Li, Federer Win In Indian Wells, Nadal Survives Scare getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® Li, Federer Win In Indian Wells, Nadal Survives Scare

Top seed Rafa Nadal survived a scare from Radek Stepanek before winning his BNP Paribas Open second round match in three tight sets at Indian Wells on Saturday.

The Spaniard, in his first match as defending champion, was stretched to the limit before prevailing 2-6 6-4 7-5 in night match that lasted two hours, 24 minutes in the California desert.

Nadal served eight double faults and was broken three times, but he also broke his Czech opponent three times, including twice in the final set.

The pivotal moment came in the sixth game of the third set, when Nadal fended off three break points to hold serve.

Earlier, Briton Andy Murray recorded his 300th hardcourt victory when he beat Stepanek's compatriot Lukas Rosol in three sets.

Fifth seed Murray recovered from a slow start to beat his Czech opponent 4-6 6-3 6-2 as the top seeds took to the courts for the first time after receiving first round byes.

"I got broken three times in a row the end of the first set, beginning of the second," Murray told reporters. "I just kind of kept going and found a way to win, which is always the most important thing."

Only five active players have won more tour-level hardcourt matches, headed by Roger Federer (575).

Seventh seed Federer dominated the first set but was taken to a tie-break in the second before prevailing 6-2 7-6(5) against French qualifier Paul-Henri Mathieu, while Swiss compatriot and Australian Open champion Stanislas Wawrinka clinched a 6-3 7-5 win over Croatia's Ivo Karlovic.

Australian Lleyton Hewitt failed to notch his 600th career win when he was beaten by South African Kevin Anderson 7-6(5) 6-4.

The veteran Hewitt saved 10 of 11 break points but was unable to break the tall 17th seed's powerful serve in the match.

There was high drama in another match as Colombian Alejandro Falla saved a match point at 5-2 down in the third set to beat Polish 18th seed Jerzy Janowicz 6-3 2-6 7-6(5).

On the women's side, top seed Li Na beat Chinese compatriot Zheng Jie 6-1 7-5.

Australian Open champion Li notched six breaks as Zheng struggled on serve.

Defending champion Maria Sharapova made short work of her first match, beating German Julia Goerges 6-1 6-4 in barely an hour.

(Reporting By Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina. Editing by Patrick Johnston)

Li, Federer Win In Indian Wells, Nadal Survives Scare

Connecticut Bill Would Limit Noise Levels In Movie Theaters getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® Connecticut Bill Would Limit Noise Levels In Movie Theaters

The Connecticut legislature is considering a bill that would prevent movie theaters from showing movies or previews that exceed 85 decibels.

Proponents say it would protect workers from hearing loss. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health say noise should be kept below 85 decibels for eight hours. But it doesn’t necessarily say anything about peak noise levels.

Dr. Robert Dobie of the University of Texas said the 85 decibel limit prolonged exposure to high levels of noise, like at construction sites. “The exposure is so brief and intermittent that no one with any expertise would ever say that they have any real risk of hazard or harm.”

But the problem with loud movies and trailers is a peak-levels issue, not a prolonged exposure issue. William Young, a Stamford, Connecticut resident says that standard doesn’t work in this case, because it measures the average of trailers. A colleague of his says their tests of previews found bursts of noise as high as 110 decibels.

According to Purdue University, 110 decibels is the ‘average human pain threshold’. It’s about the level of a riveting machine or a car horn from three feet away. Decibels levels can be tricky, for example 80 decibels is twice as loud as 70 decibels. 80 decibels is where possible damage could occur over an 8 hour exposure. 110 decibels is 16 times as loud as 70 decibels.

The Motion Picture Association of America does not agree though. Vans Stevenson, a senior vice president with the MPAA says its unnecessary because companies and theaters have voluntarily adopted standards on sound levels. Stevenson said the standards were developed because theater owners said audience members were complaining the trailers were too loud.

The MPAA says the bill violates the First Amendment and is discriminatory because it doesn’t apply to other events like a sports game or concerts. The MPAA may have a point, but you’ll find few senior citizens or young children redeeming their discounts at a metal concert.

As of now, the bill is being reviewed by the Connecticut General Assembly Public Safety and Security Committee. Sen. Carlo Leone, Stamford (D), who helped bring the bill to the committee says a public hearing will guide the procedure forward. “I support the concept moving forward. If there are other corrective measures without legislation and it takes care of the problem, that would be the better choice.”

Connecticut Bill Would Limit Noise Levels In Movie Theaters

Plasma 'Shield' In Earth's Magnetic Field Protects The Planet From Solar Storms getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® Plasma 'Shield' In Earth's Magnetic Field Protects The Planet From Solar Storms

The Sun can wreak a lot of havoc on Earth during its more active periods. Coronal mass ejections can send solar storms of charged particles that can lead to radio blackouts and geomagnetic storms but the Earth has its own insurance policy, a plasma “shield” located within the planet’s magnetic field.

An X-class solar flare created enough space radiation to delay of Orbital Sciences’ International Space Station resupply mission in January and these solar storms could affect satellites as well as astronauts orbiting Earth. Luckily the Earth’s magnetic field, known as the magnetosphere, protects the planet from solar storms and researchers have identified a process involving plasma and acts as another protective barrier.

In a press release, researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and NASA say a jet of plasma, super-heated ionized gas, that slows down magnetic reconnection, the process where the magnetic field is rearranged. The team, led by John Foster, associate director of MIT’s Haystack Observatory, used the observatory to analyze Earth’s plasma plumes by monitoring distortions in radio signals.

In order to create maps of plasma plumes and other atmospheric phenomena, researchers use more than 1,000 Earth-based receivers that collect incoming radio signals from GPS satellites. Geomagnetic storms and space radiation can distort these signals and finding evidence of a plasma plume during a solar storm in January, Foster teamed up with members of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center to observe what was happening from space.

NASA's space observations confirmed the evidence of a plasma plume as well as its effect to reduce the force of solar storms. The Earth’s magnetic field extends outward and interacts with the Sun’s own magnetic field. This interaction leads to magnetic reconnection and through this process charged particles can get through Earth’s magnetic field. Luckily the plasma plume is traveling Earth’s magnetic field lines to the point of interaction and slows down magnetic reconnection which reduces the force of potential storms.

"It slows down reconnection, and it can contribute to the generation of waves that, in turn, accelerate particles in other parts of the magnetosphere. So it’s a recirculation process, and really fascinating," said Foster about the plasma plume in a statement. The research was published in the journal Science.

Plasma 'Shield' In Earth's Magnetic Field Protects The Planet From Solar Storms

Kourtney Kardashian And Scott Disick Have No Plans For Their Wedding Any Soon getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® Kourtney Kardashian And Scott Disick Have No Plans For Their Wedding Any Soon

Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick are not planning to follow Kim Kardashian and Kanye West down the aisle.

According to E! News, the longtime couple have no plans to tie the knot anytime soon. An insider told E! News that Kourtney is “not getting married” as she is perfectly happy at the moment with how her life is going.

The statement comes amid reports that the two are “planning to get hitched at their friend Joe Francis’s exclusive five-star residence in Punta Mita" sometime soon. Kourtney and Scott vacationed at Francis’s palatial spread with their kids, Mason and Penelope, earlier this year.

According to reports, the couple held "bachelor and bachelorette parties” in New York last month, which was not documented by paparazzi or videographers.

Kourtney has been busy lately, sharing some fun time with sister Khloe at a shoot for their Kardashian Kollection Spring 2014 line earlier this week. She also joined Kim, Khloe and mom, Kris Jenner, at Elton John's annual Oscars party last Sunday.

Although Kourtney seems to be unsure of when and how she would get married to Scott, sister Kim and Kanye are gearing up to tie the knot soon, with Kim reportedly telling Jimmy Kimmel last month that they "will be getting married this summer, hopefully in Paris."

"When I said 'hopefully,' I didn't mean like hopefully getting married," she clarified. "I meant 'hopefully' just this summer."

Kourtney Kardashian And Scott Disick Have No Plans For Their Wedding Any Soon

Juan Pablo Called 'The Worst Bachelor Ever?' Producers Of ‘The Bachelor’ Can’t Wait For The Season To End getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® Juan Pablo Called 'The Worst Bachelor Ever?' Producers Of ‘The Bachelor’ Can’t Wait For The Season To End

Juan Pablo Galavis has been causing a lot of drama behind the scenes of ABC's hit reality show “The Bachelor,” E! News reports Friday.

An insider told E! News that the producers and crew members are so ready for a season of “The Bachelor” to end.

A source in connection with the show reportedly said: “Everyone on the show is just so over him and cannot wait for this season to be over."

"His anti-gay comment happened the weekend of Sean Lowe and Catherine Giudici's wedding which completely overshadowed all the hard work everyone put in for it and practically ruined Sean and Catherine's special weekend," the source added.

Another source told E! News, that the people working on the program have been saying that “he's the worst bachelor ever."

According to reports, there has been “lots of fighting” going on between Galavis and the winner of the show.

"Producers are hopeful that they'll work it out by the live finale, but no one is holding their breath," one source revealed.

Galavis came under fire again after he recently retweeted a post that mocked people with mental disabilities.

"Not every flower can save love, but a rose can. Not every plant survives thirst, but a cactus can. Not every retard can read, but look at you go, little buddy! Today you should take a moment and send an encouraging message to a f--ked up friend, just as I've done. I don't care if you lick windows, or interfere with farm animals. You hang in there cupcake, you're f--king special to me, you're my friend, look at you smiling at your phone! You crayon-eating bastard you!" read the now-deleted tweet, according to Foxnews.com.

He later wrote on his Twitter account defending his recent controversial tweet: “People, try to be HAPPY and enjoy JOKES and SARCASM ...”

Juan Pablo Called 'The Worst Bachelor Ever?' Producers Of ‘The Bachelor’ Can’t Wait For The Season To End

Watch A Preview for Last Week Tonight, Jon Oliver's New Show On HBO getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® Watch A Preview for Last Week Tonight, Jon Oliver's New Show On HBO

HBO has released a preview of former Daily Show correspondent Jon Oliver's new show on the network. The half-hour show is called "Last Week Tonight with Jon Oliver" and will air Sunday nights at 11 p.m. EST. It premieres April 27.

The show will be a weekly review of news headlines. HBO said Last Week Tonight will present "a half-hour satirical look at the week in news, politics and current events," but did not elaborate about the show's format.

Will there be guests? Will it be a funnier version of Real Time With Bill Mahar? No indication yet, but we feel confident that with Jon Oliver and former Daily Show writer Tim Carvell at the helm, "Last Week Tonight" will be a welcome addition to the Sunday night schedule.

Oliver spent seven years at the Daily Show and served as a guest host last summer while Jon Stewart was filming his debut dramatic film, "Rosewater," in Jordan. HBO offered him the program after his guest-hosting gig earned strong reviews from critics and Daily Show fans alike.

Oliver has been co-hosting The Bugle, a weekly podcast with fellow British political comedian Andy Zaltzman since 2007.

You can follow "Last Week Tonight" on Twitter for updates. It seems they're already having some fun with their new HBO colleagues:

Watch A Preview for Last Week Tonight, Jon Oliver's New Show On HBO

VIDEO Bayern Munich 6-1 Wolfsburg Goal Highlights: Muller, Mandzukic Braces Ignite Munich Victory getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® VIDEO Bayern Munich 6-1 Wolfsburg Goal Highlights: Muller, Mandzukic Braces Ignite Munich Victory

An incredible five-goal barrage in the final 27 minutes of play ignited Bayern Munich’s 6-1 victory over Wolfsburg on Saturday night at Volkswagen Arena.

Thomas Mueller and Mario Manduzkic each recorded a brace in the final flurry, separating Munich from a 1-1 logjam that could have been their first draw in Bundesliga play the nearly five months.

Midfielder Franck Ribery chipped in his eighth goal of the season in between Mueller and Manduzkic’s scores.

Currently fifth on the Bundesliga table and 29 points back of Bayern, Wolfsburg looked poised for an incredible upset after defender Naldo deflected Kevin De Bruyne’s cross into the net in the 17th minute for the 1-0 lead.

Bayern midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri provided the equalizer in the 26th minute, corralling a rebound after several attempts by Jerome Boateng and Dante were blocked by Wolfsburg keeper Diego Benaglio. A very difficult outing for Benaglio, he still finished with six saves off 12 shots on target from Munich.

Beginning in the 63rd minute Thiago Alcantara perfectly fed Mueller a through ball past the Wolfsburg back line, and the 24-year-old pulled Benaglio up from his line and fired a left-footed shot home.

Mandzukic notched his first goal three minutes later, converting Rafinha’s ground cross into a low shot to the bottom right corner.

It proved to be Munich’s second-highest scoring match of the year, following the 7-0 pounding delivered to Weder Bremen in December.

VIDEO Bayern Munich 6-1 Wolfsburg Goal Highlights: Muller, Mandzukic Braces Ignite Munich Victory

Liverpool Transfer News: Maxime Lopez, Parejo, Navas Linked To Newest Reds Rumors? getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® Liverpool Transfer News: Maxime Lopez, Parejo, Navas Linked To Newest Reds Rumors?

With a Champions League berth nearly clinched and a run for the Premier League title coming down to the final third of the season, it’s safe to assume Liverpool and manager Brendan Rodgers have plenty to keep them busy this spring.

However the Reds appear focused not only on winning this season, but creating a lasting core that will contend for years to come. To do so Liverpool will have to be very active in his summer’s transfer session, and their list of desired players continues to grow by the day.

The most recent transfer speculation comes from a report by Daily Star, which indicated Liverpool has carefully watched the progress of 24-year-old Valencia central midfielder Daniel Parejo.

Though Valencia remains stuck in ninth place on the La Liga table, the Spanish has performed well in his 19 appearances, netting two goals and three assists this season. The Reds have reportedly been in the market for both a long-term replacement for living-legend Steven Gerrard and a move to ship under-performing Joe Allen elsewhere.

Parejo could fill both scenarios well, but will cost the Reds upwards of £8.8 million. Parejo has played in England before, a brief 14 appearance stint with Queens Park Rangers back in 2008.

Another long-term plan for Liverpool’s future begins with 16-year-old Marseille forward Maxime Lopez, the French club’s top rated prospect who has already spoken to Rodgers and his staff, according to Daily Mail.

Rodgers reportedly conveyed to Lopez how quickly the Reds advance young players to the first team, a veiled promised that could be enough to entice the youngster. Marseille is very concerned that attention from Liverpool, as well as Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal, will be too much for Lopez to turn down once he turns 17 later this year.

In other news it appears AC Milan is intent on outbidding Liverpool for Levante goalkeeper Keylor Navas, a 27-year-old Costa Rican who’s been on Rodgers radar for quite some time. According to TalkSport, the Italian side is seeking an infusion of youth in net, and Navas has emerged as one of the best keepers in Spain this season, posting an incredible 106 saves and 11 clean sheets in 25 matches.

Liverpool Transfer News: Maxime Lopez, Parejo, Navas Linked To Newest Reds Rumors?

NASA’s First Twin Astronaut Study To Help Better Understand Microgravity Effects On Human Body getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® NASA’s First Twin Astronaut Study To Help Better Understand Microgravity Effects On Human Body

A pair of identical twin astronauts has come forward to help NASA with an “unprecedented” study, which is expected to provide opportunity for scientists to better understand the effects of microgravity on the human body, the space agency announced on Friday, adding that it had selected 10 investigations for the new research.

As part of the study, NASA has decided to fly veteran astronaut Scott Kelly aboard the International Space Station for one year, beginning March 2015, while his twin brother, retired astronaut Mark Kelly, will remain Earth-bound. According to NASA, the 10 investigations will provide the space agency with deeper insight into the subtle effects and changes that may occur in space as compared to Earth-based environments.

“We realized this is a unique opportunity to perform a class of novel studies because we had one twin flying aboard the International Space Station and one twin on the ground,” Craig Kundrot, deputy chief scientist of NASA’s Human Research Program, or HRP, said in a statement. “We can study two individuals who have the same genetics, but are in different environments for one year.”

NASA said that HRP would fund the 10 short-term investigations -- picked from a pool of 40 proposals -- into the molecular, physiological and psychological effects of spaceflight in a continuous effort to reduce the health impacts of human space exploration.

The study is said to partly focus on the comparison of blood samples collected from Kelly brothers at regular intervals before, during and after the one-year mission. In addition, physiological and psychological testing also will be conducted on them as part of the research.

“These studies will look at the way genes in the cells are turned on and off as a result of spaceflight; and how stressors like radiation, confinement and microgravity prompt changes in the proteins and metabolites gathered in biological samples like blood, saliva, urine and stool,” NASA said in a statement.

The 10 selected proposals, drawn from 10 institutions in seven states, will receive a combined $1.5 million during a three-year period.

Check out the video here:

NASA’s First Twin Astronaut Study To Help Better Understand Microgravity Effects On Human Body

Indian Lobby Group Now Knocks On Prime Minister's Door To Block License To Air Asia getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® Indian Lobby Group Now Knocks On Prime Minister's Door To Block License To Air Asia

The Federation of Indian Airlines, or the FIA, a lobby group for domestic airlines, has written to the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to block a license for Air Asia (OTCMKTS:AIABF).

The group had earlier written to the directorate general of civil aviation, or the DGCA, in February to prevent giving a license to Kuala Lumpur-based Air Asia, citing that the industry, which is already in high debt, will be burdened more with a new airline. The DGCA refused their plea. FIA has also stated repeatedly that the foreign direct investment allowed for aviation should be focused on existing airlines rather than an airline new to the country.

"We submit (that the rationale) it did not contemplate the introduction of new international airlines with new Indian Joint Venture partners. By allowing new entrants to invest with new Joint Venture partners, it would defeat the very purpose of the policy itself," Ujjwal Dey, associate director of FIA reportedly wrote in a letter to the prime minister, according to the Economic Times.

FIA had reportedly said that the findings of the DGCA committee which it made to reject its objections of a license to Air Asia were "flawed" and lacked "credible examination."

"The conclusions reached by the DGCA are substantially if not totally incorrect. They have stated that the issue of substantial ownership and effective control has been considered by the FIPB while approving the FDI for M/s AirAsia . This is contrary to the government's own affidavit filed on behalf of all ministries, including the FIPB in the case filed by Dr. Subramanian Swamy challenging the grant of NOC to AirAsia," Dey reportedly added in the letter, according to ET.

The airline industry in India currently has a debt of $12.6 billion and cumulative losses of $8.6 billion into which Air Asia will be entering as a partnership between Tata Sons, AirAsia Berhad and Telestra Tradeplace of Arun Bhatia. In January the DGCA had clarified further saying that a foreign investment into an airline is allowed only until the management control remains in Indian hands.

FIA has even expressed concerns on this in the letter saying: “The members of FIA humbly submit that serious questions relating to the ownership structure and effective control of a foreign airline (AirAsia) in an Indian airline is involved, which have a grave impact on national security," and asking for more investigation into the structure that Air Asia will follow in India, according to ET.

Indian Lobby Group Now Knocks On Prime Minister's Door To Block License To Air Asia

Boeing Discovers "Hairline Cracks" In The Wings Of 40 787 Dreamliners; Number Of Deliveries Aimed Unchanged getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® Boeing Discovers "Hairline Cracks" In The Wings Of 40 787 Dreamliners; Number Of Deliveries Aimed Unchanged

Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) said Friday that it discovered “hairline cracks” in the wings of about 40 787 Dreamliners that are currently in production, according to news reports.

The Chicago-based company said that the cracks have not been found in planes that are currently in use by airlines and that the company’s plans to deliver 110 787 Dreamliners this year remains unchanged, Reuters reported, citing the company. The cracks reportedly also appeared on 787-9 models, which are currently in flight tests and which could delay the date of delivery for the aircrafts by a few weeks. The problem is said to have started after the Japanese wing maker Mitsubishi Heavy Industries made changes in its manufacturing process and informed Boeing about the issue in February.

“The affected areas are very small and the time required to address the issue will vary between one and two weeks," the company reportedly said in a statement.

"There may be some delays in deliveries, but we expect no impact to 2014 delivery guidance," the statement reportedly added, according to the BBC.

Boeing plans to deliver 110 787s this year earning between $87.5 billion and $90.5 billion in revenue. It has delivered nine planes so far, including the one it delivered on Friday, Reuters reported.

The 787 Dreamliner has been hampered with problems in spite of being one of the most advanced planes in the industry. An entire fleet in operation was grounded by regulators last year, stating safety concerns. Also, a fire broke out in a 787 Dreamliner due to a battery issue, which required an emergency landing for an All Nippon Airways flight in Boston in January.

Boeing has reportedly redesigned the battery system.

A fire also started on an Ethiopian Airlines 787 plane in July last year while it was parked at London's Heathrow Airport. In August, All Nippon Airways said that it found problems in the battery wiring on two 787 locator transmitters.

U.S. carrier United Airlines also found a pinched wire during an inspection of one of its six 787s.

"If we find an affected area, we'll correct the issue by trimming out the area and applying a fabricated piece in its place," Doug Alder, a company spokesperson said, according to Reuters.

Boeing Discovers "Hairline Cracks" In The Wings Of 40 787 Dreamliners; Number Of Deliveries Aimed Unchanged

VIDEO Manchester United 3-0 West Brom: Highlights; Rooney, Welbeck And Jones Goals Give Untied Welcome Win At The Hawthorns getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® VIDEO Manchester United 3-0 West Brom: Highlights; Rooney, Welbeck And Jones Goals Give Untied Welcome Win At The Hawthorns

At the sight of Sir Alex Ferguson’s final match in charge of Manchester United, his replacement David Moyes secured a most-welcome three points to provide a boost to his troubled first season in charge.

In their first outing since the woeful defeat at Olympiakos and in the week that Moyes had written an open letter to supporters outlining his belief that better things were around the corner, United will have been happy to be facing one of the few clubs at a lower ebb than themselves. An improved display and goals from Phil Jones, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck gave the Premier League champions their most emphatic win of 2014 and only their fourth victory of the year to move, at least temporarily, above Everton into sixth place in the table.

There was a rare instance of Moyes not being the manager under most pressure heading into the game. Pepe Mel had yet to win in his first six matches in charge and, with West Brom only just above the relegation zone, his job was rumored to be under threat. Once more his side had worryingly little to offer going forwardas their drought under the Spaniard continued.

Former United goalkeeper Ben Foster was the first man forced into action when he pulled off a one-handed save to deny Rafael’s back-post header. But, with 34 minutes on the clock, he could do nothing to prevent another header finding the net. Robin van Persie’s in-swinging free-kick was fizzed in superbly and Jones, on his return from injury, got in front of his marker, to flash a header in from 10 yards.

Victor Anichebe had one of West Brom’s few chances before the break when he did well to hold off Jones before firing wide. At the other end, Foster was fortunate to escape sanction when the ball, albeit unintentionally, struck his arm outside his area.

But it was Manchester United that were breathing a heavy sigh of relief after the break. Having just been booked, Van Persie somehow escaped a second yellow card for a late challenge on West Brom defender Steven Reid. It’s hard not to think that referee Jonathan Moss would have produced a second yellow had Van Persie not already been shown his first.

West Brom may look back upon that moment as a turning point, with United then going onto stroll to a comfortable win. Rafael’s cross from the right in the 65th minute found Rooney unmarked to head home at the far post. And an encouraging one-touch move involving the impressive Marouane Fellaini rounded out the win eight minutes from time. The interchange culminated in Rooney feeding the ball through to Welbeck before the man who had replaced Van Persie took a touch before bending a shot past Foster.

West Bromwich 0-1 Manchester United # Jones by kareemfekry

West Bromwich 0 - 2 Manchester United # Ronney by kareemfekry

West Bromwich 0-3 Manchester United # Welbeck by kareemfekry

VIDEO Manchester United 3-0 West Brom: Highlights; Rooney, Welbeck And Jones Goals Give Untied Welcome Win At The Hawthorns

VIDEO Arsenal 4-1 Everton: Highlights; Two Late Giroud Goals Secure Gunners' Place in FA Cup Semifinals getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® VIDEO Arsenal 4-1 Everton: Highlights; Two Late Giroud Goals Secure Gunners' Place in FA Cup Semifinals

Two late goals from Olivier Giroud secured Arsenal a first FA Cup semifinal in five years after a hard-fought yet ultimately emphatic 4-1 victory over Everton at Goodison Park.

It’s a scoreline that certainly doesn’t do Everton’s contribution to a pulsating encounter justice. As they did in the Premier League encounter at the same venue earlier in the season, the Merseysiders gave Arsenal plenty of problems. Mesut Ozil had opened the scoring in a 1-1 draw that day and, restored to the starting lineup after a much-needed rest, he put the home side in front in the opening 10 minutes with his first goal since that clash in December. But Everton deservedly pulled level through Romelu Lukaku’s close-range finish just past the half-hour mark. And they might have gone in front, too, but Ross Barkley fired over soon after the interval.

It proved to be a costly miss as Arsenal went onto storm to victory. Gareth Barry’s sloppy challenge on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain brought an obvious penalty that Mikel Arteta twice converted successfully to put Arsenal back in front. And Giroud, whose encroachment just after coming on had required the retaken penalty, made an effective argument that he should have started in place of Yaya Sanogo when producing two clinical finishes as Arsenal showed their class in the final 10 minutes.

Despite the second leg of their Champions League tie with Bayern Munich to come on Tuesday, Arsene Wenger elected to field a strong side. It was a decision that was richly rewarded. While their chances of winning the Premier League and Champions League have suffered major blows in recent weeks, they will now be heading to Wembley within sight of ending that much-discussed nine-year trophy drought. Having started a week that could define their season in such impressive fashion, the mood around the Emirates will be greatly uplifted following a dismal defeat to Stoke last time out.

More to follow.

Arsenal vs Everton 8.3.14 Ozil goal(1-0) by HDPeak

Arsenal vs Everton 8.3.14 - Lukaku goal(1-1) by HDPeak

Arsenal Vs Everton - 8.3.14 - Arteta Goal (2-1) by HDPeak

VIDEO Arsenal 4-1 Everton: Highlights; Two Late Giroud Goals Secure Gunners' Place in FA Cup Semifinals

Chelsea Vs. Tottenham: Live Stream Info, TV Channel And Preview getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® Chelsea Vs. Tottenham: Live Stream Info, TV Channel And Preview

Tim Sherwood insists he is undaunted by Tottenham’s dire record at Stamford Bridge and is eager for his side to take the game to Chelsea when the two sides meet on Saturday. Tottenham have not beaten Chelsea at the home of their London rivals since 1990 and go into their latest visit 10 points and four places adrift of Mourinho’s Premier League leaders. But Sherwood believes his players will not be inhibited either by the club’s poor record or the current strength of their opponents.

“It’s always a tough game but we can’t worry about what has happened at the Bridge in the past, we have to be positive,” he said, according to Tottenham’s official website. “We respect they have technically-gifted players and world-class players in certain areas and we have to stop them playing, then hopefully we can impose ourselves on them.

“We’ll now go there with no fear, we’ll play with freedom and see what happens.”

Tottenham sit four points back of fourth-place Manchester City, although with Manuel Pellegrini’s side having two games in hand, there realistic targets to catch for a Champions League place will be Arsenal and Liverpool, who are both six points adrift. While Sherwood claims there is no pressure for his side on Saturday, he will know that Spurs can afford few slipups in the remaining 10 matches if they are to claim fourth spot and, if speculation is to be believed, save his job.

Not only are Tottenham looking to overturn their own poor record at Stamford Bridge, they will also have to snap Mourinho’s unbeaten home record at Chelsea that could go to 75 games on Saturday. Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Mourinho was at a loss to explain Chelsea’s dominance over Tottenham and claims he is taking nothing for granted.

“I don't know,' he said, according to Chelsea’s official website. “Maybe it's a coincidence because Tottenham are always a good team and a difficult opponent. I don't remember in my previous years having an easy match against Tottenham, so it's a very difficult game.

“I just say we have to try to win the next match, it doesn't matter about the opponent, stadium or competition. Nothing is hidden, tomorrow we want to try to win the game, maybe we won't win but the objective is that we are going to try to win.”

Mourinho confirmed that Eden Hazard will be fit for the match, despite having picked up a knock moments after coming on in Belgium’s friendly with Ivory Coast in midweek. Elsewhere, Chelsea have not been so fortunate during international week. David Luiz suffered a reoccurrence of his groin injury playing in Brazil’s victory over South Africa. Although Ashley Cole got some much-needed minutes in England’s win over Denmark, he subsequently suffered a ligament injury in training with Chelsea.

Tottenham’s defense is set to be strengthened by the return from injury of Younes Kaboul and Kyle Walker. However, Danny Rose, Vlad Chiriches, Erik Lamela and Etienne Capoue remain sidelined, while Christian Eriksen and Ezekiel Fryers are set to face late fitness tests.

Where to watch: The Barclays Premier League clash will kick off at 12.30 p.m. ET. Coverage will be provided by NBCSN, with a live stream available on NBC Sports Live Extra.

Chelsea Vs. Tottenham: Live Stream Info, TV Channel And Preview

Manchester United Vs. West Brom: Live Stream Details, TV Channel And Team News getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® Manchester United Vs. West Brom: Live Stream Details, TV Channel And Team News

Even Juan Mata must have felt a tinge of embarrassment at being named Manchester United’s Player of the Month for February. The award itself is bordering on an oxymoron. Mata has been decent since his arrival from Chelsea but has hardly set the world alight. Yet, in what was a torrid month for the Premier League champions, competition for the award was not exactly fierce.

United won just once in February, against a meek Crystal Palace side at Selhurst Park. It says much for how far expectations have slipped that it was regarded by some as a fine performance and potentially a turning point. But not for the first time during David Moyes’ torrid first season in charge, it proved to be nothing more than the briefest flickering glimpse of dawn. A 2-0 defeat at Olympiakos and surely one of the worst European performances in the club’s history brought the curtains firmly back down.

Since the turn of the year, there have been just three wins for Manchester United in all competitions. Hopes of a place in the top four have all but disappeared, both the FA Cup and League Cup have been exited in inept fashion and it requires a dramatic turnaround to prevent the Champions League being bid farewell to in similar fashion.

This week Moyes has even penned a letter to season-ticket holders to thank them for their support and again outline his confidence that a winning side will be achieved. With that aim in mind, he arguably couldn’t have wished for better opponents on Saturday than a West Brom side in an even bigger crisis than his own.

The decision to dispense with Steve Clarke as manager, which looked highly questionable at the time, now appears that it could prove fatal to their Premier League life. Having taken their time appointing a manager, Pepe Mel has arrived and is yet to oversee a win in six matches. The club’s malaise stretches back further, with West Brom incredibly having won just once in their last 17 Premier League outings. They remain out of the relegation zone by a single point, but will not be there for much longer unless things soon improve.

Mel proved himself an adept manager in Spain, but it was always asking a lot to throw in a man with no experience of English football and who has a starkly contrasting footballing philosophy to his predecessor. The former Real Betis boss has tried to get his team to play on the front foot, but his new players, used to a counter-attacking style, have looked ill at ease. Only when going behind have they looked more comfortable with their instructions. Still, the play has largely remained tediously pedestrian and there is a desperate lack of firepower up front for a Premier League team. A lack of investment in the playing staff is all-too apparent, yet reports suggest Mel could pay with his job if his side are defeated on Saturday.

In all four of Mel’s homes games in charge, West Brom have gone behind before taking advantage of their opponents’ lethargy to gain a point. A similar outcome is certainly possible against a Manchester United side that were woefully inert last time out in Greece. When the two teams met in the reverse fixture this season, there was a real verve about West Brom’s play in recording their first win at Old Trafford since 1978. Similar excitement seems an unlikely prospect at the Hawthorns.

Team News

Manchester United: Phil Jones is back in contention for the first time in a month, but fellow-defender Jonny Evans remains sidelined. Javier Hernandez is another absentee having been forced off with a knee injury during Mexico’s draw with Nigeria in midweek.

West Brom: Nicolas Anelka begins his five-match ban for making a ‘quenelle’ gesture. Defender Billy Jones is also ruled out with a hamstring injury, while Diego Lugano suffered a knee problem playing for Uruguay against Austria on Wednesday and will also miss out. Both Chris Brunt and James Morrison are doubts after also being involved on international duty.

Where to watch: The Barclays Premier League match will kick off at 7.45 a.m. ET. Coverage will be provided by NBCSN, with a live stream available on NBC Sports Live Extra.

Manchester United Vs. West Brom: Live Stream Details, TV Channel And Team News

Arsenal Vs. Everton: Live Stream Info, TV Channel And Preview getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® Arsenal Vs. Everton: Live Stream Info, TV Channel And Preview

Arsene Wenger has hit back at the suggestion that Arsenal’s seasons tend to fall apart in the all-important month of March. Arsenal began the month in the worst way when losing 1-0 at Stoke City to fall four points off the pace in the Premier League. They now face a crucial run of fixtures in the coming weeks, with matches against Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City in the league after the second leg of their Champions League tie with Bayern Munich and beginning with an FA Cup quarterfinal at home to Everton on Saturday.

While memories will still be fresh of Arsenal’s collapse in 2008, when Eduardo’s injury against Birmingham saw them go from the verge of an eight-point lead in February to a third-placed finish, statistics show that it has been the club’s most productive month in the league under Wenger. Last season in March Arsenal began a run of eight wins and two draws from their final 10 matches to qualify for the Champions League.

And Wenger took umbrage with a question about Arsenal fading away in Match and claimed that they are in a better position than ever to end their nine-year wait for a major trophy.

"No, I don't agree with you [that we dip in March]," he said, according to Arsenal.com. "[The lack of trophies] has nothing to do [with it] because you can lose the championship in October. If you can show me with numbers that in March we have dipped away, we can have a conversation."

“What is different [this season] is that we are in a better position to do it, that is course the first thing," he added. "The second thing is that we are ready for a battle, and to show that on the pitch we are ready for this battle. Overall that is what is different, to show that we have matured mentally. We are, as you know, in a much better position to do it."

Wenger lifted the FA Cup four times in his first nine years at Arsenal, but the match with Everton presents a chance for him to reach their first semifinal since 2009.

His counterpart on Saturday, Roberto Martinez, has enjoyed much more recent success in the competition. Having lifted the FA Cup with Wigan last May, he will surely be dreaming about the prospect of becoming the first manager to win the competition in successive years with two different clubs. His current club last won the trophy in 1995, the same year that Martinez’s relationship with the competition began when he arrived from Spain as a player with Wigan.

"The first time I got involved with the FA Cup was back in 1995, so that's a long, long time I've been enjoying this tournament and falling in love with the tournament,” he said, according to Everton’s official website. “I think it's unique and the best cup competition in world football.”

Like Arsenal, Everton’s form has suffered a dip in recent weeks. A run of three defeats in four Premier League matches mean they have slipped a long way back in the race for a Champions League place. Still, they did get a win last time out against West Ham, secured via a goal-scoring return for striker Romelu Lukaku.

At the other rend of the pitch, Everton still have a major doubt over the fitness of captain Phil Jagielka. Fellow defender Antolin Alcaraz is, though, ready for a return.

Arsenal have announced that Jack Wilshere will miss at least six weeks after suffering a hairline fracture in his left foot during England’s friendly with Denmark. It means Arsenal’s midfield options are further limited, with Aaron Ramsey and Kim Kallstrom still a week away from a return. Wenger also has a doubt about the fitness of Laurent Koscielny who was forced to sit out France’s clash with the Netherlands with a hamstring problem.

Where to watch: The FA Cup quarterfinal will kick off from the Emirates Stadium at 7.45 a.m. ET. Coverage will be provided by Fox Sports 1, with a live stream available via Fox Soccer 2Go.

Arsenal Vs. Everton: Live Stream Info, TV Channel And Preview

Top 50 NHL Players: A Look At The Best Hockey Players In The 2013-2014 Season getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® Top 50 NHL Players: A Look At The Best Hockey Players In The 2013-2014 Season

Much of the elite players in the league come from a loaded Western Conference, which should come as little surprise, considering five teams in the West have better records than the top team in East.

Overall, this has been a strong season for the NHL, following the lockout of 2012-2013. The league has been dominated by a number of prominent scorers this season, as increased depth at the forward position has been quite pronounced.

While any list of top players in a sport is subjective, the high volume of forwards highlights how the NHL may be lacking in superstar defensemen and goalies. There are 35 forwards on the list, compared to just eight defenders and seven goalies.

The NHL boasts several elite defensemen, but this group seems to lag behind past seasons. None of the defenseman today can be mentioned in the same sentence with legends like Bobby Orr, Chris Chelios or Nicklas Lidstrom.

The same can be said about goalies, with no netminder in their prime as dominant as Patrick Roy or Dominik Hasek in their heyday.

But the forwards have been prolific, with multiple players capable of providing a strong case for “superstar” status.

Here is a look at the top 50 players in the NHL, and the let the debate commence.

1. Sidney Crosby, C, Pittsburgh Penguins A legend in the making from his youth in Nova Scotia, the 26-year-old has lived up to the hype, and will almost certainly be remembered as one of the greatest ever.

2. Jonathan Toews, C, Chicago Blackhawks The total package, the 25-year-old has already led a star-studded Blackhawks team to two Stanley Cups (2010, 2013). The expectations remain high in Chicago because of their superstar captain.

3. Alex Ovechkin, LW/RW, Washington Capitals The best goal scorer in the league, and nobody is even close. Opposing defenses employ every tactic to contain the Russian, but not much works.

4. Jonathan Quick, G, Los Angeles Kings Impeccable speed and lateral movement have elevated him to the best netminder in the league. Quick is a big reason the Kings have been contenders the past few seasons.

5. Ryan Suter, D, Minnesota Wild The NHL’s best defenseman is blessed with an all-around game and tremendous fitness. It’s not a surprise that he leads the NHL in time-on-ice at nearly 30 minutes a game.

6. Evgeni Malkin, C, Pittsburgh Penguins The Russian racks up points as well as anyone in the league. At times, the versatile star just skates through defenders like they aren’t there. It’s not surprising his trophy case is overflowing.

7. Steven Stamkos, C, Tampa Bay Lightning Knows how to score in so many ways, including his dangerous one-timer when he’s in the slot. After a rough recent stretch for Tampa, this superstar scorer’s return from a broken right shin injury is a relief for head coach Jon Cooper.

8. John Tavares, C, New York Islanders Perhaps the most underrated forward in the league, the 23-year-old falls under the radar due to a rather weak supporting cast in Long Island. He could be one to watch in 2014-2015, after being shut down for the season with a knee injury he suffered in Sochi.

9. Tuukka Rask, G, Boston Bruins Not only is he smooth with sharp reflexes, the Finnish star seems to consistently make difficult saves at key moments.

10. Ryan Getzlaf, C, Anaheim Ducks Despite some inconsistent play, the veteran knows how to play almost anywhere on the ice due to his size and scoring ability. The surging Ducks rely heavily on Getzlaf’s talents.

11. Patrick Kane, RW, Chicago Blackhawks Don’t let the 5’ll, 185-pound frame fool you. Kane has been an elite player since his rookie season in 2007-2008, and continues to prove why he is so valued in the Windy City.

12. Zdeno Chara, D, Boston Bruins The massive Slovak can shut down the best forwards in the league and also possesses a great point shot, which produces a good number of goals.

13. Anze Kopitar, C, Los Angeles Kings A top attacking contributor for a struggling Kings offense, the Slovenian is a smooth player with excellent hands.

14. Phil Kessel, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs A pure scorer with tremendous speed, he wowed fans in Sochi, much like he has at Air Canada Centre.

15. Duncan Keith, D, Chicago Blackhawks Despite a lack of scoring prowess, this workhorse has all the tools that make up an elite defenseman. The veteran did a more than serviceable job for Canada in Sochi.

16. Henrik Lundqvist, G, New York Rangers Excels under pressure and has great anticipation skills, though he can be suspect when attacked high.

17. Martin St. Louis, RW, New York Rangers A surprise deadline addition for the Blueshirts, the veteran can create plays from anywhere on the ice, and still has something left at age 38. Should the Rangers get on a hot streak, expect the New York media to fall in love with St. Louis.

18. Joe Pavelski, C, San Jose Sharks One of the smartest forwards in the NHL, the versatile star has a tremendous knack for creating opportunities for his teammates.

19. Matt Duchene, C, Colorado Avalanche Makes up for his lack of size with electrifying speed, and has been a consistent contributor in Denver, despite some injuries in recent seasons.

20. Erik Karlsson, D, Ottawa Senators The Swede overwhelms opponents with a powerful slap shot. After sitting out much of last season, the 23-year-old has been a key contributor for Ottawa and had some strong performances in Sochi.

21. Corey Perry, RW, Anaheim Ducks The short-tempered veteran has regained his elite form from his breakout 2010-2011 season. Perry has been a major reason the Ducks are surging this season.

22. Marian Hossa, RW, Chicago Blackhawks Perhaps slightly overshadowed by his superstar teammates, the heady Slovak veteran remains an extremely important asset to Chicago’s Stanley Cup hopes. Hawks will miss him for the next couple of weeks after an upper body injury.

23. Zach Parise, LW, Minnesota Wild A very smart scorer, the 29-year-old remains a strong contributor after consistently scoring at least 30 goals a season in New Jersey. He would be higher on this list if he improved his playmaking skills.

24. Henrik Sedin, C, Vancouver Canucks Not a pure scorer as evidenced by his less-than-impressive goal stats in recent seasons, but he is very versatile and one of the best playmakers in the NHL.

25. Daniel Sedin, RW, Vancouver Canucks Innate chemistry with twin brother Henrik has resulted in a lethal offensive line for the Canucks.

26. Joe Thornton, C, San Jose Sharks Though his production has dipped in recent seasons, the veteran remains an elite playmaker who knows how to utilize his 6’4 frame.

27. Ryan Miller, G, St. Louis Blues A huge pickup for St. Louis at the deadline, the former U.S. star at the Vancouver Games is capable of shutting down opposing offenses with his sharp instincts and agility.

28. Claude Giroux, C, Philadelphia Flyers Has racked up points in 2013-2014 for a Flyers’ squad battling for a playoff berth. Giroux has amazing hands, which helps him lay soft passes on line mates' sticks.

29. Pavel Datsyuk, C, Detroit Red Wings A stick handling magician, the Russian is particularly skilled at setting up line mates and scoring jaw-dropping goals, though injuries have set him back recently.

30. Drew Doughty, D, Los Angeles Kings Has been a fan favorite at Staples Center since his rookie season due to his often dazzling plays. The former second overall pick has lived up to lofty expectations in L.A., and shined in Sochi for Canada.

31. David Backes, C, St. Louis Blues Among the most physical, gritty forwards in the game, it’s very difficult to not appreciate the charming Minnesota native. The 29-year-old should consider limiting his aggressive play, since he often gets caught out of position and takes bad penalties.

32. Ben Bishop, G, Tampa Bay Lightning Among starting goaltenders, Bishop has quietly had the highest save percentage in the league this season.

33. Tyler Seguin, C, Dallas Stars A high-speed skater, Seguin puts up big offensive numbers while making his line mates better at the same time.

34. T.J. Oshie, RW, St. Louis Blues Showcased his superb shooting skills in the U.S. hockey team’s 3-2 shootout victory over Russia in Sochi, but the 27-year-old is also a smart and versatile winger.

35. Nicklas Backstrom, C, Washington Capitals Always seems to be in the right place at the right time, while racking up points with teammate Ovechkin. The Swede would be higher on this list if he improves getting by defenders when he has the puck.

36. Shea Weber, D, Nashville Predators This gritty 28-year-old overpowers opponents in one-on-one situations, and is a surprisingly strong scorer, but can go overboard from time to time and take a bad penalty.

37. Carey Price, G, Montreal Canadians His huge frame helps him cover a ton of net, and he has been a valuable contributor for his club and country this year.

38. Bobby Ryan, RW, Ottawa Senators Even though he has some very quiet stretches, Ryan has great moves that allow him to shred through any defense.

39. Jamie Benn, C, Dallas Stars Benn has always been a strong scorer, but has taken his game to another level this season with teammate Tyler Seguin’s arrival in Dallas.

40. Taylor Hall, LW, Edmonton Oilers Making highlight-reel plays look easy, the 22-year-old has a bright future ahead of him. Hall has been one of the few bright spots in a dreadful Edmonton season.

41. Alex Pietrangelo, D, St. Louis Blues A surprisingly strong skater for a player his size, the 24-year-old is also one of the best offensive-minded defenders.

42. P.K. Subban, D, Montreal Canadians On-ice antics aside, Subban excels at rushing up the ice with the puck, and knows how to get under opponents’ skin.

43. Ryan Kesler, C, Vancouver Canucks Arguably the most dangerous player in the league when standing in front of the opposing goal, Kesler has a knack for finding the right bounce to score.

44. Logan Couture, C, San Jose Sharks Savvy and skilled, the 24-year-old could easily be among the best 20 players in the NHL next season.

45. Jeff Carter, RW, Los Angeles Kings One of the best snipers in the league, Carter can score from anywhere on the ice, but struggles to set up teammates.

46. Rick Nash, LW/RW, New York Rangers Takes over games with his size and athletic ability, Nash is also a fine skater with a lot of versatility.

47. Jonas Hiller, G, Anaheim Ducks Excels in high-pressure games with his confident butterfly style, but opponents often take advantage of his sometimes poor positioning.

48. Chris Kunitz, LW, Pittsburgh Penguins Despite his small size, the veteran is a great hitter and has sharp offensive instincts. Not only is the 34-year-old not slowing down, he seems to be improving with age.

49. Patrick Sharp, LW, Chicago Blackhawks Extremely dangerous coming down the outside due to his electrifying speed, but he tends to wear down at the end of the season.

50. Dustin Brown, RW, Los Angeles Kings A solid contributor in recent seasons due to his strong work ethic, Brown has had some struggles this season. While he can sometimes get taken out of position looking for the big hit, the 29-year-old has great goal-scoring abilities.

Top 50 NHL Players: A Look At The Best Hockey Players In The 2013-2014 Season

Sevastopol From The Air: See A 360-Degree Panorama Of Crimea's Biggest City getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® Sevastopol From The Air: See A 360-Degree Panorama Of Crimea's Biggest City

A Ukrainian Navy personnel stands in front of his Navy ship Slavutich, which he says is under blockade by Russian military vessels, at the Crimean port of Sevastopol March 6, 2014. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

If you’ve been following the developments in Ukraine lately you’ve probably heard a lot about Sevastopol, and there’s a reason.

It’s the most populous city in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, and both Russia’s Black Sea Fleet and the Ukrainian Navy are based there. It has a Russian-majority population and in regard to the Ukrainian crisis, it’s largely pro-Russian.

The city council even voted to “join Russia” on Thursday.

But apart from the current conflict, Sevastopol is just an industrious seaside city that celebrates a rich military and nautical history. It’s a tourist destination for Russians and Eastern Europeans seeking its warm temperatures and nautical attractions.

The panorama below makes it easy to see why so many flock to the city for a weekend getaway. Take a minute to have a look around the city and its beautiful surroundings.

Some of these panoramic views were taken this week, but one is from 2012. Most of Sevastopol appears unchanged, everything except the Russian ship blockading the exit from the Bay of Sevastopol, of course.

Luckily no Russian attack helicopters flew in to ruin the view.

Panorama is via Airpano.

Sevastopol From The Air: See A 360-Degree Panorama Of Crimea's Biggest City

Measles Outbreak in New York City Has Health Officials Looking For Answers getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® Measles Outbreak in New York City Has Health Officials Looking For Answers

New York health officials are investigating an outbreak of measles the city after 16 people tested positive in two of the city’s five boroughs, reports CBS.

Officials do not yet know where or how the outbreak began, but are urging everyone who is not vaccinated to do so as soon as possible. Measles infects 90 percent of unvaccinated people if they exposed to it.

Four children too young to be vaccinated, three vaccinated children just over one year old, two unvaccinated children and seven adults ranging from age 22 to 63 have been infected in Manhattan and the Bronx.

Measles was virtually eliminated in the United States in 2000 but it still exists in other parts of the world. There were 122,000 measles deaths in 2012, mostly children under the age of five, according the World Health Organization.

That does not mean that measles doesn’t find its way to people living in the United States. There were 175 cases in 2013, almost all of which were linked to people traveling abroad. Fifty-four people have been infected in 2014, around of dozen of which had recently traveled to the Philippines.

Some speculate the spike also has to do with the anti-vaccination sentiment gaining steam in the U.S. Some anti-vaccine proponents say there are links between the vaccine and other health-related issues like asthma and autism, and instead opt for more “natural” solutions, like exposing their children to viruses to allow their immune systems to tackle it on its own.

Health officials warn against this, saying that unvaccinated children pose a risk to not only themselves, but to others as well.

The measles vaccine was first developed in 1963 and compounded into the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine in 1971. It is considered 95 percent effective and considered safe by the World Health Organization.

Measles Outbreak in New York City Has Health Officials Looking For Answers

Top NHL Free Agents 2014: A Look At Hockey’s Top Players In The Offseason getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® Top NHL Free Agents 2014: A Look At Hockey’s Top Players In The Offseason

The upcoming NHL offseason is expected to be an interesting one for many teams.

After the lockout of 2012-2013, the salary cap in 2014-2015 could be as high as $71 million ($7 million more than this season), with a floor that could drop to as low as $52 million.

One team that many expect to be active is the Toronto Maple Leafs. Salary-cap restrictions could make it difficult for the long-suffering team to spend, but Toronto will certainly be among the teams most interested in upgrading their roster.

Many other teams will hope that payroll relief can help them bolster their squad next season. An interesting club to watch will be the New York Islanders, who will move into the Barclays Center in Brooklyn after the 2014-2015 season.

Here is a look at five players who will likely generate the most interest.

Thomas Vanek, Montreal Canadians When Vanek was traded just prior to the trade deadline from the New York Islanders to the Montreal Canadians, he instantly became Montreal’s leading scorer with 53 points this season. He’s in the final year of a $50 million, seven-year contract, and will likely expect a similar deal at the end of the season.

Ryan Callahan, Tampa Bay Lightning Callahan was traded from the New York Rangers to Tampa Bay last week, and one of the main reasons he was dealt was because of his high contract demands. Callahan reportedly asked for a six-year, $39 million deal with a no-trade clause in New York, and he will likely continue pressing for a similar contract at the end of the season with Tampa Bay.

Ryan Miller, St. Louis Blues One of the elite goaltenders in the NHL, Miller was recently traded from Buffalo to St. Louis, and looks to be the final piece to the puzzle to charge a St. Louis playoff run. If he’s able to do that, the Blues will likely extend his contract, which currently pays him $6,250,000 per season.

Marian Gaborik, Los Angeles Kings Gaborik was also traded at the deadline, going from the Columbus Bluejackets to Los Angeles, in hopes of adding some scoring to a struggling Kings’ offense. If all goes well with Gaborik, expect the Kings to offer him a similar salary to his current $7.5 million per-season deal.

Paul Stastny, Colorado Avalanche Stastny has been one of the main contributors to Colorado’s surprisingly successful season, with 20 goals and 27 assists. If Stastny is able to lead the Avalanche to some playoff success, the club may extend his current five-year, $33 million deal.

Anthony Riccobono and an IB Times staff reporter contributed to this report.

Top NHL Free Agents 2014: A Look At Hockey’s Top Players In The Offseason

New York Rangers News: How St. Louis Trade Affects Playoff Hopes getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® New York Rangers News: How St. Louis Trade Affects Playoff Hopes

The New York Rangers are placing all bets on a Stanley Cup run this season.

The Rangers haven’t won the Stanley Cup since the 1993-94 season, but made a bold trade on Wednesday’s deadline day that a franchise typically makes when it feels its just one piece short of winning the Stanley Cup.

New York sent captain Ryan Callahan, along with first- and second-round draft picks, to Tampa Bay for Martin St. Louis, a dynamic, game-changing goal-scorer.

But at age 38, it’s unclear how much longer St. Louis’ career will last.

As far as this year is concerned, St. Louis is a strong pickup for the Rangers. The Rangers could certainly use a boost in offense if the team hopes to make a deep playoff run, and St. Louis brings the ability to create plays from anywhere on the ice, as he led the NHL in scoring last year.

He arrives in New York with 61 points (29 goals, 32 assists) in 62 games, which is 17 points more than Ranger-leader Brad Richards. The deal also reunites St. Louis with Richards, who was his Lightning teammate when Tampa Bay won the 2004 Stanley Cup.

“Marty is obviously an elite player with an elite skill level,” Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said to reporters. “We’re losing our captain, so obviously there is going to be an impact in the room, but bringing in this type of player should help ease the transition.

“I really believe this makes us a better team.”

But if the Rangers advance to this year’s Eastern Conference Finals, than the second-round pick becomes a first-rounder in June’s draft. That would mean the franchise would have three consecutive years without a first-round pick, as New York lost its 2013 first-rounder because of a trade with Columbus for Rick Nash.

That could have major effects in the future, but St. Louis feels the Rangers have everything in place to win the Stanley Cup this season.

“We’re in the thick of things here, this is a really crucial time of the season,” St. Louis said to the New York Post. “Those 14 years were great years in Tampa, but this is a new chapter in my life and I’m really excited about it.”

The Rangers’ GM said he had another deal on the table that would have benefitted the Rangers “more in the future.” That other potential trade partner was the San Jose Sharks, according to an ESPN report. However, Sather said he saw no “guarantee” in the upcoming draft class and instead valued how St. Louis’ acquisition leaves New York’s salary-cap “more open down the road.”

St. Louis, who is under contract through next season with a $5.63 million salary-cap hit, asked Tampa Bay to trade him to the Rangers when Team Canada and Tampa Bay GM Steve Yzerman snubbed him for selection to the Canadian Olympic Team in January. Meanwhile, Callahan’s contract expires at the end of the season, and he had been asking for a six-year, $39 million deal with a no-trade clause. The Rangers didn’t match their captain’s request, and therefore, Rangers GM Glen Sather decided to trade Callahan, 28.

“I want to thank Ryan and his family for everything,” Sather said to reporters before New York’s 3-2 overtime loss to Toronto Wednesday. “He’s a hard-working, tenacious, gritty hockey player, but I think the guy coming in gives us the chance to advance farther than we expected this year.”

New York Rangers News: How St. Louis Trade Affects Playoff Hopes

'Blackfish' Doc Spurs California Pol To Propose Ban On SeaWorld Orca Shows getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® 'Blackfish' Doc Spurs California Pol To Propose Ban On SeaWorld Orca Shows

“Blackfish” might have been shut out of the Oscars, but it’s making waves in California politics. A state lawmaker is pushing for a ban on orca shows at SeaWorld in response to the documentary, which leveled intense criticism at the theme park for the way it treats its killer whales.

“There is no justification for the continued captive display of orcas for entertainment purposes,” California state Assemblyman Richard Bloom, D-Santa Monica, said in prepared remarks, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. “These beautiful creatures are much too large and far too intelligent to be confined in small, concrete tanks for their entire lives.”

The bill would also ban captive breeding and importing and exporting orcas in California. If the bill passes, killer whales would still be able to be displayed in aquarium settings as long as they weren’t used for performance or entertainment purposes, according to the Union-Tribune.

SeaWorld has disputed many of the claims about whale welfare outlined in “Blackfish,” but the filmmakers – and many scientists – say the facts outlined in the documentary are solid science.

In a piece penned for CNN this past October, Naomi Rose, a marine mammal scientist for the Animal Welfare Institute, broke down a lot of the health issues that arise when killer whales are kept captive. The problems are legion: stuck inside tanks that are a tiny fraction of their natural range, captive orcas are basically out-of-shape couch potatoes. They’re often put into artificial social groups, which stresses them out and can depress their immune system. Captive whales also often chew compulsively on metal gates, which can break their teeth and expose them to bacterial infections.

“These factors boil down simply to this: Captivity kills orcas,” Rose wrote. “Yes, they may survive for years entertaining audiences, but eventually the stressors of captivity catch up to them.”

Established research shows that in the wild, male killer whales live an average of 30 years but can live as long as 70 years; female whales usually live to be around 50 years old, but can reach an age of 90.

“In captivity, most orcas die in their teens and 20s and only a handful have made it past 35,” the “Blackfish” filmmakers said in a response to SeaWorld’s claims of inaccuracies in the film. “The annual mortality or death rate for orcas is 2.5 times higher in captivity than it is in the wild. These are not controversial data.”

Whether or not Bloom’s bill can pass the legislature remains to be seen. SeaWorld San Diego employs about 4,000 people in the peak summertime season and is one of the main tourist attractions in the area.

“SeaWorld, one of the world's most respected zoological institutions, already operates under multiple federal, state and local animal welfare laws,” SeaWorld spokesman David Koontz said in a statement, according to USA Today. “We engage in business practices that are responsible, sustainable and reflective of the balanced values all Americans share.”

'Blackfish' Doc Spurs California Pol To Propose Ban On SeaWorld Orca Shows

Caitlyn Marie Virts Missing: 11-Year-Old Maryland Girl Believed To Be Abducted By Dad, Timothy Howard Virts [PHOTOS] getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® Caitlyn Marie Virts Missing: 11-Year-Old Maryland Girl Believed To Be Abducted By Dad, Timothy Howard Virts [PHOTOS]

Maryland authorities are frantically searching for Caitlyn Marie Virts, an 11-year-old believed to have been abducted by her father, after her mother was found murdered Thursday inside her home.

Caitlyn’s disappearance set off an Amber Alert Thursday morning. Her picture and information has been blanketed across Maryland highways. Authorities believe Caitlyn was taken by her father, Timothy Howard Virts, who is also wanted in connection with the death of his daughter’s mother, Bobbie Jo Cortez, the Baltimore Sun reported.

The missing 11-year-old girl was last seen about 7 a.m. at her home in Dundalk, Md., NBC Washington reported. Authorities are worried about her whereabouts because Virts was in a custody battle with Cortez.

"We know he is not supposed to have this child, so we have good reason to be concerned about her safety," Baltimore County police spokeswoman Elise Armacost told WJLA.

Virtz is believed to be riding with Caitlyn in a stolen 1999 black Dodge Durango belonging to Cortez’ husband and Caitlyn’s stepfather, Daniel Cortez. Daniel Cortez, a registered sex offender, is currently in jail after being indicted Wednesday on child abuse charges.

Bobbie Jo Cortez, 36, was found dead around 9 a.m. Thursday. Her death is being investigated as a homicide, according to the Sun. An autopsy will be conducted to determine her cause of death; police observed multiple cuts on her upper body.

Friends and co-workers said they were shocked over Bobbi Jo Cortez’s death.

"She's like a sister to me, I've known her for over 20 years. I can't talk, I can't, I'm still crying and I can't, I'm sorry," a co-worker who only wanted to be identified as Michelle told WJLA.

Added friend Helen Orem, “"She's a good person and everthing -- a hard worker... worked for her kids everyday -- it's just a tragedy, it's terrible,"

Caitlyn was described as a white female, 5 feet tall and weighing 80 pounds. She may be wearing glasses. Virts was described as a white male, 6-foot-3-inches tall and weighing 280 pounds.

Anyone with information on Caitlyn’s disappearance or Virts’ whereabouts was urged to call 911 or the Baltimore County Police Departmetn at 410-887-7320.

Caitlyn Marie Virts Missing: 11-Year-Old Maryland Girl Believed To Be Abducted By Dad, Timothy Howard Virts [PHOTOS]

Chloie Johnson Sues CrossFit: Transgender Athlete Banned From Competing As Woman At CrossFit Games, Report Says [VIDEO] getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® Chloie Johnson Sues CrossFit: Transgender Athlete Banned From Competing As Woman At CrossFit Games, Report Says [VIDEO]

A transgender woman is suing CrossFit after the popular fitness brand refused to allow her to compete in the women’s division of the CrossFit Games.

Personal trainer Chloie Johnson is seeking $2.5 million in damages over alleged discrimination, intentional infliction of emotional distress and unfair competition, CNN reports. Johnson underwent gender reassignment surgery in 2006 and is legally recognized as a woman by the state of California.

However, CrossFit representatives claim that they are merely attempting to preserve a level playing field for their annual competition, which attempts to determine the fittest man and woman who partake in the company’s training regimen. The company states that Johnson would have an unfair advantage over other women because she was born as a male.

“We have simply ruled that based upon [Chloie] being born as a make, she will need to compete in the Men’s Division,” Crossfit reps said in a letter to Johnson, via TMZ. “The fundamental, ineluctable fact is that a male competitor who has a sex reassignment procedure still has a genetic makeup that confers a physical and physiological advantage over women.”

“Our decision has nothing to do with ‘ignorance’ or being bigots—it has to do with a very real understanding of the human genome, of fundamental biology, that you are either intentionally ignoring or missed in high school.”

Meanwhile, Johnson’s lawyer, Waukeen McCoy, disputes the notion that his client would have an unfair advantage in the CrossFit Games, citing the fact that she’s undergone hormone therapy for several years. “[Johnson] doesn’t have an advantage over other women,” McCoy said, via CNN. “She’s been on estrogen for such a long time.”

“She’s female,” McCoy added. “She’s legally female. A corporation like CrossFit, they’re doing business in California.

Johnson’s lawsuit also notes that CrossFit’s policy of requiring competitors to reveal their birth gender essentially forces transgender individuals to “out” themselves in order to participate. “If I am going to be forced to out myself, I want it to be for the good of all transgendered people and athlete—not because of a company’s discriminatory policies,” Johnson said in a statement.

Chloie Johnson Sues CrossFit: Transgender Athlete Banned From Competing As Woman At CrossFit Games, Report Says [VIDEO]

NBA MVP Betting Odds 2014: LeBron James, Kevin Durant Battle For Top Basketball Award getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® NBA MVP Betting Odds 2014: LeBron James, Kevin Durant Battle For Top Basketball Award

The NBA MVP race hasn’t been close in recent years, with LeBron James winning the award by a wide margin. Finally in the 2013-2014 season, the Miami Heat star has some serious competition.

With a little more than a month to go in the regular season, James is not the favorite to be named the MVP. According to Bovada.lv, Kevin Durant has the best betting odds at 1/3. James is behind him with 2/1 odds.

In the last two years, Durant has finished No.2 in the race. He received 24 first-place votes in 2012, compared to James’ 85. Last season, James was nearly the unanimous winner, with the only first-place vote he didn’t receive going to Carmelo Anthony. Still, Durant finished in second place with 93 second-place votes and 765 total points.

James isn’t the underdog because his performance has slipped. He’s been as good as ever, averaging 27.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 7.3 assists. While his assist and rebound average is down a little from last season, he’s shooting a career-high 57.7 percent from the field. The Indiana Pacers may end up with the No.1 seed in the Eastern Conference, but the Heat are still on pace to win 60 games.

As good as James has been, though, Durant’s numbers might be even better. He’s set to win another scoring title, averaging 31.8 points per game. He’s shooting an incredible 51 percent from the field, and no player since Michael Jordan in the 1991-1992 season has ever averaged at least 30 points on 50 percent shooting. In addition, he’s posting 7.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game.

Perhaps the most impressive part of Durant’s season is the way the Oklahoma City Thunder have played. Without Russell Westbrook for almost half the year, the 25-year-old has led his team to the top mark in the West. Eight teams in the conference are at least 10 games over .500, but Durant has the Thunder alone as the No.1 seed at 46-16.

Both James and Durant have recorded some of the best individual games in recent years. On March 3, James may have had the season’s best performance, scoring 61 points on just 33 field goal attempts. A day later, Durant responded with 42 points of his own on 70 percent shooting.

It’s essentially a two-man race, though a few players are in the running to come in third place. Kevin Love and Paul George might be the top contenders to finish in the top three. Chris Paul should also receive some votes.

NBA MVP Betting Odds 2014: LeBron James, Kevin Durant Battle For Top Basketball Award

The Week In Science: Female Condom Makeover, Bouncy Ball Physics, And More getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® The Week In Science: Female Condom Makeover, Bouncy Ball Physics, And More

The female condom is getting a makeover. [Mosaic]

U.S. Navy researchers are following the bouncing ball across the water. Navy scientists think they’ve unlocked the physics secrets behind the Waboba, a tennis ball-size toy that easily skips over water, even though it can’t bounce on land. It seems that the secret is in the ball’s elasticity; when it hits the surface of the water, it flattens out like a pancake, increasing its surface area and, consequently, its lift force. [LiveScience]

Biologists peer into the secret lives of sea turtles. [Christian Science Monitor]

Microsoft Research is releasing a free software, ZooTracer, which allows scientists and students to analyze videos of animal behavior. ZooTracer’s algorithms can track movements of animals -- from insects to elephants -- in videos, even low-quality ones. It could greatly increase scientists’ ability to deduce patterns from data, perhaps lending insight into how animals are reacting to climate change or disease. [Re/code]

The science behind a funny cognitive trick: why ordinary speech repeated sounds like music. [Aeon Magazine]

After encouraging news that a second baby seems to have been cured of HIV, scientists are planning a larger trial of the experimental therapy. In the next three months, researchers will try out the possible cure -- a high-dose cocktail of three kinds of antiretroviral drugs -- on 50 HIV-infected babies within 48 hours of birth. [The Verge]

Before the Oscars Ellen selfie took social media by storm, everyone was retweeting the picture of Bill Nye, Neil deGrasse Tyson and President Barack Obama mugging for the camera. Nye gives a behind-the-scenes look at how the nerdy selfie went down. [The Planetary Society]

Are patients getting shut out of the prescription medication debate? [Washington Post]

Despite the fears of conservative talk show hosts, free contraception doesn't make people anyone more promiscuous. Women are no more likely to have multiple sexual partners in a single month after they get access to no-cost birth control, a recent study finds. [Los Angeles Times]

This truly amazing slow-motion video from Earth Unplugged shows the deadly balletic movements of a goshawk attacking a water balloon. It makes us shiver a bit to see things from a prey animal's perspective:

The Week In Science: Female Condom Makeover, Bouncy Ball Physics, And More

‘The Bachelor’ 2014 Spoilers: New ‘Bachelorette’ To Be Revealed In The ‘After The Final Rose’ Special getdiscountz.blogspot.com

getdiscountz.blogspot.com ® ‘The Bachelor’ 2014 Spoilers: New ‘Bachelorette’ To Be Revealed In The ‘After The Final Rose’ Special

After a dramatic season full of tears, break ups and crazy drunken meltdowns, season 18 of “The Bachelor” is coming to a close. On March 10 Juan Pablo will be forced to choose between Clare, a 32-year-old hairstylist from Sacramento, Calif., and Nikki, a 26-year-old pediatric nurse from Kansas City, Mo. And while viewers of the ABC series are dying to know who the single dad will choose to be with, the main focus of the after-show will be on the next “Bachelorette.”

As we previously reported, “The Bachelor’s” season finale will run three hours instead of the normal two. But the third and final hour of the show won’t be dedicated to the final rose ceremony. Instead it will be the “After The Final Rose” special.

According to a synopsis from ABC, the “After The Final Rose” special will feature a live sit down with Juan Pablo and host Chris Harrison as the pair “discuss his final two women of the season, Clare and Nikki.” Juan Pablo will explain what was going on in his mind during his final few days in St. Lucia, all leading up to the “shocking outcome” of the 2014 “Bachelor” season.

Special guests Chelsie, Kat, Kelly, Renee and Sharleen from Juan Pablo’s season of “The Bachelor” will be in the audience, along with former “Bachelor”/ “Bachelorette” success stories Sean and Catherine Lowe, and Desiree Hartsock and Chris Siegfried. And the “After The Final Rose” special will feature another mystery guest – the next “Bachelorette.”

While the new “Bachelorette’s” name has yet to be released, many “Bachelor” viewers are speculating (and hoping) that Andi Dorfman will be named Juan Pablo’s successor. Andi quickly became a fan favorite in season 18, despite being the last girl to land a one-on-one date. Making it past Hometown Dates, Andi’s relationship with Juan Pablo went downhill after her overnight fantasy suite date with him turned into a nightmare. Andi accused Juan Pablo of “name dropping,” not listening to her, and telling her that she was in the final three by “default.” The pair had a nasty show down in St. Lucia before Andi eliminated herself from the competition.

And fans aren’t the only ones of Team Andi for “The Bachelorette.” Desiree Hartsock, who was “The Bachelor” in 2013, wrote on her blog that she believes the Atlanta native will take the torch.

“Andi stayed true to how she felt about Juan the day she decided to go home and [stood by her story of] what happened in the fantasy suite,” Des write. “Since she has been a fan favorite throughout this season, I am speculating that she will be the next Bachelorette.”

Do you think Andi will be announced as the next “Bachelorette”? Let us know in the comments section or send a tweet to @AmandaTVScoop.

‘The Bachelor’ 2014 Spoilers: New ‘Bachelorette’ To Be Revealed In The ‘After The Final Rose’ Special