Pages

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Collins to become 1st openly gay player with Nets

Collins to become 1st openly gay player with Nets


Collins to become 1st openly gay player with Nets

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 01:02 PM PST

FILE - In a March 17, 2009, file photo Minnesota Timberwolves center Jason Collins, left, defends San Antonio Spurs center Kurt Thomas during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio. A person familiar with the situation says Jason Collins and the Brooklyn Nets are meeting in California and he could sign with the team on Sunday Feb. 23, 2014. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, file)Jason Collins became the NBA's first active openly gay player Sunday, signing a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets.


Nets sign openly gay Collins to historic NBA contract

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 12:59 PM PST

Professional basketball player Jason Collins speaks on November 9, 2013 in Los Angeles, CaliforniaJason Collins signed a 10-day contract with the NBA's Brooklyn Nets on Sunday to become the first openly gay man playing in a major US professional sports league. The Nets confirmed the widely reported deal on their official Twitter feed, and Collins was expected to be in uniform for Sunday night's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Collins, 35 and a 13-year NBA veteran, revealed his homosexuality last April. But that was after his contract with the Washington Wizards had expired, and he had not been picked up by another team since then.


Crawford leads Clippers past Thunder

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 12:59 PM PST

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) drives between Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) and forward Serge Ibaka (9) in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Jamal Crawford scored 36 points to help the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 125-117 on Sunday afternoon.


Exclusive: China, eyeing Japan, seeks WW2 focus for Xi during Germany visit

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 12:57 PM PST

China's President Xi Jinping waves from the presidential tribune at the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter OlympicsBy Ben Blanchard and Michael Martina BEIJING (Reuters) - China wants to make World War Two a key part of a trip by President Xi Jinping to Germany next month, much to Berlin's discomfort, diplomatic sources said, as Beijing tries to use German atonement for its wartime past to embarrass Japan. China has increasingly contrasted Germany and its public contrition for the Nazi regime to Japan, where repeated official apologies for wartime suffering are sometimes undercut by contradictory comments by conservative politicians.


Hot for 'Frozen,' Ohio reporter's parody a hit

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 12:51 PM PST

CINCINNATI (AP) — A Cincinnati traffic reporter has gained national attention for his dramatic on-air parody of a Disney movie song.

U.S. wants Ukraine to remain unified, cautions Russia

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 12:49 PM PST

Anti-Yanukovich protesters stand guard at the national bank office in KievBy Will Dunham and Ros Krasny WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. officials insisted on Sunday that Ukraine should remain unified and cautioned that any military intervention by Russia would be a mistake after bloody street protests ousted the pro-Moscow president. In an appearance on the NBC TV program "Meet the Press," National Security Adviser Susan Rice was asked about a scenario in which Russia would send troops to restore a government more friendly to Moscow, or for the country to be carved up. It is not in the interests of Ukraine or of Russia or of Europe or the United States to see the country split. Rice's appearance provided the most extensive White House comments yet on days of drama in Ukraine in which opposition groups with leanings toward western Europe took control and Russian-backed President Viktor Yanukovich left the capital, Kiev.


French troop killed in Cent African Republic crash

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 12:49 PM PST

PARIS (AP) — A French soldier on his second tour of duty in Central African Republic has been killed in a traffic accident involving his light armored vehicle.

Stray dog Hank becomes big hit in Brewers' camp

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 12:49 PM PST

Hank, a stray dog that the Brewers recently found wandering their practice fields at Maryvale Baseball Park watches spring training on Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, in Phoenix. The team and staff have been taking care of Hank since he was found at the park on President's Day. Hank is named after Hank Aaron. (AP Photo/The Arizona Republic, Cheryl Evans) MARICOPA COUNTY OUT; MAGS OUT; NO SALESPHOENIX (AP) — The most popular member of the Milwaukee Brewers at spring training is a rookie who comes with pedigree, an excellent clubhouse presence and good legs.


Oldest-known Holocaust survivor dies at 110

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 12:47 PM PST

Photo dated July 2010 made available by the makers of the Oscar nominated documentary The Lady in Number 6, in which she tells her story, of Alice Herz-Sommer, believed to be the oldest-known survivor of the Holocaust, who died in London on Sunday morning at the age of 110. Herz-Sommer's devotion to the piano and to her son sustained her through two years in a Nazi prison camp. (AP Photo)LONDON (AP) — Alice Herz-Sommer, believed to be the oldest Holocaust survivor, died at age 110 on Sunday, a family member said. The accomplished pianist's death came just a week before her extraordinary story of surviving two years in a Nazi prison camp through devotion to music and her son is up for an Oscar.


Nara defeats Zakopalova for 1st singles title

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 12:41 PM PST

Kurumi Nara of Japan, returns to Klara Zakopalova of the Czech Republic during the finals at the Rio Open tennis tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Feb.23, 2014. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Kurumi Nara of Japan won her first WTA singles title on Sunday, defeating top-seeded Klara Zakopalova of the Czech Republic 6-1, 4-6, 6-1.


Grenade kills two in Bangkok amid fears over political violence

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 12:33 PM PST

Thai soldiers inspect the site of a bomb blast near an anti-government rally in Bangkok on Fenruary 23, 2014A woman and a child were killed in a grenade attack Sunday in a main Bangkok shopping district, drawing the Thai prime minister's denunciation of "terrorist acts" as fears over violence mount after nearly four months of political crisis. The Sunday afternoon attack came a day after a young girl died and dozens were hurt in a drive-by shooting at a protest rally in eastern Thailand. The explosion occurred during an anti-government rally in an area popular with tourists for its street stalls, hotels and proximity to one of the biggest shopping malls in Thailand's capital. In a posting on her official Facebook page Premier Yingluck Shinawatra denounced the incidents as "terrorist acts for political gain", stating the childrens' deaths "were particularly saddening and disturbing".


James to miss Bulls game because of broken nose

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 12:28 PM PST

Miami Heat forward LeBron James holds a towel over his face as he walks off the court with a bloody nose during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Oklahoma City, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. James was struck by Thunder's Serge Ibaka on a drive to the basket. Heat guard Dwyane Wade is at right. Miami won 103-81. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)MIAMI (AP) — LeBron James was held out by the Miami Heat on Sunday against the Chicago Bulls because of his broken nose, missing a game for only the second time this season.


Jason Collins, openly gay player, signs with Nets

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 12:25 PM PST

FILE - In a March 17, 2009, file photo Minnesota Timberwolves center Jason Collins, left, defends San Antonio Spurs center Kurt Thomas during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio. A person familiar with the situation says Jason Collins and the Brooklyn Nets are meeting in California and he could sign with the team on Sunday Feb. 23, 2014. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, file)Jason Collins has signed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets and is set to become the first active openly gay player in the NBA.


Guzman not likely to be in US court soon

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 12:15 PM PST

WASHINGTON (AP) — After 13 years on the run, narrow escapes from the military, law enforcement and rivals, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman is back in Mexican custody. Now starts what is likely to be a lengthy and complicated legal process to decide which country gets to try him first.

Russia recalls ambassador in Ukraine for consultations

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 12:13 PM PST

Russia said on Sunday it had recalled to Moscow its ambassador in Ukraine for consultations on the "deteriorating situation" in Kiev, a day after the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovich. "Due to the deteriorating situation in Ukraine and the need for a comprehensive analysis of the situation, the decision was made to recall the Russian ambassador to Ukraine for consultations in Moscow," the ministry said in a statement. Writing by Matt Robinson;

American retirees and cheap digs: drab end to Mexico kingpin's reign

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 12:12 PM PST

By Michael O'Boyle MAZATLAN, Mexico (Reuters) - He was once on Forbes' billionaire list, but after more than a decade on the run Mexico's most wanted drug lord Joaquin "Shorty" Guzman was finally caught in a modest beachside condo with American retirees for neighbors. Just days after escaping from the clutches of Mexican troops through a tunnel and sewer, Guzman was fast asleep when Mexican Marines crept up on him in the decidedly unglamorous condo in this resort in northwest Mexico.

U.S. to seek extradition of Mexican drug kingpin Guzman

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 12:12 PM PST

By Mark Hosenball and John Shiffman WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. prosecutors plan to seek the extradition of Mexico's most wanted man, drug cartel kingpin Joaquin "Shorty" Guzman, to face trial in the United States after he was captured in Mexico. Robert Nardoza, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's office in Brooklyn, said on Sunday his office would request Guzman's extradition to face a variety of charges. Guzman, caught on Saturday in Mexico with help from U.S. security forces, had long run Mexico's infamous Sinaloa Cartel.

Netflix reaches deal with Comcast

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 12:09 PM PST

NEW YORK (AP) — Netflix has reached a deal with Comcast to ensure that its TV shows and movies are streamed smoothly to households, the first deal the online video streaming service has reached with an Internet service provider.

Syrian rebel, friend of al Qaeda leader, killed by rival Islamists

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 12:04 PM PST

By Mariam Karouny BEIRUT (Reuters) - A Syrian rebel commander who fought alongside al Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden and was close to its current chief, Ayman al-Zawahiri, was killed by a suicide attack on Sunday, intensifying infighting between rival Islamist fighters. The Observatory for Human Rights in Syria said Abu Khaled al-Soury, also known as Abu Omair al-Shamy, a commander of the Salafi group Ahrar al-Sham was killed along with six comrades by al Qaeda splinter group the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). It said al-Soury had fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. "Sheikh Abu Khaled was an important jihadi figure, he fought the Americans in Iraq and in Afghanistan.

McBride leads No. 2 Irish to 81-70 win over Duke

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 12:02 PM PST

Notre Dame guard Kayla McBride, right, throws a pass around Duke forward Haley Peters during first half action in an NCAA women's college basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Joe Raymond)SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Kayla McBride scored 31 points and No. 2 Notre Dame jumped to an 18-point lead early and held on to beat seventh-ranked Duke 81-70 Sunday to claim the Atlantic Coast Conference title in its inaugural season in the league.


Ukraine ushers in new era as president flees

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 12:00 PM PST

An anti-government protestor waits at the entrance of Independence square in Kiev on February 23, 2014A new era dawned in Ukraine on Sunday as parliament appointed a pro-Western interim leader after ousted president Viktor Yanukovych fled Kiev to escape retribution for a week of deadly carnage. Lawmakers then went a step further by approving the release from her seven-year jail sentence of former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko -- a star of the 2004 Orange Revolution who was thrown behind bars less than a year after Yanukovych came to power. The constitutional legitimacy of parliament's actions remains an open question and Yanukovych vowed in a taped interview to fight the "bandits" who now claimed to rule Ukraine. But Yanukovych's authority was nowhere in evidence in Kiev on Sunday.


Daytona 500 delays now common in NASCAR's opener

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 11:58 AM PST

Race fans take cover from the rain in the stands during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The Daytona 500 continued its recent run of interruptions with a rain delay only 38 laps into the race.


Estonian prime minister to resign after 9 years

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 11:52 AM PST

HELSINKI (AP) — Estonia's prime minister said Sunday he would step down next week after nearly nine years in office in the small Baltic nation.

La.'s Landrieu looks for independent, GOP support

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 11:51 AM PST

FILE - In this Oct. 3, 2013, file photo Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., speaks at a news conference and Capitol Hill in Washington. Landrieu's quest for a fourth Senate term will turn on whether she can attract just enough support from independents and Republicans to win in this increasingly conservative state. The daughter and sister of New Orleans mayors, that's been Landrieu's re-election strategy since 2002, when her donors included a Baton Rouge physician named Bill Cassidy_now her Republican challenger in this year's midterm elections. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci, File)LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) — Democrat Mary Landrieu's quest for a fourth Senate term will turn on whether she can attract just enough support from independents and Republicans to win in this increasingly conservative state.


Yanks, Gardner agree on $52 million, 4-year deal

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 11:45 AM PST

New York Yankees center fielder Brett Gardner bunts during spring training baseball practice Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Outfielder Brett Gardner and the New York Yankees have agreed to a four-year contract worth $52 million.


Pakistan air strikes on militant hideouts kill at least 38

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 11:43 AM PST

Pakistan troops are seen arriving in Nowshera, a district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, on May 9, 2013Peshawar (Pakistan) (AFP) - Pakistani fighter jets on Sunday launched air strikes on militant hideouts in the northwest, killing at least 38 people, according to officials, in the latest retaliation for attacks by the insurgents that have derailed peace talks. The early morning strikes made on militant hideouts in the Tirah valley of the Khyber tribal district were the third in the series of raids by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) since February 20. They follow the execution of 23 Pakistan soldiers by the Taliban last week, which cast doubts over dialogue initiated by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on January 29. "There are confirmed reports that 38 terrorists including some important commanders were killed," a statement by the military said, adding that "six hideouts were completely destroyed".


Documents at Ukraine leader's home detail spending

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 11:41 AM PST

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Cash: $12 million. Decoration of a dining hall and tea room: $2.3 million. Statue of a wild boar: $115,000. "A bribe": $4,000.

Day to face Dubuisson for WGC Match Play crown

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 11:40 AM PST

Victor Dubuisson of France reacts during the World Golf Championships - Accenture Match Play Championship at The Golf Club at Dove Mountain on February 23, 2014 in Marana, ArizonaMarana (United States) (AFP) - France's Victor Dubuisson beat four-time major champion Ernie Els 1 up on Sunday to book a World Golf Championships Match Play final against Australian Jason Day. Dubuisson, ranked 30th in the world, sealed the victory on the 18th green with a superb lag putt from 35 feet to set up a par that was good enough for the win after Els was unable to get up and down from a greenside bunker. In Sunday afternoon's 18-hole championship final, Dubuisson will take on last year's third-place finisher in Day, who defeated American Rickie Fowler 3 and 2. Dubuisson, who won his first European Tour title at the Turkish Open in November, looked shaky early against Els, but he steadied himself with a strong par save to halve the seventh, then won eight and nine with back-to-back birdies.


US killer in Israeli prison shot dead in gunbattle

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 11:39 AM PST

Israeli Prison Service officers stand at the entrance to Sharon Prison while Israeli police SWAT team entered the prison, near Raanana, central Israel, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014. Israeli police say a SWAT team has killed an inmate who had seized a guard's weapon and shot three guards. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said Sunday that the inmate, who was serving a long sentence for murder, had barricaded himself after shooting the guards. A standoff ensued, with counter-terrorism units dispatched to the scene. The inmate then opened fire again, he said, before the forces shot him dead. Of the three guards shot, two were seriously wounded, thrid was wounded lightly. The prisoner was not officially identified, but Israeli media reports identified him as Samuel Sheinbein, an American who fled to Israel after committing a murder in Maryland in 1997. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)SHARON PRISON, Israel (AP) — Israeli special forces raided a prison in central Israel Sunday, killing a notorious prisoner who was serving time for a gruesome murder carried out in the U.S.


Sweden's Anna Nordqvist wins LPGA Thailand

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 11:38 AM PST

Anna Nordqvist of Sweden shows off her winner's trophy during the awarding ceremony of the LPGA Thailand golf tournament in Pattaya, southern Thailand, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014.(AP Photo/Siamsport Newspaper) THAILAND OUTCHONBURI, Thailand (AP) — Anna Nordqvist won the LPGA Thailand on Sunday to end a five-year victory drought, holding off top-ranked Inbee Park at Siam County Club.


Ukraine parliament head takes presidential powers

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 11:35 AM PST

Top Ukrainian opposition figure Yulia Tymoshenko, center, U.S. Ambassador Geoffrey R. Pyatt, left, and EU Ambassador to Ukraine Jan Tombinski during their meeting in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014. Long-jailed Tymoshenko assumed presidential powers Sunday, plunging Ukraine into new uncertainty after a deadly political standoff — and boosting her chances at a return to power.(AP Photo/Olexander Prokopenko, pool)KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — A top opposition figure assumed presidential powers Sunday, plunging Ukraine into new uncertainty after a deadly political standoff — and boosting long-jailed Yulia Tymoshenko's chances of a return to power.


Day, Dubuissson advance to finals at Match Play

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 11:34 AM PST

Victor Dubuisson, of France, waves on the eighth hole in his match against Ernie Els, of South Africa, during the fifth round of the Match Play Championship golf tournament on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014, in Marana, Ariz. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)MARANA, Ariz. (AP) — Jason Day of Australian and Victor Dubuisson of France reached the 18-hole final of the Match Play Championship on Sunday.


Michigan beats Michigan St 79-70 for league lead

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 11:33 AM PST

Michigan guard Zak Irvin (21) dunks during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Michigan State in Ann Arbor, Mich., Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Nik Stauskas scored 21 of his 25 points in the second half, and No. 20 Michigan beat No. 13 Michigan State 79-70 on Sunday to take over first place in the Big Ten.


Ukraine charts course to Europe, wants better Russia ties

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 11:26 AM PST

Acting President Oleksander Turchinov said on Sunday Ukraine would try to improve relations with Russia but made clear that Kiev's return to European integration would be the priority. In an address to the nation, Turchinov spelled out the enormity of the task facing Ukraine's new leadership following the fall of Viktor Yanukovich, including stabilizing an economy which he said was close to default and "heading into the abyss". "We recognize the importance of relations with the Russian Federation and are ready for dialogue with the Russian leadership in order to build relations with this country on a new, truly equitable and good-neighborly basis," he said. But he added: "Another priority is the return to the path of European integration ... We must return to the family of European nations." Turchinov, the parliamentary speaker, was handed the president's duties temporarily in a vote in the chamber earlier on Sunday.

Ukraine leadership points west as U.S. warns Russia against force

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 11:26 AM PST

By Natalia Zinets and Alessandra Prentice KIEV (Reuters) - Ukraine's new interim president pledged to put the country back on course for European integration now Moscow-backed Viktor Yanukovich had been ousted, while the United States warned Russia against sending in its forces. As rival neighbors east and west of the former Soviet republic said a power vacuum in Kiev must not lead to the country breaking apart, acting president Oleksander Turchinov said on Sunday that Ukraine's new leadership wanted relations with Russia on a "new, equal and good-neighborly footing that recognizes and takes into account Ukraine's European choice". A day after Yanukovich fled to the Russian-speaking east following dozens of deaths during street protests aimed at toppling him, parliament named new speaker Turchinov as interim head of state.

Russia celebrates as curtain falls on Putin's Games

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 11:25 AM PST

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach speaks during the Closing Ceremony of the Sochi Winter Olympics at the Fisht Olympic Stadium on February 23, 2014Sochi (Russia) (AFP) - Sochi's $50 billion Olympics, closely interwoven with President Vladimir Putin's image and plagued by controversy in the build-up, closed Sunday with bold praise and Russia supreme on top of the medals table. In a glitzy closing ceremony, aimed at conveying a confident state at ease with its past as well as present, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach said "Russia delivered all what it had promised". "I would like to thank the President of the Russian Federation, Mr. Vladimir Putin, for his personal commitment to the extraordinary success of these Olympic Winter Games." Just over two weeks ago, Bach, aware of the wide-scale global resentment over Russia's notorious anti-gay law, had made an impassioned call for politicians to stay out of sports.


Costly, political, successful: Sochi Olympics end

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 11:22 AM PST

Fireworks explode over Olympic Park during the closing ceremony for the 2014 Winter Olympics, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014, in Sochi, Russia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)SOCHI, Russia (AP) — Flushed with pride after its athletes' spectacular showing at the costliest Olympics ever, Russia celebrated Sunday night with a visually stunning finale that handed off a smooth but politically charged Winter Games to their next host, Pyeongchang in South Korea.


Nara defeats Zakopalova for first singles title

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 11:20 AM PST

Kurumi Nara of Japan, returns to Klara Zakopalova of the Czech Republic during the finals at the Rio Open tennis tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Feb.23, 2014. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Kurumi Nara of Japan won her first WTA singles title on Sunday, defeating top-seeded Klara Zakopalova of the Czech Republic 6-1, 4-6, 6-1.


Governors' solutions tend to mirror partisan lines

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 11:19 AM PST

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation's governors sound every bit as divided as Washington lawmakers on how best to help the nation's economy.

Faulty pipe led to NY mall carbon monoxide leak

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 11:18 AM PST

HUNTINGTON STATION, N.Y. (AP) — A faulty water heater flue pipe caused the carbon monoxide leak that killed a New York restaurant manager and sent more than two dozen people to hospitals, a fire official said Sunday.

0 comments:

Post a Comment