prospects.

FedEx got a good deal with the TNT Express acquisition in my opinion. FedEx paid $4.9 billion for the company that generates over $7 billion in revenue per year. That $7 billion in additional revenue represents about 13% of FedEx'sexpected FY17 revenue of $53 billion.

FedEx is buying TNT for a price to sales ratio of 0.64, which is lower than FedEx's price to sales ratio of 0.89. This is also lower than United Parcel Service's (NYSE:UPS) price to sales of 1.5. So, I think FedEx is getting TNT at an attractive valuation.

FedEx will allow TNT to operate more efficiently. TNT currently has high operating expenses (94% of 2015 revenue), which led the company to have negative EPS over the past few years. However, I think the synergies from the acquisition will allow TNT to operate more profitably in the future. TNT and FedEx will benefit from operational efficiencies through improved pickup/delivery route optimization as a result of the acquisition. For example, overlapping shipping hubs and route coverage can be minimized and eliminated over time.

Curry and Record-Setting Warriors Headed Back to NBA Finals



Stephen curry knocked down yet another 3-pointer in the waning moments, pulled his jersey up into his mouth and yelled to the rafters in triumph once more.


A special, record-setting season saved for the defending champs, with a memorable comeback added to the long list of accomplishments.

Splash Brothers Curry and Klay Thompson carried the 73-win Warriors right back to the NBAFinals, as Golden State rallied from a 3-1 series deficit to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 96-88 on Monday night in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals.

Now, Curry and Co. are playing for another NBA title — just as they planned since Day 1 of training camp in September.

Bring on LeBron James again.

"You appreciate how tough it is to get back here," Curry said. "You've got to be appreciative of this accomplishment, and look forward to getting four more wins."

The MVP scored 36 points with seven 3-pointers to finish with an NBA-record 32 in a seven-game series, and also had eight assists. Thompson added 21 points and six 3s, two days after his record 11 3-pointers led a Game 6 comeback that sent the series home to raucous Oracle Arena for one more.

The Warriors became the 10th team to rally from a 3-1 deficit and win a postseason series. They return to the NBA Finals for a rematch with James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, who lost the 2015 title in six games as Golden State captured its first championship in 40 years.

Game 1 is Thursday night in Oakland.

"We survived by the skin of our teeth," coach Steve Kerr said. "We were able to pull it out, and we're moving on."

His signature mouthpiece dangling out and the game ball cradled in his left hand, Curry pumped his right arm as yellow confetti fell through Oracle Arena once the final buzzer sounded.

With the Thunder trailing 90-86, Serge Ibaka fouled Curry on a 3-point try with 1:18 to go and the shot clock running out. Curry made all three free throws, then that 3-pointer to seal it.

"This is who he is. Having a clutch performance in a Game 7, that's Steph Curry," Kerr said.

And Golden State's beloved "Strength In Numbers" catchphrase coined by Coach of the Year Kerr was needed in every way.

"No one ever had any doubt that we could get this done," Draymond Green said. "People have seen teams down 3-1 before but they ain't seen many. They've definitely never seen a 73-win team down 3-1."

Andre Iguodala joined the starting lineup for just the second time all season and the 2015 NBA Finals MVP hung tough against Kevin Durant, who scored 27 points on 10-for-19 shooting. Shaun Livingston's breakaway, one-handed dunk late in the third provided a big lift off the Warriors bench.

Oklahoma City won Game 1 108-102 at deafening Oracle Arena, so Golden State never envisioned this one coming easily. Russell Westbrook had 19 points, 13 assists and seven rebounds for the Thunder.

"It hurts losing, especially being up 3 games to 1," Durant said.

It took a quarter and a half for Thompson to warm up after his 41-point performance in a 108-101 win Saturday at Oklahoma City that sent the series back to the East Bay.

He missed his initial seven shots before hitting a 3 6:02 before halftime, energizing the Warriors in their first Game 7 at home in 40 years.

Back-to-back 3-pointers by Thompson and Iguodala pulled the Warriors within 54-51 with 7:57 left in the third. They tied it on Curry's 3 at 7:21 and he followed with another 3 to give his team the lead.

Curry and Thompson each topped the previous record for 3s in a seven-game series, 28 by Dennis Scott and Ray Allen. Curry hit one over 7-foot Steven Adams in the third, and Thompson wound up with 30 3s.

Iguodala replaced Harrison Barnes in the starting lineup and what a move by Kerr, who did the same thing last year in crunch time. Iguodala made a pretty bounce pass through the paint to Green for Golden State's first basket, and his smothering defense on Durant kept the Thunder star without a shot until his 3 at the 5:45 mark in the first. Durant had just nine points on five shots in the first half.

But Oklahoma City dictated the tempo with snappy passes and the hard, aggressive rebounding that had been such a part of its success this season. The Thunder couldn't sustain it.

"They won a world championship last year, and they've broken an NBA record, and people are already talking about it before the playoffs started, this may be the greatest team to ever lace them up in the history of the NBA," Thunder coach Billy Donovan said.

The Warriors, who fell behind 35-22, lost their last Game 7 at home: 94-86 to Phoenix in the Western Conference finals on May 16, 1976.

TIP-INS

Thunder: The Thunder's 12 third-quarter points were the fewest allowed by Golden State in a playoff third quarter during the shot clock era. ... Durant took nine shots in the first 33:25. ... Oklahoma City led by as many as 13 in the first half. ... Donovan celebrated his 51st birthday. ... The Thunder and Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State's opponent the previous round, are the only teams to beat the Warriors twice this season.

Warriors: The Warriors are 4-4 all-time in Game 7s — 3-1 at home. ... Iguodala earned his first since Jan. 2 against Denver. ... Golden State wasn't whistled for its first foul until 2:34 in the first. ... The Warriors' 42 first-half points were their fewest at home this season. ... Curry hit a 3 in his 51st straight playoff game.
 

The Rock Is Psyched to Play ‘Weirdo’ Superhero Doc Savage


He's teaming up with Shane Black to portray the "world's first superhero"


Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson announced his latest movie role on InstagramMonday: he will be playing the “world’s first superhero,” Doc Savage.

The film will be directed by Iron Man 3‘s Shane Black, who met with The Rock over the holiday weekend to “chop up creative and break story on this very cool project,” according to Johnson’s Instagram post.

Doc predates familiar faces like Batman and Superman, as he first appeared in comic books published in the 1930s.

“Comic book fans around the world know that the cool thing about ‘Doc’ Savage is that he’s the inspiration for Superman,” The Rock said, listing similarities between the two characters including, “First name Clark, called ‘Man of Bronze’, retreats to his ‘Fortress of Solitude’ in the Arctic…”

The Rock said the top reason he’s excited for the role isn’t the history behind it, but rather the fact that Doc is a “f*cking hilarious weirdo.” He explains: “Confidently, yet innocently he has zero social graces whatsoever due to his upbringing so every interaction he has with someone is direct, odd, often uncomfortable and amazingly hilarious.”

It's not 'Happy Memorial Day,' VFW commander says



Maj. Joseph Berube no longer views Memorial Day as a happy occasion, he told nearly 300 people at a Memorial Day ceremony in Litchfield.


"Thirty years ago, I would have thought that 'Happy Memorial Day' was an appropriate greeting for this holiday, the unofficial start of summer and a day known for barbecue gatherings," the Litchfield VFW Post commander said.


He added, "However, today I feel differently about that 'Happy Memorial Day' expression. Today is a somber day for me, for my fellow veterans, and families and friends of those that paid the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in service to this great nation and defending what she stands for."


As a member of the National Guard, assigned to an engineering company attached to a battalion, Berube lost fellow soldiers while stationed in Iraq in 2006.


Berube, who was Monday's keynote speaker at Lake Ripley Cemetery, spoke of the "20 brothers and sisters," such as Sgt. Brent Koch, from the battalion who died during his 17-month deployment.


"Brent was the first soldier we had lost from our battalion, and the effects were hard on all of us as we realized the true dangers of our deployment," Berube said. "Sadly, Sgt. Koch's memorial service in Iraq was far from the last I would attend on our deployment."


Berube described what a memorial service is like in combat zone by reenacting a symbolic role call conducted for the deceased:


"Allen!"


"Here first sergeant!"


"Benson!"


"Here first sergeant!"


"Christopherson! ... David Christopherson! ... David Lynn Christopherson!"


Berube explained that after receiving no reply, the first sergeant bowed his head in a moment of silence before a bugler played taps.


Memorial Day provides an "opportunity for all of America to give thanks for all we are blessed with," he said.


"Sadly, the sacred meaning of this day is often overlooked by mainstream America," he added. "To many, Memorial Day represents a day away from work, the unofficial start of summer, or the opportunity for a business to hold a furniture or car sale."


Berube then turned his focus to those in attendance. "However, your being here today is a testament to the highest ideals of Memorial Day."


He called on the crowd to encourage others to rethink Memorial Day's meaning.


"We must rededicate ourselves to honoring the legacy of our nation's fallen by educating all who believe Memorial Day is just another holiday, and by passing our knowledge along to the next generation so that they must do the same," Berube said. "We must ensure that the youth of tomorrow understands the true cost of freedom. There is no greater way to honor the memory of those who have secured it."




Other presenters at Monday's Memorial Day ceremony included Everett Reilly, American Legion commander; Deanna Frazier of the American Legion; Litchfield Mayor Keith Johnson, who led the crowd in singing "God Bless America"; American Legion Post's high school oratorical winner Kylee Kohls; and 2015 Boys State participants Dylan Watt and Wyatt White.

Memorial Day 2016: Quotes, remembrances, inspirations to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice



Memorial Day is a time set aside to honor those who lost their lives in the defense of their country and fellow citizen. It will be celebrated May 30 this year.

Here are some of the best quotes, remembrances and inspiration on the patriotic holiday:

"My fellow Americans, as not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." - - John F. Kennedy

"The dead soldier's silence sings our national anthem." - - Aaron Kilbourn

"Memorial Day isn't just about honoring veterans, its honoring those who lost their lives. Veterans had the fortune of coming home. For us, that's a reminder of when we come home we still have a responsibility to serve. It's a continuation of service that honors our country and those who fell defending it." - - Pete Hegseth

"137 years later, Memorial Day remains one of America's most cherished patriotic observances. The spirit of this day has not changed - it remains a day to honor those who died defending our freedom and democracy." - - Doc Hastings

"The patriot's blood is the seed of freedom's tree." - - Thomas Campbell

"I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." - - Nathan Hale

"America is hope. It is compassion. It is excellence. It is valor." - - Paul Tsongas

"These fallen heroes represent the character of a nation who has a long history of patriotism and honor - and a nation who has fought many battles to keep our country free from threats of terror." - - Michael N. Castle

"Who kept the faith and fought the fight: The glory is theirs, the duty ours." - -Wallace Bruce

"True patriotism isn't cheap. It's about taking on a fair share of the burden of keeping America going." - - Robert Reich

"A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself." - - Joseph Campbell

"And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier's tomb and beauty weeps the brave." - - Joseph Rodman Drake

Don't blink! Pittsburgh Penguins' Game 1 win over the San Jose Sharks was played at warp speed



PITTSBURGH -- Sit back and get ready to love this series.

Because if Game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals was any indication, we're in for a royal treat, with two transition teams built on speed and skill giving the sport of hockey one unreal sales job over the next two weeks.

The Pittsburgh Penguins' 3-2 win over the San Jose Sharks on Monday night was played at warp speed -- the third-period buzzer leaving you gasping for air, if you were fortunate enough to be inside a loud Consol Energy Center.

Imagine what it was like for the players.

"Yeah, considering the situation, you've got to be sharp," said Penguins captainSidney Crosby, who seemed to have rocket fuel in his skates. "You can't hesitate, you can't have a misstep where somebody loses an edge or you're not quite on your guy. There's so much speed out there, they're going to get a chance. I think everyone felt it out there tonight, that it was another level, as to be expected here."

One could also argue Game 1 was representative of what we're going to see in this series, with both teams trying to impose their wills and each taking turns in dictating long stretches.

"Yeah, I think that's fair," said Sharks star center Joe Thornton. "You're going to see momentum changes. That's what you saw tonight. They started with the momentum, then we took it back, and obviously with that third goal, they grabbed it. But that's the game. It's all about momentum."

The Sharks sandwiched one great middle period between two owned by the Penguins. In all three, the team with the edge carried the puck-possession battle and offensive-zone time.

That's going to be the name of the game in this championship series.

Crosby agreed.

"It's exactly what both teams want to do," he said. "You see in the second, they got to it and we were on our heels and they generated some offense. There's going to be swings of momentum, it's going to happen, it's whoever can kind of get to it more often. That's our game, and if they do get some long end-zone time, we've got to find ways to get it out of our end and get in their end."

Both teams want the puck, of course, but what they do with it differs at times. The Penguins are so dangerous at creating chances off the rush and on the counterattack off turnovers. When they can make it a track meet -- like they did in the first period and somewhat in the third period -- the Sharks are going to be in trouble.

But when San Jose gets control the puck and sets up shop on the cycle in the Pittsburgh's zone -- like it did for most of the second period, when it erased a 2-0 deficit to tie the game -- that's Sharks hockey.

And that will be the tug-of-war in this series.

"They're a fast team," said Sharks head coach Peter DeBoer. "They dictated play in the first. I thought when we played our game in the second, they had trouble with us. It's the first game of the series. It reminds me a lot of St. Louis, Game 1. I know we're going to get better. Our execution's got to get better. Part of it was some of the pressure they put on, but part of it was self-inflicted."

The Sharks were blown out of the water in the opening period, looking very much like a team playing their first-ever Stanley Cup finals game, jitters and all. They were outshot 15-4, but thanks to goalie Martin Jones, only down two goals after the first.

"I think we dipped our toe in the water instead of playing like we can," said Sharks defenseman Brenden Dillon. "You obviously saw the push they had. We had to have known that was going to come; getting in on forechecks, off the rush, they made a couple of plays early. If it wasn't for Jonesy, it could have been even three or four [goals] in the first period, the way things were going."

The 41 shots that the Sharks gave up Monday were their most in regulation time during these playoffs. (They allowed 45 in the triple-overtime loss to theNashville Predators in the second round.) Otherwise, you have to go back to March 7 in Calgary to find the last time they gave up more than 40 shots, a span of 36 games overall.

"I thought Jones was good," said Penguins center Matt Cullen. "He made some big saves. I thought that we created a lot of opportunities. We did a good job for the majority of the game of putting a lot of rubber on him and trying to get rebounds, but he was up to the challenge. He was good. But there are times when you're like, 'Man, I would love to see some of those go in.' That's an example of where you can't get too fine. You have to just continue to shoot pucks, shoot pucks and not look for something better."

If there's a real positive out of this Game 1 loss for the Sharks, it's that the 26-year-old Jones looked absolutely poised, like it was just a mid-February affair. He was Carey Price-like in his calmness, frankly. That bodes well for San Jose.

"We expect that of him. He's been great for us all year," said star Sharks blueliner Brent Burns.


"Jonesy has been a rock back there all year," Dillon added. "We obviously want to limit as many shots as we can. They've got good players over there, they've got high-end players, those guys are going to get opportunities. I think it's just limiting the risk ones, the ones down the pipe or breakaways. In the first period, we gave up way too many odd-man rushes, a couple of breakaways; that's not like us. I think you can count maybe on one hand the amount we had in the three series prior.

"For whatever reason, they caught us off guard, and now we know what we have to do to be successful going forward."

The question, however, is whether the Sharks can play Sharks hockey for three periods. That would imply that the Penguins will allow that to happen.

The truth of the matter is that I don't think any team will dominate the other for an entire game in this series. There are going to be stretches on each side with the hope the final break falls your way, as it did Monday night, when Nick Boninowas left all alone in front with 2:33 left to score the winner.

"It's one game, but I think we did a lot of good things," said Crosby, easily the game's most impactful player on this night. "First and third, we were really strong, generated a lot of chances. We saw a lot of their strengths, especially in the second, with how good they are at getting pucks to the net and holding on to pucks down low. They play pretty fast. Just two teams who want to get to the exact same game."

Bring us six more games of this, please.

Monday 30 May 2016

4 dead in Memorial Day weekend shootings in Chicago



At least four people were left dead and dozens wounded following gun violence overMemorial Day weekend in Chicago.

Thirteen people were hurt as of early Monday. One person was killed and 24 wounded by Sunday morning and three people were killed and 12 injured Friday through Saturday. The majority of the holiday weekend violence took place on the West Side, theChicago Tribune reported.

Among the youngest victims, a 15-year-old girl was shot and killed while riding in a car with a gang member on Lake Shore Drive, NBC News reported.

First Deputy Superintendent John Escalante said the police department planned to increase patrols in certain areas on Monday.

“As we’ve said before, it’s about 1,500 people that are driving the violence,” Escalente said, according to NBC. “Those are the people we’re trying to concentrate on.”

The Harrison District of the West Side is one of the city's most violent and has more police officers assigned to it than almost any other district in the city.

Last year, 12 people were killed and 44 injured over Memorial Day weekend, according to the Tribune.

Murders in the nation's third-largest city are up about 72%, while shootings have surged more than 88% in the first three months of 2016 compared with the same period last year, according to data released in April by the Chicago Police Department.

Police said the disturbing rise in violence is driven by gangs and mostly contained to a handful of pockets on the city's South and West Sides.

The Chicago Police Department reported 468 murders in 2015, a 12.5% increase from the year before. There were 2,900 shootings in 2015, 13% more than the year before, according to department records.

Contributing: Aamer Madhani

Martin Truex Jr. wins Coca-Cola 600 in record-setting fashion



CONCORD, N.C. — A look at all the results and action from Sunday night’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway:

WINNER: Martin Truex Jr. finally outran his bad luck, finishing off an absolutely dominating performance to score his first victory of the season. Truex entered the Coke 600 ranked fourth in laps led this season, but had only one top-five finish to show for it due to repeated misfortune. This time, Truex was able to lead almost the entire race and drove to victory lane for the first time since last June at Pocono Raceway. The win is the fourth of Truex’s career and puts him into the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

"It's just kind of sinking in now that we won the 600," Truex said in victory lane. "It's a big day. We've got the troops on the cars. It's a special weekend. Just a lot of emotion right now. It's a weekend you dream about.

"I had confidence; I had faith. We have a lot of great people behind us. Sherry and I, we know how to fight."

Truex's girlfriend Sherry Pollex was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer nearly two years ago, but she was by Truex's side in victory lane for the emotional celebration.

"It's amazing," Pollex said, while wiping away tears. "He had to lose all those races to win a big one. We've been through so much. This is just icing on the cake."

NEW RECORD: Truex broke Jim Paschal’s record for the most laps led in the 600 (335). The previous record was set in 1967. Truex led 392 of 400 laps — or 588 miles — in one of the most dominating performances in the history of NASCAR.

IN THE WALL: Jeffrey Earnhardt broke up a lengthy green-flag sequence by hitting the wall between Turns 3 and 4, causing the third caution of the race just past the halfway point of the event.

LOST CONTROL: Brian Scott went for a spin on lap 114, losing control out of Turn 2 during a long green-flag run. He didn’t hit anything, however, and was able to continue in the race after causing the second caution of the evening.

COMPETITION CAUTION: NASCAR called for a yellow flag on lap 25 to allow teams to check tire wear after a rainy morning washed rubber off the track.

DROPPING TO THE REAR: Tony Stewart was supposed to start 21st but had to fall to the back of the field prior to the green flag for unapproved body modifications. Stewart didn’t have a good night after that, either. At one point, he told his team he felt like a “C-grade driver” and noted the pit crew was getting beaten by “C-grade teams.”

Follow Gluck on Twitter @jeff_gluck

Coca-Cola 600

Sunday's results from the 1.5-mile Charlotte Motor Speedway (starting position in parentheses):

1. (1) Martin Truex Jr., Toyota, 400.

2. (8) Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 400.

3. (7) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 400.

4. (4) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 400.

5. (5) Brad Keselowski, Ford, 400.

6. (13) Kurt Busch, Chevrolet, 400.

7. (27) Matt Kenseth, Toyota, 400.

8. (12) Chase Elliott, Chevrolet, 400.

9. (2) Joey Logano, Ford, 400.

10. (14) Ryan Newman, Chevrolet, 400.

11. (6) Greg Biffle, Ford, 400.

12. (28) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet, 400.

13. (24) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet, 400.

14. (25) Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, 400.

15. (3) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ford, 400.

16. (15) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet, 399.

17. (11) Paul Menard, Chevrolet, 399.

18. (9) Carl Edwards, Toyota, 399.

19. (23) Jamie McMurray, Chevrolet, 399.

20. (18) Ryan Blaney, Ford, 397.

21. (19) Danica Patrick, Chevrolet, 396.

22. (29) Kasey Kahne, Chevrolet, 395.

23. (26) Clint Bowyer, Chevrolet, 395.

24. (21) Tony Stewart, Chevrolet, 395.

25. (10) Trevor Bayne, Ford, 395.

26. (20) Aric Almirola, Ford, 395.

27. (33) Landon Cassill, Ford, 395.

28. (31) Regan Smith, Chevrolet, 395.

29. (30) Brian Scott, Ford, 394.

30. (17) Casey Mears, Chevrolet, 394.

31. (35) David Ragan, Toyota, 393.

32. (34) Matt DiBenedetto, Toyota, 393.

33. (16) Kyle Busch, Toyota, Accident, 392.

34. (32) Michael McDowell, Chevrolet, 391.

35. (36) Cole Whitt, Chevrolet, 391.

36. (38) Michael Annett, Chevrolet, 390.

37. (22) Chris Buescher, Ford, 388.

38. (37) Josh Wise, Chevrolet, 387.

39. (39) Jeffrey Earnhardt, Ford, 382.

40. (40) Reed Sorenson, Chevrolet, Clutch, 200.

———

Race Statistics

Average Speed of Race Winner: 160.655 mph.

Time of Race: 3 Hours, 44 Minutes, 5 Seconds.

Margin of Victory: 2.572 Seconds.

Caution Flags: 4 for 19 laps.

Lead Changes: 9 among 4 drivers.

Lap Leaders: M. Truex Jr. 1-77; J. Johnson 78-79; M. Truex Jr. 80-164; J. Johnson 165; J. Logano 166; M. Truex Jr. 167-298; P. Menard 299-300; M. Truex Jr. 301-343; J. Johnson 344-345; M. Truex Jr. 346-400.

Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Lead, Laps Led): M. Truex Jr. 5 times for 392 laps; J. Johnson 3 times for 5 laps; P. Menard 1 time for 2 laps; J. Logano 1 time for 1 lap.

Top 16 in Points: K. Harvick - 457; Kurt Busch - 421; J. Johnson - 409; Kyle Busch - 405; C. Edwards - 404; B. Keselowski - 404; M. Truex Jr. - 381; C. Elliott - 374; J. Logano - 373; M. Kenseth - 347; D. Hamlin - 345; A. Dillon - 344; D. Earnhardt Jr. - 341; J. Mcmurray - 318; . Blaney - 309; R. Newman - 309.

Lewis Hamilton Wins an Exciting Monaco Grand Prix



Monaco — Recipe for a great Monaco Grand Prix: First, inundate the track with water, put one of the fastest drivers at the back of the pack, the championship leaders in second and third on the grid, then let loose the 22 cars in the narrow city streets. Two hours later, on the penultimate lap, let the rain fall again.

That was the scenario set by Mother Nature here on Sunday, and it produced the hoped-for result: an exciting race. Unfortunately, for the second race in a row, Daniel Ricciardo, the best driver in the field, paid the price for a blunder by his Red Bull team and finished second.

This time, though, the winner was not Ricciardo’s teenage teammate, Max Verstappen — who crashed out after only 34 laps of the 78-lap race — but the Mercedes driver, Lewis Hamilton, who finally put an end to a streak of eight disastrous race results.

Starting from third on the grid, the reigning world champion took advantage of every opportunity available to take his first victory since the United States Grand Prix last October. It was the 44th victory of his career and his second in Monaco. He last won here in 2008, when he also started third in the rain.

“Just when you feel that it can’t get worse, it gets better,” said Hamilton. “I prayed for a day like this, and it came through, so I feel really blessed.”

His teammate, Nico Rosberg, who won the first four races of the season, as well as the final three last year, dropped from second place on the grid in Monaco to finish in seventh position, after losing a final position on the last lap thanks to the rain. Rosberg had won the three previous Monaco Grand Prix.

Two weeks ago, the two Mercedes drivers collided on the first lap of the Spanish Grand Prix, knocking each other out of the race and handing the lead to Ricciardo in his Red Bull. The Austrian team then used a strategy that favored Ricciardo’s teammate, making Verstappen the youngest winner in Formula One history, at 18.

Striking back in Monaco, Ricciardo started from the first pole position of his career on a track where the pole is the usual prerequisite for victory. He then drove a perfect race. But then, on Lap 32, the team called him for a tire change that the pit crew was not ready for, costing him precious seconds.

He returned to the track just behind Hamilton’s Mercedes, and could never pass the British driver again, as overtaking is next to impossible in Monaco.

“Two weekends in a row now I have been screwed, it sucks, it hurts,” Ricciardo said, using uncharacteristically crude language. “We had the speed, on the wet, on the start. I thought I was the best in all conditions. But then the pit stop.”

For his part, Verstappen showed the limits of raw, inexperienced youth in Monaco. First he crashed out of Saturday’s qualifying session, destroying his car and forcing him to start the race at the back of the pack. Then came his crash during the race, making this the second year in a row he did not finish here.

However naturally talented a driver might be, Monaco requires not only speed but also experience, understanding and full concentration.

All of those qualities came together for Hamilton, who ended a bad run that seemed to get worse at every race, including during qualifying on Saturday in Monaco, when he had another problem with his car that prevented him from taking part in the full session. He nevertheless managed to qualify third, with Rosberg starting second. It rained early Saturday morning, and the rain continued during the start of the race, which began behind a safety car to avoid accidents.

Rosberg got off to a very slow start, blocking Hamilton and allowing Ricciardo to speed off to a lead of 13.1 seconds by Lap 16. That is when Mercedes told Rosberg to let Hamilton pass to attack Ricciardo. But despite Hamilton’s charge, Ricciardo was never in trouble or out of control. He had dropped behind Hamilton after making a first pit stop on Lap 23, but easily climbed back up to the British driver.

Hamilton then made his pit stop on Lap 31, and Ricciardo came in the following lap. The Red Bull engineers failed to communicate correctly with the mechanics, and he had to wait several seconds without any wheels on his car as his team scrambled. He returned to the track just behind the Hamilton. With a normal pit stop, he would have returned to the track far in the lead.

“We will investigate and find out,” said Helmut Marko, one of the Red Bull team directors. “But it was a human mistake. I feel really sorry, and all we can do is apologize to him.”

One of the most outstanding drives of the race was that of Sergio Pérez, the Mexican driver for the Force India team, who finished the race in third position after starting seventh, and just ahead of Sebastian Vettel’s Ferrari.

“In these conditions, it was one of my best races in Formula One,” said Pérez, who has scored six podium finishes in the series, but never won a race.

Rosberg leads the series with 106 points, and Hamilton is second with 82, so there is less than one race victory of 25 points between the two Mercedes drivers. Ricciardo is third, with 66 points.

‘Game of Thrones’ Season 6, Episode 6 Review: “Blood of My Blood”



Note: I’m reviewing “Game of Thrones” from the perspective of someone who has read all of George R.R. Martin’s novels, while my colleague David Malitz, who hasn’t read the books, will be writing straight recaps. His write-up of episode 6, “Blood of my Blood” will appear at The Post’sStyle Blog. This post discusses the events of the May 29 episode of “Game of Thrones,” “Blood of My Blood,” in detail. You can find my recaps of every prior episode of the show here. Our Washington Post Live chats and Facebook Live chats will return on June 6. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

“I never thought I’d come back here after my father made me renounce my lands, and my title. And threatened to kill me if I didn’t. A person just doesn’t feel welcome,” Sam Tarly (Jonathan Bradley) tells Gilly (Hannah Murray) in a considerable understatement as they ride together towards Horn Hill. But if Sam finds the reception he fears at his ancestral home — Randyll Tarly (James Faulkner) doesn’t need a Valyrian steel blade in his hand to do plenty of emotional violence to his family — “Blood of My Blood” is, as you might expect from the title, an episode devoted to the homes characters can return to, those they can’t, and the families they make or reclaim for themselves along the way.

In the North, Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright) and Meera Reed (Ellie Kendrick) are the recipients of a double miracle after Hodor’s (Kristian Nairn) sacrifice last week. Not only does a mysterious rider turn up to offer them a defense against the (suspiciously paltry) wights who are still pursuing them, but he turns out to be Bran’s long-lost uncle Benjen (Joseph Mawle), who it turns out was rescued by the Children of the Forest after he was stabbed by a White Walker. This storyline would have been hard-pressed to match the pathos of Hodor’s death last week, and I don’t think this scene lives up to it: there’s simply too much exposition to be gotten through here, (this is also true of a number of other moments in “Blood of My Blood”). But as Benjen explains his predicament while brewing up a nice, toasty cup of rabbit’s blood for Bran, his reappearance is a reminder that there can be more than one kind of light in the darkness.

King’s Landing finds Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer) and Tommen Baratheon (Dean-Charles Chapman) doing what normal married people do, though in unusually stressful circumstances. They form a bond that pulls them away from their own parents and grandparents, and into a new family unit, this one with the High Sparrow (Jonathan Pryce) as its patriarch.

I don’t have Tyrell (or Lannister) money, but I’d be willing to wager a smaller pile of lucre that Margaery’s seeming conversion here is as much strategic as it is sincere. When she confesses to Tommen that her appearance of goodness wasn’t more than that, she may be telling a partial truth; it’s wearying to pretend to be someone that you’re not, and if a gap between the public and private Margaery continues to exist, Margaery’s admission at least creates a sense of complicity between herself and her new husband. It also allows Margaery to do what her grandmother Olenna (Diana Rigg), father Mace (Roger Ashton-Griffiths), and Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) could not: save herself from a walk of shame without bloodshed.

And in the bargain, she manages to separate Tommen from his mother Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) and give him the confidence to order away Jaime, who Tommen knows only as his uncle, not his father. This is a dangerous game Margaery and Tommen are playing, not least because the High Sparrow has a sharper sense of politics than his enemies expected from him. And this maneuver threatens to create tensions between the parents and parental figures who now find themselves marginalized.

“He has our son. He stole our son. He’s torn our family apart. How should we treat people who tear our family apart?” Jaime asks Cersei of the High Sparrow. Jaime may have been relatively indifferent to his parental duties or ties while Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy) was alive and claiming Cersei’s children as his own. But last season, Jaime got to know his daughter Myrcella (Nell Tiger Free) when he went to retrieve her from Dorne. And before she was murdered, Jaime learned that that Myrcella knew he was her father and loved him for it. It was a seminal step in his moral evolution: Jaime wants to protect Tommen, his only surviving child, but the only parenting tool at his disposal is violence.

By contrast, where Jaime once focused obsessively on his bond with Cersei, she’s now the one who is, however subtly, pushing the question of their living child to the side, telling Jaime “We’re the only two people in the world” as she seduces him and urges him not to fight Tommen’s decision to send Jaime to reclaim Riverrun from the Blackfish (Clive Russell).

In Horn Hill, by contrast, Sam turns his back on the sad little compromise that he thought was the best he could do for Gilly, as well as on the rigid notions of the Night’s Watch. Randyll may browbeat and verbally abuse Sam, who is as close as “Game of Thrones” has to a truly good person. But at the last moment, he proves unable to break the spirit Sam developed for himself at the Wall, a sense of family truer or better than any of the virtues Randyll preaches at Horn Hill.

“We belong together,” Sam tells Gilly simply, claiming his father’s sword, Heartsbane, for good measure on his way out the door. If his father is going to persist in seeing Sam as a disgrace, Sam might as well enjoy his role to the hilt, and to assert his vision of what it means to be family with a dash of puckishness and sass. “Game of Thrones” has been smart to throw small triumphs, levity and joy into recent episodes. And if Sam’s flight couldn’t match Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) and Jon Snow’s (Kit Harington) for pathos, his refusal to leave Gilly behind was an act of sheer gritty decency, unassisted by luck or good timing. No matter what else happens to Sam and Gilly over the course of “Game of Thrones,” this wonderful pair will always be the greatest heroes of their own little domestic drama.

If Sam managed to avoid the immediate costs of that rebellion in “Blood of My Blood,” Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) may be courting consequences in making her final break from the House of Black and White in Braavos. If the players’ version of Ned Stark’s (Sean Bean) death showed Arya how the tragedy of her life had become fodder for other people’s petty amusements previously, this week, Lady Crane’s (Essie Davis) eloquent performance as Cersei Lannister helped Arya to have sympathy for the woman who has long held a prominent place on her kill list.

Lady Crane may think the speech that marks the climax of her performance is awfully bad writing. But when she declares on stage that “All hope is lost. All joy is gone. And there is no tomorrow,” Arya seems to understand that Cersei is feeling some version of the killing rage that Arya herself possesses. It’s how she can tell Lady Crane how to improve the role, and how Arya comes to decide that the path she’s on is the wrong one for her. The act of uncovering Needle doesn’t necessarily mean that Arya’s long-muddled moral universe is entirely sorted out. But it does suggest that when the Waif (Faye Marsay) comes for her, Arya will fight to stay a Stark. She’s learned an important lesson in the House of Black and White even if it’s not the one Jaqen H’ghar (Tom Wlaschiha) intended for her: not all substitute families are worth joining.

And not all real ones are worth holding onto. In the Riverlands, Walder Frey (David Bradley) continues to berate his sons, telling them they’ll recover Riverrun, the traditional Tully house, which the Blackfish has reclaimed, by using Edmure Tully (Tobias Menzies) as a hostage. “I’ll not leave the world until they all choke on that laughter,” Walder Frey grumbles as he enumerates the slights, perceived and real, that have ruled his life and given him license in his own mind to cause so much misery to other people. If Randyll Tarly rules his family with a set of values that have calcified into painful, unyielding, and ultimately deformed stone, Walder Frey never had much in the way of values in the first place.

In Vaes Dothrak, Dany (Emilia Clarke), whose whole campaign through Slaver’s Bay is an ambitious and deeply flawed effort to build a new society in which she serves as the mother to all, tries to unite the khalasars by promising them not peace, but a mission. “I am not a khal. I will not choose three blood riders. I choose you all,” she tells them*, warning the Dothraki that “I will ask more of you than any khal has ever asked of his khalasar.”

It’s a daring innovation, to think of a state as a family, rather than simply as a prize to be claimed and controlled by a particular family. But Dany grew up with a rotten brother as her last living relative. She lost her husband and the khalasar that served as his family, rising from the ashes as a goddesss rather than as a member of an extended family circle. She abandoned the freed slaves who called her Mhysa. Family is more of a fantasy for Dany rather than a real experience. And everyone else on “Game of Thrones” can tell her just how difficult it is to keep a family together, no matter how many generations bind it.

*Though I’m sure Dany doesn’t mean it this way, I’m not sure you get to pick your bloodriders when they have to ride dragons. I’m willing to bet the dragons have some role in the picking.

Pro Soccer Player Alan Pulido Kidnapped in Northeastern Mexico



Alan Pulido, a 25-year-old Mexican soccer star, has been kidnapped in the border state of Tamaulipas, Mexico, authorities announced Sunday.

Pulido was abducted Saturday evening after leaving a party near Ciudad Victoria, his hometown, an unnamed government official told the Associated Press.

Ismael Quintanilla Acosta, the Tamaulipas attorney general, said: “We have information that he was intercepted by armed people and since then his whereabouts have been unknown.”

Federal and local authorities are searching for Pulido, Quintanilla said.

The athlete’s brother, Armando Pulido, had earlier confirmed to the Spanish-languagesports website Mediotiempo that the kidnapping occurred.

“Yes, it’s true,” Armando Pulido said. “We have the support of the governor. We are waiting to see what happens.”

No other information about the incident was available.

Alan Pulido is a member of Olympiacos, a professional soccer club in Greece. He has also played for Mexico’s national team.

The Tigres of Monterrey club, on which Pulido played his debut season and several others, referred to his official Twitter account in a statement: “@TigresOficial expresses their solidarity with the family of @puliidooo in the difficult situation they are facing.”

Alexander Rossi Wins the 100th Indianapolis 500



INDIANAPOLIS — Alexander Rossi, a 24-year-old American rookie, stretched his fuel mileage to the absolute limit and won the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, in the 100th edition of the storied race.

“I’m out of fuel, guys,” Rossi told his crew over the radio moments after taking the checkered flag at the chaotic finish. His Honda-powered IndyCar had to be topped up with fuel to make it to the celebration in victory lane.

The race’s runner-up, Carlos Munoz, 24, was leading with three laps to go and said he thought his car had enough fuel to win. But his crew ordered him to the pits, telling him he would otherwise come up half a lap short.

“One day, I will win this race,” said a dejected Munoz, who rebounded to finish 4.49 seconds behind Rossi.

Just behind him was Josef Newgarden, 26, who also had to make a late stop after running among the leaders for the whole race. “We had the car to win today,” he said. “But at the end, it didn’t fall our way.”

Tony Kanaan came in fourth, followed by Charlie Kimball.

“I have no idea how we pulled that off,” an emotional Rossi said as he sipped from a quart bottle of 2 percent milk, the traditional drink of Indy winners. “At one point, we were 33rd. But we just rolled the dice and went for it.”

Rossi, who had started 11th in the 33-car field, did indeed fall to last in the early going. But his team gambled on an out-of-sequence pit strategy. He saved fuel the whole race. He patiently worked his way back through the field and into the top 10. In outlasting speedier competitors, he completely crossed up the conventional wisdom that says that to win Indy, a driver needs to stay among the leaders and out of trouble all day.

Rossi, who turned to IndyCar racing this season after being snubbed for a seat at the new United States-based Haas Formula One team, had landed an 11th-hour ride in the series with the car owner Bryan Herta and Andretti Autosport.

“Bryan pulled off a tremendous strategy once again,” Rossi said.

Herta had won the Indy 500 in 2011, with Dan Wheldon, using a similar strategy.

After what turned out to be his final pit stop, Rossi managed to squeeze 36 laps out of his tank, while the best anyone else could do in the 200-lap race was 32.

Rossi, who had never finished better than 10th in five previous IndyCar series starts this season, said he had succeeded by being conservative at times, tactical in traffic and resisting the urge to dice with those challenging him for position.

After the veteran Kanaan, the 2013 Indy winner, had to surrender the lead and head to the pit for fuel with seven laps left, the final circuits around the two-and-a-half-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway racetrack seemed to come down to a shootout between two other young drivers, Munoz and Newgarden. They traded the lead until there were three laps to go, when they joined the mad scramble into the pits among other fuel-starved drivers.

That was when the lead was taken over for good by the dark horse Rossi. In 2005, he had been identified as an up-and-coming prospect after beating 2,000 other drivers in a talent contest sponsored by an energy-drink maker. But he found little opportunity to work as a driver in the United States, so he went to Europe.

While Rossi found his biggest success Sunday by staying out of the pits, that was where the perennial favorites found failure.

The three-time winner Helio Castroneves, who initially could not get his car to fire on the grid, was leading with less than 100 miles to go, but his car also needed a late splash of fuel while running third. He had also escaped damage in one pit road entanglement, but he needed to pit again for a new left rear fender late in the race after being hit from behind by J. R. Hildebrand.

Will Power, another leader, was penalized by being sent to the rear of the field after he collided on pit road with Kanaan. Later, Simon Pagenaud was handed the same penalty when he bumped into Mikhail Aleshin while leaving his pit. The defending Indy 500 champion, Juan Pablo Montoya, a Penske teammate of Castroneves, Power and Pagenaud, escaped injury when he crashed out just after the 150-mile mark.

The chances of the early leaders James Hinchcliffe; the 2014 Indy winner, Ryan Hunter-Reay; and Townsend Bell were dinged by pit road incidents of their own. Hunter-Reay and Bell tangled with Castroneves, who had the right of way and escaped; they, however, ended up sideways and needed repairs. Hinchcliffe lost time for a fuel hose malfunction.

Over all, the raucous, action-packed event seemed like a solid return to form for the famed race and its glorious past. Over the last 20 years, the race and the sport have experienced declining attendance and fan interest. But the huge turnout this year seemed to suggest that the sport’s glory days might be back.

The Indianapolis 500, first run in 1911 but suspended during the two World Wars, enjoyed nearly perfect blue skies for its celebration, with a sellout crowd estimated at more than 400,000. Organizers have said the race attracts the largest single-day attendance of any sports event in the world.
Correction: May 29, 2016


An earlier version of this article misstated Tony Kanaan’s finish. He was fourth, not fifth.
Correction: May 29, 2016


An earlier version of this article misstated the winner of the 2014 Indianapolis 500. It was Ryan Hunter-Reay, not James Hinchcliffe.

Sunday 29 May 2016

Indy 500 live 2016: Heavy crowds ahead



10:39 a.m. update

Sure, the lines to get into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are unbelievably long. But at least you'll be entertained?

IMS authorities also report that the Crossover Gate 5 will close at 11 a.m. If your seats are on the south end, they suggest you use Tunnel 6. Spectators on the north end should use Tunnel 7.

Express lanes are also available for people without coolers, purses or backpacks — gates 1, 1B 3, 6, & 9.

As the IMS fills up with race fans for what is expected to be the biggest Indy 500 ever, be prepared for heavy crowds.

IndyStar engagement producer Allison Carter takes a peek at the view from the track:

9:51 a.m. update

Pop superstar Lady Gaga's role at the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 is confirmed, writes IndyStar reporter Dave Lindquist. Gaga will accompany Mario Andretti in a two-seat race car today

Gaga replaces country music star Keith Urban, who dropped out because of a back injury. Andretti and Gaga will follow four parade cars and lead the official pace car on three laps before the race.

In traffic news: While there is no fast route to get to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 21st Street appears to be an especially slow way to get there.

Twitter user @ematurne posted that “traffic is backed up on 21st Street almost to Raceway Road” – which is more than five miles from the track.

Backups are the norm, though, on every street leading to IMS. About three hours before the Indianapolis 500 was set to begin, social media users were mostly expressing frustration.

“I feel like every traffic report is pointless now,” Twitter user @julesia18 posted. “All routes in are backed up.”

Not everyone is lamenting the long wait times, though. Some see it as a positive sign for Indianapolis’ beloved race.

“The Indy500 hasn’t seen traffic like this for years,” Twitter user @Gooder_Englishposted. “It’s good to see again.”

One Indy 500 veteran, Twitter user @MikeBudzik, offered a suggestion for those frustrated with the backups.

“We used to get out & play Frisbee with other race fans stuck in traffic,” he said.

Authorities at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are also giving fans a heads-up today on gates with the shortest wait times:

9:07 a.m. update

Crowds are pouring into the Snake Pit at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this morning, which is expected to attract double the crowd size from 2014.

Officials attribute the sellout of 30,000 tickets to the magnitude of the 100th running.

Headliner DJ Skrillex is backed up with an impressive electronic lineup: Martin Garrix, Zeds Dead, DJ Mustard and B.O.A.T.

Police officers from departments in Lebanon and Newcastle told IndyStar reporter Amy Bartner they are looking for overdoses in the typical "party crowd."

Meanwhile, the crowd of race fans trying to get into the IMS is growing thicker. According to police radio traffic, gates 1, 6 and 9 are busiest, and visitors are encouraged to head to other entrances.

8:43 a.m. update

There’s good news and bad news for anyone trying to get to Indianapolis Motor Speedway this morning.

The traffic is horrible – but, so far, it’s no worse than any other race day.

As of 8:30 a.m., there were no major accidents reported near the IMS, Speedway Police Lt. Trent Theobald said.

“Traffic’s not moving real fast, but that’s to be expected just like any morning when people are driving to the track,” Theobald said. “It’s a typical race day morning.”

Some race fans sought to beat the traffic. The first people in line camped out on Saturday night to avoid a rush when the gates opened at 6 a.m. Sunday.

Robert Walters slept on a Speedway woman’s porch after traveling 27 hours from Jacksonville, Florida. He rode a Greyhound bus to Indianapolis to attend the 100th running.

“I got up at 4:30 a.m. and walked down here because I knew there was going to be a long line,” Walters said. “It amazed me that it looks like it did back in the 70s.”

Walters said last year was the greatest race he’s witnessed in 40 years. Multiple crashes shook up the competition during the 99th running.

The excitement that year brought race fan Matthew Jacobs back for more this year.

Jacobs, who traveled from Van Wert, Ohio, was one of the first fans in line at Gate 1. He left home at about 2 a.m. Sunday to attend the historic race.

“It’s all exciting,” Jacobs said before the ceremonial cannon fired at 6 a.m. Hundreds of fans cheered as they passed through the gate while security kept a close watch on coolers, bags and other pieces of race gear.

8:02 a.m. update

Some late-breaking celebrity news:

IndyStar's Dave Lindquist reports that while the 'Bad Romance' singer hasn't been listed among personalities expected to walk the red carpet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, she was spotted at a race party Saturday at Regions Tower Rooftop Terrace in Indianapolis.

Meanwhile, a late drop-out from country music star Keith Urban:

7:31 a.m. update

Things are looking bright once you get to the track.

7:22 a.m. update

According to SigAlert.com, an accident was reported at Lynhurst Drive North before 16th Street around 7:06 a.m. Traffic is stop and go, and delays are expected.​ Traffic seems to be flowing fairly smooth closer to the track.

7:07 a.m. update

Traffic issues are starting to pop around the track. Be prepared from long waits. Some areas are being asked to seek alternate routes.

6:53 a.m. update

Speedway police reported a pretty quiet night. Only two arrests made Saturday. Both were related to public intoxication.

6:45 a.m. update

The crowd is filing in but doesn't look as massive as you might expect.







6:30 a.m. update

Indy 500 fans are pumped for the 100th running.

Previously reported

Good morning, Indianapolis!

This is it. Right now. Today. Pound that coffee, people, and pack that cooler because the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 has arrived.

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. Racing, yes. Celebrities, yes. Good times, yes. It’s only 6 a.m., yes. Where’s the coffee? Did someone say coffee? Where’s the Starbucks?

The race is a sellout. Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected. It’s still 6 a.m. at the moment, though, so we all need is more c-o-f-f-e-e ... COFFEE!

We're going to keep you abreast of the latest happenings from Indianapolis Motor Speedway and we're going to have fun doing it. Races in the front, Snake Pit in the back.

The current temperature is 69 degrees with 86 percent humidity. Temperature highs are slated for a balmy 83 degrees with a 60 percent chance precipitation on tap. Sunday will be warm with times of sun and clouds. A shower or thunderstorm is expected late this afternoon. But that won't stop the party. We can't stop. We won't stop.

Traffic is moving smoothly around the 4-6-5 with no major problems to report near the speedway.

Festivities begin with the Parade of Bands and the Borg-Warner Trophy March to the Bricks, both beginning at 8 a.m.

Grab your sun tan lotion, your glow sticks and your favorite craft beer. The first fan has breached the gates.

Aaannnd he's on it.

IndyStar reporters Cara Anthony, Amy Bartner, Allison Carter, James Briggs, Dave Lindquist and Joe Tamborello contributed to this story.